Happy 2015 everyone, I hope you all had a good Christmas! (yes that's when I started writing this) While I've been typing this up I've been getting reviews every so often and I love reading them because they really do encourage me to write more, so thank you all! It took me a while to think up of this but I found a way to merge two storylines into one. I'm actually excited to see what you guys think of this! It is continued from my last chapter despite the different title. I apologize for any spelling mistakes or grammatical errors – any elvish translations will be at the end of the story. Enjoy!

Legolas was pleased to know that if they had kept riding they would have reached the Dunedain camp in half a day. When the four elves reached the camp it was not what he was expecting, but then again he didn't really know what to expect. The camp was big, there were huts and tents set up over a vast area, he didn't know how he was going to find this Strider. He had to trust that Elladan and Elrohir were going to lead him to the right man. On the ride over Tauriel had been quiet but then again all four of the elves had, the two brothers were known to some throughout the elves but Legolas didn't know what to think of them yet. He wasn't sure if he could trust them, so although he was quiet Legolas remained alert not only to protect himself but to protect Tauriel as well, he knew she was in grief and elves felt emotion more powerfully than any other race so her judgement and decisions were likely to be clouded by her grief and Legolas didn't want her getting hurt because of this. "Tauriel, place your hood over your head and please do not take it off until I say."

Tauriel was surprised by the odd request but did as he said, "mankoi?"

"Because we are about to enter a camp full of human men. It is likely that they have been alone for a long time and while they might be Dunedain they are still men. The presence of a female elf might surprise them so for now I would not like you to reveal yourself. Please." He was asking this of her for her own safety more than anything else. Yes, Legolas knew better than anyone that she could take care of herself but she was still healing and he didn't know what to expect from these men. Eventually they stopped at a tent and got off their horses, before Legolas and Tauriel did anything, he pulled her cloak over her shoulders slightly. It was big enough so that when it came over her shoulders it covered some of her figure. Elrohir held open the entrance for Legolas and Tauriel to walk in and the brothers walked in after them. When they entered there was a lone man stood over a table that was covered with a map.

"Estel." At the mention of his name the man turned, "we found these two elves not far from here, they say they have travelled North to find you." The brothers bowed their heads and left the tent, leaving just the three of them.

Legolas stepped forward to address the man, "you are the one they call Strider?"

"Mae govannen, and yes I am Strider or if you prefer, Estel." Strider placed his arm across his chest and then extended it to Legolas, who returned the gesture, "you are?"

"Legolas." He made a point not to introduce Tauriel yet, he was still trying to figure out who this man was and if he could be trusted, so far he had not given Legolas cause not to trust him. But he knew that Strider wasn't just going to ignore the other elf in the room.

"Who is your friend?"

Legolas turned back to Tauriel and nodded once, to let her know that she could reveal herself, "I am Tauriel." She introduced after she had put her hood down and her cloak back.

"Mae govannen Tauriel." Strider was clearly taken aback at the fact that she was a female elf, though Tauriel was Silvan it didn't mean that her beauty was any less than any of the higher Sindarin elves.

Neither elf was surprised at his use of their tongue, his name or one of them at least was elvish and he knew how to greet Legolas not as a man but as an elf would. Tauriel simply nodded back at his greeting.

"Elrohir said that you were looking for me, why?"

"My father said he knew of your father Arathorn, he said he was a great man and that you could become one and that it was in my interests to seek you out. We have seen many elves and men die and we could not go back to our home. So my father sent us North to you." Legolas explained, if he was going to befriend this man then he had a right to know why Legolas was stood before him.

Aragorn said no more on the subject for now, seemingly satisfied with his answer, "there are some other tents here that were previously used by other rangers. You may use them during your stay here. I imagine you are both comfortable with staying in the same tent?" He asked as he lead them through the camp, there were murmurs and gasps of awe as the two elves walked past. It was how Legolas thought they would react, the presence of elves can be surprising for some especially if they have not seen one before. "Here, I will let you get settled and then if you like you two could come with me to hunt for dinner tonight."

"We would love to, thank you Estel." Legolas and Tauriel entered the tent and placed their items around it. There were two beds a small table and some chairs, it was enough to get by. "How are you feeling Tauriel?"

"I'm healing." There was nothing more to say, she was healing both in mind and body but having Legolas with her helped, his presence was soothing to her. She sat down on one of the beds and took her cloak off, "it feels nice to finally be able to sit down on something comfortable." She smiled.

