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Elf Academy 3: The Enemy Within  by Fiondil

108: Wedding Day

As they made their way through Wiseman, Glorfindel gave Finrod directions in a soft tone. “That’s it, nice and easy. You’re doing just fine, gwador. Ease up a bit. You’re going a bit too fast.” Finrod just nodded.

“When can I learn to drive?” Nielluin asked somewhat plaintively. “It’s silly to be older than dirt, as my friends say, and be the only one who doesn’t have a license when they’ve all had one since they were sixteen. It embarrasses me having to ask for rides.”

Glorfindel looked back at her, grinning. “I’ll make arrangements for you and the Three Amigos to take driver education classes over the summer. You can have your license by the time you return to college. Of course, then we have to make arrangements for insurance for you all and that’s a real headache.”

“Would not horses be better?” Celeborn asked.

“We’re actually looking into that,” Glorfindel said, “but there is only one known species that has been especially bred to survive in the arctic. In the meantime, it just makes sense for everyone to learn to drive.”

“And Nielluin is correct,” Finrod added as he slowed to a halt at a stop sign, looking in all directions before continuing through the intersection. “It is rather embarrassing when one is unable to do something that mere mortal children do as a matter of course. It really does nothing for one’s image as an Elf-lord full of power and mystery.” He flashed Glorfindel a bright smile and Glorfindel chuckled.

“Anything you can do, I can do better, I can do anything better than you,” he sang softly and even Galadriel smiled at that.

Finrod finally pulled into the parking lot fronting the athletic field and stopped the car. A minute later, Gwyn pulled up next to the van and Alex parked on the other side. Everyone got out and Mánatamir greeted them.

“Don’t you ever go off duty?” Glorfindel couldn’t help asking as he and the others passed through the gate.

The Maia laughed. “I do not go off duty for another two years, my friend.”

“Two years!” Glorfindel exclaimed while the others looked equally nonplused at the Maia’s words. “Why so long?”

Mánatamir gave them an amused look. “Two years isn’t long, Glorfindel, not when I’ve been on duty, as you would say, for the last two hundred and ninety-eight years.” He shrugged. “When one has been around since before this universe came into existence, what is a couple or three centuries?”

“How long are you off duty for?” Alex asked.

“Oh, for about a hundred years, more or less, unless my lord requires my particular services before then.”

“So, do you spend your free time catching up on laundry and stuff like the rest of us?” Derek asked.

Mánatamir laughed. “I have never done laundry in all my existence. No. Those of us who are off duty generally get together and play. Jumping off the rings of Saturn and gliding through the planet’s upper atmosphere is a particularly enjoyable pastime. So is sunbathing in the sun’s corona, though personally I prefer to do that with a blue giant, so you’re more likely to find me swimming around Alcyone in the constellation of Taurus more often than not.”

They all gave him stunned looks bordering on awe. Mánatamir merely gave them a knowing smile and wished them a good evening as he closed the gate behind them and retook his guard position.

Glorfindel said, “Let’s go.” They made their way through the encampment to the main pavilion where others were gathered. It was still bright enough with the sun still an hour from setting that only the pavilion was illuminated with torches. Glorfindel took a moment to introduce Derek, Andy and Felicity and then seats were found for them all.

“So, Alex wasn’t lying about new and shiny Elves getting dropped off by the mother ship,” Derek said as he sat with a grateful sigh.

The Wiseman Elves laughed. “I suppose that’s one way of putting it,” Daeron said.

Derek grimaced slightly, trying to find a comfortable position. Almost immediately, Elrond was by his side, speaking to him in soft tones and laying a hand over Derek’s middle. The pain lines that were evident on the Mortal’s face smoothed out and he sighed again, giving Elrond a shy word of thanks.

“So everything all set for tomorrow night?” Alex asked.

“More or less,” Elrohir answered. “We had a short rehearsal just to make sure everyone knows what is expected of them.”

“The ceremony is… rather different,” Elrond said judiciously.

Elrohir shrugged. “Sarah and I decided to incorporate something of the mortal wedding ceremony since a fair number of our mortal friends will be present.”

