AN IMMORTAL LOVE PART TWO.

CHAPTER ONE.

The morning's light shone upon Miranda as she slept. A beautiful blond elf stirred beside her. Sitting up, he looked down on her and smiled. He reached out and shook her gently, "Hey sleepy head!" he said as she awoke. Mimi stared up into his delicate blue eyes, "Good morning sweetheart," she said, "How are you feeling?" "Better. Did you sleep her all night?" Mimi sat up and stared down at the clothes she was wearing from the day before, "Looks like it." "You shouldn't. You'll make yourself ill if you don't sleep properly. I don't want you to worry about me." Mimi kissed his forehead softly, "I'm allowed to worry. I'm your mother, its my job. You were very ill last night Orlando, I couldn't leave you." "I'll always be ill Mama, unless I get that damn transplant. I don't want you suffering too," said Orlando coughing. "Don't you worry about me," said Mimi, "I want to spend every moment with you and Rose. I lost my time with your father, I don't plan to with you." "Speaking of Rose, where is she?" said Orlando, propping himself up against his pillows. "You're the one with the telepathic link, not me," said Mimi climbing off the bed and looking into the mirror on the wall. She was thirty-nine and the mother of elven twins. Despite her years, she was still as beautiful as the day she'd returned to London. Her hair was the colour of chestnut and her eyes as green as the forests of Lothlorien. She looked behind her reflection to her son, Orlando. He was the second of her twins and much like his father. His long blond hair tumbled randomly about his shoulders and his blue eyes were as pure as the falls of Nimrodel, but he was thin and pale. He was very ill. The doctors had diagnosed him as having cystic fibrosis when he was three and for fifteen years since then he had fought it but to no avail. His natural elven immunities and the herbal potions Mimi had learnt from Legolas helped him through but could not defeat it and any illness, be it even a simple cold, often threatened to destroy him. He never gave up though. He was a dancer and a musician, much like his mother, and despite the problems his illness caused him he made every effort to continue with his career. Mimi felt tears sting her eyes as she watched him. Orlando's only hope was a heart and lungs transplant but that was impossible. He was half-elven and his blood was unlike any found in Mimi's world, any donor would be incompatible. The family had had to live in a sea of lies about Legolas, Mimi could hardly reveal his real origins. So they lived by a story, he was a naval officer from Norway, Admiral Laiqalasse Tolkien, but he had been lost on manouvres and was feared dead. Mimi also changed, no longer was she Miranda Jane Tolkien, the name reminded her of Legolas and how he insisted on never calling her Mimi. She now went by the name of Jane Tolkien, the alias that hid her past. The kept the lie for eighteen years and it became almost a comfort to them. The twins of course knew their true parentage and of Mimi's time in Middle Earth, she could not lie to them, they were part of him. The problem, however, could not be hidden by even Mimi's creative mind, the doctors could not save her boy. "Orlando, you bastard!" came a cry from a downstairs room. Mimi turned back to her son and saw a sly smile pass across his face, "What have you done?" she said raising a questioning eyebrow at him. "Nothing," he said trying to look innocent. His sister, Rosalia, came into the room, still wearing her pajamas, "I ought to kill you," she said jumping onto the bed and pinning down his shoulders. "Its not my fault you're a lazy orc!" said Orlando trying to wriggle free. "Say you're sorry," said Rose. "No." "Mama tell him to say sorry." "What's he done?" said Mimi leaning against the bedpost. "He's been using his telepathy to wake me up again," whined Rose. Orlando broke an arm free from her grip and pulled one of the plaits that hung down by her pointed ears, "You're just in a mood because I got you before you could get me," he said laughing. "Oww! Mama tell him!" "Tell him Mama, tell him!" mimicked Orlando. "Quiet the pair of you," said Mimi trying not to laugh, "Goodness, anyone would think you're eight rather than eighteen." Rose slipped to her brother's side and stuck her tongue out at him. He pulled a face back. Rosalia was similar to Orlando in her height and hair colour but that's where it ended. Her eyes favoured her mother's and she was voluptuous and healthy. She sat up and folded her legs beneath her, "Can we go shopping today Mama?" she asked, "Its only a week until we go back to college and you promised we could go to Harrods." "I don't know Rose. Orlando was not well last night," said Mimi. "I know. I could bloody hear him coughing his guts up all night. Can't we put him in the shed when he gets like that?" "Oh thanks a lot. Some twin you turned out to be," said Orlando indignantly. "You know I love you brother dear," said Rose hugging him as he coughed again, "Fancy coming shopping with Mama and me?" "Only if you buy me a hot chocolate in Covent Garden," said Orlando, "And a pair of Versace jeans in Harrods." "Well I'll by you the hot chocolate but Mama can buy you the jeans," said Rose. "Oh can I?" said Mimi sitting on the end of the bed. "Hey! You're the millionairess author, not me," said Rose, "I wish I could go stonking around Middle Earth beating up orcs and then come home to make millions by writing a book about it." Mimi's face fell. She got to her feet and left the room. "Damn it, now you've done it," hissed Orlando, "You know we shouldn't mention Middle Earth, it makes her think about Legolas." "Why don't you call him Papa like any normal person would?" said Rose turning to him. "Because it doesn't sound right. I don't know him." "I don't know him but I still call him Papa. I don't see why we can't mention him, she wrote a bloody book about him." "The trilogy is hardly true to her story Rose. She and aunt Roxie don't even exist in any of the books. The story of The Lord of the Rings is fiction based on what she knew and it ends with the destruction of the Ash Nazg. It doesn't mention, well you know, Thranduil," said Orlando climbing out of bed. "Well if it upsets her that much she shouldn't be profiting from it," said Rose as she watched him walk to the window. He struck the frame hard, "For fuck's sake Rose, listen to yourself. Mama wrote those books so she could give us a good life, so we could move from that crappy Deptford bedsit to here. We have so much because of those books. We live in a beautiful Mayfair town house, we get everything we want and we both go to a top stage school but what's she got? She had to put her heart on paper to save us from poverty and she gets nothing in return. All she wants is Legolas and I'd give him to her if I could but I can't. I can't find him, reach him," He coughed, "He could save her from her loneliness," He coughed again, "And he could save my life. He cured aunt Roxie, Elrond, he even saved Mama when she was injured at Amon Hen and I know his magic could save me." His coughing gave way to tears and he fell to his knees. Rose knelt in front of him and hugged him, "Hush. Hush," she said, "Oh Orli don't cry, I can't bear it." "He could save me Rose but he can't reach us. I'm going to die without knowing him, without him knowing me." "He would love you if he knew you," said Rose, "But we shouldn't dwell on him. We've lived this long without him and we'll keep on living. I won't let you die Orlando, I love you too much." "I love you too sis. Come on, let's go and find Mama." The twins walked down two floors to the ground level of their house. Their front room was lavishly furnished in a modern come traditional style with purple floor cushions complimenting the late Victorian settee. The whole room was lit by the early morning sunshine. Pictures of them hung everywhere except above the fireplace. Above the Victorian hearth there was their soul picture of their father and mother together. It was an enlargement of the simple polaroid Roxie had taken when they were at Rivendell. Rose toyed with the diamond pendant around her neck, running her finger along the edge of the Lothlorien leaf, as she stared up at the picture. Orlando's hand gripped her's as they stood, unmoving, captivated by the happiness of their parents. "Handsome, wasn't he?" said Mimi coming from the adjoining kitchen. The twins turned to her. "Very," said Rose, "I wish we'd known him." "So do I. Come on you two, you'd better have some breakfast if we're going to be trawling the shops all day."

Laden with bags from every store known to man, Mimi led her children from Covent Garden to Holborn station. "Why are we going this way Mama?" said Orlando, "This isn't the way home." "Wait and see," said Mimi getting onto the escalator. Orlando and Rose followed, bemused as to their mother's sudden change of routine. When they reached Tottenham Court Road, Mimi led them through the streets towards Soho. "This is the way to Soho Mama," said Orlando looking up at the street sign, "Why are you taking us there? You hate it." "There's something I have to show you. I think you're old enough now to understand." Rose walked closer and closer to Orlando as the streets got darker and more seedy, "Mama where are we going?" she cried, feeling claustrophobic as the darkness enveloped her. "Its not much further," said Mimi her pace unrelenting. She stopped outside a closed club. Orlando looked up at the peeling sign and raised a questioning eyebrow, "The Moonshine club? Err...Mama why have you brought us to a strip club?" "There are things about my past that I haven't told you. I wasn't just a dancer, I worked here," said Mimi. "You were a stripper?!" exclaimed Rose. "No. I just danced on stage. I never did anything...I wasn't a prostitute. The thing is, I haven't told you the truth about how I reached Middle Earth. Roxie and I didn't have time to choose whether or not we went, we were forced to. A group of guys chased us from the club and we ran down an alley. Follow me, I'll show you."

Mimi led them down an alleyway and to a dead end, "This is it. The portal appeared right there and we went through it," said Mimi pointing to the brick wall, "I went to Middle Earth, met Frodo and the others, followed them to Rivendell and..." She trailed off and began to cry. Orlando placed his bags on the floor and hugged her, "Its okay Mama," he said softly, "Amin mella lle." Mimi smiled up at him, "Amin mella lle sweetie. You know it was quite comical before we went. There we were, at a dead end, five guys after us and all Roxie was worried about was getting rotting melon on her shoes from a couple of crates that were in the corner." Rose laughed, "That sounds like aunt Roxie. Can we go now? I feel really uncomfortable." Orlando picked up his bags but one split, scattering sheet music everywhere, "Go on," he said picking up the sheets, "I'll catch you up." Mimi and Rose left the alleyway. Orlando got to his feet and noticed an escaped piece of paper lying by the wall. He walked over and picked it up. His knuckles scraped the wall. "Oww!" he hissed as he knocked away the dirt and grime. His elven eyes noticed a faint pattern on the wall. He brushed at the dirt revealing the pattern more clearly. As he brushed the top he saw elvish words appear:

PEDO MELLON A MINNO.

"Speak friend and enter," he translated in a whisper, "Why does that sound familiar?" "Orlando, come along!" came Mimi's cry from around the corner. Orlando picked up his things, "Coming Mama," he called leaving the alleyway.

When they reached home, Orlando went up to his room and pulled a copy of his mother's book from the shelf, "It has to be here somewhere," he said flicking through the pages, "Moria? Which chapter was it? A Journey in the Dark. Yes, here it is." He read the page aloud to himself, "With a suddenness that startled them all the wizard sprang to his feet. He was laughing. 'I have it,' he cried, 'Of course. Of course. Absurdly simple, like most riddles when you see the answer.' Picking up his staff he stood before the rock and said in a clear voice: 'Mellon'," "What'cha doing?" asked Rose leaning against the doorframe. Orlando looked up at her, "Mama needs to study her books better," he said, "Come in Rose and close the door." "What do you mean Orli?" she asked sitting down on the bed. "Do you recognise this?" said Orlando handing her the book open on their mother's drawing of the gate to Moria. "Of course I do. It's the Moria gates, where they met the Balrog and lost Gandalf." "Read the inscription, in English." "The gates of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak friend and enter. I, Narvi made them. Celebrimbor of Hollin drew these signs. Orlando what are you getting at?" "Pedo mellon a minno." "What?" "That was written on the wall in the alley way today. I think I know how Mama reached Middle Earth." "You think the alley way is an Ithildin?" laughed Rose, "Orlando Lorindol Tolkien whatever drugs they're giving you these days are severely affecting your brain." "Don't laugh Rose, can't you see it all fits perfectly? It was night when Mama left the club and went into the alley, Ithildin only works by moonlight. Roxie made that crack about getting rotten melon on her shoes and Mama said she sometimes said words funny. Melon, mellon, friend. Pedo mellon a minno. Its like Gandalf says in the book, so absurdly simple when you know the answer." Rose sat in silence for a moment, "If we could get it to work we could find Papa," she said her eyes widening, "We could be reunited, he could save you. We should tell Mama." Orlando caught her arm, "No Rose. I have a better idea." "We're not going to tell Mama?" "We're going to surprise her. She's forty soon, what better present could we give her than returning her husband to her side. Besides I could be wrong about the gate and even then she said that Thranduil planned to take Legolas to the havens, we may not find him." "But how can we do it? We can hardly disappear off to Middle Earth without Mama knowing," said Rose holding his hands tightly. "Give me a night," said Orlando, "I'll have our answers by morning."

CHAPTER TWO.

Orlando woke early the next morning and went downstairs, "Morning Legolas," he said to the picture above the fire as he wandered into the kitchen. A coughing fit took him. He tried to resist it but it tore through him. Pain flared in his chest and he felt himself losing consciousness. He struggled to keep his feet. "Rose!" he called out, "Mama!" His legs buckled beneath him and he fell.

Rose sat bolt upright in bed as her brother's voice screamed in her mind. Hurrying out of bed, she ran upstairs to his room. "Orlando what's wrong?" she cried opening the door. "What's all the noise about?" said Mimi coming out of her room next door, "Rose, what's the matter? You look pale darling." Rose flew down the stairs to the ground floor with Mimi close behind. "Orlando! Orlando!" she cried. She ran into the kitchen and saw him on the floor, struggling to breathe. She rolled him onto his side, "Its okay, we're here," she said gently. "We need to get him to hospital," said Mimi kneeling beside him. "I'll call an ambulance," said Rose. "No, its rush hour. It'll take me half the time to drive him there," said Mimi lifting him into her arms, his light elven body of little weight to her. She wrapped a coat around him and left the house.

"Where am I?" said Orlando as he tried to focus his eyes. "University College Hospital," said Mimi brushing his hair from his face. He coughed. He became aware of the beeping machinery around him, the drip in his arm and the oxygen mask over his mouth and nose. He pulled the mask away, "What happened?" "You collapsed yesterday morning. You have pneumonia. We thought we were going to lose you." "Where's Rose?" "At home, she'll be here soon. Oh Orlando darling I was so worried!" cried Mimi. He held his hand out to her and she stroked the back of it. "I'm okay now and in a few days we can go home...can't we Mama?" "I don't know yet baby. I'm seeing the doctors soon, it seems you've got worse, very quickly." Orlando turned his face away and stared out of the window, "Am I going to die?" Mimi was silent. "Hey! You're awake," said Rose walking into the room. "If you can call it that," said Orlando smiling at her. She kissed his forehead, "How are you feeling?" "Bloody marvelous." "I must say brother dear that was one good attention seeking stunt you pulled yesterday. The whole hospital was in an uproar." Orlando laughed weakly, "Why do you think I want to become an actor?" A nurse came into the room, "Mrs Tolkien? The doctor would like a word." Mimi got to her feet and kissed Orlando's cheek, "I'll be back in a little while," she said leaving the room. Orlando closed his eyes, his breathing shallow, "I'm dying Rose," he said. "What are you chatting about boy?" said Rose, "Of course you aren't." "Its no use pretending anymore Rosalia. Mama told me. She didn't say anything but I could see it in her eyes." "But you can't leave me!" cried Rose. "There's still hope. You have to go to Middle Earth, alone. Find Legolas and bring him here, he's the only one who can save me." "But I can't..." "Yes you can. I know you can."

Mimi sat opposite the doctor, waiting for him to speak. "Your son is very ill Mrs Tolkien." "I know. Is there nothing that can be done for him? Nothing is too expensive if it can save him." The doctor shook his head, "I'm afraid Orlando's condition has gone beyond our aid. He has about three months left." "Three months!" cried Mimi, "But he's only a child. My baby." "We'll do all we can for him Jane but I'm afraid that will only be to make him as comfortable as possible until the end. It would be best for him to remain here." "That is Orlando's choice," said Mimi wiping her eyes, "If he chooses to go home, then that is where we will go." "You will not be alone through this." "Yes I will," said Mimi running her finger along her wedding band.

"Take your pendant and the Lothlorien brooch Mama gave me," said Orlando, "But keep them hidden. Make for Gondor and the white tower of Ecthelian. Show the pendant and the brooch to Aragorn, he of all people will know where Legolas is. You have to hurry Rose, I don't have long." "But what shall I tell Mama?" said Rose. "Nothing. Leave for home now, I'll tell her that I sent you to fetch me some things." "It will worry her." "I know it sounds harsh but we're beyond that being of consequence. I need elvish medicine otherwise I will die. You have to go now." Rose didn't move. "Rose please!" "Okay, I'll go," she got the her feet, "Amin mella lle Orlando." "Amin mella lle Rose." She left the room.

It was nearly an hour before Mimi dared to return to Orlando's bedside. He was sleeping when she entered. Sitting beside him she stroked his hair, "My precious child," she said quietly, "If only you knew the joy you bring me everyday. My little prince. My little Legolas." Orlando stirred but did not wake. "If only your father could see you, he'd think you and Rose the most perfect creations. We planned to have many children but we were graced with you two and we were graced with perfection. He would have sung you sweet songs when you were children and shown you Lothlorien, even Rivendell. You would have loved it there, I always did." Orlando murmured something inaudible. "Keep dreaming little one," said Mimi, "Your father used to sing to me about them. I sang it for you when you were a child but I stopped because... I'll sing it for you now if you want, though I might not remember it all,"

"When the cold of winter comes,
Starless night will cover day,
In the veiling of the sun,
We will walk in bitter rain..."

Rose stood at the crossroads by the Palace theatre. Twilight was upon the streets, making them even eerier than before. She pulled her heavy winter coat tighter around her and headed towards the Moonshine club. It was well named, the entirety of the street was bathed in silvery moonlight. Rose wandered into the alleyway, trying to look inconspicuous. She brushed the remaining dust from the wall. The moonlight fell upon it and for a moment nothing happened but then the delicate dwarvish patterns began to shine silver. She stood, reluctantly, for a moment but a picture of Orlando fell into her mind and she knew she had to go. "Mellon!" she said. The doors creaked open. Before her lay a wooded area moving out to a field. She stepped through the gate and it closed behind her and disappeared.

Orlando awoke, "How long have I slept for?" he asked. "A few hours," said Mimi, "Do you know where Rose is?" "She went home to fetch me some things," he said closing his eyes. He touched her spirit, she was in Middle Earth, "But she's gone away for a while." Mimi looked startled, "Gone away? Where?" "I sent her to do something for me, to fetch something. I cannot tell you where she's gone or how long she'll be, all that I can tell you is that she is well." "I don't understand Orlando." Orlando rubbed the ring around her finger, "You will when she returns. Mama tell me about Legolas." "But you're sister..." cried Mimi. "Please! Tell me about him," said Orlando, his crystal eyes intense. "What do you want to know? I've told you everything." "Why did you fall in love with him?" "That's hardly a normal teenage question," said Mimi. "I'm hardly a normal teenage boy," said Orlando running a finger along the delicate point of his ear. "I guess not," said Mimi, "I can't place when or how I fell for your father, it happened very quickly. He was very beautiful, kind, genuine, he made me feel so welcome when other people remained wary of Roxie and I." "The perfect guy hey?" "To me, I guess so. He loved me and he saved me. He gave up his immortality, his title, even his family for me but even that couldn't save us from Pheobus and Thranduil." Mimi felt a tear break loose and course down her cheek. "I'm sorry Mama. I shouldn't have asked," said Orlando, her sadness making his heart ache. "Don't be sorry baby," said Mimi smiling through her tears, "He's your father, you should ask questions. I want you to know him even if you never meet him." "Never is too strong a word Mama and, to me, it doesn't exist."

