A few original characters living in Valinor:

Lithil, first mother of Oropher

Tialyn, mate of Oropher and mother of Thranduil

Derenil, mate of Thranduil and mother of Legolas

Allison, Valerie's sister, mate of Glorfindel and mother of Rosswen

Rosswen, daughter of Glorfindel and Allison, mate of Haldir

Helethil, mate of Liam

Chapter 37 ended with:

"I doubt the elleth who can attach him is born yet," Victoria told her brothers.

"Oh, she is born," Sean replied, suddenly dark. "She has been for a long while." He left them without another word, leaving them wondering who was this mysterious elleth or woman. And was Valerie aware of it or had Sean been able to hide this from her by some miracle?

Chapter 38 – Finally, Valinor!

Arwen was lying on a cot, on an old flet that Elrohir had solidified. Caras Galadhon had been empty for many decades now, since Lord Celeborn had abandoned it to reside in Imladris with Elladan and Phoebe. Many suspended bridges had fallen to the ground, while others could not be used, infested by wild foliage and weeds. Most telain had been destroyed by the elements, the wood decaying slowly with the years and the humidity. A few birds ventured in the deserted city, but their chirping was full of sorrow, as if they were missing the peaceful beings that had been listening to them for millennia.

It was a sad sight, an oppressive atmosphere, dampening the mood of the people who had arrived a few days earlier after a long and slow pilgrimage to the realm that had seen the birth of Arwen's naneth. Elrohir and Valerie had accompanied Arwen on her last journey, a task that was both an honor and a burden.

Valerie loved Arwen so much, so very much. They had been friends for more than 140 years, an amount of time that was still beyond her comprehension. With her disappearance, Valerie's last true friend was departing. They had lived so many experiences together, they knew each other so well. Valerie was sitting on the flet beside her dying friend, reliving many memories and describing them to Arwen to get her mind off her pain.

"Do you remember when we were on the beach, in the Bay of Belfalas? Liam, Oropher, Gil-galad and Hadrian were making sand castles. Gilrin and Lothiriel were there too. What a wonderful visit it had been! I wish I had gone again on that beach!"

"I miss Gilrin," Arwen whispered.

"I miss her too. She was an incredible person. May she be at peace where her soul is right now."

"Hadrian was still happy at the time," Arwen reminded Valerie. "It was before he realized that elves were immortal and that he was going to grow old while no one else in his family would."

"Yes," Valerie said sadly. "But I do not regret adopting him. I gave him a better life than he would have had otherwise. He had his place in my family, a place that no one will ever replace. He will not be forgotten."

"You will not see him again."

"No."

"But you and I, we might see each other again, even if I became a mortal a long time ago."

"What do you mean?"

"When Elros was reborn, my adar shared with me some of his speculations."

"About what?" Elrohir inquired as he joined them on the flet.

"About uncle Elros. He had chosen a mortal life and was reborn an elf regardless of his choice to be mortal. The choice of the Peredhil was not offered to him in his second life."

"What was adar's conclusion?" Elrohir asked, interested.

"We are half-elven. When Elros and I made the choice to become mortal, our bodies became mortal. But our fëar are still elven. Elros' fëa went to the Halls of Mandos and remained there until Valerie gave birth to him. Adar thought it would be the same for me..." Arwen finished before falling asleep. Speaking for so long had exhausted her.

Valerie caressed the thin, gray hair that had replaced Arwen's former dark, luxurious hair.

"Do you think it is true?" Elrohir asked Valerie.

"I hope so. I cannot imagine my life without Arwen."

"She would be reborn without Elessar."

"Elros had a wife that he loved deeply in his first life. It is for her that he decided to become mortal. But it has been 83 years that he remembers her, and I can tell you that he has fond memories of her and their children, but nothing more. His fëa seems ready to keep going as an elf, ready to find another fëa-mate, as if the Valar had put his life back on track, as if he had never made the choice."

"You believe that if Arwen is reborn, she would not miss Elessar?"

"Probably not. She would remember him, but not miss him, not as you think she should. She would want to bind with an elf, one with whom she can live her second immortal life until the end of time."

"That is probably why my father let her go without a fight. He suspected he would see her again. That my naneth would carry her once more and give birth to her in Valinor."

"I think so. But if she is reborn one day, it will be in such a long time... Gods, how I will miss her!"

"Do not cry, Valerie," Elrohir told his young mother-in-law.

"Look who is talking," she replied, seeing the tears in his own eyes.

"My tears are tears of joy. Yours are tears of sadness. We will see her again, of that, I am sure. Take comfort in that."

"Why is she in pain?"

"Fading is a painful death. I have heard that when your fëa leaves your body, it feels like your soul is being torn from your body. It is a physical pain for an elf, as our fëa is so intertwined with our body, unlike the mortals, whose souls are leaving their bodies so easily."

"You brought some painkilling draught?"

"Yes. I will give her some once the pain becomes unbearable."

"How much longer?"

"A few days at the most. The process started long before, when we were still in Minas Tirith."

Valerie looked at Arwen's frail body, carefully wrapped in a warm blanket. She lied down against her friend's body while Elrohir did the same on the other side. They fell asleep in that position, trying to keep Arwen warm in the cool night.

The sunlight woke Valerie a few hours later. Arwen and Elrohir were still asleep. Her body was stiff, unused to sleeping on hard wood instead of a comfortable bed. She yawned, wondering what kind of day Arwen would have. She slowly caressed her friend's arm, still lying on the cot in the same position as the night before. The arm was stiff. And cold. Valerie lifted her upper body on her forearm to take a good look at Arwen, whose face was very peaceful. She was smiling in her sleep.

"Arwen?" Valerie whispered, but only Elrohir woke at her words.

