A/N: Sorry I have been dragging my feet, but I don't want this to end. And we're getting closer and closer. *sniffle* This is where most of you are saying "Finally!" and reminding me I still owe you two stories. And you're right! Tally ho!

Thank you to everyone who reviewed. I apologize for not giving a more personal response lately. I'm going to hide behind the excuse of grad school and hope y'all will be as gracious as usual. But on a more serious note, I really appreciate and enjoy your feedback. You're all fantastic!

Disclaimer: Surprise! I don't own anything except my own creations. Anyone surprised? Anyone? Fine. Be that way.

Chapter 42- One Way Ticket

I entered my room. After closing the door, I leaned my head against the cool wood and inhaled a deep breath. But I could not stay that way for long. I was too wound up. A loud caw and I was dashing out onto the balcony. The raven was circling low overhead. "Following me, huh?" I asked, mostly of myself, as I watched it alight on a tree not too far away. Any minute now, I thought. As per usual, I thought wrong. Close to an hour later I was still conscious and the raven had finally returned to the sky. "What are you waiting for?" I cried in frustration.

"Lady Kate?" Pála called anxiously, knocking once.

I jumped then said, "Come in," before taking a seat in front of the vanity.

"This was outside your door," Pála stated eyeing me warily before handing me a rose.

I took an appreciative sniff without thinking, then eyed it suspiciously.

"Is something wrong?" Pála asked.

"You can say that again," I replied, ignoring her confused expression. Deciding to leave the subject of my impending departure alone, I explained my latest worry. "This isn't from Legolas. He would never pick a flower just because." Pála looked even more confused. "That would kill it. Elf," I explained shortly.

Pála shook her head bemusedly before a puzzled look graced her face. "Then who is it from?"

"I suspect Sir Geir left it for me." Groaning I dropped my head to the top of the vanity. "An ardent admirer is not what I need right now."

"You are a noble, beautiful wom-, I mean, elle-, female," she finished determinedly. "It is not surprising that many would wish to court you. I am sure Legolas is aware of this. He can hardly blame them."

"Try telling him that," I said amused as I made my way into the bathroom. I knew that this is how it worked: a lady's ambition in life was to get married and a pretty girl equals marriage material, plain and simple. And every man wanted a pretty wife. The prettier the wife the greater reflection on the husband. Yada, yada, yada. Typical medieval match-up math. Now, I was not the prettiest girl at the ball by far. But Almira and I were considered exotic (which amused us to no end) thus upping our desirable factor. And with a bunch of men hanging around done with war and ready to settle down, Gondor was a hormonal hotbed. Thankfully, Almira and I didn't have to play that game as Elvish society was a bit closer to the one we left in terms of male-female equality. While the attention and expectations of the Gondorians could be annoying, watching the matchmaking process was somewhat amusing, I thought as I prepared for the evening's dance.

Two hours later, I was primped and polished and ready to go. Lord Elrond's miraculous hangover remedy had magically arrived on my doorstep during my beauty session so I was fully recuperated too, which was nice since I did not feel like spending the whole evening lurking miserably in a corner. Another gorgeous dress had arrived earlier that afternoon. I was really enjoying the daily surprise and the care Legolas had taken, it made me feel very loved, which I desperately needed at the time.

The gown was beyond beautiful, and my favorite so far. It was a periwinkle blue silk that had a gold border from the knee down. It was boned and hooked in the front with a wide neckline that even went slightly off-shoulder. There were two sleeves: the under-sleeve was tightly fitted while the over-sleeve had a draped bell shape and was lined in the same gold as the wide border. Embroidery decorated the top of the front panels of the gown, just under the neckline in a loose floral pattern. There was an underskirt of satin that was a beautiful orange, the color of the sky at sunset. This color was echoed in the under-sleeve. My hair was half back with flowers woven into the strands. I wiggled my toes in my gold satin slippers and tried not to squeal...again. I was floating on air.

An unexpected knock had me rushing to the door. I yanked it open, beaming, hoping it was who I thought it was.

"Kate," Legolas breathed, so much admiration and desire in that one word, in my name. And I lost it. Before he could get another word out, I was kissing him. Hard. Legolas stumbled back in surprise, then he was returning my embrace wholeheartedly. Eventually, he drew back laughing. "I take it the dress meets with your approval?"

"That's putting it lightly. Thank you," I murmured, feeling my throat tighten.