Rose scrambled down the hill to the road below, "Why couldn't Mama have produced a road map of Middle Earth rather than those damn books?" she said to herself as she tried to decide which way to go. She heard the sound of horse hooves behind her. She turned to see a beautiful black horse with an equally good-looking rider on its back. She waved him down and the horse stopped. "Excuse me Sir?" she said to the rider, "But can you help me?" He was ruggedly handsome, tall, dark, with deep blue eyes and shoulder length hair. He smiled down at her, "I can try my Lady. What do you need help with?" "Can you tell me the way to Gondor?" she asked blushing. "Gondor? You are many miles from there but I can help you. Climb up," said the rider. "Excuse me?" "I'm heading to Gondor myself, its where I live, but if you'd rather walk..." "No! No. Could you help me up? I'm not used to horses." The rider helped Rose up in front of him. He took hold of the reins and clicked the horse onwards. "Well if you're going to be my travelling companion for the next couple of weeks could I ask your name?" "Weeks!" exclaimed Rose, "I didn't realise it was that far to Gondor. Oh well I should have expected it. My name's Rosalia but everyone calls me Rose." "What a coincidence," said the rider. "You're not going to tell me its your name too are you?" He laughed, "No, its just that I've just left my friends in Hobbiton and Mrs Gamgee's first name is Rosie. My name's Boromir." "Boromir!" exclaimed Rose, "But you're..." "The son of Aragorn, King of Gondor! I see my reputation proceeds me." "Son of Aragorn? Oh my God how strange." "Strange? Why?" asked Boromir. "Its your father that I'm going to see. I need his help." "Help? For what?" "I'm afraid I can't tell you that. My message is from my brother Orlando and he has instructed me to give it only to Aragorn," said Rose. "Very well. If you don't mind me asking Miss Rose but are you of elven birth?" asked Boromir. "Half-elven," said Rose, "How can you tell?" "The ears are a bit of a giveaway. I have the same affliction myself. My Mother, Arwen, is an elf." "She has remained? I thought all the elves went to the havens in the west," said Rose remembering her mother's tales. "Most did, only a few remained. My Mother, she stayed to be with my Father. My Grandfather, Elrond and my Uncle Legolas." "Legolas?" said Rose her eyes widening in joy at hearing his name. "Ah I see you've heard of him. Tales of the Fellowship no doubt. The brave elven archer who saved Middle Earth and was then cruelly punished by his own people for falling in love with a mortal," said Boromir. Rose's curiosity got the better of her, "What's he like this Legolas?" she asked. "He is very wise, kind, but very sad. His wife was taken from him over eighteen years ago and he's never recovered from the loss. He taught me many things, archery, medicine, how to sing but he prefers to be alone most of the time to meditate. Every day he sits for hours, searching the heavens for Miranda's spirit. I don't think he can accept that he'll never see her again, even after all this time." "Why do you think he'll never see her again?" said Rose. "You're going to think me mad when I tell you this but she's not from Middle Earth. She's from a place called London and Pheobus, a wicked Silvan elf, sent her back there. The spell was lost so Legolas can't reach her and she can't get to him," said Boromir resting his chin on her shoulder as she relaxed back against him. "But what if someone came to take Legolas to Miranda?" Boromir laughed, "Dear Miss Rose, if that ever happened I would sing a lullaby on top of Mount Doom!" "You better start practicing then," whispered Rose under her breath.

CHAPTER THREE.

Two weeks passed. In London, Orlando remained in hospital, in constant telepathic link with Rose. Everyday her news brought him more and more hope. She was on her way to Gondor and their father was there. Mimi barely left her son's side. She'd stopped pressing him for the truth about Rose, he would only remain silent or tell her that all was well. Day by day her prayers for a cure for him became more and more desperate. She cried as he slept, not understanding why she had been forced to lose her husband and then her son. Rose was enjoying her time in Middle Earth. Boromir was as noble as his father and very handsome. She'd grown to like him but her personal quest never left her mind. This was no time for a crush, her brother's life depended on her. She hated lying to Boromir but she had promised Orlando that she'd reveal her identity only to Aragorn and to that she would hold true.

On the day she arrived in Gondor, Boromir whisked her directly to his father's throne room. "Wait here," he said leaving her alone in the empty room. She glanced around and her attention fell on a huge painting and a face she recognised. Amongst a group of eleven stood her mother, as beautiful as anything Rose had ever seen. She walked over to the painting and read the inscription aloud to herself, "The Fellowship of the One Ring. Frodo Baggins, Ring Bearer. Samwise Gamgee, Meriadoc Brandybuck and Peregrin Took of the Shire. Gimli, son of Gloin and friend to the elves. Roxanne Jackson of London. Prince Legolas and Princess Miranda of Mirkwood. Lady Arwen Undomiel of Rivendell and Aragorn, High King of Gondor and Arnor," Rose giggled, "Princess Miranda, it suits her." She heard footfalls behind her. She turned and looked upon Arwen, Aragorn and Boromir. She knelt before Aragorn, "Your Majesty," she said politely. "My son tells me you seek my aid. How can I be of help to you?" Rose looked up and he looked startled, "Your face," he said in wonder as she stood, "You look familiar. Why are you here? Who are you?" "I need your help to find my Father." "Your Father? Who are you?" said Aragorn his expression puzzled. "My name is Rosalia Namarie Tolkien." "Tolkien! How Tolkien? Why do you claim that name?" "Its my Mother's name. I've come to find my Father, Legolas. I'm Miranda Tolkien's daughter." "How can you say such a thing?" cried Arwen, "Have you no respect for those taken from us? Another useless pretender using our misery for their own gains." "Legolas has been hurt too many times by people claiming such things as you do. I would not see him hurt again," said Aragorn, "Be gone from my kingdom before I send for the guards." Rose felt tears sting her eyes, "I am their child!" she cried grabbing Aragorn's arm and dragging him over to the painting, "You said I looked familiar. Look on my Mother's face and then tell me you don't believe we're related." "The resemblance is uncanny Father," said Boromir. "Resemblance does not certify the truth. If you are the daughter of Miranda answer me this, how did you come here when even Gandalf could not find the door? And why didn't Miranda come herself?" "My brother is dying, she is with him in London. We found an Ithildin gate where my Mother first came to Middle Earth. My brother sent me here to find our Father, he needs elvish medicine to save his life. My Mother doesn't know about the gate. We didn't want to torment her if we could not find Legolas." "A well crafted story but there have been many others," said Aragorn, "Please leave us in peace." He turned to leave. "Wait!" said Rose reaching into her pocket and pulling out her pendant and Orlando's brooch. Aragorn turned to her and she opened her hand, "Tiro! El eria e mor," she said in perfect elvish. Aragorn caught her gaze, "O mor henion idhu," he answered, "The symbol of the Fellowship and Mimi's pendant, you are her daughter." He hugged Rose tightly, "Oh my dear child, for so long we've prayed for this day. Tell me, is your mother well?" Rose pulled back, "Very well but she won't be soon. Please Aragorn, I must speak to my Father, take me to Legolas." "I'll go and fetch him," said Arwen running from the room.

Arwen took the stairs two at a time as she ran down into the gardens. Legolas lay beside a shimmering pond, trailing his fingers in the water as he stared down into the depths. His hair was loose and flowing about his shoulders and his clothes were still woven in the colours of his homeland. "Legolas?" said Arwen bending down and touching his shoulder. He looked up at her and smiled but she could still see the sadness within him, "Yes Arwen, what is it?" "There's someone to see you in the main hall." "I don't want any visitors today Arwen. Its twenty years since Miranda and I... since I told her I loved her," said Legolas a tear appearing in his eye. "I would strongly advise you to see this guest Legolas. It is Miranda she has come about." Legolas got to his feet and walked away from her, "I told Aragorn I wanted no more callers claiming to be distant relations, children or any of the other stories. I just want to live in peace with my memories. Please don't force this upon me again, I can't bear it." Arwen turned him to her and hugged him, "This one is genuine Legolas. She carries the symbol of the Fellowship and the diamond pendant you gave Mimi for her birthday." Legolas pulled away from her, a light she hadn't seen for years lighting his eyes, "She has Miranda's necklace? Take me to her Arwen, take me to her!"

Arwen led him back to the hall and he burst through the door, "Where is she?" he cried but then his eyes fell upon Rose, who stood nervously beside the painting. Rose couldn't read his expression, hopeful and apprehensive in the same moment. He walked over to her and took the pendant from her hand, "It is her's. How did you come by this? Who are you? How do you know my wife?" he said, his voice strained with emotion. Rose stared back at him, finally understanding the look in his eyes as she felt it herself. She reached her hand up and touched his cheek, "All my life I've wished for this moment. To see you. I'm your daughter Legolas. My name's Rose." His expression changed and it frightened her, "My daughter? You can't be my daughter! We were to call our daughter Namarie," he said. "That's my middle name. Mama called me Rose so that I wouldn't get asked too many questions about my parentage," said Rose feeling tears well in her eyes. "I don't believe you!" said Legolas turning and running to the door. Before he reached it, he heard Rose's voice, she was singing.

"May it be and evening star,
Shines down upon you,
May it be when darkness falls,
Your heart will be true."

Legolas turned back to her in wonderment. "You sang that to my Mother on Caradhas after you argued with Boromir. She used to sing it to me when I was little, she always called it Papa's song. I'm afraid U don't sing it as well as she did though." "No, you sing it perfectly, as your mother once did!" He held his arms out to her and she went to his embrace, "Oh my child. My Rose! I've longed for this day since I lost your mother." He pulled away and Rose could see him crying. "What's wrong?" she said wiping away his tears with the sleeve of her coat. "For you to be here, in her place, must mean my fears have been realised. When did she pass away?" "No Papa," said Rose giggling, "She's not dead! She's very much alive." "She is? Then where is she? Is she here?" said Legolas frantically looking around the room. "She's not here. She's in London with my brother, Orlando." "There are two of you? Is he my child?" Rose smiled, "Yes, he is my twin. Its because of him I've come here. Can we go somewhere quiet? This may take a while to explain."

"I will go with you!" said Legolas springing up from the bench where he sat with Rose, "I can help Orlando. Your mother has told you of my healing potions I take it?" Rose nodded. She had sat with Legolas for many hours, explaining to him about Orlando's condition, their mother's unhappiness, how they'd found the gate and why she'd come, "She told me how you saved her at Amon Hen. Can it be used to heal Orlando?" "I think so. I just hope I have enough. Very little remains and I cannot get anymore. The trade links between my people and the dwarves who mined it disappeared when the elves left the mainland, many years ago." "To go to the havens in the west," said Rose, "I know. I feared you would have gone. Mama said that Thranduil planned to take you there for eternity." "He would have done had it not been for Aragorn and Elrond. They convinced my Father to leave me to the mainland so that I could die rather than spending eternity without Miranda. He pitied me and granted me a mortal life." Rose walked over to him and hugged his shoulders. He turned and held her tightly, "I always wondered what our children would have been like," said Legolas, "But I never dreamed you would be this beautiful." Rose smiled up at him, "I take after my Mama," she said. "You certainly do. But you got your Papa's ears." "And your hair!" said Rose, "For which I'm very grateful. London guys prefer blondes." "Now that's your mother talking," said Legolas kissing her forehead, "Come, we should tell Aragorn that we're leaving tomorrow."

They returned to the throne room. "I'm going to London with Rose, my friend," said Legolas as he sat down in one of the high ornate chairs. "I thought you might be," said Aragorn. Boromir got to his feet and walked over to Rose. He took her hands, "You mean you're leaving. So soon?" "I have to. My brother needs me." "Will you come back?" Legolas and Aragorn exchanged amused glances. "Hey, hey, hey!" said Aragorn leaning over to the elven prince, "I do believe our children are on the verge of something quite comical." "It is a shame we cannot see it played to its end," said Legolas. "It is but paused whilst we venture to London," said Aragorn. "Did you just say 'while we venture to London'?" "Of course. You don't think Arwen and I are going to let you off on this little quest alone do you?" "I should have guessed you'd invite yourself along. Very well, you may come. I'm sure Miranda will love to see you," said Legolas. "I think she'll be too preoccupied with a certain little Greenleaf to be concerned by us," said Aragorn with a familiar grin.

The next morning they assembled beside the gates of Gondor. Legolas helped Rose, now dressed in elven travelling clothes, onto his horse's back and then climbed up behind her, his quiver and bow fastened to his back. Aragorn and Arwen rode separate mounts and they were also accompanied by a servant. "I'm leaving you in charge Boromir," said Aragorn to his son, "I want you to send word to Roxie and the others in the Shire that we have found Miranda and gone to her aid. Have them come here and prepare for our return. We cannot say when that will be though, Orlando's health will determine that." "Yes Father," said Boromir, "Goodbye. Goodbye Mother." "Goodbye darling," said Arwen kissing his head, "Be good for your Grandfather." "I will. Goodbye Legolas, give my love to aunt Miranda." "Of course I will and I expect she'll send it back ten times over," said Legolas. Boromir took Rose's hand and kissed the back of it, "Until the next time Lady Rose." "Until the next time Your Highness," said Rose reluctantly letting go of his hand as they left the city.

CHAPTER FOUR.

For two weeks they travelled back to the Shire where the Ithildin gate lay to take them to London. Rose spoke the password and the portal reopened onto the dark Soho streets. Leaving their horses with their servant, in Hobbiton, they stepped through the portal. It closed fast behind them. Legolas looked around him, "I don't like this place," he said quietly, "It reminds me of Moria." He turned to Rose who had her eyes tightly closed. She was muttering to herself in elvish, a smile touching her delicate features.

Orlando opened his eyes, awakened by his sister's call. He looked over at the clock, eight fifty PM. He heard her message, clear and joyful. His father was in London. "Why don't you go home for the night Mama?" said Orlando, "You haven't been home in three days." "I don't want to leave you on your own baby," said Mimi delicately plaiting and unraveling several strands of his hair. "I want you to go a rest. I would make me happier," said Orlando, "Come back in the morning, okay." "Are you sure?" "Positive. Go on, I'll see you in the morning," said Orlando suppressing a cough. Mimi kissed his forehead softly, "Sleep tight sweetie," she said as she left the room. Orlando shut his eyes and reached out to his sister, "Okay Sis, she's gone. I'll be waiting for you."

Rose opened her eyes to see the others staring at her, "I was telling Orlando we were here," she said, "Come on, follow me. We need to get to the UCH." Aragorn turned to Legolas as they followed Rose out of the alleyway, "UCH?" he mouthed. Legolas shrugged, "No idea," he whispered. They followed Rose through the streets until they reached the hospital. Rose led them inside and along the quiet corridors. "This place smells strange," said Arwen wrinkling her nose. "That will be the disinfectant," said Rose, "I guess I must be used to it now, seeing as Orlando has spent most of his life in here." She led them onto a narrower corridor and to a door, "Wait here," she said, "I'll go and make sure he's awake. I don't want him to have a heart attack on top of everything." She went into the room.

"Orlando?" she asked in the darkness. "Rose? You're here," he said from his bed. Rose ran to him and hugged him tightly, "How are you?" "Bearing up. Where's Legolas? Is he with you?" "He's just outside. I'll fetch him." "Wait! What's he like?" "He's perfect," said Rose, "Just like Mama said he was." She moved to the wall and switched on the light. Orlando blinked, adjusting his eyes to the brightness, "Wow Rose love the elf look!" "Cheeky! Are you ready?" He nodded. She disappeared back into the corridor.

"Come on in," she said to Aragorn, Arwen and Legolas. Legolas held back, looking scared, "Is he very ill? I couldn't bear to see him suffering," he said. Rose took his hands, "He's a bit thin and pale and he coughs a lot. He's hooked up to a few machines but don't let them bother you. Come on Papa, he can't wait to see you." Rose led him into the room with Aragorn and Arwen following behind. "Papa, meet Orlando," she said as Legolas looked down at the frail form of his son. "Legolas I'm so glad you're here," said Orlando holding his hand out to him. Legolas took it and settled in the chair beside him, "My son," he said touching his cheek as if to confirm his vision. Orlando's eyes were pleading, "Can you help me Legolas? Can your magic save me?" "I can try. Rose darling boil me some water," said Legolas helping Orlando to sit up. "Aragorn and Arwen right?" he said looking up at his guests, "Mama told me a lot about you." "Rose has told us a lot about you," said Aragorn. "Don't believe a fucking word of it then. She's probably made me out to be a complete orc," said Orlando. "Actually brother dear, I gave you a glowing report. Ack! Why isn't this thing working?" "Lack of electricity," said Orlando. "What?" "You need to plug it in infant!" said Orlando laughing at his sister. "Will this hurt?" he asked turning back to Legolas. "No, but it won't taste nice," warned Legolas. "No problem, I've had to deal with eighteen years of Mama's cooking." "I'll tell her you said that," said Rose. "I bet you will O spawn of Sauron," chided Orlando. "Shut it Yrch breath or you're on a one way trip to Mordor," retorted Rose." "They have their father's sharp tongue," said Arwen, laughing as the twins bickered. Steam rose from the kettle and it clicked off. Rose poured some into a cup and handed it to Legolas. He set it on the bedside table and took off his bag, quiver and bow. He rummaged through his bag and pulled out a tattered old velvet bag. He emptied the contents into the cup and it glowed briefly. "Now whatever you do, don't spit this out," said Legolas as he placed the glass to Orlando's lips. He took a sip, pulled a face and swallowed, "Uck! That stuff is grim!" he exclaimed, "Do I have to drink the lot?" Legolas nodded. "Oh well, knock it back and dream of Blighty," said Orlando drinking the foul mixture, "Whoa head rush!" He yawned and shook his head, trying to rid himself of the overwhelming urge to sleep. He closed his eyes and Legolas lay him back down. He placed his hand on his forehead, "Ar sindanoriello caita mornie, Romello vanwa, Valimar!" "Is his heart rate meant to go that low?" asked Rose as she stared in concern at the monitor. "He'll be fine," said Legolas, "I had to give him a very high dose but the sleep is all part of the healing process. He will rest deeply for a few hours. The illness has a strong hold over him but he is strong enough to beat it now he has my aid. By morning he shall be well again." "Just like that?!" exclaimed Rose, "My God what is that stuff you gave him? Bloody wonder drug." Legolas laughed, "You are definitely my Miranda's daughter."