“Should we all sing Sunrise, Sunset while you’re exchanging rings or whatever?” Alex asked with a smirk. Felicity, Derek and Andy all laughed as did some of the Wiseman Elves who understood the reference. Elrohir gave them a mock glare.

“You do and you’ll learn what pain is really all about, because I will hurt you.”

Alex laughed some more. “I’d like to see you try. But seriously, I hope there’s no trouble tomorrow. Even with added police protection, the Enemy can do some terrible damage. There are too many prime hostages here. I, for one, will breathe a sigh of relief when we can finally get rid of this lot.”

“Amen,” Glorfindel said, surprising them all. Some of the Valinóreans appeared hurt by his comment. Glorfindel looked surprised. “What? You really think I would welcome you all with open arms, singing hosannas? I appreciate you all wanting to be here for the wedding, but really, you are just making things harder for us by your presence. I sincerely hope that when you leave it is indeed by way of Vingilot and not by way of the Mandos Express as Alex likes to call it.”

Now some of them looked disturbed. “Do you truly feel that way, yonya?” Ingwë asked softly.

Glorfindel sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Ingwë, not too long ago I was set upon by Mortals who beat me to the point where I almost died. In fact, they slit my wrists and dumped me in a pile of trash and it’s only by the Valar’s own grace that I was found in time and survived.”

“How could any Mortal get the better of you, Glorfindel?” Arafinwë demanded in shock.

“Because I was stupid and I allowed it,” Glorfindel snarled back. “That’s beside the point. The point is, Wiseman is far more dangerous than you realize and that danger will only increase the longer you remain here. Maybe not at the wedding, but perhaps when we are least expecting it, there could be an attack and you three especially are prime targets.” He pointed a finger at the high kings.   

“The Maiar would never allow—” Olwë started to say, but Glorfindel interrupted him with a snarled oath.

“The Maiar stood by and allowed the bastards who attacked me to have their way with me, though I suspect they managed to inspire them not to kill me outright. Do not think that because you are a king that you are exempt from harm, Olwë. And that goes for you two as well, for all of you. Just remember this: I may have slain a balrog but I still died in the end.”

An uncomfortable silence hung in the air as people contemplated Glorfindel’s words. After a moment he continued, saying, “We have been told repeatedly that the Maiar will not interfere with our free will decisions unless ordered to do so from Lord Manwë. Surely, you were warned of this?”

“Yes, we were,” Ingwë said quietly, “though I will admit that for my part I did not truly understand the import of what was said.”

“And now you do,” Finrod said, speaking for the first time. “Well, we will attempt to be extra vigilant and hope that nothing untoward happens over the next two weeks. In the meantime, let us turn to other matters of more interest. Was any decision made concerning the betrothal between Nielluin and Gareth? I would think we would want to make a formal announcement and decide on the wedding date before you all leave.”

“We have not gotten that far in our discussion,” Celeborn said. “Gareth apparently has little desire to deal with the matter.”

“Well, properly, the two fathers should be negotiating the contract anyway,” Turgon commented.

“And we will, but let’s get through tomorrow first,” Tristan said mildly. “I know one concern is the dowry and how it can be converted to a form that is readily acceptable here, but again that is something that we can discuss later.”

“Then what else can we talk about?” someone asked.

“Forget talking,” Ingwë said decisively. “Perhaps one of you could entertain us with a song or a tale we have never heard. Perhaps our Mortal guests could regale us with such.”

“What sort of tales?” Derek asked. “And you can forget songs. I am not about to embarrass myself or anyone else by making you listen to my croaking.”

There were smiles all around.

“Are there any tales about us still in existence?” Ingwë asked.

“You mean Elves?” Alex asked and shrugged when Ingwë nodded. “Well, there are tales of Faerie, the many-colored lands of the Elves and such, but I know that nothing about the events of the first three ages of Middle-earth survived, just bits and pieces of garbled tales like Atlantis which sounds a lot like Númenor. In most of the tales I know about, the folk of Faerie are dangerous and not to be trusted, very capricious, yet they fear iron and can be conquered by a paternoster or two.”

