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Journey Of A Butterfly	By : Mel99Moe Category: -Fourth Age to Modern times and beyond > Het - Male/Female Views: 5714 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own any characters or places of Lord of the Rings/Tolkien. No money is being made. This is for personal enjoyment only.

Chapter List
- 65
- 66
- 67
Chapter 66 - Blessings of the Valar

There were two halls in the upper level dining area. The smaller of the two was reserved for the wedding ceremony and feast. For the past two days, elves busied themselves hanging decorations, planning the feast and anything else that needed tending to. The tables were pushed together lining each side of the hall and covered with white cloth. Strategically placed bouquets of beautiful lilies centered each table. At the end of the hall was a dais. Usually there was a long table sitting upon it, reserved for a guest of honor and his company, but now it was decorated with huge urns filled with colorful pastel flower arrangements. Ornate lanterns made of silver hung from the ceiling on each side of the aisle leading to the dais. Pale green silk ribbons hung down from the lanterns and dusty pink ribbons draped in a crisscross fashion between them. Floral garland draped across archways and over the doors of the hall. Pink rose petals littered the center aisle ready to welcome the feet of the bride and groom. A variety of spring flowers sweetened the air of the hall, helping to put everyone in a carefree mood, just right for such an occasion.

The guests were already seated and waiting for the couple to enter. They talked quietly amongst each other. Family and friends gathered for the special day. It was a small group of guests, unusual for an elvish wedding, but the way Feredir and Terrwyn wanted it. Among them sat Horphen and his family, some of Feredir’s friends and a few new friends of Terrwyn’s. The soldier from the healing house was there, now a newly recruited border guard, and beside him sat the maiden who stayed by his side as his leg healed. A few other patients that Terrwyn had treated and befriended had come to enjoy the celebration as well. Everyone waited with anticipation for the arrival of the happy couple.

Lanterns were lit, flickering above the colorful hall. The feast was ready in the kitchens, as a small group of servers waited for the signal from the head cook. Musicians played softly, entertaining the guests until it was time for the wedding to begin. Everything was ready. Now the only thing missing was the bride and groom.

* * *

Outside of the hall doors was a large vestibule. There was a room on each side, used for different reasons depending on the occasion. Today they were being used as dressing rooms. Terrwyn’s was on the right where she and Irneth finished getting ready. Feredir and Orthorien were in the room to the left. When it was time, they would exit their rooms and meet in the waiting area. This would give them a chance to see each other before all of the guests. For now, they were separated in their personal rooms putting on their final attire and making last minute adjustments.

“I feel like there was so much more I should have done in the preparations,” Terrwyn said nervously. The day of the wedding was finally here and she was realizing that she had hardly lifted a finger.

“This is the way it should be. You are the bride and this is your day. Others have seen that everything was taken care of,” Irneth informed her. “Now turn around so that I can lace you into your dress. While I do, say your vows again.” Terrwyn did as she said and recited them perfectly, her elvish sounding very authentic. Irneth smiled and continued. “Now remember, it is only you and Feredir up there. Do not think twice about everyone watching. Concentrate on your groom. Look deep within his eyes. Let the rest of the world melt away and you will be just fine.”

Terrwyn smiled. That should not be a difficult thing to do. Feredir always had a way of making her forget about her surroundings when his silver eyes captured her. “I don’t know why I am nervous. We are already bound, Feredir and I.”

“Bound yes, but not blessed,” Irneth corrected. “This ceremony will complete the process of marriage. You are promised to each other by the joining of your souls, but now your union will be recognized by the higher powers.” As Irneth spoke, she finished lacing the corset and placed a delicate wreath of tiny flowers upon Terrwyn’s head. She rearranged some of her red hair and took a step back to admire her work. “Well, that should be it,” Irneth sighed.

“Now what?” Terrwyn asked shakily.

“Now we wait for someone to come tell you it’s time.” Irneth hugged Terrwyn. “I am so glad we have gotten to know each other. I consider you one of my closest friends. Ai,” she sighed. “And you and Feredir are a perfect match. You have both endured so much and somehow managed to find one another. It is definitely a blessed union.”

