Chapter 19
Into the future, we go
After Tauriel asked me to marry her we had a long chat about when it would happen. We both decided we wanted to wait until we truly got to know each other and I let her in on my secret of how I knew when some things would happen in the future. It had shocked her, but I was the same elf even if I was from a land far away. It ended with being a very late night for us, not just because of the long talk we had, but of pure excitement as well. The next morning was another matter.
"Tauriel, Elwen. Wake up we have a packed schedule today… Can you two not hear me?" It was Nana's voice, but we both struggled to wake up. "What shall we do with them Estelwen? I think they must have stayed up all night to be so tired this morning…"
Some time passed before Estelwen answered and I was sure she made some faces.
"I think they did my lady, but I know a way to get them to wake up properly" I heard her say and before I could force my eyes open and warn Tauriel we both got a good splash of water in our faces.
Tauriel gasped and jumped out of bed to attention "I am awake drillmaster" she basically screamed as we smiled and giggled at her. "I do like the comparison my love, but she is no drillmaster" I giggled and got out of bed putting my arms around my redhead elf as Estelwen gave me a look and turned to get us our easy to get into dresses for the day, but still very fashionable in green and blue.
"Here you go, my ladies. These will do you well today as you will need to get in and out of your clothes" she said and hurried us to get dressed, apparently the cup of water to the face was all the washing we got this morning.
"What is the rush nana," I asked and looked at her as we hurried into our well-fitted dresses.
"We have a packed schedule today my sweet," she said and pulled out a note and huffed. Tauriel and I looked at each other and wondered what she was talking about.
"I am sorry Nana, but we only have our regular duties today, ada said nothing about…" She sent me a look and shook her head.
"My dear, you have no duties today or tomorrow for that fact. Today we will have rings made, dresses looked over, dinner planned, music picked out…" and the list went on and on and on.
Tauriel and I just sat on the bed with my head on her shoulder waiting for Nana to be done with her list.
"and then it is the guest list." She finally finished.
"But Nana it is only a bet…" and she cut me off again.
"There is nothing just about it Elwen. You have found your mate and you know that is not something to take lightly as you two will be connected to the end of time. Now hurry up, you two can eat as we walk" She said and hurried toward the door as Estelwen put our circlets on our heads and gave us bread with cheese and meat packed into handkerchiefs.
"Good luck my ladies," she said with a smile. She knew we would have a very very long day ahead.
Nana was so excited and we could tell as we had to run after her more or less as we ate our packed breakfast. There was no holding her back.
The smithy was not too far from the houses, but just enough so that their work would not interrupt any sleep, the master smith Meachon greeted us warmly.
"My ladies," he said and bowed. "How may I be of service? Is the Lady Elwen and Lady Tauriel in need of more armor or weapons?"
We all greeted him, but Nana was clearly in charge today.
"Not today, dear Meachon. Today we would like to ask you to make something even more special." She said with a smile.
"Of course my lady, of what are you thinking?" He responded.
"We need two silver rings," She said and Meachon looked at me and Tauriel with large eyes and a proper smile.
"For the ladies? My lady?" he said and looked at us.
"Yes, dear friend." Nana said, "Do not tell anyone, but the lady Tauriel asked my daughter to marry her last night and it was very spontaneous but so sweet."
"I will not breathe a word of it to anyone. I swear" he said with a huge grin on his face. "Now may I have one lady at the time come with me and describe the ring she wants to be made for the other?"
Tauriel went first and I and nana sat outside his office and waited. Looking over the swords knives and other crafts he had made.
"Nana?" I asked.
"Yes, my dear?" She said and looked at me.
"I know I have not really earned any coin as I have been here. But I would love to have Meachon craft a pair of swords. One for Tauriel and one for me…" I said and Nana in her ever-cutting-me-off kinda way jumped at it.
"It is a fitting gift for her and you, talk to Meachon about it and have it done," She said with a smile.
"But I cannot pay for it, Nana…"
"My dear sweet Elwen, when are you going to learn, you are my daughter and that of your father. If you want a sword made for you and Tauriel each you should have it made. You are a skillful warrior and need a proper weapon. You have also fulfilled every single duty we asked of you to perfection so do not think of whatever cost the swords will be. Understood? In fact, I think you should go a little overboard with it. Do something fancy but elegant as if I can say so. Tauriel is a very elegant elleth and I cannot for the life of me remember the last time you asked to get yourself something or anyone else for that matter. Elwen I wonder if you have ever asked it before. Even with her wardrobe, I had to ensure you it would be fine." Nana said somewhat displease
Never in my life would I believe my nana would scold me for not spending money. While I was thinking Tauriel came out of the office with a great smile on her face and she sent me in to talk to Meachon.
