The days became shorter and the nights colder, and still the fellowship stayed in Rivendell, waiting for word from the scouts about the Ringwraiths. The leaves, once golden, withered on the ground, and the trees became gray and naked. The coming of winter made some in the fellowship, especially Merry and Pippin, wary. Were they expected to travel the whole time in the winter? Wouldn't it snow and make travel hard?

"Come now, Merry, do not worry. We will leave when Aragorn and Gandalf think it is right. In the mean time, why don't I teach you some archery?" Kari asked after Merry voiced his concern once again.

"Archery? I can't hold that bow. It's bigger than me!" Merry replied.

"This one is," Kari said, looking at the bow she was using – the one that Legolas had given her when she was twelve. "But not that one," she said, pointing to the child-size bow on the ground that she had brought outside with her. It was the one she had used before receiving the adult one.

Merry's eyes lit up with excitement. He and the other hobbits had been pretty idle in Rivendell. They would spend their time with Bilbo or wandering in the gardens or sitting and watching the activities on the field, but that was about it. Merry and Pippin had become restless, and Kari had sensed this. Her attention had been focused on Legolas and making sure he was no longer brooding (as much), but now she was able to devote some quality time with her new friends.

"Why don't you find Pippin, and I shall teach the two of you how to shoot?" she suggested. Legolas was currently in a meeting with Aragorn and Gandalf about various routes to take, and Kari, having no personal experience with traveling to distant lands, did not accompany him.

"Sure," Merry said happily. He ran to get Pippin and quite quickly the two of them were back on the field.

"So, archery, eh?" Pippin said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

Kari smiled and then began instructing the hobbits on how to shoot. She figured it was best to have just the one bow because who knew where one of the hobbits would be pointing it while she was helping the other. The last thing she needed was an arrow in a passerby's arse.

"Remember to rest your thumb on your chin," she said to Pippin as he pulled back on the bow.

Kari blinked one time and smiled to herself as memories poured into her mind.

"Why are you smiling?" Merry asked.

Kari snapped out of her trance to see two hobbits looking curiously at her. "Oh," she said, a bit flustered. "Legolas used to say that to me all the time when I was learning archery. I used to give him such a hard time about technique."

"How long have you and Legolas known each other?" Pippin asked.

"Fourteen years," she replied.

"That long! Wow, no wonder you two are so close," Merry said.

Kari nodded. "He is my best friend, and my family." She looked down wistfully at the child-size bow in Pippin's hand. How things have changed! "But enough about that. Thumb on chin, keep the bow taut, and release," she said, getting back to the lesson.

Pippin did exactly that, and the arrow hit the outer region of the target.

"Excellent," Kari said happily.

"Seems hardly good enough to kill an orc," Pippin said dejectedly.

Kari frowned. "It was your first arrow. The first arrow I shot missed the target completely! Small steps, Pippin. In time you'll hit the middle of the target," Kari said encouragingly.

"Yeah, Pip. I didn't hit the target the first time, so you're ahead of me," Merry said, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.

The lesson continued for the rest of the afternoon, until the hobbits became tired. While Kari was collecting the arrows scattered around the field, Estorel appeared.

"Preparing the little ones for battle, are you?" he said, smiling as he handed her an arrow he pulled up from the ground.

Kari smiled upon seeing him. "Why not? They are brave," she said simply.

"As are you," he said. "Not too many people would risk life and limb to be in the fellowship like you have."

Kari looked at him curiously. "You saw the fight?"

"Fights. You did fight three opponents."

"I did not see you," Kari said.

"I was watching from a distance. I did not want to be in the crowd for fear that Legolas would cut me to small bits. He looked ready to cut anything after you beat Boromir," Estorel said.

Kari laughed. "He was quite upset," she said, a large understatement.

"But no longer?" Estorel asked.

"No."

"Good. When do you depart?"

"I do not know," Kari replied. "But I think it shall be soon."

"Ah. I suppose I should say my goodbyes now," Estorel said, a hint of sadness in his voice.

"Now?"

"Yes, I am leaving," Estorel said.

"To where?"

"The Grey Havens," he replied. "The time of the elves is coming to an end. We all sense it. It is time to go home."

Kari looked at Estorel in shock. Leaving? Even though he looked but twenty, Kari knew he had lived in Middle Earth a long time. But leaving?

"Have left you speechless once again?" Estorel teased.

