Disclaimer: It's been so long, but no, I own nothing... durrr!

A/N: The real A/N is after the chappie, YES! There is a chapter

To my reviewers: I am so sorry.
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Hail the Conquering Heros!

Chapter Seven: The Wedding- Part Two

Niamh opened her eyes and frowned at the sun. She pulled the covers back over her head and snuggled into the warmth of her bed. A second later she was out of bed and running down the hall. She peered into Orophin's room to find it empty. She pattered on down the hall and found him in the kitchen, staring into a cup of water.

"Orophin?" He looked up quickly. Niamh didn't quiet recognize the emotion on his face. "Is something wrong? You are never awake this early."

"I was just thinking."

"What about?"

"Today."

"It's a lovely day," Niamh said while opening the windows. "See the sunshine? Today is a blessed day for a wedding. Do you want me to make breakfast? I can do it, I'm big enough!"

"No, sit and talk with me." Niamh sat across from him and watched him with wide eyes.

"What shall we talk about?"

"Oh, I do not know... The weather?"

"I just said there was sunshine? What more? Um... It's not too windy. I see no clouds..."

"How about your lessons?"

"Oh, they are getting along just fine. When can I start learning how to use a bow?"

"Let's not speak about that... How about..."

"Will you two be quiet?" Rumil asked, walking into the room. He sat down and laid his head on the table, perhaps he didn't get enough sleep. "Orophin, you're nervous. Just be quiet and stop working yourself up."

"Easy for you to say, I am the one getting married."

"And I'll be glad of it, this place may be more quiet." Haldir added as he also walked in. They all sat around the table, looking at one another. All were thinking of how tomorrow there would only be three people there. Niamh started moving around the kitchen, readying breakfast.

"You three should go wash. We have to look our best today."

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"Niamh!" Rumil shouted down the hall. She came running and gave him a questioning look.

"Yes?"

"Where are my shoes?"

"In your closet."

"Yet... they aren't." Niamh frowned and bent down, trying to see better.

"So they are not here."

"I just said that. Where are they?"

"Why would I know? They are your shoes after all." Rumil sighed and left the room, trying to locate his shoes. In one hour the ceremony would begin, and they were not ready. Niamh was already dressed, her hair combed, her shoes on. She sat down on a chair by the front door and waited for the others, if that would ever happen. Haldir came in first and sat down before getting back up and pacing the room. Niamh feared he would wear a path in the wood. Next was Rumil, who looked rather pale. He went outside, needing air. Orophin came in, visibly shaking. Niamh stood and took his hand.

"Come on brother. Your happy bride waits." He smiled softly and let her lead him outside.

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Niamh shifted her weight from one foot to the other. She didn't quite understand what was going on. She new it was a type of wedding ceremony, but the elvish sounded different. Orophin was standing next to Annarimma, while Rumil and Haldir were at their brother's side. Niamh entertained herself by watching the butterflies flutter past. It truly was a beautiful day. She just wanted the celebration that came afterwards to start. Niamh knew a multitude of food had been prepared. And she had barely eaten all day. Her attention was turned back to the ceremony itself, which seemed to be ending. She saw Orophin kiss Annarimma and everyone cheered. This meant it was time for food right? Brilthor, her ever present teacher, tugged on her elbow.

"Come, now we feast." Niamh eyes lit up and her stomach growled. Food sounded rather nice.

"Did you enjoy the ceremony Niamh?"

"I suppose. I didn't really understand it." Brilthor laughed and squeezed her hand.

"Well, we could begin studying that in our lessons. Would you like that?"

"Maybe." Brilthor led her to one of the many tables laden with food. Niamh's eyes lit up at the sight of all the sweets. Haldir really never saw the need to keep any in their home, so she always snuck some from other places. Nibbling on cake, Niamh watched as the many people at the celebration gave their wishes to the new couple. She assumed it was because of Orophin's personality and Annarimma's sweetness that so many people attended. The sight of Lord Celeborn in front of her startled her so much she dropped her cake.

"Lord Celeborn!"

"Niamh, what did you think of the ceremony?" She quickly reached down to clean up her small mess. When she stood back up her face was glowing red.

"It was nice." Lord Celeborn nodded and looked around the clearing, taking in the festivities around them.

"You know that Haldir is on border patrol starting tomorrow correct?" Niamh nodded and waited for him to continue.

"Well, Rumil will be taking Orophin's place."

"Why?"

"So... Orophin can enjoy his first few days of married life in peace."

"What about me?" Lord Celeborn smiled and motioned for someone to come over. Niamh struggled to keep the smile on her face as Indis, a seamstress walked over.