"Rose?" said Orlando as he woke early the next morning. Rose dozed in a chair next to him. He reached out and touched her arm, "Rosalia?" She woke up, "You're awake. How do you feel?" "Weird. Lighter somehow. It doesn't hurt to breathe any more," said Orlando as she got up and sat on the bed. "You mean it worked?" "Let's wait and see okay. Where's Legolas?" "Sleeping over there," said Rose indicating to a chair in the corner where their father slept, his doublet strewn over his legs as a blanket and his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows. "He's barely aged," said Rose. "I thought that was normal with elves, being immortal and all that," said Orlando. Rose ran a hand over her eyes, "Mama would pitch a fit if she knew how little you know about Middle Earth. Papa lost his immortality the night he and Mama first...you know, when they got married." Orlando laughed, "Oh yeah, I remember her sort of mentioning that. Hey, what can you expect? I don't tend to have fluffy girly chats with Mama like you do." "Do you think we should wake them?" said Rose looking over at Legolas, Arwen and Aragorn, "They all look so peaceful. I can see why Mama calls Papa Angel." "Even so, you'd better wake them. Mama will be here in about an hour." "What do you think she'll do when she sees him?" "Faint most probably," said Orlando. "Nah, she'll scream like a teenager and leap into his arms, demanding he carry her off to the White Tower and take her to paradise." "Uck Rose please! I do not want to be thinking about my parents in that way, thank you very much," exclaimed Orlando burying his face in his pillow. "Oh Orlando, you don't have a romantic bone in your body do you?" "I'm perfectly romantic, just not when Mama and Legolas are concerned. Go and wake him up and stop thinking perverted thoughts." Rose walked over to Legolas and touched his shoulder, "Papa? Wake up," she said shaking him. He looked up at her and stretched, "Hey Rose, is your brother awake?" "Uh-huh." Legolas got to his feet and kissed her forehead, "Wake Aragorn and Arwen for me," he said moving over to Orlando's bedside, "How are you feeling?" "I can't believe I'm saying this but fantastic. I've never felt so...I can't describe it. I feel so free and its all thanks to you. I never thought I was going to see you before I died but now I'm going to live with you and Mama and Rose forever and I..." Orlando trailed off and threw his arms around Legolas' neck, totally overcome by emotion. Legolas held him tightly, feeling Orlando's frail body shake with sobs, "Now what are you crying for?" said Legolas stroking his son's soft blond hair, "You're determined to give me a hard time at this father business aren't you? I've not had much practice at the paternal thing." Orlando laughed into his shoulder, "I'm sorry. I keep forgetting this is as weird for you as it is for me. God I'm eighteen and I'm hugging my Dad like a five year old." Rose sat on the bed beside them, "You're allowed to," she said softly, "Because our Papa's special." "You're going to make me cry too," said Legolas hugging them both tightly. "If only we had Roxie's old camera," said Arwen wrapping her arms around Aragorn's waist, "This would be a perfect moment to keep forever." "I can't see this being easily forgotten my love," said Aragorn kissing her, "Not for a very long time."

Mimi wandered along the corridor, her heels clicking on the perfectly polished surface. She tucked a stray whisp of hair back into her ponytail and rubbed her neck. She hadn't slept the night before. With Orlando ill, Rose off somewhere without warning for over a month and strange dreams, of Legolas coming into Moonshine when she was younger, that she'd never experienced before, Mimi's emotions were in turmoil. "Good morning Mrs Tolkien," said the nurse behind the administration desk. "Hi," said Mimi. "I see your daughter is back, was she away on holiday?" "Rose is back?" cried Mimi. "Yes and she..." Before the nurse could finish speaking, Mimi was tearing down the corridor to her son's room.

Rose looked up as she heard the sound of her mother's frantic footsteps and then her voice in the hall. "Rosalia Namarie Tolkien! Where the hell have you been?" she cried coming into the room, "I've been..." She trailed off, her eyes widening in disbelief as she saw Legolas sitting by Orlando's bed, "Legolas?" she said her eyes filling with tears. Legolas was close to tears himself, "Hey huney, its been a long time," he said getting to his feet. "But you..." Mimi felt her heart leap into her throat and darkness swim over her eyes. "Told you she'd faint," said Orlando as his mother fell to the floor. Legolas went to her and knelt beside her, lifting her into his arms. He kissed her softly, "Come on Mellamin, time to wake up," he said running his fingers down her cheek. She opened her eyes and stared up at him, "How can you be here?" she said reaching up and gripping is shoulder, "Its impossible, the gateway was closed. You have to be a vision, a spirit, a ghost..." "No spirit my love," said Legolas, "I am here and I shall never leave you again." Mimi shut her eyes tightly as he kissed her, long and slow. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders, lifting herself up and pressing herself against him. She felt his lips shake against her's as they both started crying tears of joy at their reunion. He released her and for a long time just held her, not daring to let go for fear that it was only a dream. Finally, Mimi broke the silence, "How did you get here?" she said pulling back so that she could look at him. Legolas smiled, "Two little miracles," he said, "Our two little miracles." Mimi looked up at her children, "You two did this? How?" "By reading your books and realising the obvious," said Orlando, "Happy Birthday Mama. Sorry it's a bit late, Parcel Force don't do runs to Gondor yet." Mimi was about to speak when Legolas' kiss stopped her. Her attention drawn back to him, she started crying again, running her fingers through his hair, over his cheeks and down onto his shoulders, "My Angel," she said, her lips barely an inch from his, "Oh Legolas I've missed you so much!" "I've missed you too Miranda. I love you darling. I love you so much." Mimi kissed him in response. "Ooh are they going to be eating eachother for the rest of the day?" laughed Rose looking over at Aragorn. "Probably. What was the record at Gondor? Twelve hours!" Mimi pulled away from Legolas as she turned to face her friends, "I forgot to tell you I'd brought half the Fellowship along," he said as she got to her feet and hugged Arwen and Aragorn. "Oh my God, I never thought I'd see you guys again!" she cried, "You both look great. How are you? How's everyone in Middle Earth? Oh God I can't believe you are really here." Her face fell again as she looked down on Orlando, "Hey baby," she said her eyes filling with tears. "Hey Mama," said Orlando. Mimi walked over to him and took his hand. She looked up at Legolas mournfully, "Have the children told you what's happening?" Legolas nodded. Mimi stroked Orlando's brow, "The doctor says he has two months." "Well I say he has longer," said Legolas, "Seeing as he is fully cured." "What?" cried Miranda, "How? It is an incurable disease." "To our medicines Mama," said Rose placing her hands on her mother's shoulders, "But not to Papa's." "You mean you cured him? He's not going to die," said Mimi tears streaming down her face. "Not for a long time," said Legolas sitting down on the bed. Orlando sat up and wrapped his arms around Mimi's waist, pressing his face into her shoulder. Mimi bit her lip to stop herself crying as she held him tightly, "My baby," she whispered kissing his hair. Orlando reached out to Rose and took her hand as Mimi took Legolas'. "We're altogether now," said Mimi, "For now and forever." Rose and Orlando placed their hands on top of their parents' entwined fingers. "May it be," said Orlando.

After nearly an hour of crying, hugging and talking, the small group finally settled as they heard footsteps in the corridor. "That'll be the doctor," said Mimi getting up from Legolas' lap. She turned to him and masked a laugh. "What?" said Legolas. "He's going to think he's walked into a drama production." "Why?" "Your clothes! They're hardly what you'd see on a normal forty year old Londoner," said Mimi bending over him and brushing a crease out of his shirt. "You never liked them," said Legolas getting to his feet. "Liked them?" said Mimi confused, "I bloody wore them." "Well then why were you always trying to get me out of them?" said Legolas wrapping an arm around her waist and kissing her. "Yuck! Parents please refrain from such comments whilst your offspring are in the room," exclaimed Orlando, "Horrible mental picture." "I see I'm going to have trouble with you," laughed Legolas, "Watch it! I was harshly disciplined as a child, I'm living with issues." The twins didn't know how to react as Aragorn, Arwen and Mimi laughed. "Laiqalasse Naryalin what are you talking about?" giggled Arwen, "You couldn't hurt a fly!" "I know, but I'm pretty good at orcs," said Legolas, "I may however get violent if you call me Laiqalasse again, its Mirky to you!" "We haven't called you that since Mimi left," said Aragorn. "Precisely," said Legolas hugging Mimi even closer to him. There was a knock on the door. "Come in," called Mimi, disengaging herself from Legolas' arms. The doctor and two nurses came into the room. "Good morning all," said the doctor cheerily, "Oh I see we have some extra guests. I'm afraid they'll have to leave Mrs Tolkien, I'm already breaking hospital rules by allowing you and Rosalia in at one time." "They're family Doctor Thompson," said Mimi, "This is Elessar, the children's uncle, Aralinde, their aunt and Laiqalasse, their Father." "Their father?! Well I never. Returned to you at last from the sea. What a pleasure it is to meet you at last Admiral Tolkien. I take it you must be on leave from the navy," said the doctor taking Legolas' hand and shaking it. Mimi thought Legolas would be alarmed by such a strange story surrounding him but he handled it easily, Rose had told him his alias on the way. "Yes I'm in fact on permanent leave. I've left the navy to be with my family, after such an event as I have experienced the Norwegian government was all too happy to grant me early retirement to be with my family," said Legolas. "How wonderful. Where abouts in Norway are you from? I know the country well but I cannot place your accent," said the doctor. "Shit," hissed Mimi. "I traveled a lot," said Legolas, "And I think I've picked up a bit of the cockney slang that Miranda comes out with." "Yet the Scandinavian twang is still audible on your voice," said the doctor moving over to Orlando, "Now let's see how you are this morning." Legolas came to Mimi's side as the doctor fussed over Orlando. "I take it Rose filled you in on the stories we've had to live by on the way here," she said in a whisper. "Uh-huh. Pretty inventive I must say," said Legolas, "Why did you use my real name though?" "It's a long story, I'll tell you when we have more privacy. Just stick to Laiqalasse in public. I know you hate it but believe me its for your own security," said Mimi, "Welcome to your other life Admiral Tolkien, I always did love a man in uniform." "Easy girl!" laughed Legolas, "We're still in public." "Hello! What's this?" The doctor's voice caught Mimi and Legolas' attention. Legolas had to suppress a laugh as the doctor's textbook English accent pushed him closer to hysterics. "Nurse when did you last check these readings?" "About nine o'clock last night," said the younger of the two nurses, "Just before I finished my shift." "Well it must have malfunctioned over night," said the doctor, "These readings are totally inaccurate. For these to read like this, Orlando would need to have made a full recovery." "Maybe I have," said Orlando placing his hands behind his head and leaning back against the pillows, "I haven't coughed all morning." "Now then Orlando, let's not go getting silly ideas," warned the doctor, "Its just a blip in the machinery or something." "Perhaps you should run some tests," said Mimi, "I've been praying that God would send me and angel to cure him." Legolas bit back a laugh and kissed Mimi's hair, "You're terrible!" he whispered. "You'll have to leave if we're to do any tests," said the doctor turning back to the group. "I'm not leaving," said Rose indignantly, "I don't want you poking and prodding him when he hasn't got a hand to hold." "Very well, you may stay." "We'll head back to Minas Mirkwood," said Mimi. "Minas Mirkwood?" said Legolas. "Our house infant!" "Oh yeah. I've been away from home so long that I'd forgotten we'd named it," said Legolas trying to sound as normal as possible." Rose giggled, "I'll call you when the doctors have finished Mama." Mimi kissed her and Orlando, "Be good. We'll be in later on." Legolas hugged them both awkwardly, "Bye." "See ya Papa." "Bye guys," said Orlando. Mimi waited by the door as her friends collected up their things. The doctor's eyes widened in alarm as Legolas fastened his quiver to his back. "Is that a bow and arrow?" Legolas turned to him and shot him a glance that made even Mimi shiver, "Of course. How else am I expected to defend myself." The doctor held up his hands in surrender, "Yes...well...err." "Come along Angel," said Mimi taking Legolas' hand, "Let's get you home."

Leading them out into the car park, Mimi headed for her car. "Look Aragorn, more of those horse less carriage things we saw on the way here," said Arwen. Mimi laughed and patted the bonnet of her four-wheel drive, "They're called cars," she said, "Meet my third baby." "How does it work?" "Black magic? It makes the air bad," said Legolas refusing to touch it. "Not magic huney," said Mimi, "Just technology and the pollution is a necessary evil I'm afraid. With Orlando as he is...was, it's the best transport available. He needs it. I wouldn't use it if I didn't have to." "Hey darling don't get defensive, I wasn't judging you, I'd never do that. I know you've done all you can for Orlando," said Legolas reaching for her other hand and pulling them to his chest. Mimi looked up at him, her heart still beating with nervous apprehension, "I know," she said, "I'm sorry, this is all a bit bizarre. I'm not back on the planet yet. Here you are after nearly nineteen years, I've become used to being alone. Its strange, the kids, well, they're a bit more resilient to their emotions than I am." Legolas kissed her forehead, "The world's spun round a few thousand times for me too. I never once thought I'd see you again. You've barely changed Miranda." "I wish," laughed Mimi, "I'm forty years old Legolas, I'm an old lady!" "Huh! You'll never be an old lady and anyway, I'm two thousand, nine hundred and fifty-one years old!" "Okay, you beat me on the age thing," said Mimi kissing him, "I love you Angel." "I love you too." "Here they go again," said Aragorn. "What was that Your Majesty?" said Mimi turning to him with a sly grin, "Angel hand me your dagger!"

Having finally managed to bundle them into the car, Mimi braved the London traffic back to Mayfair, "Home sweet home," she said unlocking the door, "Welcome to Minas Mirkwood." "Minas Mirkwood? Why did you call it that?" asked Aragorn as they walked in. "I don't know why. Orlando's often commented on the fact that Mirkwood is where everything went wrong but I felt compelled to pay some tribute to it, it is Legolas' home after all." "Was," corrected Legolas as he followed Mimi into the living room, "I'm never going back there again." Arwen glanced around her, taking in every detail of the room, "This is beautiful." "Thank you. I wanted to give Orli and Rose a good home. That's why I wrote my books," said Mimi running her hand along the mantelpiece below the picture of her and Legolas. "Books?" he asked "Didn't Rose tell you? I wrote our story, well not our story, Frodo's story in a book. Collectively its called The Lord of the Rings but there are three parts. The Fellowship, that took us up to Amon Hen. Two Towers, up to where Frodo was captured and finally, Return of the King, up to the destruction of the Ash Nazg." "So you wrote about our quest?" said Aragorn. "No, I wrote about your quest. I couldn't write about Roxie and I being there, it brought back too many memories," said Mimi leaning on the mantelpiece and burying her face in her arms. Legolas nuzzled the side of her head and tilted her face up to his. He kissed her. She smiled and pulled a copy of her first book off the shelf, "It's a best seller, prize winning. It made me millions. Maybe you'd like to read it sometime," she said handing it to him. "I would if I could," said Legolas running his hand over the beautiful cover, "But since you left I haven't continued to learn your script, this might as well be written in dwarvish." Mimi laughed, "Good job I made this then," she said reaching behind the books and pulling out a copy handwritten in elvish, "There you go." Legolas read the cover, "'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien...J.R.R Tolkien?" "Jane Rosalia Roxanne Tolkien. I changed my name when I arrived back in London, I couldn't...Miranda was your name for me," said Mimi. Legolas hugged her tightly. "I should take a leaf out of our son's book," she said, "He never lets things upset him, he's so strong considering everything that's happened to him. He's like you that way. He writes songs too, beautiful songs. He's constantly on his piano downstairs, if he's well enough." "Sounds like he's quite a wonder," said Legolas. "They both are," said Mimi pulling away and walking over to the wall where the twins' pictures hung in a great collage of their lives, "They kept me alive." "Miranda?" "We'll leave you in peace," said Arwen, "Do you mind if we wait in there?" She pointed to the kitchen. Mimi shook her head and Arwen and Aragorn went into the kitchen, closing the door. Mimi felt Legolas' hand on her shoulder. "If it wasn't for them I'd be dead," she said not looking at him, "For the first month I was numb, I wondered around in God knows where for nearly two days. The looks I must have got hey? I was wearing my riding clothes and Elrond's cape, not exactly Milan fashions. I was taken in by an elderly couple who found me half-frozen in Hyde Park. They pitied me and gave me shelter without asking any questions. They wanted no rent, all they wanted was to see me and my child warm. I needed money to get a place of my own, I didn't want to freeload when all they had to live on was their pensions, so I got a job at a wine bar. The pay was shit and I hated it. I contemplated suicide but, when I did, the babies would kick and you'd come into my mind. You stopped me from killing myself that night in Rivendell, I owed it to you, to them, to stay alive." She paused to wipe her tears and then continued, "I soon saved up enough to buy a bedsit in Deptford and then they came along, my life, my babies. They turned out to be more expensive than I thought. I was broke so I made the choice, I put on my lipstick and my mini and went on the game but the second someone pulled up, I ran. I knew I'd never be able to look Orli and Rose in the face and tell them all they owned came from...that kind of money." "Miranda? I tried so hard to reach you but I couldn't, I'm sorry," said Legolas trying to turn her to him as they both cried. She resisted, "It was hardly your fault Angel. I was lucky though. My old stage school wanted a teacher and I got the job. Gradually things picked up but then they came crashing down again. When Orlando fell ill I blamed myself, it was that terrible drafty bedsit that made him weak. That's when I confided in someone, Damien. He was another teacher at the school and he soon became a friend. He even became Godfather to the children when I had them Christened. I told him everything and he believed me, he didn't think I was as mad as I felt. He told me to write my story, so I did. When I wasn't working I wrote, pages every night. I sent it to a publisher and, before I knew it, we'd moved here and the children were seven. I taught them at home, Orli wasn't well enough most of the time to go to school and Rose wouldn't leave his side. They learnt the basic education I'd had as well as Elvish, the histories of Middle Earth, Elf- lore, everything I learnt from you. They were wonderful but Orlando got worse and worse but they fought on and soon they were at my school, they were stars but he kept getting..." Mimi fell to her knees crying. Legolas held her tightly, "Oh God how much you've suffered. If only I'd...I tried...I wanted to get to you. Oh Miranda why couldn't things have been simple? We were just children when it went wrong but now it feels worse, all those wasted years, years we should have had together. Everyday I loved you, never once did I stop thinking about you."

They sat in silence for nearly an hour, never once leaving eachother's embrace. "Legolas?" whispered Miranda. "Hmm?" "Do you ever remember our vows?" "Every word. That night will never leave my memory as long as I live," said Legolas tilting her face to his. Mimi ran a finger along the ring that hung on a chain around his neck. She slipped it onto her left hand, uniting his half of Narya with her's. She pressed the flat of her hand to his chest, "Until the day we die," she said kissing him, "I love you my sweet Angel."

CHAPTER FIVE.

