Chapter 56 - Of Weddings, Circlets, and High Valinorean Society
"There is so much I want ask you, and so much I want to say," Vezely thoughts cluttered as she was still in disbelief as they walked hand in hand together to the steps that would take them back up to her family's chateau.
"We have all the time in Arda," Legolas replied in a soft breath, his eyes shining upon her with the noonday sun.
"I guess we do," she half-smiled trying to settle her queries, afterwards releasing his hand in order to lift up the bottom length of her cream yellow dress and slip her feet into the flats waiting there for her.
Legolas further examined her appearance as she did; watching as her long dark hair fell over her shoulders as she slightly bent down; noting also the lack of gold rings lining the edges of her pointed ears. "I almost did not recognize you," he spoke in strange awe, suddenly finding himself curious if only her appearance was different.
She returned his gaze with some hesitancy, for she knew her look was not what it was in Minas Tirith upon last he saw her. "It has only been a week. I have not had time to adjust."
One week, Lord Elrond mentioned this to him on the docks of Alqualondë but just now he was processing it; she had spent all those years in the Halls of Mandos, waiting. He again took her hand in his, his eyes displaying concern and his mind unsure what words of comfort to provide.
Gauging his misplaced worry, she explained slowly, "And shorter still the time I felt lost in those Halls when compared to the length of time that the world continued outside them. It feels as if only two moons ago I was in Rhun." She brought the back of his hand to her cheek, closing her eyes momentary as she pressed it against her skin, reveling in his warmth before saying reassuringly, "But this is a good thing. While the world has changed, I have not, except slightly in appearance."
"Then I am thankful," he told her assuredly, "I do not want you changed."
The sentiment led to Vezely closing her eyes again and moving the back of his hand to her lips, kissing it gently. If only you knew how much it means to me to hear you say that, she thought before looking back at him with a small but heartfelt smile.
...The respective families awaited them on the upper terraces. Smiles formed as the couple got closer, their hands still intertwined at their side. Vezely's eyes met her parents' first; her mother looked close to crying, for Rovian knew, as did Eluréd, that their daughter was going to be alright.
"House of Oropher, may I present to you my granddaughter, Vezely," Dior announced to all, and regardless of it being an official announcement of their betrothal, he used her Mannish name, knowing quite well it would be inappropriate not to.
"And House of Dior, this is my grandson, Legolas," Oropher responded proudly, knowing as all else did the importance of such a day for the life of an Elf, "And by their union, our houses also."
Legolas momentarily left Vezely's side to formally meet Vezely's family while she went to greet his, approaching first the one familiar face among them and bowing her head down low with a fist to her chest in order to show him proper respect, "King Thranduil," she greeted politely.
"You broke your promise," Thranduil spoke harshly to her before she had lifted her head, foregoing a greeting.
"Apologies, my lord. It was a miscalculation," she straightened her posture and spoke as a soldier responding to an order.
"Dying was a miscalculation?" He returned dryly, his strong stare still bearing down on her.
"The timing it should have been prevented was," she returned sparse of detail on the manner of her death, and not allowing her gaze to be deterred when adding assuredly, "Though the plan did win the war."
While not knowing the parameters of the deal her husband made, Thranduil's wife knew well enough her husband's inopportune temper, so she intervened calmly, "There is no need to discuss this on a morning of reunions and joyful news, my love. A grieving heart mends easily when love is returned to it. This betrothal is a welcomed gift, Vezely. One we will cherish along with our son." The golden haired elleth was tall in stature, her cheekbones high, her bright eyes grayish-blue, and they seemed to radiate warmth and compassion; a complement to Thranduil's distinct coolness.
"As long as no more grief finds our son," Thranduil added cocking one dark eyebrow, his glare upon her yet sharp.
Grief, Vezely pondered the reality behind this statement as she ducked her head; what did her death cost him emotionally in the years of her absence?
...Rovian placed a hand aside her future son-in-law's cheek and peered into his kind eyes. She remembered seeing Legolas before her passing, when he was the fearless and respected leader of the Woodland Guard. And tales of the prince's greatness as the only Elvish member of the Fellowship had passed her ears in the last century in Valinor, for all sang of the Woodland archer whose skill many argued rivaled that of the greatest Elvish archer, Beleg Cúthalion. That he was her daughter's betrothed, and the one who helped steer her heart to redemption, was unexpected. "You have our gratitude, Prince Legolas," she told him, engaging his eyes, "We have come to understand how much you mean to her and know how much she needs you to adjust to this new life."
