I opened my eyes to the far wall of the small cavern we had rested in during our initial descent.

"She will be fine." I heard my grandmother assure someone. "She has just been overwhelmed by everything that has passed."

"She has always been strong." My grandfather spoke.

I remained still, slowing my breathing before anyone could notice I was awake, and I tried to sleep. I had no desire to speak with anyone or act glad to be rescued. I almost wished I had been allowed to live in my fantasy forever.

The group quietly spoke to each other and I caught bits of their conversations, but I didn't want to hear about the battle and escape any longer.

There was no chance of more rest for me; I had already slept for days. It took everything I had to keep from breaking down in front of everyone. I wanted to curl up and cry in my grandmother's arms. The life I loved had been taken from me.

My eyes stung and I subtly turned my head to press my face into the makeshift pillow beneath my head, letting the tears soak into the coarse material.

Everything was gone. It had all been a beautiful, wonderful, perfect lie. My heart ached for what I lost, what I had so willingly accepted as truth and I wanted to remain in the cavern for the remainder of my years. I had not the strength to pick myself up and carry on while sorrow weighed my heart down, holding me in place. I wanted to send everyone away without me to return home.

But that could not be. I would drag myself off of the floor and paint on a smile. After all, we had won. I should be celebrating our victory in retrieving the king and queen and defeating the enemy along with the rest of the Fellowship. No one was badly injured, from what I gathered before fatigue had taken a hold of me, and we would have to report no more casualties.

But we had still lost one of our gro up. Roryn. I was suddenly terrified. How could I face that again? The heartache had been so real; I had stood before Roryn's father and betrothed, and delivered the news of his death. They had hated me. It was clear on their faces; they blamed me for not returning him safely to the city. What if that happened again? I did not think I could bear it.

"Marielle?" A soft voice broke me out of my thoughts. Bretaine's hand rested on my shoulder. "Are you awake?"

I quickly brought my hand up to rid my face of any lingering tears before I turned my head to look at her over my shoulder. "Yes, I'm sorry. I should have made ready to leave. You all must be eager to return."

She chuckled softly and rubbed my arm soothingly. "Do not worry. We are all content to rest for a while. We definitely need it."

I smiled weakly and sat myself up, bringing my knees up to my chest and wrapping my arms around them. Someone had brushed my hair and pulled it back into a braid and I was grateful; before I lost consciousness, my hair had felt matted and heavy. "Was anyone hurt?"

"Droigo may have sprained his ankle, and Melraas has a shallow wound, but neither injury is too serious."

"Has Melraas' wound been properly cared for? I could help." I scanned the cavern for him but she placed her hand on my knee.

"He is well. All you must do is rest. I can only imagine what a toll that must have taken on you. Your grandfather described the creature's gifts."

My grandparents were currently seated with Gimli and Legolas, discussing something. My grandfather glanced over at me and smiled warmly. I feebly returned the smile before looking back to Bretaine.

"Something is troubling you deeply." She searched my eyes, and I hoped I could keep the unpleasant emotions from showing in them.

"I am perfectly fine. I am just weary."

She frowned and looked down at her hands. "Marielle, you can speak freely with me. I know that a lot must weigh on your mind after Roryn's death."

I nodded; glad to direct her attention to only half of my pain.

"You have not moved on."

"How can I have moved on so soon? I have not had enough time, and I will soon have to stand before his loved ones and deliver the terrifying truth. His death was partly my fault, and I should have protected him. I knew there was more risk for him with the injury he sustained to protect me, but I paid no attention."

"Please, Marielle, do not speak that way. No one is to blame for his death. He was completely aware of the risks involved in this journey; we all are...And we are all willing to die to ensure the success of the quest."

I opened my mouth to respond, but closed it again when I realized my argument was fruitless.

"Even you knew how dangerous it would be, did you not?"

I nodded.

"And you would have accepted your fate if it was you dying?"

I nodded again.

"Would you want us to blame ourselves for it? Roryn? Tuck? Legolas?" She craned her neck to look me in the eyes when mine had strayed to my hands. "Would you want Legolas to tear himself apart with grief and guilt?"

I lifted my eyes to hers. "No."

"Then show Roryn that you can accept that it was not your fault. Tuck and Droigo look up to you. You are their mentor. You must hold yourself up and carry on with dignity."

Bretaine was right; I could not let the guilt destroy me. Or at least I could not let it show.

