And here is chapter 18! Made possible by the fact that I am sick and have been home from work the past couple of days. I hope you enjoy lovelies!

ITALICS is for memories/flashbacks/thoughts

The eye of Sauron was completely fixated upon the small army. Anolindë watched as Aragorn seemed to be caught in its gaze. Then, the new king of Men turned to them, raising his sword.

"For Frodo," he said calmly before charging into the ranks of Orcs.

Merry and Pippin shouted a battle cry before running after him. Soon, the entire army was yelling and charging towards the masses of Orcs. Anolindë and Legolas fired as many arrows as they could before reaching the Orcs. Legolas remained by Anolindë's side, protecting his mate and unborn child. Together, the two Elves were a deadly team and soon bodies began to pile up around them. Distantly, through her battle haze, Anolindë could hear Gimli swearing in his native Dwarf tongue as his axe cut through Orc flesh. Overhead, the Nazúl on their fell beasts, swooped down to wreak havoc on the small army of Men. One narrowly missed the two Elves. Suddenly, the cry of an eagle was heard and to Anolindë's amazement, several Great Eagles appeared from the clouds, claws extended as they crashed into the fell beasts.

"The Eagles are coming!" she heard Pippin cry from somewhere.

A familiar roar filled her ears. It was that of a troll. The Orcs in Moria had had one in their midst. Time seemed to slow down as she turned to see where the beast was. Her eyes widened in horror as she saw who it was bearing down on.

"Aragorn!" she screamed.

Her voice caught the attention of Legolas, who also turned to look for their companion. Anolindë began to fight harder than she had ever had, trying to reach Aragorn as he and the troll began to engage in battle.

"Get out of my way, you stupid Orcs!" she screamed as she sliced through flesh.

Legolas was right behind her but the two Elves were not fast enough. Aragorn had landed in the dirt and the troll was pressing his large foot down onto the new king's chest.

"Aragorn!" Anolindë screamed in frustration and despair.

Suddenly, the troll stopped and looked back towards Mordor. In fact, all the Orcs stopped. A noise they had never heard echoed through the land. Anolindë gasped as the tower of Barad-dúr began to crumble. The great Eye grew brighter and brighter until it began to implode upon itself. Like a flame being snuffed out, the Eye disappeared. A giant shock wave blasted from the tower, causing it to crumble completely. The earth began to shatter and splinter, great cracks forming underneath the feet of the Orc army. Everything, including the black gates themselves began to sink into the chasms. Anolindë leapt into Legolas' arms, kissing him and fisting her hands in his hair.

"It is done, meleth nîn!" she shouted happily above the din of the sinking earth.

The rest of the men cheered. Sauron was gone. Frodo had accomplished what he had set out to do. The excitement was short-lived however as the top of Mount Doom erupted in a fiery explosion. Everyone became silent as they realized Frodo and Sam were still in the volcano. Anolindë covered her mouth as she almost screamed in horror. Legolas held on tightly to the elleth in his arms. Gandalf was the first to move. One of the Great Eagles swooped down from above, landing near the Wizard.

"Take me there," Gandalf said, leaping onto its back.

With a large gust of wind, three Great Eagles flew into the sky, towards the mountain.

~:✿:~

"Nine there are. Yet ten set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him."

Lord Celeborn addressed the fellowship that stood before him and Lady Galadriel. The lord and lady ruled over the woods of Lothlorien in Caras Galadhon. Anolindë had only seen the Lady Galadriel from afar but still she knew that the lady was a very powerful elleth. She could see into minds and read thoughts. Anolindë had always wanted to meet the Lady Galadriel but was never allowed near her, as her duties always sent her elsewhere. The Lady was saying something but Anolindë did not hear. She was transfixed, staring at the ethereal being before her. Galadriel turned to meet her gaze. Though she did not speak, her voice pierced Anolindë's mind.

'Do not fear Thranduil. You are bonded to the prince. Not even the Elvenking can undo this. It is the will of the Valar.'

Anolindë lowered her gaze and looked sideways at Legolas. He too was looking at Galadriel. She must have been speaking to him in his mind as well because he glanced at Anolindë.