"Let her sleep," he mumbled. "While she sleeps, she is not in pain."

Valerie was staring at Arwen's face, looking for any signs of life. Her immobility was unnatural. She put her hand above her nose, hoping to feel the delicate flow of air coming in and out of her friend's nostrils. There was none.

"Arwen!" Valerie yelled, violently shaking Arwen's body, this time definitely waking Elrohir. He jumped to his feet and watched Valerie as she was hysterically calling for his sister. "Arwen! Arwen!" Valerie's screams turned into sobs. She was finally accepting that Arwen had left, silently, discreetly, alone during the night. The Vala Namo had come for her, stolen her from them like a thief.

Elrohir fell to his knees, touching his sister's cold cheek.

"I was not ready," Valerie cried. "You said we had a few days. I did not get to say goodbye!"

"Me neither," he mumbled. "Namo, why? Why did you have to take her away like this? I did not even tell her I loved her!"

They both cried for a long time, regretting to have rested instead of attending to Arwen in her last moments. They were holding her hands, touching her face, trying to make a last contact with the former queen of Gondor.

"She knew, you know?" Valerie whispered. "She knew you loved her, even though you rarely told her. Let this thought be a comfort in your grief."

"She left in a relatively pain free manner," Elrohir realized, making peace with his sister's way of dying. "We have to thank the gods for that."

"We do."

"We have to bury her. Near the biggest Mallorn tree, where the royal talan used to be. My grandmother has shown me once where her grave would be. I think she had foreseen this. You take care of Arwen while I take care of the grave."

"Are you in such a hurry to leave?" she asked, bewildered. Arwen had just died!

"Victoria is waiting for me. She desperately wants to sail. So is your entire family. Eiliannel and Raevon are waiting for you. And Legolas."

Valerie's heart turned from sadness to hope. Yes, her family was waiting for her. Her mate. Legolas, with whom she would now start a new chapter in the long story of their life. Her youngest children, who probably didn't understand why she had left. Was Raevon crying for her at night? He was only one, he was too young to be so long without his naneth! They should hurry back to Ithilien. Legolas and their sons must be done building the ship by now. They were all waiting for them.

"Fine. Take care of the grave, I will... take care of her."

Valerie washed Arwen's frail body, crying as she worked when she realized the extent of her friend's aging. The signs had always been carefully hidden in her dresses and shawls. At the ground level, she could hear Elrohir's efforts as he dug a grave with some old tools he had found where the smithy's workshop used to be. He must be almost done. She called him softly. The shoveling noises stopped.

"Yes, Valerie?" he called.

"I am done."

"I only need a few more minutes."

"Okay." Valerie lied down on the flet. She closed her eyes and slept one last time beside Arwen.

When she awoke, she was alone. Elrohir had taken Arwen's body. She climbed down the tree and walked to where she thought Elrohir had dug the grave, walking in what used to be a path but was now an obstacle course. She eventually found him near the Mallorn that used to support the royal talan. He was kneeling beside a large hole. She knelt beside him and saw that he had enveloped Arwen in a rich blanket and put her at the bottom of the grave. Her face was still uncovered.

"Thank you for giving me some privacy," he whispered.

Valerie did not tell him it had been unintentional. He simply had not woken her when he had come back to get Arwen.

"Goodbye, Arwen. You were a great sister," he said to the deceased.

They remained silent for a long time. They did not speak, nor did their eyes leave Arwen. After some time, Elrohir moved to cover Arwen's face with the blanket.

"No!" Valerie cried. "I am not ready!"

"Take your time," Elrohir said patiently. But his patience ran thin when Valerie stopped him a second time an hour later. "Valerie, you have to let go."

"I cannot," she replied, rocking back and forth. "I do not want her to go."

"She is already gone," he said delicately. "This is only her body now."

"I do not think the blanket is warm enough. She will be cold."

"She will not be cold."

"How would you know? You are not a mortal! I am telling you that she will be cold!"

"She will not. She is dead. Dead!" he repeated loudly.

"Stop yelling at me! I want you to put an extra blanket on her. Understood?"

Elrohir sighed, but obeyed nevertheless. She would not leave him alone until he put an extra, completely useless blanket on his sister's body. He swore to himself that should Arwen be reborn one day, he would tell her how silly and illogical Valerie had been at that moment.

Valerie thanked him when he put the additional blanket in the grave. "Can I cover her face?" he asked.

"No! Let me do it." She slowly grabbed a corner of the blanket and hesitated. Elrohir knew how difficult it was for Valerie. Covering her friend's face was a sign of acceptance of her death. And she was not ready to accept it. He slowly grabbed Valerie's wrist, and gently moved it until Arwen's face was covered.

Valerie bursts into tears and cried while Elrohir was slowing putting earth on the body, until they faced a little mound of freshly moved earth. Arwen was truly gone.

OoOoO

Their journey back had been silent. They had exchanged the minimal words to cooperate during these weeks. They spent their days riding, lost in their thoughts, grieving. At night, they were dead asleep, exhausted physically and emotionally. They made it back to Ithilien in record time, where the now finished ship was at quay. It was a beautiful ship, a little on the small side, but big enough for their entire family, with four cabins. The sails had the colors of Greenwood.

They were welcomed with both enthusiasm and sadness, for their swift return meant that Arwen had left Middle Earth much quicker than they all had expected. Valerie let Elrohir describe Arwen's last moments, delicately skipping the part where Valerie had been convinced that Arwen would be cold in her grave. Everyone prayed for her eventual rebirth and thanked the Valar for a rather swift passing under the circumstances.

