E/N: I know that Tolkien wrote marriages as simply the father (or father figure) placing his daughter's hand in the groom's, but for the sake of the fic, there are vows too now.
You know you all like my little, light, comedic parts of the fic that aren't entirely (or at all) canon? Well, I've done it again.
Well, we have arrived in a place I hoped I'd never reach. This, my dearly beloved readers and reviewers, is the last chapter. I hope everyone has enjoyed reading this as much as I have writing it, and thank you all so much for taking the time to review my work and give me advice and opinions and praise. Even thank you to my flamers, because I had a good laugh at you.
So, without any further ado, I shall leave you with the last chapter of Silvawen.
Translations:
Mae govannen, ada = well met, father
Yendënya = my daughter
Ionn = son
I lossë en'lye hon = the blossom of our hearts
Lava Tel'Valar tirin or ar varya lle = May the Valar watch over and protect you
Mela = love
Perian = hobbit
Quel umë, Glorfindel = good morning, Glorfindel
Mae govannen, Legolas cunn = Well met, Prince Legolas
Ion-nin = my son
Quel rë, aredhelamin = good day, my (Elf) lord
Uma = yes
Chapter 59
She hid in the shadows of the Grey Havens' dock. It didn't really matter if anyone saw her now, but they might ask questions as to where she had suddenly appeared from. 'I suppose I could just hit them,' she thought, 'but that's a little anti-social and it's easier to hide.'
She looked out at the horizon. The clouds were aflame with the colour of the sunset. It was beautiful to see the day's dying rays of sun bleeding up into the sky and merging with the black of nightfall. She sighed as she felt herself reconnecting with the earth. Being at sea for nearly a month, completely separated from land, had taken its toll on her, it had weakened her slightly. But now she was feeling the warmth of life flowing through her again. It was that wholesome feel of natural, solid, dependable, believable earth. In the Valinor, everything was too perfect, too flawless. Silva felt she could no longer connect properly with Arda. She'd missed Middle Earth a great deal over the past ten and a half years, in ways other than missing her family and friends. She belonged to and with Middle Earth now, not to the Valinor.
"Home," she whispered. And with that, she set on her way.
**
Thranduil sat on his throne, boredly. He hated these days when there was nothing to do. He looked around the room at his courtiers. 'Gods, they look so boring,' he thought. He sighed. 'Well, I said I wasn't going to do this…. but desperate times call for desperate measures…. where's the chocolate?' He lifted up the cushioned armrest on his throne. There was one bar left.
"Hmmm…. need to stock up," he murmured. Right as he was about to pick up his last remaining chocolate bar, there was a great commotion outside the doors of the Throne Room. Cheers and excited cried rang out. "Oh, what now?"
"Jeez, can't a girl see her father without being jumped everywhere she goes?!" a voice rang out happily.
"…. I know that voice…. Why do I know that voice…. Is Legolas back? ….wait, no, that voice was too girly to be-…. Now there's an intriguing thought. Wait, he actually said girl…. Maybe he had a sex change…." Thranduil shuddered and failed to notice his courtiers sniggering uncontrollably.
The doors of the Throne Room swung open and the tall, brunette beauty strode in, a huge smile blessing her face.
"Mae govannen, ada," she said warmly.
"….Silva?"
"That's me."
"………Silva?"
"Yes, I'm really here."
"….AI!! ELBERETH!! YENDËNYA!! YOU HAVE RETURNED!!" Thranduil leapt to his feet and ran full pelt at Silva. On collision with her, they skidded across the floor a little way and ended up in a heap by the doors, laughing. Most of the courtiers had now fallen over from laughing so hard. The father and daughter eventually managed to stand up.
"It is good to see you too, ada!" Silva said, hugging him tightly.
"Oh, Silva, I have missed you so much! Ai! I cannot believe it! Yendënya! You are back!!!"
"I'm glad to be home."
"I have never been so happy!!"
"Yes, I think that just about sums up how I feel too."
"Oh, Silva!!" They embraced again.
"Ada, where is Legolas? And Kemen, is he still here?"
"I'm afraid they are both in Lórien at the moment." Silva deflated a little.
