Chapter 42 - Glorfindel and Those Close of Kin

"You had me worried there, laddy," Gimli exclaimed cheerfully after hearing from Legolas of his betrothal, "I'd thought you'd miss your chance..."

During the break, Legolas first informed Aragorn and Gimli of his betrothal, and though for them the news was not unexpected, they were indeed pleased to hear the couple formalized their relationship before Vez departed.

"I am happy for you my friend," Aragorn spoke warmly to him in Elvish, cupping his shoulder, "May she swiftly return to your arms." An unspoken sorrow was then exchanged between them, and Legolas knew Aragorn thought of Arwen. There was little consolation he could give him for even he did not know of the arrangement made by Lord Elrond to give his daughter away at the following day's coronation. It would not be made known to all Elves until later that afternoon.

As Legolas approached the group of ambassadors from his own realm, an awkward silence fell among them and several eyes briefly shifted downward, perhaps to catch a glimpse of the silver ring now fitted on his finger. He looked upon Thalion who stood among them, and knew then that his friend had spoken to them of his news.

Then one of the eldest among them, Arphenion, stepped towards the young prince and spoke words on all of their behalf, "Tidings unexpected come from the mouth of Lord Thalion. Is it true, my lord, that you intend to wed the Elf from Rhun and not Lady Adele from Lothlorien?"

Before Legolas opened his mouth, his father who had followed him there concerned for how this would be handled, announced it for him, "My son is to wed Vezely, the daughter of Eluréd of the House of Dior. Words of congratulations are all that need to be spoken." While Thranduil knew he could do little to mend Vezely's reputation, at the very least, he would not allow anyone from his realm to call her by anything other than the title that spoke of her respectable lineage.

Arphenion tilted his head down in reverence to the king, "Forgive us our need for confirmation, my lord."

"It is alright, Arphenion," Legolas intervened calmly before he or anyone else said anymore. Legolas was appreciative of his father's desire to save him from conflict, but he did not want to brush away their concerns so easily for it would leave much open to question. "I left my relationship unspoken for fear of the misunderstanding it would garner. I know now this was not in vain for I can see it in your eyes. And while I seek your blessing, I will not dissuade you from harboring these thoughts of doubt or from forming words which speak against it. You all know me well, and know my choices in life are not without consideration of our people. If this dissuades those pledged to tend the forests of Ithilien by my side or to look upon me less favorable than before, then so be it. But I am not ashamed by my betrothal to Vezely. Instead, my heart is gladdened to have found my life partner."

The sincerity and openness of Legolas's speech gave all need to reflect on their prior thoughts and with care in his own voice, Arphenion replied, "My lord, none among us will speak ill of your happiness. And I offer you my congratulations," and he tilted his head down politely.

"Gratitude ," Legolas replied grateful that one as respected as Arphenion first spoke this.

"Will you be married within the year, my lord?"Lady Siladhiel then asked wondering as they all did if it would be a traditional betrothal.

"There is no set date for the ceremony as of yet," Legolas exclaimed, "And no plans until Vezely returns from what needs to be accomplished in Rhun. But when she does return, then we shall wed."

Silahiel smiled brightly, "We look forward to celebrating that day with you, my lord."

Legolas was cheered by the support of his kin, though doubtless they held queries and would talk amongst themselves of this unexpected development. Most wondered how one as fair, noble, and honest as their prince could find partnership with an Elf of such foul reputation, even if she had fought bravely in the war just past.

Legolas quietly thanked his father for his interference after, but Thranduil brushed him off, explaining, "Are we not lords of our realm?" Thus, reminding his son who was set to take the helm of an Elf colony in Ithilien, that as a leader, one at times makes decisions that not all agree with, and as a leader, one has the right to do so.

It was then that Lord Celeborn approached father and son, greeting them before saying to Thranduil, "I understand now why our arrangement most certainly could not be met," referring to their desire to try and court Legolas and Lady Adele.

Legolas tilted his head down respectfully, as his father replied to Celeborn, "Forgive me for not being upfront concerning my son's partnership when speaking on matters of his refusal."

