(A/N-the dialogue in italics is where Elvish is being spoken)
Chapter Thirty Two-Vous Étés Mon Coeur
The week in Lórien was spent in a whirl of fittings for the dress I was to wear to Arwen's wedding, getting to know all about the woodland realm, and in meetings with Elrond, Celeborn and Galadriel. The meetings were mostly about how to implement my long-term plans to stabilise Arda with new diplomatic ties, economic treaties and my model of an Arda United Nations. Elrond advised the Elves would not be able to oversee the total implementation as they were leaving for Aman, but Celeborn thought that there would be enough Elves to see the project through the first rough stages and ensure that mortals would be entrenched enough to make it last. While the ideas I had were quite detailed, the plans had to be customized to the current situation in Arda. That was the hardest part. I had been tutored in the history of Arda, as Erestor felt it would assist me with the language lessons, but I wasn't familiar enough with the idiosyncrasies of each people. We needed to work together to make the plan feasible and ensure its success. Every night as I staggered home from the long meetings, Glorfindel would often carry me through the door and put me on the bed to rest before we had to go to dinner.
I became quite friendly with Galadriel as she, Arwen and I conspired about Arwen's wedding. I explained what a wedding was like on Earth, and gave them the formal and informal traditional vows, as well as what preceded the actual wedding. Galadriel loved the idea of having bridal showers, so one evening I found myself dragging Arwen to a surprise bridal shower put on by Galadriel. Even though I had given Arwen a bachelorette party back in April, Galadriel wanted to spice up the party a bit and gave Arwen some marital 'aids'. All the ellith that attended had a good time and Galadriel advised that my home had some great traditions. She even got the gift bag right. I told her she could be a party planner in L.A. as her gift bags were highly desirable. She had included lovely jewelled hair ornaments, a soft silk wrap and little jars of perfumed soap.
The day before we were to leave to go to Minas Tirith, I was stuck in all day meetings with Glorfindel conspicuously absent. Elrond and Celeborn had advised me that he was with Haldir, ensuring the security measures were implemented for the trip. This had happened before we left Imladris and Eryn Lasgalen, so I wasn't too surprised. By mid-afternoon, we broke off for the day and Galadriel took me in hand.
"Come with me. It is your last night in Lórien and I think you should make it a memorable one," she smiled and dragged me off to the bathing pools.
There, she had a few of her attendants to assist me with the bath. I felt a bit awkward having these lovely ellith see me naked and scarred, while their bodies were the epitome of perfection; but Galadriel softened the blow by joking with me and ensuring my comfort by getting into the bath with me. We spent an hour getting pampered, perfumed and softened up so our skin was like 'buttah'. Then Galadriel brought out the loveliest dress I had ever seen. It was a warm ivory coloured silk, with a stunning décolleté, not revealing too much, but giving just a glimpse. It had gold thread intricately embroidered on the cuffs, waist, neckline and hem. The sleeves were three-quarter length, fitted to the elbow, with a drooping bell falling a good couple of feet. The back was made with a gold cord corset tie. Galadriel instructed her attendants to help me into the dress. I stood aghast.
"Oh my lady, surely this could not be meant for me?" I couldn't believe my eyes or ears.
"Yes Karyn. While you were getting measured for Arwen's wedding, I had this made up for you. It is my gift for your bonding," she smiled.
It was poor manners to refuse a gift from an elf, but I felt I hadn't done anything to deserve such a beautiful garment, and I didn't feel I could do it justice.
Galadriel nodded, "You will wear the dress and you will be beautiful in it."
I was helped into the dress and some soft shoes to match were put on my feet. My hair was fixed with a thick fall of loose curls down my back and then Galadriel put a sparkling jewel on a delicate chain around my neck.
"Part of my gift," she explained, "You look lovely. Now come with me. I have a surprise for you." Galadriel took my arm and off we walked into the woods.
We walked for almost three-quarters of an hour before Galadriel stopped and pulled a scarf out of her pocket.
"I am just going to blindfold you for a short bit, as I do not want you to see the surprise," she said, tying the scarf over my eyes. I couldn't see anything but my feet, and I felt a momentary surge of panic as I remembered the last time I had been blindfolded. "Do not fear this Karyn. I will not harm you, nor will I allow any harm to befall you in my realm. Be at peace," Galadriel soothed.
