Author's note

Hello and welcome to my new story!

It's been a few months and I've been working on this since, and it is still a work in progress unlike my previous story that I had pre-written. As I stressed in my last story, I am quite rusty at this whole thing. So if you don't like it, my style of writing, or what I write about, don't bother flaming me, just move on like a grown up.

I would suggest that if you have not already read "Last of the Sheann" that you do so before reading this.

Please, enjoy and I look forward to hearing from those of you that previously reviewed my last story and asked me to continue!

Many had travelled to Gondor to see the crowning of the heir of Elendil. It had been a long time coming that the realm of Middle Earth had waited for him to return and to regain the throne of Elendil, Gondor, it was his birthright. With the help of his companions who journeyed across Middle Earth with him, and the hobbit Frodo of Hobbiton, a little village within The Shire. The Hobbit and his friends had surprised everyone and shown that although small in stature and sheltered in their little corner of Middle Earth, Hobbits were made with sturdier stuff than imagined.

But what was not mentioned by many, as the new King had sworn all those present to secrecy, was of the fair she-elf that took part in the battle. She was one of his companions and had battled through many hardships with him, but no one had any idea of the major role she would play in the final slaying of Sauron. Nor did they know the secret power that lay dormant within her.

She was the last of the Sheann elves, Elahir daughter of Queen Ellia, Princess of the Sheann elves, her kin had all been slain by Sauron or by the wizard in league with him, Saruman. Raised in the darkest depths of Fangorn Forest by a tree herder, even she had no inkling to what strengths she possessed.

Having defeated Sauron, his friends were now beginning to depart the great white city of Minas Tirith for their homes, it had been a long and arduous journey for them all, away from their loved ones. All were looking forward to going home to their families. All except for the Elahir.

She had no home, lest the forest she had called home for the last hundred and more years, to which when she had considered returning to had been met with contempt by the wizard Gandalf, the White, as well as her friends. It was Lord Elrond, of the Last Homely House who told her she had yet another quest to complete before she consider where it was she should settle herself. She instead was travelling to the realm of the Wood elves and the Lorien elves, making their acquaintance as she tried to find herself a place amongst those living in Middle Earth, although she herself knew that her chances of fitting in anywhere were highly unlikely.

It's at this moment I'm sure you're wondering what it was that made her so different to the other elves of Middle Earth.

Although she was an elf, she differed greatly from all other elves. Unlike the elves of Lorien or the Woodland realm she was considered by the world of men a 'Dark elf'. By no means did this mean she was evil in any way, but her skin was of a darker complexion. Her hair, often eye catching to those around her, starting a rich brown but changing to a golden blonde at the ends, it often caught the light and shone like stars on a clear summer night, or rippled like water as it flowed on its merry course.

But, of all these differences she possessed to the elves of Middle Earth, one difference did she have that made all others speechless most of all. Her golden amber eyes, so far different from any other elves. And if she were to narrow her eyes, it gave her an animalistic appearance. Her enemies often faltered at this look, or perhaps it was the giant Lycan at her side, dressed in impressive red armour with eyes like ice that were shadowed by a black mask of fur. The creature was a gentle soul most of the time, although usually only answering to the Sheann Princess she called friend, it had a cheeky streak. Keen on pranks and back chatting to even Elahir, but in battle, it was a ferocious creature, often seen ripping out the throats of any that would threaten her friends.

However many differences were noticeable of the Sheann Princess, Elahir, only one thing differed greatly at the time that was not noticeable. Her heritage was that she was a 'Peredhil', born part man, part elf. Few could tell the difference, only those who had heard a rumour from many an age ago, pertaining to the sudden pregnancy of her unmarried and uncourted mother. It wasn't until after her battle against Sauron that the Valar had seen fit to give her a gift, pass through to the Undying Lands to live on with her mother and her people, or to return to Middle Earth, as a full Sheann elf.

Elahir chose to live.

Travelling beside her, offering her protection and companionship was the Woodland elf prince, Legolas, whom she had already journeyed alongside while accompanying the heir of Elendil. Legolas, son of Thranduil the Elf King of Mirkwood, would be her guide through Middle Earth. Although near two hundred years old, Elahir had not experienced a life outside of Fangorn Forest, although she had read much of it.

They had travelled together since Aragorn heir of Elendil, Gimli son of Gloin and Legolas had stumbled into the Fangorn Forest in search of two Hobbits that had been snatched by the Urak-Hai of Isengard. Onwards to Rohan she had accompanied them with Gandalf the White, to free the King Theoden of Saruman's magic, then proceeded to the fortress of Helm's Deep to protect the people of Rohan from Saruman's assault. After successfully defeating the army of Saruman they turned their attention to defend Gondor, taking the fight directly to Sauron at the Black Gate, in order to draw Sauron's attention from the ring bearer, Frodo, who was to cast the One Ring into the Cracks of Mount Doom. Here it was that Elahir's true powers were revealed, although very nearly costing her dearly her life.

oOOo

Legolas POV

They rode throughout the afternoon and night, stopping only to drink and eat, although Elahir ate little, often giving her share of meat to Tithen Lum. As the days went on, Legolas could see Elahir's anxiety build. He urged his horse closer to Veriann who instinctively slowed to allow him to catch up.

