Legolas Saves the Day
By Kelly Palmer
Rated G
I wrote this for my sister but I figure other people will like it to.  
Tell me what you think.  Email me at ButterflyGirl03@aol.com 


The sun shone bright as Legolas and Gimli paddled along the River 
Running when suddenly Legolas stopped and turned his head.
 "What is it?" Asked Gimli.
 "I hear a rider coming this way."
Just then a fair she-elf came galloping straight towards them on a snow 
white horse.  She pulled the horse to a halt as she reached the river 
and let out a scream at the sight of the boat that was now blocking her 
path. She gazed at them threw lake blue eyes, from behind her hair 
which was rich and dark like almonds. She wore a gown of green and 
brown 
and a band of silver about her head. Its strands twisted about one 
another forming a solid braid of shining silver.  
 "I have not the time nor the patience to deal with strangers now, 
kindly move your boat that I may cross the River." Demanded the elf in 
a 
stern voice.
 "A thousand pardons fair lady," said Legolas, "we meant no offence are 
merely passing through, we shall move at once." 
The elf gasped as if just realizing to whom she was speaking.  She 
dismounted her horse and bowed.
 "Forgive good Prince I knew not who you were.  I apologize for my 
rudeness."
 "Do not bow, and you mustn't apologize for anything.  We are not so 
easily hurt by harsh tones." Replied the elf-Prince.
He paddled the boat to the shore and stepped out of the boat.  As he 
turned back to assist Gimli onto the shore, the she-elf gasped yet 
again.
 "Good Prince I mean no disrespect, but may I ask why you travel with 
this disgusting creature?"
 "Fair lady you have forgotten your manners." Insisted Legolas, "This 
is no mere creature and he is certainly not disgusting.  He is Gimli 
son 
of Gloin and a good friend to the elves." 
Gimli smiled at such a kind introduction, while the she-elf rolled her 
eyes.
 "Say what you will of him," said the she-elf, "for I will trust no 
dwarf for the rest of eternity."
 "May I ask," added Gimli, "what my kind has done to offend you-"
 "Taraechioriel, I am Lady of these woods for so I was named just a 
fortnight ago."
 "Very well then, Taraechioriel, what injustice have my people 
committed, as to cause such a stern hatred?" Continued Gimli.
 "As I have said," replied Taraechioriel, "only a fortnight ago my 
father named me Lady of this wood, and my sister, Novtholiel, Lady of 
the 
valley below.  For he has bound himself to a mortal and has chosen a 
mortal life with her.  His days grow fewer and his strength is failing, 
so 
having no sons, he has divided his kingdom between my sister and I.  
The wood is of no value to anyone other than our people who have grown 
fond of the trees and the rivers and wildlife, but the valley would be 
of 
great use to any who possessed it.  This has proven dangerous to my 
sister.  Many, longing to claim the valley as their own, have come to 
our 
realm seeking her hand.  She has of course sent them back to their 
homelands unfulfilled.  Yet one mortal would not be denied, a dwarf by 
the 
name of Fain Silverange demanded she reconsider his offer.  He adorned 
her with trinkets of gold and sliver and crowns of emeralds and rubies, 
yet still she was not won.  She asked him to leave her kingdom never to 
return, and again he refused.  He simply gave a call for his men, who 
approached her slowly with hidden hands as if to present her with more 
gifts.  As they reached her they sprang forth with rope and nets, and 
carried her away into the mountains."
"Fain," questioned Gimli, "I know that name he is Lord of the Iron 
Hills.  A dangerous sort that one is, but not so dangerous that a few 
elves 
could not easily overtake him.  How is it he succeeded at this?"
" Novtholiel, though Elven, is not as strong minded as most.  She is 
young and allows pity to cloud her senses.  She met with Fain in 
private, 
as he requested.  Thus no one was present to save her."
"How then," asked Legolas, "are you able to give such an accurate 
account of her capture?"
