LOTS of fluff and filler, trying to get back into the swing of this story but feel like this chapter didn't turn out how I wanted :(

As ever I'm sorry I'm a terrible writer that keeps you waiting but I once again promise that this story will never go abandoned and I will 100 percent finish it. (Hopefully this year ha.)

I just want to thank everyone that continues to read and leave lovely reviews and send me messages to check I'm still alive. You really do keep me writing.

It was never how she imagined her wedding. Lying in a patch of dewy summer grass, the moon lighting the sky and an owl singing nearby; but she still found it perfect.

She raised an arm to trace an invisible pattern across the sky, a slight wind making her shiver. Legolas reached out and wrapped a hand around her raised one. With a smooth motion he guided her arm so that it was pointing at a massive cluster of silver stars.

"My kin call them Ualair Yllafina, they are the brightest and biggest of all the stars in the sky and therefore the newest. They signal the birth of new adventures, which is entirely fitting." He motioned down to their half naked bodies draped over each other. "These stars will shine for as long as you live Jessica and shall be a reminder of our bonding. They give you not a moment in time but its entirety. Long after we are parted and gone from these lands, those stars will remember us."

She was enraptured by his words, their meaning.

"We have a thing back on Earth where you can give someone a star, like for their birthday or something." She saw him raise a sceptic brow and quickly added; "Not an actual, here hold this burning ball of gas type of gift but more like you get to name one that's up in the sky. I don't really know how it works but I've always liked the idea."

"You cannot own a star." Legolas's face was puzzled.

"It's not yours, it's just... like you said, a reminder, a memory. It's something special rather than just getting the usual bath set or Britney Spears perfume for Christmas." She pointed to the biggest and brightest star that they had been watching. "That one, it's so bright and majestic. I think I'll call it... Boromir."

Legolas stilled beneath her, she turned her eyes from the sky to find him looking at her very intently. A slow smile curved his lips.

"The Steward, may Eru Illuvatar bless him, would be honoured."

She fingered the lush grass beneath her, twisting its blades between her hands as they sat in contemplative silence, just watching the sky before Jessica began to shiver. Legolas ran his hands down her arms, feeling the flesh pimple beneath his fingers.

"You are not made for this forest on this night."

He stood then, languidly stretching out his limbs and admiring the way Jessica's golden hair fell down over her breasts. He dressed at a slow pace, taking his time to watch her as she wiggled her way into her tight fitting clothes.

As she finished dressing Jessica looked over to see Legolas was already dressed and staring at her. She offered him a small smile, her eyes taking in every detail of him. His hair was messier than she'd ever seen it, her fingers had seen to that. His skin was marked, her lips had seen to that and for once his eyes looked both peaceful and tired, her body had seen to that.

"So... you're my husband now."

"I suppose in human terms aye, we are elf and wife. I would simply say that we are bonded now. It carries a greater meaning than just being your husband."

Just hearing him say those words sent a bolt of lust shooting down her spine. She knew that Legolas would be able to sense it through his elven bond with her, and upon looking up she saw that his dark eyes were fixed solely on her. His body reacted to his mate instinctively and he was standing in front of her before she was even aware that he had moved away from the tree he was leaning against.

One hand is tangled in her long golden hair, rubbing and pulling. His lips are bruising against her own, his teeth nibbling at her flesh. His other hand was pushing up her clothing and exploring all of her toned soft skin. She moaned into his mouth as his fingers rubbed small circles into the flesh of her hip, his hands teasing and tantalising. She gripped his shoulders, hard, her nails digging into his flesh. She could feel the bite of the night's wind against her exposed skin and it only made her want him more.

Both of his hands were framing her waist, caressing the skin there. He used his strength to walk her backwards until she was pushed up against a large tree. The rough bark of it marking her back as she lifted her legs to wrap around his hips. He pushed himself slowly into her, grinding into her as she begged softly, her words whispered into his hair. She bit down lightly on the tip of his ear and she felt him still beneath her.

She pulled her head back, panting heavily, "Legolas?"

His eyes met hers, heavy and hooded.

"Do. That. Again."

His tone was deep and like nothing she had heard from him before.

"Oh..." she breathed out lustily before turning her attention back to his ears.

His hands found their way onto the bark behind her, his hips pinning her in place. He began to move again, slowly, tortuously. Jessica felt like she couldn't breathe and her hands clawed at his back, feeling the marks that she left there earlier in the night. She bit down hard on his ear and noticed the way his jaw tensed in pure pleasure. He moved his hands up to cup at her face, his lips seeking hers in fevered passion. She gasped as her whole body writhed with pleasure, her vision blurring and only Legolas' strong hands keeping her grounded to him.

