After I wash myself in my bath I pull out an almost white dress that's actually a very light blue that has a tiny golden rope belt just under the bust that has a knot tied at the center, with long sleeves that have a slit down the outer side. The collar shows off my collarbones and upper back like most of the elven dresses do, especially here.

Since I just washed my feet I want to keep them clean so I slip on some thin sandals and leave my hair down naturally.

I breathe for some reason, looking into the mirror. I had seen my reflection when I got up here and realize that it was extraordinarily messy... and it had been like that all morning. No wonder I got a weird look from Nin.

I feel embarrassed now. But I don't care. If this world has brought out anything in me it's the lack of care in what people think about me.

Which reminds me, on my way up here I had seen Legolas standing by his father and talking to him... though I know not what about. Perhaps he finally caught him up on what has been going on...

But I leave my room and walk down the sunlit steps as the wind blows back my damp locks of hair.

I make my way past other elves, men, dwarves, and hobbits. On the way I spot Arwen speaking to her kin. I smile at her and she smiles back, making a polite bow of her head at me.

I see Éowyn as well. I wonder if she is holding up but I choose not to bother her as she looks deep in thought.

So I walk on towards the bridge past the tall carved building that holds the council hall. The trees of gold and mint green guide my path as I walk.

But I stop when I see my husband standing on the bridge looking over it. And I see someone short and stout approaching him; the dwarf Gimli. I don't think he knew Legolas was alive.

"Where have you been?" the half-man asks in a huff.

"Unconscious," Legolas twitches his head.

"Hm... Well I just wanted you to know that I happened to get fifty-two orcs in the last battle..." he clears his throat.

"...Fifty-three..." he smirks.

The dwarf looks up at his best friend with a sparkle in his eye for a period of time but then he begins to laugh and he wraps his big arms around him. "Bless you, elf," I hear him mutter.

I smirk at this, Legolas patting the shorter dwarf on his head and smiling.

I keep myself from laughing and run up to where they are saying, "So whatcha guys doin?"

Both of them jump back form each other, Gimli staggering so much he almost falls off the bridge. But Legolas catches him as his arms flail about, by his beard.

"Argh! What have I said?!" he complains but regains his balance after I laugh and help him towards us.

I giggle as the dwarf fixes his read hair and walks away complaining.

We watch him do this and I turn around as my husband scratches the back of his neck awkwardly. "Dwarves," he chuckles.

"Yeah..." I breathe, creasing my brow.

He drops his hand and gives me a cute amused smile like he did this morning at breakfast.

"Stop looking at me like that," I giggle.

He chuckles. "Why? Do you think mellonea would begin to ask questions?" He still smiles teasingly. (mellonea: friends - usually other elven kinfolk)

"Well..." I secure my hands over my arms. "I just don't want people to think thoughts... about us while we're merely staying here 'cause it would be awkward... and I would feel weird if Elrond found out..." I bite my lip in a pained way.

But he still looks amused. "And it would be awful if they found out we are married?"

"No. I just don't want to..."

He waits for me to explain further, tilting his head and twitching a frown, keeping his slight smile.

"Um... I don't think we should..."

He is still.

"We shouldn't... uh that is... well..."

He keeps a smile away.

"We can't do... things."

"Do what?" he frowns, but I can still see that smile in his eyes.

"Get... freaky."

"Get 'what'-?"

"Oh you know what I'm talking about why are you making me say it?" I say irritated, hitting him over and over on the chest as he finally lets free his amused grin, showing his white teeth and laughing.

I clench my jaw and shake my head, holding a smile back.

After a moment of silence and held back random laughter I look up at him. "Race yuh to our spot!" I say challengingly.

He smirks but I don't wait for anything until I dart forward past him. My feet smack against concrete over and over as I pass the trees, walking over a platform that's relatively busy, swerving past people who stare at me. I can hear a chuckling, "Excuse me," behind me not too far from my tail.

I hop over a barrier and onto another bridge, running along a building to my left and leaping clumsily down some stairs with a strained breath as I try not to laugh, knowing that he never gets tired and is probably already there.

Late morning light dances on the floor and in my eyes as I fly through the roofed hallway, the skirt of my dress flowing behind me along with my sleeves.