"The birds and beast of this land have long been friends to my people," 
answered Taraechioriel, "a robin sat unseen as the meeting took place 
and delivered the news to me as soon as it happened.  Sadly, I did not 
reach the valley in time.  I was riding to save her when you entered my 
path and delayed me longer than I would have liked.  Now I fear I will 
again arrive too late to rescue her from whatever peril she may be 
facing."
"Our apologizes for hindering you any longer," replied Legolas, "let us 
help you in your quest, for three can surely accomplish more than one.  
Send your horse home and we will take you down the river, it is quicker 
by water and less difficult to manage." 
	She bowed, and whispered to her horse. "Naro lim, Asfaloth! Naro 
lim."  
After removing the stores from his back, she sent him on his way.  
Gimli, who was already in the boat, reached out his hand to help her 
and 
but she denied him; thus Legolas offered his hand instead.
"Thank you good Prince, and forgive me sir Dwarf for I still do not 
trust your kind."
"All is forgiven, Lady Taraechioriel, I would not trust my kind either 
had they been so cruel to me." Answered Gimli.
"You need not call me Lady, for I am not yet use to that title.  
Taraechioriel shall suit me for now."
"That being said," added Legolas, "you may forget our titles as well.  
For we are now simple travelers who have not the need for such 
formality."
"Very well then, Legolas, Gimli, we’d better be leaving for it is a 
long days journey to the Iron Hills."
	As they rowed along, they sang and exchange stories.  Soon after 
sundown the talk led back to Taraechioriel and her fathers kingdom.
"Why is it that no one has come seeking you’re hand," asked Gimli, "the 
wood must be of some value to those other than the elves."
"It may be," answered Taraechioriel, "but any that may desire it know 
that I shall never leave and as for seeking my hand as a means to the 
throne, it is well known that I was betrothed long ago to Elrohir son 
of 
Elrond.  Thought his travels take him far from me, our love holds 
strong and is unwavering."
"You are to wed Elrohir," said Legolas with surprise; "I have heard 
much talk of you in the house of Elrond though your name was never 
given.  
Lady Arwen often asks her brother when he will leave his wandering and 
take you for his wife.  He always answers ‘soon’ and insists to her you 
do not mind his absence."
"He is not known to lie," replied Taraechioriel, "why should he start 
now.  I do not wish to force him into marriage.  Though I love him 
dearly and miss him when he is not here, I would not ask him to give up 
his 
way of life for me.  He will decide when he is ready to join me in my 
kingdom and only then will we marry and rule together."
"You are very understanding for a woman." Remarked Gimli, "Dwarf women 
often nag their men to death trying to convince them to leave the 
mines." 
"You will soon find," laughed Legolas, "Elven women are much easier to 
deal with than mortal ones."
Taraechioriel giggled.  
	They rowed on into the night, it was important that they did not 
stop 
to rest.  They would rest when they reached the mountain and knew of 
the she-elf’s fate.  As they drew nearer to the Iron Hills 
Taraechioriel’s heart became lighter and she began to smile much more.
"Why do you smile," asked Gimli, "you more than most of all should be 
worried for news of your sister?"
"I am worried," insisted Taraechioriel; "I love Novtholiel as much as 
my heart will allow.  I simply sense that her danger is small.  Our 
souls were linked in childhood and have been from that day forward.  
The 
bond between us exceeds that of any two elves in our realm.  Even from 
this distance I can feel her presence, and I am certain she feels mine.  
My heart tells me she is not hurt, nor is she frightened.  Thought her 
she is full of sorrow and grief, I know she is safe for now." 
"Oh to be an elf," cried Gimli, "you folk are blessed with such 
wonderful powers.  My kind must see a thing with our own eyes to say it 
is so, 
but elves, you follow your heart and whatever it says, is so."
"Not so, Gimli," answered Taraechioriel, "there are those like 
Novtholiel who have not yet learned to rely on what they feel.  They 
let the 
outside world dictate their decisions and not what they know in their 
hearts.  This is what led to her capture, though I am certain that she 
has 
learned her lesson and will not be so blind to the warnings of her 
heart."
"There is the gate," said Legolas; "we have reached the Iron Hills."
"Great, now we can rest." Declared Gimli. "We have a long day and a 
difficult battle before us."
