I am trying to get to the wedding, I promise! I have been working on this chapter nearly every night and we still haven't reached the wedding! Sorry this is so short, but I hope you like it.
In answer to Guest for my other fanfic, their ages vary every chapter. So far, most of them have been when Alasse is little but Legolas is a teenager (by Elven standards). But I plan to write more of when they are both older, I just don't have ideas for those oneshot chapters yet.
Legolas and Arwen were strolling together through the gardens under the moonlight. It was their last night as single people, and they wanted to savor the impact of how their lives would change the next day. They didn't speak very much, but took in the forest's beauty and how the once sickly trees now sang softly to them in melodious tunes.
Aragorn found Alasse on their balcony. He came up behind her and slid his arms around her waist, placing his extended palms flatly on her middle where their child lay inside her. She hummed deeply and leaned her head back on his chest. "It's good to be back." She said softly. "It feels different, but still wonderful." Aragorn kissed her pointy ear, making her giggle.
"Dear," He whispered, "I know you're enjoying the view and all, but I think it's time you came to bed. It was quite a journey and you really need your rest."
"Ai, you are right, as always." Alasse sighed. "Tomorrow, my brother is getting married." She suddenly began shedding tears.
"Hey." Aragorn said, wiping her cheeks.
"Sorry. This little one is making me more sentimental than usual." She grinned. She turned and headed inside the room, with Aragorn at her heels. He had a small plate of food and juice brought up while she changed. When she came out from behind the privacy screen, she was wearing a pink tulle nightgown that cascaded around her like a weeping willow.
"You look lovely." Aragorn smiled.
"Oh, go on." Alasse chuckled as he gripped her arms and kissed her. He pulled the covers back as she climbed into the bed. "Oh, for me?" She eyed the plate of food.
"Yes. So you don't wake me up in the middle of the night!" Aragorn teased, poking her side. Alasse yelped like an elfling, earning a throaty chuckle from her husband. Oh, he loved hearing her laugh!
"How considerate." Alasse said cockily. Aragorn sat beside her on the bed as she ate her snack. "What? Haven't you ever seen a lady eat before?"
"Of course." Aragorn answered. "But not as fast as you!" He joked.
"You don't be nice to me, you'll sleep on the floor tonight, ranger." Alasse warned him playfully. Ranger was her pet name for him, because he was still only a humble, outcast ranger of the woods when she'd first met him as a man and when she'd fallen in love with him. He was a king now, but she remembered so well the sight and smell of him as the unsung, unwept, unhonored protector of the people, one she'd never forget.
"Leave that to me." A deep voice boomed behind Aragorn. They both looked up to see Thranduil standing there. "What is this I hear? Aragorn, are you treating my daughter unfairly?" He glared.
"No, Sir." Aragorn shook his head, looking very sheepish. Alasse couldn't help giggling at the worried look on his face.
"Oh? Then why is she scolding you?" Thranduil asked skeptically. "You know that I could signal the guards any second to have you dragged to the dungeons if you say anything to her I do not like." He threw a warning look.
"You do that, and Gondor will never let you hear the end of it." Alasse interjected.
"Other lands' opinions have hardly ever deterred me yet." Thranduil said.
"Well, you just can't do that, Ada." Alasse crossed her arms.
"And why not? I am king, and I can do as I please."
"My husband is also a king, and I need him at night to keep me and the baby warm." Alasse said impishly.
"Well, since you put it that way..." Thranduil pouted. He was about to ask Alasse if she needed anything when he noticed the bedtime snack Aragorn had provided. That ranger thinks of everything. "Best get your rest tonight, my love. We have a grand day ahead of us tomorrow!" He came over and kissed her head. "Sleep well, Iell nin." He smiled warmly.
"You too, Ada."
Then he turned and glared at Aragorn. "You look after the both of them." He commanded.
"I will, Sir." Aragorn promised.
"Good," Thranduil snarled. "If you don't..."
"He will, Ada. Good night." Alasse cheekily interrupted him.
"You two are no fun." Thranduil rolled his eyes, shutting the door.
