AN: So sorry for the delay in updating but the real world has demands… Chapters are probably going to take a fluffier turn as our Captain journeys on through her life….that is definitely not to say that there will not be many surprises along the way! Thank you for sticking with this story, please review!
Tauriel POV
The pledging ceremony of Legolas and Tauriel was arranged for the next full moon, which was still a time away. Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel had remained within Eryn Lasgalen to attend to more council matters with King Thranduil in forging new borders.
Tauriel spent her days going on rides with Ranadir and sitting with Serilla, who was now heavily pregnant and had been given temporary leave of her healer's duties. It would not be long until a new elfling graced the world and there was a detectable hum of excitement amongst those closest to the healer.
But most of all, Tauriel loved the hours she got to spend with Legolas, when the two would sneak off into the forest to fire arrows and race through the trees.
It was evening, the sliver of moon was just beginning to rise over the training yard and Tauriel was in her Captain's study writing the new guard duty roster for the following week.
Though it can barely be called guard duty anymore! I almost feel sorry for the few soldiers that we keep in place. All they do now is stand still! There is no threat now that the Evil has gone. Still better to be safe than sorry.
A light tapping on her door caused Tauriel to lower her quill and look up across her broad desk.
A moment later, Legolas entered, carrying two rosy apples, one of which he proudly laid onto her desk.
Tauriel chuckled at the apple now sitting on top of her scroll. 'A kingly gift!'
Legolas gave a serene smile as he moved around the desk and kissed the top of her head.
'I thought you might like to walk through the trees with me and perhaps find some stars, meleth nîn.'
Tauriel smiled up at Legolas, took her apple and followed him out into the night.
Some time later, they were both perched up in a great tree. They had climbed to sit in its uppermost limbs and now had a somewhat clear view of the starry sky above.
Tauriel sighed in happiness at the light of Varda shining above her before shifting so that she was closer to Legolas, who was lounging lazily against the trunk.
When Legolas reached across to take her hand, Tauriel tore her gaze from above to look at the one she loved and felt a blush rise upon her cheeks.
In the night, his hair looks to be made of strands of pure starlight.
'I have known you all of my life, Legolas. Looking back over my existence, I think that I have always loved you. It was just hidden from my eyes until well, until the King made a comment about us. You have a good and fair heart and will do whatever it takes to keep your people safe. You have always supported me and encouraged my weapons training. But tell me, why do you find love in me?'
Legolas' eyes gleamed a deep blue under the stars as he reached out to caress her cheek. Tauriel felt an involuntary shudder race through her, although the feeling was not unpleasant.
'Tauriel, Captain of the Mirkwood Guard, you should not have to ask yourself these questions. I have loved you with my entire being for many centuries now. Your bravery, selflessness and sheer determination kindle the fires of my heart. You are breath taking in your skills with those twin daggers. I also sometimes think that my eyes must surely be cheated by some spell, for you are the most beautiful elleth that I have ever encountered.'
He truly does love me.
Tauriel's heart fluttered for an instant as she stared deep into the blue fathoms of his eyes before leaning herself against his shoulder. Legolas wrapped her in the safety of his arms and tucked her head under his chin so that they both may look at the stars.
The two elves stayed like that until the first rays of sunlight summoned them back to the Kingdom and their respective duties.
Too soon, Tauriel found herself bidding farewell to the remainder of the Lothlorien elves, along with the Lord and Lady.
After the formal exchanges between the rulers and King Thranduil and Prince Legolas, Tauriel was saying a more personal goodbye with the couple before they mounted their horses to ride out.
'It is a shame that we will miss your pledging ceremony to the Prince but we must return to our own lands. Our people need us to guide them across the sea.' Celeborn commented. 'Legolas is a fine elf. He is noble, wise and has a good heart. You have chosen well, young one.' The silver Lord gave the smile of a proud Father and Tauriel's heart almost broke with emotion.
The Captain smiled but at the same time fought to keep the tears from her eyes.
'You have both showed me undue kindness and compassion and I shall miss you in the years to pass.'
Galadriel gave a small smile. 'Our time has come. The power of Nenya has faded and it is time that we sailed to the Undying Lands.'
'We will meet you across the sea, Tauriel, Captain of the Mirkwood Guard, she who burns with the light of the sun but walks amongst the stars.'
Tauriel stared for a moment before bowing in utter respect and love. 'Farewell, hîr vuin, hiril vuin. May your journey be safe and blessed.'
Both of the golden couple reached down to place a light kiss on Tauriel's head in blessing before they mounted their horses.
'May the light of the Valar shine upon you.' They both said in unison.
Legolas POV
'Hîr vuin…I…there is a dwarf at the gates! King Thranduil is out on a ride and we are unsure how to proceed. We did not shoot the dwarf now that we have peace but he demands for you by name! He claims to be Gimli, son of Gloin, does that name mean anything to you, hîr vuin?'
