A/N: omg I am soo sorry I have not updated lately. I have like almost four more chapters written, but I haven't had time to type them up. Sorry! Well, thx tooooo....

Saera: thx!

Lili: wow, I'm glad you hated it enough to read all 24 chapters! Lol

Casey's-Girl895: yeah, they argue a lot, huh?

Helen: hehe...

Aliana Archer: lolz, yeah, leggy overreacted a bit

Jennifer Bloom: LOL. Yeah, I know how you feel.

Insane Elven Rock Baby: um, bout the name Estel...before I even posted this story or even began writing it (I had it in my head), or even knew about fanfiction, I'd decided that Gwyn should name the baby after her father. I didn't even know that other people had used it. Sorry. The note...um...well, you never really find out...but I was thinking something along the lines of 'went to some place, be back by nightfall'. Something like that.

CrazyCruzet212: um, there should be about (after this one [25]) four more. And yes! They have a baby! Hehe. On the sequel...I don't think so. Cuz after four more chapters, I will have covered everything I intended on covering. And there will be nowhere to go with it, really...and you'll c why in the last chapter. Until then, happy reading!

Piper xox Leo: lolz, thx. Well, the father doesn't always get to stay. Have you seen 'Gone With The Wind'? the father didn't stay in that. But ne way, estel means 'hope' in elvish.

Gemini969: ok, lol.

lexi22: lol, okay....hehe.

loveroflegolas: you'll c.

anon: lol, I know. But ur right. Lol

Myri78: yay, hehe.

Lindsay (aka The Flamingo): yes, she is entirely based off of the princess of thieves. That's where I got the idea. I was watching the movie and something clicked that she would be good w/Legolas and as aragorn's daughter. ::shrugs:: but she basically is Gwyn from The Princess of Thieves. Glad you still like the story, tho!

Lunawolf: lol, no, it wasn't that. Yeah, I'd agree her temper got worse!

CountessKatook: lol. Funny dialoge. Glad you finished picture! Can't wait to see it!

Ladyof Rivendell: hehe. It's not all done yet!

Vampire Feuer: hehe, yeah, I think so.

Arwennicole: nope, not the end yet. After this chap [25] there will be four more. I read chap 20 of the journey! Loved it!

I want you to notice
When I'm not around
I know that your eyes see straight through me
And speak to me without a sound
When I walked out this morning
I cried as I walked to the door
I cried about how long I'd be away
I cried about leaving you all alone
So I wanted to say this
'Cause I wouldn't know where to begin
To explain where your daddy has been
I wanted to say
I want to hold you
Protect you from all the things
That I've already endured
And I want to show you
All the things
That this life has in store for you
I'll always love you
The way that a father
Should love his daughter

Gwyn awoke the next morning to her hair being gently caressed by one of Legolas' soft hands. She looked over at him. He was lying on his back, staring at the ceiling, and seemed to be in deep thought. 'Legolas?'

'Mmmm...?'

'I'm frightened.'

Legolas' eyes snapped to his wife's face. He rolled over on his stomach, resting on his elbows, looking concerned. 'Why, Gwyn? What's wrong?'

Gwyn sighed, blushing a little. 'If I tell you, do you promise not to laugh?'

Legolas nodded.

'Say it.'

'I promise.'

Gwyn bit her lip. 'Legolas...I think...I think I love my father.'

Legolas frowned. 'Why does that frighten you?'

'I don't know...it's just that the feeling has never been so strong.'

'Is that why you named Estel after him?' Legolas asked softly.

Gwyn nodded. 'I feel awful,' she said. 'I've been so horrible to him.'

'Then tell him,' Legolas said abruptly, returning to lying down, this time his back on the headboard. 'Tell him that you love him before something happens that will make you regret not telling him for the rest of your life.'

Gwyn opened her mouth to respond, but she was cut off by a loud cry. Estel had woken up. Gwyn sat up and threw the covers off. She scooped her baby boy up and whispered, 'Shhh...' When his cries had dissipated, Gwyn lay back down, her back resting on the headboard. 'Isn't he precious?' she breathed to Legolas. 'Here,' she said, gently depositing Estel in Legolas' arms for the first time.

