Rated M for violence and sexual encounters

Disclaimer: The characters all belong to the master Tolkien and this is only being written for my own enjoyment and hopefully yours. No money or profit involved.

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A Cage of a Different Kind

Chapter 17

Legolas felt a strange mixture of joy and sadness as he stood in front of Aragorn awaiting his bride. He had tried to get his father to come to his wedding but he had received only silence from Mirkwood. He had forgiven his father for withholding the messages from Eowyn. He knew Thranduil was only doing what he thought best for his only son but Legolas sorely missed his presence on one of the most important days of his long life. Both bride and groom were short on family making the support of their friends even more important.

Gimli stood next to Legolas. The dwarf had combed his hair and beard and donned his finest tunic. It had taken much persuasion to get him to leave his axe in his room. Legolas smiled to himself as he remembered the scene from earlier today.

"No Dwarf worth his weight in gold is ever without his weapon." Gimli protested as Legolas smiled fondly.

"I will not have weapons at any wedding I preside over." Aragorn responded. "Put that axe down now!"

"What if unwanted guests crash the wedding? I could be the only thing standing between the couple and certain death!' Gimli groused.

"No unwanted guest or danger of any kind can get past my guards." Aragorn snapped, insulted that Gimli would imply that anyone was in danger when staying in his keep.

"Peace my friends!" Legolas laughed. "Of course we are in no danger and I would entreat you to leave the axe here my friend." Legolas looked at Gimli pleadingly.

Gimli scowled and looked longingly at his axe. "Only for you crazy elf." He said grudgingly as he placed his axe on the bed. "It had better be here when I get back."

Aragorn started to sputter again but Legolas put his hand on his shoulder, calming him before words erupted between the two friends yet again.

Standing in the beautiful garden within Gondor's keep, surrounded by their closest friends, Legolas could almost make believe he was in his beloved forest.

The hobbits had stayed a little longer so as not to miss the festivities. Galadriel and Celeborn had come from Lothlorien and Elrond and the twins as well as Erestor and Glorfindel had journeyed from Rivendell to support the couple. Gandalf smiled from beside Elrond as the music changed and all eyes turned to watch Arwen glide towards them in a stunning green gown. She carried an armful of wild flowers and her hair flowed loose with a simple circlet on her head. She had refused to wear any other indication of her station. Here with her friends and family, she was only Arwen. She and Eowyn had become quite close since her arrival in Gondor.

The music swelled and a vision entered the garden. Eowyn appeared in a shimmering gold gown, her hair cascaded down her back in rich waves of gold as well. A circlet with a pear shaped diamond in the center held a veil that reached her shoulders. The veil sparkled with stones interspersed throughout, but nothing could outshine the smile on her face as she walked towards her groom.

She caught her breath when she caught sight of the beautiful elf waiting for her. His tunic was silver and twinkled like moonlight whenever he moved, his lean muscular form outlined to perfection. His long blond hair was held back with a simple mithril circlet and his incredible blue eyes shone as he watched her approach him.

She was still graceful even though their expected child was clearly evident now. The swell of her belly was outlined by the clinging gold gown and he was happy she had not tried to cover her condition. He thought it only enhanced her beauty. She had chosen not to carry anything so her hands were free to clasp his as she turned to face him. A tear of happiness slipped down her cheek as they exchanged their vows and a small cheer erupted from the guests as they kissed to seal their commitment.

They had chosen sunset for the time and torches cast a romantic glow over the garden as the sun slowly disappeared. There were tables set up under a pavilion at the side and the guests made their way over to sit after congratulating the couple.

Elrohir clapped Legolas on the shoulder as he congratulated him adding that he was leaving Gondor as soon as possible.

"There must be something in the air or water. Everyone seems to be getting wed. Two weddings in so many months makes me slightly nervous."

They laughed as Elladan smacked his twin. "We should both take care brother, we are older than Legolas and father has mentioned more than once that he would appreciate a few grandchildren from his sons as well."

"I don't see that happening anytime soon, but I shall keep my eyes open for any eligible mates for the two of you. Of course, they must have an abundance of patience and a well developed sense of humor in order to put up with you two." Legolas smirked.

"Well if they are even half as beautiful as your bride we will be well satisfied." Elladan said as he kissed Eowyn on the cheek.

"You are too kind." she blushed.

"That has rarely been said in reference to my brother." Elrohir said as he took his turn kissing the bride. Elladan rolled his eyes and pulled his brother towards a table.

"Well you are quite lucky laddie." Gimli said as he approached the couple.

"Aye, I couldn't agree with you more." Legolas said as he pulled his bride close and kissed her yet again.

"Well of course you are lucky to have Eowyn, but I was referring to the fact that I have not had need of my axe as of yet. I still think you should have let me carry it."

