Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or the characters from the story.

We had both fallen asleep for quite sometime after the sun had broken the barrier between night and day. I was content to lie safely in his arms, comfortable at last. Every part of my spirit was revived and I felt as if I had finally been revived from a deep slumber.

A knock at the door roused me from the sweet sleep I had been in. I blinked wearily, raising my head and squinting against the barrage of sunlight that streamed through the window. It must have been midday, for the horizon was a pale blue. Legolas stirred beneath me, his arm holding me closer though he made no motion of alertness.

"Lady Andariel?" a woman's voice called as she rapped upon the door again.

"Yes?" I called tiredly.

The door opened quickly, and in walked a middle-aged woman in a dark brown gown that fir her well, complementing the thick braids of matching hair that hung around her shoulders. She carried a bundle of neatly folded clothing, and was gazing at the window, shielding her eyes. "Lady Andariel, the King has asked me to---oh!"

She froze, looking upon Legolas and me in a mixture of shock and utter embarrassment. Her eyes were wide and she stuttered incoherently for a few moments as she and I stared at one another. I wrapped the sheets around my body, preparing to speak.

Casting her eyes away, she stammered, "Pardon the intrusion, my Lady, I was sent to bring you fresh garments that were ordered the King. I will return at a better time. Please forgive me for the interruption, Lady."

I opened my mouth to answer her, but the woman was out of the room before I could say a word. Rubbing my eyes, I felt a hand touch my cheek. Smiling, I looked down to see Legolas gazing up at me, his pink lips curled upwards as his eyes crinkled, holding back laughter.

"At least it was not your father coming to see you," he grinned.

I cast a glare down at him and stuck out my tongue. "You truly have a wicked mind, my elf."

He laughed as I straddled his chest, staring down at him. "What are you doing, pen-neth?" he asked, setting his hands firmly upon my waist.

Grinning broadly, I laid my hands upon his smooth chest, enjoying the sensation of being in control over this creature who was superior in all ways. I eyed his tousled hair, amazed it had ever been out of place. "I merely wished to keep you in my company a little longer," I said simply.

His fingers ran lightly across my skin as his eyes gazed at me steadily, before roving across my body to take in all of me. He breathed evenly beneath my body as he said, "I assure you, I was not intending to leave you, though this is a pleasant captivity. You may hold me all day if you wish it."

Sighing happily, I leaned over him until my nose touched his, clasping his face in my hands. I breathed lightly upon his lips, flicking my tongue nimbly over the flesh, denying him my lips' embrace. He pouted, mumbling something in elvish. I grinned, then finally kissed him softly. I whispered, "I simply needed to be certain that I would keep you through my own actions."

Glancing towards the door, I giggled suddenly. "I think we should dress before we frighten the poor woman again."



After Legolas and I had dressed, the embarrassed woman had returned, bearing me several beautiful dresses that had been made for me. Althea, as was her name, helped dress me again in a tightly-fitting red gown that accentuated my waist and my bust, covering my arms delicately in the soft velvet-like fabric and sweeping the floor above my feet. She was quite kind, though severely embarrassed and swore to me it would never happen again, after commenting that I was quite fortunate.

We were summoned by King Elessar, and were promptly taken to him. He was in the courtyard, sitting beneath the blooming white tree, studying several rolls of parchment.

"Good day, Aragorn," I greeted cheerfully as we approached. "It seems every time we meet you are engrossed in some detail. Are you always so busy?"

The king smiled slightly, raising his head to greet us. "Good afternoon. I'm afraid there are many preparations to be made for the wedding, in addition to repairing the damage to the city. My aides have done as much as they can, and now I am looking over the final ideas." He sighed. "The Elves are due to arrive either today or tomorrow; much is left to be done."

"Are you anxious to see the Lady Arwen?" Legolas inquired.

Aragorn's eyes brightened, and for a moment his face was free of worry and all the cares of ruling. "It will be a great joy to see her at last," he said softly, eyes drifting into the distance. "It vexes me as to why she would have me, why she forsakes the life of her people, even though it brings me the greatest comfort I could ask for."

Legolas moved to set a hand upon his friend's arm. "You are indeed fortunate, my friend, for Arwen has given her heart to you as to no other. She has made her choice long ago, and she will be at your side. Simply accept that you hold her heart, Aragorn."

"I have accepted it." Looking between the two of us, Aragorn rose to his feet. "She will be a magnificent queen and ruler to Gondor." He smiled. "But that is not why I have asked to speak with the two of you. I consider the both of you very close to my heart, for I have known you for many years. It pleases me to see you reunited after so much travel."

I watched the king carefully, unable to read his face, though I feared what he would say. "Yes, we are most grateful to share company again," I said slowly.

