Disclaimer: They are not my characters; if they were, I wouldn't be so poor!

The servants had made a fuss over me as they dressed me for the private dinner. I was forced to stand quite still as they brushed and styled my hair, treated my skin with lotions of so many flowers I became dizzy, and dressed me in a gown of deep blue to match the flowers woven into my hair. By the time they had ceased their chattering and vehement tuckings and pulling of clothes and hair, I was tempted to bolt for the door and ruin their work. Never had I been so carefully dressed and fussed over. Yet, as I stood before the mirror, gazing into the startled brown eyes staring back at me, I felt beautiful, albeit overdressed. The dark fabric hung close fitting along my torso before delicately spinning out over the lower half of my body; a high collar guarded my neck before dipping into a square neckline. Bright white leaves that shimmered in the light, causing my ring to glow brightly, accentuated the flowers in my hair.

When at last I was released to actually attend dinner, I heaved a sigh of relief as deeply as possibly in all my constricting garments. 'I shall have to tell Legolas not to have the wedding here,' I told myself.

I arrived in a relatively small room set away from the clamor of the rest of the tower. A large round table sat amidst colorful tapestries on the walls, while iron candelabras were situated in all the corners, creating a soft glow to the room. It was quiet except for the soft voices speaking around the table. I was early, for very few guests had arrived yet. Gandalf, the hobbits, Haldir, and Gimli stood in a small group nearest the far wall.

As I approached, the men all looked up and smiled. "Good evening."

All instantly bowed. I felt a peculiar sensation at having such seasoned and honorable travelers showing me such respect, but I had long since adjusted to the kingly and courteous ways of those I knew. In response to their actions, I curtseyed.

"You are a vision, Andariel," the old wizard smiled, eyes twinkling happily. "I think I speak for all of us in saying your beauty if one of the greatest in all the land."

Blushing lightly, I replied, "It is king of you to say so, though I know there to be other far more beautiful creatures even in this city."

Haldir stepped up, his eyes fixed upon me as he reached for my hand. "My Lady," he said quietly. "I beg you to forgive me the harsh words I spoke to you in Arnad's lands. Your heart has showed no fault in finding those whom you lost, and I was haste in speaking so unjustly."

I watched the elf carefully, noting his eyes carried a mixture of remorse and wonder. "I have long since forgiven you, Haldir. I hardly remembered you doing so; why did you?"

He blinked, stern features tightening. " You have found a great place in you life, Lady, and I doubted your abilities to make the right decisions. My Lady Galadriel has spoken with me, and she has offered her thanks for completing my duties. I did not wish it left unsaid that I regret ever speaking ill towards you."

Smiling, I placed a hand over his. "Then let your heart rest easy, Haldir, for I have thought naught of it since it was done. I will admit that there were many times when even I questioned what I was doing, especially leading everyone in the wild. I owe you my gratitude for assisting me, for I have never found any joy to equal what lies within me now."

Haldir nodded briefly, eyes downcast. "Your words are as fair as your face, my Lady."

I bit my lip to refrain from blushing further as I looked away quickly, only to find the four hobbits grinning up at me. It seemed Pippin was getting quite thirsty, since his mouth was once again open wide as he stared at me. Even though Merry elbowed him quite hard, the young hobbit did not snap out of his daze.

"What is it you gaze upon so intently, Pippin?" I asked.

Pippin startled, quickly looking away as the other snickered loudly. "Well, forgive me if I am too body, Lady, but it seems you become more beautiful each time you walk into a room," he said slowly. "Since Legolas is not here, I hope I will be forgiven for speaking so truthfully."

At these words my cheeks darkened considerably beyond my control even as a smile crept upon my lips. Gandalf laughed, eyeing the hobbit with mirth. "Is it possible this is the same young Took who could barely keep himself out of trouble long enough to speak to a lady? I see your growth has not only been in your stature, but in your mind as well." He rested a hand upon the hobbit's shoulder as Frodo and Sam giggled nearby.

Gimli snorted, clapping a hand upon Pippin's back. "Well, my young hobbit, it seems we both carry a light in our hearts for fair ladies who are beyond our grasp. May we both be granted our dignity." The dwarf shook his head, looking quite uncomfortable without is armor.