These words led Legolas to further wonder about Vezely's adjustment, not only to these lands of Valinor, but to the culture of the Eldar. He was grateful he could be there for her during this transition.
...Feeling a subdued giddiness at the prospect, Nimloth mused to Oropher's wife who she went to stand aside, "A wedding is a joyous affair and one such as this will require quite the amount of planning."
"Indeed," she responded thinking the same, while closely observing the young elleth her grandson decided to pledge himself to. Rumors of the Elf child who served Sauron circulated among those who lived under her husband's protection in Valinor; circulated from the Mirkwood Elves who sailed during the end of the Third Age, and perhaps from the very Woodland guards whose deaths she had a hand in dealing. Not betraying her thoughts, she maintained Nimloth's optimism and poise, "There has not been a proper Sindarin wedding in some time and the last Noldorin union was underwhelming..."
Nimloth was quick to set her servants to task in preparing a proper afternoon feast for the unexpected guests, especially since custom required a meal for the two families to share in celebration of the betrothal announcement. The company would be led through the rose gardens where tables were formally set with white linens and crystal vases adorned with freshly cut yellow roses. Cobalt bottles containing white wine was immediately brought out and poured into fluted, gold flecked glasses.
Vezely and Legolas held each other's hand on the way, exchanging looks of remembrance, of relief, and disbelief. Each had an insatiable desire to flee the others and find a place of seclusion.
The couple was placed at the head of the table and the families were seated on their respective sides.
"We should set a date," Nimloth spoke after all had been poured a glass of wine, "Traditionally a ceremony should be held one year from the betrothal date."
"Which was 122 years ago," Legolas informed them politely, fully aware of how long they had been parted and not desiring to wait a full year for the sake of propriety.
"At least allow time for a ceremony to be planned," Legolas's mother added, "An auspicious date perhaps, during the second star festival."
"That is only one month from now," Rovian quickly reassured the eager couple, knowing their lack of knowledge of the Valinorian festival calendar.
Vezely looked to Legolas sans a fully formed opinion. She was slowly realizing they would be at the mercy of an entire planning committee for an event she knew absolutely nothing about, except for the flowers. She remembered quite well Legolas had taunted her with being required to wear white flowers in her hair.
Legolas did not need Vezely to speak to gauge her indifference on the matter of the ceremony's date. With their eyes yet engaged he responded for both of them, "The second star festival would be suitable."
"In one month then," Nimloth expressed with a huff, "It is not impossible but..."
"I am sure one month is plenty of time, my dear," Dior returned wryly, knowing his wife had an impetus for dramatizing, "And now that that business is settled, onto drink, food, and good conversation..."
Legolas and Vezely had not removed their gaze, or the hands they held together under the table while the families continued to converse around them. Thranduil watched his son closely, finding it still uncomfortable to see his son with this Easterling-Elf, even if her softer appearance jarred his vision less so. The long hair, Elvish refinery, and the lack of gold riddling her ears made her less reproachable.
Nimloth began querying ceremony locations, seamstresses and tailors, food and wine, and First Age Sindarin customs, and Rovian, knowing her mother-in-law could get carried away, intervened, "Perhaps the couple also have preferences in these choices. There are traditions from our Woodland realm which are appropriate," she nodded at King Thranduil politely, "And if there are customs of Rhun which our daughter would like to incorporate."
"A Mannish ritual?" Dior pondered aloud, noticeably intrigued to hear about it, then declaring proudly, "It would not offend my house. Though I know not the ways of Rhun," his eyes shifted to Vezely for an answer.
Vezely was uncertain whether she had any desire to add to what would probably be a bloated ceremony, and thinking only of her lifestyle as a general, her response attempted to show her indifference, "I spent most of my life in militia culture where official vows are forbidden and if a soldier desires something akin to monogamy with their lover it is spoken among themselves."
