Disclaimer: The same truth as before.

Chuckling, the wizard nodded, eyes wrinkled in amusement. He seemed to enjoy the impression he was making upon me. "Oh, yes, my dear. It is I."

My body froze as I gazed upon the wizard, my mind reeling as I tried to make sense of what I saw while my heart kept telling me it could not be. "But--" I stammered, holding tightly to my goblet so as not to drop it, my eyes growing wider. "But I was told you had fallen in Moria! I thought you had perished!"

He nodded, and I saw Aragorn biting his lip to refrain from laughing out loud. "And that is so, my Lady, at least the first half of what you were told. I have faced many evils and now I have returned as Gandalf the White." Upon seeing my face still frozen in wonder and disbelief, Gandalf laughed, prying one of my hands away from the goblet to hold closely in both of his, attempting to ease the shake in my hands. "My dear, you look as if you have seen a ghost. Does it surprise you that much to see a wizard reborn? Surely I would think you would understand rebirth in all its forms."

I frowned, uncertain as to whether he was seriously telling me such, or he was jesting. My heart caught in my chest at the possibility that he truly was reborn, only in a different way than I had been. For with this man, it was been more than a rebirth of spirit. As I looked into his eyes, his smile softened, and he gazed at me with sudden warmth and concern. "How do you fare, Lady Andariel? I have heart much of the terrible things you have endured, things perhaps no man could have endured. I have spoke much with the Lady of the Wood; she spoke most highly of you."

The mention of the Lady made my heart flutter, for she was as great and awe-inspiring presence as any I had known. "I am much better, though there are some scars that have yet to heal. It has been a time of much hardship, and I would not have survived but for my time spent in Lothlorien." Sighing heavily, I bowed my head. "The world has changed daily for me, Gandalf. I have hoped for so long that I would be able to find rest at last and let my heart be at peace."

"I understand. Know that there are some wounds that may never fully heal, but as long as you are surrounded by those who care for you, the world is not such a horrible place." He smiled gently as he offered me these words of comfort. "Your times of hardship have ended, as have those for so many others. I do believe you shall have your chance for peace." He looked to Legolas, his eyes wrinkling in mirth. "Now, I think, is the time for new life, and I see that things are progressing well." He took the elf's hand, and placed my hand in his. "I am pleased to see how well this new age is beginning."

I stared up at Legolas as his eyes enveloped mine, looking into something that had yet to be. His face was angelic, with his waterfall of hail accentuating the delicate points of his ears, so pure and shining I saw golden fields cascading down his shoulders. The depth of his eyes were bottomless pools not unlike the mirror of the Lady of the Wood, hinting at a future together that I had dreamed of for so long.

"That is, once Elisen gives his approval," the wizard said lightly. "I believe that this man has many questions. I admit I am surprised as to how well accepted our world is to him and all your people."

I looked at my father. He gazed between Legolas and me with thoughtful eyes, studying us carefully as a faint smile glimmered across his face. I knew that his fatherly instincts were guiding his mind, and while he desired my happiness, he also could not bear the thought of losing his daughter. At last, Elisen said, "I cannot say one way or another until I am able to speak with this fair gentleman."

Legolas tilted his head. "Then shall we speak, sir? I will be happy to answer any questions you have to ask of me."

Aragorn spoke above the rest. "Then let us all sit, and you may speak at your leisure. Tonight is a time of celebration, and may all be friends around this table." He motioned to all, and the people began to take their seats around the tables. "Come, my friends, you will all sit with me."

As we made our way to the long table, I spotted two small figures that had remained hidden in the crowds. They were slowly making their way to the places set for them at the king's table.

"Sam? Frodo?"

The two hobbits turned to look at me, eyes brightening as I quickly strode over. "Lady Andariel!" they exclaimed simultaneously.

I quickly bent down to embrace them both, once again left speechless for a moment. "I was certain I would never see you again!" I held Frodo closely, completely overwhelmed with happiness. He held on to me tightly, his soft hair brushing my face.

"We thought the same thing," Frodo confessed as I gently pulled away.

Turning to Sam, I pulled him close, smiling as he began to blush. "And Sam. It is so good to see you." He seemed to hold his breath as I held him, and I fought back a laugh. It seemed time had not changed this shy hobbit. "Are you so embarrassed to be welcomed so? I have not seen you in so long!"

