Chapter 25

Legolas walked through the corridors of the palace at Minas Tirith, nodding here and there to people as he passed, though keeping his pace quick. He knew that this afternoon was likely to be a flurry of activity and wanted a few moments with Elanor before the both of them were caught up in it all. Not to mention he had not had the chance this morning, spending most of it with Aragorn, Gimli and the others going over plans for the coronation.

He knocked at the door and heard her clear, "Come in," though nearly didn't wait before pushing the door open. He stopped for a moment in the doorway, catching sight of her. She saw in front of a vanity, the sun shining in through a window causing her hair to shine like pure gold. She was dressed in a simple blue dress as she brushed her long locks, though to him, she looked as though she were a queen.

She very well could be some day, he could not help but think.

Since they returned victorious from the Black Gate, he had longed to spend every night with her, wrapped in her arms, but had refrained. They both decided it would do neither any good to draw ire from their fathers - as happy as they might ultimately be to discover the two intended to be together.

Though it had not stopped the troublesome Gimli from making comments that drew Legolas' ire. It was good-natured ribbing, to be sure, but the dwarf was still a rather large gossip. Legolas only hoped that he would hold his tongue in front of his father once he arrived.

But for this moment, he just watched her, hearing her hum softly to herself. The bruises from the battle had faded, giving way to her clear complexion and the weeks of rest had boded well for her. He nearly could not believe that they were now bound together.

He was in awe by her regardless.

"Do you intend to stand there all day?" she asked playfully, glancing at him through the mirror's reflection. He could not help but chuckle, amazed at how much she had changed since the moment he saw her in Lothlorien. Her playful side had emerged yet again.

But even though he felt as though he had his old companion back, she was so much more.

"I do not," he replied, walking into the room and shutting the door behind him She watched him with a small smile as he stepped up behind her, leaning down to leave a kiss on her cheek before meeting her gaze in the mirror. "Do you intend to fuss with your hair all day?"

Elanor pushed him away, putting her brush down. She then stood and turned to him, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"I do not. There is far too much to do this day. I only wished to look presentable. Do you or do you not remember that our fathers are to arrive with the contingency from Mirkwood?" she asked, raising an eyebrow at him.

"I was hoping not to be reminded," he said with a heavy sigh. Despite everything, the thought of speaking to his father still managed to put a bit of a damper on things. They were cordial to each other, of course, but Legolas could never seem to shake the feeling that the king still found him lacking in some way or another. Elanor chuckled and pressed a chaste kiss against his lips.

"Do not be so worried, Legolas. They will be happy to hear the news," she said.

"You know how my father is," he replied, frowning slightly.

"Yes, but still. We both know he will be pleased," she said, her smile fading slightly as worry crept into her eyes a moment. He did not wish to upset her, but it was difficult to put aside his concerns of his father, no matter how much he favored Elanor.

"And he will insist on a full, betrothal and ceremony fitting of a prince. Forgive me, but I do not wish to wait an entire year before you are my wife before the eyes of Mirkwood and we can begin our lives together," he said. "Not to mention how he will react when he hears of our intentions to travel with Gimli. You know my father's thoughts on dwarves."

Elanor chuckled as she stepped out of his arms, turning to the mirror again as she fussed with her dress. He could tell that she was not completely comfortable in it, but it would have to do until her father arrived with some things from Mirkwood.

"I am sure that I could convince them to hasten things a bit," she said, smirking at him in the mirror. "And help him to accept Gimli."

"And then cause them to wonder just why we wish to be wed so quickly?" he asked, unable to help his pessimistic streak. Elanor rolled her eyes, turning to face him again.

"Since when has your desire for appearances overshadowed your love for me?" she quipped. She then stepped over and kissed him again. "Do not worry, Legolas. All shall be well. Now, if you'll excuse me, I am late for my luncheon with Lady Eowyn."

She started to walk away when he grabbed her by the waist, pulling her back against him.

"And just what shall I do in the meantime?" he asked, his breath warm on her neck.

"I am sure that you will think of something," Elanor quipped. "Perhaps pass the time with Gimli?" She then untangled herself from him and walked to the door, winking at him before she stepped out. Legolas sighed happily, a bright smile on his face.

What had he done to earn such a blessing?

Elanor paused in the doorway to Eowyn's room, her eyebrows raising as she saw that they were not to be dining alone. The four hobbits were already seated around a table, chatting happily as Eowyn smiled at them. The woman then looked up, rising from her chair.

"Elanor," she said brightly, earning silence and rapt attention from the hobbits.

"Lady Elanor!" Merry called out cheerfully. "Come! Eat!"

