DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the fantastically brilliant characters of Tolkien's, but I do claim any unknown beings that you may not recognize.

A/N The end, my friends, has come, whether it is a relief to you or not. Have no fear, though! I nice long chapter to sooth your craving.. LoL If you *do* want to read it.

No worries, though!

Or maybe there will be.. Who knows?! ^_~

~~~~~~~~CHAPTER***37~~~~~~~~~~

When Riania's foresight ended, she immediately awoke with a cold sweat already beginning to form, any stray strands of her hair plastered to her face and making her nightgown cling softly to her rounded body. Was that just a part of her apparition, or was she truly..?

A sudden burst of tremendous pain shot through her abdomen once again, similar to that of the pain she had experienced from her last encounter with poison, but this time it was not so electrifying or frightening, just an expected contraction.

The baby was coming.

Thranduil had fallen asleep in his chair, one arm slung over the back of the seat with his head resting on his shoulder, and Riania fumbled to quickly grasp his empty hand lying on his lap, grunting while holding in her screams.

"Wake, up," she panted, still not knowing his name, tugging on his fingers. His eyes cleared and he shook his head, before staring openly at his wife.

"What is it, darling?"

"The.. The baby! I'm in labor!" she half cried, half said through clenched teeth as she bit her lower lip. The contractions were not so far apart, getting closer and closer as the time drew near. And Riania was growing very impatient with her shocked husband, now taking a more forceful charge. "Call a nurse," she growled, biting back another scream, but this time it lasted long enough for her to let out a strangled cry. "Hurry!"

With that Thranduil bolted up from his position and stumbled down the corridor, all the while his voice breaking through the stillness of the deep night. "Nurse! Healer! My wife is in labor!" he yelled joyously, yet frantically as he ran on.

He returned to the queen's bedchamber with an armful of handmaids and nurses or sorts, all clambering about to be the first to help. Some came with extra pillows which they propped Riania up on, some with extra blankets to tuck in around her, others with things that would be needed for when the child was born. Thranduil managed to push past the bustling Elves to seat himself beside his wife, who groaned mercilessly and panted heavily at the strain.

"I'm here," he whispered, stroking the back of her hand. Despite her small lack of memory towards this man, she remembered her one revelation, the one that the necklace brought her, and that was all she needed of him. Her fingers intertwined with his and gripped it tightly, squeezing when the pain came and slightly relaxing when it subsided.

"I, I need my necklace," she muttered, and one of the maids fetched it. Her husband placed it beside her head on the pillow.

She perspired profoundly and gasped every so often. Finally, the time had truly come.

"My lady," the voice came of one of the nurses from the foot of the bed. "You need to push, all right? Now when I say.." Riania let out a scream of pain as the nurse yelled, "Push!" and she did. She was given a few moments before it came again and was ordered to push, and gripping Thranduil's fingers in hers until their knuckles were white, and she put forth much effort in a last push.

A small whimper came from the foot of the bed, and the King grinned widely at his wife. "I am so proud of you," he told her affectionately. But as all of them prepared to present her the child to which she gave birth, a cry emerged from her. All stared as one of the housewives stepped forward back at the abandoned position.

"There's another!" she announced as all in the room, shocked, could not utter a sound as Riania still screamed and pushed. Another cry broke through the silence, and the queen let her head drop into the pillows behind her, the relief of the end so completely satisfying beyond belief. She began to catch her breath back when she began to comprehend what had just happened. She had given birth to twins! But how was that possible..?

After an extremely short while the Elf women had cleansed the babies and wrapped them in the softest silks that the palace possessed. The one who had birthed the first heir stepped forward and placed it into the crook of one of her arms, and then the other came and placed the second into her other. Riania's eyes gleamed with pride and awe as she gazed upon the sleeping faces of her children..

"The first one is a girl," smiled a maid cheerfully, "and the second a boy. Congratulations, your majesties." With that all of them in the room knelt on one knee and bowed their heads in reverence. Thranduil cradled his wife's head with his hand, tears spilling over and dropping onto the sheets of the bed as he grinned with unlamented joy.

"I love you," he murmured, placing a soft kiss on her forehead. Her tears joined his in flowing with happiness, and she gently nuzzled her babies closer to her.

"What of names?" she asked breathlessly of Thranduil, still gazing wonderingly at their creation, not even caring what he would say.

"I think you should choose them," he suggested quietly, his eyes also still locked upon the sleeping Elves. She glanced over next to her upon the pillow and spotted her necklace glimmering softly in the moonlight that flickered through the window at the wall.

