Part Five

When Plant pots Attack

I give my hand to you with all my heart

Can't wait to live my life with you

Can't wait to start

You and I will never be apart

My dreams came true because of you

From this moment as long as I live

I will love you, I promise you this

There is nothing I wouldn't give

From this moment on

Shania Twain – From This Moment On

Legolas awoke me early the next morning and, forcing my still unfocused eyes to obey me, I managed to lock onto the spot where my Prince was knelt. He was crouched next to me; his beautiful, soft hair falling about his and my face as he gently talked me back to awareness. I groaned and tried to bury my head under the silken sheet, but Legolas merely laughed and, with a well placed swift tug, I was rolling out of bed to land with a soft thump on the heavily carpeted floor. I scowled as I tried to regain my bearings and aimed a grumpy hit at the helplessly laughing elf. "You are not helping matters!" I scolded, still too sleepy to find any humour in the situation. This did nothing to improve my groggy awareness or Legolas' ability to take it seriously, in fact, if anything, he only began to laugh harder. I gave up trying to stifle his exuberance and hoisted myself off the floor, making my weary way to a dresser, where I attempted to drag a brush through my rebellious hair. Legolas had finally managed to regain his composure and he leapt swiftly to my side. "Please! You will only damage your hair further if you treat it like that! Allow me, I think I am up to the challenge of taming it." As he spoke the corners up his mouth turned up into a grin and he looked at me beseechingly. Reluctantly I handed over the hairbrush and tried to maintain a displeased demeanour as Legolas worked his gentle fingers through my tangled locks. I could not keep up the pretence for long though, especially when he began to recount a tale of the last time he had let Aragorn do his hair. According to Legolas it had taken six months for his eyebrow to grow back and he had assured me that he was certain I would be hearing further tales of that and other such mishaps when we returned to Mirkwood. I raised a single, fully intact eyebrow, and would have turned to face him but for the fact he held my head firmly in place while he worked on my hair. I was certain Aragorn would have a different perspective on that little tale and I made a mental note to question him on it when I saw him next. Legolas finally finished his fussing and stood back slightly, admiring his handiwork. I remained still, unsure if he had actually finished. After about five minutes of my being stationary, Legolas let out a huge laugh, "Come Vénea! You can move now, or do you not wish to see how I have arranged your hair?" I gave a short grunt and muttered something very uncomplimentary about my future husband under my breath. He only laughed harder and stepped away from me spinning so that I had a clear view of the mirror behind me. I drew my breath in sharply as I beheld the intricate braid that had been woven with my hair. The strands were twisted in elegant bands and criss-crossed each other in maddening patterns of intricate beauty. I turned to face Legolas who had stopped laughing and was now simply gazing at me. I was too impressed to speak so I let my eyes do the talking and curved my mouth into a lopsided grin. He smiled back and turned away from me to walk to a corner near the back of the room. Once there he picked something up and returned in my direction, quickly hiding whatever that something was behind his back. "As well you know we are travelling to meet my father in Lothlorien today, to begin preparations for our wedding." He spoke in a knowing tone as he shortened the distance between us. I nodded solemnly; it was indeed a fact I knew well as I had been silently dreading it for the past week, something that I had the feeling Legolas was all too aware of. I tried to catch glimpse of whatever he was concealing; suddenly anxious that he was about to reveal some horrible apparel that was tradition in Mirkwood, but would make me look like an overstuffed pumpkin. I eyed him with further apprehension as he came to a stop just ahead of the chair on which I resided and gazed at me, feigning innocence, with a mischievous glint in his eye. "I had it custom-made for you when you accepted my proposal," as he spoke he slipped whatever it was out from behind his back and placed it in front of me draping so that it's hem rested on his arm. "I hoped you would like it…" he finished his words trailing of into a self-contented smile. It was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. It was pale green in colour, and full length, extending down to the ground. It had two straps, both as thick as belts, which would hold it in place about my shoulders. From just beneath the chest to follow the curve of my hips was a wide band of embroidery in a shade of medium green, it bore a never-ending swirl of leaves that seemed all inter-linked and yet individual at the same. From there the pale green returned, falling into curved fronds when it reached the ground. Bound about the shoulders of the dress was a dark green cloak that fell down beyond the floor to form a train, again it was embroidered with leaves, but the cloak also bore some form of crest on the back and I recognised it as the crest of Mirkwood. With a soft sigh I took the garment from Legolas and fixed him with my gaze. "I'm not getting changed with you watching," I told him firmly. "We aren't married yet. Close your eyes." Legolas did not comply immediately, but let out a soft laugh, his eyes wandering slightly. "That I am all too painfully aware of!" he replied, and stood to his feet, moving closer to me so that our foreheads touched. "It is probably better that I avoid temptation. Seven thousand years is a very long time to wait." With those words he turned his back to me and walked out onto the balcony, calling behind him, "Tell me when you are ready." With him out of the way it was not long before I stood in the dress, and made my way to the full length mirror on the left side of the room. The dress just skimmed over the floor, creating a floating effect whenever I moved and it clung tightly to my figure, making me seem more slender and lithe somehow. The cloak provided me with a train and it rustled slightly behind me as I walked. I called for Legolas to re-enter and as he did so I did not miss his quick intake of breath as he caught sight of me. "Meleth-nin, you look more radiant than ever!" he cried as he caught me in his embrace. I held him back and hoped that he knew how deep my gratitude was for giving me such a gift. Not only was it a beautiful dress, but I had the feeling it would go a long way in winning over Legolas' father, King Thranduil.

