Adult-FanFiction.org : Lord of the Rings

The Last Wood Elf	By : Mel99Moe Category: +Third Age > AU - Alternate Universe Views: 4551 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 2
Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any characters or places. No money is being made from this story.

Chapter List
- 43
- 44
- 45
Chapter 44 – How Heavy is the Crown

He stood before the throne where his father once sat, wondering if he too had ever had reservations about the calling to take up this seat. Legolas was conflicted lately, still very much missing his former life. Why he let it affect him to the point of distraction was beyond his understanding, but ever since returning from Gondor, Legolas second guessed himself.
“Are you alright?” Calariel said. She’d come into the throne room, and Legolas had not even noticed.
He turned, adorning a forced smile, and kissed her cheek. “Everything is fine. Why do you ask?”
“You have not been yourself lately. You seem distant. Are you nervous about the ceremony or the fact that my father is coming along with Lord Celeborn?”
They had been home in Eryn Lasgalen for two weeks now. As soon as word reached Lothlórien, Celeborn sent a message stating his arrival, in which he would finally perform the coronation. In two days, Legolas would take up the throne and officially become King of Eryn Lasgalen.
He waved a hand as if to dispel her curiosity. “I’ll admit, the thought of your father coming is a bit unsettling. Our last meeting was anything but cordial.”
She wrapped her arms around his neck. “He has no say in our future. You can ask for my hand, and he can refuse, but you and I know he’ll not stop us,” she said seductively.
“And to think we were going to follow tradition,” he responded, kissing her.
“A year was just too long to wait,” she purred, pushing her body flush against his. “All the more reason to marry me sooner… since you deflowered me.”
“Let’s not forget who initiated it,” he reminded her.
“You could have refused my advances,” she said playfully.
Legolas regarded her, one brow raised in question. “Could I? The most beautiful elleth in Middle-earth pinning me against my own door, writhing uncontrollably against my person, and begging me to take her to my bed, and you thought I could have refused?”
Calariel laughed against his neck, her warm breath doing wonders to his libido. “We could try again if you think I have wounded your pride.”
“I’ll never refuse you, my love,” he answered as his mouth assailed upon hers.
The heated moment cooled quickly when the sound of someone clearing their throat interrupted them. Legolas did not release her from his hold, and gave the messenger an aggravated glare. “What is it?” he demanded.
“Sorry to interrupt, my lord, but I thought you would want to know that Lord Celeborn and his company have arrived,” said the messenger.
“Already?” Calariel said before Legolas could.
“A surprise to us all, my lady,” the messenger replied cautiously. “Shall I send him to your audience chamber?”
Legolas sighed heavily, “That will be fine, thank you.”
The messenger bowed and left immediately.
Legolas released Calariel, his somberness returning again. “I wonder if there will ever be a day when I am glad to see my uncle.”
Calariel just smiled lovingly and kissed his forehead, “Just remember why he is here, and soon he will not be a burden. Neither will my father.”
“Ai, another ravine to cross,” he complained, “though I think I would rather meet with your father again than hold counsel with Celeborn.”
“I’d rather we weren’t interrupted just now,” she whispered, smiled deviously, and left Legolas to prepare himself for his meeting.
He watched her float out of the room and from his vision. Then he silently thanked the Valar for sending him such a strong and beautiful elleth. Whatever happened, he would never doubt the love they had for each other.
* * *
There was light pooling from the bottom of his chamber door. Legolas rolled his shoulders and cracked the vertebrae in his neck as he prepared to meet the elf lord within the room. It never seemed to get any easier, these required encounters with Lord Celeborn. He took the door handle in his hand, breathed deep and opened it. To his surprise, it was not only Celeborn he found in his office, but Túrdir as well.
Legolas hadn’t expected to find them both. He thought he was meeting with Celeborn, alone. This was not the case, and the elf lord seemed arrogantly happy by Legolas’ surprise.
“Legolas, you will remember Túrdir, I suspect,” Celeborn began.
“Quite well,” Legolas answered, and he bowed respectfully to Calariel’s father. “We are honored to have you here.”