I smiled, touching Pippin's cheek. "My dear friend, I would be honored to be carried in your heart if you like."

He bowed, not lifting his eyes to meet mine. "With your blessing, I will gladly hold your friendship and beauty within my heart," he said softly.

Frodo shrugged. "At least he finally admitted to his desire."

I was truly touched by Pippin's heartfelt words that carried only the utmost respect. His shyness and awkward demeanor had been overshadowed by the glowing words he had concocted so sweetly. Smiling, I gently kissed his head, evoking a look of amazement from the halfling. "And I will carry yours," I told him.

Pippin blinked several times before nodded, catching a grin from Merry.

"Ah!" exclaimed Gandalf, looking towards the door. "It seems the rest of our party has arrived at last."

We all turned to see the Elves arriving, each one dressed so finely I thought perhaps they had traveled along starlight to enter the realm of man. Aragorn walked with Arwen by his side, and it struck me how regal they were as a pair, that truly they were meant to rule together. She seemed more radiant than ever, and he appeared serene though behind his eyes was a happiness unlike any other. Legolas entered behind them. The sight of him caught my breath sharply, mesmerizing me. He carried himself in such a way that humbled me to be in the same room, while the closely fitting silver and green outfit accentuated his lithesome body.

Our small group bowed and curtsied to the royalty who approached. As we stood back up, Aragorn called for attention. "I wish to thank all of you for journeying here to the fair city of Minas Tirith for a most joyous occasion, the marriage of Lady Arwen Undomiel to myself. After such dark times that have been defeated at last, I am honored to host such a gathering at the start of the new age. It seems there are many glad tidings to announce, and I have been informed of yet another. As most of you are aware, we have the pleasure of housing many people from the little known city of Arnad, one of whom is a dear friend of old. They have known little of the world, yet now I find it my honor to announce a merging among the people of Arnad and the Elves of Mirkwood. As I have been told, Elisen of Arnad shall give his daughter Naitha, whom many know as Andariel, to the Prince of Mirkwood."

There was a collective gasp from the non-elves as Aragorn motioned to both Legolas and myself. I stepped forward, seeing how the Elves stared at me in a mixture of surprise and joy. I felt a nervous wave slide up my back, wondering what their thoughts were on this issue. Galadriel, however, merely watched me carefully, her icy blue eyes focused upon my face as a secretive smile played upon her lips. Legolas and I faced one another as Aragorn took hold of each of our hands.

"My friends, this is a great thing. I am greatly pleased that you will be sharing the joy of a life together. I realize all too well what struggled you both have endured, and none can be happier for you than I," Aragorn smiled warmly, carefully placing our hands together. "I hope your lives will be free of struggles and filled with much delight and bliss. Andariel," he gently kissed my cheek. "My heart if overjoyed to hear of this news."

I felt the happiness seeping from my face as I shyly held Legolas' hand. "I sincerely hope that you will be at our wedding, Aragorn."

"Of course. You will attend mine; I would not dare to miss yours."

Legolas said quietly, "Estel, we have much to look forward to. Of course, I must still introduce Andariel to my father, for he knows nothing of her. We have much to discuss yet, and I hope he will grant his approval."

Aragorn nodded. "Indeed, I believe your father will have much to say on the matter."

I shuddered at the thought of King Thranduil glaring at me as Elladan and Elrohir approached us, Elladan grinning broadly. "Lady Andariel," he greeted, bowing before me. "How fortuitous that we should arrive to meet you at last to learn of your engagement. It seems the line of great deeds and events that follows you grows each day."

Laughing suddenly as the elf formally kissed my hand, I looked to Elrohir who, if I did not know better, I would swear he was blushing, for his eyes seemed vaguely clouded. "It is my good fortune for these events to occur," I replied with a shrug.

Elrohir cast a long glance at Legolas, his eyes seeming looking upon his friend in a new way, before reaching for my hand with a very stiff posture. "My Lady is indeed fortunate to wed such a noble elf," he said softly, eyes capturing mine in a languorous way. Silently I heard his voice said, "Though perhaps there are other elves that would more fully appreciate the mortality of your body and spirit."

