A/N: Many thanks to all reviewers including: Hoshimare, utsuri, Pippin, angel, shieldmaidenofmithrilhall, padfoot76, lulu luvs lotr, and Austin B. I appreciate it! Here's the long awaited (for most people at least) chapter! I hope you aren't disappointed, my faithful reviewers. (For best effect, read while listening to ROTK soundtrack: #17. That's how I wrote this chapter.)

Until the End of Time

Arien crept into Fiondra's bedroom, closely followed by Arwen. Wordlessly, they positioned themselves on either side of the bed. Then, simultaneously they shook the slumbering elleth.

"What?" Fiondra exclaimed, waking up immediately. When her two friends burst out laughing, she stared at them blankly. "What is it?"

Still giggling, Arien said, "We've come to kidnap you."

Wryly, Fiondra replied, "If you've forgotten, your cousin has done that once already."

Arwen shook her head and smiled at Fiondra's confused expression. "It's your wedding day. We're taking you to the bridal pool."

"Bridal pool?" Fiondra muttered to herself, still not comprehending.

"Yes, bridal pool," Arien said, pretending to be exasperated. "It's further past the bathing creek. Don't you remember?"

Arwen continued, "It is custom for a bride and her friends to go to the bridal pool on her wedding day. The ellith who are attending to the bride help her relax, using herbs and flowers."

Fiondra finally smiled in recognition. "Of course. I remember my mother explaining that to me long ago, before we left Mirkwood."

"Come; let's go," Arien urged her. "We have a lot to do in a short amount of time."

X X X X X

Fiondra gingerly tested the bubbling water with one foot. "It's warm!" she said in surprise.

"There's a spring underneath the surface. It's warm every day," Arien explained.

"Then why don't we use it normally?" Fiondra asked, lowering her body into the water.

"It's too far away and small for everyone to use," Arien replied. "Now relax. We'll treat your hair for you."

Fiondra watched as Arwen sprinkled nicely scented herbs and flower petals on top of the water. After letting them soak for a few minutes, Arwen began to massage a cool lotion into Fiondra's scalp. When that had been rinsed out of the glistening waves of hair, Arwen rubbed Fiondra's head briskly with a soft cloth. Then the elleth quickly brushed Fiondra's hair.

"How should I arrange it?" Arien asked Arwen.

"Leave it down for the most part," the queen replied. "Perhaps a couple of twists from above her ears pulled to the back into one."

Arien agreed and nimbly twisted the brown locks. "Done!" she pronounced in a satisfied voice. "Now you must get out of the water."

"But it feels so good," Fiondra complained.

"That it may, but there is still much to do before the ceremony," Arwen reminded her.

"All right," Fiondra sighed. She climbed out of the water while her friends averted their eyes. The elleth felt her skin tingle in the cool air and quickly put her clothing back on. "I'm ready," Fiondra told Arien and Arwen.

"Good," Arien replied. "Now you have to put on your wedding gown. Let us return to your house." That said, Arien led the way at a brisk pace. Arwen and Fiondra scurried to catch up with her.

X X X X X

Gimli sat back and smiled at the chaos in front of him. Legolas was in an uncharacteristic flurry, partially brought on by his father. Thranduil had asked his son, "Have you sent Fiondra her gift yet?"

The younger ellon, who had been in the proceedings of fastening his tunic, stopped abruptly. "W-What?" he stuttered.

Thranduil groaned and shook his head. "How could you possibly forget all of our customs?" he asked his son.

Legolas protested, "There are so many. I cannot remember each of them."

"Could you at least remember a few?" Thranduil cried. "Regardless of your memory loss, I assumed that you would forget that an ellon is supposed to give his bride some sort of gift on their wedding day. That is why I took care of it for you."

Legolas gave him a puzzled look. "What did you get Fiondra and why do I have to get her something?"

