The old ways

Gimli bend forward a little eagerly nursing his pipe and looked at Legolas with anticipation.
"Galadriel stood at Haldir's side and my father at mine. Elrond was addressing them; 'Lady Galadriel of the golden woods, you are here to hold testimony to the joining of two hearts and souls. Are you willing to give away the warrior Haldir into Prince Legolas' hands in the formal binding?"
Galadriel inclined her head gracefully and answered in a clear voice "Yes!"
Elrond turned to Thranduil "King Thranduil of the Mirkwood realm, you are here to hold testimony to the joining of two hearts and souls. Are you willing to give away your son, the crown prince Legolas of Mirkwood into Haldir's hands in the formal binding?"
Thranduil's voice was not as steady as Galadriel's as he answered but still it was a convinced "Yes!"
Elrond now turned now to Haldir and me bidding us to step forward a little. My nervousness increased tenfold and I was asking myself for a few seconds if I was doing the right thing. But a single glance into Haldir's face wiped all my doubts away immediately. Elrond made us face each other again and we were to hold our hands a little outstretched in front of us. Haldir's hands felt a bit clammy and I could feel a slight tremor. Elrond's voice pulled me out of my thoughts. You two have come to us to give your vows to the Valar with us as witnesses. May your union be blessed and guarded. You do understand that this union is one of trust and understanding. You will stand by your bonded through ages and times, give him the respect and freedom that is his due. A bonding should be one of consideration and harmony. You choose your partner with your heart and head, let it be forever that your heart is filled and your mind at ease." Elrond reached to his left, where a little pedestal was standing and took a long peace of ivy into his hands.
"Nature will guard and protect in times of need," with he wound the ivy around our wrists binding to another, "the earth will bless you and hold you when you need warmth and comfort", he took some sand and strewed over our bound hands.
"The water will guide and nourish you when you are hungry and lost," water was poured onto our holdings hands, "and the wind will be the force to bring you home to the undying lands." Elrond bent down a little and blew across the ivy.
"Haldir of Lorien, do you pledge your life and soul to Legolas of Mirkwood? Will you hold and protect him, will you share everything that is yours with him and guard his life to your last breath?"
Haldir closed his eyes for a second and then looked deeply into mine "Yes, his life will be my life and my life will fade should his end."
"Legolas Thranduillion, prince of Mirkwood, do you pledge your life and soul to Haldir of Lorien? Will you hold and protect him, will you share everything that is yours with him and guard his life to your last breath?
I swallowed hard, so this was it, no way back now "Yes," I looked into Haldir's face observing every facet of his mimic "his life will be my life and my life will fade should his end." I could hear my father taking a shuddering breath behind me.
"Legolas and Haldir, you are now one, you will face all perils and joys together, walk the path of life given to us in union rejorejoice in your love. You are now bound with all rights there are to it. Let us now celebrate and bless your decision with our laughter."
Cheers erupted around us and Haldir pulled me close to him. The ivy was crushed and our robes slightly soiled with the sand and water but nobody cared. I could feel his lips on mine and everything began to fade around me. No longer could I hear the roar of the surrounding people, not the music playing or the congratulations given to us. I was so absorbed in this feeling of utter love.

It felt like pure bliss. I was in the arms of the one I loved most, we were now bound to another and nothing in the world could bring us apart. Or so I thought.
A great party was held all through the night. My father had obviously, for a change, put his miserliness aside and had spent a fortune to host this feast. There was music and dance, songs were sung and stories told. It was way past midnight, when Galadriel and my father approached us, grinning widely. I could see, that my father had indeed indulged in a fair amount of wine by now and he was beaming. "We have one more surprise for tonight. Would you please follow us." Galadriel spoke in a cheering manner and my father nudged us to follow her. We were led through the surrounding wood on a narrow path, through some thicket and we could hear the silent roar and gushing sound of a nearby waterfall. After some minutes we came to a clearing right at the edge of the mountainside. There, dancing down the rocky slope, was a small waterfall that ended in a rather large pond lying in the middle of this clearing. Here, too, were torches lining the clearing, bathing everything in a warming light. Blankets and cushions were laid out and tablets with food, accompanied by goblets and wine were set out for us. Thranduil and Galadriel inclined their heads to us "You will not be disturbed here. Should you be in need of anything, though; just ring the bell, which you will find attached to the rocks near the waterfall at the left side." Galadriel moved a little closer to Haldir and smiled secretively to him "You may need this." and she put something small and cylinder shaped into his hand. Haldir blushed furiously.
My father came over to me and pulled me into a bear hug. "I wish you so much happiness and luck with you chosen one. May your love never end and may you always be a fountain of joy for each other. I love you my son and I am very proud of you." He turned quickly, barely hiding some tears that threatened to spill from his eyes and quickly left the clearing followed closely by Lady Galadriel.
Haldir and I stood for some seconds, wondering at our surroundings. Never had we felt so loved by others, so cared for. At last Haldir m off off to the blankets and the laid out food. He sat down and beckoned me to him. "
"Ah, I think I don't want those details." The dwarf snickered "It is late my friend. Maybe we should try and get a little sleep before dawn." Gimli moved off his chair and stretched. He smiled at Legolas, patted his shoulder and moved to the door. Just before he left the room he turned once more to the elf. "Don't you think now, that you are off the hook. As soon as there is time for us, you will tell how it went on between you and Haldir and," Gimli crossed the room back to Legolas "how you managed this little miracle." The dwarf very gently caressed Legolas' lower abdomen. Smiling he left and closed the door quietly behind him.