A/N: To see what the wedding gown looks like, please check out the Tumblr (post/78080534096/so-exited-to-reveal-trizhas-design-for-vezelys) and more beautiful artwork of the greatest story illustrator an author could hope for. :)

Chapter 61 - Completeness

"This is a bit extravagant," Vezely critiqued the hot milk bath just poured for her, hesitating as she stepped into the steaming white liquid that smelled heavily of rose oil.

"It is your wedding day!" Rovian called from an adjoining room where she was preparing other beautification rituals for her daughter to pass through. "If there is one day you are allowed extravagance, let it be today. Besides your skin will feel and look amazing afterwards, trust me."

It was the morning of the union celebration. Guests from across Valinor would be journeying into the lush woodlands of Oropher's colony to partake in the festivities and congratulate the couple on their partnership. Vezely's family would be making the trip there together, riding upon decorated horses to then parade in on foot at the ceremony's start. Her parents would escort her to stand before Legolas and his family. Then, it was planned, the mother of the bride and father of the groom would be asked to partake in the Rhunic tradition of lighting the couple's hearth torch with torches lit with fires from their own homes. The couple would then remove their silver rings and replace them with gold bands and afterwards stand before the guests hand in hand. The ceremony itself was simplistic while the celebration was more elaborate. There would be an abundance of food and drink, music, and dancing. And considering the stature of both houses and the esteemed guest list, expectations of its grandeur were high.

Vezely's grandmother, Nimloth, was already frantically buzzing down the chateau's long hallways checking to make sure everything was prepped for departure before preparing herself, as this was as much about presenting the family as it was about the couple.

"...When was the last time you filed your fingernails?" Rovian asked appalled by her daughter's misshapen talons as she inspected them.

"Filed?" Vezely inquired back, mischievously pretending not to know the concept.

Rovian raised an eyebrow, gathering her daughter was teasing her. She knew she wasn't pleased with all the pampering she was putting her through since awaking that morning. "You are lucky," she continued chatting cheerfully while going to work with the buffing stone, "Most young ellith of your stature concern themselves too much with their appearance. That Legolas also cares little of such frivolity is a sign of his good Woodland upbringing."

"After becoming more acquainted with the Noldor last week, I understand that statement," Vezely remarked dryly, providing her mother a smirk when she briefly lifted her eyes.

"And you have yet to meet any Vanyar," Rovian returned just as wry, implying what many Silvan Elves thought of the "fairest" of their kindred. "...There," she declared soon after, proudly looking at the rounded tips she formed while holding up her daughters hands. She noted her gold and silver ring, "You will wear two gold rings soon..."

The traditional gold bands were one of a myriad of items needing to be acquired and tasks requiring completion in the week before the ceremony. The days had flown by quickly since Vezely returned from Tirion that she barely saw Legolas except when they were inspecting the completion of their home's construction.

"...Everything is ready at your new home?" Rovian inquired while hanging up her gown on the wardrobe's door. Vezely sat in front of the vanity while Hilneth, her grandmother's beauty stylist did her hair. Her mother knew that during the past week there was some uncertainty whether all would be ready in time for them to move in that evening.

Trying to ignore the prodding and pulling of her tresses and the pinning on of an all too elaborate handmade flower circlet, Vezely turned her full attention to her mother's reflection. "Yes, as of yesterday everything is exactly as we desire."

"Good," her mother shared her smile for a moment before adding amused, "Then you shall start your union without worry of tasks needing completion anytime soon. I do not expect to see either of you for at least two weeks after."

Hilneth attempted to contain her giggle; being partnered herself both older ellith knew of the honeymoon period.

Vezely was starting to realize that an Elvish couple's private life was not as reserved as their public one. "It is good to know that is expected," she remarked assuredly before bringing her gaze back to her reflection and the plum colored flowers now in her hair. Part of her could not believe this day had arrived, and in regards to the flowers, that Legolas got his wish.

"...At least she is marrying a Sinda," the exceptionally tall, silver haired, and grey cloaked Eldar told his grandson bluntly as they awaited the appearance of the bride in the chateau's grand lobby. He stood close aside his beloved wife while conversing with Vezely's grandfather, father, uncle and aunt.

Vezely was unaware that her ancestors Thingol and Melian would be accompanying the family to the wedding, perhaps because the family was also unsure if they would respond to the invite sent to them. The High Elf and Maiar power couple led secluded lives in Valinor, preferring the peaceful solitude of their tucked away forest glen to that of the bustling cities, harbors, and woodland colonies of blessed Elvendom.

