All of sudden Raelyn slowed her horse, prompting Legolas to follow suit. The adrenaline of the escape had begun to wear off and Raelyn shivered as she recalled the intensity of the situation from which the two fled.
"What ever will we do now, Legolas?" Raelyn whispered uneasily.
"All will be well, Lirimaer," (lovely one) Legolas replied with a smile.
A little puzzled, Raelyn continued "And how do you figure that? The lands of men have been united for generations - what if I have ruined this?!" She went on, with a quickened pace "Harrin will hardly forget this little mishap. Surely there will be consequences… consequences for my people! What if there is unrest, what if it causes war?"
"Yes, I do not doubt things may be a little strained in the near future… but do not forget you two were not destined for each other. Putting things right can hardly be wrong," Legolas said reassuringly but Raelyn was still appeared unconvinced.
"You speak in such riddles." Raelyn muttered, still distracted by her own contemplations.
Legolas continued "Harrin himself is also free from the prophecy now. I am sure the King will be distracted by his own new suitors soon enough."
"Are you truly sure?" Raelyn replied "I could never forgive myself if suffering came to my people because of my actions."
"Every leader's actions have consequence," Legolas responded, "Few decisions are ever made without trade-offs. But please, fear not. Harrin will hardly risk war." Changing his tone to be more light-hearted Legolas continued with a laugh "He would not want to experience the wrath of your new ally, of that I am certain!"
This comment certainly grasped Raelyn's attention. "New… ally?" she said with wide eyes turning to face Legolas.
Legolas saw the keen anticipation in her eyes and his own throat suddenly went dry. His words just would not flow as eloquently as they usually did. "Well, that is… of course, if you… wish…," he managed.
Even when Legolas was so sure that Raelyn was all he could ever want, all that he waited had for… he thought what if… now that she was free, she did not feel the same way about me. Swallowing hard, he pushed aside every doubt in his mind and opened his heart. In that moment he willingly made himself more vulnerable than he had ever been before.
"That is… of course," he began again bending down on one knee "If you would bestow upon me… your hand in marriage."
Raelyn watched on in a trance as Legolas removed a chain from around his neck. On the chain, hung a beautiful and intricate mithril ring. It resembled a delicate tree branch that would gently wrap around the finger when it was worn. Tiny green emeralds adorned the joins between each leaf. Emeralds were a most precious jewel, especially to the elves who called them beryl. Holding Raelyn's shaking left hand Legolas held the ring just above the fingertip of her nethig (ring finger).
Legolas began again, "Raelyn, Princess of Rohan, Queen of My Heart, if you accept this ring I will be forever honoured and humbled. You are the one I have waited an eternity for. The one I would freely give up my own eternity for. From this day forward… I cannot imagine spending another day apart. My heart belongs to you and no other. Amin mela lle." (I love you)
"Oh Legolas," Raelyn began with tears in her eyes. She knelt down in front of him so she could gaze straight into his eyes, "I cannot think of anything more perfect than spending the rest of my life with you."
Such relief washed over Legolas and he did not have the strength to stand. Raelyn threw her arms around his neck and they embraced with a passionate kiss. Their kiss only ceased when the galloping Riders of Rohan could be heard approaching in the distance.
Legolas gently slipped the ring on Raelyn's finger and said "This ring belonged to my Mother. It is the most special thing I have to give to you."
"Amin harmuva onalle e' cormamin," (I shall treasure your gift in my heart) Raelyn replied; carefully piecing the phrase together as she recalled the various words she had been taught during her stay in Mirkwood.
Legolas stared at Raelyn in wonder. For a moment he considered whether he had he heard her correctly. Could she have just spoken in the language of his people?
Raelyn blushed as she smiled at the astonished looking elf. "Come, let us begin our new lives together, Hallaer," (Tall one) she said with a wink, which made Legolas laugh.
Beaming, Legolas replied "Lle naa vanima, Aier. (You are beautiful, short one) I could think of nothing better."
~ The End ~
Thank you so much for reading my first piece of published writing. I certainly hope you've enjoyed the story because I know I have enjoyed writing it. I truly appreciate all your views, reviews, favourites, follows and so on.
If you enjoyed this story you are most welcome to take a peek at my current work in progress 'A Sister by all bar Blood' which follows various events of The Lord of the Rings through the eyes of another new and original female character.