Disclaimer: By the last chapter, I think you have it.

A/N: Well, this is it everyone. This is the last chapter. I hope you all have enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it. Thank you one last time for all the reviews and encouragement that have kept this story going. I hope you will come back and read my next story. I will get the first chapter up as soon as I can, but it may not be for a while. I will see. There is a teaser at the end of this chapter to get you interested. Now go enjoy and leave me one last review. Until next time everyone.

Chapter 36

Celebration

Thinking how it might have been
If you had never walked into my life
I would have been nothing
Without you where would I be

Every moment used to feel
Like living through a cold and starless night
But everything's changing
Everything is feeling right
Plus One - Written On My Heart

Three weeks later

"She is here, your highness."

Thranduil's face brightened at the news from Kalen and he quickly rose from his desk. He rushed out to the halls and arrived outside just in time to see Linriel and her escorts ride into the palace courtyard. Legolas, Elrohir, and a few others were already there. Thranduil, however, hardly even noticed them. His eyes were only focused on his daughter. It had been nearly two years since he had seen her and though not long for elves, it felt like a lifetime to him.

Linriel smiled brightly at seeing her father. Her beautiful smile lit up her whole face, giving her a radiant glow. She quickly dismounted from her horse and ran into her father's open arms.

"Ada!"

Thranduil embraced her, cradling her close. He ran his hands through her hair, drinking in the moment. Finally, he pulled away just slightly so he could look at her. He kept his hands on her face and looked into her bright blue eyes.

"I have missed you so much, Riel."

Linriel smiled as tears of joy fell from her eyes and sparkled against her cheeks. It had been a long time since she had heard that nickname. It was a nickname that Thranduil had given her years ago. "I have missed you too, Ada." Linriel said as she stood up on her tiptoes to place a kiss on his cheek.

Thranduil smiled and pulled her close once more. Finally, he let her go and allowed her to greet everyone else.

Elrohir was by her side and soon as she turned to him, he swept her off her feet in an embrace. She cried out in delight and wrapped her arms around him. For a moment, Elrohir twirled her around, then placed her back on the ground. As soon as he did, he placed his hands on her head and kissed her passionately. When they finally broke the kiss, Linriel was smiling.

"Miss me?" She asked with lighthearted laughter in her voice.

Elrohir smiled at her. "Just a little." He teased.

Linriel laughed and embraced him again.

"Okay, Elrohir, am I going to be able to greet my sister?" Legolas cut in playfully.

Linriel chuckled and threw her arms around her brother. He held her tightly, squeezing her shoulders gently. Linriel pulled away and smiled at him. Then her smiled faded and she lightly punched him in the shoulder.

"Ouch! What was that for?"

"That was for leaving in the middle of the night and not telling me. You had me worried sick." Linriel told him.

Legolas frowned. "I'm sorry, but I wanted to travel alone. I figured it was for the best. Unfortunately a stubborn little shadow followed me." He said with a playful glare at Aragorn.

Aragorn, who had been silently watching, smiled. "Somebody needed to be your bodyguard."

Legolas laughed and rolled his eyes. Thranduil smiled at them all. It was so good to have his children home. For once in a very long time, his heart felt light and he felt truly happy. He placed a hand back on Linriel and smiled at her.

"Dinner will be at sunset. That will give you time to unpack and get some rest. We will have a feast tonight to celebrate the freedom of Mirkwood and the return of the two joys of my life." Thranduil said, smiling at Legolas and Linriel.

Linriel nodded and she quickly went to her room to unpack and change her clothes. Elrohir brought her bags up for her, then left her to rest. Linriel, however, was too excited to be home to be able to rest. Instead, she headed towards Legolas' bedroom to talk with him. When she arrived, however, it seemed that everyone had the same idea.

"We were just talking about you." Legolas said with a smile.

Linriel smiled and sat down on Legolas bed. "So tell me everything that happened. I'm anxious to hear how the battle turned out."

