Here we are my wonderful friends and followers...the final chapter.

Please read on for the epilogue and final author note.

So, for the last time, please read and enjoy...and if you loved please vote, comment, share, or Review!

Media: 'Final Light' by Philip Lobar
A fitting piece chosen by morganrachel01 - a much cherished reader.

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Immortal

'Some Legends are told. Some turn to Dust or to Gold...
...But you will Remember Me...
....Remember Me for Centuries.'

Centuries
Lyrics by Fall Out Boy

Gilron fusses on the hems of my silk dress, grumbling that she thinks they are just a smidgen too long, whilst delicately cinching the fabric lengths between her fingers and guiding the pleats to the floor so they literally sit to perfection. I would give her a fond glance and tsk if I was allowed to move my head at all, but Ollie is working on the her final masterpiece...my hair.

It has grown a little since it was brutally sliced off, and I will admit I am terribly insecure about it, but Ollie - being the resourceful perfectionist that she is - had been determined to make it so beautiful that, in her words, 'all the ellith will be wishing they had short hair just so they could style it like yours.'

I will admit she has practically outdone herself this time, for somehow she has managed to twine my hair up in a way that gives the illusion that it has length, and leaving the longest and lightest wisps to fall softly around my face to frame it. Currently she is rearranging blooms carefully through the tiniest braids around the crown of my head, which sets off the shimmering mithril headdress, that looks like intertwining flowers, to absolute perfection, if I do say so myself.

"Ladies, are we nearly ready?" a familiar voice asks and a head pops around the corner. I grin broadly at Olben who seems to be on Grandpa duty, as Arathiel and Aranir shove past him in their excitement and straight up to their mother.

"Nana! Nana! Is it time?" they both chime in unison and she patiently pats them both on their heads.

"Nearly, my darlings," she promises them, as she steps away from me to observe her handiwork. Her tell tale purse of the lips lets me know she is satisfied.

"Auntie Clara, you are beautiful!" Arathiel swoons and clasps her hands together in wonderment.

"Uncle Thranduil is going to be grumpy if you do not hurry up," Aranir grumbles and tugs my hand impatiently, "the food is going to get all cold."

"Children!" Gilron scolds sternly as she shoos them away from my dress, "patience is a virtue, now let your Nana finish helping the Queen."

"It is quite alright Gilron," I chuckle and wink at Aranir, "I am absolutely starving too, we'll only be a minute, why don't you two run ahead and tell your grumpy uncle we are on our way."

With a slew of excitable giggling the two scamper out the doorway and back to the Great Hall, where the whole Kingdom has come together to celebrate our victory in the forest, and to see for themselves that their Queen is alive and very much in command.

"You should not encourage them to use such casual endearments, Clara," Gilron sighs, but I can see the absolute delight in her face, so I know that she really doesn't mind at all. Besides, they are all the closest thing that Thranduil and I have left in this world.

"I do not mean to rush you all, but we really need to get this underway," Olben quietly interjects one more time. Gilron wanders up to him and takes his arm, giving him a calming smile, and he instantly relaxes.

"Okay, okay, I am just about..." Ollie mutters as she rearranges one last flower then steps back, "...there, finished...honestly, I am a genius!"

"I am not even going to disagree," I chuckle as the two of us embrace loosely, because we cannot undo the hours of labour put in to making me look this great. "I do not know what I would do without you."

"You would be attending the feast barefoot in a potato sack," Ollie rightly reminds me, and I nod soberly in agreement, before the two of us erupt into girlish giggles.

Gilron tells us both off for acting like silly elflings, and not like the elegant and graceful Queen and her lady, that we should be. We give ourselves a brief moment of composure, and then we are off, the two of us sharing ridiculous grins as we approach the Great Hall. We never forget how far we have come - Ollie and I - even now after years of living in this incredible life we are still the excitable servant girls, starry eyed, and filled with mischief. I reach down and take her hand in mine, she squeezes it tightly in turn, and for the moment I feel our sisterly solidarity give me courage.

I stand before the grand craven doors of the Great Hall and I take a moment to savour the beautiful patterns of the golden leaf inlays, and the many flowers and stunning banners decorating the entrance. I give a small chuckle at the extent of Thranduil's determination to make tonight spectacular for me. He has went to great pains to make everything an artist's dream, paying attention to the small details, and showing me he knows exactly the colours I like and the designs that capture my artists imagination.

When the great doors slowly open to the sound of welcoming horns and drums, and the deafening cheer of every elven voice in my Kingdom, I am rendered speechless for a moment. And as I step into the massive Hall, filled to the brim with elves, all I can do is gape in wonderment. A tear pricks my eye as the applause and cheering continues long after my arrival.