“Thank you for all your help, Irneth. You don’t know what it means to me to have you, your kindness, your patience. You have taught me so much,” Terrwyn replied.

“You are a beautiful Rohirric woman, but you are an even lovelier elf. Embrace it and let it fill your heart and soul.”

A tear escaped Terrwyn’s eye. “I think I have always sensed it. I just never understood what it was. Where there was empty space before is now filled with new understanding. I am proud to be made up of both worlds.”

The friends held each other, laughing and crying at the same time and just enjoying these moments together.

Meanwhile, Feredir and Orthorien were across the hall in the groom’s quarters. The dark haired elf seemed just as nervous as Terrwyn.

“Is Mother already inside the hall?” Feredir asked, checking things over in his mind one last time.

“Yes,” Orthorien answered as he adjusted the collar of Feredir’s Ithilien guardsman uniform. It had been specially delivered by his special guest, Hathmund, who arrived in secret just the day before and not a moment too soon. “Everyone is there and waiting,” Orthorien confirmed.

“And what about Terrwyn? Is she alright? I worry for her. She is still learning our customs. She must be so nervous by now. Maybe I should have spoken to her once more before--.”

“I do not think it is Terrwyn you should be worried about. Listen to yourself.” Orthorien grasped Feredir
by the shoulders. “You sound as if you are not already married and you are seeing her for the first time.”

“Binding was the easy part,” Feredir joked anxiously. “There was not a room full of people watching us.”

Orthorien laughed at the thought and held his tongue as a thousand smart remarks entered his mind. Instead, he spoke sincerely to Feredir, knowing he needed his support right now. “Breathe deep and relax, brother. You will see Terrwyn in a moment and soon this marriage will be blessed as it was meant to be. Just enjoy it, Feredir. You will only have this moment, this one time in your life. Take it all in. Let its magic fill you.” It was an unusual moment for Orthorien. He tended to stay clear of these kinds of blessing events, but this was different. This was his brother.

Feredir felt his sincerity. “Thank you Orthorien.”

“And if that doesn’t work,” the golden warrior continued, “then think about what is to come later after the guests leave and you are alone with your wife.” He couldn’t help giving at least one brassy comment before they were through.

“It always turns to sex doesn’t it?” Feredir said and lightly punched Orthorien in the arm as they laughed together. The laughing stopped abruptly when there was a knock on the door.

“It is time. Come see your bride,” said a servant from outside the room.

Feredir took a deep breath. Orthorien clasped arms with him and they shared one more brotherly moment. “You have finally come into your own, brother,” he boasted, but then he paused and shook his head, his tone turning serious but gentle. “No, that is not right. You have always been your own. You have always known who you are. You are my equal … an elf, a man … and someone who I am very proud of.”

Feredir looked into his brothers eyes for as long as he could and then glanced down at their joined forearms. “Thank you, Orthorien.” His reply was simple, but it held everything he needed to say.

Orthorien bowed and opened the door for Feredir. “Come,” he said with a warm smile and both elves exited the room.

* * *

A knock sounded on the bride’s door and both females jumped. Irneth smiled wide. “That’s the signal. Are you ready to have this marriage blessed?”

Terrwyn closed her eyes and breathed in deep, letting it slowly out and calming her nerves. She opened them and a new light seemed to shine within them. “There was a time that I thought I would never celebrate a day like today. I’ve learned to never take anything for granted. I am going to savor each and every moment. I am ready.” Irneth opened the door and followed Terrwyn into the waiting area.

Both parties exited their rooms at the same time. Terrwyn looked across the way and her breath caught as she gazed upon the most wondrous sight. There he stood--her elf--dressed in full Ithilien guardsman uniform. The white tree of Gondor glowed in contrast to the black of his coat. The high collar made him look taller somehow, or maybe it was his straight stance. Feredir’s usually wild black mane was neatly smoothed and brushed, kept from his face allowing her to see all of his masculine features, strong square jaw, high cheekbones, deep set eyes that shone silver like the stars beneath his dark brows. Ebony pants tucked into newly polished black boots and at his side hung his sword. It too had been polished and flashed in the light of the room. Feredir was magnificent to behold, a true warrior in every sense of the word, a proud elf and a resilient man.