Kari blushed and looked away. "It is just a shock. When do you leave?"

"Tomorrow."

"I shall not see you again," Kari said quietly. She was very saddened by this thought.

Estorel shook his head. "Unless you come to the Havens after you save Middle Earth from the clutches of Sauron," he said lightly.

Kari laughed halfheartedly. The entire ordeal sounded so absurd. She stood there, her melancholy apparent on her face.

"Come now, Kari. Do not be sad," he said, standing in front of her and brushing some stray hairs away from her face.

"It is sad news Estorel. You are my friend."

"And you are mine. I have been honored with your friendship. I shall not forget you, forever," he whispered.

Kari smiled though it did not reach her eyes. "I shall never forget you either."

"I wish you safe travels. You are one of the bravest people I know," Estorel said.

"You compliment me still," Kari said, blushing once again.

"Only because it is true," he said. He pulled her into a hug and she hugged him in return.

"Goodbye," she said after they separated.

Estorel smiled at her and sighed quietly, something in his eyes a bit odd. He leaned in quickly to softly peck her on the lips. It was to end, in his heart for certain, the possibility he had entertained of being something more to her at some point in their lives. Their paths would never intersect again.

He smiled sadly as he walked backwards, away from Kari. "Goodbye," he whispered before leaving her company.

Kari stared after him for a while in shock. He had kissed her.

"Need help?"

Kari turned quickly around to see Legolas behind her. He picked up the target and she picked up the bows and quivers now filled with arrows.

"What did Estorel want?" Legolas asked casually.

Kari smiled with amusement. "You already know," she said.

"I should not try to pretend," he mused.

"No, you should not. I know you," Kari replied.

"Are you alright?" Legolas asked.

"Yes…no…he is just a friend but the feeling of loss is unavoidable," Kari said.

"I know, I am sorry. Many elves are leaving."

Kari nodded. She thought it was odd that Legolas was not talking about the kiss. "Are you upset that he kissed me?" Kari asked bluntly.

Legolas stiffened, a bit uncomfortable. "It was a farewell kiss, and quite harmless," he said dismissively.

Kari frowned. Legolas was acting a bit out of character. To be honest, she had expected him to attack Estorel.

Her eyebrows furrowed as she mentally listed all the medicines she wanted to bring on the trip - things for fever, headaches, scrapes…and she still needed to make the salve for contact with poisonous plants. She looked them over, and then looked at the small pack she would be bringing for the journey that could last months. Exhaling, she got to work on making the antidote rather than worrying about how they would fit.

"You work, even on the last evening here," a voice said upon entering the Healer's Hall. Kari faced the speaker as he continued. "You should be out doing something that pleases you, not working. You may never see this place again."

"True. But if you were to develop an itchy rash from brushing into something as you trample through the forest, you would be grateful that I am working now," Kari replied.

Boromir smiled slowly. "Indeed. But you should relax, rest. You do not want to overwork yourself before the journey has even begun," he said.

"I will be fine tomorrow," she assured him.

"Perhaps. I shall sleep better though knowing you are resting," Boromir said.

Kart sighed, not knowing where this conversation was going. "I shall sleep better knowing I have all the medicines I can think of for this trip."

"Fair enough," Boromir said, sitting down at the edge of a nearby bed.

Kari frowned. "What are you doing?"

"Waiting until you are finished."

"That will not be necessary."

"I insist."

"Lord Boromir…I…"

"Come now, Kari. We shall be traveling together for who knows how long. You need not call me by such formalities."

Kari inhaled and exhaled to calm her frustration. She didn't even know what she was frustrated with. "I appreciate your concern, Boromir. But I am quite capable of making medicines and getting myself to bed," she said evenly.

Boromir smiled again. "I have no doubt. But it is still good to have someone watch over you," he said.

"I have people who watch over me," Kari replied.

"You mean Aragorn and Legolas?" Boromir asked.

"Yes."

"But your brothers are not here," Boromir replied.

Brothers? Kari then realized that Boromir viewed Legolas' and Aragorn's relationship with Kari as equivalents. How wrong he was. Perhaps that was why it seemed like he was flirting with her whenever they were alone.

"Only Aragorn is my brother," Kari corrected him.

"The elf must feel slighted then," Boromir commented.

