Disclaimer: None of the cannon characters, locations, things, etc. in this story are mine (except my own created characters). They are strictly used for entertainment purposes only. Special thanks to Tuckborough[dot]net for providing me with all proper historical content – proper dates, time periods, etc.

Prologue

"May you be protected on your journey, my friends."

Aragorn gave his final farewell before the departure of those who had been by his side for so very long. There was a sad silence surrounding the small company, for it would be the first time Legolas and Gimli left the White City to pursue quests of their own. The king's hands were placed appropriately on each of his comrades' shoulders, finally embracing them before taking their leave.

"Do return so-"

"Ada! Please! Wait!"

The three friends turned to see Aragorn's eldest daughter, Eldelina, making her way down to meet them, tripping and struggling over her gown that was at least two inches too long for her small height.

"Eldelina…"

Aragorn turned to aid his daughter, who carelessly pushed past her father to attach herself to Legolas' leg. He looked down, sympathetically, as the child wept into his trousers.

Within her decade of life, since the day of her birth, Eldelina had taken quite a liking to the elf, her emotional attachment to him growing more and more each day. Thus, his decision to depart on a journey with Gimli did not receive her approval, making this not only difficult for her, but for Legolas as well. He could not bear to see the little girl he had watched grow the past ten years upset, especially when he was the cause of her unhappiness.

"Eldelina, Loth Nîn," Legolas sighed, lifting Eldelina up into his arms. "We have already spoken about this. I will return."

"When?" She mumbled, barely pulling her face out of his shoulder to ask her question.

"Soon."

"How soon?"

"You will not notice my missing."

Eldelina pulled back to look at the elf, her dark eyes questioning the honesty in his words. She wondered if perhaps he was speaking the truth; that he would return and she would not notice him away.

"Do you trust me?"

"Yes…" She answered, reluctantly. "But one question first."

"And that is?"

"I thought I was too big for you to pick me up?"

"You will never be too big for me to pick you up, Eldelina." Legolas ruffled her hair, causing the princess to giggle profusely. Although some happiness was brought back to her, Eldelina's heart knew Legolas would not be returning as quickly as expected. Legolas knew she saw through his lie, not knowing for certain when he and Gimli would be making their homecoming, and this intrigued the elf. It was becoming more apparent throughout the years that Eldelina's elvish qualities were seemingly more profound than expected.

Legolas wiped away the final tear that had gracefully rolled down the princess' cheek and smiled. How he would miss her dearly. If anything, she had become a younger sister to him, as they had developed a close, sibling bond, and leaving was upsetting him as greatly as it was her.

"And Legolas, you remember our promise?"

"I promise to bring back something of great value for you upon my return."

"Hannon le, Legolas."

"Glassen, Eldelina."

Legolas set the girl back onto the ground, allowing her to speak with her other dear friend, who was departing as well.

"Gimli? Your promise?"

"You, m'lady, will have each and every part of any and all of the ancient creatures I find along the way," the dwarf explained, giving a deep bow in respect for the young royal.

Eldelina laughed in return, throwing her arms around the dwarf, nearly knocking him to the ground.

"My friends, I believe it is time." Aragorn interrupted, placing his hands on Eldelina shoulders.

The dwarf and elf nodded in agreement, pulling together their belongings for the journey. Legolas gracefully lifted himself onto the horse, while Gimli struggled to get behind him.

"Hmph… elves…" the dwarf grumbled, after Legolas was required to pull him up onto the white stallion.

Legolas gave the horse a slight kick to start, and began to trot outside of the gate. However, he turned once more to look at the faces of those whom he had grown accustomed to; those who had been his family since the War of the Ring.

"I give you two years!" Eldelina called out, hoping to make an agreement.

"Two years," Legolas agreed, turning the horse around and riding off, leaving the memory of the king, Gondor, and the princess fading behind him.

Translations:

Ada – Father

Loth Nîn – My Blossom

Hannon le – Thank You

Glassen – My Pleasure