My eyes widened as I choked back a laugh of amusement and disbelief. I shot back, "Perhaps, Lord Elrohir, you are much enamored with mortality and would desire me to introduce you to it. If you indeed are interested in such, I am certain a maiden from my people could satisfy your curiosity."

The elf's eyes became as wide as the moon as he stared at me, frozen, and unable to respond. His lips moved for a few moments though no sound was produced.

Elladan looked between us for several moments, eyebrows raised curiously, before he looked to Legolas, who seemed just as curious. "I do believe this is the first time I have ever seen my brother left speechless. Brother, what did she say to you? Please give me your secrets, my Lady, I must learn!"

At last Elrohir broke eye contact with me, looking away hurriedly to speak with Legolas. Lord Elrond and Arwen then stepped towards us, each one with receptive looks upon their faces. Arwen moved in front of me, her porcelain face smiling brightly. "Lady Andariel, as you have been liken a sister to my future husband, I too shall embrace you as a sister. You indeed are a friend to the Elves, and shall always be welcome wherever you so travel," she said softly, sweeping me into the depths of her dark eyes. "When we first met, I believed you had a joyful destiny, and now it is so. My heart is filled with happiness for you, my sister." Her soft hands pulled me to her, welcoming me into her home and her family.

"I thank you deeply, Lady Arwen," I replied, moved by her tone and gesture. "Your words are greatly appreciated."

She smiled once more to me, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "You and I are alike, Andariel. We give our hearts to those whom are best suited for us, for the heart is sightless and loves whom it will. I believe our destinies lie along similar paths, and I desire us both to judge as we will, not as others would have it."

As she turned to Legolas, Lord Elrond approached, his dark eyes surveying me as he allowed a smile to infiltrate the sternness of his wise countenance. I bowed low to him, until he raised me to my feet. "You indeed have found your place in the world, Andariel," he said. "Or would you prefer if I call you Naitha?"

"I am fond of each name, my Lord, for both are part of me. However, since I was found in your lands and was so named by your people, I would request that you call me the name I was given in your language."

A pleased smile flickered across his face brightly as he nodded. "Very well, Andariel. I give you the blessings of our people, and I pray your future will be as bright as you will it to be."

"Surely you will attend our ceremony, my Lord?"

"I would be honored, by leave of King Thranduil. I have not spoken with him in many years."

Truthfully, the reaction of the elves was a remarkable surprise to me. A great part of me had anticipated resistance or objections from most of those present, yet these were also the people who had aided me in my darkest times. Lord Elrond in particular had been incredibly patient and helpful in all my efforts; to hear his blessing was a gift to my heart.

I turned to find the hobbits staring at me with wide, incredulous eyes. Gandalf walked up beside me, smiling knowingly as he said, "I see Elisen has given his approval at last. I wondered when he would speak with you, for he has had much on his mind."

Raising an eyebrow, I asked, "Did you know?"

The wizard laughed heartily. "My dear, it has always been only a matter of time before Legolas would ask for your hand. It was obvious the moment you met in Rivendell that your hearts were meant to be as one; even Lord Elrond was well aware of this. The way he looked at you it did not take an elf to know his thoughts. This was much of what he spoke to your father about last evening; he has been most determined to convince Elisen that he should marry you. It is my belief that there are just reasons for all that takes place; when Legolas found you in the forest, it was no accident." He smiled gently at me, reassuring me.

My eyes fell upon Pippin, who was staring glumly at the table. I frowned, uncertain as to why he should be so sorrowful right now. I started to speak, when Merry caught my arm, eyes brightly looking up at me.

"Congratulations, Lady Andariel," he said happily. "I always thought you two belonged together."

"Thank you, Merry. Can you tell me what is wrong with Pippin?"

Merry glanced over at his friend, and then leaned close to me. "I wouldn't worry too much. He'll be fine. He's just a little taken with you."

Blinking rapidly, I stood straight as Frodo and Sam wandered over to congratulate me. "Oh dear."



