"There is still time should you prefer to send her an invitation." she squeaked as he poked her side and lept off the chair making a lunge for him, laughing "You don't want me to cut it? Perhaps short hair would suite me?" she giggled and poked his sides simultaneously in revenge.

''I may invite her now you mention it. Perhaps the single life would suit you?'' he laughed as she poked his sides.
He grabbed her and slung her over his shoulder and turned and began walking to his room.
''Come, let us pick me out an outfit that will render you invisible for tonight''

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She broke down in laughter as he slung her over his shoulder. "I might be offended if I did not know you were bluffing, Sir Niko!" she squirmed "Put me down, you big oaf!" she slapped his bottom to emphasize her words.

''Who's to say I am bluffing? '' He returned her slap, twice, before adding '' Elanor is certainly quite pretty'' to tease her.
As they entered his room he gave her one final slap before tossing her lightly on the bed.
''There, you are down now''
He turned and took a look at his options of clothes.

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"Indeed, but I know you better than that." she squealed as he slapped her twice. She was tossed, laughing on the bed. She crawled off the bed and slipped her arms around his waist. "Go for the white tunic." she pointed and peeked around him, "It will look stunning."

His hands covered hers.
"What would not look stunning on me?"
Niko removed his tunic and before changing he took a swig of ale as he sat on the bed.
"It shall be a good night"

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"I hope it shall be a good night." she sat next to him then grabbed his hand. "Stand next to me. Stand next to me as a leaderbof Rivendell." she met his gaze. "I would not do it without you." her voice was sincere, her eyes searched his.

Niko was stunned. Him, a ruler?
"You wish me to rule?"
He didn't think he could do it.
"I am no ruler. Nor am I an elf.What right do I have to rule Rivendell?"

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She took both his hands in hers and knelt in front of him. Laying her head on his knees, she only whispered her words. "I cannot rule unless you are by my side. You have wisdom, and are knowledgeable of many things. You are granted the right, being my husband."

Shocked at her actions,Niko raised her head so she would meet his gaze.
"If that is what you wish, I can not fail you"
He lifted her so she sat on his lap and kissed her tenderly.
"Le melon, my queen"

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"Thank you, Le melon. My husband, and my king." she kissed him back, amazed at the moment. She did need him next to her, to help guide her. She laid her forehead against his. "I need you." she wrapped both her arms around his neck, gave a gentle squeeze, then stood. "Come, it's nearly time."

He let out a small laugh at her words.
"King Niko" he wasn't sure what he thought of the title.
He stood and put on the tunic Nienna recommended and turned to her.
"How do I look?" He asked as he took a swig of ale.

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"You look handsome, stunning, and like my husband." she reached up and was about to kiss him when there was a knock on the door downstairs. Nienna stepped back "I believe that is Naerwen now." she headed out the bedroom door with one last glance back at him.

Niko took a deep breath.
He was about to become a king, alongside his queen. From a ranger to a king.
He let out his breath and followed her, taking her hand as she opened the door.

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She gave his hand a light squeeze, then smiled at Naerwen. "We have decided. Niko is to rule alongside me." Naerwen nodded and smiled "As I knew you would choose. Come, we are waiting for you. She led them to the town center once more, where all the people were gathered. She led them up to the raised platform and they stood before the stone seats. "To my people. You have come here today to witness the crowning of two leaders, Niko and Nienna. They shall rule this city, as I know, with just hands." she turned to The couple. "Please kneel." as they kneeled two eloquent looking elves brought forth two pillows, each held a circlet crown. The crowns were magnificent, gold and silver entwined together in a leafy pattern. In between the leaves and flowers of the precious metal, little gems of all sorts sparkled and dance in the firelight. Nienna bowed her head. Naerwen took the first crown, slightly larger than the other, and stood in front of Niko. "I bestow upon you the kingship of this land. Rule justly." she set the crown on his head, then repeated the action to Nienna, placing the other crown on her head. "Rise." Once they stood up, Naerwen grinned and turned to the people once more "Behold, your new king and queen, Niko and Nienna." the people roared.

Niko felt as if he was in a dream. It all felt surreal to him.
As the crown was placed on his head, he felt humbled. All they had been through and now not only were they husband and wife, they were now king and queen.
He stood and took Nienna's hand and couldn't stop himself kissing her.
"We did it, angel"

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