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"I still can't believe I'm doing this." Valadhiel murmured, staring at herself in the mirror as Dís tied up her wedding dress.

"What? Marrying a dwarf?" Dís asked teasingly.

Valadhiel chuckled. "Getting married at all. I can't believe that, after all these years, I'm getting married." She looked in the mirror, holding her bouquet in her trembling hands. She chose to have her wings fully displayed for the wedding— Thorin actually had asked her if she would do that. So, her dress had a high neck, yet was off her shoulders, and there was a cutout in the back for her wings. The dress came down to her feet— her bare feet, at that. It was white, of course, and the lace trim had beautiful, floral patterns. It was Dwarvenly simple, but Elvishly elegant all at the same time, and displayed her Dragon heritage. "But I'm ready."

Dís smiled and gently turned her around, placing the veil in her beautiful braided hair. "Despite thing I've said in the past... I couldn't be happier to have a daughter-in-law like you. I'm so happy and proud of you and of Thorin."

Vala smiled. "Thank you, Dís." She took a hold of her bouquet after the veil was put in place.

Dís smiled, looked Vala over, and then nodded to herself. "Let's get out there, Mrs. Oakenshield."

Valadhiel smiled and walked out of the room, smiling wider when she saw Beorn. "Uncle, I'm glad that you made it."

"I wouldn't miss my sister-daughter's wedding." Beorn answered with a smile. "Besides, you need somebody to walk you down the aisle, do you not?"

     "I indeed do." Valadhiel replied with a smile. She hooked her arm around Beorn's, and she held her bouquet as she turned to the large double doors. Instruments began to play, many Dwarven instruments. And, once the music shifted, the doors were open, and Valadhiel began her walk down the aisle with her uncle, all who were seated in there rising to their feet as they looked at the bride. 

    Thorin looked at Valadhiel, and his heart skipped a beat before it started racing. She looked absolutely amazing, especially with her wings draped behind her. Despite the fact her wings were dragon wings, all he could think of as he watched her walk down the aisle was an angel.

     Valadhiel couldn't help but smile as she had her eyes on Thorin as she walked with her uncle. He was so handsome! He always was, of course, but much more so now, dressed in his royal garb, looking his absolute best. Before she knew it, they had reached the end of the aisle, and she walked up one side of the aisle, Thorin on the other, then she met him in the middle and they joined hands.

     Gandalf stood behind the two with a smile. He was honored to be the one to be the wedding officiant. Well, co-officiant. His fellow co-officiant would be Balin, the most qualified among this group of dwarves. Many people had gathered under the mountain today for the special day. Thranduil was one among the crowd, along with Legolas and Tauriel. Bilbo, of course, was there, and all the dwarves. Beorn, of course, and the lord of the eagles had even come for the wedding.

     After the couple had joined hands, Gandalf waited for the crowd to be seated before he spoke. "Ladies and gentlemen, Elves, Dwarves, Hobbits, and beings of Middle-Earth. We are gathered here today in the heart of Erebor to celebrate a love that is as enduring as the mountains and as timeless as the stars. Just as this quest brought together many diverse souls for an adventure like no other, our couple has come together from their very different paths to embark on a new journey— the journey of marriage.
     "We gather under the mountain, beneath the gaze of the sun, moon, and the sea to honor this love that binds two souls together, crossing the distances between the worlds."
     Gandalf stepped back and allowed Balin to take over the ceremony. Thorin and Valadhiel were listening intently, but gazing lovingly into each other's eyes as they held hands, fingers intertwined.

     Balin smiled as he looked at the two. "Just as Beren and Luthien stood side by side, facing challenges together in the darkest and most joyous of times, you, too, will face the challenges and joys of life together." He looked at Thorin. "Are you ready for your vows?"

     "Yes." Thorin replied, and after a short pause, he looked into Valadhiel's eyes. He had written his own vows for her, as he wanted this day to be one of the most meaningful days of their lives. "I, Thorin Oakenshield, vow to love you just as Beren loved Luthien; willing to embark on any journey, no matter how dangerous, for the blessing of Luthien's father. I will love you for all eternity, in sickness and in health, in life and even in death; my love will be as deathless as Durin himself. I give my heart and body to you, who makes me a better man and king than I could hope to be on my own, and I stand by this vow, until death do us part."