Legolas and Valerie were to share a small cabin with Eiliannel and Raevon. Her youngest son had immediately recognized her and welcomed her with a smile, while Eiliannel had sulked for days, staying around an uncomfortable Victoria. She only approached Valerie once she saw that her little brother was getting all the attention because of her sulking, and soon, she had maneuvered to get her status back in her naneth's affections.

Elrohir and Victoria shared a smaller cabin, while Sean, Elros and Gil-galad shared another. Finally, Gimli and Brannor were in the last cabin.

They loaded water, food and clothing, some personal belongings they couldn't leave behind, and on a rainy morning, they sailed on the river Anduin, which would eventually bring them to the Bay of Belfalas, and from there, to the Great Sea that would bring them to Valinor, should the Valar allow Gimli to set foot on the land of the elves. They refused to think of the possibility that they would get lost on the sea because of the dwarf's presence on the ship. They would see Minas Tirith one last time from afar, but they had decided not to stop in the White City. Once their mind had been set on sailing, any delay became inconceivable. All their thoughts and concerns were turned towards the future, and the people that were awaiting them in Valinor.

After a week at sea, Valerie's seasickness got better, and she spent a lot of time on the deck at the back of the ship with Gimli and Sean while the rest of the family was generally spending their days at the bow, looking ahead and waiting to see the land that was calling for them.

"You do not feel the call of Valinor like them?" Gimli asked them one day.

"No," Valerie said darkly. "I feel torn to leave Middle Earth. A great sadness is in my fëa."

"Valinor is unknown. Our souls were never in the Halls before we were born," Sean added. "It is like starting all over again, like when Legolas brought us here with him."

"We were happy in Middle Earth, all things considered. Except for the last few years where I was unwell, but then again, Legolas made it better."

Legolas had heard their conversation. He had decided to join them while Victoria was taking care of her little sister and brother. He understood their sadness. He also had felt melancholy when Middle Earth had disappeared from his sight, but the call of Valinor had been overwhelming and had quickly turned his mind away from his past.

He sat on an empty chair with them, and took Valerie's hand in his. "The view is as beautiful at the bow. Will you not join us?" He started kissing her hand with devotion, and Valerie beamed at him.

"I think I will go with the others," Gimli growled.

"Me too," Sean said, and they both left quickly, leaving the couple alone.

"I thought they would never leave," Valerie laughed.

"They left after ten seconds!"

"Ten seconds of our lives that we lost and will never get back."

"What is ten seconds in the life of an elf?" he asked while she sat down in his lap and put her arms around his neck.

"Wasted time," she replied, kissing his lips with affection. "From now on, our priority will be to live happily ever after. With all our children and your parents."

"Do not forget Gimli," Legolas jested.

"I would not dare."

Valerie put her head on his shoulder, her eyes still staring at the horizon where Middle Earth had disappeared.

"Will you not join our family at the bow? You need to look ahead, not look back, my love."

"I know," she sighed. "It is strange that all these decades, I wanted to leave Middle Earth, and now that we are gone, I miss it."

"That is what makes you so special. I never know what you are thinking, what you will do or say. It is highly entertaining."

"I am glad to provide you entertainment at my expense."

"I love you."

"Me too."

"Come, let us go to the front of the ship."

They stood and Valerie looked East one last time, before resolutely following her mate to join her family.

She never looked back.

OoOoO

Valimar, Valinor

The tournament organized by the Vala Tulkas every 25 years was in full swing in Valimar. Warriors from all over Valinor were competing in many disciplines, from hand-to-hand combat to sword fighting. The archery contest was the highlight of the tournament, with many elves competing for the title of champion. Every realm was sending their best representatives in the hope that their champion would bring honor back to their realm.

Names of opponents were randomly selected by Lord Tulkas, and unfortunately for them, Elladan and Phoebe had to compete against one another, the former for New Imladris and the latter wearing the colors for the Woodland Realm while their respective people encouraged them in the stands. The entire Greenwood family was there including the reborn kings who were encouraging their sister against their brother-in-law. King Thranduil was watching his granddaughter with pride, ignoring the whispers of some closed-minded elves who thought that an elleth sword-fighting was inappropriate.

"Hurt him!" Oropher shouted to his sister, to their people's delight. "Show him no mercy, for he deserves none!" His playful smile contradicted his harsh words. He knew Elladan would have a few choice words for him later that day, and he was looking forward to it. His mate Tialyn laughed softly beside him.

In the arena, Phoebe was attacking Elladan as if he was her worst enemy. She was determined to be the victor of this duel. He was trying to counter her assaults, but she was everywhere, her blades moving at great speed. The student had surpassed the master many decades before.

Oropher realized something was amiss when the crowd around him became silent. He saw that the Vala Tulkas himself was walking in their direction, obviously intending to sit near him instead of with the other Valar. A few people stood to vacate their chairs, and Thranduil and Oropher did the same, not sure what was expected of them. Tulkas thanked Derenil who had moved from her place to sit beside her mother-in-law Tialyn, and the Vala gestured for the two kings to sit down.

"My Lord Tulkas, what an honor..." Oropher started.

"King Oropher, King Thranduil, I am very pleased with the performance of Princess Phoebe. She is a great warrior. You must be very proud."

"We are," Thranduil confirmed, trying to reign in his immense pride. Phoebe's performance was incredible indeed for the Champion of the Valar to take notice and praise her performance.

"Do you think she will win against her mate?"

"Fate was against them, when their names were picked," the king commented. "But I have seen them fight regularly since my granddaughter was a child. He trained her, but he himself admitted decades ago that she is more skilled than he is."

The crowd started cheering, and Thranduil jumped to his feet, loudly clapping his hands when he saw Elladan lying on the ground, Phoebe's knifes against his throat. "Do you yield?" Phoebe asked him.

