A/N: Hello and welcome! A huge thank you to the followers and reviewers who have found my newest story! This chapter is a bit shorter than normal but the next part would have made it WAYYYY too long. I hope you enjoy!

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Sparky She-Demon: Thanks!

My Petal Heart: Thanks! Me, too! :)

Just4Me: It is proving quite fun to write and explore from her vantage point. They'll show up a couple of times in the story but not much ... it is, after all, about their daughter lol (but I had to include some of my favorite dwarf haha!).

BlondiezHere: Thanks! Shae is very much like her mother only lacking in the wisdom and experience Rhae had from her years on her own as a Ranger.

Guest: Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

kaia: Hehe. You made my day with that review! I'm glad you're excited. :)

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As always, Tolkien is the genius and I can only dream of living in the world he created. :)

Their journey was smooth and quiet. They traveled south for a few days until they reached the repaired elven path through the forest. Going further south to reach the Old Forest Road had been suggested but dismissed because of the extra time it would have taken. The path they now found themselves on wasn't the treacherous route it had been over seventy years earlier; Thranduil's guards kept it clear of the spiders that had attacked her parents. Shae knew she was being a bit foolish but she was slightly disappointed as time passed and she wasn't given the opportunity to use her swords. She and Gimli, both of them eager for some action, frequently sparred with each other. Besides herself, he had been the only other one on this journey that seemed to enjoy himself, though he made no secret of the fact that he did not like or trust the elves they were traveling to see. Other than that she enjoyed herself immensely. Having been put in charge had made her slightly apprehensive, she had never held a command for this long, but she soon found that the soldiers, and even the two Elders, had no qualms with following her orders. Thorin's words about heeding others' advice was always on her mind and she made sure to confer with the older dwarves when it came to deciding their route. She knew she tested their patience on occasion, especially when she would go wandering off on her own, but they did a good job of refraining from berating her too much.

Her traveling companions were entertaining to be around as well. Even Malv and Humlin had some interesting stories to tell about growing up in the Blue Mountains. It made for easy days. But even all their stories couldn't take away from everything new she was now seeing. She was fascinated as they left Mirkwood behind them, heading south again across the plain that separated the forest from the mountains, and couldn't take her eyes from the snow covered peaks as they steadily grew larger. Unfortunately, at least to Shae, they didn't see Beorn though some of his animals greeted them near his home with fresh supplies. Gloin relished retelling the story of the Company's initial meeting with the skin changer. Though she had heard it many times, it took on a little more reality as they camped near the edge of the woods where he'd burst forth in bear form and chased the Company into his home. Gloin even showed her the spot by the lake where her parents had been married. A few nights later they camped near the Carrock, their storyteller again in his element as he told of their escape from Azog on the eagles, Thorin being near death, and their short rest near the banks of the Anduin. There was talk about climbing to the top in order to see Erebor in the distance but they quickly decided they just didn't have the time. It felt a bit strange to Shae knowing she was following in her parents' footsteps some what. As their story teller told them what the Company had experienced she couldn't help but think of what her mother had told her about how the relationship with her father had slowly grown and changed during their months in the wild. The Carrock had been the tipping point for them. After that they had finally acknowledged their feelings for one another.

From the Carrock they headed south for a short while, using the ford at the Old Forest Road, before beginning their trek up to the High Pass through the Misty Mountains. Forest merged into rocky foothills then steeper slopes. There were crystal clear streams and waterfalls. Shae soaked in the scenery, the views taking her breath away. Some times she would just stand still, relishing the snow covered ridges below her feet. The wind was cold, as were the nights, but she found she loved it. She loved the way the wind whipped her hair and cloak around, loved the tingling in her cheeks it caused, and the sharpness of the air she breathed in. Her mother's tales of her travels as a Ranger had always fascinated her, had always filled her with a longing to see all the places being described to her. Now that she was finally achieving that desire she found her thoughts of finding and joining the Rangers herself was stronger than ever. Despite Gloin's warnings about the stone giants and the goblins that lived hidden in the mountains they made it through the High Pass without incident. The views coming down were just as splendid as they'd been on the other side of the mountains. One day, she told herself, she would return just so she could sit there and enjoy the beauty around her.