“A what?” Ingwë exclaimed.

“Er… a particular prayer,” Alex replied.

“A pity. I had hoped that something about us had survived,” Ingwë said.

“Well, it didn’t, or if it did it’s been so distorted that even we don’t recognize ourselves in it,” Glorfindel said. “Still, the people of Wiseman and the surrounding area are learning the true story of this world and that is all that matters at the moment.”

About then, Andy attempted to stifle a yawn without much success. “Sorry,” he said in apology. “Getting old sucks. I don’t recommend it.”

“C’mon, Andy, I’ll drop you off at the inn,” Alex said, standing, giving Derek a helping hand up. Felicity and Andy stood as well.

“Don’t mean to be a bother,” Andy said, protesting.

“You’re not a bother. Besides, I’m about done in myself. It’s been a long day for me as well. We’ll see you all at the wedding, okay?”

“Pleasant dreams,” Glorfindel said while the others wished them a good night. “Barry, grab a torch, would you, and make sure they don’t trip over something now that the sun’s set.”

Barahir nodded and led the Mortals away while the Elves settled down a bit, calling for more wine. At Ingwë’s insistence, Glorfindel shared something about his own life, telling them the tale of how he first came to America with the Twins, Daeron, Mithrellas and Nimrodel adding their own comments where appropriate.

Other tales followed and it was only as the eastern sky began to brighten that they all separated by mutual consent with promises to see each other again for the wedding.

****

The rest of Saturday was quiet. Most of the Elves living in Edhellond visited the encampment. Around three, some of them excused themselves and went to help set up the Grange Hall for the wedding. There had been no sign of Serindë and her family or Elrohir and his, though orders had been sent for clothes and jewelry to be fetched, for Serindë’s brothers had decided to stay at the house on Evergreen and Elrond and Celebrían were with their sons, at least for the day. Around five, everyone in the encampment who would be attending the wedding went to prepare themselves for it. Arrangements had been made for Maiar, clothed as guards, to escort them to the Hall and around six a procession was seen leaving the encampment and making its way across town. Drivers and pedestrians who were out and about even at that hour all stopped and gaped at the sight, awed by the spectacle of rich fabrics and bright jewels.

Once at the Hall, they saw several police officers directing traffic in and around the Hall and generally keeping watch. Two officers, one of them Prince Legolas, checked people’s names off a list as they came to the entrance. When the Elves arrived, though, Legolas gave them a brief bow of his head and ushered them through while the Maiar spread out to surround the Hall, disincarnating as they did so to the shock and awe of the Mortals who saw them.

Inside the Hall, the kings and their entourage were met by Glorfindel, Daeron and Finrod, who were on hand to greet all the guests, all three dressed in flowing robes and wearing jewels. Glorfindel invited them to stand behind them while they greeted their Mortal guests.

The Elves watched with interest as the Mortals in their own finery came inside, warmly greeting the three ellyn, though not a few faltered in their steps and speech at the sight of the three kings, Turgon, Amarië, Celeborn and Galadriel.

“Don’t mind them,” Glorfindel said with a laugh to one such couple as he shook the man’s hand. “Party crashers.”

Daeron sniggered and Finrod was seen rolling his eyes muttering, “My atto does not crash parties.”

“Well, he’s crashed this one,” Glorfindel shot back. “Anyway, Ralph, Corinne, glad you could come. I know Roy and Sarah will be glad to see you.”

“Wouldn’t miss this for the world, Loren,” Ralph said. “We were actually surprised to get an invitation. I mean, I’m just a mechanic.”

“A very good one and Roy appreciates you taking such good care of our vehicles. I think if he weren’t so set on being a surgeon, he would have gladly taken up that apprenticeship you offered him.”

Ralph shrugged, looking slightly embarrassed. “Yeah, well, mechanic, surgeon. Comes to the same thing, just not the same patient.”