Tuck seemed to finally notice that I was awake, and he grinned, picking himself up to bound -well, hop on one leg- over to me. I smiled encouragingly at him and he sat beside me.

"I'm going to check on Melraas," said Bretaine, and she left us alone.

"So, what happened to you?" His brow was furrowed and he looked up at me expectantly. "I mean, why did you faint? Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," I chuckled and patted his hand. It was strange to me how he was older than I by nearly twenty years, but he still seemed like a child, someone I felt an urge to protect. "My grandmother was correct earlier when she said I was overwhelmed."

"Why were you overwhelmed? What did that creature do to you?"

I sighed and ran a hand through my hair. "He has a wicked ability that controlled my perception. I saw and felt many things that felt so completely real, yet they were merely illusions."

Tuck was silent for a moment while he considered this before timidly asking, "What did you see?"

I looked down at him, brow knitted, sifting through the already fogging memories to find something I could tell him. I could not tell him about Legolas, or Bretaine and Melraas.

"I'm sorry; you do not have to tell me." He looked down at his hands abashedly.

"It...It made me think, no, believe that it was all over, that we had won and returned home. My illusory dream seemed to last for years, and when I woke up, it was just gone. Ev-everything that had happened...was not real." My voice quivered, but I made sure to speak too quietly for even Legolas to hear. "But, Tuck. You cannot tell anyone else what I have told you. I don't want to dampen the happiness. If they knew the truth, they would undoubtedly fret over and coddle me as if I was in danger of going mad. I am fine, Tuck, and I don't want anyone to be unnecessarily worried for me." I smiled convincingly to cover up my half-lie.

He nodded fervently, his eyes shining with unwavering loyalty. "But why did you tell me? You didn't have to."

"Because I trust you...And I needed to tell someone about it."

He smiled. "Well, I'm glad it was me, then. I'll keep your secret."

I saw Legolas turn his ear in our direction after Tuck's last, a little too loud statement.

Durendain, who had been previously absent, ducked into the cavern. "Oh good! Marielle, you are awake. I think we can move on now. What do you think, King Elessar?"

"I think it would be wise," said my grandfather as he stood. "As long as everyone is ready to travel up the path again."

"This will be the most difficult part of the return journey, since there is no rest point until we reach the surface," Legolas warned. He turned to me. "If you are not fully rested, we can wait-"

"I'm ready." I waved a hand to dismiss his worries and he nodded hesitantly. "Tuck, how will you climb? I can carry you on my back."

"Nonsense! I can walk." He stood and placed his fists on his hips. As if to prove him wrong, his left leg buckled beneath him and he had to throw his arms out to catch his balance.

"Who will take him?" Durendain asked, seeming to completely forget my offer.

"I already volunteered," I reminded him.

"I apologize, princess, but you are not yet recovered."

"Recovered from what? I am not so weak. My mind was tired, but I have rested long enough. I will carry him." I spoke with authority, and my birthright showed.

Durendain sighed and acquiesced. "You may carry Tuck. But if the burden becomes too much, you must tell someone."

I quickly accepted the terms.

"We leave as soon as everything is packed." With this final word from the wizard, everyone set to packing up camp.

It was not long before we formed two lines to begin the trek back up, and I helped Tuck out of the cavern to where his head would not smack on the ceiling when he was hoisted up.

Melraas lifted him up and placed him upon my shoulders, and Legolas took my pack before I could protest.

"Marielle, if you insist on carrying Tuck, then I insist on carrying just this."

"But, Legolas-" I tried to reach out for it but he held it out of my reach.

"Come now, Marielle, don't be stubborn." He chuckled. "This does not make you look weak."

I frowned. "Fine."

He smirked and pulled the pack on over his own. I couldn't stop the smile that tugged at my lips as he turned away.

Droigo chose to walk beside me, and my parents behind us. I wished Legolas and Gimli had taken a spot farther up in the line, but they walked just in front of us. I distracted myself from focusing on him by listening intently to the conversation between my family and the hobbits.

"Marielle tells us you are the sons of Frodo." My grandfather started.

Droigo's mouth stretched into a grin. "That's right!" He brandished his knife out in front of him in a mock fight and nearly poked Gimli in the behind. "Our father carried the ring into Mordor and cast it into the fires of Mount Doom!"

"Yes, we are well aware." My grandmother chuckled. "Frodo was a very brave hobbit."

"And Uncle Sam," Tuck added quietly.

"Droigo, put that away," I chided him. "I did not teach you to treat your weapon as a plaything."