"Ah yes. Mannish ways can be a bit...looser. A man can have multiple lovers," Dior stated his own understanding with a chuckle, seemingly amused rather than appalled by such a possibility, though others were less so with his comment.
"A woman can have the same," Vezely corrected him, after which Dior lifted up his glass in polite apologies for being unintentionally sexist.
Rovian politely attempted to steer the conversation back to the wedding, "Is there none from the culture of those who raised you then?"
Vezely knew her mother desired to be inclusive, so she thought back to her Balchoth roots, remembering one specifically. She spoke still uncertain, "There is one custom of the Balchoth and several other nomadic tribes which may be suitable; the lighting of the couple's hearth. As nomads our homes were not constant and with every relocation the first task of a family is to build a hearth. It is the heart of your home; the place of warmth, of gathering, where you eat, where you converse and make decisions. During union ceremonies the new couple is presented a torch which is lit from the fires of each respective family's hearth. It is a reflection of the joining of two houses to make one anew."
"That is a touching tradition," Legolas expressed to her warmly, as he gently squeezed her hand under the table causing her some relief after revealing it.
"If there are no hearths from which to light these torches, could we adjust the manner in which it's done?" Rovian queried hopeful.
"Any fire kindled by the family could serve the same purpose," Vezely returned, again finding her family's support endearing.
Legolas squeezed her hand once again, causing her to look upon him as he declared, "We will need to find a home to build a hearth."
This gave her paused. "Yes, yes we will," she confirmed slowly, knowing she fell hopelessly into his gaze. The rest of the company seemed to disappear from both their purviews as their thoughts turned towards their future life together.
Observing the young lovers, Dior remarked, "You would think we sit before Thingol and Melian in Nan Elmoth," which caused those originally from First Age Doriath the most amusement.
This caused Legolas to unexpectedly blush, as he realized the current situation was quite unlike their previous engagement in Minas Tirith when they were forced to keep quiet about their relationship. Here everything was as it should be, as he dreamed it could be, and his heart was finally starting to feel light again.
The reddish hue appearing on his cheeks fascinated Vezely, as did her own openness in displaying her softer emotions. Suddenly she cared not for appearing detached from the world around her, nor did she need to. The general who needed to be strong for her men regardless of the tragedy they faced, had no place here where there was no tragedy, only joy, and joy she was allowed to partake in.
"Fire seems inappropriate for a wedding ceremony," Thranduil interrupted their moment, intentionally bringing disagreement.
"Why?" Vezely asked returning his glare, "Fire is life."
"It is also death," he responded coolly.
"In this context, I do not think the positive meaning would go astray, father," Legolas reasoned, knowing his father held the painful scars of fire seared flesh along with his penchant for causing difficulties.
Thranduil breathed in, "Perhaps not, but it will appear out of place among our customs."
Eluréd politely intervened, "If I may, my lord, I think its inclusion could be less so if we ask Lord Pallando to preside over the ceremony."
"The Istari?" Thranduil questioned.
"He is a friend of our daughters and I would assume asking him to officiate would be appropriate," Eluréd further explained his reasoning.
"Romestamo would not say no," Vezely confirmed also considering this being a good idea, while using the Maiar's Rhunic moniker.
Dior chuckled, and boasting slightly, "I do not know the full parameters of your dealings in Rhun my dear, but you certainly made some connections."
"I angered everyone enough to," she stated dryly following with a smirk which gave her grandfather further amusement. The more she interacted with Dior, the more she liked him. He was noticeably divergent from what she expected a High Elf to be like, and unbeknownst to her, the rest of Valinor thought similarly of him, including the House of Oropher.
...The brunch continued much the same until Legolas's family politely departed, while Legolas lingered for a little longer, not desiring to leave her side so soon and planning to ask her accompaniment to Alqualondë the following morning. The celebration which would have been held for the new arrivals that day was postponed until then due to him and his father's quick departure. They walked hand-in-hand to a secluded gazebo located in her parent's side of the rose gardens. On the way there they did not converse, realizing each had accrued some shyness with their returned coupling; as if they again needed to find each other's boundaries before comfortably crossing them.
"Travel with us tomorrow to Alqualondë," Legolas requested after they took a seat on a stone bench. "There is someone who desires to see you," causing Vez to look at him skeptically, "Gimli made the journey as well."
