Ducks various flying objects. I'M SORRY! I know I said I would update really quickly, but once again, I have a ton of excuses that cannot really make up for the long wait for this pathetically short chapter.

But the sequel is steaming along, and I will put it up sometime soon! Honest, I will not let you down this time. I must have said this a hundred times, but I will try my best. Its just I've been given all my coursework at once, and now that I have a Saturday job, I barely have time to writer anymore. I know, shock horror!

So, enjoy this last chapter, and Chapter 1 of the sequel will be up ASAP! PROMISE!

Faerlain

Elerrina – I'm really enjoying writing the sequel. Have kinda got the plot sorted. She says…Of course they're rescued. I couldn't leave poor lickle 'Ren at the hands of those nasty Orcs! Thanks for reviewing.

Rayame325 – Yeah, I really enjoy my job at the mo. I worked in the groom's side the other day. Shame they're all getting married dammit! I couldn't let 'Ren stay there forever, that's too cruel. And Leggy has to be the hero of course! Lol, thanks for reviewing.

Tiara Shin –Hey duuuuude! Hug. How are you hunni? Haven't spoken I ages. Hope Haldy's alright. Me and Leggy are just fine. I love putting cute stuff in! Ooooh, the fluffiness! Me is liking my job, cos I get nicely! Teehee. Hope you'll come on MSN soon. Or are you busy? I only have…counts…8 days till the end of school! Ooooh yeah! And then in 27 days, I'm flying off to Italy with me parents. Yay! Can't wait. Thanks for reviewing hunni, and speak very very soon.

P.S. You know I love your typical ending really!

Chapter 8: Home.

It took them just under a week to get back to the palace. As Legolas led them in under the archway, his sister ran to him, arms outstretched to take Ladrenîl. Sîladiel held him tightly, tears steaming down her face.

Aurêl appeared then, and ran down the steps to hold her eldest son close. Elves all round the courtyard were watching and smiling. Gîlorn moved forward and took Legolas' hand on his own. "Well done big brother," he whispered.

Aurêl then embraced Legolas so tightly, he thought he was going to lose consciousness from lack of air. Everyone was clapping and cheering now.

Thranduil looked out his window at the commotion. He left his study in rather a hurry, calling for his other children as he went. Lothriel grabbed her father's hand as he swept by, and they went outside together.

Ladrenîl saw his father before Thranduil saw him, and lowered his face. He felt Legolas nudge his side, but just shook his head. And there were so many people about…

"'Ren, look at me my son."

Ladrenîl lifted his face to meet his father's gaze. Shock passed across the elder's face, followed by sorrow, then happiness as he took his oldest child into his arms. "Thank goodness you're back," he whispered.

Ladrenîl held the King just as tightly. "It's good to be back," he replied.

They went back inside the palace, and more meetings and greetings were issued. Then the healers came and ushered the former prisoners away to the healing rooms, and took Legolas' group with them. Lothriel however, refused to let go of her older brother's hand, and so she went with them too.

She sat beside Legolas as he was checked over. "I knew you would find them," she said, grinning.

He grinned back. "Thanks you for your faith," he said. "I think it was your hope that kept me going out there."
"Did you have to fight an awful lot?"

"Quite a bit. We met a few Orc scouts on the way, some Wargs, and then there were all the guards at the Tower."

She shuddered. "At least you're all safe and home now. Is Ladrenîl going to be blind forever?" she added in a whisper.

Legolas nodded sadly. "Unfortunately, yes. But it doesn't matter. He'll get along ok."
"I feel so sorry for him. He shouldn't have gone through all that."

"Well he's safe now, let's just be thankful for that."

She nodded. "I am grateful." She slipped her arms round his waist and hugged him tight, vowing to never let him go again.

See, VERY short end chapter lol. And I PROMISE, I PROMISE that the sequel will be here soon. In fact, I'll make a vow – I leave for Italy on the 6th August. The first chapter will be up BEFORE THEN. And if I don't do that…I wouldn't lame you for flaming me and abandoning my story etc! See you all soon.

Faerlain