"I have a strange feeling your father doesn't like me." Aragorn said in mock surprise.
"No!" Alasse played along. Soon, Alasse had finished her snack and suddenly felt very tired. It had been a long day of traveling and excitement. Aragorn scooted closer to her and gently rested his hand on her stomach.
"Go to sleep now, Alasse. We want to be bright and bushy-tailed in the morning. I don't want to miss a moment of celebrating Legolas and Arwen's joy." Aragorn said.
"Lay with me, my love." Alasse begged. Aragorn obliged, leaning on his side next to her, nuzzling her chin with his head and lovingly massaging her pregnant stomach.
"Mph. I suppose I am also more exhausted than I thought." Aragorn yawned. Alasse grinned and stroked the back of his hair.
"Just think, our baby is hardly even here yet, and already attending their very first wedding." Alasse murmured quietly. Aragorn grunted. He was already half asleep. "Ugh. How romantic you are." Alasse rolled her eyes.
"Uh huh..." Aragorn mumbled sleepily. Alasse slowly shoved him off the bed. "Huh? What?" He blinked rapidly.
"At least have the decency to kiss your wife and child goodnight before you go to sleep." Alasse crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes.
"Sorry." Aragorn grinned guiltily. He climbed back into the bed, first hugging Alasse's stomach. "Sleep well, my love." He whispered to the baby. "We love you." He tenderly kissed Alasse's naval. She breathed deeply as she felt the beautiful bond between her husband and child grow more warmly inside her. Then Aragorn crouched up next to his wife, lying on his side with his arm draped across her. "Goodnight, melleth nin. Get some sleep." Alasse nestled into his chest and they both fell asleep.
"Ahh, there you are, mellon nin." Thranduil chuckled as he stepped up behind Elrond, overlooking the grounds leading to the gardens. Thranduil gazed out over the railing and spotted the source of Elrond's intense gazing, though he already felt he knew. The two young people standing out there, basking in each other's company under the moonlight.
"They are going to do great things together. I have seen it." Elrond said encouragingly. "Not only for Ithilien, but for Middle Earth itself."
"Never a doubt." Thranduil agreed. "Here, for your thoughts." He handed Elrond a glass of wine. "I went through the same thing, Elrond. Take my word, I know what you're going through."
"I suppose." Elrond shrugged. "I know this is what is meant to be, and I have no reservations that Legolas will take good care of her."
"Still hurts though." Thranduil said sympathetically.
"Yes." Elrond said sadly. "Oh, if it were Elladan or Elrohir, I would be so joyful for them, and probably pushing them out the door! But when it comes to Arwen...she...she's...it's different."
"She's your daughter, your little girl." Thranduil stated. "Believe me, Elrond, when I say that tonight and this whole affair, for Legolas I have not had half the second thoughts I did when Alasse got married! Not even close! Alas, I suppose that's the way it is with daughters."
"It's very difficult...to let her go." Elrond hung his head.
"Ai." Thranduil agreed. "You want them to be happy, but it still breaks you up."
"She's always needed me, or my sons. I've always been the one to guide her and look after her. It's not easy to just pass that responsibility into other hands, and overnight!"
"No indeed! It is almost as if half of your life is ending, and being started over again all at once." Thranduil remarked.
"Excuse me, Thranduil." Elrond sighed.
"Of course." Thranduil nodded.
Elrond could hear the soft murmur of Legolas and Arwen's voices as he approached them. They were speaking of their mothers. Elrond stopped. He didn't want to intrude, especially when they were in deep discussion over such a painful subject. He felt his heart ache as he thought of his beloved Celebrian. He remembered the first moment he'd met her, laid eyes on her, and he knew he'd love her forever. She had been his blossom, his light when he greeted each new day. She had such a tender, beautiful soul. It had torn his heart apart having to let her go, when she chose to sail. But, he knew that one day...one day, he would see her again and take in his arms and they would be together for eternity.
Tears filled Elrond's eyes as he watched Legolas and Arwen. His baby was a grown woman. He knew her before she was born. He remembered the many times he'd felt her when Celebrian was carrying her. He remembered when his little Evenstar was born, the second he'd heard her wail, the second he'd laid eyes on her, held her in his arms, the first time she looked up at him, her violet gray eyes filled with gentleness and wonder. He'd fallen in love with her before she'd come out to meet him.