Arwen and Aragorn dared to venture from the kitchen when they heard laughter coming from the front room. Legolas and Mimi sat in front of the fire with pieces of photos scattered around them. Mimi looked up as they came in and laughed sheepishly, "I forgot you were here. Sorry. Hope you found the kitchen comfortable. Come and sit down, I was just showing Legolas some pictures of the twins." They sat on the rug beside her and Aragorn picked up a photo of Rose, "The more I look at Rose the more I see you Mimi, if it wasn't for her hair she'd be you," he said. "If you think she resembles me, look at this," said Mimi holding a photo of Orlando up against the large photo of Legolas, "Now tell me they're not related." "They could be eachother," said Arwen, "Much like little Thomas is with Pippin." "Thomas?" said Mimi. "He's Roxie and Pippin's son," said Aragorn. "Roxie's got a kid?" exclaimed Mimi, "But she swore she'd never have them." "She's had more than one, they've got six and God are they a handful," said Legolas. "Six! Wow! I assume she and Pippin got married then, tell me everything." Aragorn tapped his fingers on his knee, "Hmm? Where to begin? Well, they went back to the Shire straight after Mirkwood and got married three, no, four months later. Then Thomas came along, he's just sixteen, then the triplets, Susan, Jehrica and Celeste, then Dominic and finally little Miranda." "Miranda? She named her baby after me?" Aragorn nodded, "She's missed you a lot." "And what of the others? What of Frodo and Gimli and everyone?" "Frodo married a sweet girl called Victoria, Sam married Rosie but Merry hasn't settled down yet, he spends more time in Gondor than in the Shire. Elrond stayed behind in Gondor, he chose to live with us although he still retains his immortality. He's a wonderful grandfather to our son, Boromir," said Aragorn. "You have a son?" cried Mimi, "Goodness, how old is he?" "Just seventeen. A year younger than Rose and Orlando. We named him after Boromir to honour his memory," said Arwen, "He's our pride and joy." "And it would appear our Rose has quite a soft spot for him," said Legolas. Mimi looked amused, "Indeed? Well she kept her silence about that. Perhaps we'll be heading for Gondor sooner than I thought. But the future's all one, tell me more of the past. What happened to Gimli and Gandalf?" Aragorn's face fell, "Gimli remains in Erebor, we have not seen or heard from him in years. Gandalf, well he..." "Oh no," said Mimi, "When?" "Eight years ago, it was his time." "I suppose I should have realised. The twins will be upset, they longed to meet him," said Mimi. "Rose knows," said Legolas, "I told her as we were travelling from Gondor. I don't think she's told Orlando." A knock on the door caught their attention. "One moment," called Mimi as she got to her feet, "Fucking Grand Central Station," she muttered but her words turned to a scream of delight as she opened the door, "Damien! You're back. How are you darling?" A tall, thin, sickly man walked in. His hair was dark but any attractiveness in him had been marred by illness, "Surviving. You know what its like," he said hugging her. "You look very..." Mimi trailed off. "Its okay Mimi, I know how I look. The clinic's not totally devoid of mirrors you know?" said Damien not noticing Mimi's guests. "So how's little Mimi then?" "Better than ever," said Mimi holding his hands tightly. "Are the elven demons behaving themselves?" "Even better than that. You know Legolas?" "Not personally but I'm sure you've mentioned him a couple of million, no, billion times! What's the blond darling done? Magically appeared at your bedside and done unspeakable things to you in the night?" Mimi blushed and laughed, "Well my son's bedside," she said indicating to her guests, "Meet my husband." "Oh my God!" cried Damien, "Legolas? It is you. Mimi how did you do this? Do the kids know? Of course they know, you'd hardly not tell them! Fucking hell, you go away for a month and whoa!!" "Whoa! Damien cool it! Anyone would think he's your long lost other half," said Mimi taking his coat and hanging it over the back of a chair. "Wouldn't mind," whispered Damien, "I can see why you call him Angel, he's gorgeous!" Mimi hit him playfully, "Easy Tiger! He's not that way inclined," she said leading him over to the others. Legolas got to his feet. "Legolas meet Damien, one of my dearest friends and work colleague. He teaches the children jazz at school." Legolas took Damien's hand, "Nice to meet you." "God I can't believe I'm doing this. I've heard so much about you Legolas, Mimi doesn't shut up about you. Now let me guess the other two. Too tall to be hobbits and too young to be Gandalf. Aragorn and Arwen by any chance?" He greeted them both in turn. "Where are the demons Mimi?" he asked flopping down on one of Mimi's giant floor cushions. "At the hospital. Orli took a turn for the worse about a month ago." "Oh no, its not...? He's going to be alright isn't he? I couldn't cope if he...passed over before I did," said Damien, a look of horror passing over his face. "He will be well. He is cured. Legolas saved him with the Miruvor I told you of," said Mimi. "Oh yes the miracle cure. Shame we didn't find you a few years back Legolas, you could have saved me," said Damien. "I may be able to help. I don't need the mineral for some cures. What is wrong with you? I can try and help," said Legolas. "Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome- AIDS to its friends," said Damien. Legolas looked bemused, "I've never heard of it but it may have a different name in Middle Earth. Miranda do you know?" Mimi muttered something in elvish and Legolas' face fell, "Oh. I'm sorry Damien but..." "Don't worry Legolas, I've kinda got used to the incurable part. Any grub going? I'll go and put the kettle on," said Damien as he hurriedly left the room. "Poor darling," said Mimi, "Now there's nothing to save him and he's so alone." "How do you mean?" said Arwen, "He sounds as if he's very close to you and the children." "He's like family," said Mimi, "But he lost his partner to the same illness two years ago." A ringing startled Legolas, Arwen and Aragorn. "What's that?" cried Aragorn, his hand instinctively reaching for the sword that lay beside him. "Its just the phone," said Mimi as the ringing stopped and Damien's voice came from the kitchen. "Hello Minas Mirkwood, dark Lord Sauron speaking...hey, hey huney how's you?...I'm okay. I got back yesterday...how's baby bro?...cool...yep hang on I'll get her. Mimi!" called Damien putting his head round the door and waving a cordless phone at Mimi, "Rose." Mimi walked over and took the phone from him as Damien carried a tray of drinks over to the others. Legolas watched Mimi, intrigued by the device she now held to her ear. "Hello Rose...hiya baby...yes they're here, where else would they be? How's Orlando?...and hour?...okay we'll be there...that's an idea, hang on, I'll ask him. Damien are you going to come and see Orlando with us?" "Love to Mimi but no thank you. I've got some work to do before Monday," called Damien breaking from an animated conversation with Aragorn and Arwen. "Sorry Rose, he's got stuff to do...what?...yeah okay I'll put him on." Mimi walked over to Legolas and handed him the phone, "Your daughter." Legolas looked at the phone in confusion, "What do I do with it?" "Hold that end to your ear and speak into the other. Go on, she's waiting." Legolas shrugged and spoke into the phone, "Hello?...weird...you have very magical devices here...hey don't laugh! I can't help being an out-of-towner...okay...of course I am...love you to Rosalia." He handed it back to Mimi who ended the call and hung up. "Magical device!" exclaimed Legolas. "What did it do?" said Arwen. "I spoke to Rose," said Legolas, "All the way over at the hospital." "But how?" said Aragorn. Damien laughed, "Oh how cute! You guys are priceless. Mimi can we keep them?" "Nah, send 'em back to Mordor," said Mimi settling next to Legolas and leaning against him. "You look so happy Mimi," said Damien. "That's because I am, so very happy. We should get a wriggle on. Doc Thompson wants to see me in an hour and I promised Rose we'd get there a bit early. Are you sure you don't want to come Damien?" said Mimi. "No. Tell Orli I'll see him bright and early on Monday morning. Give him a cuddle from me. I'll see myself out. Kiss huneybear." Mimi kissed his cheek, "Bye darling. Drop by anytime." "Will do. Bye all of you, see you soon," said Damien as he left the house. "He's a nice guy," said Aragorn, "It's a shame his wife died." "It wasn't his wife Aragorn," said Mimi. "Oh they weren't married, I forgot your culture is different to our's." "They couldn't be married. Damien's partner was called Liam, another man. Damien's gay." "He doesn't look that happy," said Arwen misunderstanding her, "And why was his partner a man? Isn't that unnatural?" Mimi suddenly looked grave, "Gay is our word for homosexual. Damien was in love with Liam, it was natural for them." Legolas shook his head, "That's something you'd definitely never see in Middle Earth." Mimi wrung her hands in her lap, "Yes, well, hey, we'd better go. The twins are waiting for us." She got up and walked to the door, "Shit!" she muttered as she pulled on her coat, "Come on guys. Back in the old black magic."

Mimi sat in Doctor Thompson's office as he paced the room. "Will you please sit down!" she cried, "You're making me nervous." The doctor sat but proceeded to tap a pen on the table, which made Mimi even more nervous. "Mrs Tolkien, Jane, I've run some tests on Orlando and, well, it would appear that he has made a full recovery. Its as if the illness was never there." Mimi smiled, inwardly rejoicing and thanking her husband, "I know," she said. "You know? How?" "I can see it in his eyes. He will live. Can I take him home?" "We'd like to keep him in overnight, just to be safe." "Of course. Would it be alright for us all to stay with him tonight? He hasn't seen his Father for ages," asked Mimi getting to her feet. "Just for tonight but keep the noise down. We shall miss you all around here. You've almost become as common place as the staff," said the doctor shaking her hand. "No doubt we'll be back with all manner of injuries when I finally get the demons back to college. Thanks Doctor Thompson, thank you for all you did for my son. Goodbye." "Goodbye Jane."

Mimi wandered back to Orlando's room, her mind on cloud nine. He sat up as she came in, clinging onto Legolas and Rose, "What did he say?" Mimi smiled and sat on the end of the bed, "You can come home tomorrow," she said. "So am I cured? Its gone? Will I live?" said Orlando his eyes wide and desperate. "You will live," said Mimi, "Your Papa got here just in time." "See, what did I tell you?" said Legolas. Orlando hugged him, "Oh Dad thank you, thank you so much." Legolas smiled as he felt tears sting his eyes, "That's the first time I've heard you call me Dad." "It's the first time its felt right," said Orlando settling back against the pillows, "I'll see you two in the morning then." "What?" said Legolas, "Your Mama and I aren't going to leave you tonight." "Yes you are," said Rose, "I'm sure Aragorn and Arwen can cope with us on their own for one night." "Why would we want to leave you?" said Mimi. "Oh dear, Middle Earth to Mama! You haven't seen your husband in over eighteen years and you want to spend your first night back together by my bedside? Dad will you please drag her off home," said Orlando pushing Mimi off the bed with his foot. Legolas blushed and got to his feet, taking Mimi's hand, "Come on Mellamin. We have our orders." Mimi kissed Orlando and Rose goodbye, "I'll come for you at ten tomorrow. Don't make too much noise. Be good for Aragorn and Arwen. Do you need any money? I can..." "Dad," whined Rose, "Get her out of here before she drives us mad!" Mimi squealed as Legolas swept her up into his arms. "Legolas, put me down!" she cried. "Now Miranda my darling, you learnt long ago that wriggling about gets you nowhere. We'll see you in the morning."

Legolas carried Mimi out of the hospital and to the car. He set her back on her feet. "As you can see, they don't get embarrassed as easily as their parents. That's Damien's influence for you," said Mimi getting in the car and starting the ignition. Legolas brushed her cheeks with the back of his fingers. Mimi shut her eyes as electricity surged inside her. "I can't believe we're finally together," he said turning her face to his. He leant into her and kissed her. Mimi pulled back gently, "Let's go home," she said reluctantly turning her attention away from him.

They arrived at Minas Mirkwood an hour later, having braved the rush hour traffic. Mimi locked the door as Legolas threw his doublet unceremoniously over the back of the sofa. "Do you want a drink?" said Mimi wandering into the kitchen and not meeting his eyes. She stood by the counter, her back to the door and tried to slow her heart rate as it raced. "What kind of question is that?" said Legolas, his arms encircling her waist. Mimi's heart thumped all the harder as his hands slid under her shirt and she felt the petal warmth of his lips against the nape of her neck. "I've missed you so much," he said turning her to him. He kissed her, his hands sliding onto the buttons of her shirt. His hands shook as he undid them, "I feel like I did the night we got married," he said running gentle kissed down her neck. "What do you mean?" said Mimi pulling the tie from his hair and letting it swing loose about his shoulders. "Nervous as sin!" said Legolas as he recaptured her lips. Mimi giggled and slipped from his arms. She turned to him and held her hand out to him. Legolas slipped his hand into her's and let her lead him away to the place he'd so desired since his eyes fell upon her again. The sound of the busying street below her window woke Mimi the next morning. She smiled as she felt Legolas in her arms, his legs gently entwined with her own. He still slept in her embrace. She nuzzled against his neck, letting the familiar woodland scent of his skin drown her senses. Despite their years apart he still looked as beautiful as the young elf prince she'd woken with every morning when she was in Middle Earth. His hair was lighted with gold where the sun fell on him. A perfect Angel. Mimi smiled ruefully at such a strange, pure term for her lover. His appearance still denoted such innocence even to her but his heart burned with the passions notorious of his people. She kissed him, "I love you," she whispered. Legolas woke, momentarily disorientated. Two sleepy blue eyes stared up at her and softened. He smiled and blinked the last of his dreams from his eyes, "So you weren't a dream. I was so scared I was going to wake up back in Gondor," he said reaching up and running his hand over her cheek, "Every day I reached out for you only to find you weren't there. I always dreamed I was sleeping beside you and every day I woke to the same pain." Mimi lay against his chest, "So did I. Sometimes I'd wake in the middle of the night and feel your arms around me, your breath on my neck, your hair against my cheek, everything I felt when we were together. But then I'd wake up fully, leave my dreams, and I was cold, you weren't there." "I'm here now," said Legolas kissing her. "It was so hard when I went back to Gondor after Mirkwood, everything reminded me of you. I never thought anyone could cry as many tears as I cried for you. I could never shake the images of you leaving, especially in our room. Your clothes were still in the closet and everything still smelled of your perfume. The others went back to Rivendell a few years later, Aragorn uses it as a summer home now, just for the Fellowship. I couldn't go. Just to have seen the balcony where you told me you loved me would have destroyed me so I stayed in Gondor, locked in Ecthelian. I kept telling myself you'd gone to the Shire to visit Roxie, Erebor to see Gimli or even on a diplomatic mission to one of the outlying realms. Pretty stupid really," said Legolas pulling her to him protectively. "Its not stupid. I often pretended that you were only away, not gone from my life. I never gave up hope though. You taught me that. Hope always remains even when the odds are stacked against you," said Mimi tracing an intricate pattern on his shoulder with her fingertips. Legolas reached up and took her hand, "Don't you wish we could turn back time, just once, and be like we were before? I'd even relive the war just to be young again. We were so free, no responsibilities..." he said. "...No children!" said Mimi. "I still can't get my head round that," said Legolas, "Sometimes I'd sit for hours just trying to imagine what they'd look like, how old they'd be, what I'd have taught them. Now I look at them, grown up, practically the age you were when we met and I can't believe they're mine. They're so perfect." Mimi laughed, "You wouldn't be saying that if you'd had eighteen years of goodness knows to deal with. They love you so much Legolas, I've never seen either of them looking so happy, especially Orlando. I can guarantee you won't be left alone for two minutes when they get home. You won't get a moment's peace." "I shall be their's only in moderation Mellamin," said Legolas tilting her face to his, "I shall be their father by day but, by night, I have another role to play." Mimi kissed him, "I wish I could stay here all day," she said. "I can hear a but coming," said Legolas. Mimi smiled mournfully, "But I have to pick Orli and Rose up at ten and its already eight thirty." She climbed out of bed and pulled on a robe, "I'll get you some of Orlando's things, they should fit you. Your riding clothes are looking a bit worse for wear." "Can't you call Rose and tell her we'll be late?" said Legolas grabbing her hand. Mimi tapped the back of his hand playfully, "Now, now Mr Greenleaf, behave yourself! We can't be all wild passionate liaisons anymore, we have responsibilities." "But you're beautiful," said Legolas reluctantly pulling back. Mimi blew him a kiss and left the room. Yawning, Legolas lay back down, pulling the duvet up to his shoulders. He buried his face in the pillow beside him, letting Mimi's heavy perfume catch his senses. He fell asleep. Mimi came back in carrying a pile of her son's clothes, "I think these should...Legolas?" She walked round the bed and looked down on him, "Oh Angel," she said stroking his hair from his face. Leaving his side, she changed into a pair of jeans and a plain white shirt. She ran a brush through her hair and began to pull it into a band. Legolas murmured something inaudible behind her. Letting her hair swing loose, she put two plaits beside her ears and pulled the rest into a half plait. She went back over to Legolas and kissed his cheek, "Come on sleepy head, up you get." Legolas woke, "You look lovely," he said tugging gently on one of her plaits. "I'll go and get us some breakfast. I've left Orli's things on the chair over there. Come downstairs when you're dressed, okay." Kissing him quickly, she went downstairs.

Picking up the post and the newspaper, Mimi wandered into the kitchen, "Bill, bill, Orlando, Rose, junk, junk, bill...oh why is there never anything interesting?" she mumbled sorting through the letters. She flicked on the radio and set about finding something for breakfast. The radio chatted happily to itself, "and now to the days of our youth. This song was number one twenty- three years ago today. Here we go with Lady Marmalade." Mimi laughed as she remembered how she'd sung that song at their dance show in Rivendell. "Hey sister, go sister..." she sang, dancing round the room, oblivious to the figure in the doorway. "It looked better when you were wearing sequins and that elvish silk," said Legolas leaning against the doorframe. Mimi turned, startled, "I didn't realise I had an audience," she said running her eyes over him, "Fuck, you look sexy!" Legolas stood in a pair of dark blue jeans and a black shirt, his long hair pulled back into a band, "I feel weird," he said, "These clothes are so heavy compared to my normal clothes." Mimi walked over to him, wrapped her arms his waist and pulled him close, "You're going to give the girls at the hospital a heart attack but can I make one alteration?" she said reaching up and pulling his hair loose, "There's the Legolas I always loved." She caressed the golden cascade as it tumbled over his shoulders. "You're a demon," said Legolas kissing the back of her hand, "I love you Miranda." "I love you Angel. Hey we'd better eat quick, we can't be late for the children." "I don't know," said Legolas holding her so she couldn't pull away, "It depends if there is anything else to do." He kissed her. Taken by the moment, Mimi jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his hips. Carrying her into the front room, Legolas lay her down on the rug beside the fire. Mimi pulled back, "Angel, we shouldn't. The children..." she said not releasing his shoulders. His lips slid onto her neck and he closed his eyes as her pulse raced against his touch, "Surely they won't mind if we're slightly late," he said. "You're a bad influence on me Legolas Greenleaf." "Good," said Legolas as she pulled him down onto her.

