A/N: I am soooooo sorry it took me so long to get this chapter written! I had serious writer's block, and I'm still not satisfied with how it's worded, but it's the best I can get. Sorry, but this isn't my best chapter. Still, you have to read it, cause it's important. Okay, enough blathering. Read an review!

Chapter 18: A Queen Unveiled

The Sun was still in her bed when Elwing, Erestor, and Aria rose. One at a time, they went to the river and bathed. Then, they put on the Elf clothes that had been given to them. Erestor did not wish to wear his, but at Elwing's pleading, he relented.

The Sun began to peek over the earth's rim as the three conspirators finished getting ready. Aria ran a comb through her long auburn hair and let it fall around her, making it appear that she glowed. Elwing let her shoulder length blonde hair do as it pleased, to busy thinking of other things to care. Erestor ran a hand through his short, black hair and fussed with the Elf clothes he wore.

When they were all ready, Elwing led them to the large mellorn. The guards stood as they approached.

"We wish to speak to the Lord and Lady," Elwing said regally.

One of the guards gave a short bow. "I am sorry, lady, but the Lord and Lady are holding a very important council," he said apologetically.

"A council?" Aria said quizzically.

"Yes, and they asked not to be disturbed," the guard explained. "All the Elf nobles are up there."

"Even better," Elwing said primly. "I need to speak to them as well."

The guards glanced at each other, unsure. "Come now, let them up, what harm could it possibly do?"

Elwing turned around, surprised to hear Galareal's voice. The Elf walked up casually and winked at Elwing. "Do not fear, I shall handle them," he whispered. Standing straight, he strode up to the guards. "The Lady asked that they join the council," Galareal said firmly.

The guards glanced at each other. "She did not tell us," one said warily.

Galareal smiled, he had them. "Really? She told me, and she seemed very set on it," he lied.

The guards looked at each other and shrugged. "All right, go ahead."

Elwing smiled and motioned the others up the ladder. Before Galareal started climbing, she pulled him to the side.

"Why did you lie?" Elwing asked quietly, so the others could not hear. "You don't even know what we're going to do."

Galareal smiled. "True, but you three look like you have something important to do, and you would never have convinced those guards to let you pass," he said with a grin.

Elwing smiled. "Well, thank you, I owe you one." With that, she turned around and began climbing the ladder.

Galareal smiled faintly as he watched her climb. "No, we are even," he said quietly. With a sigh, Galareal began ascending the ladder after them.

When they reached the top, the four friends crouched behind a branch, out of sight of the council. Straining their ears, they tried to hear what was being said.

"What do you mean what will we do with them?" one Elf asked irately. "We send them back to Rivendell, of course!"

"Do not speak so quickly," another Elf chided gently. Looking closer, Elwing recognized him as the mysterious Elf who had spoken to her yesterday. He spoke softly, but his words had underlying power.

The Elf who had spoken first was not daunted. "Speak to quickly? They should not be here at all! They disobeyed orders, and it is only by our Lady's grace that they are here! Speak to quickly? Nay, I speak what should have been spoken long ago; send them back! They can only prove to complicate things more."

"He's got that right," Aria mumbled.

"Alright, this is my chance," Elwing whispered. "You three stay here."

Straightening, Elwing walked gracefully past the surprised Elves and stopped in the open circle in front of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel. Bowing, Elwing addressed the Lord and Lady.

"Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel, I wish to speak to the council about a matter of great importance," Elwing said, making sure all the Elves could hear her.

"Then speak," Lady Galadriel said regally. "Tell us what you must."

Elwing smiled. "Thank you m'Lady," she said. Turning, she faced the council. She felt her stomach tighten, but she ignored it, and began her speech.

"I am sure that all of you know of the Sunstars and their legend," she said, gaining confidence as she spoke. "It is this legend that I wish to speak to you about.

"You all know that a descendant of the Sunstars is supposed to return to help defeat Sauron. I would say that this is the perfect time for the Sunstar to arrive, do you agree?"

The Elves glanced around and some nodded. The Elf who had spoken earlier spoke again.

"Yes, yes, we have discussed this before," he said irritably. "We know all about the legend and that this would be the proper time for the Sunstar to appear. And why do you, a human, care about this matter anyway?"

