A/N: With the heralding of my cabin being almost done comes the story I had once started and never finished. I always finish my fanfictions, though this is clearly not the end of the story. Just another chapter promising the continuation. It is relatively long. To all my fans, I'm terribly sorry for the absurd wait. You didn't deserve such a long cliff hanger. Thank you for your constant kind words and active reading.

Warning from Pippin: This chapter is rated M for Mature. *raises brows* What's about to happen? *Chika points to cue card* It's rated for lemons between Legolas and Kagome–NO WAY! IWANNASEE! *Merry runs in, binds & gags Pippin who was trying to crawl towards the chapter*

Merry: As we've warned, viewer discretion advised. No Pippin's were harmed in this intro… maybe a little mussed, but no serious damage.

Plumes of ashen grey smoke blanketed the sky masking what once was Mirkwood home of the elves, realm of the late King Thrandril and Prince, or rather, King Legolas the last of their line. The sanctity of the trees could no longer afford them a shield from the outside world. As they'd feared from thirteen dwarves that came over sixty years before with ill-tidings of awakening a dragon, their home was in danger. Truly so this time. And so, they had to sacrifice their long-time guardians; the trees. It was the only way they could all escape.

It had been her plan. The slip of a girl, nay woman, who had ensnared their lord and worried for their race as if she had been born into it herself; the Beauty of the Tree. And so it was the beauty sat with marred features staring at the destruction. Every moaning creak and hissing snap of wood shook her. The Beauty of the Trees could feel their pain and anguish. And yet even then, the trees didn't blame them. They loved these peoples as much as they loved their own roots and offspring seedlings. The elves had cared for the woods as no other, not marring their features but living within them and adapting to the woods.

Their goal was to get out the whole of the abandoned city, disappear within hours, and pop up hundreds of miles away. No one would be able to stamp the flames without remaining behind with torture and death assuredly awaiting their fate."Sauron's forces will do worse," Legolas's voice had echoed from the podium in the center of the city as he'd informed the denizens of Mirkwood of their plan.

The reactions of this ancient people had been unconventional compared to what Kagome had expected. In her own time people would have hastened to carry as much as they could hold and scramble to see who made it to safety first. This place was as close to a Utopia as Kagome had ever witnessed. It had taken mere hours to evacuate. A few had volunteered to stay back with bows and arrows at the ready while the others went ahead. All of their worldly goods had been managed in small sacks with more room for rations than actual treasures. Maybe it had something to do with having centuries to learn how to build from the ground up. Maybe they just knew from experience that not everything lasted and some things were more important than material goods. It made Kagome momentarily wonder, if humans had a lifespan so long would their perspective be thus?

Tender eyes left the sky of gray at the sound of a girl's weeping. A child's cries to be exact. A child in one of the last groups. Kagome had never seen a child of the elf race before. In fact, the lack of elf children furrowed her brows as she watched the little girl being comforted by her mother before they left through the blazes. Kagome had never given it any mind.

"Legolas, why aren't there more children?" She asked, knowing that he was behind her like a shadow observing everything. He'd been silent this entire time, only giving orders when needed.

He knelt down so she could hear him. "My people have eternal life. We may not age, but we reach our elderly stages where we don't desire more children."

"So, all of the people that I've seen are elders. But that doesn't make sense. What happened to the youngsters?"

"We prefer to have children in times of peace," he stated. It made sense. He didn't want to admit though, his people were fading from what they once were, which was another factor at why they needed to leave. Their hope, the younger ones, had departed for the Undying Lands quite a long time ago, leaving the elders who were past their stages of raising children behind. That one child was probably the youngest elf, next to Arwen and himself, that existed outside of the Undying Lands.

"How many children do you desire, m'lord?" There was a teasing tone in her voice despite the encroaching peril.

"Maybe seven like Fëanor and Nerdanel." He mentioned, thinking to the only elves he'd ever heard of with bright red hair. Those same elves for whom was descended the one to make the three rings of power for their kind. A slow smile spread across his face at memories of a happier time with Kagome. "Although, if I recall on a drunken night in Rohan, you wanted twelve."

"A gentleman wouldn't hold a woman to drunken promises."

"Sometimes I'm not a gentleman." His honeyed voice sent pleasant chills down her spine. "You seemed sober enough for other," his tone lifted a bit self-satisfied, "adventures that night."

"But twelve," she whispered exasperated. There was no way she was going to compete with Rin for children. Her hips were not meant for that. Her voice became somber upon glancing up to catch a glimpse of sky through the smoke. The evening was nigh. "When will this be over?"

"We'll make it out just before sunset."

"Cutting it close," she whispered. A flick of the wrist and out shot a bolt of pink energy at a raven trying to hide from view. There had been constant frenzied bombardments from the pestering feathered spies. Archers had made quick work of most of the birds, though Kagome was more of a threat to those flying black tattle-tales than the elves. Aggravated bursts of priestess power had purified most of those oily wretches. "No doubt he knows where we truly are now," she whispered. Their disguises no longer mattered, but the bandana and ring were still on their persons.

"He won't have you," affirmed Legolas, knowing her hands rested on the tree behind her for a reason. She'd been constantly exhausting herself to see how far the army was. Shippo kept the mirror on the other side to be sure he knew when to signal for the fires to be extinguished lest the enemy overtake them and rush after.

Ashes rained upon them light as snow. In the heat that was accompanied by her nervous nibbling, her lips had become quite chapped. Legolas slipped an arm under her shoulders and hoisted her up. It was time. "My father is probably cursing from the Halls of Mandos," he whispered, watching the once golden leaves of his childhood cloud with smoke. The fires swept from tree to brush. Places that were once homes were being devoured. Her heart sank in her stomach at the sight of a snug little home in a tree with a cozy door catching flame. The wind chime hanging on the branch outside of it touched her ears and played at her heartstrings.

The sun began a hasty descent casting everything in a fiery and deadly hue. The city had hours before it would be charred ruins and memories. The enemy was drawing closer with every second as she looked at the last vestiges of Mirkwood. Possibly the last time anyone would see the home of the Silvian elves.

Home.

His home.

What might have once been their home.

Legolas gently tugged on her arm, reminding her that their lives were still in jeopardy. "We must leave, now." A part of her didn't want this place to give up when they left it. Places may be ransacked and besieged, but they still held memories. The heart of a civilization lay here.

Without warning, Kagome took off towards the center of the village. Her hands rose up. Small barriers of pink popped up wherever she aimed, domes covering the fires and smothering them out. Quite a stretch on her powers; she couldn't do it all at once. Kagome was having to turn in a circle to try and to get most of them.

"Kagome! The city will be left to Sauron!" Legolas shouted, chasing after her.

"Without us, it may stand a chance. We can't let this place give up, Legolas." When she managed to get the most dangerous fires she was left to stare at the last one. It was large and singular. For them. There would be no way to damper this last one once they faded into the licking tongues of red. The priestess had only to hope they would die out as Legolas wrapped an arm around her waist, signaled for the last of the archers to go through, and brought her to stand closer to the flames than common sense would let most people.