Several days later Shae knew they were nearing their destination. There was just something different in the air and she was certain they were being watched. She had visited Thranduil's kingdom a few times in her life but this was a completely different feeling, much more ... magical. Her eagerness pressed her forward and she increased their pace. Then, a little over two months from when they left Erebor, they were facing Rivendell. Knowing the soldiers would most likely be rather uncomfortable among the elves she told them to make camp just outside the gates and to relax and rest until it was time to return to the east. This bit of news was greeted gratefully. Then she, along with the four others, passed through the entry gates.

"Much different coming in this way," Gloin commented as they made their way across a bridge.

"I think I much prefer this than being chased by wargs," she replied with a grin. They came to a circular courtyard that she recognized from Ori's book and waiting for them was a dark haired elf. Shae dismounted and approached him, giving the customary greeting.

"Welcome to Rivendell, Shaella, daughter of Thorin, King Under the Mountain. I am Lindir, Lord Elrond's steward. You are expected. We have chambers prepared for you and each of your companions." His gaze swept over the dwarves behind her and she noticed when they paused on Gloin.

"Perhaps you remember Gloin?" she asked with a grin. "He was with my parents when they stayed here during their quest."

"Indeed I do remember Master Gloin. I hope you will take our word for it this time when we offer you a meal?"

Shae laughed as his ears turned a bit red but to his credit he gave the elf a smile and nodded. "You have my assurances that my manners have improved thanks to our queen."

"Then Rhewil has been able to work miracles. Come. Lord Elrond is waiting to welcome you to his home."

His attention was caught by the arrival of a group of dwarves, or rather, the presence of the female with them. She didn't look like a dwarf but those with her obviously held her in high regard. Taller than her companions but still shorter than would be expected in one from the race of Men, she moved confidently and her companions obeyed every word she said. He was intrigued and tried to move a bit closer without being noticed. Her black hair was pulled back in three braids which were gathered together in a silver clasp at the base of her neck. Peering closely he could see a few smaller braids, adorned with gem studded beads, hanging loose around her face. She wore a black leather traveling coat with gray fur around the neck. Under that chain mail was visible at the neck and arms of the dark blue tunic that reached almost to her knees. There was an ornate belt at her waist, the black bracers at her wrists were adorned with dwarven symbols, and her gloves were fingerless. When her black cloak moved he noticed no shortage of weapons adorning her person: a sword on each hip, bow and quiver across her back, and if he wasn't mistaken, there were daggers hidden just inside the top of her boots. The group approached Lord Elrond and the few elves that had assembled to greet them and he edged a bit closer, wanting to discover who she was.

"Lord Elrond," she said with a bow, her voice low but gentle with a slight accent from the North.

"Shaella, daughter of Thorin, Princess of Erebor, it is an honor to finally meet you. I must say you have your father's coloring though I can see Rhaella's mischievousness in your eyes."

She laughed. "I have heard that more than once, I assure you. I'm afraid adad doesn't quite know what to do with me even after all these years. Durin and I seem to have gotten more of amad's Dunedain blood than Rhoin."

"You are most welcome here. I have missed your mother. It has been too long since her last visit."

"Amad sends her regrets. She would have come if she could but she deemed it unwise considering her age."

As they continued their introductions, he just stared in amazement. The daughter of a Dunedain and the dwarven King of Erebor? He had heard from his father that rumors after the battle in the north told that the King Under the Mountain had married one not of his own race. Those rumors had always been brushed aside; he had certainly scoffed when he'd come across the same rumor in the archives. The dwarves propensity to shun those of other races was well known. He would never have believed it if he hadn't seen the proof with his own eyes. They began to move off in the direction of Lord Elrond's study and he found himself gazing after her retreating back, completely intrigued and wishing to get to know her.

"Princess Shaella, I would never have expected to see you in Rivendell."

A familiar voice caused her to pause as she crossed through one of the gardens.

"I've been sent on a matter of urgent business," she replied with a grin as she turned. "It is good to see you again Prince Legolas. It has been many years."

"Indeed it has, I'm sad to say. But you have grown up since I saw you last." She rolled her eyes at his teasing and he chuckled. "How are your parents? Your brothers? Erebor? Has any young dwarf caught your eye yet?"

