Chapter 43
Legolas's POV
So I was listening to music while I wrote the last chapter and right when I was writing the birth, Dare You To Move by Swtichfoot came on. How creepy is that?
Aragorn and I waited beside the entrance for my father to arrive. Aragorn had sent one of his men to ride to Mirkwood and give word that Eruanna had been born. My father, Dínendal, and Alassë had returned to start rebuilding Mirkwood with the remaining elves. Adette and I planned on returning to Mirkwood once Aragorn and Arwen had married and after Adette felt well enough to travel.
"I have not seen a better looking babe mellon." Aragorn said once his lips left his pipe. He had been using it more and more with the upcoming wedding. I suspected he would be using it a lot that day – for the next day was the wedding.
"She is beautiful isn't she?" I smiled dreamily, gazing off into the distance. "With my ears."
"And Adette's hair."
I sighed and sat down on the steps beside Aragorn. The day after Eruanna was born, others were permitted to visit: Lord Elrond, Aragorn, Arwen, the healers, and the midwives. The midwives declared that the bleeding had fully stopped but that any sudden movement could reopen wounds and they would bleed again and so Adette was put on bed rest.
Arwen had spoken the same words as Aragorn after seeing Eruanna. She said that her eyes were the loveliest shade of blue and hoped that they would remain that way.
"Tomorrow then." I said suddenly, turning towards Aragorn.
"Yes, tomorrow." He nodded, clearing his throat. "Do you think that I can do this Legolas?"
"Aragorn, mín garo lammen nia hé. Le míl Arwen a he míls le." I reassured him softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. I gripped it firmly and shook him. "You will feel better once it is over and done with. Im ber."
(Aragorn, we have spoken about this. You love Arwen and she loves you.)(I promise.)
"I realize now that it was easier to tell Adette not to be nervous. Now I know why she felt nervous."
"I am sure Arwen feels just as nervous." I let go of him as he laughed tiredly.
"Baw, al Arwen. Arwen is too strong a woman for that. I am sure she is very confident in herself, and I am sure that she is feeling absolutely set on this."
(No, not Arwen.)
Just as I was about to disagree with Aragorn further, I heard the horses approaching. Aragorn and I stood, dusting ourselves off as the horses came into view. The messenger rode beside my father, who I could see had brought Tathar along. When they dismounted, Tathar hesitantly came towards me.
"Prince Legolas," he bowed his head, "forgive me. I feel both ashamed and embarrassed that I did not follow my king or my prince. Please accept my apology."
"I cannot bear grudges during this joyous time Tathar. Lift your head and be forgiven." I said simply. He did as he was told, the gratitude clear on his face.
"Enough of this, I wish to see my grandchild." My father said sternly, although a smile was spread across his features. This caused me to smile as well.
"I will go and make sure Adette is decent. Aragorn, will you bring my father to our room?"
"Yes, go on." Aragorn nodded, patting my back before I left. "Hannon lee Legolas."
(Thank you Legolas.)
I turned and walked through the trees, remembering the walk I had taken that day the fate of the Ring had been decided. Such troubles that had raced through my mind that day, through all of our minds. Now it was all behind us, and we were able to go on living.
Once I had reached the door leading in to the bedroom, I could hear Adette singing and stopped to listen.
"A Bereth thar Ennui Aeair. Calad ammen i reniar, mi 'aladhremmin ennorath. A Elbereth Gilthoniel, I chin a thûl lín míriel-" Her voice cut off suddenly.
(Oh Queen beyond the Western Seas. Oh light to us that wander, amid the tree-woven lands of Middle Earth. Oh Elebereth Star-kindler, your eyes and breath like shining jewels-)
I opened the door and saw that she was standing up beside the bed, cradling Eruanna in her arms. I could hear her crying softly but they were slowly dying down. Adette saw me at once and I raised an eyebrow.
"You are supposed to be bedridden Adette." I moved swiftly to her side and coaxed her into bed. She hissed when she bent at the waist and slowly settled beneath the covers. "It takes many days to fully recover from childbirth."
"I couldn't stand it anymore." She protested.
"Idh Adette. Nin adar-"
(Rest Adette. My father-)
"Is here." My father finished the sentence for me. I turned around to see him and Aragorn entering the room. They waited near the door while I turned back around to Adette. When she reached out to hand Eruanna to me she hissed again.
"Gently dúlinn, gently." I murmured, taking Eruanna from her arms. I looked down at her, seeing that she had fallen asleep from Adette's singing. Even now I was still awe struck each time I gazed down at her. She was my daughter. I nearly burst with love when I watched her yawn softly.
"Adette do not strain yourself." Aragorn said suddenly, walking to the bed. While he dealt with Adette, I went to my father.
"Father," I looked away from the sleeping infant and saw him looking at her with the same unbelieving eyes, "this is Eruanna."
He took her carefully from me. I watched as he held the small bundle in his large arms, looking down at her. He seemed fixated on the baby and I could not help the overwhelming feeling growing within me. It was the same feeling I felt when I watched Adette breastfeeding Eruanna. A feeling of such love and happiness that seemed to wash through my entire body from the tips of my ears to my toes.
"Aenil. A dilthen aenil." He whispered after many moments of silence. He then looked up to meet my eyes, a grin on his face. "Lín law a lún hends a Adette's dold fin."
(Angel. A little angel.)(Your ears and blue eyes and Adette's dark hair.)
"I hope she has Adette's voice as well." I said quietly, turning to see Aragorn helping Adette up from the bed. "Adette?"