Thranduil replied sarcastically, "You get her a gift to show her that you didn't forget to get her one." When Legolas tossed him a withering glance, the king laughed. "Actually, it's to reassure her that you still want to marry her and to ensure that she will still want to marry you."

Aragorn came into the room as Thranduil was finishing his explanation. "What's going on?" he asked.

"Ada will not tell me what he got for me to give to Fiondra," Legolas said pointedly, staring at his father.

Thranduil shrugged, "Ion nin, you have not given me a chance to show you." The older ellon crossed over to a small table where a box rested. He picked up the box and opened it saying, "It's a tiara. It shows that Fiondra will be queen one day and she's being made a princess by marrying you."

Legolas looked at the crown. It was similar to his own, but far more feminine. The silver metal was twisted into intricate curves, with a diamond flower bud and emerald leaves placed near the front center of the tiara. "It will suit her," Legolas said approvingly. "Hannon le. Now when am I supposed to give it to her?"

"You don't," Thranduil said.

Legolas gave a sound of confusion. Aragorn chuckled and said, "Even I know that it's bad luck to see the bride before the ceremony, Legolas."

Thranduil nodded. "Exactly. That's why Gimli will take it to Fiondra."

Gimli jumped, having dozed off a few comments before. "What am I doing?" he asked groggily.

Thranduil smiled and placed the box in the dwarf's hands. "Deliver this to Fiondra, with greetings and tidings of love from my son."

Gimli glanced at the box and grinned. "Aye, that I will."

X X X X X

Fiondra carefully slipped into the silken white gown. "Oh Arien…" Fiondra trailed off, tears coming to her eyes.

"Don't cry," Arien exclaimed. "Don't you like it?"

"Of course I do. It's…stunning." Fiondra surveyed herself in the long mirror. The sleeves started flowing down from her elbows, with little slits in the upper arm to show an inner lining of silver. The bodice was fitted tightly across her chest, leaving her neck and shoulders bare, save for Legolas' mother's pendant. The skirt was plain silk with silver embroidering in a vine pattern along the hemline. The small train in the back flowed behind Fiondra, moving with her every turn. On the train was a larger vine pattern coming down vertically from the rounded waistline.

"Legolas will love the way you look in that dress," Arwen said. "He'll be speechless."

Someone pounded at the door. "I'll see who it is," Arien told Fiondra. "You stay here and put your slippers on." Leaving the bedroom, Arien walked into the hall and opened the front door. She found Gimli waiting with a box in his hands. "Hello Gimli!" she greeted him.

"Hello Lady Arien," the dwarf replied. "I've a gift here from Legolas for Fiondra."

Arien looked delighted. "Wonderful! I'll tell her that you're here. Won't you sit down?"

Gimli shook his head. "I'm in a bit of a hurry to get ready for the wedding." Arien nodded in understanding and hurried down the hall to fetch Fiondra.

Fiondra walked out shyly, glowing amidst the splendor of her wedding gown. "Hello Gimli," she said warmly to the dwarf.

"Lass, you look beautiful," Gimli said in return. He watched like a proud father as she rotated to show him the entire dress. When she was again facing him, he handed her the box. "Legolas sends this to you with 'greetings and tidings of love.'"

Fiondra smiled at him and raised an eyebrow. She took the box, saying, "That does not sound like something Legolas would say."

"You're right; it was his father," Gimli answered with a shrug. "Legolas is too anxious to think straight right now. But I'm sure you already know how much he truly cares for you."

Fiondra smiled and opened the box in her hands. "Indeed I do." She lifted the tiara out of the chest and half gasped, half sighed. "It's lovely! Arien, Arwen…Come look."

The ellith rushed to see the gift. "Oohh…" Arien gushed. "How thoughtful."

"Yes," Arwen agreed. "Since you will now be a princess until King Thranduil leaves for Valinor."

"That's right," Fiondra murmured. "I'd forgotten."

"Here; let me help you," Arwen said, taking the crown from Fiondra's hands. She put it on the elleth's head and carefully adjusted it.