Feredir breathed deep as his eyes fell upon Terrwyn. There was no one more beautiful. The red waves that usually fell across her face were bound with green ribbon and tied back at the sides. The flowery circlet upon her head helped keep it all in place. Her eyes sparkled across the room, peridot jewels glimmering in the dancing flame of a nearby lantern. The neat curls of her long hair cascaded over her bare shoulders and along her porcelain skin. Feredir’s eyes went lower, admiring her small waist accentuated by the dresses tight corset. The dress was a beautiful pale green with golden leaf accents. Never before had he seen Terrwyn in anything so becoming. She looked like a princess and for a moment, he wondered if he was deserving enough of someone so delicate and breathtaking. Another look into her eyes calmed him immediately as her love for him floated across the distance.

With Irneth walking beside Terrwyn and Orthorien beside Feredir, the couples met in the middle of the room. The two escorts backed away to let them have this next moment together.

“You look so beautiful, Naru. More than that … if I could find the right words … but it seems they have all escaped me. I have fallen in love with you all over again.”

Terrwyn blushed, but she never dropped her gaze. “You are absolutely the most handsome creature on this earth,” she smiled. Then she glanced at his attire. “How did you get your uniform? I thought it was left behind in Rohan.”

He smiled in that way that said he was up to something. “I had it personally delivered by one of your kinsmen.”

She looked at him curiously. “What, someone from Rohan … here?”

“You’ll see,” he said smartly and leaned down to kiss her forehead. Then he held his arm out to her. “Are you ready, Terrwyn?”

“Since the moment I first laid eyes on you,” she answered dreamily as she wrapped her arm around his. They stared into each other’s eyes a moment more before Feredir nodded to the door attendants who ushered them into the hall.

Immediately, the sweet fragrance of flowers filled the air around them as the sound of a harp’s delicate song called them forward. A lute and a reed pipe entered the song as the other minstrels joined in announcing the arrival of the celebrated couple. All eyes turned to the doorway as gasps and ah’s flowed through the hall on a wave of emotion. The guests stood from their chairs and waited for the ceremony to begin.

Feredir took the lead and squeezed his arm around Terrwyn’s, gesturing for her to begin their walk to the dais. They strolled slowly down the aisle, smiling to the guests on either side of them, recognizing faces as they went. There was one person that Terrwyn did not expect to see and her heart swelled slightly as she looked upon Master Remlas sitting close to the back of the room. He merely nodded, but she could have sworn she saw the corner of his lips curl into what she considered a smile from the impassive old elf.

When Feredir and Terrwyn were halfway down the aisle, Orthorien offered Irneth his arm, as was proper at such ceremonies. She took it, but kept a stiff stance as the sly elf pulled her closer to him, his fingers moving dangerously close to the side of her breast. “Try anything tonight, Orthorien, and I will have your balls handed to me on a silver platter,” she said through clenched teeth and a smile.

The golden elf had known Irneth for many years and had always enjoyed watching her squirm. “Don’t flatter yourself. Besides, I have my sights set on something a little … spicier,” he commented as they entered the hall. His eyes left Irneth and fell upon an extremely gorgeous elleth sitting at the end of the long table. She had the smoothest skin Irneth had ever seen, dark almond shaped eyes, full pouting lips, long straight copper hair and an uncommon exotic demeanor. This elleth seemed rare, not from any of the surrounding realms. Irneth had personally composed the guest list and could not remember this elf being on it. As a matter of fact, she could not remember ever having seen this elf at all. The raving beauty looked at Orthorien and smiled lustfully, pursing her lips and then running her tongue along her pearly white teeth.

Irneth focused on the wedded couple, now almost to the dais, and whispered out of the corner of her mouth. “I don’t think she is a guest of either the bride or the groom.”

“She is my guest,” Orthorien answered. “I did not think one more would matter. Besides, we shall not be attending the feast for very long. We have … other plans.”

Irneth gave the mystery elleth one more sidelong glance and whispered. “I must say, you have surely outdone yourself this time, Orthorien. She is absolutely … stunning.” Unscrupulous, promiscuous, immorally shameless … these words fit her description much better, Irneth thought to herself. Suddenly she was shocked that she even cared.

