The time had come at last. The boats were sailing to the white shores and it was her time to go with the others.
She had lived a full life, one with wonder, magic and love. But now, it was time to go home. As the sky around them changed and the water below began to fill with flowers of every kind, she knew that she had made the right choice. The expected tranquility and peace began to overtake her senses. What she had not expected was the sight of what- or rather, whom- awaited the ship's arrival.
He stood as she remembered him, broad shoulders and unusually tall for what he was. Foolish grin on his face, eyes sparkling with mischief.
The others began their descent, embracing their kin and old friends. She, however, found it impossible to move.
This couldn't be possible. There was no way it could be him, no way he could be here. Her eyes were fixed on him and his own on her's. Reading her doubt, his mouth opened in a hearty laugh. She felt a tremble go through her body. He held out his hand.
"You can't stay there forever!"
His voice. She had almost forgotten what it had sounded like. It truly was him. Walking in a daze, she stepped carefully off the ship and made her way to him. She stopped a yard away. No cuts, no bruises, no deadly wound in his chest.
"Kili...?" Her voice came out no bigger than a strained whisper. His grin softened into a loving smile.
"Tauriel."
Her heart cried out within her and she let out the breath she hadn't known she was holding. He laughed again, stepping closer to her.
"I've been waiting for you, Amralime."
Tears began to leak from her eyes and she pressed a hand to her mouth. The next moment, she was in his arms. Crying and laughing all at once. She showered his face with kisses, that he eagerly returned, hands tangling in her hair.
"I've missed you so much." She cried, curling her hands in the dwarf's coat.
"I love you." He replied. She sighed in content, now truly at home.
"And I love you."