“Where is my daughter?” Túrdir asked sternly.
“She is here, of course, but we were not expecting to see you right away. Shall I send for her?” Legolas asked.
Túrdir looked Legolas over carefully, “No, it can wait.”
Legolas nodded and turned to Lord Celeborn. “I hope you find everything to your liking, my lord.”
“Very much so. I see a lot has been accomplished since I last visited. Your people have done a remarkable job.”
“Yes, they have. Calariel has been a major contributor in the regrowth of the forest,” Legolas informed, hoping to put Túrdir’s mind at ease. “She has seen to most of it herself, and recruited a loyal following.”
“I understand that you and Calariel have returned recently from Gondor,” Túrdir said.
“Yes. We were both privileged to have witnessed the coronation of King Elessar, as well as the marriage of Lady Eowyn of Rohan to Lord Faramir of Gondor,” Legolas said.
Celeborn studied Legolas after his response, but when he did not find what he sought, he feigned a smile. “We will discuss your visit in a little while, but first I will give you and Túrdir some time alone to work out your differences.”
Not exactly what Legolas had in mind, but there was no way out of it, and he’d been wanting to speak with Túrdir for months now. “That will be most agreeable.”
Celeborn bowed to Túrdir, but only nodded to Legolas. “I’ll show myself around your home and make my way to the kitchens. It has been a long journey.” With that, he left.
Legolas had never been so nervous before. Túrdir was still very intimidating to look at. His size alone made Legolas feel like an elfling again. He would never have felt this way if it weren’t for the fact that this was the father of his betrothed, and that he and Calariel chose not to follow tradition. Túrdir was very traditional. This would be a difficult discussion.
In an attempt to settle this unsettling moment, Legolas offered Túrdir a glass of wine, and then poured one for himself. If he could have, he would have gulped the entire glass down at one time. Instead, he sipped politely, allowing the richness of the wine to purl through his insides. It warmed him instantly, and he hoped it had the same calming effect on Túrdir.
At least the elder elf took a seat and made himself comfortable before they started their conversation. Legolas did the same and opened the line of communication. “Calariel has been anxiously awaiting your arrival. She is very proud of her accomplishments, as am I, and she is eager to show you all that she has achieved.”
“I am honestly taken by surprise by her interest in horticulture. It wasn’t something she ever shared with me growing up. Calariel’s main interest was always with the army,” Túrdir said, sipping slowly from his glass. “And now her interest has expanded to you.”
Legolas laughed nervously, “Yes, well… the feeling is mutual. I admire her for her strengths and for her intelligence. She has helped me through some of my most difficult times.” He reached deep within his soul and rounded up his courage. “Which is why I have found myself to have fallen in love with your daughter.”
“I have suspected as much, for she expressed her feelings for you when last we met,” Túrdir admitted. He shifted in his chair and set his empty glass on a nearby table. “I will admit, Legolas, I was not very fond of you when I found out this news, and I think you know why.”
“No matter what you think, sir, it will not change my feelings for Calariel,” Legolas stated.
Túrdir watched Legolas with a stern eye. “You are more like your mother than you probably know. She gave the same argument to her brother over the matter of Thranduil. Nothing Celeborn could say would have changed her mind.”
“I can understand her determination, for I feel the same way about your daughter. The difference is, sir that I come to you pleadingly, not to ask your permission, but to ask for your approval of Calariel’s choice, as well as mine, to marry.” Legolas finished speaking, and stood still as stone as he waited for Túrdir to respond.
“I see,” Túrdir said, eyes narrowed on the young prince. “You leave me little choice in the matter.”
“Calariel and I will marry. That is not the question. But knowing what my mother must have gone through, being shunned by her family for her choices, I would not like to see Calariel have to suffer the same kind of grief. And so I ask that you give her your well wishes, and keep communication open between you both, whether you accept me into your family or not.”
Túrdir did not answer right away. Legolas had put him on the spot. The older elf stood from his chair, and Legolas did the same. There would be no subservience between them, not like the kind that Celeborn constantly pushed on Legolas. Both ellyn loved Calariel and wanted what was best for her.
