"And then Strider was revealed as Aragorn, son of Arathorn, descendant of Isildur and heir to the throne of Gondor."

Laesien and Zerameth stared at Legolas intently as he continued the story.

"It was at that time that Lord Elrond of Rivendell was about to pronounce them the Fellowship of the Ring, when suddenly a halfling ran up to Frodo and declared that he would go anywhere his friend went. Seeing this, the other two, Meriadoc and Peregrin, also stepped forward and said that they also desired to come along. And so it was… there were 9 companions in the fellowship. Meriadoc Brandybuck, Peregrin Took, Samwise Gamgee, and Frodo Baggins of the Shire, Gimli, Gloin's son, Gandalf the Grey, Boromir, son of Denethor, Aragorn son of Arathorn, also called Elessar, Elfstone, and other things, and I, Legolas of Mirkwood."

Arwen opened the door to the library. "Children," she said. "It is time to go to sleep."

Laesien stood. "Mother!" she said. "Legolas just told us the greatest story!"

Legolas smiled. "It isn't over yet. I shall tell you more tomorrow. Goodnight, Lady Laesien and Lady Zerameth."

"It's amazing!" Laesien gushed. "He made the War of the Ring and the history of our own family into some sort of fairy tale!"

Arwen laughed. She didn't know which parts of Legolas's story her daughter didn't believe and therefore called it "fairy tale," but she knew that Legolas was telling the true story.

"Is that so?" she asked.

Laesien nodded. "Like how everyone thinks you used to be an Elf and such! It's false, but with a sense of realism."

"Legolas must be a wonderful storyteller," Arwen said. "Come, now. To bed. You, too, Zerameth. Say goodnight to Legolas."

They both said goodnight and Laesien gave him a hug, then they walked to their own separate rooms.

"Did you tell them that it was a true story?" Arwen asked Legolas.

"I did not, nor did I tell them it wasn't."

"I've told them that I was an elf, but they always think that I'm jesting. But it's hardly important, I won't force them to believe it."

"Has Aragorn spoken to you?"

"Of what?"

"The trolls. They should arrive here soon. I doubt I'm much faster than them, they must have been almost right behind me."

Arwen shook her head. "He's been with the war council all day. We may go now to see him if you wish."

Legolas stood. "I would like that. I wish to tell him about you. And… maybe I should take you to Mirkwood with myself so that if you are what they are coming for, you won't be here."

"I will stay with my family and my kingdom," Arwen replied.

"Arwen, I know that you are a fighter. You would quickly act as Eowyn did, dressing like a man and wading into battle if you had to. But you are aging quickly, you are older and weaker than you used to be. You would fight, I don't doubt that. But I don't doubt that you would loose as well."

"I will not run," she replied. She opened a door to the war room where Aragorn was meeting with other Men at a table. He stood when he saw her.

"My lady," he said.

"You are done for today," she told him and the rest of the Men. "Go home and rest."

Aragorn smiled. "You heard your queen," he said. "We meet here at sunrise." He gave a nod to finalize it, then the Men each stood and left, acknowledging Arwen as they went out of the door.

Aragorn looked tired. Arwen approached him. "You must sleep, but not quite yet. Legolas wishes to speak with you."

He sat in a chair at the table and Legolas sat next to him. "What have you decided?" Legolas asked. "If anything?"

"We must call on other kingdoms to help us, I'm afraid. It is the only way."

"There is another problem."

"What is it?"

Legolas looked at Arwen and she sent him an encouraging look. "I have felt something drawing near. It… it feels like… Sauron."

"Sauron? But the Ring-"

"The Ring is gone, I know. And I know that Sauron is no more. But… possibly he is not the only evil spirit in this world. I have felt a great evil, and it spoke to me."

Aragorn looked concerned. "What did it say?"

"It wants Arwen. Why, I do not know, but it does desire her."

Aragorn breathed deeply and rested his head in his hand, looking away from Legolas. "And what would you have me do?" he asked slowly, almost fearfully.

"I have no rule over you, I would never ask for the right to command you. But I feel as if she is not safe in Gondor, for that is where she is expected to be. Therefore, I ask: let me take her to Mirkwood with me."

Aragorn looked at Arwen. "What of the children?"

"Children?" Legolas asked.

"Zerameth and Laesien. What are they to do?"

Legolas blinked, unsure of what was being asked. "I… I suppose stay here."

"I'm not as exciting and adventurous as I used to be, Legolas," Aragorn said, turning back to him. "I'm old and dull, and I don't take chances anymore, at least not with my family and the things that are dear to me. You may take Arwen, but with her I ask that you would take my daughters as well."

Legolas paused, surprised. "You would trust all of your family in my hands?"

"I would, should you choose to take them."

He nodded. "Very well. We will leave at sunrise."