The Prince's Visions

Chapter Forty

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This is the day that the Lord has made, so let us rejoice and be glad in it. -Psalm 118:24

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Eilonwy

Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn arrived yesterday and were just as happy for us as everyone else. Galadriel hugged me so tightly, I was afraid that she might break me, but it was pleasant and loving all the same. Lord Celeborn hugged me, also, which surprised me because we are not that close, and Legolas laughed at my shocked expression.

Today, Lord Elrond decided that we all eat in the private dining room reserved for his family and special guests, and as we are all sitting down and eating our breakfast, a servant comes in and bows. "My Lord Elrond, King Elessar and his family have arrived."

I glance at Legolas, excitement shooting through my veins, and I hear his mother gasp slightly. The next few moments are a blur as everyone bursts into chatter, rising from their seats and rushing to the door. Legolas grabs my hand, laughing as he pulls me out of the dining room. We follow the others out into the courtyard, and a wide grin pulls at my lips when I see Aragorn lifting Estrith off a horse.

"Aragorn!" I exclaim, rushing forward as he sets her on her feet, and I practically jump on him, hugging him tightly.

He laughs joyfully, embracing me in his warm, fatherly arms. "Eilonwy, we came as soon as we got your letter," he says as I pull away, "I am sorry to have kept you waiting."

Legolas stops beside me, grinning at him. "Eilonwy might be willing to accept your apology, but I am not."

Aragorn releases me from his hold, smirking at Legolas as the others around us laugh, and Arwen reunites with her parents quietly, all smiling and talking animatedly.

"Lady Eilonwy!" Estrith exclaims, throwing herself into my arms, and I pick her up, hugging her to me tightly.

"My dear Estrith, how I have missed you!" I say with a laugh, kissing her nose.

She giggles, pulling away to look at me with her beautiful, round eyes. "I missed you, too!" she says before glancing at Legolas who is watching us with an amused smile, "I was so happy when daddy told me you are marrying Legolas! I told him we had to leave immediately."

Legolas leans in, kissing her cheek, and she giggles again, her eyes shining in excitement. "You are incredible," he says to her, and I hand her over to him, watching as she places her hands on his cheeks seriously.

"Legolas, I am allowing this marriage to happen only because I would not part with you with anyone less worthy than Eilonwy," she says like an adult, staring at him with pursed lips and a raised brow.

Legolas laughs brightly as everyone around us erupts into laughter, and I look at Aragorn to see him shaking his head. "Well, I thank you so very much, Estrith," he says, feigning seriousness, and then he glances over at me with his handsome smirk, "I do not know what we would do without your approval."

Estrith grins, patting his cheek cutely. "You would never marry and end up old and alone," she says simply, shrugging her shoulders nonchalantly.

Gwilithon bursts into laughter along with Elrohir, and Legolas kisses her cheek again, his shoulders shaking with laughter.

"Alright, alright, that is enough, Estrith," Aragorn says, chuckling lowly as Legolas sets her on her feet.

Arwen approaches me gracefully, pulling me into a warm embrace. "I was not surprised at all when Aragorn told me the news," she says with her bell-like laugh, "Though, it filled my heart with warmth to hear of your wedding. If there is anything you need help with, I am more than willing to do it, but Naneth says the wedding preparations are almost finished."