“Perhaps if Thranduil had approached Celeborn in such a manner, there would have been no rift between them,” Túrdir finally said.
Legolas knew the truth about that situation. Thranduil had made multiple attempts to speak with the brother of the woman he loved and wanted to marry, but he was turned away each time. However, Legolas was not going to say this aloud. Instead, he relaxed his stance and let his shoulders fall a bit. “I am not my father, sir. The truth is, I am the son of an elvish King, but also of the Woodsmen and of the Rohirrim. I have learned my lessons from many great men, who I consider to be my family. Whether they live or have died, I hear their words of advice whispered in my ear whenever I have a choice to make. I am proud and honored to have been a part of their lives. Now, I hope that you, through Calariel, will be a part of it too. I respect you, sir, and I think you too will have something to teach me. But with or without your assent, I love your daughter with my all my soul. She will be my wife, and I her devoted husband, but we will be much more content knowing that we have your blessing.”
Túrdir huffed, but Legolas could have sworn it was a muffled laugh. If so, the prince did not see the humor in the situation. Whatever it was, Túrdir showed no sign of amusement. “Not much of an ultimatum is it?”
“I just want Calariel to be happy, sir. Nothing more,” Legolas responded.
“Then we agree on something,” Túrdir said as he turned to the door. Obviously, the conversation was at its end. The older elf was leaving the room, but Legolas still had no answer from him.
“Sir?” he asked lightly, hoping Túrdir would tell him one way or the other of his feelings on the whole subject.
“I have heard all that you have had to say. Now I would like to speak to my daughter.”
Legolas nodded, “Very well. My assistant will show you to our quarters.”
Túrdir looked over his shoulder at the mention of the quarters being referred to as ‘our’, but he said nothing. Then he was on his way.
* * *
Legolas caught up to Lord Celeborn, who had finished satisfying his hunger, and was now settling in to his guest room. Feeling his confidence renewed, he knew it was time to meet with his uncle. He knocked and Celeborn called him in.
“Through already?” Celeborn asked. “I thought for sure that Túrdir would have you tied up for the remainder of the day.”
“I said what needed to be said, and now he seeks Calariel. They deserve some time for themselves,” Legolas said.
“I suppose you want to know about the official crowning,” Celeborn inquired.
“I want to know why you had me wait until now. The throne is rightfully mine anyhow.”
“That it is, but the duty of the crowning falls upon me,” Celeborn said smoothly. “So tell me, Legolas, what did you find in Gondor?”
Legolas felt uncomfortable with the sudden question. “I found my friends and those who I consider family. I found closure for those I have lost. And I have seen the Fourth Age pass into the hands of mankind. Through it all, I have come to realize that I am not ready now, nor will I be ready anytime soon, to begin the process of the longing. I love Middle-earth, and look forward to seeing its advancement.”
Celeborn considered him for a moment, waiting for Legolas to put up some kind of argument, but he didn’t. Still, he sensed something different, some definite change in the young prince. “That is all well and good, but what did you really find? What did you find within yourself?”
“I have just told you,” said Legolas, annoyed with his uncle’s questioning.
Celeborn’s countenance changed to an arrogant smile, “I see. Very good. Then you are ready to take your rightful place on the throne?”
“Yes,” Legolas answered quickly, head held high.
“And you are ready to accept your role as King of Eryn Lasgalen?”
“I am.”
Celeborn looked Legolas squarely in the eyes as he asked for this last bit of confirmation.
“No doubts? No regrets?”
Legolas answered confidently, “None.”
Lord Celeborn stared deep into Legolas’ soul through his blue eyes, as though he might have seen something different from the prince’s answer. Legolas found it difficult to remain unmoving, wishing terribly to look away from the ancient elf. And just when he thought he would break the connection, Celeborn released him and ended his questioning.
“Very well. Tomorrow we shall perform the ceremony, and you will officially become King.” Celeborn bowed his head and slowly rose. “Congratulations Laiqalassë Thranduilion, son of my beloved sister.”