They jumped together through the bright ember licking at their clothes and catching nothing on fire. When their feet landed it was on the cobblestone floors of Minas Tirith tumbling over each other's legs and coughing up smoke.

In seconds they were swept away by many a grateful hand belonging to the elves. Reaching out, helping them up, tugging them amongst the crowd, and calling out their praise. It seemed almost everyone in the room was likewise covered in ash, but they were happy to have crossed miles in a mere jump away from danger that might have taken the whole of their kingdom. Not a drop of blood had been shed for their freedom.

The duo were a regal pair, standing alongside each other as if they'd been meant for each other's sides their whole life. Kagome swept a gaze over the enormous hall, noting a man in the very back looking rather bitter. Undoubtedly, the only person to be unhappy about an invasion of refugee elves upon Minas Tirath would be Denethor. And he thusly marched forth to speak with the duo who were the culprits behind it. He hadn't been able to shut out the elves when his own people had been rallied against him to save them. She vaguely wondered what the hell Shippo had said about what was happening. He was striding right behind Denethor in his full glory. And it appeared he was wearing an attire of grandeur to be rivaled of Sesshomaru. Just what the hell had he done?

The fox beat Denethor to Kagome and quickly murmured, "I pretended to be him for a while and then posed as a messenger, your son-" at least some truth had been given, "-to inform him should he provide sanctuary some elves may lend their strength." So that was the catch. Denethor was glaring angrily at her as he pushed through the crowds. "Be wary, I was a bit of a smart ass as you."

It was Kagome's turn to glare at her son, but she wasn't able to say anything as Denethor had approached them. Legolas couldn't stop the smirk as Shippo shrugged abashedly.

The man himself came to stand in front of Kagome in all of his false glory and adornments of opulence that made him look like an overdressed toddler while she stood there severely under dressed and yet... the mark of a ruler isn't how they present themselves but how they hold themselves. And Kagome's posture held confidence. Everything screamed queen as her back went rigid and her eyes firm and unwavering. He may be livid, but she'd traveled through hell and back and would be damned if he turned them away. "Lady Kagome?" That voice was harsh, but it held none of the strength of any man Kagome knew personally. This was a coward taking on the false identity of a king.

Shippo knew the very moment his mother had decided to step into the role she'd yet given Legolas an answer for. It was the very moment Denethor glanced over her attire, her stringy soot covered hair, and wrinkled his nose. He'd weighed her without even knowing her and had found her wanting. This sniveling coward who'd never known the glory of battle or what it meant to protect the ones you loved with your own hands.

"Steward of Gondor," she greeted in a queen-like manner. Upon that title, Denethor flushed red. "Thank you for harboring the kingdom of Mirkwood in these dangerous times. Allow me to introduce King Legolas, a member of the Fellowship. Hailing from Thrandril and other such elves whose linage and legendary exploits are far beyond your comprehension as a steward." Denethor's mouth fell agape. "It is gracious of you to open up Aragorn's kingdom to us. I'm sure he'll be pleased when he returns. We'll only trouble you for a few days more before my people take their leave." And they had become her people, the moment they'd needed her help.

"Why you impudent-"

Bows. Swords. Even elven knives. They were all pointed at Denethor in response to his unkind manner towards the woman who'd saved their civilization. The guards of Minas Tirith were confused as to whether or not to protect Denethor or listen to Kagome for bringing up the very fine point that this was indeed not their heir to the kingdom. For any outsider looking in, Denethor could very well be seen as a usurper.

"Now, now! This is no way to make friends," chided Gandalf the White, making his way to the pair. "There is no need for feuding. He has kindly allowed passage here-"

"Actually Sesshomaru allowed the passing," she recalled, having sent a message in the flames to Sesshomaru for his opinion. He'd stated that Denethor owed him so there was no need to ask for help and to go ahead and send everyone through.

"Well then, he's allowed you to stay here."

"Because it was either that or be known as Denethor the Unkind who let an entire kingdom perish." She rolled her eyes. A few hidden and not-so-hidden chuckles escaped from the crowd and there was no telling if it was from her elves or the people of Gondor. Might as well act the person Shippo had prescribed her to be. "When given those two choices I'm glad you chose glory over your true nature. We'll just stay in this great hall so we won't put any of Aragorn's subjects-"

"MY-"

"Kind people out of their homes," finished Kagome. "So again I say, on behalf of this noble kingdom, thank you Denethor."

"You are-"

"The greatest woman that ever lived," called out Morro. "You risked your life to save us all. You were the one who came up with a plan to help us. If ever a woman was worthy of our king's hand, if ever there were a woman worthy of being our queen, it is most certainly you." Kagome flushed and without another word, Morro bowed before her and Legolas, followed thereafter by every other elf in the room along with her son, a beloved hobbit, Gandalf, and even a few of the guards confusedly dropped their heads in acknowledgement. Legolas gripped her fingers and gave them a encouraging squeeze. And that left Denethor in an odd predicament. Kagome was a future head of state and frankly he didn't know what to do.

"We are humbled by your generosity," spoke Legolas, trying to smooth over the rugged path Kagome had just paved. His hands rubbed at her shoulders in an effort to settle her nerves. He seemed to stand a head taller with her next to him. "Now if you don't mind my future queen and I, we must attend to our people. You understand, I'm sure." Denethor nodded dumbly.

"Half the time I think you're suicidal, mother." Such was the lecturing from Shippo. Stretching her arms and flinging herself back onto the bed with an "oof" out of her mouth as she basked in another one of the singular moments of being in an actual bed. His voice picked up trying to get her attention. Nag, nag, nag. He dipped a rag in a basin and tossed the wet cloth at her, which immensely helped her with ignoring him for the time being while she wiped off the grit in this makeshift room. Legolas was left to compartmentalize all that went about with keeping his citizens from being a hindrance to the denizens of Minas Tirith. Kagome wanted nothing more than to be out there with him, setting up sleeping areas, guard rotations, and just talking to the people; the usual public relations that was expected of rulers. But nope, she was sidetracked for the moment because Shippo wanted a word with her. His tail was brushing angrily as he marched back and forth like a steady pendulum. "You've lost your damned mind-"

"Shippo," she groaned, leaning up and hitting him square on the nose with the rag. "We needed to save his homeland. I had a job to do."

"I'm not doubting your capabilities, but sometimes you're as headstrong as Inuyasha was." He spun and that look on his face was so sad. As if she were dense to something he wasn't. "Mama, I'm only worried of the day when thinking of others becomes a hazard to yourself." She was too kind of a person. Always placing her neck on the line. Shippo was worried of the day when that neck would be severed as it lay on the line of kindness and good deeds. The real world wasn't always about good and bad, that was just fairy tales and sometimes good got hurt. Sometimes heroes died.

