I am so sorry this took so long! I wanted to have it posted much sooner, but it seemed the harder I worked on it, the longer it took!
Legolas woke up before the sun rose, smiling wistfully. Today was the day! For so many decades, he'd desired a wife, but had been quite content being the lone elf, traveling as needed and helping defend Middle Earth as needed. And he had been satisfied to live the rest of his days alone if that we're the case, especially since he didn't want to be destroyed losing his beloved as his father had almost been .
But he had secretly hoped for a wife of his own, especially after seeing how happy Aragorn and Alasse were, wondering what it would be like to have someone waiting for him, someone to be his cheerleader, someone to hold closely at night and wake up next to in the morning (besides his old, stuffed animal).
That night in Lothlorien, he had thought he'd stepped into a dream, when he saw Arwen again for the first time in ages. She was fairer than the stars, wise as her father, and as loving as any mother. Whether she would travel alongside him in battle or wait safely at home for his return, he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his immortal life and beyond with her.
And today, she would become his wife!
Unable to even contemplate getting extra sleep, he slipped out his window and made his way to his mother's fountain. "I wish you were here today, Nana. And Lady Celebrian." He said softly, gazing up at the statue of his late mother, Queen Calathiel. "We still miss you both so much! Alasse said that you wanted her to tell me, that you are proud of me. How I want to prove myself worthy of those words!"
Tears filled his eyes. "I love you, Nana, with all my heart! Especially today." Then he hung his head and lowered his voice. "I hope I can be the husband Arwen needs me to be!"
"Oh, you will be." Thranduil said softly from behind.
"Oh, Ada." Legolas swallowed. Thranduil stepped beside him and wrapped his arm around his son.
"I miss her too, Ion nin. With every breath that I breathe."
"Do you believe I'm doing the right thing?" Legolas asked timidly, looking like a nervous little elfling.
"Ohh, Legolas." Thranduil shook his head, laughing. "It isn't a question of doing the right thing. It is your heart's desire. You love Arwen, don't you?"
"Of course I do." Legolas said quickly.
"Well then? There's your answer." Thranduil said. Legolas didn't look convinced. "I understand, son. I believe everyone goes through this on their wedding day. It's a major step! Your lives will be forever different after today. But for the better."
"That's right." Legolas smiled, nodding.
"And I must say, you are one brave elf." Thranduil said lightly.
"For what?"
"You are marrying the daughter of Elrond, Legolas! The sister to Elladan and Elrohir, spawns of chaos. Don't let that sweet smile fool you! Arwen has a quietly fierce streak in her like her father that people rarely see. But when it comes forth...well, you'll feel very humbled. You sure about this?"
"Ada." Legolas rolled his eyes. "You're speaking to the elf that took down a dozen Haradrim soldiers, and one Oliphaunt! And a cave troll in Moria."
"Yes. Reckless elfling. Maybe marrying Arwen will be good for you." Thranduil teased. "Now you won't be able to just run off and slay fell creatures because you have nothing better to do."
"Unless she wants to join me." Legolas grinned cheekily.
"Careful, son." Thranduil smirked evilly. "I'm so happy for you, Legolas. I've always considered Arwen like another daughter, and always thought you two might make a good couple, even when you would run away from Arwen as elflings when she entered the room. But you seemed so happy being off on your own, I didn't think it would ever happen."
"Well, I am glad it did, Ada." Legolas said.
"Me too."
"I love you, Ada."
"You too, Legolas." Thranduil embraced him warmly. "Now then...good gracious! You are out at the break of day in only your undershirt and leggings! Disgraceful. Come along, son. Time for your bath."
"Bath?!" Legolas gulped in mock horror. Thranduil smiled fondly.
"This one last time."
When Arwen opened her eyes, the first thing she saw was Galadriel's face, smiling down at her. "Good morning, love." She said.
"Good morning." Arwen murmured, sitting up. She gazed out the window and smiled at the birds singing. "It's a beautiful morning. I'm glad."