Fiondra peered into the mirror. The single jeweled flower on the tiara rested in the center of her forehead, giving her face a look of serenity and royalty.

Fiondra wiped away at a teardrop on her face and gave Gimli a watery smile. "Thank Legolas for me, please. And extend the thanks to Thranduil, for I am sure he had some part in this gift."

Gimli nodded and accepted a kiss on the cheek. Gruffly he said, "I will see you later, lass. Try to relax." He left the house, heading for the palace.

"Well." Fiondra sinned to face her friends. "It is almost time to leave what else is there to do?"

X X X X X

Thranduil watched his son pace nervously under the birch tree arbor. "You are sure she was pleased with the gift?" Legolas asked Gimli for the third time.

"Aye," the dwarf uttered, giving a bit of shine to his axe with his clean tunic.

"Calm yourself Legolas," AglarsÎr said. "Everything will be fine."

"Easy for you to say," Legolas muttered. "You aren't the one getting married."

"But I did get married," Aragorn put in. "My wedding to Arwen went smoothly. And as you can see, we're still married."

Legolas let out his breath noisily. "I suppose you're right. Now, how do I look?"

Thranduil went over to his son. "You look well enough. Although, if you were wearing robes instead of a tunic and breeches…"

"Ada…" Legolas warned.

"Ah, no matter." Thranduil shrugged. "We had best take our seats now. Calm down, and do not forget the vows."

"I won't. I stayed up all night memorizing them," Legolas said in return. The impatient bridegroom searched the crowd. AglarsÎr sat next to Arien, and Aragorn was seated near Arwen. That means Fiondra is nearby.His eyes next passed over the elves of Lothlorien and Rivendell, then the hobbits and Gandalf. And in the very back was…Alqua?

Puzzled, Legolas strode to where Alqua sat, accompanied by her two guards. "What are you doing here?" he asked somewhat harshly.

"I was invited," the elleth said simply. Alqua was thinner and paler than when he had last seen her. But thanks to his betrothed, Alqua was clean and clothed in a dress that he had seen Fiondra sewing not too long ago.

Legolas looked to the ellyn guarding Alqua for confirmation and received it. "I suppose it is all right," the prince said grudgingly. "Do not cause any trouble though, for you will be sent back to your prison."

"I understand Highness," was her reply. Legolas walked away, fairly discomfited. Not once had Alqua looked him in the eye, nor had she insulted or cursed him.

But I'm still not ready to forgive her. Not yet. He headed back under the arch of trees. An older ellon was waiting there, presumably the elder who would conduct the ceremony. Legolas grinned nervously at him and received a grave nod in return.

Legolas' attention was diverted as music started to play. The simple flute melody floated through the air, accompanied by a human instrument that Legolas recognized as a violin. The lilting notes gave way to a stirring behind the guests. Shyly Fiondra stepped out, holding a bouquet of white lilacs and roses.

Legolas watched as his bride took small, graceful steps toward him. Her eyes never left his. Eru, she is breathtaking. Shards of light filtered through the papery leaves, causing the gems on Fiondra to sparkle, along with the tears on her face. She is a vision. This is all just a happy dream. Legolas blinked twice, but his bride kept coming to him. Fiondra reached him and placed her slender hand in his muscular one.

The ellon, who had been silently watching Fiondra's procession, placed his hands on their shoulders and spoke to the audience. "Friends, we are gathered in these woods to see this our Prince joined to this young elleth to the end of their existence. Let them now recite their vows and pledge themselves to each other for all eternity."

The couple turned to face one another. Legolas spoke in a strong voice. "As the healer cares for the ill, so I will care for you. As the fortress protects its people, so I will protect you. As the elves honor the Valar, so I will honor you. As rain gives life to the land, so I will give children to you. And as Beren loved Lúthien, so I will love you."

