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"For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her." -Ephesians 5:25

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Arahaelon

As the sun rises from behind the vast forest of my homeland, I watch intently from where I sit on my balcony. This morning, the air is crisp and the wind is soft. The orange rays streak through the pale gray sky, banishing the darkness, and my heart is at peace.

I think of Annalee, imagining her still asleep and wrapped up in warm blankets and happy dreams with her crimson hair spilling across her pillows and her eyelids fluttering innocently. A smile pulls at my lips unconsciously. After today, I will have the blessing of waking up to her like that every morning for the rest of our lives. I believe that there never could have lived a happier elf than I.

I cast a glance behind me, taking one last look at the room I grew up in. Tonight, I will move into the largest room in the castle, save for Naneth's and Ada's, and I will have Annalee with me. I made sure she would have plenty of space for her belongings, and I ordered for a comfortable couch to be brought in for me to sleep on. Of course, I would rather sleep in the massive, soft bed in the room, but Annalee's happiness is my top priority. I would do anything for her.

The door to my room opens, and I identify the light footfalls as Almarëa's. I turn to look as her as she sits beside me silently, green eyes so alike to mine gazing out at the sunset. "Are you nervous?"

"Yes," I reply honestly. I am not so anxious about the wedding as I am about taking Annalee as my wife. I am terrified of making a mistake and losing her.

"You should not be. Annalee is so perfect for you, and it is so obvious the two of you are in love," she says with a smile, glancing at me.

"Annalee has not yet told me she loves me."

Almarëa observes me for a moment. "But you know she does. I can see it in your eyes."

I nod slowly. "She cannot hide her true feelings from me when we share such a deep bond, but I will not tell her that. I will simply wait patiently until she is ready to share her thoughts with me."

"What if she does not?"

"She will when the time is right. For now, something holds her back. But I love her, and I will wait as long as it takes to hear her say the words I so passionately long for," I tell her softly, my voice dropping almost to a whisper.

Almarëa smiles pleasantly. "I understand. If I were in your situation, and Elladan was hesitant to tell me he loves me, I would wait an eternity for him," she says, gazing out at the rising sun, the golden glow illuminating her features.

"So, when do you think he will gain his courage and ask for your hand?" I ask her with a small smirk, and she wacks my arm.

"Do not be mean to him, Ar!" she exclaims with a bright laugh, "He will ask me when he thinks the time is right. For now, your wedding will be enough change around here."

I nod, wrapping my arm around her shoulders, and she leans her head onto me. "Do you like Annalee?" I question her, realizing that I have never truly asked her.

She laughs. "Like her? I love her just as I love Lossie. She will be an excellent sister, and a kind and just queen. I believe her confidence will only continue to grow as she gets used to her new life."

My eyes sadden as I sweep the forest with my gaze, thinking of the first night I ever saw her. She was a vision in white, sitting beside the stream that lies a short distance from the borders. I could barely believe such an enchanting woman existed. After today, her new home will be the palace, not the forest she adores so much.

"Her new life," I mutter quietly, "She told me last night that she was afraid of it- afraid to leave her home and her father. How can I be so selfish as to take all of that away from her?"

Almarëa pulls back to meet my gaze. "Arahaelon, do you not see? Annalee's heart lies in the forest, in the life she has always known, but she is willing to give all of that up just to be your wife. That is true love. She is scared, and rightly so! To have everything you have ever known taken from you and to begin a whole new life surely must be terrifying, but she is facing her fears for you. And loving someone is not selfish. You both must make sacrifices for one another. You should not feel bad."

"When did you grow up?" I ask her, a small smile on my lips.

"A long time ago, just like our brothers and sister. You have a habit of acting as if we are all just elflings," she says with grin, leaning in to kiss my cheek, "Now, get some rest while you can. Naneth will be pounding on this door before you know it, and you do not wish to be grumpy today!"

She stands, heading to the door, and I call after her.

"Thank you," I say with a smile, "For everything."

"'Tis what sisters are for. Oh, and try not to embarrass yourself too much when you see Annalee in her dress today. A future king should never ogle," she says, giggling softly before stepping out the door.

My laughter echoes around the quiet room.

_______

Annalee

My stomach is awake before my mind is, shooting the buzzing, nervous feeling all around my body until my hands are shaking. I sit up in bed, my heart hammering in my chest as I take in all the sights of my room that will no longer be mine after today.

A trunk of old toys and stuffed animals sits in the corner, a single, stuffed rabbit keeping guard over it. To the left side of the room is my wardrobe, now beaten and battered from all the years of use. My large vanity stands beside my bed, and I stand, looking into its mirror to see a girl I hardly recognize. My hair is tangled around my head, and my eyes are bright and alive from nerves and a whole night of over-thinking. My blush pink nightgown slips from my shoulder as I wrap my arms around my stomach, hoping the action will banish the awful feeling inside, and I sigh shakily, blinking the sleepiness from my eyes.

I glance at my small bed that is covered in patchwork quilts my naneth made when I was a small girl, and I am hit with a sharp pang of homesickness. No more will I crawl into this bed at night and curl up inside my memories of her. Tonight will be the first night I crawl into my new bed at the palace that will be covered in the finest of silks, no trace of the life I have lived thus far.

Fresh tears sting my eyes.

The smell of eggs and bacon wafts into my room, and I close my eyes, breathing in deeply. I hear Ada's deep and cheerful voice calling for Faraine and I to awaken, and I clutch my chest, trying to rid my heart of the pain being inflicted upon it. The bags I packed to take with me to the palace sit by the door like a horrible reminder of what will happen today. I will lose my childhood forever, and I will become a woman. Yes, I hit womanhood many, many years ago, but not in spirit. And I honestly do not think I am ready.