Tender hands reached up and cupped her son's lean cheeks that bristled with the rough shadowy whiskers of a man. "Shippo, really! What's my life when there was a whole city of elves that needed-"

His clawed fingers held her own gingerly to his face. If he'd been a child she would've cupped them fully, but now they only cupped a part of his cheek. "Mama, your life I value the most." It might've been selfish, but he couldn't help it. And he'd been so frustrated and worried-Dammit! His face was fraught with deep lines from the stress. He was surprised he hadn't aged a century after she'd woken up.

"Shippo," she murmured. "We've both grown up." Kagome knew what it was like to worry. To fear that the world may crumble around you. Scared the past would catch up to the future. Terrified for the ones she loved, knowing that they were in the past and therefore doomed to die before her. Even with her choosing to stay behind in their time, she'd still outlived those she'd wanted to live alongside with. Sango, Miroku... if living could count when stuck to a tree. "I warned you before. Worrying will send you to an early grave with a wasted life." Truer words had never been spoken. He couldn't dispute that. "Shippo, you just said I'm capable. Trust that I can keep myself safe."

He sighed. This subject needed to be buried. He threw his hands up in the air finally conceding."I'll leave the elf to worry from now on." He smirked and her old Shippo returned as she threw her arms around him. She knew he'd always worry for her. Centuries waiting on her to wake up meant old habits died hard. But she had to push him or he'd forget to have his own life. It was in a mother's best interest for the happiness and welfare of her son.

"Haldir! What are you doing here?" Kagome cried out upon finding the awkward elf in the hallway outside the room she'd spent talking with Shippo. She rushed to him as a long lost friend. It was quite something he wasn't used to.

"I am here on behalf of Lord Sesshomaru, who arrived only a day before you. Kinta and I were not but a few miles from here near Osgiliath. The wolf was plotting to help his elder brother with an attack when I was called forth."

"Summoned," she finished with a wry smile.

The elf actually rolled his eyes comically. "Is there a difference?" It was a nicer change to not be in disguise and running for one's life. At least, that's what both of the duo were thinking.

"I commend you on your escapades." He hadn't even reached the gates to the grand white city of Gondor before he'd heard the rumors of a horde of elves popping in through chimneys and the Beauty of the Tree walking amongst the corridors of the kingdom. "It seems no one can go far without requiring your aid," he said as they strode to the open windows within the immense castle. Much more open and less rustic than Rohan. Cleaner, shinier, whiter... and generally more terrified. They walked until they reached where the great hall was, resting within the shadows out of ears reach but not eyes. "Something rests uneasy on your brow, little queen."

"Please don't call me that," she replied with a huff, though the tell tale signs of her cheeks spoke that she was fond of the title already. "He has yet to propose."

Haldir had the gall to snort. "My king's actions speak louder than his words. He follows you with his eyes, even now." He prodded her shoulder before pointing a long finger towards where Legolas was speaking to a group of bowmen. The young king had looked up upon her entrance and even as he spoke to the men, his eyes lingered every once in a while to see her face. "Why ask when you already belong together?"

In true Kagome fashion she fumed, noisily sucked in air, cocked a hip, and crossed her arms over her chest. Brazen eyes glared at Haldir as if he should've known better. "Because sometimes a woman wants a choice."

"So, you'd refuse him if he'd ask?" Haldir smartly replied.

"No. It's just, all my life I've felt like a toy of fate." She sighed in a labored breath. Leaving one life for another and then another after that one. It was always to the betterment of another world. Always for a noble cause. She hoped, prayed, and dreamed that this quest was her last. That fate would no longer cast her out like a leaf on the wind to see where she'd land next. "It's nice to feel one has a choice even if one knows what they're going to decide. I don't know if you can understand that."

"All too well," he replied, knowing of his own life being pulled about everywhere. He'd always felt he was at the right place at the right time when he'd first stumbled upon Sesshomaru and introduced him to the court. The man had been a very old legend who'd always kept an eye on their race. But Haldir had been the one to get him accommodated in their society and then Sesshomaru had moved him to an opening position as the tutor of a young prince. He'd never known whether or not Sesshomaru had placed him there with an inkling of what was going to happen or if it had just been chance.

"Might I inquire a favor from you, Haldir?"

"If it is within my capabilities, I will do it. You need only ask, my lady." She didn't rebuff him for this nickname instead. It was much easier to swallow than being called a queen.

"Will you keep Legolas occupied?"

"I believe he has quite a lot to occupy him already." With a nod, Kagome followed his gaze to watch Legolas in a deep discussion with his council at the end of the hall. Any elf close to them could probably hear their discussion, but there were few private places in this kingdom that wasn't overrun with elves and humans. Even looking at Legolas summoned his gaze up from across the hall to meet her eyes. He somehow always knew when she was watching him.

Kagome looked back up at Haldir pointedly, as if to say 'See how he watches me! If he notices I'm gone, he'll wonder'. "I'm well aware of that. Just make sure he stays that way, Haldir. I need to speak with my brother. Alone."

"Should the king ask where you are…?"

"Tell him I'm bathing- Wait!" She waved her hands around. With how precociously they were balancing on that edge to passions, Legolas might just come looking for her to partake in that bath. "Tell him I'm bathing with Éowyn! Wait, that came out wrong, too. And I don't even know if she's here." Though she was positive Legolas wasn't a man who peeped on herds of women. Just the one. At least, she hoped he wasn't like Miroku in that way.

"Last I heard, she resides in Edoras with the others. But rumors have spread that the whole of the town is on the move with the young king." Obvious inference to Aragorn. "I will do as you ask, my lady."

"Oh, thank you, Haldir." With a quick stand on her tippy toes, she gave his cheek a chaste kiss.

It probably would've been better had she approached Sesshomaru with Legolas, but she was fearful. What if the news were bad? Kagome wanted to know before Legolas heard it, for perhaps if it came from her lips it could be a lessening blow if there was nothing to do for their problem.

The stoic lord sat with quill in hand, scribbling away on a note with a warm fire in the hearth beside him. The smell of sweet wine filled his chambers from the chalice sitting on a nearby table. Kagome strode forth towards it and tossed the bittersweet contents back feeling she needed a drink to steady her unusually shaky nerves. When next her eyes sought out Sesshomaru his quill was down and he was attentively waiting. "I'm here to ask you something as a sister to a brother." This man had gifted her immortality. Had she been awake he would've given her anything she'd asked for. He would listen to this request for her. "Legolas has been found in loss of his light. He's turning human and I'm not." She glared down at her calloused hands. The lines and contours that told of the uncannily odd life she'd lived. The hardships. And now she had longer years ahead of her than she wanted if her hands could not hold his for the rest of eternity. "Sesshomaru is there anything you can-"

"No." The quill lay forgotten. Sesshomaru hated to refuse her. He'd noticed Legolas's peculiarities, but had never considered the elf to be losing his eternal life. Golden eyes briefly settled on a hidden notch of his wall. He would never keep anything so important out in the open as the tome that had brought them here. Sesshomaru had every spell memorized and it was constantly in every place he moved to. "Immortals, elves," he corrected, "cannot be granted immortality again for they've already been given it. Once lost, it's lost forever."