"Rest!  Rest!" Cried Taraechioriel, "We can not rest until we have news 
of Novtholiel.  Though she is not hurt, we must know where she is kept, 
what holds her, is she under guard.  There are many questions that need 
answering before we can rest Gimli son of Gloin."
"How do you purpose we answer those questions?" Asked Gimli, "Elves may 
be light on there feet, but even a hobbit could not just waltz into a 
crowd hall of dwarves unseen, save one with a magic ring, and rightly 
that was destroyed."       
"Gimli is right," replied Legolas, "unless it is a battle we seek, it 
would be ill advised to approach the gate to night.  We know not where 
Novtholiel is being kept, nor do we have the energy to battle while we 
look."
"Then let us send a spy," begged Taraechioriel, "surely there are birds 
in this land that are not fond of the dwarves.  Let me send out a call 
for any that are willing to help, for I will not rest without knowledge 
of my sister."
"As you wish," said Legolas, "send out your spy, but bid them be 
careful and remain unseen."
Taraechioriel called out in a beautiful elvish chant, and within 
moments a chipper young robin flew right to her and landed on her 
shoulder.  
They spoke for a while, then after receiving a quick kiss on the beak 
he was off.  While waiting for him to return with his report, Legolas 
and Gimli unpacked the boat and prepared their dinner.  Taraechioriel 
would not eat; she would only pace to and fro brandishing her sword.  
"Come have a seat by the fire," begged Legolas, "nothing can be done 
tonight, and you will accomplish very little tomorrow with no feed and 
only a few hours sleep."
"It cannot be helped," said Taraechioriel, "I am anxious for news, and 
I sense Novtholiel’s impatience also.  She knows we are here, I feel 
her pacing awaiting our arrival."
"She may be impatient but she is still not hurt, of that you should be 
thankful.  All we can do for now is sit and wait."  Replied Legolas; 
"you must eat, for Novtholiel cannot see your weariness as I can. Come, 
set, eat, the robin will come soon with news."
	Taraechioriel sat and eat as much as her nervousness would 
allow, and 
then she pulled her knees to her chest and stared off at the stars. 
Legolas also looked at the stars, and he began to sing.

" A Elbereth Giltoniel,
silivren penna miriel
o menel aglar elenath!
Na-chaered palan-diriel
o galahremmin ennorath,
Fanuilos, le linnathon
nef aear, si nef aearon!"

Just as the song ended the robin returned and landed again on 
Taraechioriel’s shoulder.  His report was brief and he flew away 
quickly.  
"Thank you, Horduin.  I am forever in your debt." Yelled Taraechioriel 
as the robin flew away.
"What did he say?" Asked Gimli.
 "His report is good." Said Taraechioriel, "Her quarters are not 
heavily guarded, and she is not locked away nor bound by chains.  She 
walks 
freely in the main hall and is only bound by the hands with a single 
rope.  This shall make the rescue quite simple." 
"Very well then," replied Legolas, "we shall attack in the morning.  I 
hope this news will calm you enough that you might rest a bit." 
"It shall." Answered Taraechioriel, "I will sleep quite well now that I 
know more of Novtholiel’s situation."  She stood and walked towards the 
tree where she had placed her belongings.  "Goodnight kind sirs, this 
day would have proven impossible without your help."
"Good night fair she-elf," said Gimli as he lay down in the boat.
"Why do you make your bed there Gimli," asked Legolas, who had made 
himself comfortable at the foot of a large oak tree, "The ground has 
never 
bothered you before now?"
"Waking up to the sight of one elf sleeping with his eyes opened wide 
is strange enough," laughed Gimli, "I do not wish to awake to the sight 
of two elves sleep as such at the same time.  So I bid you both good 
night, I shall sleep here tonight."
	Legolas laughed then slowly fell asleep.  Gimli had fallen 
asleep long 
before that, but sleep would not find Taraechioriel for some time.  She 
lay still against the roots of dropping willow.  As it’s branches 
swayed to and fro, it sang a sad and mournful song that cause her heart 
to 
sink low in her chest and a tear to fall down her cheek.  She wiped it 
away and joined its song.
