Chapter 37
It was just over a week before Adrianna and Legolas decided to travel back to the Glade of Tarasara. The Rangers they had met in the hidden caves would be joining them on their journey back, and depart from their company along the way so that they can travel to Bree.
Thranduil still hadn't approached either of them on the subject of the wedding, but Legolas didn't expect him too. Not for a while anyway. His father needed time, and Legolas knew this would be a long while, for the King would hope his silence would be enough for the two Royals to decide to take their vows in Mirkwood.
They all mounted chestnut geldings before setting off into the woods beyond the King's Gate.
Adrianna tried to hide her fear of the forest around her, but she knew she couldn't fool any of the elves; especially Legolas. He steered his horse closer to her own to comfort her, and the Princess couldn't help but smile softly.
She couldn't tell which Ranger it was as his hood was pulled up, but he left the company of the small group to scout ahead with two of the elves.
The steeds trotted across a hidden bridge over the black lake, and once safely on the other side they fanned out once more, Legolas dropping back to ride beside Adrianna.
"We must find Arod and Treyton," He began. "If they are still tied to the trees near where we fell, they will be exhausted, and weak from thirst and starvation. It would ease my mind to know that they had, at least, managed to free themselves. Treyton, I am sure will have found his way back to The Glade of Tarasara, Arod would have followed him there – a horse (especially of the Rohirrim) prefer being in a herd than on their own."
Adrianna nodded in agreement, "I think that's a wonderful idea." She replied, "Although, Rivendell is closer, perhaps they could feel elves residing nearby and decided to seek refuge with Lord Elrond."
"That may be so," Legolas replied. "And seeing as we did not have the opportunity to see a beautiful clearing on our way to Mirkwood, we may find one on the way back to the Glade."
Adrianna smiled, "Hopefully luck will be in our favour this time. I do not wish to spend another night trapped underground."
"Me neither." Legolas agreed, turning to glance over his shoulder once his ears picked up the sound of hooves. Two of the guards had already turned their horses the other way to greet their rushing companion, and once another elf guard appeared from his scout it wasn't long before Gandalf and Shadowfax appeared beside the elf to join their journey too.
"You did not wait for me." The old wizard huffed.
"You said goodbye," Adrianna defended. "We assumed you were not to be travelling with us."
"I changed my mind." The wizard responded with a mischievous smile. Slowing the white stallion to a walk beside the Faye Princess. "I thought, perhaps, I may take you both somewhere I know. Close to Rivendell…a beautiful woodland."
Both royals shared a smile with one another, "That would be very kind of you, thank you, Gandalf." Legolas replied. "Will it take us long to get there?"
"About a day." The white wizard replied, "Perhaps a day and a half."
Gandalf had been right, when they had parted company from the elven guards, it had taken just over a day for them to reach the place in which he wished to share with them. The three trotted single file along a winding path surrounded on both sides with many beautiful flowers, until the trees parted to reveal a large clearing. The canopies of the trees had parted to reveal a vast amount of clear blue sky above them, and the two royals looked upon the view with amazement.
"I bet this looks magnificent at night." Adrianna breathed.
"I could marry you right here." Legolas stated, reaching towards her from atop his horse to clasp one of her hands between his own, Adrianna smiled in agreement, her eyes dancing with excitement as she squeezed his hand in return.
"This isn't all." Gandalf stated, dismounting Shadowfax and gesturing for both to follow his lead.
Together, they climbed the old groves in the side of a slope which – a very long time ago – could have been stairs. "Of course, there will need to be wood placed upon them for safety." Gandalf stated, using his staff as a walking stick. "Here we are!"
He gestured his hands outwards before him at the wondrous sight that was beheld to them from the crown of the hill.
The tops of the trees below had changed colours for the crisp summer season like magnificent emeralds and jades splayed a woodland carpet before them, flowers of various colours sprouted at their feet like a bed of beauty; cascading down the slope of the hill like a waterfall of life. Far off into the distance, could the heads of Ents in Fanghorn Forest be spotted, watching over the land like earth-born stars.
Adrianna looked around her, trying to take in each and every beautiful secret the clearing had to share, "This is perfect."
"Then this shall be the place, it is decided." The elf smiled as he placed a kiss upon the Faye's hand. "A week from now, we will be wed upon this very hill." The blonde elf then turned to face the wizard, "Hannon le, mellon nin (my friend). For sharing this with us."
Gandalf smiled at the two, "I cannot take all the credit." He stated honestly, "For it was the Lady Galadriel who had me happen upon the breast of this hill. Shadowfax knew the way, the Lady asked him to lead and I, of course, followed."
Legolas smiled, "She told me that fate will decide the path.
"Fate happened upon it indeed." Gandalf chuckled, "I was passing Rivendell as she was leaving, it was by chance that I met with her."
"If it not for our families," Adrianna began. "I would be happy to marry you now."
"As would I." Legolas smiled, taking her hand in his once more. "But we cannot upset our fathers anymore." His eyes danced. "How will we know how to find this place again," He asked the wizard. "And how will our guests know where they are to attend?"
Gandalf 'hmmed', "Leave that to me." He smiled, "I shall think of something." He began to descened the hill once more, "Oh, Legolas? Your father will be happy, once he has seen this place. I am sure of it."
"I cannot wait." He smiled, offering Adrianna his arm as they descended the stairs of the hill.
"The next time I see you, shall be at the top of this hill." Gandalf smiled as he mounted Shadowfax, "For now, I shall bid you farewell."
"Calo anor na ven." (May the sun shine on your road) Legolas bowed his head to the great wizard as he cantered off into the trees.
A/N: Merry Christmas everyone, I hope you all had a wonderful day! I hope you all received what you wished for and spent the day with your families and loved ones! Here is my gift to you all (I know it is a few days late, but I wanted it to be perfect!
Please review :) I'm looking forwards to hearing what you thought. After all, we all know much discussion and thought had gone in to deciding on the perfect place for the two to exchange their vows! Which, may quite possibly be the next and last chapter... ;)
Merry Christmas xx