She chuckled softly as she made their way to them, sitting in the open chair. She looked around the group, happy to see that everyone was healing well. Her eyes then settled on Frodo and Sam, her concern evident. Though they were mostly healed from their excursion into Mordor, she could not help as Frodo seemed a bit despondent and still looked frail from the journey.

She worried he had not been sleeping well and her healing instincts were to immediately check him over to see if there was anything she could do to ease his discomfort. Even though she had given Allain instructions to look out for him and the elf had informed her that he had done all that he could, and the hobbit would soon be fine physically.

"How do you all fare this day?" she asked, looking around at the four, though her eyes lingered on Frodo longer.

"We are well, my lady," Sam said formally, though his eyes too lingered on Frodo. Elanor looked to Eowyn, who shared a look of concern with her. She then reached out, pushing a plate of food towards Sam and Frodo.

"Please, eat," Eowyn urged.

Elanor filled her plate, happy to hear the excited chatter of the hobbits. They were all eager for the coronation tomorrow, set up with new clothing just for the occasion. And while she was truly eager to hear them talk, she could not help but glance at Eowyn, for she had hoped to question the woman on a certain steward's son that she had been spending a lot of time with of late.

"I'm sure you've been to loads of coronations, haven't you, Lady Elanor," Pippin said, garnering her attention. She looked to the hobbit, smiling.

"I have not. The King of Mirkwood had long been king when I was born," she admitted.

"That's right. You live forever, don't you," Merry chimed in.

"We cannot be taken by disease or old age, no. But we can die in other ways," she replied. "Though I hope that we do not see such days again." The mood darkened slightly. The war had been only a few weeks before and they all carried their own memories of it. Had lost someone.

"But you must be happy, my lady. With Legolas," Merry chimed in, hoping to raise the mood. Elanor blushed slightly, burying her face in her cup and taking a drink before answering.

"I am," she replied.

"And your father is arriving today, is he not?" Merry continued.

"Yes, he is. With King Thranduil," she said.

"We're going to meet an Elf King," Pippin said, his eyes wide in awe, causing Elanor to chuckle.

"You have met Lady Galadriel and Lord Celeborn. As well as Lord Elrond. It is not so different from that," she said. Her eyes then settled on Frodo. "Though it is not the first time he has met one of your kind." Frodo perked up slightly. "Many years ago, he met a hobbit called Bilbo."

Frodo's eyes widened slightly and then it seemed as though he remembered something.

"Yes… I think I might know something of that," he murmured. Elanor smiled at him warmly.

"I am most sure that he would be eager to meet you," she said. Frodo looked to his plate, seeming a bit bashful.

"I am just a hobbit," he mumbled.

"Oh, Frodo," Elanor said, still smiling as he looked up at her. "You must all know that you are far, far more than just that…"

Elanor stood in the courtyard, turning to Legolas as he fidgeted slightly. It was unlike him to be so unsure. She reached over, smoothing out his tunic and giving him a reassuring smile. They were dressed in borrowed clothing, but it would suffice. She had shared a few letters with her father and knew that they were bringing the both of them clothing fitting for a coronation and the rest of their time in Minas Tirith.

"All will be well," she said warmly. He smiled down at her, placing a hand on her cheek.

"With you at my side, of course it will be," he replied.

They then both turned, watching as a party of elves approached them, holding the banners of Mirkwood. Immediately, Legolas straightened, the smile falling from his face as he adopted a solemn expression. Elanor glanced at him one last time before turning to greet the party.

A smile broke out as she saw her father gliding towards them, a broad grin on his face. Without thinking, she stepped away from Legolas and continued until her arms were around his neck.

"Ada," she breathed.

She stepped back as he took her face gently in his hands, his eyes glistening.

"My star," he said. "I am so happy to see you once again. Alive and well." Elanor grinned as she hugged him again, happy to be reunited. It had been such a long time since the last he had visited Lothlorien. And so much had happened since, she scarcely knew where to start with catching up.

She then stepped back and dropped into a curtsey.

"My King," she said, looking up to meet Thranduil's gaze. He stared down at her, his face expressionless, though there was a certain warmth in his eyes.

"Elanor, it brings me such happiness to see you in good health after all these years," he said. His blue eyes then flicked over as Legolas stepped up to her side. He bowed to his father, his arms held behind his back, though Elanor reached out, taking his arm.

She then turned back to look at their fathers. Ailmar's eyebrows had risen as a smile filled his face. He then turned to Thranduil, who had made no movement. But suddenly there was a twitch at the corner of his mouth.