"No, I do not think he does," Kari replied as she continued her work. She did not know if Boromir could read such subtlety, but she did not care. She and Legolas had decided to keep their relationship private, although Aargorn and Gandalf knew. How Gandalf found out she did not know, but Gandalf was observant and knew everything anyways. She just didn't want Boromir to think she was attracted to him or wanted anything to happen between the two of them.

"Hm," Boromir said quietly, his eyes sharp and focused. He got up and Kari turned to face him. "Well, then, goodnight Kari," he added with a small bow. Kari nodded her head in response and he was gone.

"Are you positive you do not want to bring the extra cloak?" Arwen asked Kari worriedly the next morning as she sat on Kari's bed.

Kari smiled at her sister as she stuffed the medicines she made into her pack. "Yes, I already have one. I cannot carry too much because we need to travel quickly."

"There are places in the world that are quite cold. You have not gone to them but…"

"Arwen, I shall be alright," Kari cut in.

Arwen blushed and she wrung her hands together. "Forgive me…this is hard."

Kari stopped her packing and sat down on the bed next to Arwen. "Yes, it is," she agreed quietly.

"You and Aragorn are leaving, and I do not know when I shall see you again, if I shall see you again…"

"You will see us again," Kari assured.

"Do not make promises you cannot keep. Do not be like Aragorn," Arwen whispered assertively, her eyes downcast.

Kari did not know what to say. It was quite true that she could never see Arwen again, but she was happy believing that one day they would see each other. "Please have faith in us. I need to know you believe in us," Kari pled with her sister. "I need to know you believe in me," she added in a whisper.

Arwen grasped Kari's hands tightly, a little too tightly. "I do believe in you and in the fellowship. This is why I stay while others leave for the Grey Havens. Forgive me, it is hard to find happiness on this day, and I am not making your departure any easier," Arwen said.

Kari instantly felt guilty. She did not mean to make Arwen feel bad. She was just so nervous, and everything was just so unknown, which caused her to say things that upset Arwen. She could feel a sharp tingle build up in the back of her throat. The emotions of the past few weeks were wearing Kari down.

"No, forgive me. The stress…I just cannot…I know not what…I…" Arwen's arms wrapping around her frame soon cut off Kari's disjointed ramblings.

And then Kari released everything. She cried. She cried harder than when she had learned that Legolas was going to be in the fellowship. She clutched Arwen and wept. She could feel Arwen's body shaking, and Kari knew she was crying as well. Kari felt even guiltier for laying all her pent up fears on Arwen who was the one who would be left behind without knowing anything, but Kari could not hold it in any longer.

She was scared, no, petrified.

She did not know what laid ahead for her and the others. She did know if she would ever see her home again. She did not want the fellowship to fail. She did not want anyone to die. She did not want to die.

"I'm sorry," she wheezed out between sobs she still could not control.

Arwen only held her tighter.

Hours later, in the late afternoon, Kari was laying on her bed, enjoying the comforts of a mattress and soft sheets for a few moments, luxuries she was sure she would not experience for a long time. She was so tired from crying so much, that she had to close her eyes against the exhaustion. Arwen had left to spend some time with Aragorn, and Kari hoped he was able to give Arwen comfort that Kari was just not strong enough to provide. She breathed deeply, trying to calm her mind and body.

The door to her outer room clicked open and closed. She could barely hear his footsteps, but she felt his presence in the doorway to her bedroom where his footsteps stopped.

"You do not need permission to come in. You should know that," Kari mumbled, her eyes still closed.

Legolas chuckled lightly as he walked in and lied down next to her on the bed. "I do know. But I enjoy watching you as you rest."

Kari turned her body so that her head could rest on his chest, her arms could wrap around his body and her leg could swing over his. Her eyes were still closed as she enjoyed his warmth filling her body.

"A bit possessive today," Legolas said in an amused tone as his rubbed her back soothingly.

"Always," she mumbled as she squeezed him tightly.

Legolas laughed heartily, causing his chest to rumble as Kari rested on it.

"Don't stop," she whispered with desperation in her voice when his laughter subsided. When would be the next time she heard him laugh? When had things become so serious…so dire?

Legolas' body stiffened. "Kari?"

"Sorry."

"For what?" he asked confusedly. He disentangled himself from her so that he could look at her face.

She looked pensive and tired. "I am not as strong as I should be."

"How can you say that?" Legolas asked softly, the outrage evident in his voice.

"I cried today with Arwen. Cried hard."

