Darkness crept back into the woods of Mirkwood as the quest of the ring continued. For two years the battles went on, until the day came, when the ring bearer succeeded. The last of men and elves fought the freedom of their lands. They fought alongside each other for the victory over the Dark Lord, Saurons army of Orc's, uruk-hai and other foul beings. Until the day a small hobbit, 3 foot tall, climbed mount doom, and cast the Ring of Power into the vicious volcano. Sauron, being bound to the fate of the Ring, was then destroyed, and though many days were spent fighting, eventually, the dark lord's army was defeated.

The shadows receded from Middle Earth, men and elve's returned to their homes. Many were lost, but none wasted, all fought bravely with good hearts.

'It's still so quiet around here, even though we're free from the Dark Lord.' Lómadia whispered to Todia during a meal in the kings hall.

'Well, the male's still haven't arrived back yet. It's only us females. We're missing the men walking around us.' Todia replied, picking up yet another apple.

'How many do you think will return? Half as many that left?'

'Oh no.' Todia shook her head violently. 'Less then that. This war covered the whole of Middle Earth. I'm surprised we weren't attacked. But don't worry, my good friend, your prince will be back in a few days.'

'Do you really think so?' A nodding Todia took a big bite from her apple and chewed loudly. 'I hope he does. I've missed him so much.'

'I know you have. Trust me, I bet he comes straight to you!' This made Lómadia smile widely. Legolas wasn't around when she needed him two years ago, when he father was killed. Instead, she locked herself away in her room, only ever talking to Aen and Todia. Not for one minute had she regretted the death of Soman. 'Oh, look, there's Aen.' Todia called to her friend, he looked in their direction, smiled and walked over to them.

'Evening Todia, Lómadia. Now the war's over, every one will be returning. I'm so glad I was allowed to stay and guard the city. I would never have been any good in a battle anyway.' Aen sat down in-between the girls. 'so, how are my favourite girls?'

'Fine.' They replied in unison.

'Good. We had a message earlier, from the battle. Around 500 will be returning, many injured. They are leaving the dead.'

'So few?' Lómadia gave Aen a quizzical look. 'Do you know if he's with them?'

'Erm…..no. we don't know who is returning and who isn't' Aen hung his head slightly, 'It seems there is no leader.'

'Maybe they don't need one. Legolas never did particularly like leading. He could still be with them.'

'It's possible, Lómadia.' Aen slipped his arm around Lómadia's shoulder. 'In fact, I'm sure your prince is with them.' After glancing worriedly around the room, Lómadia stood up and left the hall, her heart sinking. They had been parted from so long, that she was beginning to forget what he looked like, which made her even more upset.

The love she had for him grew everyday. But she couldn't help thinking that maybe, just maybe, he had completely forgotten her and didn't love her anymore. The pendant Legolas had given her that night back in Lothlorien, hung around her neck.

'I love you, Legolas.' Lómadia whispered into the night as she walked back to her room. Which, was next to Legolas' in the palace. King Thranduil had adopted Lómadia as the daughter he never had. Though not properly, as he knew Lómadia and his son wanted to be together. She had refused his offer of taking Legolas' room, and they agreed that she would stay in the room next door.

When she wanted to be alone, she would go into Legolas' room and lie on his bed. There, she whispered everything she wanted to tell him. Somehow, it always felt as if he was there with her.

Lómadia laid a hand on the knob to his room, then changed her mind. Instead, she went into her room and sat on her window sill, looking out over the courtyard. She thought long and hard about two years ago. When the blood in her system, more then half of it was black. Without really thinking about it, she pulled out her knife, ran a finger along the blade, then moved it to her wrist. She took a deep breath, the sliced her skin. After getting over the shock of the pain, she glanced at the blood, pouring from the fresh wound. She expected to see blood. But black blood. Not deep red.

'I'm pure, he's gone.' As realisation dawned on her face, she began to laugh with happiness. After sheathing her knife, she stared at the wound and the blood dripping from it. For two years, she hadn't wanted to do that. As she was terrified that her blood would still be black. Finally, she lay herself down on her bed, closed her eyes, and fell into a deep uninterrupted sleep. A wide smile on her face.

* * * * *

The next day, wounded and tired elven soldiers began arriving back in Mirkwood. They were cheered at and sent straight to the healing houses. Families were reunited and long forgotten friendships were rekindled. Also, families and friends cried at the loss of many dear men. Within hours, the Mirkwood healing houses were full with injured soldiers. The king was seen walking among these wounded men, gathering all the information he could of the war. No one would tell him if his son would be returning.