A space is provided for me all the way to the end of the Hall, where the floor elevates, and two grand thrones sit side-by-side. Great, golden, hearths of fire are placed on either side of those majestic oak chairs; the chair to left is expertly covered in dumloth blooms, already glowing subtly, and the throne to right is decorated with lengths of ivy and leaves, a suitable throne for a forest King.

My gaze travels down the platform to land on my husband, as he stands straight and proud, the light of the flames glittering off his skin and setting a flame in his incredible eyes. His crown rests elegantly on his head, his chin raised high as if the weight of the heavy headdress is nothing to him. I glance to his side to find Legolas standing just as straight and just as proud as his father, but were Thranduil's features burn with dignified composure, our son's face is alight with joy - his glittering smile utterly infectious and I cannot help my broad smile in return.

In Legolas' arm, my youngest sits, his beautiful, big, grey, eyes wide and enchanted as he soaks up the scene before him. His statement silver locks seem to glow subtly in the light, like he is covered in a little halo, and when he recognises me he immediately stretches forward and waves excitedly. I spy how he calls 'Nana' but his little voice is drowned out by the sheer noise of the cheering crowd.

With my son beckoning me forward I begin my walk down the aisle, stopping every few strides to receive flowers, or hugs, or blessing from my people. I absorb their faces, the happiness in their spirits, and I try to commune my utter delight to be among them. I do not think they will ever know how much their love and acceptance has changed me for the better, and I doubt I will ever be able to explain in words my eternal gratitude that I was able to find myself among them. But I do know this much...I know I will spend every day doing my best for them, being the Queen, the friend, the counsellor, that they need and deserve. It is the least I can do.

As I reach the end of the streams of elves I begin to find familiar faces - faces I am so overjoyed to have with us.

Galion is the first to greet me, and I immediately kiss him on the cheek, which makes him blush brighter than a tomato and his flustering only makes me giggle. Beside him is a face I never thought I would see again - Rista.

My brave lady had been badly injured in the fight to save us from captivity, but somehow she had survived, and it was a miracle that she was able to be here today. She stands a little awkwardly but bravely attempts to curtsy when I stand before her. I jump to stop her and instead throw my arms around her little shoulders. She freezes at the gesture but after a moment she relaxes and returns the embrace. We share a meaningful look as I pull away; a look that conveys an understanding...she and I are survivors.

A few more faces down the line and I am met with Lord Elrond and Lady Celebrian. I do not even get to make the first move as Celebrian pulls me into her arms. Her essence is still so wonderful, she practically radiates calm and contentment, but in the moment her spirit feels even more magnified.

"Oh Clara," she speaks into my ear so I can hear here clearly, "you are a vision, truly, no darkness could ever dim your light."

"Nor yours," I reply as I step back and gesture to the glow radiating out from her eyes, "Celebrian, you are positively radiant...you must tell me your secret?"

To this she lets out a beautiful peal of musical laughter, then glances to Elrond and grins. I notice how her husband's eyes are trained only to her, like the whole world revolves around her, and everything about her seems precious.

"Oh, go on then," he encourages her with a weightless sigh, "I suppose it is the right time to celebrate all kinds of joyful tidings."

"Clara, I am with child!" She beams and snatches my hands up in hers, "well, it is very early, we only discovered my condition on our way to help you. Elrond believes it to be twins...maybe if one is an elleth I shall call her Clara, that would be such a unique name?"

"Celebrian!" I cry and embrace both she and Elrond, "that is wonderful news, but I would not worry about picking a feminine name...I sense we could have two little ellyn on the way."

"Are you a seer now too, dear Clara?" Elrond chuckles, and I smirk whilst patting his arm.

"Call it a well informed hunch," I wink at Celebrian and ignore Elrond's baffled expression. "Either way," I grin as I rub Celebrian's belly, "I am certain they will be two very special elflings." My friend beams back, and I honestly cannot wait for her to meet her boys, but it is only right to let it be a surprise...after all being a parent is full of surprises!

Speaking of surprises, I have not laid eyes on my daughter since I got here? I automatically start scanning the crowd again, sweeping my gaze past my husband and my two son's but sill I find no Celairiel. I barely register the greetings from our council lords and ladies as I search for her, worrying that something is wrong, for when I learned of her endeavours to save the forest I had fretted over the damage she could have caused her young fea.

I always worry about her the most.

Just as I step around the last council lord I come toe to toe with a very amused looking elf. His golden hair and roguish grin automatically making me happy and at ease.

Glorfindel doesn't even wait for me to speak as he picks me up and gives me a little spin. I yelp, then laugh, and eventually pull away from him to slap playfully. He really does despise social etiquette and proper manners, and that is exactly why we are the best of friends.