"Are you ready for today?" Galadriel asked, sitting on the bed.
"Yes!" Arwen nodded. "I didn't realize until I saw Legolas again just how much I wanted to be with him. I thought he would never agree to it. So I tried to put it out of my mind, especially when he left with the Fellowship. But when they returned that night..."
"Mmm. Come, dear." Galadriel said. "It's your wedding day!"
Aragorn woke first, and kissed Alasse's ear from behind. She smiled and turned on her back, looking up at him. She kissed him again. "Is it morning already?" She asked.
"It is." Aragorn nodded. "Don't get up just yet, Alasse. You had a long journey yesterday, and a little extra rest will do you some good."
"I suppose so, especially with the celebration to come." Alasse sighed. "I hate to admit it, but even though I am not very far along, I have found myself getting tired more easily. I don't want to miss any special moments today."
"Good." Aragorn approved. He was relieved she didn't argue with him and insist on doing anything and everything. She was a Thranduiliel, that was for sure, but she wanted to keep her baby safe and healthy, which took an extreme load off Aragorn's shoulders. He placed his large hand over her stomach. "How's the baby this morning?" He asked.
"Hungry." Alasse said.
"Ahh. Well, try to be patient, love." Aragorn said to the baby, patting Alasse's tummy. "You shall be able to have something soon."
"Did I hear someone say they were hungry?" Tatsu beamed as she entered with a tray filled with food.
"Tatsu! You were listening out the door, weren't you?" Alasse shook her head.
"Indeed. You two lovebirds were taking so long to rise I was afraid your food would get cold." Tatsu said, setting the tray on Alasse's lap in bed.
"Thank you, Tatsu." Aragorn smiled. "What would we do without you?"
"You wouldn't." Tatsu said cockily. "I'll leave you two alone." She shuffled out the door.
Aragorn buried his nose in Alasse's neck nuzzling it deeper into her skin. "Aragorn, stop!" She laughed.
"Stop what?" He chuckled wickedly.
"I don't want to spill the tray over!"
"Oh, yes." Aragorn groaned. Just as Alasse was about to bite into it, there was a knock at the door. "Come in!" Thranduil marched inside.
"Well, how is my daughter?" He asked.
"Uh, you have another son too, Ada." Alasse said.
"Oh, yes." Thranduil frowned. "He's easy to overlook." Aragorn sighed. "How is my grandchild?" Thranduil asked.
"Famished." Alasse answered.
"Well, make sure you get plenty to eat today, Iel nin. You need to keep your strength up. You make certain that she does, Aragorn!"
"No worries." Aragorn said. "I have had experience in healing before, you know."
"I keep forgetting." Thranduil pretended to be flustered. Truly, he was overjoyed to have them under his roof, and it warmed his heart to see them so happy. "That brother of yours kicked and protested all the way to the bathing chamber."
"He didn't." Alasse giggled.
"Well, no. He didn't really." Thranduil sighed. "But I half wish he had. Rest up, Alasse. You're going to need it."
"That's what everyone keeps telling me."
"Well, I have things to do before the ceremony. I shall see you both later." Thranduil smiled as he glided out of the room.
Thranduil, Legolas, and Elrond were greeting their guests as they found their places for the ceremony. It was to be held outside among the palace gardens, with the late Queen Calathiel's fountain in the far background.
Arwen stared at herself in the mirror. Her bridal gown was a soft, silvery, pastel purple with rhinestones and star-shaped crystals all over it. The skirt flowed down out from her waist like a waterfall and turned a completely gentle silver at the bottom. There were pearled, lace overlaid drapes coming out from the sleeves at the elbow. Her jet black hair hugged her shoulders in gentle, silky waves, with little flowers in it. Her silver Elven crown was shaped like a butterfly around the back of her head, with little blue crystals, and white rochaille beads running along the chains that flowed down her hair in gorgeous layers. And around her graceful neck, she wore the chain of the white Evanstar.