He was waiting with pen and paper to start drawing the ring.
"So my lady, what kind of ring do you want for your stunning mate," he said with a smile
"Well, I do want a simple but very elegant ring for her. As you see she is a very elegant elleth, but I would want the leaves of the woodland realm in it and the leaves of Lorien to represent where she came from, where a part of my family is from and the star of Imladris "I said.
He made a few noises and drew very quickly an elegant ring in silver of course with leaves of the woodland realm and Lorien mixed into each other and a star on top with simple elegant lines of mithril in it.
"What do you think of this one, my lady?" He said and showed me the drawing.
"Meachon, I truly understand why they call you the master smith, the ring looks stunning!" I said gasping as I saw it.
"I thank you, my lady, I am just so very happy to be the chosen maker of your rings and I will finally be able to use the Mithril my friend has sent me from Khazad Dum."
"I am happy you would do me the honor and use such a rare material in my ring Meachon," I said and bowed my head.
"It is my honor, my lady, may I borrow your finger so I can get the measurements for your ring?"
"Of course Meachon," I said and smiled, and while he murmured I was thinking about what Nana said.
"Meachon?" I asked.
"yes my lady?" he responded as he noted the measurements
"Can I ask you to make me something else?" I asked in a curious tone.
"Of course my lady, I did not offer just as a way of being polite all those years ago. Now, what do you want me to make you?" He said and got another piece of paper.
"I would like two swords, identical. One for me and one for my Tauriel. I would like them to be elegant like my Ada's weapon. Hadafang with the same functions of being handled with both hands or just one hand." Meachon drew as fast as he could and signed for me to keep adding to it. "And I would like the inscription in her blade to say "Form under starlight with love Elwen" He finished off the drawing and showed it to me. A very elegant blade in the same form as Hadafang, but more elegant with the leaves of the woodland realm on it as well as that of Lorien and the star of Imladris. It was simply perfect.
"I am sorry if I ask too much…" Meachon looked up with a weird look on his face. "Not at all my lady, I am honored you would trust me to make a weapon for your elleth and for yourself. In fact, I was starting to worry you did not trust me to make you any weapon as you never returned to ask me to make you any."
I blushed over how happy he seemed to be able to make us a weapon each.
"I thank you Meachon for your kindness and name your price I will…" He just shook his head. "No my lady this I make for you and your lady for free, it is payment enough to know you will carry them in defense of the valley," He said with a smile and stood up and bowed to me. "If the lady does not have any more requests I will need to get started to get the rings done by the time of the party," he said with a smile.
We all thanked him again and Nana kept on leading the way.
"Then we need to see Geleth," Nana said again like it was a command and we rushed from the smith to the seamstress.
Nana knocked on the door and Geleth came to open it with a smile on her face.
"Lady Celebrian, Lady Elwen, and Lady Tauriel. How may I be of service?" she asked as she bowed seeing us.
"Dear Geleth," Nana said as we were asked to enter. "Lady Tauriel asked my daughter to marry her last night and she accepted" We could not see, but knew Nana smiled while speaking.
"Ohh my lady, that is the best of news. Save the Valar" Geleth then spoke out. "Are the ladies here to get dresses made for the betrothal party and wedding party?" She then asked.
"We are" Nana responded.
"Very well, my lady. Let's see." Geleth started to think. "I need one stool here and another in the second fitting room, we cannot have the ladies see each other before the big days," She said and her main assistant Núriel hurried up and ordered the others to get ready for our dresses to be discussed and what we wanted.
"Ohh and Núriel. Please take charge of Lady Tauriel's Fitting. I am sure Lady Celebrain will walk between the two ladies and help out both, but make sure she cannot see into this room whenever the lady comes and goes."
At this, Núriel bowed.
"Yes Mistress," she said simply and showed Tauriel the way into another room. I was sad to see her go yet again, but I sent her a smile and made a sign of I love you to her. Tauriel smiled and did the sign back to me.
The door shut and Nana and Geleth looked at me.
"Now Lady Elwen. Of what dress can I make you for such an occasion?"
Nana helped me up on the stool so Geleth could reassure my lines through my thin dress.
"I know not. Nana?" I answered and looked at my dear Nana.
"I think elegant and not too decorative. She is not fond of that nor do I think her elleth would like it. I think a white base with silver around the neckline and around every edge. Simple and functional. A silver belt to hold it together, but not too thick. I do not think it would fit her body well." Nana got lost in the dress and I smiled seeing her happy.
