Chapter Twenty-One

Legolas sprinted back to his room to get ready. He could not believe Raquelle accepted! Now he really knew that he had Raquelle. And forever at that! Legolas entered his room and saw that a maid had already laid out his clothes for the dinner. There was a crown on top of his tunic for him to wear.

"Humm, What would be the occasion that my father would want me to wear my crown?" Legolas hoped his father didn't tell any one about him proposing to Raquelle. He wanted to announce it himself, to everyone. Legolas' heart didn't stop racing, his head was going crazy as did his mind. Legolas finally was able to get dressed and head to the hall. He entered and saw his father waiting for him. He was tapping his fingers on the table impatiently. Legolas quickly walked up to him, ignoring the many smiles the elves were giving him. Legolas quickly sat beside his father and gave him a warm smile of greeting.

King Thranduil leaned over to his son and whispered in his ear. "Where is Raquelle?"

"She should be here in a minute, Ada." Legolas rolled his eyes at him, but he didn't see.

"Ada, please many might be listening in."

"Yes, sorry." King Thranduil sat up straight in his chair and looked at the many elves talking and laughing.

Raquelle walked into her room and threw herself on her bed. She lay on her bed in the dark, looking at the ceiling. She could not believe this was actually happening. Did Legolas really propose to her? Was she dreaming this? Raquelle opened her eyes, to make sure she wasn't dreaming. She saw a shadow in the dark. Raquelle immediately sat up straight in her bed.

"Who's there?" Raquelle's heart started to race.

"Its me." The voice spoke softly. The figure came close enough for Raquelle to see who it was.

"Aragorn? What are you doing here?"

Raquelle got up from her bed and lit some candles. She preferred that then turning on the light.

"I wanted to get away."

"Oh, and this is where you get away?"

"Well I was near, and you weren't here, so I thought I would wait for you here."

"Where's Arwen?"

"Oh, she went to the dinner."

"And why aren't you escorting her there?"

Aragorn didn't answer. He stood there staring at Raquelle.

"What is it, Aragorn?" Aragorn didn't answer, but continued to give her a cold stare.

"Aragorn." Raquelle pressed.

"I have to go back to Gondor." He said in a whisper.

Raquelle, now knew the reason for his actions.

"I'm guessing Arwen doesn't know." Raquelle said, now moving closer to him.

"No. I'll tell her later though."

"I see."

Raquelle and Aragorn stood there in silence for what seemed two minutes. Raquelle desperately wanted to say that she had to get to the dinner but didn't want to break the silence. But she had to!

"Umm, Aragorn I have to attend tonight's dinner." Aragorn snapped out of his trance, as if he was under a spell.

"I'm sorry Raquelle."

"No its fine. Let me get dressed and well go together, sound good?

Aragorn nodded, and watched Raquelle go into the other room to change. Raquelle quickly got changed and met him in the next room.

"Ready?" asked Aragorn.

Raquelle was questioning herself whether or not she should tell Aragorn about her and Legolas. Why Would I not? He would be happy.

"No, Aragorn I have something to tell you." Aragorn saw her eyes falter the floor. Aragorn walked towards her and took his hand and lifted her chin.

"Raquelle, what is it?"

Raquelle paused. "Legolas proposed to me." Aragorn's eyes widened.

"And, what did you say?"

"I said yes, of course." Aragorn paused and gathered his thoughts.

"That's great then! You guys will be happy together." Raquelle managed to pull a smile on her face.

"He's going to announce it this evening."

"Then we should be going then!" Aragron took her hand and pulled her to the grand hall.

Aragorn escorted her to the table. Raquelle noticed Legolas was wearing his crown. His face was glowing while talking with his father and Arwen. They all turned around to see Raquelle and Aragorn nearing their table. Their faces glowed even more than before as if they saw an angel. Aragorn pulled her chair out next to Legolas and sat her down. Raquelle thanked him, and he went over to Arwen and gave her a kiss on her lips, and sat next to her. Aragorn whispered in her ear and she giggled.