“Thank you,” Legolas answered courteously, noticing that the elf lord still would not refer to him as closer kin than through his sister. He came to the conclusion that Celeborn would only ever see him as his sister’s child, not Thranduil’s son, and not even nephew. He supposed he would just have to accept this fact and be glad they did not break into a heated argument. Oh, but the day was still fairly new, he reminded himself with twisted humor.
* * *
The grand throne room was filled with people standing shoulder to shoulder, all of them there to see the crowning of the new King of Eryn Lasgalen. Legolas stood to the side of the dais, waiting for Celeborn to call him up. Meanwhile, counselors were officially appointed, those who Legolas chose himself. Army captains were introduced, as well as master barterers who would take over the business of trade for Eryn Lasgalen. Gratitude was expressed to Calariel for all she had done with the regrowth. She was asked to continue her work and contribution. She glanced at Legolas, knowing it was he who had suggested it. He smiled, nodded, and winked, which made Calariel blush becomingly.
Everything was moving along smoothly, and the people of Eryn Lasgalen could not be happier about all the newly appointed people. From somewhere in the very back of the room, came a shout. “Get on with it then. Where is our new king?”
The elves around the caller laughed, and a few others agreed verbally with his comment. Celeborn smiled to the crowd and bowed to the anonymous heckler. “Indeed you are right. You have all waited long enough. Eryn Lasgalen has been kingless for many years, and the throne shall not sit cold any longer.” The elf lord turned to Haldir, who was honored to have been asked to be a part of the ceremony. “Bring me the circlet,” Celeborn said. Then he nodded to Legolas, his cue to approach the center of the dais.
Haldir retrieved the mithril circlet from a pedestal where it sat, turned and waited for Legolas to come forward. Celeborn stood next to the March warden, and all the crowd waited silently.
Legolas hesitated for what seemed like years, though it was only a brief moment. But during that small expanse of time, a lifetime of memories flashed before his eyes. This time, though, the memories were of all the joyous times he’d experienced. He heard the voice of his mother sweetly singing while she held him in her loving arms. He felt his father’s arms surround him like he used to do when he came home from a mission. ‘You are a gift to all people,’ his father had told him. Later, Elhadron had told him something similar, after seeing how quickly Legolas had earned the love of Folvar and Sefa, and the friendship of the Woodsmen community.
Legolas remembered the lessons Grimbeorn had taught him, and the respect he’d earned from the skin changer. But most of all, he had learned how to defend those he cared about, even if it meant sacrificing his own live.
The Prince thought back to meeting Théoden for the first time, expecting to find him overpowering and all mighty, but soon learned that he was caring and fair, and he wanted the same for Legolas as he wanted for his own son. And then there were all the good times spent with Eomer, Eowyn, and Théodred, and the bond they had developed, something that was still true to this day.
Then, Legolas remembered meeting Gimli, finding him to be a nuisance, disliking him and his way of thinking, only to learn that they were alike in more ways that either one could have imagined. It still baffled Legolas to think that an elf and a dwarf could be such good friends, would fight side by side, and did many times.
All of these bonds that he’d made, they were all important pieces in his life. They were all a part of him, a part of what made Legolas who he was, who his is today, on this very important day. It saddened him that none of them were there to share his special day, but they had other engagements. They were involved in shaping the future, while Legolas was continuing a legend. And in the small expanse of time, Legolas realized that he needed to be a part of their lives still, to renew those old memories and make new ones. A gift to all the people, his father had said. It made sense and explained how easily he adopted to different communities. In Ithilien, he could be this elf, the one he had grown to be. In Eryn Lasgalen, he would be isolated. And though he loved and respected the elves who came here and made this place their new home, Legolas knew he could not live as fully as he needed to. Galadriel had warned him about going to Gondor, and she was right. He would have a restless heart as long as he was King of the Greenwood.
Legolas stood before Celeborn, not hearing his words as he performed the crowning, but instead, he heard his heart aching to be far from here, to be in Ithilien where he knew without a doubt he could be of better service to Mankind and to the people of Middle-earth.