"Gimli is here?" Vezely queried wide-eyed.
"He will be overjoyed to see you again," Legolas spoke noticeably proud that his dwarf friend had been given such an honor to cross into Valinor, as several of the Fellowship members before him.
"As I him. I thought I would never again meet any of my westward friends, though they often entered my thoughts," she added yet beside herself.
"As you did theirs," Legolas told her as he tried not to let his mind wander into the deep sorrow he held of their passing.
"I remained unsure when to ask, though I desire to learn what became of those whose lives I only briefly shared," she replied reminiscing, seeing the faces of Eowyn and Merry as she did; it brought a small smile to her face, "I heard of King Elessar's prosperous kingdom, though my knowledge remained sparse of any personal detail."
"And in time I will speak their life stories to you," he shifted and looked aside, now knowing his eyes betrayed his melancholy and so he admitted why he was not yet ready to do so, "Though currently the grief of their passing is still too near."
Vezely's thoughts halted when seeing this change of emotion. She touched her fingertip lightly to the side of his face, "Mourn, and I shall mourn alongside you. And in time, when we speak of our friends, their memories will only lighten our mood," she again smiled, hopeful she could gain his attention and that it would provide some cheer; as she desired to show she was there for him as she knew he was for her.
He returned her gaze slowly, finding himself falter into disbelief of her face smiling at him, "I never thought this possible, Vezely. You, sitting before me, feeling your touch, seeing that ring back on your finger. I," his wavering eyes filled with tears, "I feared I would never see you again, that we would never be."
She brought her other hand to his face; she never saw him as such; so vulnerable, so fragile. She could tell his grief lay deep inside and she felt sorrowful that she contributed to it. "And I would take it all away, all that grief and uncertainty," she bit her lip momentarily, looking away ashamed that she also lost hope, "I wanted to return to your side sooner but with every battle I fell farther away."
He ducked his head aside hers, brushing her cheek with his own, "We both lost hope," he confided quietly as Vezely nuzzled into him, breathing his scent in deeply and finding it full of memory.
"Let us find it again," she whispered in his ear, afterwards slowly pulling her face away to look into his eyes. "Can we not?"
He half-smiled, realizing the day, arriving in Valinor, and being reunited with not only his family but her had flown by without him actually processing what was meant by these changes. He had not let it truly sink in. He touched the tip of his nose to hers, before they leaned their foreheads together. "I think we already have," he replied softly, his eyes closing, as he allowed the calm of this admission to wash over him. He would find the light again.
"He is very handsome," Rovian attempted girl talk as she walked alongside her daughter down the sunlit corridor the following morning.
But Vezely replied indifferent, "He is a first-rate warrior. That matters more to me than his appearance," though she would not deny her physical attraction.
"Does it really?" Rovian queried skeptically, a cheerful smile still on her face. "He was always thought of as such. And many a young elleth desired to win favor of the prince, though his interest lied only in his duty with the guard."
"You knew of him back then?" she asked finding herself oddly curious.
"Not personally," Rovian returned quickly, "Just of King Thranduil's brave and valiant son. But here in Valinor he is known by all as the only Elf to accompany the Ring. He is renowned. Poems have been written and songs are sung of his great deeds."
"I see," Vezely considered this in relation to the celebration she would be attending that day.
As if knowing her daughter's thoughts, she added, "That is why you need to dress formal for this event," for Vezely had mentioned that morning that she desired not to wear anything elaborate leading Rovian to intervene. They entered a large dressing room, and waiting for them was one of the houses many helpers, "This is Lady Hilneth," Rovian introduced the poised elleth who was the family's beauty consultant among other tasks. "She will tend to your hair and has agreed to cut it to your preference."
"I can do it myself," Vezely quickly denied the offer, her cool, skeptical gaze shifting from the Hilneth to her mother.
Rovian remained composed, though she found her daughter's sudden stubbornness unsightly, "Lady Hilneth is incredibly skilled with hair styling. And she will cut and style it exactly as you desire."
"Please, my lady, it would be an honor for me to tend to this," Hilneth added politely, yet smiling brightly at her.
