Author's Notes: Hi guys, so this will likely be the final Chapter in the series. Super excited on your responses on what you think of the story. Please, please, please, send me reviews on what you think!

Lots of Love,

Breaiden0413

Chapter Eight

In my lifetime I had experience hot places…but nothing I've ever encountered prepared me for the heat of Mt. Doom. The lava was easily flowing down the side of the mountain, while the heat helped the steam and in turn the air in which I used to fly, the heat from the lava was hard to withstand. I could feel my skin and feather's heating and slightly burning as I flew. Near the middle of the mountain I saw them, they lay on a large rock, the lava hadn't fully overcome them, but it wouldn't be very long before the lava overtook the rock they sat on. I landed on the rock beside them, neither were conscious, the smoke and ash, hindered even my breathing. How they managed to survive so long…I'd never known.

Sam was in better shape than his master. There were a few slashes, bumps and bruises, and a several nasty bites on his shoulder and arms. There was a large goose-egg of a bump on his head. Deciding my powers shouldn't be used on him, I turned to the smaller of the two hobbits. He was worse for wear. Lips were chapped and bleeding in several places, his clothes were torn, both of them wore make shift uniforms which stunk of Orc. There was also a burn mark around his neck where the chain the ring sat on, dug into his neck. The worst injury on Frodo was on his hand, a finger was missing, bitten off it seemed. Digging deep I pulled into my own power and used it to channel healing into my hands. I was nowhere nearly proficient as Elrond, Galadriel or even Gandalf, but I would do the best I could. I was pulling from my own energy that kept me awake and from my own wounds from cracking open and bleeding, already I could feel them throbbing and threatening to open, my vision began to go blurry, but I shook my head and steeled my will.

This HAD to be done, I saw his skin neatly stitch itself, and the bleeding ceased. Finally satisfied he was healed and out of danger, I stopped and the world spun around me. A screech alerted me to something approaching us. Looking up through blurry vision I see a large brown figure flying towards us with a white blob atop it. I couldn't focus enough to make out what it was…my consciousness slipped into darkness. Weary and tired, and in much need of sleep, I welcomed the darkness.

Soft brightness welcomed my eyes when I opened them, I wasn't certain how long I slept, but upon waking in new I was in a House of Healing. The soft and serene lighting, was nearly a dead giveaway. It didn't matter where you were, the lighting in any Healing House was the same, the healers thought it encouraged healing. My body ached even at first wake, and putting weight on my arms to sit up meant I was bad in a bad way. I wasn't even sure how long I was out. Looking around the pillars were made of a stone that seemed soft in the light, the walls were open yet there was no harshness. I could hear birds chirping and if I focused….a river was nearby. It was quiet and serene, I was peaceful and judging from the calm and stillness in my mind, so were my animal spirits. My arms were heavy, like lead weights, and I was keenly aware of the hunger pains in my belly, there was a very good chance I had been asleep for quite some time.

"Good to see you are finally awake,"

My eyes landed on the familiar form of the Ranger of the North. He looked much different, now however. His hair was washed and brushed, and his face now in a full beard, there were no signs of stress or worry etched on his face. He wore a tunic of black with the white tree of Minas Tirith emblazoned on the front. His hair was pulled into a half pony-tail, he was more regal looking than I had ever seen him.

"You certainly look fancy." I murmured.

He gave me a broad smile, looking down at his clothing.

"It takes getting used to, to be honest." He said sincerely.

I smiled.

"It suits you." I said smiling.

"I'm beginning to warm up to it," He said softly.

I smiled and leaned back into the mountain of pillows. I looked around and realized I was in Rivendell.

"When did we get here?" I asked.

"A few days ago, Frodo and Sam only just woke yesterday." Aragorn informed me.

"How bad am I?" I asked seriously.

"Not the worst state I have seen you in, but fairly close," a voice answered.

The voice that walked in belonged to one I was very familiar with. It matched with one that warmed my heart.

"Ada," I greeted.

He gave me a soft smile and placed his hand on my forehead.

"Your fever has gone, that is good. You have been unconscious for nearly two or three days now." Elrond informed me.

I winced at that, no wonder I was hungry.

"Are you feeling any pain?" He asked.

I nodded.