"Breathtaking, my dear. The very image of Luthien herself." Galadriel said proudly.
"Thank you." Arwen blushed.
Alasse wore a silk gray dress, with layers of pearled lace, a pale blue bodice and sleeves. She wore her favorite silver circlet and pink roses in her hair. "Legolas isn't going to remember how to breathe." She remarked.
"Oh, please don't say that!" Arwen begged. Her stomach was fluttering with butterflies, but she appeared perfectly calm.
"Sorry."
"It's true, child." Tatsu agreed. "Our dashing prince is going to melt lie wax when he sees you!"
"You're prettier than the brightest blossoms in the garden, as Sam would say." Rosie Gamgee added.
"You look like a queen." Eowyn said. A loud rapping at the door startled them.
"Are you decent, sister?!" Elrohir called from behind the door.
"Do you two, over-sized goblins in elves' clothing never knock?!" Tatsu hollered back. "Shoo. We aren't quite through yet."
"But we've come to speak with our sister." Elrohir insisted.
"You'll have to wait your turn." Tatsu said with finality. She, Rosie, and Eowyn shuffled out, leaving Galadriel and Alasse alone with Arwen.
"Well, I guess this is it." Alasse said, taking Arwen's hands.
"I suppose it is." Arwen nodded.
"I know you won't break Legolas's heart, and I know how deeply he loves you even if he acts like a shy elfling around you. I've seen the way he looks at you when you don't know it. He's never looked at anyone like that! So, thank you, Arwen, for making my brother so happy." Alasse said.
"Thank you for welcoming me into your family."
"Oh, you've always been like family!" Alasse exclaimed. She kissed Arwen's cheek then scuttled out of the room. Arwen began to shed tears. Galadriel placed her hands on her shoulders.
"I know, dear one. I miss her too." She murmured softly, kissing Arwen's hair.
Arwen just let herself cry a little. She was ecstatic that she was getting married today! But...that Celebrian had to miss out on this. It wasn't fair! Why did she have to be captured by those vile creatures? Why? Arwen searched deep inside her memories for some happier ones of her mother. Galadriel, sensing her distress, lent some of hers. In her mind, Arwen saw young Celebrian playing with her cousin Thranduil, and staying up at all hours of the night under the stars by the lake in Lothlorien, and flirting with Elrond but he acted painfully shy around her. Arwen smiled in spite of her tears.
"She is still here, child. Among all of us every day." Galadriel reminded her. Arwen ran her slender fingers over her Evanstar necklace.
"Yes." She whispered.
"Legolas!" Alasse hailed her brother as he paced around in Thranduil's study. He looked at her and smiled, gathering her in a warm hug.
"You look lovely." He said.
"And you look terrified." Alasse grinned.
"I'm not. It's just...I'm so happy. I can't believe it. I don't know why I'm so nervous."
Alasse gripped his shoulders. "Because you want everything to be perfect." She chuckled. "It will be, brother. Ada would throw a fit otherwise."
Legolas snorted. "You are right." He agreed. "Thank you for being here with me, dear Muinthel."
"Of course, Leggi." Alasse shook her head. "I wouldn't miss this for anything! Well..." She glanced down at her stomach. "Just be glad I am not so far along yet that the journey would be impossible."
"I am. And you look so joyful, sister. Your glow is brighter than normal."
"So is yours. Thanks for giving me a sister." Alasse said fondly.
"Thanks for giving me a small niece or nephew." Legolas returned. He gave her the puppy dog look and she nodded. He placed his hand lightly on her stomach. "That's right, little one. I'm glad to have you here today too!" He said. Alasse grinned.
"Well, I'd better step out before Aragorn and the others swarm this room." Alasse said. She wrapped her arms around his waist and he hugged her closely. "I love you, Legolas. I'm proud to be part of this."
"Love you too."
The moment the twins entered Arwen's dressing room, Elladan froze while Elrohir bumped right into him from behind, making him slightly stumble. They both stared at Arwen like they'd never seen her before. She laughed lightly at their astonished faces. "One would think the two of you had never seen a bride before." She teased.