Glorfindel and Daeron laughed. “Enjoy the wedding,” Glorfindel said and the couple moved on to be seated while the Elves greeted the next group to enter, which turned out to be Alex and Derek and their respective parents. Derek was leaning on Alex while Andy escorted Anne.

“We’re glad you could make it, Derek,” Glorfindel said as he shook Alex’s and Derek’s hands. “How are you holding up?”

“Well enough,” Derek said. “As long as I don’t laugh or dance the jitterbug, I’m okay. I just wish I could draw in a deep breath, but that hurts too much.”

“I am sorry,” Glorfindel said.

“Not your fault, Loren, so don’t sweat it.”

Glorfindel nodded and then turned to Andy and Anne. “Andrew, it’s good to see you again, and Anne, I hope the journey wasn’t too strenuous?”

“Oh no, not at all,” Anne Meriwether said graciously. “So, more relatives of the eldritch kind?”

Several elven eyebrows went up. “So to speak,” Glorfindel said. “We’ll do introductions later during the reception. Ah, Alan will see you to your seats.”

“Bride or groom?” Elennen asked politely. The Three Amigos, in fact, had been recruited by Elrohir to act as ushers and were taking turns escorting people to appropriate seats.

“Paper or plastic,” Derek countered facetiously. “What if you’re friends of both? Do we get split down the middle?”

“Derek, be nice or I’ll do something you’ll regret,” Alex said in a tight voice. “Alan, good to see you again. Why don’t you seat our parents on the groom’s side and Derek and I will sit on the other side of the aisle? That way we’re covered.”

Alan nodded. “If you would follow me.”

“We’ll see you later,” Alex said with a nod toward the Elves as he and the others followed Elennen down the aisle.

“Alex is clearly angry,” Finrod said, speaking for the first time.

“Yes,” Glorfindel said distractedly. “We’ll have to keep an eye on him for Ron. I don’t want Ron having to deal with him today of all days.”

Then, before anyone else could comment, a Man escorting a Woman and four children entered and the Elves turned their attention to them. The Valinórean Elves stared unashamedly at the children. The youngest, a boy, dressed in a short-sleeve white shirt and dark pants and sporting a blue bow tie, saw the Elves and grinned, running straight for Glorfindel.

“Glorfi, Glorfi!”

Glorfindel bent down with open arms and received the child, lifting him up, laughing. “Whoa there, pardner! Where’s the fire?”

“Glorfi, guess what?” the child said excitedly, ignoring the ellon’s question.

“What? Can you say hello to our new guests?” He turned so the child could see and be seen by the kings. “This is Caleb Lord. Say hello, Caleb.”

“Mae govannen, hîr nin, hiril nin. Le mae?” the boy said and then not waiting for an answer, turned back to Glorfindel all excited. “Glorfi, guess what?”

Glorfindel gave him an indulgent smile while everyone else looked on. “What, little one?”

Caleb sneaked a peek behind him to where his family stood watching then turned back to Glorfindel and with a conspiratorial grin whispered rather loudly so they all had no trouble hearing, “I’m going to have a new daddy.”

Glorfindel looked to where Nicole and Timothy Saunders were standing, both of them grinning. Nicole held out her right hand and they saw a small diamond ring gracing it. Glorfindel smiled and both Daeron and Finrod began offering their congratulations.

“Well, it’s about time, don’t you think?” Glorfindel said to Caleb, who nodded, evidently pleased. Glorfindel gave the boy a brief hug, kissing him on the cheek, and then setting him down so he could offer his own congratulations. “And how do you three feel about it?” he asked Adam, Hannah and Rachel, Nicole’s other children.

“We think it’s cool,” Adam answered and his sisters nodded.

Glorfindel shook Timothy’s hand. “Lucky you to get an instant family.”

“Last thing I ever thought would happen,” Timothy replied, giving them a shy look.

“Well, I’m happy for all of you. When’s the wedding? Have you decided?”

“We’re thinking October,” Nicole answered.

“Well, congratulations again,” Glorfindel said and the other Elves with him murmured their own congratulations as Nicole and Timothy herded the children away to be seated with Calandil escorting them.

