Well, here we go then. Hope you all have you have your confetti and rice at the ready! Friends of the groom on the left, bride on the right. Hope you enjoy!
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Forever Yours
Chapter 23
Haldir and Arien stood behind a large Mallorn on the outskirts of the glade. Her eyes widened with amazement as she looked first to one then another of the strange group of people. She thought for a moment there were children in their number and was surprised when Haldir explained they were Halflings. She pointed to their large, hairy feet and was greatly amused but Haldir rebuked her, gently;
"It does not become a princess of Eryn Lasgalen to find amusement from the anomalies of others, Arien. In any case, I find the appearance of the Dwarf far more incongruous!"
"Do you not like Dwarves, Marchwarden?" she replied, smiling. "They have visited my realm on several occasions. Admittedly, my father finds them less than charming, but one should not judge without knowledge. I feel sure the Dwarf is most honourable if he has been included in a party entrusted with so important a mission."
Haldir stared at her in disbelief and hissed;
"Do not presume to advise on those matters of which you know so little! Dwarves are by nature, grasping covetous creatures that will stop at nothing to obtain whatever they desire. Indeed not since the Dark Days have the Elves had dealings with them and I for one see no reason for the situation to change!"
Arien was about to continue her baiting when she beheld the one for whom she searched. Legolas sat apart from the others, his sadness clearly apparent. Haldir restrained her long enough to say, hurriedly;
"I leave the telling of the circumstance resulting in your presence here to you, Arien."
He turned to leave and muttered;
"Beware the Dwarf!"
Arien could not help but laugh once more and without further thought, ran into the glade toward her brother.
Legolas stared disbelievingly as his beloved sister ran swiftly to where he sat. He leapt to his feet and held out his arms. The other members of the party watched with interest as the lovely elleth threw herself into his embrace. He kissed her head affectionately and pulled her into another, even tighter hug.
Two of the Hobbits, Merry and Pippin smiled meaningfully to each other as Merry nodded in the direction of the unfolding scene;
"That must be Legolas' lady friend! I wondered if he had someone special somewhere. She's a beauty, and no mistake!"
"Very lovely!" agreed Pippin. "Just like Legolas to be sneaky and not mention her."
"I think it's just the way of Elves," replied Merry, knowingly, "you know, all mysterious and suchlike! Still, it's nice to see him happy again!"
Legolas released Arien and they were soon deep in conversation. He told her of their adventures thus far and of the fall of Gandalf. She was saddened, as she had fond memories of the many visits the old wizard had made to her home and understood the reason for the lament she heard earlier. Then Arien told him of their father's accord regarding her match with Haldir and how she had travelled just days past to Lothlorien. At the mention of Haldir's name, Legolas frowned but she spoke firmly to him;
"Enough of this stubbornness, Legolas! In these troubled times we must cling to friendships, not drive barriers between them. You feel Haldir has offended you, but he too has been wronged. Will you not forget your grievances, for the sake of my happiness and your own comfort?"
Legolas was thoughtful for a moment as he considered her heartfelt request. He missed the banter and camaraderie of his old friend greatly and smiled as he replied;
"You speak wisely, little sister, even though it is in your interest to unite us once more. In truth, I have felt the loss of Haldir's friendship deeply and nought would give greater pleasure than to rescind my cruel words and ask his forgiveness."
Arien was delighted and hugged her brother once more with exuberance. She was anxious their reunion should not be delayed and clasping her brother's hand firmly in hers, drew him from the glade toward Haldir's home, as Merry and Pippin exchanged knowing, broad grins.
Legolas hesitated outside the Marchwarden's talan and Arien feared he had reconsidered his chosen course of action;
"Do not fail me now, Legolas! My future happiness depends on your steadfastness in this matter. How will you give my hand to him in a few days time if there is not harmony between you?
Legolas looked at her in surprise;
"So soon? Arien, I am sure your feelings for Haldir are still strong, but should you not delay a little before embarking on so solemn an undertaking as marriage? I fear it is not a wise course to follow in such uncertain times."
"It is for that very reason I have no doubts, my brother. In the time we were apart, I thought of nothing save how much I loved him and felt nothing except the pain of our enforced separation. If all is consumed by evil, at least I will have known a short time of blissful happiness."
When he considered Arien's words and combined them with the vivid images of horrors he had endured in recent days, he was forced into submission. Before he could speak further, the door suddenly opened and Haldir stood on the threshold, a slight smile upon his features.
