Last chapter of this book. I... I know ... But it needs to end.

Ram was sitting near the fire close to the tent of the Rohirrim leader. She was staring into the fire trying to process what had happened. Strider was inside sleeping, recovering from his injuries.

After they left the broken fort, they had finally run into a group of Rohirrim riders. They took him to their leader, their king. Gandalf explained they were a group of rangers, coming to their aid, but they had been captured.

Mace had told her they killed Kallen.

It all should feel like a victory. Like she should be relieved it was finally over. But it wasn't.

Ram could still feel the nails pushed firmly against her mind. The forest she had formed in her head had not helped. The witchking had wiped her defense away with one swoop. She had been standing in front of him with nothing, and she had been unable to fight him.

"Cailean…" The deep voice of Gandalf woke her from her stare. "Are you alright?" He asked. The ranger shook her head, rubbing her face. "I… He is still there Gandalf. I can feel it." She whispered. Gandalf looked at her and nodded. "I thought so. We need to move to the next phase of the plan faster than I wanted. But we have no choice. I am sorry it has to go this way Cailean." The ranger looked at Gandalf and raised her eyebrow. "What are you talking about?" She asked. Gandalf looked away. "In Mirkwood, I found a scroll. It spoke of your prophecy. It also spoke how your predecessor escaped the witchking." His voice turned softer. Cailean perked up, for once feeling a spark of hope. "How? I will do everything."

Gandalf's eyes pulled back to the fire. "It is not up to you. Only Estel can save you now." He looked up. The tent opened and Strider walked out of it. He looked like shit and his eyes were avoiding Ram at all costs. "Did you tell her?" He asked. Gandalf shook his head. "Not yet." Strider closed his eyes and swallowed. When he opened them he finally looked at her. Their eyes met, and though Ram half expected to see him grieve, she noticed his eyes sparkle with excitement. He smiled, sticking out his hand to her. "Come, let's walk."

Ram took his hand without thinking and walked with him. Strider guided her to the small waterfall the camp was stationed with. It looked beautiful reflecting the stars and the fires. He stopped at the edge and looked at Ram.

"My sweet Cailean. My heart wished we could have a moment of peace to do this. But knowing us, peace is not an option. Ever since I saw you as a young girl, looking at us in amazement when I visited your father. And when you were pushing yourself harder and harder during your training to become a ranger. But mostly when I met you in Bree, sick as a dog. I felt this pull towards you. You are kind, caring and most of all amazing. And I fell in love with you. I know I will love you until the day I die."

Ram looked at him as he leaned his forehead against hers. Tears were forming in her eyes as she listened to his kind words.

Strider broke away from her, sinking to one knee. "Cailean, will you be my wife?" He asked.

Ram swallowed and looked at the man she so deeply loved. Forgetting about prophecies, about the darkness looming over them. Estel was sitting there, looking hopefully at her. "Yes." She whispered. "Yes, Estel." She wanted to pull him back to his feet but he shook his head.

"When I live long enough to take my place, will you be my Queen?" He asked. Ram looked down at him, her heart pounding. She knew what he was asking of her. She would take up her title, she would stand by his side to rule. "Yes." She said, straightening her back. She would stand beside him.

Now he got to his feet and pressed his lips on hers. "I love you." He whispered. "I love you too," Ram replied.

A cheer came from behind them. Ram and Strider looked at the sound, ready to pull their swords. But it was Legolas standing close by clapping his hands for them. "Finally. I know you humans are not long on this earth. So when are you going to make little humans? " He asked cheerfully. Strider started coughing, and Ram blushed so deeply, she was sure she was giving off light.

Legolas looked from one to the other. "So go on! Consumate... or whatever you silly humans call it. You two better make it fast. We don't want Cailean's head taken over, again." He said as he slapped his hands together. Ram looked at Strider from the corner of her eyes. He looked just as shocked as she did.

"But... I am no king yet," Strider said. Legolas waved it away. "Pfft. It's in your blood. That's what counts. Now, go on! Get married, the Elvish way!" He said as if they were supposed to get on with it right there.

Ram looked at Legolas and snapped out of it. "Oh, You pointy-eared Bastard!" She scolded him as she walked over to him, pointing to his face. "You are an ass you know that Legolas?" She scolded. Legolas laughed and wiggled her finger. "Just thought you two needed some assistance. Now, I am leaving. Don't behave." He turned around and walked away. Ram looked at Strider, who was still staring at the place he had been standing in shock.

"That elf is bonkers." He said before he burst out in laughter. Ram was unable to contain her joy and laughed out loud. She was shaking her head, unable to believe what just happened.

After they calmed down finally, Strider took her hand and pulled her closer. "I wish I could offer you more than just this." He said, his hand moving into his pocket. He grabbed Ram's hand and held out a golden ring. "It belonged to my mother." He said softly, before pushing it around her finger. It fitted perfectly. Ram smiled and touched her necklace around his neck. "You have my heart already." She whispered before she kissed him. "Do you think Legolas is right?" She whispered, breaking their kiss. "Probably," Strider said, pulling her back onto his lips. "So?" Ram asked, feeling the anticipation take hold of her.

"So, I don't want Mace to kill me. Perhaps we should talk to Gandalf, to make sure." Strider whispered as his lips moved to her neck. "Yes… Yes.. we should…" Ram replied, grabbing hold of his hair. "Or we could just get married the elvish way." She whispered, making Strider laugh.

Legolas got back to Gandalf and Mace with a grin on his face. "Done and done." He said cheerfully. Mace's face dropped as his body sank in defeat. "I hold you responsible for any negative consequences." He pointed at Legolas, then he looked at Gandalf. "You too! Now I am going to get a drink and pretend this never happened." Mace took off, not looking back. Legolas looked at Gandalf. "So, I think I will check on those two, to see if they will manage." He took a step, but Gandalf grabbed his arm, pulling him back. "You will do no such thing, you pesky little elf. And no eavesdropping either, I know you can hear 'em." The wizard chuckled at the face Legolas made.

The two got to the fire where Mace handed them a drink. Legolas looked over his shoulder and smiled. "To the married couple." He said cheerfully. Mace's shoulders sank as he drowned his drink in one go. "Ulrath is going to kill me." He said as the other two laughed. Gandalf slapped him on his back.

I know it's cheesy and horrible. I am sorry.

*HIDES*

But It needs to end somewhere and I want it to be a happy ending. Who knows, perhaps I will write another book. Strider needs a reason to go defeat Sauron, doesn't he?