My feet move over the patterns carved into the stone until I run over the last bridge and I can see our secret spot.

My hair bounces behind me and a strained breath leaves my lungs as a smile appears on my lips. But I can hear footsteps chasing behind me.

I try not to laugh but I leap onto the grass of the small area, just to be picked up by quick hands and thrown into strong arms as I whine, "Nooo," but then laugh.

His mouth presses against my neck as he spins me around. I giggle out loud and hold onto his neck. I shrink mine in from the tickle of his lips and I hear him begin to laugh.

I have never been so happy to be so helpless; in someone else's arms. But it's where I belong. And it's where I intend to stay.

"You have a tendency to manhandle me don't you?" I frown.

He returns my expression and sets my feet on the ground again.

"Now I should return the favor." I throw all my body weight to his ribs, hearing a grunt escape his mouth and causing him to fall back to the grass, taking me with him.

We land on the ground and I look up to his face silent with laughter as my hand rests on his chest.

I join in, falling on my back beside him and staring at the clouds. The laughter slows but my hand goes to my face as I close my eyes, chuckling.

He turns over to plant both arms on either side of me, his face suddenly a couple inches from mine. "So you are saying I cannot kiss you now?" He teases a smile with his eyes.

I glance over at the balconies and the buildings and hallways, then back at him. "Nah. No one's lookin'."

I put both my hands at the back of his head and pull him to me, locking my lips with his. A chill goes through me when I kiss him and my muscles relax. I part for a split second but come right back and press my lips against him again as his hand grips the curve of my waist to hold me up close.

The closer we are together, the more tranquility I notice I feel. I knew then, that it truly was where I belong, in the embrace of Legolas Greenleaf; Prince of Mirkwood; my husband.

How do I know this? Because of my title that I finally have: Vilora Greenleaf; Princess of Mirkwood; wife of Legolas son of Thranduil.

Our lips part and I smile up at him in strange way.

"What?" he chuckles.

"I'm a princess."

He lets out a breath of a laugh, showing his perfect teeth.

I look down and frown, letting that thought linger unprecedentedly. "Technically." I bite my lip.

He chuckles.

"By the way... I won."

He frowns. "With what?"

"Well first of all: I won the race to get here so I just want you to be jealous that I can run faster than you," I tease, knowing that that is not true, "and second of all: I won in marrying my handsome prince that I dreamed of like a fairy tale when I was little." I shrug.

He hints a smile. "And you, Lady Vilora, whom I have been searching for all my life, the thousands of years spent in war, darkness..."

"Okay stop it." I smile.

"What?"

"You're trying to make me kiss you-"

"I was not-"

"Well it worked get over here." I press my mouth to his suddenly as he tries not to laugh. I move my lips against his soft ones as I feel him push harder against me, pulling me close gently.

But soon after the two of us part and laugh. I have no idea why but it is actually genuine and we seem to think something is funny...

But he puts his back to the ground beside me.

I feel him looking at me but I let my hand rest at my side, taking his fingers in mine and looking up at the sky, the white formations moving so slowly away from us and disappearing from behind the mountains. I look for shapes like I did when I was a tiny child with my father.

The two of us lie there with goofy grins on our faces as we stay silent, gazing up at the clouds with peace in our hearts and minds.

"Did you ever do this as a kid?" I ask after a few minutes of quiet.

"What is that?"

"Look for shapes in the clouds."

He thinks, taking a subtle but long breath. "...Not particularly. Though I would indeed enjoy watching them sometimes as an elfling. My father and I actually would find spots in the night where there were no trees," he explains, looking at me with a remembering excitement that I smile at, "and we'd lie down there. The two of us would gaze at the stars and the heavens for hours... He'd tell me stories about the names of each star and how they got their light... My father loves the stars, he is fascinated by them."

"And you?"

"I am, yes. Starlight is very precious to the elves of the Woodland Realm. It's something we appreciate other than the moon and sun that most often look towards."

"My mum told me never to look at the sun because it burns out your eyes-"

He laughs hard at that, making no noise, knowing that I am joking because that was not what he meant.

I smile humorously and start giggling.

After that I look back up at the clouds. "Did you ever find constellations in them?"

"Find what?"