Legolas laughed as he pushed his friend towards the pavilion. "I hope you have some decent ale for your poor thirsty friend and not just the prissy wine you elves seem to prefer." Gimli said as he found a seat by the hobbits.

Legolas ignored him as he turned to Elrond, Galadriel and Celeborn. "It is an honor you could attend my joining ceremony." Legolas said as he placed his hand over his heart and bowed slightly to his distinguished guests.

"We would not have missed this joyous occasion young one." Elrond said.

"Where is Thranduil?" Galadriel asked and instantly regretted it when she saw a pained look momentarily move across Legolas face.

"Unfortunately, my father was not able to attend." he said softly and hugged Eowyn close not choosing to disclose anything more at the moment.

"It is surely his loss." She said as she hugged Eowyn. "You make a beautiful bride my dear." Celeborn added as he lead his wife and son–in-law away.

"Are you okay my love?" Eowyn asked as she looked at Legolas in concern.

"I am fine meleth. If he chooses not to be here, it is as Galadriel said, it is his loss."

She smiled sadly and turned back in time to receive a big hug from Gandalf. "My best to both of you," he said as he pulled her to him. "May you spend many happy years together."

Legolas smiled as he looked at his mortal bride preferring not to think about the short amount of years ahead. He would not be blessed with an eternity with his love but he planned to make the most of whatever time the Valar granted them.

Gandalf seemed to read his mind and looked at him as if there was a secret he could not yet reveal and made his way to join Gimli and the hobbits. Legolas just watched him and shook his head.

Aragorn and Arwen were last in line and Aragorn clasped his best friend in a hug while Arwen laughed and embraced Eowyn as well. "I have a gift I need to discuss with you sometime soon mellon nin." Aragorn whispered in Legolas' ear as he released him. Please find me when you finally emerge from your chamber." He winked as he guided his lovely wife to the pavilion.

Legolas arched his eyebrow in puzzlement but decided not to try to guess what his friend might have up his sleeve right now.

A rousing toast from Gimli having something to do with love and bearded women set everyone laughing. Aragorn then stood and spoke eloquently about love and how happy everyone was for both of them. Before anyone could get too sentimental, the twins piped up with a recommendation that Eowyn keep healing herbs and bandages with her at all times since Legolas had such a reputation for getting injured and sent the guests into gales of laughter.

Legolas huffed indignantly. "I had never been injured until I made your acquaintance!" Again the gathering erupted in laughter.

The evening went on with a fabulous meal of quail and fresh bread and vegetables. The cake was carried in and the gathering caught their breath. Arwen had obviously planned this surprise and the quests crowded around the two cakes. One was tastefully decorated with horses and rolling hills representing Rohan. The second had a forest with a shimmering river running through it representing Erin Las Galen as it had once been. A couple met in the middle of a beautiful bridge that connected the two cakes and Legolas kissed his bride again as they got ready to cut a piece from their respective cakes. Each placed a bite lovingly in the others mouth appreciating the symbolism so thoughtfully provided by the queen.

The musicians started playing a beautiful ballad as Legolas lead his new wife to the small clearing to dance. The couple sparkled in the moonlight as their silver and gold mingled and they moved gracefully together. Aragorn smiled and clasped Arwen's hand as he leaned over to kiss his beautiful wife. "I am so happy that my friend will have the chance to know the happiness you have brought to my life." he whispered.

"And I shall make you even happier later this evening." she said with a sultry look in her eyes as she kissed him passionately, the promise of things to come bringing a silly grin to Aragorn's face.

Elrohir noticed their exchange and leaned over to his twin. "I think we may be two of the few quests sleeping alone tonight." his eye traveled meaningfully over the various couples nuzzling each other. Elladan grinned "All is not lost brother. I saw two very promising ladies on our way here and I think with a little persuasion..." he left off winking at his brother. Elrohir grinned back and the two of them discreetly left in search of some distraction. Elrond sighed and shook his head as he watched his sons disappear inside the keep. "Valar, keep them out of trouble this night." He thought as he watched Legolas guide Eowyn to her seat. She was starting to look tired and her hand went to her belly as a look of surprise opened her eyes wide. Legolas was instantly at her side asking if she was okay but she only took his hand and guided it to the same spot on her stomach. His eyes lit up and he gasped as he felt their baby kick. Elrond smiled remembering the joy he and his wife had shared awaiting the twins birth.

Other couples had started dancing as Elrond made his way over to the couple. "I believe you could sneak out of here anytime now and everyone would understand." He said softly to Legolas. "Eowyn is starting to look a little tired." Legolas nodded and bent to whisper in her ear. She smiled at him and rose, taking his arm as they quietly left the garden.