“There she is. My beautiful daughter.” I smiled half-heartedly, knowing what he was about to say. There had been a rumor floating around the castle here in Gondor that my mother and father had arranged a marriage for me with the future king of Rohan, Peter. Peter is a kind boy. I met him only once while he and his mother were here visiting, that was probably when my father started planning this whole charade. Peter is a kind boy, with sandy blond hair and a lanky posture. I gave my father a slight curtsy. “Father.” “Did you like Peter?” “In a younger brother sort of way I suppose.” My father smiled at me affectionately. “Erowen, you are one day going to be Queen of Gondor. You will need a king by your side.” Here it comes, I thought. The words that will tear your heart to pieces. “The race of men must continue. Therefore, you are to marry Peter when you and he come of age.” “But father! That is completely unreasonable! I can’t possibly…” I stop short, thinking. What my father says does make sense to me I just wish it didn’t have to be this way. I drop my gaze, “Yes father.” He takes my chin in his hands and pulls my head up so our eyes can meet. “Erowen. I have no choice but to arrange this marriage for you. You are almost reaching adulthood and you need a suitor.” I tried to stop it but a tear falls down my cheek. My father pulls me in a tight embrace. “I am sorry Erowen.” I pull myself away and walk out of the throne room without uttering a single word.

I pull open my bedroom door that quite suddenly became very heavy, and shut it behind me. I threw myself onto my bed and started to bawl. Why did it have to come to this? Why couldn’t I just choose who I wanted to marry? The race of men has to continue. My father’s words buzz around my head. But what about the race of elves? What about the other half of my heritage? Does that amount to nothing? I need to find Legolas.
I jump off of my bed and dash out of my room, looking around the hallway. I spot a maid and hurry over to her. “Have you seen Legolas anywhere? It is urgent that I speak with him.” “I believe he is in the town square my lady,” she says with a curtsy. I utter a quick “thank you” and run down the stairs and out the front doors. My pace slows down as I look around the square trying to find the familiar shimmer of blond hair. It was quick, but I saw it near the stables. I walked as quickly as I could in that direction but was grabbed tight around the arm halfway there. I uttered an audible gasp. Whoever had grabbed me had dragged me quite fast into a deserted alleyway in-between the armory and apothecary. This stranger pushed me up against the stone wall and whispered in my ear, “Do you want to go for a ride?” It was Legolas! I smiled and answered, “Yes. You know where to meet me.” He came so very close to my lips and I breathed quite heavily, but just as quick as he pulled me aside, he was gone. I stood there leaning against the wall trying to catch my breath, both slightly aroused and still in a bit of shock. After pulling myself together I headed to the royal stables.
I enter the stables and find my father tending to his horse. “Hello my daughter. Going somewhere?” Since my father’s announcement about my engagement, I can only assume he would not want me to see Legolas at all. “Yes. I thought I would go for a ride. Get some fresh air,” I answered, heading over to my horse hoping beyond hope that he couldn’t read the lie on my face. “Have fun, and don’t stay out too late.” He paused, reaching for something in his saddlebag. “Oh and Erowen?” I turn around and he holds out his sword. “Take this. Just in case,” he adds. I take the sword, nod, and put it in my saddlebag. I mount my horse and take off to my favorite spot in the world.
This spot is way out of site of the castle. It is a meadow, with lots of oak trees and wildflowers growing. In the summer, the breeze smells so sweet and just beckons me. In the middle of the meadow is a rather large lake with lily pads and crystal clear water that entices you to swim in it. In the summer the water is so lovely and warm and in the winter, one can skate upon the ice that forms over the water. Legolas and I have spent many hours at his meadow, our meadow, just letting the world slip by. When we are together it is like nothing else exists. Just him and me in this moment.

When I arrive at the lake, Legolas is already there. I dismount my horse and run right into his outstretched arms. We embrace. He pulls me away, takes my face in his hands and kisses me like it is the last time he will ever kiss me again. In reality, this is quite possible, and I just let him take me savoring every touch and sigh of breath. After what feels like not long enough, we pull away and he stares into my eyes which have begun to water. “What’s wrong?” he asks. I take his hands in mine and move them off of my face, lower my head and just hold them close as tears start to fall. “My father confirmed those rumors that I told you about a few months ago. About Peter and me.” He takes his hands out of mine and steps back, clearly in shock. “But…I…We…” “I know! I know, my love. But there is no changing his mind. He means me to marry Peter to continue the race of men.” Legolas stares at me as if I have insulted him. “Continue the race of men? But that is absurd! Completely irrational!” I look at him, very hurt by the way he is looking at me. Like I disgust him, like it was my idea to marry Peter. “I don’t disagree with him Legolas. He makes a very good point.” At this Legolas turns and walks back to his horse. “What do you want me to say?” I yell. “This is not my idea! This is not my fault! If I had my way, I would marry you.” I run over to him and grab his arm. “Look at me! Please.” He turns very slowly, pain etched in his face. “I love you, Legolas. Even if I have to be married, it won’t be for a while yet. We still have now.” “And what happens when you do get married Erowen? What do we do then? Continue meeting in secret like this? I won’t do it Erowen!” “I will never love Peter the way I love you!” “Really? Can you really say that to me Erowen? You will be married to him, you will have children with him.” He takes my hands. “What happens to us if you do fall in love with him?”
I stare into his eyes. Could I fall in love with Peter, a man who I only met once? I suppose I could one day. He wasn’t completely hopeless looking, and he was funny and nice. I revert my gaze and don’t answer Legolas. He releases my hands, turns back to his horse, mounts and rides away. I turn around slowly and move towards a boulder. Every step I take is painful and when I finally sit, missing the boulder completely and crumpling to the ground, I cry. I cry until I have no more tears to shed. How dare Legolas think this is my fault! Is it because I said I agree with my father? Maybe it is because I didn’t try to stop my father from issuing this marriage. Maybe I didn’t fight hard enough for Legolas. Yes, maybe that is it. Why didn’t I fight harder? As I ponder over this question I hear the night bugs come out and raise my head. It certainly is dark. I wonder how long I have been out here.
