A/N: My dear friends :D How are you all? Nope, I didn't forget you, don't worry. A massive thank you to all of you who read, review, favorite and follow the story, to be honest, I never expected it to go so well when I started it :) Anyway...What present do I have for you, ladies? Yep, you guessed right, a reunion, hehehehe ;) I hope you will like the chapter; I, from my part, enjoyed writing it very much :D Also, the title was inspired from the song "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus.

bntjammer- Thanks a lot :) Well, here's the reunion, can not wait to hear how you found it.

Emilz- Wow, thank you so much for your kind words :D

I-Love-Legolas (A/N: I love him too)- Oh, thank you, thank you, my friend :) Seriously, I feel flattered by your review. I hope you will like the update too.

Mikoto Bloom- Hannon le, mellon nin :) Here is the update.

Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR, only the characters I create.

" There he was, standing in front of her, the sunlight falling on his form, making his eyes sparkle like the sea in the summer. It was as if nothing had changed, as if this year of separation and pain never existed. It seemed so right, so normal for him to be there, with her, just the two of them. Her heart skipped from happiness when she saw him and, at the same time, the fear prevented her to run into his arms and burst out everything: her qualms for leaving him, her joy to see him again, the love she was denying for so long, yet it truly existed. Even though, it proved that she did not need to do anything, because it was him who approached her, lessening the distance that was set between them to mere inches.

'I am sorry' she whispered and could not prevent the tears that filled her eyes, covering her sight slightly. 'I am sorry for everything'

'No!' he said firmly and his fingers brushed against hers, sending shivers through her whole body and making a pink color appear on her pale cheeks. 'Do not do this to us. Do not let the past come between us; both of us know that you did this long enough'

He was right, of course, and she knew it very well. From the very beginning she had built walls because of her dreadful past, thinking it was an obstacle none of them could defeat. And the next events, her father's arrival, Legolas's poisoning, did nothing to change this impression for her. Yet, it was finally time for her to stop denying herself, and, apparently, Legolas as well, a happy future because of things that were done and could not be changed. Now she realized what a terrible mistake she had done, giving the past so much room, that it had become a part of her present. The time had come to chase it away, to turn it into memories and nothing more. The past with the past and the present with the present; this was the right order of things to happen.

She nodded and allowed herself to crack a small smile, a smile that transfigured her entire expression. With this smile, all of a sudden, she did not seem like a broken maiden anymore, but like someone who wanted to embrace life and live it with all their senses. She had not smiled for such a long time, that she thought it was something difficult, although it was actually so easy. He smiled widely back at her and her uncertain smile also grew wider, as she felt her permanent company, the sadness, disappearing and being replaced by a happiness that overwhelmed her like a wave and she knew, beyond any misunderstanding, that she was finally in her true home. "

Castiel's eyes opened abruptly and she rose up on her bed slowly, wiping away the small knots of sweat that had appeared on her forehead, still influenced by her dream. Being used to nightmares, this one was so different, so perfect, that, suddenly, it was difficult for her to breathe, while she realized that she was indeed smiling, like in the dream. It was so real, that she could still feel his presence, the soft caress on her hand and his comforting words, oh, so comforting, that they were able to vanish all of her fears. She knew that, maybe, this dream would be reality, but, on the other hand, she had no right to wish something like that. She was the one who had left and she could never expect from him to just run after her.

But there was still the possibility that he would…and then all her objections would turn into dust at his sight, at his voice that made everything seem simple, as if they could manage everything. And only at the thought of him arriving here, her heart started beating louder and she would lie to herself if she would say that said thought was unpleasant for her.

Trying to calm down, she stood up, changed from her nightgown into her green dress, which reminded her of the forest and, therefore, of him, and went outside, although it was still very early. The sky was light grey, meaning that there was still time until sunrise. It was a bit cold, but she did not feel it. In fact, she did not feel anything physical at the moment, as if she was someone else. Her nervous steps in the garden woke up Beleg, her stallion, who looked at her with curiosity and kindness, as if he knew what she was thinking. She left a small laughter and stroke him, making him neigh, while she was thinking if it was only a matter of time before she would saddle him and ride back to the Woodland Realm.

Maeron was practicing his sword fighting with Veryan, with Sidhion and Nestaron watching. Despite the fact that he considered Veryan his closest friend, he had managed to build a steady friendship with the other two as well and he often confided his worries in them. Sidhion, as the one being most trusted by Legolas, was the one who had confirmed to him that Castiel's feelings for the prince were mutual and that his bad mood over the year that had passed was not only a result of his worry for the half-elven girl. Therefore, from the moment Legolas left Mirkwood, the previous evening, Maeron was feeling restless and anxious about what could happen. He only hoped that Castiel would be convinced to return here and would not hide behind her fears once more.

'Maeron! Maeron, where do you have your mind?' Veryan brought him back to reality. 'When you are practicing, other thoughts are forbidden! Honestly, if we were in a battle, you would be dead by now!'

'Well, thank the Valar that I am not' Maeron commented and could not help but smile. 'Pardon me, Veryan. I just can not concentrate'

'I can see that. Listen, we are all in a state of agony, but thinking constantly about it will make time passing only slower!'