"Jesssiccaaa." He groaned, her name a raspy plea on his parted lips.

"I feel weird, do you feel weird?"

He sighed, giving her a pained look as she fiddled with her hair and straightened her dress for the hundredth time.

It was the morning after the night before and Jessica had been staring at her reflection in the glass for at least half an hour. She supposed she was trying to see if she looked different. She felt so different so was disappointed that she still looked like her plain old self. Legolas was stood, half dressed leaning against the door frame, his eyes intently watching her. He folded his arms across his chest as he watched her lean in to stare closer at herself. Obviously he knew Jessica was a human, and different from even the other humans here on Middle-earth, but even he knew that this was definitely strange behaviour.

"Just what are you hoping to see?"

His question went unanswered as she turned to peer at him over her shoulder, her eyes taking in his bare chest and muscular arms.

"I spent the night, here, with you."

He raised an eyebrow almost as if to question that she had only just realised that.

"We have shared a chamber before," he pointed out.

"But we had sex." She looked over, seeing his grinning face. "Okay we had lots of sex."

"We are newly wedded, what else would I wish to do with all my free time?"

"Well one of us has to sleep." She mumbled, still slightly annoyed that he didn't tire as easily as she did.

She turned once again to peer at her reflection.

"Do you think people will know? Is this like the walk of shame from your room down to breakfast? Wait... is it still considered the walk of shame if we're hitched?"

Legolas sighed, moving to stand behind her so that she could see both of them in the reflective glass. He was easily a few feet taller than her, his long hair touching the tops of her shoulders. Instinctively she lent back into his solid chest.

"We go to break our fast not do battle with the Nazgûl, do not fret so."

"But I'm your wife." she stressed the word to emphasise just how weird it sounded to her.

"Aye you are," and his face now openly showed all the longing, love and affection he held for her.

She dropped her new dress that she was anxiously twisting between her fingers and turned to face him.

"Sorry, this is all kind of new to me. It's sort of a big deal."

"As opposed to myself and the many wives I have taken before you," he replied sarcastically but still lent down to kiss her forehead.

"I feel like that's something you should have mentioned before the wedding;" she snarked back with a smile. Never the less she turned from him to put her dress on, now admiring her reflection in the glass rather than studying it. "Thanks for the dress by the way, it's nice to have something that finally fits me."

"Like a glove," he murmured lowly as his hands touched the curve of her waist. He placed a single kiss on the side of her jaw. His low tone vibrated against her skin, making her shiver in the early morning light. "I had Gondor's finest tailor work through the night to have it ready for you. I cannot have you dressed in those worn rags you have been walking around in."

"You're such a snob."

She couldn't help but finger the silvery-blue material of the dress with a smile even if she did feel sorry for the poor tailor who had worked all night, though she had no doubt they were paid handsomely for their time.

"You are royalty by marriage now," was all he offered by way of reply.

Her throat felt quite dry at that thought.

Legolas' fingertips traced an intimate pattern along the column of her neck until they finally reached her chin. He gently tilted her face up so that his lips could meet hers. Instinctively her hands went to his hair, her fingers brushing along the tips of his ears. His hips involuntarily pushed themselves into hers, a low groan escaping his throat and dying on her welcoming lips.

"So sexy," she whispered, deliberately rubbing at his ears.

He groaned again, this time louder before burying his face into her neck.

"Jessica," he rasped, "If you continue to torment me so, we shall never leave this room."

"Oh no, how horrible!" She sighed theatrically but did reluctantly release her grip on his pointed ears. "At least I know now why you didn't want me touching them before we got together. Ears, huh, who knew?"

He laughed charmingly even if he did look slightly embarrassed.

"Elven ears are very... sensitive."

She looked up at him then, feeling all of the adoration she held for him in her heart and was overcome with emotion. They had fought so hard and been through so much and here they were. They were bonded and married and he actually loved her. She subtly pinched herself.

Still real.

She had half expected the whole dining hall to stop and stare as she and Legolas entered but no one even so much as glanced in their direction.

Gimli nodded a greeting as they sat down beside him and Aragorn but that was about the extent of the attention they received.

"You are to depart on this day?"

Legolas nodded, "aye," and neither Jessica nor Aragorn missed how sad that one word sounded.

"We shall be reunited soon mellon." Aragorn smiled as Gimli added: "Aye, and you shan't be parted from me so easily master elf!"

Jessica's eyebrows raised in confusion; "Are you coming with us to Mirkwood?"