I sit up slowly, trying not to move too fast and whistle for Snow. She trots over and I mount her, taking off for home. When I arrive back at the stables I deposit Snow into her paddock and walk up the stone steps to the front doors. When I enter the castle my father is the first to greet me. “There you are! We were so worried!” He comes up and hugs me. It is so painful that I wince and try not to push him away. Can’t he see that my heart is broken? “I’m fine father. I fell asleep is all. It won’t happen again, I promise.” He lets me go. “Has something happened, my sweet? You sound ill. Shall I call the nurse?” I resist the urge to roll my eyes. “No father. I’m fine. Just tired. I’m going up to bed now.” I walk past him up the stairs and to my room. I don’t even bother dressing myself in my night clothes, I just put myself in my bed and after another long cry, painfully fall into a restless sleep.

The next morning I am awoken by a loud hammering sound coming from my head. No, it wasn’t my head. It was my door. Someone is pounding on my bedroom door. I tried to get up to tell whoever it was to go away but I couldn’t move. Every inch of me hurt like I fell off the balcony in the great hall. I manage to squeak out, “Who is it?” “Captain of the guard, my lady. You father requests your presence at your earliest convenience.” “Okay.” Ugh. What does he want now? Is he going to physically rip my heart out, because it would probably be a lot less painful than what I am feeling right now. In fact, I hope he does. I force myself off my bed, wash up and get into some new clothes. Afterward, I feel a little better. Cleaner anyway. I walk into the throne room to find my father talking to my mother. When he sees me he walks over, arms folded on his chest. “Good morning daughter,” he says monotonously. I answer monotonously back, “Good morning father.” There was a slight chill in my voice and I think my father heard it because he winced slightly. After a minute he said, “Guards, leave please! I need to speak to my daughter alone.”
There was few minutes of scuffling noise as the guards left the hall. What have I done? I thought. Does he know I saw Legolas yesterday? Is he mad at me for that? Or is he seriously going to rip my heart out? No. I answer, no. That is ridiculous. Believe it or not, my father really does love me. He would not rip my heart out. Then I am hit with the thought again, that I wish he would. My father turns his gaze back to me. “Erowen, Legolas came to see me yesterday. Did you know that?” My eyes widen in shock. “No,” I answer, truthfully. “No?” My father raises his eyebrows. “I swear, I had no idea. We…” I can’t tell my father we met yesterday for fear of reprisal. “We haven’t spoken in a few weeks,” I answer, instead. My father still looks skeptical but he lets it go. He says, “He came to see me about your engagement to Peter. He seems to think Peter is less of a match for you then I thought. Legolas is a very dear friend of mine and I take his words to heart. I need to know your thoughts on this, Erowen.”
My heart starts to race with excitement! He is actually reconsidering this whole stupid affair! But then I get angry as his last words sink in. “I started to argue with you yesterday father, do you not remember? I told you it was absurd!” He looks apologetically at me. “I am sorry for not hearing you Erowen. I talked to you after I had spoken to both Eomer and your mother and was convinced it was the right choice for you. But Legolas made a very good point. He brought up the race of the elves. His and your mother’s kin. What are your thoughts on that?” I can’t believe this. I most definitely thought of that yesterday! I am torn between being angry at my father and happy at the fact that Legolas and I think more alike than I thought. “I know you are angry with me, daughter. But try to see it from my eyes please.” I look at my father finally finding my voice. “After we spoke yesterday, my first thought was of the elves. What about the race of the elves, father? The other half of my heritage! Does it amount for nothing?” My father smiles and takes my hands. “That is almost exactly what Legolas said. And your mother and I agree with him.” “What about the race of men, father?” “The race of men will continue in its own right if it is meant to be. I was given a choice to be with your mother.” I look over at her. She smiles at me and nods. “And as my daughter, you should have that same choice. I support your decision whether he be human, elf or dwarf,” he chuckles. My smile widens and pure happiness surges through my veins. I throw my arms around his neck. “Thank you! Thank you father!” I kiss his cheek and run over to my mother and throw my arms around her as well. I am so full of happiness that was completely non-existent a mere hour ago.
“Erowen?” I turn and face my father. “I believe you have a fiancé to find.” My heart lightens and I run for the door of the throne room. My thoughts are only on Legolas as I open the doors and see him standing in the middle of the great hall, arms crossed, and a huge beautiful smile on his face. I run toward him and throw myself at him. He picks me up and twirls me around. When he puts me down he takes my face in his hands and kisses me. In front of the entire staff of the castle we embrace as if nobody else is there. I don’t even notice the applause. After what feels like an eternity, he pulls me away gently and asks with a smile, “Do you want to go for a ride?” I smile back in answer.

When we arrive at the lake there is a picnic set up. I stop Snow and turn to look at him, a skeptical look on my face. When he sees the look on my face he laughs. “I may have planned this a little bit,” he answers. I roll my eyes and dismount Snow. She wanders off with Legolas’ horse to find a nice patch of grass to nibble. Legolas takes my hand and leads me over to the blanket. All my favorite foods are there! A scrumptious looking autumn salad, and all the desserts one could eat. I look at him and smile. “You know me well, elf.” He sits me down and I automatically lay on my stomach. He feeds me grapes and strawberries and we lay there for an eternity laughing, talking and of course eating. After the sun goes down and the lightening bugs come out we finally stop. “I thought I would never see you again,” I say, seriously. Legolas looks into my eyes and I feel like he is looking directly into my soul. “I would never forgive myself if I walked away from you forever.” I sit up, moving closer to him. For once, I am the one who initiates the kiss. He pulls me even closer and lays me on my back. His hands explore my body as he pulls away, my arms still wrapped around his neck. “Are you sure?” He asks. I nod and say, “Absolutely.” He kisses me again and we get lost in each other right there by the lake in our meadow.