Legolas grabbed Raquelle's hand that was under the table. Legolas can see she was nervous, but it vanished at his touch.

The food came and they enjoyed much conversation shared by Aragorn and Legolas. Legolas and Raquelle danced to a song that one of the maidens had sung. Finally it was time. They went back to their seats and King Thranduil stood and said a few words. He came to the end of his speech.

"My Son, Legloas would like to say something to all of you."

King Thranduil sat down, and all the elves looked at each other in wonder. They were all whispering to one another. Legolas the squeezed Raquelle's hand and stood up. All eyes was on the prince.

"Well as you all know I have been looking for someone special in my life, and I finally found her." All the elves started to chatter even louder.

"I met this beautiful person, not so long ago, but when we were together we were just meant to be. This person I speak of is Raquelle. The one who sits next to me. I asked her to marry me this afternoon, and she accepts." Legolas looked down to her.

"Raquelle, I want to spend my life with you." As Legolas said those words he dug into his pocket and pulled out a small box. Every one in the room gasped. Arwen was tearing, and hugging Aragorn.

Legolas opened the box and leaned towards Raquelle. Raquelle's hand was over her mouth in amazement. Her eyes were starting to tear.

"Raquelle would you spend your life with me?" Raquelle looked a the ring. It was a silver. The stone was an elven stone. It was light purple that was shining brighter then any star in the sky. Raquelle looked back into Legolas' eyes.

"I will spend all of my life in your arms." Raquelle responded.

Everyone in the grand hall cheered and stood to their feet. Legoals pulled her to her feet and grabbed her into a tight hug. He whispered into her ear.

"I love you so much."

King Thranduil went over to Raquelle and congratulated her.

"This was my wife's. Me and Legolas now give it to you." Legolas placed the ring on her finger and the king placed a tiara on her head.

Raquelle gave King Thranduil a long hug. Arwen and Aragorn stood there watching them from the table. Some of the elves came up to Legolas and Raquelle to congratulate them.

Aragorn whispred into Arwen's ear. "Would you like to take a walk with me?" Arwen nodded and thet made their way outside. It was a bit chilly, so Aragorn placed his arm around her to keep her warm.

Arwen, knew that he wasn't going to start the conversation, even though he was the one to ask her if she wanted to take a walk, meaning he wanted to say something.

"I'm so happy for Legolas. Even though I never imagined him getting married." Aragorn stopped walking, knowing the reason why. Arwen gave him a curious look.

"You never imagined him getting married because you always thought it would be you." Aragorn said in a low voice. Arwen shot her head in his direction.

"What?" Arwen wasn't sure she was hearing right, even though she did hear him perfectly fine.

Aragorn looked her in her clear gray eyes.

"Arwen, I know about you and Legolas."

"But...but how?" Arwen stammered.

"Your father told me long ago, when he was trying to push me away from you."

"Why didn't you ever tell me you knew?" Arwen asked. Aragorn gave her a confused look.

"Why didn't you ever tell me about you and Legolas? When were you going to tell me? On my grave? Aragorn's voice sounded fierce.

Arwen lowered her head as is she was being yelled at by her father. Aragorn noticed he raised his voice.

"I'm sorry. I was just waiting for you to tell me. I was waiting and waiting, but you never came to tell me. So I just hid it inside." Arwen's head was still looking down. Aragorn pulled her chin up so she can look at him.

"Arwen, its okay. I forgive you." Aragorn pulled her into a warm hug, and they continued to walk on.

"That was not what I wanted to tell you." He laughed.

"I must go back to Gondor to continue my kings ship." Arwen stopped, but she knew they would have this talk sooner or later.

"Aragorn, I will follow you any where, and if that is Gondor then so be it." Aragorn was relieved he didn't have to say anything. They made their way back to the grand hall.

Legolas pulled Arwen away so they can dance together.