      
"Tiraeniel was an elven maid 
who longed to fined her truest love,
He was not found in middle earth
and thus she searched to skies above.
Yet still her love could not be found
and her heart grew weary with her tries.
Then one day as she sat and cried,
and teardrops fled her pale blue eyes.
Her tears refused to touch the ground,
they had a better purpose still.
They rose into the evening sky
and found themselves a space to fill.
They danced around against the sky 
then froze in place when they saw need
There in the deep violet night 
they formed the likeness of Oran-Deed.
So long she yearned to see his face,
the elven-prince which she had lost.
He loved the hunt and did it well,
but that, he learned would have its cost.
His memory lives now through this song,
and in the love Tiraeniel felt,
and in the stars her tears had formed,
Of the great hunter ore where he dwelt."

"I have not heard that song since I was young." Said Legolas, who 
apparently was not sleeping. "My mother sang it to my every time she 
caught 
me gazing at the stars.  Those words nor so sweet a voice have touched 
my ears for thousands of years."
"Good Prince" Replied Taraechioriel quite embarrassed.  "I did not mean 
to wake you.  The willow started singing and I could not help but sing 
along."
"Do not apologize, I should like to wake up to such a voice more 
often."  Replied Legolas.
"My voice is nothing to praise." Scoffed Taraechioriel.
"You do not hear yourself correctly, for I have never heard such a 
voice."
"That may be, but you have not yet heard Novtholiel." Said 
Taraechioriel, "My father once said her voice could put the nightingale 
to shame.  
She would sing to me when my heart wept for missing Elrohir.  She would 
say, ‘All that love must be alone from time to time, but you know 
Elrohir will always return to you.’  No one could comfort me as she 
could."    
"Do not worry.  We will not fail; Novtholiel shall be freed before 
nightfall tomorrow."
"That is my deepest hope."
With that, she drifted off to sleep.  Legolas followed closely after.
	As the sun rose the next morning, Taraechioriel was the first to 
wake.  
Soon after dawn they were packed and on their way.  They soon reached 
the gate.
"Be alert," warned Legolas, "It is early yet, but some may still stir 
in the great hall."
They slowly made their way into the hall.  Dwarves lay strewn about as 
if a great party had taken place the night before.  Taraechioriel step 
gently over each one that lay in her path, as if she some how she knew 
exactly where to go.  She came to a great oak door and placed her ear 
to it.  "Novtholiel," she whispered.
"I am here, Taraechioriel.  I knew you would come for me.  I felt you 
were near."
The door opened and out stepped a beautiful elf-maid.  She was clad in 
blue and purple, her hair like sand reached far beyond her shoulders.  
Her eyes shown like sapphire and she wore the same silver band as 
Taraechioriel.  Her eyes filled with tears as she looked upon 
Taraechioriel’s face.
"I feared I might never see you again." Said Novtholiel as she kissed 
Taraechoiriel’s cheek.  "I see you have not come alone, dear sister.  
Do 
my eyes deceive me or is the fair Prince Legolas I see beside you." She 
bowed.
Legolas paused for a moment at the sight of the fair she-elf before 
him.
"Please my lady, do not call me prince, nor should you bow.  As 
Taraechioriel will contest I do not prefer formality."
"As you wish Legolas," answered Novtholiel, "thought I fear that shall 
take some getting use to.  And whom may I ask is this gentle dwarf, for 
I know he does not reside here as his beard is well kept and he does 
not attack me now."
"I am Gimli son of Gloin, my lady, and I do not claim this sort as kin 
I assure you."
"I should hope not," replied Novtholiel, "I would sooner chose the 
company of orcs over another day with these creatures."
Taraechioriel cut her the ropes from her hands.
"Sooner or later, a will need a weapon.  If the dwarves awake, we will 
be in for a fight."
"Take my sword," said Taraechioriel, "I am far better with my bow."
"Thank you sister, I shall return it to you when we are home.  I should 
thank you more if you had some food.  I have not the stomach for beer 
and meat."