The sun burns into my eyes. I sit up and Legolas is gone. “Legolas?” I yell. When I hear no response I get to my feet, panic setting in. Where had he got to? Is he hurt? Did he leave me here as a joke? I look around for his horse and see him over by Snow. So he did not leave. I thought. If he didn’t leave, where is he? “Legolas!” I scream. I really start to panic now and run up to Snow grabbing my father’s sword. I strap it around my shoulder and crouch behind a large rock, listening. All of a sudden, it got very quiet. My superior elven ears perk up as I listen to every sound around the lake. I hear crunching on the opposite bank and make my way stealthily in the direction of the noise. I carefully and quietly hide behind a tree mere feet away from the noise. I slow down my breathing, hands gripping the sword. The noise comes closer to my tree and my instincts kick in. I tear the sword from the sheath and move out from behind my tree, grabbing the mysterious noise maker around the throat with the sword ready to impale it in the back. “Who are you?” I breathe. It is a man. He lets out a breath that sounded more like a laugh. “Hello Erowen. Miss me?” It’s Peter. By the tone of his voice I can tell he is out for blood. “What are you doing here?” I ask, pushing the sword still closer to his back. “I’ve come for my Queen.” I did not like those words. Anger comes rushing into my heart and I push the sword further still, breaking skin. Peter groans. “What have you done with Legolas you worm?” I growl with clenched teeth. He chuckles menacingly. “Gave him what he deserves for stealing my Queen.” I run him through with the sword and sheath it, anger completely taking over my being. I search the perimeter of the lake where Peter was pacing. I saw a glimmer of red on the grass and bent down. I took a little on my finger and swirled it around. Blood. Panic sets in again. I see more drops of blood. I follow it until I see a sight that makes me vomit on the spot. Legolas, mutilated and laying in a large pool of blood. I start screaming and convulsing until I slam into the ground.

I realize I am screaming and try to stop but the convulsing continues. “Erowen!” I hear someone calling my name from distance. I suddenly realize I’m not convulsing, someone is shaking me. “Erowen! Erowen wake up! It was just a dream!” I open my eyes and I’m sitting up gasping. I feel my face and feel tears running down my cheeks. I look around and it is still dark in the meadow. I find Legolas’ face with my hands and pull him towards me, taking in his wonderful smell. My breathing slows down when I feel his heart beating. “Are you okay my love?” He asks. My breath is still rather shallow when I answer, “Yes. Yes, it was just a dream.” I take another deep breath and let it out. “Just a nightmare.” Legolas kisses my forehead and I push him down and lay my head on his chest, listening to his heart beating. The sound calms me down considerably. Legolas strokes my hair and I just lay there, afraid to fall back to sleep. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asks. I close my eyes and the vision of him lying in a pool of blood comes flooding into my vision. I tense up and answer, “No. No, I’ll get over it. I just need quiet for a few minutes.” He doesn’t answer but lets me drink in the sound of his heart and his slow, controlled breathing.
How could I think Peter would kill Legolas? First of all, Legolas is an elf, Peter a human. Legolas would have ripped him apart before he even knew Legolas was there. Second of all, Peter is half a world away and not enough of a man to even think about taking a life. I start laughing as I come to these conclusions. “What’s so funny?” asks Legolas. “Nothing,” I say. I sit up. “We should head back. My father will start to worry.” Legolas sits up as well. “Okay. I’ll ready the horses. Don’t worry about this stuff.” He kisses me lightly on the lips and gets up and stretches. I linger for a moment longer on the ground cursing myself for being so stupid. Legolas offers me his hand. I push it away chuckling. “I can take care of myself you know.” I push myself off the ground. He laughs and starts packing up the picnic. I walk over to Snow and stroke her mane. “Are you sure you’re alright?” asks Legolas. “Yes my love. I am fine.” I appreciate his concern but does he really think so little of me? Maybe I have grown soft after returning from the war. My eyebrows knit together as I curse myself for being soft. Legolas comes over and puts the picnic things in his saddlebag. He sees me tense and turns me to face him. He runs his thumbs across my forehead to smooth out the wrinkles and kisses it. I smile, mount Snow and take off for home, the love of my life not far behind.

When we enter the great hall, all is quiet. My parents must not have waited up for me. I take Legolas’ hand and lead him quietly up to my bedroom. One of the benefits of being half elf is I can choose to be stealthy which has come in handy over the years, as in this moment. Sneaking my beloved to my bedroom without waking the entire castle. I very quietly pull open the door to my room, enter with Legolas in tow and again very quietly close the door. Not even a squeak issued. I let out a breath as I lock the door. Legolas is already sitting on my bed. I turn around and walk over to him, straddling him. I take his face in my hands and put our foreheads together. I once again surprise myself by initiating the first kiss. His hands find their way to the clasp holding my dress together. I stand up and pull him to his feet. He lets go and the silk dress falls to the floor. We kiss again and his hands explore every inch of skin as he pulls me on top of him.
I awake the next morning, feeling my way to Legolas. When I reach the end of the bed I immediately sit up and look frantically about the room. I see no sign of him anywhere and I am instantly transported back into my nightmare. As I start to panic I notice a piece of paper with my name on it on my bedside table. It is in Legolas’ hand. I take a few deep breaths calming myself down. I wipe the sweat off my brow as I open the paper:
My beloved Erowen,
I have gone to seek council with your father in regards to our wedding. I need to arrange my father’s visit. I will be waiting for you in our meadow later this evening.
Your beloved,
Legolas

I drop the note on my bed and another cold sweat envelops me. I knew Legolas was prince of the woodland realm. How could I have been so swept up in love to forget about his family? And if his father is coming that means…Tauriel is coming as well, the captain of his father’s guard. The woman who had Legolas’ heart before me. I take in a breath and let it out. “Don’t worry,” I say to myself aloud. “She is no threat to me. Legolas is in love with me now.” Am I just trying to convince myself? I shake the thought and walk over to the water basin and wash my face. I put on my most favorite dress. My mother gave it to me for coronation day, when I was crowned princess of Gondor. It is a beautiful pale white silk dress that flows like a river to my knees. It used to flow to my feet but after coronation day I cut so I could wear it casually. I decide not to wear the necklace that pairs with the dress. It is too formal. I leave my room intending to go to the library to do some research on the woodland realm.
