Chapter 18

It was quite another thing for Legolas to notice the difference the presence of Lord Elrond had become over the people and another to feel the dread looming. Strolling along Loredell's dirt covered streets, Elrond, Sam and Frodo began to speak of the things to come. His thoughts wafted hither and yon of great concentration, musings if his father would show or simply dispatch elvish guard to assist Loredell in his absence

"Gandalf's going with us back to the shire," Frodo smiled broadly at Legolas. Thoughts of getting back to everyday life and helping end his friend's turmoil here.

Nearly feeling abandoned, Legolas raised a surprised eyebrow, "so soon?" He had believed Gandalf wanted to persevere Loredell's issues through.

"After we are all done here though, of course," Sam added as if reading Legolas's mind.

"Approaching orcs may mean departing hobbits," Legolas worried for the young hobbits he had cared for during the fellowship, it had become a habit to worry over them.

"We fought against far worst titans and monstrosities," Frodo said pointedly.

Yes it was Lord Elrond who concurred with Legolas. After seeing them through such toil he would be remiss to see a think happen to them now, "Perhaps you should remain within the castle, this is meant for the elves." Gathering his breath he met their eyes, "After your feats, you never should be summoned again." Also well within the belief that all the creatures of middle earth owed them a great obligation.

Sam nodded not keen on the idea of fighting and nodded to Frodo slowly in agreement.

Not quite taking note of the hobbits Legolas found Giles walking towards him quickly and he narrowed his eyes on the hateful expression Giles carried with him.

Giles stare was quickly upon the companions to Legolas and with recognition of them it was that he began to straighten up.

Following the younger elf's gaze Elrond watched the wretched man coming forth and with his trained eye he began to heed carefully never had Legolas made an easy enemy. In truth it was that he overcame his discontent for many a creature therefore plain as it was this 'enemy' came forth to them. Yet, the elvish lord kept a complacent face for the benefit of this man and those afoot, ever the diplomat.

"Who's that?" Sam asked unsure of the over zealous man but he had a hand out before the others in a greeting.

Giles closed in on them quickly, "I am Giles. Welcome." He looked to Elrond expectantly eying the elder elf trying as he could to hide his sneer at the elf.

"This is Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee," Legolas said indicating to each hobbit, "And this is Lord Elrond of…."

"Rivendell?" Giles smiled widely. "A pleasure Lord Elrond." Giles looked at their empty hands and let a heavy sigh as if not his doing. "Did they disarm you?"

"Yes," Frodo replied quickly answering for all.

"I will have your weapons returned at once," Giles smiled widely and sickeningly at Elrond.

Drawing a deep breath he narrowed his sight at Giles, "Then it would seem you know of the Orcs?" Elrond .

"Orcs?" Giles said with his eyebrows wide. "What do you mean?"

"The Orcs that are approaching from the west," Legolas muttered but his disinterested tone was of Giles terrible acting.

"I see," Giles said realizing Elrond and Legolas weren't fooled. "We will have to warn the people." Then he gave Legolas a small sneer when Elrond's eyes weren't upon him. "I hear Prince Legolas is to wed Arri and that is momentarily." He tried to look happy but the false attitude came through quickly. He paused dramatically as if reckoning was not wasted on him. "We could have the ceremony with great haste. You will certainly be safe enough within the castle's walls then drive them out at your leisure..."

Knowing full well of the premeditated ceremony Elrond gave small affirmation but never was he easily mislead, "I am sure that Arri and Legolas are both appreciative."

"Jared informed me she is dressing now and most of the royal court shall be in attendance but Arri insisted on not being married in the castle but out in the open courtyard or forest," Giles chuckled to himself

Smiling Legolas found solace that she would not give in to all of the traditions and stayed true to herself. Giving an approving nod at the thought but to Giles but Giles's disappointment was clear.

"Among the villagers?" Giles scoffed. "What royalty is married among the common people?"

Slowly did Elrond's patience for this man begin to wane, "Many have been."