'You are right, of course' Maeron agreed unwillingly. 'But, please, try to understand me. It is Castiel we are talking about, whom I consider a close friend, and I constantly wonder how she will take the prince's arrival in Elmwood'

'Do not worry, Maeron, you are not the only one' Sidhion laughed. 'And I am not referring to the rest of us. King Thranduil also seems to be very restless and I can not say I blame him'

'I have to agree with Maeron that anything could occur in this village, especially since they will meet after a whole year' Nestaron brought up another point. 'I still remember how Castiel was while Prince Legolas was suffering because of the poison. I told her numerous times that nothing was her doing, but she kept blaming herself. I hope that everything will be alright, but something inside me is still afraid that Castiel will not return'

'I do not want to think about the consequences, shall this happen' Sidhion's expression darkened. 'Legolas will never get over this; I believe he loves her too much for that'

'And, from what I saw while being in Elmwood and what you have told me, Castiel still loves him as well' Veryan spoke again. 'But she is still afraid of her father, although she should not. After what he did, I can not imagine him coming here again'

'Now you mentioned Castiel's father, are you sure that it was him who murdered Daechir?' Sidhion turned towards Maeron.

'Absolutely' the Almaarea Elf replied. 'He made it look like a hunting accident, but I am sure that he is behind it, especially after the wrong person who drank the poison and especially after Gondien's death and…' he made a small stop, thinking about what Castiel had confided in him 'the way he treated Castiel herself and the rumors that he murdered her mother'

A silence fell after his words, as they were all looking in the distance, towards the direction Elmwood was. Nobody was speaking, but they all knew they were thinking and praying about the same thing: a happy reunion between Castiel and Legolas, to see her back in the Woodland Realm and to finally see her happy.

When they reached Elmwood, Arod's pace had slowed and he was bathed in sweat. Legolas had pressured him over the past three days and they barely rested, the Elf wanting to reach his destination as fast as possible. He dismounted and led his white stallion from the reins as they made their first steps inside the village. It seemed comfortable and safe, with small roads, stalls, smithies, inns and traditional houses, reminding him of Aragorn's tales about Bree, where he went to meet Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin, back at the War of the Rings. The sight of the residents talking happily with each other, some of them greeting him friendly, as if they knew him, the children playing on the roads, warmed his heart and eased a little the burden that lay upon his shoulders. Apparently, Castiel had chosen her new home well.

Castiel…Even her thought made him smile. He would see her after all this time, he would talk to her. He was aware of the difficulty of the task to persuade her to go home with him, but he was determined to fulfill it, even if he needed months for that, for he knew that, deep down, this was her own wish as well. Of course, he would not pressure her to take a decision, knowing that this would have the opposite results from those he wanted. He would give her as much time she thought necessary, if only she would tell him that she would follow him…that she loved him as much as he loved her, a feeling that, instead of vanishing this year, had become even stronger. He longed to see her sweet face, to hear her gentle voice, to hug her and mend all the pain that did not allow her to move on.

After making sure that Arod was taken well care of in the village's stables and asking a few people, he walked towards Castiel's home, feeling excited and anxious and not knowing which feeling was conquering the biggest part of his soul. She surely did not expect him and it would be a shock for her to see him at her door, meaning that he should be very careful with his behavior if he wanted to achieve his purpose. He stood in front of the house he was told that was her residence and took some deep breaths. Suddenly, the closed door seemed untouchable to him, but he knew that, at this point, there was no going back. He had decided to play with fire and now it was time for the final battle. Legolas took another deep breath and knocked lightly on the door.

Steps were heard inside the door, steps that gave him the impression of being hesitant, almost scared, and he thought if, after Veryan's visit, she suspected that it was him. Mere seconds later, the door opened and revealed her, Castiel, same and yet different than he remembered her, with her expression being the combination of the one of a mature woman and that of a broken girl. When he saw her, when he stared at those green-brown eyes that had captivated him with their vulnerability, he stopped thinking for a second and he wanted to hug her and never let her go, but he managed to control himself.

But Castiel's reaction was not less shocked than his. She had prepared herself for that moment, but, in the end, he had caught her off guard when he knocked. It was just like in her dream, her heart skipped and she did not know what to do, what to say. She only stared at him with wide eyes and her mouth half-opened from surprise, the happiness starting to fill her, but still hesitant, like a little bird that is afraid to leave its nest. They did not talk for a while, they only kept looking at each other, a sight they had missed for a year, unable to draw their eyes from each other.

'Legolas' she uttered in the end. It was the first thing that came in her mind to say.

Her voice was a whisper, but he heard her clearly, as if she had spoken in a high volume. This sound, the sound of his name coming from her lips, was all he wanted to hear; just his name. He came out of his daze and the way he looked at her changed from the surprised one to that of pure and spontaneous affection.

'Cormamin lindua ele lle, Castiel' he greeted her back with a slight bow and a gentle smile on his face.