"It seems you two have become reacquainted," he said smoothly, his eyes drifting to Elanor's arm on Legolas'.

"We have, Father," Legolas said solemnly. He glanced at Elanor, who only nodded her encouragement. "In fact, we…" He frowned slightly as he faltered.

Ailmar turned to Thranduil, the two sharing a look.

"Am I to understand that perhaps young Elanor will at long last be returning to Mirkwood?" King Thranduil asked.

"Please tell us that you wish to be wed," her father added.

Elanor could not help as a bit of laughter bubbled up inside her, though she had known her father and the king would be pleased with the news. She looked to Legolas, who was now gazing down at her.

"We do," he said, a smile filling his face. Elanor blushed slightly as she turned back to her father and the king. There was no need to tell them of that night, but for a moment, she could not help but worry they could clearly read it upon both her and Legolas' faces.

The two older elves stared at them - her father's bright with joy, though the king had a bit more calculated look about him. One that made Elanor wish to squirm slightly. She had never been on the receiving end of King Thranduil's scorn or scolding and she could not help but feel a bit of pity for what Legolas may have endured growing up if this was anything to go by.

But then a smile filled his face as he held his hands out to Elanor. She nearly breathed a sigh of relief as she stepped over to him, accepting his hands.

"Truthfully, I have always seen you as a daughter, Elanor," he said as he smiled down at her. He then bent down and left a kiss on each cheek.

She could not help but grin brightly as she then turned and hugged her father again, seeing happy tears starting to fill his eyes.

"I am pleased with your choice in partner," Thranduil then said to Legolas as Elanor returned to his side and his arm automatically went around her waist again.

"As am I," Ailmar said. "Though we were beginning to wonder when you two would finally realize there was no other for each other."

Elanor could not help as she looked up at Legolas, her Legolas, still smiling brightly. He met her eyes, his own shining with his happiness.

"It would seem we had a few things to learn about ourselves," Elanor said. "Though I agree, this was far too long coming."

"A sentiment I am inclined to agree with," Thranduil replied.

"I trust you cannot fault us for not wishing to wait as long as tradition dictates, then?" Legolas said, looking back to his father. For a moment, Elanor's heartbeat faltered, knowing how it could appear.

Just managing to keep her face composed, she looked back to her father and the king, Ailmar looking over at Thranduil with a quizzical look while Thranduil wore no expression whatsoever.

"Just how long do you intend to wait?" Thranduil asked, neither Legolas nor Elanor missing the quick, but sure glance his ice blue eyes made towards Elanor's abdomen. In an instant, she could not help the blush that had come over her cheeks.

For his earlier nerves, Elanor had to admit that Legolas did not falter now.

"A few months, perhaps? We intend to travel Middle Earth and see all there is to see and should like to set off as soon as we can," he said. "With a companion that we are both eager to introduce you to."

Thranduil stared at his son without speaking, though Elanor could clearly see his mind at work. It was tempting to laugh - she was sure that he would have more than a few thoughts about their so-called companion.

"More than that, as you said, this has been far too long in the making. Why waste more time?" Legolas continued.

"This is true…" Thranduil finally said. "We will discuss this further at a later time, but for now we must freshen up from our journey."

The king was already looking around, no doubt for a servant that would lead them to their rooms.

"I trust that you two will follow decorum for at least the time being?" he then asked as he raised an eyebrow at Elanor and Legolas as though they were no more than 20 years old.

"Of course," Legolas said, bowing towards his father as Elanor did the same, fighting off the blush that was sure to be staining her cheeks. Thranduil then strode passed them, his long robes flowing behind him.

"I will have your trunk sent to your rooms," Ailmar said as Elanor stepped over to hug him again. "And we will expect you both to dine with us tonight."

"Of course, Ada," Elanor said. Father and daughter shared one more smile before Ailmar took off after Thranduil. "Well, that was not so bad."

"I imagine he will summon me for the tongue-lashing he is saving for private soon enough," Legolas said, watching his father's back. He then turned to Elanor, smiling slightly. "But yes… we have survived… for now."

Elanor chuckled as he wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed her lightly on the lips.

"At long last… the happy couple…"

The two turned, seeing Haldir walk up to them, a smile on his face though Elanor could see a lingering sadness in his eyes. He was with a small group of elves from Lothlorien. She forgot herself for a moment and strode towards him, throwing her arms around his neck as tears filled her eyes.

"I thought I would lose you," she whispered. Haldir chuckled softly and then stepped back from her, holding her at arm's length.

"You forget yourself, Elanor. You are now promised to someone else," he said lightly. He glanced towards Legolas. "At least I should hope so."