When dinner was finished and all the guests were lazily speaking to one another, I looked up to see Galadriel walking quietly towards the door. Curious, I followed. I knew she had wanted to speak with me, and perhaps now was the time. She stood in the hallway waiting, gazing at me patiently.

"You wished to speak with me, my Lady?"

Galadriel nodded, her soft golden tresses flowing like a waterfall down her willowy back. "It is good to see you, Andariel. Your heart has led you well through all your travels, and at last you have been reunited with those who reside inside."

Bowing my head, I answered, "It is because of your wisdom, otherwise I do not believe I could ever have found my people or made the correct decisions as I did, my Lady."

Touching my arm as we began to walk together, the Lady said, "The Prince of Mirkwood has waited long to take you as his wife, and soon it shall come to pass. My foresight has allowed me to see deeply into your future, and this has come, as it should. It is well that the world is kind now." She sighed lightly. "I wish you well in your new life, Andariel. I believe your heart will be free from much suffering. Of course, with joy there is sorrow, as in all things."

I studied her curiously, but did not speak. Her words were mystifying as usual, and I knew she would speak more.

"You see, many of my race have decided to sail for the Gray Havens, young one," she continued. "Not right away, but soon. The time of the Elves is at an end; there is little else we can do for Middle Earth. As the Age of the Ring passes, so must we."

I looked to her in shock, a tremble rising through my body and choking my heart as I realized what it was she said. "But why must you go? Surely there is much you can do still! My Lady, I do not wish to see you go, not after all you have done for me! I owe you so much."

She smiled sadly, holding my arm gently. "You are kind, Andariel. There is little left for us on these shores. In time, your heart will understand. You owe me nothing, little one, for you have exceeded my expectations of you. By all that you are, you are a Lady, one I am pleased to have known, and there are few mortals whom I would willingly call such."

My heart felt both comfort and utter despair at her words. It seemed she was telling me she was passing on, and it broke my heart deeply. I could not bear the thought of her leaving Middle Earth. The Lady was a blessing to all who knew her; she brought beauty and wisdom to all who beheld her, and my life would never have become so wonderful if not for her.

"Do not let your heart be troubled. Now is a time of great joy, Andariel. On the next night, Aragorn shall have his queen, and soon enough, before the year passes, you shall be the wife of Legolas." Lady Galadriel gazed at me steadily, the knowledge of her mind radiating from her face, ageless and perfect. "There is yet time before we shall leave these shores; not all have chosen to depart."

"What do you mean?" I asked shakily.

The Lady eyes me carefully before speaking, her gaze cool and assured. "I have been given a request to appoint you a maid servant, one who knows you and cares for you. As the wife of the Prince of Mirkwood, it is only suitable that you have a trusted servant."

Once again surprise took me swiftly, and I raised my eyebrows as I asked cautiously, "By whom was this requested?"

A slow smile crossed the Lady's face as she answered, "By Ithiel, actually. We have spoken much, and she does not desire to journey to the Gray Havens. She has requested instead to be allowed to assist you once you are wed."

"Oh!" I let the Lady's words penetrate my mind slowly. I had often through of the elf that was as a sister to me, the sweet woman who had bolstered my confidence, and had been my confidante for the months I had spent in Lothlorien. It had been grievous to be parted from her, and I often longed for her company. "I would be honored to have her. She has been a dear friend to me."

Nodding agreeably, Galadriel replied, "Then it will be so. I know she also thought of you much whilst you were away, seeking your own answers. Perhaps this is one of the few remaining gifts I may offer to you. You may speak with her when you wish, for she has made the journey with us to this city."

I fell silent, bowing my head before the Elf Queen. Deeply moved by her generosity and kindness, I wondered when it would be that she would depart these lands. Even in Rivendell, word had reached my ears of the Gray Havens, though only now did I understand the implications of this place. The Elves brought forth so much beauty and grace for the world; their absence would surely be missed greatly, as I already felt the wavering pangs of loss.

"Come," she said softly, her melodious voice scattering my sorrowful thoughts and replacing them with her gentle peace. "Let us seek out your future husband, for I desire to speak with him as well. There is much to prepare yet for tomorrow."