"Annalee!" Papa calls merrily, his voice just outside of the door. "Get up, child! You are to become Queen today, and it will not do to be late!"

"Yes, Papa," I call weakly, listening as his footsteps fade away and his rumbling laughter fills the household.

I close my eyes firmly, tightening my arms around myself. "Naneth, please help me to be happy," I whisper, tears dripping down my cheeks. "Please show me that you are with me today- that I am making the right decision. Help me to be brave."

The silence of the room suffocates me. "Help me to be a true queen."

I sniffle, wiping my eyes with the back of my hand, and I breathe deeply, banishing my negative thoughts. I walk to my wardrobe, pulling out my night robe and slipping it on. I walk to the door and place my hand on the cool knob, counting to ten in my head and breathing deeply. I force a smile and turn the knob.

"Good morning," I call to my father and sister as I enter the dining room, and they both turn to me with matching grins. This morning, the colors around me are so bright. The hues of Papa's and Faraine's clothes stand out to me more than usual, and their irises seem to glow with light and warmth. Papa's skin, slightly tanned from centuries of hard work and days spent in the garden, seems more pronounced than usual and gives him a more human look. The rosy shade underlying Faraine's skin that is flushed with excitement stands out to me immediately.

"Annalee!" my sister exclaims, rushing to me and embracing me tightly, "Today is the day! Can you believe it?"

I shake my head, a laugh slipping from my lips. "I cannot."

Papa sets a plate of food down in front of me, stepping back and crossing his arms proudly.

"Papa! You cooked us breakfast?" I ask him in slight alarm, having not eaten anything produced by him since I was an elfling and Naneth was alive.

His smile is as bright as the sun, and I find it just as hard to look at. It seems like the world is against me today, finally bringing my family back to life and bringing raw, fresh memories back to my mind the day I have to leave my home forever.

"I did. I am a bit rusty, my child, so if it tastes terrible, do not feel obligated to eat it," he says, and he and Faraine laugh lightly.

I stare at them, trying to engrave the memory into my mind forever. Papa's crimson hair is tied neatly behind his head, and he wears the nicest clothes he owns- a sapphire colored tunic and gray pants. His smile is the smile of an ellon who has never known grief-of a man who did not lose his wife.

Faraine's honey-spun hair is waved to perfection from sleeping in braids last night, and her ivory skin is flawless and plump, just like a newborn baby's. Her eyes are so dazzling, they could outdo the sky on its finest, most perfect of days. Dressed in a gown of pastel pink, she looks like a flower plucked right from the palace gardens.

She is the first to notice my behavior. Her light colored eyebrows furrow, nose scrunching up in concern. "Are you alright, sister?"

I swallow, nodding forcefully. "Of course. I could not be happier," I reply, shifting my gaze to the food in front of me. I shovel a few eggs, stuffing them into my mouth. My sight blurs with tears that I have been fighting so hard to suppress, and Faraine is at my side in seconds.

"Annalee, I know you are nervous, but please do not cry," she soothes, running her fingers through my tangled hair. "Ada will be perfectly fine here with me to take care of him, and we will not touch your room, just in case you want to visit us sometimes. Nothing is truly changing. Everything will be right here anytime you want to come home."

I nod, not speaking.

The chair to my right screeches against the floor, and Papa's strong, warm arm is wrapped around my shoulders. "Annalee, are you truly sad? If you have second thoughts, you do not have to marry him. I will cancel all of this right now, if you wish it. I want you to be happy," he says, and his deep voice is exactly what I needed all this time.

I turn to him, throwing my arms around his shoulders like I did as an elfling, and I bury my face in his neck. "Ada, I am so scared," I cry, and his arms encircle me as if they will never let go, "I do not want to leave you. I do not want to leave Naneth."

His arms tighten around me. "'Lee, hush now," he says softly, and I quieten my cries to listen to the words I must hear so desperately. "You are not leaving me. I will still be here. I want you to come and see me as often as possible, and I will come and visit you, too. And your naneth is always with you. You know that. You feel her here because this is the place you remember her best, but she is in your heart, child. She will be with you today as you marry Arahaelon, and she will be with you every day at the palace. No matter where you go in Middle Earth, Lily is with you."

The weight that I have been carrying in my heart since her death, the weight that grew heavier and heavier with each day leading up to this one, becomes lighter in my chest. A shuddering breath escapes me, the tension and fear and worry fleeing from my body, and it feels so incredible. My breathing becomes easier, and my headache clears as if it was never there. A warmth flickers in my heart, the space reserved just for my mother, and a smile finds its way to my lips- a completely and perfectly happy one that I have not smiled since her death.

I pull back from him, gazing into the beautiful green eyes he gave to me, and he smiles back, wiping away my tears as his own drip down his cheeks. I wipe them away, giving him the most loving smile. "Thank you, Papa," I whisper shakily, "I needed to hear that from you. I feel so much better now. The guilt of leaving you both is slowly subsiding."

He nods, unable to speak as his lip quivers slightly.

Faraine lays her head on my back, against my shoulder blade, and her hands encircle my upper arms.

"I love you all more than life itself, and I will miss you terribly," I say lowly, excitement finally finding its way through the maze of my heart, "But I am ready to marry Arahaelon now."

Papa's smile makes me realize how true that statement is, and that I have always felt that way deep down, since the moment Ar first proposed. I was simply so burdened with grief that I could not make sense of how I was feeling. Of course, it will take time to truly get over my mother's death, but, for now, I at least feel ready to marry Arahaelon.