As I turn the corner coming off the staircase, I am violently grabbed and pulled under the stairs and against the wall. I utter a single scream before a hand covers my mouth. The scream lingers in the, for once, deserted great hall. The assaulter reveals himself to be Legolas. With his hand still covering my face I sigh, relived it is just him. “You really should not put yourself in these situations my love,” he whispers in my ear. His lips brush my cheek, down to my jaw. I close my eyes loving the feeling his touch gives me. I lift my hands to the one of his holding my mouth and uncover it. “I guess I am growing soft.” “Your actions aren’t the only thing of yours that is soft.” I giggle and push him away. “I was just on my way to the library before I was so rudely assaulted.” Legolas smiles and asks, “Why are you going to the library?” I revert my gaze away from his so he can’t detect my lie, “To do some light reading.” I look back at him, smiling. “It gets rather boring around here without orcs to fight off.” Legolas’ smile fades and he looks stern. “I’m sorry,” I say. “I shouldn’t have said that.” Legolas shakes his head. “It’s not that. I just remembered my father will be here tomorrow.” I stop dead in my tracks and turn to him. “Tomorrow?” I ask. My pulse quickens. Tomorrow? That leaves almost no time to research. I have to shake Legolas. “My love. Why don’t you go for a ride? Clear your head for tomorrow.” “But what about the…” “We can go after your father leaves.” Legolas seems to agree. He nods and says, “Okay. I will see you later then.” He turns to leave but I stop him, grabbing his arm. I pull him close to me and rest my forehead against his. “Yes you will my dearest.” He gives a small smile and lightly kisses me on the lips before departing.
I watch him leave the hall before turning quickly and walking into the library. Curse this library for being so large. After what feels like an eternity I give up. There is too many books! And I can’t reach the top ones which, knowing my luck, is where the book I need lies. I angrily sit on a pouf in the back of the library and look out the window. The city is preparing for the arrival of the woodland realm. Maybe I will go and help them. As I exit the great hall I am greeted by the smell of pine trees. The entire city smells of pine trees! It is wonderful! “The lady Erowen!” People call out to me and I give curtsies to everyone I pass. I eventually come up to a blond elf man. “My lady.” He says with a bow. I stop him and say, “That is not necessary, friend.” He gives a small smile and continues putting up a banner with the woodland realms emblem on it. “Where are you from?” I ask. He gives a very quick glance in my direction and answers, “The woodland realm.” I look up, startled. Maybe I don’t need books after all. I proceed to help him put up the banner. “Is it a nice kingdom?” “Oh yes my lady. Beautiful year round.” “Where exactly does the kingdom lie?” “In the middle of Mirkwood.” I let my gaze drop. He senses my hesitation, “It’s not so bad, really. The people aren’t as cold as you think. I bet you want to know about the king though, don’t you.” Trust an elf to see right through you. I smile, “Yes.” The man falls into thought and stops struggling with the banner. “He can come off as cold. Yes. Very cold. But some say he has to be because of where we live. Others say he is just cold-hearted.”
So far, I do not like the sound of this woodland king. I look nervously at the banner. The man smiles at me. “Once one gets to know him though, he is actually very kind.” “You make it sound as if you know him personally.” He drops his gaze, embarrassed. “Why did you leave?” I ask. He looks at me, amusement in his eyes. “The king sent me to live here to spy on his son.” My mouth drops but I close it quickly and collect myself. I help him with the banner and bow away. “Lady Erowen,” the man beckons me back over. “Do not think little of our king. Wouldn’t your father send a spy after you?” I drop my gaze and walk away. Yes, my father would do that sort of thing. I wonder if Legolas knows of this spy. I look up at the sky and see that the light is fading. Legolas should be returning soon. I walk back to my room, still in shock.

As soon as I sit on my bed I regret not asking the spy about Tauriel. That was the whole purpose for going to the library after all. I bury my face in my hands and run my fingers through my hair. I can’t believe I didn’t ask about Tauriel! I was too wrapped up in the spy business. Why was I so shocked anyway? It’s not that shocking! Legolas is a prince. My father would send a spy after me as well if I went to go live in Legolas’ realm. I am glad I didn’t though. I don’t think I could take being away from my parents, my kingdom and everything I love. Suddenly the sacrifice Legolas has taken for me hit me full in the face.
At that moment, the door opens. Legolas steps in. I run into his arms and say, “Thank you. Thank you for sacrificing everything for me.” He pulls me away puzzled. “What are you talking about, love?” “Well it just occurred to me that you left your father and everything that was important to you behind when you came to live in Gondor.” To my surprise Legolas laughs. He laughs himself onto my bed. I scowl at him. “What is so funny?” “You are! Erowen,” Legolas stands up and takes my hands. “I knew what I was doing when I left my home to meet with Elrond at the secret council to discuss the whole affair. True, I did intend to return but I fell in love with you. My choice to leave brought me to you, my sweet.” He runs a finger down my nose and kisses it. “I regret nothing. I sacrificed nothing. And to be honest my father isn’t the warmest of fellows.” Legolas drops my hands and sits at my desk, facing me. “So I’ve heard.” Legolas raises an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” I drop my gaze to my hands which I started to curl and uncurl. “I was helping the citizens put up the banners for tomorrow and I ran into someone from your home.” “Really? Who?” I gathered up my courage and just came out with it. “A spy for your father. Watching over you.” Legolas rolled his eyes at these words. “I figured he would send someone over here once I told him I was staying. I didn’t exactly tell him why I was staying.” My mouth fell open. “You mean, he had no idea you loved me?” Legolas shook his head. I turned around, panic setting in, and started to pace. “Don’t worry Erowen. I’m sure he knows now and if he disapproved at all he would have called me back.” I face my door and think this over. He is right of course.
I turn back around. “You’re right.” I drop my hands to my sides as Legolas beckons me to sit on his lap. I slide into his arms so easily and comfortably that I automatically rest my head on his shoulder. He strokes my hair, the movement calming me down instantly. “What of Tauriel?” I ask. Legolas stops, sitting me up to face him. “What about Tauriel? She is only a minor nescience.” I drop my eyes, slightly embarrassed about what I have to ask. “If you saw her again, would you remember why you loved her?” Legolas lifts my chin so our eyes can meet. He strokes my cheek, my hair, and my shoulders. “My dearest love. I could not fall in love with her if I tried. You are the only woman in the whole of Middle Earth whom I care so deeply about. What Tauriel and I had was nothing, nothing compared to what we have. It was just a crush. Haven’t you ever had a crush on anyone else?” I smile and turn slightly pink. He smiles back. “Yes. A boy back in Rivendell when I lived with my mother six months out of the year. He was an armorer. One day he came up to the veranda where my mother, grandfather and I were having tea to bring me flowers. It was completely innocent and now that I think back on it, it was rather cute.” Legolas laughs. “See! Exactly the same with Tauriel. She is no threat to what we have.” I smile and lay back down on his shoulder. “How was your ride?” “Refreshing. It did much to clear my mind. I’m ready to see my father again. Are you ready to see him?” “I think so. I’m not sure how one prepares for this type of thing. I do wish I had saved this dress for tomorrow though.” “Speaking of!” Legolas stands me up and goes over to his saddlebag that he laid down on the floor when he walked in. He reached inside and brought out the most beautiful sea green gown I ever saw. “Now you can look the part of a woodland princess.” “Oh Legolas! It is beautiful!” I take the gown into my hands and hold it up to my body looking in the mirror, turning around. “I love it! I absolutely love it!” I put the dress on my bed and give him a kiss. I try to pull away but he holds me there, in the kiss and it turns into more than a kiss. When he finally lets me go, I stay where I am and whisper, “Thank you so much.” “You’re welcome.” And we kiss again, perfectly blending into each other. I hold him back after a minute though. “Hang on,” I whisper. I move my new dress off my bed and hang it up in my wardrobe, ready to wear tomorrow. When I turn back around, Legolas is lying on my bed naked. I giggle and crawl my way on top of him. He pulls my head in close and kisses me so tenderly and sweet, it sends a chill down my spine.