"Muscle strain," I murmured.

He nodded.

"That last shift you did before the end, strained your muscles past their point, your body was physically exhausted, and then to help heal Frodo…you are lucky to be alive." Elrond said seriously.

I suddenly found the comforter extremely interesting, I heard the two chuckle.

"How is Frodo?" I asked.

"He has healed well, he lost his finger as you well know, and he may feel pain from the Witch King's blade for a time, but he is doing better than I could have anticipated." Elrond stated sitting beside me.

I looked around in my room, but found no trace of the elven prince. I tried to not let my disappointment show, but I saw Aragorn's soft smile.

"Thranduil called him home," He said softly.

I nodded.

"He'll be returning soon," Aragorn assured me.

I looked at him curiously.

"He's been invited to my coronation in Minas Tirith,"

I nodded and relaxed slightly.

"I don't envy him," I admitted.

Lord Elrond raised his eyebrow.

"He's has to inform the King that he's no longer and eligible bachelor." I said smiling

They both chuckled and Lord Elrond's face grew soft.

"Are you certain this is what you want?" He asked softly.

I nodded.

"More than anything, I feel like…I belong somewhere. Finally." I said smiling.

He smiled and nodded.

"You both have my blessings. Now you need some food in you and some time to relax. You will be up and moving before long. No doubt with the King's caravan back to the City of Minas Tirith."

I smiled, though I was still weak and tired, and at the moment, hungry. I felt calm. I felt peaceful. I felt like I belong for the first time in the longest time. I was home.

I rested in the halls of my childhood for about a week, by then my strength had returned and I was getting antsy sitting in one place for too long. Over the past year and half I had been roaming the wilds, over hills, snow, rain, life and death, sitting in one spot for too long was getting to me. My animal spirits were getting antsy and not even shifting was biding time. Luckily Aragorn came for me and told me we were to head back to Minas Tirith for his Coronation. Apparently everyone from the fellowship was invited. We'd be reunited again, all of us.

The road was fun, Aragorn allowed me to shift and travel ahead of the group as a scout, but we never encountered an issue on the way there. The city was abuzz with life. Children running and screaming in delight at the flowers and the streamers and banners along the road. When the soldiers arrived with the King's guard their faces were priceless, shock, awe, and fascination. Looking at Aragorn interact with a few of them warmed my heart. He was always good with children, and being a King that has wandered among the people, who has spent life as one of those with little to their name and only what was on their back, he would be one that the elves wrote songs about. He would be a King of the People.

The coronation would begin in a few hours and there would be several different races attending, Men, Dwarves, and Elves. Upon entrance to my room I was surprised to see a large cover over something that hung from the armoire. Lifting it off, my breath was stolen at the sight of the dress before me. The bodice had intricate beadwork that covered from breast to hip, the beads were of gold, white and silver. It seemed relatively form fitting, and it had a sweetheart necklace at the hips it flared slightly with a lace like tulle, it fell to floor and had a slight train. The sleeves seemed to attach at mid upper arm with an intricate band of similar beadwork that fell into a similar white tulle/gauze material whose ends were floor length. There were a pair of white soft slippers with silver beads delicately made into the fabric. I was at a loss for words when I felt a presence. Turning I see Lillie, she smiled when she saw my reaction to the dress.

"I'm glad you like it," She said softly.

"I have no words…"I whispered.

She smiled and shut the door behind her.

"We've got some work to do before I deem you presentable," She said pushing up her sleeves.

I chuckled and gazed at the dress, flabbergasted.

It was several hours later when I gazed at myself in the mirror, not recognizing the woman looking back at me. Her skin was flawless like porcelain, and her hair was delicately pinned up in a soft up-do with white flowers carefully placed and spaced out. My once hidden family heirloom of Mirkwood, was now standing proudly out for everyone to see. It matched the dress perfectly. My eyes were bright and shiny and my cheeks rosy, I looked the part of the Prince's bride-to-be. The dress of course fit me like a glove, something to expect with Lillie's work. The shoes were thin and soft yet comfortable and yielding to the stone below. Carefully Lillie helped me put on a grey/purple cloak that covered most of my dress and would help me blend into the crowd. There were few people who knew I was to attend, and I would stay for the coronation ball to be held after the actual ceremony. The cloak fastened at the throat with a grey broach with matching purple gem. I was surprised that there was any cloak that could hide the dress, it was so bright and stood out. I turned to look at her.