'He's so tiny,' was all Legolas could say.

'Of course he is, silly,' Gwyn laughed. 'All babies are.'

'I know.' Legolas grinned as the baby grabbed his father's index finger. 'He's strong, too.'

Gwyn sighed happily and leaned slightly against Legolas' arm. 'Legolas?'

'Yes?'

'Could you keep an eye on Estel for a while?'

'Of course, darling; but why?'

'I'm going to go talk to Da—to my father.'

Gwyn knocked softly, yet determinately on the door of Aragorn's study.

'Come in.'

Gwyn turned the doorknob and slid into the room.

Aragorn smiled. 'You're awake,' he observed.

'Daddy, can you come into the gardens with me?' Gwyn asked softly.

Slightly perplexed, Aragorn nodded.

When in the gardens, Gwyn sat on the grass, her legs off to one side. She rested her weight on her palm. Aragorn sat cross-legged beside her, his elbows resting on his knees and his chin on his fists.

Gwyn drew a deep breath. 'Over the past three years...I've realized some things,' she began slowly.

'Such as?'

'Such as how much of a—'

'—brat you have been?' Aragorn offered.

Gwyn glared at him. 'You're not making this easy,' she snapped.

Aragorn cocked an eyebrow. 'You haven't made things easy for me for the past ten years, Gwyn,' he pointed out.

'I know, I know.' Gwyn ran her fingers through her hair. She suddenly stood up and walked a little towards the trees. Aragorn followed her. He put a hand on her shoulder. She turned towards him a little and he saw that her blue eyes were filled with tears. Aragorn's eyes held question, and marvel at her sudden show of emotion. 'I'm sorry,' Gwyn murmured.

'For what?' asked Aragorn softly.

'For everything,' Gwyn answered, tears trickling down her smooth face. 'And—' she faltered.

'And...?' Aragorn coaxed

Gwyn turned completely to him. 'I love you, Daddy,' she whispered. 'I don't' think I've ever truly hated you; I was just angry.' With that, she threw her arms around her father. 'I love you,' she repeated, hugging him tightly.

Stunned, Aragorn returned the embrace and said softly, 'I love you, too, Gwyn.'

After what seemed like an eternity, Aragorn pulled out of the hug. 'Gwyn,' he said, his hand on the side of her head, 'I need to tell you something.'

Gwyn nodded, her eyes still filled with tears. She wiped them away gracefully. 'Yes?'

Aragorn drew a deep breath. 'All of your life,' he began, 'I have trusted you. The only reason I never allowed you to come North with me was...I was afraid that something would happen to you; that you would get hurt by something that you couldn't control. I only wanted to protect you from all the things that I have had to go through.'

Gwyn's eyes, which had before held question, were again filled with tears. 'Oh, Daddy,' she whispered.

'But I needed to realize that I could only protect you for so long,' he continued. 'Sooner or later you were going to have to take care of yourself...and in your case it was sooner.' He smiled. 'I have your stubbornness to thank for that.'

Gwyn laughed through her tears. 'I'm not a little girl anymore, Daddy,' she said. 'I know you wish I still was, but I can't be.' She bit her lip.

'I know,' Aragorn mumbled. 'I'm sorry I didn't acknowledge it before.'

'It's fine, Daddy, it really is.' Somehow, what had bothered Gwyn for so long...didn't anymore. 'I'm sorry that I didn't tell you that I loved you sooner.' She hugged him again...and he her.

'Well? How did it go?' Legolas asked, looking up from his book the moment Gwyn walked through the door.

'Beautifully,' Gwyn answered, grinning broadly. She sat beside him.

'Details, my love, details,' Legolas, said, setting his book down.

Gwyn laughed, picked Estel up out of the crib and told her husband what had been said between Aragorn and herself.

That night...

After feeding Estel, Gwyn slipped into bed with Legolas. 'Gwyn?' he said as he wrapped his arms around her.

'Mmm hmm...?' came the sleepy response.

'I'm sorry for the way I acted last night.'

Gwyn, now fully awake, flipped over to face Legolas. 'Why are you sorry?' she questioned. 'You had every right to—'

'Not after what you had been through,' Legolas interrupted. 'And I should have waited until today, when I had collected my thoughts on the matter.'