"Ah, Legolas. I had hoped Arien's persuasive nature would win out! Please, enter and let us partake of a few glasses of wine. There is much to discuss regarding the happy event soon to occur."
He gestured for Legolas to enter his home but held up his hand in objection to Arien.
"I love you dearly, lovely one," he said, smiling, "but I fear this is a discussion for males only. Perhaps I might impose upon your kind nature to ensure our new guests are well cared for and have all they require. I shall seek you out shortly that we may discuss our coming bliss."
He swept her into an embrace so tight, she could not breathe and kissed her passionately. Then, releasing her, he turned abruptly and disappeared into the talan, leaving a deeply stunned princess to find her way back to the glade from whence she had come. As she returned slowly, Arien reflected upon her sudden and summary dismissal and decided it would prove to be quite an enlightenment to be married to the Marchwarden of Lothlorien.
Aragorn was first to notice her return and walking toward her, bowed respectfully. He spoke Elvish fluently and greeted her warmly;
"Mae'govannen, Princess Arien. It is a great pleasure to see you again. I have fond memories of my last visit to your realm. Perhaps you would permit me to introduce the members of our small band. I am sure they would be enchanted to meet you, indeed, some," he nodded toward Merry and Pippin, "are almost consumed by curiosity to your identity."
Arien accepted and walked beside him as they approached first Boromir, then Sam. As she greeted Frodo, she sensed a haunting sadness about the little Hobbit which reflected in his soulful eyes. Although she could not speak with him in his own tongue, she reached out and gently touched her hand to the side of his face and Frodo smiled in recognition of her kind gesture. She was lost in her thoughts of how Lord Elrond could entrust such a great burden to one so gentle and small, when her trance was broken by a voice of such gruffness, she was quite startled. She was even more alarmed to see the dwarf standing by her side, his broad smile almost indistinguishable by the profusion of his beard. He said something she did not understand and was surprised when Aragorn laughed. Aragorn spoke in reply to the Dwarf, and he hung his head ashamedly.
"Arien, may I introduce Gimli, Son of Gloin." said Aragorn. "You must forgive my humour, but he seemed to think you and Legolas were romantically involved. I have, of course, informed him of your true relationship."
"What, she's not his girlfriend?" said Merry who had overheard Aragorn's words to Gimli and ran to join them, closely followed by Pippin.
"So, is she anyone's girlfriend then?" inquired Pippin hopefully, his beaming smile betraying his optimism.
Arien was intrigued by the excitement and insisted Aragorn translate everything to her. She laughed and told Aragorn of her impending marriage to the Marchwarden and added she hoped they would all attend as honoured guests. She was surprised to see expressions of horror and disbelief replace the smiles of only a moment before.
She questioned Aragorn for the reason in the change of their demeanour but he declined to explain for fear of causing her distress and replied only how delighted they would be to attend. He knew the Hobbits and the Dwarf had less than pleasant opinions of Haldir as he had greeted them with an arrogance and surliness of manner Aragorn knew was characteristic of the Marchwarden but others did not. An uncomfortable silence descended over the group and Arien politely excused herself, only to ponder the event at her leisure.
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Legolas and Haldir sat at the table they had shared on that memorable night so many months previously; the night Arien had disappeared. Legolas, Haldir considered, appeared either lost in thought or lost in wine, for indeed, they had consumed a considerable amount in the course of their lengthy discussions. All feelings of animosity had disappeared, as had several bottles of vintage Elven beverage, the strength of which was notorious. Legolas smiled good-naturedly at his friend and raised his glass;
"A salute to my new brother! May we always know the warmth and companionship we enjoy at this moment and may the wine we share in the future always be as fine!"
"I thank you, most humbly, dear friend!" replied Haldir, his own glass swaying slightly as he raised it in return. "I thank you also, for your friendship, your understanding, for whatever fate brought you here that we may put an end to our hostilities and lastly, for your beautiful, sister; so soft and warm and desirable and..."
Legolas looked at him in amazement and struggled to compose himself as he demanded;
"Just how close have you come to my sister to know such things, Haldir? The Arien I know and love is an innocent, unknowing in the ways of love; completely chaste!"
"Ah, chaste, I am certain, but I have had the good fortune to catch her!" replied Haldir, chuckling.