When I wake the next morning, I see Legolas lying next to me. I smile at him. “Well that is a first,” I say. “What is?” “You being here when I wake up.” He smiles. “I wouldn’t leave you today.” My eyes go wide and I gasp. “Your father is coming today!” I dash out of bed and hurry over to my water basin and start to wash up. “Erowen.” Legolas stops me. He pulls my hair back, off my shoulders and sits behind me on the chair, looking at me in the mirror. He kisses my shoulder on the left and works his way over to the right, nibbling on my neck in-between. I close my eyes, steadying my breathing. He whispers in my ear, “Relax my sweet. You need not kill yourself for my father. You will look beautiful no matter what you do or wear.” I open my eyes and turn to face him. I take his face in my hands and pull his lips to mine. “Thank you.” I whisper, kissing his nose. He smiles and stands up. “I have to get myself ready as well. I will see you shortly my lady.” He kisses my hand, gets into night clothes, and walks out of my room. I turn back to face my reflection and continue washing up more slowly than before. I dress myself in night clothes and read more of Bilbo’s book before my untimely death by future in-law.
When, after an hour slips by, I get a knock on my door, my mother pokes her head in and says, “You should start getting ready darling.” I smile at her and say, “Okay mother.” “May I come in?” I close the book and sit up on my bed. “Yes. Yes of course.” “I thought I could help you get ready.” “Thank you. I could use some help.” My mother comes in and shuts the door behind her. She gasps as she spots my dress. “Did Legolas give you that?” I smile and blush. “Yes. Isn’t it the most beautiful thing you ever laid eyes on?” “Yes indeed. This is more beautiful than my wedding dress.” “Oh this isn’t for our wedding. It’s for today.” My mother looks at me wide eyed. “You don’t need to look this nice for today. There is going to be a party later, you know?” “Yes I know. Legolas insisted that I wear it today though.” “Okay,” says my mother a little skeptically. I slide into the dress, my mother clasps it in the back and we stare at my reflection. It is more beautiful than I first thought. If only it had…
There was knock and Legolas poked his head in. “I forgot to give you something.” He spots my mother and adds, “Am I interrupting? I can come back…” I answer quickly, “I was just thinking this dress needs something extra. No you’re not interrupting. My mother was just helping me get into my dress.” He smiles and he comes in. He is dressed in the outfit I saw him in when he came to live with us. “It is more beautiful now that it is on you.” My mother clears her throat, “I’ll let you two have your privacy.” She smiles at me on her way out and I smile back. Legolas stands behind me and wraps the most beautiful necklace around my neck. I let out an audible gasp. “You really shouldn’t have done this.” “Hush my sweet. I love doing nice things for you, especially when they make you shine this much.” I flush with embarrassment. He wraps his arms around my middle and stares at my reflection. “I almost forgot!” I say, and walk over to my desk. I reach inside the only drawer and pull out a box. I walk back over to Legolas and open the box. Inside are two small crowns, one female and one male. “I had these made for us for our wedding day. I figure we can break them in now.” He stares at me and smiles. “You always have to top my gifts.” “I hardly think this tops what you gave me.” He takes his crown and places it on top of his head and then does the same for me with my crown. I let out a breath. “You know, this is why I am going soft. You keep doing things for me.” He laughs and turns me towards the mirror. We stand there enjoying each other’s company when we hear the first horns blow. “He’s here,” says Legolas. “Shall we?” He asks, offering me his arm. I slowly take it, “We shall.”
He walks me out of my room and down the stone steps towards the front doors. When we exit, I see my mother and father standing in the doorway. “Ah! There they are. Erowen you stand on my side, Legolas on my wife’s. Very good. And we wait.” I stand there, beside my father looking out at the castle courtyard. The procession is rather slow, agonizingly slow as I gaze on. I do wish they would hurry! I don’t appreciate my death being delayed any longer. My eyes drift to my father who looks down at me and gives me a small smile and a nod. I revert my eyes forward and continue to watch the procession moving.
After what feels like four hours, King Thranduil arrives at the door. He is very tall with very long blond hair. He and his son share the same facial bone structure though, right down to the distance of his eyes. He presents himself very majestically, it is almost intimidating. “My son!” Legolas descends the stairs and embraces his father. “Father.” “It has been too long my boy.” He and Legolas separate and Legolas ascends the stairs once more to join my mother. His father turns his gaze upon my father. “Aragorn, son of Arathorn. It is a pleasure to finally meet you,” he says with a slight bow. My father bows back and says, “King Thranduil. It is an honor to welcome you to Gondor.” Thranduil gives a small smile. Next, he turns to my mother. “Arwen. Your father and I go way back. How is the old man?” My mother bows to him and answers, “He is fine, as always.” Thranduil smiled and turned to me. “And you, my dear, must be Erowen.” I was almost shocked that he knew my name, and then I remembered the spy. I shook it off and took a step forward and curtseyed very deeply. “Yes my lord.” “Come now darling. There is no need for formalities.” He ascends the stairs and lifts my chin. I stand up and look into his eyes. “I see Legolas has given you the gifts. Tell me, do you know where they came from?” I started to shake my head but then remembered my manners and said, “No my…I’m sorry,” I chuckled slightly. “But I’m not sure how to address you.” To my surprise he starts to laugh. He looks at my parents, “You have raised your daughter to have great respect for others. I applaud you.” My mother and father smile at each other. “You may call me father.” I flushed the deepest red, I could feel it in my cheeks. “No, father. Legolas has not told me anything about these gifts. He gave them to me just last night.” Thranduil smiled wide and he put his hands on my shoulders. “They were his mother’s and let me say that you wear them just as beautifully as she did.” I flushed so deeply at his words that I had to look at the ground to stop myself from crying. Thranduil took a step back and announced, “I heard there was a feast to be had here. Shall we go find it?”
