*** Hey guys glad you liked that last chapter. Sorry for the long wait. Shealyn is pronounced Shay-Lynn
Tara6: Thank you for the review. Yup she's gone. I hope you like this one!
Lady Death2: Thank you for the review, also for your patience. I'm glad you liked. Enjoy!
Saera: Thank you for the review. I'm glad you liked it. Enjoy!
littlesaiyangirl: Thank you for the review. I'm glad you liked. Enjoy!
saiyan-girl-cheetah: Thank you for the review. I'm glad you liked the warm fuzzy feeling that the chapter gave. I'm sorry the Zayn thing got confusing. Good luck to you as well. Enjoy!
Dara Maeko: Thank you for the review. I'm glad you liked. Good luck in school. And for heaven's sake don't hurt yourself bouncing around. Enjoy! J
x-silver-saffire-x: Thank you for the review. I'm sorry for confusing you about Shealyn. I revised last chapter. I hope you enjoy!
Aislin2: Thank you for the review. As I told you in the email I fixed some of the things you pointed out and I received your second review, if that is you. Thank you for your constructive criticism it was appreciated. I guess your right on the ruling thing, but wouldn't Aragorn be able to appoint her as his heir if Eldarion hadn't come along? I agree on the whole abused denial thing they go through I've seen it happen. Hey don't worry take your time with the update, I'll wait. And thank you for your encouragement. Enjoy!
Cassie-bear01: Thank you for the review. Emotional chapters are essential to a good story I think. I would kill to be in Shealyn's position. Anyways enjoy!
Hanya the Bloody Angel: Thank you for the review. Nope Zayn wasn't nice. Personally I wouldn't know how to deal either. It's a good thing she has Aragorn. How could everyone not be concerned for her? Enjoy!
Libby: Thank you for the review. I was thinking the same thing about that. I hope you enjoy!
stellamucca: Thank you for the review. Yup evil handmaiden. I wish Aragorn could be my daddy *pouts*. Thank you for the compliment and encouragement. Enjoy!
Anime princess4: Thanks for the review. Don't worry there will be a sequel. Enjoy! ***
Epilogue
Dear Shealyn,
As Gimli and I leave your company I will confess that we will miss you greatly. I am sorry that I did not catch onto what was being done to you sooner. I spoke with Zayn before we left and after Aragorn got through with her. She is truly sorry for what she did and she explained to me what really happened that caused her to hate you so.
Zayn was the daughter of a commoner though she was orphaned at a young age as you were. When she was about your age a noble couple took her in and gave her a home that she never truly had. She was jealous of you because she had heard that before you had come to us you were loved by those in your world family. After you came here we took a liking to you and then another strong family bond came to be. Zayn's story did not end that way. After awhile the noble family that took her in decided she wasn't worthy and made her their own daughter's handmaiden. Zayn's jealousy only grew when Aragorn and Arwen adopted you.
I am sorry that I did not tell you in person Shealyn, but with all the preparations for departure it was momentarily forgotten. I hope this account helps you to understand why Zayn acted the way she did.
May the Valar protect you while we are away and I pray that we may see each other again someday, my majestic lake. This is your name meaning in the old Elvish language.
Namaarie, tenna' ento lye omenta (Farwell, until next we meet)
Legolas Greenleaf
Setting the letter on my desk I sat back and smiled. ~No wonder Zayn acted that way~ I thought. Over the last month since the two departed for their adventure I had read the letter several times.
I stood slowly from the chair and stretched out my tired muscles. Everyone was too busy around here. Aragorn was fulfilling his duty as king. Arwen was always by his side.
Quickly dressing into dark leggings and a white shirt I glanced around my bedchambers nodding in satisfaction of the cleanliness. The bed was made and all my clothing was in its proper places. I picked up my sword and sheath, belting it around my waist. ~Might as well practice~ I thought as I closed the door behind me and heading outside.
As I wandered down the halls those that I passed greeted me politely before going on their way.
"Going to the practice grounds again Miss Shealyn?" one of the palace guards asked as I walked down the stairs.
"Hey Tanyc yeah I'm goin' to the practice grounds. Wanna come with me?" I asked turning to look up at the tall black haired guard.
"I wish I could little one but I have my job cut out for me." Tanyc replied patting my head.
"Alright well see you later Tanyc." I said turning and walking down the stairs.
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Closing my eyes once more I put myself into a fighting stance sword at ready. Expertly I performed several moves pretending that there was a huge disgusting orc in front of me. As I was swinging at the air in front of me my sword collided with something metal giving off an audible clang.
"You are getting better." The person commented as I opened my eyes to find that the person was the king himself.
"Aragorn what honor do I have with this visit?" I inquired blocking another blow of his sword.
"I only wished to check on my foster daughter and Tanyc told me that you were down here." Aragorn replied testing my accuracy.
It seemed so long since I dueled with Aragorn and I wished that this match would last forever. By now we had drawn a rather large crowd who had come to watch their king and his ward duel.
We jabbed at each other as we circled trying to find the others weak point. Minutes passed before the unbelievable happened. I unarmed Aragorn. I looked up at Aragorn then down at the sword and smiled.