Everyone nodded. They spent the next three hours explaining to Linriel all that had transpired in Mirkwood. At times the tale became very confusing because one person would say one thing, then another would chime in and say another. A story that could have been condensed into one hour took three hours with everyone telling it. Linriel did not mind, however. Above all, she enjoyed the company of her friends and family.

After explaining all the stories, Legolas told her the final agreement to keep Mirkwood safe.

"Our father decided that it would be best if we close our borders around Mirkwood and draw deeper into the woods. The elves from Rivendell and Lothlorien promised to help us reestablish our borders and strengthen them. Evil still roams the forest and it will not be long before it is trying to come at us again. Ada believes that if we seclude ourselves even more, the evil will stay away longer." Legolas told her. Though he kept his voice steady and tried to keep emotion from his voice, it was clear to Linriel and the others how much he disapproved of his father's plan.

"Does that mean you and I will not be able to travel?" Linriel asked.

"I do not know. For now, he wishes us to stay here for a while, and for the moment, I'll be quite happy to oblige." Legolas said.

Linriel nodded. "But that will not last forever, Legolas. Soon you will be restless here at home and will long for adventure."

Legolas smiled. His sister was right. "We will see. For now, we shall enjoy the peace and use this time to rest."

"I should probably go back to traveling with the Duendan soon." Aragorn spoke up. "It has been a while since I left them. They are probably wondering what happened to me."

"Perhaps we shall travel with you this time." Elladan spoke up, though he looked at Aragorn for consent. He knew that Aragorn had left to join the rangers of the south to get away for awhile and had not wished for the twins to accompany him. He was not sure if Aragorn would still like to travel with them with his brothers shadowing him.

Aragorn smiled at him, however. "I would like that."

Elladan nodded his head.

"I may have to pass this time, little brother." Elrohir spoke up. "I have other matters to tend to." He said as he glanced at Linriel.

She blushed and smiled slightly. Everyone laughed.

"Yes, of course." Aragorn said with a smile.

They continued their conversation until a knock sounded at the door.

"Come in." Legolas called.

The door opened slightly and Kalen peeked inside. "I'm sorry, my prince. I can come back later."

His voice seemed to hold uncertainty and shyness. It was not often that Kalen called Legolas, 'my prince' during informal times and usually if he saw Legolas' other friends, he knew he was always welcome. This time, however, it was clear that he was unsure.

Legolas sighed as he noticed it, too. "No, Kalen. Come in. We need to talk."

The elf bit his lip, but slowly walked inside, he was about to speak, but Legolas spoke first.

"Last time we spoke, I said some very hateful words and I said a lot of things I didn't mean. I was grieved, stressed, and dispirited, but that gave me no right to talk to you in the manner that I did. Forgive me, Kalen."

Kalen nearly cried with relief. He had come to apologize to Legolas, but it felt like a load was taken from his shoulders as Legolas apologized instead. He feared the prince might still be angry with him. "I said a lot of things, too, Legolas." He paused for a minute, just to be sure that his friend was not angered by the informality. He wasn't and that made Kalen's confidence grow. The disagreement between them had not broken their friendship. "A lot of things that I did not mean. I apologize for that and I am sorry I was not more sensitive to the fact that you were grieving."

Legolas nodded and put his hand on the elf's shoulder, squeezing gently. Then the two embraced.

Kalen then looked at Aragorn. "Seems I may have been wrong about you. I respect that you are Legolas' friend and I respect his judgment. But next time you try to kill him, I swear my arrow will kill you instantly."

With that the elf turned and walked from the room. Legolas sighed and turned to Aragorn.

"I apologize for Kalen. The simple fact of him admitting that he may have been wrong about you is a huge step. Give him some time to get to know you."

Aragorn nodded, but remained quiet. Silence filled the room for a few minutes as no one really knew what to say. Finally, Aragorn spoke. He spoke gently and carefully as he asked Legolas a question.

"What happened to your friend Salien?"

Legolas lowered his eyes, but spoke with no emotion in his voice. "He betrayed us like you said he would. He tried to capture my father, but my father stabbed him with a knife."

Aragorn's eyes were filled with sympathy. "I am so sorry, Legolas. I had hoped I was not right and I had hoped that even if I was, you could have saved him, like you saved me."