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now and rest for you are weary with sorrow and much toil," Galadriel said aloud to the companions.

As they were lead to their sleeping arrangements, Anolindë stayed silent, the voice of the Lady of Light still echoing in her head

~:✿:~

A weary army trudged back to Minas Tirith, their numbers greatly diminished. No one knew of the Hobbits' fate. Gandalf had not yet returned and Aragorn had ordered them to return to the White City. Anolindë looked forward, her mind elsewhere. Legolas had his arms wrapped around her, feeling the little fëa inside of his mate. It too seemed melancholy, as though it was picking up the sadness Anolindë felt. The elleth only snapped out of her daze as the sounds of bells announcing their arrival to Minas Tirith were heard. The sun shone down onto the city, making it glimmer. As they rode through the gates, families came rushing to greet them, looking for loved ones. Those who learned their loved ones did not return began to wail. Those that found their family greeted them with hugs and kisses. Legolas spurred Arod forward, upwards towards the higher levels where their chambers were. A soldier was ready to take Arod from them as they dismounted.

"Come meleth nîn," Legolas said, leading Anolindë into their bed chamber.

She felt tired. The child inside of her was using much of her energy as it grew each day. Giwen met them at the door.

"My lord! My lady!" she exclaimed, happy to see they were uninjured. "The moment you entered the gates, I had a bath drawn."

The two Elves thanked her, wanting to be alone. Giwen bowed before closing the door behind her. A large tub sat in the middle of the room, steam rising from the water. Carefully, Legolas stripped each garment off of his beloved and guided her to the bath. Gracefully, Anolindë sank beneath the water until only her shoulders and head were exposed. The warm water soothed aching muscles. Legolas joined her, sitting behind her and pulling her to his hard-muscled abdomen. They sat together in silence for a while, each falling into sleep.

~:✿:~

A knock on the door awoke them both. Instinctively, Legolas stood and reached for one of his knives as the door opened. Giwen was taken aback by the sight she was greeted with. The male Elf was standing in the tub, naked as the day as he was born, holding a long knife. It took Giwen longer than a moment to look away. She had never seen a naked Elf before. And she could not deny that she liked what she saw. Anolindë rose as she pushed Legolas' arm away from his knife.

"It is only Giwen," she said to him.

Giwen tore her gaze from Legolas and looked to the naked female.

Were all Elves completely flawless? Giwen thought to herself.

"I-I came to tell you that Gandalf has arrived with the Ringbearer and the other Hobbit," she stammered.

"Alive?" Legolas asked.

"Yes my lord," Giwen replied, casting her eyes downward. "They are resting. And healing."

Anolindë's face broke out into a huge smile.

"They're alive! Frodo and Sam!" she cried happily, throwing herself into Legolas' arm.

Giwen could not help but stare as the two embraced. Legolas' well-toned backside was to her now. Mumbling excuses, Giwen excused herself, cheeks bright red.

"They're alive meleth nîn!"

~:✿:~

Sam was the first to wake. He had not suffered any injuries, only dehydration. Frodo was in worse condition. Anolindë sat with Sam in one of the gardens as they waited for the Ringbearer to wake. Sam spoke to her of his shared adventure with Frodo. Anolindë was amazed at all they had endured.

"You are very brave Samwise Gamgee," she said, smiling down at the Hobbit.

He blushed and looked downwards. They were silent for a moment before he lifted his head again.

"My lady, may I ask you something?" he asked.

"Of course Sam," Anolindë replied.

"You and Prince Legolas, you are in love, are you not?" came the whispered question.

"Yes."

"How do you know when you are in love?"

"Love is complicated Master Gamgee. And it is absolutely wonderful. You feel completely safe and at ease when you are with the one you love. Home is no longer a place. Home is with your beloved. Why is it you ask?"

The Hobbit shifted uncomfortably. Anolindë smiled.

"Her name is Rosie. Rosie Cotton," Sam said quietly.

"Fear not Sam. Love conquers all. Nothing will come in between you and your beloved," Anolindë comforted him.

Just then, a Man of Gondor came to them.

"The Ringbearer has awoken!"

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