There was a brief lull and no one else was coming inside. Ingwë took the moment to comment, “The child appears to be a special friend of yours.”

“Caleb?” Glorfindel said. “Yes, well, we helped rescue him and his family during a blizzard.”

“The Woman is a widow?” Galadriel asked.

“No. Her husband and the father of her children decided one day that he no longer wished to be a husband or a father and just up and left. This was before we knew them.”

 “That anyone would abandon their children…” Amarië said, looking disturbed and the others appeared equally shocked.

Glorfindel shrugged. “Some people should never be parents, as far as I’m concerned. We sort of adopted Nicole and her brood and apparently so did the Valar, for according to Lord Manwë, they arranged for Nicole and Tim to meet. They’re also close friends of David Michaelson and his family. Speaking of which…”

They looked to see Michaelson, dressed in a suit similar to the one he’d been wearing when he had appeared at the encampment, escorting a Woman and three children, the two girls identical twins.

“So Dave, do you have an invitation?” Glorfindel asked with a grin as he shook the Mortal’s hand.

Michaelson laughed. “You know I don’t, Loren. I just came to see what trouble you were going to get into. I even thought of bringing popcorn while I watch the show but Janna wouldn’t let me stop at the store on the way over.”

Glorfindel laughed. “Well, we don’t have popcorn, but I’m sure you’ll enjoy the spread after the ceremony. Janna, it’s good to see you again.” He gave her a brief kiss on the cheek. “And how are you three doing? Staying out of trouble?”

“Not according to our dad,” Kevin said with a cheeky grin, “but it’s tough being bad when your dad’s chief of police. Really puts a damper on things.” Both Dave and Janna rolled their eyes and the Elves smiled back in sympathy. Finrod even laughed, bending down to speak confidentially to the children.

“I know what you mean. When your father is king, you are never permitted to have any fun.” He stole a look at Arafinwë who snorted in amusement as he turned to Ingwë and said, “Little does he know just how much fun he was accorded compared to me when my atto was king.” Ingwë just smiled.

Finrod turned back to the children. “Yes, well, in fact, I had to run away to Middle-earth before I could have any fun.”

“Don’t give them ideas, Your Highness,” Dave said with an exaggerated sigh.

Finrod just laughed as he straightened.

“Come on, kids. Let’s find our seats,” Janna said. “We’ll see you after the ceremony, okay?”

“Yes, of course,” Glorfindel said. “Lawrence will escort you.”

Dave nodded to the Elves as he and Janna followed Findalaurë with their children trailing.

Eventually, everyone who was planning to attend the ceremony was seated. Glorfindel and Finrod excused themselves once they made sure the royals had found their own seats. A section to one side had been cordoned off for them, separating them slightly from the Mortals who were there. Not all the Elves were sitting together though. Many of those who now lived in Edhellond sat with some Mortal friends. Ingwë saw this and nodded in approval.

He looked around at the Hall. It was rather plain and utilitarian to his eyes, even with the colorful banners hanging on the walls or suspended from the high ceiling and garlands of flowers and ribbons strewn about. The stage had a red curtain that acted as a backdrop, hiding the back half, so only the front was visible. There was a canopy of flowers in the center and large vases of flowers surrounding it. A small table was placed to one side of the canopy and Ingwë could see what appeared to be sheets of vellum, a bottle of ink and a pen. Four Mortals sitting off to one side of the stage played various string instruments, entertaining them with soft music. A center aisle had been formed between the rows of chairs with a red carpet leading up to the stage.

The Hall was not completely crowded with people, though. Only the area directly before the stage had seating. To the far right, the space had been set up with round tables covered with white linen and flowers and it was obvious that the reception would take place here as well. At the moment most of the tables were pushed close to the wall and Ingwë suspected that once the ceremony was over with, the chairs would be removed and the tables set out.

In spite of the lack of opulence there was a beauty in the simplicity of it all which Ingwë approved. He was about to comment on it to Arafinwë and Olwë when the overhead lights dimmed and a couple of people appeared with long tapers and began to light the tall white candles that had been set before the stage as well as the two on either side of the canopy, though a third candle was left unlit.

