When Love Takes You In

A/N (Sorry it's been so long between updates. Life has kept me busy. Enjoy!!)

The rest of the journey was soured by Legolas' harsh words. Ramo found it hard to look at him after what he had said. She had assumed that because of Legolas close friendship with Aragorn that he would be beyond such foolish prejudices but apparently not. She stole a glance at his profile. Her new husband was a fine-looking man to be sure. His skin was clear and without pock-marks. But what Ramo liked best about his appearance were his eyes. They were a soft blue that at times were as clear as the summer sky over Pellenor but could also haze over with clouds of pain at any given moment. The war may not have physically scarred the youngest Prince of Mirkwood but it had certainly left its horrid mark on him.

They reached the inner capitol of Mirkwood without further incident. Word of their arrival had preceded the couple to the palace and home of King Tharanduil. Although the Elvish ruler was quite pleased to hear of his sons marriage he was also uneasy about the boys choice. Legolas was young and the fact that he had not sought his Adar's counsel on such an important matter as this set him on edge. Was this girl of good solid family? He doubted that she was worthy of his favorite son. The King forced himself to push his thoughts aside as he stepped into the cool spring morning to welcome Legolas and his young bride.

Ramo had grown increasingly anxious as their mounts neared the halls of Mirkwood. Her face paled and her hands shook causing the reigns twined around her slender fingers to tremble. Legolas reached over and took them from her. He smiled gently at her and Ramo managed a half-hearted imitation. She was meeting her husbands family for the first time, surely that was ample reason for her nervouse behaviours. She forced her breathing to slow and smoothed the skirt of her dark green dress. It was one of Ramo's favorites as Faramir ahd told her that the sight of her in it stole his breath away. She bit her lip and shoved away the memory.

She had been particularly quiet on the trip but Legolas refused to let her pensive manner bother him. The sight of the palace caused his heartbeat to quicken and he gently helped Ramo from her mount. It was still hard for him to think of her as his bride but she was a fine woman. He took her small hand in his and walked towards the steps. King Tharanduil waited for them at the top. Ada. The older Elf embraced his son in a long hug. They had not seen each other in over a year. Finally Legolas backed away from his father and motioned for Ramo to come stand by his side.

“Ada, I present to you my wife, Ramo of Gondor.”

An audible murmur ran through the assembled crowd. Ramo bobbed a little curtsy and smiled at the King, whose look was frosty at best. “A human, Legolas? You had better be prepared to give a good explanation for your actions.” He held up a hand to ward off his sons protests. “Later. Your old rooms have been made ready for you. Dinner will be served in the banquet hall. Make sure she's properly dressed.” Tharanduil turned on his heel and walked swiftly away.

His fathers chill tone had somewhat shocked Legolas. Not that he had expected a warm reception but he had never thought the King would be so harsh in public. He took Ramo by the elbow and gently guided her to his quarters that he had occupied since an Elfling. The door shut quietly behind them and Ramo sank down on one of the many exquisite chairs in the room. “This was a mistake Legolas. If I had thought this through I would have known it beforehand.”

He sat at her feet, taking her hands in his. “We cannot undo our decision.” Legolas lifted a hand to brush away the hair from her face. “We will just have to make them all think we are in love. My father will relent in time.” He smiled and lifted her chin so their eyes met. “Trust me Ramo.”

Everything in her wardrobe was made in the Gondorian fashion. Nothing was entirely appropriate. There wasn't time to get something made either-at least not for the banquet that evening. For the third time Legolas went through the dresses, realizing they'd have to choose one. His hand brushed an ice blue silk and he held it up again. It wasn't ideal but at least Ramo would look as if she belonged in Mirkwood.

Later, after they were both dressed, Legolas set a delicate crown on Ramo's head. “You're a Princess, remember that.”

Ramo always thought afterwards that it was a miracle from above that she made it through the banquet. The food was strange to her and she was forced to rely on Legolas to know what fork to use etc. No one around the table spoke in the common tongue. Instead Elvish was used and Ramo had the distinct impression that they were all talking about her. Once when a beautiful noble woman made a particularly nasty sounding comment Legolas covered her hand with his and spoke softly, apparently rebuking the Elvish Lady.

Mandolee's jibe had not been necessary and it pained Legolas to hear Ramo spoken of in such a manner. She deserved far better than the snide disrespect she was receiving. At last when he grew overweary of having his wife bandied about in such a vulgar fashion he stood and with an arm around Ramo's waist, exited the banquet hall without a word to anyone.

The summons from Tharanduil came not an hour later. The young Prince sighed and left his new bride with instructions not to wait for his return.