"Oh."
"But Blankie will be so happy that you're back!!" He grabbed her hand and pulled her to the throne. "LOOK BLANKIE!!! SHE'S BACK!!" Silva couldn't help but burst out laughing.
"Hello Blankie the Second," she giggled.
"Shhhh," Thranduil whispered suddenly. "He doesn't know he's a replacement yet. I haven't told him!"
"Ohhh, sorry Blankie, I was thinking of someone else." Thranduil grinned approvingly.
"He's glad you're back."
"Well, that's good. I don't know how I could carry on living if Blankie hadn't missed me."
"It would be a sad day indeed."
"Well, ada. I do believe we have almost 11 years of catching up to do. Come on then. From the beginning, please. Right from…. the day I left!" Thranduil raised an eyebrow.
"Okaaay then. You asked for it…."
**
Legolas entered the Throne Room to find his father dancing around the room with Blankie.
"Oh gods," he groaned. He turned to one of the maniacally grinning courtiers. "Chocolate again?" he asked.
"Yes, sire," he replied chirpily. "And welcome back, sire." Legolas gave him a funny look.
"Er…. thank you." He looked back at his father. "Ada?" Thranduil finally noticed his scared and confused looking son, though he didn't stop dancing.
"Ah, ionn! You're back! Is Kemenhin with you?"
"No. He wished to remain in the Golden Wood."
"Ahh, that is a shame."
"Erm…. are you well, ada? And have you drugged all our subjects? Everyone has a smile on their face. It's rather disconcerting."
"I ordered a large slice of chocolate cake for everyone at lunch today." Legolas' eyes widened.
"WHAT?! Why?!"
"I felt like it."
"Well, it certainly explains everyone's odd behavio- ADA, WILL YOU STOP DANCING WITH THE BLOODY RAG?!?!?!?!?!" Thranduil looked mortally wounded.
"Ignore him, Blankie. He knows not of what he speaks to. You are beyond his comprehension."
"Oh, for heaven's sake! It's a piece of material!!"
"Ionn, you are exhausted by your journey and upset. I shall forgive your insults this once. I suggest you take some rest and approach me when you are in a saner state of mind and prepared to apologise to Blankie and I."
"You won't be seeing me again, then!" He marched out of the room and slammed the door behind him. "Psychopathic! The lot of them!"
"Moody sod," Thranduil mumbled.
Legolas made his way quickly back to his chamber. He was in one of those moods where anything could anger him and other people happy and hyper was not tolerable. He slammed her chamber door behind him also and sat on the bed, rubbing his eyes wearily.
"Temper, temper," a voice soothed behind him. His back straightened and his eyes widened as they had earlier after the chocolate revelation. It couldn't be….
"Silva?" He turned sharply to see the object of all his desires leaning lazily against the table, arms folded.
"Just thought I'd pop in and say hi."
"I…. you…. this has to be a dream."
"I feel pretty real, but you might want to check for yourself. It has been 11 years after all." He stood slowly, still staring at her, almost awestruck.
"You're not really here…. are you?"
"Well, meleth-nin, unless you are delusional, then I'd say yes." She sighed impatiently. "Honestly, man, call yourself my husband? You're taking longer than ada did. Don't I even get a hug?" In a split second, they were in each other's arms, squeezing so tightly they almost couldn't breathe.
"You'll never know how much I've missed you!" he gasped when their lips weren't locked in fierce, welcoming embraces.
"Oh, I beg to differ." They stood in one another's arms, kissing, for a long time. Her head eventually came to rest on his shoulder without releasing him from her grip.
"There wasn't a single day that passed in which I didn't think of you."
"And I you. No matter what, my thoughts were with you."
"And I sent you my love everyday. I know it sounds silly but-"
"It wasn't silly. I did the same."
"I thought that if I didn't, you might……… forget me."
"Never. You see this?" He grabbed his wedding band and showed her. "This binds us forever." He took it off the chain and put it on the correct finger. "I don't care anymore, Sil. They know now. I'm not scared anymore. We don't have to hide. You can choose to keep yours hidden if you wish, but I will wear my wedding ring openly now, as a declaration of my love for you."
