The Preparations

Alex sat in his study, observing the secret dealings and conflicts unraveling across the world through a holographic screen. Discussions about igniting wars in the Sahara Forest, hidden transactions, and the machinations of corrupt powers were stark reminders of humanity's fractured state.

Shaking his head, Alex sighed and closed the projection. The world was chaotic, fragmented, and plagued by greed and selfishness. It felt as though parts of it were irreparably rotten. He stood and stretched, resolving to turn in for the night.

In their bedroom, Arwen leaned on the headboard, reading a book.

"You like that book so much?" Alex asked, changing into his pajamas.

"Yeah," Arwen replied with a smile, closing the book as Alex climbed into bed. "It feels like a prophecy of my world, written as a story."

Snuggling into Alex, they shared a quiet moment of intimacy.

"I'm glad you like it, it's indeed just a story, for you at least," Alex said, pulling her close. They soon drifted to sleep in each other's warmth.

Alex and Arwen decided to enjoy a day in the city, knowing they'd soon return to Rivendell for their wedding preparations.

They walked through bustling streets, stopping at designer shops to browse wedding dresses. Arwen couldn't hide her excitement as she moved from one shop to the next, marveling at the intricate designs.

"What about this one, Alex?" Arwen asked, holding up a dress with shimmering silver embroidery.

Alex smiled wearily. "It looks beautiful, but so did the last twenty."

"Oh, come on! We have to find the perfect one!" Arwen urged, already pulling him toward another store.

Alex followed, his energy waning. Looking at her radiant smile, he forced himself to keep up. "Past me really needs a slap for suggesting this," he muttered under his breath.

After hours of shopping, they settled into a quiet restaurant for dinner.

"You're exhausted," Arwen teased, sipping her drink.

"Completely," Alex admitted, leaning back in his chair. "But if you're happy, it's worth it."

Arwen laughed, "You're lucky I'm not asking for a second round tomorrow."

"Thank the stars," Alex said with mock relief.

That evening, they teleported back to Rivendell and approached Elrond in the grand hall.

"Father," Arwen began excitedly, "Alex and I want to discuss the wedding. I've brought photos of the dresses I've found."

She spread the photos on a nearby table, animatedly describing each one. Elrond listened patiently, though his expression grew increasingly troubled.

"Alex," Elrond said finally, looking to him for support.

Alex raised his hands and shrugged. "She's the expert. I'll let her handle this."

As Elrond sighed, Alex took the opportunity to slip away.

Walking through Rivendell, Alex greeted passing elves warmly, enjoying the serene atmosphere. In a wide-open space near the city, he conjured several large eagles with golden feathers.

With a flick of his hand, Alex created envelopes containing elegantly written invitations. He handed the letters to the eagles, giving each a name and destination.

"Gandalf," he said to the first eagle, "to the Shire for Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin."

"To Minas Tirith," he instructed another, "for Aragorn, Faramir, and their kin."

"Take this to Mirkwood for Legolas and Thranduil," he told a third.

Others were sent to Edoras for Theoden and his family, and to Lothlórien for Galadriel and Celeborn. One even carried an invitation to Radagast the Brown.

"This will be the largest wedding in Middle-earth's history," Alex said to himself as the eagles soared into the sky, each carrying its precious cargo to all corners of the land.

Alex stood watching the eagles disappear into the horizon, imagining the gathering of iconic figures that would soon grace Rivendell. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he thought about the celebration to come.