Chapter 18

Invitation

Two years passed and I couldn't have been happier. Legolas and I were still together and very happy. We still had our little group of friends and we'd just received an invitation to Kili and Tauriel's wedding. I was very excited to be going, I missed my friends there. We were leaving in two days and I was of course making Haldir come with us. But then, if Estelwen was going then he would be too.

On the morning we were to leave, Galadriel came to me.

"Jupiter."

I turned and smiled at her.

"I'll be back soon, I promise."

She smiled and took my hands.

"I had a dress made for you. None shall see your scars and you will beautiful. You are going to a wedding after all."

I nodded but I still didn't know about wearing a dress.

"And then, there is this."

She held out a small wooden box and I smiled.

"When you came home, two years ago, I found this as we were unloading your horse. You were very upset and I did not know if you were ready for it. Your uncle must have put it in the bag. It belonged to your mother. Your real mother."

I slowly opened the box and saw a sort of tiara inside.

"This is the headdress she wore when she married your father. It is yours now."

She handed the box to Gloradir and then took the headdress. She slowly put it on my head and smiled.

"You look just like her. Except your eyes, you have Elros' eyes. You look beautiful my dear."

I smiled happily and Gloradir nodded in agreement. I put it back on the box and then held onto it tightly.

"Thank you."

"Now you go and have a wonderful time. Be careful."

I nodded and put the box safely in my bag. I mounted the horse and Haldir, Estelwen and Legolas rode up to us. Gloradir got on his horse and I looked at Galadriel. Celeborn had now joined her.

"I'll be back soon and I'll be careful."

They nodded and waved goodbye as we left. I looked at my friends.

"Let's agree to not let orcs sneak up on us this trip okay?"

They all agreed and I smiled. It was only a three day ride to the mountain but it was still dangerous. When I could see Dale I galloped forward. I guessed my horse knew I was excited because she went faster than ever. I laughed as she jumped over the obstacles in her way. We rode into Dale and I stopped my horse.

"It is Jupiter!" someone said.

I smiled and my friends caught up to me. Bard soon came and I smiled. Tilda had gotten taller and so had Bain. I hugged them all and they smiled.

"It has been too long. I take it you are here for the wedding?"

"Yes, and to visit. Look at you Bain. You look just like your father. You've become handsome young man."

He seemed very proud of himself. Sigrid came and I smiled at her and Tilda.

"Look how beautiful you two are. Tilda you're so grown up, and Sigrid, more beautiful than last I saw you."

They both smiled and I looked at Bard.

"I'm always happy to see how good you're family's doing."

He smiled and looked at his children.

"It is like you said, sometimes I can still feel my wife with me. Helping us and guiding us."

I smiled and put my hand on his shoulder.

"She'll always be there."

He nodded and Legolas touched my arm.

"Perhaps we should let Tauriel know we have arrived."

"Of course. I'll be back soon."

Legolas and I left and our friends stayed behind. Haldir wasn't too fond of going to Erebor after last time. He would for the wedding of course but until then he said no. Legolas and I rode to the gates and the dwarves gave us a warm welcome as always. Fili greeted me with a smile and a hug. He shook Legolas' hand and I smiled. I was glad they got along.

"Will you be staying in Dale with Bard? You are always welcome to stay here, and the prince here as well."

"Yes we will be staying in Dale, but thank for the offer your majesty."

"Oh please, call me Fili."

I smiled.

"Alright Fili, do you know where Tauriel and Kili are?"

"I believe Tauriel was with the seamstress and Kili went out for a walk. They should both be back soon. However, Jupe, I can take you to Tauriel and the prince is welcome to come with me anywhere he wishes."

I smiled and looked at Legolas.

"Is that alright with you? I'll come find you with Tauriel when she's done."

He nodded and I smiled. I gave him a kiss and then left. I knew the mountain well enough by now.

Legolas' POV

I watched her walk away and smiled.

"Love."

I looked at Fili.

"Pardon?"

"You love her. Kili still gives Tauriel those looks. Have you told her yet?"

I shook my head.

"You need to. I can see she loves you."

I smiled a bit.

"I have to find the right moment. But you are right my lord….I love her."

"Call me Fili. Perhaps the right time will be sooner than you think." He said.

I looked at him and saw a twinkle in his eye. I smirked and shook my head.

"Ah! So you have finally arrived!"

I smiled and turned. Kili walked forward with a large smile on his face.

"I am happy you could make it. Tauriel will be very pleased. Where has Jupe gone off to?"

"To Tauriel. I would have gone too, but she was with the seamstress apparently. Of course we came, Jupiter and I would never miss it. We brought our little group of friends as well, I hope you do not mind."

"Not at all. I am trying to strengthen our relationship with the elves. And I think that Tauriel marrying Kili is a great step forward. Although, I am uncertain what will happen between my kingdom and your father's." Fili told me.

"I think Jupiter may have helped with that. She…put my father in his place, so to speak. He has changed a great deal."

"Only Jupe would be able to accomplish such a thing."

I nodded and smiled.

"She has finally found a place she can call home. And people she can call parents."

"So she found her family!?"

"Well, in a manner of speaking."

"How about we have a drink and you can tell us all about it." Kili suggested.

I nodded with a smile and we walked off. I told them everything that had happened and they looked happy and sad at the same time.

"I hate to hear she lost her parents, but I am very happy she has people who love her and treat her like a daughter. Jupe deserves the best." Kili said.

Fili nodded in agreement and then Jupiter and Tauriel found us. I smiled at Tauriel and stood up.

"Tauriel, mellon nin. Mae govannen."

I hugged her and then looked at her.

"You look lovely."

"Hannon le mellon nin."

I heard Jupiter laugh and I looked at her. She truly was beautiful, inside and out. It made me realize how much I really loved her. I had to tell her, but I knew it was not the right time.