"How will ada react?"
"He will understand that we did what was necessary." He lifted his hand to her cheek and touched his forehead to hers. "Silva, I love you. I want the world to know it. They don't matter anymore. You got away, you're free."
"Not entirely. I'm locked in fear of them finding me again. Locked in fear of what could befall the ones I love."
"There is nothing to fear." Their lips joined again. As they kissed, Silva took her wedding ring and slipped it on her finger.
"Do we announce it or wait for people to notice?" she asked.
"Wait for ada to notice. It will be the same as announcing."
"So true."
"Silva, I-" She held a finger to his lips.
"No more talk…."
**
"Good people of Mirkwood!" Thranduil's voice boomed across the full Great Hall. All fell silent. "Tonight we celebrate the return of the jewel of our forest. I lossë en'lye hon!" Silva blushed as the hall erupted into cheers. "After 11 years, she has returned at last! Tonight, we shall drink a toast to her!" He lifted his glass. "To fair Lady Silvawen!"
"TO FAIR LADY SILVAWEN!!!" came the cry back. The Elvenking lifted his hands to calm them again.
"But also!! We have yet more to celebrate! Your Prince has an announcement for you all." Legolas, who had been standing behind Silva with his arms round her waist, kissed her cheek and moved next to his father. His larger, silver, wedding band - identical to Silva's, with ivy leaves engraved on the outside and an inscription on the inside that read: Lava Tel'Valar tirin or ar varya lle - glinted in the candle and firelight.
"The most gracious Valar-" out of the corner of his eye, he saw Silva roll her eyes "-have…. granted the marriage of Lady Silvawen and myself."
"If only," Silva murmured.
"I have to tell you that our marital vows have already been taken. However, as it is our tradition for marriages to be performed in public, this night, we are to renew our vows in front of you, fair citizens of Mirkwood." The roar was deafening.
"I think they approve, ionn," Thranduil laughed over the cheer.
"Well, at least that's one less thing to worry about," Silva said with a smile.
"Are you happy with how I worded that, mela?" Legolas asked her when Thranduil wasn't listening. "I could think of no other way of saying it. I did not tell the people of Mirkwood the reason for your departure. No questions shall be asked."
"It was fine. Don't worry, it would have been voiced near enough that way whoever said it."
"Well, are you ready to be legally illegally married again?" She laughed aloud.
"Oh, you make it sound so simple."
And so it was that Prince Legolas and Lady Silvawen renewed their wedding vows on the fourth night of her return, in front of the citizens of Mirkwood. Much celebrating commenced, for the Elves were overjoyed knowing that now, if ever Thranduil relinquished the throne, Silvawen would be their queen. The fact that she already was as one to hem did not enter anyone's thoughts that evening. Nothing beyond the doors of that hall mattered. Not the growing threat of Sauron. Not the finding of the One Ring. And certainly not a perian, at whose hands the fate of Middle Earth now resided, travelling to Rivendell, though he be guided by a close friend of the "newly weds" and carries the greatest burden of them all.
**
Legolas propped himself up on one arm and gazed lovingly down at his beautiful wife. He absolutely adored her, he worshipped her, it was plain for all to see. But it was all the more clear now.
He had always thought that she looked the most breath taking while she slept. All the anguish, torment, sorrow and grief that she had seen in her long years, all the pain and hurt, it was all gone. She was completely at peace and if she was at peace, he was also. Though of course, she wasn't always serene as she slept, for since she'd returned, she'd suffered many nightmares. But when she was wracked with spasms of fear and distress, he simply gathered her in his arms and held her close until she either awoke or calmed.
They'd been married for 13 years, and he'd only been with her for two of them. It didn't seem fair to him, but he didn't dwell on it. He instead thought about the endless expanse of time that lay before them. Time that could be spent together and with their son.
A knock at the door startled him from his thoughts. His brow creased with confusion. Who could that be? The faintest tinges of dawn were only just touching the sky.
"Hold on one moment," he called, quietly, so as not to wake his resting wife. He pulled on a simple green tunic and matching trousers, then went to the door.
"Sire, my apologies if I woke you and the King sends his apologies also," said the servant.