"Fuck!" said Mimi as they raced down the hospital corridors, "We're so late." Legolas slowed beside her and took her hand, "Baby, baby slow down. We're late, so what? We deserve the chance to spend some time together, we have nineteen years to make up for. The children won't mind." "I guess not," said Mimi leaning against his shoulder as his arm went around her waist. She laughed. "What's so funny?" asked Legolas. "I feel as guilty now as I did the day we kept everyone waiting for hours to leave for Rivendell. We're certainly living up to our reputation," said Mimi. "I remember. Aragorn was in such a mood. What was it he said when we arrived? 'Kindly keep your night time activities to the night,' or something like that. It was so embarrassing." "But worth it," said Mimi, "God we were a pair." "It would appear we still are Mellamin," said Legolas as they turned onto Orlando's corridor. They walked into the room. "So you finally decided to make an appearance," said Aragorn, "About bloody time." "Sorry," said Legolas blushing, "We...err... got a little side tracked." "Ooh parents in need of training," said Orlando from his bed, "Public displays or references to affection not allowed." "You can tell he's better," said Mimi, "He's a cheeky sod again." "Can you blame me?" said Orlando, "You're like a pair of teenagers, all hugs and kisses. For God's sake, you've even got your hands in eachother's back pockets. How juvenile." "He's a right miserable bastard at times," said Rose, "Ignore him. I think its sweet that you can rekindle your lost love." "Err...Miranda, is it normal for our children to be discussing our relationship this way?" said Legolas moving from her side and sitting beside Orlando. "No," said Mimi, "And I suggest they change the subject." "At least you look a bit more normal today," said Orlando as Legolas hugged him. "Your Mama forced me into your fashions. Slightly different to what I'm used to I have to say." "I like it," said Rose settling on his lap, "Yesterday you still looked all elvish and princely but today you look like a regular dad." "Is that a good thing?" said Legolas. Rose nodded, "now we can do things as a real family." "You mean we can go out without getting funny looks. We'll have to go shopping and buy you three some new things," said Orlando. "Any excuse," said Mimi, "Have the doctors spoken to you this morning?" "Yep, I can go home. Just keep an eye on me and bring me back if any symptoms return. They're really confused by it all. They wanted to do some more tests but I said no. I was worried they might find a trace of Dad's Miruvor," said Orlando, "Did you bring me anything to wear home?" Mimi threw a bag to him, "Your blue flares and that white top you like." "Thank you. Hey, what day is it today?" Rose looked at her watch, "November fifth. Fireworks night," she said. Orlando's eyes pleaded to his mother, "Can we go to the display at Trafalgar Mama? Please! I will love you forever." "I don't know baby..." "Dad, Aragorn and Arwen will love it. Please Mama! I'm well, the doctors said so. Please!" cried Orlando. Mimi looked over to her friends, "fancy hitting the town tonight guys?" "It would be nice to see London properly. We heard so much about it from you and Roxie," said Arwen, "What do you think Aragorn?" He shrugged, "If Orlando is up to it. Sure, it could be fun." Mimi turned to Legolas, "Angel?" "Like I'd get out of it." "I'll go and get changed," said Orlando getting out of bed and picking up his bag, "Back in two ticks guys." He headed into the bathroom across the corridor. Mimi kicked off her shoes and curled up on the bed, "We'll head to the Prince of Wales for a drink afterwards. You could have a few friends come and meet us if you want Rose." "Not tonight. I just want it to be family. I'm not ready to share Papa with them yet but I'll soon have to show him off." "Oh I'm a trophy now am I?" said Legolas. "Hey not everyone's Dad's an elf-prince of the Fellowship," said Rose. "You should show your mother off too. She's an elven princess of the Fellowship, Lady of Rivendell and Duchess of Gondor," said Aragorn. "Duchess of Gondor?" said Mimi, "I don't remember that title." "You wouldn't," said Aragorn, "We made Mirky Duke of Gondor two years ago, it gave him a more prominent place in the government." "Very impressive, but for my titles you are forgetting one," said Mimi, "I was also a go-go dancer." "Oh Mimi you were a wonderful dancer," said Arwen, "you certainly turned a few heads at Rivendell the first time you danced." "She turned my head long before that," said Legolas, "The day she arrived in fact. September thirtieth, when Frodo was ill. For twenty-four days she drove me wild until finally I had the courage to tell her I loved her." Mimi took his hand, "Amin mella lle Angel." "Amin mella lle Miranda." "Oh how sweet!" cried Rose. Legolas laughed and kissed her cheek, "I love you too Rosalia. I cannot wait to show you the wonders of Middle Earth. Rivendell, Lorien, the Shire, Gondor, everywhere. You and Orlando will love it." "Great. When are we going?" said Rose. Mimi's face fell, "I hadn't thought about that," she said, "You'll want to go back permanently but we...oh no." Orlando walked back in, dressed in the clothes Mimi had brought him, "why is it so quiet?" he asked. "I think I just put my foot in it," said Rose leaving Legolas and walking to her brother. "What do you mean?" said Orlando hugging her. "Unfortunately Rose brought me back to my senses," said Mimi, "We have a big decision to make. Do we leave here and live in Gondor with your father or do we stay here and try to live between the two worlds?" "Between the two of course," said Orlando, "I can have a career here. I couldn't in Gondor." "We're living in Middle Earth Orlando!" said Rose, "We'll never have to work there and London has so many bad memories. I've seen the White City, you'll love it there, believe me." "What do you want Mama?" said Orlando. Mimi let go of Legolas' hand and averted her eyes from him, "I don't know," she said, "I love Gondor and I could never ask your father to give it up but then there's Damien, my job, the house, my books. So much to leave behind but so much to go for." Legolas got up from the chair and sat beside her on the bed, "whatever you choose I shall not leave you," he said taking her hands, "Even if I have to leave Gondor, Middle Earth, I will. I've lost you once Miranda, I'm not going to lose you again." "Oh Legolas..." "I love you Miranda." "Mimi I know how hard this decision must be for you," said Aragorn, "If you will have us, Arwen and I will stay here until the spring and then leave for home. Would that be enough time for you to decide?" "I hope so," said Mimi, "And you will be most welcome at Minas Mirkwood until then." Orlando pulled a pair of trainers out of his bag. Sitting down on the floor he put them on, tucking away the laces, "Can we leave the decision for tonight please?" he said, "I just want to chill and spend time as a family. We've got so much to catch up on." "If that's what you want sweetheart," said Mimi. Orlando nodded, "I don't want to spend my first night back home thinking about leaving." "Live for today, hey sweetie," said Rose. "Live for today?" said Legolas catching Mimi's eye as he remembered when he'd said those exact words to her in Rivendell. "Its something Damien and Mama taught us. After Liam died, Damien made us both promise that we'd live each day as our last and never stop loving one another. We try to live by it," said Orlando. "You know, I think I like this Damien. He's taught you well," said Legolas. "Perhaps we should invite him to spend the evening with us?" said Arwen, "That is, if everyone wants him to." Everyone agreed. "Let's get you signed out and home then," said Mimi ushering Orlando and the other's out of the door.

"Don't climb over the furniture!" cried Mimi as the twins vaulted over the back of the sofa, "Bloody hooligans!" Orlando stuck his tongue out at her, "You've got enough money to buy a new one." "You'll be back at that hospital if you're not careful," said Mimi laughing, "Rose will you fetch some clothes for Arwen and Aragorn please." "Okay," said Rose running up the stairs. Arwen and Aragorn settled on the sofa on the opposite side of the room. "So what do you think of our humble abode?" said Orlando curling his long legs underneath him and resting his head on a cushion. "Its lovely," said Arwen, "A lot smaller than home." "I can't wait to see Ecthelian. Mama describes it in her books and it sounds gorgeous, like something out of a fairytale." "What is it about the Tolkien side of the family and fairytales?" said Legolas sitting beside Orlando. Orlando looked at him quizzically, "what are you talking about Daddy dear?" "Ah so your mother hasn't told you about the famous fairytale!" "And if His Royal Highness knows best he'll keep it to himself," said Mimi from the kitchen. "You're not going to take that are you Dad? Come on tell me, she can't boss you about," said Orlando. "Well she..." "Legolas!" "Hey, the boy needs to be informed. I've no doubt you've told him every stupid thing I've done," said Legolas. "Now Angel, even I can't talk fast enough to fit all your stupid comments into eighteen years." "Is this going to descends into a domestic?" said Orlando. "I've learnt to ignore her," said Legolas, "Anyway, before your Mama came to Middle Earth she wanted to live in a fairytale, marry a prince and live in an ivory tower. Well she had to make do with a white tower but two out of three isn't bad." "Aww how cute. Did she wear a daft pink dress and hang off her balcony crying 'Legolas, Legolas wherefore art thou Legolas'?" said Orlando throwing himself off the sofa in a mock faint. "She wasn't quite that bad," said Legolas pulling him back up. Legolas leaned back as he felt Mimi pull gently on his hair. "For that Mister Greenleaf I'm going to have to ignore you," she said. "Is that a promise?" asked Legolas. "Orlando looked confused, "You want her to ignore you?" "Don't go there Orlando," said Aragorn, "Its an old relationship thing." "Not again. You two are terrible!" "Less of the back chat you," said Mimi cuffing him playfully round the head, "you'd better go and ring Damien. Tell him to come over here for dinner and then we'll head for Trafalgar." "What are we having for grub?" said Orlando not moving. "Veggie lasagne." "Aww Mama! You know I don't eat that stuff," whined Orlando. "Well you can like it my dear. I have three vegetarians to cook for tonight rather than one. Go and ring Damien." "Yes Mama," said Orlando leaving the room, defeated. Mimi placed a tray of tea things on the table and set about serving her friends, "I'm afraid I can't offer you any strange elven infusions but this stuff tastes alright." "Orlando didn't seem too happy about dinner," said Aragorn, "One elven tradition he doesn't follow." "No he's got too much of my carnivorous Andalusian blood in him. He may look like his father but he's very much got the blood of a Spanish gypsy. Rose on the other hand, is the strictest vegetarian and very true to elven tradition," said Mimi. "Mama what should I get for Arwen?" came Rose's voice from upstairs. "A pair of jeans or something. Just casual stuff," said Mimi. "Okay send them up." Mimi looked over to her friends, "go and get Londonified then. They won't be palace quality but you won't look so conspicuous." "I'm sure they'll be fine," said Aragorn as he and Arwen headed upstairs. Orlando's voice echoed from the kitchen, "Hiya huney how are you?... I feel fantastic...oh as always...Mama wondered if you wanted to come over for dinner and then the fireworks at Trafalgar...yep...I know isn't he?... You should have been there..." Mimi turned her attention back to Legolas as Orlando launched into a long narrative about Legolas' healing potions. "He could talk for Britain," she said settling against him. Legolas wrapped an arm around her shoulders, "I remember someone else who used to be like that," he said, "He reminds me so much of you darling, his smile, his mannerisms, everything." Mimi sat up and took his hands, "Legolas, Angel, there's something you need to know about Orlando," she said, her eyes intense, "And you're not going to like it." "What?" said Legolas her change of mood frightening him. "Well he's a dancer and a musician and he's grown up in the theatre, without a real father figure and he's..." "Mama! Damien wants to know what time to come over," called Orlando. "Tell him five o'clock," said Mimi over her shoulder. "Mama says five...okay see you then sweetie, bye." Orlando wandered back in, "Am I interrupting something important?" he asked noticing his parents' joined hands and troubled expression. Mimi managed a weak smile, "No baby. Hey, how about you take Papa downstairs and show him that piano of your's and sing him a couple of your songs." "That'd be cool," said Orlando, "Come on Dad, you'll find I'm quite a little Mozart." He grabbed Legolas' hand and dragged him to the basement door. Before going down, Legolas turned to Mimi but she shook her head, "I'll be down in a moment," she called as he turned to leave. Several minutes passed until she heard the sound of Orlando's piano. Getting to her feet, she wandered over to the fireside and lay her head on the mantelpiece. Glancing up at a picture of Roxie, she spoke to it, "I really need your counsel sister. I can't tell him about Orlando. He's so proud of him, to tell him, I'd betray them both. Its my fault he's like that because I couldn't give him a father." "You know talking to yourself is the first sign of madness?" said Aragorn from the base of the stairs, "What's troubling you my friend?" "Its Legolas." Aragorn came over and put an arm around her shoulders, "Legolas? What? Has something happened between you? Everything seemed so great this morning. You were so close, like you always were." "Its nothing like that. Our relationship is great, its just Orlando. There's something I need to tell Legolas about him but I can't," said Mimi. "What is it? Maybe I could help." "Promise not to tell?" said Mimi. "I promise." "Cross your heart?" Aragorn marked a cross on his chest, "Cross my heart." "He's gay. He's like Damien," said Mimi pulling away. "Shit! That's a bit deeper than I thought it was going to be," muttered Aragorn. "It wouldn't be so bad if Legolas hadn't made that comment about not seeing it in Middle Earth. I'm worried he might not take it too well when he finds out his own son is..." "He won't mind," said Aragorn hugging her, "That comment was merely an observation. Come on Mimi, you and I both know Legolas holds very little against people, especially those he loves. It'll shock him but he'll accept it. He loves you, he loves Orlando. Tell him. It'd be better if you get it over with sooner rather than later." "I suppose," said Mimi, "But I don't want Orli there when I tell him." "Send Orlando to me. Tell him I want to talk to him about the journey to Gondor. Go now, its for the best," said Aragorn. "Thank you Aragorn," said Mimi wandering to the basement door, "I've missed you my friend." "I've missed you too Mimi. Go on, we've learnt the hard way that time waits for no-one." Mimi waved and then went downstairs. The sound of Orlando's voice met her,

"But in dreams,
I still here your name,
And in dreams,
We will meet again..."

"That's wonderful. You have quite a talent. The arrangement's wonderful," said Legolas as he sat beside Orlando. "Mama used to sing it when we were little but she stopped because it made her cry. Its stayed with me though and a few months ago O decided to see if I could play it. I hope to sing it to someone one day, the way you sang it to Mama," said Orlando leaning his head on his shoulder. "You will do, one day," said Legolas. "I'm so glad you're here Dad." Mimi's choked sob caught their attention. "Hey sweetheart," said Legolas turning to face her. "My God you don't know how it feels to see you two finally together," said Mimi, "I've never seen such a wonderful picture." Orlando wrapped his arms around Legolas' shoulders, "Well you're going to be seeing it a lot more often because I'm not letting him go anywhere." Legolas reached up and took his hand, "Oh well, I've been told. Is something troubling you Mellamin? You look a little worried." Mimi shook her head, "No, no there's nothing wrong. Orli, Aragorn wanted a word, something about Gondor. I said I'd send you up." Orlando got up and walked to the stairs, "Hey you two. Piano's out of bounds for anything other than music okay!" he said running up the stairs before a smack from Mimi could reach his legs. "He has so much spirit in him," said Legolas walking over to Mimi, "Very elven. He would love Lothlorien." Mimi resisted as he tried to hug her. "Miranda? Are you alright my love? What is it you wanted to tell me about Orlando?" "There's something you need to know about him and, before you judge him, I want you to now that its my fault. I couldn't give him a stable father figure. I dragged him into the theatre and made him dance, and I..." "Miranda, darling, I don't understand you. What are you trying to say?" "Please don't hate him, he's our son," said Mimi, her green eyes dulled by tears. "Hate Orlando? I could never hate him. I love him and Rose and you more than anything. Please what is it? You're scaring me!" said Legolas taking her hands. Mimi stared into his eyes, "He's gay. He's gay and it is my fault, I've been the most terrible mother. Don't blame him, blame..." Legolas' kiss silenced her, "Its okay my love. I know already." "You know? How?" said Mimi confused. "He told me before he started singing. I mentioned something about looking forward to seeing Damien again and he told me he had to tell me the truth about himself. Okay I was shocked but I don't hate him. He wanted my approval and I gave it. What right have I to judge people? His happiness is my only concern, where-so-ever he finds it," said Legolas brushing the tears from her cheeks, "I wasn't that monstrous when we were younger that you think I'd hate my own son for something like that, was I?" "Of course not! Oh Angel you don't know what this means to me. I've been so worried and...oh God I'm just so relieved," said Mimi hugging him tightly. "And what's all this shit about you being a bad mother? You've raised my elven, artistic and gravely ill children through things even the spirits couldn't understand. If you're not a good mother then I don't know who could be. You're a wonderful mother." "That goes double for us!" came Rose's voice from the stairs. "Have you two been listening?" said Mimi turning to see the twins in the doorway. Rose nodded, "Oh yeah. Can't have any privacy in the Tolkien house I'm afraid." "I don't know whether to hug you or hit you," said Mimi. "I can answer that," said Orlando as he and Rose ran into the parents' waiting arms.

CHAPTER SIX.

Several hours passed and they all sat in the main room awaiting Damien's arrival. That is to say that Orlando and Rose waited, Mimi was constantly flitting in and out of the kitchen and their guests were too fascinated by their new discovery, television. "Rose darling this is amazing," said Legolas as he circled the set, trying to work out where the pictures were coming from. Rose giggled and pulled him back down onto the sofa, "Are you trying to act anymore foreign? You're not very good at this inconspicuous thing are you?" "Hey, I'm with you guys, I can't see why I can't be inquisitive. I want to see what you've grown up with." "I thought you said you didn't have magic in your world Mimi," said Arwen. "Its not magic," said Mimi leaning on the kitchen doorframe and drying her hands on a tea towel, "Just technology. Radio waves and such like." "Ooh hark at you!" said Orlando, "All intelligence now that your friends are here." The tea towel caught him round the head, "Cheeky orc!" "Child abuse!" cried Orlando, "Sort her out for me Dad, she can't hit me." Legolas was about to speak when he felt Mimi's hands on his shoulders, "Think very carefully about your comeback my Angel. It's a bit cold to be sleeping in the garden." Legolas gave her an innocent stare, "Did I say I was getting involved? Fight your own battles Orli." "Good answer. See Orlando, your father knows his place," said Mimi triumphantly. "Aww Dad! You're useless! I thought with you back I'd have a decent male ally against the female domination in this house," whined Orlando. The doorbell rang. "I'll get it!" said the twins in unison. "I'm closer," said Rose running to the door and opening it, "Hey Damien come on in." "Hello darling," said Damien kissing her cheek, "You're looking well. Its bloody brass monkeys out there this evening." "Well we've got a fire going so you can warm up in here," said Rose hanging up his coat. Damien wandered into the front room and his eyes lighted as he saw Orlando, "Hey little one, its great to see you back on your feet." Orlando ran to his arms, "I've missed you so much Damien its untrue!" "I've missed you too. I can't believe you're better, how do you feel?" said Damien kissing his forehead. "Like I'm on cloud nine! I'm well again. I've spoken to Marie and the show's going great and my Dad's home to stay." "Where is the old pointy eared bow twanger?" said Damien scanning the room. Legolas waved from behind the sofa, "Hey Damien," he said. "Hiya. So I see you've discovered the dumb box." "The what?" said Legolas sitting up and looking over at him. "He means the television," said Mimi getting up from the back of the sofa and hugging Damien, "Mr McGuire here doesn't believe in it." "I can't see why you need a television when you have two fantastically talented children," said Damien flopping on a floor cushion. Mimi sat down on the sofa, "I want to see the musical when its cast and finished, no previews thank you," she said wrapping an arm around Legolas as he lay against her, "I don't even know what its about." "And you're not going to until opening," said Rose, "It's a surprise." "Musical?" said Aragorn, "What's a musical?" "It's a play with songs in it. Damien, Rose and Orli have been working on one for a while but I'm not allowed to see what it is." "That's a bit unfair," said Arwen. "It won't be when we perform. We're cast and rehearsals have been going on for about four months. Our friend, Marie, has been looking after things while we've been away but the boss is back on Monday. We go to opening on January tenth," said Orlando. "Good. We'll be able to see it," said Legolas, "Are all three of you performing?" "The twins are, although it was touch and go with Orlando for a while," said Damien, "He's our lead male. I, however, am on direction. I'm too ill to keep up with these youngsters anymore." "We can chat about our theatrical exploits over dinner," said Mimi hustling them into the dining room.

