Well, here we are – the last chapter of this long story! Thank you to everyone who has stuck with me throughout. You have all been wonderful. I hope you enjoy this ending. I really had fun writing it as it was a culmination of all I had planned from the start. Happy reading!
Blessed Union
Lorien was fast becoming a very populated place as guest after guest arrived for the nuptials of Legolas and Gilraen. Gimli had arrived, disappointed that Legolas was not there, but happy for the wedding to come. "He holds no grudge," Gilraen assured the worried dwarf.
Guards rode into Caras Galadon, frequently reporting the approach of many other groups of people who claimed to be coming for the wedding. Gilraen thought this strange as she had not sent out any notice yet. She was waiting for Legolas to return with her parents before doing so.
She forgot her regal deportment one day when a group of new arrivals came and she saw the smiling faces of her Rivendell family. Running down her long staircase she practically flew into their arms. "Oh, you are here!" Gilraen exclaimed. "Teslan, Mendir, you are here!" She hugged her cousins and then her aunt and uncles.
"We could not miss your wedding," Elladan smiled.
"But… how did you know? I sent no messenger," Gilraen wondered.
"There was an old brown crow flying about," Mendir answered.
"Radagast?" Gilraen said in surprise. "How did he know? I have not seen him since the day Celeborn set sail."
"He knows things the same way that you do, Gilraen," Teslan answered.
In the week ahead, Gilraen was caught in the excitement of those preparing for the wedding. She hadn't originally planned for the day yet, as she wanted to do so with Legolas, but Lorien was now filled with elves decorating the branches of every tree in Caras Galadon. They were so happy for once that Gilraen couldn't help but get caught up in the spirit of things.
The ladies of her household worked on Gilraen's gown, not allowing her to see it as of yet. Fireal told her that it was customary for the bride not to see her gown until she donned it for her wedding. Gilraen remembered the beautiful garments made for her before by these same elves, so she placed any worries aside in regards to her wedding gown.
"Well, Fireal, it appears I'll be getting married even sooner than I thought," Gilraen said to her maid one morning. "I can't very well have all these guests wait overly long."
"Is that distressing to you, my Lady?" Fireal asked.
"No," Gilraen shook her head. "I just wonder what Legolas will make of all of this. I do not think he expected quite a big wedding. Lorien is filling with more and more elves every day."
"He will have to expect such a thing," Fireal answered. "He is getting married to the Lady of Lorien. It is hardly an affair anyone wants to miss."
"I wish…," Gilraen said softly, "I wish Lord Celeborn could be here."
Fireal smiled gently at her and said, "I think he is here, Gilraen. A part of him has never left Lorien and will always remain here. Surely you feel his presence."
Gilraen nodded, "Yes, I do feel it."
Every night the elves celebrated with song, storytelling and dancing. Gilraen watched from high up in her home and smiled at how lighthearted they all seemed. Even Gimli and Eldarion joined in the festivities despite being out of their element.
It wasn't long until a guard came to her announcing the arrival of the party from Rohan. Gilraen wondered if Elfwine would come to the wedding, though it would surprise her if he did. She went down her long staircase with her attendants in tow. Eldarion had joined her as well and they waited at the foot of the stairs as King Eomer and Queen Lothiriel approached. A quick glance around revealed that Elfwine had not come and she was struck once more by guilt for the pain she caused him. Would the King and Queen be upset with her? She swallowed her nerves as they dismounted and came before her.
Bows were made and King Eomer said, "My Lady, we come to wish you happiness for your coming nuptials." Gilraen didn't detect any bad feelings from the King and Queen and she relaxed as she offered them the hospitality of her home. Then her gaze caught sight of a smiling young man standing behind the King and Queen and she looked at him curiously.
"Barahir?" she said quietly, hoping it was truly him. It had been five years since she last saw her old friend and he had changed into a young man since.
His smile grew wider and he bowed, "I do not forget my manners this time, my Lady."
Gilraen couldn't help the childish glee that filled her face. "I am so happy you are here!" She took his hands in hers and asked, "Did you not come from Minas Tirith?"
"Aye," he nodded. "But I left before everyone and went to Edoras."
"You left before everyone…?" Gilraen asked, hope soaring within her.
Barahir smiled at her, realizing that she wanted the news from Minas Tirith. "They are coming, Gilraen. They are perhaps two or three days behind me. Legolas is a very happy elf."
"And my parents? Are they happy as well? I have heard no news," Gilraen pressed.
"You would not believe the fuss they are making," Barahir laughed. "I think that is the reason I rode ahead of them. You should prepare yourself for many more guests. And yes, Gilraen, they are very happy."
As they all made their way upstairs, Gilraen stayed close to Barahir and asked, "Did you see Elfwine?"
Barahir gave her a sad smile and replied, "Yes, he grieves. He is not a enjoyable person to be around at the present. But don't worry about him; he'll just have to accept things the way they are. Do not expect him to come to your wedding though."
Gilraen shook her head, "No, I would not expect that."
Gilraen, Eldarion and Barahir spent the rest of the day sharing their experiences of the last years. Gilraen felt a bit nostalgic having all three of them together once again, just as it had been for many years of their childhood. She could forget, for a small while, that she was now an elf and the Lady of Lorien. For this moment she could simply be Gilraen: playmate, confidant and friend.
