disclaimer: don't own it if you recognize it, wish i did ;) everything else is mine. don't sue if you don't want my pocket of lint

longivity101: thanks for the review! i'll try to keep posting regularly. i'm about half-way through what i already have written, so i'll have to actually continue writing soon.

BB: thanks! yeppers, leggy will adjust and so will Linilya, though it might take a little longer than planned.

Legolaslover: thanks for the review! i'm trying. once i actually have to start writing again, the updates might take a little longer, but they'll be there.

Chapter 7 - this chapter is a flashback, so please don't get confused!

"Lady Elenayave, there is a note and some roses here for you on the table!" Elaren exclaimed.

Elenayave rushed out of the dressing room, the maids running behind her, trying to fix her hair. Her gown billowed out behind her in soft waves of material. The gown was full length, falling all the way to the floor. It was made of softest silk, embroidered carefully with golden stitches in leaf shaped patterns. It possessed no sleeves, but instead ruffled out just below her shoulders. The reverse side of the dress laced up the back and sides, leaving most of the skin there bare. The bodice was tight and clingy, hugging the gentle curves of her body. The gown billowed out slightly at the bottom, swishing with the gentle breeze that swept through the room. Her red curls were pulled part way up into a twist, though some loose tendrils drifted in her face. Little white flowers were woven in the fine strands, and a silver tiara, wrought into the shapes of leaves and flowers sat askew atop her head.

Elenayave picked up the note and read it to herself, instantly recognizing the slanted writing as Legolas's hand.

Dearest Elenayave,

We've finally made it here, love. I can't wait to see you this afternoon. I know you'll be beautiful, as usual. And what's more, the anticipation of tonight is already getting to me. I want you so badly, I can't stand to be apart from you. I had nothing else but you on my mind this morn, so I decided to gather some of Naneth's roses for you (all of them are the one's you deemed your favorite). As you know, they are also being used in the decorations in the glade. Well, Ada is nagging me to begin preparing, so I must leave this letter and have it delivered. I love you so much and I cannot wait to make you mine.

With all the love I possess,

I remain yours,

Legolas

Elenayave felt the tears stream down her cheek. She smiled weakly at first, and then broke out into silly fits of giggles. It was such a cute, touching note, she didn't know what to feel.

"My lady, whatever is the matter with you? What did the note say?"

"It's from Legolas," she replied giddily.

"Is the wedding off?" one of the maids asked, concerned.

"Nay! He can't wait," Elenayave giggled again, and the maids rolled their eyes. They'd been putting up with the girl's silliness all morning. She'd been flitting around most of the time, a bundle of nervous energy and anxiety. She was extremely giddy, which was most unusual for her, and the silliness was driving them all mad.

"Sit down, Elenayave," Winara commanded gently. Winara had been working in the kitchens in the Wood for a long time. After Queen Leniia had died, she had helped to raise Legolas. She was a kindly woman, but was rather blunt and brusque, and surprisingly, possessed a rather large amount of control over the Greenleaf men. She played the mother hen role in the palace, keeping most everyone in line.

Winara knew the girl was excited. Who wouldn't be? She was marrying the Prince, for Valar's sake. A prince, that as far as anyone could tell, had never shown real interest in maidens, and was now settling down with a beautiful she-elf from the Dell. She wasn't from a prominent family or from a line of kings. She was a soldier's daughter, and a renowned soldier at that. The prince was 2500 years old, well past the age at which most Elves married. It wasn't every day a wedding like this occurred in the Wood. In fact, such a grand ceremony hadn't been held in Mirkwood since Legolas's coronation on his 100th birthday.

Elenayave's hair was finally finished and she was allowed to stand. She picked up the roses and inhaled deeply.

"Aren't they beautiful?" she questioned dreamily.

"Aye, Elena. And you are done. Now, please do not mess up your hair. Legolas would have my head if you were late for your wedding," Elaren declared. "So I won't have you doing it!"

"You look just like Leniia did," Winara said softly, a smile touching the corners of her lips. "So beautiful, so regal. Her cheeks all flushed from giggling uncontrollably. She couldn't wait to marry Thranduil. Her eyes werejust dancing with laughter. So pure and loving. She'd be so proud to see her little boy wed you."

"Come now, Winara. Now is not the time to get all teary-eyed," Elenayave murmured, attempting to keep her composure. "I don't want to go out there looking like I just witnessed a death or something of the like."

"True," Winara mused, dabbing her eyes with the edge of her sleeve.

"Listen!" one of the younger maids cried out. "The music! It's beginning!"

"Aiya! I'm not ready!" Elenayave exclaimed, hearing the soft music start to filter into the room.

"You're as ready as you'll ever be," Winara stated calmly, resting her hand on the girl's shoulder. "Now, here's your flowers, make sure you smile, you know what you're supposed to say, and look beautiful. Simple."

"What if I forget something?"

"You won't, child. Come on now. We're going to be late."

Winara gently pushed Elenayave out the door and into the halls. They soon found their way outside into the bright shining sun. It was a beautiful day, not a cloud in sight, and the vibrant blue sky made for perfect weather. Winara led her along the level path through the woods. Elenayave could feel her heart pounding wildly inside her chest, and her breathing instantly slowed, so she could calm down.

Her father came slowly into sight, and she rushed to him, throwing her arms around his neck.

"Where have you been, Elena?" he questioned, slightly breathless. "The ceremony's already started!"