Legolas went and sat next to her, "yes it does." He put his arm around her and pulled her closer to him, when he did this he noticed her wincing slightly at the movement, "ier lle tereva?"

"Bolg was strong, very strong and he threw me against a wall of stone and as you know we both fell off the edge of that tower. I will be fine soon." She noticed the sceptical look on his face and took his hands in hers, "amin vesta." Legolas took her word for it and rest his forehead against hers, they looked into each others eyes for a second before Tauriel broke the eye contact and tucked her head underneath his, "Legolas..."

"I know." He gave her a kiss on the side of her head before he moved off. They both went about doing their own things for the afternoon, they had shed their outer layer of clothing and were both left in simple shirts and their leggings and boots, Legolas was out of arrows but he was sure he would be able to restock here when he found the right person. So he started sharpening his daggers. Tauriel instead had set her hair loose and was brushing it carefully. Legolas had always loved her hair, not just it's colour but it's length as well. Male elves had much shorter hair than females and it was such a beauty to see, in fact Legolas was so mesmerised that he had slowed the sharpening to the point where he just stopped and stared at her as she brushed her hair.

Tauriel noticed him out of the corner of her eye and couldn't stop the blush that appeared. All it took was one look from Tauriel for Legolas to know it was okay for him to approach her. He sat behind her as she continued brushing her hair, "you seem to be entranced by my hair mellon." She teased lightly.

Legolas smiled, "it's colour is unlike any other and I envy it's length."

Tauriel chuckled, "sometimes I wonder if I should cut it. It's so much trouble to untangle."

"No you should never cut it. Just let it grow." Legolas began running his hand through the ends of her hair. For Tauriel the motion was relaxing and that was one thing she needed to do right now; relax. She hadn't fully been able to yet and it was comforting for her but deep down she still had Kili in her thoughts. The tender moment between the two elves was put on hold as they were interrupted.

A boy who was no older than eighteen stepped into the tent, "S-Strider sent me to get you. H-He said if you want to, you can meet him at his tent to go hunting." The boy then promptly left after delivering the message.

The two elves readied themselves with the appropriate gear to go hunting, they met Strider at his tent and the three of them left for hunting. Both Tauriel and Legolas were experienced hunters, in a time where Mirkwood was once Greenwood they were allowed to go out and hunt once every few weeks. They had mastered the skill while they could, it was nice to be going out into the woods to do something they had once enjoyed doing. They headed West for a good five miles until they came across a forest, nothing as big as Mirkwood or Lothlorien but big enough for animals to seek shelter in. As they ventured into the forest there was barely any conversation between the elves and Strider so Tauriel decided to give Legolas and him some space to talk freely. "I will scout ahead and see if I can find anything."

Before she left Legolas grabbed her hand, "be careful."

She gave a soft smile, "ilyamenie." then Tauriel took off silently.

After Tauriel was gone Strider turned to Legolas, "you care for her." He noted.

"We have been friends for 600 years. I care for her deeply." Legolas looked off into the distance where Tauriel had gone until he could no longer see her.

"If I may be so bold, from what I've seen it's something more. At least on your part." Strider commented as he sought out tracks on the ground, "I have seen that look before on many men... I have also had the same look. You would do anything for her, you would go to the ends of the earth for her..." He shook his head as if to wake himself up from a trance, "forgive me. That was out of line."

"It might have been, if you were a lesser man than me. But you are not. There is nothing to forgive Estel... You are in love then?" Legolas barely knew Strider but he knew he was a good man and one that he could trust. He was genuine, there was no trickery behind his speech.

"Yes. I am in love with a lady that I will not be able to have."

"Why not? What is she like?"

"Her father will not allow it. She is... The first time I saw her the braids of her dark hair were touched by no frost, her white arms and clear face were flawless and smooth, and the light of stars was in her bright eyes, grey as a cloudless night. She is pure beauty."

Legolas gave a knowing smile, "you speak of the Lady Undomiel. I have met her before and she is exactly how you would describe her. She is beautiful however, her beauty is different to Tauriel's. Tauriel is... Tauriel is fierce, she is passionate and she is brave and the fire that drives her is something you rarely see in other elleths."

"Is Tauriel aware about your feelings for her?"

