Upon our arrival in Mirkwood, we were bombarded with familiar faces. Reithar was there, asking about Cladeth. Nimaroel was there, and she threw herself into Legolas' arms and burst into tears of joy. I could tell he was a bit embarrassed, but he patted her on the back nonetheless and thanked her for her concern. She hugged me too, thanking me for saving Mirkwood. She was still a bit delusional from everything she had seen, I supposed, and had not the heart to tell her I had not single-handedly fought off all the Orcs in Mirkwood and rescued Legolas, healed him, and brought him back. Besides, I liked the idea that I had that kind of power. All of Legolas' friends were gathered around us, greeting their Prince. The young Caseleth, the first Mirkwood Elf I had met besides Legolas, with the blue eyes and platinum hair hugged Legolas in a brotherly manner. Also there were the Elves I had met at Legolas' "Welcome Home" party, Kaon, Amadrim, and Lysela greeting Legolas fondly. Even Lafathnin was there, smiling but not daring to hug either Legolas or myself. I noticed he was arm-in-arm with another Elf maiden, whose long, blond hair shone brilliantly. She was obviously young and a bit naïve, but I instantly forgave her because her beauty was too radiant to forget. I had never seen her before, but I could tell she was the perfect match for the gorgeous Lafathnin. When Legolas was not looking, I waved at him slightly, and he nodded in return, still smiling.

When we had finally gotten through all the excited Elves and most of them had dispersed (except for a few stragglers and, of course, Nimaroel), I saw a familiar figure walking down the stairs toward us. He was slightly round and jovial-looking, his golden blond hair falling neatly down his back and his brown eyes wide and shining. A smile was displayed across his old face, and he seemed in a hurry to reach us.

"Father!" Legolas exclaimed, running up the stairs and meeting King Thranduil in the middle. He hopped into his father's arms as a child would into their mother's. Thranduil laughed loudly and embraced his son in return. The scene was almost exactly like the meeting between the two when we had first arrived in Mirkwood after Aragorn and Arwen's wedding.

"Legolas, I am so glad you are not hurt. I was so worried," Thranduil said after a while. Even from where I stood, I could see tears in his eyes. Legolas hugged his father harder before finally letting go.

"I am alright, father, with the help of the healers of Imladris and the love of this Elf," Legolas said, indicating me. I blushed, not taking any credit for Legolas' recovery. "And I am glad you have returned, but are you quite sure it is safe?"

"Son, I assume you passed no Orcs on your way here," Thranduil said. Legolas shook his head.

"We only saw burnt trees," he hung his head a bit in sorrow. "They were hurting."

"I know, son," Thranduil said, putting his left hand on Legolas' right shoulder. "We will help the wood to heal as we have, but in the meantime we must remember that the Orcs are gone from these lands, and we are free." Legolas nodded.

"Come, father," Legolas beseeched him. "I have much to say." Thranduil nodded, a glimmer of recognition in his eyes. He smiled and waved at me, and I returned the gesture, watching the two Greenleaves retreat up three flights of stairs and into Thranduil's room that doubled as his office. I was left amid the stragglers in the foyer, wondering what Legolas and Thranduil were up to.

After a moment, Nimaroel approached me.

"Would you like something to eat? A room to stay in? I can help," she said, almost begging me to take her up on her offer.

"Sure," I agreed and let Nimaroel lead me into the same room which had become so familiar to me upon my stay in Mirkwood. I had a feeling I would not need to stay in this room much longer, for Legolas would implore me to stay with him (and I would accept, of course…grudgingly, you see…I am not fooling you, am I?). I sat on the bed anyway, waiting for Nimaroel to bring me something to eat. I would usually ask her not to bother, but she seemed so eager to be of some help that I let the poor Elf do what she wanted.

A while (and three full meals) later, a knock came at my door. "Nima," I groaned from my bed. "I could not possibly eat any--" The door creaked open anyway, and a timid Legolas stood in the doorway. "Legolas!" I exclaimed, sitting up immediately and wiping crumbs off my dress. "I did not expect you. Where have you been?"

"Wishing I was with you," he said smoothly, slipping into my room and shutting the door behind him.

"You are not planning to be naughty, are you?" I asked, my grin betraying the question. Legolas' eyes twinkled with mischief. "You should not be doing anything to strain yourself after your recovery," I said proudly, brushing him off. He hopped in my bed and scooted toward me as if it was his birthday and I had a present for him. "Legolas, really," I grinned. He smiled back before pressing his body against mine and kissing me passionately, one hand behind my head. He forced me onto my back and crawled on top of me, taking off his clothes. I saw, to my chagrin, whip marks all over his body. They had faded dramatically since last I had seen them, and the ones on his face had completely disappeared, but the deeper marks around his body were still visible. In my passion for the moment, I had completely forgotten about the scars. At the reminder, I shivered.

"They do not hurt," Legolas whispered, his face hovering over mine. He must have realized I was staring. He kissed my lower lip lightly and began to take my dress off. "Do not worry." I nodded and allowed him to undress me and put me under his irresistible spell. The rest of the night was ours.