A silence stretched between them as Kagome weighed his words. And then she asked something he hadn't expected. "Is there anyway I can… I can give up my immortality?" All her life she'd wanted to be normal and now she'd found someone to be normal with. She didn't want to watch him die. She wanted to grow old alongside him, wrinkles and all.

Sesshomaru's brows flew up. Could he allow her to give up what he'd gifted? It had taken considerable magic to lengthen her life. But a human willingly choosing to give up immortality! That was quite a quandary. He quietly stood up and strode towards the worn book of magic, moving out a piece of wall heavier than any ordinary man could lift with a single hand, and pulled out the leather bindings. He may know every word written in it by now, but he wanted to read the words once more and let her see the extremes she would have to go to. The dusty book was set on his desk.

A sharp nailed hand beckoned Kagome and she peered down at the page before him. "I can give it up to mortal and immortal alike," she murmured. The hope shining in her eyes seemed to diminish as her finger skimmed over the page. "But only if I give it to someone in dire need of it. Someone who lay dying." There was no one on death's door who she knew would want it. And she wasn't about to give up her immortality to him and have herself remain mortal. She needed them to be on equal grounds.

The priestess moved to depart from the room, but came to a standstill upon hearing the demon's voice. "I know you," voiced Sesshomaru. He knew her roaming ways. Her desire to be in the middle of it. And now that the Silvian elves were safe there were other places she was needed. "You will not remain here, will you?" A brief shake of the head answered him and she turned to face him hoping that this would be a person not to reprimand her actions. He could read out her thoughts as if they were written on her face. "You will go into the thick of it, won't you? You're plan on joining the would be king."

"I am a healer by nature, Sesshomaru," she shrugged. "Traveling alongside an army and protecting the future king makes sense."

Kagome leaned against the cold stone walls that managed to keep her mind from worrying with the sharp cold present against her back. The lands of Aragorn's would be kingdom were vast and beautiful, with the exception of that marred black cloud hanging over where Osgiliath most certainly sat. A lithe silhouette stole an arm around her trim waist and moved to stand behind her, replacing cold with soothing warmth. They stood in defiance on top of the wall of Minas Tirith concealed by the night.

"Legolas, I'm trying to decide, where is it we need to be? Gandalf is here, in Minas Tirith, where the fight shall eventually lead to." They both felt it. The end of the war would be fought there. She knew it. She'd been to places that were significant points in time as she'd been significant to many of those times. Kagome was well aware of all the dots connecting. History was a pattern she was well versed in. Aragorn was the last of his line and this was the mightiest kingdom standing in defiance to Sauron. It merited importance in history.

"And Aragorn has left Edoras now that the beacons have been lit," she continued as she turned in his sinewy arms. Quiet eyes observed him. The wistful look in his silver star shine eyes. He was worried for the wandering ranger, as worried as she would have been if it had been Sango in Aragorn's place. "Aragorn is your best friend, isn't he?"

Legolas's chin settled upon the top of her head as he quietly answered, "Yes, he is one of the few closest to me."

"Then the decision is made. If it were Sango I would go after her in a heartbeat."

"My people-"

"Are safe and know the way to the Undying Lands-"

A hand clamped over her opinionated mouth to silence her. "What I was saying," he said with mirth in his eyes, "before I was interrupted by a hasty little human, was that I'd already discussed this with the elders. They'll join up with Elrond's people. Those who aren't staying behind to fight. My people sense this place's importance as well."

The priestess mumbled against his hand until he released her to speak. "When do we leave?"

"Tonight if you wish."

"You would know of my wishes?" Kagome asked coyly.

"Only when we are alone and you don't have to whisper them in my ear," he said with a sigh before kissing the top of her head.

Aragorn and Gimli leaned snugly against overturned logs with a fire warming their feet. The encampment rested below them full of soldiers ready to march on the sunrise. Ever sense the beacons had lit, ever since Kagome and Frodo had appeared in his life and showed him how big of an impact someone so small could have on the world, Aragorn felt his own destiny reaching out to him. Standing on that double edged blade that was destiny was a great danger to those who were unsure. If you accepted it and tilted it one way you could slide the blade into your own hands and become a hero. But if you leaned another way and allowed the blade movement of its own, not wanting an active role, it could cut you, crush you, and plunge you into an abyss where you were just another name that had screwed up in history. Aragorn was tired of sitting in the shadows hearing murmurs of his kingdom and the expenses the steward spent on trivial things rather than focusing on important matters in the realm.

But would his people accept him after his negligence? Their long lost prince was practically an outsider now. A whole generation had arisen without his guidance.

Even as he contemplated these thoughts, while Gimli turned a rabbit on the spike over the fire, the lumber began to quake in the pit. The duo glanced around, looking for signs of an earthquake, a herd, anything, but the rumbling was coming solely from the fire.

"What is it?" Théoden asked, coming out of his tent. Éowyn and Merry glanced over from where she was teaching him how to wield a sword without falling over.

"I don't know," murmured Aragorn, rising to his feet and stepping away from the blazes.

The fire rose to great proportions, filling the air with the smell of finely cooked rabbit and smoke. With a pop and crackle out billowed ash and two bodies shot out of the tiny inferno, knocking over the stick and sending it flying into the grass. Two familiar elf-like figures lay on the ground coughing. "Why does it always manage to get in the lungs? I swear no matter how we cover our faces, it still gets in there," Kagome huffed, leaning up off of Legolas who was spitting a good wad of wet grit from his mouth.

A deep rumbling laugh followed the shocked expressions of his companions and soon Gimli was barking laughter alongside Aragorn at the grey coated duo. "Waste of a rabbit that was," cried out Gimli, scrambling for the roasted meat. He sniffed at it and began brushing off the grass. "It'll still do for a nice supper. What're you doing lass? If you wanted to drop in for supper you could've warned us?" He teased.

Two large rough hands reached under Kagome and lifted her up off the dirt to place her back on her feet. "Thank you, Aragorn."

A small chuckle greeted her. "Someone needs a bath," Aragorn chided, remembering how she'd pushed and shoved and prodded at their group to wash back in Rohan for the party honoring Helm's Deep. Kagome batted at his hands as Legolas pulled himself up. The two men appraised one another and whole heartily greeted each other with a bear hug and a clamp of hands. "Nae saian llume. Lle maa quell, Legolas." (It's been too long. You look well, Legolas.)

"Amin sinta," said Legolas smugly, his eyes pointedly looking at the person who was the reason for how much happier he felt. (I know.)

"Gimli! Wait," called out Kagome, grabbing onto the skewer so he wouldn't put it down. Just in time too, for out came one more figure rolling onto the ground and landing on his plump auburn tails.

