A/N: I do not own LOTR and never will. Ok on the subject of flames, I know many of you read the reviews I get. There was one I got that gave me a link to a website where they were talking about my story, please do not get mad at these people and haunt them. I have left a message and we have come to understandings. I have even talked to a couple of them, they are really very nice. This is the next to last chapter of this story but as many of you know I am thinking about a sequel although I am not sure yet. I had to change the symbols around a bit. ()()()()() are now scene changes. ENJOY! - Naur
The Princess Unknown
Chapter 10
Return to Gondor
It had been two weeks since Nordithen and Aragorn's battle, as well as Nordithen's death. Both Legolas and Aragorn were recovering nicely, between Thranduil and Sírien's constant pampering it hadn't taken them as long as it should have.
Legolas stood with his father watching as his royal guard carried a litter with Nordithen's body on it to the ring where he had been slain. A alter had been erected which his body was placed on. The king of Mirkwood looked on the body with spite in his eyes but there was also something else…gratefulness? In his own way…Nordithen had been one of the people who had kept him alive. The elves gathered in a circle around the alter and then someone lit it. They all watched as it went up in flames slowly taking Nordithen's body with it. Each stood with their right hand over their heart.
"With these flames, we honor the memory of Nordithen. May he find peace that was denied to him in life," Thranduil said.
"We remember," The circle of elves spoke.
"May we always remember," Legolas whispered and then turned away.
()()()()()
"What are you thinking of my love?" Aragorn asked. Legolas had been standing at the window looking out for the past 15 minutes a thoughtful expression on his face.
"Nothing important Estel. When do you feel we can leave?" Legolas questioned.
"I am ready now but…what will become of Mirkwood? You are it's king?" Aragorn replied.
"Adar and I have already discussed this, he is going to resume being king so that I may be happy. And we my dear one can return to Gondor to be happy…until it is time for the end," Legolas told him.
"Time for the end? What do you mean?" Aragorn said quietly not liking the way that had sounded.
"On the day you married Arwen I gave up my immortality. I could not bear to live all the ages to come without you. At the present I am 30 years old to your 108 years. We will be together as long as we both live," Legolas explained. Aragorn hugged Legolas to him, he didn't want to think of losing Legolas to death. He was an elf, elves weren't supposed to die! He hadn't wanted Arwen to give up her immortality because he didn't love her but that was with his knowledge. Now he found out that Legolas had given his up without his knowledge!
()()()()()
Thranduil watched as the carriage that would bear his son and granddaughter to Gondor was supplied for their trip. He had hugged Aragorn thanking him quietly before Legolas had come out Sírien following closely but slowly behind. With a sob she had hugged him tightly promising to write and visit before turning away to the carriage…the one that would bear her to her future.
Legolas stood beside him for a moment and then turned so that he was facing his father. Silent tears were streaming down his face and Thranduil raised his hand using his thumb to wipe them away.
"I will miss you ada…" Legolas whispered kissing his father's forehead.
"Be happy ion nin," Thranduil replied. After that he watched as Legolas turned joining his beloved and daughter in their carriage.
()()()()()
"Adar…tell me of your kingdom…tell me of Gondor," Sírien pleaded in a quiet voice. Aragorn smiled and looked out the window of the carriage they were taking back to Gondor. Legolas had laid down, his head laying on one of Aragorn's thighs, he had his eyes closed but was not asleep for he smiled at their daughter's plea.
"Middle-earth kingdom founded jointly in SA 3320, by Isildur and Anarion, sons of Elendil and exiles from the Downfall of Númenor. When founded, Gondor consisted of all the lands between the River Isen and the River Harnen, all land south of Fangorn and the River Limlight and all east of the Anduin. It also included all lands west of Mordor, as far north as the Dagorlad. The lands have changed since then but it is still as beautiful as ever," Aragorn explained.
"What about this White Tree of Gondor that ada has told me so much about?" She asked.
"The tree, it is a reminder of the elves and the light of Valinor, it was and is considered one of the most valuable things brought to Gondor after the fall of Númenor. It became a symbol of the royal line, which was prophesied not to end as long as the tree lived. The tree is the image that you see on the banners and shields of Gondorian soldiers," Aragorn answered.
"What about your other children? What are they like?" Sírien inquired.