From one side of the stage a door opened and Elrohir stepped out along with Elladan, their parents, Glorfindel, Finrod and Judge Harrison, dressed in formal judicial robes. They crossed the stage and took their places with Harrison, Finrod and Glorfindel facing the audience while Elrohir and Elladan stood underneath the canopy on the right side (from the audience’s point of view) with their parents beside them.

The audience quieted and the musicians paused for a moment, replacing scores, and then when Glorfindel nodded to them they started playing again, something more strident and martial, and to the Elves’ surprise, all the Mortals stood. Ingwë hastily rose as well and the others followed his lead.

There was a stir in the back of the Hall and Ingwë looked to see Nielluin, Alphwen and Eirien coming down the aisle holding bouquets of spring flowers while directly behind them followed Findalaurë, Calandil and Elennen. Findalaurë held a pillow on which sat two floral wreaths while his gwedyr wore swords at their hips, the only ones so armed. There was a slight pause and then Ingwë saw Vorondur and Ercassë with Serindë in between and their two sons bringing up the rear.

The Mortals all sighed and smiled at the sight of the bride, who was dressed in a flowing gown of white taffeta sprinkled with pearls and a veil and train of raw silk decorated with ribbon embroidery of flowers, with red roses predominating. Ingwë stole a glance at the stage and saw Elrohir watching the procession, his eyes lit with joy at the sight of his bride. The bridal party climbed the steps with the ellith standing on the left side of the canopy while Findalaurë took his place on Judge Harrison’s right. Calandil and Elennen stood on either side of the front of the canopy facing each other, their swords drawn and held points down before them. Vorondur and Ercassë stopped just before the canopy while Vorondur lifted Serindë’s veil, giving her a kiss. Ercassë also kissed her and then Vorondur escorted his daughter to stand underneath the canopy with Elrohir and placed her hand in Elrohir’s before joining his wife to stand with the ellith while Serindë’s brothers stood behind them.

Elrohir stared into Serindë’s eyes and said something to her, though only those on the stage could hear, but Ingwë saw the elleth blush shyly as Elrohir escorted her to stand before Judge Harrison and Finrod.

The music came to a halt and Judge Harrison said, “Please be seated.” It took a good minute or so for everyone to settle down before the ceremony continued and then Finrod spoke. “My friends, we are gathered today on this glorious spring evening in celebration of the union between an ellon and an elleth in matrimony. Elrohir Elrondion and Serindë Voronduriel, otherwise known to you as Royston Ronaldson and Sarah Brightman, have consented to be joined together as husband and wife. The ceremony which they have created is a blend of traditions, elven and mortal, so please bear with us, for some of what follows will be unfamiliar to most of you.”

He nodded to Glorfindel, who went to the table and picked up one of the vellum sheets, then came around to face the audience. Ingwë realized that the reading of the betrothal contract was at hand and was surprised.

“I did not realize that that custom continued among those who resided in Endórë,” he whispered to Arafinwë, though all those sitting around him heard him. “I thought that custom had been discarded by the Noldor.”

“Apparently, it was revived,” Arafinwë said somewhat sardonically, then hushed as Glorfindel began speaking.

“We Eldar are quite the traditionalists and while we may appear to be well integrated into this modern world, we hold to some older ways amongst ourselves. When Lord Elrohir and Lady Serindë expressed their desire to wed, I, standing in loco parentis, and Lord Vorondur sat down and drew up a betrothal contract, which I have here and will now read. The purpose of doing so is to inform the community of the particulars of the marriage and to obtain approval for the terms, and no, you cannot object on the grounds that you weren’t personally consulted first.”

He gave them a wide grin and someone was heard to say, “Well, there goes my fee,” and the Mortals laughed as did several of the Elves. Ingwë saw Elrohir lean over and say something to Vorondur who shook his head, his eyes bright with merriment.

When the laughter died, Glorfindel continued. “And so, let us read the contract.” But he did not begin reading it. Instead he turned slightly so as to be facing the Valinóreans. “Ingwë Ingaran, as you are the high king and ultimately the family head, would you, of your courtesy, deign to read the contract before all?”