"Come dance with me!" Aragorn smiled as Raquelle also pulled him to dance with her. Aragorn held Raquelle's waist as the fast song turned to a slow song. Raquelle was laughing at Aragorn's surprised look.

"What, a king doesn't dance?"

Aragorn gave Raquelle a smirk, "No they just sit and watch everyone else dance." Aragorn responded with a little seriousness, but also sarcasm.

"No, I'm just playing, I haven't danced in a long time. Me and Arwen used to dance all the time though." Aragorn gazed his attention on his wife, dancing with Legolas Her long hair resting on her back as it flowed when Legolas moved with her. Raquelle noticed who his stares were directed to.

"So you and Arwen are going back to Gondor?" Aragorn snapped out of his gaze.

"How do you know." Asked Aragorn.

"Legolas knew you would have to go back soon."

Aragorn sighed. "I'm afraid so. I'm mean I love Gondor, But I'm afraid Arwen won't." Raquelle saw the gloominess in his eyes. She tried to find words of comfort.

"Aragorn, you don't have a long time on this earth, and Arwen knows that. Gondor is your duty, and you must meet that duty. She may not like it but, she will live on."

Raquelle's words were a little harsh but, comforting at the same time. Aragorn quickly switched the subject.

"You know you don't have much time either." Raquelle gave a small smile in Legolas' direction. Their eyes met.

"I know I don't have much time. And I'm happy that Legolas found me. I don't know where I would be without him. I really don't care how much time I have left, as long as they are spent with the one I love. I do also fear for him too when I'm gone. That he won't be completely lost. He should remember the good times we spent together." Legolas and Raquelle's eyes were still stuck on each other, even though they were on the opposite side of the room.

"You took the words right out of my mouth." Aragorn whispered. The song finally ended and everyone came to halt.

"Thank you Raquelle." Aragorn whispered in her ear, and gave her a small kiss on her hand. He walked over to Arwen and said goodnight to Legolas, and exited the room, holding Arwen's hand.

Legolas stood in the same spot where Aragorn and Arwen left him. He was staring at Raquelle, but could not move. He heard every word Raquelle spoke with Aragorn about him. He loved this being so much. Never in his whole life has he felt this so strong before. Raquelle knew he had heard everything by the way, he was staring at her. She moved towards him and embraced him. Legolas knew what she said was true when she would be gone. He would mourn forever. But how could he not? His love would be gone forever.

"Don't think about it Legolas, I'm right here. I'm not gone yet." Water welled up in his eyes. Raquelle held his hand as they exited the Grand hall.

They walked awhile in the garden, just holding each other and talking of their future together.

"Will we have children?" Asked Raquelle.

"If you want." Giggled Legolas. Raquelle yawned as she looked at the clear black sky.

"Your tired, we will talk in the morning, meleth-nin." Legolas kissed her and left her in the garden alone.

Raquelle took as deepreath of fresh air. She was so happy, she had no way to express it. She was also tired but she didn't want to go to her apartment just yet. Raquelle walked to the nearest tree and sat under it. She tried so hard not to close her eyes, but lost. She closed her eyes, and fell asleep, but she was immediatly awoken by footsteps coming down the path. She whipped her eyes open, but stayed completely still. No elf walks so ungracefully if they tried. Those are steps of a human. Oh then maybe its Aragorn! Raquelle then looked to see the figure moving closer to her. That is no man! In the pitch black Raquelle saw the figure's long hair flow from side to side as she walked faster and fast towards her. Raquelle's heart paced. Where was Legolas? Raquelle had to act quickly. She jumped out from under the tree and started to walk towards her room. Raquelle looked back to see if she was still being followed. The figure was now running towards her. Raquelle's heart stopped. Raquelle ran as fast as she could. The person caught up to her and grabbed her. The figure pulled out a knife and placed it to Raquelle's neck. Raquelle felt the knife against her skin. Her heart now completely stopped, tears flowed down her cheek.

"Legolas!"

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A/N: Oh man, don't you hate those cliff hangers!

Meleth-nin My love

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