For the last several weeks, whilst Legolas had been immersed in his endeavors in the forest, Wren had been relegated to various other activities and for the most part, had spent scant time with him. In the evenings, however, they often ate together, either with Strider or at Wren's home with Nerwen. Indeed, she looked forward to the days when the weather would be poor and they might be forced to stay indoors. However, this was rare, a few older villagers even claimed the winter was the mildest they had experienced, apparently a good omen for the year ahead. Wedding preparations had gathered speed and intensity in recent weeks, with Nerwen at the helm and Gelwin her young and enthusiastic assistant. Wren, however, had frequently sought opportunities such as hunting and patrol duty to evade any and all discussions.

By prior agreement, Legolas had gently prohibited Wren from entering a certain portion of the forest. She had acquiesced, even though her own curiosity was steadily eating away at  her. Although she did not know the details, Wren was astute enough to know that Legolas was building a cabin for them. Not only was she well aware that no suitable housing existed for them within the village, but she had seen Legolas and various villagers traipsing in and out of the forest for several weeks carrying axes, saws and various other hand tools. Moreover, she had overheard various conversations, that she assumed were not been meant for her ears. The most recent one had included the sons of Elrond, and her mother and her betrothed. Wren had been out stalking deer in the forest and upon her return she had caught the edge of a heated discussion in Nerwen's kitchen, as she approached the door.

"How on earth can you expect to survive the depths of winter out there in the forest, you could be isolated for days if not weeks?" She heard her mother say. Her voice sounded agitated.

"Snow does not present the same challenges for elves as it does for mortals." That might have been Elrohir, or possibly Elladan.

"Wren is mortal, she will die of cold even if you don't feel it."

"I had heard there were other ways for newly-weds to keep warm..." said Elladan.

Wren heard an uncomfortable cough, she was certain it came from Legolas.

"Nerwen, I have already arranged for the village smithy to build a small wood-fired stove. I can assure you that I will not let your daughter freeze." 

"What about safety, you are so vulnerable out there to a lone attack?" Nerwen was not giving up easily.

"Again, Nerwen I have made arrangements, we will be perfectly safe."

"Not least because Legolas does not sleep much and he is pretty handy with a bow and a sword, or so I have heard..." Elrohir said either intentionally or unknowingly stoking a fire.

"Although, he might be distracted..." said Elladan. Wren thought she heard sniggers from both the twins.

"Enough! I have had enough of your inferences!" Her mother said abruptly, her patience evaporated. "Out, all of you, before Wren returns..."

Wren suddenly realized that Nerwen was shooing the elves out her cabin and so she quickly took a step away from the door, so as not to be caught in the act of eavesdropping. The door opened, the startled and abashed faces of the twins would have told Wren all she needed to know even if she had not heard the latter part of the conversation herself. Their surprise at seeing her rapidly evaporated into wide grins, but they hastily made themselves scarce as Legolas followed them out the door. He offered her a quizzical eyebrow as soon as he saw her,  it was plain from his eyes alone that he was acutely aware that she had heard more than she should have. As he advanced towards her, with an almost menacing smile on his face; she instinctively took a step backwards and bumped into the wooden pole that held up the small awning above the door, her escape blocked.

He lent in over her. "Well it appears that your ears are larger than they look my beloved. Exactly how much did you overhear..."

She smiled, her eyes alight. "Enough to know that there are other ways we can keep warm at night..."

"Is that so." His hand gently ran down her face and followed the curve on her body till it came to rest on her hip. He then lent down further and whispered in her ear "Would you care to elaborate..." As his lips brushed her cheek, it sent her pulse racing, as she felt the heat rise in her body and her breath stuck fast in her throat.

A loud cough was heard behind them.

Legolas spun round to see Nerwen in the doorway with her arms folded. The elf flushed a spectacular shade of crimson and with a curt bow of his head, he stammered something about needing to go and see Strider. As he left, as he gave Wren a backwards glance and offered her a helpless shrug.

Wren's gaze was then drawn back to mother, who stood motionless in the doorway, her eyebrows high and her jaw jutting out.

Wren rolled her eyes. "Oh mother, don't look at me like that. In another couple of weeks and you will then be rid of me for good."

"Aletheîa, you know that is not what this is about, have some propriety, half the village is watching."

Wren snorted "I would hope the half the village has better things to do." But as she took she took a step towards the cabin to follow Nerwen over the threshold, she glanced behind her and sure enough, half a dozen villagers were nonchalantly returning to their tasks and few faces had not yet disappeared from the nearby windows.

Her mother called back over her shoulder, "And if it is only a couple of weeks, you had better start adjusting the hem of the dress that twins brought to you from Arwen."

The twins had indeed come bearing gifts from Rivendell. The most notable being a truly exquisite gown, woven in the colors of the forest; the emerald green of new beech leaves that gradually intensified into the deep green of the Oiolairë tree. The gown clung to the edges of Wren's shoulders, with long sleeves that widened at the elbow and were lined with the finest of ivory silks that hung low. A row of the dainty buttons ran up the back of garment and elaborate silver embroidery swirled and wove in and around the neckline, hem and edge of the sleeves. Wrapped carefully and placed among the folds of the fabric was a circlet of eleven silver. An intricate lattice of silver filigree that was intertwined with delicate polished replicas of eleanor flowers studded with tiny white gems.

