Disclaimer: I don't own LOTR

A/N: Hi, everyone this is the last instalment of this story. Hope you have enjoyed reading it and haven't found me to be to weird…read on!

Cursed by any other name-Epilogue

Aragorn opened his eyes. At first his vision was blurred but as he regained his barring he found himself staring at unfamiliar ceiling. He turned his head to see the beautiful water fall in the distance cocooned in a vast forest of green. The canopy above him was etched in a timeless dialect he did not know, felt the soft pillow under his head and the silk blanket that covered him.

He suddenly became aware of someone's presence. His eyes fell on the elf princess her hair shining in the sunlight her crown woven neatly in her hair.

"You." Aragorn stated in shock.

"I am glad to see you are well. My father worked through the night to heal you."

"Your father?" he replied as he rose up onto his elbows.

Arwen walked over to the window looking out over Rivendell. "You should not be so surprised you have been to Rivendell before. You have captured our people and killed them."

Aragon cast his eyes downward. "I know I have done your people wrong and I apologize for what I did."

"Your words our empty vessels it means very little to me. It is your actions that defy you and you have proven yourself to be worthy." she said facing the ranger… "You saved not only your king, but my father's friend and his son, for that we are eternally grateful."

Aragorn wasn't sure how to respond to the sudden gratitude rising up farther he winced. "Still it is not enough for the amount of blood I have on my hands. I have a lot to work out but I will change."

"You already have. I see it in your eyes." the princess replied

A warm breeze came into the room a welcome to the constant cold he felt in Rohan. The ranger cleared his throat.

"May I ask for your name?"

She smiled. "I am Arwen Princess of Rivendell."

Aragorn suddenly felt vulnerable in the presence of elfin royalty, both turned their attention to the door as it opened. Elrond entered the chamber a set of fresh clothes in his hands.

"It is an honour to have met you Aragorn son of Arathorn."

The ranger could not hide his disbelief. "Honour is not what I deserve in your wake my lord."

Elrond stepped forward placing the clothes at the end of his bed. "These are for you the rest of your belongs are with the black smith… he turned to his daughter… "Come, we have much to face to day."

She nodded, acknowledging the ranger before they both left. A few hours later he descended the stone staircase taking in the beauty of the kingdom before him.

"My lord." a voice greeted.

He turned to see an elf approach him. His sword held in one hand while his dagger was gripped in the other.

"I have mended your belongings." he said handing them to Aragorn… "There is also a steed in the paddock prepared for you as well."

The ranger took them in awe opening his mouth to say his appreciation but the blacksmith had already left. He strapped the sword to his belt and the dagger to the side of his boot, not knowing what else to do he ventured the area enjoying the wonders of the elves some played music in the distance while young ones played around a fountain, he stopped and watched a group of elves training for battle.

The day was filling to Aragorn it was like a breath of new life had entered him. It was true what Arwen said, he had changed and it would be for the better. He was just walking out into the garden when he caught sight of the elf princess she was captivating but he could never belong to her. She turned meeting his eyes he could not mistake the smile on her lips, he made sure she knew his thanks before heading toward the paddock.

As he entered he saw the brown steed enjoy his meal bringing a smile to his lips. "So here you are. Sorry Arod but I believe we have both over stayed our welcome."

He untied the horse and mounted it. As he took the reigns Arwen stood in front of him. "You are always welcome to come back to Rivendell."

Aragorn gave a curious look at the she-elf. "I don't your people share your view."

"It is not for them to decide. I've seen the man you will become and it is light in the darkness to come."

"Seen it?" Aragorn asked quizzically as she came up beside the horse.

"Yes, it is a gift I have. If you visit again, I will share it with you." she softly said taking his rough hand in hers. To his surprised she kissed it gently before releasing it… "Farwell, until we meet again."

"Until we meet again." he concluded.

They shared one last look before he kicked rod into a gallop.

He rode through the night and well into the morning the weather for once was on his side and as he entered the familiar land he rode so often he smiled as he galloped through the trees but he slowed Arod as he came to a clearing. Coming to a complete stop as a company of elves stood in his path, as he tried to figure out how to take on the situation an elf broke from the middle of the group. Removing his hood the ranger tension dissipated.

He dismounted the steed coming forward then stopping in the middle of the clearing. The sun filtered through the trees and the wind blew softly filling in the silence. The elf prince also stepped forward stepping a few feet away.

"It is good to see you well." Legolas said breaking the silence.

"How do you fair?" Aragorn asked

"I am fine thanks to you. I owe you my life and that of my fathers" Legolas replied

"You owe me nothing. It is the start of a new life." Aragorn stated giving a smile.

Legolas looked around him. "Where do you travel now?"

Aragorn shrugged. "Rohan is in the past and it is best that I stay clear of your kind for awhile. I was thinking of heading toward the shire. I hear it is very comforting."

Legolas grinned. "The Hobbits are known for their hospitality. It is a good place to start a new."

After a moment of silence Aragorn held out his hand. Earning an odd look from the elf. "You shake it."

Legolas raised his own hand his eyes held a child like curiosity as Aragorn clasped his hand in his and gave it a few gentle shakes.

"Take care of yourself, brave prince." he bade before turning to his steed.

"Legolas."

Aragorn stopped in his tracks turning back to look at Legolas. "What…what did you say?"

"When we first met I told you that one had to earn the right to know my true name. It is Legolas." the prince of Mirkwood explained.

Aragorn smiled. "It was an honour to know you…Legolas."

Legolas watched as the ranger mounted his steed. "Good bye."

"Good bye, Estel." Legolas replied. Genuine smile on his face.

Aragorn returned the smile walking Arod a few steps then turned with a curious look. "Estel. What does that mean?"

Legolas gave a coy smile. "It means 'Hope'. for I believe that is what you are to the race of men."

Aragorn nodded with a grin. "I like it."

As Legolas watched the ranger gallop away into the distance his men turned to leave. Legolas stared a moment longer.

"Honnen 'le."

He placed the hood of his cloak over his head and joined the rest of his kin. He smiled as he raced through the forest. Taking in the moment as he enjoyed the peace that sat in his heart.

A/N: Ta da my very first fic finished. Thank you so much for the support it is very, very, much appreciated!

With much love.

FC27