In my mind, I see my mother standing beside my father, her honey hair cascading down her shoulders and back. Her ocean eyes stare into mine with unadulterated pride and love. She smiles at me, and her voice echoes in my mind. "I love you, my little bird. Now it is time for you to fly."

I suck in a breath, saying the words that are on the tip of my tongue, and I meet Papa's gaze again. "I am ready to be his wife."

___

"Beautiful."

"How truly stunning!"

"A picture, she is! Just like a painting!"

Itylra's chest is puffed out with pride as we struggle down the stone pathway to the palace. I hold the front of my dress in shaking hands, and Papa, Faraine, Alma, and Itylra stumble behind me with the train lifted from the ground, a few guards who had accompanied Queen Alarya into town helping, too.

"I will not have this dress dirtied!" Itylra had exclaimed before we left the shop, and the thought of the guards' faces has me suppressing laughter.

Alarya walks by my side, all grace and queenly beauty. Her golden hair falls down her back in a chunky, intricate braid with jewels of all shapes and sizes tucked inside. Her gown is pure silver, like that of the crown I will receive today, and her beauty is absolutely breathtaking. She laughs delightedly at all of the mutterings of the crowd as they stare at me in my dress, and it helps to put me at ease a bit.

"They think you are lovely," she says quietly to me, winking, "And they are right. Arahaelon is such a lucky ellon. He knows it, too."

I blush slightly. "Oh, no. I am the lucky one," I correct her, and she raises her eyebrows, "Arahaelon is the kindest person I have ever met. I do not deserve him, but I am happy to have him, nonetheless."

She smiles. "Humble and sweet. Just the type of elleth he needs," she says to herself, laughing.

I notice that the villagers follow us to the palace, all abuzz with excitement and joy to see the wedding take place. Nym waves at them, just like a small prince, and I laugh loudly. "Nym, what are you doing?"

He looks up at me with his round eyes. "Saying 'hello!'"

Alarya laughs melodically, squeezing his hand in hers. "You are the sweetest little boy. I wish my sons had been more like you when they were your age!"

"I can only imagine Tadion as a terror," I comment, and we both laugh at that.

"They all were, even Arahaelon had his moments," she says, "But he was quieter and more shy than the others and such a sweetie, and now he is all grown up and getting married. You will understand the feelings in my heart when your own baby is all grown up. I do not know whether to be happy or sad, so I have decided to be a mixture of both."

I picture myself with my own little baby, one that looks just like Arahaelon, and I grin despite my embarrassment.

"Baby?" Nym questions, looking up at me, and I shush him quickly. We do not need that discussion again right now.

When we reach the palace, Alarya directs the villagers to the practice fields, which have been transformed into a beautiful wedding venue for the day since all of the guests will not fit in the throne room. As they leave, Alarya takes my arm and leads me inside to the place where I am to wait until the wedding begins.

I glance back at my family and the guards, feeling bad for them having to carry around my heavy dress train. "Surely they can all let go now, Itylra?"

She shakes her head, looking a bit sweaty. "Oh, no, not until we reach your waiting spot."

The waiting spot turns out to be the gardens, since the back door leads down the cobblestone pathway to the practice fields. From here, I can see the hundreds of elves gathered in the fields, sitting and waiting for the wedding to begin.

They drop my train, helping Itylra to lay it perfectly behind me. Voices catch my attention as they are doing so, and my family-to-be rounds a hedge, coming into view.

Lossenel and Almarëa gawk at me, quickly running closer.

"Oh, Annalee! You are the most beautiful thing I have ever seen!" Almarëa gushes, reaching down to help straighten the train.

"You are stunning! I had already seen the dress, but it is even more beautiful with you in it," Lossenel states, her mouth open and forming an 'O'.

Tadion and Legolas wear matching smiles, looking so handsome in their royal purple and gray robes. Tadion carefully embraces me, making sure to not mess up my dress as Itylra watches him like a hawk. "You are gorgeous, sister," he comments, looking me over once and smirking, "Arahaelon will be counting his blessings."

I blush, and Legolas elbows him, leaning in to embrace me as well. "'Tis hard to admit, but Tadion is right, even though he has no manners. You look like a queen," he says kindly, giving me his best smile.

"I thank you from the bottom of my heart," I reply, gazing at my soon-to-be siblings, "All of you have welcomed me into your home and into your hearts, and I could not be more grateful. I never knew how it felt to have a large family, until now, and it is the best feeling in all of Arda."

"Enough of that talk," Tadion says a bit gruffly, quickly brushing away my heartfelt words, "If I cry, it will ruin my reputation."

The others laugh, my father included, and I watch happily as Lossenel and Almarëa embrace him warmly. "Hello, Rhistel! 'Tis so nice to see you again!" Lossenel says cheerily.

I turn to look at Thranduil as he clears his throat, and his eyes gleam with pride as he studies me. "You look lovely, Annalee," he says, smile growing, "Nay, more than lovely, but I have never been good with compliments. I am proud to welcome you into my family today, and I have no doubt in me that you and Arahaelon will be happy together."

"Thank you, Thranduil. Your praise means so much to me," I tell him genuinely, placing my hands over my heart and bowing slightly, "I hope to be even a sliver of the great rulers that you and your wife are. Arahaelon and I are blessed to have you both by our sides for future guidance and counsel."

Alarya smiles softly, eyes alight with joy. "Spoken like a true queen."

"Alwin!" Itylra gasps happily as her husband appears through the hedges, the twins behind him.