Elladan admitted his defeat, and passionately congratulated his wife under the cheering of the Woodland Realm people. Thranduil waved in the direction of Elrond and Celebrian, teasing them for this victory of the Woodland Realm over New Imladris. Ecthelion, who was sitting near Glorfindel, started cheering loudly, the only one in that area of the stands.

"That was a good show!" the Vala laughed. "I love it when appropriateness is thrown away!"

Everyone watched the couple leave the arena and the two new contestants who had appeared.

"I will go back to my wife," the Vala said. "I have a message for you. I have the regret to announce that King Elessar of Gondor has passed away a few months ago."

"I am sorry to hear that," Oropher said sadly.

"He was a good king. And his son Eldarion will be a good king too. Their line will reign over Gondor for a long time."

"I am glad to hear it."

"Does that mean that..." Derenil hesitated.

"Yes, they are on their way," the Vala confirmed. "They will be here in two days. Enjoy the rest of the tournament. I do wish that your granddaughter will win!"

Stunned, the royal family just sat on their seats. They had been waiting for this news for more than a century. The wait had been so long that they had almost stopped hoping for their arrival. It had started looking like a distant event, something they had stopped believing would happen anytime soon.

And now, they were arriving in two days!

Fingolfin suddenly appeared, almost breathless but looking quite excited. "Did you hear?" he asked his second family. His wife Anairë, who had been following behind, arrived a few moments later.

"How do you know?"

"The Vala Oromë told my first adar. I cannot believe it! Do you think Ecthelion knows? He does not seem to know! I will go tell him!"

And as fast as he had arrived, Fingolfin was gone again. His wife remained near Derenil. "I cannot follow him. He is exhausting," Anairë whispered to Thranduil's mate.

"It has been more than 45 years that you have been reunited. Have you not gotten used to his new personality?"

"And you? How long did it take you to get used to Thranduil's alteration?"

"I am still adjusting," Derenil said. "But I have to admit, I like the change. His lighter mood makes our lives much easier."

"I am glad for you then. I must admit I am a little nervous to meet Fingolfin's second parents."

"I am very eager to see my grandson. But I am as nervous as you are about meeting his wife."

"Look at them, getting excited."

In the other stands, Fingolfin was talking to Ecthelion, Glorfindel and Allison, gesturing wildly while Allison was jumping up and down in excitement.

"She will bring more changes, do not doubt it," Anairë said.

Two days later, an impressive crowd was waiting on the main quay in Alqualondë, waiting for the very last ship that would ever arrive from Middle Earth. From then on, the elves would lose interest in the events happening in Middle Earth since they no longer had kin living in the territory now dominated by Men.

The Greenwood and New Imladris families were there to welcome their loved ones, but many people were there simply out of curiosity, to see Legolas and Valerie, a notorious couple who had accomplished so much in Middle Earth.

The crowd became more excited when a little ship was seen at the horizon. It was definitively elven in shape, and bore the colors of Greenwood. When the ship finally docked after avoiding the rocks at the entrance of the port, the crowd came closer to the ship while mariners were installing a gangway.

Elros and Gil-galad were the first ones to disembark, going straight to their brothers and sister. Elros hugged Elrond for a long time, seeing him for the first time since he had regained his memory. The brotherly love displayed by Oropher and Gil-galad was astounding to most witnesses but the ones who had lived with them before Oropher had sailed. Some Noldorin lords and ladies were standing a little away, watching the king of the Noldor embrace his enemy with disbelief.

Everyone's attention turned back to the ship when a couple appeared on the gangway. Elrohir was tenderly guiding an elleth that most of them had never seen as an adult. For many, Victoria was still a small elfling, shy and always following her mother everywhere. But Victoria was now absolutely stunning, an image of grace and serenity. Once the couple set foot on the quay, Victoria looked at everyone, recognizing her brothers and her sister Phoebe, but having vague memories of her grandfather.

Oropher walked to them, quickly followed by the others, and pushed away Elrohir carelessly out of his way. Elrohir snorted and allowed his wife to be taken away from him. He laughed when he saw Oropher hug his youngest sister and lift her off the ground while she squealed. Knowing that the family would take a long time welcoming his wife, he turned to his own family. Although he had missed his father and twin brother, he only had eyes for the elleth he had not seen in millennia, his naneth Celebrian. They walked towards each other, and he took her in his arms, absolutely unable to say a word, all his efforts directed at holding his tears at bay.

Victoria was now laughing hysterically as she was passed from Oropher to Ecthelion and then Fingolfin. Even Phoebe lifted her off the ground like an ellon.

"You still do not act like a proper elleth," Victoria told her sister with a smile. "Adar and Naneth will still despair to make someone worthy out of you!"

"You are talking to the champion of Lord Tulkas' tournament," Oropher informed her with pride.

"Really? Naneth will be so proud of you," Victoria said to Phoebe, giving her a congratulatory hug. She then turned to Liam, who was hugging Sean who had disembarked in the meantime.

"Hello Liam," she said a little shyly. She had never lived with Liam and he was a sibling she had never been close too.

Sean let go of his brother and put a possessive arm around Victoria. "Liam, I am pleased to tell you that Victoria is the second minstrel of the family. She is very talented. I am telling you this because she hates praises and attention. In this, she is more like you. You should get along very well!"

"I am glad to see you," Liam said, giving her a kiss while observing her with interest. He had heard so much about this little sister. Every person who had ever met her and sailed to Valinor only had positive comments to say about her. He knew she was very close to his mother, Oropher had told him as much. He noticed that his siblings were waiting to see how Valerie and Victoria would welcome him to see if he had been forgiven or not for leaving Middle Earth in such a shameful manner. So far, Victoria was only watching him with curiosity. He hoped it was a good omen.