"You look absolutely stunning, like I knew you would when I envisioned this." She said excitedly clapping her hands.

I smiled at the elven woman, who was not only my lady-in-waiting but also my closest friend, and I'm sure over the years we'd becoming closer. I heard a bell toll in the distance, a warning bell for signaling the time before the coronation. There were several people whom were already waiting for the coronation to begin, some had been waiting for several hours in one spot to ensure they were able to see.

"It's time," Lillie said.

Gently she lifted the cloak's hood to cover my hair and face and secured it so it was closed, and we set off towards the stairs.

The coronation ceremony took place on the courtyard above the city, it was easy to say the entire courtyard was covered with people. I didn't blame them, it was the first King of Men in years. It was a sight worth witnessing. Gimli was chosen as the crown bearer, and he, Aragorn, and Gandalf stood at the top of the stairs near the throne room. Aragorn was groomed to perfection and wore armor with the sigil of Men. He looked the part of a King rather than that of a Ranger of the North. He seemed a bit nervous. Gandalf lifts the crown, a circlet that would sit on his brow, high in the air and places it on Aragorn's head.

"Now come the days of the King. May they be blessed."

I saw Aragorn take a steadying breath and climbed the stairs and turns towards the people. The people jump into thunderous clapping and applause. I smiled. He would be received well.

"This day does not belong to one man, but to all. Let us together rebuild this world, that we may share in the days of peace."

The people burst out in thunderous applause again, from my place in the corner, I marveled at the fact that no one had approached me or seemed to have recognized me. But I realized that many of the other elves that attended the coronation were wearing cloaks similar to the one I wore, so I blended in well. Looking up slight, flower petals fell from the sky. As they fell I looked at the man who was now King. My mentor and more like a father and brother to me than my own ever was.

"Et Eärello Endorenna utúlien. Sinome maruvan ar Hildinyar tenn' Ambar-metta! "

(Out of the Great Sea to Middle-earth I am come. In this place I will abide, and my heirs, unto the ending of the world.)

The words were sung beautifully and slightly haunting. He began to walk among the people. Among those in the crowd were Faramir and Eowyn, who looked happier than I had seen her, and Eomer who was now the King of Rohan. The elves then come forward to welcome the King of Men. Legolas was at the forefront, he wore a simple silver circlet on his brown, and a silver-white tunic top with a leaf broach clasped near his throat. He looked very much the princeling he was. Nearby was Luthais, he was dressed similarly to his younger brother. Aragorn clapped his hand on Legolas's shoulder and said something and the elf prince smiled. My heart sputtered erratically in my chest. Legolas gestured behind him and Aragorn looked at him curiously. Stepping out of his view a pole bearer came forward with Lord Elrond behind them.

Upon moving the banner, revealed a woman in a lovely peridot green dress. Her brown hair was silky and shiny and her headdress was silver and glittered in the sunlight. She was almost an ethereal vision. My heart smiled, at Aragorn's dumbstruck face. There were tears in her eyes as she lowers her head. Aragorn lifts her face to him and she smiles at him. Tenderly he collects her in a passionate kiss, causing the crowd to cheer. Elrond smiles, and the happy couple laugh and walk hand and hand throw the crowd. Eventually arriving at the hobbits. They all bow to him.

"My friends,"

The Hobbits look up at him.

"You bow to no-one,"

Aragorn kneels to them, and as does the entirety of Minas Tirith, the Hobbits look embarrassed at the prospect. It was the end of a dark era…tonight was definitely going to be interesting.

I soon found myself wandering into the main ballroom-like hall. Where the party was in full swing, music could be heard, people conversing and the smell of food beckoned me. I was starving. I hadn't eaten in quite some time. Nerves perhaps, I couldn't say. Aragorn and Arwen were chatting with Gandalf and Elrond that I could tell. At the other side of the room was the Mirkwood elves who seemed entirely content with conversing with other elves but kept to themselves. The men seemed jovial and talking with one another, dancing and enjoying themselves. I had managed to hide off in the corner upon entering. Luthias was with his father and Legolas at his side as well. All three seemed to be enjoying themselves but Legolas seemed distracted, his gaze was constantly skating over the crowd searching. Taking a steading breath I pulled the clasp on my cloak and took it off, luckily my gown was just as fancy as some of the other worn for the Coronation so I fit in, but I couldn't help but feel I stood out at as well. A man at the entrance to the coronation took my cloak and hung it up someplace. I felt probably the most vulnerable than I ever had before.