"There is no need for an apology," Celeborn replied kindly, then looking at Legolas he queried, "War is an unusual time to find partnership."

Legolas smiled slightly uncomfortable; he was at least grateful the question did not necessary pertain negatively to the partner in question, "I do not disagree. Though in such times, one's heart is perhaps most in need."

Celeborn nodded, adding carefully, "Indeed. This news does much to change opinion of her."

"Vezely is by all appearances hard as stone and sharp as nails," Legolas agreed, and he knew this was the face she preferred to show publically, "But she is not without heart or care of others. Despite her past, she has not forsaken this world."

Celeborn smiled slightly, confirming politely, "She is after all, counted among the Eldar."

Legolas smiled, "Counted yes, and to be accepted, much desired to be..."

And thus the news of their betrothal traveled among the Elvish ambassadors, and many of them held such great respect for the young prince that they were not begrudged to offer him congratulations. Yet, with Vezely being forbidden to sail to Valinor for her deeds, they wondered of his resolve. Would his heart be able to suffer the call of the sea and wait upon her uncertain return?

Then there was Lady Adele, who, though suspecting Legolas's heart was not free to give her, had not expected it to have already been given to another and to one so unlike her in image and mind. Most of the Elvish ambassadors knew of their intended courtship and had witnessed their interactions together the first days of council. To suddenly be told of this new development made her feel slightly sullied in their eyes for not having known, as well as embarrassed for having been passed over for someone deemed uncouth. Despite her aptitude for propriety, it was hard for her to feel glad for Legolas or to think kindly of his chosen partner. And thus, she withheld her congratulations at that time.

Vezely tried softening her footsteps as she rounded the corridor that led into the wing's central courtyard; her ears hearing over the fountain's babbling water a conversation taking place between two men. From what she could discern, they were arguing over whether the pattern of courtyard's inlayed tile was the same throughout. She tarried slightly before coming into view, removing her hood suddenly believing it would appear conspicuous for her to be cloaked when returning to her own chambers.

Her presence inevitably elicited their attention. Only two there were; one that stood and another that sat on the fountain's ledge with his arms crossed; both dark-haired and cloaked in lush, velvet fabrics that were similar in the style and colors that other Elves from Imladris wore.

"You must be Lady Vezely," the Elf who stood walked towards her, as the other rose from his seat; his gaze glanced over her raiment and hair curiously but he was not deterred by it.

"You are Lord Elrond's sons?" assuming after equally observing them and realizing the two males were twins, and each had the dark hair and grey eyes of their father; resembling him slightly in bearing.

"That we are," he smiled warmly, "And we are close of kin," he then looked to his brother behind him who was coming to his side.

Vezely noted they both displayed kindness in their eyes for this and she replied politely, "And since we are close of kin, please call me Vezely. But forgive me, I do not know your names."

"Ah, I am Elrohir and the lesser image of me is Elladan," causing his brother to shake his head as he was often the butt of his jokes.

"Lesser only in foolishness," Elladan rejoined proudly stopping aside his brother and providing her a courteous Elvish greeting by outstretching his hand from his chest, "It is a pleasure to meet you, Vezely."

"And it is a glad surprise to be greeted by both of you so kindly," Vezely replied, tilting her head down with her fist against her chest in Easterling greeting. "I had not expected your presence in Minas Tirith."

"None save a few of our kin do I am afraid, though it is for good reason," Elladan relayed pleasantly.

"The guard mentioned your sister, Arwen," Vezely mentioned.

"Aye, for only after the king's crowning will Arwen present herself," Elladan explained, and while Vezely did not understand this custom, she did not desire to question it.

Elrohir then added, "Until then, we will keep ourselves hidden from the men and dwarves in this section of the guest villa, which we are told only you and Lord Legolas hold residence."

"That we do," she affirmed, betraying nothing of her relationship with the prince. Now she wondered where the others in their company had strayed, for they couldn't be far if that was their intent. "Are there guards stationed at each entrance?" She asked, wondering about the corridor that extended beyond the north side of the hallway.