The young guard looked up at Legolas with large brown eyes, he clearly had no idea whether to grant the dwarf admittance or to chase him out of Eryn Lasgalen.
Gimli has come!
'Prepare a feast!' Legolas shouted over his shoulder whilst trying to control his smile as he jogged to the gates to be reunited with one of his dearest friends in Arda.
Legolas found two hassled looking guards by the gate trying to keep a very vocal Gimli in check without being too overly forceful. Legolas approached before slowing to a graceful walk, allowing the two guards to notice his presence and incline their heads respectfully.
'Legolas! Laddie, it has been many a moon since I have you seen you! Still a fine princeling I see, although you could do with getting a few whiskers on your chin!'
The guards looked mildly disgusted but Legolas stepped forward and embraced Gimli in a full hug, such was the manner of dwarven custom. In turn, Gimli seemed to think for a moment before placing his hand over his heart and extending it to the Prince, causing him to smile warmly.
'Indeed master dwarf! Welcome to my Father's Kingdom of Eryn Lasgalen! You are most welcome. Come, I will show you to your chambers and tonight a feast will be held in your honour.'
I must remember to tell Father that Gimli is here before then…
Legolas showed Gimli to an opulent chamber on one of the upper levels, exquisitely decorated to blend into the limbs of the trees as well as into the stone of the keep.
The Prince tried to not raise his eyebrows as Gimli strode into the room, dumped his battle-axes on the bed and turned around, placing his hands on his hips.
'I suppose it will do. Thank you.' He muttered whilst glancing with a sour look at the fine silk bed sheets, embroidered with intricate leaf designs.
Legolas chuckled. 'Come, there is someone I would like you to meet.'
On the way to the training yard, the pair talked happily of the time that they had spent apart reuniting with their own kin. Legolas spoke of how he was to be pledged to Tauriel at the next full moon and how glad he was that Gimli would now be here to witness his union. Gimli had roared with laughter at the news and thumped Legolas hard on the back in congratulations.
Legolas just knew she would be at the training arena. Tauriel was not one to quit her responsibilities as Captain, even in the days of peace that they now enjoyed. It filled his heart with pride at her loyalty although he noticed that when she thought no one was looking, Tauriel's hand would flit to her hip and for the briefest of moments a shadow would flicker across her face.
When Frodo had been stabbed with a morgul blade, Lord Elrond had said that the Halfling would carry that wound for the rest of his life. Legolas did not know if it would be the same for Tauriel and it worried him.
Nae! But she does not like to talk about what happened.
Gimli's loud voice has raised curious glances from each of the elves they passed entering the training arena. Sure enough, Legolas saw Tauriel sparring with a younger elf in a blur of silver daggers. Her fluid movements and the swirl of her auburn hair made her deadly and precise steps seem more like a dance than a duel.
She is so beautiful.
The younger elf was facing them and saw that he was now being watched by the Prince and a dwarf, the surprise of which caused him to lose his footing. Seeing she had the upper hand, Tauriel pressed her advantage until he lay on the floor in surrender.
'Tauriel.' Legolas called softly with a smile.
The Captain looked up after sheathing her gleaming daggers and helping the younger elf to his feet and smiled as she saw Legolas. Her delicate eyebrows rose as her gaze took in the sight of the dwarf at his side.
'Legolas…and who might you be, master dwarf?' Tauriel walked forward before giving a somewhat apprehensive smile at Gimli.
'By Aulë's beard! The fire-haired elleth! Legolas did not say…' Gimli fumbled for words and Legolas could only watch in slight confusion as Gimli knelt and took the Captain's hand. Tauriel looked uncomfortable, but she held still.
'My lady, forgive me. I am Gimli, son of Gloin and companion to Legolas. You are the elleth that King Dain named dwarf-friend, the likes of which has not been seen in centuries. It was told that the fire-haired elleth saved the life of King Thorin's sister-son, Kili. My Father also spoke of your loyalty to our kin. For that, I am at your service.'
Gimli lowered his head to Tauriel but Legolas saw the hurt flash across her face at the mention of Kili. Legolas was not particularly comfortable about it either but perhaps for slightly different reasons.
Tauriel raised Gimli to his feet before gently extracting her hand so that she could greet him in the traditional elven style.
'Mae g'ovannen, Gimli, son of Gloin. I am Tauriel, Captain of the Mirkwood Guard. I am honoured by the title of dwarf-friend and hope that I may live up to it.' Tauriel gave a genuinely warm smile to Gimli and Legolas felt his heart blossom with warmth.
Legolas looked behind him at the sound of footsteps approaching.
The messenger that had been nearing the trio bowed at him. 'Hîr vuin, the King has returned. He summons you immediately.'
Legolas looked to Tauriel and then to Gimli, who raised a bushy eyebrow. 'Gimli, I think it is time that I introduce you to my Father.'