"You would be correct," Legolas said, stepping up to her side and putting an arm around her waist. Elanor turned to him, her cheeks pink as her eyes widened. Though she was happy to finally be with Legolas, it was still rather strange to be announcing publicly that they were to wed.

But a warm happiness had settled into her stomach as she thought about it.

"Legolas," she chided. He looked down at her, seeing her playful look of disapproval. A sheepish look came over his face before he turned back to Haldir.

"My apologies," he said. "It is truly good to see you again, Haldir. Especially looking so well." Elanor looked to the marchwarden, relieved to see a look of understanding on his face.

"No doubt thanks to Elanor's healing hands," he said.

Elanor then stepped away from Legolas, looking at him as she slid her arm through Haldir's.

"If you would give us but a few moments. There is much I wish to discuss with Haldir," she said, pleading with her eyes for Legolas to understand. He nodded and bowed slightly, before turning and walking away.

"It would seem the prince has wasted no time," Haldir said as he and Elanor began to walk through the courtyard. She looked up at him in shock, though relaxed slightly when she saw no judgment there.

"Truthfully… it was my doing," she admitted, looking away from him. Haldir chuckled.

"I am not so surprised to hear," he replied. "You always did have a rash side to you." Elanor looked up at him, frowning slightly. "It is what makes you so fascinating, you must know. That passion that drives you forward."

Elanor laughed softly, but then stopped turning to Haldir, her expression suddenly serious. She worried for him and knew that he would put on a brave face. But just because she was now Legolas' betrothed - soon to be his wife - she did not wish to lose her friendship with Haldir. Granted, she could not help but think it selfish of her. All she wanted was for Haldir to find his own happiness. And with her returning to Mirkwood and then traveling with Legolas and Gimli, perhaps he would finally have that chance without her getting in the way.

"Elanor… you do not need-"

"But I do," she said, cutting him off as she reached for his hands and gripping them tightly. "You have given me so much. And you are still one of my dearest friends. You deserve so much more."

He stared down at her a few moments before a soft smile came over his face.

"This is payment enough. Seeing you well. And happy. The elleth that I once knew," he said softly. "The light has returned to your eyes and I sense that you no longer carry the darkness of your past."

Elanor looked away from him, blinking back tears.

"Do not worry for me, Elanor. I will find my own happiness. Whether here or beyond," he said. She looked back at him.

"You wish to go to the Undying Lands?" she asked softly. Haldir pulled his hands from her, folding them behind his back.

"It is where we will all go at some point, is it not?" he asked. "For now, I will stay in Lothlorien, but when the time is right, yes, I will join the others of our kind. The age of the elves is coming to an end, Elanor. But fear not, I know that our paths will cross again."

They regarded each other a few moments before Elanor stepped closer and embraced him.

"Live well, Haldir. I am truly sorry that I could not-"

"Hush now, Elanor," he said, interrupting her. "I will be fine. You have no need to apologize to me."

She stepped back from him, offering him a watery smile.

"You are where you are meant to be. With the one you are meant to be with," he said. Elanor nodded slowly, then turned, taking his arm.

"Come, shall I show you around Minas Tirith?" she asked lightly.

"Of course…"

Elanor stepped over to the edge of the courtyard, looking out across Pelennor Fields, taking a deep, cleansing breath of the night air. It was a far cry from when she first arrived in the midst of battle. She could hear laughter and music pouring out from the palace and knew the celebrations were likely to continue on well into the night.

While she had thrown herself wholeheartedly into celebrating the coronation, and then unexpectedly the wedding, of Aragorn and Arwen, she needed a few moments to herself.

It felt as though she had been in constant motion the last few months and now that she had a moment to stand still, she nearly did not know just what to do with herself. Of course, she knew what came directly - she, Legolas and Gimli would travel back to Mirkwood with King Thranduil and her father where they would stay a few months while they plotted out their journey. Then they would wed. Then, the three would travel Middle Earth and see all that there was to see.

But still, part of her felt a bit aloof. And unbelieving of where she now stood.

Just months ago, she had been content, if not fulfilled, with her existence in Lothlorien, thinking perhaps she would live out her time on Middle Earth there. But even then, Elanor knew that something was missing and that she wasn't really living. Then Legolas had returned to her life, throwing her quiet life back into chaos.

Granted, even if he had not shown up, the war likely would have done much the same.

Unconsciously, Elanor reached up, lightly touching her side where she still bore her scar. Though she felt the smooth silk of her dress under her fingertips, just under that, she could sense the ridge of the wound that she would have for the rest of her days.