In turn, Fiondra said gently, "As the moon follows the sun, so I will follow you. As the sun warms the air, so I will warm you. As the elves honor the Valar, so I will honor you. As the soil gives life to new plants, so I will bear children for you. And as Lúthien loved Beren, so I will love you."

"These souls have fervently joined their lives together," the ellon proclaimed. "Let them now give of themselves in the marriage braid." He handed Legolas a silver dagger.

Legolas handled the knife with ease and carefully cut off a small lock of Fiondra's chestnut hair that had been bound with a piece of ribbon for this purpose. Legolas then gave the dagger to Fiondra, who cautiously cut through his tied piece of blonde hair. Fiondra gave the dagger back to the old elf.

The ellon took the 'love locks' from the couple and twisted them around a stick stripped of its bark. "These elves have physically joined a part of themselves to each other and to the earth. This symbol of their love shall be placed in their home to serve as a constant reminder of their vows to each other." He raised the braid in the air.

Legolas moved to kiss his bride. "Not yet, young one," the ellon hissed under his breath. Louder he said, "Now, the final marriage blessing." Legolas and Fiondra knelt before the ellon as he slowly said, "Live, for the one you love. Give, for the one you love. And love, unconditionally, faithfully, truly." The couple stood and murmured assent. "I declare these two elves one." The ellon finally cracked a smile and said in an aside to Legolas, "That's your cue to kiss your wife."

Legolas readily took the hint and lowered his mouth to Fiondra's. The husband and wife clung to each other as their family and friends clamored to their feet and cheered.

Arien wiped at her eyes furiously and then gave up when AglarsÎr pulled her to his side. Thranduil beamed at his son and new daughter, while Gimli tried nonchalantly to get the lump out of his throat. Aragorn smiled at his wife and placed a kiss on her forehead. The hobbits hooted and clapped wildly, while most of the elves merely smiled and quietly applauded.

The newlywed couple finished their kiss and turned to the crowd. Legolas wrapped his arm around Fiondra's waist and grinned. Fiondra gave their guests a tearful smile and then looked up at Legolas mischievously. He glanced down at her, grinning, and took her hand. They began running past their friends for the palace, Legolas carrying the love braid and Fiondra holding her skirts and bouquet in one hand.

The guests calmly followed the bride and groom back to the palace for the wedding feast. As tradition dictated, each brought a gift of some sort for the couple.

Legolas and Fiondra sat together at the head of the banquet hall. Each guest came up to them and presented their gift. The couple received each being warmly, and graciously accepted the many gifts.

Aragorn and Arwen presented their gift first. "We thought you might appreciate some dishes of your own," Arwen said in her soft voice. "So we brought you these." She waved her hand at a set of gleaming silver dishes.

"We have other gifts too," Aragorn added. "Eomer sent you a foal from the bloodline of the Mearas. He, (the colt, not Eomer) is in the stables."

Legolas grinned at his friend. "That was overly generous of him, but I cannot deny that I appreciate it."

Aragorn nodded in agreement. "Faramir and Éowyn wanted to be here but are watching over Minas Tirith for me. Faramir sent this book of love sonnets that he wrote for the two of you."

"How kind of him," Fiondra said. "I look forward to reading them with Legolas." She smiled up at her husband and then looked back to Aragorn and Arwen. "You have our deepest thanks, my friends."

The man and his elf wife walked away to their table. Elrond followed his daughter and her husband, handing Fiondra a thick book written in Elvish. "It is all that I know of plants and their uses, and where they can be found," the solemn elf explained.

Legolas took the book from his bride and flipped through the pages. He came to a plant that was mainly used for fertility. "Do you have so little faith in me, my Lord Elrond?" Legolas asked, cracking a grin.

Fiondra swatted him, blushing, but Elrond merely smiled and rolled his eyes. "I do not doubt your virility or eagerness, Legolas," the older ellon sighed. "I simply wanted to include all the knowledge that I have."

Legolas laughed and thanked him. Elrond kissed Fiondra on the cheek and moved away.