Orthorien gave a quick wink to the elleth, who eyes flamed with desire. “She is one of Cirdan’s kin, come from Lindon to escort the next company of elves to the Grey Havens. She has not seen much outside of her seaside town. I am just fulfilling my duties and giving her a proper Mirkwood welcome.” Another sly smile spread across his face.

“I know all about your hospitality. Knowing you, she will never want to leave Eryn Lasgalen and those leaving for the shore will be without an escort,” Irneth whispered as they continued the long slow walk to the dais.

“Oh, I will send her on her way promptly and then maybe you will want to fill her place,” Orthorien teased, but she stiffened and he sensed her animosity. “Come now, Irneth, you are not still peeved over our past are you? That was so long ago and I hoped that you would have put that behind you by now.”

Irneth knew what he was doing. Deciding it was better not to play into his shameless flirting, she gave him no answer and looked straight ahead, ignoring him until they arrived at their reserved seats. Orthorien released Irneth’s arm and the couple politely bowed to one another. Irneth whispered before they parted to opposite sides of the hall. “I may forgive, but I don’t forget, and as far as a replacement … only in your dreams.” Her voice was cool and collected.

Orthorien gave her a fiery glance, his golden eyes dancing with mirth at the thought of her playing his game. “Oh, my dear Irneth, I have not forgotten either and it is ever in my dreams,” he answered getting the last word before they took their seats and brought their attention back to the moment at hand. Irneth squirmed and vowed not to speak to him for the remainder of the evening … Valar willing.

Feredir led Terrwyn up the two short steps that made the dais. They turned to each other. Feredir bowed to her and she curtsied, their eyes never parting from one another. Then they turned to their guests and waited for the elves who would say the blessings. Usually the father of the groom and the mother of the bride would perform this part of the ceremony, but in this case, both parties were deceased. Instead, Feredir’s mother approached the couple and stood by her son. She smiled at him proudly and waited for the other elf to come to the altar. Terrwyn had been told that King Thranduil would do this for her, something that completely surprised her. She had only met him briefly a time or two, but he had known of her close friendship with his son Legolas and felt obliged to represent Terrwyn for this blessed day.

Just as she was told, King Thranduil approached the couple, looking most regal indeed. He always looked like a king, Terrwyn thought, but today he was dressed in all of his royal garb, a long dark green robe lined in gold, white tunic and leggings and a silver circlet upon his head. He took Terrwyn’s hand and lightly kissed her knuckles. “I know I am supposed to ask for your blessings today, but it seems there is someone else here who has outranked me,” he said with a warm smile.

Confused, Terrwyn looked at the King and cocked her head questioningly. Who could outrank a king in his own land? Thranduil stepped to the side and Terrwyn looked past him. Her heart caught in her throat and suddenly she understood what Feredir was telling her earlier about a special delivery.

“Hathmund,” she cried and tears immediately sprang to the corners of her eyes. Her brother rushed to her and scooped her up in his arms.

“Terrwyn, you look more beautiful every time I see you,” he spoke in her ear.

“Oh dear brother, I have missed you so much. I can’t believe you are here, but how did you--?”

“Feredir wrote to me asking if I would make the journey to Eryn Lasgalen and King Thranduil approved my invitation. I would not have missed this day for the world. I had always hoped that I could be the one to give you away, or in this case, ask for your marital blessings,” Hathmund answered.

Terrwyn released her brother and looked to Feredir. “This is already the most special day of my life, but now it is perfect. Thank you, Feredir.”

“Let us proceed with the blessings,” Thranduil announced to the guests. Feredir and Terrwyn took their places as well as Laveth and Hathmund, facing out over the filled hall. Then the wedded couple turned to each other and slipped their silver rings from their fingers.

Laveth moved to stand between them and started the blessings, speaking in Sindarin. “May Varda look upon this marriage and bless Feredir and Terrwyn with eternal love. May she keep them and this binding safe from all darkness for life eternal.” She then kissed each one upon the cheek and returned to Feredir’s side.

