An arranged marriage could solve everything: Legolas' post-war melancholy, Lasriel's dream of freedom and a family, her mother's exile, King Thranduil's dark secret. But turning childhood friendship into love is not as easy as they thought - and nei...
~Legolas travels to Ithilien and Thranduil invites Lasriel and her mother to live in the capital until the wedding. An intimate supper gets slightly out of hand.~
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~♕~
"Anyone could see that the Prince was charming. The only one for me."
– Snow White
~♕~
8. Engaged
It was a perfect day for a feast outdoors; mild sunlight beamed through rose-tinted clouds and the glade was packed with people under the lustrous trees. It was one of those vibrant autumn afternoons when the forest exploded in colors more splendid than any firework the great Mithrandir could have designed.
On the podium in the center of the opening, Legolas and Lasriel looked stunning together. As Thranduil watched them exchange rings his eyes became misty; this was such a romantic, beautiful moment and he was so happy for his son. Finally Legolas would have a partner who could be his equal, a friend who was not a dwarf.
The engagement rings were plain, yet – he hoped – elegant, shaped as leaf garlands to symbolize their matching names. In one year from now they would be substituted with wedding rings and he already had ideas for those as well: wide silver bands with large stones set in a leaf-formed head. But he would discuss his design with Thuriniel first, he had found she had great taste in jewelry.
Next to him, she looked proud and happy, but also a bit nervous to stand in such a crowd. He suppressed an urge to take her hand and press it; the bystanders might get the wrong idea and mistake their friendship for something else. Instead he sent her an encouraging smile.
She returned it. "It is done," she said, voice full of emotion. "They are engaged now."
"They are. Now all we have to do is wait."
"And plan the wedding." Her eyes lit up with expectant eagerness.
After the ceremony they took their seats around the high table, the parents on either side of the newly engaged couple, and soon the feast began.
Galion brought the wine, as usual walking a bit unsteadily, but before he could continue Thranduil caught his arm. "Just leave it here; someone else can serve. You need to start packing."
"Packing, my lord?"
"Packing, aye. You are one of the volunteers to go with Legolas to Ithilien."
The butler's and Legolas' eyebrows simultaneously shot up.
"Me?"
"Him?"
"Legolas needs a trustworthy servant and someone to help establish a wine cellar in the colony. I know I can count on you, Galion; your expertise on wine is renowned."