Victoria finally turned to her grandfather. "Come here, sweetheart," Thranduil said with emotion, opening his arms for her. "Do you remember me?" he asked her.

"Of course, Grandfather! How could you think that I would completely forget you? I do not have much memories, but I remember the time you spent reading stories to me, and the long rides we did in Ithilien. I was sitting in front of you and you were singing these beautiful songs..."

Beside them, Derenil and Tialyn looked at each other. They had not heard Thranduil sing in the longest time, even when they still lived in Middle Earth. Victoria was obviously another elleth who had triggered changes in the king. And by the way Oropher kept his eyes locked on her, they could also tell that she held a special place in his heart too.

"I missed you, so much!" Thranduil said. He looked for his newly arrived grandsons. "Let me introduce you to my mate, Derenil."

"We already met her, while you were with Victoria," Gil-galad said, giving him a hug. Elros had reappeared beside them and together with Sean, they were having a conversation with Tialyn and Oropher.

But Derenil was starting to feel nervous. So many grandchildren had disembarked from the small ship! But where was Legolas? Where was her only son?

As if on cue, Legolas appeared on the gangway, a look of slight annoyance on his handsome face, followed by Gimli and Brannor. He nodded to his adar who still had an arm around Victoria but went straight to his naneth, whom he had not seen since her gruesome death during her last trip to Lake-town.

"My son, my son," Derenil kept repeating while crying against his shoulder. He had been an adult when she had died, but he had not changed in the least, if only for the fact that he looked much more peaceful and lively than before. Gone was the constant worry that was marring his expression.

"You look great, Naneth," he told her. "I am so glad that you are reborn. I have missed you every single day since your death."

"When I was in the Halls, I was constantly praying for your safety. Lord Namo was telling me each time you were injured. It hurt my fëa so much..."

"I am sure that you helped keeping me safe for all these centuries. The Valar have protected me and my family for a long time because of your prayers. Thank you."

Thranduil was growing impatient beside them. He put a hand on Legolas' shoulder. "Where is Valerie? Please tell me you did not leave her in Middle Earth!"

"She is still in the ship. She has a... surprise for you. If I were you, I would go give her a hand. She asked me to leave because I was in her way, but I am sure she would be more accommodating with you."

Curious, Thranduil left them and climbed on the gangway, closely followed by Phoebe, who was also wondering why her mother was not disembarking. They silently went under the deck, where the cabins were located, and heard a voice they had not heard in a long time. Unexpectedly, that voice was... cooing?

"Who is the most beautiful little ellon in the whole world? Do you know who he is? Yes! It is you!" Tender kisses and a little baby laugh were heard.

"Nana! Me too!" another young voice requested.

Stunned, Thranduil and Phoebe stared at each other. There were some elflings on board? They peeked in the cabin where the voices were coming from, and saw Valerie who was giving kisses to a very young blonde elleth while changing the nappy of another elfling, who they assumed was an ellon. This one had red hair, the same red hair than his naneth and his older siblings.

"Eili, I love you, baby! So much! Come, we cannot delay anymore. We have to face the world. Let us hope that we will be welcomed properly..."

Valerie had not been worried about her two elflings while she was still in Middle Earth. But now that they were in Valinor, she wondered what people would say about these eleventh and twelfth additions to their family. It was more than unusual, it was a first. But she would never regret having Eiliannel and Raevon. Her youngest children had saved her from fading. Together with Legolas, these two elflings had brought her back to life, and given a new meaning to her existence.

She lifted Eiliannel from the floor and secured her on her left hip, and took Raevon from the table and installed him on her right hip. She turned to the door and froze. Standing in the doorway were Thranduil and Phoebe, a shocked look on their faces. Their stunned expressions stopped her spontaneous movement in their direction. If Thranduil was not taking this well, then no one would.

Oh Valar! Mother had some more children! Two of them! Are they twins? No, the elleth looks older and more mature than the ellon.

Valerie and Legolas had more children while they were in Middle Earth? No one told us, and they had plenty of time when they disembarked! Two more grandchildren!

Of course, they were projecting their thoughts without controlling them, too surprised to realize or even remember that Valerie could read their thoughts, even unintentionally. She held the elflings closer to her in a protective manner.

"Hello Father, Phoebe," she said a little coldly, preparing herself for their scowling. She prayed that they would welcome her children with gentleness and only make negative comments out of their presence.

Her father-in-law and her daughter moved all at once. They both entered in the cabin, Thranduil arriving first to grab Valerie and her children and hold them against his large chest. Phoebe put her arms around them from behind Valerie, and hugged them as well.

"I cannot believe you are here," Thranduil murmured. "Let me look at you!" he said, finally releasing them. He took Valerie's face in his hands, watching her features with great attention, realizing that she had not changed a bit. Deep in his heart, he had been worried that she might have aged a little, like Elrond, who was half-elven and had some wrinkles. But Valerie was absolutely the same, still stunning and incomparable. It was her, and she was back. He kissed her forehead tenderly.

"Move!" Phoebe told him, pushing him away. He left her his space, but grabbed Eiliannel from Valerie's arms. When Phoebe engulfed Valerie in a strong hold, Thranduil managed to steal Raevon from her other arm.

Overcome by their presence, Valerie held on to oldest daughter while watching Thranduil who was rocking and cooing to her youngest children like he had done all his life with his other grandchildren.

"I am sorry," she cried, "I am sorry for doubting you, Father. I thought you would be unhappy that I had two more elflings."

"You were silly to think this of me," the king said, his eyes not leaving the two newest additions to his family. "But I am not saying some elves will not be making comments. But I guarantee they will never dare make comments in front of me."