Following Elrond were Celeborn and Galadriel. They carried nothing. Celeborn told them, "Our gift are the bedclothes for your marriage bed. We have given them to your servants so that they may be put to use."

Galadriel added calmly, "There is also a nightgown for you, Fiondra. Although you probably will not need it for long, knowing Legolas."

Fiondra's face flamed. To save her from further embarrassment, Legolas hurriedly said, "Thank you, hir nin ar hiril nin. The gifts are greatly appreciated."

Celeborn and Galadriel glided away, and Thranduil came after them. "My gift coincides with theirs," he started. "Those bedclothes will be used in a new suite of rooms." As Legolas opened his mouth to speak, Thranduil continued with a wry grin. "No ion nin. They are not even remotely close to my rooms."

"Hannon le, Ada," Legolas said, embracing his father.

Tentatively, Fiondra repeated Legolas. "Hannon le…Ada."

Thranduil beamed happily and accepted a kiss from Fiondra. The king walked away looking pleased with himself and Gandalf took his place.

"I suppose my gift goes with both of the previous two," the wizard said slowly. "An old acquaintance of mine carved an intricate loveseat for me to give the two of you."

"What is a 'loveseat'?" Fiondra asked him.

"It is a special chair large enough for two, but not for three. I imagine it has been placed in your new home already."

They thanked him and turned to AglarsÎr and Arien who were waiting patiently.

"You're wearing my gift," Arien said lightly, "But AglarsÎr has something he made for you." She nudged the ellon next to her and he sheepishly handed Fiondra a piece of parchment.

Fiondra gasped in delight and showed it to Legolas. It was a portrait that AglarsÎr had drawn of Fiondra and Legolas. "It's wonderful!" Fiondra exclaimed cradling the picture gently. "So detailed…"

"I had forgotten that you liked to sketch, mellon nin. This will have a place of honor in one of our rooms. Hannon le." Legolas clasped AglarsÎr's shoulder as Fiondra hugged Arien, and then watched the pair walk away.

"Is it my turn?" Gimli asked. "Here." The dwarf pressed a pair of matching belts into the hands of the newlywed couple. Each was silver set with beryl gemstones, but Fiondra's was more delicate than the masculine belt made for Legolas.

Fiondra examined hers in pleasure and then asked Gimli, "Are these of your making?"

"Aye," he replied. "I have been in Mirkwood for some time now. I became friends with those elf jewelers."

"They are beautiful. Thank you." Fiondra dropped a kiss on the dwarf's cheek and then Gimli rushed to a table bedecked with food.

"Hello!" Pippin said cheerily. He handed a book to Fiondra and told her, "It's a book of recipes I've collected for some of my favorite dishes. There are some of some especially good ones for mushrooms and —."

Merry pushed the other hobbit aside. "He'd go on all day if you let him," he said, looking at Pippin with a mixture of disappointment and amusement. Pippin shrugged and Merry continued. "In the Shire, each couple as they are wed receive a marriage plaque. So I made one for you two."

Fiondra took the woodcarving from him and traced her fingers over her name and Legolas', their wedding date, and the hearts and vines placed about it.

"Thank you Merry," Legolas said. "And Pippin," he added quickly, glancing at the indignant halfling. "I am sure we will enjoy both."

The cousins moved toward the food, bickering over which gift Fiondra had liked better. Fiondra shook her head, laughing, and then smiled at the next guests. "Hello Elanor!" she cried, reaching out to hold the child.

Rosie handed over Elanor, who cooed happily. As Fiondra bounced the giggling baby, Sam presented his gift to Legolas. "It's not much," the amiable hobbit said apologetically. "It's just some plant from my garden. Oh, and some seeds in case you want more."

"It's very generous of you Sam," Legolas said to the hobbit whose round face relaxed considerably.

"Yes," Fiondra agreed, tugging her hair out of Elanor's fist. "Now I will be able to widen my knowledge of plants using your gift and Lord Elrond's book. Thank you so much."