"And why do you, an Elf, speak in such a foolish manner?" Elwing asked smoothly. The Elf was caught off guard and made no reply. Smiling slightly, Elwing continued.

"Now, you all have your ideas of how the Sunstar will act, look, etcetera. But are you sure you are right? The Ring is being carried by a halfling, someone you would least expect, might not the Sunstar be the same way?"

"Are you saying the Sunstar is a Hobbit?" someone yelled.

Elwing smiled. "No, I didn't say that, what I am saying is the Sunstar may be someone you least expect."

"Enough riddles!" Lord Celeborn cried wearily. "You are beginning to sound like Gandalf. Just get to the point of all this!"

Elwing smiled. "Yes sir," she said sweetly over her shoulder. Facing the council, she drew herself perfectly erect and said with pride, "I am Elwing Anorgil, the Sunstar."

Gasps and shocked whispers filled the air. The only two who seemed not surprised by this announcement were Lady Galadriel and the mysterious Elf, who was watching Elwing with his thoughtful green eyes.

Seeing the chaos, Aria and Erestor slipped out from behind the branch and made their way forward. When they had reached Elwing, Erestor stood next to her and winked. "You really know how to make a scene, don't you?" he teased.

Elwing grinned. "But at least I'm not wearing tights!" she teased back.

Erestor blushed. "They're pants!" he said fiercely.

The chance for further conversation was cut off by a shout from one of the council. "If you are the Sunstar, prove it!" Other shouts backed up this thought, and Elwing glanced back at Galadriel, confused.

"Prove it, how?" she asked, thoroughly confused.

"Show us the mark!" someone yelled.

"Enough!" Lord Celeborn shouted. "This is still my council room, and I want order!" There was immediate silence. Celeborn nodded, satisfied. "That is better. Now, Keso, you asked that she show a mark, what did you mean by that?"

"It is the mark born by every Sunstar," Keso, the loud one, answered. "A small, star-shaped mark on their left wrist."

Celeborn nodded. "Very well, Elwing, do you have such a mark?"

Elwing blushed. Lifting her left sleeve, she revealed her partial arm. "I am afraid you will need another sign," Elwing said apologetically.

"But there are no other signs!" Keso argued.

"Actually, there are."

Everyone turned and looked at the Elf who had spoken. Elwing was not surprised to see it was the mysterious Elf.

"Then tell us Falagorn, what other signs are there?" Lord Celeborn asked.

'Falagorn, why does that name sound familiar?' Elwing wondered.

Falagorn rose and came to stand directly in front of Elwing. After looking at her for a moment, he turned to face the council.

"I spent many years with the Sunstars, and they are defined by more than a mark," Falagorn said in his quiet tone. "I will never not recognize a Sunstar, and this girl is what she says. But incase you do not believe me, there is one test that will prove it." With this, he pulled a necklace out of a bag hanging from his belt. It was a white, diamond-shaped stone hung on a plain silver chain.

"This necklace," Falagorn explained,"is the symbol of the Sunstar's power. It is a magic stone, given to them by the wizards. The stone protects the wearer from harm. Also, it shines white, unless held by a Sunstar, whereupon it turns green." Pausing, Falagorn looked around. "This will end all disputes and show whether or not the legend is true."

Having said his piece, Falagorn handed the necklace to Elwing. Elwing took the necklace gently, and looked at it closely. 'This is the symbol of my family, of who I am," Elwing thought in awe. Suddenly, the stone began to glow. It glowed steadily brighter, until no one could look at it. Then, just as quickly as it had started, the light faded, and the stone was back to normal, except -

"It is green!"

Shocked shouts and surprised exclamations sprang readily from the mouths of the Elves. Erestor and Aria looked around, surprised to see the jubilation around them. Elwing stood, slightly embarrassed, and not quite sure what to do. Falagorn smiled, as if sensing her uneasiness.

"Put on the necklace," he whispered. "It does, after all, belong to you," he added with a wink.

Elwing smiled, and slipped the necklace over her head. It hung just below her collarbone.

Falagorn gave a small bow. "Welcome home, your majesty," he said gently.

End Chapter 18!
I know it wasn't my best chapter, but please still review!!!