"You look well, Mother. How have you been?" Phoebe asked.

"I have been well in the past two years."

"And before?" Thranduil asked, picking on the time limitation in Valerie's answer.

"I am afraid I was fading from grief before Eiliannel arrived. Too many people were away from me. Legolas was not able to stop the fading all by himself."

"We will never be apart again," Phoebe promised. "You will see, you will be happy here. Almost everyone lives in our realm, and New Imladris is only two days away for the others."

"What is your name, little one?" the king asked his youngest granddaughter.

"Eili," she whispered.

"Eiliannel," Valerie corrected.

"How old are you?" the king asked the little elleth.

Eiliannel showed him two fingers, too shy to speak in front of this impressive ellon. He reminded her of her adar, but his serious expression was intimidating.

"I am your adar's adar," he told her. "And I already love you very, very much. Now, tell me your brother's name."

"Raevon."

"How old is he?" This time, she showed him one finger.

"Are you being a good sister to him?" He started leaving the cabin with them, obviously in a hurry to go see the rest of the family on the quay.

"Yes," Eili lied with assurance. Thranduil smiled, not fooled in the least. This little one was like Valerie and Phoebe, not like the sweet Victoria. This pleased him greatly.

"Why are you stalling?" Phoebe asked her mother. "Are you actually nervous?"

"Yes. Yes, I am. Very nervous," Valerie admitted to her daughter.

"Do not be. There are a lot of people on the quay, just ignore the ones that are not family or friends. You will have plenty of time to get to know them later." She pulled her naneth by the arm, knowing that servants would gather all the belongings that were still in the small ship later in the day.

The impatience on the quay was growing steadily, with Valerie's sons wondering out loud what was taking their mother so long to disembark. Legolas was going back to the ship when Thranduil appeared, carrying with boundless pride two elflings in his arms. He was glowing as if these elflings were his own children, and everyone realized that Valerie and Legolas had had more elflings when the little elleth cried "Ada!" when she saw Legolas at the bottom of the gangway.

"You could have told us that we have new additions to the family!" Oropher told Gil-galad and Elros with a hint of reproach.

"And miss the look of absolute surprise on Fingolfin's face? Absolutely not!" Elros laughed out loud.

"And for the record, I am in charge of Raevon's warrior training!" Gil-galad claimed.

"In your dreams!" Oropher thundered. "I am his great-grandfather! The task is mine!"

"You all are assuming that he will be a warrior," Derenil said patiently. "But he might be a scholar like Liam, or a minstrel like Sean and Victoria," she pointed out. She loved Liam dearly, and felt closer to him than the other boisterous warriors of the family.

"There is no chance of that," Ecthelion said. "This child has Greenwood blood in his veins. He will be a warrior," he stated, approved by everyone around him.

Thranduil was introducing the children to the family when Valerie appeared on the deck with Phoebe. Immediately, Legolas jumped back on the ship and took her hand, gallantly guiding her on the walkway ever if it was obvious that his mate was not a delicate elleth.

Once Valerie set foot on the quay, she disappeared from everyone's view, completely hidden by all her older children surrounding her. People heard exclamations, loud voices, cries and laughter while Liam was standing a little bit aside, waiting to see the kind of welcome he would be getting.

"I am sure she forgave you a long time ago," his aunt Allison told him. She too was waiting to see the sister she had not seen in more than a century.

"Where is Liam?" a voice they both recognized asked in the middle of the hugging group. The family separated and Liam saw his mother looking for him.

"I am here, Mother," he said, unsure of what to do. Should he ready himself for one of her legendary tongue lashings?

But Valerie only extended her arms in his direction, and he quickly made his way to her. She hugged him, whispering tender words to her oldest child.

"I missed you, Liam," she murmured in his ear. "You better not disappoint me like this ever again," she chided with a harder voice.

He should have known he would not get away with it so easily.

"There is nothing more important than your family," Valerie continued, her voice clear on the silent quay, her finger jabbing his chest with each word. "Nothing, you hear me? When you left like a thief in the middle of the night, not only did you cause grief to your father and myself, but to your brothers and sisters too. And you never said goodbye to Hadrian! Your brother, which you knew you would never see again! How could you!"

"I am sorry. I have regretted my departure for many decades. I will make it up to you, I swear!"

"How? How is anything you do going to make a difference for Hadrian?"

"It is too late for him," Liam admitted, "but I will find something else. I will spend more time in the Woodland Realm. With father and you, and my siblings," he promised.

Derenil heard that news with delight. Liam's visits were always too short in her humble opinion.

"You better spend at least an entire year with us," Valerie demanded. "And a permanent move might be in order. I will see how I feel about all this."

Phoebe looked for her sister-in-law Helethil in the New Imladris crowd, and gave her her most triumphant smile. Liam's mate was less than excited about the prospect, but what could she do? The princess of Greenwood had ordered her son to move to the Woodland Realm in front of many people. They would have no choice but to obey. Seeing Phoebe on a daily basis would be a challenge.

Allison decided to enter the close circle. "Give Liam a break," she said to her sister. "He has designed and built New Imladris with Lord Elrond. And he missed you, truly. He barely spoke about anything else than you when we were alone. Mother this... Mother that... I wonder what Mother would think about this? It was getting pretty boring and tiresome."

"Do not insult my son!" Valerie said with a smile, engulfing Allison in a one-armed hug, her second hand still holding Liam's. "How are you, my dear sister?"

"I am doing very well. Finding new hobbies, since healing is no longer what I do most of my time. In fact, I barely do anything else than follow some rare pregnancies and take care of the elflings' injuries."

"Did you have more children?"