Giles cleared his throat at the tone and sure he had overstepped, "Yes, of course." Then he looked to Legolas, "You approve of her idea?"

Raising an eyebrow Legolas regarded Lord Elrond's arising disgust for Giles but soon dismissed. Clad now in Garments that would rival any stitch Giles could ever own was Aragorn drawing onward in his formal clothing and despite Legolas knew them not to be his best clothing he felt the honor of the extent he went through for him. Jealousy of Aragorn clouded Giles face but again none gave him satisfaction of acknowledgment. Aragorn bowed to Elrond in welcome and it would seem his face was much relieved seeing his foster father.

Halting at Lord Elrond's feet he swept back his cloak and placed a hand to his chest with bowed to him. "Very good to see you." Yet he silently wondered how Elrond would react learning how this man had mistreat his only daughter.

Elrond knew his daughter must not be far with Aragorn near , "Aragorn." He nodded to him as Aragorn stood. "I see you are prepared for ceremonies." He gave a nod to show that he too took note of his clothing.

"Yes," Aragorn smiled to them almost entirely avoiding Giles. "I need to fetch Legolas to prepare. Arri has finished bathing and dressing." His smiling face was peering down to the courtyard and to an area now empty where only an elf and a dwarf stood with lanterns and decorations even so they still seem to argue of details. "Eosin and Gimli are ready and preparing the court for this pleasure." He did not mention they hoped to have the coronation there as well with Giles within earshot.

He needed nothing more to be suggested when it came to his wedding to Arri but he did pause looking at the small archway that Eosin and Gimli were constructing slowly much to the villagers delight. Had it seemed if Gimli were a bit taller he would be more help but finally Eosin gave him reduced duty. It was pleasing to see the villagers watched on as the dwarf and elf worked together to spruce up the large columns for this occasion and they seemed very interested in the ceremony. Suddenly it urged Legolas on and he began to depart from the others with a smile, "if you will excuse me." He said almost directly to Elrond and the hobbits as he moved away with Aragorn.

Once out of ear shot Aragorn let his pride and happiness be well known to his friend, "I am delighted you have found a life mate, my friend." He said whole heartedly watching Legolas smile proud. "Arwen and I find ourselves thinking to our own ties." Although he knew first he would talk rule of Gondor before making her a queen, once he was upon the thrown it would never be contestable.

Again as if clairvoyant Legolas made aloud his private thoughts, "I only wish for your happiness as well and the peace you will find in Gondor."

Aragorn nodded as they approached the room they prepared for Legolas, "Arri's idea to marry among the people was to accustom them with you both and perhaps be more accepting of elves. Feeling part of your ceremony might bring the people to feel part of you," He smiled. "As a kingdom should be."

"I understand," Legolas walked to the window gazing over at the court yard as Eosin now had Gimli atop his shoulders working on the high points of the arc but soon Eosin seemed the recipient of a foul stench from his standpoint under the dwarf. With a wave of his hand to rid of the stench, Gimli lost balance then toppled onto the elf much to the delight of the villagers. Gimli's voice bellowed that he had told Eosin he had too much cheese at daybreak and Legolas furrowed his brow feeling for Eosin's lack of understand Gimli's warning of flatulence. Soon other elves joined in feeling time was of the essence and Gimli's lack of grace was consuming their time. Watching some of the Imaladir Elves helping along with Arwen and he smiled seeing her dressed as well. Then he lost his breath and his heart sped as he saw the other female that came within view.

Arri was dressed in a simple elvish gown with a slight train that followed her in a fluid motion. Shimmering could be seen by his keen eye and how the gown slipped gently over her slender shaped. Such lovely sight was she that he could not stop looking at even as Aragorn joined him at the window. She had the front of her hair pulled into tiny braids as they seemingly disappeared into the full mane of curls which shone like the sun and only gentle white flowers entwined in her locks. Bound around her neck he could see the necklace of their commitment to one another and his pride for her felt boundless. The sight of her would humble even the mightiest of Elves, Men or even Gods.

Aragorn laughed looking on with a chuckle, "Young love."

