Raelyn stared vacantly at the large mirror before her. It had a strong gold frame but Raelyn could not help but think how cold it looked. Much like her new husband she pondered.
Servants fussed around Raelyn plumping her gown and fixing the curls in her hair so she would look the image of beauty for her special day. The day she had waited a lifetime for.
A magnificent wedding would be just the thing to lift her spirits Harrin had said to Raelyn. She could not quite decide whether bringing her joy was his true intention, but she found comfort in the fact he promised her, for the rest of time, she would never be alone again. For the present moment, however, she had never felt more alone. Raelyn's mother should have been right here with her.
The dress prepared for her was truly magnificent; clearly no expense had been spared. The dress was crisp and white like fresh snow with long, draping sleeves. The bodice was tight and encrusted with tiny, golden flowers. The rest of the dress flared out perfectly from her waist forming a long, silken train at the rear.
The servants constantly murmured about how exquisite she looked, what a marvellous day it was and how advantageous the union would be but Raelyn could not help but think of only one thing – Legolas. It was likely that she would never see him again for after this wedding the elves would prepare for the journey across the seas like the rest of their race did so many years ago.
The preparations were finished and a servant applied the final touch - a beautiful veil atop Raelyn's head. The servants quickly exited the room to give her a moment to herself before the ceremony would begin.
Raelyn stood, picking up her bouquet of snowdrop flowers. She lowered her head and remembered fondly the time she laid among those flowers in the forest; gazing at the endless stars and constellations above. Almost robotically she left the room and headed towards the citadel, where the grand ceremony would take place. As she reached the towering doors that loomed above her she turned and faced the direction of Mirkwood. She wondered where Legolas might be now, what he might be doing, whether he ever thought of her. Raelyn tried to push these feelings aside. They were too hurtful, too strong and too fresh in her memory. "I could never stop you from fulfilling your duty. This was wrong. It should never have happened… I do not love you." Legolas had said.
And with that she pulled the veil over her face and gave a light tap on the doors. They immediately swung open before her revealing the long, straight aisle that would lead her to her new husband and new life.