"Of course we have. Just we've never seen you as one before!" Elrohir sputtered.
"I do not know whether to be insulted or flattered."
"It is a high compliment, dear Muinthel." Elladan said, stepping over to Arwen, taking her hand. Elrohir came and took the other. "You look as beautiful as Naneth, Arwen." Elladan said quietly.
"You think so?"
"Ai." Elrohir nodded. "Don't worry, sister. We will behave today. Today is for you and Legolas. We wouldn't dream of spoiling it for you."
"And besides, we want to celebrate. We've always thought Legolas would make a good addition to the family." Elladan smirked. "Now he is officially, lawfully declared our brother."
"Yes."
"We're going to miss you, little sister." Elladan said seriously, his eyes growing misty.
"Very much." Elrohir agreed, nodding.
"I'll miss you both too." Arwen said, touching their faces. "But I am so blessed to have you by my side today. It means a lot. If only...if..." Her voice faltered.
"Yes, if only Naneth was here." Elladan spoke. The three Peredhl children embraced tightly, weeping and laughing in each other's arms.
"You ready for this?" Aragorn chuckled to Legolas who was desperately trying to remember how to breathe properly.
"I...I feel like the same way I did just before my first archery tournament, except tenfold more!" Legolas panted.
"Ease up, laddie. You're marrying a very fetching lass, that many a man would give his right arm to court." Gimli reminded him. "Ye should be thinkin' on how lucky you are, instead of those butterflies buzzing around inside ye."
Legolas smiled. "Lucky doesn't even come close." He gazed fondly at Aragorn, Gimli, the hobbits, Faramir, and a few of his Mirkwood friends including Feren. His life was all the more richer having known each one of them. "You've all stood by me through so much, and today you are doing it again. But thank the Valar for once that is a joyful occasion, not a battle!" Everyone agreed.
Arwen stood at her window, and took a deep breath. She didn't have to turn and see the face of her newest visitor to know who it was. She had sensed his presence before he opened the door. She waited for him to speak, knowing that this was a difficult, once-in-a-lifetime moment.
"Arwen." Elrond simply whispered. She slowly, gracefully turned, beaming. Elrond smiled with a trembling lip as he gazed at his little girl all grown up and ready to be a wife. His heart both ached and swelled warmly with love all at the same time. They stepped forward and met in the middle of the room. He gazed down at her proudly then took her in his arms. They held each other, weeping and breathing deeply, savoring this moment. Finally, Elrond broke back and dabbed the tears from her sweet face.
"Ada..." She murmured.
"Ever since your mother carried you, from the first moment I heard your heartbeat, the first time I laid eyes on you, and held you in my arms, I knew someday this would come." Elrond said solemnly with a sad smile. "You deserve this happiness, my sweet child. And you shall have a rich, beautiful life together wit Legolas. Your love will go down for generations after."
"Thank you, Ada. For everything. You've been more inspiration to me than you could ever know."
"I hope so." Elrond hung his head.
"Don't be sad, Ada. You are gaining another son. And eventually...grandchildren." Arwen reminded him.
"Yes."
"I miss Naneth."
"So do I. But she is here, I can feel it. And she is smiling brightly on you."
"I feel it too." Arwen sighed.
He hugged her again. "I love you, darling."
"I love you too, Ada. With all my heart!" Arwen cried on his sturdy shoulder. When they finally regained their composure, he offered his arm.
"Are you ready, Arwen?"
"Yes, Ada. I am ready." Arwen said confidently.
An arch interlaced with gold, silver, and lavender ribbons, and various flowers from Mirkwood stood at the end of the gardens. Thranduil was standing there, Gandalf beside him. Legolas's brothers in arms marched forward and stood on his side. Then Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin came bearing the swords Aragorn and Alasse had gifted them with at their own wedding. Two of them stood on either side of the aisle, raising their blades to make way for the groom. Legolas came last as he happily gazed into the faces of those around him, mostly that he'd grown up with. He took his place at the altar and waited anxiously for his bride.
