Legolas POV
After his Father left, Tauriel pounced and practically dragged Legolas out to a tall tree just outside the gates, where they both collapsed laughing under its high branches and contemplated the setting sun.
Legolas reached over and tucked a stray lock of auburn hair behind Tauriel's ear, causing the elleth to giggle and causing Legolas to gather her up into his lap whilst he leant back against the soft bark of the tree.
The Prince looked down warmly at the beautiful pair of forest green eyes of his Captain and realised that he held his whole world safely in his arms.
'I cannot believe you were struck by an arrow! Where did it hit you?' Legolas asked in a low voice.
Tauriel batted his chest playfully. 'I missed you too, meleth nîn.'
Legolas gave her a stern royal look and Tauriel sighed before lowering her hand to her right hip. Legolas placed his own larger hand over hers and leant down until his face hovered just inches away from her lips, causing their breaths to mingle.
'Goheno nin, would that I could have prevented this. I should have been there to protect you, meleth nîn ' Legolas' brow furrowed.
She has suffered so much! Why is she so brave, she does not acknowledge that she almost died! She is so stubborn!
Tauriel gave a small smile and reached up to gently kiss him.
'It is my duty to protect you, hîr vuin.'
Eventually, the hour grew late and the two parted ways for the evening. Legolas was reluctant to ever let Tauriel out of his sight again but knew that she still had her own duties to return to. The Prince of Mirkwood smiled as he walked back to his chambers, remembering how Tauriel still smelled of summer flowers blooming in the sunshine.
Thranduil POV
Thranduil left Legolas and Tauriel in the throne room to go and formally greet the delegation from Lothlorien. In the past, Thranduil had always kept Mirkwood somewhat isolated from the other kingdoms. He knew it was foolish but it had taken him a long time to come to terms with the actions that had led to the deaths of first his Father, King Oropher and then later…
He entered an immaculately decorated high-ceilinged antechamber on one of the upper levels of the Keep and found Galadriel and Celeborn lounging on cushioned chairs after their long journey.
Pleasant greetings were exchanged and Thranduil formally thanked the Golden Couple for sending in reinforcements that undoubtedly led them to win the Battle Under the Trees.
'There is still the matter of Dol Guldur. Tomorrow morning I would wish to ride out and cleanse that area of all the darkness it has harboured across the ages.' Celeborn said levelly.
'I will tear down the fortress myself.' Galadriel's eyes gleamed for a brief moment from where she sat and it made Thranduil ever so slightly uneasy.
Thranduil nodded. 'I agree, we should not leave that land to fester. I shall make the arrangements.'
He paused before continuing. 'Now, it is late but tomorrow evening we shall have a true celebration feast and honour those who have given their lives for this Kingdom.'
The Lord and Lady agreed and they talked for a while on various diplomatic matters. It had been agreed that Mirkwood should be renamed Eryn Lasgalen, for full of green leaves it shall become once more. Thranduil had given Lord Celeborn land to the East of Mirkwood as a gesture of goodwill and in return expanded his Kingdom North, where wood elves could settle.
After a time, Celeborn rose in a flourish of silver robes. 'If you would excuse me, I would go and see to those Galadhrim that have stayed on to see our return.'
'Of course, I believe that Captain Tauriel has currently given them leave as there are now so few remaining fell creatures left to be hunted. The Guard will have completely eradicated any lingering filth before the next new moon.'
Galadriel's eyes flicked up at the mention of the Captain.
Lord Celeborn inclined his silver head and almost glided out of the doorway so elegant were his movements.
When Celeborn had left, Galadriel spoke again in her melodic voice. 'Tell me, how is Captain Tauriel? For she and I grew familiar during her visit to the Golden Wood.'
'She lives. She was struck by a morgul arrow but she was healed by a benevolent…and grateful King.' Thranduil could not help himself and raised his head up proudly at his healing accomplishments.
Galadriel ignored his pride. 'Ah, I sensed something had befallen her. I am glad that she is well. There is such life in her. When your ionneg passed through my realm, I saw into his mind. He has found the mate to his fëa in your Captain.' Galadriel's eyes twinkled mischievously.
Is it that obvious?
Thranduil raised an eyebrow and let out a sigh. 'I doubt even Morgoth himself could keep Legolas from Tauriel. By the Valar, I could not.'
Galadriel rose gracefully from her chair and gave a small yet sad smile. 'Know that she would have been so proud, Thranduil. Proud of you and of her son.'