"I believe I have some lembas and miruvor in my pack.  It is yours if 
you desire."  Said Legolas taking off his pack.
"That would be wonderful, thank you Legolas."  Said Novtholiel taking 
the food and kissing Legolas’ cheek.
Legolas blushed, and quickly turned away.  As Novtholiel ate and drank 
she felt her strength returning.  
"Come my friends, it is foolish to linger."  Said Novtholiel, "The 
dwarves should sleep for most of the day, for they had much to drink 
last 
night.  They celebrate Fain’s engagement.  I was forced to stand at his 
side as though I had willingly agreed to marry him."
They made their way back through the crowd of sleeping dwarves; 
Novtholiel and Taraechioriel carefully stepped over each of them one by 
one.  
Gimli, who’s legs where not long enough to step over them, had to find 
his way around.  While Legolas, with his eyes on other things-mainly 
Novtholiel-stepped mindlessly over them.  This of course proved foolish 
when Legolas accidentally tripped over a rather fat old dwarf, landing 
on top of another.
"What the-, elves! To arms! To arms! The princess is escaping!"  Yelled 
a partially hung-over dwarf. 
The dwarves struggled to their feet and fumbled with their swords.  
"I knew I fight would be in store," said Tarachioriel franticly, 
"though I did not think that We would start it."
	The dwarves ran towards them, axes in hand.  Legolas who was now 
on 
his feet, gave the first blow.  Pulling his knives from his belt he 
quickly turned and slashed one dwarf across the chest then stabbed 
another 
in the back.  It only took a few moments for the others to join in the 
fray.  Taraechioriel’s bow sang as a barrage of arrows flew in every 
direction.  Novtholiel’s sword play was swift and beautiful almost as 
if 
it were more of a dance then a fight.  Gimli’s axe struck hard on the 
helms of the dwarves around him.  It only took the dwarves a moment to 
realize they were no match for the three elves and the dwarf.  
Taraechioriel’s arrows never missed their mark and Novtholiel’s sword 
was stained 
red with blood.  As for Legolas the great mound of dwarves lying at his 
spoke for itself.  Gimli could be heard of the commotion.
"Blasted fools," yelled Gimli bashing the head of a black bearded 
dwarf, "I’m ashamed of the lot of you.  It’s folk like you that give 
our 
kind a bad name.  Honestly kidnapping a fair young princess like 
Novtholiel, and forcing her into such a dreadful marriage."
"You have your allegiances confused," said a fat old dwarf stepping 
towards Gimli.
"Ah, Fain Silverange.  I was wondering when I would get a swing at 
you." Said Gimli.  "You most of all should be ashamed of what you’ve 
done.  
As if Novtholiel would ever chose the marry the likes of you." 
"Well, Gimli son of Gloin, she doesn’t really have a choice.  If she 
wont marry me, she wont live to marry another."  Just then he seized 
Novtholiel by the arm and took her sword.  "None of you move or she 
dies." 
 Taraechioriel lowered her bow and Legolas scowled tightening his grip 
around the handles of his knives.  
"Now my dear, I will let you chose." Said Fain, "Marry me or I shall 
run you through."
"I would rather die a thousand excruciating deaths than spend one 
moment as your wife."
"Very well then." Said Fain stabbing her with her own sword.  She let 
out a blood curdling scream as she fell to the ground.  
"Nooooooo" Yelled Taraechioriel.  
	She raised her bow and loosed an arrow, sticking Fain directly 
in the 
heart.  He fell silent to the ground.  The dwarves stood speechless at 
the sight of their dying master.  The others ran to Novtholiel’s side. 
"Help her Legolas!"  Cried Taraechioriel.  "I know not what to do.  
Please Legolas, do something.  Do not let her die."
Legolas knelt pulling the bottle of miruvor out of his pack. 
"This should sustain her until we can get her to safety.  I have 
nothing to treat her here, we must get her to the boat."
He scooped her up in his arms and carried her out of the hall.  They 
ran as if they were being chased, although the dwarves had lost 
interest 
at the death of their master.  Legolas and Taraechoiriel ran so quickly 
the left poor Gimli behind.  When Legolas reached the boat he laid 
Novtholiel gently on the ground.  