"Do I smell rabbit?" Shippo asked before even opening his eyes. His nose was far ahead of him.

"I don't think one rabbit will do you, lad," replied Gimli, remembering how Shippo could out eat even the hobbits. A rumbling belly reached their ears coming from the curvier member of their group. "Methinks we need to fetch more food. When was the last time you ate a real meal, lass?"

Naught but the stars peeping into the evening sky watched as the wind blew a foreign traveler into the encampment on the dark night of a new moon. This traveler was well known, but not met by most of the group. She carried promise, hope, and everlasting love in her heart. The slim shadow stole away quietly, avoiding the light from the campfire where a woman of exotic looks was telling a comedic tale if the laughter of her companions was any clue.

He wasn't with them. Arwen could smell his fragrant pipe from within a tent overlooking the small army below. He'd been given a spot of import alongside where the King of Rohan slept. Creeping silently through the tent was no difficult feat. Sneaking up on a ranger though was another story. When he spun around the air left her and for a moment Arwen had forgotten why she'd come as she lingered in the moment of a long awaited reunion. Just knowing he wouldn't disappear on borrowed time was enough to give her pause.

"Arwen?!" A face of shock, complete and utter joy, and then confusion. "What are you doing here?"

"Is the ranger unhappy to see me?"

That rapier tongue that struck the heart of the conversation. A bated moment of thought passed before he finally answered honestly with a shake of his grizzly head, "No, my lady. It's obvious now. The moon vacated the sky in jealousy of you."

Oh, she'd forgotten how poetic he could be with words. "So, you have missed me, wandering ranger?"

"Yes," the husky voice choked out with such raw emotion. He'd never have imagined that Arwen would come prancing into his tent like this just when his thoughts were weighing heavily on the future.

"Then, why did you forsake me?"

"I did not want you to shorten your life-"

"Just because I am a woman doesn't mean you can belittle my choice to be with you!" Her voice had raised and they stared at one another. Her knowing the reason why any man forced a woman to stay behind; out of love and stupidity. And he knowing why he'd made that choice for her; out of love and stupidity. "I choose a mortal life with you." She wouldn't risk it. Not the possible future she'd seen. From here on out she was going to follow her heart. "I chose it when I gave my heart to you. Now honor my admittance and tell me now, do you still love me?"

So many unsaid words, years apart stood between them. And yet... "I do." And there was the glowing smile he remembered from his past when he was making her laugh on the banks of riverbeds, coming up with tunes just to hear her giggle, or composing far-fetched stories of no-named heroes.

"Now, I've not come just for answers, though my heart is overjoyed." The way her eyes shown practically made her face glow, but there were still more pressing matters. "I've come bearing gifts and tidings of what is to pass," she said. Her eyes begged for him to lend an ear and listen and not cast her out of his sight. "You must know, my light has faded," she managed. Might as well have it out and over with. The worst of her news and the shock on his face was immense. He'd left for her safety and yet here she was saying that it was for naught. "I am no longer immortal." She held up a hand to silence his oncoming protests.

"Arwen-"

"I wanted to see this world with you, only you, and I still do," she admitted. Hope sprung to his eyes. He'd worried so long for her immortality and now she'd made the choice without him. There was nothing to do but to accept it. And in this case, be grateful even if it was bittersweet. "My father knows my choice and is letting me do as I wish…" She went to her long lost ranger and her hands touched along that weary face. There were lines there that hadn't been there before. He'd suffered. He'd toiled with his own nightmares. And he looked all the handsomer for it. "Aragorn." Oh, to hear that name drift over those lips. "We have re-forged the sword once broken." With a snicker, metal was unsheathed as Arwen's fingers brought forth the gift that would stand as testament of the bond between elves and humans long after everyone was gone. "Take it Aragorn, be who you were born to be. Who I know you are! King Aragorn of Gondor!" At her urging he grasped onto the sword and brought it out as lightly as gossamer flying from her hands and as deadly as a dragon's tooth it shone in the light of the lanterns brighter than a star.

"A fleet of ships travels from the south at Sauron's summons. Mercenaries… My father would likely say you're outnumbered, but I'm here to remind you that there are those dwelling under the mountain who owe allegiance."

He shook his head even as he tested the weight of the sword. "Arwen, they will not likely rise for me. No honor in life and I should suspect as much in death."

The sheath with a clatter and secured his face in her hands so he understood the gravity of her words and just what she was asking of him as her eyes implored that he listen. "The man who commands them will command an unstoppable army able to win this war and bring peace to this world. I know it! I've seen the possibility, Aragorn!" The man who commands the undead would be able to win the safety of all of their kingdoms. He would be able to survive the onslaught that was to come that she might lose him to without this army. If he used this army he would have a chance to live, as would she, and their lives could be tied together in the happiest way they'd only ever dreamt of. She was begging him to give them a chance for a future. "The dead owe fealty to the king. Believe that you are the king and you will become it."

The ranger looked betwixt the woman he loved with all of his heart and the sword that had for so long grounded his lineage with bitter memories of a past that was not his own. This was a chance not only to love her, but wipe away all bad recollections associated with this sword and redeem his bloodline. To defy any who spoke indifferently because of one his forefathers. Become more than just a wandering vagrant and have a home. He needed to discuss this with his companions. Aragorn placed the sword down and nodded to her as he headed towards the tent flap.

Meanwhile, Éowyn had been silently watching from her place tents away, sitting on a log. She'd wanted to approach that tent and see who the rider had been that she'd spied hiding in the darkness. And now she could see. As clear as the light upon the morning. This was an elf-woman that chased after Aragorn. An elf-woman with hair dark as tree sap and a face as glowing as the moon as she pulled Aragorn back as he exited the tent. However, it was the man that cupped her face and bestowed a kiss full of yearning upon the elf-woman.

Éowyn's breath caught in her throat and she padded back into her own little tent that she'd fashioned to stay in with Kagome and Merry. She needed a moment to collect herself.

There was a moment in which they could all be divided and their paths could separate widely. Kagome recognized it for what it was after Arwen had been introduced to them. "Arwen," said Kagome, coming up behind the elfin princess. The woman spun around and their eyes met full of apprehension. Their male companions were talking silently before the fire, debating betwixt themselves about what Aragorn believed they should do. The women were quite a distance away. Éowyn was helping shine Merry's armor alongside Kagome.

"You're the one who gave us a chance," breathed Arwen with all feelings of camaraderie with Kagome in that one admittance.

"What?"

"Without you I might never have gotten to see Aragorn."

Kagome's face flushed at the praise and instant adoration coming from this perfect stranger. "I don't know about that. Where there's love, there's always a way." She gave a weak smile. It was for love that Kagome was here approaching Arwen and speaking freely with her as any woman sensing danger. A chill blew through from the cavern that scared all the men in the encampment. "They're going to go into those mountains aren't they?" The elf nodded. "They're probably going to try and talk us into staying behind where it's safe as Theoden has asked of Éowyn." The blond looked up at the sound of her name and quickly looked away, pretending to get back to her work. She was just as interested in this conversation as anyone. Disillusioned from her hero worship of Aragorn, she'd done what any true shield maiden would do. She carried on.