     Balin smiled, his own heart moved by the vows; it was no surprise that Valadhiel was a little emotional. He then turned to Valadhiel. "Now for the bride's vows."

     Valadhiel smiled, looking at Balin, then she looked into Thorin's eyes as she spoke. "I, Valadhiel, vow to love you just as Luthien loved Beren. Willing to lay down my own life for you, doing whatever it takes so that we can live and love side by side. I will love you, hold you, and support you, in sickness and in health, in life and in death, forever upholding my duty as your queen, forever loving you no matter the challenges we face. I give my heart and body to you, who makes me a better woman than I could hope to be on my own, and I stand by this vow, until death do us part."

     Balin smiled and took a step forward, handing a golden object to Thorin and to Valadhiel. "Thorin, repeat after me. With this ring, I thee wed."

     Thorin held the ring up, holding Valadhiel's left hand. "With this ring, I thee wed." He repeated, and he slid the ring onto Valadhiel's finger, along with her engagement ring. She liked simple things, so the engagement ring itself had a simple, single diamond on it, and her wedding band was entwined gold.

     "Valadhiel, repeat after me." Balin continued. "With this ring, I thee wed."

     "With this ring, I thee wed." Valadhiel replied, and she slid the ring onto Thorin's ring finger. It was a thick gold band, and it had a stone that looked like a miniature Arkenstone.

     Balin smiled at the two, and he was silent only a moment before he spoke again. "Young they are, and yet have stood, like planted hearts under the trees of Valinor for so long that they have become as one, deep rooted in the soil of Middle Earth, impervious to orc mischief and strong like Mithril. May their bond endure in ordinary and everyday ways, for it is not great power that holds evil at bay, but small acts of kindness and love.
     "May the winds of the Valar carry your laughter, may the earth of Aman always support your feet, and may the light of the Two Trees forever illuminate your path. May your love story be sung by the bards of all races, and your legacy remembered through the ages, much like the tales of Durin The Deahtless."

     Balin stepped back and continued from there. "By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may seal this bond with a kiss worthy of legends."

Thorin gently lifted Vala's veil, then he leaned in and kissed her softly, tenderly, but with a deep, underlying passion. In that moment, he hardly noticed the clapping or the cheering. He hardly even heard the music start back up. He pulled back and looked into the eyes of his beloved and smiled widely. He took her by the hand and turned to the crowd.

Gandalf spoke up. "It is my pleasure to introduce to you for the very first time, Mr. And Mrs. Oakenshield!"

As the crowd clapped, Thorin and Valadhiel walked down the stairs and down the aisle, walking through the large double doors, both smiling widely. After walking through the doors, Valadhiel looked at Thorin, smiled, and gave him a quick but sweet kiss. "I love you, Thorin."

Thorin smiled at her. "I love you, too, Vala." He leaned in and gave her another kiss before he took her by the hand and led her to the dining hall. "You hungry?"

"Not really, but the night is young, and I'm sure my appetite will build up soon." Valadhiel said with a chuckle. "Let's go celebrate with the others."

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     After feasting and participating in some games with the others, Valadhiel stood at the top of a small platform, bouquet in hand. "Ladies, it's time for the bouquet toss!"

     "Tauriel, you should go up there." Legolas commented when she didn't move. "Vala's going to notice if you don't and make you."

     "No..." Tauriel trailed off. "I would rather not."

     "Tauriel!" Valadhiel called to her. "Leggy's right, you know."

     Legolas frowned at the nickname and gave Vala a look. He then shook his head in amusement when Valadhiel just shrugged at him and smiled all innocently.

     Tauriel sighed, but she walked up to where the other ladies were. "Fine."

     Valadhiel turned and tossed the bouquet, and though Tauriel had no intention of even trying to catch it, it was like the bouquet flew right into her arms. Vala turned around then laughed. "Well, looks like you're next, Tauriel!"

     The ladies giggled and clapped for her, and Tauriel blushed slightly. She then noticed Kili, who winked and raised his eyebrows at her with a flirtatious grin, which made her get even more embarrassed.

     Valadhiel chuckled in amusement, then she noticed Thorin gesture to her, so she excused herself from the ladies, also bidding them a goodnight. She could tell that Thorin was ready to retire for the night, and so was she. So, after chatting just a little more, and after having to deal with a few innuendos made by others, she and Thorin made their way to their bedroom, where they stayed for the rest of the night.

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