Aragorn turned his gaze on me, and laughed slightly. "Do not fear, Andariel, I would not dare separate you so quickly unless I had no other choice. And now is not that time."

Inwardly I breathed a sigh of relief, thankful that there was not evil tidings in store for us now. "Well, I thank you for relieving my fears, Aragorn, as well as saving yourself from the harsh words I would hold for you."

His face was fraught with amusement as he answered, "Only harsh words? I would sooner expect you to draw your sword! No, Andariel, my summons should cause you no grief. Legolas, I have received messengers from your father in Mirkwood. He is asking for news of your whereabouts, and has requested that you return home at your leisure."

Legolas raised his eyebrows, clasping his hands behind his back. "Do you know what I is my father wishes to discuss with me?" he asked.

Aragorn shook his head, squinting in the bright afternoon sun that crept over the city. "No, I fear I do not. From what the messenger said, King Thranduil merely wishes for you to return for a time."

This announcement surprised me greatly. I wondered why Thranduil would suddenly send for his son, and why now. 'Perhaps he is concerned for Legolas and wishes to learn of all the events that have transpired,' I thought. 'I wonder if he knows of me at all.'

Legolas nodded slightly, now staring off into the far stretching land, looking for something neither of us could see. "I thank you for informing me, Aragorn. I will follow my father's wishes, as I have been meaning to visit him as well. Andariel, I ask that you will accompany me, and I will be able to introduce you to my father at last." He turned to face me, face solemn.

I hoped he did not see that fleeting glimpse of panic that made its way through my eyes. I felt a bit of fear cross my heart. I had long been fearful that I would be introduced to the Lord of Mirkwood and that he would reject me. Ever since I had known that Legolas was a prince, the fear had been in my heart. I knew that I could not be worthy of his son in the king's eyes. Still, I could not refuse Legolas' request; one way or another, I would learn the king's thoughts.

At last I nodded. "I would be honored to accompany you, Legolas. When do you wish to leave?"

The elf stood quite still, silently thinking, I knew that he too was glad to have time to rest in Minas Tirith, that he was reluctant to take me away too quickly. "Let us leave in one month's time," he decided. "We both shall be rested and given time to remain with our friends a little longer." He reached for my hands, gently gripping them as he added, "I give you my word, Andariel, that I will do all I can to ensure your happiness in this world. There is something I must tell you, my love, a question I must ask before we leave this fair city."

Tilting my head, I eyes him curiously, watching how his eyes suddenly seemed desperate with yearning, seeking an answer that only I could gibe. "Then ask, Legolas, and I will answer you."

I saw Aragorn watching us out of the corner of my eye as Legolas stepped in front of me. His gray eyes sparkled in the light as he held my hands to his chest, his lips parted slightly as he tried to form words.

"Andariel," he began. "I--"

He was cut off as trumpets resounded through all the city. All of us looked up as a distant cry called, "The Great Elves have arrived! Alert the King! The Elves have arrived!"

The three of us looked to one another quickly. I felt my heart race in excitement at the thought of being able to see Lady Galadriel again, as well as Lord Elrond. I had much to thank them both for, and I longed to speak with them again.

Aragorn appeared anxious as well, as he took a deep breath and nodded to us both. "Come, I am sure you both would like to greet the Lords and Ladies as they arrive." He motioned to both of us to follow him.

I heard Legolas sigh softly in irritation as he escorted me inside. His eyes were blank now, staring ahead as his mind worked quietly.

"Are you all right, melamin?" I asked, squeezing his arm.

He glanced down at me, offering a reassuring smile. "Ai, pen-neth."

I was hardly convinced by his words, but I let it go. "What is it you wanted to ask me?"

His smile became more casual as he answered simply, "It can wait."

His secretive manner intrigued me, and I frowned upon him in confusion. I knew he would say nothing more at this point, and I could not make him, no matter what I tried. Sighing inwardly, I promised myself to question him strenuously later on.

We entered the throne room, where several servants were already waiting to prepare the king for his guests. Legolas and I stood at the bottom of the stairs, watching as Aragorn sat upon his throne, regal and serene. Bright sunlight filtered in through the windows and reflected off the shining throne, creating golden pools upon the stone floor. I could hardly imagine what he felt, for his face betrayed nothing.