Celeborn had said something, and was waiting for Legolas’ response, but the prince hadn’t heard him. Instead, he looked out over the crowd of elves packed into the throne room. Celeborn spoke again, a muffled noise to Legolas’ ears.
“Legolas,” Celeborn said again. “Legolas, did you hear me?”
“I’m sorry, can you repeat that?” Legolas asked in confusion. He gazed around the room until he saw Calariel standing off to the side of the dais, and suddenly he knew what he must do.
Celeborn cleared his throat, smiled to the audience and asked again. “Laiqalassë Thranduilion, do you accept the responsibilities and duties as they have been given to you, to take up your father’s crown, and honor the title you are about to be given as King of Eryn Lasgalen?”
Legolas paused as he met Calariel’s eyes, asking for permission through their silent thoughts. As though she had understood what he was about to do, she smiled, closed her eyes and nodded. Then Legolas turned his attention to Celeborn and gave his answer.
“I do not accept any of the things offered to me.”
The audience gasped in unison. Celeborn’s eyes blazed with anger. Haldir lifted his hand to his mouth, but he was clearly smiling. His brothers, Rúmil and Orophin, rushed onto the dais, ready to give commands to nearby soldiers if the crowd suddenly became unruly. Everyone was too shocked to move or speak, and the room remained silent and still as they waited to hear more.
Celeborn leaned into Legolas’ ear. “What are you doing?” he demanded in a violent whisper.
“I’m doing what is right, Uncle,” Legolas responded, referring to Celeborn as he should.
“You play us for fools?” Celeborn said angrily. “You are disrespecting every elf here. Why, you ungrateful… you’re no different than Thranduil, wreaking havoc and thinking only of yourself,” he spat.
Celeborn was clearly upset and enraged, but Legolas kept his calm and stepped away from Celeborn. Haldir moved to the elf lord’s side, whispered something and Celeborn stopped ranting for the moment. Legolas moved to the front of the dais, his long green and gold robes trailing behind him. His gilded hair laid long and straight down his back, with a few tendrils spilling forward over his shoulders. He looked every part a king, which was why the people of Eryn Lasgalen were dumbfounded by his refusal.
“I am very sorry to disappoint you today,” Legolas said to the crowd. “I have no one but myself to blame for my rash decision. I should have seen it earlier, but I was shutting out the insistent pang in my heart. What you all have done here, in Eryn Lasgalen, has been nothing short of amazing. Ever since I was an elfling, and escaped the burning, I have sworn to restore my home. Well, none of this could have happened without all of your help, your sacrifice, and your loyalty, and because of this, you should have a leader that is just as committed. I’m afraid, though I would do my duty as it should be done, my heart would not hold to this allegiance. Deep within my soul, I feel that I have been called to serve Middle-earth in another way. Because of this longing, this never ending pull of my will, I truly believe my duty lies within Ithilien, at the heart of the future, a place where all the free people can come together and live harmoniously.
I cannot forget my past, or those who influenced me as I’ve grown and matured. And though I love Eryn Lasgalen as a child loves a parent, it will not be enough for my now restless heart. For too long, people have lived separately, afraid to branch out from their realms. Men, Elves, Dwarves, we have all done this. My father was a great example of this. But we cannot close ourselves off from each other. It did not work in the past, as you have all seen. Evil went unchecked and grew into a monstrosity that almost abolished life as we each know it. We cannot shut ourselves in and hope the darkness passes us by, only to be a burden to the next community. The recent war has taught us that in order to move forward we must come together for a common cause. We have done that, and it ended the dark days, but now there is an opportunity to set the path for the future of Middle-earth... Mankind. And if I can contribute to this while I still dwell upon these lands, then that is what I know in my heart I must do.”
Everyone was stunned into silence. Even Celeborn had no argument. No one questioned Legolas’ decision. No one made a sound for what seemed a very long time. Then, an elleth stepped forward, and asked the one thing that must have been on everyone’s minds.
“If you will not be our king, then who shall lead the Woodland realm?”