"No, I am leaving that to you! But I have a granddaughter! She is Glorfindel's pride and joy. She was born only a few weeks ago. Rosswen and Haldir stayed in New Imladris, but Rosswen wants you to visit her as soon as you are settled here."

"Valerie! Are you done? I would like you to meet Derenil," Thranduil called.

"Yes, I want you to meet my naneth and my grandmother," Legolas said, directing his mate to the place where Thranduil was standing between two ellith, each one of them holding one of her elflings. Oropher was following behind.

"Vanima, this is my naneth Derenil," Legolas said, taking the hand of the elleth who was holding Raevon.

"Welcome to Valinor," Derenil said, analyzing Legolas' wife. Phoebe and Rosswen had a more elven look than Valerie. Her daughter-in-law looked like a stunning mortal, with some elven features, like her slightly pointy ears and glowing skin. Like Phoebe, her emerald gaze was piercing, as if she was reading her. Thank the Valar, Phoebe's naneth was wearing a dress. She did not think she could live with another elleth wearing leggings and the comments of the people witnessing this. The dress itself was dark blue and was showing a little more cleavage that Derenil would dare, but Legolas did not seem to mind at all.

Valerie chuckled. "I only wear leggings with I ride," she said to Derenil. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance. Legolas and my father told me much about you."

Derenil was pleased to see that Valerie considered Thranduil as her father. Until she realized what the first part of her sentence meant. She blushed violently, putting her hand on her mouth to hide her shame. Valerie had read her thought about Phoebe's leggings. And if she had, then she had also heard her mental comments about her cleavage.

"You will get used to it," Thranduil chuckled.

"I am Tialyn," the other elleth said, obviously much less shy than Derenil, who was wishing that the ground would swallow her.

"Nana!" Eiliannel said, trying to leave Tialyn's arms to go to her mother's.

Valerie took her daughter before she managed to be dropped to the ground. "I am glad to meet my son's mate," she replied to Tialyn.

"I am your grandfather," Oropher growled uncomfortably.

"You will never be anything else than my son," Valerie rolled her eyes. "Was he always so stuck on social standing?"

"He was, but he is much better, probably thanks to you!" Tialyn replied.

Valerie smiled to her delightedly, feeling that Tialyn and her would get along very well. She turned back to Derenil, determined not to make her feel left out. "I hope you did not find your mate too changed?"

"Thranduil is... different." Derenil was relieved that Valerie was not mad at her.

"Much improved, she finds," Thranduil chuckled.

"Where is Bret?" Valerie suddenly asked Legolas.

"Bret?" Derenil asked.

"Brethilon," Legolas clarified. "I have not seen him yet."

"He is with the warriors," Phoebe informed them. "Some of them are here to meet with their returning Captain."

Valerie gave Eiliannel back to Thranduil, and Legolas and her walked in the direction of the warriors who were standing in a perfect line at one end of the quay.

"Bret!" Valerie squealed, seeing her guard with Brannor, who had joined his father in the line. To many people's surprise, she hugged him like he was family. And to her, he was. They spoke for a long time while Legolas was speaking personally to all the warriors.

Valerie finally let go of Brethilon, and her eyes caught sight of a warrior who had not stopped watching her from afar. He looked so much like Cad. But many Greenwood elves had similar features, and Cadworon would not be reborn for centuries, if not millennia. But when the warrior smiled to her, she knew.

"Cad?" she murmured, unable to believe her eyes. The warrior bowed to her like he had done a thousand times before. "Oh gods! Cad!" she yelled, running towards the guard who had given his life to save hers.

"My Lady, I am so glad to see you." Cadworon held her hands in his, in a gesture that was both familiar and strange to them after such a long time.

"Your death has haunted me for many decades. I kept rerunning the events of Lake-town, trying to see if I could not have organized the attack differently."

"But you saved the child, and your life was spared. My brother told me that you adopted the little boy, that he was treated as your son until his death many decades later. My sacrifice was not in vain."

"How have you been reborn so early? Did you beg Lord Namo in the Halls to be released?"

"No. The Vala has not explained his decision to me. I accepted it with gratitude, for my mate was very distraught to hear of my passing."

"And now, we are ready to resume our duty as your guards," Brethilon said beside them.

"I cannot imagine that I still need bodyguards here, in Valinor."

"There are no enemies to protect you from. But each time you will travel or hunt, we will be there with you."

"Valerie, there are still many people who would like to meet us. Lady Celebrian, Fingolfin's parents and his mate Anairë," he listed. "Miniel is also there, eager to take back her governess duty for Raevon and Eiliannel." Legolas was pressing her to pay attention to everyone waiting for her instead of only spending time with her three bodyguards.

"Yes, I want to see them. There are so many people to meet, my head is spinning. Is Ninaelil there? I did not see her." Ninaelil, the fortress' housekeeper, had been her first friend in Greenwood.

"She is there, in the back," Brethilon said, pointing at an elleth in the crowd. "She is a little shy. She was not sure if you would remember her as a friend."

"Nonsense!" Valerie cried, going back to the crowd to speak to her friend.

Legolas simply laughed, pleased to see his mate so excited to be reunited with everyone she knew.

OoOoO

Sean was visiting New Imladris for the first time, just a few days after his arrival, guided by his brother Liam who was explaining everything he had designed and built with the carpenters and craftsmen. The minstrel was extremely impressed by his brother's accomplishments. He never had had the possibility of making such improvements in Middle Earth. But then again, Liam never had had the opportunity to create a whole city from the very first stone...

"I would like to visit the Lothlorien people," Sean suddenly told his brother. He had admired his brother's work for as long as politeness required, and was now ready to move on to the real goal of his visit. He would eventually spend more time with his brother, since Liam was to move to the Woodland Realm in a few days. But Sean really had more pressing matters in mind for now.

