Last Act of Love (Sequel to The Last One)

Chapter 28

Minus gloves, pic above is her wedding dress.

Ruive stood in front of the floor length mirror, smoothing out a few creases in her dress and resting her hands on her waist. She took deep breaths in an attempt to steady her racing heart, but nothing seemed to calm her fears.

"Ruive, you are trembling." Arwen said coming to stand behind her in the mirror.

Arwen soothingly rubbed her soft hands up and down Ruive's forearms, hoping to bring her some comfort. 

"You are nervous, that's all, darling."

Ruive dryly chuckled, squeezing her waist.

"I'm not nervous, I'm terrified. I fear this is all a dream and I am going to wake up bound to the dungeons of Dol Guldur." 

Ruive's voice was as shaky as her breathing, for the first time Arwen saw the strongest woman she'd ever known at her most vulnerable. Arwen smiled comfortingly at her and wrapped her arms around her in a gentle hug. After a few moments, and some words of calming from Arwen, Ruive's breath had somewhat steadied and she was no longer shaking.

A soft knocking on the door drew their attention. Arwen glided to the door and opened it to reveal Aragorn dressed in fine royal garments. Arwen stepped aside and allowed him to enter, stealing a sweet kiss from him as he did so. Aragorn walked over to Ruive and took in her appearance. The look on his face was of awe and disbelief.

"Ru, you-you look beautiful." Aragorn breathed.

"Beautiful does not begin to cover it." Arwen chimed.

Ruive looked down shyly, a light laugh escaping her lips.

"What are you doing here, brother? Should you not be at the ceremony?" Ruive wondered.

Aragorn stepped forwards and gently took her hands in his, a crooked smile on his face.

"Someone has to give you away."

Ruive's mouth opened in shock. In truth she had not thought about who would walk her down the isle and give her away, but now she could not ask for anyone else to do the honours. Ruive tossed her arms around his neck and hugged him with all she could.

"I would not have it any other way." A few tears rolled down her cheeks. "Thank you, Aragorn."

Aragorn pulled her back and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"Are you ready?"

Ruive nodded, her bottom lip disappearing behind her teeth nervously. Arwen gave Ruive one last hug before disappearing out the door leaving Aragorn and the bride to be by themselves. Aragorn walked over to the small table and picked up the small bouquet of white flowers.

"Your future awaits." Aragorn whispered, handing her the flowers.

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The sun was not far off setting over Gondor, the courtyard filled with the guest of a long awaited wedding. The White Tree was adorned with candle lights flickering in the gentle breeze, giving off a gentle glow. Legolas waited patiently in front of the tree with Gandalf who had been more than willing to perform the ceremony. He was dressed in a simple, but fine silver tunic, light brown pants, and boots, his silver circlet resting on his head. Legolas looked among the people present, the members of the Fellowship, Faramir, Eowyn and Eomer, Elrond and the elves from Rivendell, even his father and some of the Mirkwood elves had attended.

Legolas was fiddling with his fingers nervously, he'd dreamed of this moment since the day they were first betrothed to one another 250 years ago. And now that it was finally here, he could not believe it.