With every soldier to walk through the gates, Lómadia expected Legolas to be there standing in front of her. All day she and Todia watched the men walk through the front gate. All day they waited in silence, but he never came.

'Come on Lómadia. I'm starving.' Todia whined as the sun began to set. 'Not even half of the 500 have returned today. There's plenty of time. There'll be coming in drips and drabs.'

'I suppose you're right.' Lómadia sighed.

'We'll come back first thing tomorrow. Meet me here at dawn. Or are you coming with me?'

'No. I'm not hungry.'

'Suit yourself. I'll see you tomorrow then?'

'Yeah, 'bye.' With one last look at her friend, Todia stood up and walked away. Men re-entered Mirkwood well into the night, Lómadia saw everyone of them. None of them were her prince though. The night drew darker and the stars grew brighter as the midnight hour drew closer. Lómadia still sat at her post, beside a tree, just inside the front gate to Mirkwood. As the midnight bell sounded at the kings hall, Aen passed her tree on his way to guard the gates.

'You haven't been here all night have you?' Aen asked, staring down at his friend. Lómadia nodded, he sighed. 'Lómadia, Mellonamin ~my friend~, go home, Legolas will be back, he'll come straight to you. I'll make sure he does.'

'I want to stay here. Trust me, I wont be able to sleep and I'm not tired.' Lómadia clutched her pendant tightly in her hand.

'Well, at least see if you will be able to sleep. Sleep here if you like, I'll keep an eye on you.' Wide smile on his face, Aen gently patted Lómadia on her head. 'Think about it.'

Lómadia stared at Aen's back as he stood at the gates, bouncing on the balls of his feet, his hands clasped behind his back. For a while, they didn't speak. Then, another dark figure approached from the city centre. As this figure grew closer, Lómadia realised it was the King.

'Shouldn't you be in bed, Lómadia?' he asked. But he carried on before she could answer. 'I thought I might find you here, my dear. I have asked around the healing houses. The Soldiers do not know where Legolas is. The last time they saw him, he was with the fellowship, in the centre of the city of Minas Tirith.'

'So he's still alive?' Lómadia asked jumping to her feet.

'Well, that was long before the war was over. Let us just hope. Are you going to get some sleep?'

'I will go to bed soon.' Lómadia promised and the King walked back to the city. There was silence between her and Aen for a long while. Lómadia stared at a spot on the ground, until her eyes began to hurt.

'Aen, do you ever wish you were somewhere else?' Hearing Lómadia's voice made Aen jump.

'No, I love being here, why, do you?'

'Yes. I used to wish I wasn't here at all. I often wish I'd never been born.'

'You must never think that, Lómadia.' Interrupted Aen.

'That was until I met Legolas. And of course you and Todia. You three have really brightened up my life. You made everything so much easier. The fellowship were a great help as well.'

'I have to tell you something, Lómadia. When I had to execute your father. I felt really bad. You were a good friend to me. I didn't want you to be upset.'

'I wanted you to do it. I don't know why, I just wanted someone I knew to do it, not a total stranger.'

'I understand.' The conversation grew thin as the night became old, and morning crept into the land. The stars began to disappear, and the sky grew lighter. Aen's watch was over and he made his way home, leaving Lómadia alone with the elf who was now on watch. Shortly after, Todia turned up, her black hair tied back from the face.

'Morning,' She said cheerily, sitting down next to Lómadia. 'I guess you've been here all night?'

'Yes'

'Well, in that case, it's a good job I brought you some food.' Todia handed Lómadia some bread, which she took and ate slowly. 'The numbers are thinning now, he should be here today. You look shattered, go and get some rest. If Legolas turns up, I'll send him straight to you.'

'Do you promise?' Lómadia said through a huge yawn.

'Yes, of course. I promise with all my heart.' Todia's smile convinced her.

'Alright, I'll be back later.' Lómadia stood and smiled at Todia. 'Thank you.'

'No problem, have a good sleep.' After walking lazily to her room, Lómadia collapsed on her bed, pulled her blanket over her head, and fell into a deep sleep.

* * * * *

When Lómadia awoke, the sun had begun to set, and the horizon was a purple-pink colour. After rubbing her eyes and stretching, she got out of bed and stepped out side. She walked to the Kings hall, where she was always welcome, whatever time it was, what ever was happening. Only the King sat in his hall, all alone.

'Is he not here yet, my dear?'

'No, sir. Not that I know of.' Lómadia sighed and took hold of her pendant.

'Don't worry. He'll be here. Will you be telling him of Soman?'

'I don't know.' Lómadia gave a puzzled look at the King. 'Do you think I should?'