The crowd looked at us slack jawed for a moment before clapping politely and moving away.
"You're getting' old Aragorn." I stated matter-of-factly as I bent grabbing Aragorn's sword and handing it to him.
"Nay little one." Aragorn countered. "I have not had the time to practice. You did well Shealyn."
"Thank you." I smiled faintly as Aragorn clapped my shoulder steering back towards the palace.
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Aragorn watched Shealyn walk away towards her room. He smiled softly before heading in the other direction towards the throne room.
Finding himself alone Aragorn sat on throne deep in thought. His thoughts wandered back to his ranger days and then fast forward to the quest. Finally they halted on Shealyn.
*** Flashback ***
"Strider I've found something." Pippin cried from where he stood near a small clump of brush.
Strider set down his pack and headed over to where the hobbit stood. As he approached he realized that Pippin had found a young girl no older then ten and two years lying in the brush unconscious. Crouching he leaned forward and pulled the young girl into his arms. Gently Strider placed the girl on the ground searching for any injury.
"Is she alright?" Pippin asked anxiously.
"Yes I believe so there are no signs of injury on her body." Strider replied. "Come we must be going. We will reach our next destination by nightfall." He said carefully scooping the girl up to carry her.........
……… "That girl will be the death of me." Aragorn murmured as he paced the wall watching the horizon praying that the girl hadn't gotten herself killed………
*** End of Flashback ***
September 23, 3019 of the Third Age
I was quite surprised when Aragorn joined me in my swordplay this afternoon. I have become quite lonely since everyone headed home and Aragorn took up his duties as king. I reread Legolas' letter this morning just to hear his voice in my head. I don't know when I'll see him next I can only hope.
Aragorn's advisors are really starting to get on my nerves. They're ordering me around as if I was a servant. Sometimes I just wonder why they can't leave me alone.
I'm definitely blessed to have a family like Aragorn and Arwen. Though I miss the X-Men immensely since I realized I was never goin' home. I wonder sometimes how my former family is taking this and I know deep down they know I'm in good hands.
Shealyn
I set down my journal and leaned back against the head board for a few minutes before easing myself off the bed. I went to my closet and grabbed the plainest dress I owned and took it to the bathroom.
~Ah yes a nice warm bath~ I thought as I quickly started a fire in the hearth and set buckets of water to heat in the hot coals.
A few minutes passed before I carefully poured the hot water in the tub. I slipped my clothing off and climbed into the tub.
Climbing out a few minutes later I toweled off and moved over to the dress which lay on the vanity chair. Grimacing I pulled it on and grabbed the brush pulling it through my hair. ~Oh man I'm late for dinner~ I thought.
Pulling on my shoes I opened the door and ran out and down the hallway towards the dining hall.
The hall was packed and most were eating chatting with their neighbor. "It is nice to see you have joined us Shealyn." Aragorn said warmly as I took my seat between him and Arwen.
Dinner passed in silence and once again I was in my room preparing for a goodnight's sleep.
I climbed into bed pulling the covers up around my chin. Closing my eyes I drifted off into a peaceful sleep.
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"No!" I screamed sitting upright in bed frantically searching the darkness.
The nightmare was quickly leaving my mind but that feeling of terror lingered within my body. I scrambled out of bed and threw open the door darting out into the dimly lit hall. I made a beeline to Aragorn and Arwen's room.
Tentatively I knocked on the door but hearing only silence. Opening the door quietly I peered in seeing the two sleeping. I ran into the room and dove onto the bed effectively waking them.
"Shealyn………" Aragorn gasped as I latched onto him. "Shh little one I am here." He whispered as he gently rubbed my back.
I felt Arwen take my hand squeezing it reassuringly as Aragorn lay down bringing me with him. Instinctively I curled against him feeling safe in his arms.
"Sleep little one I am here." He whispered as I fell asleep once more.
Put your faith in what you most believe in
Two worlds, one family
Trust your heart
Let fate decide
To guide these lies we see
A paradise untouched by man
Within this worlds blessed with love
A simple life, they live in peace
Softly tread the sand below your feet now
Two worlds, one family
Trust your heart
Let fate decide
To guide these lives we see
Beneath the shelter of the trees
Only love can enter here
A simple life, they live in peace
Raise your head up
Lift high the load
Take strength from those that need you
Build high the walls
Build strong the beams
A new life is waiting
But danger's no stranger here
No words describe a mother's tears
No words can heal a broken heart
A dream is gone, but where there's hope
Somewhere something is calling for you
Two worlds, one family
Trust your heart
Let fate decide
Tu guide these lives we see (Two Worlds belongs to Phil Collins)
*** The End. I know that the very last chapter of the story kind of stunk. My mind is elsewhere like the sequel. I'm not sure when I'll start it but if you want notice email me at jendawgut@excite.com
If you have any suggestions about what should happen in the future add it in the email or review. The sequel by the way will start when the ring bearers leave in 3021 and Shealyn will be 14 yrs old. I hope you enjoyed it. I appreciated all the support.