Sorry I haven't updates since Monday. We're having a big birthday party today for my two little cousins and my week has been hectic. I managed a spare moment to write this morning, but I have to get going so I didn't get to write as much as I wanted. I'll try and update later tonight and if not I will work steadily tomorrow morning and update for you all.

Thank you so very much for the reviews, they mean so much. I'll do my best not to disappoint any of you! Enjoy and let me know what you think.

Disclaimer: I own nothing associated with Lord of the Rings. I only own Aria and her family.

Chapter 42

After a brief moment with Aria, Legolas left her so she could bathe and ready for dinner. He sighed as he laid back on the bed. He would bathe after Aria, but after about twenty minutes, he was growing bored. He sat up and was about to get up when the door opened and Aria stepped out, wrapped in a robe and her hair slightly damp. "It's all yours," she said with a smile. Legolas stood from the bed and kissed her tenderly. Aria smiled and Legolas stepped around her and into the washroom. With a sigh she pulled the satin wrapped bundle from her satchel. Inside were the two gowns she packed in secret. One was for the dinner that evening and the other was for her to wear tomorrow during Aragorn's crowning and celebration following it.

While in Mirkwood, she had received a letter from Arwen that she had kept secret. One telling her that she was well, and that she would be meeting Aragorn at Minas Tirith. She had mentioned that her father had told her she could marry him with his blessing upon Aragorn's taking of the crown. So, she had dared to hope that they would be wed the same day. Aria smiled as she pulled the first gown from the satchel. The light blue material unfolded flawlessly and flowed in front of her. The silver stitching on the bottom of the skirt seemed to sparkle in the evening sunlight that flooded into the room. She stepped behind the dressing screen and slid into the dress. She smiled as the soft fabric encased her and she sighed. Aria walked out and slid into the matching satin slippers before she sat down at the vanity and began to brush out her hair.

Once her hair was brushed and flowed down her back, she stood and walked over to her satchel. She pulled out the wooden box that carried her circlet and slowly opened it. The door to the restroom opened and she looked to her left and saw Legolas standing there looking slightly taken back. She smiled at him and he at her. He was dressed in light colored breeches and a silver-blue tunic that matched Aria's dress nicely, and carried his satchel in his hand. His hair was braided and his circlet rested on his head. His warrior braids were gone, and she was happy to see that. "You look lovely, Aria," he whispered as he sat his satchel on their bed. Aria blushed and smiled wider at him.

"Thank you Legolas. You look nice too," she said quietly. Legolas smiled and lifted her circlet from the velvet lined box. He raised her circlet and secured it on top of her head and smiled. He then took the box from her hands and placed it on the bed before he took her hands into his and gently pulled her to him. Aria could only smile at him. In her entire life, she had never been as happy as she was that very moment and she prayed that it would last forever.

"Shall we go to the dinning hall? I do believe that the evening meal is about to begin." Aria nodded her head but he stopped her movement by kissing her slowly and deeply. Aria pulled her hands from his and wrapped them securely around his neck and his hands moved to her lower back and held her firmly to him. He reluctantly pulled his lips from hers and looked at her. "We should go," he whispered against her lips and she nodded slowly.

"Yes," she whispered and swallowed hard as her eyes met his. "We should go." Legolas smiled and pulled away from her. He linked her arm with his and led her down the corridors to the others who were waiting patiently for them.

Gimli sighed as they stood in the dinning hall waiting for Legolas and Aria to join them. "Shouldn't one of us just go and get them?" he asked as he looked at Aragorn, Gandalf, Faramir, Éomer, and Eowyn. Aragorn laughed quietly and shook his head.

"I am certain they are coming, Gimli," he said.

"Of course we are coming, just delayed because Legolas took too long in the bath," Aria said as they entered the hall. The others chuckled and Aria gave Legolas a wicked smile.

"You will pay for your teases later, meleth nîn," Legolas told her through their link. Aria turned her attention to the others as they approached.

"One can only hope," she replied. Legolas smiled brightly as he greeted King Éomer, Eowyn, and Faramir, but only because of Aria's comment. Aria rushed over to Eowyn and embraced her tightly. "It is so good to see you again, Eowyn," Aria said as Eowyn returned her embrace. "How are you feeling?" Eowyn pulled away and smiled with a shake of her head.

"I am fine. I never got to thank you for what you did for me," Eowyn said. Aria smiled and shook her head.

"It is alright, my friend." Eowyn smiled and Legolas pulled Aria close to him. She laughed and looked back at Eowyn who was smiling at her. The group soon was seated at the table and began the meal with laughter and tales filling the evening air.