Chapter 32

To the Stars

A month later, when I opened my eyes, I saw Tindomiel, Estelwen and Tauriel there. I groaned and put a pillow over my face.

"None of that little sister. Come, we must get you ready." Tindomiel said.

I sighed but smiled.

Legolas' POV

Jupiter planned for our wedding to be outside under the stars at night. I was not allowed to see Jupiter until that night. Vardamir, Atanaclar and Manwendil kept me company along with Haldir and Gloradir.

"I managed to get a glimpse of her dress. Try to be strong and make it through the ceremony." Atanaclar said.

They all laughed and I smiled a bit.

"Where is the lucky lad!?"

"Kili." I whispered.

He and his brother came around the corner and he smiled.

"There he is! Today is his day to become a man!" Fili said.

I laughed a bit and several elves looked at them strangely. I found the dwarves to be amusing, loyal and trustworthy friends.

"Come and join us my friends." I said.

They came over and sat down.

"How is the lovely bride lads?" Kili asked.

"She is going to look absolutely beautiful." Atanaclar said.

"Well of course she is. She always has been. There is just something about elven women." Kili said.

Fili rolled his eyes and then smacked his brother over the head.

"I am honored you could make it. I know it will make Jupiter very happy."

"We would never miss it. Would we brother?" Kili said.

"Never. Jupiter is as much a part of our family as she is of yours. She saved my life."

"This is a good story." Kili said.

Fili nodded and continued.

"Thorin told Kili and I to scout our the tower. He also told us not to engage if we came across anything. I was a fool and disobeyed. Azog captured me and took me to the top of the tower. He was going to kill me, but Jupiter got to him first. She threw herself at him and we all fell. She grabbed me and then managed to grab a piece of the tower. She saved my life at risk of her own. She did not know me and she owed me nothing. She has a loving heart. You are a lucky man." he said to me.

"Our sister did all that?" Manwendil asked.

"She has done so much more than that. She tried to keep Bolg away from me while I helped my wife. She was strangled at least twice that day."

"Strangled!"

Fili nodded.

"Bolg and his demon father Azog. She ran at Azog when he was about to kill my uncle. She was hitting him and trying everything but he grabbed her by the neck and lifted her off the ground. She was right there when Azog killed Thorin, and she was powerless to stop him. She did everything she could. She still blames herself for his death. I know she does. I have tried to convince her otherwise, but I know it has not helped." Fili said sadly.

We all fell silent. I still remembered that day. I remembered it all too well. If Jupiter talked about it, she never showed her pain. Not unless….

"She was talking to Thorin."

"Pardon?"

They all looked at me.

"Whenever she talks about the war, she makes you believe that it does not affect her. Now I know why she goes to Thorin's tomb whenever she can. She talks to him and lets her feelings about the war show. I think perhaps, she feels that he understands more than anyone else. She goes to Thorin so she will not worry us. He was there with her at the end. She was with him when he died. I think she feels close to him in some way."

Several of them nodded in agreement. There was a sad silence.

"Come now! Today is a day to be celebrated! No more talk of war and death." said Kili.

"He's right. This is a happy day." Vardamir agreed.

I smiled and nodded.

Jupiter's POV

Tindomiel put our mother's headdress on my head.

"Mother would have loved to see this day. You look beautiful Jupiter." she said.

I smiled and stood up. I looked at my sister and friends. I didn't really know what to say. I just hugged them.

"You're the first real family I've ever had. I love you."

Someone knocked on the door and I looked at my oldest brother. His eyes were wide.

"Does she not look like her?"

"She does. A mirror image apart from her eyes."

"What're you talking about?"

"Mother." They both said.

I turned and looked at my reflection. I didn't even know what my real mother looked like. I guessed she looked like me, from what everyone was saying. I looked at Vardamir. I got along with him best, we were a lot alike.

"What is it?"

"I don't even know what she looked like, or dad."

He nodded sadly.

"I know. It is not fair to you. We all wish we could show you what they looked like. And if we could find the painting we would. I promise that you will know one day."

I smiled a little and nodded. He hugged me tightly and then looked at me.

"He is waiting for you."

I smiled but I was very nervous.

"There is no need to be nervous dear sweet sister. Now come."

I took a deep breath and nodded.

Legolas' POV

It was a clear and beautiful night. My father and friends smiled at me. I was nervous and Haldir grasped my shoulder.

"There is no need to be nervous my friend. You are one of the luckiest elves in the…oh my."

I followed his gaze and there was Jupiter. Her eyes were shining like silver stars and her lips were the color of a rose. I could not take my eyes off her. She seemed to be something out of a dream. She smiled at me as she reached me and Vardamir kissed her forehead.

"I want nothing but the best for you. I know you shall be happy with him."

She smiled and hugged him before turning to me. She looked into my eyes with a soft smile. Being the king, my father was the one to marry us. I could not look away from her. When he told me to kiss her, I did not hesitate. Everyone clapped and cheered. Slowly we separated and smiled at each other. I stroked her cheek and kissed her again.

Jupiter's POV

I was finally married. And I wouldn't have married anyone but Legolas. It was without a doubt the happiest night of my life. I danced with Legolas and looked up at the moon.

"Are you happy?" he asked me.

I smiled and laid my head against his chest.

"I've never been happier. And I don't think I've ever seen the stars so bright."

"Perhaps your parents, Thorin and your grandmother made them bright, especially for you. As a gift."

"I miss them so much."

"And you always will, but they will always be with you."

I smiled and nodded.

"Before we go home, I would like to visit Thorin."

"Of course. I understand."

I smiled and kissed him.

"Je'taime." I whispered.

"Amin mela lle."

I smiled and Bard came to me.

"Congratulations Jupiter. I am happy for you. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

"And she shall have it." Legolas said.

"Good. Very good."

They started to talk and a few women came up to me. Two were Helen and Helga. Helga took my hand and then put a beautiful bracelet in it.

"This is absolutely gorgeous. Thank you so much."

"No, thank you Jupiter. You helped me see that I was making a terrible mistake. Thank you."

I hugged her and smiled.

"I'm just glad I could help. And Helen you look lovely. And look at this little one. You're much bigger than last I saw you."

The baby smiled at me and I laughed happily. A young woman came to me with a smile.

"I do not know if you remember me but-"

"Of course I do. Your leg was hurt and I helped you."

She nodded and smiled.

"I am very pleased to see how happy you are. And my mother, you saved her when she was under the wagon."

"Your mother? I didn't know. How are you?"

"Very well my lady, very well. You deserve all this. All our people hold you in very high regard. And I am honored to be here to celebrate with you."

"No, I'm honored you could come. Seeing how well the people of Dale are doing after everything that happened brings me great joy." I said.

I came to Fili next. He hugged me tightly with a smile.

"You look beautiful my friend."

"Thank you Fili. I'm glad you're here, and Fili and the others."

"Well of course! We would never miss it. And I am certain Thorin is here as well."

I smiled softly and nodded. I walked away from the party a bit and looked up at the sky.

"You were right grandma. You were right."

I smiled and reached up to the stars.

Je'taime.