"I was awake anyway. What is the matter?"
"Lord Elrond has sent a message to your father. One of the Elf Lords of Imladris is here. He wishes to speak to both your father and yourself."
"Very well. I shall be there shortly."
"Yes, sire." Legolas closed the door and retrieved a pair of light, slipper-like shoes. He kissed Silvawen's forehead, then exited the room.
He made his way to his father's study quickly and silently. He liked the castle at this time of morning. It was so peaceful. 'Like Silva,' he thought. But his father sending for him at this ungodly hour - when he'd been perfectly happy oggling his sleeping beauty - couldn't be good or light-hearted news.
He knocked the door.
"Come in." He opened the door.
"You summoned me, father?"
"Yes, Legolas. Take a seat." Legolas noticed the Rivendell Elf Lord, Glorfindel, sitting opposite the Elvenking.
"Quel umë, Glorfindel."
"Mae govannen, Legolas cunn."
"What is the problem? I presume it is a problem, judging by the hour in which you have called for me."
"Not as such," replied Glorfindel. "My Lord Elrond has called a great council. He has asked for Mirkwood ambassadors."
"Why has he called council?" Thranduil asked. "This has not been done for many centuries."
"He will not say. All he asks is that you send two ambassadors. I, myself, am bidden to attend."
"Well, this sounds healthy," Legolas said sarcastically.
"And for that sarcasm, Legolas, I want you to go," said Thranduil.
"What?!?!?!"
"You heard me, ionn."
"But father, Silva and I have only just been reunited!"
"Then Silva shall be our second ambassador."
"Which brings me to my second point," interrupted Glorfindel. "Mithrandir bids that the sisters be joined again in Imladris, for reasons he also will express to no one. Lyncorath the Wanderer is on her way there as we speak."
"Very well. If this is suitable, then I shall send Legolas and Lady Silvawen as the Mirkwood ambassadors. Silvawen will just need to be doubly alert - Ilúvatar help us - for she will be representing two parties.
"Erm, ada, is that wise?" Legolas queried. "Silva will not like that. She gets confused so easily, you know that. And she has yet to see Kemenhin, he doesn't even know she's back yet. We were meant to be leaving next week."
"Some things must take priority, ionn."
"It's been 11 years. You know she loves him as her own."
"I am aware of that, Legolas, but-"
"The longer all this takes, the longer it is till she gets to see him."
"I'm afraid that cannot be helped."
"If it is any consolation," said Glorfindel, "Aragorn will be at council. She also views him as her son."
"Well, hopefully the lure of seeing her sisters and Aragorn will make her go," said Thranduil. "She has yet to see any of them. And the fact that Legolas has no choice in the matter may sway her decision."
"I shall try my hardest, but I make no promises," said Legolas. "When would you wish us to leave?"
"As soon as you can," said Glorfindel.
"Will tomorrow suffice?" Thranduil inquired.
"Indeed it will."
"Do you wish to remain with us till ion-nin and Lady Silvawen, Glorfindel?"
"No, sire. I shall just let my horse rest awhile, He has made a long journey in a short period of time. I shall be away before the sun sets."
"As you wish."
"Will that be all, ada?" Legolas questioned. "I must inform my beloved of these turn of events and make certain preparations before we leave."
"You may leave."
"Quel rë, Glorfindel, ada."
"Quel rë, aredhelamin," Glorfindel replied.
"I'll see you this evening, Legolas," Thranduil said.
"Yes, father." Legolas stood to leave.
"Oh, and Legolas?" Legolas looked at the King. "Could you be a little quieter from now on. I believe your…. ahem, nocturnal activities have been keeping several residents awake." The Prince blushed tremendously, nodded and left the office. As he did, Glorfindel noticed the ring on Legolas' left hand. His eye bulged.
"Was that what I think it was?!"
Legolas hated being right. He'd had a feeling - ever since they'd planned their trip to Lórien - that something would either go wrong or interrupt their plans. 'Damn me,' he thought.
He reached the chamber door and sighed. There was no knowing how she was going to react to this. 'That woman is too unpredictable. Ah well, here goes.' He knocked on the door.
"Silvawen?"