He swoops her into an embrace, twirling her once, and my heart feels as if it will explode from happiness. When his gaze lands on me, he laughs deeply. "My little flower has bloomed into the loveliest rose in the kingdom!" he exclaims, and everyone laughs.

He approaches me as if he will fling me around as he did to Itylra, but she warns him not to. He hugs me tightly, lifting me off of the ground, anyway, and his wife scolds him sharply.

"Do not step there!"

"Alwin, you are going to rip the-"

"Alwin, must you act like an elfling?"

Everyone laughs at the two of them, including me, and I embrace him tightly in return. "Thank you, Alwin, but you should probably set me down before Itylra bursts a blood vessel."

He chuckles deeply, putting me back on my feet.

"Well, it is time to begin," Alarya says with an excited grin, shooing everyone into their places, and they all begin to couple up in line in front of my father and me.

"Your mother would be so proud of you," Ada whispers lowly in my ear, "I am proud of you. It warms my heart to see you so happy with your new family members."

"Thank you, Papa. I love you," I tell him, kissing his cheek, "Please hold onto me tightly. I feel slightly faint."

He chuckles deeply. "I will always be here to catch you when you fall."

In the distance, I can faintly hear music weaving through the fields and the garden, and my heart begins to thunder in my chest. Each couple descends several moments after the ones in front of them in a perfectly rehearsed way. When it is my turn, my father takes my arm and gives me an encouraging smile before leading me down the path.

As we grow closer to the fields, the music becomes louder, and I watch as one elf caresses the harp strings with ease. Hundreds of elves and men and even dwarves stand from their seats and turn to look at my father and I as we step onto the grassy aisle covered in rose petals. My skin is electrified by all the stares, and I blush as I hear the whispers praising my appearance as we pass.

I attempt to swallow, my mouth so dry it makes the action nearly impossible. I grip my father's sleeve tightly, until my knuckles are turning white, in an attempt to keep them from shaking, but it does not work. I then focus on my breathing, hoping this will distract me. In and out. In and out. In and out.

It feels like an eternity as we walk the length of the fields, and soon Arahaelon comes into view, causing my heart to stop in my chest. He is simply so divine. His white hair shines in the light of the sun like a star, and his light gray robes make him appear so kingly. As I meet his green eyes, I no longer see myself walking down the aisle, but instead, through my beloved forest. The space between us grows smaller, and my heart feels as if it will leap right out of my chest. My eyes fill with tears as I stare at him, my lovely Arahaelon, and his own eyes are misty, unable to look away from me. My soul comes to life in his presence, overwhelming me with my own emotions, as well as his.

My hand shakes as Papa places it in Arahaelon's warm one, and I close my eyes as Papa kisses my cheek. "I love you, 'Lee," he says quietly before stepping back and taking his seat in the front row.

I meet Arahaelon's eyes now, feeling like I have come home, and I can feel his raw bliss and exhilaration and passion through our bond. His love for me is all-consuming, and I bask in the feeling of it, wishing so badly that I could speak to him in this moment.

"We are gathered today to witness the union between two souls who are deeply in love," the one marrying us says in a deep, authoritative voice, "Today, in the presence of family, friends, the Valar, and Eru Ilúvatar, Arahaelon Thranduilion, Crown Prince of Mirkwood, will wed his soul mate Annalee Rhisteliel."

For the first time, I observe the one speaking. He is an old man, very tall, with long white hair. He wears robes of the purest shade of white and holds a matching, intricately designed staff in his left hand. At first glance, I thought him to be mortal, but as his eyes meet mine, I realize he is not. His light blue eyes are as wise and all-knowing as Galadriel's. They pierce through mine as if he knows every little detail about me, and I am taken aback for a moment. Who is this man?

He addresses me. "Annalee, are you certain of your heart's call?

I meet Arahaelon's gaze, feeling bashful under the power of his eyes. "I am."

"And, Arahaelon, are you certain of your heart's call?"

"I am," he replies deeply, eyes never leaving mine, and I am glad to be holding his hand because my head spins.

"Have you reflected upon the importance of your union, your desires and destiny?" the man questions loudly, so that all of the hundreds of guests can somehow hear.

"We have," we say in unison.

The old man smiles, taking two golden wedding bands from his robes and handing one to each of us.

"Then vow by your heart, Annalee, that you will take this ellon to be your husband under the gaze of Eru Ilúvatar," he instructs.

I swallow, sliding the ring onto Arahaelon's finger, and my voice shakes ever-so-slightly. "By my heart's trueness, I vow I shall stay by his side."

"And vow by your heart, Arahaelon, that you will take this elleth to be your wife under the gaze of Eru Ilúvatar," he says, his smiling growing.

"By my heart's trueness, I vow I shall stay by her side." Arahaelon's voice is silky and addicting, saying the words that bind us together for eternity, and my knees feel weak as the old man begins speaking.

"And these vows I have witnessed, and the union I shall declare: You are now husband and wife," the man says, and he grins widely, pride sparkling in his eyes as he looks upon us, "You may now kiss your bride."

Arahaelon lifts my veil slowly, his eyes swallowing me in their intensity. There is no one left in the world but us as he leans in, capturing my lips with his own. His hands grip my waist, and mine cling to his shoulders, holding on because I feel my head spinning. The kiss is short, not nearly so heated as the one we shared last night, but somehow it is even better, rushing through me like a tidal wave and filling me with consuming passion for him. It is tender, and it is sweet, making me feel like I can accomplish anything in life with him by my side.