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It seemed Gilraen had little choice about the day of her wedding as everyone expected it to occur upon the arrival of the groom. She contented herself with the fact that the next time she'd see Legolas would be at their wedding. She hoped that this suited him and she was pleasantly surprised when a messenger rode into Caras Galadon with a note from him.
"My love,
I approach with your family and all is well. Your father and mother were very pleased when I told them of our pledge to one another and gave us their blessings immediately. I do not wish to wait any longer, sweet Gilraen, to make you my wife. Let us prepare for our nuptials in all haste. We shall be together again on the morrow.
Legolas"
Gilraen wrote a note in return and gave it to the messenger.
"Dearest,
I am eager to be with you again. I have missed you greatly. I must tell you that Lorien has many guests who have come for our wedding. They are prepared to see our nuptials upon your arrival. I, too, have caught the fever of their excitement and wish for our immediate joining. Is this acceptable to you? Send your messenger back to me with your answer. My heart quickens at the thought of you so near.
Gilraen"
In the evening, a reply came back to Gilraen.
"My love,
We camp tonight just outside Lorien. Prepare for our arrival and our wedding in the morning. It is more than acceptable to me, Gilraen. It is my fondest desire. Dream of me tonight love, as I shall dream of you. Tomorrow begins our new life together.
Legolas"
Tomorrow! Gilraen gasped and turned to Fireal. "They arrive in the morning, Fireal! All must be ready!"
"I believe it is, my Lady," Fireal answered calmly.
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Legolas rode at the fore of the party from Minas Tirith. He was dressed in all his princely finery of silver shimmering robes and a gold circlet which crowned his head and revealed his high station among elves. Behind him rode King Elessar and Queen Arwen, dressed in their royal finery as well. Behind them trailed the children of the King and Queen as well as a large party of nobles and friends from Minas Tirith.
As they approach the outskirts of Caras Galadon, one glance up revealed the numerous elves situated on flets high above looking down upon them in joy and anticipation. All the trees were filled with elves awaiting their arrival. They would be able to see the wedding very well from above.
Riding down the central path of Caras Galadon, they were surrounded by happy onlookers who bowed deeply at the passing of the royal party. They approached a central glade which was bedecked with many varieties of colorful flowers. Ivy and ferns grew tall here, holding the branches of each other and forming tunnels along the path for those now riding beneath them.
Legolas could see his father and brother ahead, standing at one side of the glade, along with all other personages of importance and family members. Legolas inclined his head to them all as he entered the center of the glade and everyone bowed in return to him. He dismounted and waited as all bowed to King Elessar and Queen Arwen. Grooms came and took the horses away as the rest of the party from Minas Tirith dismounted and found places about the sides of the glade.
Song began high in the branches around the glade, a sweet melody of voices which filled the hearts of all who listened. Everyone grew quiet as the song continued and the mood became one of magic and majesty. Legolas closed his eyes and let the tones into his being. He knew that soon he would be with Gilraen and they would be joined forever as man and wife.
There was a slight shift in the melody and Legolas opened his eyes, sensing that Gilraen now approached. He turned slowly around to see a procession of elf maidens walking towards the glade. When they parted down the middle, Gilraen was revealed in all her beauty. His heart pounded loudly in his chest at the sight before him. Her gown shimmered in an iridescent flow behind her, making her appear as a goddess from another realm. On her head sat the gold and silver crown of her noble lineage adding even more luster to her creamy smooth skin and sparkling eyes.
A pang struck Legolas and he almost felt that he was not good enough for such a woman as Gilraen. But as she approached, he looked deeply into her eyes and saw the great love she had for him and for him alone, and he knew that she would have no other.
She came to a stop before him, her eyes and heart expressing all the love she felt for him and he took a deep breath, projecting the same back to her being. Shifting her eyes slightly to the side, Gilraen acknowledge her parents with a happy glance and a bow of her head. Aragorn and Arwen beamed their happiness towards her.
Then her loving gaze turned back to Legolas and their hands reached out, their fingers threaded together as they faced one another. The song continued while they held their gaze, pouring their love and happiness into each other.
It was with surprise that the light seemed to shift above them. The singing stopped abruptly and gasps could be heard as the tree canopy above seemed to lift and move, causing a breeze and exposing a large shaft of sunlight down upon Legolas and Gilraen. The light seemed to shimmer and many had to shade their eyes with their hands in order to see what was happening above.
Gilraen squeezed Legolas' hands and looked up in wonder. What was happening? Shadows seemed to fly by above, causing the sunlight to flicker around them. Then the crowds of elves fell to their knees as the ancient eagles were recognized flying above the hole in the tree canopy. The humans at the wedding also knelt down when they saw the elves do so and looked up in wonder at the magnificent birds.
Legolas and Gilraen knelt, still holding each others hands tightly and gazing up at the eagles as they landed in a circle on the topmost branches around the opening. Legolas looked at Gilraen and they smiled at one another for the unexpected treat at having such wedding guests. But then the shaft of sunlight which shown down on them grew bright, so bright that all present had to shut their eyes.