"I'm sorry, Lady Marielle." He sheathed the knife back at his side and I nodded approvingly.

"Tell us more about yourselves," my grandfather insisted. "We were not aware Frodo had children until Marielle mentioned the two of you."

Droigo took a deep breath before launching into his tale.

The trip back up was a long one, and a little after halfway we stretched ourselves out to create a single file line. I never once shifted Tuck to someone else, even when his weight did begin to make my shoulders sore. I was sure there would be bruises shading my skin by the end of the day, but it was worth it, because the quiet hobbit provided me some comfort. His small hands rested on top of my head, and occasionally, he would idly toy with my hair to distract himself from the dull hike.

I spoke not to the others for the rest of the climb, trying to focus on keeping the fear and sorrow at bay until I was at least in the privacy of a tent once again. There was hardly any speaking apart from the one long conversation between my grandparents and the hobbits early on in the hike. The party was focused on making it above ground as soon as possible.

It began to grow lighter in the crevasse, and eventually, we could see the sky. It was wonderful sight indeed, as we had all been stuck underground for several days. It was a little past midday the moment our heads popped up above ground, and I could hear the cheers from the soldiers that stayed behind.

"We were beginning to think the worst," said Vaemyr, one of the soldiers, when I approached them.

"Yes, well, the worst nearly happened," I said as he lifted Tuck off of my shoulders and lowered him to the ground.

"And what happened to you, brave hobbit?"

"In the midst of a duel, I leaped from a fountain and landed badly on my right leg." He said it proudly, as if he had earned a battle scar.

"Bad luck." Vaemyr patted Tuck's shoulder. He turned back to me. "What happened down there?"

"A great deal." I sighed. "But I will share the story tonight around the campfire for everyone to hear."

He nodded and helped Tuck away to where his things had been left.

"Marielle." My heart clenched when that voice called my name and I turned to smile at Legolas as he approached. "How are you feeling? Why don't you sit now that we're here?"

"Legolas, please, I am fine," I sighed. I really didn't need anyone doting on me like a child. "I would rather stand."

He frowned. "I apologize."

My heart ached just looking at him. Moonstone whinnied loudly and shook her head. "Thank you for your concern, Legolas, but you need not worry." I hurried away from him and greeted Moonstone with a nice scratch behind her ears.

"And how are you, my beautiful girl?" She responded by nuzzling her face against my neck. I chuckled and ran a hand down her nose. "Did you miss me?"

She was the only thing around that did not remind me of the dream, and I spent a long while with her, brushing her coat and braiding her mane and tail. She was grateful for the attention, and I was grateful for the distraction.

I sat with my grandparents near the fire that night, and relayed my story to the group. I described the way I was led through the caves and tunnels by Caranthir and his illusions until I made it to the city. I repeated the story, to the best of my memory, of the tale of Caranthir's people. My grandmother and Legolas had remorseful looks upon their faces when I mentioned that the elves of Rivendell and Mirkwood failed to help them. When speaking about my time in the cell with my grandparents, I neglected to divulge the details of my dream.

I consciously avoided Legolas the rest of the night and during the entire journey the next day.

As we began the journey home, Tuck became my closest companion. He rode beside me, he sat and talked with me every night by the fire, he engaged me to continue his training, and sometimes he just sat quietly with me when I didn't have it in me to act jovial like the others. He provided me with the support I needed and a distraction from the melancholy thoughts that often dwelt in my mind. He never pressed me for further details or urged me to express what I was feeling, and for that, I was grateful. The others occasionally asked questions about the fine underground, and if Tuck knew the answer, he would cut in so I didn't have to speak about it.

There were two attacks on the journey home, and we disposed of the opposition with our usual celerity. But my usual vigor wasn't in it. I was just as efficient, but every attack was clean and emotionless. No heart.

The first attack had been from the remaining cave elves; only two days after we surfaced, but they were ill adjusted to the sunlight above ground, and posed no real threat.

I had not a care while I dispatched the elves from the land of the living. They had violated me, and I felt no remorse for killing them.

The second attack came from a rogue pack of Urukai at the southern edge of Mirkwood Forest. I had more mercy in killing them than I did with the elves. But I did not allow a single one to live. I now had my family back and nothing would harm them until they made it to the city. It was my duty to protect them, and I would uphold my responsibilities.

I didn't spend as much time with my grandparents as I thought I would. I knew they suspected something about what Caranthir made me see, but they did not speak to me about it.