Thranduil's heart darkened and his gaze became guarded as he looked to the ground in sadness until he felt a delicate hand take his own where it hung at his side. Thranduil immediately made to draw his hand away from the contact. No elleth ever touched him…not since…
But Galadriel tightened her grip on his hand.
Valar, she is strong!
Thranduil reluctantly looked up into her azure gaze and was met only with the sincerest of compassion. It took all of his willpower to hold that gaze.
'Even in your darkest of hours there has always been friendship waiting to embrace you. It is time you saw the light that returns to this land. You are not alone, woodland King. You never have been.'
Galadriel squeezed Thranduil's hand, causing the mighty King to look down.
Not alone…I am not alone.
Thranduil squeezed back for a heartbeat before inclining his head marginally and taking his leave. Had he looked over his shoulder he would have seen Galadriel smiling softly at his back.
Tauriel POV
The next morning Tauriel and Legolas walked together to meet the King, Galadriel and Celeborn. Once in the courtyard, Tauriel saw the Lord and Lady preparing to ride out to Dol Guldur and hastened over to greet them.
'Hiril vuin, hîr vuin, my heart is so gladdened to see you again!' Tauriel bowed respectfully as the Lorien elves turned to face her
Smiling, Galadriel and Celeborn both reached out and cupped each side of her face with their slender hands, causing Tauriel's heart to blossom with such warmth that she imagined as if she had been embraced by her own parents.
To any other race, the perfectly synchronous motion of the two elves may have seemed odd but Tauriel understood the great honour being bestowed upon her.
'Mae g'ovannen. We are gladdened to see you too, young Captain. In but a short time, you have matured greatly and no doubt have experienced many things.' Lord Celeborn said warmly.
Galadriel tilted her head and her blue eyes lowered to Tauriel's right hip. 'Indeed.'
Tauriel blushed but did not say anything, causing Galadriel to raise a perfect blonde eyebrow.
I know what it is you did. Young and foolish or young and brave, I wonder?
The Captain met Galadriel's gaze, raising her own auburn eyebrow and answered in her head.
Perhaps both?
The Lady of Light gave an amused smile before they all turned to mount their horses and ride out through the great elven gates.
The company, led by King Thranduil upon his great elk Ortherion, rode out together until finally they reached the abandoned fortress of Dol Guldur. Tauriel and Legolas were technically there as protectors and even though the threat was minimal they still kept a sharp eye about them.
The company halted before the base of the great evil hill holding the fortress and Tauriel watch as the Lady Galadriel dismounted and approached the tower.
Lord Celeborn also dismounted but Tauriel noticed he did not follow Galadriel although his eyes were fixed upon her.
Galadriel stopped suddenly and raised her hands causing a bright white light to emanate from one of her fingers.
Her ring of power
Tauriel watched in awe as Galadriel glowed bright white with power and her voice was magnified greatly as her hair lifted and cascaded about her slender form in wreathes of purest gold.
Galadriel's voice resonated and echoed even into the foundations of the earth. 'YOU ARE FORGOTTEN, NAMELESS. THERE IS NO POWER BINDING YOU HERE. BE GONE BACK TO THE SHADOWS, NAMELESS MALICE. FOREVER YOU SHALL WANDER THE ENDELSS VOID WITH YOUR MASTER. DARKNESS IS GONE! ONLY THE LIGHT OF VARDA SHALL RESIDE HERE FOREVERMORE!'
A strong wind from the West blew over the company of elves, causing the horses to twitch but it was nothing compared to the swirling gales surrounded the fortress. Tauriel let out a gasp as the fortress of stone literally started to crumble into rubble and then into dust to be blown away on the clean wind. She had never seen such power before and she instinctively urged her horse to move closer to King Thranduil and Legolas.
Thranduil watched Galadriel with a grave expression but Legolas turned and gave Tauriel a quick, reassuring smile before turning back to the destruction before him.
Galadriel was a force of nature and she was both beautiful and frightening to behold. When it was finally over, absolutely nothing remained of Dol Guldur.
Tauriel watched helplessly as Galadriel returned to her normal form and suddenly knelt on the ground, breathing heavily and holding her ringed hand to her heart.
Celeborn was at her side in an instant, carefully tucking his silver cloak protectively over his wife. They caught each other's eye for a moment and Tauriel knew a communication had taken place from the slight frown on Galadriel's beautiful face.
Thranduil did not seem surprised and Legolas was busy scanning the area for any threats. Tauriel could not take it any longer. She dismounted and moved cautiously towards the couple.