Now the idea of the men ordering them behind, well, Arwen hadn't considered that. Her eyes snapped with distaste. "I will not leave him now," stated Arwen.

"Nor will I leave my Legolas," replied Kagome. She reached out and gripped onto Arwen's shoulders. One woman touching another, both women loving a man and not wanting to be torn away from him just because of their assigned gender roles. Both far stronger than their own worlds gave them credit for. "He loves you." Kagome spoke with reason. These men were hard headed and would need both women talking to their partners to get them aboard this quest. "I need you to buy us time. Talk him into leaving in the morning instead of tonight. Point out that Legolas needs more arrows, that rations need to be stored, and his sword must be swung to get used to the feel of it in his hands. Or seduce him, I don't care! I just need tonight." Arwen actually laughed at the last part with a pink hue coming into her cheeks.

"For what, pray tell, my friend?"

"To inform Legolas that I'm coming with him. In my past I've dealt with enough men who doubted the capabilities of our sex. I know he won't doubt me." She hoped he wouldn't doubt her, for if he did, he wasn't a man she could love. It was at that moment Éowyn looked up at Merry and he saw it in her eyes as well. The three women in the encampment were bonded in their endeavors which were all equally important in that they wanted the chance to fight for what they cared for and alongside those they cared for. "We are three would-be queens," stated the priestess. Éowyn hadn't even taken into consideration that she and her brother were her Uncle's only heirs now. And Kagome was undoubtedly the future queen of Mirkwood... and Arwen... well, all of Minas Tirith if Aragorn had her for his queen. "What man can deny us?"

"I will do what you ask, Kagome."

"As will I. Faramir always said I could prove to be an annoying distraction when I wanted to be," replied Éowyn, coming to stand near them with Merry attentively beside her. He nodded his head in agreement.

"If Shippo comes looking, I'll just tell him you're with Éowyn," Merry smartly added, knowing how intrusive her little fox was. "I'll get him drunk or ask him to help me practice my swordsmanship." The little hobbit wasn't terribly lacking since he'd picked up a few handy tricks in Lothlorien so long ago.

"Thank you, thank you all." And the time traveling priestess threw her arms around Arwen, hugging her dearly and left an arm open for Éowyn and Merry to join in as well. Bonds had been forged just as strongly as the reforging of the sword Andúril.

The white and red printed tents hardly swayed at all as they were tethered well to the grounds, but still they seemed a fragile place to go for such an important discussion. Chills sent a wave of goose-prickles across her skin and Kagome didn't know if it was due to the cold or her apprehension for the coming days ahead. Though it wasn't confirmed, she suspected what was to happen. Before morning crested the dawn the three men would undoubtedly depart for where the dead still walked. Even after she'd helped save his people, after she'd admitted to what extents she loved him, she knew he may yet refuse her wish if she asked. And it wouldn't matter a damn if he refused it. Kagome was still headstrong not to be placed to the side. This was one priestess who was never left behind on an adventure.

The faint noise of a knife working within touched upon her ears. It was now or never. No time for faltered resolve. Kagome brushed into his tent finding the elf sitting down shaving off feathers on a slew of arrows in such a quick speed Kagome almost wondered how he managed to stay precise and handcraft them so perfectly. "I wondered how long you would stand out there, little human. I could hear your breathing," he said without lifting his eyes from his work. He was prodding at her. Kagome knew good and well that his sense weren't so keen anymore, they'd dulled with the drift towards morality.

No sound was made as quiet Tetsusaiga was drawn and the tip met the edge of his chin, catching him off guard as Legolas looked up and finally met her gaze. The elf openly stared, coveting every defiant bit of her.

"My king, you have only one choice," said Kagome firmly as Legolas dropped his arrows and knife. Hands gradually rose up in surrender. Even if she had a weapon in her hand, the eyes of her captive were smoldering enough to shake Kagome. He was bitter for his own actions, but he was justified in his agitation. He'd been aloof since Aragorn had told him and Gimli their mission and yet he wanted nothing more than to capture her in his arms, hold her, kiss her, bury his face in her coal-black hair, and vow he would do all that she asked. Always wanting something that was so out of his reach.

"I'm listening," he said coolly as Kagome edged closer. "Though I doubt you can cut me with that blade, I'm listening regardless."

"I'm traveling with you regardless of your say in the matter," she whispered, tears threatened to spill over but she wouldn't let them. She had to look at him bravely, like a soldier so he would treat her like one. Not like a woman who didn't want to be left behind by the man she loved.

"Do you even know my opinion in the matter?" A terse voice. Though he'd grappled with his decision, he'd been waiting for Kagome to approach him. After having spent some time traveling alongside her, Legolas knew when to be wary of her own drawn conclusions.

"You haven't discussed the mission with me so it should be apparent."

"I do agree that if you stay you will give people hope alongside Éowyn," he said. Common sense said to leave her behind for safekeeping. Selfishness craved for her to stand by his side ever since she'd admitted she couldn't live without him. He wanted every bit of her. If he had followed through with leaving her behind, Legolas had plotted the only way of making Kagome stay. Anger and rage were strong enough emotions to keep her behind if he were the intended victim of that malice. But manipulation was never how one treated a relationship. "But there's the matter of you staying there." This woman had the capabilities to disappear within fire, there would never be any leaving her behind without fretting oneself into an early grave.

"Stay where? Minas Tirith? War and destruction will lead to there eventually and I would not hasten there for all the world to hide with the rest of the women and children."

Legolas batted aside the sword and turned around ignoring the irritation that suddenly swamped Kagome's aura. He swiftly blew out the candle in the room encasing them in a soft darkness and deftly grabbed a long sword that rested in his tent. He swung around and knocked Kagome's blade out of her hand with the finesse of a centuries trained master. He dropped his own sword to the dirt now that she was defenseless and they were both on fair grounds. Kagome threw herself upon Legolas, knocking him to the earth and landing atop him. "I am not the only symbol of hope," she answered. Such large eyes full of so much sorrow. All she wanted was to stay beside him. And in his heart, wasn't that just what Legolas wanted as well?

Legolas rolled them over and pinned her hands in the grass and dirt.

"Kagome, you forget I am not the one leading this excursion." Legolas was already short of breath from rolling around fighting her. Not only that, her spirit had a way of stirring things within him, and even now wasn't an exception from the lusty thoughts. "Why would you want to follow after us into danger? Yes, you would be an asset. But what is your reason?"

Deciding to give up her façade, Kagome let the tears spring to her eyes as she whispered quietly, "I don't want to leave your side now that you may be mortal. I love you and can't live without you. Don't deny me from being by your side when I could lose you." The young royal knew Kagome was capable of protecting herself. He got up off of Kagome and admitted something that would've raised an argument in the morning with the other men whom he hadn't consulted with on this matter. "I never meant to leave you behind in the first place." That admission caused a well of emotions to come shooting through her heart.