"There are," a firm, but pleasant voice called from behind her, causing her to pivot towards it. There she beheld a tall, imposing figure walking towards her; an Elf of shining gold hair and fair of face; his grey eyes seemed aflame and the wisdom that peered through them surpassed any of the Elf lords she had met. The grandness of his presence and strength of his aura caused Vez to take a half step back in momentary trepidation and her hands twitched slightly, yearning to grab the handles of her sai tucked into her boot's side holders. In that moment she felt as if the prior century had not passed and she beheld a far worthier adversary sent by the Valar to smite her for her allegiance to Sauron.

The Elf lord narrowed his bright eyes slightly, curious of this reaction for he knew much about her dark past, though less so about her present; save for what Lord Elrond mentioned of their brief meeting in Dunharrow.

"Ah, Lord Glorfindel," Elladan greeted him pleasantly, not noticing Vez's odd reaction, "They let Lady Vezely through as requested. Oh, I do hope the guards did not treat you unkindly," Elladan then asked her, finding himself remiss for not doing so.

"No, they did not," Vez replied unconcerned, having again regained her composure, quickly putting on her mental armor. "You are the Glorfindel of Gondolin? A balrog slayer of the First Age?" she then asked both boldly and skeptically, needing confirmation; for the tale of the fall of Gondolin which Legolas relayed to her recently was still fresh on her mind. When he told her of the Fellowship's journey through the mines of Moria and how they encountered a balrog of Morgoth, it led to a discussion of these creatures and their terror in the First Age. She could not fathom any Elf was powerful enough to defeat one, but alas, many were and he relayed to her the story of Glorfindel and his sacrifice. It was not a tale she expected to hear, nor to discover that these Elves of old had powers imbued in them by the lands of the Valar, and that they were considerably more powerful than any of the Elves born since.

He tilted his head to the side slightly, finding her question odd, "I am."

She stared at him in thought; knowing he spoke the unbelievable truth. She then placed her right fist on her chest and bowed her head low and long as an Easterling would to greet a mighty warrior, declaring, "Then it is a great honor to meet you, lord."

Glorfindel was counted honorable by the Valar, but not for having slain a Balrog, but for having fought hard and given his life so that others may live. He asked skeptically of her greeting, "And why is it for this deed you deem me worthy of respect?"

"My respect you would still receive as a lord of Elves, but I hail from a culture which valorizes strength, and certainly you have proven to possess it. For that, it is a greater honor to make your acquaintance," she replied firmly, though she found looking in his eyes unsettling.

A curious smile graced his lips, she was a strange Elf indeed, he thought, even to one who had seen and met many in his long life. And in observation of her shorn locks, the gold earrings lining her ears, and her foreign garb, he found in stark contrast a small bouquet of white flower clasped in her left hand. There she dangled them without care by her side and their stems appeared to him misshapen and their petals wilted. "Hold out your hand," he requested her, to which she narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"Why?" she asked distrustfully; for even if he was a mighty lord, she was not one to follow strange orders.

He calmly lifted his own hand, his palm upward and pointed towards the bouquet, encouraging her to show him what she held. With her eyes still narrowed on his, she acquiesced to his request and lifted the bouquet. He then carefully took them by the stems and upon holding them in his light grasp, the flowers seemed to reinvigorate and gain new life.

"Strength should not be why one garners respect, nor is it why I returned to Middle Earth as an emissary of the Valar, Vezely, daughter of Eluréd," he stated returning the renewed flowers to her hand, and she looked upon them as one would some cursed object of sorcery. "Respect should be reserved for those that are kind and selfless."

"You have obviously never been to Rhun," Vez replied bluntly, crossing her arms, flowers still in hand, to show she did not agree with his point.

He was surprised by her irreverence, for it was rare to have one so young speak to him so brazenly. Both Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other and relayed their amusement, for even they would not talk disrespectfully to Glorfindel, despite knowing him well. He then stated assuredly, raising one eyebrow as he walked past her to the fountain's side with his hands clasped behind him, "Yet I believe your care takers in Rhun would not disagree."