"She knows. But she grieves for another and I will not press her for any answers yet... We should go look for her and see if she has found anything, I imagine the others must be getting hungry by now." They followed Tauriel's tracks to the other side of the wood where she was crouched in the bushes looking out into the open meadow.

"A small herd of deer. We could easily take two does and travel back quickly with them," she whispered. It all happened very quickly Legolas and Strider shot down one deer each and Tauriel went out to quickly kill them and save them any pain. They carried the deer back to the camp and let the others prepare the meal. They parted ways and went back to their tents once more. "That was good, it has been a while since we have had to hunt for food like that."

"Yes it was nice to be able to go out into the woods and not have to worry about spiders coming at us all the time." Legolas took off his cloak and knife belt, "are you hungry?"

Tauriel mimicked his actions, "yes, very much so. I can't wait for it to be ready. Did you get a chance to talk to Strider earlier?"

"Yes we talked. He's a good man... We're a lot alike in some aspects." Legolas sat on his bed, "I am glad my father told me about him, because I would not have known where else to go. I cannot go back Tauriel... Not yet," he whispered.

Tauriel sat next to him, she softly placed her hand on his face and wiped away a stray strand of hair from his face. "amin sinta. I feel the same, it's okay to feel this way. Your father understood, as do I. You've been through a lot, you have seen a lot. You cannot expect to recover so quickly. I understand mellon."

Legolas covered her hand with his and smiled, "come. Let's go outside." They both left their tent and walked through the camp to a small clearing in the middle where they were roasting the deer.

Elladan saw them and walked over, "how are you finding it so far? Being with humans?"

"It is different, but I expected it to be. Humans are different to elves in terms of culture," Legolas looked around before looking at Elladan once more, "but they seem nice and welcoming. I think we have you and your brother to thank for that?"

"Yes my brother and I have been with the Dunedain for generations. We have fought with them, we have buried them. They are good men." He pointed towards the roasted deer, "I see your hunt with Estel was successful."

"Yes, I have a question though. Why is he called Estel? What hope does he bring?"

"It is a name my father gave to him. He kept the name but he has long since abandoned the path that was set before him by my father." Elladan excused himself as his attention was needed elsewhere.

"What do you think he meant by that?" Tauriel asked as they made their way to get some food.

"I don't know. I'm sure in time Estel will tell us himself." The got food and sat down around the fire with everyone else and listen to old stories and tales that the men had to tell.

Legolas and Tauriel lived like this for another ten years, they got to know the Dunedain men, Estel or Aragorn as they now knew him and the twin elves a lot better in those years. Tauriel had also decided that she did want to be with Legolas, they accepted that Kili would always be in the back of her mind, he was her first love after all and that would never change. But both elves were happier as a result, they had both got back that spark of life that had left their hearts so many years ago.

Legolas was out on a hunt with Elrohir, when Elrohir turned to him and said, "is Tauriel alright? She has been off lately."

"From what I know she is fine. Why do you ask? Has she said something to you?"

Elrohir sighed and laughed, "Legolas are you telling me you have not noticed? She has been coming out to hunt and scout less frequently, she isn't as energetic as she once was and she shields her body more than usual." Elrohir raised an eyebrow and grinned.

"Are you telling me what I think you are?"

"I suppose you will have to go and ask her yourself. Go. I can finish the hunt on my own." Elrohir placed his hand on his shoulder and smiled before Legolas ran back to the camp.

Legolas wasted no time and ran straight to their tent, he needed to hear it from her. No-one else. Her. When he entered the tent Tauriel was sat at the table with Elladan, "is it true? Elrohir hinted at something and I need to know. Are you...?"

Elves were different to humans in terms of pregnancies, their bellies swelled but not as much as you might think. It swelled some but not to a ridiculous amount like humans, you would only really know that they were pregnant if you could read the signs. At this point Tauriel was nearing the end of her six month gestation period, which meant she would be going into labour soon.

Tauriel smiled and invited him to come closer, she took his hand and placed it on her stomach, "listen." she said softly and sure enough when Legolas listened he could hear and feel a faint heartbeat. "I was going to tell you melamin. I just didn't know how to. Elladan and I were talking and he suggested that it would be best if we didn't have the baby here in the camp." Tauriel turned to Elladan so he could explain his suggestion.