Legolas looked up and swallowed hard. "My friend died before I even arrived in Mirkwood. There was no one left to save."

Aragorn bit at his lip, but did not speak. Before long, however, their conversation lightened. They continued talking for some time, until Linriel decided she should get dressed for the banquet. The others nodded and each headed off into their own rooms to get ready. Before long, everyone was walking down to the banquet hall.

Linriel smiled as Elrohir escorted her towards the table. She took her place near the head of the table and Elrohir took his beside her. As a custom, they waited for the king to sit before they took their seats.

Thranduil was at the head with Elrond and Celeborn on either side of him. Thranduil smiled at his daughter as he laid eyes on her.

'You look beautiful.' He mouthed.

She smiled with a slight blush. Then she looked at Legolas who was on the other side of the table. He had a worried look on his face and he was searching the room with his eyes.

"What is it?" She whispered.

Legolas looked at her. "I can't find Estel. He was right behind me, then he disappeared."

Linriel looked around. In the mass of crowds it was hard to spot anyone. Elves were walking all around trying to find their seat and get situated. Then she saw someone near the back wall. He was definitely a human and he stood out among all the elves. Three other elves were around him and from the looks of it they seemed to be jeering at him and mocking him.

"Legolas!" She said worriedly.

Legolas and the twins followed her gaze. Elrohir immediately grew tense and made a motion to go rescue his little brother.

"Let me handle it." Legolas said.

They nodded. Legolas made his way rather quickly towards the human. The elves around him did not seem to notice his approach.

"What seems to be the problem here?"

The elves turned startled. "Prince Legolas." One of them fumbled. "Well, umm… this uh… Human wanted to come in to the ceremonies. I told him he was not welcome here."

Legolas raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? And what was his reply."

"He said that he was a friend of yours, sir, and that he had been invited by the King to come to the ceremony tonight." The elf said growing more confident. "I told him that was ridiculous and told him how much Mirkwood hates humans. Then Finalwen said this was the man that was locked in the dungeon and that he must have escaped. We did not wish to bother you with it, sire, but now that you are here, what should we do with this disgusting human?"

Legolas had remained silent allowing the elf to speak, but now he spoke calmly but with a tone that dared someone to cross him. "This disgusting human of yours happens to be my friend and he happens to be a hero in Mirkwood. He saved not only my life, but the life of your king as well. All of Mirkwood owes this human. So I suggest next time, you wish to insult someone, you chose your person carefully."

The elves turned pale in realization and were left at a loss for words. "We're sorry… your highness." One spoke up before they all turned and scampered away.

Legolas smiled. "Are you all right, mellon nin."

Aragorn nodded. "Aye. I guess you weren't joking when you said I would not be accepted in Mirkwood."

Legolas shook his head. "No, I was not. You are lucky you were not killed on the spot."

Aragorn sighed, but before he could reply, Thranduil was calling for everyone to take their seats. Legolas beckoned the human to follow him. He led the human towards the front of the table and told him to sit on his left beside Elladan. Aragorn nodded and as the king took his seat, so did he. Linriel was across from him. Elrohir sat on her right and Haliem sat on her left. Elrohir looked at him and mouthed an 'Are you okay?' Aragorn nodded.

Then the feast began. Most of the food for the feast came from Lothlorien since the supplies of Mirkwood had dwindled during their war, but there were a few hidden supplies that had been brought out for this special occasion. Choice wines that were brought from far away in the South and stored for special occasions, some venison, and beetroot soup that is famous in Mirkwood were just a few of the delicacies that were served. Everyone enjoyed the feasting and merry making.

After everyone had finished their meal and spent time talking, Thranduil stood and walked to the front of the room to speak. He began to talk, thanking his warriors for their hard work and devotions. He called out many by name, naming heroes and presenting awards of honor. He talked on how he was happy that Legolas and Linriel were back and then he surprised everyone by talking about Aragorn.

"Before I end, I would like to recognize one more hero. I owe him my life and the life of my son. Estel, could you please step forward."