We walked for another fifteen minutes, with Galadriel ensuring I didn't hurt myself and talking to me calmly the entire way. When we stopped again, I felt a large presence all around me and wondered what Galadriel had up her sleeve. I felt her remove the blind after she told me to keep my eyes closed.
"Open your eyes," she said softly.
I opened them and saw Arwen standing before me, a wide smile on her face. She held a long piece of intricately woven lace attached to a small circlet in the same material as my ring. All around us stood a huge number of the Elves in Lórien and the entire contingent from Imladris. They stood creating an aisle up to some ancient ruins, where I saw Glorfindel and Elrond standing. Arwen attached the lace and circlet to my head and took my hand.
"This is all for you," she whispered, "Lord Glorfindel planned it with Grandmother and I."
I was aghast, too shocked to reply. I had no idea how this had gotten past me.
Galadriel smiled, "I kept you from seeing our true intentions. I hope you are not angry."
"No, of course not. Is this a wedding?" I wasn't quite sure what was going on.
"Yes," Arwen laughed, "Grandmother is giving you away and Grandfather is officiating. We have been careful to ensure this is just like a wedding at your home."
I felt tears begin to prick at my eyes, "Thank you. Thank you so much."
Arwen and Galadriel laughed and hugged me. Arwen handed me a small bouquet of woodland flowers and nodded to some musicians standing away from the crowd. She stood in front of me and then I heard music start up, a light tune, almost baroque in nature. She walked slowly up the aisle, as Galadriel took my arm and patted my hand reassuringly.
"It is your wedding day. Enjoy this time," she smiled.
Arwen had reached the top of the aisle and stood across from Glorfindel. I looked up at him and saw his eyes fill with tears and that started mine going. A big fat tear rolled down my cheek as I walked up the aisle with Galadriel. I saw Haldir and his brothers standing by the aisle along with a host of other wardens, all wearing their best garb. Celeborn stepped out from behind Glorfindel and watched me walk up the aisle with a big smile on his face. He held a small sheet of parchment on his hand and patted Glorfindel on the shoulder. Galadriel and I finally made it to the top of the aisle, and the music stopped.
"Who gives this woman to be wed?" Celeborn asked formally.
"I do," Galadriel responded.
"You may step forward," Celeborn instructed as Galadriel stepped back to the edge of the aisle.
Glorfindel took my hands in his and looked into my eyes.
"We are gathered here today to witness the joining of this ellon and this woman as husband and wife. Are there any who would not see this union take place?" Celeborn looked over the gathered crowd for a moment, and when none spoke, he continued. "Marriage is a solemn bond, not to be undertaken lightly. These two people are joined in love and spirit, as Eru deemed. We are here to witness their commitment to each other and help them in their walk as husband and wife." Celeborn turned to me, "Do you Karyn take this ellon Glorfindel to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," I said with conviction.
Celeborn turned to Glorfindel, who was looking at me with every ounce of love he possessed. "Do you Glorfindel, take this woman Karyn to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish for as long as you both shall live?"
"I do," Glorfindel spoke loudly with a smile spreading across his face.
"May I have the rings please," Celeborn instructed.
I looked startled when I felt Arwen touch my arm, holding a silvery ring in her palm. Arwen traded my bouquet for the ring. Glorfindel took a ring from Elrond and turned back to me.
"Karyn, please repeat after me," Celeborn instructed. I took Glorfindel's ring hand and placed the ring on the end of his finger. "I Karyn, take thee Glorfindel," he said.
"I Karyn, take thee Glorfindel," I repeated.
"As my lawfully wed husband," he prompted.
"As my lawfully wed husband," I repeated.
"From this day forward," he said.
"From this day forward," I repeated.
"Forever and always," he finished.
"Forever and always," I looked into Glorfindel's eyes and smiled as I slid the ring completely onto his finger. I heard a gasp and saw both Arwen and Galadriel in tears.
Glorfindel took my hand and place the ring on the tip of my finger. My heart swelled and I couldn't believe I was getting a traditional wedding in Arda of all places.
Celeborn started again, "I Glorfindel, take thee Karyn."
"I Glorfindel, take thee Karyn."
"As my lawfully wed wife," Celeborn continued.
"As my lawfully wed wife," a tear streaked down his cheek. I wiped it away with my thumb.
"From this day forward."
