One month went by since the Battle at the Black Gate and the Destruction of the One Ring. Frodo and Sam were safely returned to Minas Tirith, and the Fellowship was back together again. Noelle could never express in words the joy she felt seeing Frodo realize Gandalf was alive.

Middle-earth had a lot of cleaning up to do after the war, particularly Gondor. They had cities to rebuild, as a people, and as a world, but that also meant they needed someone to lead them.

Aragorn had accepted his role as King, a decision which all the members of the Fellowship couldn't be more proud of him for. He was to be crowned on the fourth of May.

Noelle, on the other hand, was still firm on her own decision. She was going back. Three days after Aragorn's coronation, a party was leaving from Minas Tirith to escort the hobbits home to the Shire. Certain members of the Fellowship were only going so far, but Noelle planned to see them home with Gandalf. Then she would go back alone.

Legolas was planning to reside in Ithilien, a woody region east of Minas Tirith, bordering Mordor. He told Noelle that in the future, he planned to bring some of his kin from Mirkwood to reside there and restore the natural beauty to that land. He had also gently stroked her cheek and said he hoped she would like it there.

Noelle hadn't answered him. Legolas had only given her a very sad and concerned look, then left her alone.

Had he guessed what was going on? She had promised to tell him eventually…

The day of Aragorn's coronation arrived swiftly, and unbeknownst to him, the Elves of Rivendell and Mirkwood arrived the night before. It was to remain a surprise to Aragorn because Arwen was with them, and also Legolas's father, King Thranduil.

Noelle honestly couldn't have been more petrified of meeting him- well for the second time, considering she had basically been courting his son. Legolas had pulled her aside especially to meet him.

"Noelle, I would like you to meet my Ada," he had said softly.

The girl who had been trained by the great Masters Yoda and Obi-wan Kenobi, who had faced Count Dooku and Darth Maul, who had commanded armies, but couldn't even calm the quaking of her knees, did the best curtsey she could manage in front of the King. He raised his thick eyebrows and scrutinized her with his ice blue eyes.

"It's an honor, your majesty," she said as steadily as she could.

The King of the Woodland Realm nodded slightly. "My lady I would appreciate a word in private if you will," he said, glancing at his son.

A look of surprise registered on Legolas's face. He looked like he was about to open his mouth to protest, but he didn't. He just gave Noelle a helpless look and stepped aside. She squeezed his arm gently and gave him a sympathetic look, downcasting her eyes. She followed Thranduil outside to the gardens of Minas Tirith. It was one of the only spots in the whole city that had a garden. Thranduil's back was to her as he gazed solemnly over the five levels of the city below them.

"I understand you are in love with my son? He has already told me much about you. No doubt, even if his feelings are unrequited, he is deeply in love with you.'

Wow, he hadn't even paused for a breath.

Noelle was speechless. He had already said most of what needed to be said.

"Yes," she confirmed, noticing how expectantly Thranduil was staring at her.

Thranduil practically circled her. "And you do understand how complicated it is for an Elf and a Mortal to be joined together in marriage?"

Noelle took a deep breath. This was the question she had been waiting for. What she had been expecting him to bring up from the beginning. "I have no intentions to marry your son," she blurted out.

Thranduil seemed taken aback, as Noelle saw the shock on his face. His shock hardened into anger. "Then why do you lead him on, and give him hope where there is none?"

There it struck her. He was right, she realized. She had to tell Legolas. She couldn't keep leading him on and hurting him any longer, even though she knew she was going to hurt him more when she left him.

Noelle played with the long sleeves of her dress and swallowed. She had to give him the answer, as honestly and truthfully as she could. She looked away from him. "I love Legolas," she whispered, as her voice caught in her throat. More than I've ever loved anyone. I wish I could stay and pretend it was going to work. But I know you're right. We're not meant to be together. It was something that never should have happened in the first place."

Thranduil still seemed surprised, but he straightened himself and watched her in an even more observant way than before. "Then what shall you do about this matter?" he asked calmly.

Noelle finally turned around to face him. "I am going to tell him the truth."

The day of the coronation had Noelle more nervous than she had ever been in her life. She felt like it was her coronation, or maybe even her wedding, as she had spent the whole morning getting her hair and makeup done with a few of the Rivendell Elves. They were all in much more of a chatty mood than Noelle was, and she was more than happy to listen.

One of the elleth, who was named Elbereth, literally was fawning over Legolas, and the other two named Lórienne and Lithorniel were agreeing with her up and down.

"Just saying, Lóri, it would be my dream to marry him," Elbereth said, as she brushed back her dark, curly hair.

"It would be any elleth's dream," Lórienne pointed out. "After all, he is a prince."

"Do you think he is courting anybody?" Lithorniel wondered aloud as she began to do Noelle's hair in a half-down braid.

He won't be shortly, Noelle thought, closing her eyes.

She was leaving.

Elbereth got up and went to the window. "I've always dreamed of being a princess."

"Of course you have, Ellie," Lórienne said absentmindedly.

Noelle went over to the changing screen to slip on her silky white dress with long, white, sheer sleeves and a train attached to it. The bust was embroidered with gold thread, and crystals were accentuated on the neckline.

It was so beautiful.

Elbereth's eyes widened. "You look like an Elf, my lady!" she gasped.

Noelle gave her the smallest smile, as much as she was able to manage. "Thank you," she whispered, blinking back her tears.

It all was going to be ok in the end. She knew it would be.

Gandalf slowly placed the silver, wing-shaped circlet upon Aragorn's head, as he knelt before him on the steps to the throne room at the top of the Citadel. All of Gondor was present. The courtyard was filled from beginning to end, as the people gathered to celebrate their new king.

Noelle, who was standing up front beside Gimli, saw Aragorn give Gandalf a smile.

"Now come the days of the King," said Gandalf. He smiled in return and slowly stepped back, giving Aragorn room to stand. "May they be blessed."

Aragorn did just that. He took a deep breath and glanced at Noelle and Gimli. Noelle nodded in encouragement.

The people cheered, and applause filled the air.

"This day does not belong to one man, but to all," said King Elessar. "Let us together rebuild this world. That we may share in the days of peace."

Noelle swallowed. It sounded so beautiful and peaceful, and for a brief moment, it crossed her mind. She should stay. But then she dismissed her selfish thought. There were people who needed her. And it wasn't fair to certain people, especially Legolas.

As the people clamored on, Aragorn stood still for a long moment. Then he began to sing, his voice deep, wise, and ancient, as if he was one of the past kings themselves.

"Et Earello Endorenna utulien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta."

"What do those words mean, Gandalf?" Noelle whispered into the wizard's ear.

Noelle saw a slight smile on Gandalf's face as he gave her his answer.

"Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place I will abide, and my heirs unto the ending of the World."