King Thranduil paced impatiently in the halls of Lothlorien. Where on Middle-earth was Legolas? It was just like his son, late for everything, even his own wedding! Thranduil let out an enormous sigh and twirled on his heel preparing to walk back the way he had just come for what must have been about the hundredth time. A soft voice from the shadows to his left had him twirling in a second, "Please, King Thranduil, cease your pacing! I would not care to see a rut carved in the middle of my banquet hall." Thranduil guiltily faced his host, Galadriel, and gave a sheepish smile. "I am sorry, my Lady. I had just expected Legolas and his future bride to be here by now." Galadriel smiled knowingly at the King. "It disturbs you that she is mortal, does it not?" she questioned gently, although Thranduil was certain she already knew the answer. He sighed again, "Yes, it does." He ran his hand in a weary gesture over his face and closed his eyes momentarily in worry. "I fear that she will persuade him to give up his immortality." He turned to face Galadriel suddenly, "I do not wish to lose my son," he whispered. This time Galadriel did not smile, "I have gazed into my mirror and seen something of the fate of this mortal and your son." She turned her serious gaze to meet his; "Their fates are forever bound to one another. It will not always be easy or pleasant for them, but know this: your son has chosen well. This mortal is the one." Galadriel did not elaborate further, and without another word or even a further glance in his direction she swept out of the hall. Thranduil thought. Her words had given him much comfort, and if this mortal was truly the one then his son had indeed chosen well. But… Thranduil let out another sigh and started pacing once more.

The envoy had left Gondor some hours ago now and dusk was beginning to creep in from the West. I shifted my position slightly, feeling the familiar ache of cramp that comes from having been sat in the same position for a very long time. I wriggled uncomfortably and tried to stretch my legs out as far as they could go within the confines of our carriage. From across the way I heard Aragorn and Arwen stifling their giggles at my behaviour. I let out a sigh of mock despair and wriggled more frantically in my efforts to get comfortable. This time they couldn't hide their humour and I heard Legolas' laughter join theirs. At this I looked up. All three of my companions had been unusually quiet on the journey and I had been trying for a long time now to lighten the mood. "Vénea! Cease your squirming!" chided Aragorn through his chuckling, "We will never reach Lorien if you can not settle yourself!" I stuck out my lower lip in mock indignation and turned my head sharply away from him, fixing Legolas with my mischievous gaze. He was still smiling from my antics and I was pleased to see that the brooding attitude he had been drawing into had, for the moment at least, cleared. "Ah." I said, twisting so that I faced Legolas fully, "You are returned to us, meleth-nin. Why have you laughed so little since we set off, some five hours ago?" I questioned him directly, my present discomfort hindering my attempts to be subtle. He sobered immediately, his expression turning serious and he broke eye contact. I shifted closer, fearing he would quickly withdraw into himself again. Aragorn moved forward also, his hand coming to rest on Legolas' forearm. Steeling myself for the worst I moved my hand to raise Legolas' chin and turned his head so that his gaze was forced to meet mine.

Legolas felt Vénea's light touch on his chin and allowed her to turn his head to face her. He could tell from her eyes that she feared the worst and he hastened to reassure her as best he could. "Fear not Vénea, my love," he said softly "I still greatly anticipate out wedding tomorrow. I would not exchange you for any other bride on Middle-Earth." Legolas hoped that she could sense the honesty behind those words and was relieved when he saw the fear in her eyes lighten. "The reason I have refrained from laughter is…" he trailed off unable to continue. He felt Aragorn's arm grip his own and he used the strength from that contact to pick up his words, " I fear my father's response." He said, finally voicing the fear that had troubled him since he first realised his feelings for this woman. Vénea stared back at him in confusion, but Aragorn's eyes showed understanding and Legolas thanked him silently, knowing Aragorn would understand. "My father is King of the Woodland Realm, and you are to be his daughter. He has never been too friendly in his relations with Men and for that I think I am mostly to blame." Legolas shuddered as he remembered those dark nights after his return from Dorolyn, and the fury in his father's eyes as he beheld what men had done to his son. The memories were not easily forgotten, but they were in the past now and all hate he had harboured for the mortal race was long since dead. "There was an… incident… with some men and I became involved. It bears me no lasting effects now, but my father has distrusted men since, even as I did for a time. Aragorn was the one to break that barrier down!" Legolas smiled as he spoke the last sentence and aimed a playful swipe at his friend, which Aragorn dodged, knowing his friend well enough to have seen that one coming. Legolas grinned playfully at his friend before returning his full attention to Vénea. "I was not aware that your father may have a problem with my race." Her words were soft, but the heartbreak behind them almost brought Legolas to tears, " I wish I was an elf, but I can't change the way I was born no matter how much I may wish to. If it is against your father's wishes maybe we should…" her voice broke and she began to weep softly, unable to finish the sentence. Legolas was momentarily frozen and Aragorn was taken aback so it was only Arwen who comforted the crying woman. "Shhh… Shh young one, it will be well…" Arwen's voice was soft as she strove to quiet Vénea's sobs. These sobs eventually broke Legolas from his paralysis and he hastened to her side, "Vénea, please, do not weep! I love you! No-one, not even my father, can change that!" Vénea's sobs quieted somewhat, but she still refused to raise her head and look at him. "Please," he whispered, his own voice breaking, " Look at me…" in a very swift motion, almost too fast for even Elven eyes to follow, she threw herself into his open arms and buried her head against him, sobbing for breath.