"You didn't?"

"No, it crossed my mind several times... but, my love for you is that for my queen. For my equal," he stressed. Besotted fool he was, he'd place her in danger to have her near. "We fight together, we bleed together, and we will stay together." Legolas offered his hand to the lovely woman sprawled out so enticingly on the ground. And then he offered something that neither one of them had expected of him at that moment as a softer look overcame his features. "If you wish to go with me, to stand by my side forever," he breathed silently, "then take my hand."

The breathing in her chest must've stopped for a moment as his words resonated in her head. Shocked eyes clashed with serious quicksilvers. She knew Legolas by now to understand enough cryptic meanings. This was Legolas being as frank as he could under stress.

Kagome knew her answer before she even reacted and reacted before she even voiced her answer. Fingers lightly touched the tips of his before she heartily grasped onto his hand, accepting what his heart had wanted to ask for so long. Legolas hoisted her up to stand by him, the light shining from his face brighter than the shine from a star.

"Yes," she said, grasping tighter onto his hand as she looked him fully in the eyes. Kagome gently tugged his hand up to her face to place a sweet little kiss on the palm. "I'll take your hand gladly, for all of our lives." Legolas leaned down and captured her lips in his hungrily. His lips began to nibble and tug on her own. Before Kagome knew it she was stepping backwards until the back of her calves ran into the little pallet that was a bed. Kagome tore her lips away and looked at him with a blush staining her face.

They both had a blissful moment of dawning clarity.

They were absolutely alone.

No one was going to come looking for them. Everyone thought Kagome was staying with Éowyn.

They stared at each other as if trying to make a decision, but it was only a moment they needed before they went on instincts that had been vying for release from tame chains.

They had a night together of undisturbed peace.

Furthermore, this was, after all, their wedding night.

Legolas's arms tightened around Kagome and his hands slid down boldly as if daring their luck. After nothing and no one burst through their tent flap and no one called out their names, Kagome reached up, linking her fingers in his hair, and eagerly jerked him down to her lips. The kiss was fierce as his hands skimmed over the small of her waist to her backside and they tumbled backwards onto the bed laughing between kisses.

This had been a long time in coming and he wanted to draw out what time they had together even if it meant using the entire night.

Legolas's hand ghosted to her creamy leg and he began to gently caress it, playing with her ticklish thigh before cruising upwards under her dress. A small moan escaped her plump mouth before her hands hastily fumbled with the belt around his tunic. When she'd freed the item her fingers felt underneath against the fabric cupping the already hard bulge that was evident. It strained against her hand as kisses rained against his neck. Bold fingers slid even bolder underneath his tunic, needing to be on skin, up to his toned muscles that she admired when he was shirtless. Hands were suddenly everywhere, needing to touch and feel freely with nothing holding them back. Feeling every bit of his chest until finally the elf became restless and tore off his shirt needing to have nothing but her hands on him. No scratchy fabric. Kagome reached down and brought his hand up to the hem of her clothes.

"My husband." Kagome said it shyly, but her eyes spoke volumes of desire. Chills ran down Legolas's spine. He wanted her to keep on calling him that. No! He wanted her screaming it!

Legolas looked at her with a raised brow wondering if this was indeed what Kagome wanted after so much time of being the meek maidan. When she unbuttoned the first little button on the back of her dress he quickly took charge and began work with his nimble archer's fingers while his lips played with her own giving Kagome a pleasant distraction. He'd never known how much fun could be had in undressing another. Agile hands unlaced the kirtle of her dress that bound the cloth so sensually to her body. He balled the fabric up and hefted it upwards. She stretched her arms up in the air as he pulled it off over her head and tossed it to the side. Each layer revealed more of her from the light elven dress, to the soft chemise underneath, to the long socks clinging to toned legs, and the panties that Kagome cherished. It was one thing to see her undress, but to do it himself was a more entertaining matter.

Legolas halted for a moment to let his eyes roam over this gem of a woman whose very existence beckoned him to immoral thoughts. She shivered under his gaze embarrassed as the cold night air perked the rosy blossomed tips of her lush breasts. She's mine, he thought, finally.

His fingers caressed her chest as he had done many a time in his dreams and fewer in reality. He played with those perky nubs as he nipped at the sensitive spot joining her neck and shoulders. Her chest heaved into his hand, aching to be touched more. The prince buried his face in her shoulder and inhaled the sweet earthy scent of her as his lips tasted soft flesh. Kagome tingled under his touch in contrast to the chilly draft of the night. Legolas slowly made his way to where his fingers were and brought forth an assault with his lips on those taunting nips. Kagome's back arched as her breath hitched when his mouth clamped over a dusky pink nipple, lavishing it with his warm and daring tongue. Her hands knotted in his long light blond hair, urging him on as she shamelessly clung to him. The lean leg of a woman well traveled wrapped about his waist provocatively. He bit and tugged both of the mounds with his teeth, enough to make her throw her head back in ecstasy as she lost herself in his touch. She couldn't stop from writhing against him.

Utter abandonment ensued. Her mind was no longer functioning with every touch and taste as he lavished her breasts wetly and trailed fiery kisses along her stomach leaving it so hot in its wake she half expected there to be smoke.

Pure intimacy.

And the longing to reciprocate for all of the heat he was stirring within her was beckoning for a course of action. Kagome rolled them over until she straddled him and began to kiss his chest, bite on it, trail open kisses, and then she wet her lips as she stared at his quivering appendage. Light nibbles began along the length of flesh in a dance of seduction and then licked the very tip causing Legolas's hands to clench in her hair. Hips bucked against her mouth when she engulfed all of him in that luxurious mouth and soon he was pumping himself with Kagome bobbing back and forth in time with his movements. She had to pause every moment, so unused to the length of him in such a place. It was most certainly different with so little practice, but enthusiasm was as strong here as it had been once upon a time in Rohan.

Not being able to take it any longer, the elf pulled Kagome's head back gently and said, "I'm close. Dangerously close." Kagome's face blushed as he flipped them back over so he was on top and he was on her like a starving man. Kagome's legs anchored around his waist, her opening wet and ready for him to enter as he moved his tip to tease her beautiful crest of dark curls. Kagome rubbed her center against his fleshy member, mewling for him to end her torment. Slowly, so slowly, he allowed the tip to creep along inside and Kagome whined when he secured her hips to keep her from moving. "Patience," Legolas murmured quietly. It was testing his own self control to do this. Legolas wanted her to beg.

Did he not recall how long they'd waited for this?! "I have no more patience, Legolas," she practically growled out. He pressed the very tip inside of her and watched her try and wiggle beneath his hands to move. "Legolas, I need you! Now!" The longing was so strong in her eyes that she was close to crying.