Sam took his daughter from Fiondra and then led Rosie to a seat near Merry and Pippin.

Ending the line of gift-givers, was Frodo, along with his Uncle Bilbo. "I have nothing but a blessing for you both!" Bilbo cried, somewhat eccentrically. "May your marriage be happy, and of children have many, may your home be filled with love, and of pipeweed have plenty!"

Fiondra stifled a giggle, while Legolas soberly thanked the old hobbit. Bilbo hobbled away, and Frodo gave Legolas a thin book. As the two elves rifled through it, Frodo explained, "It's my memories of the Fellowship during the short time in which we were together. I thought you might like to have them to remember me, and the rest by."

Legolas stared into the depths of Frodo's blue eyes, not sure what he meant by his last comment. Then, knowingly he replied, "I would, my friend. Now I shall always have a part of the Fellowship to keep with me forever. You have my thanks."

To break the serious mood, Fiondra chimed, "And I will be able to read things that perhaps Legolas hasn't told me about!"

Frodo laughed and gave them a little bow. Then he too went to eat.

A group of servants came over to remove the wedding gifts the royal couple's bedchamber. Legolas stood and addressed those eating. "My beautiful bride and I are grateful to each of you for sharing this day with us, and for your thoughtful gifts." The ellon paused for a moment to gaze at Fiondra's shining eyes. He forced himself to look away and continued, "After you are done with your food, there shall be music and dancing."

Cheers from the crowd mingled with a joyful tune. "That was quick," a surprised Fiondra said.

Legolas glanced about the room and noticed his father and some other males headed toward his new wife. Hastily he turned to her and asked, "Would you care to dance?"

Fiondra smiled and gave him her hand. Legolas led her to the floor and twirled her gracefully through the steps of a common dance. "Were you afraid to surrender me to someone else?" Fiondra called to her husband above the din of the room.

"Of course," Legolas replied. "I haven't been married to you for that long!"

The dance ended and Legolas felt a tap on the arm. "May I?" Thranduil asked, without waiting for an answer. The king had danced away with Fiondra before Legolas had even opened his mouth to reply.

Reluctantly, the elf sat down in his chair, resigning himself to watching his friends dance with his wife. Legolas sat in silence, occasionally talking to a guest. The ellon started chuckling when Merry and Pippin began to dance with Fiondra.

The two halflings were showing Fiondra the steps of a traditional hobbit dance. The elleth was laughing as her feet nimbly moved through the dance. Merry and Pippin held her hands and corrected her when she stumbled.

The song ended and Fiondra gave Merry and Pippin each a friendly kiss. The hobbits pleaded for another dance, but the bride protested. "I need a rest!" she cried. "Perhaps later."

Leaving the cousins, Fiondra moved toward Legolas, but was stopped by AglarsÎr. "My Lady," he began, "There is someone who wishes to speak with you." At her nod, the ellon led her to where Alqua sat in the background with her two guards.

"You have my congratulations," the elleth said sadly. "And my deepest apologies."

Fiondra hid her look of surprise. "And you have my thanks, Lady Alqua. You already have my forgiveness."

"I know. For that I am grateful," Alqua replied. She stood, her guards rising with her. "I will leave now, and soon I will leave Middle Earth with King Thranduil. I would like to leave knowing that someday I might serve you."

Fiondra smiled kindly. "I'd like that." Alqua swept a low curtsy and exited the room with her fair head held high. Fiondra was pleased to note that the elleth had the same dignified stance that she had had before Midsummer.

Fiondra turned to head to Legolas but again, halfway across the room, she was stopped, this time by Arien. "Are you feeling all right?" her friend asked anxiously.

Confused, Fiondra replied, "Never better. Why do you ask?"

Arien glanced around and then whispered, "Soon you'll be leaving and then you and Legolas will…" The elleth gestured suggestively and finished. "…Officially become elf and wife."

