Finally they had arrived in Mirkwood. The carriage made its way up the road that led to the palace. Arariel looked out the window, watching the trees pass by and the villagers coming out of their houses to marvel at the carriage passing by. They pointed and whispered at it, wondering whom the maiden was who was inside it. Arariel turned and looked at Legolas nervously. He clasped her hand in his own, to reassure her.

It had taken them weeks to arrive here, with stops in Isengard, somewhere in the middle of Fangorn, Lorien and finally they made it back to Mirkwood. It had been winter when they left Gondor, and now it was spring.

Finally, the carriage rolled up to the gate of the palace. Legolas got out, followed by King Thranduil. Then Legolas helped Arariel out. Her feet hit the ground and she stood up, stretching out her legs from the long journey. Legolas put his arm around her waist and walked with her to the palace, once the gates were open.

Arariel stared around, amazed. She had seen the palace before, from when she stayed here with her grandmother, and when she had met Legolas, but now, seeing it as her home, it seemed all the more beautiful. Turrets rose up and their tips peeped through the trees. The late afternoon sun made the towers seem as though the palace was glowing.

"It's beautiful"

"Your kingdom my lady..." said Legolas.

She laughed at him.

"You are not King yet"

"Soon..." he said.

They walked in silence for a moment.

"We will need to produce an heir..." Arariel pointed out.

Legolas laughed.

"Now who's got it on the brain?" he hooted.

"Got what, my son?" asked Thranduil from in front of them.

"Nothing Father. Arariel was just mentioning the need for an heir..." Legolas said, shooting a bemused look towards Arariel.

"I hope you two will sleep well tonight then, and not go doing anything..." the king said, turning to smile at them, "The official ceremony is tomorrow"

"Official ceremony?" asked Arariel.

"Where Father officially passes the crown to me" said Legolas, "He is planning to leave for Valinor tomorrow eve"

They had arrived in the great hall. It was a big, vast hall, with no walls. It was completely out in the open, as was custom of the elves. But covered so that they were protected from the weather. Vines twisted up the columns that supported the roof. In the centre, at the very end were two thrones.

"Come On," said Legolas, "I will show you to our room"