Vezely's eyes perked up, and turning towards him, "You are acquainted with the Blue Wizards?"

"I traveled from Valinor with them and fare welled them before their journey Eastward," Glorfindel replied staring down in thought at the fountain's pool.

"So you would not know of their current whereabouts," she acknowledged, for their ship sailed to Middle Earth during the Second Age; her tone betrayed that she was disheartened, for she still lacked any confirmation of their safety.

"You will search them out?" He asked realizing her thoughts while yet looking down at the rippling water.

"I will try," Vez straightened her posture and uncrossed her arms as she spoke of her charge, "Their aid will be needed if Rhun is to reclaim stability."

"Elladan, Elrohir," Glorfindel spoke without looking up, "Leave us."

And with his command, the twins departed, exchanging a warm smile with Vezely as they left; and Vez watched their backs as they disappeared down the long corridor, feeling uncomfortable being left alone with the Elf Lord.

It was then that Glorfindel turned from the fountain and looked upon the young Elf, who now stood more respectfully. He then spoke as if one of the Valar, declaring, "As with the Eldar, the Istari's time in Middle Earth is ending, and the age of Men must come into being. You may ride as leader into Rhun, but you must leave it in the hands of the Second Born and fade also."

She furled her brow slightly wondering if this message was cryptic, or if again she was being tested on the morality of her charge. She responded firmly, "I do not seek to stay in Rhun after the aid I can provide is given. And whether others deem it fair or not, I am now counted among the Eldar, as that choice was given. And as such, I would eventually follow my kin into the far West, but that choice is yet revoked."

"Do you disagree with this decision?" he asked pointedly, wondering her disposition on the Valar and their will.

Again she felt tested, "No, it is as it should be for what I have done," was all she replied but in stoic tone, but her concern was apparent to him.

"But you desire to reside in Valinor?" he implored her to continue her thoughts.

"My desire is not to experience the bliss or beauty of the realm, which tales speak highly of," she tilted her head slightly higher, "But to be with those who would find their dwelling within it."

Glorfindel gained a sense that her yearning was strong, but rather it was to remain by the side of another who would dwell there. He was quick to connect this statement with the betrothal ring he saw on her right hand. His eyes noted it when she greeted him, when pressing her fist to her chest; finding the sheen of pure silver amid her bruised knuckles, which also gave him pause. The metal also appeared out of place alongside a gold ring and her gold earrings which were more characteristic of Easterlings' jewelry. Then he said walking to the side of her, "You should not look upon your bar from Valinor as one born entirely out of ill-favor for your corruption. There is reason why you must return Eastward before being permitted to go the other way."

"It seems I was born to serve the purposes of others," Vezely stated with mild contempt, her eyes watching him walk.

"As was I," he replied unashamed, stopping aside her, hoping to display that she should not think herself alone, or to now feel unworthy for it, "But in making the choice to aid in Rhun's recovery by your own free will, the deeds you accomplish shall not go unheeded by those whose purpose it serves."

"It is strange for my ears to hear this, for I am reminded of promises made to me by Sauron who also bid me choose to serve the purposes he had," she spoke darkly, which made Glorfindel slightly concerned of her thoughts, but she dissuaded his worry by adding, "Nay, I return East to aid in Rhun's recovery because it is a debt I owe to its people for the terror I inflicted upon their ancestors. Whatever higher purpose that may serve, so be it, but I know I leave without certainty of my fate."

Glorfindel would not answer her at that time, for a guard had come to the courtyard to hail him to the meeting among the Elven leaders. They were now gathering, having finished the last general meeting, and there both Lady Galadriel and Glorfindel would treat with them.

"We will speak again before your departure, Vezely, daughter of Eluréd," he told her before he left. And in respect, Vezely again brought her right fist to her chest and bowed her head down, saying nothing as he departed.