I was almost past my crying jag now, but I still did not want to raise my head, fearing I would look terrible with red, puffy eyes and put him off marrying me permanently. Besides, I liked sitting here with my head buried in his shoulder, it felt very… safe, somehow. It was almost a shame when Arwen turned me to face her, and I still clutched Legolas arm where it was, grasping mine. I did not say a word, I just nodded, and, had I been feeling more cheerful, I would have laughed at the relief in her eyes. Doubtless, she was pleased that she no longer had a wailing mortal woman to deal with. I laughed, despite myself, and earned an amused look from Aragorn. "You have acquired Legolas' sense of humour, Vénea. He also seems to laugh at strange times." Legolas positioned his arm firmly about my shoulders and I settled into this arrangement gladly, making certain that he truly did still want to marry me. The rest of the coach journey was conducted in companionable silence, but Legolas' arm never left me, and as we neared the eaves of Lorien I felt his grip tighten almost imperceptibly.

We had arrived in Lothlorien and I had been sent immediately to my new chambers to begin freshening up. I was very displeased at this arrangement, I have never much been one to fuss over my appearance, but I was careful to hide this response well. I knew those about me meant well, and I did very much want to make a good impression on the King. Legolas had been sent away also, we were told his father had sent for him, and he had promised to return and get me when it was time for the introductions. I brushed my hair as best I could without upsetting the braiding and straightened my dress and cloak. I heard the door to my chamber opening and, fearing it to be Legolas come to get me to meet to meet his father, and I feeling so unprepared, I dived to the floor and tried to hide under a blanket that I pulled off the bed. No disguise of mine would have fooled an elf and a trembling, hunched up blanket on the floor was no challenge. It was no time at all before the blanket was pulled away and I found myself staring into the face of Osellë. I was momentarily taken aback, she was the last person I had expected, but the one I had most hoped to see. "Osellë!" I cried in joy, "You have been gone so long! Where did you go? When-" Osellë cut off my barrage of questions with a small shake of her head. "Now is not the time for such things," as she spoke the corners of her mouth drifted up into a smile and I found myself grinning hugely in return. Taking me by the forearm she pulled me to my feet and my grin turned sheepish as she raised her eyebrows quizzically at the sheet that slid off my back. I just shrugged in what I hoped was a nonchalant manner and opened my mouth to make a quick subject change, but she spoke before I had chance to, "Don't tell me you and your betrothed were playing a game of hide and seek! Surely you are both too old for such games." I caught, not for first time, a glimpse of some deeper emotion masked by her teasing words. I narrowed my eyes and decided that I was going to find out right here and now what that emotion was, "Osellë, something is troubling you. Please tell me what! Do you have a problem with me marrying the Prince?" this time I caught no trace of any emotion, and Osellë's eyes were dark pits. "Vénea, it does not concern you. My business is my own, and I would thank you to keep out of it." Her harsh words cut into me and I turned away, an angry and confused blush staining my cheeks crimson. Moments later I felt a soft touch on my arm, "Vénea, I am sorry. This is a very difficult time for me and I am having some personal problems. I did not mean to snap at you, life is just so very… confusing, at the moment." I turned to face and saw the apology in her eyes. I decided to accept it and press no further, the answer would probably be something I did not want to hear anyway. "Very well," I sighed, "Was there an actual purpose to your visit or did you stop by purely to torment me?" I directed the question while looking her in the eyes so she could see the wicked humour behind it. Her own returning smile was even more wicked than Legolas', "There was." Her smile widened, and my worry deepened; what had she got in store for me now? "I am sent by Legolas to retrieve you. The time is come for you to met King Thranduil. He awaits your presence as we speak," I stifled my groan at this unpleasant news, "And I presume we are already late?" I questioned though I feared I already knew her answer. "By some ten minutes now. But come, and do not fear. It will be well," with these words she flew from my chamber and we both ran down the hall to the chamber where the King awaited my arrival.

King Thranduil glared at Legolas. 'Where is your bride now?' his eyes seemed to say and Legolas pretended to have suddenly noticed something highly interesting on the carpet to avoid meeting them. 'Just like Legolas,' the King thought darkly, 'late for everything.' Now he would have two latecomers to do deal with; the errant Prince and Princess of Mirkwood. He sighed, but could not fully disguise his smile, 'Perhaps it would be fun to have a mortal around the place, they certainly do liven things up…' It was just as he was thinking this that a small shape burst through the door, tripped over a plant pot and landed face-first at his feet.

Who on Middle-Earth put a plant pot there? Of all the stupid places to put a plant pot… My train of thought was broken off abruptly as a pair of strong hands fastened about my shoulders and hauled me to my feet. I found myself staring into a face not dissimilar from Legolas'. A great chasm opened in the pit of my stomach. Please, somebody tell me I had not just sprawled on the floor at the feet of the King of Mirkwood! A snigger from my left confirmed my fears; Aragorn and Arwen, unable to contain their merriment, were bent double with laughter in the corner. I was too nervous even to glare at them. I faced the King, despite my deep foreboding, and swept him my most elegant curtsey, "I do apologise my Lord, I was not expecting to encounter a plant pot. You see… I … uhm… I have had most unfortunate dealings with them in the past… and there was a ruckle in the carpet just outside the door-" I was cut off from further explanations by a soft chuckle from in front of me. Startled, I looked up to see the King of Mirkwood, smiling happily at me, still laughing softly. He turned to face Legolas and said some words to him in a dialect of Elvish that I did not understand. Though at first I feared what those words might have been, for example, "What a wonderful clown, now tell me son, where is your real bride?" However, my fears were proven entirely unfounded as Legolas turned to me moments later, a smile spread across his entire face. I relaxed visibly, although I took care to retain a posture suitable for a would-be Princess. Shortly, I felt Legolas' presence at my elbow and I could feel him shaking softly. Alarmed, I span around only to be confronted by a Prince straining desperately not to laugh. Disgusted, I wrenched my arm from his grip, but the expression on my face was too much and Legolas' control broke. With a further sigh I turned to the King who was doing a better job of hiding his laughter. With grace he extended his arm out towards me and I took it, stepping daintily over the figure that was Legolas, now rolling on the floor with uncontrolled merriment. Trying to retain what dignity was left to me, I left that room with my head held high much to the gleeful amusement of the four figures I left behind. Legolas, Aragorn, Arwen and Osellë were still laughing when the wooden door closed with a soft thud after the King and I.