The sound of his voice influenced her the same way her voice influenced him, combined with the tender endearment that showed her that he was truly happy to be here, to lay eyes upon her, despite the damage she had caused. So he was not angry at her, he would not accuse her of anything. Castiel felt so grateful, that she was on the verge of crying and she felt the urge to hug him and cry in his chest. And she would surrender to this urge, but Saeleth saved her.

'Castiel?' she heard her from inside. 'Is everything alright, dear?'

'Yes, Saeleth, do not worry. Everything is alright' Castiel responded and she realized that she was saying the truth. 'I only have…an unexpected visitor'

Legolas looked confused at her, but she gave him a small smile and stepped aside, so that he could enter, closing the door behind him. Legolas threw a look around and immediately felt comfortable in this small house that was reflecting something from Castiel herself: warmth and isolation. Soon, his eyes fell on the old woman, who quickly stood up when she saw him, wondering if he was who she thought he was. Castiel hasted to make the introductions, feeling nervous that her friend would meet the man about whom she had told her so many things.

'Legolas, I would like you to meet Saeleth, my friend and advisor. She has helped me very much during this year' she said. 'Saeleth, this is Legolas of the Woodland Realm, a very dear friend of mine'

Saeleth curtsied gracefully towards the young prince, who bowed in return and kissed her hand with respect, already liking this woman, who seemed kind and wise, sensing that she was caring about Castiel.

'It is a pleasure to meet you, my lady'

'The pleasure is all mine, Prince Legolas, and I welcome you to Elmwood. If you do not mind me saying it, I have heard so many things about you, that I feel as if I know you already'

Castiel blushed deeply hearing these words and lowered her head to hide the wide smile that was slowly spreading on her face. She was happy that the two of them would get along. Saeleth could not dislike anyone, she was always seeing the best in someone and Castiel's stories about her father and her former betrothed had shocked her beyond any belief. The old lady and Legolas exchanged a few typical words and then Saeleth took her leave discreetly, knowing that her young friend and the newcomer preferred to stay alone. However, she could not resist throwing a secret look towards Castiel, a look that was sending her a clear message.

Do not do the same mistake. Be honest with him and with yourself.

'She is very kind' Legolas stated and looked at her again. 'I am glad that you are acquainted to her'

'Yes, Saeleth is like a second mother for me' Castiel told him. 'What do you think of Elmwood from what you have seen until now?'

'I believe it is lovely. I like how the residents know each other and are on good terms. I trust you are satisfied with the way of living?'

'Aye, the people here are very kind. Tell me, how is your father? Sidhion? Maeron? Nestaron and Veryan?'

'They are all fine, thank you for your concern, and Maeron sends his greetings to you'

They were speaking quickly and in a series of question-answer-question-answer, as if they were interrogating each other. On the one hand it prevented them to fall into silence, on the other it made their hearts hurt, for they sounded so formal, like enemies who were on the path of reconciliation. They both realized it and, as if they had read each other's thoughts, they preferred the awkward silence from the typical conversation, although Castiel soon remembered her manners as hostess.

'What would you like to do?' she asked him politely. 'I could show you around the village or you could rest a little and, in the evening, we can go for a walk or sit and talk. I trust you will stay here, in my home, for the night?'

'I will stay only if it no trouble for you, my lady' Legolas answered and locked his gaze in hers. Even if it was trouble for her, his eyes would make her change her mind.

'It is no trouble at all, I assure you. It is always a pleasure for me to have people dear to me here' she told him and she could swear that his cheeks were painted light red after her answer. 'I have a room with a spare bed, which you can use'

'Thank you, Castiel. Would you mind if…if I rested and joined you in the evening?'

'Of course I would not mind' Castiel said and moved a few inches close to him. 'Please, I want you to feel as if you are home here. May I ask for…for how long you will stay?'

'As long as you want me to stay'

That was it. These final words were enough to break her resistances. No matter how hard she tried to keep her feelings at bay, they defeated her for one more time. Hesitant and determined at the same time, she closed the distance between them by resting her head on his shoulder and wrapping her arms around him, drawing his consoling warmth that was so known to her, the warmth she needed more than anything at the moment to fully realize that she had him with her and that she wanted him to stay for an eternity with her.

Legolas tensed, for this was not something he had predicted, but she maintained her grip on him and, after a few seconds, he relaxed against her embrace and hugged her back, one hand wrapped around her shoulders and the other resting on her back. And only then he felt the sadness of the past year finally leaving him and his heart became lighter. He knew that it was not over, not yet, but right now he was not afraid of anything. He rested his head on the crook of her neck, feeling her steady pulse and breathing in her scent of fresh apples and lily flowers, not wanting to pull back.

'Go to rest' she whispered in his ear, her small hand caressing his back tenderly. 'We have plenty of time to discuss about everything…Go to rest'

And with that, she gently pulled her hands away and led him to his new room, with him following close behind her, smiling widely and feeling cold after the breaking of their hug.

We will have very interesting times here, it seems.

Elvish words/phrases used:

Cormamin lindua ele lle, Castiel: My heart sings to see you, Castiel

A/N: Alright, my friends, that was it for now :) So, did you like it? First I had thought to put a really awkward reunion between them, but I could not resist a little bit of fluffiness ;) I can not wait for your reviews, because I'm dying to learn how you found it.