Scarcely had these words been uttered when there was the distant sound of laughter. It was high and clear and sounded like a thousand tiny silver bells. The hobbits and Gandalf ran out to the balcony of their window, but nothing could be seen in the darkness except for a faint bit of ground below them. Off to their right, they saw Legolas emerge on to the adjoining balcony and something in his expression, like a cat poised and alert, made them stay where they were.
Then, the hobbits heard a voice speaking. The voice was musical, sweet and joyful and all who heard it felt instantly lighter and happier. But the speaker remained hidden for several minutes. Finally, the voice ceased but there was the sound of horse hooves headed in the direction of the hobbits. Suddenly, out of the darkness came a woman. She was surrounded by a light silver glow that dark could not penetrate. Fair was she to behold, for her eyes mirrored the stars above and her skin was light as the moon. She led her horse, a beautiful grey beast with a mane of the same glowing silver across the courtyard beneath the balcony.
The hobbits and Gandalf heard a sharp intake of breath to their right. Turning, they saw Legolas's face lit up with delight and a smile that would have melted ice. In one swift move, he leapt over the edge of the balcony and landed on the ground beneath perfectly. Though his movements were quiet, the silver lady, Ithildin, looked up. She turned to Legolas and her own face was lit up. Legolas ran to her and lifted her off her feet, spinning her around once before setting her down on the ground again. Yet, his arms never left her.
"I did not think I would ever see you again!" said Legolas.
Ithildin smiled, suddenly shy. She had not expected this. "My heart is so filled with joy, I have not words to say."
Legolas said, "Then do not speak". Then he kissed her gently and her heart soared into the night.
When the kiss ended, Ithildin looked at him with eyes glowing with love. "I think, perhaps, that I loved you from the moment we first met," she said.
Then Legolas smiled and said, "If destiny will allow, perhaps later we can make up for lost time."
Gandalf quickly covered the hobbits' eyes and shooed them back into the room. The hobbits were quite disappointed, as they had very much enjoyed the scene. "It looks like something out of an old lovers' tale," said Sam wistfully. "That might be," said Gandalf, "But I believe there is a hobbit back in the Shire by the name of Cotton who would not appreciate your eyes on another woman." At which point Sam was quite subdued and said no more.