Next, Hathmund moved around and came between the couple. To Terrwyn’s surprise, he began speaking slowly in Sindarin and she wondered how he learned so quickly. “May Manwe look upon this marriage and bless Terrwyn and Feredir with eternal strength. May he give them and this binding the stability to cast down all darkness for life eternal.” Hathmund kissed his sister upon her forehead and then grasped forearms with Feredir before he took his place at Terrwyn’s side once more.

Now the couple closed the distance between them. Feredir took his silver ring and handed it to Terrwyn. “I return to you my silver ring to have as a symbol of my promise to you.” Laveth handed him the small golden ring that he had chosen months earlier. He took Terrwyn’s right hand and slowly slid the golden ring onto her index finger. “I give you this golden ring as a symbol of my commitment to you, to this marriage and to your soul eternal.” The ring fit perfectly and he admired it upon her finger. He took a deep breath and looked into her eyes. “Terrwyn, I thought I knew what living meant, but until I met you I realized I had not a clue. You are in everything I do. You are my next breath. You are the next beat of my heart. Not a moment goes by that you are not on my thoughts. I live for no one but you. Because of you, I know what it means to belong and without you, I would be lost. I love you, Naru with all of my heart, from deep within my soul and for all eternity.”

Terrwyn swallowed the lump in her throat and pushed back the tears that threatened to fall. She took her silver ring, handing it to Feredir. “I return to you my silver ring to have as a symbol of my promise to you.” Hathmund handed her the grooms gold ring and she took up Feredir’s right hand, slipping the ring upon his index finger. “I give you this golden ring as a symbol of my commitment to you, to this marriage and to your soul eternal,” she recited just as he had. Then she took a deep breath and continued. “Feredir, I used to dream of a day like this, of a love like ours. There is such a sense of security in knowing that I no longer have to dream. I live it every day that you are by my side. You have given me your strength when I could not stand on my own. You have given me hope when I could not see my tomorrow. There has never been a time that I could not feel your love for you give it unconditionally. It is because of your strength and love that I no longer fear who I am. You fill my soul and I am complete. I trust you and I love you. I am devoted to you and now it is my turn to be your strength, your hope. My life, my spirit, my entire being belongs to you, Feredir with all of my heart, from deep within and for all eternity.”

The couple smiled at each other as Thranduil stepped forward. “This marriage has been blessed. It is the wish of these people before you, of those who dwell in Eryn Lasgalen and of all the elves in Arda that your lives together remain happy, committed and fruitful. Go forth into the world with the blessings of the Valar and of Eru Iluvatar.” He turned to the guests with his arms outstretched. “It is indeed a most joyous day and cause for splendid celebration. Let the feast begin.”

The hall broke out into cheering and clapping as they watched Feredir take Terrwyn into his arms, dip her backwards slightly and kiss her. The sounds of laughter and joy seemed to disappear as the couple surrendered to each other. Feredir released her, his fingers lightly grazing her cheek. The warmth of his skin traveled through her and Terrwyn was captured by him. He smiled and met her eyes. “This, Naru … this is what it means to be bound.” Before she could speak, he grabbed her by the waist, lifted her feet off the ground and spun her around. They laughed as they were caught up in the moment. And when he set her feet back on the floor, their eyes caught once again. Slowly they came together, lips upon lips, the closeness of their bodies sending sparks between them.

The blissful couple was interrupted by the King as he cleared his throat. Terrwyn blushed when she saw Thranduil’s raised eyebrows. Then he smiled warmly. “This is what I like most about these ceremonies. The love emanates outward and all revel in the joy, but I must say, the strength and enthusiasm of your commitment is quite intoxicating. Now, let us feast, drink and dance.”

Feeling everything Thranduil just mentioned Terrwyn’s heart was bursting. She turned once more to Feredir before they took their seats. “This is what it means to be an elf. I feel it surfacing, Feredir, as if my blood is separating, the elvish life force rising above the human.”

“You are home, my love,” he said before ushering her to their table.

“I am home because I have you.” she replied with a smile. Cupping his face, she gave her husband another kiss. Then they took their seats and awaited the feast.
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Journey Of A Butterfly