Legolas attempted to keep serious regard in his expression but failed as both Elves erupted into hilarity in joint appreciation of Haldir's wit. Legolas set his glass upon the table and attempted to draw Haldir in a more serious discussion;
"Setting humour aside for a moment, I feel it beholden upon me to point out once again my sister's naivety. You are far more experienced than she and I do not wish for your blessed first night together to be tainted by your over-zealousness. She is a gentle creature and easily frightened. You must promise solemnly, my friend, to approach this matter with sensitivity and understanding."
Haldir placed his hand over his heart and an expression heavy with sincerity replied;
"I give you my oath; I will not pursue any course I feel is beyond her limits or ability."
Legolas smiled contentedly and returned to his wine whilst Haldir smiled smugly, satisfied he had not lied to the prince but confident of the extent of Arien's perceived innocence.
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The morning of the wedding arrived and Caras Galadhon became a hive of activity as the Elves busied themselves with the many and complex arrangements for the marriage of their highly regarded Marchwarden to the Princess of Eryn Lasgalen. The cooks toiled unceasingly, conscious of their responsibility to produce the copious quantities of food necessary to feed the many guests; seamstresses laboured tirelessly in their effort to add the finishing touches to the beautiful attire traditionally worn by bride and groom and many others strove to prepare the bridal talan, arranging and dressing it for happy couple's first night of bliss. Finally, darkness descended and the open grassy circle in the centre of the city was aglow with a myriad of shimmering lanterns. Garlands of sweet blossom festooned the trees and the small carved alter at its centre. Upon the alter lay a white silk cushion, upon which lay two delicately wrought rings of mithril.
The Elves of Lothlorien gradually arrived, together with the members of the Fellowship, all of whom were enchanted by the sight they beheld. The guests were soon joined by the Lord and Lady and a hush descended, broken only by the distant harmony of Elvish voices, joined in a melody so sweet, the Hobbits were moved to tears, despite being unable to understand the words. Slowly, the attention of the guests was taken by the appearance of Haldir and his brother. Rumil and Orophin proudly walked either side of the Marchwarden, resplendent in tunics of midnight blue and gold. Haldir wore clothing of a similar style but in the tradition of Elven wedding attire, his outfit was pure white, the only adornment being the intricate gold embroidered Mallorn leaves at neck and cuff. His wore his customary warrior braids, but in honour of the tradition of Eryn Lasgalen, the sides of his hair were woven into the smaller side braids and not left to hang loose in the customary manner of the Lothlorien Elves.
They made their way in stately procession to stand before the Lord and Lady and patiently awaited the arrival of Arien and Legolas. Haldir was first to notice their appearance, and his heart swelled with joy as he beheld their slow progression to where he stood. Arien walked beside her brother, her arm linked through his. Like Haldir, her attire was of pure white, the soft gossamer filmy cloth clinging to her form as she walked. A small train trimmed with the same delicate embroidered leaves as on Haldir's clothing, pooled behind her as she walked, and her soft golden curls were interwoven with tiny white blossoms. They halted beside the brothers and Legolas placed her hand in the outstretched hand of her beloved as they moved closer to the altar and stood before the Lord and Lady. Celeborn stepped forward and looked kindly on the couple, and stated, simply;
"Friends, it is with joyful hearts we are come together to witness the declaration of eternal love and devotion between Haldir and Arien."
Celeborn smiled as Haldir turned to face Arien and all vestiges of his awareness of the gathered Elves disappeared from his mind as he spoke softly, the words he had prepared;
"Long years ago, a child I met, with curls of silken gold,
Together we would walk or sit and talk of tales of old.
Her sweet and gentle nature, so trusting and beguiling
Did melt the coldest, hardest heart, and leave the sternest, smiling.
And on the day I left her realm, I felt a sorrow deep and true,
As tears of sadness fell from my little one's eyes of deepest blue.
Dear friends we were, and never thought ought else we would become,
Until the day she left her home to visit Fair Lothlorien.
My dearest Arien, when I beheld the elleth you had grown to be,
My heart did stop, I scarce could breathe, and I knew for sure you belonged with me.
Beloved, on this blessed day we stand with friends and family,
To say our vows, affirm our love, and join for all eternity.
I call on all those present, to hear my words with which I swear,
To honour, love and cherish you, and keep you safe within my care;
To shelter you from harm and sorrow, sadness, jealousy and hate.
Please, start your life anew with me as my beautiful wife; my true soul-mate.
He picked up the smaller of the mithril rings and slid it gently onto her finger. She gazed into his eyes and began her own recitation of devotion;
"As I stand now, beside my love,
My heart with joy replete,
My life, my soul I give to you,
With you I am complete.
