Into Love's Arms

Celeborn, Arwen, and Legolas spent many pleasant hours entertaining the ladies as they recovered. The fights were forgotten and friendships re forged even deeper then before. Two weeks past when Elrond gave them good news, they had healed enough that they could join the others in the Great Hall for dinner. Only their feet were still to battered to support their weight. Celeborn and Legolas announced that they would carry them to the feast. On this day three years ago Aragorn had married Arwen and a great feast and ball was planned. Hundreds of human nobles would be there to honor the king. Even King Eomer had traveled from Rohan with Faramir and Eowyn for the festivities. Arwen entered theiambeamber an hour before the start of the feast. She wore a stunning white gown; her hair was kept back by her mithril crown.

"Me and my ladies are going to make you up for tonight." she announced.

Forty five minutes later they were done, Denise and Heidi sat in plush chairs waiting for their lovers. Denise wore a silver dress with gold trim, it set off her dark hair. Her hair was loose and flowing, she wore the necklace and circlet Celeborn had given her. Heidi wore a dark green dress with silver trim the green set off her red hair nicely. She to wore the necklace and circlet gifted to her by Celeborn. Her hair was braided in a complicated twist. They waited nervously each scared yet delighted at being set free from the beds. A soft knock sounded on the door before it opened and Aragorn walked in followed by Celeborn and Legolas. They simply stared at the three ladies stunned silent at the beauties before them.

"By the Valar I did not know such beauty had been gifted to grace these lands." Aragorn's voice was reverent as he addressed all three of the women.

"Flatterer." Arwen teased as she embraced him.

"Shall we go?" he asked nibbling on her ear.

"Yes." Arwen stepped back and took Aragorn's hand.

Celeborn swept Heidi into his arms as Legolas took Denise into his and they started down the stairs. Arwen and Aragorn were in front followed by Celeborn, Legolas and the ladies. Behind them were Elladan, Elrohir, Haldir, Rumil, and Orophin. They made the way down into the great hall. Heidi and Denise held their heads high amidst all the stares and whispers. There must have been two hundred people crammed into the hall. Many were servers, entertainers, and guards. The rest were important nobles their wives and families. Aragorn and Arwen set at the head of the table on either side of the table at the head were five empty spaces. Elladan, Elrohir, Orophin, Rumil, and Haldir sat on Arwen’s side. Celeborn, Legolas, Heidi, Denise, and Elrond sat on Aragorn’s side. The feast began and everyone was soon eating and talking among themselves. Near the end Aragorn stood and addressed everybody.

“I want to thank everyone for coming and helping us celebrate our anniversary today.” Aragorn raised his glass.
Everyone in the hall followed suit and drank to his eloquent toast. Next they retired to the sitting room for music, talk, and stories. Heidi and Denise sat and watched as Celeborn and Legolas sang a traditional elvish song of celebration.

“I noticed you two were unable to walk to the hall…… Are you lame?” a sneering lady asked.

Heidi and Denise were struck dumb by her attitude.

“No….” Denise started but she was interrupted by another lady.

“They probably are Lady Goodwin but you know elves proud till the end.” The second lady smirked.

Heidi felt her anger rising and suddenly she exploded. “For you information we are not lame! We…..” she trailed off as angry tears fell down her face.

“What is going on here?” Aragorn walked up with a cold smile on his face.

“Heidi why are you crying?” Arwen asked concerned.

“Because these two ladies and I use the term loosely, said that we were lame stubborn proud elves!” Denise shouted as she wrapped her arms around Heidi.

“Did you now?” Aragorn turned to the ladies.

“Well not in that context….” Lady Goodwin began but she was cut off by an angry shout.

“Not that’s its any of your business but they were injured on the way here!” Eowyn strode forward screaming. “You call yourselves ladies! You are no better then the Orcs that did this to them!”

Lady Goodwin and her cohort gulped and turned to their lieges embarrassed.

“Gossip is dangerous especially about royals.” Arwen frowned and stood next to Eowyn.

“Royals??” the ladies looked confused.

“This is Heidi and Denise. Heidi is betrothed to my grandfather Lord Celeborn of the Golden Wood. Denise is betrothed to Prince Legolas of Mirkwood. They were grievously injured and were only released today but their feet are still horribly maimed. Their fiancées carried them to help us celebrate!” Arwen said icily.

Everything around them had stopped and everyone was staring at the scene.

“Legolas….. I am ready can you take me back to my room?” Denise extended her hand to him. Legolas nodded and scooped her up.

“Are you ready also love?” Celeborn knelt next to Heidi’s chair.

“Yes please love. I am tired.” Heidi laid her head on his shoulder as he picked her up.

The ladies were excused and told to come back on the morrow to apologize to Heidi and Denise. The party quickly disbanded as the guests felt the royal family needed time to themselves.

Aragorn, Arwen, Elrond, and his sons went to see how Heidi and Denise fared. Haldir, Rumil, and Orophin escorted the shunned ladies to the door with their livid husbands. Lady Goodwin’s husband turned to Haldir.

“Please tender me apologizes to Heidi and Denise. Rest assured Eleanor will be dealt with.” He bowed and drug his protesting wife away.

Haldir suddenly got a very bad feeling that he could not shake.

TBC.