Soon the doors were opened. Into the hall came Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel, white crowns upon their brows, both dressed in shimmering silver. Following them came Lord Elrond, the golden circlet shining in his dark waves of hair, dressed in flowing robes of reds and golds. He escorted his daughter, the Lady Arwen. She appeared solemn and majestic, a vision of all earthly beauty reflecting in her waves of chestnut hair, the gleam in her cool eyes, and the white stars that hung upon her milky brow. She wore a glowing gown of pale blue, sleeves hanging low at her arms, and a square neckline. Behind her came two male elves, both fair in face, silken brown hair flowing down their backs, and I noted how remarkably similar they appeared. One was dressed in a green tunic accentuated by silver lines, and silver leggings; the other was dressed in a cerulean tunic with matching leggings. Both carried bows upon their backs.

Aragorn stood, descending the tiered steps as the Elves stood before him proudly. He bowed his head, greeting them in their own language. I assumed they spoke pleasantries to one another as they spoke for several moments. I wondered who the two male elves were, for I had not met them yet.

Suddenly I heard the Lady's voice. "It is fortunate to see you , nessa mine. Perhaps not all life is filled with suffering and difficult choices."

I broke into a wide smile, glancing at where the Lady stood, her icy blue eyes flicked over towards me and a knowing smile gracing her white face. "My Lady, I am so pleased to see you again. Your arrival has completed my happiness."

"We must speak, young one. Later, when there is more time." It was not a request, but a demand.

"Of course, Lady." I saw her smile warmly to me once more, before turning back to the King.

I watched as Lord Elrond placed Arwen's hand into the hand of Aragorn, a wistful smile flashing upon the elf's face. Arwen's eyes glowed like the sun as she smiled happily into the face of her betrothed. I had never seen such tangible love between two people; it nearly made my heart weep in happiness, especially as I felt Legolas gently squeeze my arm.

At last, Aragorn turned to us. "Andariel, Legolas, come."

We approached the group, all eyes suddenly turning on us. I felt small under their gazes, overwhelmed by the power held by these individuals. It mattered not to me that I had spoken with them all beforehand, for I was still a mortal trying to understand the magic of the Elves.

I curtseyed low, bowing my head as I stood before them. "It is an honor to see you all again, my Lords and my Ladies."

As I stood, Elrond offered me a warm smile in greeting. "It is good to see you in such health and happiness, Andariel. I am especially pleased that your personal journey has not been in vain."

Looking at him quizzically, I asked, "How is it you know this, my Lord?"

He exchanged glances with the others, a wry smile crossing his face. "I have spoken with many since you left our lands. Does it surprise you to know this?"

"It shouldn't, I suppose."

Chuckling softly, he turned to the elf at my side. "Legolas, I am pleased to see you alive and well."

Legolas bowed reverently. "Lord Elrond, it is fortunate to meet again under mo re blessed circumstances. Lord Celeborn, Lady Galadriel, it is a great honor that you are here as well."

Celeborn nodded, his cool smile gracing his fair face. "The Valar are generous in their gifts. With the end of the age of the Ring, much is changing, and I see more good than evil."

Elrond turned to the two elves who stood silently nearby, motioning them to come forwards. "I do no believe you have met my sons, Elladan and Elrohir. This is the Lady Andariel of Arnad, Quenderil."

The elf in green and silver stepped forward, his brown eyes meeting mine as he reached for my hand, gently placing a kiss upon it. Elladan said, "It is a great honor to meet you, my Lady. I have heard much of you in my travels and from my father."

I smiled. "I am pleased to meet you, Lord Elladan."

Elrohir stepped forward, bowing deeply before me. "Lady. Your deeds are well known to me, and it is well that I meet you at last."

My cheeks flushed darkly at their words, and I averted my eyes for a moment. "Your words are too kind, my Lords. However, I am greatly curious to know what deeds you have heard of. I have done naught as much as my comrades; I have merely traveled."

Elrohir smiled, capturing my eyes with the ageless depths of his orbs. "From what I understand, Lady, you have accomplished more than any mortal woman I know of. Perhaps we may speak more later," he said, his low voice spinning inside my ears. "I am anxious to hear the tales of the lady who has won the heart of my old friend."

Legolas smiled, bowing slightly. "Elrohir, my friend, it has been far too long. Your skill in words is not lost, I see, though I ask you keep in mind that the lady holds my affections, and I am afraid I cannot allow you to speak too sweetly."

Elladan laughed aloud, clapping Legolas on the back. "Legolas, I have never seen you quite so enflamed by my brother's demeanor. He has always enjoyed jesting with you. I do not think he would dare speak too much."

"Perhaps. I abhor the thought of any other creature tempting the lady with such contrite words."

I nudged him. "Surely if I can resist the words of a hobbit, I can resist the words of another Elven prince. There is only room for one in my heart, my dear Elrohir, and that is filled already."

Shrugging, Elrohir replied, "I merely wish to speak with you of your travels, my Lady. I assure you, I mean no harm."