Legolas bowed to the young elleth, and looked out over the crowd. “I have given this much thought, and though I have not discussed it with anyone, there is but one choice in my mind. She has taken charge and made Eryn Lasgalen what it is today. Without her passion, none of this would have happened as quickly as it did.” Legolas held his hand out to Calariel, who stood just off the dais. She shook her head in refusal, but Legolas smiled and curled a finger, calling her forward. Those elves standing closest to her gave her a push, and Calariel joined Legolas on the dais. She smiled nervously around the room, picking out the confused faces staring back at her.
“Legolas, what are you up to?” she asked from the corner of her mouth.
Legolas faced her, and then took her chin in his fingers to gain her full attention. She forgot about the curious crowd waiting to see her reaction, and focused on Legolas. Suddenly, it was just the two of them standing in front of the throne.
“You cannot ask this of me,” she said worriedly.
“I know we have not discussed it, and I apologize for not sharing my thoughts, but it just came to me as I was about to make my announcement. Calariel, no one here understands more than you do, what it means to have the Greenwood back in control of our people.”
As Legolas spoke, Calariel shook her head, unable to accept his reasoning. “No, Legolas, I could never take this position. I am just one elf, a single soldier in a sea of many.”
“I can say the same,” he smiled, his eyes bright and sparkling.
“But you are born of royal blood. You were meant to take up your father’s seat,” she argued.
“You are the daughter of a Captain of the Galadhrim army. Leadership is bred into your blood also. You are perfect for this position, to rule the people of Eryn Lasgalen.”
“But… what about us?” she asked, tears beginning to well up in her eyes. “I thought you loved me. I thought you wanted to marry me. Does this mean nothing to you anymore?”
Legolas tilted her face and lightly kissed her lips. “Your love means everything to me. Like I told your father, all I want is to see you happy. But one thing bothered me. I saw it within your eyes, Calariel. You did not seem very content being in Gondor. It was too much stone, too confining, and not rustic enough. You love the forest and the simple, unsophisticated lifestyle of the wood elves. Even here in Eryn Lasgalen, you’ll experience the things you craved most, the things you could not find in Lothlórien. This is why I say it is perfect for you. And as far as our love, we will always have that. We will have forever someday, when the sea calls us at last. Then, I shall marry you and my life will finally be complete.”
Despite his effort to cajole her, Calariel resisted. “And so you have made all these decisions without my consent. What makes you think I will say yes? If I shall refuse your offer, what will you do then?” she said, sadness turning into ire.
“Calariel, please, just think about it a moment before you do anything rash.”
Her eyes narrowed dangerously. “Rash? Who exactly do you think is being rash at the moment? I don’t even know how you can remain so calm, standing there with a smile on your face, so sure of yourself and—”
“I’ll do it,” someone said from behind the arguing couple. “I’ll manage the throne in your absence, but I’ll not take a title above that of a steward.”
Legolas and Calariel stopped talking, and turned to find Rúmil standing tall and proud. The youngest of the Lórien brothers seemed nervous, but he had obviously found his voice and offered his services again. “If you think I would make a good match, then I’ll accept any offer you give me, my lord.”
Calariel put a hand on his arm. “Rúmil, you can’t sacrifice your—”
“I can and I have, my lady,” Rúmil interrupted. “I am a soldier, and lucky that my brother is the highest ranking warden of the Galadhrim army. I have proudly served my realm and my people, but I can honestly say that my heart has never longed for this life.” Rúmil glanced at his brothers, Haldir and Orophin, as they listened to his confession. “I am sorry, my brothers, but soldiering has never been as fulfilling for me as it has been for you. I did it to please our father, to make both of you proud of me. And though I have done my duty to its fullest, like Legolas, I have felt a different calling. The role of Chamberlain suits me just fine, if Legolas is willing to take a risk. And besides, these two,” said Rúmil, gesturing to Legolas and Calariel, “they should not be separated. They are soul mates, their fates bound to one another. They should marry as they have planned, and live happily together in Ithilien.”
One of the brothers, Orophin, stepped forward. “Rúmil, you cannot do this. You cannot give up your ranking just to become a courtier of the council of Eryn Lasgalen.”