Galadriel and Celeborn approached first. And Glorfindel and Erestor. Then came Arwen's ladies in waiting, Rosie Gamgee, Eowyn, and then Alasse. Aragorn beamed proudly at her.
Then Elrond marched down the aisle with Arwen on his arm, and her two brothers trailing them. Everyone was enthralled by Arwen's beauty, but she did not notice. She only saw Legolas. Legolas's heart shuddered passionately and his eyes misted over as he soaked her in. She was about to become his, all his! Her eyes grew teary when she saw the deep love in his blue orbs.
Elrond kissed her face then placed her hand in Legolas's. Legolas gently took her palm and protectively caressed it with his. They gazed at each other with sparkling eyes. Celeborn and Galadriel came to the altar. They, Gandalf, Thranduil, and Elrond prayed many blessings over the couple. Legolas and Arwen exchanged their golden troth rings for silver ones. Elrond placed a silver chained necklace with a deep green jewel in it over Legolas's neck, then Thranduil gave Arwen a golden one with a deep purple crystal.
After heartfelt vows, Legolas and Arwen were declared husband and wife. Legolas shivered excitedly, like an elfling on his begetting day celebration about to open presents when he was told he could kiss his bride. They didn't waste any time. Legolas practically sprang to Arwen's face as they locked lips, and she fully returned his affection. He cupped her face with one hand and placed the other on the small of her back. Applause erupted and as Legolas and Arwen broke free and ran down the aisle, flower petals were showered on them from every direction like falling snowflakes. In the middle of the aisle, Legolas suddenly swooped Arwen up with one arm under her knees and the other around her back. Then he sprinted down the path.
At the feast, it was announced what Legolas and Arwen planned to do while living in Ithilien. Inspired by Elrond's hospitable spirit and care for the weary at the Last Homely House, Legolas and Arwen were to open up an orphanage, or Love Home as Arwen liked to put it. It would be a refuge of solace and safety to children that were lost, unwanted, or orphaned from parents being slain in battle. Also, children whose widowed mothers needed extra help could house them there for the day while they worked. What also made this momentous, was that all children would be welcome: be they elf, dwarf, human, hobbit, Haradrihm, or others. Legolas loved Arwen's freely generous heart, and her deep care for others. It was what made him fall in love with her.
After Legolas and Arwen had their first dance, Arwen was the center of attention, having to individually dance with her brothers, Aragorn, her grandfather Celeborn, Glorfindel and Erestor, and Thranduil.
"You look dazzling, my dear." Thranduil smiled widely down at her as he led her on the dance floor.
"I wanted to, for Legolas." Arwen said, blushing.
"You've done an old elf's heart much good, my child. I thank you for making us all so happy again." Thranduil said.
Alasse and Legolas waltzed slowly together. She would've adored to jump in on the lively dances she loved so much, but the baby growing inside her stomach would protest with dizziness and nausea. "So, how does it feel to be married, Leggi?" She asked.
"Wonderful." Legolas said wistfully. "I am the luckiest elf that ever was. I mean, Arwen...Arwen Evanstar is my wife!"
The dancing and festivities lasted late into the night. Alasse had to leave earlier than she normally would've as she was exhausted. However, before climbing into bed, Aragorn gently led her in a slow, swaying waltz inside their room. Alasse felt perfectly safe and content in his arms, leaning her head on his chest and feeling his steady heartbeat. They danced for an hour before Aragorn realized that she had fallen asleep dancing with him!
Once Legolas and Arwen had been dismissed from their public, they'd rushed to their bed chamber and grabbed their night clothes. However, they did not get in bed. Legolas led her to the forest, to a beautiful pond where they would not be disturbed. The moonlight danced on the water. Legolas and Arwen removed their night clothes and swam for hours. After making hard love for the remainder of the night a few hours before dawn, they covered up and lay on the ground together, watching the bright stars above.