"Alanya," she whispered gently, naming her girl child, and then she turned to the boy. "Legolas. My little Greenleaves.." Thranduil locked Riania's gaze on his now, and they only stared as she knew that even if she had no immediate memories of her past life, this was her home in her new life, one that had only just begun.

* * * * * *

FIFTY-FOUR AND ONE HALF YEARS LATER, IN THE CASTLE OF MIRKWOOD

The day had only just begun, and ever so beautifully. Riania had acquired the habit of awaking so early in the morn to watch the sunrises, for each one was unique but most definitely amazing; a habit she attained the morning of her children's birth, for as she had held and rocked them gently in her arms and saw the burst of brightness uncover from the horizon to shed the earth of its darkness, she had fallen in love.. For the third time that morning.

Now she leaned lightly against the windowpane and breathed in deeply the sent of the forest outside. A cool breeze billowed around her, a gentling touch against her skin, and she felt at an ease she had almost never felt before. For the past fifty four years she had managed to get back quite a few memories more than what she already had; some of her childhood, some of her friends and family from before, and a few of Thranduil.. She had gained enough memories to know the names of her acquaintances and friends. It was all that she could ask for.

She had also been spared the terrifying dreams that used to haunt her every time she shut her eyes. Her children were still so small and innocent, and her husband was safe lying in bed behind her. Life was totally and utterly whole, at least, to her.

Alas, one thing, a small detail, had been forgotten.. Overlooked, and in that aspect, now a fear in the back of Riania's mind tugged at her bliss. She stopped staring dreamily at the land and stood straighter, ears pricked to hear something, eyes wandering for a clue. This fright that began to creep back into her system was such a change that she hurried over to the bed and shook her beloved awake.

"Thranduil," she hissed fiercely, and his eyes slowly cleared and he flashed a smile.

"What is it, melamin?" Unfortunately, she had not gained back her ability to speak Elfish, so now he had been teaching her, and she knew enough that he called her his pet name.

"It's.. It's a feeling," she thought out loud, almost more to herself than to the one who she was supposed to be informing. "Like a heavy rain cloud, filled with lightening, dangerous and so close.. But I fear that my memory is not allowing me to see what it is that is so threatening. Could we have experienced this before?"

A sting of memory seemed to stab itself at the back of Thranduil's mind, and he nearly cringed. 'No,' he told himself. 'Fifty-four years of peace, it cannot happen now. No, oh Valar, please, no..' Swallowing a rapidly rising lump in his throat, he took hold of his wife's hands.

"It was.. It has been a problem since you were but a small Elf child," he said rather crookedly, still trying to clear away a new constant growing dread. "You have undergone several memories with a terrifying dragon, have you not?" She nodded slowly, eyes still questioning. "You then, must not have remembered our trip after the wedding. On our way home, there was an accident.."

**Fury began to boil up inside of Riania's weak body. Fists clenched so tightly her palms began to bleed, she faced the dragon.

"Whatever happened to your cousin?" the beast asked her. "Did he finally DIE?" He grinned wickedly, revealing sharp, razor-edged teeth.

"If I hadn't crashed in my carriage because of a bunch of insolent orcs, I would-" Riania began to growl.

"You would do WHAT?" The dragon let out a booming fit of laughter, and turned to the orcs. "I think you ruined my chance of getting a fight out of her," he told them. Taking a deep breath, he released a hell of fire, which engulfed everything in sight. The couple watched the tipped carriage burn to ashes, destroying their friends. The orcs cried out in agony, slowly crumbling. Only a small circle of living creatures was left; Riania, Sriosno, and the dragon.

"Now, back to you, dearest," the beast said casually. "What to do with you? Wait a minute-" The dragon narrowed its slit-pupil eyes at Sriosno. "If my memory serves me correctly, YOU were one of those warriors that came to 'slay' me." He clicked his tongue in a tsk manner. "Pity you didn't kill me whilst you had the opportunity." He thought for a moment, pondering over his options. "No, I've changed my mind, you both may live. But I'll be back- -and then you'll truly suffer." With that the dragon lifted off, beating its thin but strong wings, flying off into the distance. Riania's rage had receded as she had watched her friends perish. Even the horses had been destroyed. She gulped down a well of tears.

"So, do you think he will be back?" asked Sriosno worriedly, pulling Riania closer against the warmth of his body.

"A dragon never breaks a promise," softly replied Riania gravely. **

With a jolt of anxiety she returned to the present, staring wildly at Thranduil, whose saddened eyes watched back with a hand placed upon hers. "This was the only way I could truly show you what was happening," his quiet, guilty voice spoke. "Forgive me."