A loud noise broke into my slumber, and I jerked upright in my bed. Sliding my feet out from in-between the sheets they came into contact with the cold floor. I shivered slightly and, pulling my travelling cloak about my shoulders, I started of towards the origin of the cry. My feet padded silently down the Elven corridors and I had to struggle to keep from stumbling into the walls - elf eyes were better for seeing in the dark than mine, and they had no need for torches to light their way. I stifled a cry as I stubbed my toe on a plant pot for what felt like the hundredth time. A curse on all plant pots! What purpose did they serve anyway? The unfortunate plant pot was spared my vengeful kick as I heard the cry come again, this time from the chamber just to my right. Careful to avoid the plant pot I hurried along and slowly pressed the door open. Sneaking a glance around the door I beheld Osellë turning and crying out fitfully in her sleep. Her eyes flew open as I entered and she stiffened suddenly, cutting off the sound mid-cry. I hastened to her side. "Osellë, what troubles you my friend? Please, what is it that you cannot share it with me?" she gave a soft sob and turned away and I could see that further questioning would get me nowhere. With a sigh I forced down my natural curiosity and pulled the now silent elf onto my lap. "Sleep my friend." I whispered softly, knowing Osellë would have no difficulty hearing me, "It will be better in the morning. That I promise you." Osellë no longer made any noise, but I could still feel a slight trembling in her body that betrayed the fact she had not followed my request and gone back to sleep. Not really knowing what else to do, I began to hum a soft tune, indeed the same one I had hummed to Legolas to get him to sleep many nights before. This seemed to calm her, as it had done Legolas, and I finally felt her stiff body relax. The worst of the night over, I finally let my own head fall back lightly against the headrest and began to doze.

I awoke before Osellë on the morning of my wedding and began to make preparations. We had arrived on a coach from Mirkwood the previous night and Legolas and I had decided not to share a room to preserve the surprise of seeing each other fully dressed for the ceremony. It had been decided some days before that the joint weddings of Aragorn and Arwen, and Legolas and I, would be held in the forest of Lorien. A reception dance for Legolas and I was to be held a few days after in Mirkwood and a similar affair in Rivendell for Aragorn and Arwen. I glanced out of the window and was pleased to see that the light mists still veiled much of the forest, giving it a mysterious and un-earthly feel. Much to my chagrin a smirking Osellë had informed me that Elven weddings were held at dawn. Upon pleading with Legolas to tell me otherwise Osellë's words were confirmed and, as a result, here I was preparing for my wedding just as the first light was creeping over the trees. Or, as it was now, just before. I was not best amused. Legolas and Osellë, however, had found great humour in the situation and I could imagine it to be one of the tales Legolas would delight in telling to our children, should we ever have any. I grimaced inwardly at the thought of how I would be teased by the kids, but the thought of children, well… it was something I had always hoped for. I smiled brightly and turned away from the window as I heard soft sounds of movement from the bed. I turned to see Osellë smiling gently from where she was propped up on her elbows between the sheets. "You're up." She murmured. I rolled my eyes, "How very observant of you. Yes, you foolish elf, I'm up! And so should you be if you wish to see me wed." I turned away from her as I spoke so that she faced my back. "Could you button up the back of my dress? And then I will need some help with my stockings and-" the black look sent my way by Osellë killed my sentence half-way through, "What?" I questioned my look the very epitome of innocence. "I am nobody's dress maid, least of all yours, human," Osellë emphasised the taunt with a wicked smile. I grinned wryly in response; "Surely you could bring yourself to help out a friend in need on her wedding day? Unless, perhaps, I ask too much… Maybe you do not know how to dress me properly and wish to avoid further embarrassment." I faced her with a wicked smile of my own, knowing the response that statement would garner, "You cheeky…!" Using Elven speed in no time at all Osellë was on her feet and the back of my dress was fastened. I grinned inwardly. "Thank you so much," I said, "Now, my stockings are on the stool over there…"

The sun sent dappled rays cascading over the treetops, illuminating the secluded glade in which we stood with a gentle glow. Legolas stood opposite from me, his golden hair glowing almost brighter that the rays of light that illuminated it and I could not help but sigh at how breath-taking he looked in the pre-dawn light. He held my hands softly and his eyes shone as he repeated the words spoken to him by Gandalf, who had proclaimed that he would conduct the service, thank you very much! Gimli stood next to me, tears pouring down his weathered face and dripping into his beard, but I had eyes for no one but Legolas. Aragorn and Arwen stood directly opposite from us and I could dimly hear Aragorn saying the same words as Legolas, though a few seconds behind. Gimli had not yet relinquished his hold on my arm after he walked me down the aisle, and I smiled down at him warmly, signalling that I needed my arm to be freed. He let go as if he had just realised he was holding a mongoose instead of my arm and stepped back, level with the rest of the guests. Legolas diverted his attention away from me momentarily as he finished speaking to shoot a warm smile at the dwarf, which only succeeded in making Gimli cry harder. Legolas' eyes met mine and I shook my head slightly in mock desperation at Gimli's behaviour, and we shared a small laugh. "Do you Vénea, to hereby relinquish your old name in favour of the new, Vénea Greenleaf, Princess of the Woodland Realm?" Gandalf directed the question at me, his voice solemn, but his eyes dancing in merriment. "I do," I replied, my voice barely above a whisper, Legolas squeezed my hands harder and I could feel an irrepressible bubble of laughter and joy rise up inside me. "And do you, Legolas, promise to love and honour this woman for as long as these promises hold true?" Legolas turned to me, and I still swear to this day that I have never seen anyone look so handsome or so heart-stoppingly beautiful as he did at that moment. "With all my heart, I do." Legolas' words were soft and sincere and I felt that I wanted to laugh and cry all at the same time. Gandalf got his next words out just in time, for I think I would have before very long had he given his permission or not, "You may now kiss the bride!" Never has a kiss been so sweet as the one I shared with the Prince of Mirkwood at dawn that morning under the eaves of the forest of Lorien.