The usually sensible and stoic Nerwen gasped at the sight of the gown and was rendered speechless by the crown. Gelwin who was present at the time, squealed with sheer delight. Wren herself was lost for words. Along with the crown there was a folded piece parchment addressed to Aletheîa and sealed with the mark of the house of Elrond.

"What does it say? Oh, hurry up and open it!" Gelwin's excitement was bubbling over, the child could barely contain herself.

Wren broke the seal and found a letter to herself written in Arwen's beautiful elvish script.

~~~~~~

Dearest Aletheîa,

Warmest greetings to you and your kinsfolk. When I heard of your happy news, my heart was full of such joy for you and your beloved. Although I do not personally have an acquaintance with your prince, I have heard it told that he is most fair, loyal and brave. I know that the path ahead of you both may be unclear, but I believe that you choose well, when you choose hope and love over fear and uncertainty.

I am not familiar with the customs of the Dúnedain when it comes to the matter of weddings, however, I hoped that I might bestow some gifts from elven traditions. The gown is one of mine, but I am sure that adjustments can be made for it to fit you. I am very fond of it as it reminds me of my mother's home and I thought it is particular appropriate for a child of the forest, such as yourself. I realize that the crown may seem extravagant, however I feel that is only fitting, as you are marrying a prince! My brothers also carry rings that they have forged and engraved for you both, to exchange at the ceremony, if that is the practice of the Dúnedain.

I am leaving Rivendell for an unknown time, as my heart is heavy with burden that I am sadly unable to articulate, but I hope that my spirit might be restored in Lothlórien. Thereafter, I sincerely hope that our paths might cross and we might share once again in the friendship we were so briefly blessed with during your time at Rivendell.

Galo Anor erin râd dhîn*,

Arwen

~~~~~~  

Wren was lost for a moment in thought as she pondered the words in the letter. She had spent almost a year with Arwen, before Strider returned from his exploits with the twins. For the first time in her life she had experienced something of a sisterly figure in the form of the Lady of Rivendell. Arwen had a sharp wit and was quick to laugh, consequently Wren had found it easy and enjoyable to spend time in her presence.

Following Strider and Arwen's meeting in the forest, Wren had observed not only Strider's deterioration but the impact it had on Arwen as well. The young ranger had clearly made an impression on the elven lady and it greatly affected her. Wren endeavored to avoid feeling resentful at the loss of Strider's heart to the fairest of all beings in Middle Earth, but it was a challenge that often tested her. The letter served to remind her of the love and friendship she had shared with Arwen, but in turn it also grieved her greatly that Arwen and Strider's future now seemed much dimmer than her own.

She was interrupted from her thoughts by both Gelwin and her mother pressing her to divulge the contents of the letter, which she did so in the briefest way possible. In truth, she was delighted with the gown, the likes of which had never before been seen in New Fornost. Before its arrival, Nerwen had been adjusting her own marital garment for Wren to wear, although it was almost sixty years old and of dubious quality and style. Although Wren's interest in the matter was limited, as she was far more at ease in her leather trousers and tunic; she considered gowns and wedding attire perfunctory. However, when presented with this particular article of beauty, she was enthralled.

"We will need to take the hem up, as Arwen is considerably taller than you. And braid your hair so that the crown rests properly on your head." Nerwen muttered, almost to herself.

"Mother, that is all very well regarding the gown, but I think the crown is a bit pretentious for New Fornost..."

"Nonsense, never before has a daughter of the village married an elf, let alone a prince. The entire village will turn out to see one of their own wed royalty. As Arwen said, a crown is only fitting."

Wren snorted.

"May I have it if you do not want it?" Asked Gelwin, her eyes brightening.

Wren laughed. "All in good time Gelwin, for I will have no use for it, after I wed."

On the day that followed the arrival of the twins, Wren had been on her way from her cabin to talk to Legolas when she saw Strider coming towards her, an unusual smile on his face, although his mind seemed to be in a far-off place. She had to maneuver herself directly into his path to stop him walking right past her.

"Why good morning Estel, how do you fare this fine day?"

He stopped abruptly and smiled widely in return, "It is indeed a fine day."

"Fine indeed. Might I presume that you were honored with a token of some sort from Rivendell...?" A knowing smile on her face.

"Since you enquired so politely, yes, I received a letter from Elrond's daughter."

"Fancy that," Wren said, her face full of mock surprise. "I presume that you were updated on the general day-to-day events of Rivendell then..."

"Something to that effect." His eyes twinkled.

Seeing him so blissfully happy, Wren could not help herself but reach up to fling her arms around him and kiss his cheek.

There is always hope, Estel." She whispered in his ear.

"Have you not heard, I am hope." He chuckled in return, a rare moment of lightness, as the burden on shoulders seemed to increasingly darken with the passage of time. "Perhaps if you and Legolas can forge a way through the myriad of elf and mortal challenges, you might be the ones to demonstrate hope to the rest of us."

Wren smiled warmly and laughed, "An easy feat for us then! Come let us go and find that elf and let him know the task he has ahead of him!"

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*Galo Anor erin râd dhîn ~ May the sun shine upon your path 

So did I say 'weekly' publishing?....oops! So Easter and a family wedding sidelined this one for an additional week, but I really hope that I will be able to get the other chapters out on a weekly basis. Hope being the operative word ;) And at least I have some recent firsthand wedding experience to write the next one!

I would love to receive your comments and please VOTE on this chapter if you enjoyed it. Each vote and comment helps the wider circulation of my story, I really appreciate them!