She would return to her room, stopping inside and leaning against her closed door to look upon the renewed bouquet of flowers in her hand as she thought of the Elf Lord's words. ...You may ride as leader into Rhun, but you must leave it in the hands of the Second Born and fade also... There is reason why you must return Eastward before being permitted to go the other way... Yet she did not let her mind linger, and instead began the tasks she set for the afternoon.

It was but ten minutes when a knock at the door came and she opened it upon one of the guards who had stopped her from entry into the wing. He apologized for disturbing her and handed her a letter which they intercepted from one of the maids charged with delivering it to her door.

Vez then noted the red wax seal of the letter was broken, "Who opened this?" she asked suspiciously, narrowing her eyes on him.

"It was not I who opened it, my lady," the guard defended himself courteously, "Lord Glorfindel requested to see the letter prior it being delivered. Again, apologies for the disruption." And with a polite nod, he left.

Already perturbed by this invasion of privacy, the letter, penned by Faramir, did little to lessen her annoyance.

Dear General,

It was brought to my attention at noontime that the prisoner who sustained a head injury during yesterday's incident has died. Gondor's records will now hold you responsible for both of the prisoner's deaths.

Steward

Yavonka, Vezely muttered her disrespectful moniker for Faramir under her breath before flinging the letter over to her cluttered desk. At least, she reasoned, trying to bring herself out of this foul mood, he titled me 'General.' She was also not downtrodden by news of the man's death, considering it alleviated her from inflicting justice for his interference in the challenge, which was already a death sentence.

She would continued her tidying and organizing, as well as sitting down at her desk to finalize the maps she'd take with her on her journey to Khand before turning northward to search out the Blue Wizards. Going through her wardrobe she pulled out the dress she would wear to tomorrow's coronation; finding it strange to see again even if little time had passed since its purchase. Its delicacy, as she ran her fingers down the soft fabric, reminded her of the flowers which she had placed and then forgotten on the entryway table after entering. Finding a discarded cup yet half-full of stale water, she placed them inside and set it on the small table aside the two chairs. She stared at them again, the Balchoth in her considering somewhat disdainfully Glorfindel's idea of respect. ...Kind and selfless...

The knock at her door stirred her from her thoughts, and opening it she found Legolas, smiling upon her, and driven by need, she embraced him, caring not to speak or to see if any others were in sight of her door. And Legolas gladly obliged her desire, pulling her into his arms, saying joyful in her ear, "If all my greetings could be this warm."

"They should be," she replied now looking upon him, cheered by his touch. She stood aside to allow him entry, remarking surprised as he passed her, "The day's councils are already finished?" Having not realized the time.

"They are. And it would appear our small corridor has obtained new guests," he added furtively before she closed the door, in case keen ears were set to listen. "And with news that warms the heart. To now know a dear friend's happiness will soon be realized." And Vez knew he spoke of Aragorn and his love of Arwen. "I also hear," he turned and took her hands by her side, "You have met Lord Elrond's sons and Lord Glorfindel."

"I have," she replied appearing indifferent, hiding her curiosity in the disclosure of this information for there were more pressing matters she had worried about all day, "But what about your day? Was your father angry?"

"He was not pleased," he replied appearing somewhat satisfied by this, "But he did not begrudge Lord Elrond or I for my absence. And he even announced our betrothal to our kin."

Vez's eyes went blank, and she blinked thinking she could not have heard him right, "It was announced, and by your father?"

"You heard me correctly," he stated amused by her sudden bewilderment, "Of course they were surprised, but," he brushed his fingers down her one cheek as he engaged her eyes, "They did not revoke congratulations. And now we can attend dinner, side by my side, without worry of garnering questions for they have now been answered," he grinned, for he was cheered that this task was finally completed, having troubled him for so long; asking her after, "Are you ready?"

"For what?" Vez asked blinking once more, still dumbfounded by these unexpected tidings.

"For dinner. You are of course invited," he held her hands a little tighter. The Elves would be gathering that evening and holding a feast in honor of the new arrivals.