Legolas touched his lips to mine gently. "You are most welcome," he whispered.

A discreet throat clearing brought us back down to earth. We turned to find Almira, smiling shyly and twitching her skirts nervously. Her gown was a beautiful two-piece creation. The bodice was a dark peach and apple green brocade, with iridescent flowing, matching apple green sleeves that began at the elbow. Her skirt was the same dark peach and satin that skimmed her body gently. "Legolas," she said, "this is too much. I can never repay you."

"Nay, it is my pleasure," he stated softly.

I was gaping at him like a fish out of water. "You...?"

He shrugged. "I knew that, like you, she probably was unprepared for the many balls ahead. And I did not know if Rúmil would be able to journey here, so I took the liberty of making sure she was provided for."

"And I deeply appreciate it," Almira said, squeezing his arm in gratitude before leaving us alone in the hallway.

"Kate?" Legolas queried, as I continued to stare at him, overwhelmed. "Have I erred? Was this too much? You know it is only a sign of friendship, I would never-"

I stopped his hurried and worried explanation with an impatient wave of my hand. "Have a little something on the side? I know. It's not in your make-up. And I know you love me. How could I not? I can feel it in your every word and action. Your generosity and thoughtfulness just left me speechless. I really hit the jackpot with you. You chose me, and for that I can never repay you."

"Never feel indebted to me. You enrich my life in more ways than I can count. My love for you cannot be measured."

"Is that why you snuck up here to see me?" I teased, lightening the mood before I began crying or did something completely inappropriate, like elope.

"In part." Legolas took my hand, drawing it up towards his face. Sliding the sleeve down, he placed a soft kiss to the inside of my wrist. "But I also came to tell you that I am allowed to be more partial towards you, and you to me now that you have met my family. Finally," he said emphatically. "I can begin to put an end to any speculation that you might be available for marriage...to anyone other than me that is." He was wearing a smile a shark would have found intimidating.

"About that..." I began, dropping my gaze to my feet. "I think that that guy who escorted me to breakfast might be making an overture. Just FYI," I said in a rush.

"What has led you to such a conclusion?" Legolas asked in a remarkably calm voice, although I could tell he was clenching his jaw.

"Just that he found me this morning and then there was a rose dropped off this afternoon as I was getting ready." I still could not meet his gaze, afraid I had made a mess of things.

"How did you know it was not from me?" Legolas queried, a hint of a smile on his face, tilting my chin up so I would look him in the eye.

"You are too much of a nature freak," I said, shrugging, looking away but darting my eyes back every few seconds. Legolas quirked a brow. "You like nature too much."

"I see," he said with a nod. "F-Y-I?"

"For your information."

Another nod. "Well, F-Y-I I can do better than a rose."

"There's no competition, I-"

Legolas stopped me with a gentle kiss. "I know," he said lowly. "Just like I know that you are a remarkable woman and such suits are not to be unexpected. While I may know it, I do not have to like it. But you will be happy to know I have resigned myself to such occurrences. Not that there is any true competition. And since I promised you a courtship, roses, or something better, are part of that."

Confused, I finally caught sight of what Legolas was drawing out of an inner pocket of his tunic. "Legolas," I gasped.

"I had it made for you." He slid the necklace over my neck. I fingered the pendant at the end of the fine, long gold chain. It was a large, oval peridot encircled with a gold, floral filigree border.

"I'm speechless. Alright, not quite. This is gorgeous," I murmured in hushed awe, eyes never leaving the pendant. "When did you...?" I looked up at him in incredulous delight.

"During our stay in Lothlórien. I sent a note home, to Mirkwood, and commissioned it then. I entrusted it to my father. Told him I might have need of a betrothal gift soon. I had not expected to see it appear here, but I am glad he had the foresight to bring it. Traditionally, the lovers exchange gifts," he added softly.

"But on top of the dresses...and I have nothing to give you!" I cried in dismay. Although I still had not relinquished my hold on my new pendant. I had the feeling I was never going to take it off.

"Not all gifts are material," Legolas stated softly.

"Sometimes you are just too much," I murmured shaking my head.

"Is that a compliment?" Legolas asked.

I pressed a kiss to his lips, lingering for a moment. Pulling back only a fraction, I whispered, "Definitely."

"We must go," Legolas whispered regretfully.

"Do we have to?" I whined, pulling away and looking at him imploringly.

