Title: Betrothal of the Elves
Author: Eneth nin Galasriniel

A/n: Okay thanks everyone for the reviews! And last chapter I forgot to mention that Tauriel is actually the elf in the Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug trailer! So if you haven't seen it, go check it out :) So I read online that after a betrothal elves wait a year to marry so I included it in this..I'm not sure how I will play it out as of yet so if anyone has any ideas then feel free to PM me. Also a huge welcome to Crazy PurpleSage please please go check out her Legarry stories, they are amazing :)) Also, I'm trying to get updates out 5 days in-between the last update. So usually expect an update either 5 days from now, or less. Anyways please enjoy!

Word Count: 1,668 (longest chapter yet!)
Chapter Eight

It had been three nights since Landion and I's events in the garden. We had mostly just seen each other during breakfast and dinner. I wanted to give Landion time to think about his feelings and I thought it best if he did this away from me. And also, I didn't know where else to take him.

I laid in my bed thinking about everything that had happened since my arrival. I had been so adamant about going here, but now that I am here I don't regret it. My father had been mostly right about me finding happiness here; I just had to make Landion believe that too.

With everything going on, I had forgotten about Landion and I's betrothal dinner announcement. Galadriel had thankfully reminded me about it at breakfast and I didn't have anything to occupy my time before then so I am just lying in the bed, as of now.

She had told me to wear my formal attire and my circlet.

I got out of bed and walked over to my closet.

I spotted my silver leggings and pulled them from their place in my closet.

I laid them on my bed and looked for a tunic to pair with them. I decided on a light bluish-grey one and my knee high black boots.

I also grabbed a silver outer robe and then looked at my final outfit. It looked fair enough and I resumed my lying on the bed.

I went back to thinking and I thought about the bigger question.

Could I see myself with Landion for the rest of my life?

Which the rest of my life would be like an eternity, as elves are immortal.

And if we never got to the point of love then our betrothal would be off as elves only marry for love.

It shocked me that I didn't want that to happen and I realized that a part of me wanted to be with Landion, if only a small part so far.

I had been about the happiest I have been in a while during my time with Landion. I am determined to make this work between the both of us.

Meanwhile Landion had been having the same thoughts…

I sighed once again and looked to the ceiling. Why was it so hard to think about my feelings?

I had never been in a relationship before so I don't know what to compare my feelings too and how to describe my feelings.

I for certain know that I feel something towards Legolas. I was pretty sure it wasn't just attraction, as I usually don't tend to base feelings on appearances.

I thought back to when I first met Legolas and how I had felt about him and our betrothal.

I recall being nervous as usual but I also remember feeling a slight excitement at knowing I was to be married to this elf. I also thought about all of our times together so far and the first time he had hugged me and kissed me on the cheek. The feeling I had felt was indescribable and it had only been a few moments of contact between us.

I realized, in that moment, that I could see myself with Legolas. I wasn't ready to make a commitment but I could give an effort to make everything work out between us.

*Legolas*

I finished getting ready by braiding my hair. I split the hair into three separate braids: two small side braids which held my hair back from my eyes and a bigger fishtail braid that cascaded down my back.

I looked in the mirror and realized I had forgotten to put on my circlet. I put it on and then placed the betrothal ring, which Galadriel had given me, in my pocket.

I looked in the mirror one last time and then left my room, closing the door behind me.

*Landion*

I looked myself over in the mirror. I was wearing black leggings with an emerald-green tunic and black knee high boots. I also had on a silver outer-robe. I had my hair tied back into a fishtail braid. My golden circlet was atop my head and I placed the betrothal ring in my pocket.

I sighed nervously and made my wall to the dining hall.

*Legolas*

Landion and I had arrived at the same time so we walked in together. The whole dining hall went silent, upon seeing us. Then all of a sudden whispers broke out and there was some whistling from the corner from some very spirited elves that had had a bit too much to drink.

I chuckled and looked over to Landion who was blushing.

I smiled and put my arm around his shoulder, leading him to the table.

"Prince Legolas, Prince Landion," Galadriel said as we were sitting down.

"Lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn." They nodded in acknowledgement and I heard Landion repeat me.

I looked over to my father who was smiling at me, "Legolas, Prince Landion."

"Father," I said and nodded.

I heard Landion greet my father and then turned to Galadriel when she had tapped on her glass to get the attention of the hall.

She stood slowly and said, "As you may know tonight we are celebrating a betrothal between my son, Prince Landion," loud applause broke out at his name, "and Prince Legolas," there was applause for me too.

"Landion and Legolas will be exchanging rings tonight to begin the betrothal and make it official. I am most delighted that you elves have come to celebrate with us. Let the dinner begin and I hope all of you enjoy," with that she sat down and the clink of silverware and chinaware was heard throughout the hall.

Not long after the announcement was made, the feast was over. It was time to exchange rings and I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.

This time Celeborn and my Father stood and motioned for us to stand up also. My father began to speak, "My son, Legolas, has always been ready for anything I choose to throw at him. So when I told him about the betrothal between him and Landion he took it as rationally and calmly as an old wise elf. I wish him happiness in his union and may the Valar bless these two young elves," and with that he sat down.

I smiled at him and felt a tear come to my eye. "I love you, Ada," I whispered and from the smile on his face, I knew he had heard me.

Celeborn looked to Landion with a smile, "Landion has always been a blessing since elfhood. He has been soft-spoken all of his life and when I told him about the betrothal, he was no different. I didn't know if the idea of a betrothal was something he wasn't comfortable with so I kept a close eye on him. Since Legolas has come in his life he has opened up a little and he seems to be happy. I wish him happiness and may the Valar bless the both of them."

I saw Landion tear up and I intertwined our fingers. He looked to me and I smiled. He smiled back and I led him to the middle of the hall where we were supposed to exchange rings.

Galadriel stood once again, "Legolas and Landion present the rings."

I fished mine out of my pocket and placed it on my palm.

She continued, "Legolas, do you accept this betrothal and wish to go through with it?"

"I do," I said without hesitation.

"Landion, do you accept this betrothal and wish to go through with it?"

I turned to Landion and saw him looking slightly uncomfortable. I squeezed his hand in support and he said, "Yes."

Galadriel smiled, "Very well. You may now exchange rings."

I released Landion's hand and lightly held his offered hand in mine. I pushed the ring on his finger and let go of his hand.

Landion did the same and I smiled at him.

There was loud applause and Galadriel said, "May the Valar bless the both of you. You will be joined a year from now."

After the exchanging of rings I had bid a flustered Landion a goodnight with a kiss on the cheek.

To think, a year from now I would be joined with him for an eternity if he wished it.

I planned to make him mine officially after his birthday. I layed down on the bed thinking of gifts I could give him for the courting ritual.

Then I realized I had no idea what to gift him for his birthday.

a/n: Okay so another chapter.. yay :) I have most of the courting gifts thought out but it wouldn't hurt if someone wanted to give me suggestions? Maybe? :) Also when I mentioned in the story that I didn't know where else to have dates at.. I was serious. I would appreciate suggestions in that too. Thank youuu! Anyways thanks for reading and please review!

-Lauren :)