Pulling from his thoughts he crossed his arms at the taunt in slight challenge, "young? We are both older than you."

Aragorn chuckled, "perhaps you are but in your love in young my friend," he chuckled louder at Legolas then he moved to the bathing tub. Testing the water with his hand leaving droplets on his finger tips to toss at Legolas, "bathe well," he suggested, "you smell of Arri."

Blushing for the first time he could remember he looked on at his clothing as if they betrayed him. Then he looked back at him with a rueful grin hoping Elrond had not noticed but he was sure he must have with his keen senses. He exhaled and pushed Aragorn outside the door, "unless you wish to scrub me and create speculation you should take."

Aragorn chuckled, "Giles would like that too much," and he shut the door.

Hearing his footsteps of departure Legolas moved back to the window to see Arri laughing with Arwen as she joined her father with a simple jar. With a twist of Elrond's wrist on the lid he released the lights that flew from it and settled above in the branches of garlands now strewn above. Had he forgot how quickly his friends might work and the wonders they could create or had he never thought they would create such for him?

A love so strong might frighten most but it was so gentle and kind between them that he found it the most peace he had ever known. The recent threat of the ring to middle earth, to the recent deaths of so many friends, and now he would to wed an elf he had loved long ago... it made him humble. Not to mention the his heir that grew in her abdomen and he watched her with the thought of the elfling that would grace them soon enough. He felt a proud glow watching her with their friends and as Eliza came running up to her Arri lowered to a knee and produced a small wrapped parcel for the child.

Eliza tore it open to show the gift of an elvish gown for the child. Eliza clutched it to her chest and then tossed herself at Arri quickly, who was taken by surprise but caught her smiled back at the child. Arwen and Arri watched Eliza run off with the treasure with a stream of thank yous behind her slapping her friends hands and she disappeared down an alley of buildings.

Arri's loving nature touched him and he moving from window doffing his tunic with a roll of his eyes he remembered his lack of knowledge for man's traditions for a formal marriage. He held not a doubt he loved Arri and she stirred such deep feelings in him not just his passion but his heart as he remembered the sight of her as a baby when he touched her hair in wonder. He had never had such love that had taken his feelings and passion combined, she was all he ever wanted. Never was he more certain of anything but as he smelled his garment for giveaway scent of his love he chuckled then climbed into the tub letting the cooler water calm fires until Arri would.

Giles dressed for the occasion and knocked on Manveru's door. He could only hear faint chanting from the room. The voice stopped and the wizard appeared at the door looking fairly agitated.

Holding up a hand he stopped Giles word before they had began, "Shall it seem Gandalf continues to thwart my attempts," He said before Giles could speak. "The orcs will arrive with in the hour and shall come if I am allowed privacy to continue."

Giles narrowed his eyes at the older man and finally smiled, "As long as they show soon to complete this plan." He exhaled loudly. He stepped back to show his formal garments. "My cousin plans to marry the the Mirkwood prince directly."

"I assume she knows of the people's strong views of unmarried sex?" Manveru nodded his head. "Perchance we might be underestimating them."

"The orcs will give us the edge," Giles smiled and walked out, "even the elves who did show for the union will not be enough but will be blamed." He smiled widely.

"And the she-elf," Manveru asked quietly.

"If she is slain by an Orcan blade then how can she rule?" It was but a question but barked as if a command to the wizard.

Before they could fathom what happened, Giles found himself hoisted by the collar and thrown roughly against the wall only to face Legolas's cold expression.

"An elf's ear are very keen, Giles," Legolas said with a low growl in his voice. Holding him tightly he watched the wizard with a sidelong glance, daring him to move, "if she is touched I shall have your head."

"Who?" Giles said innocently as Manveru made his way back to his room seeming leaving Giles to his own design. Giles continued to act ignorantly, "why do you threaten me?" He seemed please to finally have the elf in an uproar.

Legolas reached his knee to make contact with Giles's groin and let him fall to the ground holding himself. "I did hear correctly."