She had left her safe haven of Lothlorien. Fought in three battles - three impossible battles. Had led a small battalion of elves.

She had told Legolas that she loved him. And he returned her affections. She had moved from the darkness that had plagued her for the last 100 years and into the light.

Closing her eyes, Elanor tilted her head back, a soft smile coming across her features as a light breeze blew her hair back.

"Pray tell, love of my life, what takes you away from the festivities. I do hope that I am not already boring you and failing miserably in my duties before we are even wed."

Elanor looked over her shoulder as Legolas walked up to her, a playful smile on his face. He was dressed in the finery of Mirkwood and looked every bit the prince that he was. Turning, she stepped up over to him as he placed his hands on her waist, leaving a gentle kiss on her lips.

"Are you finally ready to tell me just what it was that you discussed with your father before the coronation?" she asked lightly, an elegant eyebrow arched at him.

Legolas smiled as a small chuckle left his lips.

"You need ask? I am sure you know full well how that went," he replied.

"He did not believe you, did he?" Elanor asked, though she still smiled. She found that it mattered not what the king thought now – she would be Legolas' wife soon enough.

"I must admit, I did rather enjoy the look of annoyance on his face," Legolas replied, causing Elanor to laugh softly. "Your father, however, looked as though he could not possibly be any happier. In fact, they wish for us to exchange rings before we journey back to Mirkwood." Both of Elanor's eyebrows rose at that. "It seems my father is willing to expedite the proceedings."

"Likely to maintain appearances," she replied wryly, her hand coming to rest on her stomach. "I have not missed the many canny glances he has bestowed upon us."

Legolas chuckled again, pulling her closer to him.

"Little does he know…" he replied softly before kissing her gently. "Though I assume once we do gift him with a grandchild, all will be forgiven." Elanor could not help as she surely blushed under the heated gaze he was currently giving her.

"We are not yet wed, your highness, there is plenty of time for that later," she replied with a soft laugh. "Besides, I do not wish to travel while with child."

"Very well," Legolas said with a sigh. Elanor only chuckled again as she turned to face the fields, though his arms did not leave her waist. She leaned back against his strong chest, once again staring out into the distance.

"What do you think we will find out there?" she asked. Legolas was silent a few moments.

"Anything," he finally said. Elanor looked at him over her shoulder, a smile on her lips.

"Anything?" she asked. Legolas sighed.

"If I have learned anything from the Fellowship, it is that there are a great many things out there to discover… far beyond anything that you could imagine," he said. "And I am grateful that this time I will be able to discover them with you at my side." He looked down at her.

"And Master Gimli," Elanor reminded him. "Though I wonder if it is such a good thing that I-"

Legolas cut off her words with a kiss.

"He is happy that you are to join us," he said softly. "And he knows that I cannot stand to be parted from you. I spent 100 years far from you. Forgive me if I do not wish to allow another second to pass without you near."

Elanor felt the breath leave her as she looked into his eyes, seeing the depth of his love for her clearly there. She supposed it had always been there, though he had carefully guarded himself at times. And others, she was too caught up in her own thoughts and troubles that she did not see it. Such sweet relief it was to finally be able to see and express it freely.

Elanor turned in his arms, wrapping her own around his neck.

"For the rest of eternity, I will love you, Legolas," she said softly. "And I am eager to start on this new adventure with you."

"As am I," he replied. He bent down, capturing her lips in a sweet kiss that Elanor wished could go on forever. But a bout of laughter reminded her that they were likely soon to be missed, if they were not already.

Though part of her cared not, she knew that it would go a great ways if they did not attempt yet another thing to irk King Thranduil, who no doubt had noticed their absence by now.

Sensing this as well, Legolas stepped back from her, a smile on his face as he started leading her towards the large doors of the palace, his fingers intertwined with her own. Elanor could not help as a soft, happy sigh escaped her lips.

It was true that she did not know what they would face as they went on from here, but that mattered not.

Not as long as she had her love at her side.

Here we are at the end! Had to rewrite this chapter a bit – especially after I altered the chapter of the battle at the Black Gate, though I had planned to work on it after I wrote the draft as I wasn't completely happy with it. Again, tried to play coy with what happened that night before the battle, though I think this one makes it a bit clearer that, well, nothing happened. Though… who knows?

Thank you guys so much for reading, following and commenting! I hope you've enjoyed this story! I enjoyed writing it, though… I kind of doubt I'll venture back into LOTR fanfic – save for the promised Haldir story sometime in the future. It's a bit tough to write, to be honest. Anyway, thanks again!