"Hold on Novtholiel," said Legolas softly.  "Just a little longer and 
I’ll have you taken care of."
He took his knife and cut away the fabric covering her womb.  The sword 
had pierced her right should her, luckily Fain was not very smart and 
was confused as to the position of her heart.  Legolas retrieved a box 
from the boat.  In it were certain herbs, potions and other medicines. 
Also there was a silver needle and a spool of shining gold thread.  He 
took a bottle of clear liquor from the box.  "Here," he said, "drink 
this.  It will lessen the pain."  Then he mixed a few herbs with water 
and 
applied it to the womb.  Lastly taking the needle and tread, he 
whispered what Taraechioriel assumed was a spell though she could not 
hear all 
the words.  He then sewed up her womb and bandaged her shoulder.  With 
that, Novtholiel , with some help from Legolas, stood up.  She felt her 
shoulder; the pain was gone.  Just then Gimli came running up, very 
much out of breath.
"So..fair lady..." panted Gimli. "I see, Legolas has fixed you up quite 
nicely."
"Yes, Gimli, I am happy to say he is very skilled in the way of 
medicine.  I owe you my life Legolas," Said Novtholiel, kissing him 
this time 
on the lips. "I’m not sure exactly how to thank you."
"No thanks is necessary.  I could not bare to see someone as fair as 
you parish dew to my foolishness."
"Why were you so careless," asked Gimli, "in all of our years as 
friends I have never seen you so oblivious to the danger around you."
"His eyes where on other things." Teased Taraechioriel.
"Hold your tongue, dear lady"  Said Legolas blushing.
"Oh, I see!" Added Gimli.
"See what?" Asked Novtholiel. "I do not understand."
Gimli began to speak but stopped as he saw Legolas’ embarrassment.
" You see dear sister," replied Taraechioriel, " when Legolas tripped 
he was looking at you."
"Taraechioriel, I said hold your tongue."  Shouted Legolas.
"Is this true Prince Legolas, where you looking at me."
"Yes," said Legolas looking at the ground, "from the moment I saw you I 
was drawn to you."
"I seem to have that effect on people."
"It is not simply your beauty dear lady, there is something else.  
Something about you makes me think...."
"Think what," insisted Novtholiel, "do not be afraid. Tell me."
"Amin mela lle!" whispered Legolas.
"What," said Novtholiel in surprise.
"Amin mela lle!"
Novtholiel became silent, and Legolas’ face began to grow redder by the 
moment.  Tarachioriel could not help but laugh.
"What did he say," asked Gimli who could not understand a word of 
elvish.
"He said he loved her."  Giggled Taraechioriel.  
"Loves her, he hardly knows her."
"That matters little to elves master Gimli."  Said Novtholiel.  "For an 
elf love is truly something you find, not something you build over 
years of friendship.  From the moment an elf sets eyes on the one they 
are 
meant to love, they know it"
"And what happens if the other elf does not also feel it."  Asked 
Gimli.
"I do not know," answered Novtholiel, "for I have never known that to 
happen."
Legolas looked at her and saw that she was smiling.
"Amin mela lle, Legolas."  Said Novtholiel stepping towards him.
"Amin mela lle, Novtholiel." Replied Legolas taking her by the hand.
They gazed into each others eyes then shared a passionate kiss.  
Taraechioriel smiled, glad that her sister had finally found love and 
Gimli 
who was feeling quite uncomfortable stared at the ground and kicked at 
the dirt.  
	After a great deal of silence, Taraechioriel finally spoke.  
"Alright 
you two that’s quite enough.  We’d better be off before those dwarves 
decide we are worth chasing.  There will be plenty of time for that 
when 
we get home."
Novtholiel looked at her sister and laughed.  Then the packed their 
things and got in the boat. They where home before night fall.  As they 
neared her home, Taraechioriel began to feel something then she 
stopped.
"Elrohir is coming.  He is close, and worried."
Just then Elrohir rode up on a beautiful white horse. 
