Chapter 25: For All Eternity

*The picture above is what she is wearing and her hairstyle and the ceremony are some things I found. I thought it was fitting. Long chapter ahead*

The Lord and Lady of Lorien wanted to celebrate Asteria and Legolas's wedding in Lothlorien which was something Asteria always wanted; and everyone was invited. Aragorn and Arwen as well as Eomer, Eowyn and Faramir and some of the citizens of Minas Tirith. The hobbits including Bilbo as well as Gimli and his kin. Legolas's father; King Thranduil along with some of his guard came as well as his father stood in the front near his son with a smile on his face. He longed for this day to come and the Lord and Lady of Lorien are his dear friends and it warmed his heart knowing that his son found love in Asteria.

It was beautiful in the Caras Galadhon foyer; beautiful ivy leaves with lovely moon flowers were draped in many areas, the night sky was clear with many stars in the twilight. It was a perfect evening for a wedding. The scents of the moon flower and jasmine flowers flowed through the breeze as the many people gather together in the foyer for the arrival of the bride. Gandalf stood as the far end of the stairs with Legolas and Aragorn; waiting patiently for the ceremony to begin. His heart rate was faster than normal as he wore his silver-grey tunic; his crown he wore with pride as he waited for his bride to walk down to him.

In another room with Arwen and Galadriel; Asteria was getting ready. She could sense Legolas's eagerness as she sat at her vanity while her mother brushed her hair. Her dress was regal and elegant and she was excited to wear a crown that Arwen had made for her which she gladly accepted. "You look beautiful my love" Galadriel said softly as she made the final touches to her daughter's hair. Asteria looked at her mother through the mirror as she smiled. Before she could reply, a knock came at the door and opening was her father stepping through "It's time my dear" he said with a big smile as she stood up turning to her father with a smile of her own. "I'm ready..."

The glow of Caras Galadhon was beautiful as she ascend the stairs to the foyer; soft music could be heard through the foyer to the lower halls of Lothlorien as softly singing could be heard among the soft breeze. Arm in arm with Celeborn; as they ascend the stairs with Galadriel and Arwen following behind them; she felt nervous, she loved Legolas but she never thought after everything that happened she would find love like she has. Her father could sense her tension as he smiled; gripping her hand as her arm was draped over his "Relax my love... He's there waiting" his voice relaxed her as she smiled at him.

They reached the top of the stairs and she could see everyone that came and it warmed her heart as she walked down between the crowd as she could see the smiling familiar faces and could see beautiful blonde locks at the end. Legolas turned to look at her in almost a daze as he wore a loving smile on his face as he waited patiently for her. She reached him as her father released her; kissing her forehead gently before moving to Galadriel's side. Legolas took her hand in his as they smiled at each other happily.

Gandalf; who happily accepted the role in marrying them, smiled at them as she moved to speak "We welcome you to Caras Galadhon with joy and love. May the blessings of the Gods shine down on you this day." he gestures to the two as they turned to each other; holding each other's hands as they listened to him continue "Life is a never-ending circle. Is it not fitting that a circle shall serve as a symbol of a life lived in never-ending love." Gandalf moves to hand them both gold bands to place on each other's fingers "As you place this ring upon the finger of your chosen love speak the words that shall bind you to each other mind, body, and soul in the Unity of the Life bond."

He gestures to Legolas to start as he smiled at Asteria placing her silver band along with her ring he gave her "I, Legolas, take thee, Asteria, to my hand, heart and my spirit, at the setting of the sun and the rising of the stars. Nor shall death part us, for in the fullness of time, we shall be born again, at the same time, and in the same place as each other, and we shall meet and know and love again." He said softly yet full of love as he smiled again at her.  Asteria's heart felt full as she smiled at Legolas and places his ring on his finger "I, Asteria, take thee, Legolas, to my hand, my heart and my spirit, at the rising of the sun and the blooming of the moon flower at dusk with the rising of the stars. I shall love you beyond time and beyond the Grey Havens. Day after day, I shall love you with the depths of my very soul. For all eternity."

Gandalf smiled at the two as he spoke up again "As the grass of the fields and the trees of the woods bend together under the pressures of the storm, so too must you both bend when the wind blows strong. But know that as quickly as the storm comes, so equally quickly may it leave. Yet as you both stand strong in each other's strength, so shall you receive strength. Together you are one; apart you are nothing. Know that no two people can be exactly alike. No more can any two people fit together, perfect in every way." The two young elves smiled at each lovingly as Gandalf continued "There will be times when it will be hard to give and to love, but then see your reflection as in a woodland pool, when the image you see looks sad and angered, then it is time for you to smile and to love, for it is not fire that puts out fire. In return will the image in the pool smile and love. So, change your anger for love, and tears for joy, it is no weakness to admit a wrong; more it is a strength and a sight for learning. Let the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and these our brothers and sisters bear witness that Legolas and Asteria, have been joined together in the sight of many. And may they bless them, as we do ourselves, and so shall the two be conjoined as one mind, one heart, and one soul together in peace and love through the union of Life Bond now and forever"