An honor to cut my hair? Vez felt mildly annoyed by the feigned politeness which all servants held. She suddenly missed a soldier's respect, for at least she knew she earned it. But not wanting to appear anymore obstinate and for the sake of her mother, she agreed to allow Hilneth practice her trade. "Very well." She went to sit down at the vanity.
"...That short?" Hilneth asked wide-eyed when Vezely, who had tied together her hair into a ponytail in preparation for the snip, told her to cut it just above the shoulders. Hilneth had not known any elleth willingly trim her hair as such, when long hair was considered a sign of beauty and grace as Eru made them, but she would had little sway in the matter.
"This is an important day," Nimloth explained, as she carefully positioned the elaborate circlet on Vezely's head. "I know your official betrothal date was over a century ago in Middle Earth, but this is your first official public appearance together in Valinor, and with the status of your House and the status of the Elf you are betrothed to, it matters greatly." She stepped back, still looking upon the intricate silver and gold headpiece. "This circlet is an exact replica of the one I wore in Ered Luin after my betrothal to your grandfather. I had it commissioned for sentimentality's sake and the possibility of it being appreciated once more..." She went on to explain further how the two blue sapphire drops represented the waterfall, Lanthir Lamath, which is where she first met Dior, and the yellow topaz as representing the rose he gave her during that meeting.
"It's rather elaborate," Vezely stated in lieu of any words of appreciation; uncertain of its needed presence. The headpiece reminded her of the one Arwen wore to Aragorn's coronation, for she had seen its likeness nowhere else.
"Of course it is," Nimloth quipped back assuredly, "And even better that it will take their eyes off your hair."
Hoping to disregard Nimloth's rude remark about Vezely's new hairstyle, Rovian quickly commented, "It complements your simpler gown." Afterwards she draped a gray riding cloak over her shoulders, covering the light gray gown that was less ornate in style than many she could have chosen.
Witnessing this interaction, Dior calmly advised, "Think of it as a helm worn into battle my dear. And with it you wear the colors of our House." He was referring to her gray raiment.
"That is one way to think of it," Vezely considered quietly, realizing she would much prefer going into battle than maneuvering the unknown that was High Valinorian society.
Eluréd would take her arm and be her escort to the gates, doing so to tell her in confidence along the way, "I think your hair suits you. And worry not about fitting in. Just be yourself." Her father knew a thing or two about curtailing expectations, as he never became a great lord in Middle Earth as his heritage would have expected.
Out front, Vezely's white horse would be awaiting her, along with the House of Oropher and their company.
"...The House of Dior is known for their eccentricity, Lord Dior in particular," Legolas's grandmother informed as they rode their horses nearer the chateau, "But they are well-respected among the Teleri and have the favor of the Valar. It is an auspicious union, and I can tell her house fully supports her, regardless of her past."
"And of her past, what is known here?" Legolas asked.
"It varies," Oropher replied for his wife. "But I would not worry, for she does not appear physically estranged and they need not question one of the Nine."
Over the last day, Legolas began to realize his deeds with the Fellowship also garnered special renown among his distant kin in Valinor. Not only was he the grandson of Oropher, and son of Thranduil, both great leaders in Middle Earth and respected among the Silvan and Sindarin populations who had migrated, but he was the Elf who accompanied the Ring; one of the nine walkers whose Fellowship was instrumental in defeating Sauron. What was a somewhat quiet and more solitary lifestyle as the head of a small colony in Ithilien was no more. Here he had a different type of status; that of a hero or legend one tells tales of. He did not yet know how he felt about this.
On the arm of her father, Vezely exited from the chateau's iron gates after which Legolas dismounted to greet her. Her hair was as it was the first time he ever saw her; in Mirkwood when she was in her youth and his enemy. But rather than bring contempt from the past, her shortened hair provided comfort. Somehow it made her familiar again.
Eluréd released his daughter's arm somewhat reluctantly. He had not had a chance to play a paternal role in her life, and with her approaching wedding perhaps he would not get to. Yet he knew, in the way her betrothed looked at her, he needed not be concerned; his daughter was marrying for love and not for position.