She knew in the book that after the war Gimli and Legolas had stayed together. They had led a large number of Durin's folk south to establish a new Dwarf Kingdom in the Glittering Caves behind Helm's Deep. They also helped restore a war-torn Fangorn Forest and travelled to Ithilien with some other elves. Afterwards they had departed for the Undying Lands together. She was happy that they weren't going their separate ways but she hoped they still had plans to help Middle-earth in the same way they did in the book. She filed it away for a conversation to have at another date.

"That I am lass, the wee laddy is going to need some back up when he becomes king. He needs an honest Hand of the King, someone to tell him when he's being a right-"

"-I'm sure you'll be perfect for the role." Jessica interrupted, not letting him finish whatever insult he was delivering.

He certainly won't shy away from telling Legolas when he's acting like a dickhead.

"Tis not Jessica you have to convince yourself capable of this role, tis the elves that shall not favour you."

"Elves adore me." Gimli replied with a sniff.

Jessica couldn't help but laugh loudly at the pair of them as Legolas rolled his eyes.

"I'm sure you'll win them round Gimli, you'll be having tea parties with Thranduil before you know it. I mean I had dinner with him just the other day, you're in for a real treat!"

Legolas muttered something low in elvish which made Aragorn snort, she had a feeling it wasn't very complimentary towards his father.

"Speaking of his elfiness, just how did you get him to agree to not only let Gimli stay in Mirkwood, but to also make him your Hand?"

Legolas looked aloof as he replied, "I am sure it will be of no consequence to him..."

Jessica's eyes widened. "You haven't told him," she replied flatly. "Well please let me know when that conversation is going down so I can make sure I'm all the way in Modor. It'll be safer there."

He rolled his eyes at her theatrics, leaning in close so that only she could hear him "Then I must assume you cannot wait for the conversation in which I tell him we are bonded."

"Nah, I'm sure he'll be thrilled. Probably take me out on a belated hen do and everything. It'll be me and Thranduil drinking Sex on the Beach out of penis shaped straws whilst dancing to Taylor Swift."

Gimli, oblivious to their private conversation, lent over to gain Legolas' attention.

"Aye and I expect a front row seat at yer coronation lad. Only the best views of you in yer stupid crown for the Hand of the King."

"Does that mean you're going to be king, like soon?" Jessica asked, feeling a mild panic at the thought.

"It is my ada's intention, aye. Gimli, I shall have you sat at my feet, where you belong," he grinned to show he was joking and then touched Jessica's hand under the large wooden table, "and it goes without saying, that you shall be by my side, where you belong."

"Is all of that what you want, so soon?"

"What I want is of no concern, my kin come first. I think you forget I am no elfling Jessica. I may be young by elf standards but I am old to this world. It would not be 'so soon' as you say."

She was about to reply but was cut off by Thranduil making a dramatic entrance followed by lots of elves. They were dressed for travelling, all wearing cloaks and robes. They sat at one long table together only picking at the feast Aragorn had prepared for his guests.

Arwen entered just behind them, her eyes immediately seeking out Aragorn. Her smile was enchanting as she beamed at him, gracefully making her way over to where they were sat. She placed a delicate hand on his shoulder.

"Husband, we must take our place." She gestured towards the high table where lots of stuffy looking lords and ladies were sat, all dressed in their finest clothes.

Aragorn looked slightly pained but smiled lovingly at his bride.

"You can't come slumming it down at the waifs and strays table with us anymore." Jessica joked as Aragorn stood.

"Speak for yourself." Legolas smirked. "I am royalty."

Aragorn levelled them all with a deep look.

"I have more in common with you strays than I do with those at that table. I shall miss you all, my kin."

He called us his family. All of the feels.

Gimli bowed his head and even Jessica wasn't so heartless as to call him out on the fact he had done it only to hide his tears. The new king placed an affectionate hand on the dwarf's shoulder.

"I know friend," he commented quietly.

Next he stood before Jessica, a small smile on his face.

"You, my most trusted of advisers, should be sat next to me at that table." He looked to Legolas. "But I have a feeling that another king has stolen you away."

Before he could react she threw her arms around him in an unexpected display of affection.

"You don't need me, you don't need them" she motioned to where the pompous looking advisers sat at his table, "you're going to be a kick ass king. You've got this."

"Wise words Jessica... I think," he laughed heartily as she left the hug. "Thank you Jessica for all you have done, for Middle-Earth, and for me. I sincerely mean that."

She shrugged self-consciously, "I didn't really do anything, just tagged along and made some inappropriate comments."

