I'm sorry this took so long. This is a shorter chapter, but I hope to finish the next one soon. I'm working a con and I've been crazy busy! Thanks for understanding and I hope you enjoy this short addition to the story.
"Estel, meleth nin, raising children with you would make me the happiest elf alive."
Estel sighed with relief and then chuckled. "Me too, Legolas. Me too."
The day of the wedding was finally here. Legolas had insisted that the wedding be held outside. "Meleth nin, what could be more beautiful than a romantic evening under the stars?" he first convinced Estel, before getting everyone else on board.
The gardens had been strung with lights and tied with bows. Every stone ledge and archway had been covered with small candles. The sun was just starting to go down and slowly the crowds on both sides of the satin aisle runner started to grow. As the sun finally sank over the horizon, the beauty of the candle-lit garden truly showed.
"Legolas, you were absolutely right." Estel said kissing the hand he held in his own. "I couldn't imagine a more beautiful place for such an event. Arwen is going to faint when she sees what you've done."
Legolas just smiled at Estel, in response.
When the doors finally opened, gasps and murmurs could be heard throughout the crowds. Arwen looked beautiful. She had on a simple white silk and lace gown. You could see her rosy cheeks through her lace veil. Her arm was intertwined with that of her ada, Elrond. He had tears in his eyes, but he wore a large genuine smile.
The two started their slow walk toward the arch that sat at the end of the satin runner. Lainor was already there, trying to calm his breathing. He was nervous and excited all at the same time. More than anything, he was happy.
The actual ceremony was very short. A few words were spoken, "We could wish nothing better for our children". Their vows were made, "I vow to stand by your side for the rest of my days". Their union was sealed with a kiss.
Estel was the first to cheer, followed swiftly by the twins, before the rest joined in.
After many congratulations were made, it was time for the couples first dance. As the music started, Lainor spun Arwen around the clearing. By the time that Lainor let her go, she was laughing and out of breath. Other couples started filling the clearing, dancing to the music. The twins had both found beautiful dancing partners, and even Elrond was dancing with Lumorniel.
Thranduil had asked Arwen for a dance, and they danced slowly as they talked. "Arwen, I am so happy for Lainor. You two are quite the pair."
"My king, I truly am the lucky one. Lainor is...well he is everything I could ask for." Arwen replied.
"I don't think he would have even known what to ask for, my dear." Thranduil laughed. "You captured his heart so entirely."
"As he has captured mine." Arwen blushed. "Thranduil?" She hesitated.
"Yes, my dear Arwen." He smiled down at her, still swaying to the soft music.
"Lainor is currently telling Elrond..." They both looked over at the two talking. "...So I will tell you."
Thranduil saw the look of surprise and happiness on Elrond's face, and it made him curious.
"We are with child." Arwen smiled. "You are going to be a grand-ada."
Thranduil was beaming. He pulled Arwen close and kissed the top of her head. "Oh, my dear. What wonderful news."
Arwen laughed. "Ada is coming over", but Thranduil didn't let her go.
He had to blink back a few tears, as Elrond walked up. "Mellon nin, I am considering never letting your family leave."
Elrond laughed. "I know how you feel. I will miss Arwen and your family dearly."
Thranduil finally let Arwen go to Elrond. "I have a feeling we won't last the year." he said, chuckling while wiping at his eyes.
Legolas and Estel were slow dancing nearby, and watched as both adas heard the news. Estel let out a sigh of happiness and pulled Legolas closer to him.
Legolas couldn't imagine the night going any better than it was. He felt Estel pull him close and in return he kissed him on the lips. "I am so happy tonight turned out so well."
"Legolas, how could it not? With your beautiful arrangement of the gardens and the love shared between Lainor and Arwen, nothing could go wrong." Estel responded, before kissing prince's lips once more.
As the night wore on, the real celebrating started. Wine and food were set out and people were gathered in groups telling stories and enjoying each others company. Dancing and singing could be seen and heard all over. Thranduil and Elrond were sitting and talking, making the most of the rest of their time together. Arwen and Lainor were with Lumorniel, simply enjoying the night. Elladan and Elrohir had both enjoyed quite a bit of wine and were currently being the best wing men each other could ask for.
Estel and Legolas, however, had chosen to wander a bit from the group. They had walked to the outskirts of the gardens and were laying down in the soft grass staring up at the stars. The fingers of their hands were intertwined.
"Meleth." Estel spoke, capturing Legolas' attention.
"Yes?" he replied.
Estel just laid there, staring at Legolas' face until he too turned his head to face Estel.
"What is it?" Legolas asked, a little curious at his odd behavior. "Are you okay?"
"I am more than okay." Estel replied, bringing their intertwined hands up to run the back of his fingers along Legolas' cheek.
Legolas just smiled at him.
"I have a question." Estel spoke.
"Perhaps I have an answer." Legolas teased.
Estel asked, "Will you be mine?"
Legolas gave him a confused look. "I am already yours, Meleth nin."
Estel smiled, taking Legolas' hand into both of his and sitting up. "I mean, really be mine."
Legolas was confused. He felt Estel's fingers run along the length of his ring finger before sliding something into his palm and closing his hand. Estel laid back down by his side and stared back up at the star filled night sky.
Legolas opened his hand and looked at what Estel had handed him. It was a flat silver band inscribed with words. Under the pale light of the moon, he read "CUIL NIN" (my life) on the outside, and "MENEL NIN" (my heaven) on the inside.
Estel was getting nervous at the silence that lingered in the air. He was just getting lost in thoughts of doubt when Legolas took him completely by surprise.
When Legolas realized what Estel was really asking him, his heart leapt in his chest. He quickly sat up and threw his leg over Estel, straddling him and pinning him to the ground. He leaned forward so that his face was just inches from Estel's. "Are you asking me to marry you?".
Estel could see the joy on Legolas' face and wondered why he had been so nervous. Running his hands over Legolas' thighs, he smiled up at him and replied "Only if the answer is yes."
Legolas barely let the last word leave Estel's mouth before pressing his lips hard against those of his lover. Legolas was speechless and kissed Estel urgently.
Legolas had never kissed him like this before, and Estel couldn't help but find it extremely sexy. His hands still grasping Legolas' thighs, he flipped them over and now laid on top of the prince, nestled between his legs. He could feel that Legolas was just as aroused as he was. "Is that a yes?" He asked.
Legolas' cheeks were flushed and his lips were slightly swollen. He looked up at Estel before grinding against him. "What do you think?"
Cheers could be heard from were the celebrations were still taking place. Closing the gap between them and kissing Legolas' lips, he replied. "I think we have need to get back to the wedding celebrations."
Legolas wrapped his legs around Estel's waist, not wanting to go back. "The answer is yes, of course. You didn't even have to ask. I have been yours this whole time."
Estel had to fight the urge to strip Legolas naked and take him right there on the garden floor. "I still wanted to hear you say it."
"I still want to show you." Legolas said moving his body against Estel's.
Estel laughed and then failed to hide a moan. "Later, meleth nin."
"Fine. Lets go back." Legolas said before flipping them back over and kissing Estel.
They walked back to where the rest of their families were celebrating. Legolas went straight to Arwen and pulled her to the side. As Elrond watched Arwen and Legolas hug and giggle and then gush over something in his hand, he turned to Thranduil and gave him a smirk. "I think that I was right this time, mellon nin."
Thranduil looked over at the two and saw the blush on Legolas' cheeks and the smile on Arwen's face. "Indeed. I was certain that the boys would take things a bit slower. It looks like we'll be planning another wedding the next time we are all together." Thranduil smiled at Elrond.