Looking around I tried to look for someone I could sneak in and mingle with. Luckily Lillie managed to spot me and rescue me. Her own dress was in several different shades of green and yellow. It reminded me of the forest itself. The bust was scooped necked and seemed to dip lower in the back. There was an off gold embroidery that sat between the breasts and just under the bust. There were two mesh-like ribbons on either side of the dress that went up and crisscrossed at the back. There was some material hanging from the embroidery that was the same olive green as the dress that faded either to a soft white or pale yellow The very bottom-most of the dress had gold embroidery of leaves, there were golden flowers tucked randomly on the dress and where the two small strips of mesh held the dress. There was a cape like attachment that fastened at the neck with golden flowers, which I'm sure a clasp lay. She beamed at me when she saw me.

"You look absolutely gorgeous." She stated.

I smiled, at the girl. She definitely brought light and laughter to the room.

"I love your dress," I said earnestly.

She looked down and beamed.

"Thank you, but yours is definitely the most favorite of my creations." She admitted.

I blushed, I could feel the stares of strangers on me, men, women, and elves alike. She gently dragged me over to where Lord Elrond, Arwen, and Aragorn stood talking. I realized it was enough to be able to see me, perhaps even the Mirkwood folk.

"Ah there, you are…you look stunning!" Lord Elrond said fondly.

I blushed and tipped my head in acknowledgement, not really trusting myself to speak. Arwen quickly scooped me into a hug, I clung tight. I had missed her. She pulled back fully looking at me.

"You look beautiful," she said softly.

"Thank you," I blushed. "You can thank Lillie, she has no trouble making anyone look pretty,"

Lillie shook her head.

"You have the natural ability too, don't discredit yourself." She stated firmly.

She looked away as if she was being called, and excused herself. I noticed Aragorn watching me with a slightly amused look.

"Has it sunk in yet?" I asked looking around.

His gaze softened.

"Not entirely, but it's a good feeling." He said.

I smiled.

"You'll be amazing," I stated.

"Have the gift of foresight do you?" He teased.

I chuckled.

"No, but seeing the way they reacted to you out there, and how they are completely at ease here…just a feeling I have." I said gesturing to the people conversing and dancing about.

Aragorn looked around, his eyes seem to light and his grin turned almost mischievous. Judging from where he was looking I didn't have to guess whom was approaching.

"How mad does he look?" I whispered.

Even Elrond was smiling.

"Not mad, annoyed, perhaps irritated would be the proper word." He offered.

Turning slightly to not be rude to our guests, I saw Lord Thranduil, Luthias, and Legolas approaching. Legolas seemed to pause slightly at the sight of me, but kept right up with his father and elder brother.

"It has been a long time Lord Thranduil," Elrond beckoned graciously.

Lord Thranduil tipped his head in acknowledgement at Lord Elrond's greeting but had his eyes glued on me, I swallowed nervously. Finally he turned and looked at the Lord of Rivendell.

"Yes it has been some time hasn't it Elrond?" He replied diplomatically.

"Please excuse us, we have to meet other guests," Arwen said softly.

I wanted to throw something at them as Lord Elrond, Aragorn, and Arwen ventured away.

"You look beautiful," Legolas commented softly.

"You've change little one," Lord Thranduil commented looking at me.

"Lot has happened. Time changes things." I admitted.

He tipped his head in acknowledgement. He stared at me for several moments, before placing a warm hand on my shoulder and walking off somewhere, I watched his retreating back as he disappeared into the crowd.

"I'm confused." I admitted.

Both the Mirkwood brother's laughed slightly.

"He wasn't as upset as I thought he would be." I admitted.

"He was quite upset, he fully intended to give you tongue lashing when we arrived. But seeing you, seems to have change his mind." Luthias admitted.