From this day on, my one true love
Your shadow I shall be,
To ever walk beside you,
No longer 'I' but 'we'.
Unflinching faith and trust
You will forever find in me,
My love will never waiver,
It will last eternally.
And if one day, through good or bad
You walk through Mandos' doors
Then know you will not be alone;
I am forever yours."
As her husband had done, she picked the remaining ring from the cushion and slid the band onto his finger.
Everyone smiled with delight as Haldir pulled Arien into his arms and kissed her in sight of all. The couple were soon surrounded by a happy, joyful throng as tables appeared and were quickly laden with a wonderful and varied array of food and drink.
The merrymaking continued for many hours into the night until Legolas approached his new brother with the words;
"It is time, Haldir!"
Haldir acknowledged him knowingly and raising Arien's hand to his lips, kissed it softly;
"We must part for a short time, lovely one."
His brothers joined him and he disappeared with them in the direction of the prepared talan. Arien felt nervous for the first time that day, and Legolas, conscious of her anxiety, placed a comforting arm around her;
"Come, Arien. It is time for you to prepare for your first night with your chosen one. She departed the maelstrom of activity with her brother, leaving the guests to enjoy the music and congeniality of the gathering. Legolas left her at the door to her apartment, promising to return for her shortly. She entered and her attention immediately focused on the shimmering garments laid out on her bed. She ran her fingers over the silken nightgown and robe and slowly removed her wedding gown, replacing it with the more tempting garments. A soft rap at her door announced the return of her brother and she nervously took his hand and allowed him to lead her to the bridal talan where a long, winding staircase led upwards into the canopy of the trees. Legolas kissed her cheek softly and said;
"This is where I must leave you. I love you dearly, my little Arien, and pray you will have a long and happy life with your beloved. Go now; as your husband awaits you."
He released her hand and she began her ascent, her heart beating faster with each step.
Finally, she reached the entrance and her breathe caught as she beheld Haldir; he was dressed only in white leggings and she gazed at him, unmoving, overwhelmed by the beauty of the powerful Elf who was now her husband. He closed the distance between them and led her to a low table on which were set many dishes of sweet, soft fruits, sweetmeats and several decanters of wine. A sea of luxurious cushions surrounded the table and wrapping his arms around her, he guided her to sit with him. He chose a ripe strawberry and raised it to her lips, brushing the sweet fruit suggestively across her lower lip before allowing her to bite into it. He smiled and leant closer to lick a stray droplet from her mouth before offering her a second bite. She opened her mouth to enclose the remainder of the fruit and he closed his eyes in ecstasy as her soft mouth closed around his fingers to suck the juice from them. He pulled her into his embrace and kissed her with a longing he could no longer suppress. She surrendered to his plundering tongue and was swept away on a tide of desire. When he released her she gazed into his face and was overcome by his expression of love and adoration. He drew her to her feet and guided her toward the marriage bed. He stood behind her and she felt his hands at the ties of her robe. They were swiftly undone and he slipped the garment from her, running his hands gently over her diaphanous gown. He turned her toward him and stepped back slightly, so as to better appreciate the vision before him. The gown was sheer and clung to the curve of her breast and hips. He ran his hand softly over the gentle swell of her barely concealed breasts and whispered;
"It is tradition that you unbraid my hair, my darling, so as I may appear before you unadorned. She glided behind him and began to undo the intricacies of his hair, running the silken strands through her fingers. When she had finished he turned to her once more;
"My dearest one, I have loved you for so long and now, finally, I am able to claim you as my own. I can show you with my body instead of words, how dear you are to me. I ask only that you do not fear what is about to pass between us but that you trust me and join with me in a pleasure beyond words or imagining".
Arien's reply was to wind her arms tightly about his neck, and as she clung to him, all vestiges of nervousness fell away as they kissed once more. She lowered her arms and stood motionless as he slid her gown from her slender shoulders, the silence broken by a soft hiss as the sheer garment slid in one movement to pool around her feet. His eyes swept over her unclothed body for the first time and he felt the heat of his rising desire overwhelm him. He stooped to scoop her into his arms and carried her gently to the bed, lowering her gently onto the coverlets. He stroked her body with his finger-tips and as he lowered his head to once again claim her lips she said, whisperingly;
"I am yours Haldir O'Lorien, now and forever more."
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Tbc.
Aah! I bet Miss Sofie will think that was a soppy one!
Please R&R to let me know if you thought it was ok
Chapter 24 soon!