She felt Legolas stand beside her and could almost feel how rigid his body was. Aragorn stared at him for a long moment. It was a strange thought but Jessica wondered if Legolas had many friends beside Aragorn and now Gimli. He didn't speak of anyone back home. She could see how much they were both going to miss each other.

The looks these two are giving each other, no wonder people pair them together in fanfics.

"Take care of our girl," Aragorn motioned towards Jessica "and of our dwarf."

"Ha wel n-nin wenn."

Aragorn stepped forward, clasping his friend firmly on the shoulder in a sort of half hug.

"If you need for anything you need only ask. I will drop everything, of this you can be sure."

Legolas pulled Aragorn in closer.

"Im ken cin-o iar mellon, I ken cín sindwe. Ambar ber sindwe mer-wen el. "

"We're going to have to actually learn Elvish at some point." Jessica whispered to Gimli, who nodded in agreement.

"Until we meet again Legolas," were Aragorn's parting words as the king finally left to take his seat at the high table.

Jessica subtly touched Legolas' knee under the table, hoping to offer a small measure of comfort.

He looked to her with a small smile; "I always find sorrow in biding farewell to old friends, my heart is heavy for parting on this day but I know we shall be reunited soon." He placed his hand on top of hers. "All is well."

The room filled with all manner of guests and soon the food was eaten and people were ready to start their journeys home. Jessica agreed with Legolas completely. It was sad saying goodbye to friends. She'd never experienced anything like it before. She had but a few friends on Earth and they were never far from her, and even when they were she could easily just drop them a text.

I'm going to have to mail them by carrier pigeon and wait ages for a reply.

Aragorn had sensed that the mood had changed in the great hall, his guests sombre for their journey home.

He stood and with a reassuring look from Arwen he loudly cleared his throat.

Silence. All eyes were on him.

"Friends, on this day we shall be parted. Some of us for only a little while, others forever more. And whilst this may weigh heavy on your heart, do not let it be so," he paused to level a kind look on the room. "We shall forever be united, we have peace in our time, in Middle-Earth. When we return to our homes, our villages and cities, you will tell stories of our bravery on this quest. For every single one of us has shown true courage, whether it was out there on the battlefield, or behind your walls protecting our young. Your kin shall be happy and forever safe because we are this realm's protectors, whether we be together or apart, no evil shall befall this land in our time! Middle-earth stands strong, and united!"

Everyone in the room rose with a war cry and chants of 'long live the King!' and Jessica couldn't help but join in.

"I wish phones were a thing here and I could just add you all on facebook. It feels so prehistoric to have to wait for a letter."

"I still don't understand a word she says." Pippin muttered to Frodo who nodded his head in agreement.

"We could always ask Legolas?" Gimli raised a hand in the elfs direction.

He was sat at one of the long tables, studiously sharpening his knives. The war may have been over but he was still a warrior. He lifted his head as he heard his name mentioned.

"What gives you the belief that I would understand her words anymore than you would?"

Gimli smirked as he lifted his eyes to the sky.

"Perhaps it is the fact that you two spend more time together than these two do." He motioned towards Pippin and Merry who were now looking between Jessica and the elf.

Legolas cleared his throat, a small sign that he was uncomfortable. "I do not know of what you speak. We are companions, I spend no more time with Jessica than I do with you."

The dwarf gave a loud laugh that had many heads turn to look at them.

"Aye, I must have missed the times when we shared a chamber at night the same as you do with your other companion here," he nudged Jessica in which she assumed was a playful way but nearly had her face planting the floor. He didn't know his own strength sometimes.

"Jessica?" This time it was Merry that spoke up, his voice inquisitive. "What does Gimli mean to imply?"

"I thought elves were against all that improper stuff," Sam added."Unless... you two have..." he trailed off, his eyes wide.

Jessica cleared her throat, glaring at Gimli. "One, it's no ones business what we do, and two, how do you even know that Gimli? You little stalker."

Legolas was still watching them all out the corner of his eye trying to act disinterred in the conversation but he looked up to smile softly at Jessica as she spoke, a gesture that Frodo didn't miss.

"She's right," Jessica smiled gratefully at the hobbit as he came to their defence. "It's not our business what they do."

"I, however, make it my business what they do."

Jessica felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up as the party turned around to see King Thranduil stood behind them.

TRANSLATIONS:

Mellon - Friend

Ada - Father

Ha wel n-nin wenn - It will be my honour.

Im ken cin-o iar mellon, I ken cín sindwe. Ambar ber sindwe mer-wen el - I know you of old friend, I know your words are true and I offer you those same words in return.