My mother and father escort Thranduil inside. Legolas and I follow. When I found his eyes he was smiling so hard, I could swear his eyes were watering. He offered me his arm and I very nearly fell into it. He whispered, “Part one is out of the way. Part two is about to happen, brace yourself.” “Why didn’t you tell me these things were your mother’s?” Legolas flushed slightly pink. “I didn’t think you would wear them if I told you where they came from.” I looked forward, once again surprised at how much we think alike. Legolas is right. I would have denied his fantastic gifts if I had known his mother wore them. His father did not seem to mind, in fact he seemed really happy I was wearing them.

As we walk into the dining hall, the hall we only ever use for occasions like this and the one we will use at my wedding reception, we are greeted by the wonderful smell of food. Not just any food, elvish food. No meat to be found tonight, instead there are lots of different types of salads and desserts. I was just starting to hope my father didn’t expect me to give a speech when I saw him standing up at the front, beckoning for everyone’s attention.
Once the room was quiet he called out, “Will the bride and groom please come join me at the front?” My heart started to race. I do not want to give a speech! I don’t even know what to say. Legolas gives me a little nudge forward and we walk up, arm and arm to stand on either side of my father. “This weekend, we will be celebrating a very joyous occasion. The union of my daughter, Erowen and my dear friend Legolas.” A red headed elf woman standing just behind the king caught my eye. From the way she was staring knives into my head I could tell she was Tauriel. I instinctively looked elsewhere. “On the eve of this event, we will feast with our soon to be family and celebrate together!” Everyone in the hall cheers and my father releases us as the music starts to play. I let out the breath I was holding in as I descend the stairs. I look up to where Tauriel was standing but did not see her there anymore. I turn to Legolas. “I saw her. Tauriel.” His face grows dark. “Let me find her and I will arrange a meeting.”
Before long Legolas finds me. “I talked to her. She is willing to meet with you right now.” I nod curtly, and let him lead me through the dining hall doors and into the great hall. I see Tauriel standing in the middle of the empty hall and my heart sinks into my stomach. As I approach her she looks at me with that dagger piercing stare. “Hello Tauriel.” She just stares at me. “I wanted to meet you to get everything out in the open before tomorrow.” Still nothing but that stare. I stand there, awkwardly waiting for a response. Finally, she says, “I don’t know what you expected but I will not congratulate you. In fact, I didn’t want to be here at all.” She unfolds her arms and moves closer to me. “I could care less about you and him.” She nods in Legolas’ direction. “I am only here to protect my King.” She starts to walk away, but stops and says to Legolas, “Good luck tomorrow. I hope you two find all the happiness in the world. But just in case you don’t…” And, making sure I was looking, she kisses Legolas. Not just any kiss, a long passionate kiss. He pulls her close and strokes her hair. I turn away and feel vomit creeping up my throat. I hold it in, however, and run for the dining hall door.
My first coherent thought as I enter the hall is to try and find my mother. I spot her talking to Thranduil. I walk over. “Excuse me. I don’t mean to interrupt but may I talk to my mother please?” Thranduil nods and says, “Of course child. She is all yours.” He smiles and walks away. “Mother,” I start, vomit creeping back into my throat. “I’m not sure I can do this…” My mother holds up a hand. She takes my arm and leads me away from the procession of people getting food. She leads me into a side room that leads to the kitchens. “Why do you say this?” I look her in the eyes but before I can answer she says, “My. You do look pale and frightened. If you don’t want to marry Legolas…” I stop her mid-sentence. “I do! I do want to marry Legolas but I can’t do it tomorrow! It is too soon and…” My mother starts to laugh. She puts a hand to my face and I hold it. “Darling girl! You need not be afraid of Thranduil. He is very kind and completely accepting of your union.” “But…” I start, but my mother cuts me off. “Enough of your worrying Erowen. If you want to marry Legolas then you must do it tomorrow.” Just then the door opens and my father pokes his head in. “There you two are! I thought I saw you go in here. Is everything alright?” I looked at him like I did when I was afraid to come out of the tree I had climbed when I was little. My mother answers for me, “Yes dear. Erowen is just having pre-wedding jitters is all.” My father chuckles. “Well come my ladies. I think I saw Legolas looking for you, Erowen.” Great. Just great. I do not need nor want to speak to or see Legolas right now. I stand beside the door trying to breath but I can’t find my breath. Just as I feel I am about to pass out, Legolas comes up to me, worry planted all over his face. “Erowen! Erowen please. I am sorry. I was not expecting her to do that.” I can hear him but his voice sounds so far away. My vision starts to blur as Legolas calls for help, then all goes black.

When I wake up I am in my bed. I remember vaguely why and how I got there but it is very far away, as if in a dream that I suddenly forgot the next morning and was trying to remember. As I open my eyes I am enveloped by somebody. Somebody crying. “Erowen! Erowen my sweet. I was so worried.” I know that sniffling voice. It’s Legolas. I was about to hug him back when my field of vision was flooded by his kiss with Tauriel. I push him away, disgusted. “You! What are you doing here? Get out!” “What? Erowen, please! Let me explain!” “I said get out! I don’t want to see you!” Tears start coming down my face. When Legolas speaks his voice is riddled with pain, “Please let me explain.” I look up at him. His cheeks are stained with tears, and more keep rolling down. “I will give you five seconds to explain yourself.” His eyes widen. “I…but I…I…” “You’re doing great so far. Four seconds.” “Erowen, please. I did not expect her to kiss me.” Even the words pierce my heart. “Stop!” I yell. “Stop. I saw what happened, Legolas. You didn’t push her away. You didn’t even try.” Legolas looks at me very puzzled. “What are you talking about Erowen? I most certainly did push her away!”