"Now, before you give me a lecture," Glorfindel holds out his hand to silence me before I even think about speaking, "I want you to know it was entirely your daughter's idea."

"Pardon?" I question, pulling a perplexed expression which quickly dissipates as Celairiel's head pops up from behind Glorfindel.

"I invited him to attend as my honoured guest," Celairiel explains as she slips around beside the golden elf and he offers her his arm, which she takes graciously. I blink between the two of them, then narrow my eyes suspiciously at my dear, old, friend.

"The King was disinclined to have me in attendance," Glorfindel hurries to fill in the obvious gaps in the story that I have clearly missed. "So, Celairiel felt that this was entirely unfair and wished to have my presence here tonight...she felt that you would want that."

"Glorfindel, mellon, if not for your interference on several occasions over the years, I doubt I would be standing here today," I tell him earnestly and he ducks his head humbly at my statement. "You deserve to be celebrated here tonight, along with my daughter, and all the brave souls that fought to save our Kingdom."

"It was an honour to be a part of your journey Clara," Glorfindel murmurs and then gives me a crooked smile as he turns to my daughter, "and an honour to have met this courageous and talented elleth, I look forward to learn what Illuvatar has planned for you Celairiel."

"Well, I might need you around to teach me some tricks," she winks at him and grins at me, "maybe with some luck we can get Ada to like him."

"One mountain at a time, love," I chuckle and embrace her warmly, pausing to whisper in her ear, "I love you, sweetheart, there is no one prouder of you than I. I always knew you were meant for great things."

My daughter prevents me from pulling away as she holds me a little tighter for a little longer, but eventually Thranduil calls for me to join him, and we reluctantly part ways.

I climb the steps to be by my King's side and stand before my people. Ollie joins me, and Aradan appears from the fray with their twins, to stand in attendance with the royal family. He and Thranduil share a brotherly look before he bows for me, picking my hand up and bending to simulate a kiss. I smirk and roll my eyes...chivalrous and charismatic as always...he winks and I scrunch my nose up playfully. Aradan stands proudly with his wife and I cannot help my smile as they share a little peck, and she leans into him as he fusses over the twins, who fidget at their sides. I absolutely love the bones of that family, they are still the greatest people I have ever known.

Thranduil steps closer to me, angling himself so that we almost stand turned into one another. He wraps his arm around my waist, drawing me even closer, and I place my hand on his chest to feel the steady beat of his heart. Our eyes lock, and he smiles softly, as his hand lifts to cradle my cheek and his thumb traces my bottom lip.

The atmosphere of the crowd suddenly lifts and they begin to cheer and sing all over again, but I barely hear them as I get lost in my King's eyes. His smile widens, as his eyes flicker over the gathered crowd, and I absently wonder if he is thinking what I am - that sometimes I like to cause a scene?

Without needing to know the answer Thranduil's lips meet mine in a kiss so deep and lavish that it fills up my heart so much that my spirit sings.

The crowd applauds, with many voices cheering us on, and I am nearly convinced I heard a whistle or two. The brief and intensely passionate moment passes all too quickly, but when it is over, I find that my children are not impressed to be left out of the picture. The two of us laugh at the irate glower we receive from Ferion as he wrestles out of Legolas' arms to reach mine.

I reach for my little son and gather him into my arms, enjoying his enthusiastic hug and flourish of kisses. He even plants a great big kiss to his Adar's cheek, earning a chorus of 'awes' from those close enough to see. Ferion grins proudly, happy that he is receiving some of the attention.

Thranduil locks his arms tightly around us both, just as Legolas comes to throw his arms around my shoulder and kiss my cheek, and a moment later Celairiel dances up the steps. She reaches her Ada's side and yanks one of his arms free, which he then snags around her waist and pulls her into our huddle. She snuggles her head under her father's chin, whilst I rest mine against Legolas' cheek, leaning into him as he keeps his arms locked around my shoulders.

I rest in the moment, enjoying the comforting embrace of my loved ones, but I am also a Queen and the people need so much more than just my presence to reassure them - they also need my voice.

Gently I untangle myself from everyone and Thranduil hands off a pacified Ferion to Elbes to look after, because he has been so well behaved to this point, and we really do not want to push his wavering elfling patience. Legolas returns to his position by his father whilst Glorfindel meekly collects Celairiel, and I barely contain a snigger at my husband's intense struggle in ignoring the ellon's proximity, but he manages it well enough and I am very proud of him for it. I squeeze his arm and give him a playful grin which seems to do the trick in momentarily halting any bitter thoughts he may harbour. We have bigger things to attend to, he and I.