Having faced the tube and the crowds of central London, they finally succeeded in reaching Trafalgar Square. "My God look at this place," said Arwen gripping onto Aragorn's arm, "Its amazing. Who's the guy on top of the pillar?" "That's Nelson. He's an Admiral, who commanded the British fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar, hence the squares name and the statue," said Rose, as she stood huddled between Damien and Orlando, "God I'm fucking freezing!" "You need a pet elf like your Mama's got," said Damien gesturing over to Mimi who was hidden in Legolas' arms. They looked on as Mimi raised her face to him, speaking in elvish. "What the fuck is she going on about?" said Damien. "She's telling him she loves him and she's missed him. General mushy crap really," said Orlando, "Ooh why do they have to do that in public?" "Do what?" said Damien turning back and seeing them kiss, "Oh that." "Its so embarrassing." "Its sweet," said Rose, "They're in love." "They're old!" "Barely," said Damien, "Your Mama's only just forty." "But Dad's two thousand, nine hundred and fifty-one!" said Orlando. "Bloody hell he looks good for his age. He should do an advert for Olay," said Damien. "Oh God they're at it again," cried Orlando, "Can you do something Damien? Please? I'm gonna hurl." "Very well. Oi Leggie Lou Lou! Mimi! Stop eating eachother and be sociable." Legolas pulled away from Mimi, "Leggie Lou Lou?" he said looking bemused. "Ignore him," said Mimi, "He's just being a bastard. He calls everyone stupid names. He's just jealous because I've forsworn his bed." "Love to Mrs Greenleaf but your husband wouldn't approve and you're missing one vital appendage." "Speaking of vital appendages," said Orlando gripping Damien's shoulder and pointing wildly over to a fountain, "I've just spotted a U.F.O!" "A U.F.O?" said Legolas, "What's that?" "An unattached, fit, object," said Damien, "And fuck me is he gorgeous!" "Wouldn't mind if he did," said Orlando but then his face fell as a girl walked over and kissed the object of their attentions. "Why are all the cute one's taken?" groaned Orlando. "And straight?" said Damien. "Oh God here we go!" cried Mimi, "Please don't launch into how being gay is so unfair. I can't cope with you two when you get like that." "Okay, okay. No soap boxes tonight. We'll behave," said Damien, "Now come over here and look as if you know us. I want to get to know my God children's father." Legolas and Mimi rejoined the group but, before they could speak, the sky exploded with fireworks. Mimi, her mind wandering back to their celebrations at Gondor, took Legolas' face in her gloved hands and kissed him, "Do you remember the fireworks we had at Gondor?" "Which one's?" said Legolas, "Gandalf's or the one's that went off in my mind when we were finally alone?" Mimi giggled, "Well I was referring to the first but the latter have the better memory." "And are more welcomely relived," said Legolas hugging her tightly. Mimi nuzzled against his neck. "Stop it! Your nose is freezing!" "That's because its like bloody Caradhas out here," said Mimi shifting closer to him as a bitter wind blew threw the square, "It was never this cold in Middle Earth." A great explosion turned their attention back to the fireworks.

At the end of the display, Mimi led them through the streets back to the Prince of Wales. "Settle down and I'll get us some drinks," said Damien, "What do you three drink?" "Whatever," said Aragorn, "I doubt you'll have any elven wine here." "It would be illegal if we did," said Mimi, "That stuff was lethal. One glass and I was well away." "Might have to try some of that when we get to Gondor," said Rose. "Don't let her get too drunk," said Damien, "She gets obscene when she's had a few. So what should I buy? You know them best Mimi." "Hmm? Just get us a bottle of white wine. It's the closest thing I suppose. No turning your nose up at it though Legolas Greenleaf, I know you fancy yourself as a bit of an expert!" said Mimi. "I don't think I am, I know I am," retorted Legolas. Damien laughed and headed off to the bar. The group sat in trivial conversation until Orlando's attention was drawn to the door. He paled dramatically, "Fuck! Mama!" he said grabbing her hand. "Orlando, language! What's the matter?" "Over there," said Orlando pointing to the door. "Oh no," said Mimi getting to her feet. "Who is it?" said Legolas finally noticing the group of men that had just walked in. "Brad," said Mimi, "My ex." Legolas moved to get up, "You mean that's the bastard who..." "Leave it Angel. I don't think they've seen us." Damien came back over with a tray of drinks, "What's up Mimi? You look like you've just seen a ghost." Mimi pointed to the door and, as she did, Brad noticed her. "Oh God not tonight!" said Damien, "Orlando, Rose go and sit with your Dad and Aragorn." He pulled Mimi down into her seat. "Damien I..." "Just ignore him Mimi. You created enough trouble last time," said Damien holding her back. The twins moved to either side of their father. "What's going on?" said Legolas as Orlando gripped his hand, fear lighting his delicate features. "They're not nice people," said Rose, "Are you okay Orli?" "I'm fucking petrified!" said Orlando as the men walked over. "Why if it isn't the prostitute and her little gay friends," said Brad, slurring his words, "I believe your son and I have some business to finish Mimi my sweet." "Go away Brad," said Mimi, "You have no right to threaten him." "I'm just doing the nation a favour. The fewer there are of these perverts the better for all." Mimi was quickly on her feet, "The world would be a lot better without people like you!" "What did you say?" said Brad, "No-one speaks to me like that. Especially not some fucking, passed it whore!" Legolas was by Mimi's side in an instant, "Don't talk to her like that." "And who the fuck are you? Another of these fucking perverts?" "I'm Miranda's husband," said Legolas, his height making Brad seem tiny. "Leave it huney," said Mimi, "He's not worth the effort." Legolas didn't move. "Dad please, just ignore them," pleaded Orlando. Legolas turned to him. "Please Papa!" Seeing the desperation in his son's eyes, Legolas back down. As he passed Mimi, he spotted her hand gripped tightly around something that was cleverly concealed within the folds of her shirt. Sitting back down he could see better the beautiful, golden hilts of her filigreed daggers. "We don't want any trouble," she said, "Just let us leave now and we won't get in your way anymore." Brad curled her hair around his fingers, "I don't know about that. You see my friends here are quite offended by the existence of that boy of your's. Now I promised them a fight and they want one. I could, however, convince them otherwise, if you're willing. You're looking very sexy tonight Mimi." "In your dreams!" hissed Mimi slapping his hand away. "Now that wasn't very..." Before Brad could finish, Mimi flipped him easily onto his back and pinned him down. He tried to force her off but she struck him mercilessly in the stomach, winding him. He fell back in pain. "Bitch!" hissed one of the men behind her. He pulled her to her feet but Mimi sent him down on top of Brad, "Anyone else?" she said turning to the group. They were silent. "What a woman!" said the bar man, who had been watching the whole escapade with amusement. Mimi sketched him a dignified bow, "Thank you Sir. Come on guys, let's find another bar," she said pulling on her coat. She knelt down to Brad, "Now Bradley darling, I do believe your business with my family is concluded but if you think otherwise, I'm always open to negotiation." Brad turned his face away. "That's a good boy," said Mimi patting him on the head. She joined her friends outside. "Whoa! Mama!" cried Orlando, "You showed them. I didn't know you could fight like that." "It was hardly a fight Orlando. Just a few defence moves I learnt in Middle Earth." "My God you were so brave," said Rose, "What if one of them had had a knife?" "I don't think your mother was ever in any real danger," said Legolas, "Tell me Miranda, do you still do that precious little war cry whenever you pull your daggers on someone?" "Excuse me!" said Damien, "That sounds frightfully rude." "I can't hide anything from you can I Angel?" said Mimi pulling her dagger belt form beneath her coat. "What are they?" said Orlando looking in amazement at the decorated hilts. "Elven daggers," said Legolas, "But how did you get them? My Father's archers had our weapons before you left." "They took your's from me. I'd put mine in my bag the night before we found Elrond so, when we thought there was a threat, I grabbed your's rather than mine. I found these in my bag when I got back here, I never leave the house without them. Force of habit I'm afraid," said Mimi fastening them back round her waist and concealing them once more. "It's a good thing too," said Arwen, "With people like that around I wouldn't feel safe without an entire army around me. What type of world is this? What was those guys' problem?" "Unfortunately there are some people in this world who view homosexuality in a less than rosy light," said Damien, "And feel it their duty to... deal with us. They set upon Orlando about six months back. He was ill and couldn't do much. Luckily Rose and I arrived with a couple of the guys from college and scared the buggers shitless. They were out for revenge tonight but I've never seen them go for us when there are so many men around." "Brad stunk of alcohol tonight. He was so pissed, I don't think he could see straight," said Mimi leading them to a crossroad. She glanced up at the street sign, "Damien huney," she said, "Take Arwen, Aragorn and the twins to Hyde Park, we'll meet you in the café. There's something I need to show Legolas." "Sure but where are you going?" "Soho. Moonshine." "Oh, right." "Mama are you...?" "Hush Orlando. Papa knows about my past. I just want to show it to him, make my peace. We won't be long." "Okay but be careful. Its not nice down there." "I'll look after her," said Legolas taking her hand. "Bye darlings," said Mimi. "See ya Mama," said Rose as they headed off down separate roads.

"I remember this place," said Legolas as they wandered down the bustling Soho streets, "And I still don't like it." Mimi was silent. Legolas tightened his grip on her hand, "Darling you don't have to show me if you feel uncomfortable being here." "I want you to see what I did Angel. I think your opinion of me is slightly blurred," said Mimi. "Oh no, we're not getting into one of those, 'I'm less than worthy' conversations are we?" said Legolas, "Miranda, I love you okay. I've loved you for twenty years. Do you really think that's going to change when I see what you used to do to survive? Come on baby, let's go and see the others." Mimi stopped and turned to him, "Are you sure?" "Completely. The past is the past Miranda, it is of no consequence. You're my only future." "How poetic!" said Mimi hugging him, "You always were far too romantic even before we were together. I'll never forget the night we had dinner together at Rivendell. If I had a pound for every time you made my heart race, I'd never have had to write my books." "You? What about me? You looked so beautiful that night by the end I was desperate to kiss you. If it hadn't been for that damn arrow it would have been one of the most amazing nights of my life." Mimi brushed his hair back from his face, "When you sent me away when you got that letter it broke my heart. I thought you didn't love me." "That's the reason I sent you away. I couldn't see you hurt. I thought my grief would kill me that night." "But it didn't and, in the end, we finally got it together," said Mimi kissing him, "Come on Angel, our children are waiting for us...Fuck!" Legolas turned as he heard glass smashing behind him. A large group poured out of a nearby bar and a fight started. Mimi grabbed his hand, "Let's get out of here," she cried as the fight moved towards them. The group behind caught up fast as they ran. Mimi turned sharply, dragging Legolas into an alleyway. She ran to the end and pulled him into the shadows, "My God that was so close," she said hugging him tightly, "Are you okay?" "Fine, a bit out of breath though. I'm not as young or fit as I used to be. Are you alright?" Mimi nodded as she lay her head on his shoulder. She gasped as she saw three men walk into the alley, each brandishing a knife, "Fuck!" she hissed. Pulling Legolas against her, she kissed him hard. "What was that in aid of?" he said as she released him. "Just kiss me and listen," said Mimi. Legolas bent and began running gentle kisses across her neck. "Can you hear footsteps?" said Mimi. "Uh-huh." "They've got knives and they mean business. I need you to reach for my daggers, you're better than I am at dealing with more than one opponent." "Where are they?" said Legolas reaching up under her coat. "Round my back, under my shirt." Legolas' hands closed around the two warm, metal hilts, "Got them. Where are they?" Mimi dropped her voice to a whisper, "About two metres away. Don't kill them, just scare them and we'll break for the street. Okay, they're nearly on us..." "Well what have we here?" "Now!" cried Mimi. Legolas pulled the daggers from behind her back and she fled for the street. She heard a struggle in the alley and Legolas' unmistakable war cry. Turning, she tried to get back in but before she could, Legolas ran out. "Move it huney!" he said pushing her along the street. They ran full tilt for ages until they reached the station at Tottenham Court Road. The daggers flashed white in Legolas' hands as Mimi grabbed them off him, "Shit! Hide them," she said rehilting them behind her, "Did they hurt you?" Legolas hugged her tightly, "No I'm alright," he said burying his face in her hair, "They freaked the second they saw your daggers. I didn't even have to use them." "I should never have taken us down there," said Mimi gripping onto his coat, "I'm sorry." "Don't be sorry sweetheart. I can't believe you used to work down there, its so dangerous," said Legolas pulling back from her and wrapping an arm around her waist as they descended into the station. "Please don't tell the others about this," said Mimi, "I'd feel like such a fool." "Hey, you know you can trust me with your secrets. There are some things we've done that I'm definitely taking to the grave," said Legolas. "Helms Deep," said Mimi. "Precisely," laughed Legolas.

"Where are they?" said Rose as she sat beside the café's warm log fire. "Perhaps they went inside," said Aragorn. "The club's boarded up. It hasn't been used for years," said Damien, "And Mimi wouldn't take him into any of the other clubs." "Its probably just the underground acting up," said Orlando. "I don't like the underground," said Arwen, "Elves aren't good at confined spaces." "Sorry we're late guys," said Mimi as she and Legolas came into the café, "the tubes were murder." "Told you," said Orlando, "Do you want a drink you two?" "Are you buying?" "Yep. I'm feeling generous," said Orlando pulling a handful of change from his trouser pocket. "Angel we should be parted more often, it has a wonderful affect on the children. Two espressos please Orlando darling," said Mimi taking off her coat and sitting down next to Legolas. "Did you enjoy the fireworks?" asked Damien. "They're sparklers compared to Middle Earth," said Mimi, "We had Gandalf on fireworks at Gondor, now that was a display." "Was it really that good?" said Rose, "What colour were they?" "Every colour you can imagine," said Legolas, "Gold, magenta, turquoise, emerald, everything." "Will we have fireworks when we go back to Gondor Uncle Aragorn?" said Rose turning to him. "If you wish it Rose," said Aragorn, "I'm sure we'll be having quite a few parties to welcome you and your mother home."

Having sat for hours, the group finally decided to head for home. "Wait!" said Orlando as they headed down the path, "There's something I want to show Dad." "What?" said Mimi. "Our secret place," said Orlando. "Very well," said Mimi, "But be quick. I suppose you want to go too Rose." Rose nodded. "Close your eyes Dad," said Orlando. "Why?" said Legolas. "Because it's a secret. Close your eyes." "Okay," said Legolas shutting his eyes and extending his hands out to his son, "Just don't lead me into anything." Orlando took his hands, "We promise. We'll meet you back at home okay Mama?" "Okay. Have fun Legolas." "I'll try." "Come on Dad, its not far."

"I thought you said it wasn't far," said Legolas after being led for ten minutes in darkness. "We're nearly there," said Orlando leading him into a clearing, "Okay, open your eyes." Legolas opened his eyes and saw a beautifully carved statue covered with animals and birds of every kind and tiny nymph like figures. He ran his hand over the carvings, "This is wonderful. What is it?" "The Peter Pan statue. Mama and Damien always brought us here when we were young. We used to play hide and seek here, that's why we call it our secret place. Now I come here when I need to think," said Orlando. "Peter Pan? That sounds familiar." "The boy who never grew up, lived in Neverland and fought Captain Hook," said Rose. "Yes, I remember. Miranda once told the hobbits that story when we were camping beside the Misty Mountains. Wasn't there an elf of some sort in it?" said Legolas. "There was a pixie, Tinkerbell," said Orlando. "A pixie is an elf, at least that's another name for us in Middle Earth," said Legolas sitting down on a nearby bench. "But pixies are tiny and have wings," said Rose. Legolas shook his head, "Yet another demonstration of the human inability to distinguish between elves and nymphs. I wish you two had grown up in Middle Earth, you could have learnt our magic." "You do magic?" said Rose. "A bit. Pass me that leaf," said Legolas pointing to a brown, dried leaf on the floor. Rose handed it to him. "Now watch carefully," said Legolas closing his hand around it. Closing his eyes, he muttered something in elvish and opened his hand. In place of the leaf lay a delicate pink rose bud. Legolas handed it to his daughter, "A rose for my Rose," he said. "Wow! I can't believe you just did that," said Rose sitting beside him and putting her arms around his neck. Legolas hugged her tightly. He released her as he felt Orlando sit beside him. "Can I have a hug too?" he said. Legolas pulled an arm away from Rose and wrapped it around Orlando's shoulders, "I love you both so much," he said kissing them both.

"Dirty stop outs!" said Mimi as Legolas and the twins came into the house, "Where've you been?" "Talking. I've heard many stories about you my love," said Legolas, "Where are the others." "Damien's gone home and Aragorn and Arwen have gone to bed, they crashed out when we got home," said Mimi. "You look like you're on the verge of crashing out yourself," said Orlando hugging her. "I'm exhausted. Can you give your Papa one of your T-shirts to wear tonight?" said Mimi herding them all upstairs. Rose went off to her room as Mimi, Legolas and Orlando went up to the attic rooms. Orlando went into his room and threw a T-shirt through the door to Mimi. "Thank you baby. I'll come and say goodnight in a minute." "Okay," came the reply. "You still put them to bed?" said Legolas as they walked into their room. "It's a force of habit with Orlando," said Mimi changing into her nightdress, "Rose takes herself off but I had to check Orlando's machines and stuff before he went off. Tonight will be the first night he hasn't been on his ventilator for three years. I hope he sleeps." "He'll be fine," said Legolas. "I'll see you in a minute," said Mimi leaving the room and going next door.

"Are you okay Orli?" she asked seeing him sitting on the window ledge, staring out at the moon. He turned to hr and smiled, "I'm fine just a bit...I don't know." "A bit what?" "Nervous. I haven't been to a proper dance class other than with Damien for five years, I'll be so behind." "No you won't, you'll pick things up quick enough and hey, you've got tomorrow to get ready. Don't worry, everything will be fine. I'll call the hospital and get them to pick up your equipment, you won't need it anymore," said Mimi walking over and hugging him. She felt him shake with sobs, "What's the matter huney?" she asked wiping away his tears. "I'm just so happy. I'm alive, I'm not going to die," said Orlando. "Oh baby," said Mimi kissing his forehead, "Look, you're making me cry too. Papa's going to think we're a right emotional lot with all these tears." "I'm an artist," said Orlando, "I'm allowed to be emotional." "Well then my little Sondheim. Its time for would be Olivier winners to be in bed," said Mimi walking to the door. Orlando got into bed, "Night Mama." "Goodnight precious. I'll see you tomorrow." "Yeah and not too much noise, okay?" Mimi flicked the light off, "Keep your innuendoes to yourself."