Geleth smiled and started to draw what she was described as Nana made hand gestures on my body how it should fall and lay on me.
"If I may my ladies. What if a white base to the dress, with blue and green mixed with silver to show Lady Tauriel's connection to the woodland realm, and you my lady, and your connection to Imladris and Lord Elrond and the Lady Celebrian" She then showed us a very nice dress long and white, yet with blue and green around my bosom, around my neckline and around my wrists. It was indeed a dress to show our unity that had happened.
"What do you think my dear," Nana asked.
Not able to say much for I was speechless of its beauty.
"I... I... love it!" Then came out of me and Geleth smiled and looked over her work some more and nodded. "Thank you, my lady, is there something you might want me to add or change?" She asked.
"No, I cannot think of anything. Nana?" I responded and asked in one go.
"No, my dear. I wouldn't change it either. It is a beautiful dress and you dear Geleth have outdone yourself again, now I should go and see to sweet Tauriel." I smiled and nodded. The poor love of my life was not a patient elleth and having clothes fitted like this was not something she would be used to. But I am happy Nana would aid her.
I only could only dream of how my love would look as the helpers of Geleth made sure to cover the doorway as they walked in and out of the room and Núriel offered me tea that I accepted and thanked her for her kindness. She is shy but was starting to warm up to me.
"If I may say so, lady. I am so happy you have found love and it is so good for our kin to see you smile again. We were all worried about you until the lady Tauriel returned" she said with a bowed head.
It did not really shock me anymore as more and more elves had said so and I had seemed very depressed the years she had been gone.
"I thank you, it is so kind of you to say," I responded simply and she looked up at me.
"It is my honor, my lady," she said and hurried back to her work.
Sometime after I took the last sip of tea and Nana and Tauriel came out of the other room. I could clearly see my love was happy she was done getting the betrothal dress done and just wanted to get out.
Nana then stopped and turned to Geleth and took her hands.
"My deepest thanks for you making both their dresses in such short a time. Please name any price you may want and I will make sure my husband comes and pays you for it."
Geleth took her hands and looked at Nana.
"Ney lady. It is my gift to them. I will not accept any pay. Not for this. The lady's happiness is all the pay I will need" Geleth said and smiled at me and then Tauriel. We too came over and thanked her.
"Now if nothing else I have much work to do my ladies. Good day," she said with a smile and a wave.
The moment the door shut Tauriel let out a sigh of relief and came over to me.
"That was a trail in itself my love. I would rather fight a large troop of orcs with you than be standing like that as a model for them to look over" Her arms locked around me and her lips met mine, not a care in the world was in her as she kissed me so all could see and I kissed her back.
"What is my elleth not patient when it comes to getting her dress done for our betrothal?" I said acting hurt.
"Ney, not like so my love. I have never had such fancy clothes as you shower me with and their making. Can you blame a simple wood-elf for not feeling used to all of this?" she countered looking at me deep in my eyes, still not letting go.
"Ney I cannot if this wood-elf gets used to me spoiling her with gift clothes and love" I countered and kissed her.
Nana then laughed and smiled at us.
"You two know how to show each other love. But we have little time for it now. We still have the menu to look over and the guest list Ada is to look at with us. Now come, we are to see the kitchen and taste their ideas for the food that will be served and have what you two would like made as well."
I looked at Tauriel and she at me.
"I will taste the cake and you the salad?" I asked jokingly and she sighed.
"Greedy are we? No we will both taste it or I will return to my own room tonight" was her response and it sounded serious.
"Already you are threatening me to leave me? how mean are you?" I asked with a smirk.
"Says the elf in my arms too greedy to share cake with the one she is to marry?" Tauriel quickly responded.
Now our banter was cut short with Nana yet again stopping us.
"What am I to do with you two? Come or I will get the twins to carry you for me and you know they will!" she said strictly with a tease in her voice.
This made us follow her hand in hand as we smiled looking at each other now and then.
Coming up on the food hall the new head Mistress there Ionien greeted us well.
"My ladies," she said and bowed her head and we returned the bow. "My lady Celebrian, the chefs and bakers have prepared food for your tasting, may I ask what it is for so I can make additional preparations if need be?"
Nana yet again explained what had happened the evening before and the elf smiled wide.
"That is the best of news. I am so happy for you both my ladies. Please come" We thanked her and we followed her quickly. The hall seemed much happier than I had done in all the years the previous head Mistress of the hall had been in charge and then we saw it. So many samples I could not believe my eyes.
"You have outdone yourself and so has the staff," Nana said.