"Indis was wonderfully agreed to watch you for the week that they are gone." Niamh bit her lip and nodded slightly to the tall elf in front of her. Indis was by no account her favorite elf in Lothlorien. On the contrary, they had a slight dislike for each other, which made Niamh wonder why in the world Indis volunteered to care for her.

"Tomorrow morning, after Haldir and Rumil leave, come over with a few things packed. I will have work for you to do." Niamh nodded and watched as Indis walked off, leaving her to fume.

"Lord Celeborn, I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."

"Both Haldir and Rumil did not want you left alone..."

"Then why can't I stay with Brilthor?" Lord Celeborn simply smiled before walking away, Niamh glaring at his back. She looked up as Rumil placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Having fun?"

"No!" Rumil looked taken aback by the anger in her voice and looked at her seriously.

"Then what is wrong? Is Calandil bothering you again?"

"No! You're leaving me with that... that... wench!" Rumil's face hardened and he turned Niamh to face him.

"It is not your place to speak of someone that way, especially Indis. She has only ever been kind to you. I do not want to hear something like that from you again." Rumil frowned and walked away. Niamh blinked back tears from the harsh and unexpected reprimand. No longer feeling like celebrating, Niamh began the walk back home.

She enjoyed the soft quietness of the woods around her, that grew even stronger as she distanced herself from the festivities. Humming quietly, she began to skip down the path, stopping every few moments to gather flowers. She was adding more flowers to what was becoming a little bouquet when someone jumped out in front of her. Flowers flew into the air as Niamh jumped. Seeing who her attacker was, Niamh frowned and began to gather her flowers again.

"Calandil, why can you not act like a mature elf?" The towering elf laughed, his blonde hair catching in the few streams of light that fell through the trees.

"I should be asking you why you left the celebration so early. Orophin will be wondering where you went."

"Not really, he has a bride to look after now."

"I suppose you are right. Is something troubling you?" Niamh scowled up at Calandil and stood up, having finally gathered all her flowers.

"Besides your presence? The fact that for the next week I will have to stay with Indis." Calandil nodded and sat down on the grass, leaving Niamh on the path. He patted the spot next to him and Niamh reluctantly sat down.

"Well, that is quite a problem. Indis is not the most enjoyable person to be around."

"Finally someone who shares my view." Calandil laughed and began to snatch flowers out of her hands.

"Then... how about Brilthor and I kidnap you as often as possible." Niamh frowned as he stole another flower from her and sighed.

"But she's evil enough to stop you."

"Don't worry, I can be sneaky when the occasion calls for it." He snatched the last few flowers from her hand and quickly climbed onto the branch above them. At that moment Haldir came strolling towards them. His eyes settled on Niamh and he quickened his pace.

"Niamh! Rumil was worried after you ran off."

"I didn't run off, I walked off." Haldir stopped in front of her and pulled her up.

"I hear you know who you will be staying with while we're gone."

"Unfortunately yes." Haldir hid his smile and patted her head. He was startled when flowers began to fall down on them. Glancing up, Haldir spotted Calandil dropping flowers on his head.

"Beautiful night, yes?" Haldir frowned and grabbed Niamh hand, dragging her down the path.

"I expect to see you bright and early Calandil, you shall prepare breakfast for those going on border duty tomorrow."

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Niamh stood next to Calandil and waved goodbye to Haldir and Rumil, who were leaving for patrol. She quickly blinked back tears and looked down.

"Don't worry Niamh, Brilthor and I have plenty of fun planned for you..." He was cut off by another voice calling towards them.

"Not so fast Calandil! Niamh has much work to do today." Niamh glanced fearfully as Indis approached them, while Calandil frowned.

"She's not your slave. Also, she has to go to tutoring lessons."

"We shall see. Come Niamh, you have mending to do." Niamh had to be dragged by Indis to make her move. She looked back at Calandil, giving him a look that plainly said if he didn't save her from the terror, he would be in a lot of trouble.

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I know everyone thought this day would never come, but it has. I have posted a new chapter. Angels break out in song. Well, it isn't as good as it should be, but I'm getting myself back into the story. To do that, I will be adding in a few more chapters of 'young' Niamh, meaning it will longer until she grows some.

Um, I'm not quite sure when exactly the next update will be. I don't mean it will be another year, but I'm writing three other stories right now (Yes, I'm very stupid). But I typed out this chapter rather quickly, which is good. I was having fun getting to know the characters again. Just have patience, please.

I plan to go over and FIX the earlier chapters. I was reading them last night and wanted to bash my head on the keyboard. Lol, so... they will be tweaked but no major changes.

Thank you for you continuing support. It's nice to know you are writing for someone. Well, I guess I shall leave it at that for now... I will be seeing you all soon.

Nenuial