Vez felt like air suddenly could not find its way to her lungs; that or the lunch she forgot to eat somehow magically appeared in her stomach desiring to come back up. It was announced, she realized slowly, they know. And while she did not disbelieve his words about being provided congratulations, now realizing Legolas had garnered such respect from his people that nothing could wreck their faith in him, she could not fathom appearing in front of them with it being known.

Legolas kissed the back of her hand, noting what he believed to be fright amid her silence, "It will be fine," he promised softly, "No one will speak ill to you, and if they do, they will not just face your wrath," he then smirked slightly, knowing she was not one to hold her tongue nor should she have to if someone decided to be rude.

This remark broke her tension enough to crack a weary smile, but then reasoning out of it hastily, "But the last thing we need is another scene caused by my manners. Perhaps I should not go," knowing yesterday's confrontation with Faramir over slaying a Variag prisoner would still be on their minds.

Legolas looked upon her curiously, "I have not known you to be deterred by anything."

She straightened her posture, "I am not deterred. I am simply..." she could not find the right words to explain how awkward she felt about going; she realized she did not know how to act as his betrothed or how to react properly to those who might either congratulate or question her. He raised one eyebrow, imploring her to continue her reasoning. "Alright, I am being foolish. I will grab my scarf."

Legolas stopped before they headed down the entrance corridor and saying nothing, he held out his elbow, desiring for her to lay her hand on it and allow him to escort her. She hesitated before doing so; aware that this would be the most uncomfortable she had ever felt arriving at an event in her life.

They were not late this time, instead they were slightly early and the newly arrived guests and realm leaders were not yet present, but most of Legolas's kinsfolk were. Thalion, who stood aside Lady Adele, whispered to her after he saw them, "And there they are," turning the Elf maiden's head towards the couple as others did the same. For Thalion, it was strange to see his closest friend clasped to one whose company's arrival into Mirkwood resulted in his brother's removal from Middle Earth. It unsettled him slightly, but such feelings would not deter him from being polite. He motioned to go and greet them, but Lady Adele lightly grasped his arm. "Please stay by side me, Lord Thalion," she requested him softly, turning his face to hers.

"Would you care to join me in congratulating them, my lady?" Thalion wondered of her touch, for he was determined to do as a close friend is expected.

Suddenly Adele felt unawares, for that was not her intent; she wanted Thalion to stay aside her in shunning the new couple. Though she paused momentary, she agreed to join him rather than appear petty.

Silahiel and Arphenion both greeted them, saying they were glad by the tidings, and though Vez observed their mannerisms and emotions closely, she did not discern deceit lay behind their words. Maybe Elves were more accepting than she thought. And then Thalion and Lady Adele approached. He smiled warmly at Legolas and tilted his head down briefly before addressing her, "We have not been on the best of terms since first meeting, but finding that you have provided my dearest friend the happiness he has quietly sought his whole life, I hope that we could also be friends."

Vez responded kindly, "It speaks highly of your character to offer this to one who wronged you deeply in the past. Of course, I gladly accept your friendship," and they exchanged a warm smile.

Adele looked notably pensive, unsure of what words to offer or to offer any, but she ended up addressing Legolas directly, stating bluntly, "I assumed correctly. Indeed, your heart was not free to give."

Noting some hurt lay behind her curt words, Legolas responded carefully, "My sincerest apologies for any deceit I caused. It was wrong of me to lead you to believe otherwise."

"It was my fault," Vez interjected unwavering, her eyes shifting between the two, "I did not desire for our relationship to be known and prodded Legolas to feign what was requested of him ere it could be settled properly. Apologies for your part."

Adele's glared at her unmoved; it was not the warmest apology she had heard, even if it appeared genuinely constructed, considering the woman's character. She nodded curtly, but before responding, their realms' leaders and the new guests were entering from the far corridor, turning everyone's attention their way.