"For my ladies, anything. As we all think, my lady!" Ionien responded and hurried over to get our chairs out and ordered her staff to get ready to serve us.
The chefs then told us about every single sample we had and they are too many to mention all. But to say our taste buds danced all day would be an understatement.
We ended up with a simple salad with bread for starters and deer for the main course with potatoes. and the valley berries for dessert. The hardest choice would be the cakes as I knew we were all sweet tooths. But my dare nana had an answer for that too.
"We take them all," she said with a smile and crossed that off the list.
Ionien smiled and her little elfling came out of the kitchen smiling.
"Lanneth" Tauriel said out loud and opened her arms for the little one that came over to her. Her Nana tried to make her bow, but the elfling was too excited to see Tauriel again and just hurried over.
"Lady lady" she cried out in happiness.
"Thank you lady for making my Nana so happy again. She does not cry in front of Ada anymore and I get to come with her. She even gave me chores and areas where I am responsible." Tauriel was happy and grabbed her tight as she hugged her with Lanneth talking and sounding so happy. That was when Lanneth saw me and Nana and she got stiff in my ladies' arms.
"Ladies all around today" Now she bowed and we brushed it off as her Nana got red as a tomato.
"LANNETH" her Nana then said trying to scold the little elfling some, but not too much in front of us.
But we did not mind at all, as I was still so proud of what my wife-to-be had done for them both.
"Do not scold her dear Ionien" I said simply and looked at her. "She is young and she is happy. In the end that is all that matters," I said so simply and my Nana nodded.
Ionien bowed her head and looked back up at me.
"Thank you, my lady. Lady Tauriel. Yet again I must say my thanks for your aid and your kindness. I do not know how to repay it"
Tauriel was hugging Lanneth and looked up at the elflings Nana.
"Keep this one happy and safe. Also, give her some cake, she deserves it. That is all I ask of you"
"Cake?" Lanneth then said so curiously and her eagerness was clear to all that saw her.
"Yes cake, but not too much." Tauriel then said and the elfling got so eager.
"Nana, Lady Tauriel said I could get cake, can I? please?"
"The lady said so" Her Nana responded. "Come we will not hold the ladies back, I am sure they have a lot of preparations to do"
"For what Nana?" Lanneth then asked and looked so curious at her Nana.
"Lady Tauriel and Lady Elwen are getting betrothed soon for marriage, my little sweet" Her Nana responded.
Never had I seen a little one's eyes grow so big.
"Really? you getting married Ladies?" She asked looking at us both.
"We are little one, A year after the date we are to be betrothed," Tauriel responded.
The little one smiled and was then reminded by her Nana of the cake Tauriel had said she could have and they started to walk away after saying their goodbye to us for now.
We could not stop smiling at how the little ones had reacted how kind everyone was and how excited they also were for us. It did warm our hearts.
At this point, both Tauriel and I were starting to have enough of all the preparations as we rushed back to the house and hurried into Ada's study.
"Now my love, how is the guest list coming?" Nana said to ada in a happy tone.
"It Is going well I think, the whole valley is invited, along with your Nana and Ada and a Lorien delegation, I have also invited the local Arnorian lords with wives and of course the king Valandil of Arnor. He is not a young man anymore, but I hope he will come" Ada said as she saw me and Tauriel standing there gaping when we heard the guest list.
"Elwen, Tauriel. It is not polite to stand there and gape as you do and flies can find their way into your mouth. Now shut them and come over here and see the list and help me figure out whom I may have missed"
We just shook our heads and walked over to Ada as we looked it over. Tauriel just gasped as she saw the names.
"Lady Galadriel, Lord Celeborn, Lord Ciridan, King Valandil…" She spoke their names so ever low, but we could still hear them.
"I never imagined my betrothal would deem such a guest list," She said out loud finally.
"You will do fine Tauriel," Ada said. "So will you Elwen" They all know about you both and your courting has not been a secret from them.
"You are so right my love" Nana adds. "Last time my Nana came to me in my dream she asked me all about Tauriel and she seemed happy you have found love Elwen" As Nana said that I got somewhat wowed as I knew the lady was very powerful, but to come to talk to someone in their dreams? Oh my, maybe the times I had seen her in my dreams were real too? I shook my head and leaned onto Tauriel's safe and warm shoulder. The preparations continued for the rest of the evening, but we decided to leave the less important choices to Ada and Nana as we went for an evening walk back to the waterfall we had stood so long ago to enjoy the stars. We could not stop talking and the elves we passed smiled at us and bowed as I think our union was the worst kept secret in all the valley.
"Can you believe it Tauriel my love, that we are to be betrothed?" I said looking at her.