"There is nothing to forgive of you," she smiled waveringly at him, leaning forward and planting a soft kiss on his lips. "I should thank you. But in that I could feel the tension, and it is the same I have now." Her husband nodded, throwing the coverlet from him and slipping out of bed. In no time at all they had both changed, Riania wearing a nice, flexible gown, comfortable, and Thranduil common breeches and white shirt, not bothering with the tunic.

"We must fetch the children," they both agreed out loud, oddly at the same time, and pushing back the doors they hurriedly rushed to the children's quarters, down the hall from their own. Riania was in the lead and breaking through the doors she went to their small beds set at opposite walls and reached into one, withdrawing Alanya, a small baby, cradled in her arms. Thranduil went to the other and obtained Legolas gently and together they now turned down the corridor opposite of their own. The only sound to be heard was the soft pattering of their delicate slippers.

The queen stopped dead in her tracks for a moment, and the king followed suit, quizzically looking at her. "What are you doing?" he asked, rocking his son slightly to keep him from awaking. "Why have you stopped?"

"Listen," she ordered breathlessly, and he did, cocking his head to one side they both just listened. They slowed their breathing in order to hear better, and now he, too, was shocked.

"I hear.. Nothing," he confessed with a tint of fear in his voice. "But how can this be so?" Without replying, Riania clutched Alanya to her chest and bolted down the hall, turning a sharp corner. Here she began to fling open door after door, to reveal undisturbed rooms that looked as if no one had ever stepped foot inside, they were neat and untouched. No living being could be neither found, nor living creature for that matter.

Now she stopped, gasping for breath, at the end of her third passageway of throwing open doors. Thranduil was not far behind, eyes shining in confusion and fright for his family's safety. What in the name of the Valar was happening..?

"Something is terribly wrong," she croaked, voice barely above a whisper. The fear, the constant nag she felt, was rapidly gaining power. A chilling breeze picked up and swirled around the couple, despite the fact that they were shielded by walls. Their gazes locked, and they read each other's thoughts.

Thranduil led them down a stairwell, then he handed her Legolas to hold. He pressed himself against the wall, as if listening, and then touched it in a pattern. A door swung open and Riania was pressured to enter first, Thranduil behind her, shutting the wall. Torches, unlit, lined the walls, and they were enveloped in an unwelcoming darkness. Suddenly fires were blazing on them, and Riania shot Thranduil a glance. His palm was being set down at his side.

"No time to tell," he explained, urging them onward. They jogged down what seemed to be a never ending maze of twists and turns, and now the queen recognized this place. This was where she had been shown when their Majesties had passed away. Finally they emerged stumbling into the open, empty room.

Riania collapsed onto the bed, holding her still sleeping children to her chest, and Thranduil joined her, wrapping an arm around the back of her shoulders. "Everything will be all right," he assured her, gently rubbing his hands along her arms. She turned to him and placed the children into his arms with a sigh, and he took them carefully. This fear, it was so great she was suffocating within herself.

She hugged Thranduil into an embrace, passionately kissing his lips. When she pulled away she blessed each of her children one last time, a tear streaming down her cheek and landing on Legolas. When looking up to her husband, his eyes were bewildered beyond belief. He had no idea; he did not feel this horrid pressure, he was not at such a loss of breath..

"Amin mela lle," she murmured, and his eyes widened. He had not taught her that phrase yet, but she knew it all the same..

Knowledge flooded into her mind, everything that she had known before came rushing back, new knowledge she could not even learn in eternity washed over her. She was filled with a divine wisdom, which she could never possess. But now she grasped it, and could never share it. This is what the end was like.

Fate had led us here.

The voice echoed through her mind. It was impossible to tell if it was Miroros's or not, but that did not matter. It was still there.

Let us keep following it.

With a deep breath she took one last glance, just to forever embed it within her mind. Thranduil holding the children, still not understanding what she was doing, everything seeming perfect and safe. She put a palm outward towards him, and put just enough of the comprehension she now beheld into his mind so that he would know this was right, this was what had to be done.

"I love you!" he cried, and she used her new power to keep him on the bed holding the Elves, otherwise he would have jumped up and kept her from her path. He wept, still watching her. "I love you!" he repeated desperately, hoping that this could be enough to keep her here. Oh, why could it not be?

Now he remembered the night that he pledged never to leave her, to never let her be alone for fear of this sort of event taking place. Now he was here, still with her, and yet he felt her power keeping him in place.

"I love you," he whimpered, knowing that this would never be enough. She nodded acknowledgement. She could read his mind and it distressed her beyond any comprehension to do such and feel his sorrow.