"Tarien," he said softly, touching her elbow. She looked to him expectantly, any signs of anxiety gone. "What troubles you?"

She tried to look surprised, but Legolas looked at her pointedly and cocked his head at her. He had been by her side long enough now to read her body language, there was really no point in her denying it. She sighed. "I am nervous, that is all."

"Why?"

"If all accounts are correct, apart from your father, the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn would have been the last living to have seen and spoken to my mother," she explained, her voice wavering slightly. "I have to admit, I fear for what they might have to tell me, or that I may not reach their expectations."

He smiled reassuringly at her. "Or they could just want to pay their respects to the newly crowned Princess?" he teased. She shot him a scathing look. He chuckled and turned his attention ahead before replying again. "Do not fear, tarien, the Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn will only have good words of your mother. The only person who might not, would be my father, and the only bad words he would have is her stubbornness, something which i assure you has lived on in you."

Elahir blushed at this and bit her lip. She began to grin slightly, glancing sideways at Legolas. "What can i say, my lord, you bring out the worst in me."

Legolas huffed, holding back a smirk. He looked at Elahir from the corner of his eye. Although he could see she had her meeting with the Lady of the Golden Wood on her mind, she was much more at peace than he had ever seen her. Her eyes shone in the sunlight as she looked ahead. The beautiful golden amber of her eyes reminded him of gemstones mined by the dwarves of the Lonely Mountain. He remembered too well of how dark her eyes had been, how darkness settled there during the days leading up to their final battle against Sauron.

"So tell me, Legolas, what should we expect from your father?"

He looked up in surprise. She was gazing at him inquisitively. He thought for a moment. "Well, I know he will be very interested to meet you. He was very concerned for your mother in the late days before Shoran fell, he had wanted to send aid but your mother often refused, and when at last she needed it, we too were under attack and could not help. Dark has been Mirkwood surrounding our kingdom for such a long time. As for me, I expect a scolding, or part thereof."

"A scolding?" she gasped, looking concerned and amused at the same time. "Whatever for?"

"I was sent to Rivendell simply to notify Lord Elrond of the escape of Gollum. However, instead of returning to take on my duties as the Prince of the Mirkwood Realm, I volunteered to accompany the ring bearer on his journey. I daresay my father would have preferred me to return to Mirkwood and assist at keeping the darkness within the woods at bay."

"Do you think it will still be full of darkness?" Elahir asked with interest. He was certain he caught a glint of excitement in her eye. Her taste for battle had not waned, it seemed. Beside her Tithen Lum nattered quietly, as if she too wished to taste battle once more.

"I have no doubt, it will take some time to completely clear Mirkwood of the darkness that has descended upon it," he replied thoughtfully. He was wondering himself what his father would say, not only to him but also to Elahir. His father was distant to himself and his subjects more often than not, he was not sure what to expect. He was certain not to expect hostility towards Elahir though, he thought too highly of Queen Ellia for that.

"I'm not certain, but if my memory of the books and maps Gandalf had me study for many years inside Fangorn Forest serves me well, we are coming up to the Falls of Rauros, near the rapids of Sarn Gebir?" Elahir queried narrowing her eyes as she tried to make out the landscape in the distance.

Legolas looked ahead. Sure enough he too could make out the cliffs that surrounded the falls. He recalled the last time he saw the falls. It was when the fellowship of the ring had separated. The two Hobbits, Merry and Pippin had been snatched by Urak-Hai from Isengard, and Boromir had been slain trying to protect them. Not to mention the ring bearer, Frodo, had taken off on his own with his dear friend Sam. He had taken it upon himself to take away any fear of choice for the likes of Boromir and Aragorn. He hadn't wanted the men to choose between protecting Gondor or helping him destroy the ring.

This was not long before he had come to meet Elahir, in the Forest of Fangorn, where they had tracked the vile creatures that performed Saruman's bidding. He remembered that meeting of Elahir, at the point of her arrow. She was no fragile flower, when he had managed to disarm her, through distraction by Gimli, she had tackled him heavily, pinning him to the ground.

He suddenly remembered his companion and looked back to her. He found her looking back at him, her eyes full of concern. "What is it, Legolas?"

"The last I came this way we farewelled a friend. Boromir of Gondor, son of Denethor, brother of Faramir. He gave his life trying to defend Merry and Pippin from Urak-Hai. We came too late to save him and set him afloat on the river. A farewell suitable for a warrior." He sighed ruefully.

Elahir gave an apologetic smile, steering Veriann closer to Arod, Legolas' horse. She reached across and patted Legolas' hand, the gesture lightening his spirits immediately. "You are a good friend, not to forget your fallen comrade. Shall we go to the falls to commiserate once more?"

He stared at Elahir for a moment. Here before him was the princess of Sheann, the last of her kind, no kin known to be living, who had only set foot outside of the Forest of Fangorn but a short time ago and still had much of Middle Earth to see and people to meet, was asking for Legolas to take a moment for himself, to commiserate the passing of a friend.

"Thank you, tarien, I would like that very much."

So since writing "Last of the Sheann" I since found another word for 'princess'. Admittedly I was torn with what word to use. So I'm continuing with what I used in the previous story :)

Thanks for reading guys and I will endeavour to update as often as I can, although I have a busy month ahead I will try and get something up next month.