"No I cannot believe you would settle for a silvan elf like me," she said in a serious tone and looked at me bowing her head, it seemed the guest list made an impression on her.
"Do not sell yourself so short my love, I did not settle for you. I chose you and only you! Never forget that" I said and reached for her chin lifting her face up as our eyes met. Tauriel I chose you and I would always choose you. No matter whom I meet in the world it will only be you for me" I said and Tauriel smiled carefully as she let out a sigh of relief and slowly kissed me under the sky.
The next six weeks were just a blur to us and guests started to arrive. Lord and ladies from Arnor, lords of Khazad Dum, and last but not least at. Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn.
Tauriel and I missed their arrival as we had hidden in Nana's garden for some peace during all the small last preparations, we sat there idle talking with my head on her lap looking up at my beautiful redhead elleth as she played with my hair the air got denser in some way. There was an aura in the air and I could not put my finger on it and Tauriel noticed it too, but did not know what it was either.
The feeling grew in us and our fea's could clearly feel something or someone was close to us.
That was when we saw her enter the yard. Tall she was dressed all in white. Fair her skin was and so very beautiful. She did remind us of my Nana. But the power that radiated from her was another level of strength. Something we had never felt in our lives.
We both hurried up to our feet and we both bowed to her as I spoke first.
"My Lady Galadriel." I did not know if she wanted me to call her.
Tauriel got very stiff in her movements and even seemed somewhat scared.
"My Lady Galadriel." She too said and did not dear look up.
"Rise Elwen of Imladris. My granddaughter." She said firmly as she came towards me and gave me a hug. I have waited so long to see you and what a joy that you have found love.
At this, Tauriel smiled as she still bowed her head and did not dare to look up.
"Mam," I said and smiled a tear down my cheek. Galadriel smiled wide as I called her so
"Rise Tauriel of Imladris I hear my son-in-law has named you. Formerly of the woodland realm."
"My lady" Was all my wife-to-be could say and she still did not dare to look up until Mam put her hand under her chin and lifted her gaze up to hers.
"There is no need to be so formal Tauriel. We are to be family soon and in private I am just Galadriel."
Her voice was soft. Delicate yet full of power and command of the world. If she was so strong in it then what would it be like to meet Saruman? I shook the thought out of my mind as we stood there.
"It has been a long time coming for us to meet granddaughter," She said and looked at me again while still holding Tauriel.
"It has Mam. Nana has told me so much about you. Still meeting you is something wholly different"
"It is and yet as I have seen you in your dreams that is not the same as you did not know it was real," Mam said and smiled as we sat down
"So it was as Nana said, you can do so" I responded in some shock, but not as much as most would have without my knowledge.
"It is, I had to make sure you were happy in your choice of mate my granddaughter" she simply replayed and looked at Tauriel. "And you picked well. For she has the heart of a warrior. Yet cares much for the young and stands up for what is right. Even if her own drillmaster did not agree." As Mam said so Tauriel looked at her.
"My lady knows?" She simply responded.
"I do, and I admire you for it. Thranduil is not easy to talk against." She responded factually.
"My love?" I looked at Tauriel as I spoke.
"King Thranduil made us keep a watch over the old fortress of Amon Lanc as I told you my sweet. For years we did. But as I decided to leave the forest and see the world as it grew grey on me the king ordered it abandoned. Orcs, spiders, and all kinds of horrid creatures came down on it and we had seen losses and wounded at every mission there. We even pulled out of that part of the wood overall and I told the King of my opinion of doing so. It would fall to the enemy and give them a foothold to strike out to other lands. But he would hear none of it."
I was shocked she had stood up to the woodland king in such a manner. Maybe that is why she was so shy now to do so here in fear of being told off again. Or fear his wrath was that of all elven lords?
Mam looked at my face at the news Tauriel now shared with us. But she said nothing of it.
"The world will darken and I am for one happy you two have found love in eachother. It will help you both in the years to come and the struggles we all must face." She said simply.
At this, we just nodded and offered her some berries and kept the chat ideal for her to get to know us both. Even the smallest detail was interesting to her and as what food we liked and our fondness for travel, fighting, and the stars. At the end of our chat, she asked to see our hands and we each gave her one for her to feel and see.
"You are both one." That was all she said and we felt it somewhat weird way of saying it.
"Mam," I asked curiously.
"You both have the grace of our kin, the spirits of our warriors of old. None will be able to stand against you if you stay together. Alone you may falter, but at the other's return you will rise again" She said and smiled
We looked curious at Mam and wondered what it all meant. Thankfully she picked up on the small chatter and we enjoyed our time with her and getting to know more of my family and it also made Tauriel feel as welcomed into the family as she had always been.
