𝐈𝐋𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐄̈ || A.

𝟎𝟑𝟑 ⸺ the wedding

This wedding shall mark the dawn of the Reunited Kingdom, the first step in the mending of long-sundered bonds between Men, Dwarves, and the few Elves who yet remain. Across the land, the tidings of a royal wedding stir the hearts of the people, and great is the murmuring of expectation and wonder.

Iladya, deep in conversation with her maids as they made the final adjustments to her gown, was suddenly interrupted by the familiar sound of footsteps. She turned just as the door opened, and there stood Legolas, his blonde hair gleaming like sunlight in the doorway.
     "Ila—"
     Before he could finish, Iladya's eyes widened in surprise, and she swiftly crossed the room to grasp his arm. "Legolas!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with both surprise and mock reproach. She tugged him toward the far side of the chamber, away from the delicate wedding dress. "You cannot burst in like that! The gown must remain a secret, even to you."
     Legolas, ever the obedient brother, nodded with a sheepish smile. "My apologies," he said, his voice full of sincerity. "I will be more careful in the future."
     A glint of excitement danced in his eyes as he continued. "I came to inform you that Ada has arrived."
     Iladya gasped, her heart leaping at the news. "Ada is here?" she echoed, a bright smile lighting up her face.
     Legolas nodded and raised a hand, gesturing toward the door. "And he has brought an old friend of ours," he added, his expression softening.
     A frown furrowed her brow as she followed her brother's gaze. Her eyes fell upon a hooded figure standing just behind him, and though the person's face was hidden, there was something about the silhouette that struck a chord within her. Her heart skipped. She stepped forward, and with a swift motion, the figure revealed herself.
     "Tauriel!" Iladya cried, her voice filled with disbelief and joy. She rushed forward, throwing her arms around her long-lost friend. Tauriel, her face glowing with a smile that matched Iladya's, embraced her tightly in return.
     "I heard that my best friend was to be wed," Tauriel smirked, "and you thought I would miss it?"
     Iladya laughed, pulling back from the embrace, her hands still resting on Tauriel's arms as she looked into her friend's eyes. "I cannot believe it is really you," she whispered.

"You should meet him," Iladya said, her smile widening as she began to pull Tauriel gently towards the awaiting Aragorn. Legolas, watching the reunion with a smile, stayed behind, knowing full well where his sister's heart lay.
     As they approached Aragorn, Iladya called out to him. "Elessar," she said with a playful note in her voice.
     Aragorn spun around, a smile lighting up his features at the sight of his bride-to-be. His heart always quickened at the sight of her, but today, on the eve of their union, it seemed to beat faster still.
     "Ilmarë," he said, tilting his head with a loving smile. His gaze shifted slightly, and he took note of the figure standing just behind her. His brow furrowed slightly in thought before his eyes widened with recognition.
     "My father has arrived," Iladya said with a gleam in her eye. "But he has brought someone with him. Perhaps you know her." She gently pushed Tauriel forward, and the elf maiden bowed her head in a graceful gesture.
     "My name is Tauriel, from the Woodland Realm, my King," she said, her voice full of respect.
     Aragorn's smile grew as he bowed his head in return. "Welcome, Tauriel, to Gondor," he said warmly. "I have heard much about you. Iladya speaks of you often, and fondly."
     Tauriel, ever the playful one, glanced over her shoulder and smirked at Iladya. "Does she now?" she teased.
     Iladya, trying to hide her own smile, looked at her fiancé. "I am certain you two have much to discuss," Aragorn said, his voice rich with amusement. "We would be pleased if you could join us for dinner tonight."
     Tauriel bowed her head once more, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Thank you, my King."
     Aragorn waved his hand dismissively, his eyes twinkling with mirth. "Please, call me Aragorn," he said humbly.
     Tauriel's smile widened, and Iladya leaned in just enough to whisper audibly, "He is not used to being called King."
     Aragorn raised an eyebrow, but amusement danced in his eyes. "Says my fiancé, who refuses to be called Queen," he said, his voice full of teasing warmth.
     Iladya met his gaze, her eyes narrowing in mock annoyance, though a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. "Tauriel and I are about to leave," she huffed, throwing an arm around her friend's shoulder as she began to pull her away. But just as she was about to walk past Aragorn, he suddenly reached out, taking her hand and drawing her gently toward him.
     He pressed a soft, quick kiss to her lips, savoring the way her eyes brightened, as they always did, whenever he kissed her. He never tired of seeing that spark in her gaze.
     "I love you," she murmured against his lips.
     She smiled softly, and with a final glance at him, she slipped her arm around Tauriel's shoulders once more and began to walk away.
     Aragorn sighed, a contented chuckle escaping him as he shook his head.
     "I love you more," he whispered, his words only just audible.
     From a distance, he heard Iladya's voice carry back to him, and a playful laugh. "I heard that!"
     Aragorn closed his eyes and laughed heartily, the sound echoing in the chamber as he watched the love of his life walk away, knowing that whatever the future held, they would face it together.