How was she standing before him now, a beautiful, vibrant elleth who had taken hold of her own destiny? How many times had he gone to her bed chamber in the middle of the night after she'd had a nightmare? She would reach out to him frantically with shaking arms and he would hold her close and sing Elvish lullabies til she peacefully went back to sleep. She would beg him 'just one more time' to read another bedtime story. She would twirl around flawlessly and ask him if he liked her dress. She would tattle on her brothers with tears in her eyes when they'd taken their teasing too far.
So many parts of Celebrian and himself in her. She had her mother's sweet nature and indescribable beauty. She had his perceptive manner and wise admonition to give to others. Now, she was going to make her own difference in the world, a new path from his and Celebrian's. And with her husband at her side.
Elrond mused at the memories of a rambunctious little golden-haired, blue-eyed elfling who would throw caution to the wind and go for whatever crazy shenanigan his sons had coerced him into when he visited with them. It had more often than not ended up with flustered parents and sometimes one if not three naughty elflings in the healing ward, if they didn't get punished first! Legolas had matured early on for an elf his age. He'd been responsible, patriotic, eager, and brave even before he'd reached his age of majority. And he was absolutely devoted to his younger sister Alasse. He wasn't always a teddy bear with her-little ones have to learn-, but when he was, he showered her with all the love in the world a big brother could bestow. As Elrond had watched him, he knew the Woodland prince would make a good husband, leader, and father someday. He just hadn't known at the time that that lucky girl would be his own daughter!
Elrond watched Arwen slowly depart from Legolas and stroll away through the gardens. He took the opportunity to approach Legolas. "Lord Elrond." Legolas bowed his head. "Arwen and I were just speaking."
"So I noticed." Elrond said gruffly.
"We were...speaking about our mothers."
"Yes." Elrond nodded. "I've watched you grow up, Legolas, all these years. You have become a fine, brave elf. You are just, and selfless, and you fight for what's right. I know you will take care of Arwen."
"I will, Sir! With every breath I breathe." Legolas said passionately.
"You don't have to justify yourself to me, Legolas. You have already proven yourself. My sons have always said they wished you were in our family, and I am blessed to call you one of my sons." Elrond smiled warmly.
"They've always been the brothers I never had. Them and Aragorn." Legolas remarked.
"I have watched you with your sister, Legolas. The many ways you have looked out for her. I know you will do even more for Arwen. I see great happiness for both of you. When the difficult times come, your faith in each other will see you through. And don't ever hide what's troubling you from her." Elrond warned him. "Be up front and truthful with my daughter. She is stronger than some may think. And when two souls are joined as one, they need to be able to be full with one another. That means the goodness and the flaws. Your bond cannot be balanced if one of you is withholding truth from the other. And when the truth is spoken, together you will be a strong force that would otherwise be drowning in self preservation. You will both be stronger, together."
"I will take your words to heart, Sir." Legolas said. "I feel we will need them a great deal in the days ahead of us."
"Days also of shadow must come to all. As long as you do not forget that the sun is merely obscured behind those clouds, hidden from our view but still existing, waiting for the chance to shine again."
Legolas pondered his words, and wondered if Elrond was speaking to him, or more to himself. Legolas felt bad for him. His brother had chosen mortality, and then he'd watched his beautiful wife brutally suffer and he could not heal her enough, for her to remain at his side until eternity. How Elrond must miss her! Legolas knew how deeply, and powerfully he loved Arwen. How painful that love must be, when it is forced to bleed! Legolas didn't want to imagine losing Arwen! The mere thought...He had two wise, brave fathers who had both suffered great losses and hardships. Yet they were both still here to guide him through his own. His respect for Thranduil and Elrond burned warm and brightly tonight, more so than before.
"I will remember." Legolas nodded.
"I know you will." Elrond gripped his shoulder. "And one other thing."
"Yes?"
"Just remember, young Legolas. I loved her first!"