"He definitely got the cheeky streak from you," said Mimi closing her bedroom door behind her. "I was never cheeky," said Legolas propping himself upon an elbow. He yawned, "God I'm tired. You're a bad influence on me Miranda Jane Tolkien!" Mimi climbed into bed beside him, "Oh yes of course. I'm the evil mortal who corrupted you with my dances." "And your eyes," said Legolas pulling her close. Mimi ran her fingers down his cheek "I wonder which beautiful elf I'll dream of tonight," she said letting her fingers stray onto the chain around his neck. "Dream?" said Legolas, "A dream of babies crying." Mimi looked at him quizzically, "Are you alright Angel?" "You had a dream about Sauron once, separating us and of babies crying," he said sitting up, "But it wasn't Sauron, it was Thranduil and that black day at Mirkwood. The cries must have been the twins. You saw all this before it happened only I was too stupid to realise." Mimi took his hand and kissed the back of it, "Who was telling me earlier that the past is the past and that it is of no consequence?" she said pulling him back down. "I know its just..." began Legolas but Mimi pressed a finger to his lips. "Its just nothing my love. Okay, looking back my dream could have been a premonition but then again it might just be coincidence. We're together now and we've got our whole lives ahead of us. We're still young, we could try for another baby, start over. I'm sure Rose and Orli would love to have another sibling. Don't dwell on the past Angel, not now we have a future." "You really want another baby? I could be a father again." "Uh-huh. Now kiss me goodnight and go to sleep, you look exhausted." Legolas traced the thin line of moonlight on her cheek with kisses before pressing his lips to her's, "Goodnight Miranda." "Goodnight Angel."

CHAPTER SEVEN.

So the weekend passed by but on Monday Legolas thought he was once again at the battle of Helms Deep when cries from downstairs woke him. Reaching beside him, he searched for Mimi but she wasn't there. Sitting up and rubbing the last dusts of sleep from his eyes, he heard the cries again, it was Mimi's voice. "Orlando! Rosalia! If you're not down here in two minutes I swear I'm going to come and drag you out of bed by those pretty elven plaits of your's!" "I'm coming! I'm coming! Jeez fucking keep your wig on!" cried Orlando from the next room. Legolas heard the door slam and the sound of feet running down the stairs. "So this is what I've missed," he said to himself changing into his new clothes, "Absolute carnage." Running Mimi's brush through his hair, he stared into the mirror, "you don't belong here Legolas Greenleaf," he said pushing his hair behind his ears. "Morning Papa!" cried Rose running at him from the door and hugging him. "Here's trouble," laughed Legolas spinning her round, "Your hair looks pretty this morning." He ran a finger along the tiny plaits pinned tightly to her head. "Arwen did them for me. Are you coming down to breakfast?" "You bet, I'm starving," said Legolas as they walked to the door. "Oh Papa?" "Yes Rose?" "You do belong here, even if you don't feel that way yet," said Rose taking his hand.

"Hey sleepy head," said Mimi as they entered the kitchen. The room was filled with the sweet smell of something Legolas couldn't place and the gentle music of the radio, "Did Rose wake you?" "No your screams did!" said Legolas kissing her. "Hey, hey, hey!" said Orlando banging the end of his fork impatiently against the table, "Save that for later. Feed me!" "You're old enough to feed yourself Master Tolkien," said Mimi remaining in Legolas' arms." "Pancakes on plate now, slave!" said Orlando pulling a face at her. "Pleasant child isn't he?" said Mimi disengaging herself from Legolas and flipping a final pancake onto a plate and placing them in the centre of the table, "Don't hog them all," she warned as Orlando's eyes lighted at the pile. Legolas sat down and pulled Mimi onto his lap. "I thought you, Aragorn, Arwen and I could hit the shops while Tweedledum and Tweedledummer are at college," said Mimi. "Don't you have to go to work?" said Legolas. "Not today. Ever since Orlando became more reliant on hospital treatment I had to go part time. I only work Tuesdays and Thursdays." "Which is better for us," said Rose, "She picks on us when she's teaching. She's nasty in the class room." "No I'm not, its just that you thought you could slack off and I'd turn a blind eye...Orlando how many of those have you eaten?" said Mimi as Orlando tried to fit an entire pancake in his mouth. "Not many," he said blushing. "Let him eat," said Legolas, "He needs to put some weight on." "See, Dad's on my side, so there!" said Orlando. "And I agree that you need to put some weight on but you don't need coronary heart disease. You want food? Eat something healthy," said Mimi. "Or be like me," said Rose. "What? Veggie? No bloody thank you! Manky, horrible, green stuff. Yuck, yuck, yuck!" said Orlando getting up from the table, "What time is Damien picking us up?" "In about ten minutes," said Mimi getting to her feet and straightening Orlando's collar, "Make sure you wrap up warm." "Mama don't fuss. I can dress myself you know," said Orlando fidgeting. "Call me if you get tired or you don't feel well. I'll have my mobile with me." Orlando took her hands, "Mama I'll be fine. I'm better now so don't worry." "Okay, okay but just in case..." "Mama chill! I'll call you, I promise. Scout's honour," said Orlando mock saluting. "You were never a scout," said Mimi, "but okay, I'm cool. Now both of you, coats and scarves on, I don't want you getting flu." Rose hugged Legolas and Mimi and left the room. "Bye Mama," said Orlando hugging her, "Buy me something nice. I might be a bit late. Damien said he's had to do a bit of recasting for the show so I might need to vet our new friend." "Okay huney. Have a good day," said Mimi as the doorbell rang, "That'll be Damien." Orlando turned to Legolas and hugged him, "No running off to Gondor, you understand?" "No way. Say hi to Damien for me. I'll see you tonight and please take things easily, that drug hasn't made you immortal you know." "I know, I'll be good," said Orlando hugging him again. "Go on you'd better go. Damien's waiting," said Legolas disengaging himself from his son. "Okay, bye," said Orlando as he left. "Its not everyday a boy finds out that his idol is his father," said Mimi as she watched Legolas' bemused expression, "I don't think he quite believes you're real yet. Come on Angel, let's paint the town."

The day passed by, Mimi and her friends in the hustle and bustle of London and Rose and Orlando back at the college they loved. As dusk fell over the school, the twins headed to the on campus theatre to meet with Damien and the cast of their musical. "Okay Damien, who's this new beau I have to vet and who's he playing?" said Orlando throwing down his bag and sitting beside Damien at a table covered with scripts and scores. "His name's Connor Stevenson and her's replacing Jimmy," said Damien. "What?! Okay when you said you had to recast someone I didn't think you meant one of the leads! Jimmy was playing Aragorn for God's sake!" "Orlando, chill baby. Connor's good, the best. He's learnt all his lines and blocking already from the others. Give him a chance, for me," said Damien taking his hand. Orlando looked down at their entwined fingers, "Okay. Let me see him." "Connor?" called Damien. A tall, dark boy looked up from where he sat with a group of dancing girls. His hair was short and curly, his eyes deep brown and his skin a flawless rich copper, like he'd been off in some exotic country for the past few weeks. "Whoa!" said Orlando softly, "He's gorgeous." "And available," whispered Damien. "You mean he's..." Damien nodded as Connor wondered over to the table, "Yes boss what is it?" he said. "I'd like you to meet Orlando Tolkien, our writer and our Legolas," said Damien. Connor took Orlando's hand, "Wow! You're Orlando? My God your play's so fantastic. Is it true your Mum wrote the original Lord of the Rings?" "Yep and I adapted it into the musical. I thought Legolas needed a love interest so I created Mimi and focused on their story," said Orlando. "Its wonderful, the show I mean. So sensitive, the way I've heard others talking about your acting, well, it sounds like you could almost be Legolas himself. As for Aragorn, I love him. He's got so many issues to explore, especially with the whole King of Gondor thing and of course the sword is an added bonus," said Connor reluctantly releasing Orlando's hand as he realised he was rambling, "An Immortal Love, it's a nice title. Does your Mum know you've written this based on her stories?" "No, it's a surprise for her...and my Dad, she based her character of Legolas on him," said Orlando averting his gaze from Connor's deep eyes. "Hey, let's get some rehearsing done shall we?" said Damien, "This play won't produce itself."

"Sorry we're late Mama," said Rose as she and Orlando arrived home, "Orli was so busy making cow eyes at our new actor that rehearsals ran over." "Ooh a new love interest," said Mimi, "What's his name huney?" "He's not a love interest!" protested Orlando, "His name's Connor." "Not a love interest?" cried Rose, "I saw your face when Damien introduced you and I don't blame you, he's an absolute god. Tall, dark, tanned, sexy...and gay as anything, he's your perfect man Orlando." Orlando's face darkened, "Just drop it Rosalia! I don't fancy him." "There's no need to get snappy...where are you going?" said Mimi as Orlando fled for the stairs. "To be alone," said Orlando, "There are far too many people in this house." As he turned, he ran straight into Legolas. "Hey Orlando what's the rush? Are you okay?" said Legolas catching his shoulders. "Fine," said Orlando pushing passed him and running upstairs. "What's up with him?" said Legolas hugging Rose and settling down beside Mimi. "I wound him up about a guy at school," said Rose, "And he took it all to heart. He's never got like that before. Should I go and talk to him?" "Leave him for a while," said Mimi, "He needs to calm down a bit." "It'd be better to talk to him now," said Legolas, "His temperament is so much like your's Mellamin, you always responded a lot better if things got sorted quickly. I'll talk to him if you want." "I don't know..." "Let Papa talk to him Mama. Orlando will probably be more willing to open up to him," said Rose. "Okay but come away if he gets snappy again. He once ignored me for an entire week over nothing," said Mimi. "Everything will be fine," said Legolas going upstairs.

Legolas tapped lightly on Orlando's door, "Orli can I come in?" There was no reply so Legolas opened the door and went inside. Orlando lay on his bed with his back to the door. He was crying into his pillow. "Orlando?" "What do you want?" he snapped not turning. Legolas walked around the bed and sat beside him, "I want to know why you're crying?" he said softly. "What does it matter to you?" "It matters a lot to me Orlando. I'm your Father and I love you. I hate seeing you sad. Please, tell me what's wrong." Legolas reached out and touched his arm lightly. Orlando looked up at him, "You'll just think I'm being stupid," he said wiping away his tears. "Try me," said Legolas. Orlando sat up, "Its about a guy I know," he said. Legolas smiled, "You mean a guy you like." "Yeah okay a guy I like. Well, I want to tell him I like him but I can't," said Orlando blushing. "Is this the guy Rose was talking about?" "No! Not Connor, I barely know him. This man I like well he's...oh God I can't tell you!" cried Orlando turning back to his pillow. "Yes you can Orlando and I swear anything you say won't leave my counsel if you don't wish it to," said Legolas. "You wouldn't understand," cried Orlando, "How do you know what its like to love someone but not to be able to touch them and to never have felt so much for someone before?" As Orlando spoke he realised how stupid his comment sounded. He looked up at Legolas, his expression mournful, "I'm sorry Dad, just ignore me." "No I won't ignore you," said Legolas, "Look Orlando perhaps its time you learnt a bit about me." Orlando sat up, "I'm listening." "Well as you know my life all but ended the day I lost your mother. She was the most precious thing in my life. My first love, my wife, the mother of my children but I also lost a lot more that day. Has she ever told you everything that happened at Elbereth that day?" "Not everything," said Orlando, "It hurts her too much so Rose and I don't ask." "This is the first time I've spoken to anyone who wasn't there about it," said Legolas, "When we were captured by my Father do you know who led the party? My brother, Herunumen. So before I even reached Elbereth one sibling had already been lost to me. Then I found out my sister Ceinwyn, my twin, had been sent to the havens to keep her from me. I lost my Mother, my Father, my title, my home and my wife all in one day. I've known loss Orlando and I know how you feel...when you look at Damien." Orlando's eyes widened in fear and surprise, "How do you know about Damien?" "I can see it in your eyes. I've known since I first saw you together that you loved him but that you were too afraid to tell him," said Legolas brushing Orlando's plaits back from his shoulders. "He's still in love with Liam," said Orlando, "He'd never feel anything for me like that." "It's a difficult situation. He's a lot older than you." "That doesn't matter, I...what I feel for him goes deeper than that," said Orlando. "Are you totally sure this is how you feel? It could be that your feelings are down to your desire to be in love. He's been like a father to you for fifteen years, are you sure you really want him as a lover?" said Legolas. Orlando's eyes filled with tears, "I don't know. All I know is that I don't have much time left with him and I'm scared that if I don't tell him before he dies I'll live the rest of my life without ever being able to fall in love again," he said gripping tightly around Legolas' waist and burying his face in his shirt, "I'm scared Dad." "I know, I know," said Legolas hugging him, "But it'll be okay. Whatever you decide to do Mama, Rose and I will always be here for you." "I'm so glad we found you Dad." "So am I Orlando, so am I."

CHAPTER EIGHT.

As the weeks went by the family grew closer and closer. Those from Middle Earth became more accustomed to London life and were now able to keep themselves occupied by visiting the many galleries and museums whilst Mimi worked. They got to know Damien and came to love him as the twins and Mimi did. As for the show, it was more than perfect to Orlando and he managed to retain the secrecy from his parents. He still struggled in vain with his feelings for Damien whilst an emotion he couldn't place grew between him and Connor. Christmas passed by in a flurry of celebration and merriment but Damien's condition worsened and Mimi's worries for him grew greater everyday. With New Year should have come new hope but Damien fell ill with pneumonia and was in hospital. As the day of the play dawned, Mimi and Rose went off to the college but Orlando, claiming a headache, remained at home with Legolas. "We'll see you this evening," called Arwen as she and Aragorn headed for the front door. "Okay. Where are you..." Before Legolas could finish, the door slammed closed, "Fine! Go!" he called after them. Settling back into what had become his favoured chair, Legolas turned his attentions back to the last of Mimi's stories of the Ash Nazg. Before he'd even finished a sentence the phone rang. "God can I not get a moment's peace?" he mumbled reaching beside him and picking up the receiver, "Hello, Minas Mirkwood." "Hello is Mrs Tolkien there please?" said a young, female voice on the other end. "She's at work at the moment," said Legolas, "Can I take a message?" "It's the University College Hospital. I'm calling about Damien McGuire." "Damien? Hang on a second, my son will be able to help you. I'll just fetch him," said Legolas getting to his feet and walking to the stairs, "Orli? Are you awake?" "Just about," called Orlando, "What is it?" "Phone. Its UCH about Damien." Orlando's reply came as a stampede down the stairs. Taking the phone off Legolas, he finished buttoning his shirt with his free hand as he spoke to the girl on the other end, "Hello Orlando Tolkien here...yes I'm registered as next of kin...what?...is he?...yes I'll be straight over...thank you." Hanging up the phone, Orlando dived for the door, pulling on a pair of shoes and his coat. "Where are you going?" asked Legolas. "To the hospital, Damien needs me." "Damien? Is something wrong? I'm coming with you," said Legolas. "No Dad. He asked for me or Mama and it sounds like...I have to go alone okay." Legolas nodded, "Okay. Are you sure you'll be alright alone?" "I don't know. Can you call Mama and Rose and tell them to come home? I'll call you when I have news," said Orlando wrapping a scarf around his neck, "Have you seen my car keys?" "Kitchen counter. Are you fit to drive? I don't want to be taking your mother to intensive care," said Legolas as Orlando darted in and out of the kitchen. "Don't worry Dad, I'll be okay. Just wait for my call," said Orlando opening the door. "I'll be waiting. Oh Orlando..." "Yes?" "Doesn't matter. Now's not the right time. Go on, I'll call your Mama," said Legolas picking up the phone as Orlando left. "Hi, you've reached Jane Tolkien, I'm sorry..." "Shit! Miranda darling, hear my call Mellamin. Hear me."

Orlando nearly sent a trolley flying as he ran into the hospital reception, "Sorry. Hi, my name's Orlando Tolkien. I'm here to see Damien McGuire." The nurse looked mournfully up at him, "Yes, we've been expecting you. Sister? Mr Tolkien is here." A taller, harsh looking woman walked over. Her eyes were sad as she regarded Orlando, "I'm afraid we've called you here to give you some bad news. Mr McGuire has stopped responding to treatment. He doesn't have long." Orlando shook back the tears he felt well in his eyes, "What do you mean by long?" he said his voice cracking with emotion. "A few hours. I'm sorry we've had to do this but he was asking for you. Would you like to see him?" Orlando's wild blue eyes were wide with shock and fear, "Oh my God," he said desperately trying to mask a sob with his hand, "Can you take me to him?" The Sister touched his shoulder, trying to bring him some comfort, "Follow me," she said. Horrible memories of his time in hospital flooded Orlando's mind as the mechanical beeping of the ventilators and monitors surrounded him. "He's on a high dose of morphine. He may not respond very easily. I'll leave you too alone," said the Sister as she left. Orlando walked over to Damien's bedside and sat in the chair beside him. For a moment he just stared, watching the gentle rise and fall of each of Damien's shallow breaths as he slept. Taking his hand, he stroked the back of it with his fingertips. Swallowing back his emotion, Orlando spoke to him, "Hey you. What'cha doing here? There's acting Damien and there's being a copycat, this is my job. I'm the one who's meant to scare people shitless. You know I've left Dad all alone at home to come here but I told him he wasn't allowed any wild parties." Orlando stopped as he felt, or thought he felt, Damien's fingers tighten around his. Raising the pale, emaciated hand to his lips, he kissed the back of it. "Don't leave me Damien please...I couldn't...we couldn't cope without you and it's the play tonight. You don't want to miss Mama and Dad's faces when they realise what its about. I'm really nervous actually, playing the famous Legolas. I'm not quite my Father." "Don't put yourself down Orlando. You're your own person and that's what everyone loves you for," said Damien this time squeezing Orlando's fingers for real. "You're awake," said Orlando getting up from the chair and sitting beside him on the bed. "Just about," said Damien letting go of Orlando's hand and resting his hand on his leg. Orlando repressed a shudder as electricity shot through him. Summoning up his courage, he stroked back Damien's dark hair. "What are you doing here Orlando Tolkien? Skipping school to see me. Your Mother will string me up good and proper," said Damien tracing light patterns against his thigh. "I couldn't leave you all lonely could I?" said Orlando letting his fingers stray onto Damien'' cheek. "What are you crying for?" said Damien as he watched a single tear roll down Orlando's face. "Don't leave me Damien please." "You think I'd go if I had a choice? I love you all far too much for that. You've grown up to be quite a looker Orlando." Orlando blushed, "I've got my parents to thank for that but so what? I'm still alone." "You shouldn't be. If I was twenty years younger I'd..." Damien trailed off and pulled his hand away from Orlando. "You'd what?" said Orlando his voice filled with a mixture of hope and fear. Damien shook his head, "Nothing. It wouldn't be fair." "Life's not fair Damien. You can't say something like that and not finish!" cried Orlando, "For God's sake don't leave it unsaid if you mean what I think you do." "I don't want to hurt you. To tell you and then leave you, I couldn't do it," said Damien taking Orlando's hand. His courage rising above anything he'd ever dreamed, Orlando clasped Damien's hand tightly, "Then don't tell me," he said softly as he leant down to him, "Show me." Closing his eyes he kissed him, his heart racing hard against his chest as Damien lifted himself up into his arms. Releasing him, Orlando pressed his lips to his shoulder and nuzzled against his neck as Damien clung tightly to him. "You don't know how long I've wanted to do that," he whispered. Damien stroked back the soft blond hair that flowed flawlessly down Orlando's back, "Yes I do," he said kissing his cheek, "Because I've been wanting the same thing for ages. I've loved you for so long Orlando, I just couldn't tell you." "Why ever not? Surely you could see how much I felt for you," said Orlando swinging his legs up onto the bed and lying beside Damien. "Your mother for a start and your age. You've only just turned eighteen and I'm your teacher and your Mama's friend. Then there was my illness. I couldn't see you suffer because I couldn't love you properly." "You've always loved me properly Damien. Every time you held me I've felt so complete. I love you." "I love you too Orlando, more than anything."