The cheering is so loud, I nearly jump out of my skin, and Arahaelon laughs as he pulls away, his forehead resting against mine for a brief moment. "I love you," he says over the sound of the cheers and applause, and he grins, eyes crinkling, "You look heavenly, my wife."

He wipes away tears from my cheeks that I did not know were there.

I laugh breathlessly, ready to reply, but Arahaelon pulls away as the old man steps up to us, taking a crown from a small, elegant pillow that Thranduil holds.

Arahaelon crouches onto one knee, perfectly solemn as the crown is placed onto his head. It fits him perfectly, and as he stands the old man whispers something to him with a small, undetectable smile.

The man then takes a beautiful, ornate crown from the ceremonial pillow that Alarya holds, and I sink onto one knee, my dress pooling around me whimsically. Alarya takes the veil from my hair quickly to make room for the crown. The cool metal slides onto my head, hugging it perfectly as if it was meant to be placed there all my life, and as I stand and take Arahaelon's hand, I look out over the crowd, my eyes landing on my teary-eyed father.

"In the presence of Eru Ilúvatar and the Valar, I crown Arahaelon Thranduilion and Annalee Rhisteliel as the new King and Queen of the Greenwood."

"All hail King Arahaelon! All hail Queen Annalee!" the crowd chants.

Cheers and applause erupts from the crowd like the roaring of a great lion, and Arahaelon's hand squeezes mine. We glance at each other for a moment, both of us grinning despite our anxiety, and I follow his lead as he begins to walk back down the aisle.

As we pass, people shout to us different congratulations and blessings and sweet words that warm my heart, and I can barely think straight from all of the chaos. I focus on not tripping on my dress and on Arahaelon's hand in mine, and somehow, we make it back to the garden without incident.

I turn to him, breathing heavily. "My heart is going to collapse from exhaustion at any moment, I am sure of it," I tell him as he takes my hands, smiling handsomely.

He observes me for a moment. "When I first saw you, I thought I was dreaming," he admits lowly, aware that the others will appear at any moment, "You are so utterly beautiful. There are no words to describe you."

My cheeks flush at the sound of his impassioned words. "I thought the same of you," I reply honestly, letting my gaze fall to our hands, "I am the happiest elleth in Middle Earth."

Thrandul and Alarya appear through the garden door, and I am immediately pulled into a bone-crushing embrace. "Annalee, you were flawless. I am so happy. I am so happy," Alarya says, pulling back and cupping my cheeks for a second.

She turns to her eldest son with tears in her eyes. "Ion nin (my son), the two of you looked so perfect standing there hand-in-hand. I could not be more proud!"

Thranduil surprises me by pulling me to him, hugging me with the tenderness of a father. "She is right. The two of you are a match made by Eru himself."

The others begin pouring into the garden, surrounding us. Hugs and kisses and laughter are shared between us all, and I feel as if I will burst from joy. Everytime I meet Arahaelon's gaze, my heart sings with glee.

The old man who married us appears, and he walks toward us, laughing cheerfully. "I never dreamed of the day I would get to do the honors of marrying Arahaelon to his pretty little wife!" he exclaims deeply, smiling from ear to ear.

"Mithrandir," Arahaelon addresses him, smiling happily, "'Tis good to see you again- and on such good terms! No dragons or Dark Lords to defeat this time?"

The old man chuckles, clapping my husband on the shoulder. "No, everything seems to be in order," he says, gaze falling on me, "But you have yet to introduce me to your lovely new wife."

Arahaelon's hand falls low on my back. "Annalee, this is the wizard Gandalf, whom I am sure you have heard of."

A surprised smile alights my face. "Gandalf! Oh, how lovely it is to meet you!" I tell him, allowing him to kiss my hand, and my childish delight shines through any anxiety, "Did you really go on all of those adventures? My papa used to tell me the stories, and how I longed to join you!"

Gandalf laughs merrily, patting my hand. "I did, my dear. That I did," he says, winking at Arahaelon, "You will have to keep an eye on this one."

Arahaelon laughs quietly, tightening his arm around my waist. "Apparently so. I never knew she had a taste for adventures."

"Alright, everyone, we have a feast to attend!" Alarya shouts over the sound of us all talking and laughing, and Ar grabs my hand, leading me to the ballroom.

"We finally must dance together," I tell him with a laugh as we walk together.

"You seem at ease," he notes, raising his eyebrows.

I shrug. "I do not understand it, either. I guess, now that we are married, I feel even more secure. I know you will be by my side forever, and you will not let me fall while dancing," I tell him with a breathy laugh, in which he returns.

He eyes the train of my dress. "Well, I guess we will not have to do anything drastic while dancing. I do not think I can twirl you at all in such a dress."

I grin. "That makes it even better."

He looks around us, making sure everyone is far ahead of us and cannot hear. "I hope our room will be to your liking. I had several wardrobes and dressers placed inside so that you would have plenty of space for your belongings," he tells me lowly, and my heart warms at his act of kindness.

"Thank you. You did not have to! I fear I do not have many things," I reply softly, "I feel bad that you went to all that trouble."

He gives me a secretive smirk. "Well, I will be lavishing gifts upon you, so you will need every bit of space possible."

I laugh. "Oh, no, you will not. I do not want to be one of those wives who uses her husband for nice gifts. All I need is you- nothing else," I tell him truthfully, and his eyes soften.

"Also, I had a couch brought in for me to sleep on, so that you will be comfortable," he says, adding quickly, "I hope you will like our room."

"Oh, Ar-," I begin, feeling bad, but we enter the ballroom and the cheering drowns out my voice.