Giles continued to moan as Manveru came back only to the door to see Giles on the ground and Legolas took a few steps back preempting the wizard's attack, he could feel it.

Manveru tossed a vile at Legolas's feet that left a swirl of smoke that wrapped around his body and began to choke him slowly with such a reach that even when Legolas jumped away the huge cloud overcame him. He gasped for breath but found a familiar pair of shoes at his eye level. Knowing it was Gandalf who diminished the smoke with his arms raised.

Wiping at his eyes he produced his bow to the wizard with arrow at the ready. It was Giles that drove Legolas to his senses without meaning.

"Kill a wizard but moments from your wedding?" Giles groaned as he got to his feet. "That would make an impression on the people." He smiled as Legolas lowered it and shouldered his bow.

"Young sir I simply dropped my vile when you startled me so by attack the king, I mean Giles." Manveru waved his hands hoping to convince him.

"I see," Gandalf lowered his gaze. "this potion would seems to impair one's sense does it not?"

"Yes, I believe it does," Manveru meeting the elf's eye.

"They threatened Arri's life so she might not take the crown," Legolas said glad to have a witness.

Giles looked upset, "I did not you must have misunderstood me."

Gandalf took hold of Legolas' elbow but he shook the old friend off gently. His ire finally reached, "You shall not harm her." Feeling protective of Arri as thoughts of their child had him closer towering over Giles with a kept a hand on the decorative sword on his hip.

"Of course," Giles chuckled as if Legolas was mad. Still it was the wizard who worried Legolas, looking at him as if he had just learned a grand secret of all time. Meeting his eye the wizard's eyes with wide with an evil gleam then traded a look with Giles.

Touching his long beard he looked more than wary then stroked his beard much the way Gandalf had been known to. "A child?" He cooed at the Mirkwood prince and Giles composure fell completely knowing they would bring another heir to this crown, "such secrets." He gave a disapproving look as Legolas moved towards him but it was Gandalf that kept his head, as usual.

Touching Legolas' ears with his words gently he smiled, "a time and a place, Legolas..." but to Manveru his voice held no cheer. Knowing Legolas was angrier than he had ever see the gentle elf he guided him away with a look of warning.

A sharp exhale and he walked away hearing the bells for the ceremony. Legolas began to calm thinking of Arri waiting for him and as soon as he and Gandalf were out of their hearing he realized why the wizard wanted him away so quickly, Gandalf gave him a small flask.

"Try as he might to put that worm upon a throne he will find I will work just as hard to find peace," Gandalf winked. "That should help to counter any of Manveru's doings."

Legolas sniffed the concoction recognizing most of the ingredients and drank it without a doubt. He met his old friend's eyes with a sadness at the mere thought, "They would kill her."

"This is why I have stayed," Gandalf sighed. "I believe you have a bride waiting." Gandalf smiled seeing the words bring some comfort to the elf as they made way quietly down the long corridors. Knowing the situation was much more grim than most of the elves knew he held his tongue wanting his friends to hold the happiness in their hands while they could. Contrary to all that transpired he noticed Legolas's eyes become wider at the sight of Arri and the others waiting for him and when Legolas gave the wizard smile, he knew he was right.

Legolas exhaled, "Gandalf, I am glad you are here old friend."

Gandalf chuckled but the dread the both felt was very near, "As am I, Legolas."

Giles smiled at Manveru, "Good luck to the prince in his battle today after that vile."

He looked to Manveru to confirm it as he looked on to Legolas's arrival at the ceremony from Manveru's window.

"Gandalf underestimates me but we have underestimated them ," Manveru sighed as he looked at the elven couple joining hands. "I heard his thoughts, Giles," he met his curious look, "she is already with offspring." He knew the elves were becoming well liked and a baby might soften hearts even more so. He had new resolve as he nodded, "I think he will find the battle much more difficult today."

"He and that elvish witch need to die today," Giles said angrily. "These orcs had better target her."

"As they will milord," Manveru smiled as Giles stomped his way out the door to the 'celebrations'.