"But... We are not nearly done visiting New Imladris!" Liam protested.

"We can continue later. I would like to see the woods before sunset."

"Fine, it is that way."

Liam led his brother to the western part of the city, where a path leading to the center of Lothlorien had been traced. They walked slowly, stopped by many elves who wanted to be introduced to Sean or who wished to speak to Liam about a project or another. They eventually made it to the center of the city in the woods.

The Galadhrim had established their realm right next to New Imladris, in a dense forest of immense trees where they had rebuilt telain similar to the ones of Caras Galadhon. Elves from former Imladris and Lothlorien were living in either realm, depending of their preference between living in a town or in a realm in the trees. The fact that the lady of New Imladris was the daughter of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel was reinforcing the association of the two communities.

"I wish I could see it at night," Sean murmured, his eyes looking everywhere, taking in the complexity of the bridges network, and the stairs encircling the tree trunks up to each level where a talan had been built.

"We can come back tonight. It is truly beautiful. They have lights on every bridge, and -"

"I would like to take a walk... alone," Sean cut Liam.

Liam looked at him, insulted. "Why? Am I not good enough company? Surely you do not already find my presence tiresome after being apart for decades!"

"Brother, I just wish to walk quietly," Sean soothed his older brother. "The atmosphere here inspires me."

"Yes," Liam smiled, suddenly remembering how his brother liked to spend his time when he was not playing music. The ellith would be very busy in the next few years! "I understand. You have... inspiration. I will leave you to it. Helethil and I will be waiting for you for dinner."

Sean smiled to his brother, but lost his fake merry expression as soon as Liam was out of sight. No one in his family knew about his intents, except his mother. For decades, he had thought his secret safe, until the day before, when he was preparing to leave the Woodland Realm. He had expected her to be extremely angry after she had read his plan in his mind. But she had simply given him a sad smile, gently caressing his cheek with a pensive air. "My dear Sean, never complaining, never expressing his true feelings... I have known your secret for many years now. Bring her back here so she and I can talk. All will be well, my son. I promise you will find your happiness too," she had whispered to him. He had been unable to reply, too shocked and too relieved to answer. When he had finally gathered his wits, she had already left the stables.

He walked around the city, searching for her in crowded areas. Luck was on his side. He finally saw her at the market, where she was purchasing some fabric. He hid himself to observe her attentively. She was just like in his memories. Her long, straight hair, the golden color that most Greenwood elves were born with. The light tone of her perfect skin. Her slender body, with the narrow shoulders and hips that made her look fragile, a delicacy belied by her unbending posture. But most of all, he recognized the sadness in her eyes. For as far as he could remember, she had always had this sadness on her facial features. Her past grievances had resulted in this melancholy he had observed for years. And obviously, what had happened since the last time he had seen her had not ended her sorrow, but only made it worse.

He had spent many decades in Minas Tirith seducing women with similar hair color or features, hoping to find one to assuage his need for this specific elleth. But each time he had been disappointed. They did not have her voice, their hair was not as silken, their skin not as soft. And the fact that they gave themselves to him was making things worse for him, since he had never known the full pleasures of the flesh with her. It haunted him.

He continued to watch her from afar. He could see she was discreetly looking around her, as if she was feeling that someone was observing her. It had been the same, decades before. She had felt his fascination and had come to him. But this time, he would come to her. Had she missed him? Would his feelings be returned? Dread suddenly filled his soul. What if his feelings were one-sided? What if she rejected him? He almost turned around to go back to his brother's house, but quickly regained control over his emotions. He was a grown ellon now, mature, self-confident, charming as his numerous conquests had proven. He would approach her, open his heart and soul to her, and if she rejected him, he would try to forget her, even if it had not been possible so far. He would probably not be the only ellon in Valinor's history to suffer from unrequited love.

The elleth completed her purchases, and quickly walked back to another area of the town, still looking around her to see if she was being followed. She was definitively more perceptive than he had ever realized. He was indeed following her, and stopped when she started climbing the stairs to a small talan in a Mallorn tree. She was about to close her door, looking around one last time when he finally came out in the open at the bottom of the tree, showing himself to her for the first time in many decades.

Her shocked expression, quickly replaced by a strange mix of hope and fear, was very telling. She seemed to hesitate between two courses of action for a while, but then she closed her door. Her face reappeared at her window a few moments later, still watching him warily. He smiled predatorily. How their roles had changed! He walked slowly in the direction of the tree where her talan was located, making sure to stay within her sight as he climbed the stairs.

As promised, I was able to compensate the lateness of the previous chapter by publishing this one earlier. I hope you enjoyed it! The next chapter will be about Sean, a character I have neglected throughout this story. Please do not forget to review!

Blackunicorne: you will know who the elleth is in the next chapter. But you are on the right track.

Natasya ivashkov: there will be comments about the number of children, unfortunately. I guess you didn't like Oropher's mother – in both stories, I made her despicable. There are some characters that I love to hate...

17Booklover12: I hope this was was quick enough! Now I have to hurry writing the next one!

Merlin: Next chapter will be Sean's reunion with the elleth he loves...

gginsc: yes, 12 children is a lot. But I figured – a woman who is 170 years old might want a few children throughout her life.

Hannahhobnob: I made sure that Arwen's passing wouldn't be too difficult to read, it was peaceful.

Glassary: there will be some chapters in Valinor, but we are getting towards the end. I will miss this story, but I have another one almost all constructed in my head...

WMaldonaldo89: you might be right, you will see in the next chapter...

Angel: I have other plans for Sean, but don't be disappointed, Arwen will reappear... I could never write a story in which she truly dies.