"My parents are well as are my brothers. Rho is a father now. Erebor is just as you remember it. The major reinforcement of the Main Gate was completed about five years ago." She met his easy gaze, trying to glare at him but was hard pressed not to laugh as she answered his last question. "And no, there is no one making sheep's eyes at me in the hopes of gaining my inheritance. Adad would run them off even if they tried."

Legolas laughed. "I can imagine King Thorin being rather unpleasant to anyone seeking your hand."

She nodded. "What are you doing in Rivendell?"

"I came with a message for Lord Elrond from my father. That is where I was headed when I saw you lost in the trees."

"I was not lost; I am not my adad," she huffed but with a smile. "Well, don't let me keep you from your business. I'm quite content just exploring."

"I will see you later?"

"I'm sure. We will be here for a little while."

"Then until I have the pleasure of your company again," he said with a bow of his head. She just swatted at him, amused by his mock formality, and returned to her wanderings.

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Shae meandered through the hallways, using this bit of time before the council meeting trying to take everything in. Having heard about Rivendell from her mother, father, and the members of the Company, not to mention seeing the wonderful drawings in Ori's book, she was almost giddy to find herself able to see such things for herself. There was no denying the beauty of the place. Instead of the angled, geometric patterns of Erebor, everything seemed to flow and curl, all edges and corners seemingly soft. While there was always the hum of the great forges at home, here there was a peace that seeped into her. The chamber she had been shown to had been her mother's, according to Lord Elrond, and she was again overcome with that feeling of following in her parents' footsteps. Her mother had been quite open about what had transpired between them while they rested in Rivendell. She knew Gloin was not entirely pleased to be back, and Gimli had been quite adamant about his feeing towards the elves, however she found herself quite comfortable in her current surroundings. Passing through another gently arched doorway she found herself on a balcony overlooking the waterfalls, the sunlight making the waters sparkle. It truly was beautiful. She wished more of her people could understand that the other races had beauty in their cultures as well. After a moment she became aware of the presence of someone else on the balcony. Looking to her right she spied a dark haired man lounging against the railing. He was watching her but she didn't sense any hostility from him. A description her mother had told her many times came to mind and she studied him curiously. Dark hair, strong jaw, a body that seemed to convey strength even though he was relaxed, and blue eyes that held more wisdom than she could ever hope to know. He was a handsome man but she somehow knew that he was not aware of that fact or brushed it off if it was ever mentioned. He didn't seem perturbed by her observation and remained where he was, apparently content to wait until she broke the silence. When she'd finally decided this was the one her mother had spoken of so often Shae walked over to him, giving a short but respectful bow of the head.

"My lord Aragorn."

He seemed slightly surprised. "How do you know me, my lady?"

"My mother, Queen Rhaella, has told me of you and said if I saw you here to give you her regards."

"So you are the daughter of Rhaella and Thorin Oakenshield," he replied with a smile.

"Aye. Did you know my amad?"

"A little. I was still quite young when she was a Ranger but I have some vague memories of some of her visits to Rivendell."

"She will be pleased to hear that you remember her." Shae dragged her toe across the stone under her feet. "She also wishes you, and the other Dunedain, to know that she never intended to abandon her duty or - "

He held up a hand. "Please tell your mother there is no need for an apology. Her intentions were never doubted. Sometimes fate has a way of sending you in a direction you never expected."

"Though she is content and happy and always has been, I do know she sometimes misses being in the wild patrolling outside the Shire as Stryker the Ranger."

"It is something that one can never get out of their blood completely," he said with a smile.

"It is passed down through that same blood, I believe. I have felt the pull to the wilds." Pausing she glanced back over the view. "There is more to this world than just the stone halls of my home and I grasped this opportunity to experience some of it." The look he gave her showed understanding.

"What brings you so far from Erebor?"

"I come seeking advice. Twice has a dark messenger come to us from Mordor seeking information that my father would not give. My mother felt it would best to warn Lord Elrond and learn from him how we should proceed."

He stiffened a bit. "The shadows are growing, reaching out from Mordor, and He seeks that which would give him control over all Middle Earth."

"My mother has told me and that is the main reason for our coming here."

"Then I hope you receive answers to your questions. Come. I believe it is just about time for Lord Elrond's council." She gladly took the arm he offered and the two headed towards where the rest of the visitors were gathering.