Arri smiled as she and Eosin talked about going back to the Rivendell and Mirkwood. She could see Arwen talking to her father and the ceremony made her long for her own father this day.

Silence fell over them and not a word could be heard as heads turned as Legolas made his way in with Gandalf and they stood at the opposite end of the white, long carpet. So taken by him that she never noticed that he still had his bow over his shoulder or felt the worry he carried. His long golden spun hair pulled back slightly and he wore a long white shirt that glistened over his pale alabaster skin. Looking as she noticed he smiled and kept his eyes on her as he seemed to float slowly to her as if caught in a daze. Arri could not take her eyes off of him and felt a blush as Eosin waved a hand in front of her face with a chuckle. She was caught in the gravity of his stare and almost weak at the thoughts of being bound to him in front of everyone. Never had she thought anyone would love her so unconditionally and purely but there was a unwaivering and strong love for one another, for him she would do anything. She smiled remembering he was still the same elf in her youth that had called her 'Curly' and that would wed her. She turned her head embarrassed slightly as he approached almost unable to bear the honor she felt. Eosin moved away from Arri as Legolas moved to her and beside Aragorn. Slowly moved standing next to Elrond and Gandalf. Arwen bustled to her side without a noise and placed a small bouquet of white roses in her hands and with a peck on Arri's cheek she was gone to her father's side.

Turning his head in slight wonder when she looked away he reached his hand under her chin to direct her face to his. Eosin move from her side with a smile and Gandalf patted his shoulder looking to Elrond, Arwen, Eosin and the others. Legolas was not daunted by the humans and elves who observed them and he brushed the back of his fingers to her face lightly. Grand as her blush was to bring color to her face it left him with a smile as he lowered his head to hars letting their lips brush in chaste touch. Feeling her breath and he could almost hear her heart pounding now made his ardor much greater for her and soon he forgot this world around them kissing her for all to witness. He heard Gimli groan from the side of them and he looked to Gimli with a roll of the eyes and they gently broke their lips embrace very slowly.

Aine was at their side giving each a kiss on the cheek and guided them forward to the arch that had be adorned with flowers from the Kingdom. She gestured for them to take knee at the small step and both knelt in front of the man who stood there with a curious gaze. It was Aine placed their hands together, she took both hands and bowed as if honored then placed his on top of hers. Watching him holding her hand and caressing kept her smile at them as she took their hands to a level all could see their hands embrace. Aine had a soft white ribbon trimmed in golden yellow with stitching of Mirkwood and Loredell's emblems and wrapped it under their wrists then bringing it around to the top of their hands to form a fabric "x" over them. She felt both give small sighs and winked at them but they remained still as Giles joined her.

A older bald man took a deep breath stepping in front of the couple. Had he a hair upon his head it might have stopped the gleam that bounced off and it was only highlighted by the fact he only wore his wholly robe that flowed down with decorative and meaningful pendants as well as a cross. He gave them a nod but looked past them and the crowd but seemed to speak to his almighty with a stare to the heavens, "Arri of Rivendell and Legolas of Mirkwood will combine themselves to union in the human's eyes as well as the elves and they ask that you join them in doing so." He paused looking to Elrond and the common people except for the little girl who wore an elvish gown who stood proudly with a doll tucked at her side that now seemed out of place next to her new dress.

Giles stepped up as if to command them to accept this,"Good people of Loredell, they are asking your further permission to have the she-elf crowned as your queen through her lineage she is of Loredell's Royalty and my cousin. I ask you put aside all contempt or fear you might have of the elves and embrace this union."

Arri took a deep breath still not moving and glance with only her eyes at Legolas. She held such contempt for Giles now to do this at such a time but Legolas gave squeeze on her hand kept her passionate nature from arising

They both knew he had meant to raise their doubt by mentioning it and it was working by the murmuring among the crowd now. A familiar sound of feet padding up behind them made Legolas turn around to see Eliza running to them clad in her own gown that was reminiscent of the one Arri wore. Eliza had the crowd hushed as she bent slightly to Legolas as he knelt and kissed his cheek and then repeated the same thing to Arri, showing her lack of fear and full acceptance of the two. She smiled as she touched Arri's hair with a giggle with a wave and ran back to her place in the crowd.