Legolas smiled as he leaned towards Asteria gently kissing her as they could hear a roar of an applause from everyone as well as cheering. Asteria started giggling as Legolas swept her up; bridal style in his arms and twirled. Everyone was happy as the Lord and Lady of Lorien approached them as they both kissed Asteria's forehead and hugged Legolas. Aragorn and Arwen were next as the two women hugged tightly as the men clasped each other's shoulders. The hobbits and Gimli were eager and next as Gimli shook Legolas's hand and the hobbits were hugging Asteria's legs.

The last to approach was Legolas's father Thranduil who had a stoic look for a moment as Asteria bowed respectfully to her new father-in-law as he shook his head; taking her hands in his which caused her to rise "You do not bow to me my dear. It's an honor to meet you" he said softly as he kissed her forehead giving her a kind smile "The honor is mine my lord." She said softly as he moved to approach Legolas who pulled his father into a hug.

Later in the evening, a party broke out and everyone was celebrating. The hobbits were singing and dancing as the dwarves were joining as well. Elrond, Gandalf, Thraunduil, Celeborn and Galadriel were all speaking as Legolas, Aragorn and Arwen were speaking in a separate area; Asteria stepped away for a moment as she stood on the balcony of Caras Galadhon; she missed Haldir, the one person she wanted to be at the wedding "I miss you my friend... so much.." she whispered softly as she could hear footsteps behind her as arms wrapped around her from behind "You are in deep thought my love.." Legolas whispered in her ear as she turns to him with a sad smile.

He looked at her confused at first as he smiled kissing her forehead "I know you miss him; he was my friend and I miss him as well. But he's here with us.. in our hearts.." he said softly as he placed a hand on her cheek which caused her to smile a little nodding at him "You are right... Thank you my love..." he couldn't help but smile as he placed his forehead on hers "We are finally married... through so much... we are together.. forever.. and I will spend eternity in making you happy always..." he whispered softly as she smiled. "I love you Legolas, as I live and breathe.. I love you" she replied as he pulled her into a kiss "I love you Asteria"

*pretend this is her and Legolas please*

The night carried on as the two rejoined the party smiling and laughing as Asteria was pulled by Merry and Pippin to dance; they danced and twirled as Sam and Frodo joined in. It was a night of pure merriment as the Fellowship was rejoined in happiness. Asteria stopped a moment and could see her mother staring at her with a kind smile; the young maiden knew that look, it was coming close to leave for the Grey Havens. Asteria looked sadly at her mother as she gave her a smile in return. She was broken out of her trance as Thranduil approached her "May I have a dance with my daughter in law?" he asked as he had his hand out to her which she happily too "Of course my lord" he gave her a kind smile as the two danced in turn with the music. Legolas was with Aragorn as he watched his father dance with his new wife; it warmed his heart to see his father being anything but cold.

Thranduil and Asteria were graceful in their moves on the dance floor as he spoke up "My son... He is very happy" he said softly as she smiled at him "He makes me very happy, my fëa is happy..." she replied as Thranduil smiled at the young girl, he came to a stop as he pulled out a pouch from his pocket "I have a gift for you my dear. This was my wife's; Legolas's mother's and I find it fitting that you have this" he pulled out a beautiful necklace; it sparkled almost if starlight itself "This is the White Gems of Iasgalen, of my kin" he says as he moves to fasten it around her neck "My lord I do not deserve such a treasure.." she said softly as she turned to looked at her father-in-law again who just gave her a kind smile "You are a treasure to my son.. and that's what matters to me my dear"

Legolas watched as the two were talking; he decided to make his way to his bride as he noticed the necklace around her neck. He had a slight moment of confusion then saw his father's eyes which caused him to smile at his son. "I believe my son wishes to dance with his new bride" Thranduil said as he took her hand placing it in Legolas's who smiled at Asteria "Thank you father, I would." Asteria politely bowed to his father as then the two started to waltz beautifully across the floor. Everyone quietly and happily watched the two as Legolas gazed at his beautiful bride "I see he gave you my mother's necklace.. It looks beautiful on you Asteria.." he said as he held her closer.

Asteria couldn't help but blush at him as she smiled "Yes I was not expecting your father to give me such a beautiful gem. Especially being your mother's" she looked down slightly as Legolas moves his hand to her cheek which caused her to look back up at him "I am honored that you wear it." He said softly as he leaned in and kissed her with passion that she's never experienced with him. It was deep yet gentle as the two still swayed in their dance. Everyone watched with joy for the two.

2310 words

hey yall! this was a struggle! my finger still hurts like hell! but i got a chapter done! I am going to finish this story tomorrow when i add the last chapter!