Aragorn moved to step near the king. He could see many shocked expressions on the elves' faces as they realized that King Thranduil had been referring to a man.

"I know for most of us, humans have been despised and ridiculed, and I admit, I believed humans to be only greedy, bloodthirsty, and power-driven. But I was wrong. Not all humans are like that. This man risked his life to save my son from the men that captured him almost two years ago. Then this man traveled with Legolas to aid my son in a war that was not his to fight. He stayed loyal to my son even in the midst of unspeakable torture at the hands of the Nazgul. And even when no one else believed in him, he stayed loyal and ended up saving my life in the woods. If it were not for this human, none of us would be here today." Thranduil turned to Aragorn. "I am forever indebted to you and I wish I had some way to thank you, but it couldn't possibly be enough."

Aragorn just smiled. "That is not necessary. I am just glad I could help."

Thranduil smiled. Then he pulled a golden pin from his pocket. The pin was intricately carved with elvish symbols and woven with gold. He held it before Aragorn as he explained the symbolism.

"This jewel is only given to the most prestige warrior during the time of battle. I would be honored if you would accept this award tonight as a token of our gratitude."

Aragorn bowed before the king. "It is I who is honored, my lord."

With great pride, Thranduil placed the pin on Aragorn's chest. Legolas immediately stood from the table and began clapping to honor his friend. Linriel and the twins followed and soon almost everyone at the table had stood and were clapping to show their appreciation of the human. Aragorn just smiled and bowed his head.

Thranduil motioned for silence. "Now, let us enjoy this time of peace. Let us dance and be merry."

Everyone nodded their agreement. Music began to play and the elves began to dance and sing. Everyone was joining in on the fun.

Elrohir, however, used it as a time to slip away. He was longing to spend some time alone with his fiancé. When he saw the opportunity, he grinned at her and led her away from the crowds. She followed with a smile. He led her a short distance away where the music still filled the night, but where they would be alone. Linriel smiled at him, placing a gentle kiss on his lips.

He smiled and held her head close to his chest. He laid his head on her head, treasuring the moment.

"So when am I going to have the honor of calling you 'my wife'?" He asked.

Linriel looked up at him and smiled. "As soon as we can plan the wedding again. I suggest we do it soon, before something else comes up and we have to delay it longer."

Elrohir smiled. "Good idea. You never know when someone might decide to run off somewhere and get lost or something."

Linriel laughed. "We should have our wedding while Mithrandir is around. He can be the one to marry us."

"I think that will be great. I believe he is supposed to return tomorrow. He said he had some business to tend to, but that we could count on his return. With wizards you never know when they will arrive, though."

"Yes, that is true."

"Assuming that Gandalf is back, do you think you could get everything together in a week from tomorrow? " Elrohir asked.

Linriel thought about it for a second. "Yes, I suppose that would be fine. Any reason as to why you picked that day?"

Elrohir stared at her for a moment. "You don't know?"

Linriel thought desperately as to the significance of the day, but she couldn't place it.

"I thought you never forgot special days."

"I'm sorry, love. I don't recall what it will be."

Elrohir grinned. "Then figure it out. You have until the day of the wedding."

"And if I don't figure it out by then?"

He kissed her and then grinned at her. "You better have figured it out by then."

Linriel smiled. "I'll do my best." She said, still trying to rack her brain.

Elrohir smiled. "Good, then the day is set."

Linriel smiled and giggled.

Elrohir placed his arm around her and looked overhead to see the stars. As a shooting star passed, he wished that Linriel and he would be able to spend many years of happiness together. He smiled bright, letting the smile fill his entire heart. Mirkwood was free and in a few days he would be married to the most beautiful elf in all of Middle Earth. The young elf didn't think he could be any happier.

The End... for now


Preview for my next story.

A long awaited marriage is about to happen, and Elrohir couldn't be happier. But even during this joyous time, all are not happy. One person may loose everything he loves and his disappearance could end up costing Elrohir everything. Will things be resolved in time for the wedding or are there issues that can never be solved? Find out in my next story.