Over the next weeks, we spent a lot of time with Mam and Adar. Guests arrived slowly and before we knew the big night was here. Estelwen was eager as ever to dress us even if she had to do one at a time, we did not want to see each other in our dresses before the betrothal that evening. So she picked out jewels that fit my dress and I was sure she would do so for Tauriel too.
I came to our room and only Estelwen was there. I hurried into the bath as she washed me and then got me ready for my dress. It was a light and easy dress to get into as it was made to my form perfectly and my sweet handmaiden asked me to sit by the mirror as she got my jewels ready.
"What of these my lady?" Estelwen said.
She then held up a necklace of pure starlight. White at first glance then they turned into what the stars in heaven look like.
"Ohh those are amazing white gems. I do not remember when I got them do you?" I asked confused.
"You did at the visit of King Thranduil my lady" she responded and looked over them. "I think you were more caught up with the lady Tauriel at that time my lady to remember," she said with a cute grin.
"Estelwen!" I said firmly... "but from King Thranduil... oh my," I said to myself.
"Yes, my lady. They are truly eye-catching are they not?" She responded as she put them around my neck.
"They are true," I said looking down yet again on them and the dress Geleth had made for me, she had outdone herself yet again, but being the seamstress of the lord and lady I did expect no less from her.
She then went on to find armbands for me, earrings and to do my braids and the jewels made to be put into it and ready the last few bits of my outfit.
"Are you excited my lady?" Estelwen then asked as she was clearly not in need of concentration for her work.
"You know I am," I said sending her a smile as I saw her in the mirror. "How can I not be? She is here. She asked me to be her wife and she is all I could dream of" I said looking at myself and in that moment I could not believe how lucky I was, from where I had come and the moment I was taken to now over a hundred years later to be attached to the elleth I love with all that I am. I then looked at the elleth that had been my handmaiden for years.
"I love her so much Estelwen, I cannot see my life without her sleeping on my chest every morning and the cute thing she does with her nose as I poke it. Nor her deep belief in right and wrong. Her firey sindar blood. Her love. Even her worriedness about overstepping her place. Ney I cannot stop loving her more and more for each day. Just to have her wake up on my chest swells my heart even more and even all the years we have until the end of the world seems too short for me. For I love her so much Estelwen, my dear handmaiden and friend. I love her so very much!"
At this, I looked at my dear friend and handmaiden and her eyes had tears in them and she reached over to me and kissed my head.
"I am so happy for you my lady and lady Tauriel. I also consider you a friend as much as I can with our stations. I am so happy Lady Celebrian asked me to be your handmaiden and yours only" She said with a big smile on her mouth.
I could only smile more at this, and the last braid was done. She then got my circlet and put it on my head and I was ready for what would come that night.
"There my lady. you are ready." She said with a smile.
"Thank you, my dear friend," I said and got up and hugged her. "Thank you for always being there for me even at my lowest," I said, kissing her cheek.
"Always my lady. Or until the day I am released of my charge by you," she said smiling, and a knock we heard on the door.
"Excuse me, my lady," she said and hurried over to it and opened the door.
"My lord Elrond, the lady is ready." She said with a bow of her head.
"Ada," I said and turned towards him, his eyes lit up and he smiled at me.
"Ohh, my dear daughter. You look... you look... I have no words... Estelwen you have done a marvelous job at preparing her for tonight" Ada said and put his hand on her shoulder as he praised her.
"Thank you, my lord," she said and smiled and bowed her head again. "If my lord and lady may excuse me for saying, I need to get the lady Tauriel ready as well. If you could be so kind and move to your family area?" Estelwen then said and before we could say much she had more or less pushed us out with a smile no less.
"She is something" I could only find myself saying looking at my Ada.
"She is indeed my dear." He responded and smiled as he led me away.
My nerves were getting to me as I sat in the room I had been given when returning to Imladris. To wait for my sweet love to get her dress on and to be readied by Estelwen. That in itself was a trial as I could not wait to see her. Now I understood what elves that had been betrothed before me had spoken off. It was the second-best day of their life yet so very nervous.
I could not stop thinking about how good she would look in said dress even if I had not seen it and holding her hands as we would give our promise to get married to each other.
*Knock knock*
"Enter" Was all I could say.
"My lady Tauriel" Estelwen said as she opened the door. "It is your turn now my lady. If you would follow me"
"Ohh yes please" Was all I could say and hurried after her.
As we walked down the hall I could not stand the silence and looked at Estelwen.