Fiondra felt her face grow flushed. "How do you know?" she asked accusingly.

"I can see how impatient Legolas is becoming." Arien shrugged. "You should go to him."

Exasperated, Fiondra exclaimed, "I'm trying to!" She shook her head and went to leave her friend, but Arien spoke again.

"Oh, and AglarsÎr asked me to marry him."

Fiondra gaped at her and then recovered. "That's wonderful news! When?" she said, while hugging the other elleth.

"A couple of hours ago," Arien said blushing. "There's just one thing that's bothering me."

"What's that?" Fiondra wondered.

Arien replied quietly, "AglarsÎr wants to leave for the Undying Lands with Legolas' father. I do not wish to leave you."

"I give you my blessing to leave with him," Fiondra told her. "In fact, I insist that you leave. Some day we will meet again. I would rather know that you are happy living with AglarsÎr, than miserable living without him. Besides, we have some time left together."

Arien was weeping silently and the two ellith embraced. "Look at us," Arien sniffed. "A fine pair we are. It's your wedding day. You should be rejoicing, not crying over my departure. Go to your husband. He is waiting for you."

Fiondra hugged Arien one more time, and after being waved away, finally reached Legolas. "Hello meleth nin," she greeted him.

"I'm guessing Arien told you her news," Legolas said gently, wiping a tear off of Fiondra's cheekbone. "AglarsÎr asked me not to announce it just yet."

"Why does he want to leave?" Fiondra asked him.

"He wants to start over. The problems he had with Alqua are too suffocating to him here. AglarsÎr wants to have a new life with Arien in Valinor," Legolas said woefully.

"I will miss her," Fiondra said carefully, trying not to cry again.

"I know, meleth nin," Legolas murmured, pulling her close to his side. "But you will see her again someday. I promise."

Thranduil came up to the pair as they were holding each other. Glancing around the room, he said, "Ion nin, the guests are satisfied. Now would be a good time for you to get away."

Legolas stared at him. Finally a look of recognition passed over his face. "Ah, I see." Thranduil rolled his eyes and walked away from the couple.

Legolas quickly asked Fiondra, "Are you ready to leave?"

Fiondra took a deep breath and then released it. Now I'm nervous. "Yes. I'm ready," she decided.

Legolas grinned. "Good," he said. He swept her into his arms so that she rested comfortably against his chest. She stared at him and he covered her gaping mouth with his lips. "Now to make our escape," the ellon whispered into Fiondra's ear.

She wrapped her arms around his neck and held tight. Legolas started to stride out of the hall toward their new rooms. "How do you know where to go?" Fiondra asked.

"Ada directed me earlier, while you were dancing with Gimli," Legolas said in a hushed tone. He reached the door and tried to get out unnoticed.

He did not succeed. Baby Elanor had sighted Fiondra and let out a shriek of delight. All heads turned toward the couple and cheers again erupted. "Eru," Legolas muttered. He stiffly waved at the crowd and Fiondra shyly waved as well.

"Let's go," she whispered. "Set me down."

Legolas did as she asked and then hand in hand they ran amidst catcalls and well-wishes.

Legolas led the way down a maze of hallways until they finally came to a room a near the back of the palace. "Wait," he told Fiondra. Again he picked her up, one arm under her knees, and another at the small of her back. Then he carried her into the room. "Welcome home," he said softly.

Fiondra kissed him on the lips and he kissed her back more passionately. "I'm ready," she moaned.

"Are you sure?" Legolas asked hesitantly.

"Yes." She looked him in the eyes. "Im meleth le."

"Yes. And I will love you," he answered, carrying her into the bedroom. He shut the door with his foot. "Until the end of time."

At last, fear and hate were erased, and hope and love took their place.

X X X X X

All translations are in previous chapters. If you're still confused, drop me a review.

A/N: That's not the end of the story! There's still more. I hope you liked the wedding; let me know. Hannon le, everyone.