All eyes turned to him and Ingwë briefly wondered what Glorfindel was about, but decided now was not the time. He rose gracefully. “I would, assuming, of course, that it is written in a language known to me,” he said.

Glorfindel smiled. “Don’t worry, Ingwë. You’ll have no trouble reading this, I promise.”

Ingwë glanced down at Arafinwë and Olwë, both of whom gave him bright smiles. He smiled back and made his way to the stage where Glorfindel handed him the contract and, glancing at it, saw that it had been written in Classic Sindarin with the typical illuminations. He raised an eyebrow at that, not expecting it, but without further comment he began reading. Glancing up briefly to gauge the mood of the audience, he was surprised to see many of the Mortals nodding, obviously capable of following the words. When he finished, he handed the contract to Glorfindel who bowed briefly and then turned back to the audience, saying, “And in the Common Tongue,” before reading the contract again, now in English. Several of the Mortals sniggered. Ingwë remained standing where he was until Glorfindel finished.

“Do ye approve?” he asked, holding up the contract for all to see.

“Yes!” came the reply from myriad throats.

“And now we will amend the contract to reflect that the marriage has taken place on this day and all parties will sign,” Glorfindel explained, then turned to Ingwë with a bow. “If you would also sign, Your Majesty?”

Ingwë simply nodded and then followed Glorfindel to where the table had been set up. For several minutes the wedding party hovered over the table as Glorfindel amended the contract and its copy and then all interested parties signed them both. The audience spent the time commenting softly to one another, some of them asking questions of the Elves who sat amongst them. Finally, though, the business with the contract ended. Glorfindel quietly thanked Ingwë for his assistance and the high king returned to his seat.

Judge Harrison then spoke. “Marriage is not something one enters lightly, for there are obligations attached to it, so I ask you, Elrohir Elrondion: do you take Serindë Voronduriel as your wife without reservation and of your own free will, forsaking all others?”

“I do,” Elrohir replied firmly.

“And do you, Serindë Voronduriel, take Elrohir Elrondion as your husband without reservation and of your own free will, forsaking all others?”

“I do.”

Then Finrod spoke, addressing Elrohir's parents. “Elrond and Celebrían, as Elrohir’s parents, do you welcome Serindë as your own daughter without reservation and of your own free wills?”

“We do.”

He then turned to the bride's parents. “Vorondur and Ercassë, as Serindë’s parents, do you welcome Elrohir as your own son without reservation and of your own free wills?” 

“We do.”

“If any here have cause as to why Elrohir and Serindë should not be joined in matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace,” Judge Harrison then said.    

There was an expectant pause and silence settled among them. Ingwë glanced about, wondering who would be so foolish as to object and what would he do if they did. He had no legal standing here, or so he had been told, though Findaráto had described how he had held his own court shortly after his arrival. But, thankfully, he did not have to worry about it, for no one spoke up and Judge Harrison continued. “Then let us hear your vows.”

Elrohir and Serindë faced one another, holding hands. “Serindë vanimelda, in all my existence, I never dreamed this day would come. The first time we met, my only thought was, ‘Thank Eru, I’m no longer the youngest’.”

Laughter rang through the Hall and many of the Mortals were seen shaking their heads at the absurdity of the statement, at least from their perspective. Serindë giggled. Ingwë exchanged smiles with Arafinwë and Olwë.

When the Hall calmed, Elrohir continued. “But as we got to know one another better, I realized that, young or not, thou wast everything in an elleth I had ever dreamt of: passionate as well as compassionate, full of lively intelligence and eager for new experiences, talented in too many ways to enumerate, but most of all, beautiful of fëa and hröa, a shining light to brighten even the dimmest of my days. And so, with all my heart and with the Valar as my witnesses, I promise to love and cherish thee, to support and comfort thee, in times of peace and in times of war, on good days and bad, for all the ages of Arda and beyond.”