"I'm sorry, Ada. I was nervous," Elenayave stated, letting Winara off the hook.

"Are you ready?" he asked.

"Yes, Ada. I'm ready," she answered smiling.

"You look stunning," Arcollo whispered, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "I wish your mother could be here."

"She is, Ada. She's watching," Elenayave said. She looked out into the glade, and her color drained. There were so many people! She looped her arm gently inside her father's and sighed. "I can't believe this is happening."

"Just wait until Legolas sees you," Arcollo murmured. "He'll think he's died and gone to Mandos."

Elenayave giggled softly and cuddled against her father's side. "I love you, Ada."

Arcollo smiled and nodded, keeping to his usual ways. He rarely told her he loved her, but both of them knew it was true. Inside, he was a mess. He was giving his little girl away to someone on the other side of Arda. Anytime he wanted to see her, he'd have to ride for at least two weeks. Why couldn't Legolas live in the Dell? But he also knew, this is what he had wanted for Elenayave, and that Legolas would be good to her. So this is how it would be.

Elenayave tugged gently on his arm, telling him it was time to go. He smiled at her once more, then started their long walk to the two Elves standing at the other end of the glade.

Elenayave looked around as she walked next to her father. Everyone stood as the two walked by, and many people offered whispered congratulations as they passed. There were several floral archways, laced with roses, lilies, and ivy made especially for the wedding. Numerous vases lined the path also filled with sweet scented flowers. Elenayave smiled, inhaling the fresh scent. She raised her eyes to the front and her heart stopped.

There stood Legolas, as handsome and as majestic as ever. He wore a soft white tunic with intricate gold threading and white leggings. Instead of his usual black boots, he'd replaced them for white buckskin boots, and a matching belt hung at his waist. In representation of his warrior status, his long knives were slung in his belt. His golden hair was pulled back in an elaborate plait and his piercing eyes shone brightly as they rested on her. A small, satisfied smile crept over his features, and she felt herself smile back.

Arcollo led her to the bottom of the stairs and waited. Legolas stepped down lightly and offered a bow in respect. Arcollo embraced Elenayave for a brief moment, then released her. He shared a firm handshake with Legolas and then smiled. He gently placed Elenayave's hand in Legolas's and stepped back.

"Take care of my little girl," he whispered to Legolas. Legolas gave a soft nod and took Elenayave up the stairs to stand by his side. Thranduil, Legolas's father, gave both the Elves a warm smile, and then began the opening words to the ceremony.

Thranduil was dressed in his normal robes, though a little more grand than usual. His voice carried clearly in the balmy summer air, and the people stood silently, absorbing the sacred words. Thranduil, in attempts to level off his tension, kept his voice even and steady.

Legolas visibly was not paying attention to the words his father was speaking, but was more closely focused on Elenayave. He gazed at her lovingly, a beautiful smile covering his angelic face. He glanced over her, taking in her full appearance, and then gave a slight nod of approval only she could see.

"You look exquisite," he whispered, his soft voice carrying only to her ears. The words floated around in her brain, happily filing everything else away to be remembered later. If he kept going like this, both of them would forget their vows.

Thranduil's words were soon completely lost to the two lovers, as they stood silently, gazing at one another. The ceremony carried on as tradition had seen it done hundreds of times before. Only when Legolas slipped a ring on her finger, did Elenayave realize the observance was almost complete. The ring was solid gold and set with several smaller diamonds around the main one. On the inside, was inscribed the date, the letters forever reminding her of her promise.

Legolas knelt down before his father, and Elenayave followed suit. Bowing their heads, they knelt quietly as the ritual part of the ceremony began. Arcollo stepped up beside Elenayave with a thin silver cord that was tightly woven. Thranduil stood next to his son with another. Together, they looped the cords around their children's arms, ending with a single knot. The cords symbolized the life the two would live and the bond they would share. Keeping the knot intact, Legolas and Elenayave stood, ready to finish the rite. Thranduil softly urged Legolas to begin the vows.

Legolas met Elenayave's eyes and smiled. In his soft, flowing voice, he began, "Tell me of thy love, and your greatest dreams I'll make come true. Tell me thy heart is mine to cherish and keep until the end of days and the sun sets on my life. I swear and bind myself to thee till death take me and our love is sundered"

Elenayave sniffed softly before beginning her discourse, and she offered him a wavering smile as her eyes teared up. "I swear to be constant to thee, until the end of days. My love will remain for you in all circumstances, in all places, in darkness and in light. I am yours in heart and mind, and I bind myself to thee till death take me and our love is sundered"

Thranduil smiled kindly and spoke again. "In conclusion of this most revered event," he said, glancing at Legolas, then continued, "you may kiss the bride."

Legolas grinned cheekily and pulled Elenayave lovingly into his grasp. His lips met hers softly at first, then he deepened the kiss, slowly slipping his tongue into her mouth. The congregation of Elves applauded joyfully in the joining of the two. Finally, they separated, and Legolas rested his forehead on hers, their noses softly nuzzling the other.

"I love you," Legolas whispered.

"I love you too, you silly Elf," she replied, pulling him down for another kiss. Several catcalls and whistles from Legolas's friends sounded from the far end of the glade where the guard stood. Elenayave grinned and buried her face in his shoulder, giggling like a little girl. She didn't think she'd ever been so happy.

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