"Oh um they're shapes made by starts. Scientists used to use them to tell directions like north and south... There's a lot of them... the hunter's dog was my favorite."

"Really?" he chuckles.

I shrug.

"That is interesting... So you would look for shapes?"

"Yeah like in the clouds too." I point up at the sky. "Like that one, it looks like a lion. Do you see it?"

He stares... "...I think so..."

"Ooh or like that one," I shoot my finger up again. "That looks like a dragon! See the wings and the tail-?"

"Yes yes like that one I see it," he says suddenly excited, with his finger by mine.

The two of us chuckle.

"A giraffe," I laugh.

"What?"

"You know the long necked, splotchy-Oh... right."

He is frowning at me but then he begins to laugh.

After a few seconds he gets my attention. "Do you see that there? It looks like a mighty fight between two soldiers with blades of heavy steel."

I raise my eyebrows but follow his finger and giggle. "So poetic."

He chuckles.

"Oooh look, that one looks like a kangaroo with a hangover!" I say pointing.

I hear him burst into a quiet laughter, scrunching up his face with it, his hand still in mine.

I join him, giggling as hard as he.

We lie there looking up at the clouds for hours until it is time for lunch.

He tries to get me to eat but I lie on the ground and moan for him to stay there, him laughing at me because of it.

"I'll eat with you," he reassures, chuckling. "Unless you do no want them to 'think thoughts'."

I groan frustratingly. "You irritate me-"

"Then I suppose I will go eat alone-"

"No!"

He laughs and finally pulls me to my feet. I fall clumsily against him. "Why don't we just bring our lunch back here?"

He twitches a smile, letting out a breath. "As you wish." He winks.

I roll my eyes but cannot keep the smile away as the blood clouds my lower cheeks.

He leaves me to get our lunch.

I smile without being able to help it, spinning around with glee while staring at the clouds above. Yes you heard right: happiness. I am happy... He brought him back to me. I didn't deserve that. But I got what I wanted. And I am tremendously grateful for that and always will be.

I look up at the sky and mouth "Thank you," to the heavens.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  .

NINILIATH WILLOW:

      .

"This is true. But you cannot simply measure how heavy something is by using numbers," Kelindol argues with me as we eat at a small table. (they speak in the elvish tongue)

"Why not?"

"Where would you get the numbers?"

"You create them. You make a global system of them based on the measure of something common... like iron."

He looks at me with doubt.

"Have you ever balanced something on your finger? Like a tiny rod of wood or anything else?" I pick up the metal fork on my plate and rest it on my pointer finger in the center so that it balances perfectly. "...Both sides have to be equal in weight for this to be accomplished..." I mutter.

His eyes go from mine after they show amusement, to behind me.

I turn my head around to see Prince Legolas has joined the midday gathering.

I pop my eyebrows at Kel and he smirks.

I told him about what the prince and his mistress have been up to since they've gotten here. Yes I know what Vil has been keeping from me. Though she knows it is not proper for her to be doing such things while staying as a guest in another's home. But I wonder why she does not tell me. Is she perhaps awkward about it? Is it because they are not married? Or did they get married?

What I saw in the morning was them sleeping together when I walked past the prince's window. I mean I had wondered where Vil had gone and was worried about her but I suppose she was fine...

Ever since they met the prince has seemed more like an elf than royalty. He acts more like us, though I have never been in his presence except occasionally at dinner and celebrations. And he would fight alongside us at some times. But all in all I believe Vil has brought out a more real side to him and I can tell she is rubbing off on him like she has on me and a little on the rest of us she is friends with.

I would feel less nervous speaking to him now but there is no reason to unless I had something important to say.

I take a drink of water and act as if I do not see him. We do not drink wine until dinner. It is not a custom to drink it before the evening.

Kel is still looking at me. So I acknowledge it by staring back. "What?" I ask.

"You have been so full of strange ideas ever since you met Lady Vilora."

"And you did not have interest in her at all did you?"

He lets out a breath nervously as he looks away. "I did not."

"Do not lie to me. I know you thought she was beautiful."

"Well she was..."

"It is a good thing someone else got her before you could have tried."

"Tried what? I would not-"

"What did I say about lying?" I giggle and glance subtly to my right to see the prince carrying off a helping of food... two helpings actually. I know he does not eat that much. And I notice Vil is no where in sight either.