"So I must ask dear Estelwen, how did Elwen look in her outfit?" I knew it was cheeky to ask, but my curiosity got the better of me.
At this, our handmaiden just looked at me and smiled.
"You will see that later my lady. I will not give you any hints other than to say she looked very beautiful" and that was all she wanted to say about the subject.
We came to the room that for a while now had been my room as well as Elwen's I felt more at home here than in any other room I had slept in as far as I could remember. Her smell was in the room and I could all but see her on the bed as I smiled to myself.
"My lady?" Estelwen said and brought me back out of my dreams.
"Yes, excuse me," I said and looked at her. Our handmaiden just kept looking at me and nodded towards the bathroom.
"Hurry now my lady we do not have all day. You are to be bothered are you not?" she said with a smile and I nodded to her
"I am, sweet Estelwen." And so I entered the bathroom and she helped me undress and get into the tub. Never had I believed I would be here in such a situation of a handmaiden washing me as she sang for me. Had someone told me so a hundred years ago I would only be laughing at them.
When she told me she was done washing me and told me to get out of the tub she had several Towles ready. Two for my body and several for my hair. I long and much as it is I could never see myself cutting it or reducing it in any way. My love seemed to love it as well. It took a while to get it done and Estelwen spent much time combing it and correcting it. Making sure it flowed well.
Then we moved back into the bedroom and she took the towels and helped me into the lovely dress Geleth had made for me. It felt so soft against my skin and showed my body in a way I had never seen it before. I was amazed at how good the dress made me look and yet I felt it was wasted at me. Estelwen saw it and put her arm around me.
"Is anything wrong my lady?" she said so concerned.
"No... nothing is wrong. I just feel as if the dress is wasted on me. Her craft is as made for lords and ladies of high standing. But what am I? Just a Silvan who thinks she can make a lady of the Noldor happy? And fit in what is a royal family?"
Estelwen gave me a long look and sat me down on the chair in front of the mirror.
"My lady if I may," she said simply. "I have served the lady Elwen ever since she came here to us and I will say for one. You are not just a Silvan elf to me, to her, to her family, or to this valley. You are the elf that made her smile. That made her glow. She was ever worried about herself and the station she now has as you are. But to doubt your role or abilities for it I see no reason for. You are kind. You are caring. Lady Celebrian and Lord Elrond love you. The twin lords speak so highly of you and your training of them. Do I need to start on little lady Arwen? Her face glows when you and Lady Elwen are in the room to play with her. For you to doubt yourself any more is if my lady allows me to say foolish and I will have none of it. Now let us look at jewels"
I was shocked by her firmness and directness. She wanted nothing of me doubting myself anymore and said it clearly. In a way, it was good to hear. But also humbling as I guess I have a place here after all. I gathered myself again and looked at her.
"But I have very few jewels. are they even here?" I asked her.
"My lady, I was told by the lady Celebrian to bring you these." She then came with a box full of jewels. Anything from necklaces to wristbands to hair ornaments.
I could not believe how much it was and still, Estelwen saw it as nothing less than fitting.
"Am I allowed to borrow the lady's jewels?" I asked somewhat in shock.
Estelwen then looked at me in confusion.
"My lady these are yours. A gift from the lady" She said it was the most natural thing in the world.
She then started to try on some, not that I noticed as I was in some kind of shock.
"My lady?" she then poked me. "are you listening my lady?" she then asked again.
"yes, yes sorry I am just taken aback by this. Never before have I had this or can believe worth..." at this she gave me a simple, we are done with such talks look and put on a neckless pair that was made to be worn together as well as several wrist bands and hair ornament's. As she did her work I was transformed into what a lady should look like and I had never ever looked like that before.
"Are you happy with how you look, my lady?" Estelwen then asked. I felt unable to answer as I gave a hushed yes.
"Very good," she said with a smile, and not long after a knock came on the door. Estelwen hurried over and opened and there stood the lady Celebrian herself.
"Tauriel. You look breathtaking. I see my former handmaiden has not lost her skills." She said with a smile.
"You are too kind my lady. Is there anything else you may need?"
She then walked and smiled at us both.
"Ney we are well, thank you for your help Estelwen, you may go for tonight and be with your family," She said and I got up looking at the handmaiden.
"Thank you so much!" I said out of nowhere and hugged her hard.
She smiled and hugged me back.
"It is my honor, my lady. Now get betrothed and I will see you and the lady in the morning." She said and smiled at me before she bowed to both and left.
Lady Celebrian then came over and smiled.
"You look like a star in a fall sky, perfect in its light and form daughter of the forest. I can not say how happy I am you finally asked my daughter for this moment."