Arahaelon, still holding my hand, leads me to the front of the ballroom, and he gives a small speech after the cheering dies down. The train of my dress flows down the stairs like a river, and I smile as several elflings eye it, waiting for the perfect opportunity to pounce.

"As your new king and queen, Annalee and I would like to thank you all for joining us for this special time in our lives and in our kingdom. Nothing brings us more joy than to see all of you sharing in the happiness that we are feeling. We look forward to the years to come, to new alliances, and to new, happy memories. Again, we must thank you from deep in our hearts for joining us in our celebrations, and we hope you enjoy tonight."

The room explodes with applause and shouts, and Arahaelon leads me to the dance floor as servants place food on the tables. He takes my waist and my hand as the music begins, and he leads me in an easy, yet romantic dance. His warm breath caresses my neck as he holds me close, and his gaze never strays from me, even though I look down a lot to keep from tripping and as an excuse to avoid falling under the spell of his eyes.

His laughter rumbles in my ear. "Stop worrying. You are doing great. I knew you would."

I smile. "You are far too kind to me," I say, falling silent for a moment. "Arahaelon, are there any places here where we can see the stars?"

He chuckles at my words, pulling me closer to him. "Of course. We will have to journey from the palace to see them at their best, but from the balcony in our room, we should be able to see them well enough."

I nod, liking the sound of that. "Good. I love to look at the stars. 'Twill remind me of home," I answer with a smile, shifting my gaze to all of the people staring at us, and I tense.

"No, no, no," Arahaelon chides, "Do not look at them. 'Tis just you and I, Annalee. Just the two of us."

Our eyes meet, and my heart soars in my chest. I suddenly remember last night, the feeling of his lips on mine and his hands gripping my waist and my shoulders, as if he was afraid it was all a dream. Never in my life have I felt anything like the way it felt to be kissed by him. In this moment, I wish he would do it again, despite the fact that we are in the middle of the ballroom. Just you and I. Those few words mean more than anything to me, and my heart longs for him to say them again.

We are silent for the rest of the song, and I am all too aware of the pressure of his hand low on my back and how his smile has not dropped once. He seems so very pleased by something that he is not telling me, yet I find myself smiling, too. When the dance ends, he bows to me and I curtsey, and I blush against my will at the way he is looking at me. His eyes are so bright, the candlelight from the chandeliers reflecting in their depths, and it takes my breath away.

Applause erupts around us, breaking me from my thoughts, and Arahaelon takes my hand, leading me to the head table.

"You did not trip," Tadion points out with a smirk as Ar pulls my chair out for me, and he looks between us with a secret look in his eyes. He definitely knows that something passed between us, but what it was- even I do not know.

"I did not," I reply easily, "Eru has been very kind to me."

Laughter echoes around the table at my words, and I give a small smile, feeling so uncomfortable with all of the attention now that I am not focused solely on my new husband.

Arahaelon takes my hand under the table, and a huge smile comes to my lips against my will. I gaze around the table, eyes misty when I find my father a few seats down. His gaze is set firmly upon Arahaelon with a look I cannot decipher, but when he feels my stare, he looks at me with a proud smile.

"Annalee, you look beautiful, my darling," he says with a joyous smile.

"Thank you, Papa."

"She is radiant and glowing with the happiness of a new bride," a voice agrees, and I turn my head to see that Lady Galadriel is staring at me with the smallest of fond smirks.

"Thank you, my lady. You are too kind," I reply, feeling a heaviness in my mind that alerts me to the fact that she is shuffling through my thoughts. I do not block her out this time, having nothing to hide, plus I am far too exhausted to even try.

"I have known Arahaelon since he was just a baby, and I must say that no one else could be more ideal for him than you," she says, and her husband nods in agreement, flashing me a warm smile, "And I am an expert at reading people."

Everyone chuckles at her words, including me, even though her bluntness makes me uncomfortable. Who knows what she might find in this brain of mine!

"Come now, you will embarrass Annalee," Lord Elrond says, his amused eyes meeting mine. "You forget that not everyone is used to your powers of the mind."

"Well, she will grow accustomed to it soon," Galadriel laughs.

As they pursue a new topic, I take the moment to look around the table. Lossenel and Almarëa sit beside one another, whispering about a handsome ellon sitting at a table near ours that Lossie appears to fancy. Tadion and Elrohir bicker back and forth about who is the better archer, and Elladan sits dutifully beside Almarëa, secretly listening to her conversation with a smirk. It is Legolas who catches my attention, though. To his left sits Faraine and my father, who are deep in conversation, and to his right sits a dark haired man I have never seen before.

The mortal converses easily with the young prince, as if they have known one another for years. His earthy brown hair falls to his shoulders in waves, and his jaw is lined with dark stubble. His eyes are as grey as Arahaelon's robes, and they hold so much wisdom in them that is highly unusual in a human.

"Ar," I whisper, leaning into him, "Who is that man beside Legolas?"

He glances at them before meeting my gaze with a wide smile. "That is King Elessar of Gondor. To us, he is Aragorn."

"Aragorn," I repeat slowly, furrowing my brows, "From the Fellowship of the Ring?"

"Exactly."

I feel my eyes widen with excitement, and Arahaelon chuckles, leaning forward to kiss my forehead. "This is so exciting!" I whisper loudly, willing myself to not blush at his actions.

"How are you so adorable?" Arahaelon asks with a laugh, eyes crinkling.

"I am not!" I reply, "I am simply happy."

"What are you two whispering about?" Tadion asks curiously, raising his brow.

