Heart Of Thranduil

Chapter 40

Thranduil watched Arieth disappear into the woods. The taste of her lips on his own, like a sweet remineder of what he would have again once their punishment was fulfilled, and their wedding was to be held. The day could not come soon enough.

Oropher and Thranduil had a very tense connection for days to come after Thranduil's return. Thranduil was really sorry for his actions, and so was Oropher, though the king was better at hiding it. Their father and son relationship had becomed nothing more than a formality, only greeting each other out of courtesy, Oropher giving orders, Thranduil taking them.

One day, after a couple of months had gone by, Thranduil was sitting on his bed in his room. He was studying Arieth's necklace. She gave it to him just before she left. "Keep it", she said. "I might be gone, but I'm still here". Thranduil missed her. He wanted to be with her more than anything, and once they where reunited, he would never let her go.

There was a knock at his door. "Come in", Thranduil said. Oropher entered the room. Thranduil got up. "No, sit", Oropher commanded. Thranduil did what he was told. Oropher sat down beside him. "I understand why you did what you did", he started saying. "I probably would have done the same. Or maybe not", Oropher smiled and looked at his son. "Thranduil, I would never have forced you into a loveless marriage, I never wanted that for you. Your heart can only love someone once, and I would have given everything to see you with your heart's chosen one, just like you've seen your mother and I together. Lady Galadriel saw you, but you ran away so fast after I sprung the news on you, you never heard that. I love you, my son, and I'm really proud of you. You will do this kingdom a lot of good, and be a great ruler in my stead. And now with a beautiful elleth by your side". Thranduil's eyes were blank. His father's words stirred something in his mind. He felt very loved, but very burdened at the same time. The words that had just been spoken echoed in his ears like tones of happiness and sadness blended togehter. Even though they couldn't know, they knew.

Weeks went by, and elves were running around preparing for the wedding. The date was approaching fast, and soon a hoard of elves from Lórien would be at their doorstep.

The date was due. Thranduil was walking back and forth in his room. Even though he and his father had come to terms, Oropher did not dissloved the punishment; Arieth and Thranduil were not to see each other before she walked down the aisle.

Arieth passed hundreds of admirable looks, but there was only one look that mattered to her; Thranduil's. Never had she seen such a divine vision while walking towards him. Their eyes were locked, a silly grin on both their faces. So happy to be together again. They took each other's hands, letting the speach from king Oropher bind them in marriage.

"I have something to say", Thranduil said after his father's speach was ended. "By all means", Oropher smiled. Thranduil looked into Arieth's eyes, giving her a soft smile. Arieth melted inside. "You came to me in a dream... The dream became true. Like magic, that flows within you. I though I was enchanted, under your spell, but I know now that I casted it upon myself. I trust you with my life, because I know I can. And I'll give mine to save yours. I give you my heart, to hold and protect, and if you give me yours, I promise I'll do the same. I love you".