"Not just any Sinda, grandfather, but one of great worth," Dior informed him proudly.

"Yes, one of the Nine. I have heard the tales of the grandson of Oropher. It is a respectable lineage," he appraised, seemingly indifferent.

Accompanied by her mother and grandmother, Vezely entered the chateau's lobby finding familiar and unfamiliar eyes upon her. From their appearance and undeniable auras, the likes of which she had only truly experienced in the company of high elves like Galadriel, they needed no formal introduction, nor did she. Thingol and Melian were well aware of Vezely and her history.

Nimloth and Rovian quickly provided the esteemed couple a bow of their heads and extension of their hands from their chest in Elvish fashion, while Vezely simply returned their stares with head held high, expecting a formal introduction to be made and which Dior began, "May I present to you..."

"The child lost but not forgotten," Thingol interrupted sternly, his keen eyes yet interrogating Vezely's appearance, for her white dress's arabesque detailing and her chopped hair were unusual to him. Instead of providing her a greeting, he asked pointedly, "There is a rumor, child, that you felled one of the sons of Fingolfin. What do say to this?"

His demeanor was such that Vezely was unable to gauge anything but a neutral opinion on the matter of dueling Prince Arakano the week before in Tirion. She knew from her grandfather that rumor spread of his defeat and her prowess in the match, so she simply replied true to herself, "He had it coming."

Thingol slowly slid his narrowed gaze over to his grandson, who attempted to hold back an amused smirk from forming on his lips. "The Edain is strong in this one," Thingol declared, though not necessarily with pejorative judgment.

Melian's calm demeanor steadily grew more inquisitive, however, and taking a few slow and measured steps, she stood before Vezely. She gently took her hands in her own and turned them upward. She inspected the young elleth's palms, knowing they had often been stained red with the blood of innocents. Though she also knew how hard she persevered to wash them clean in order to be granted the right to live in blessed Valinor. She lifted her eyes and spoke in her mind, Much you have suffered. But alas, you have found your happiness. She moved her own hands on top of her palms, covering them momentarily and when she lifted them, two small white flowers had grown. Melian took them and placed them among the plum-colored flowers in her circlet, explaining as she did, "These flowers are called Niphredil, stars of the earth. They are descended from the seeds that first grew in Doriath at the moment of my daughter's birth. But today, they will signify your joy."

Vezely felt a strange serenity come over her as she returned the Maiar's warm gaze, but feeling humbled she quickly bowed her head in gratitude. It was not often that Vezely was rendered speechless.

"We did not know whether to expect you," Nimloth spoke politely after Melian returned to the side of her husband.

"We learned painfully long ago that we should not forsake family in times of sorrow or in times of happiness," Melian replied calmly, yet looking upon Vezely's humbled form as Eluréd came beside her and placed his hand softly aside her cheek.

She looked up at her father slowly, not expecting to find his grey eyes misted over and his soft smile quivering, "You look beautiful," he told her quietly.

Her thoughts paused. After a whole morning of pampering, superficial compliments on her appearance were not desirable, nor did she fully understand the emotions of a father for a daughter before marriage. Yet she remembered once before garnering the same look in her foster father's eyes, Yumruk, upon emerging from her first battle victorious. The pride he had in her that day, to see her grow into her own warrior; to be complete in the sense of a Balchoth. It was perhaps no different for her father today who felt bittersweet joy in seeing his daughter be complete as an Elf becomes when they unite with another; to have finally found her happiness with one he found more than worthy.

"She is of one of our house after all," Rovian agreed with her husband, having the same thoughts regarding her daughter's morning transformation. The family had slowly grown accustomed to her strange trousers and riding boots, a scarf always covering her long graceful neck, and what they considered the unattractive appearance of shortened hair. But now her skin glowed, her dark hair shined, and the gown accentuated her feminine attributes. They had never seen her look so stunning.

"And with haste this house should depart, for the sun is high," Nimloth countered concerned they would be late while moving to adjust her granddaughter's dress's train before she walked, knowing it was unlikely that Vezely would notice the potential to do damage.

On the way to their horses, Dior commented covertly next to her, "I still think you should have worn your sword."

Nimloth, however, heard her husband's remark and scornfully whispered back, "It is wedding, not a war."

Vezely couldn't contain her amusement, and she laughed slightly at this all too common banter. Leaving the chateau she reflected on how grateful she was to be a member of this house. Their acceptance meant more to her than she liked to admit.