My heart sinks and I look up at him again. This time, I don’t yell. I proceed with caution. “No…no you didn’t. I saw…” “Erowen, I don’t know what you think you saw, but I pushed her away.” I lay back down staring at the ceiling trying hard to remember what really happened. “I saw you pull her closer…” Thinking back on it hurts so much. Legolas takes my hand and I don’t pull away. I look him full in the face. “What you saw and what really happened are two separate things my sweet.” I look away again. I must have gone delusional or something because I definitely did not see him push her away. I look back at Legolas and ask, “So, you pushed her away?” I see the relief in his eyes as he gets up and sits by my side on my bed. “Yes. Immediately after her lips touched mine. I pushed her away and told her to leave, to go back to Mirkwood. After you were taken up here, and I knew you were going to be okay, I talked to my father about her. He agreed that she should leave and she left last night. He put someone else in her place.”
There was a knock on the door and my mother and father rush in, my mother in the lead with a bowl of soup clutched in her hands. “Erowen! Erowen, my sweet, sweet daughter! How are you feeling? Better? Do you need anything?” She puts the soup down on my bedside table and runs her hands all over my face feeling for fever. I turn this way and that trying to avoid her probing hands. “Mother. Mother! I’m fine! I promise.” My father speaks in elvish, “Arwen, she is fine. What happened Erowen?” I steal a quick glance at Legolas and then down at my hands. What do I say? I settle on the truth. “I saw something that shook me, is all.” My father looks at me, concerned. “What was it?” Why must he do this to me? I look at Legolas for a sign of continuance. He nods. “Legolas was once in love with the captain of his father’s guard. I wanted to meet with her to lay the cards on the table so that tomorrow won’t be as awkward. Let’s just say she is still very bitter about Legolas leaving and she tried to seduce him…in front of me. My mind played tricks on me and I saw something that did not really happen and it took the breath right out of me which caused me to pass out.”
Immediately, my parents look at Legolas with disapproval in their faces. I knew this would happen! I should have lied! “It was not his fault!” I interject quickly. Legolas stands up and moves back over to the chair he occupied when I first woke up. After a few minutes they turn their attention back on me, letting go what anger they felt towards my fiancé. “As long as you are going to be okay, that is all we care about at this point,” says my father. “I will be fine. In fact, I’m feeling much better already.” My parents smiled, worry still etched on their faces. My mother answered, “Okay darling. If you need anything let us know, okay?” She kissed my forehead and made for the door. She turned back to me and added, “Eat your soup.” I nod to her. My father came next and copied my mother’s movements. My mother leaves, giving Legolas one final skeptical look. Before my father left, however, he said to Legolas, “Come see me when you are done here. I wish to speak with you.” “Yes sir,” replies Legolas. My father blows a kiss my way before shutting the door.
“I wonder what he wants to talk to you about,” I say quietly. “I’m not sure, but I think I can guess.” He doesn’t get up to leave just yet and we sit in awkward silence neither looking at the other. I am the first to break the silence. “Legolas. I am sorry I accused you of something as horrible as…you know.” He gets up and sits on my bed next to me and takes my hands. “No need to apologize love. I can understand why your mind would make it seem like something it was not.” He kisses my hands, gets up and walks to the door. “I should go see what your father wants. You should go back to sleep. The wedding has been postponed until tomorrow.” Tomorrow? “Wait! What time is it?” “About noon. On what was supposed to be our wedding day.” And with that he leaves. I turn over to face my window. I was supposed to be married today. Instead I had to ruin the best day of my life because my mind decided to take a nap. I’m glad Tauriel left though. I don’t think I could get married with her watching, even if she hadn’t kissed my fiancé. I drift off to a restless sleep.

When I wake up I am startled to see someone in my bed with me. I start to panic when Legolas speaks, “It’s just me Erowen.” I relax back onto my pillow and ask, “What time is it?” “About midnight.” My heart sank like a ton of stones. “We are to be married today.” Legolas smiles. Even in the dark I can see it. “I can’t wait to be married to you my love.” I smile even wider as I reply, “Me neither.” Legolas moves closer to me and holds me against his warm body, our foreheads touching. He moves the hair draped over my shoulder, grabs my neck and pulls me in for a kiss. I am so relieved it is me and not Tauriel that I just melt into him, taking in his scent and savoring every kiss and brush of his tongue against mine. He pulls me away and the hand clutching my neck moves to my shoulder and then my breast. I let out an excited sigh and his lips curl into a smile on top of mine. Then his hand moves to my lower back and up my night shirt. I pull away and sit up so he can remove it. However, I put a hand to his chest, stopping him. “Maybe we should save this for our wedding night,” I suggest. He gives it a thought and nods his agreement. “Yes we should wait. It is only a few hours away.” I lay back down with him and he takes me up in his arms and we fall asleep tangled up in each other.

I guess waking up next to my fiancé was a one-time deal because when I woke a few hours later, Legolas was nowhere to be found. I wasn’t even awake for thirty seconds when my mother came bursting into my room. “Get up for heaven’s sake Erowen!” I asked her, “What time is it?” “Mid-morning. Your wedding is this evening. Hurry up!” I stretch and get out of bed. I walk over to my water basin and sit down staring at my reflection in the mirror for a minute. My mother notices me and slows down. She comes over and stands behind me. “You are going to make a beautiful bride,” she says. I smile softly at her and begin to wash my face when I remember that I wanted to take a bath today. “Mother. Can you get my bath ready?” “Of course dear. Be back in a flash!” And off she went. I only have a few minutes so I hastily opened my desk drawer and took out my box with our crowns in it. Luckily, someone had put them back. My mother is one stealthy lady when she wants to be because she whispers, “They are beautiful,” and I jump a mile in the air. My mother giggles. “Sorry sweetheart. Your bath is ready.” I take a few calming breaths and say, “Don’t you ever do that to me again!” She smiles at me and walks me down the side chamber to my bath room. I get undressed and get into the tub, immediately starting to scrub myself and my hair. “Mother. Were you scared on your wedding day?” My mother stops and looks at me. “You were there, weren’t you? I was terrified!” I giggle. “Getting married is a huge step, true. But if it is with the right person, it will feel as though nothing has changed at all.” I smile before dunking my head under the water. After my mother leaves, I linger a while longer in the warm bath water. When my fingers start to wrinkle, I get out, towel off and head back to my room.