"Yes," he said tugging me downstairs and onto the street.

"So will you finally be escorting me in?"

"I am afraid I will not."

"What?" I cried, stopping in shock.

Legolas stopped too. "I am not pleased either, but we have not announced our betrothal yet. Tonight and tomorrow we will be allowed to dance almost exclusively with one another. Then we will be allowed to enter together and announce our betrothal."

"This formality stuff is getting really old."

"I know, my love, I know. But it is almost over. At least for now. Our wedding will no doubt cause a stir."

I snorted. "Understatement."

Legolas smiled ruefully. At this point we had managed to catch up with Almira, Gimli and the hobbits. When we reached the entrance to the ballroom, Legolas entered first with Almira who stuck her tongue out at me in good fun, to which I rolled my eyes ever so predictably.

"All too soon that will be you listening to them announce your betrothal and then you will never be rid of him," Gimli said as I took his arm.

"Thank you for putting a positive spin on things," I replied with a wide smile. "Getting a little tired of these gatherings are we?"

"Indeed. Unlike some, I did not manage to escape last night's festivities."

"I think somebody's jealous," I sing-songed.

"I was. But I shall forgive you if you help me escape a similar torturous fate this eve."

"No can do. I am on my best behavior tonight. I got read the riot act this morning about sneaking out so I have to be an upstanding young lady this evening."

"How droll."

"Indeed."

We joined the usual suspects and had not been making small talk long when Almira caught sight of someone and frowned. "Uh-oh," she muttered. "Creeper alert."

I stiffened. "How close?"

"Twenty feet and closing."

Upon turning to look surreptitiously over my shoulder, I found him only a few paces away. "Twenty feet?" I hissed.

"Sorry," she said sheepishly. "I have terrible depth perception."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes and forced a cordial smile on my face. "Milady," Corentin drawled and bowed, not even bothering to hide his elevator eyes.

I balled my fists and stiffened, barely curtseying. "Milord," I replied.

"May I have this dance?" He extended his hand expectantly.

"I believe this dance is mine," Sir Geir said as he walked up.

"You are mistaken," Corentin stated haughtily.

"You are both mistaken," Legolas stated from behind me, a gleeful expression on his face. "She is set to dance the next waltz with me."

"Is that so? Perhaps her ladyship would reserve the following dance for me," Corentin drawled, confirming my opinion he was suicidal.

"No can do," I said and jabbed my thumb in Legolas' direction.

"I see," said Corentin. "And after that?"

"I think it is safe to assume that I have claimed the majority of dances for eternity," Legolas stated dryly.

Sir Geir gave a small bow, proving he knew when to gracefully bow out (literally and figuratively). "Then allow me to offer my felicitations on your impending marriage, if it is not too bold." Legolas inclined his head regally and I said a soft "thank you."

Turning my attention back to Corentin I saw him eyeing me with an arrogantly amused expression. "Well, I see that I cannot compete at present. He may enjoy you now but when you are old and gray I warrant that will change. When your first signs of age appear and he tires of you, you will regret this," Corentin stated. "Should you desire a more respectable future, I may still have you." With a mocking bow he departed.

After a moment of stunned silence I smiled wryly. "Well he's in for a hell of a surprise when I show up twenty years from now with nary a wrinkle on my face. Can't say I'm not looking forward to proving him wrong. What a nincompoop." I saw Legolas's hands which had been curled into fists relax slightly.

"Nincompoop?" he queried lightly, gaze still on Corentin's retreating figure.

"Fool, idiot, unstoppable moron, take your pick." Legolas smiled for a brief second before his scowl resumed. "Do not let his ire mar your enjoyment this eve. He does not deserve such a small victory," I pleaded quietly. "Why be angry? It is only giving him what he wants."

Legolas sighed and his gaze, which had not left Corentin, returned to me and softened. "Because there have been rumors that our betrothal is a sham, that I let you think that to enthrall you and garner myself a human mistress. Now I know from whence such vile ideas most likely came."

Admittedly that stung as nothing could have been further from the truth. I may have grown up in a place that had a very different social code, but I was not a woman of loose morals. And the way Legolas loved me, it defied comprehension. That thought placed a rueful smile on my lips and led me to say, "People criticize what they cannot understand. Pity him, because one day he will have the exact fate to which he doomed me: lonely twilight years because those close to him he will have mistreated and driven away."

"That is quite prophetic of you. Been spending time with Lord Elrond, have you?"

