Special notes to all who have reviewed at the end of this chapter.

I would also like to give hearty gratitude to Hobbit-eyes 'cos she's including me and my bro in her Pirates of the Caribbean fic, The Search for the Big Pink Albeit Cursed Diamond and special recognition to Mercuria for her *simply splendid* stories.

Sadly, I do not own Tolkien or his characters but as of the 25th November, my birthday, I do now own The Two Towers: Extended Version! Didn't want that Gollum figurine though, reminded me too much of my youngest brother.

*

Estel told me earlier that I had cried out as I slept. Apparently, I called out for my father in a fit of bad dreams, no doubt brought on by my injury and ill thoughts of late. He offered me a strong draught that one of the Rohirrim herbwomen had made to make me sleep easier. I declined, saying,

"Im albaur ha." I need it not.

I am steadily recovering at a pace that surprises even myself and I can see that it gladdens Estel. We expect to ride out to Isengard tomorrow to meet with Curunir, who, by Gandalf's words, is no danger to anyone anymore who is of a stout heart. I would be lying if I said that I still was not apprehensive but Gandalf (for the name Mithrandir would be ill-fitted now he has taken up Curunir's role) has assured King Theoden many times that he can do no harm I must admit I am intrigued to know how that is possible but we must, of course, trust the White Rider for he came to us in the hour of our need.

I am sitting now in the enormous hall of the keep, where the fallen and falling had lain for a time. It was clear now, at least of those who had no hope of recovering and less there is whose wounds have not yet begun to heal. The massive fire in front of me fills the large room with warmth and a cheerful glow that would have perhaps penetrated even my previously morose moods.

I remember my frame of mind straight after the battle, when adrenalin still rushed through my veins, before I had learned of the total losses from our side and the passing of the March Warden of the Golden Wood. I had approached the dwarf on our final counts. I chuckle now at the words we exchanged then. Haughtily, I strode up to Gimli, where he was sat upon a body of an Uruk-hai, his axe stuck in its thick skull, nonchalantly smoking his foul pipe. I had taken a sudden interest in my bow as I said,

"Final count...forty-two." He congratulated me and made a great show of telling me that this was a remarkable feat for a 'pointy-eared elvish princeling' and that * his * count was forty-three.

Remembering my indignation makes me chuckle loudly and Estel's voice comes from behind, making me jump slightly and I turn to regard him.

"I am glad to hear you laugh, mellon nîn, it seems many a long age since you last did." I direct a genuine smile at him and he returns it gladly. These past few days have not gone gently with him but most of the lines in his careworn face seem to smooth away at this gesture.

I have never been so glad to have my friends there with me before this moment. I am reminded that they are there for me and always have been through this adventure of ours and always will be through good and bad times.

And I will do the same for them, if it is in my power to do so.

The End

*

Well, that's it now. Unless you want a sequel, in someone else's PoV?

Here's to all of my reviewers...

ElfMaidenofLight - Thank you for sticking with this all the way through. I know I haven't regularly updated!

White Wolf1 - Thank you as well. I am hanging onto your story 'The Wrong Path'. Poor Legolas, eh?

Wynjara - Cheers for your support and the review. They're the only things that keep me writing - I have confidence issues.

Deana - My gratitude for reading the story. Hope to see more of you on my msn group!

Arwengrl15 - Yay, another one who thinks it was all worthwhile!

Coolio02 - It's finished! It's finished!

Thank you and goodnight to anyone I may have missed!