Lord Elrond was escorting his daughter, Arwen Undómiel, who was dressed in a gown of pale blue, embellished with silver threads and crystal beads that glittered under the starlight. Her beauty was unparalleled to any of the Elf maidens there, even Lady Adele; showing reason behind her description as Lúthienreborn. Elrond looked proud, but subtle hints of melancholy were apparent behind his small smile and twinkling grey eyes. His twin sons, Elladan and Elrohir, were also aside them, their gait matching that of their father. Following behind was King Thranduil and Lord Glorfindel, who had been conversing, though their speech was paused as they came into everyone's view. Thranduil's eyes first found his son in the crowd, and then shifted to Vezely, noting she had indeed attended by his side. Then a multitude of unpleasant scenarios of the evening ahead raced through his mind, and he was ill-pleased. Vez sneered slightly upon seeing Glorfindel, displeased he had opened the letter addressed to her, while further wondering why he did so.

The last to enter was Lord Celeborn, escorting the Lady Galadriel. Both were dressed in silver garb, though it was not the fabric that shined, but Galadriel who appeared to give off a radiance all her own. This was the powerful High Elven sorceress of Golden Wood Vezely had heard so many stories of; a member of the White Council and protector of one of the three Elven rings. After one glance, Vez diverted her gaze; her strong aura unsettled her as did Glorfindel's. All Elves bowed their heads down in respect before them, and Vez followed suit; glad it would momentarily hide the strain in her eyes and give her a moment to settle her discomfort.

All Elvish ambassadors were now in attendance, and Lord Elrond greeted them, announcing his daughter's betrothal to Aragorn and hoping all would celebrate this and the ending of the general council meetings. Many of the ambassadors went to pay their respects, and Vez looked upon Legolas with a forced smile. He placed a hand gently on the small of her back; receiving some reassurance in his presence before they would also greet them. They would first go before Lord Elrond and Lady Arwen, who Legolas held in the highest esteem as the lady of Aragorn. And he greeted her warmly as Vez stood quietly by his side. Lord Elrond then brought Arwen's attention to Vezely, introducing her as close kin.

"I am glad to make your acquaintance," Vez stated politely, tilting her head down.

But Arwen brought her hands lightly to the sides of Vezely's face, bringing her uncertain eyes to hers as she was shocked to suddenly be touched. A kind smile formed across Arwen's face as she spoke with a voice of a songbird, declaring in solemn realization, "We have both been driven by love to choose. With this we share much more than blood." This gave Vez pause, wondering how she knew her choice to disregard the gift of man would result in never seeing her Balchoth family again, as Arwen's choice to accept the gift meant she would be separated by death from her Elven family. Vez's eyes then displayed sorrow, for it was a weighty decision and she felt even more so for the Elf before her. Though both knew it was the only one right for their hearts. Afterwards Vezely thanked Lord Elrond for his care yesterday, telling him her shoulder was healing quickly.

Since many others desired to greet Arwen, they did not linger and Vez told Legolas she wanted to speak to his father. He again offered her his arm as escort, and while yet awkward by accepting the gesture in public, she took it, her eyes shifting to discern who may have been watching them.

Knowing it was needed to be said, Vez greeted Thranduil with an explanation, "My apologies for yesterday, my lord. I did not intend for the business with my men to escalate or for it then be brought to the attention of others."

Thranduil looked at her perturbed, chiding her, "You have not made things any easier for yourself."

"I know," Vez returned bluntly, "But your support of our partnership," her voice grew more serious and her eyes sincere, "It has gone beyond all I could have imagined. Thank you, truly."

Thranduil yet looked upon her sternly, "I will always support my son."

Vez tilted her chin down in respect, saying nothing, as Legolas added, "Which means," he looked at his father admonishingly, "He also support you, though he is too proud to admit it."

Unintentionally, a smirk found its way to Vezely's face and she kept her chin down and eyes diverted from Thranduil, knowing quite well he was glaring at his son, annoyed by this statement.

It was then that Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel passed behind her, instantly garnering Legolas and Thranduil's attention. Legolas turned around and bowed his head down respectfully as did Thranduil. But Vez, who somehow knew the powerful Elf was behind her, was slow to do so and her eyes, yet downcast went wide. She was not quite ready to greet her.