I could tell Legolas was worried, but I had no desire to speak to him about anything. It didn't feel right. Nothing felt the same around him any longer.

"You're angry with me." I turned to see Legolas approaching from my side.

"What? Why would you think that?" I was polishing my sword and I set it aside as he sat in front of me.

"You haven't spoken to me much since you've been back. We used to converse by the fire at night and now you seem to be avoiding me...I enjoy your company, Marielle."

I sighed. "I'm sorry, I just...Recently-"

"Is it because I kissed you?"

My eyes widened and I looked down at my hands. "Look, Legolas..."

"If so, then I apologize. It was very impulsive of me."

"Legolas," I lifted my eyes to his, "I am not angry with you. I am not upset that you kissed me. You may have initiated it, but...I didn't exactly deny you, did I?"

He lifted a brow and the smallest of smiles touched his lips. But it was quickly gone. "Then something else weighs heavy on your mind. You think we cannot see that you are in pain, but it is obvious...At least it is to me...Something else happened down there, didn't it? Something you aren't telling us."

I didn't want to lie to him, but I couldn't tell him the whole truth. I nodded and he moved to sit beside me on the boulder I was situated on.

"Will you tell me?" The concerned look on his face made me want to just tell him everything and hope that he would stay to comfort me.

"I...Caranthir...He made me see things..." I shook my head, knowing the tears would start if I continued, and hating how weak I sounded and felt.

He took a hold of my hand and I took a deep, shuddering breath.

"I thought I went home...That we all went home. And everything was perfect. We were happy."

His thumb began rubbing circles into the back of my hand and I took comfort in the gesture.

"But none of it was real. I woke up and I was back in the cave. Three years of a perfect life is just gone and I'm back at the start."

He wrapped his arm around me and pulled me against him. I turned and buried my face in his shoulder, glad for his support.

"I'm so sorry," he murmured, then kissed the top of my head.

We stayed that way for a while, and luckily, we were out of sight of everyone else in the camp.

"Marielle, I cannot even tell you how worried I was when I saw you run off."

I was quiet, listening to his breathing.

"I felt so helpless. I ran after you but almost immediately lost you in that maze. Then I lost too much time going back for everyone else. I should have just kept looking for you."

"It's not your fault. I thought I saw my grandmother and I ignored you."

He sighed, tightening his arm around me. "Is there anything I can do to help you now?"

I finally sat back up and his arm fell from my shoulders. "I'm fine, really...But, thank you."

I smiled up at him and it felt normal. It felt normal to be in his arms and to talk with him for long periods of time.

He hesitated for a moment, staring down at me, before he looked up at the sky. "It's getting dark. We should return to camp before they begin to worry about us."

"You're right." We both stood and brushed ourselves, I retrieved Celebdin, and we made our way back to camp.

It was somewhat of a relief that Legolas knew part of the truth. I did feel guilty that he assumed I was angry with him.

The moment Tuck saw me; he began to approach with a grin stretched across his face. "Marielle! I was just looking for you!"

"Here I am. What do you need, my friend?"

"I just thought you might like some company...but apparently Legolas beat me to it."

Legolas and I chuckled and I ruffled Tuck's hair. "He did. But I would love it if you came with me to collect fuel for the fire."

"Of course!"

"Be careful," Legolas warned before we wandered off.

"Don't worry. Tuck will protect me." I grinned and waved to him before turning around.

Tuck and I silently collected dried out branches from the valley's shrubs for quite a while before I caught him smirking to himself.

"What is it?" I asked, readjusting the bundle of sticks in my arms.

He opened his mouth to respond, but thought better of it, closing his mouth and shaking his head.

"You must tell me! What are you laughing about?"

His expression became smug. "I was right."

I narrowed my eyes at him. "About what?"

"Legolas."

"What about Leg-" I suddenly remembered what Tuck had suggested that morning after I had stayed in the tent with Roryn. My cheeks reddened. "And what makes you think you're right?"

His smile widened. "I saw the two of you sitting together...And even if I hadn't, your face is red. It's quite obvious."

"Look, Tuck, Legolas and I..."

"Don't try to lie to me," he warned, wagging a finger.

"We're just-"

"Are you two in love?"

"No! Nothing like that. Where do you get ideas like this?"

"So you're not going to marry him when we return?"

I laughed. "No, Tuck. We are not going to get married...We've only ever kissed, and I-"

His eyebrows shot up and he stared at me.

"Don't look at me like that!" I tried to start the walk back to camp but he jumped in my path.