Legolas was ready. He was dressed in his silver white robes, a white flower circlet was upon his head, his golden hair shined like the sun, and calm had overtaken him. He was ready to be married. He was ready to put all the hardships of this relationship and the difficult circumstances of their lives behind him. He was ready to start a new chapter in his long life, and one incredibly significant to Elves who only marry once.

Thranduil stood beside him, and he could sense that his son felt at peace; a peace he once feared would never return to him. Feeling sentimental, he slowly declared his thoughts, "There has been but a few times when you committed acts that I found questionable." The phrase garnered Legolas's attention, albeit apprehensively, as he queried his father's angle and wondered whether he would finally reveal his disappointment in him. "But each of those times it was I who suffered from miscomprehension. This too, it appears I have been remiss in understanding." He again paused with unease in admitting it, "It is obvious she completes you, as a life partner should."

Legolas ducked his head humbly before relaying his thoughts, "Father, you have been more supportive in the choices I have made over these years than you might admit. It has not gone unnoticed or unappreciated."

Thranduil pursed his lips together, not expecting his son to perceive of his past actions as deserving of appreciation. "You are my only son. I will always stand by you. That means I also stand by those who you deem worthy enough to spend your life with, the dwarf and the elleth whom you will soon call wife."

He realized it was the first time he heard his father refer to Vezely as an elleth, not an Easterling-Elf, and he took it as further proof of his acceptance of her and his choice.

Their aura regal, their stature proud, Thingol and Melian led their descendents down through the rows of guests who stood aside the cleared forest pathway, while Oropher and his wife led his own family towards them from the other end. The guests did not expect to see the fabled Maiar and High Elf leading the House of Dior, and certainly it was not expected by Thranduil. It served as a stinging reminder of status and that his son was indeed uniting his family with one of worthy note. Regardless of what he deemed unfit of Vezely's personality, such a match appeared fitting to those bearing witness to their union.

The two families met in the middle of the pathway, stopping underneath a garlanded tree where the Blue Istari, Romestamo, stood with an unlit torch in his hand, set to receive fire from the two now approaching him. Rovian was tasked with holding their home's hearth fire torch, while Thranduil did the same on behalf of his son.

The families stood before each other and provided equal greeting, though notably Oropher and his wife bowed slightly lower, for once having been subjects of Thingol and Melian in their court in Doriath. The elders would all step aside to allow for the parents of the bride and groom to approach one another.

Their offspring yet stood apart, but their eyes had not left the others'.

Romestamo addressed the crowd, "Today we celebrate the union of Legolas of the House of Oropher, and Vezely of the House of Dior. And we do so by honoring two traditions: that of the Eldar, which all of Valinor are familiar, and that of the distant secondborn, which these torches represent. May the father of the groom and mother of the bride bring their respective home's hearth fires forward." Thranduil and Rovian approached the Istari, lit torches in hand awaiting his words. "Fire is life," he continued steadily, "And from the spark of two, one ignites the stronger. If the families are willing, the couple asks for this union to be gifted with the strength of the fire of your houses, so that theirs too may flourish as yours before them."

The parents brought their fires to the torch the Istari held, setting it aflame. Vezely's smile grew momentarily; it was uncanny to now be partaking in a Balchoth ritual, but she was proud to do so.

"The rings," Romestamo added after setting aside the torch in its holder where it would burn until the couple returned home to light their hearth with it.

With a twinkle in his eye, Gimli proudly stepped forward holding the gold bands upon a white satin pillow, desiring that he could be a part of the ceremony even if in some small way. The couple approached him and ducked their heads in greeting. First they removed their silver rings, each exchanging them for one gold band to place upon the other's right index finger. Since they couldn't converse, they instead exchanged several enchanted glances, speaking with their eyes. Vezely could tell, by a brief upward glance followed by a small smirk upon Legolas's face, that he was indeed amused to see the flowers in her hair.

With the ring firmly upon their fingers, they turned before the crowd, clasping their hands beside them.

"May your houses be blessed by your union," Romestamo declared, "And may we all celebrate the joy you have found."

The families bowed their heads to the couple and the guests did the same. Singing started, a melody often sung at union ceremonies, and white petals were released from the tree tops. Hand and hand they headed down the pathway garnering bright smiles from all they passed.

The guests would start conversing, glasses of white wine would be served, and all would make their way over to congratulate the bride and groom.

"...I have rare insight into the start of this partnership," Gimli remarked proudly to those gathered nearby to hear tales from the famed dwarf, "An arrow pointed at the one, the others hand on the hilt of her sword. Tense, I tell you. If it wasn't for Gandalf I don't know who would have happen."