"From this day forward," he repeated.
"Forever and always," Celeborn finished.
"Forever and always," Glorfindel looked like I felt as he slid the ring all the way on.
"By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you ellon and wife," Celeborn said proudly, "You may kiss your bride."
Glorfindel grinned and took me into his arms and kissed me deeply. I heard polite applause and saw everyone smiling at us when we finished our kiss.
"May I present to you Glorfindel and Karyn, husband and wife," Celeborn pronounced loudly and a cheer went up from the crowd. Music started up and Glorfindel took my hand and began to walk down the aisle. Haldir and the other wardens raised their swords, putting them together in an arch for us to cross under. When we reached the bottom of the aisle we turned and saw Arwen walking behind us with Elrond, and Galadriel arm in arm with Celeborn. Glorfindel pulled me close and kissed me again.
"Did you find this up to Earth standards?" he asked, eyes twinkling.
"I can't believe you pulled this off. Thank you so much. Have I told you lately that I love you?" I hugged him close.
"Yes, this morning. But you can say it whenever you like," he instructed.
Galadriel came up behind us, "Now, now. You will have time for that later. Now is the time to feast!"
Glorfindel took my arm and led me past the ruins to an open glade, where long tables had been set up and Elves waited for us to be seated. Once we all had been seated, the Elves who had been waiting for us began to serve the dinner. A plate of roast chicken, steamed vegetables and roasted potatoes was placed before me.
"This is what you said is traditional correct?" Glorfindel asked.
"Yes, it is a usual choice for wedding suppers," I agreed.
"Good. I wanted this to be perfect for you," he softly told me.
"I couldn't have done it better myself," I assured him.
We ate and talked. Galadriel looked upon us with a smile pasted on her face. I looked over at her and mouthed 'thank you'. She waved it off and just continued to grin.
After the meal a small table was set up near the head table and a large tiered cake was brought out and placed on it. I looked at Glorfindel in shock.
"You didn't miss a thing, did you?" I asked dumbfounded.
"Well, one thing. We do not have what you call photographers, so you will only have a wedding portrait to remind you of our day," Glorfindel admitted.
"It is still perfect. Thank you melamin," I kissed his hand.
We got up and walked over to the cake. Glorfindel picked up the knife and I placed my hand on his, as we cut into the cake. Everyone must've been prompted, as applause broke out when Glorfindel and I fed each other the pieces. It was a traditional fruitcake with the fondant icing. I had no idea how the kitchen staff figured that out, as I hadn't given anyone the recipe and I didn't know if what I had said was enough to figure it out.
Arwen cried out, "It is time to toss the bouquet!"
I laughed as I picked up the flowers Arwen had given me at the start of the ceremony. "Okay, all the unmarried ellith to the front please," I called.
Arwen was one of the first at the front. "Hey, you're getting married in less than a month," I chided her.
"I can use all the luck I can get," she retorted.
I watched all the ellith gather before me, and then I turned around, took a deep swing and tossed the bouquet over my shoulder. I heard screams of delight as I turned to see Arwen diving for the bouquet along with several other females. There was a small scuffle before Arwen stood holding the bouquet up triumphantly. I laughed and watched her take it apart, giving each ellith who had come up to the front a flower.
"It is only fair," she explained to me. I nodded.
We heard music start up and Glorfindel led me to an open area to start off the dancing. Once we were underway, Galadriel and Celeborn joined us along with Arwen and Elrond. Soon the dance floor was filled with Elves all enjoying the evening. Torches were placed along the edges of the glade and were lit when the sun set and it became too dark to enjoy the ambience. We danced late into the evening and before midnight, Celeborn called the festivities to an end, and Glorfindel and I were escorted back to the city with Haldir and his brothers as our guards. Galadriel and Celeborn followed us with Arwen and Elrond trailing behind. When we got to our talan, Haldir saluted us smartly and led his brothers away. His brothers smiled and winked at us before they disappeared from view. Glorfindel swept me up into his arms and carried me across the threshold.
"Have I completed this day correctly?" he asked as he swung me around to close the door.
"You still have to make love to me, to seal our vows," I advised.
"We must not forget to seal our vows," Glorfindel agreed, and carried me off into the bedroom.
We made love until the early hours of the morning, before we fell asleep in each others arms. The best day I had ever had in my life.
Melamin-my love (informal)