My hands moved jerkily as I clutched hem of my dress to my chest. Legolas held my hand and, for the first time, I kept up with him effortlessly as the ground sped away under our feet. We had escaped the ever-present crowd of wedding guests to be free for a moment on our own, a married couple at last! I giggled merrily and felt Legolas' curious gaze fall upon me. Turning to him I began to explain, "I was just thinking, we are barely married and already living up to our predicted reputation as the errant Prince and Princess of Mirkwood!" I stifled another laugh as Legolas and I came to a stop on the crest of a low hill. Legolas dropped to his knees and pulled me down with him, I settled myself on the grass, leaning against him, not really caring that I was going to get grass stains on my wedding dress. Legolas finally responded to my earlier statement, "It was my father who gave us that title was it not?" he questioned with a small laugh, "Personally I think it shall be quite fitting! I do not intend to spend our entire married life in Mirkwood, and I have a feeling we will redefine the meaning of errant!" We both burst into helpless laughter, and I could not stop until tears rolled down my face. Suddenly I pulled up short, "Look here!" I cried, pulling on Legolas' sleeve to divert his attention, "We're making puddles on my wedding dress!" That had us both going again in next to no time and I for one did not ever want to stop. However, the need to breathe outweighed my former wish and within minutes I was forced to either stop laughing or suffocate. Not wishing to have the shortest-ever-recorded marriage in Mirkwood, my laughter began to ease off. I sat with the Prince of Mirkwood, now my husband, on that hill leaning against him, our breathing coming almost as one and I thought that I must be the luckiest woman on Middle-Earth, and maybe, just maybe, I was.

Aragorn envied Legolas. How on Middle-Earth he and Vénea had managed to escape the guests was a secret Aragorn would give a lot to know. He smiled lovingly into the teasing eyes of the elf-maiden next to him, and decided that he would quite happily be surrounded by a thousand wedding guests instead of the hundred present, (which were bad enough!) just so long as he could be with her. He had always known Arwen was the one for him, from the first moment he had seen her dancing in a moonlit glade in Rivendell, he had vowed to make her his own. Legolas however, he had not always had the future so clearly cut as far as love was concerned. Though he was devastatingly handsome and many, many women would have gladly married him he had never shown much interest, preferring to venture with Aragorn into the unknown. Vénea changed all that. Although, Aragorn thought to himself with a chuckle that was a girl was a journey into the unknown in herself! She had never ceased to surprise him, or Legolas for that matter. Yes, Aragorn thought, gazing again into the eyes of his love, it was all going to be very interesting. Little did he know how right he would turn out to be.

Legolas and I managed to remain free until our hiding place was uncovered at about noon, "There you two are!" came a familiar voice from the shrubbery, "We have searched everywhere!" Gimli burst out, with Osellë hot on his heels. "Obviously not everywhere, Master Dwarf," said Legolas, his tone of voice advertising that he was purely teasing. The mischievous humour was reflected in Gimli's eyes, "You elves, always so certain! I'll have you know that with a Misses about there'll be not so much of the hiding!" Legolas merely laughed and it was Osellë who ended up pointing out Gimli's mistake, "You don't know Vénea very well then Gimli," she managed to get out between laughs, "He'll have more reasons to hide after being married to her than ever! The amount of trouble she'll drag him into! Oh, Legolas, I wish you more luck than I in trying to keep this one out of mischief!" she was unable to continue and the two elves had almost collapsed with laughter, Gimli and I not far behind. "I'll have you know I'm not quite that bad!" I protested, but Legolas took me by the arm and led me in the direction Osellë and Gimli had originated from, "Come on let us return to our sorely neglected guests." he said. A note of seriousness briefly entered his eyes as he added, "And don't worry, there aren't any plant pots!"