He grinned at me and I looked away to hide my bashful smile. "Do you love him, Marielle?"

I sighed and looked down at the ground. I chewed the inside of my cheek and kicked a stone around for a moment. I had loved him in my dream, but it all changed when I came back. I couldn't feel the same about him any longer. I undoubtedly had feelings for him, but I wasn't sure what his own sentiments were. "No. I don't love him."

"Hmm." He tapped his chin. "Does he love you?"

"I don't know...I don't think so." I shrugged and resumed walking.

Tuck turned to join me, a spring in his step. "I could find out."

"No! Don't breathe a word to anyone about what I've told you. We kissed weeks ago and nothing more has happened between us since then. Things have changed."

He nodded. "I understand."

Everyone was gathered around the fire that night. Spirits were high with less than a week left until we reached the great city of Minas Tirith. There would be many celebrations upon our return...but also a funeral for our fallen friend.

Sometimes it was hard not to dwell on that particular loss. I would have to be the bearer of the news to his family, so I rehearsed my words in my mind whenever I encountered a quiet moment.

Roryn fought honorably for the recovery of the King and Queen, and even took an arrow to his leg to protect me.

He died valiantly in battle. He was surrounded by the whole Fellowship as he made a last request that I deliver the news of his death.

He had a true, courageous heart, and he was a good friend to me.

He wished for me to express his love for all of you before he left us.

I am so sorry for your loss.

But I continually edited the script in my mind, trying to make it more respectful while conveying how honorable his death had been.

My grandfather beckoned me to sit beside him and I realized he had been telling stories of when I was still training with the sword. Most of the stories were humorous since I was a stubborn girl when I was young. By grandfather would try to teach me the correct technique to hold my weapon, but I decided I knew how to do it best. That ended in a self-inflicted injury and a severe wound to my pride. He would show me how to stand, but I would not listen, and one well-placed swing of my sparring partner's sword would send me tumbling sideways to the ground. Eventually I learned to trust the teachings of my grandfather, and I quickly became the best swordsman in the family.

I found that the dark cloud that had been recently hanging over me began to dissipate.

Once my grandfather had exhausted the slightly embarrassing stories about me, I shared the story of the first time I defeated him in a duel.

The whole group was highly amused by it and it felt good to participate in the story telling around the camp fire.

The journey through the Brown lands was quick, the hope of seeking our families on the horizon.

I was anxious to see my mother. To apologize for running off without a word. I knew she would be sick with worry for me, and I felt extremely guilty for it. My father would most likely be a bit more confident that I would return, but still worried nonetheless.

This was the longest amount of time I had ever been away from my family. I missed them.

At the beginning of the journey, I had been sure it would just be an adventure to make me feel like a hero like my grandfather, but now that it was nearly over, I knew how difficult and heartbreaking it really was. We were lucky that we only lost one member of our party.

The moment we see Minas Tirith peeking out from the White Mountains, we heard horns ring out from the city. My heart swelled with the view, then immediately dropped down to my stomach. Roryn's family would be awaiting his homecoming at the city gates.

I rode with the three remaining soldiers as we approached the city, grateful to know they were feeling the same way I did. I would need their support to face Roryn's father and Kalyn.

Children ran out onto the fields as they waited for our arrival, and once we slowed to a trot, they ran alongside us, waving and throwing flowers. They cheered when they saw my grandparents returning safely. My grandfather even hoisted a child up to ride with him into the city on his horse.

Just inside the city gates, I was amazed by the crowd that was gathered there. I immediately saw my parents standing beside Eldarion and Aragorn and his family, and smiled at them. Some people cheered while others wept tears of joy.

I dismounted my horse with the rest of the group, and stable boys led our horses away. Vaemyr approached me, and then laid a hand on my shoulder as he held out Roryn's sword to me.

I brought my gaze up to his once I had taken the sword. "Do you see his family anywhere?"

The soldier looked up at the crowd, where others in the Fellowship were already reuniting with loved ones, and searched their faces. He nodded once to my right and I turned to find them.

I recognized the aging man beside a younger woman. He was the man that my grandfather had bought the silver hair brush from. The two of them were searching the group for their beloved Roryn, and finding him nowhere.

I focused on Kalyn, the woman he had told me so much about. The woman he was so in love with, and so anxious to marry once he returned home.

She was not exceptionally beautiful, like my mind had invented for her, but pretty in a plain way. Her hair, a soft chestnut color, was braided and resting over her shoulder. Her eyes were a deep brown and framed by long, dark lashes.