My mother has laid my dress on my bed. It is a beautiful flowing white gown made of the softest of silks. As I requested, no veil is present. At least not one that covers my face. My veil will clip to the back of my bun and flow down my back. My crown was laid out as well, with Legolas’ nowhere to be found. My thoughts wonder to my groom and I wonder where he is or what he will be wearing when I see him. I look out my window at the sky and determine I have a few more hours until I need to start getting ready. I eye Bilbo’s book, pick it up and begin to read when my mother comes barging back in. I jump slightly and drop the book. “Mother! Can’t you at least knock so I know you will be bursting in?” “I’m sorry my darling but I need to make sure you are getting ready, which you are not. Come on Erowen! Enough foolishness.” She sighs, enters and closes the door behind her. “Can I help you put the dress on?” I give her a skeptical look but decide that she can. I step into the flowing garment and move my hair aside as she clasps it behind me. I sit at my water basin and stare at my reflection. My mother brushes my hair and ties it in a small bun behind my head, leaving some flowing locks to slither down my back. She fastens the veil to the bun and mounts the small crown upon my head. When she is finished with me, I don’t even recognize myself. My mother’s eyes start to water as she stares at my reflection. I get up from the chair and turn to face her. I grab her and hold her in a long hug. She starts to cry and says, “You look so beautiful. You have grown up so much these past few years.” I chuckle and respond, “Mother. I’m forty-six and a half years old.” “Still just a small child in the eyes of elves.” I look at my feet and then back up at my mother. She takes my hands. “I know you will still be here after you are wed but just remember that your father and I are still right around the corner. Literally.” We laugh and I say, “I won’t forget.” She takes my face in her hands and says, “Let’s go get you married, shall we?” She drops her hands and I smile and reply, “Yes.”
We walk out of my room, cross the hall to my parents’ bedchambers. My father is there in his armor and crown. He takes one look at me and bursts into tears. “Father!” I run over to him and hug him tightly. “I will always be your little girl,” I whisper. His grip tightens before he releases me and collects himself. “It seems like yesterday that you were begging your mother to allow me to bring you along with the fellowship. And now you are getting married.” “Father stop. I don’t want to cry just yet.” Knowing me, I will take one look at Legolas and burst into tears. My father chuckles and recollects himself. My nerves are really starting to kick in now as my father offers me his arm. “Shall we?” He asks. I take his arm in response, suddenly losing my voice.
There is a secret entrance in this room that leads out to the great hall. We enter the passage so as not to accidentally run into Legolas on his way out. My mother runs in the opposite direction, down the stairs and out the front door. We exit right next to the library door and turn to face the front door. Before we start walking my father turns to me and says, “Are you sure you are ready?” I nod firmly. “Can you speak?” I shake my head vigorously. My father laughs and we begin to walk toward the door. We stop at the door waiting for it to open onto the entire kingdom. My heart feels like it is about to burst out of my chest. I wish they would just open the gates already! This waiting is a slow, slow death.
Finally, just when I feel my legs starting to give way, the gates slowly begin to open and music fills the great hall. Sunlight clouds my vision at first, I blink and I can see. The entire courtyard is filled with people. There are too many people who live in the city though so some are watching from below. From the front door down the aisle to where my groom waits feels like at least a day’s journey. My father begins to lead me down the stone steps where just yesterday I was greeting my future father in-law. It is a long, slow walk and I can barely hear the wedding march playing over the sound of blood rushing through my ears. I want to bow and greet people as we walk like my father is doing but my eyes are fixed on Legolas’. If I thought I looked stunning it was nothing compared to what he looked like.
He was wearing what looked to be the lightest articles of clothing I have ever seen, and very bright white. He looked like a shimmering star in the sky which I assume was the point because wood elves love the stars. I am dimmed in comparison to him, quite literally. Just as I predicted, I start to cry. As we near the front I tear my eyes away from him to greet Thranduil and to my utmost surprise, little Frodo Baggins standing beside my groom. I give him a bow as we stop just in front of the bishop. The music stops and the courtyard goes silent.
“Who gives this woman away?” The bishop’s strong, clear voice echoes across the courtyard. My father responds, “I, her father, do hereby give her to her groom.” The bishop bows and my father kisses me on my cheek before leaving my side. I resist the strong urge to run back to his side and bury my face in his shoulder like a little girl again. Instead, I step shakily up next to the man who will undoubtedly take my father’s place. Legolas offers me his arm. I try to stop the shaking as I take his arm but I failed and he felt my tremble. He smiled warmly and I tried to relax. The bishop continues. “Welcome! Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today, to witness the union of Legolas Greenleaf and Erowen, first daughter to Aragorn and Arwen, King and Queen of Gondor. Is there any who would disapprove of this union? Speak now, or forever hold your peace.” I wait with bated breath for someone to cry out, but no sound could be heard throughout the kingdom. The bishop continues and I let my breath out. “Let us begin then. Do you Legolas Greenleaf, prince of the Woodland Realm, take Erowen, princess of Gondor, to be your wife? In sickness and in health? For better or for worse? For as long as you both shall live?” Legolas smiles at me at these last words and cries out, “I do!” so that the entire courtyard could hear, all the while never taking his eyes off me. He adds, “Forever and always.” “And do you Erowen, princess of Gondor, take Legolas Greenleaf, prince of the Woodland Realm, to be your husband? In sickness and in health? For better or for worse? For as long as you both shall live?” I part my lips to say the words but no sound came out. I hesitated too long and people started to whisper. Legolas looked at me and saw me struggling to speak. I can’t believe I am struck speechless at my own wedding! I clear my voice and cry out, “I do! I do! I do! I love you Legolas! I will always love you.” I could hear a relieved crowd sigh and Legolas’ smile widened. I blushed as I looked back at the bishop who continued. “Then by the powers vested in me, I now pronounce you man, and wife. You may kiss your bride.” Legolas takes me in his arms, dips me and kisses me. He lifts me back up and we continue to embrace, completely forgetting about everyone there. I don’t even hear the crowd cheering as he pulls away gently and rubs my nose with his. We laugh and hug and kiss some more. We turn to face the crowd hands in the air, presenting ourselves united and my entire being is overcome with happiness.