"Nothing of importance," I answer, hoping he is not going to tease me.

His gaze travels to my plate. "Are you not going to eat anything?"

I shake my head. "I can hardly think about food right now."

He smiles kindly. "You at least need to try. You might be hungry later," he offers, and I smile at his protectiveness.

"Thank you, Tadion, but really, I am not hungry."

Chairs begin to screech around the room, just like last night's feast, and I watch as couples begin to dance.

"Ar, you are not going to make me dance again, are you?" I question him like a sad elfling, and he laughs.

"Not unless you wish to-,"

"-I do not," I cut him off, causing he and Tadion to erupt into boyish laughter.

"As you wish, Melamin (my love)."

A strange tingly feeling shoots through my veins when he calls me that, and I stare at him for a moment, a stupid grin on my face. I then clear my throat in embarrassment, standing. "I think I will go and see Itylra, now."

I turn, walking away quickly, and I hear Tadion laughing loudly and Arahaelon hushing him.

I spot Itylra across the room, watching her son run around as she and Alwin converse with friends. I approach them quickly, and Nym spots me.

"Annalee!" he exclaims, racing toward me, and I catch him in my arms. He wraps his arms around my neck, giggling.

"Are you having fun, litte warrior?" I ask him, chuckling.

"Yes! I saw you dancing with Ar!"

"Did you now? Did I do a good job?" I question with a grin.

"Nana says that Ar loves you very much!" he exclaims, already changing the subject. He is always like this when excited.

"Aw, well that is nice of her-"

"-You look really pretty!"

I sigh, laughing heartily, and Alwin and Itylra laugh as they join us. "Thank you, Nym."

Itylra embraces me for the thousandth time today, and I cannot help but smile as she begins on her motherly rant. "You looked absolutely beautiful today, 'Lee. You truly are meant to be queen."

"Thank you so much. I feel so happy now. 'Tis as if this morning never happened," I say lowly. Faraine had let her in on our secret of how tearful and dreary this morning was.

"That is wonderful! I told you pre-wedding jitters are a normal thing," she says, staring at me for a moment with a giddy smile, "Now, you cannot pretend that your feelings for Ar are not growing. Just watching the two of you dance, I could see it in your eyes. It was the sweetest thing!"

Alwin rolls his eyes, pretending to not hear our conversation, but he smirks, secretly enjoying it.

"I do not know how to explain it," I say quietly, shrugging. "I do not even know how I feel."

"You have the rest of your life to figure it out," she says with a wink, "Though, I bet it will only take a few weeks." She and Alwin share a laugh, and I shift awkwardly at what they are suggesting.

"So, are you about to leave?" Itylra asks, looking around to see that Arahaelon is still seated at the table.

"What do you mean?" I ask her curiously.

"The newlyweds always leave the feast early," she replies simply, "And now is the time you should be slipping out of the room."

I blush against my will. "Oh, well, I do not know if we are- if that-"

She cuts me off. "Whether anything is happening tonight or not, you have to leave so it at least appears to be so," she says, smiling affectionately, "I do not mean to embarrass you. 'Tis simply the facts! You cannot let all of the Greenwood know that your marriage is anything but normal. Everyone relies on their rulers, and the hope that a baby will arrive in the near future. Surely Arahaelon has told you this?"

"We have not had much time to talk recently, let alone about things like this!" I reply, flustered.

Alwin looks away, trying to hide the fact that he is laughing.

"Alwin!" Itylra and I scold at the same time.

"Forgive me," he replies, still laughing, "Oh, Annalee, you are one of a kind. Here, give me a hug, and then be off! I have learned after all these years of marriage that Itylra is always right."

He embraces me and then takes Nym from my arms. I kiss the child's cheeks. "I love you all," I tell them, feeling highly emotional, "Itylra, I will help at the shop as often as I can. I hope you and Nym will visit me often."

"Of course we will, and we love you, too. Now, off with you!" she says, giggling as she shoos me away.

When I reach the table, Arahaelon stands. "We should be leaving now," he says lowly, glaring at Tadion as he smirks.

"Let me say goodbye to my father and Faraine really quickly," I answer, moving forward to embrace my sister as she and Legolas approach.

"Faraine, thank you so much for everything you have done," I tell her quietly, "I love you so, so much."

"I am so happy for you, sister. I will see you soon," she says, squeezing me. "I love you."

Papa pulls me into a warm embrace, and I once again feel tears coming to my eyes. "I love you, 'Lee. I wish you all the happiness in the world."

"Thank you, Papa. I love you," I reply, too choked up to say anything else.

Arahaelon takes my hand after hugging his mother and sisters and properly taking leave of our other royal guests. He leads me through the crowd of people, elflings throwing rose petals in our path, and when we are out of the room and in the corridor, I sigh loudly.

Arahaelon laughs at me, squeezing my hand. "How are you feeling?"

"Relieved," I reply with a smile, walking faster to keep up with his long strides.

When we reach our room, he opens the door, scooping me into his arms. I squeal in surprise. "Ar!" I laugh, and he grins, his kingly facade now gone completely. He walks into the room, my huge dress causing much difficulty, and we both cannot stop laughing.

He sets me on my feet, closing the door, and I gasp in awe as I look around the room. It is massive-bigger than my entire home back in the forest. The room we are in now is a sitting room with a small table in the middle and several chairs scattered about. A huge window takes the place of a wall, giving me a spectacular view of the forest and the sky.

To the left, a very small hallway leads into a beautiful study. The walls are lined with dozens and dozens of shelves of books and maps, and a large desk sits by the small window in the room.