"There is no shame…"

"I doubt myself. I doubt the fellowship. And I feel so guilty for having these thoughts," she said, cutting off Legolas' comforting words.

Legolas kissed her forehead in an attempt to assuage her fears, but her body remained tense and her mood bleak. "You should not feel guilty. We all have doubts," Legolas said.

Kari did not reply but instead continued to hold Legolas tightly.

"If doubts overwhelm you, you can still choose not to come," Legolas whispered gently.

Kari smirked. "You are not very subtle, Legolas."

"There is no need for subtlety on the day of the departure."

"True. Though your bluntness will not be rewarded with the answer you desire."

He sighed as he held her. "Are you packed then?"

"Yes."

A long silence came over the couple. Legolas's rhythmic stroking upon Kari's back caused her to drift into sleep. He was relieved she was able to rest when her demeanor had been so troubling earlier. She was always the hopeful, optimistic one. And if she began this journey with that sort of negative attitude, it would be disastrous for her mental health.

He pondered what he could do to make her feel better for a while as she slept. But he could not ignore the opportunity to enjoy feeling her body against his during what might be the last time in a long while. They had agreed that the fellowship would not know of their relationship because of the awkwardness that might ensue, but that would mean no more hand-holding, or sleeping closely to each other or any other shows of affection - unless, they could occasionally steal away for a few precious moments. It would be hard to be near her and have to act as though they were merely close friends, but both were willing to make that sacrifice for the sake of maintaining comfortableness in the fellowship.

"I think Boromir may suspect our relationship," Kari mumbled as she woke from her nap.

"Oh?" Legolas' body stiffened. He did not trust that man. His jaw clenched momentarily before he inhaled to calm his annoyance.

"I may have subtly insinuated that we are together," Kari said, her tone a bit mischievous.

Legolas chuckled. "And why would you do that after we had talked about our course of action?"

"He is a stubborn man who was being…"

"A man?" Legolas supplied.

"Yes."

Legolas chuckled again. "Well Boromir is not stupid or blind. He has good taste in females."

"Why are you taking this so lightly? Why are you not charging into his room to defend your claim upon me?" Kari teased. But truly, she was a bit surprised at how Legolas was being less possessive. First Estorel kissed her a week ago and Legolas did not react strongly. And now she was telling him Boromir was showing interest and Legolas was finding it amusing.

"Would you prefer it if I did those sorts of things?" Legolas asked.

"I just expected a stronger reaction from you," Kari said, a tinge of disappointment in her voice.

Legolas frowned and turned his body so that he could look directly upon Kari's prone form. When would he ever find the right balance between being possessive and giving her the space and respect she so desperately wanted?

"I shall say this all at once and you can remember this anytime you have doubts about how I feel."

"I do not doubt…" Kari began to protest, but Legolas shushed her.

"Before we were together, my jaw would be terribly sore because I clenched it whenever I saw you dance or hug or do anything with any other male. The night I saw you and Estorel kissing I could not breath properly because I was so devastated, but I was so stubborn that I would not admit what that devastation meant. Seeing him kiss you last week…it reminded me that he was the one who kissed you first. If I were not so blind, I would have been."

"We were not ready then," Kari said softly.

"Perhaps," Legolas replied.

"But, you shall kiss me last," she said, her eyes shining with adoration.

Kari's statement reminded him of her mortality. It reminded him that even if they were to come out of the journey with their lives, they would need to face the undeniable fact that Kari would die.

"Do not get that face, Legolas. I do not want to see you sad about something as uncontrollable as my mortality," Kari said, her words soft and comforting.

He noted how easily Kari was able to push aside her doubts and fears to address his. The irony was not lost on Legolas that though he had set out to comfort Kari, she had somehow flipped it so that she was comforting him.

"Then let me get back to my original point," Legolas said, putting a smile upon his face to ease the sudden seriousness in the room.

"Certainly."

"So I would be upset and ill tempered for long periods of time when I saw you with other males. I know what other males think when they look at you because I think the same thing. And the thought of other males thinking those things makes me angry."

Kari blushed slightly with embarrassment.

"But now I know I am the one you chose. And I know that if a male were to try anything with you, you would not hesitate to beat him senseless."

Kari smiled and nodded with amusement.

"We shall be around many males during this journey and undoubtedly they will see your beauty. But for the health of my jaw and lungs, I am trying very hard to control my possessive nature. But if you would prefer me to act possessive, I shall," Legolas explained. "Especially if it excites you," he added roguishly.