He eased into her a bit more just to watch her writhe before he thrust into Kagome quickly, to end what pain would come, breaking through her tight channel and hearing Kagome's whimper. He froze and waited a moment for her to get used to the feel of him, which was the hardest thing to do for he felt herself clamped around him and he wanted nothing more than to buck against that tight warmth. Tears came to her eyes at the awkward feel of having something invading her and Legolas gently kissed her eyes, waiting for Kagome to give him the cue to move. Kagome bit her lips for a moment and remembered Rin's advice; the pain would only last for a while.

As Legolas prepared himself to wait patiently, Kagome surprised him and moved her hips testingly, getting used to the feel of his long shaft inside of her. Legolas's eyes were clenched shut in pain the whole time for he wanted to fuck her and her little movements until they were both spent and sated. It felt so unbelievably good to have her gripping onto him so intimately. "So tight," he murmured in a ragged voice.

Rather than wait long for his bride to get used to the pain, Kagome looked up at him and urged him on with a roll of the hips. Legolas slowly began to ease into her and began rocking back and forth, her body moved with his in sync as if she'd always known how to do this. Their bodies melted together, rough and pleasant. Soon Legolas had found the spot that made Kagome quake with sinful pleasure and he pounded into it slowly at first to drag out the feeling as his length slid over that hypersensitive bead. Kagome's little gasp came, moistening an already wet entrance. That spot was driving her insane and all too soon they both came after having such passions for each other pent up. Legolas cried out as he shot into her and she grasped tightly onto him, both riding out the intense wave of euphoria.

But they weren't done just yet. After a good while of catching their breath and basking in their lovemaking, Legolas took to her once more. He went with the precision of a warrior, stroking slowly into her to make the battle last longer than the first.

"Legolas," she whimpered, bucking against him. "Faster, please." That sultry voice called forth an order he was too willing to answer. Legolas rotated his hips even slower until she was clawing at his shoulders and groaning, "Please Legolas, please fuck me." Legolas complied with a grin on his lips as he threw his weight harder with her words. For some reason her coarse language made his cock twitch in anticipation. He gripped her ankles and moved her legs until they were positioned wider before he quickened the pace and began moving so fast Kagome began shout out. She didn't care that she probably screamed loud enough for everyone to hear within a mile radius. It was as if he were trying to go faster than the beating of their hearts, slamming into her sweet tight channel with everything he had. Legolas grunted as he thrust harder, loving the feel of her already soaked loins clenching tightly onto his cock with their moistness, a hand reaching out to squeeze onto one of her tits that swayed so tauntingly with his pounding. He moaned out when she purposefully clenched her muscles on him and he almost saw stars. It was a good thing his tent was so close to the howling of the haunted chasm.

"Ye-ees," she gushed out biting her lip as Legolas pumped faster. Kagome tiled her hips up a little more so he could go deeper. "Oh god, Legolas! Yes," she repeated the mantra. Kagome gripped the sheets of the pallet moaning in throes of ecstasy once more, bucking wildly against her lover. Her muscles clenched around his cock making Legolas's mind feel as if it were floating above his head, dizzy in bliss. His eyes shut as he cried out bucking against her and finally when her muscles clenched their tightest he came once more with Kagome calling his name out. Kagome felt an immediate heat of warmth spread through her. They rode the aftershocks, his hips jerking in and out of her spasming body. His elbows were propped on either side of her, his body shaking as his hot seed shot into her a second time. She milked him for all he was worth. When they were done Legolas slowly and gently collapsed on her. They lay there, wrapped in each other's limbs, panting, hearts racing, Legolas collapsed with his head lying in between her breasts with his cock still wedged deep inside her sweet body.

"Kaggy," he breathed like a plea of reverent thanks. "My Kaggy," he said once more closing his eyes in bliss. The young king wrapped an arm around his gorgeous queen, pulling her closer to him and moving upwards until their foreheads touched as he dislodged his member from what he would now refer to in his head as his personal sanctuary. "All mine," he murmured, kissing her lips gently before pulling away. When he opened his eyes he found his wife staring back at him with a smile on her face until she burst out laughing which made him chuckle silently, his laughter vibrating the cheeks of her face as he muffled it in the crook of her neck. Neither knew what they were laughing at other than the fact that they were so unbelievably happy. Kagome wrapped her arms around his smooth skin. Despite how sore she was after that, she was blissful. It was like all of their worries and tensions had flooded away the moment they'd touched each other.

"Leggy," she whispered, her fingers running through his beautiful light blond hair. He raised his head to lock eyes with her finding the desire still unquenched in her heated gaze. "I don't want to ever stop this." Legolas gulped. It was going to be a long wedded life and luckily for him his race had a strong thirst for sex when they married. He nodded with a smile touching her lips to still her words.

"Before you say anything else, I have something for you," he murmured into her chest as he leaned over, reaching across to the pocket of his tunic with purpose, and pulled out the napkin. He placed the parcel upon Kagome's naked stomach and opened it revealing the glowing flower nestled on the cloth and sitting beside it were two intricately woven golden rings. Legolas tugged on Kagome's suddenly limp hand and slid the ring into place. He was rather smug when he found it fit snugly. Crafted as if it were made for her finger alone. "I will love you, protect you, and provide for you. Always," he promised. They weren't the most eloquent of vows, but with him sometimes simpler was always better. His actions spoke volumes. They always had.

"Legolas," she breathed in wonder. He had to have had the rings for some time, Kagome thought, finding her heart rise with the knowledge. Just as Legolas was about to place his ring on, Kagome stopped him and said, "Let me do it." She looked lovingly at the ring, biting her bottom lip; her eyes glowed, as she slipped it over his finger. "I will love you, be your best friend, and promise to always be there for you. Forever, Legolas." And then Kagome kissed each finger lingering on the one with his ring. Legolas's eyes heated up with a fire, silver blue eyes turning into warm metal. When Kagome met his eyes she knew it was over as he swept in and kissed her lips.

Before he could launch himself on top of her Kagome shook her head and rolled them so that she was on top of him, shocking the elf. "Leggy," she murmured sliding up on him very slowly, gasping in delight when she came down and he filled her. Legolas's ability to 'catch his breath' was clearly evident now and wedged inside of her. His eyes shut in paradise. "There's something you ought to know. I'm a very curious woman." She wiggled on Legolas causing a hitch in his breath. He moaned and leaned his head back in delight when Kagome rolled her hips. When Kagome paused in her movements he glared up at her to find a playful smile teasing her lips. Legolas grinned up at her like a cat that had gotten into the creamer or in this case an elf that had gotten into the creamy priestess.

His eyes burning into her, urging Kagome to continue with their lovemaking.

And then she began to bring her husband to new heights as they explored the meaning of love and sharing oneself with things that they were curious about and some things came naturally. Unknown to the loving duo, another was being sent out to make her Sauron's.

A/N: God, I forgot how much I love this couple. Yeah, uh, stuff happened, is happening, happens. Lol. Hope you enjoyed this chapter! I will continue with this story!