Legolas greeted Eluréd with a respectful nod for a greeting, before offering Vez his hand, saying sincerely, "I am glad to see you adjusting." And Vezely knew her hair pleased him, though his family, with the exception of Thranduil who had seen her hair considerably shorter, was surprised by the change and wondered why she did something so drastic. None, however, desired to bring up the topic on the ride there.
She kept her horse alongside Legolas's, listening to him speak of the journey to Valinor: of the gray ship he helped build, of the never ending stretch of blue seas and star filled skies that blended together at the horizon, of Gimli and his initial sea sickness, which he assured her the dwarf would tell her more about when they met. It was a pleasant tale to hear spun on a sunny morning and leisurely ride along the trail to Alqualondë, for it held no sorrow or heartache, only wonder and humor.
"...If only you could have seen the night sky, Vezely," Legolas cheerfully reminisced, "I shall never forget standing on the deck of that ship, steering straight at the stars."
"I would never have pinned you for a sea captain," Vezely returned amused by his overt enchantment, but realizing bluntly, "Of course, the captains I have had the displeasure of meeting left an ill impression. Perhaps," she thought forward, "We should sail up the coastline. The chateau's docks house a sailboat, which according to my father has been in long disuse. If you know the ropes we would not need a crew."
"You have experience with seafaring?" He wondered.
"I spent some time traveling Rhun's many rivers on campaigns. I know enough to handle a small boat on the open waves," she replied, recalling the knot tying and sail hoisting.
"Perfect, when should we set sail?" Legolas queried optimistic at the possibility of experiencing sailing with her, as he found his wanderlust again overtaking him.
"You need to first be wedded, my son," his mother intervened politely, realizing after yesterday and their open displays of affection, that his relationship with this elleth was far past the courtship stage.
Legolas exchanged a pleasant smile with Vezely, "One month then."
Both were grateful the wedding was set so soon, since they knew in polite Valinorean society they could not simply spend all their time together. In Minas Tirith, they broke the customs of courtship under the extenuating circumstance of Vezely's departure. Here, for the sake of their family's honor, they would need to endure the evenings of separation and the paucity of alone time when together.
...The port city's main thoroughfare was decorated in fresh garlands, spruced up from the day before in preparation for the postponed celebration. Their horses were taken to the stables, and they were led to the city's central hall where Gimli along with Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn, Gandalf, as well as Lord Elrond and his wife Lady Celebrían awaited. Many others were at the celebration, eager to greet the new arrivals, especially the two remaining members of the famed Fellowship.
Legolas escorted Vezely, as they walked behind the rest of his house into the filled hall. Many noted the granddaughter of Dior on his arm, finding it curious, along with her short hair. While some knew of her past service to Sauron, fewer knew of her interaction with the Fellowship.
..."Where is she?" Gimli called out brusquely when he was told of their entrance, "Where is that grim Easterling-Elf?"
A smile lit Vezely's face the instant she saw Gimli, cane in hand, making steady steps towards her.
"Master Dwarf," she greeted him with a fist to her chest and a bowed head.
"Lass, your presence here brings much needed relief to an old dwarf's heart," he spoke sincerely, a smile brightly shining through his gray beard. "If Legolas does not mind, do me the honor of walking by my side," he requested of her.
"I will endure this request my dear friend, but not for the whole evening," Legolas replied cheekily.
"...You look more like an Elf than I remember," Gimli told her gruffly after a few steps by her side, saying so not as a compliment.
"And you look older," she returned, also not as a compliment.
"Oh ho ho, well, neither of us can be perfect," he spoke assuredly; pleased her snarky personality appeared intact. "That is why I can forgive your absence until now," he turned towards her, a grateful smile still on his face, "For I know he is going to be just fine with you by his side."
A faint smile and a ducked head delivered all the response Vezely could muster at this admission, even though she knew Gimli's manner had not intended to impart guilt.
"And I see that silver ring is where it belongs. I do hope I am invited to the wedding," he inquired, a sparkle in his eye.
"As a guest of honor," she replied proudly, glad that Gimli indeed would be there, for he had witnessed their relationship from the very beginning; through their initial distrust, feigned disinterest, and continued complications.