I give my... friend a look and he gazes after Legolas.

But I continue eating.

"I was not going to ask for her hand. I did not love her."

"Well you two only knew each other for a short while."

"That is not my point."

"Then what is?" I tease a smile.

He hesitates. "That I was saving my heart for another..."

That makes an anxious silence fall between us as I keep a smile away and finish my food.

.

VILORA GREENLEAF:

      . 

"So did you catch Thranduil up on everything?" I ask my husband as he hands me some food and sits next to me on some rocks.

He almost frowns.

"Oh I mean, did you tell him...? Does he know about everything?"

"Yes," he breathes.

"What did he have to say?" I bite my lip.

"He was happy," he eyes me. "But he was also upset about a few things... Like my immortality."

I gasp. "Oh my gosh Legolas I forgot about-"

"I have settled it. I did the day I married you. I became mortal-"

"What? No, no, no," I set my food down and my hand grasps his arm, "Legolas I can't let you-"

"It is done, my dear. Do not be troubled." He looks into my eyes with confidence. "I would rather spend one short life with you, rather than spend an eternity on this world alone."

I can't find any words to say but did he really just give up everything for me? To raise a family together and then die together? Was he going to have a mortal life of merely seventy or less more years and have his father have to bury him within what would seem like those few little years compared to life that he and his kin have lived? I can't imagine what Thranduil must be feeling right now, loosing his father, then wife, then son... and now losing his last that he has.

And then Legolas, choosing to die... death being an idea quite foreign to him (especially the kind of old age) and yet he chooses it for me. He dies for me. No one has ever done such a thing for me, not even close. I don't deserve it...

But it happens nonetheless... and in return I vow to do whatever it takes to please him, to care for him, to protect him. I owe him my life. And I will spend all the years I have to pay him back.

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That night I walk to my chamber from the bridge where I had spent the last couple hours talking to Éowyn. She had been there crying about the loss of her brother. So I comforted her as she told me stories of them growing up together. I miss Éomer deeply but I try not to think about it too much for it only brings tears to my eyes.

I told her what had happened at the celebration of the victory at Helm's Deep. She raised her eyebrows when I told her I thought he was interested in me. And he was, I wasn't that oblivious.

But I wanted to make her feel better so I changed the mood. Regrettably I ended up confessing to her about Legolas and I but told her to keep out mischievous night a secret, for I most certainly didn't want Lord Elrond or Thranduil to find out. I didn't care who knew we were married though. I was proud to be Vilora Greenleaf.

She also told me about Faramir. Apparently the handsome Captain of Gondor is "very fond of" her. She told me that his father made him steward in his place and left Gondor, saying that it was in good hands. Apparently Faramir and his father had a troublesome relationship but ever since the steward thought that his son was dead he realized how much he did indeed cherish him. Though still a bag of nuts he is, I do not know where he intends on going but I know that I probably will not see him again.

And that subject reminded me of the commitment Legolas had made the day we married. So I told her about it and the amazement I felt towards him...

              .

.

As my memories of our conversation fade I extend my foot on the concrete as to take another step, walking through the dining area but seeing a familiar figure at the balcony... a figure deep in thought.

Suddenly the memories of my husband's commitment come flooding back and I am reminded of the pain this elf ahead must be feeling. I run forward and he hears me, turning around as I lunge at him with another unexpected-but expected by him-hug.

I can't find words for how I feel and how sad I am towards him and his son but a tear slips down my cheek as I swallow the lump in my throat, partly sorrowful for him and for Legolas but partly deeply moved by what the elf gives me.

Thranduil hangs his head over my shoulder and wraps his arms around me. "I want you to know that I would have wanted no one else for my little leaf," he whispers.

I shut my eyes tightly and clutch his back.

"Take care of my boy."

"Until the end of my days I will live to serve him, my lord," I whimper.

"And as long as I live I will be as a father to you both. You are family now, Vilora. And you deserve it."

I don't want to agree that I do but I just breathe... and I let the peace of my father's embrace relax me.

                      . 

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I toss and turn, the thoughts of past, present, and future taking me. I am not asleep. I stare at the ceiling of my chamber, the moonlight making shadows of leaves and moving branches on the wood.