With one last deep breath, Riania sent a silent message to Thranduil's mind; "I love you too, and shall for the rest of eternity." She now turned on her heals and walked towards the one wall, bracing herself. Suddenly a giant circle of fire appeared, and burnt a hole clear through the wall and a portion of the roof. There the dragon loomed, hovering in the air, beating its wings gently to keep still. It glared down at Riania with a smile playing upon its lips, if that's even possible.. But that's how it seemed. Its scales glittered dangerously in the morning sun's soft light.

*Well, well, well, * it muttered in mind-speaking, a hint of mockery ringing in his voice. * How was your short, out-lived break? * he questioned, now clearly laughing. She stood perfectly calm, a plan ready, already formed and taking shape. A small ball of white fire began to collect in her closed hand, preparing for the moment

"Indeed, it was brilliant, and I thank you for it," she returned, equally teasing. A plume of smoke flared from his nostrils.

*Do not be so cocky, * he advised evilly, coming in closer, head arched to strike. She steadily bore down his gaze with her own.

"Why don't we settle these problems like civilized arch enemies," she suggested, voice clear without a scent of wavering. The dragon was slightly confused, for he could smell no anxiety, and eyed her suspiciously.

*And we shall, * he agreed, backing away into the clear air. When Riania looked out she saw nothing; all was gone, replaced by a dull gray fog sky stretching on for eternity outside the castle's walls. There was magic at work here, all of Mirkwood gone save the room and emptiness. But for some reason, none of it surprised her; it was all part of fate..

Fate has led us here, so keep on following it.

These words continued to weave a hectic path in her mind, pushing through all the information blessed upon her, making her road clear of all unwanted confusion. She took a step out into the sky, but she did not drop. She stood, feet planted firmly as if there was ground there, and even the dragon was surprised.

Without warning, however, he lunged with a wild cry for her, diving full speed and hastily at his target.

Riania faced the oncoming nemesis squarely, unwavering, and she narrowed her eyes.

"Here I am," she muttered one last time. "I am ready."

THE END

A/N At least, this is the end of Riania's part of the story. What I like to call, "Part One." What is seen as the end by many is only the very beginning.

I thank you all who read this, even if you did not review. It has been a pleasure.

And if you are not *too* furious with me for this sort of end, leaving many things not pieced together, even though much of it, I believe, had ends meet, you could look out for the sequel, "Part Two" of the long and never- ending story of Lord of the Rings. I think it will be called something like "Redeeming Dreams." Cool, I like the ring of that.. Or, if you decide to review this chapter, you could give me suggestions of what you think would sound good as a story title. Only time will tell. ^_^

Thank you to..::

Megolas: Yes! You really do help me, thanks for all the good advice and suggestions. Where would I be without my wonderful sister?

Lady Eowyn: Ah, my most avid reader and reviewer! Thanks so much for being there and looking at all of my writings. You got me going when I didn't want to.. LoL I can't wait to look out for your stories! By the way, a few other notes-POWER TO THE PENGUINS! CHEESE IS THY FRIEND!!!

Zurgiea: Hmm. Thank you for reviewing! And if I ever do write a "show" inspired by something funny like that, I'll be sure to let you know. ^_^

Aimzy-Chan: Thank you as well for reviewing. And I'm flattered that you find my idea very original and intriguing using Thranduil. And I do believe I already emailed you my website for the Elfish.. Heheheh.

Telboriel: Wow, thanks for the compliments. By the way, this probably doesn't mean anything because you have already read the story, but I do see now that my chapters were far too hasty, thereby being extremely cut off and short.. I'm going to go back, revise and edit some more, and then make them longer adding in more detail and such. You may go back and read them when I change them if you like, but they'll only hold the same major events but more in depth.

Winged Wolf: Heh, it took some work finding out all that Elfish, I'm glad you liked it! Thanks so much for reviewing my story. I love yours as well! I hope you write a sequel to "Whispers," it was truly awesome!

Sorrow Personified: Ah yes, and thank you too for reading my stories! We had so much fun in the competition; I just wish it would have worked out.. Oh well. I hope we keep in touch!

Night Shade: Yay! It was nice to see a new reviewer.. And, may I ask, were you satisfied with the outcome? Heheheh, lol.

Noah Vail: Thanks for your advice, I'll be sure to fix that part of my story.

Aldawen of Rivendell: LoL I couldn't really tell what sort of "OH MY GOD!" that was. It could have been considered an, "OH MY GOD, not another stupid thing like this!" or an "OH MY GOD, I never would have guessed!" or an "OH MY GOD, is this girl crazy?!" LoL But thanks for saying something! ^_^

And now, let your eyes wander down to the lower left hand corner where a small blue rectangular shape lies that says "Submit Review" and click GO! LoL Please? At least as a farewell! ^_^