When we arrived back in the glade where the wedding feast was to be held we were immediately surrounded by the wedding guests, King Thranduil being foremost among them, "Already errant and barely married!" he chided but the glint in his eyes gave away his amusement at the situation. Galadriel, also, came forward at out re-appearance and stepped up directly behind us, taking my left and Legolas' right arm, no doubt to ensure we did not make a second break for freedom. She escorted us away to the far side of the glade, next a to a small trickle of a stream that ran with a cheerful bubbling noise. Set up there was a large wooden stand that I had previously failed to notice, upon it were various guest milling around and I blushed with pleasure as I noticed the ornate centrepiece. "Where did that come from?" I heard Legolas gasp beside me, and I blushed deeply, unsure of how to answer. Fortunately I was saved the task as Galadriel began to speak before I had thought of anything to say. "I believe that was the doing of your wife. She says it is her Mother's recipe, something called 'chocolate' I think." Galadriel winked at me and departed, leaving Legolas and I alone with the titanic confection. "It is a favourite recipe of mine and I wanted to surprise you. I hope you will like it, it has a very pleasing flavour," I spoke rapidly, hoping he would be impressed, all the while unconsciously twisting my hands into my dress. Legolas raised one amused eyebrow at me before approaching the cake hesitantly. "It smells… nice," he said carefully, "but I have never heard of chocolate before, and I have certainly never seen a cake so big…" his voice was lost as he disappeared around the side of the cake. " Legolas? Don't get lost around there meleth-nin, my love, it wouldn't do if I had to dance alone on my wedding night." I called, hoping to hear his laughter through the cake, but I received no reply. Moments later Legolas reappeared around the other side of the cake with a small bemused smile on his face, "I don't think I will ever understand the ways of mortals," he murmured. "Or what it is that makes them think everything must be made so big," he gestured to the cake for emphasis, "but I know for certain that I am incredibly pleased I have promised to spend the rest of my life finding out!" He smiled at me hugely, "It is a marvellous cake!" was his final satisfied comment and I laughed at the look of bemused admiration on his face as he gave the sponge a closer inspection. He turned to me, his smile still achingly beautiful, "Now I have a surprise for you," he whispered and extended his hand, in it lay two glistening circlets of metal, "But I thought Elves did not have rings at weddings!" I gasped, in fact it was something that had upset me when I had first learned of it, but it was a small sacrifice to make for marrying the elf of my dreams so I had let it slip, with some sadness. "It is not Elvish tradition to have rings at weddings, but since when have I been traditional? I saw how you wished for this and it would please me to have some outer sign that tells of my love and devotion to you." He got down on one knee on the grass in front of me and his beautiful blue eyes gazed openly into mine, "These are our wedding present from Gimli, mithril from the mines of Moria." He said with a soft chuckle, "Now Vénea, we are truly wed." he slipped one ring onto my finger and slid the other onto his, he opened his mouth as if to speak but no words came out and we simply stared at one another. The tension became too much and I fell onto my knees beside him, "Hannon le," I whispered, and he smiled again. I leant forward and closed my eyes, as did he, but a soft sound from behind us made us stop and turn and it was with some shock I saw that most of the guests invited to our wedding had seen the whole thing. They stood silently, and I noticed that many of them were crying quietly, I quickly identified Gimli as the source of the noise that had disturbed Legolas and I and with some gentle amusement saw that he was crying again. When he noticed Legolas and I staring at him he blew his nose loudly on the nearest piece of material, which unfortunately happened to be the hem of King Thranduil's tunic, and with a cry of, "I hate weddings!" turned and blundered off into the woods sobbing noisily. I motioned for Legolas to follow him and he complied with a soft laugh, "Gimli!" he cried and tore away after his fast retreating friend. I shook my head softly at their antics and turned to approach a very disgusted King Thranduil. After helping him to clean his tunic sufficiently I turned my attention to the returning Gimli and Legolas and with the help of my husband made our way through the throngs of well-wishers to cut the cake.

With hindsight I can say that what happened next was highly amusing, but at the time it was just the opposite…

"No, no, my Lord, the tapestries are not for climbing!" I cried as I attempted to pull King Thranduil off the wall for the second time that evening. With an inward sigh I surveyed the scene before me; elves running here and there behaving like small children and laughing almost hysterically. Dotted here and there the only mortals present, Aragorn, I and a few others attempted to curtail a few of the more dangerous of their antics, such as climbing the tapestries that hung some ten feet above the floor. Who would have guessed the effect the high concentrations of sugar in my chocolate cake would have had on this normally so reserved race? Certainly not I, but there was no time to dwell as I was forced to race from one side of the hall to the other calming the hyper elves. I was in the process of persuading one elf to carefully put down the fine china cup that was a prized possession of Lord Celeborn, when Aragorn appeared at my shoulder. "Vénea, you must come quickly," he said, his breathing rapid and shallow, I span, forgetting the elf in front of me, "What is it?" I questioned hoping desperately that it was not what I feared. My world came crashing down with his one word reply, "Legolas." I ran, following Aragorn, out of the hall, only wincing slightly as I heard the tinkle of Lord Celeborn's cup breaking.

The world was dark and his head hurt. The pounding was relentless and black shapes swam across his vision, occasionally accompanied by a voice. Moments ago he could have sworn he heard Aragorn calling to him, but then the words had faded into silence and Legolas surmised that his friend must have either left or been taken away. He was no longer really certain where he was and he did not recognise any of the whirling faces around him, their voices sounded distorted and strange and he was too confused to be able to tell whether their words were evil or benign. He tried not to listen; not to concentrate on whatever the voices were trying to tell him. With a soft sob he curled tighter into himself as more bodies and voices pressed near. Why wouldn't they leave him alone? He began rocking back and forth and concentrated on blocking the voices out.