"I said this because it would be an easier pregnancy for Tauriel if you went to Lothlorien. You would be safer there and you could raise your child without any worries."

Legolas nodded, "I agree. How soon until you start going into labour?"

"We have a few days, a week at most. Which is why I was thinking that we should leave now to be safe."

Legolas nodded, "I'll pack our things, Elladan could you arrange for a horse and some supplies to take with us please?"

"Of course," Elladan promptly left the tent in search for a horse and supplies.

"Legolas are you... Happy about this news?" Tauriel was anxious, she hadn't said anything for so long because she was scared at how he would react, if he would be scared and bolt or if he would be happy as she was when she found out.

Legolas knelt down in front of her, "Tauriel. The only other time I have been this happy was when you told me you wanted to be with me. I am overjoyed to know that we are bringing a child into this world. It's two days ride to Lothlorien from here, will you be alright to ride for that long? You don't find this rushed do you? Because we can wait another day if you like."

She pressed a soft kiss onto his lips, "I will be fine Legolas. I just can't wait to get there, I know we said that we wouldn't go back for a while but I have missed elven civilisation."

Legolas finished packing and they met Elladan and Aragorn on the edge of the camp with their horse. "I will be riding with you to the borders of Lothlorien. Come, let's go while the day is still bright and early," Elladan was already on his horse.

Tauriel hugged Aragorn tightly, "thank you for everything you've done for us Aragorn. I cannot tell you how grateful I am for everything you've done for us. I hope to see you again in a few years time."

"I am glad you came here Tauriel, I hope you have a safe journey, I am very happy for you both. Be sure to tell your child the stories that you've heard about the Dunedain." Aragorn then turned to Legolas and placed his hand on Legolas' shoulder and Legolas mirrored his actions, "It has been a pleasure to know you Legolas Thrandulion, Tenna' ento lye omenta."

"It has been an honour to know you and to have been your friend Aragorn son of Arathorn. Namaarie." They smiled at each other before Legolas got onto the horse after Tauriel and the three elves rode South out of the camp towards Lothlorien. They reached the borders of Lothlorien in the morning three days after they left. Elladan bid them farwell and left them at the border to go back to the Dunedain.

Legolas and Tauriel rode into the forest and they didn't get far before they were greeted by Haldir, "mae govannen Legolas Thranduilion and Lady Tauriel. The Lady of The Wood has been expecting you both. Come." Haldir lead them to the heart of the forest where the elves dwelled, he lead them up the stairs to the main hall where Lady Galadriel had been waiting. They both crossed their arms over their chests and bowed their heads.

Galadriel approached them elegantly, she first stood before Legolas. She placed her hand softly under his chin and raised his head to look into his eyes, "Legolas, it seems as though your journey has been a successful one. I sent word to your father once I knew of your coming, he should be here in a matter of days." She then moved to Tauriel, "may I?" With Tauriel's permission she placed her hand on her stomach, "you carry something very precious inside you. You should be overjoyed, it has been many years since an elven child was born into this world." She took a step back and addressed them both, "you have travelled far to get here, rest for you are weary from your journey. It is not long until you go into labour, we have a nursery chamber set up for you and midwives ready to help you with your birth Tauriel." Galadriel dismissed them and they left to go to the room that she had set up for them. Tauriel mainly stayed in bed and rested over the next couple of days, it was like her body was preparing itself for the long labour that was to come. Legolas alternated between staying with her and wandering through Lothlorien. One morning Legolas was sat in the treetops admiring the view as the sun came up, when some approached him.

"ion-nin."

"Ada..." Legolas whispered to himself, he then turned on the spot to look at Thranduil, "it has been a while..." He spoke only in whispers, it was like he had seen a ghost.

Thranduil slowly walked up to him and once he was less the a meter apart he embraced Legolas, something he had not done since Legolas was a little elfling. "It has been long indeed. I was glad when I received word of you from the Lady Galadriel. Was your journey successful?" They pulled back but Thranduil kept a hand on Legolas' shoulder, a warming gesture.

When Legolas was initially embraced he froze up but his cold exterior soon melted and he hugged his father back, despite Thranduil being cold and nearly heartless towards him he had missed his father greatly. "Yes, it was definitely worth the journey North. I met Aragorn, son of Arathorn. You were right he is a great man... You know that Tauriel ventured North with me?"

"Yes, why? Is she alright? Is she here?"