Kari's whole body shook with laughter, and Legolas felt quite pleased with himself for cheering her up.

"Does it?" he pressed on.

"Does what?"

"My being possessive. Does it excite you?" Legolas asked, his voice suddenly turning very low.

"It annoys me more."

"But it does excite you," Legolas stated.

Kari blushed. She told herself she was a strong person who did not need her worth validated by the relationship she had with Legolas. But at the same time, she would not deny that Legolas' possessive nature was one way she knew how much he loved her. It was stupid and foolish, but still…it was a reassuring feeling.

"Yes," she replied truthfully. "But do not abuse that knowledge."

Knowing what he knew about Kari, Legolas had not really been expecting that answer. He wondered, after all this time, how he could learn new things about her still. He supposed that way it would never get boring.

He smirked. "I shall not. Besides, there are plenty of other ways I can excite you," he replied confidently, his voice still low. He bent down and kissed the skin just above her collarbone. Her body arched into his in response, and he continued to kiss the spot.

"So conniving," Kari mumbled amusedly. She flipped her body quickly so that she now straddled Legolas. His eyes were alert and dark. "You are lucky I can be just as manipulative," Kari added, her voice dropping an octave as well.

Legolas laughed, but was soon muffled by Kari's lips pressing on his. And in the back of both their minds, though they would never voice it to one another, they knew it could be the last time they would be together.

Everything would change at dusk.

Kari liked to consider herself a calm person, and though her exterior was quite collected, her insides were a mess. She looked at her hands in the darkness to see they were not shaking, but she felt like she was shaking all over. Castigating herself, she watched the other members of the fellowship mill around restlessly in the courtyard in front of the gate of Rivendell. Sam checked Bill's, the pony's, pack for the tenth time, making sure it was securely on the animal for the tent. He was mumbling a list of all the supplies he had brought: cooking gear, salt, pipeweed…

"Rope!" Kari heard him say. He mumbled some more before going off to find some rope.

At least someone is being productive, she thought, as she scanned the other members of the fellowship. Pippin and Merry were jabbing childishly at each other as they sat on a bench at the side of the courtyard. Gimli was standing, leaning against his axe, a distant look in his eyes. Frodo, who was standing besides Bilbo, looked forlorn. Kari could not imagine what Fordo was thinking or how he was handling this situation. Aragorn was nowhere to be seen; perhaps he was spending the last few moments with Arwen. Legolas was standing in the courtyard, far away from the dwarf. His blond hair glowed slightly in the darkness, his demeanor seemed peaceful and calm as his head was bowed to the floor, but Kari could tell his rigid posture meant he was concerned. She wanted to rush over to him and wrap her arms around his waist, but that would mean showing her affections in front of the rest of the fellowship. She suppressed a groan of annoyance. This cannot-show-affection plan was harder than she thought.

"Where are they? We should have left already," Boromir said, irritated as he paced the courtyard.

"We shall leave when they think it is time," Aragorn said, emerging out of a hallway, Arwen a little ways behind him.

"We need to travel under the cover of night," Boromir said.

"We know," Aragorn said. "But if Lord Elrond has something to discuss with Gandalf we shall respect that."

Boromir looked like he was going to protest, but quieted as Gandalf and Lord Elrond entered the courtyard.

Lord Elrond called the Company over to him. "It is the Ring-bearers responsibility to carry the One Ring to Mount Doom. You go with Frodo as free companions, to help him on his way. No oath or bond is laid upon you to go further than you will, for you do not yet know the strength of your hearts."

Kari swallowed hard. If she did not go with Frodo for the entire journey, where would she go?

"Faithless is he that says farewell when the road darkens," Gimli replied. Kari felt her esteem for the dwarf rise with those words.

Lord Elrond looked like he was going to say something in response, but Kari was distracted when she saw Arwen beaconing her over. Kari walked to her sister.

"I do not mean to pull you away from the group, but I needed to be selfish. I am sorry. I did not get to say goodbye before. I was with Aragorn," Arwen explained.

Kari nodded in understanding. "No need to apologize."

Arwen looked down to the ground and then looked up at Kari, her eyes glassy but no tears were falling. "Please be careful," she said.

"I shall."

"Do not do anything rash," Arwen said firmly.