I glanced back at the crowd.

"It's strange," I murmured.

Legolas moved to my side and placed a hand on the small of my back I looked up at him.

"We should likely move away from the middle of the room, people seem to be getting rowdy."

Noticing the more people were moving the floor to dance, the two elven princes directed me to a table near the side of the room where it looked like they were to be seated. We didn't sit or anything but simply watched people as they passed by. Gently I leaned back on Legolas, he gently placed his hand on my hip, and I felt the warmth from his hand.

"It almost like a dream," I said finally.

I felt the both the prince's eyes on me.

"All of this, the party, the dresses…I feel like we should still be out there wandering or tracking or something…" I said looking around at our comrades.

Merry and Pippin were dancing with some of the men at a nearby long table. Frodo and Sam were speaking with Gandalf. Gimli was off getting some ale it seemed. Aragorn was speaking with some diplomat and here I was with the elven princes of Mirkwood.

"It doesn't seem real," I admitted.

"It does seem odd after so long on the road, to have such a peaceful moment." Luthias admitted.

A flash of red hair in the sea of people and I tensed up.

"And…moment ruined." I mumbled.

I felt the confused stares but then they seemed to have caught what I had seen and I felt Legolas's body tensed up beside me, I could hear him curse under his breath. Peeking at Luthias he didn't look too happy either. Legolas gently pressed me into his side, his hand lingering at my waist, I felt the warmth from his body. Tauriel looked pretty as per her husband's money dictated. She wore a forest green dress, it seemed like silk, there was a broach in the shape of a peacock at her throat that closed a lace top that covered her shoulders and kept her dress mostly modest. Her hair was put in a complicated looking updo. She looked pretty and elegant and looked far too happy to see the youngest prince in my opinion, especially for a married woman.

"My prince, you return." She said breathlessly.

"Tauriel," he said courteously.

"You look well," Luthias stated trying to direct the conversation off the younger prince.

I saw a look of deep loathing directed towards the elder prince. Apparently she still hadn't put the past behind her.

"Luthias, you certainly haven't changed at all." She said coldly.

Luthias offered her a polite smile but there was a cold glint in his eyes.

"Much has changed since we last spoke. I believe you know my little brother's fiancé…"he went on introducing me politely.

His voice stressed on the word fiancé, hoping to direct the importance of it. Her eyes widened and she looked at me fully, up and down.

"Those are rumors," She said.

"Confirmed rumors, they are to be married next Spring," A voice said coming up from the red-haired elf.

Spinning around she was face to face with her former King. He held no expression as she looked at the former Guard Captain.

"King Thranduil, it is good to see you well," She said politely.

He tipped his head in acknowledgement.

"I've just spoken with Lord Elrond, does that date agree with the two of you?" He asked.

Legolas and I were caught off guard, I flushed scarlet and he chuckled and nodded.

"That will be fine father," he said smiling.

I saw Tauriel look between Lord Thranduil, and the youngest elven prince, she was flabbergasted. She opened her mouth to say something and the elven King rose and eyebrow and she shut her mouth. She turned on her heel and walked away.

"She certainly is not happy." I commented.

I heard Luthias give a very un-prince-like snort.

"Who cares?"

I had to fight down a smile.

"She will not be problematic will she?" Legolas asked his father who had his eyes on the red hair elf.

It was a few moments before he replied.

"No, she will not be." He said with a sense of finality.

Luthias then engaged his father in a conversation I was not paying attention to when the youngest prince tugged on my hand in direction of the door. Not wanting to be rude I looked to Lord Thranduil who seemed to have waved us away. I beamed at him, and followed Legolas out into the crisp air. There was a slight breeze, the moon was full and high in the sky, but there was no chill to the air. It was beautiful outside.

"It still seems dream-like," I admitted looking at the view.

Legolas was leaning on the balcony railing beside me.

"This will be our dream then, we'll make it into what we want it to be."

"And where will that lead us?" I asked hugging him around his middle.

He wrapped his hand around my back and linked his fingers together.

"Our future."

"Perfect."

I didn't know what the future would bring, but I was ready to walk hand-in-hand into the future with the elven prince and my friends by my side. It was going to be nothing short of amazing…and I couldn't wait.