Sam looked at me, obviously unaccustomed to such things. "Of course not, Lady. I am terribly glad to see you again, especially now that you're back in health. You gave us such a scare before. I didn't know if I'd be able to talk to you again."

Smiling broadly, I replied, "I am better than I have ever been, and part of that I owe to you both. Though it may be presumptuous for a lady to speak so, perhaps you will grant me the pleasure of a dance tonight, Sam. It has been many months since last we were able to do so."

I had never seen any creature turn so red so quickly. I was continually astonished by how embarrassed he was, and it confused me. He grinned bashfully and clumsily kissed my hand. "Of course, Lady. It would be my honor to dance with you again."

Frodo was laughing behind his hand, shaking his head. "Sam, we have traveled far into Mordor, face such evil things we'd never imagined before, and yet you're nervous to dance with the beautiful lady who's been so kind!"

Sam looked at his friend quickly. "I'm sorry, Mr. Frodo, it's just I've never been that good of a dancer."

I smiled gently. "Sam, I thought you were just fine before."

As Sam mumbled something unintelligible, Frodo turned to me, his blue eyes bright and wistful. I saw dark memories laying behind his face, though he hid them well. He had held the most perilous mission, and he had survived. I saw myself in his face, struggling to banish evil thoughts of experiences better left unsaid. Truly he had suffered, yet he too had survived.

"It's wonderful to see you again, Lady Andariel."

"As it is to see you, Frodo." I looked deeply into his eyes, and whispered, "Thank you, Frodo. You risked so much in taking upon yourself such a quest, and you succeeded. I am filled with unspeakable joy at seeing you alive. I know you have suffered; I see it in your face. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your sacrifices, and I pray you will never know such times again."

He nodded, bowing slightly. "I'm just glad it is over, and that everyone is safe. I am afraid I will never forget some things I have seen." He suddenly stared down at his hand, which I noticed had only four fingers upon it. I gasped, and he offered me a wistful smile, full of regret. "You are right; I have suffered, but so has everyone else. It pleases me to see you in such good health, Lady. The Elves are a wonder."

I gently kissed his cheek, and he became quite wide-eyed. "Dear Frodo. I hope that we will be friends for many years."

"We will," he said assuredly. Standing up, I smoothed my skirts and smiled to them both. They had remained their original heights. "Come. Let us join the others for dinner."



The table was quite full with all of those who had been deemed honored guests. Aragorn was a gracious host, and had anticipated the needs of all present. From my left, we were seated: Merry, Pippin, Sam, Frodo. Haldir, Aragorn, Elisen, Legolas, myself, and Gimli. I saw the other Lorien elves gathered at a table, as well as many of my own people, sitting at several of the other tables around the room. Many of them appeared wide- eyed and amazed at the Great Hall and the friendly demeanor of the king. I caught several of them gazing at Legolas and myself with curious eyes and no so subtle whispers. I merely smiled, knowing how they were little surprised at seeing me beside an elf, but greatly surprised having heard of our relationship. Well, they had come to know the elves of Lothlorien, and they would realize that Legolas, while different, was still one to be trusted. I was accustomed to being gossiped about, and it no longer bothered me. After all, I had finally been reunited with Legolas, and I would allow nothing to separate us again.

As food and drink were brought out, Gimli turned to me. "It is good to enjoy a civilized meal at last! Dear Lady, I must tell you how magnificent a feast this is. Certainly you would marvel at the dwarves feasts; they are greatly multiplied and last for days."

"I am sure they are wonderful. Tell me, Gimli, did you face many battles during your travels?"

The dwarf's eyes suddenly glowed as he laughed. "Oh, yes! We faced many dangerous creatures, especially those filthy orcs. Saruman outdid himself in breeding his armies. As a matter of face, I have the privilege of saying I beat out your elven man by a single orc at Helm's Deep! It was indeed difficult to win against a worthy competitor, but there were plenty for all."

Raising my eyebrows, I said, "Really. What happened at this Helm's Deep?"