Kari smiled sadly, wishing she could give Arwen the answer she wanted to hear. "You know I cannot promise that."

Arwen sighed with understanding. "What I wouldn't give to be there with you," she whispered.

"You will be there," Kari said, her voice strong and resolute.

Her sister nodded and smiled softly. "I cannot believe the person you have become. So beautiful. So brave," she said.

"I am the product of my family."

"Not only that."

"Arwen…" There was so much she wanted to say to her sister, yet the words were just not coming out. Would this be the last time she ever saw her?

"I know, Kari, I know," Arwen replied, drawing Kari into a tight hug. "You, Aragorn and Legolas…watch over each other. I want to see you soon."

"We will," Kari whispered as they continued to hug.

Eventually they pulled apart and Kari made her way back to the Fellowship. Lord Elrond was wishing the members safe travels. When he saw Kari had rejoined the group, he placed his hands on her shoulders and looked at her squarely in the eyes.

"You are certain about this," Lord Elrond stated more than asked.

"Yes, My Lord."

There was a long pause before Lord Elrond nodded. "There will be times during your journey where you will be faced with the decision to protect your own safety or the safety of others. We both know what choice you will make," Lord Elrond warned.

Kari did not know what to say in return.

"All I ask is that you survive through this," he said, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice. Kari had never heard him speak like that.

"My Lord…"

Lord Elrond shook his head. "No." He looked down for a moment as he swallowed hard. Raising his eyes to hers once again, he said, "I am honored to call you my daughter."

The back of Kari's throat began to sting again and tears welled up in her eyes and fell down her cheeks though she did not truly cry. Lord Elrond gently brushed away the tears.

"Ada…" Kari whispered. She had never called anyone that.

Lord Elrond smiled and pulled her into an embrace. "I love you."

Kari inhaled erratically as she tried to prevent herself from crying. She knew Lord Elrond cared for her, but he had never said that he loved her. It had taken him twenty years to say it, but to Kari, it had been worth the wait. She suspected that he regretted not telling her earlier, but it was better to say them at some point than never at all.

"I love you too, Ada," Kari whispered, enjoying how the word for 'father' smoothly fell from her lips.

They separated and Kari moved to join the Fellowship. Frodo and Gandalf were in the front, leading them out of the gates of Rivendell. Kari and Legolas were in the back, reluctant to leave.

"Good…good luck!" Bilbo cried out.

Many elves stood around and watched the Fellowship make its way out of Rivendell. There was no laughter, and no song or music. There was nothing to be joyous about.

As the Fellowship walked through the gates of Rivendell, Kari turned around to see Lord Elrond and Arwen watching them leave, resolute though sad expressions on their faces. Lord Elrond raised his hand in a final farewell and Kari did the same.

They crossed the bridge out of Rivendell and walked slowly up the long steep paths that led out of the valley the house was nestled in. Their steps were heavy with the reluctance to leave such a beautiful and warm place. When the group reached the top of the valley, they stopped for a moment to look at Rivendell on last time.

"Do you think we will ever see home again?" Kari asked Legolas quietly as they looked upon the twinkling house in the valley.

Legolas hesitated as he looked at Kari. Her expression was distant though thoughtful. "I hope so."

Kari tried to smile encouragingly, but she knew it looked forced. This would be a long journey, but she hoped that someday, she would return to Rivendell and live out the rest of her days there with Legolas. It was a comforting thought. It was the thought that would drive her forward when the journey would become overwhelming.

With a small sigh and one last glance, Kari and the rest of the fellowship strode away far into the night.

Author's Note: I'm so sorry for the long absence! Studying abroad is not the best environment to be writing in because everything is so distracting. New Zealand was beautiful but I got sick and was unable to see anything related to LOTR. I'll need to get back there someday! Australia was amazing. If you have never been to Oz, I recommend going and snorkeling in the Great Barrier Reef and just appreciating the uniqueness of Australia.

Now, on to more pressing matters, this is not the end of Kari's tale. There will be a sequel, but I haven't written it and so it will take a while to get started. It will be a blend of events in the book and movies. I'll be taking dialogue and text from the books (like I did at the end of this chapter) and combining it with my own writing. Hopefully it will be fun to write and fun to read. So, please be patient with me while I figure out how to approach the sequel. Thank you for all the support for this story, it means a lot to me. I never expected my writing to be so well received. Take care and you'll be hearing from me soon.