Gandalf chuckled, "Yes, they were enemies before allies. But I did little more than set minds at ease. They discovered a connection well on their own."

"And one noticeable to all but themselves," Gimli pointed out amused. "Ah, those were dark times, but some light could be found..."

Many from Tirion journeyed to Oropher's woods, including Lord Glorfindel, Lord Elrond and his family, and Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. Joy was found in the reunion of families and friends, and in shared memories of Middle Earth, where many of them once lived.

It was customary for the couple to depart before the rest of the guests, who would continue to celebrate well into the evening. The couple would carry their torch with them to their new home which sat on the borders of Oropher's colony, but which was also close enough to the shoreline that the ocean waves could be heard from a distant. The sun had just set when they reached the entry path.

The hearth fire ignited and filled the space before them with a soft orange light and comforting warmth. They basked in its glow before turning their attention back to each other. Their hands remained on the torch and together they moved to extinguish it. They did not speak, but small, thoughtful smiles grew on their faces. Both were reflecting on how far they came: the hardships overcome and the uncertainty that this could ever become their reality.

Vezely brought a hand to Legolas's cheek and slowly traced his jawline with her finger, while he pulled her closer into an embrace, kissing her once softly and afterwards lingering his nose on hers as his breathing deepened. The small taste heightened his anticipation of soon taking her to bed. Vezely breathed in deeply with her eyes closed, swaying her nose gently side-to-side on his before taking his hand and leading him to their bedroom.

The open windows allowed for a small breeze and the light of the stars and moon to stream inside, making lighting candles unnecessary. They walked over to the side of their large, four poster bed, which was decked in fresh white linens and an abundance of feather stuffed pillows. They faced each other and clasped their hands together in front of them, standing as they did after exchanging rings during the ceremony. She could sense from his unsteady breaths that he was slightly uncertain about how to proceed, for they had long stayed their desires for the sake of propriety. She slowly brought the back of his hands to her lips, kissing each side slowly. Her gentle touch and warm smile provided him reassurance as she placed his hands at her shoulders, encouraging him to slip off the outer sheer layer of her dress. He traced her bare arms with his fingertips as she began unclasping the broach at the collar of his robe, peeling it back off his shoulders and letting the lush fabric drop to the floor below him. Soon after she found the silver buttons along the front of tunic. He watched her calm face as she unbuttoned each one slowly, noting anew her beauty in the starlight.

Carefully she removed his tunic; pleasurably tracing her fingers along his collarbone and admiring his strong chest as she did. But he swayed her attention by tilting her chin up with his finger and leaning in to kiss her. She brought her hands to his bare back, pushing him closer as he also wrapped his arms around her waist. His hands moved upward and stopped on the clasps which held her dress on.

Their kiss stopped, but their breathing deepened. Their foreheads lingered together and Vezely perceived his uncertainty returned. So she turned around, offering him the view of the clasps that would need to be unhinged. He did so holding his breath, not expecting the dress to fall so easily with the last hook, leaving her naked before him.

Unabashed she faced him, a soft smile yet upon her face as he innocently returned her gaze. She moved closer to him, and he stood motionless as she began to unclasp his trousers. The scent of blossoms from the circlet yet upon her head and her rose scented skin intoxicated him, leaving him unaware that he now stood naked before her. He took her in his arms and the sensation of skin against skin left them both breathless which their kiss did not remedy. But before taking her to the bed, Legolas stopped and gently cupped her cheeks with hands to engage her eyes.

"May Eru be our witness and bless our union. And acknowledge that I am yours Vezely, and you are mine, and nothing can part us," he spoke these sacred words. Elves rarely invoked the name of the One, but did so in the act of marriage, which was only achieved through bodily union. For Vezely, this was the first time she heard Eru's name spoken as such.

She repeated his words wholeheartedly, "I am yours Legolas, and you are mine."

He pulled her face to his and kissed her softly, sitting down upon the bed and taking her into his arms as he lied back.

"I could stay here forever," Vezely revealed her pleasant thoughts as she listened to his heartbeat, her head yet laying on his bare chest as he stroked her hair.

"And I equally would not let you leave," he replied softly, yet steadying his breathing from their prior act of lovemaking.

She looked up at him, asking with bemusement, "How is this possible? To feel this way?"

"You desire an answer?" he queried with a small smile, knowing the feeling she spoke of, for he too had never before felt as such.

She shook her head, then adding coyly, "But I do desire your lips upon mine again."