WOW!! 110 Reviews!! Thank you, thank you!!! ONWARD!!!

Chapter 45--Picking Up The Pieces

It was nearly a month before everything was under control and finally it was time for the armies to return home. A mass funeral was held for the slain and the bodies burned. Legolas spent most of his time with his elder brother, the new King of Mirkwood, grieving in private for their father.

The armies were boarding ships to return to Gondor when Sandi and Kyle walked up to Aragorn and Arwen. "Mother, father, I have something to tell you," Sandi said.

"What is it, Sandi?" Arwen asked.

Sandi shifted nervously. "I-I will not be going back to Minas Tirith with you," she said. "I think I need to stay here for awhile."

"But why?!!" Arwen asked in surprise.

"I have decided to stay here as Kyle's apprentice, he will teach me new magic that will benefit Gondor when I am queen. I feel that would be for the best and Kyle thinks so too, please understand,"

Sandi pleaded.

Arwen and Aragorn exchanged looks then Aragorn hugged Sandi. "I agree and I believe Kyle will be a much finer king then Darrin. I will miss you," he said.

Arwen hugged her too. "So will I," she said. "But you have to decide what is best for you."

**Meanwhile**

Legolas and Jaisia stood on the dock gazing out over the water. "So your people are sailing west after we return to Gondor?" Jaisia asked.

"They will leave within the month, there is no reason for them to remain in Middle Earth now. The time of Elves is pass. Lord Elrond and his folk left for the Havens ten years ago," Legolas said.

"Are you going with them?" Jaisia asked, holding her breath.

"Nay, it is not my time yet," Legolas said.

Jaisia let out her breath in a huge sigh. "I am glad, I would miss you so would Kai and the twins are eager to spend more time with both of us," Jaisia said. She was so relieved Legolas wasn't going to leave her yet. "So we will spend a lot of time at my tribe's village--promise?"

Legolas laughed. "I promise," he agreed. "But I will probably regret it later."

Mischief sparkled in Jaisia's eyes. "Good, now have a nice swim," she said and shoved Legolas off the dock into the water with a splash. She galloped off to land, laughing.

Some of the people watching from a respectful distance burst out laughing, Kai among them.

Legolas scowled at them and muttered a few curse words under his breath as he made his way to shore. Once he got there Arwen and Aragorn took one look at the soaked Elf and burst out laughing.

"Nice swim, sweet cheeks?" Aragorn asked.

"Stow it, sugar," Legolas retorted.

Sandi giggled and hugged him. She explained why she was staying as Jaisia came up to them.

"It is a wise idea, be safe," Legolas said. "That bastard Darrin is still free."

"Not for long if I have anything to say about it," Aragorn growled. "He must be caught."

"Kyle will protect me and I will learn things to protect myself as well. Do not worry, father," Sandi soothed.

Legolas gave Jaisia a scowl. "Why not push Aragorn into the water once in a awhile?" he demanded.

"Oooh, I could not do that to sugar, he might melt," Jaisia said.

Aragorn laughed. "Yes, you should know that, Legolas," he jibed.

"Sugar is not the only thing that melts in water, sire," Legolas retorted and walked regally off towards the ship.

Aragorn stared after him, open mouthed. "You little smart arse," he said.

Sandi, Arwen and Jaisia began giggling.

"He got you that time, father!!" Sandi gasped

Goodbyes said they boarded the ships and set sail back to Minas Tirith, everyone was eager to return to their homes and families. Eventually Darrin would have to be hunted down and dealt with, but for now all was safe and peaceful….

The End

Well, all done--what'd you all think? R?R!!! There will be a sequel!!!