'Hiril vuin, are you well?' Tauriel extended her hand and Galadriel took it with her unadorned hand, letting the Captain help her to her feet. Celeborn maintained his hold on his wife but smiled affectionately at Tauriel's concern.
Galadriel looked sadly at her ring. 'The power of the rings is now undone. I feel it as Nenya wanes in strength.'
'The wood is cleansed by the power of the Eldar, now let us return to the Kingdom to celebrate. Mirkwood thanks you, my Lady.' Thranduil extended his hand from his heart and Galadriel dipped her head in response.
That evening, the entire Kingdom congregated together to celebrate the dawn of the days of the new Eryn Lasgalen.
It was an odd sensation, sitting at the High Table but the reassuring smiles Legolas kept aiming in her direction from where he was seated between her and the King gave her comfort. Celeborn and Galadriel were seated in honour on the other side of the King.
When everyone had gathered, Thranduil rose from his high-backed chair and addressed his people.
'Before we begin the celebration of the end of the darkness and the rise of Eryn Lasgalen, I have an announcement to make.'
All in attendance became quiet and still at the King's voice but Tauriel noted many curious eyes also rested on where she was seated with the rulers of Mirkwood.
'For centuries now, Captain Tauriel has dutifully served Mirkwood and its people, protecting us from the malice that threatened our borders. She has proven her nobility, sacrificing herself to take a morgul arrow aimed to strike me down.'
Tauriel noted the worried expressions exchanged between some of the elves whilst others nodded gravely as if confirming the story.
Thranduil continued. 'It is time that we acknowledge the Captain's efforts and in what better way than to announce her betrothal to Prince Legolas!'
All eyes were suddenly upon her and Tauriel, Captain of the Mirkwood Guard suddenly felt very self-conscious and she felt a blush rise to her cheeks as Legolas openly took her hand. A melodic voice in her head quickly soothed her anxiety.
Have courage Tauriel. These are your people and they have loved you for many centuries. They will gladly welcome one who will unite the lines of the Sindarins and Silvans.
The King concluded his speech to thunderous applause. 'To my son, Prince Legolas and Captain Tauriel, soon to be the Princess of Mirkwood! May the stars of Elbereth shine down upon them.'
One by one, the elves of Mirkwood, some openly smiling and others with solemn faces, each rose and placed their palms over their hearts before extending them to Tauriel.
Without hesitation Tauriel rose and mimicked the gesture, understanding that this meant her acceptance and that she had been given the approval of her people. The Mirkwood elves smiled back and Tauriel's heart lifted in happiness.
After the feasting and the music began, Legolas practically jumped out of his seat to ask Tauriel to dance, causing Thranduil to snicker. Tauriel ignored the King and accepted the offer enthusiastically.
Thranduil himself asked the Lady Galadriel to a dance and everyone was shocked by his jovial nature. Normally Thranduil remained seated with a glass of Dorwinion. He never danced. Out of corner of her eye, Tauriel studied her King's features.
In fact I do not ever recall Thranduil looking…so at peace.
Galadriel also danced a great many times with Celeborn and all stopped to watch them twirl like the most gracious of swans. Some time later, Tauriel was dancing with a very happy Ranadir when she saw Galadriel dancing with Legolas. The Lady said something to the Prince that Tauriel could not hear above the music but smiled when she saw that whatever it was caused Legolas to blush like a little elfling.
A more reserved song started to play and Tauriel glanced up to notice Lord Celeborn approaching. Ranadir bowed respectfully at the silver Lord and winked at Tauriel before moving off to find Serilla once more.
She smiled as the elder elf extended his cool hand and asked her to dance. Celeborn's movements were fluid and graceful and he led her easily around the great hall.
As the song concluded, they both paused and Celeborn affectionately placed his hand on the side of Tauriel's head.
'If you were my daughter, I would be the proudest elf in all of Mirkwood.'
Tauriel smiled with tears in her eyes and on impulse, reached up to place a feather light kiss on Celeborn's cheek. Realising her recklessness, Tauriel bit her lip.
Did I just do that?!
But Celeborn just smiled warmly before glancing over her head. The Lord of Lorien took Tauriel's hand and placed it gently into the waiting hands of Legolas who had approached them but a moment before.
Tauriel turned and smiled up at the Prince that had captured her heart. Smiling, Legolas reached down and carefully dabbed away the tear of happiness that had traced its way onto the Captain's cheek.
Elvish
Meleth nîn –My love
Goheno nin –Forgive me
Sol3Bug –thank you for your loyalty, this is your chapter.
Warriorheart –Thank you! Hope to see you around more