Rúmil gently grasped his middle brother’s shoulder. “I want this, Brother. I feel secure with my choice, if Legolas accepts my offer.”
“I accept it whole heartedly, Rúmil. You have been beside me through all of these trials. We have fought together, saved each other’s heads,” Legolas laughed. “You understand war as well as the importance of a strong council. I know without a doubt that I leave Eryn Lasgalen in good hands under your rule.”
Legolas looked out over his audience, “Do I have the approval of the people about this decision, for it concerns you also?”
The elves were confused by this question. They had never been asked to participate in a decision like this before. Neighbor turned to neighbor, heads nodded, and a low mumble of discussion broke out. Finally, one brave enough to speak for them all waved his arms to gain Legolas’ attention. “We agree with the motion to appoint Rúmil of Lothlórien as Chamberlain of Eryn Lasgalen.”
A few other’s shouted their approval as well, and all the elves began to relax and enjoy their involvement.
“Then it is settled. Rúmil you are now appointed to the throne in my stead as I commit myself to the rebuilding of Ithilien. May the Valar guide you wisely,” Legolas said and bowed.
Rúmil bowed and thanked Legolas. Then Haldir came from behind the dais and clasped arms with his youngest brother. “You make us all very proud, and I know father would have said as much.”
The elves in the throne room clapped and sang their praises, satisfied with the choice. Rúmil, Haldir and Orophin gathered together off to the side, congratulating the youngest of the brothers Lórien. On the other side of the dais, Celeborn still seemed befuddled, though he hid his emotions well. He placed the mithril circlet back on the pedestal, some part of him saddened by the fact that no king would be crowned this day, or any day soon to come.
Legolas turned to Calariel, who was still at his side, took her hands in his and smiled. “Calariel, I know you would rather remain here in the forest, but you know I must go. I want nothing more than to have you by my side, but I will not see you unhappy, so if you choose to stay in Eryn Lasgalen, I will understand.”
Calariel raised a cynical brow and shook her head. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily, but I have one request that you must fulfill before I come with you to Ithilien.”
“And how might I meet your demands?” Legolas asked playfully.
“We must marry first.”
“I’ve already planned on that.”
“I don’t mean a week or a month from now,” Calariel insisted. “Marry me now while we have everyone gathered here.”
Legolas looked around, “Now? But this is not tradition, my lady.”
Calariel could not help but laugh. “Well, you did call me rash, did you not? And what better example than to make you marry me right here and now.”
Legolas cupped her face and looked longingly into her eyes. “Your demands are not much of a challenge, for I would marry you anywhere, anytime.” He kissed her then, slowly and thoroughly, and then releasing her, turned to Rúmil. “Chamberlain, your first order of business awaits your attention.”
Everyone on the dais stopped speaking and looked to the embracing couple. Rúmil approached, “And what might that be, my lord?”
“Legolas and I wish to marry,” Calariel said, speaking for her beloved.
“Of course, my lady. I will get right on it just as soon as I—”
“Now, Rúmil,” Legolas said. “The Lady Calariel would like to marry now.”
“Now?” Rúmil cried in surprise, “But what about a proper betrothal period, and the rings? You have no rings.”
Calariel could see how this would pose a problem, but she did not much care at the moment. Instead, she looked to Legolas for the answer. “How would such a ceremony be performed in Rohan?”
Legolas thought a moment, “Well, instead of exchanging rings, rope is used to tie the hands of the couple while they share their vows.”
Calariel took the golden silk ribbon from her hair, releasing her long dark waves, and handed it to Legolas. “Will this do?”
He smiled at her way of thinking. “It will do just fine.”
“What else then?” she asked.
“Well, the parents of the bride and groom give their approval.”
“Oh,” she replied, almost disappointed. Legolas had told her of the meeting with her father, and she had spoken to Túrdir soon after, but he still hadn’t given consent. He’d only told her to follow her heart, and do what she thought she must. Now, Calariel glanced around the room until she spotted Túrdir standing close to the steps of the dais. She gave her father a look that said she would go no further without his blessing. Túrdir visually sighed, but then he smiled and nodded. It was not much, but it meant the world to Calariel.