Gilraen had her eyes closed as well and she shivered with anticipation when she felt a change in the air – something was happening. She couldn't help but peek as her eyes opened slightly and the very bright light seemed to blind her. She could have sworn she saw a tall figure standing near her and Legolas amidst the light.
The light lessened and Gilraen opened her eyes wider as a very tall and beautiful shimmering being came into view. When the light dimmed even more, everyone around them could see this being as well. She was twice the height of a man and glowing with a misty light which seemed to radiate from her very form.
When Gilraen's shock lessened, she was able to see that Legolas had let go of her hands and was now bowing with his head to the ground. A quick glance around the glade revealed that everyone was now on the ground doing the same deep bow that Legolas was. Gilraen quickly placed her forehead down upon the ground, shaking with anticipation. She didn't sense that this being was going to harm them, but she had never experienced the presence of anyone so powerful in her life. Gilraen could feel the power crackling through the air and pulsing in waves around her.
A voice like the song of a thousand birds filled the glade as it said, "Rise, Gilraen, Lady of Lorien, daughter of King Elessar and Queen Arwen, ancestor of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel." The voice had a slight echo that tingled across Gilraen's skin. She slowly raised her head off the ground and sat up, daring to glance at the magnificent being looking down at her. The being had a warm smile upon her face and Gilraen felt encouraged to stand as she was bid.
"I am Elbereth, Lady of the Stars," the being said. Gilraen felt like falling to her knees again as her legs shook. A Vala! A Vala was here before her! What was she doing here? The Valar did not leave Valinor anymore! "I have come to bless your union, you who have brought back the light of the trees to Valinor. Once again we walk in the blessed light that had been stolen from us so long ago." Gilraen only gazed at her, unable to speak. Elbereth then looked at Legolas on the ground and said, "Rise, Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of the Greenwood."
Legolas rose to his feet as well and took Gilraen's hand in his as they both faced the imposing Vala.
"Forever shall this union be blessed and so will those that are born of it," Elbereth announced. "Those in Valinor rejoice in your name for you have brought the light back to us and will always be remembered for your generous deed." Elbereth reached her shimmering hands towards the couple, placing one on each of their heads. Gilraen closed her eyes as the power and warmth of the touch flowed downwards over and through her body. Never had she ever felt so alive before. Every part of her body sang with joy and a love so great for all life.
Then the glade grew bright again and Gilraen felt Elbereth withdraw. The pulses of power lessened around her but did not leave completely. When she opened her eyes again, Elbereth was gone. Everyone around her slowly stood up and looked in amazement at the sky as the eagles took flight once more and the canopy of trees closed above.
No one seemed to possess a voice anymore, having just witnessed something that one would never expect to see. Everyone looked about at one another, astonishment on all faces. Then Gilraen noticed that all faces turned towards her and Legolas, staring at them in wide-eyed wonder. Gilraen could see the glow of Elbereth's blessing upon Legolas next to her and she knew that she must also appear so.
She looked in Legolas's eyes and a slow smile formed on her face as she turned to face him once again. "I take thee as my husband, Legolas Greenleaf, Prince of the Greenwood," she said.
Legolas looked at her with all the love in his heart and said, "I take thee as my wife, Gilraen, Lady of Lorien, Princess of Gondor, and bringer of the Light to Valinor."
He stepped forward and captured her lips in a kiss, happiness soaring through his heart.
It took awhile for all present to acknowledge that Legolas and Gilraen had just made their vow, so struck by the visit of Elbereth were they. When the kiss continued, the onlookers came to their senses and began clap and smile with happiness. Not one of them would ever forget the wedding of Gilraen and Legolas.
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Later that evening after much celebration, Gilraen and Legolas stood alone in her bower smiling softly at one another.
"I have been alone so long, Gilraen," Legolas told her. "I have had many friends and adventures to fill my time, but never have I had someone who has filled my heart like you have."
"You will never be alone again, my love," Gilraen said. "As long as I live, I shall love you like no other."
"You are immortal now," he smiled. "So you will live forever."
"Than that's how long I shall love you," she replied, slipping her arms about his neck and pulling him in for a long kiss. His arms slipped around her and held her to his chest, feeling her heart beating with his own.
It was many days before anyone saw the happy couple emerge from their room.
-fin-
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-sigh-Wow! This fiction is finally done! It's been almost a year since I started it. Thank you to everyone who has read this story and enjoyed it. And I sincerely thank you for all the reviews you have sent me. They really made writing worthwhile.
I did mention doing a sequel about Celebrian's romance with Elfwine and I've got some great ideas for that fiction. It probably won't start for a few months, however, as I need to finish up some of the other stories I've been writing. I'll call it Children of the New Kingdom II, so keep your eye out for it.
I really would like to know what you thought about this ending, so please send a review. (I hope it wasn't too far out with Elbereth coming and all, but I had envisioned that happening from the start.)
There were always two things which made me sad about Tolkien's stories. One was the light being stolen from Valinor and the other was the Ents losing the Entwives. I suppose this story was my way to rectify those things.
Thanks again for being such excellent fans!