'Yes I do. I know what you're thinking. "he'll probably hate me and disown me." ' Lómadia nodded at this, her cheeks going slightly red. 'Well don't, Legolas will be a fool if he ever gives you up. I should think he will want to spend the rest of his life with you.' Lómadia beamed at this. As she did, the wooden doors to the hall creaked open. She shot her head round and gasped.

'Legolas!' she cried, running towards her prince. Arms stretched out. He smiled and took her in his arms tightly. Picking her up and spinning her around, they both laughed and cried with happiness. King Thranduil watched his son and Lómadia with great happiness.

'I'm here, Melamin ' Legolas whispered in Lómadia's ear, putting her back on her feet. 'I'll never leave you again, it has been too long. I love you.'

'There is no word to describe how much I have missed you.' Lómadia placed her hand on either side of Legolas' face and kissed him tenderly. Still tears poured out of her.

'Don't cry, Lómadia.'

'Don't you cry either!' Lómadia brushed away Legolas' falling tears with her thumb. His skin was as soft as ever. 'I'm so glad you're back in one piece.'

'The battle was long and though. Tiredness was a problem. But all I had to do was think of you. This war we won. I won it for you.'

'Oh, Legolas.' The two kissed again, totally unaware of the King's gaze.

'Welcome back, my son.' The king spoke from his chair.

'Father,' Legolas walked briskly towards his father, and hugged him. 'So wonderful it is to see you again.' While the King and his son spoke together, Lómadia walked cautiously to Legolas and wrapped her arms around his waist, lying her head on the back of his shoulder.

'Now, you two run off and spend some time together.' King Thranduil said, and the two walked out of the hall.

'I want to show you my special place.' Legolas said, grabbing Lómadia's hand, he led her away from the city and into the forest. He took her to a clearing of trees, a stream ran on the far side and the grass grew long and green.

'Legolas, it's beautiful.' They lay on the grass staring up at the sky, as the starts began to come out.

'There's something on your mind, Lómadia. I can feel it. What is wrong, melamin.'

'Erm…I don't know how to tell you this.'

'Take you time, we have plenty of it now.' Legolas kissed her neck, just below her ear, gently.

'About two weeks after you left. Some one unexpected turned up.' Legolas listened to Lómadia's story of Soman, he didn't interrupt her, but she felt him tense up. As he listened, he twisted her long golden hair in between his fingers. 'But just then, I saw his blonde hair, and I thought of you, then I saw a vision of Todia crying, and I couldn't do it. So I walked away, and requested for him to executed.'

'I should have been here for you.' Legolas gently pressed Lómadia's head to his chest, so she could hear his heart beat.

'I was fine, Legolas. Todia, Aen and your father looked after me. Anyway, he was executed and buried on the border of the forest. When I saw him first, I realised I didn't miss him. All I had for him was hate. But I didn't lie to you before. I thought I did miss him.'

'Don't worry. I'm proud of you, Lómadia. You stood up to your father. That must have taken some courage.' Legolas then told her about his travels. over a few days, Lómadia found out that the Hobbits had fought bravely and had returned safely to the Shire. Aragorn had become high king of Gondor, and Gimli was on his way to the Valinor. Sadly, Boromir had died at the battle of Amon Hen, shortly after Legolas had rejoined them. Luckily, Gandalf had fought off the Balrog and had survived, returning to the fellowship at the Battle of Helms Deep.

Legolas and Lómadia spent a lot of time together. They rode through the woods, often Todia and Aen joined them. That next week was a very happy time for everyone.

* * * * *

Lómadia stood alone in silence, on the very edge of the forest, looking at her fathers grave. The message on it read:

Soman, Father of none

Will be sourly missed,

By no one.

She hadn't been there long, when she felt a familiar friend draw near.

'I'm glad he's gone.' Lómadia whispered as Legolas came to stand next to her. 'My worlds a much better place.'

'You made the right choice, melamin.' Legolas kissed her lightly as she wrapped her arms around his waist. 'come, my father awaits our presence at the feast.' Lómadia sighed and turned away from the grave. The two elves walked slowly, hand in hand, back to the city. She never looked back, that was the last time she saw anything to do with her father.

On their way back to the city, Legolas stopped abruptly and turned to Lómadia. 'I love you.' Legolas caught her mouth in a long deep kiss.

'I love you too Legolas. You truly are the best thing that has ever happened to me. In all my years.' Legolas smiled. Kneeling down, he took Lómadia's hand in his. He produced a small diamond ring from his pocket, and slipped it onto Lómadia's finger. 'Lómadia, will you marry me?'

THE END