I saw Legolas curl more tightly into himself as I approached and my words didn't seem to reach him. He began to rock backwards and forwards, murmuring some mantra to himself in Elvish as he did so. My heart almost broke within me and I strained even harder to break through to him, "Legolas, can you hear me? It's Vénea." My words were soft but I couldn't fully hide the pain behind them and Aragorn put a comforting hand on my shoulder, "Meleth-nin?" I almost missed Legolas' words, so softly were they spoken. Hope flaring up within me, I moved closer, "Yes! It's me Legolas!" he turned his head slowly towards me, uncurling slightly, "Truly?" he questioned me, almost as if he was looking for confirmation of his thoughts. This time I did not answer directly, but moved closer and gave a soft nod of my head, "Yes, Legolas. We were married his very day at sunrise. It was a beautiful morning…" as I continued talking Legolas uncurled himself slowly. By the time I was done his legs were straight out in front of him. For a time neither of us spoke. It was Aragorn who disturbed the peace, "Legolas, I think it is time you retired for the night, nin-mellon." He spoke softly but Legolas jumped at the sound of his voice, slowly Legolas nodded slowly and looked at Aragorn as if seeing him for the first time. "Aragorn," he murmured, "I thought you had left." Aragorn gave a soft smile and rested his hand reassuringly on Legolas' shoulder. "I am going nowhere, my friend," he promised quietly and locked the elf into a tight one-armed embrace. "Come," I said, rising to my feet, careful to give the two friends several minutes of peace before my interruption. Aragorn released his death grip on the elf and pulled Legolas to his feet, steadying him as he did so. With care, he placed Legolas' arm around my shoulders so that I could support his weight. He quickly departed with Arwen (she had been spared the after-effects of my chocolate cake along with Galadriel, due to their reluctance to put on weight). The two of them promised to sort out the current situation and bid me retire with Legolas, "After all," Aragorn called out as I led Legolas away, "this is our wedding night! Arwen and I will be up shortly!" I smiled gently at their retreating forms, silently wishing this hadn't happened and we could all have had a normal wedding night. Not likely! I gave a sigh and began to lead Legolas the long way up the stairs and along to our chamber. The bed was bedecked with roses (another Elven tradition) and I detached Legolas from my grip, leaving him leant lightly against the wall, while I brushed all the petals I could reach away in annoyance. When I finished my task and turned around I noticed that Legolas had slid down the wall and was hunched at the bottom clutching his head. I felt mild alarm rise up in my stomach as I crouched down next to him, "Gwiil hervenn-nin," I whispered. "Peace my husband, it will be well," he did not respond so I looped my arm under his shoulders once more and pulled him to his feet, elves are notoriously light, (when conscious at least) so this was a very simple matter. Once he was upright I gently prised his hands away from his face and, placing one hand on the side of his face I redirected his gaze so he was forced to stare me in the eyes. His eyes shone unnaturally bright and I even I could recognise the beginnings of a fever in them, "What did they do to you while I wasn't looking, meleth-nin?" I questioned softly, thinking Legolas was still too out of it to understand my words. I was rather taken aback, then, when I heard him reply with a soft laugh, "Nothing I did not do to myself! Foolish of me, I know…" he tried to stand free from the wall, but fell back with a short gasp. I pushed him firmly back against the wall. "There will be no walking around until I say it is well that you do so," I told him, hoping for once he would heed my words. He looked up at me saucily, the start of a cheeky grin on his face, "Is that an order?" I gave him a soft shove, even in his fevered eyes I could see the salacious look. "How can you even think of things like that at a time like this? You are in no fit shape and well you know it." Though my words were firm, I could feel the beginnings of a smile of my own begin to spread. Sighing in mock annoyance I hoisted him to his feet and he wisely decided to lean on me as I guided him to the bed. Gently I deposited him on the side and sat next to him, pushing him back until his head rested against the pillows. His grin remained and he looked about himself in mock disappointment, "What, no roses?" I gave him another shove and leant closer, "Legolas" I said, somehow managing to turn the word into a snarl. He just grinned at me and I sat back throwing up my arms in frustration, "What am I to do with you?" I questioned no one in particular, "I don't know," he replied, "Love me, kiss me, never leave me?" I rolled my eyes, "That I can do, but first you need to rest." I reached for the mug on the table next to the bed, "I asked Lord Elrond to make you this, in case of emergencies. It will help you sleep." He looked at the proffered mug in disgust, "If you think I will drink that, then-" I cut him off with a glare and he ceased speaking to glare at me reproachfully. I leaned closer with the mug and helped him sit up a little way, tilting the cup to his lips. Reflexively his arm came up to grip mine and he took a small sip of the liquid, wincing as it burned down his throat. He looked at me as if to say, 'Is that enough? Can I stop now?' I raised one eyebrow in silent reply, 'What do you think?' Reluctantly, he took a longer drink. I did not let up until the entire mug was dry. He eased his head back down onto the pillows and closed his eyes, "This was not how I envisioned spending my wedding night." He said wearily as the drug took effect. "I gave a laugh, "Nor I!" I replied," But there is always another night." I slid onto the bed next to him, curling my body around his, his slender hand finding mine. I leaned my head close until my cheek rested against his and began to sing softly,

Lay down

Your sweet and weary head

Night is falling

You have come to journey's end

Sleep now

Dream of the ones who came before

They are calling

From across a different shore

Why do you weep?

What are these tears upon your face?

Soon you will see

All of your fears will pass away

Safe in my arms

You're only sleeping

What can you see

On the horizon?

Why do the white gulls call?

Across the sea

A pale moon rises

The ships have come

To carry you home

And all will turn to silver glass

A light on the water

All souls pass

Hope fades

In to the world of night

Through shadows falling

Out of memory and time

Don't say

We have come now to the end

White shores are calling

You and I will meet again

And you'll be here in my arms

Just sleeping

Across the sea

A pale moon rises

The ships have come

To carry you home

And all will turn to silver glass

A light on the water

Grey ships pass

Into the West

When I finished I noticed that Legolas' breathing was fully relaxed and I brushed back the stray locks of hair from his face to make sure he was completely out. His sleep was deep, attested to by his closed eyelids, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Gently I pulled my arm out from underneath him and kissed him gently on the forehead, much as Aragorn had done, "I will return meleth-nin," I whispered softly into his ear, "Sleep now and be well in the morning." With those parting words I padded softly to the door and pressed it carefully closed behind me. I turned my already weary body towards the main hall. Now that Legolas was safe and resting I could turn my attention back to the situation in the hall. As I made my way there I mentally prepared myself for the sight I feared I would see.