"Taraechioriel," he shouted come down of his horse.  "At last I have 
found you.  I went to your house only to fine you and Novtholiel were 
missing.  I was told Novtholiel had been taken and you went to rescue 
her.  
I feared you had been over taken."
"I am fine, my love.  I ran into a friend of yours on my way and he 
helped me a great deal."
Legolas stepped forward, "Greetings, Elrohir"
"Greetings Legolas.  Thank you for helping Taraechioriel.  She is very 
brave and fights well, but I fear alone she could not overtake a hoard 
of dwarves.  I’m only sorry you had to go in my stead.  If I had only 
gotten her sooner, I could have saved you the trouble."
"It was no trouble. This journey proved quite rewarding on my part."  
Said Legolas taking Novtholiel by the hand.  
"Ah Gimli, I knew you’d be around here some where.  I thank you also 
for assisting my dear Taraechioriel."
"It was an honor to be able to serve an elf so fair and kind."  Replied 
Gimli.
"My love, why have you come?  The last I heard you had gone across the 
ocean,  what brought you back?" 
"Elladan and I had just left Rivendell riding for the coast, when I 
felt a tugging in my heart, telling me to come find you.  I did not 
understand until I arrived and You were missing."
"You felt me all the way in Rivendell."  Exclaimed Taraechioriel, "Our 
bond has never been that strong, why such a change, I wonder." 
"It could be that I had been thinking off you already.  Thinking about 
coming here to be with you."
"But we were together no more than three months ago."
Yes but, I was thinking of coming to be with you for good."
"For good?"  Asked Novtholiel, "Does that mean you will finally be 
married?"
"If Taraechoiriel agrees then yes."
"Agree," said Tarachioriel, "I wish for it everyday."
"Fantastic, My father has agreed to marry us in Rivendell, you simply 
name the day."
	Taraechioriel flung her arms around Elrohir and kissed him.
"What a happy day this is, Novtholiel is home safe and in love, and I 
will finally be married.  I feel as though I could fly.  We must tell 
Father."  Taraechioriel stopped in thought.  "Father, I had almost 
forgotten.  He is to weak to come to Rivendell.  Oh, but how long he 
has 
awaited this day.  Surely he will not live long enough to see 
Novtholiel 
married; unless, we both married here and on the same day."
"I would not mind sister though I am not sure Legolas wishes to marry 
so soon, like Elrohir, he is a traveler."
"I would marry you today," said Legolas, "if it were at all possible.  
My journeys have led me to you and I would not let them take me away."
"But what of Gimli," asked Novtholiel, "He has nothing to keep him 
here.  It would not be fair to ask him to stay where he does not wish, 
or 
to journey alone to fine somewhere he likes."
"My dear lady," replied Gimli, "I would not pull Legolas away for 
anything,  nor do I wish to venture off alone.  If you would permit, I 
should very much like to stay here."
"Very well then," said Elrohir to Taraechioriel, "We shall go see your 
father, and I shall send word to Rivendell telling my father to come 
here."
	They walked into a quiet room in the house of Deindil, father of 
Taraechioriel and Novhtoliel.  Deindil lay silently in bed.  His hair 
was 
white and his face was lightly wrinkled.  A gray hair woman sat at his 
side.  Seeing her daughters she spoke. 
"Deindil, Taraechioriel has returned, and she has rescued Novtholiel."
"My daughters," said the feeble old elf, "I am glad you are safe.  My 
heart has been troubled for news of you both.  Ah Elrohir, what brings 
you back to us so soon?  News of Novtholiel’s kidnap could not have 
reached Rivendell so quickly."
"I Have decided to marry Taraechioriel, Lord Deindil."
"I should hope so," laughed Deindil, "two-hundred years is quite long 
for a courtship.  Who else is here, step closer gentlemen my eyes are 
not what they used to be.  Ah but my memory is as strong as ever, hello 
good prince Legolas.  What brings you to our realm?"
"Fate or Chance, I do not yet know.  I was sailing the river when I met 
Taraechioriel.  She told me of Novtholiel’s situation and I offered to 
help.  Little did I know I would find love in the dungeons of the Iron 
Hills."