"I have to use the bathroom." She said in an annoyed tone. Aragorn chuckled as he helped her into the bathroom, emerging seconds later to wait until she had finished.
"When we return to Mirkwood, we will announce the child." My father told me before handing Eruanna back to me. His eyes lingered on her face for a moment more before he looked away. "Would you mind if I retired to my room?"
"Of course not." I answered, laying Eruanna in the cradle at the foot of the bed so that I could see my father out. I opened the door for him and he laid a hand on my shoulder.
"I am happy for you and Adette my son."
"Thank you father." I closed the door behind him and turned as Aragorn was helping Adette back into bed. He pulled the covers up to her waist, waiting for her to lie back. She continued to sit up against the pillows.
"Le thír nim Adette. Glenno na haust." I tried to move her so that she would lie back but she grabbed my wrists.
(You look pale Adette. Go to bed.)
"He's right Adette you do look rather pale. You should sleep or you will be too tired to attend the wedding tomorrow." Aragorn told her.
"You two need to stop babying me. I am fine." She let go of me and sighed, lying back against the pillows. "I am not even tired."
"Alright dúlinn, you don't have to sleep." I tucked the covers further around her. I watched as her eyelids began to droop, trying to conceal the smile that wanted to break free. "Stay awake as long as you want."
"I will." She said groggily, her head tipping to one side as sleep claimed her. Aragorn and I both laughed quietly.
"I hope Eruanna does not argue like her mother."
As twilight descended, I was reminded of my wedding. A pink ribbon surrounded the light blue sky that had swept over top of the previous sky. The same glow was emitted by the lanterns hanging in the trees and from the torches that lined the way towards the altar. It had been set before the pavilion where a violet colored sheet was spread to guide the way. The guests stood on either side of it, some holding small candles in their hands.
The baby had been earlier then we expected and so Adette did not need the dress altered to fit her pregnant belly after all. Arwen had indeed made a good choice for Adette's dress. The dress was colored a deep purple, the bodice made of a shinier material. The straps were thin, the neckline grazing just above where her breasts began. The back of the dress dipped slightly with a bit of lace holding it together. She wore her hair down but had gold ribbons tied into the messy curls and waves.
Arwen had also had a tunic made for me to wear. It was made of gold velvet with a stand-up collar and double-full sleeves trimmed in metallic braid. I guess Arwen thought it was cute to have Adette and I match. I wore my hair down but did not braid it the way I usually did. I simply left it alone.
Eámanë was left to watch Eruanna while we attended the wedding. We were reluctant to leave our daughter but trusted Eámanë with her.
Adette and I waited beneath the archway until the harp began to play. I had offered to carry her down the aisle but she had threatened to do what she had done to me that day in Mirkwood forest and so I did not argue. Instead, she linked her arm through mine as we slowly made our way towards the altar. Most of her weight leaned on me for I knew she was still tired.
Aragorn was waiting there looking just as nervous as I had on my wedding. He wore a blue vest bearing his crest, embroidered in silver. Beneath it he wore a long sleeve, navy blue shirt with gold cuffs. His breeches were of the same navy blue and were lined in silver. On his head was the same crown Gandalf had placed on his head what seemed like so long ago. He was wringing his hands, rubbing them red.
As we came towards the altar I helped Adette to sit down in the chair waiting for her. When she was situated I went to Aragorn's side.
"Calm down mellon." I whispered in his ear. He nodded but he tensed up further when Lord Elrond appeared with Arwen beneath the archway.
Arwen looked just as lovely as she always did and I could see Adette's jaw drop when she neared us. Her dress was made of a thin material and was traditionally white. Gold designs surrounded the long, flowing sleeves and the neckline. Her hair was pulled up into a bun on the top of her head, surrounded by a small, golden tiara.
Lord Elrond left his daughter's side and stood in front of her and Aragorn as he took her hand in his. They looked into each other's eyes before turning themselves towards Lord Elrond.
"Friends, we come together this evening to witness the joining of this couple. Before the couple may take their vows and become one, if there is any reason these two should not wed then you will speak now or forever hold your tongue." Lord Elrond did not even look away from them, knowing that no one would object. "Aragorn, pledge your love to the Lady Arwen, that she may know your intentions are true."
"Arwen, I promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I promise to love and to cherish you for all the rest of my days." Aragorn now sounded confident in himself, gazing into Arwen's eyes.
"And Arwen, pledge your love to King Aragorn, that he may know your intentions are true."
"Aragorn, I too promise to be true to you in good times and in bad, in sickness and in health. I promise to love and to cherish you for all the rest of your days." Arwen's voice did not waver even when she said 'for all the rest of your days'. I knew that that part of the pledge had been hard for me to say.
"Now that your intentions are known to be pure, I will ask that the rings be exchanged."
Aragorn first took Arwen's slim hand into his, gently sliding the band onto her finger without taking his eyes from hers.
"I take you as my wife." He whispered.
Arwen then slipped Aragorn's band onto his finger.
"I take you as my husband."
"I will now restate the love you have proclaimed here this night. If you agree then reply with, 'we do'." Lord Elrond then took Aragorn and Arwen's right hands and placed them against one another's. "Do you promise to love each other through good times and bad?"
"We do."
"Do you promise to love each other through sickness and health?"
"We do."
"Do you promise to love and cherish each other until the end of your days?"
"We do."
"Then I join you both in holy matrimony. You may now kiss your bride." Once the words had been said, Aragorn and Arwen moved forward and kissed each other deeply as the applause and the cheers echoed through the garden.