I smiled and moved to her.
"Thank you for the kind words and jewels, my lady. For everything. Your acceptance of me and of our love. How I can repay it all I will never know. Ohh and the jewels I cannot keep them, it is simply too much."
"Ney too much it is not. My only regret is I did not give you any sooner. So take them all daughter-to-be. Come we do not want to be late to your own betrothal do we?" she asked.
I shook my head and took her arm as we walked out of the room and down the hall. It was quiet as all the servants were in the food hall with the guests and now was the moment. I walked with what new family I had received and she was like my Nana in every way. So caring and full of love. It seemed like all of Imladris was prepared for what was to happen that night. Slowly we walked and many of the elves living here had come to see and moved so we could pass with bowed heads. As we came upon the food hall the doors were opened by elves in armor. Ever so proper.
We then walked passed them and inside as everyone was quiet and the lady led me down towards the main table. Were my eyes simply locked at one. The love of my life. The first daughter of Imladris. Elwen in all her beauty sat there and smiled at me as I walked towards her. I could feel everyone looking at me, but I cared not. For she was all I could see and think of as we reached the table she sat at her Ada's side and lady Celebrian sat at her husband's other side and then me.
There she came walking. My woodland elleth. So beautiful was she. I could not believe it. Her dress. her eyes. her smile. Her fea cried out to me and I could not take my eyes away. With her sitting down I cried to not be able to sit by her. But I knew I would hold her as soon as I could when Ada stood up.
"Dear friends of ages new and old. I thank you all for that you wished to come and celebrate the betrothal of my eldest daughter and her love from the woodland realm. I hope you all will enjoy the food and be merry on such an evening. Please eat and drink and spread merriment for all. To my daughter Elwen and her love Tauriel. Hussa, Hussa Hussa" he cried and all chimed in on it.
As he spoke we all got served course by course by course. The food was as ever amazing to eat. All our taste buds danced at every bite and I loved how everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Even the dwarves and elves here seemed to enjoy each other's company and the Arnorians chimed in on any conversation on metalwork, stonework, war, and drinking games. Elladan and Elrohir were all too fond of the drink and loved to out-drink the dwarves and men. I guessed they had their own pranks up their sleeves too, but nothing that would ruin the betrothal. For hours it went on and as the moon was high and the stars lit up the area by the windows Nana and Ada led us both to that very spot. As Nana stood in for Tauriel's family that sadly was around no more.
"Now we have come to the part of the evening we are all here for. Their promise to marry after one year has gone by. Elwen Tauriel. please make your promises" Ada then said.
I nodded and took forth the ring I had made for her.
"Tauriel. Love of my life. Daughter of the forest. Since I saw you walk into Imladris my heart has beaten for you. No day, no hour has gone by without me thinking of tee. Your smile, your laughter, your kind heart, your long red hair. Your protectiveness over me in the wild. Your skills with blade and bow. All are things I admire about you. I can no longer see a life without any of what I have now spoken in it. For you are the one I want to spend my time with. From now on and until the end of the world. There is simply no other I want to have at my side in peace or war, in living or dying. My promise is I will always love Tee Tauriel, Daughter of the Forest, and on the midsummer day of next year I will say yes to Tee to be thy wife if Tee finds me worthy."
At that, I put the ring on her finger and bowed my head to her. I could see her eyes water and her smile was as beautiful as ever. She did compose herself and looked at me I could see her joy in the ring she now had on her finger and she needed a moment to collect herself.
"Elwen" She finally said
"Love of my life. Starmaiden. Ever since I saw you in starlight I have loved you. My heart beats for you and you alone. No joy I felt after I left Imladris with my then king. For my heart. My fea was yours even then. Your Smile, laughter, kind heart, grey eyes, and long dark hair. Your love for your people and willingness to protect them no matter the cost. Your skill with blade and bow. All these and more I love and admire about tee. I can no longer see a life without all I have spoken of in my life. For you are the one I will spend my life with. From now on and until the end of the world. There is simply no other I want at my side in peace or war, in living or dying. My promise is I will always love Tee Elwen, Starmaiden, Lady of Imladris, Daughter of the Lord and Lady, and on the Midsummer day of next year I will say yes to Tee to be thy wife if Tee finds me worthy.
As she spoke her last word she took my hand and placed a beautiful ring on my finger. It looked like starlight and gems, of the woodland realm and if Imladris in one. As if she with even the ring promises it would be us and only us until the end of days.
And thus we kissed. Cheers from the hall rang and all we wanted now was to for us to be one in one year from today.