"Love!"  Exclaimed Deindil.  "I sense you mean my Novtholiel.  This is 
wonderful.  I see by her smile she has found love as well in you.  Oh, 
how I have longed to see both of my daughters in love.  I may die in 
peace for I now know that my daughters will be cared for.  I only wish 
I 
could see you both married."
"Oh but you will Father," said Taraechioriel, "Lord Elrond is going to 
marry us as so as he arrives."
	Deindil began to cry.  "This is the happy moment of my long 
life.  
Elrohir, Legolas, sit and speak with me a while.  Jacquelyn, 
Taraechioriel, Novtholiel, leave us.  You as well Gimli son of Gloin.  
No I have not 
forgotten your face either.  I should like to see you all at dinner but 
for now, I should like to have a talk with those I will soon call my 
sons."
The ladies and Gimli left the room and some hours later Legolas and 
Elrohir emerged. 
"Now then," said Jacquelyn, "I shall start dinner.  Come daughters help 
with the preparations.  Gentlemen make yourselves comfortable dinner 
will be severed shortly."
	They sat and talked until Novtholiel came to get them.  
"Join us Gentlemen, My father is waiting."
They walked in to a elegant dinning hall where a table had already been 
set.  Deindil sat at the head of the table with Jacquelyn at his right 
hand and Taraechioriel at his left.  Four other places had already been 
set.
"Come all of you," said Deindi, "I should like to hear more talk of 
this wedding."
They talked for many hours and when the wine had all been drunk, they 
decided to sleep.  Elrohir, Legolas, and Gimli where shown to their 
beds, and after a kiss Novtholiel and Taraechioriel went to theirs.  
The 
days until Elrond’s arrival flew by as if they had been but hours and 
two 
days from the time they had met with Deindil, both couples stood ready 
to be married.  
	The sun fell softly trough the trees and cast a golden glow on 
the 
smiling faces of Legolas and Elrohir.  They both wore fine embroidered 
robes of lavender and blue and each had a silver band about his head, 
these had been gifts given to them by Deindil.  Taraechoiriel and 
Novtholiel wore beautiful gowns of lavender and blue each matching her 
husband-to-be.  They carried bouquets of wildflowers of every color.  
Their 
vials were of a silk finer than a spider’s web. Each couple stood face 
to 
face before Elrond.
"We shall start with Elrohir and Tarachioriel.
Elrohir, solemnly swear to love and cherish Taraechioriel for all 
eternity.  Forsaking all others, binding yourself to her always.  To 
protect 
and care for her from now until the end of time."
"I do."
"Taraechioriel, do you solemnly swear to love and cherish Elrohir for 
all eternity.  Forsaking all others, binding yourself to him always.  
To 
serve and care for him from now until the end of time."
"I do."
"Gimli the rings."
Gimli brought forth a set of beautifully crafted silver rings, on them 
was the engraving 

                              "Love burns eternal"      			
"Elrohir place the ring on Taraechioriel’s hand.  Taraechioriel you do 
the same.  Let all proclaim that from this day forth you are husband 
and wife." 
They kissed as Elrond turned to Legolas and Novtholiel.
"Legolas, solemnly swear to love and cherish Novtholiel for all 
eternity.  Forsaking all others, binding yourself to her always.  To 
protect 
and care for her from now until the end of time."
"I do."            
 "Novtholiel, do you solemnly swear to love and cherish Legolas for all 
eternity.  Forsaking all others, binding yourself to him always.  To 
serve and care for him from now until the end of time."
"I do."
"Gimli"
Gimli brought forth a second set of rings also silver but the engraving 
had changed to 

				"Love always faithful"    
"Legolas place the ring on Novtholiel’s hand.  And you also Novtholiel.  
Let all proclaim that from this day forth you are husband and wife."
As they kissed all the forest broke forth in a song of celebration.  
                     
"Let hill and dale and wood proclaim 
each bird and beast in their own way.
The ladies of  our realm are wed,
on this the world’s most joyous day."