"Mama you've got eight missed calls on your mobile," said Rose as she searched through Mimi's bag for a hairbrush. "Goodness I'm popular," said Mimi taking the phone from her, "They're all from home. Probably Orlando wanting me to go shopping for him again." "Check your voicemail," said Rose as she began to fix her hair. "Good idea," said Mimi dialing the number. She listened intently to the message. "Miranda darling, its Legolas. Look hun we've had a call from the hospital about Damien and you need to get home as soon as possible. Bring Rose. I love you. Bye." Rose watched her mother's face pale to a ghostly white, "What's wrong Mama?" "Get your things Rose, we need to get home." "Why? What's wrong?" "I'll tell you on the way, hurry darling."

Orlando dozed beside Damien, his even breathing creating a soothing rhythm in his mind. He felt him shudder in his arms and the rhythm stopped. Orlando opened his eyes and sat up as the piercing scream of a flat line filled the room, "No! Damien no!" he cried getting to his feet but his cries stopped as he saw the peaceful and content expression on Damien's face. Reaching over he flicked off the heart monitor and silence returned. Tears coursing down his cheeks, he kissed him softly, "Sleep well my love. You'll always be in my heart." The door opened behind him and a nurse came in, alerted by the monitor, "Its for the best," she said seeing Orlando's tears, "He's not in anymore pain. He is at peace." "I know," said Orlando, "But it doesn't make it any easier." "Is there anyone we can call for you?" said the nurse. "No but could you ring my Mother about funeral arrangements. If you don't mind, I'd like to leave now." "Certainly. I'm so sorry." "At least I know he loved me and he knew I loved him," said Orlando turning back to Damien and laying the sheets gently over his face, "Goodbye," he said backing away. Once out of the he ran from the hospital.

"Legolas? Orlando?" called Mimi as she ran into the house. She heard Legolas' voice in the front room, in broken conversation. His voice was soft but strained, "We'll be there as soon as possible," he said, "Thank you for informing us so quickly." Mimi wandered into the front room and saw Legolas standing in the centre, phone in one hand and his other arm wrapped around his shoulders. "Legolas? Angel?" He turned to her, his eyes dulled by tears, "Oh Miranda I'm so sorry," he said. He didn't have to speak anymore for Mimi to realise what had happened, "No! Oh please God no. Tell me its not true Legolas please!" she cried. Legolas held her tightly as she shook with every sob. Rose walked in and saw her mother crying, "He's dead, isn't he?" she said quietly. Legolas nodded, "Half an hour ago. Orlando was with him when it happened." Rose went to her parents' arms, "Its not fair," she cried. Legolas held them both, bringing them as much comfort as he could, "I know Rose, life isn't fair."

It took Legolas nearly an hour to calm Mimi and Rose and get them in a taxi to the hospital. When they arrived Mimi had to endure then pain of the funeral arrangements. "Is Orlando still here?" asked Legolas when they'd finished. "He left as soon as it happened," said the Sister, "But this was left in Damien's cabinet for him and there's one for Rosalia." She handed two envelopes to Legolas, "Damien had the nurse write them for him yesterday." Rose opened the one addressed to her and read it aloud, "To my sweet, sweet Rose. If you're reading this darling it means I'm no longer with you but I don't want you to be sad. You've given me the best years of my life. You've always been my little ray of sunshine and I love you so much. Look after your Mama for me and remember what I taught you. Make sure you and Orli get on that stage for me, don't let our show die, it is immortal after all. I'll be watching from that great agency in the sky but I'll be after you if you miss any of your dance steps. Love and kisses always, Damien." Rose crumpled the paper against her chest and at first Legolas thought she was crying but she wasn't, she was laughing. "Oh that is such a Damien letter," she said, "Bless him." A smile lighted Mimi's face, "Yes I suppose it is. Typical Damien, come rain or shine, the show must go on." "But we need Orlando. Where is he? There's only three hours until curtain up," said Rose. "I know where he'll be," said Legolas slipping Damien's second letter into his pocket, "Take Rose home Miranda, I'll bring Orlando to you." "But where are you going?" said Mimi getting up and following Legolas out of the Sister's office. "To have a father-son chat. There are some things Orlando has confided to me alone and today he will need to again," said Legolas tilting her face to his and kissing her, "I won't be long. I love you darling. Go and make yourself even more beautiful for tonight, for Damien." Mimi hugged him, "Okay. Take care Angel, we'll wait for you at home."

Legolas left the hospital and headed down into the Underground. The noise and machines no longer bothered him and his journey to Hyde Park was quick. Wandering along the winding path, he made his way to the Peter Pan statue. At first he thought his theory had been wrong about Orlando returning to his babyhood playground but, as his eyes adjusted to the low level of the Sun, he saw Orlando sitting on top of the statue, his long hair blowing randomly in the breeze. "Nice view?" said Legolas shading his eyes with his hand. "How did you find me?" said Orlando looking down at him, his features grey from crying and the cold. "Its hardly every monument in London that has an elf perched on top of it and your car was in the lot. Come down Orlando," said Legolas. Orlando climbed down from the statue. "Come here," said Legolas hugging him as he cried, "You poor thing. Why did this have to happen to you?" "I hate my life Dad. Why didn't he fight harder? He could have lived." "Oh Orlando you know that isn't true. At least he went peacefully and you were there to help him. How long have you been here? You're freezing!" said Legolas wrapping his thick winter coat around Orlando. "I don't know. Time doesn't seem to matter now. Does Mama know?" "Yes, we've been at the hospital. Do you want to talk?" said Legolas pulling back to look at his son. Orlando closed his eyes against his tears and nodded, "Please. I really need to tell you what happened." Legolas sat him down on a bench and held his hands tightly, fearing Orlando's fragile heart would fall too far into grief to be reclaimed. He sat in silence until Orlando spoke. "He loved me Dad," said Orlando softly, "For the last few hours he was mine." Legolas looked at him quizzically, "You told him? But I thought you had decided not to." A slight smile briefly restored Orlando's bright features, "He practically told me. We were talking and then I kissed him and he told me he loved me. I don't remember much else, its all a bit of a blur. All I remember is feeling so warm, so complete just being beside him..." Orlando's eyes filled with tears once again, "...but now he's gone and I'll never feel that way again." Legolas hugged him, "He's not gone Orlando. He'll never leave you if you keep his memory alive. How do you think I've survived all these years without your mother? A person never leaves you if you remember how much you loved them and what they taught you. The love you bore for them you should use to love others, not in the same way, but you can give that closeness to someone. My nieces and nephews in Middle Earth, Boromir, Thomas, Dominic and all the girls, I love them and I live for them because Miranda showed me I was capable of love. Damien will never die if you live for others," he said laying his hand on Orlando's chest, "And he'll always live in your heart." Orlando looked up at him, smiled and moved his hand to the other side of his chest, "Human hearts are on the left Dad, not the right." Legolas laughed and kissed his forehead softly, "Don't you let that smile fade." He took an envelope from his pocket, "Damien asked the nurse to write this for you." Orlando opened it and read the letter in silence, his expression somewhere between tears and happiness. "Can I ask what it says?" asked Legolas watching his son's face. Orlando nodded and read. "My darling Orlando. What are you crying for little one? Don't think for one minute that I'm not beside you. I don't know if I will have found the courage to tell you this to your face but I have always loved you. Don't let those amazing eyes of your's dull with tears or that cheeky grin ever fade, you must never deprive the world of such perfection. If I've left you before the show, please go on stage for me, I'll be watching, even if you can't see me. Make me proud one last time. Never give up on love Orlando and you will always be happy. Look to your Mama and Papa when you're in need, they are very precious jewels and you're very lucky to have them. I can't say much else, it all seems too much for how I feel to become scratches on a page. Stay true to who you are my love. I love you more than I could ever say. Damien." Orlando looked up and saw his father's electric eyes fill with tears. "Why are you crying Papa?" asked Orlando folding the letter and taking his hands. "My heart breaks for you," said Legolas, "Because I've felt the pain you're in and I know what must be in your mind and in your heart." "Then you know that I shall do as he asks of me," said Orlando getting to his feet. "As he asks of you?" said Legolas following suit. "Yes. Come on Papa, I can't wait for you to see our show," said Orlando taking his hand and leaving the statue.

CHAPTER NINE.

Her features still dulled by her sadness, Mimi sat down in the seat next to Legolas. Arwen and Aragorn followed close behind as the small but ornate theatre filled with parents, teachers and pupils from the school. Glad of the seclusion of a box seat, Mimi took Legolas' hand. "How are you feeling?" asked Legolas enclosing her slim hand with his own. "A little better but...I don't know." "Keep your chin up Miranda. He wouldn't have wanted us to be sad, not for this. The show was his as much as Rose and Orlando's," said Legolas. "I know," said Mimi, "I can't wait to finally find out what its about." A young usherette walked over and handed them each a program, "These have been specially signed by the cast," she said, "Orlando asked me to give them to you." She left. "An Immortal Love," said Mimi reading the title, "Intriguing. I wonder what its about." Before she could open the program, the lights dimmed and Rose, dressed in a beautiful, flowing lilac dress, stood alone in a spotlight on stage. Music filled the room and a tall, long haired man in clothes Mimi could only describe as elven robes, walked down the central aisle of the theatre, stopping just before the stage and turning to the audience. "I amar prestar aen," he chanted. "The world has changed," translated Rose. "Han mathon ne nen." "I feel it in the water." "Han mathon ne chae." "I feel it in the earth." "A han nostron ned wilith." "I smell it in the air." The spotlight on Rosalia intensified and she spoke alone, "Much of what was, is lost as there are none now left who remember it. The tale of the One Ring, the Ash Nazg, was documented by all peoples of Middle Earth and all speak of the nine of the Fellowship. An accepted legend among men but deep within the lost records of the elves of Lothlorien, there exists word of another two, travellers from a distant land upon whom the Quest balanced and the course of history altered. And so we begin our tale in the Shire. A tale of friendship, loyalty and an immortal love. Mimi, Legolas, Arwen and Aragorn watched in amazement as the true tale of their quest unfolded on the stage. Their astonishment heightened as Orlando came onto stage, dressed in a beautifully made elven outfit, and proclaimed himself to be Legolas Greenleaf, High Prince of Mirkwood and Rose revealed herself as the Lady Galadriel alongside a beautiful girl who portrayed Mimi as well as she could have herself. Each character was played with such care and sensitivity and, combined with real elven songs and others written by Orlando and Damien alongside amazing terpsichorean dances, the real tale of the Ash Nazg came alive. Only the end was different to that of the true tale, with Legolas and Mimi, separated to their two worlds, committing suicide so that they could be reunited in death. As the curtain fell on the lifeless bodies, Rose once more appeared in her spotlight at the front of the stage, "Thus ends our tale but yet, go in peace and happiness for our tale's ending is not one of sorrow. It is whispered on the wind that lovers who visit the great falls of Nimrodel have seen two figures in a passionate embrace by the lakeside and, over the sound of the waterfall, sweet singing fills the glade, telling the tale of the elven prince who gave his life for the mortal woman he loved and how that union was truly an immortal love." She slipped back behind the curtain and the finale music started up. The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause as the cast took their curtain call. As the principals accepted their standing ovation, Mimi lent over to her husband, "I can't believe we've just seen our life pass by in three hours," she said. "Well I can certainly say I wasn't expecting that," said Legolas. Their attention turned back to the stage as the audiences' claps died down. Orlando now stood at the front of the stage. For a second he looked as if he was going to break down but he shook it back and spoke, "Our performance tonight was in memory of our director, Damien McGuire, who died this morning. Damien was an amazing man and an inspiration for a lot of people. He was a wonderful dancer and teacher but, above all, a wonderful friend. He was always there with a cheerful smile when it was needed and he touched the lives of everyone he worked with. He co-wrote the script and music for this show with my sister Rosalia and myself and he was responsible for everything you saw on stage this evening. So Damien huney, if you're watching us tonight, this is for you and hey, I promised I'd do you proud. We all love you so much." Orlando paused for a second to wipe his tears with the sleeve of his doublet and then began again, "Total responsibility for what you saw tonight does not just fall to the actors, writers and everyone else but to two truly inspirational people who I wrote the play in honour of. My Mother, Jane Tolkien, without whom the Lord of the Rings wouldn't even exist and my Dad. Thank you for everything." A final round of applause filled the room as the curtain fell and the house lights rose. "Well would you believe it?" said Aragorn getting to his feet, "We've become theatre stars." Arwen wiped her eyes with her sleeve, "The ending was so romantic. You two should be so proud of Orli and Rose. That was the most amazing thing I've ever seen. The boy playing Father was so wonderful, sometimes I thought it was him." "We should go back stage and see them," said Mimi, "Meet our alter egos."

Mimi led them behind the curtain and down into the dressing rooms. They checked every door for their children's names. "Here we go. Connor Stevenson, Orlando Tolkien and Rosalia Tolkien," said Mimi knocking on the door. It opened quickly and Rose stood there in a long purple robe, "Thank goodness you're here," she said hugging Mimi tightly, "I can't get him to calm down at all. He just broke down when we came off stage." She ushered them into the room and Mimi ran over to Orlando, who sat huddled in the corner, still dressed in his costume. "Oh my poor baby," said Mimi rocking him gently, "Hush sweetheart, its okay. Everything's going to be alright. You were wonderful tonight, Damien would have been so proud of you." "I wish he'd seen it Mama. We worked so hard to make it perfect," said Orlando. "It was perfect," said Aragorn, "Practically exactly what happened though I doubt Legolas could dance quite as well as you do." Orlando couldn't help but laugh, "No I doubt he could. So you really liked it?" "We loved it," said Legolas, "I don't think one of us escaped crying at the end." "Sorry I had to kill you guys off but Damien thought it best to have a definite ending," said Orlando getting to his feet, "Any excuse to be malicious hey? Did you like the love duet? He choreographed it." "It was lovely, but I could never see me being able to spin around quite so many times," said Legolas. There was a knock at the door and Connor came in, "Are you feeling better?" he asked seeing Orlando back on his feet. "A bit. Who sent you flowers?" said Orlando noticing the rose bouquet in Connor's hands. "Oh they're not for me. They just arrived for you." "Who's sending me flowers? I'm not that popular," said Orlando taking the flowers and opening the card, " 'I love you. Damien.' He must have ordered them before I saw him today," said Orlando smiling as he read the card. Legolas watched as Connor's face fell and a false smile replaced his frown. "That's really sweet," he said, "Well I'd better head home. See you tomorrow, only two performances left and we're all done. Night Rose," Connor kissed her cheek and turned to Orlando, "Night Orli." Orlando blew him a kiss, "Night hun, see you tomorrow then. Call me if you need to go over anything." "Will do. Night all." Mimi and Legolas exchanged worried glances as Connor left. "We'd better leave you to get changed," said Arwen, "We'll meet you outside." Leaving Orlando and Rose alone the others left. "It was nice of Damien to send you those roses, he must have really loved you," said Rose wiping off her heavy stage make-up. Orlando pulled a flower from the bouquet and handed it to her, "I'm sure he would have wanted you to have one to," he said. "I'm glad Mama and Papa liked the play," she said laying the flower gently on the dresser. "I knew they would. I can't believe we've got a real family now and a real home." "What?" said Rose confused. "Gondor. I've nothing to keep me here now," said Orlando. "Oh Orli!" cried Rose hugging him, "You mean it?" "Yep. Its just you, me, Mama and Dad from now on and besides, I'm beginning to like this outfit." "You look like Papa baby bro!" "That was kind of the idea. Come on, we'd better get a move on."

The next two nights went as well as their first and every newspaper in the area billed it as a theatrical success, a fitting tribute to Damien's work as Orlando said at his funeral three days later. Laying their friend to rest was a test for everyone, especially Orlando but he fought hard, never once faltering as he stood beside the coffin and spoke of the love Damien had brought to the family and how deeply he'd touched everyone. They postponed their return to Middle Earth for a month to allow Mimi and the twins time to put Damien's affairs in order. Connor became a regular visitor to Minas Mirkwood but the secrecy of the family was still kept from him despite the growing friendship between him and the twins. They chose to tell everyone that they were going away to Norway to visit relatives for two months and they would be unreachable. Mimi hated lying to her employers and friends but to confess to the existence of Middle Earth would be folly.

The night before they were due to leave, Mimi sat up while the house slept. Walking over to the chest beside the fire, she opened it and pulled out her old travelling clothes. She'd forgotten how light they were as she ran her hand over the delicate embroidery of her doublet. Slipping it on over her nightdress, she fastened the delicate clasps, it still fitted perfectly. Taking out her boots, trousers and shirt, she lay them on the table. "Are you okay Miranda?" She turned as she heard Legolas' voice behind her. "Can't you sleep?" he said sitting down beside her. "I had to get a few things sorted," she said. Legolas ran a hand along her arm, tracing the patterns of her sleeve, "I can't believe you kept this. You look so different in it, I've all but forgotten recently that we were both warriors once, when we were young." Mimi giggled, "I forget myself sometimes. I'm so used to just being a mother now. I haven't worn this since I arrived back here, I'm surprised it still fits. Look at this," she said reaching into the chest and handing him a tiny glass phial. "Galadriel's gift to you but it is empty, I take it you did as she said," said Legolas twirling it in the light of the fire. Mimi nodded, "Our first born daughter and the prophecy came true, she did grow in grace and beauty." Legolas set the phial beside Mimi's clothes and tilted her face to his, "Indeed she did, for she became her mother," he said kissing her. As he pulled away he saw her crying, "Miranda? What's wrong Mellamin?" "I'm just so happy. I'm going home, with you beside me. You don't know how often I've dreamed of this happening. Oh Legolas I..." He hugged her tightly, "I know, I know. It is all in the past now. Soon you'll be back in Gondor, in our old room, with the whole of Middle Earth to explore." "What if the children decide they don't like it? I promised them I'd stay in London with them until they spread their wings," said Mimi. "I'll stay with you. Worlds no longer matter to me, you do," said Legolas taking her hand, "I promise I will never leave you or the children alone again." Mimi leant against him and toyed idly with his hair, "Life will certainly seem different. I've grown used to the city again." "Gondor has expanded, it will seem more of a city to you at home now." "It won't be as noisy though. It'll be nice to get to sleep without sirens going off," said Mimi. "You think you're going to be sleeping!" said Legolas unfastening her doublet and slipping it off her shoulders. "Do you think of nothing else?" giggled Mimi, "You're insatiable!" "It's the elf in me," said Legolas lifting her into his arms, "Come here you."