Lord Elrond had been called away at the beginning of the meal, before he had chance to see the surprise Vénea had prepared. He hurried back, hoping he was not too late to see whatever it was, but stopped dead in his tracks as he pushed open the huge wooden doors that lead into the main hall. Elves were everywhere; hanging from the tapestries and chasing each other relentlessly round and round in circles. They were obviously mad, or at least that was Elrond's first diagnosis. Until he saw the two elves in the corner currently attacking each other with bread baguettes from the buffet table, "ELLADAN! ELROHIR!" he bellowed, "What have you done?" The baguettes were instantly dropped by the two guilty elves and they turned to face their father, "It wasn't us, Father!" They both spoke at once and Elrond noticed something was affecting them also: maybe they weren't to blame. That left only one other option. "ARAGORN!" Aragorn appeared from one of the side-chambers skidding to a halt breathlessly in front of his father, "It wasn't me!" he cried in protest, before racing off to separate Elladan and Elrohir who had resumed their bread-fight during Elrond's lapse in attention. "It was her!" he cried pointing as Vénea raced into the room on Aragorn's heels. She paused just long enough to shoot Lord Elrond a deceptively innocent, 'I-have-no-idea-what-he's-talking-about!' look, before running to help Aragorn separate the two warring elves. "It was not my fault!" she protested hotly, "I was not to know elves would react this way to a little bit of chocolate!" Elrond was momentarily too stunned for words, "You gave Elves chocolate? Aragorn you should have known better!" At his words Aragorn shot his father a sheepish grin, at the same time Vénea shot him a look of triumph. Elrond sighed and sank his head into his hands as a disagreement erupted between Aragorn and Vénea. "It was not my fault", "Was too!" both momentarily forgetting the bread-armed elves at their back who took advantage of the moment to increase their attack to envelop Aragorn and Vénea in breadcrumbs also. Another human stumbled into the room trying to wrestle a cracker-bearing elf to ground; "Can we discuss the blame later?" He cried desperately as the elf sunk his teeth into his hand and he yelped in pain and annoyance, "Why you cheeky-!" he growled out. Elrond recognised him as Jonath; Aragorn's recently appointed head of the guard. "ENOUGH!" cried Elrond and instantly the hall fell silent, even the hyper elves stopping to pay attention. Taking advantage of the silence Elrond turned to Celboril, "I think we are going to need a lot of tea." He said calmly.

Eventually there was but one elf left uncaught. Here and there about the hall elves lay drugged, as Legolas was, by Lord Elrond's tea. King Thranduil, however, still hung from the tapestries, yelling down at Elrond and I who stood beneath him. "You'll never get me! I'm the King! Ha, ha, ha!" We stood in silence as we gazed up at him. "He has been like this all night, my Lord. I tried for the best part of an hour to talk him down." I said quietly to the forlorn elf next to me. "Then I suppose I will just have to go up and get him," said Lord Elrond with more conviction than I felt he had. Rolling back his sleeves he mounted the tapestry by the tassels and proceeded towards Thranduil's position. As he reached him a tussle occurred and this was too much for the put-upon tapestry, with a wretched ripping noise it broke loose from it's fetters and headed towards the ground at the persuasion of gravity. The tapestry crashed down around me and a solid lump of elf King hit me squarely in the chest, temporarily winding us both. I heard Elrond call out from somewhere under the folds of material, "Quick, get him while he's dazed!" and watched as some of the tea was administered and Thranduil went lax on top of me. I discovered, to my dismay, that elves are very heavy when they're unconscious. As I struggled to free myself Aragorn and Arwen helped Lord Elrond extricate himself, then gathered around me. "We will help free you, Vénea, if you promise never to make that chocolate cake again!" said Aragorn, his eyes twinkling gleefully, though his words held a mock seriousness, I grunted miserably in reply. "What was that Vénea? I didn't hear you." He said leaning closer, "Very well!" I snapped, "Now let me up!" Aragorn laughed as he pulled the King off me and I could breathe once more. I rose to my feet, "Will he be alright?" I questioned as some servants of the King rushed their Monarch away to his chambers, "He'll be fine," said Elrond dismissively with an absent wave of his hand, "although he might wake up with a very bad headache." Aragorn backed away, startled, "I'll be sure to warn Legolas to keep his distance," he murmured. I laughed and Aragorn glanced at me, in mock indignation, "'Tis no laughing matter, Vénea. He's scary when he has a headache." I sobered immediately and Aragorn laughed himself at the look of fear on my face. Arwen patted me gently on the back, "Don't worry, Vénea. I'm sure Legolas will be able to show you all the best places to hide." She and Aragorn departed then and I was left alone with Elrond when a thought struck me, "Have you seen Osellë?" I questioned urgently, "She could still be out there somewhere! I have to find her!" Elrond put a calming hand on my arm. "You will not find her again, Vénea." he said gently with a soft shake of his head, and I turned to face him slowly. "What do you mean?" I asked quietly, fearing his answer, "She has left. Doubtless she will make her reasons known to you. I am sorry," he departed then, and I was alone. Lost in sadness and confusion I know not how I found my way back to my room. My heart was heavy as I slid under the sheets next to the still sleeping Legolas and curled up close. Had I found a husband only to lose my best friend?