'But I was the one who—'

'I permitted it.'

'Legolas—'

'Gwyn.'

'What?'

'Hush.'

'But—'

Legolas silenced her with his lips; for she would not be silenced with words. Gwyn tried to say something, but it came out as a sort of moan into Legolas' mouth. 'Pardon?' he said, drawing back.

'I said, 'I'll be quiet now',' Gwyn said, sighing.

Legolas laughed.

'Legolas?'

'Yes?'

'I know you're not acting like it now, but I feel like you're still angry with me.' Gwyn looked at him with her pretty blue eyes. 'Are you?'

Legolas didn't answer. He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment before answering. 'No, Gwyn. I am not.'

'You're not?'

'No. Truthfully, I wasn't that angry with you last night.'

'What do you mean?' Gwyn asked, confused. 'Then why did you—'

'I almost yelled because I kept thinking about how you could have been hurt,' Legolas interrupted again.

'Oh,' Gwyn murmured. She snuggled closer to her husband and smiled mischievously. 'May I be quiet again, my lord?'

Legolas smiled, and kissed her long and gentle, silently thanking the Valar—not for the first time—that she was safe.

When Gwyn awoke the next morning, she felt strangely high in the bed. She looked over at Legolas—and found that he was not there. In his place was a small piece of parchment. She sat up, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. Apprehensively, she picked up the note and recognized Legolas' spidery writing. It read:

Darling—

I received word late this morning of an attempted orc attack on Eryn Lasgalen. The warriors were able to drive them back, but it is felt that another attack is imminent. Father sent for me; by the time you read this, I will be an hour into my journey (assuming that you awake at noon—and knowing you, that is more than probable). Do just one thing for me: STAY WHERE YOU ARE! I will come for you when it is safe to return. Until I see you again...

All of my love,

Legolas

Gwyn suddenly felt scared. No matter how much Legolas had made it seem like he was coming back, she was scared that he would not. Honestly, she thought, does he really expect me to stay here? Gwyn glanced at her sleeping child, then scrambled out of bed and ran to the window. It wasn't near mid-day yet—which meant that Legolas had just left. Setting her jaw resolutely, Gwyn pulled the curtains shut and found a spare set of Legolas' clothes. She donned them quickly and picked Estel up. 'Mama has to leave for a little while, alright, darling?' she cooed, rocking him gently. She sighed softly, and answered her own previous question. Of course he expects me to stay here, she thought bitterly. I have a child to care for. I can't leave Estel here, but I can't take him with me, either. Legolas, when you get back, I swear I am going to murder you! Nevertheless, Gwyn went quickly to find her mother, who turned out to be in the library. 'Mother,' Gwyn said quickly. She deposited her baby in Arwen's arms. 'Look after Estel for me. If I do not return before he gets hungry, find a handmaiden that will be able to feed him.'

'Gwyn, where are you going?' Arwen demanded, grabbing her daughter's arm. Her eyes raked her apparel. 'You're not—'

'Yes, I am; don't try to stop me.' Gwyn pulled from Arwen's grasp, and set off at a run. She ran down to the stables, found Beauty, and tore across the plains as fast as the horse could run. After ten minutes or so, she came upon a wood. She dismounted and cautiously entered, leading Beauty by her side. As she placed her foot down, the loud snap of a twig rang through the air, and Gwyn felt herself being grabbed from behind, and her mouth was covered by a hand. 'I thought I told you to stay where you were,' a voice hissed in her ear. Legolas spun her around. Her eyes were frightened. 'Legolas—'

'Would you have our child an orphan?' Legolas demanded, gripping her shoulders firmly.

'No, but nor would I have him fatherless!' Gwyn shot back.

Legolas glared at her, and she lowered her gaze. 'I'm sorry,' she whispered. 'I should have more faith in you.'

'Why do you not?'

'I want to, but my fear overpowers it.' A small, crystal tear rolled down her cheek, but Legolas brushed it away with his thumb. 'I came back to you last time, did I not?' he asked gently.

'Yes, but—'

'Then what makes you think that this will be any different?'