Legolas watched the unspoken words between father and daughter. Then he bowed to Túrdir, showing his respect and gratitude for the older elf. Standing up straight again, Legolas looked to the top of the cavern and whispered, “I know you see this, and I feel your consent for our happiness. Let this marriage help heal the hurts done to you, Thranduil and Almárëa, who loved each other eternally.”
Meanwhile, Rúmil, seeing that this ceremony was going to happen no matter what anyone thought, had been speaking to Lord Celeborn. The elf lord approached the couple and took the silk ribbon from Legolas. “If you insist on marrying in Rohirric tradition, then it will be done properly.”
Surprised by this, Legolas asked, “You know of their wedding ceremonies?”
Celeborn half smiled, “I know more than you think I know, young Prince.” He put emphasis on the title as a reminder that Legolas was still just that. “Now, join your right hands together and then your left so that your wrists cross over each other. Good.” Celeborn proceeded to wrap the silk ribbon around their wrists and hands. When he was satisfied, he looked to the couple. “Will you be saying the vows in Rohirric or elvish?”
“Quenya,” Legolas answered for them, surprising Calariel.
“Not in Sindarin?” she asked.
“I’ll pledge my life to you in my mother’s language,” he said, catching a brief flash of consent from Celeborn’s eyes.
“Calariel, I love you for always. I will cherish you for eternity. I give you my heart, but you already have my soul. That has been yours since I first beheld you. The Valar have given me a most precious gift, and may Béma bless this bond for life everlasting.”
“You are the gift, Legolas, to me and to all who shall know of your kindness, your loyalty, your unending strength, and your ability to mend hearts and minds. You have my soul for as long as time shall last, and my love for you will know no end.”
Celeborn laid his hands over those of the couple. “May the Valar bless this union. May Béma give them the strength to endure now and for eternity.” He raised their bound hands and made them turn to the crowd. “I give to you Prince Legolas and Princess Calariel of Eryn Lasgalen, soon to be Lord and Lady of Ithilien.”
The crowd roared joyously as the newly bound couple kissed before their witnesses. Everyone who had joined them on the dais clapped and smiled as they watched Legolas and Calariel express their devout love for each other. Celeborn untied the ribbon from their hands, but the couple never let go of each other.
Finally, Legolas released his wife and caught Celeborn by the arm before he disappeared from the stage. “A moment please, Lord Celeborn.”
Celeborn halted and turned to Legolas, who smiled genuinely. “I do honestly apologize for not taking the crown today. I’m sure it must look like I have slighted you again, and I did not mean for that to happen.”
“No, Legolas, you followed your heart, and it has led you back to your people… your true people. Eryn Lasgalen is here waiting for you whenever you decide to take up the throne. In the meantime, it is in good hands.”
Legolas was shocked by Celeborn’s answer. He’d never known the elf lord to give in so easily. “That’s it then? You give me no quarrel? Instead you agree and send me on my way?”
Celeborn cupped his hands together and tilted his head to the side as he regarded Legolas. “I argued with your mother, and you know what good that did. I never saw her again, and that is something I will always regret. I could stand here and make a similar case in your situation, but I have learned from the past that it will not change matters. I will not try to change your mind. I will not stop you.” He paused and laughed quietly. “Galadriel knew better than any of us that her warning to you would go unheeded. She knew you would not take up the crown. I had hoped she was mistaken… fool that I was.”
“And so, you know why I must go?” Legolas asked, yet it was spoken more as a statement.
“I know that we are a stubborn lot,” Celeborn smiled genuinely. Legolas seemed surprised by the comparison. “We are of the same blood, and your mother too. Maybe the most obstinate of us all. So it does not matter why you are leaving, only that you are, and that I have not hindered you.”
“A second chance,” Legolas whispered, his head bowed in thought. “A chance to heal the regret in your heart.”
“Perhaps, young Prince Legolas,” Celeborn responded distantly as he turned and descended the steps of the dais.
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The Last Wood Elf