She walked Gimli to a chair, set out especially for him, and he sat upon it in a tired huff, as age was wearing him down. Vezely was unused to see the fragility of time on the body. Perhaps militia life made one forget the elderly existed, as most soldiers were in their prime and were more likely to die before reaching later stages of maturity. Gimli was quickly served a drink. "Wine," he stated unimpressed at the glass's content, "Not sure the Elves know the greatness of ale."
"Unlikely," Vez agreed bluntly with a smirk, suddenly finding next to her another recognizable face.
"Forgive me for not visiting you sooner," Lord Elrond greeted her in the Common Tongue for the sake of Gimli's presence.
"Lord Elrond," she spoke surprised to see the Elf who was instrumental in her redemption, afterwards placing a fist to her chest and tilting her head down in greeting.
A smile of remembrance overtook Elrond's face while watching her greet him in Easterling fashion. "You are as I remember, though not so," he stated in thought.
She smiled faintly, "I remain myself though without the same responsibilities."
"Indeed," Elrond returned with a concentrated stare, "And responsibilities you met bravely. Perhaps your kin will never know what you accomplished in Rhun, and you will not receive this sort of fanfare, but the Valar are aware and it will not be forgotten..." And then, telling her in confidence, "It will take time to adjust, as it did for myself..." Elrond also had to adjust to a new life in Valinor, to the simplicity of an assured peace, to a wife he was parted from for too long, and to a family torn asunder, for Arwen he would never again meet. Vezely found comfort in conversing with the wisest of her kin, and it gave her more hope that her life here would be as it should.
...Vezely returned to Legolas's side when, coincidentally, he was being introduced to a certain Noldorin prince.
Legolas started, "And this is..."
"Lady Bellethiel," Arakano finished his unnecessary introduction, seemingly surprised to see Dior's granddaughter at the celebration and taking the outstretched arm of the esteemed Sindarin prince before him.
Vezely gave the tall Elf a faint sneer, which Legolas picked up on, leading him afterward to confirm, "You two have met."
"Briefly," Vez replied bluntly, her eyes shifting back to Legolas's, "My grandfather introduced us, which is why he knows me as 'Lady Bellethiel.'"
"I see," Legolas understood this as the possible reason for her momentary disdain, "Then perhaps I shall reintroduce you, as Vezely."
"Vezely?" Arakano repeated the odd sounding name, trying not to show any awkwardness at their personal exchange in front of him, "That is not of Elvish origin."
"No, nor is it Common Speech," she told him unashamed, "It is Easterling dialect, and is the name I go by."
"I see," he replied slowly as if processing what this meant while unintentionally mimicking Legolas just prior, "And you two obviously know each other."
"That we do," Legolas responded proudly, "Vezely is my betrothed."
"Betrothed, ah," he realized somewhat coolly, before adding with concern, "That I would have known sooner. Apologies Lady Vezely, for my forwardness prior. I hope you do not look upon me unfavorably."
"It was only a misunderstanding my lord, nothing else," Vez responded with polite indifference.
Arakano bowed and spoke his congratulations before departing, after which Legolas asked Vezely with a curious half-smile, "His forwardness?"
"Supposedly," Vez leaned nearer to speak covertly, "Being an unwed heir of the House of Dior means I'm some sort of desirable spouse," she did not hide her annoyance.
Her perturbed manner amused him, for all he could do was think back to their difficulties in Minas Tirith, with her being deemed unmarriageable, and how now these troubles were strangely reversed. He decided to tease her slightly, placing a hand on the small of her back while whispering in her ear, "I suppose I should be weary of the competition and that I will need to continue to woo you to stay by my side."
"Woo me?" Vezely repeated before realizing he was being smart with her. "As a matter of fact," she decided to play along, leaning in closer, "I do require a certain amount of wooing," causing him to move his hand from her back to the side of her waist, while he nuzzled his nose into her cheek.
A polite cough came from behind them, causing them to turn their faces to each other and smirk in amusement at their playfulness. It mattered not that it was Legolas's mother or that others noted their very affectionate display. They cared not, realizing there in Valinor, it was only their actions that were deemed inappropriate, not their relationship.
A/N: Happy New Year to all my lovely readers! ^_^ Hope you are still excited for a little more fluff and a wedding before the end (I know some of you thought it was over last chapter...well, not yet!)