"Well my son Eldraion is your age, in fact you were born on the same day. He is smart and a good warrior with a good heart…although I am afraid he had picked up his uncle's prankster ways. Lothvain and Ireth are twins, they are my girls, both love planning parties and looking their best but can surprise you with their actions just as quickly, Rimendis is my baby, sometimes I think she was meant to be a boy…she enjoys riding and sword play almost as much as he brother. I think you will all get along well," He told her.
"I am sure we will adar, I am indeed looking forward to meeting them," She replied with a smile.
"If you look to the south you should be able to see the tower of Gondor as we come over this hill. It is truly a sight to behold," Legolas said. Sírien's eyes widened and she quickly took to one of the windows holding her breath as they came over the hill.
"Oh Elbereth…" Sírien whispered. The white tower gleamed in all its radiance under the early morning sun.
"I take your awe as a good thing. From Elrohir's letter, I do believe they will be waiting for us," Aragorn told her. He spared a glance to Legolas and was happy to see that he felt at peace as they entered Gondor. It used to be that he had hated feeling confined within the cities walls but during their time apart Aragorn had had many trees planted giving the city much shade.
()()()()()
"I see them coming," Elrohir told his niece's and nephew. For once he had actually gotten Eldraion and Rimendis to dress nicely for their first meeting with Legolas and Sírien.
"Uncle, are you sure about this Legolas?" Lothvain questioned. She was still suspicious of this man that was claimed to have loved her father so deeply.
"Very sure Loth, your proof will be on your father's face when he steps out. Your are not to be cruel to Legolas or Sírien. Is that understood, all of you?" Elrohir asked. They all nodded and straightened themselves as the carriage came to a stop the few feet away from them. The door was opened and Aragorn stepped out giving them all a large smile and Eldraion leant to whisper in Lothvain's ear.
"Yes I am very sure gwathel," He whispered. She nodded and held her breath as her father turned and took a slender hand gently pulling the rest of the person out of the carriage.
"My children this is Legolas, King of Mirkwood," Aragorn told them. Each child bowed their head and Legolas stepped forward gently tipping their heads back up with his hand under their chin.
"You bow your heads to no one mell-pin," Legolas said with a smile. They all looked upon him with wonder and then smiled.
"It is a great honor to finally meet you Legolas," Eldraion said.
"The honor is all mine young prince," Legolas replied. Aragorn cleared his throat calling everyone's attention back to him.
()()()()()
"Everyone I want you now to meet my and Legolas's daughter, this is Sírien," He told them once again holding his hand into the carriage. Sírien tentatively took Aragorn's hand and took a deep breath before stepping out. Lothvain, Ireth and Rimendis all gasped, she was one of the most beautiful girls they had ever seen. Unlike their dark hair hers was a golden blonde but her eyes differently came from their father. Eldraion was just as speechless…
"She's so beautiful…" He thought.
"Suilad everyone. I am Sírien Legolasiell. It is a pleasure," She said quietly.
TBC…Only one chapter left…sniff
Elvish TranslationsMell-pin – Dear ones
Gwathel - Sister
Suilad – Greetings
Adar – Father
Ion nin – My son
A/N: All info about Gondor & the White Tree I got from COE (councilofelrond). - Naur
Review Replies
Spellcastre – YAY! I'm so glad you thought it was so cute! Your gonna love the next chapter!
Legolas19 – He sure did! joins in happy dance
NiCoLe – Thanks! I have never written and huge battle scene like that before. How was this chapter?
HalandLeg4ever – I don't know mellon nin but the ones from GAFF are really nice people. I have gotten emails from most of them saying that I took what they said very maturely. They have even offered to help me in the future!
Ivory Novelist - pours cold water on you to wake you up Thanks! cough thinking about it cough
Triptych – I do believe they will be.
Shadow41 – True but I am thinking about a sequel.
Iphigeneiah – I think we have settled this matter in our emails mellon nin.
Eowyn - bows Thanks so much!
GBTR – Thanks for showing me that, I have met many great people who are helping me now.
Sara – Sorry I kept forgetting to say we were friends. I really just forgot. No these stories can't get published because Chris Tolkien owns the rights to his father's rights of being the author. But thanks for the support.
VaniaHepskins – Thanks so much! Don't worry my mind is working on a sequel…maybe
Knight Kenobi of Eryn Lasgalen – Oh but their so cute when they fight. Take good care of them!
Rosethorn - bows Thank you so much!
ElvenDragon – Yup now only one. Hope you like it!
Starlit Hope - cheers! Pepsi's all around!
Losing Grip – Going as fast as I can!
Tmelange – So many did. Thanks!
Pru – Hope this told you enough.