DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the brilliant characters of Tolkien, or his genius world, but what you fail to recognize is what I claim.

A/N So sorry for such a delay! It's been hectic.. New computer, split on fanfiction, so much snow and school.. Well, without further a due, chapter 36! And beware.. We are nearing the end! Muwahahaha.. But no worries! After this story will come the continuance.. You shall see.. ^_^

~~~~~~~~~~CHAPTER*36*~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Thranduil sat hunched over on a rather stiff wooden chair, finely carved and molded to perfection for Royalty, placed beside the bed of the queen with his gaze fixed upon her. She lay perfectly motionless with the exception of her rhythmic chest motions of breathing, hair braided and she lay atop of it, hands folded neatly over her stomach. Her eyes were what had caught his attention, though; they were closed, sleeping.. Elves slept with eyes open, so why were hers so gently shut? His mind whirled with hurried solutions, just as quickly pushed away and replaced, over and over again.

Riania seemed so peaceful, so delicate.. You may be misinformed of her dreams that way..

** The dragon had gone but the damaged remained.. Much of it. A few archers who had shot the dragon had gotten spewed by sparks from the creature's last scornful snort and were being tended to. The ground around Miroros was crisp, the grass completely scorched and blackened, never to grow back, for the acidic fire had burnt down to the roots and poisoned the soil.

The Elves who had come to their rescue were already crowded around the male Elf in frenzy, voices all shouting above one another, all trying to be heard. Riania still lay in the grass propped up on her elbows facing the circle, gaping in utter shock. A few phrases caught her ears as a small group of the immortals dashed into the woods to fetch more healers.

"He could not have possibly survived this!"

"Look at his wounds.. They'll never completely heal.."

"His skin is so misshapen.."

"He's gaining consciousness! Be prepared!"

A scream of the most utter anguish broke through even Riania's sorrowful sobs..

Suddenly there was a bright, almost blinding flash of white light..

Her eyes were locked mesmerizing to his, in a heavy-but meaningful-silence. It seemed to drag on forever, into the eternity of nothingness. A glimmer seemed to radiate from him, the Elf who lay so helplessly on the bed, crippled beyond belief. But when he spoke.. His voice was not that of his new, depressed self, but one of his old character, the one that had been so put out by the Dragon's actions. The slight emanation now became brighter and brighter, and Riania lifted a dainty hand to shield her eyes. Who was this Elf that she felt such a brotherly love for, but whom she could not completely recognize..

But it had then suddenly hit her.

"Miroros," she murmured, standing from her seat beside him on the bed. The light faded away and he now laid there, blonde hair perfectly in tact and tucked underneath of his back, skin seeming smooth and perfect as it had once been. His eyes were in proportion, glittering with the old boyhood mischief, and his lips curled back to reveal the long-lost, perfect ladies man grin.

"Riania," he returned with a nod, sitting up and standing to be a few inches taller than her. Her mouth almost hung open in complete shock, but his smile was so reassuring and comforting..

"What.. How.. You do know of my lost memory, don't you? And who is this Riania you speak of?"

"You, dearest, are Riania," he told her kindly, taking her hands into his larger, manlier ones. "And yes, I do understand of your lost memory, but that will soon become past."

"But, even though I do not remember much, I do know that you are not supposed to be so.. Perfect." She breathed out slowly, then inhaling deeply, before letting her breath out again. This was all so unreal! Then again, so was everything else in her life for the time being..

"I am healed," he sighed, still beaming. "Do not morn for me any longer, please."

"And aren't these memories of mine? This is no memory that I can recall, I know that much," Riania questioned, still in disbelief of all the knowledge being poured upon her.

"Before, that was a memory you had to relive, for you must always remember that type of pain, which shall always be fresh within your life, whether you try to prevent it or not. This however.." Miroros slightly shook his head from side to side, now partially amused at his own self. "This may be hard to comprehend, but this is a vision for you, dear one. I have perished from our world, the one that you know as your own, but you have so much you need to realize before.. A certain event takes place. So now, trust me, and know that this is not a dream, but an encounter you must pay attention to."

Unnoticed by Riania, tears glistened clearly on her cheeks, and her eyes were downcast, focusing on the beautiful wooden floor. She could not meet the eyes of her deceased cousin whom she so loved, she could not meet these new emotions so strongly, full head-on. It was all far too much to bear.. Fingers softly caressed her chin and gently forced it up, so that her gaze finally met his once again.

"Do not regret the past, sweet cousin, and don't lose sight of the hope of the future." His confidence was all that Riania needed a portion of, and now she had it.

"All right, Miroros," she smiled back, using the back of her sleeve to dry her moistened cheeks. He nodded more solemnly now, took her by the hand, and led her outside, to the gardens of Rivendell, one of her favorite places to be.

"You are heavy with child," he said quietly, although his companion still gazed longingly into the flowers' cores, concentrating on not feeling so guilty about her burdens she so wished to push away..

"I realize that."

"But this is not just an Elf child," Miroros informed her, as she sub- consciously patted a hand overtop of her enlarged abdomen, entranced by the beauty all around her; and within her. But now her cousin's words cut through her easy distractions, almost like a knife through soft butter. She slowly turned her head to stare quizzically into his eyes, but his gaze was focused elsewhere, into an oblivious state, but still completely and soberly clear and attentive. She bore down her gape onto him, hoping that he would notice her rude stare and look, but alas, even if he knew, he dared not show any sign of it.

"Begging your pardon, but what do you mean, not *just* and Elf child?" she interrogated, voice smooth despite her shuddering chill deep within her chest. They kept their stroll slow and leisurely onward.

"Riania.. I cannot give you the details, for that is against the rules.. Rules that you may not be permitted to know, but rules just the same, ones belonging to that of the Other World. You will come to know this place soon enough.. Your birth will signify a great change in this atmosphere, and greater still as your journey through life continues. But I know you are strong, and will handle what comes your way, be what it may." Eyes now downcast, her hand almost began to tremble at his words and they swam endlessly through her thoughts. Her child, a great change? What of her virtue of which he spoke? Come what may wander her way.?

The hand which Miroros had been holding was squeezed softly with reassurance, and this time when she tilted her vision to him she beheld warm, kind eyes that spoke of confidence, strength, and integrity, qualities her person had so much of. Riania nearly blushed at this compliment, but only allowed a light-hearted smile, which was a thank enough to her cousin.

Now they slowed to a stop by his lead, and turned to face one another as his hands enwrapped his younger cousin's.

"This is my time, to take my leave and for you to yours." Tears burned behind Riania's eyes as the tiny crystals began to well up. Miroros leaned forward and placed a prolonged, adoring kiss upon her forehead. "Fate has led us this far, my dear," he whispered passionately into her ear. "So keep on following it.." He pulled away after a short embrace with her, and, after one more meaningful eye-lock with Riania, shimmered off into oblivion. Now she stood alone, and rather lonely, in the beautiful gardens of her home, or at least, a home of her dreams. It was all she could take to keep from breaking down into a fit of distressed sobs, but then she felt it.

Slowly lowering her eyes she stared at her large, rounded stomach and rested her hand softly overtop of it. She struggled for a large gasp of air, suddenly suffocating because of one last piece of knowledge given to her during her vision.

It was time. **