Arri's eyes danced at the sweet girl and looked to Legolas as the religious man was in front of them again to proceed and they could only assume that meant their union would be accepted.

Elvish customs and Human customs became one in the ceremony as the two now stood while the man finished his part of the custom. Arri's eyes filled with tears as she heard the man repeat what she had heard. "until death do you part."

With the new ring Legolas had given her in their human union she marveled at the difference in the human ring and how it matched the one Aine had given her for Legolas, it had been the same Aine's husband had worn until death did them part.

Never hearing much of ceremony but seemed dazed and when Legolas pulled her to him hearing something about a kiss they both lost to their spark they shared hearing astonished gasps from most humans, as their arms wrapped around the other and they found their hearts sped up with bodies molded to one another. They parted breathless as most of the elves and humans cheered and it was one single voice from the side of Legolas that chuckled and simply said, "Now then," the dwarfish voice rang out, "that is what I call a kiss."

Giles smiled taking over once again grabbing their hands and standing in between the newlywed elves. He sharply pushed Arri away from Legolas and into the hands of Jared as he produced a dagger to Legolas's throat. "Hold her." Giles screamed to Jared and Manveru joined to help him.

Jared whispered to her in elvish, "do not move to help him or he may strike." He felt her relax a little but the worry in her eyes did not dissipate. "I do not think he will hurt him in front of so many." Jared silenced as the wizard joined him now and hoped she would head him.

The elves including Eosin began to move to their friends but Giles sneered, "I will not kill him but wish to prove my point." He reached into Legolas shirt producing the royal crest of Loredell and held it above his head for everyone to see. "He already bore the royal crest." He shouted, "he already believes himself to be your king!"

Legolas tired of this and wrestled free easily as the other elves approached he grabbed his bow letting it fly at the hand Giles held the crest with. It caught the crest easily from his hand and the arrow landed above Giles's reach in the beautiful arc. "I wore it only as a request from Arri and she wore mine."

Jared let Arri go and Manveru jumped to restrain her as she produced the gentle ornament Legolas had given her. Jared moved forward, "It would seem to be nothing more than an expression of feelings."

"An elf for a king!" Giles shouted as he went on disgustedly. "Ask the people what they think of his, and you?" He sneered.

The people began to grow impatient and mumbled uncertainly. Arri tried to join Legolas's side but found Manveru in between them again and the wizard shoved her back into Jared.

Legolas found his temper forthcoming as he thought of her pregnancy and watching how they lay hand on her, and separate them.

Arri fussed as the fancy clothing she wore that got in the way.

Eosin was beside Legolas with a look of challenge and other elves began to follow, "release her. She has done nothing!"

Loud screams were heard as it began to rain thick black arrows as they flew into the safety of the castle striking some people, as orcs screams could also be heard. Manveru let Arri go as he watched the orcs begin to climb the walls and made way for his own weapon and staff frightened.

Legolas wrapped an arm around Arri's waist as she ran towards them and Giles took shelter in the castle.

"Into the castle," Legolas said quickly as he put her behind him for protection.

She scoffed lightly reaching down to her and releasing the the long train that tripped her now then she made her way to the package where she had brought Eliza's gown. Slipping on leggings under her gown then pulling her tunic over she then released the shoulders of her gown until it pooled to the ground. She tucked in into her bag gently, "I would be queen but not help?" She produced two swords wrapped lightly and her bow. Shouldering her bow she threw Legolas a quiver of arrows just before the orcs came running for them.

She watched concerned seeing he seemed not as keen as usual and not making his mark as readily as he usually did. Her heart lurched when he even seemed to shake his head as if to clear it but she ran with her quiver of arrows as she pushed her sword through the beautiful binding around her waist to join his side. Pushing her way through the carnage they were finally side by side to fight this crusade.