To the right, another miniature hallway leads into our bedroom. I take off my shoes, padding across the wooden floor with Arahaelon following me slowly, watching my every reaction. True to his word, he really did have a couch brought in. It sits on the right side of the room, pushed against the wall, and no matter how fancy it is, it does not compare to our bed. The bed is enormous and draped in the finest of silks. The covers are thick and plush, just like the pillows, and they are silver and blue in color. The walls of the room are nearly hidden by several dressers and wardrobes, and a door in the furthest side of the room leads to the bathing chamber. Oh, and a pair of glass doors leads to the balcony that Arahaelon told me about.

"Ar, this is magnificent. 'Tis the size of my home!" I exclaim, turning to look at him.

He laughs brightly, eyes never straying from me. "I am glad you like it," he replies, pushing off from the wall and gesturing toward one of the dressers. "Your belongings have been placed in here for the time being, but you can organize them however you wish, of course."

I follow him over to the dresser, opening the top drawer. My nightgown and robe lay on top of everything else, and I smile, taking them out. "I will change then. I cannot wait to get out of this dress!" I exclaim.

He chuckles deeply. "I thought you loved that dress."

"I do, but it is really heavy," I answer with a smile, fanning myself, "And hot."

I walk to the bathing chamber, closing the door behind me. I manage to get the bottom ties undone, but the corset back will not budge. Butterflies fill my stomach at the thought of what I must do. I close my eyes, breathing deeply, and I open the door, peeking out.

"Ar? I-I cannot get my dress unfastened. Will you help me please?" I ask him, and I can hear the slight shake in my voice.

He turns from his task of digging through his dresser, and he nods. "Of course."

I turn as he walks toward me, and I move the train out of the way as best as I can.
"I honestly have no idea how to do this," he says with a slightly awkward laugh that makes me blush and smile at the same time.

I feel him brush my long hair out of the way, so I take it all in one hand and pull it over my shoulder. He sucks in a small breath, barely audible, and I bite my lip, fidgeting awkwardly.

"You have to pull it a bit," I instruct him, taking his hand and guiding it to the bottom ties, "Start from the bottom. 'Tis like a pair of boots... sort of."

He laughs, the beautiful sound causing my heart to skip a beat in my chest. "Alright, I think I have it now. They really tied you up in this thing," he says, and I giggle as I imagine how Itylra would react to such a statement.

He tugs, and I feel the dress slowly begin to loosen. His skin brushes against mine, and I try to think of anything else, but fail.

"There, that should be it," he says quietly, and I nod.

"Thank you, Ar."

He stands there for a moment before stepping out and shutting the door, and I release a breath I did not know I was holding. The dress slides down my waist, my hips, and then pools at my feet, and I struggle to get out of it without ripping it.

Once my nightgown is on and my robe is slipped onto my shoulders, I step out into our bedroom to see that Arahaelon is already dressed. His gaze dips down to my legs for a moment, and I look away, pretending to not notice. I completely forgot that my nightgown is quite revealing, since it falls above my knees.

He stands.

"Here, I will take your crown," he says, reaching up and taking it from my head. I watch as he places it beside his in a velvet lined case.

I begin pulling all of the trinkets from my hair, and he joins me, gently picking out the jewels and unraveling the small braids. "Thank you," I whisper, barely able to think with his smell and his warmth enveloping me.

He pulls out the last jewel, running his fingers through my hair to check if there are more. "There," he says, leaning forward and pressing his lips to my forehead for a moment, "Goodnight, Annalee."

He pulls away, heading toward the couch and blowing out candles as he goes. A chill travels through my body, already missing his warmth, and I cast a glance at the bed, my heart sinking.

I walk over to it slowly, slipping under the blankets. I almost groan in pleasure! Never before have I slept in a bed as comfortable as this one! The silky sheets caress my skin, and the mattress forms to my body perfectly, as if it is hugging me. I lie there for a moment, thinking, before making up my mind.

"Ar?" I whisper.

I hear him shift on the couch. "Yes?"

I clear my throat. "I was thinking... well, I hardly think it is right for me to have this bed. 'Tis like sleeping on a cloud!" I begin, having no idea how to ask him, "And, well, I think I would be a terrible wife to make my husband sleep on the couch on our wedding night."

The silence of the room seems to swallow me, but I keep going, despite my embarrassment. "So, I think you should forget about the couch. I wish for you to sleep here with me," I say, my voice becoming quieter and quieter.

"Are you sure, Annalee? I do not want you to be uncomfortable," he replies easily, and I curse myself for being so awkward and shy.

"I am sure. 'Twill not make me uncomfortable."

I can feel his hesitation through our bond, but he stands after a moment. The bed sinks down slightly as he crawls in from the left, and my heart begins to race. I feel tingly all over and hot, and his breath hits my skin as he rolls onto his side, keeping a safe distance between us. "Thank you. You are far too sweet for your own good," he says, and I can hear the amusement in his deep voice.

"I care too much for you," I admit with a laugh, before realizing what I said, and my eyes widen.

Sensing my embarrassment, he does not comment. "Goodnight, 'Lee."

I laugh quietly at the use of my nickname. "Goodnight, Ar."

I fall asleep quickly, feeling more content with my husband by my side than I have ever felt in my entire life.

____________________

A/N: Ahhhhh! They're finally married! And OMG this is the longest chapter I have EVER written! 18 pages in Google Docs! 0.o

Sidenote: I'm officially done with high school! Hallelujah! Haha! Love y'all to the Moon and back, and I hope you enjoy this as much as I did writing it! God bless!

Love,

Josie :)