She looked at me then, and smiled respectfully. But her eyes traveled to what I held in my hands and her mouth fell open. Her brow furrowed as she tried to understand what this meant, and after she scanned the faces of the group once more, she realized the truth. She looked back at me, and straightened her spine, standing up taller. Roryn's father had also come to understanding, and gripped Kalyn's shoulder for support.

I walked forward, respectfully holding the sword out with both hands as I presented it to them.

Tears rolled down both of their cheeks, but neither of them wailed or lamented the loss of Roryn. I took comfort in their strength; Roryn would have been proud.

Kalyn took the offered sword, and right then my words escaped me. Nothing I could say would make anything better, and they seemed to already understand how I felt.

Roryn's father placed a hand on my shoulder and I took an unsteady breath, my throat tightening as I began to cry. "I'm so sorry."

He shook by gently and smiled as best he could. "Thank you."

I smiled back through my tears and looked to Kalyn. "He loved you...He loved you so much. Both of you. He...he wanted me to tell you-"

"It's all right," Kalyn finally spoke. "We know." Her voice was gentle and reassuring, and her hand caressed my arm. "He was so honored to be able to participate in the quest to retrieve the King and Queen...And you were all successful, which means he gave his life for a noble reason."

I could do nothing but nod fervently in agreement as I tried to quiet myself. Anyone looking on wore an expression of pity.

I finally turned away once their hands fell away from me, and made my way back to my parents.

My mother held her arms open, as tears ran down her face. I picked up by speed and flung myself into her arms. They held me tightly while one of her hands caressed my hair. "Oh, my child, I am so very proud of you."

I shifted to look up at her, and after a shaky breath asked, "You are not angry?"

She smiled fondly and shook her head. "I knew I could not stop you from going. It is in your nature...But I am so relieved to have you back."

The reunions lasted for quite a while, and nearly every citizen managed to speak to at least one member of the Fellowship. By the time the carriages finally made it through the crowd to take us up to the top level of the city, I was exhausted. My family and I piled into one of them, and I rested against the side of my father, who stroked my hair. I quickly fell asleep on the ride, overwhelmed by the excitement and emotions of the day.

I awoke in the room I had stayed in for a night before leaving with the Fellowship. After sleeping on cots and cave floors, the bed felt so heavenly, I never wanted to move again. But I could see through the window that it was nearly dusk and dinner would be served soon. I dragged myself out from underneath the counterpane and into the bathroom.

I drew a bath and sat there for a good half an hour, enjoying the first proper bath I'd had in weeks. It took a lot of self-persuasion to get out and put on fresh clothes.

A violet, satin dress was laid out on the bed for me and I smiled.

The fabric was cool and comfortable on my skin. I quickly braided by hair and let it rest over my shoulder.

Soon after, a guard came to the door to announce dinner, and I leisurely strolled through the corridors toward the dining hall.

It felt strange to not fear for my safety any longer. I no longer had to carry Celebdin with me wherever I went. The food at dinner would be rich and plentiful, and nothing like the tasteless Lembas we had had to resort to toward the end of the journey. There would be something like a hundred people at the feast, nothing like the small, close-knit group I was used to at meal time.

The hall was teeming with guests conversing and servants carrying platters and pitchers back and forth.

I was immediately beckoned over to sit between my grandmother and Bretaine. Everyone in the Fellowship sat together at the end of the table with my grandparents, the rest of the royal family sat beyond them, and the other guests stretched to the far end of the table.

We ate and drank and shared stories late into the night. Everything was back as it should be.

I was home. And this time I knew it was real. I could feel the difference between reality and the dream.

Legolas caught my eye from across the table and lifted his goblet with a slight nod in my direction. I smiled and did the same.

A/N: Hey, guys! Well, this is awkward since it's been quite a while since my last update. But the school year is finally over! Bleh. I meant to give a shoutout to .9 in the last chapter, but somehow that got cut off. Oh well. Here it is now. Thanks for your reviews! they keep me going...even if I'm pretty slow. :/ But I will be replying to each of your reviews from now on, since that's what good authors do... So review it up!

Oh yeah, and you might be a bit confused, but I put this chapter up a bit too hastily yesterday so I took it down to make a few quick adjustments.

But I hope this chapter wasn't too boring. Things are kinda winding down in the action/adventure department, but if you need that to keep you interested, let me know and I'm sure I can figure out a way to work it in. All right, that's it for me!

Thanks for reading. :)