My brain is wide awake and even if I close my eyes I find no rest.

I had agreed to sleep in my own room tonight to be proper and respectful, not knowing a night of sleepless darkness was what awaited me.

Nothing is comfortable. Which is crazy. Because these beds are perhaps the most heavenly I have ever slept on.

But I can't sleep... I can't.

Finally I give up, huffing and getting off my bed, running to the door and flinging it open quickly. The fresh breeze hits my skin and fills my nose as I run down the steps and past the places of gathering that are now empty. I fly with the skirt of my nightgown dancing behind me. If someone saw me now I would look like a ghost; white hair, white gown, and a pale face-even though I have gotten a better tan while being here for sure.

I leap up the steps quietly and immediately I know which door is the one I search for. I press against it quietly and pull the handle, opening it to see him lying there like I was, staring at the ceiling without sleep.

Legolas's head turns my direction and a smile hits his lips and leaves a sparkle in his eyes.

He scoots over and pulls the sheets of his bed back as I run up to him, happiness in my eyes as I press my lips in like a child to keep from grinning.

I plop next to him and stick my cold feet into the silk covers, his arm behind my shoulders and letting me curl up against him gladly.

The two of us lie together listening to each other's breath, letting that send us into sleep.

                          . 

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I wake up the next morning to the chilled fabric of the pillow against my cheek. I bring my other arm up to hug it, tearing it from the silky sheets.

I can hear the birds chirping in the distance and the light that is in the room soon enough forces me to open my eyes. I see the door and the stone floor that reflects the morning sunbeams.

I frown and turn my head, looking at the sleeping elf beside me, peaceful he is... with the sheets draped over his chest, wearing a loose cotton tunic and trousers for sleeping, his head cocked and his eye closed, chest gradually moving up and down with each breath.

I smile to myself and lie my head back down.

I still can't quite grasp the fact that I am married now... it still seems strange to me. And different than I thought it would be. I thought it would be strange to be with the same person all your life. That you might get tired of them. But with Legolas and I, with each day that passes I only want to be with him more.

Then I hear excited voices outside our chamber.

I frown and get up quietly from the bed, trying not to wake my love. I walk to the window to peer out it and squint. I see the two hobbits, Merry and Pippin. Pip walks up to his friend and pulls on his sleeve. "Frodo's awake," he says gleefully.

I smile and turn my head to my still sleeping husband.

I pick up a pillow from the bed end and throw it at his face. I see his hands reach up slowly to pull it off and reveal a frown.

"Let's go see Frodo," I say with excitement.

He twitches his eyebrows and then sits up. I run over to the mirror on the bathroom and run my fingers through my hair. I had it in my usual style yesterday; loose but with four small braids cradling it, and I had not pulled it out so I leave it.

And I run to the wardrobe, remembering that I am wearing a nightgown and throw open the doors. "Was this room for women and men? Would there happen to be spare dresses down here anywhere?" I ask while rummaging.

"You may search but I do not know."

I find one at the bottom that's simple and not as fancy as the others but I don't care. It's a color of pale wine perhaps. But I pull off my nightgown and slip it on.

He changes into his clothes as I wait by the door with my hands together.

He gives me a look when he is ready and I open the door. We head out into the sunlight and I run up to where I remember the halfling's chamber was. I feel excited to see how he is doing and there is even a smile on my face.

I make it up the multiple steps and see that a few others, including Gandalf walk to the little hobbit's room. The door is open and I push my way through as the golden light shines into the chamber. I see his hobbit companions there and Legolas is at my tail now. I breathe from all the running but I stop by his bedside as his eyes search about the room. He looks healthier now... But disoriented. He was out for a while after all.

Gandalf sits in the chair by his bed and finally Frodo looks at him, breathing heavily. He keeps a worried expression. Did he perhaps have a nightmare?

"Gandalf?" he chokes.

The wizard smiles but his eyes show concern.

He frowns and looks down. "Where are the others? Is everyone alright?" the halfling asks.

"Yes, well most are just fine..." Gandalf responds.

But he looks up at him with a horrified expression, waiting for the wizard to say something... but what?

"Frodo?" he mutters.

"It's done... Gandalf..."

He slits his eyes.

"He has it. Gandalf... He has the ring!"

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