Then Serindë spoke, sounding shy. “Elrohir anameldanya, never did I expect to find love before the End of Arda. I watched the Mortals down the ages as they married and were given in marriage and I envied them, even those who, given the custom of the day, were accorded little choice in their marriage partner. My adar assured me that someday I would meet someone who would love and cherish me. I do not know if that was foresight or merely the desire of a father to see his daughter happy, but when we first met, my first thought was not ‘Ah, here is the love of my life’ but ‘He’s handsome enough, I suppose, but pretty full of himself’.”

She paused, giving Elrohir a sly look, and he laughed. Many in the audience laughed as well. Elladan leaned back to say something to Elrond and Celebrían while Glorfindel was seen rolling his eyes. Judge Harrison and Finrod simply stood there and smiled.

“But as we got to know one another, I realized that you were everything I had dreamt of in a lover: strong yet gentle, unafraid to express emotion, full of joy as well as fun, someone whom I could trust with my very soul. And so, with all my heart and with the Valar as my witnesses, I promise to love and cherish thee, to support and comfort thee, in times of peace and in times of war, on good days and bad, for all the ages of Arda and beyond.”

There was a sigh of pleasure among the listeners as Findalaurë stepped forward and Elrond came around and took one of the wreaths and placed it on Serindë’s head, giving her a kiss, then Ercassë did the same thing, placing the other wreath on Elrohir’s head, kissing him before returning to stand with Vorondur. Then the bride and groom removed their silver promise rings, handing them over to Elladan and Nielluin, who then handed them gold bands.

Elrohir placed his on Serindë’s finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

And then Serindë placed her ring on Elrohir’s finger. “With this ring, I thee wed.”

“As two become one,” Judge Harrison said, “we rejoice in their union and we illustrate this by the lighting of the unity candle, borrowing the light from these two candles which represent the separate lives Elrohir and Serindë have lived until now.” He gestured to the two lit candles on either side of the canopy and Elrohir and Serindë then took them and approached the unlit one, lighting it together with the flames from their respective candles. When it was lit, they replaced the other candles and resumed their places before the judge.

“Let this candle be a symbol of your new life together,” Judge Harrison intoned. “Let it be a reminder that there will be days when the flame of your love for one another will dim when times are tough, yet, as long as you cherish one another and accept the bad with the good, this flame will never go out. And so, Roy, Sarah, by the power invested in me by the State of Alaska, I pronounce you husband and wife. May you know only joy. You may now kiss the bride.”

Elrohir grinned and leaned over to kiss Serindë while all around them the Mortals began clapping. When the two broke apart, there was a general flurry of motion on the stage as in-laws exchanged kisses with their new son and daughter, then Glorfindel took Elrohir’s and Serindë’s hands, leading them to the front of the stage, giving everyone a bright smile.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my lords and ladies, may I present Mr. and Mrs. Roy Ronaldson.”

The Mortals all leapt to their feet in applause. Glorfindel kissed Serindë on the cheek, placed her hand in Elrohir’s and stepped back. The two stood there grinning and looking shy all at the same time while everyone continued to clap and then, apparently from a signal from Glorfindel, the quartet began playing something lively and the couple started down the steps with the rest of the wedding party following.

Ingwë watched as the front doors were opened and the bride and groom and their entourage went outside. The Mortals all stood about, quietly commenting on the ceremony. Glorfindel came back inside and marched up the aisle, the murmurs quieting as he climbed to the stage. Turning, he addressed them. “The receiving line is outside in the small park across the street. Feel free to join us while the Hall is being set up for the reception.”

He came down the steps and went to where Ingwë and the others were. “Allow me to escort you,” he said with a brief bow and Ingwë nodded as they joined the throng of Mortals making their way out the doors.

****

Mae govannen, hîr nîn, hiril nîn. Le mae?: (Sindarin) ‘Well met, my lords, my ladies. Are you well?’

Anameldanya: (Quenya) My most beloved.

Note: Alcyone (eta Tauri), in the constellation of Taurus, is approximately 400 light years away. It is the brightest star in the Pleiades open cluster.





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