'Gil-Galad fought many times,' Gwyn said softly, 'but one day he did not return. Boromir fought many times, yet one day he did not return. You have fought many times, and—' She looked up. 'And maybe one day you will not return.'

Legolas put a finger to lips. 'Hush,' he murmured. 'Do not speak of things that will not be.'

Gwyn drew in a deep breath and nodded. Legolas finally smiled, and he tilted her chin up and kissed her deeply for several minutes. When they finally broke apart, Gwyn turned, and began to mount Beauty. No sooner had she grabbed the mane did she stop. Suddenly, she spun around and flung her arms around Legolas' neck. He wrapped his arms around her waist and buried his face deep in her hair. 'Come back...please,' Gwyn whispered, drawing back.

'I will, I promise,' Legolas murmured, and he kissed her again, though this one was nowhere near as passionate as the one before. 'Why are you holding back?' Gwyn moaned, pulling away.

'Because if I don't,' Legolas answered, 'I fear we will be here forever'

'I don't care if we are, Legolas; just kiss me.'

Legolas smiled. 'When I return,' he promised.

'But what if—'

'I will,' he said firmly. 'Now go,' he said more gently, and nudged her towards Beauty. This time, Gwyn succeeded in mounting completely. Legolas gave her hand a tight squeeze before she rode off through the forest, her hair streaming behind her.

Ten minutes later, Gwyn was back in Gondor, and her face was streaked with dried tears dried from the wind. She only pretended to listen when her mother gave her a huge lecture on being responsible, and returned as quickly as possible to her bedchamber with Estel, who had been fed during the lecture. She sat back in the bed, and cradled Estel in her arms, rocking him, and gently singing,

'I was waiting for so long
For a miracle to come.
Everyone told me to be strong;
Hold on; don't shed a tear.
Through the darkness and good times
I knew I'd make it through.
And the world thought I had it all,
But I was waiting for you.
Hush, now
I see a light in the sky.
Oh, it's almost blinding me.
I can't believe I've been touched by an angel with love.
Let the rain come down and wash away my tears.
Let it fill my soul and drown my fears.
Let it shatter the world for a new sun
A new day has come.
Where it was dark, now there's light.
Where there was pain, now there's joy.
Where there was weakness, I found my strength.
All in the eyes of a boy
Hush, now
I see a light in your eyes
All in the eyes of a boy
I can't believe I've been touched by an angel with love...'

Ten days later, late at night...

Gwyn was almost asleep when a loud cry pierced the silence. She groaned and got up, walked over to the crib and picked Estel up. 'What's wrong darling?' she cooed.

'It sounds like he's hungry,' Legolas' voice said from beside her.

'Yes,' Gwyn murmured, 'it does.' She sat down on the bed and fed the child. When she had finished, and Estel was quiet, she set him back in his crib. Then she went and collapsed on the bed, Legolas beside her. 'Good night, Legolas,' she mumbled sleepily, closing her eyes. Suddenly, her eyes shot open. 'Legolas!?' she shrieked. She flipped over and landed with a thump on his chest.

Legolas laughed, and he kissed her. He turned over onto his side, and she moved with him. 'I was wondering when you would notice,' he said, amused.

Gwyn blushed. 'I'm sorry, I was just so tired,' she defended quietly.

'There's nothing to be sorry about, love,' Legolas said gently. He grinned.

Gwyn grinned, too. 'I believe you owe me something, my lord,' she said mischievously.

'I believe that I do,' Legolas confirmed, becoming suddenly serious. He leaned in, just so that their lips touched softly. But the more he leaned in, the more he deepened the kiss. By the time he had her back pressed against the bed, his kiss was so deep that Gwyn was completely hypnotized by the magical movement of his lips; each motion filled with passion, love, and grace. At last, Legolas came up for air. 'Have I paid my debt?' he grinned.

'Once and three times more,' Gwyn answered breathlessly.

'Would you like to try for four times?' Without waiting for an answer, Legolas kissed her again. 'I love you,' he whispered, moments after he broke the kiss.

'I love you, too,' Gwyn breathed, and she closed her eyes, falling almost instantly asleep in Legolas' arms.

A/N: There you go, I hope you enjoyed it! Chapter 26: A Shocking soon!