In a silent but powerful gesture, Thranduil takes my hand in a courtly fashion and presents me to the people. Tilting his head my direction in a slight bow he then steps away and gives me the position of speaker before the Realm.

Everyone automatically lowers their voices; the cheering and clapping tapering off until I hold the attention of the whole room. Every eye is trained on me and every ear eager to hear my words, and I register that this never gets any easier - I still loathe public performances.

I glance downward momentarily, taking a settling breath, and running my fingers over the pearl on my bracelet. I do this every time I address the people as their Queen, in every situation, whether it be a council meeting or a large public event. I do it because the pearl was Oropher's gift to me, his belief that I could be a Princess, and that I had the strength in me to be the foundations of this family. Even now, as I hold the beautiful bead momentarily, I can still recall his kind smile and fatherly patience, and that wonderfully sure presence is what gives me my little nudge of confidence.

"My people," I begin in a sure and gentle voice, "my friends, my comrades, my defenders...there are no words of thanksgiving, of praise, or even of love, that I could use to express how my heart feels to be standing with you on this evening." A sob catches in my throat and my tears glisten in my eyes as I look out across the sea of faces with a glittering smile. "But here I am, safe and well, and blessed to be alive," this comment is met with cheering and a few bouts of laughter, because more than a few know of my penchant for getting into trouble.

I clear my throat again and quickly swipe the undignified tear from my eye, pausing to give a little chuckle and shrug at my less than flawless performance.

"Regardless of this," I push on through the gentle swathes of understanding laughter, "I do not stand before you and claim that evil has been defeated and that there shall be no more blood spilt, or pain endured, or loss felt in this Kingdom again. Yes, we achieved a great victory, and yes we have all suffered much in pursuit of it, but though we my have attained a moment of peace in our time, you can be assured that the same evil will seek us out again...and do you know why?"

There is a stunned silence as I scan the crowd. My weighted stare landing on as many of my people as I can successfully seek out, and as predicted I see many a questioning glance shared at my rhetorical question.

"They will seek us out," I tell them, as my shoulders straighten and my chin lifts proudly, "because we are who we are, and we shine light into the darkness of this world. Our very existence is a thorn in the enemies side and so long as we live to protect and defend our world, our people, and our ways, then it will come for us."

I can almost sense a change in the room as the people are stirred. The courage in their brave and good hearts shining just as I told them it would. I feel their will to defend their way of life under the trees; their innocent and uncorrupted ways that are truly unique and beautiful. This is their home and I have every faith that it always will endure so long as their hearts do.

"And it may come," I nod solemnly but let my eyes snap upwards and my voice ring clear, "but when it does it will be met with the legendary strength of the woodland elves, and so long as I am your Queen, so long as I draw breath and can defend my own, and stand by my King, then I will never...ever...allow this Kingdom to fall to darkness."

An almighty roar of agreement echoes throughout the Great Hall. Elves lift their fists to the sky and shout their agreements, others burst into applause, and many display their loyalty by kneeling where they stand. My chest bursts with pride and admiration as I behold the sight before me, but I have one last thing to say, so with a slight raise of my right hand the people quieten down again to listen to my last sentiments.

"With all that being said," I soften my voice, a warm smile spreading across my lips as I hold open my arms and speak, "tonight is a celebration of love, and thankfulness, and to appreciate the bonds of family and brotherhood which solidify us as a people. These very things make us stand out amongst our brethren and these are the very things that make us great. Many years ago I was brought to your Kingdom alone and frightened, and in the years following you have all taught me the importance of love and loyalty, and that family is not just blood but something that is felt between kindred spirits. So, tonight, I invite you all to feast and celebrate with me as not just my people, but as my spiritual family - as kindred spirits."

I give a little bow to the deafening chorus of applause and song as Thranduil returns to my side, his hand wrapping warmly around mine, and we regard each other for a moment. He is proud of me, I can see it in the way his eyes shine and dance with happiness at my little speech. I know it does his heart good to hear of the love I have for he and his people, and how much I understand my place here among them, and just how much I truly treasure it.

With a final nod from Thranduil the preparations begin for the feast, and we return to our thrones. We sit side by side, with Thranduil's hand still firmly wrapped around mine keeping me close and connected to him at all times. I use this moment of preoccupation, of the servants rushing to and fro to swiftly transform the hall for the banquet, to truly look around me...to truly appreciate all that I have here.

I drink it all in - all the love in their eyes, and all the joy in their faces. It seems, at last, my dreams came true, and no force or power in this world can ever take this love and peace away from me.

This is where I belong, right here, in this very moment - with my adoring husband by my side and my wonderful family surrounding me.

This is exactly where I am meant to be.