Gimli seemed pleased by my interest in his exploitations, and spoke easily. "There was a fierce battle as we aided the people of Rohan against an army of many thousands of orcs. Helm's Deep is an ancient fortress for their people, and they had fled there under the threat of attack. Be thankful you were not there to witness the horrors, Lady Andariel, for it was the blackest night with foul creatures as far as the eye could see. It was at this battle that Legolas and I had our competition, and I will readily tell you , your elf is a brace warrior, nearly as brave as a dwarf."

I laughed out loud as Legolas looked over suddenly, and eyed the grinning dwarf. "I thank you for your words, Master Dwarf, and I must say that you indeed carried the courage of an elf!"

Gimli raised his eyebrows, snorting slightly. "I believe we are at a draw, Legolas. We must fight once more and see if you can catch up to my skills!"

I placed a hand upon both men's shoulders. "If it is quite all right with you, Gimli, I would prefer it if Legolas were to remain here for at least a short time. While I would never want to come between you and a good battle, I believe rest is needed by all. Will you at least grant me a short time with Legolas?"

Nodding and grinning at the same time, Gimli replied, "Of course, Lady. But be prepared, Legolas, that one day we shall continue our competition."

Legolas laughed. "Perhaps one day, Gimli. I must agree with the Lady; now is the time for rest."

Elisen leaned over to the elf, and I heard him say, "Tell me, Legolas, I wish to hear of your home. You mentioned that it is a place called Mirkwood, but I do not know where it is. Is this where your father resides?"

"Yes, Thranduil, my father, scarcely ever leaves the woods of his kingdom, for he finds comfort in its borders," Legolas replied. "There have been many occasions where his contact with others of the world have been less than pleasurable. He is not an unfriendly man, he simply prefers his own home. The lands are cast in his kingdom, for the great forest covers many leagues. It resides to the north of Gondor, and was once called the Great Greenwood. When the shadow of the Dark Lord began to cover the lands thousands of years ago, the forest too was covered, and so became Mirkwood."

I ate quietly as the men conversed, Elisen intrigued by Mirkwood and its people, asking many questions of the land, the king, border relations, and of the Elven peoples. Legolas was quick and thorough in his answers, politely passing his knowledge to my father before asking his own questions. The two men seemed very compatible, for which I was very grateful.

At last Elisen turned to Aragorn, and Legolas turned to me, eyes searching mine thoughtfully.

"I believe I have learned nearly as much as my father," I commented, sipping the red wine before me. "Have you explained the immortality of the Elves to him yet?"

He shrugged slightly, sipping his own goblet. "I have spoken a little of it, but I do not know if he is quite ready to learn of our life span. Surely Haldir must have mentioned something."

I shook my head. "No, he did not. I think he believed that a group of mortals learning of the existence of Elves was quite enough of a start." I glanced at my father, who was now talking excitedly with Frodo and Aragorn. "Well, at least it seems he has overcome any disbelief as to the races of the world. I would hardly think it would surprise him too much now to learn that Elves have the ability to live forever."

Legolas smiled, raising an eyebrow as he leaned closer to me. "Do you think he would be against an elf taking care of his only daughter?"

My eyes widened slightly as his words slipped through my mind, igniting sparks of curiosity in my heart. Silently I asked, "How do you mean, Legolas? He knows that the Elves have taken care of me for the past several seasons."

His eyes blazed with an intensity that sent a shiver down my back, and for several moments he did not speak. He slowly raised a hand to my cheek, brushing a thumb over my lips. At last his voice said, "I am merely wondering how he felt with you having been supervised by my kinsmen for such a time. Do you suppose he finds it odd?"

I raised an eyebrow, sipping my wine greedily. "I do not believe so. He was quite taken aback, as was I, to learn of the existence of Elves, but I am certain he holds no ill will towards any elf. After traveling with several of them, I hardly think he would disagree to being in the care of the graceful people." After a moment, I added, "However, I believe he dislikes the idea of any Elf who seeks my heart to speak in such riddles."

Legolas laughed aloud, drawing curious glances from several people. I shared in his laughter, reaching for his hand as he answered me with his lips, "You are mischievous, Andariel."

I smiled slyly. "No more than you, my beloved."

He grinned, a fire burning in his eyes as he gently kissed my hand. The same fire began to run through my blood, and I laughed easily.