Chapter 6: The Princelings

Estella lay in the cool shade under Merry's tree, sunlight gently touching her cheeks and turning her dark hair into a halo. Her face was one of utter peace as her mind wandered through dreams.
Merry lay on a field. Dead things surrounded him. He was in pain. He was injured. Estella gasped, tried to reach out to him, but he was too far. Merry's dark eyes closed. Estella yelled out to him, but no one heard her cries. Merry's breathing seemed shallow. Suddenly, someone else stumbled into the scene. Pippin gently held Merry, and secured passage for him into the city.
"Are you going to leave me?"

Estella's pale green eyes fluttered open to see Lord Elrond standing before her.
"It is time to go, Estella. The war is over. You have been patient and true, and it is time for your faithfulness to pay off."
Estella quickly packed her bags, eager to make the trip to Minas Tirith.

Many days and nights later, the company of elves stood before the embattled walls of Minas Tirith. Estella stood tall. Her love awaited her behind those great towers, but in what state had yet to be revealed. Walking carefully, as not to step on the dead, the company came to the mighty still gates. They were led in and up to the Citidel. There, the Rivendell elves were greeted and held in high honor. Estella fall back from the company, moving to stand amongst the people of the city. Everywhere she stood, people were excited. They were not to receive not only a king, but a queen as well! And the two little princelings from the west. no, there were four princelings, and no princess of their race. What a shame that Gondor should get such a wonderful gift from the gods, and these four brave souls would stay amongst them, to die without any bride, old men.
Estella came to finally view these princelings. Her hobbits! Gasping, she ran out to them, only to be held back by an elderly woman.
"Now now, dearie. You can't just run up to any strange prince," she said. Estella stopped struggling and instead whispered ancient words of patience under her breath. The old woman laughed. "Well, don't be patient for too long, or you'll miss them entirely."
Soon the crowd broke up. People went back to their shops and homes. And Estella was finally able to get at her hobbits. The old woman had given her flowers to give to the princes. They were strange, but Estella didn't care much. She gripped them and stepped out to the princes. She dipped into her best curtsey.
"My lords," she said, holding out the flowers. Those who still stood around turned to see this small princess of the little-ones. Merry stepped forward and gently took the flowers from her. He then gently raised her head.
"There is no need to show this courtesy to us, Estella," he said gently. He then gave the flowers to Frodo. Returning to Estella, he swept her up into such a kiss as to be worthy of remembrance. And indeed it was remembered.

Estella and Merry were married once they got back to the Shire. They had several children, though their names are lost in the chronicles of history (Samwise didn't always have legible handwriting). But to this day, the story of this royal couple is told to Gondor's descendants.

And they lived happily every after, to the end of their days.

The End

A/N: The first time I put this chapter up, I did so for a friend. He wanted to get me more reviews for this story. So far, his efforts have paid off. He wanted to have double digits by Thursday, February 12, 2004, and he is only one away from his goal. I would like to thank all those people who, to date, have reviewed me.

Little-lost-one: My first reviewer. Thank you so much. Pippinluva99: You are awesome. I didn't really think about story lines when I wrote this, so. Random_23: My most flattering review. Thank you. *blushes* Hippy Hobbit: Wow, yeah. I seem to have made a lot of typos. Rmate_sarah: (as if the NAME didn't give you away) You are the best roommie I could have ever had! *hugs for you* L of T R fan: It probably does lag a little at that one spot. I'll look into fixing that for you. Bishwop: Besides loving your name, I also liked your review. Thanks for sending me smiles. (the name, mostly.) Griffic-22: Thank you! Yes, not many people (including myself) are big fans of sappy romances, but this was written with some subconscious stuff floating around my head, and you know how that can be. Blankshot: The Lord of the Rings thing was just a springboard for my subconscious thoughts. I will, however, try what you suggested, and attempt an original story.

THANK YOU!!!