"She is fine, she is in our chambers resting." Legolas smiled at his fathers expression when he mentioned that Tauriel was resting. Tauriel never rested, no matter what. "Ada... Tauriel, she is carrying my child."

At being told this, Thranduil's face broke out into a smile. "That is fantastic news. I am overjoyed for you both, truly. How long until she goes into labour?" Legolas could see that Thranduil was being genuine, he was seeing a light in his father which he had not seen since his mother's death.

"Her labour should start over the next couple of days." Before Tauriel had gone into labour Legolas spent time with his father wandering the woods, he switched between spending time with Thranduil and checking up on Tauriel's sleeping form. Then one day, he received word that Tauriel's labour had started and he ran as fast as his legs could carry him to their room, where Tauriel was being overwhelmed and coddled by nurses. Legolas sat next to her and took her hand in his, he did not let go of that hand for the duration of the labour. The labour was difficult for Tauriel, as it was for many elves. It lasted thirty-six hours, with eight hours of pushing. Then finally, finally it was over and the next sound they heard was of a baby crying. The nurses cleaned the baby and wrapped it in a soft blanket before gently handing it over to Tauriel.

"A baby boy, in good health. You should both be proud." The nurses cleaned up the room and then left the two parents with the baby in peace.

Tauriel held the baby close to her chest, the baby soon settled down in her arms, found it's way to her breasts and started suckling. "He's beautiful Legolas," Tauriel looked up at him with a smile.

"That he is," Legolas smiled and gave her a soft kiss, both elves were practically glowing with joy and happiness. "What will we call him?"

"I have thought about this and I liked the sound of Cullastor. What do you think?"

"Cullastor..." Legolas repeated, "very fitting I think. It's a good name. Cullastor it is."

The proud new parents spent the next couple of days in their room coddling the baby and getting him used to their voices, their smell and their faces. It was an unusual change for Legolas and Tauriel since both elves were used to rushing around everywhere and doing things at a fast pace, now they were having to learn to slow down and do things at the baby's pace. But they learnt fast and soon found a nice, smooth rhythm.

About two months after the pregnancy Thranduil paid the little family a visit, he knocked on the wooden beam before entering their chamber, "may I see my grandchild?"

"Of course, my lord." She was sat on one of the chairs cradling Cullastor in her arms, when Thranduil came over she gently handed the baby over to him. She had never seen his face without that cold, hard stare. It was nice to see that their child brought joy to him as well.

"Have you thought of a name for him?" He asked as he coddled the gurgling baby.

"Yes, we have named him Cullastor."

"That's a very good name. I wonder who's characteristics he will have when he's older, will he have your red hair and green eyes or our golden hair and blue eyes?" Thranduil pondered before handing the baby to Legolas.

"Only time will tell ada. We cannot say for certain now." Legolas gently passed him to Tauriel and smiled as Cullastor played with her hair.

Thraunduil turned to Tauriel, "I am not only here to see my son and grandson but I am also here to see you Tauriel-"

Tauriel stopped him before he could say anymore, "I know what you are about to say and you need not say it. I forgave you long ago for your actions on that day. You do not need to apologise. Your actions speak louder, you came here to see us and that was enough for me."

Thranduil smiled and bowed his head, "you have grown wise beyond your years Tauriel. I am glad you found it in yourself to forgive me. I'll take my leave now."

Legolas sat crouched down by Tauriel and placed a kiss on the side of her head, "I think Cullastor has been the best thing that has happened to our family for a long time. I am happy that you chose to ride North with me, I cannot imagine where I would be without you. Amin mela lle Tauriel." Tauriel turned her head and kissed him.

"Amin mela lle Legolas," she whispered against his lips.

The end. it wasn't the best but I struggled to end it. The ending with Aragorn was short I know but that wasn't really the focus of the story. I know this took forever (77 days in fact. According to someone =]) I appreciate every single review I have had since my last chapter. I really am so sorry that this one took so long but things kept piling up. This will be my last chapter for a long time starting now, doesn't mean I'm giving up though. I am currently applying for the navy and that's taking priority. Let me know what you think xx

Cullastor – Golden Red Leaf

Mankoi – why

Ier lle tereva? – are you alright?

Amin vesta – I promise

Ilyamenie – always

Amin sinta – I know

Melamin – my love

Tenna' ento lye omenta – until next we meet