"Not particularly. I don't know how to feel about the fact that I am starting to sound like you crusty, ole elves."

"Crusty?"

Ignoring his mildly offended look, I barreled ahead, "Look there is something I need to tell you now that we're finally alone. You're not going to like it."

"I hate when you do that. It really is not the best way to introduce difficult topics, you know."

"I know, but I am not good at talking about difficult stuff so you should probably get used to it if you're serious about this whole eternity thing."

"Come, let us take a turn in the gardens. It is more private."

"Speaking of private, I need to tell Almira too." I turned to look for her and found her dancing with Rúmil a short distance away.

"Shall I hail them both?" Legolas asked, eyes following the dancing couple.

"Yes. Rúmil would find out soon enough anyway." Legolas gave me a sharp glance at that before catching Rúmil's eye and waving them over.

As the dance ended, a young man approached the pair. Judging by his gestures he was asking Almira for the next dance. Almira politely denied him, gesturing in our direction before giving a brief curtsey and coming to join us. Rúmil lingered just a moment, smirked at the young man, then followed. Legolas and I turned to each other with a smile. "Determined bachelor, my arse," Legolas stated with a shake of his head causing me to laugh

"I see Gimli has rubbed off on you," I said.

"Don't tell," Legolas replied.

"I believe this is the happiest I have seen you thus far," Rúmil directed at Legolas as he joined us. "My thanks, milady," he said to me sketching a short bow.

"Indeed," Legolas rejoined good-naturedly, "refusing ardent admirers works wonders for one's mood. Would you not agree?"

Rúmil flushed and cast a sheepish glance at a rapidly reddening Almira. "I take it I was not as discreet as I had hoped," Rúmil stated ruefully.

"Hardly," I replied. "But neither of us have room to talk as we are some of the worst offenders when it comes to such things. That would be the epitome of the pot calling the kettle black. As much as I would like to stand here and make merry I am afraid I have something of import to discuss with y'all."

"Y'all?" Rúmil asked.

"You all," Almira explained. "Is everything alright?"

"Yes...and no. Come, let us discuss this outside," I said.

Legolas led us out into the gardens into a more secluded area where we could speak freely. Just as I was about to speak, a loud caw sounded behind me. I stilled instantly as Almira and Legolas both went rigid. All the color had gone out of Almira's face as she stared at a point over my shoulder. I turned slowly to see the black raven watching us with its' beady, little eyes.

"Is that...?" Almira whispered.

Legolas swore softly as I nodded, once again turning my back on the raven.

"What in the name of Eru is going on?" Rúmil asked placing a hand on Almira's arm. She quickly laced her fingers with his, and he looked at her in concern.

"Have you told him?" Legolas asked Almira, who softly shook her head no.

"Told me what?" Rúmil asked quickly.

"There is a choice yet before us," Almira said. "You know we are neither mortal nor immortal. The time comes when that will no longer be true. Soon we will choose. Will we either take our place among your people...or return to our home and be as we were."

"When must you decide?" Rúmil asked.

"That's the rub," I said. "The gods in their infinite wisdom did not see fit to let us know." The raven gave an indignant caw and I gave him a LOOK. I was getting better at those. After all, practice makes perfect.

Legolas sighed. "If it is anything like the last time they will simply collapse in a rather heart-stopping manner. Would that there were some other way..."

"If wishes were horses," I said.

"Beggars would ride," Almira finished.

"Men," Legolas said.

"Always so quick to act," Rúmil stated.

"Hey, I did not write the proverb. Besides, aren't you tired of waiting?" I asked.

Before any of us could argue about what to do, or what we couldn't do, Glorfindel appeared. "Behaving ourselves?" he inquired, an impish grin on his lips. At the sound of his voice the raven fluttered nervously, emitting a small squawk.

"Why what an eerily familiar bird," Glorfindel said, a hint of irony to his tone. "Where might I have come across such a large raven before?"

"You always did seem to have a way with the gods," Thranduil said dryly, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. "Care to explain what in their name is going on?"

"Not particularly," I said sourly.

"Why don't we give you some privacy?" Almira said rising hastily with Rúmil in tow. But they never made it back inside. I heard a muffled thump and Rúmil's startled exclamation. Standing quickly, I swayed ominously as I went lightheaded. A single loud caw rang out. "If you'll excuse me," I said wryly as the light faded from my vision.