A/N…pretty short chapter, next ones will be longer! I'll probably update tomorrow night or Sunday!
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Chapter 12 - Being Home
"And Off Again"

After the joyous reunion, a hearty supper was served and the family sat around the hearth chatting. Silvegil had returned hours before, and now he and Legolas were engaged in an enthralling conversation, while Lianna laid her head on her father's shoulder. Her eyes closed in contentment, basking in the moment, while her father's breathing lulled her into a half sleep.

But the uproarious laughter that Silvegil spilled forth jolted her. Apparently, Legolas had said something incredibly amusing, and now her eldest brother was doubled over, struggling for breath through his laughter. Lianna smiled. What a dolt.

Legolas shot her a glance. The look could be described as nothing else but harmony. He was so at peace. He was home. This was where he wanted to spend his life. Her family was his family now. And they gave him satisfaction that he could not acquire from his own.

Lianna smiled at him and mouthed 'I love you'. He winked before his attention was brought back to Silvegil, who clapped him on the back and quipped something along the lines of "Except if she puts you in a choke hold as Reuben falls victim to."

The last few words were emitted in a sort of hiss, due to his uncontrollable laughter. They were undoubtedly talking about her; Lianna remembered wrestling with her little brother years ago.

Still hours later, all the goodnights were said, and Lianna and Legolas retired to her room.

"Aren't you staying in your room at the palace?" Lianna asked as she donned her sleep gown. Legolas watched her intently as he replied.

"No, I'd much rather stay here." His voice was tinted with desire, but chock full of sleep. Legolas had laid on his back on her bed, and she crawled up from the foot of it to lay on her side next to him. Her hand rested on his chest as she looked down into his face. He blinked slowly and his eyes struggled to focus on her face. She laughed.

"Sleep, mellamin. It is but our first night home, we will have much more time for other things." She said suggestively. He smiled sleepily.

"Yes, much more time." He drawled before his breathing evened out, and he fell into sleep. Lianna sighed. She pulled back her blankets to climb under them, but found it difficult, since Legolas's weight was on top of them. She scowled and grunted as she yanked them from under him.

(A/N Have you ever seen the magic trick where the magician pulls the cloth out from under the table full of dishes? Well, Lianna is no magician.)

Legolas went tumbling off her bed and onto the floor. Lianna clapped a hand over her mouth, stifling giggles. She heard him grumble and saw his head pop up from over the edge of the bed as he shot her an angry look.

"What in Middle Earth are you trying to do Lianna?" He asked as he stood and brushed himself off.

Lianna answered, after a considerable amount laughing, "I was trying to get under the blankets. I swear I didn't mean to throw you off!" She smiled sweetly at him. "I guess I don't know my own strength."

Legolas shook his head and climbed under the covers as Lianna did the same. She snuggled into his chest and listened to his heart beat. His forest scent flooded her senses and intoxicated her. He was always so warm. She smiled into his body and squeezed him tighter to her. She felt him kiss the top of her head and murmur something to her that sounded like 'goodnight'.

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All but Silvegil were present at breakfast the next morning. Legolas even helped Belegûr and Lianna clean up. What a sweetie.

Lianna and Legolas strolled through the gardens as they used to do so many years ago. Only this time, an air of delight followed them.

In the few days that followed, they took the time to walk through the gardens and realize the value everything in life had to them. The smell of the air, and the sound of the raindrops falling through the leaves into puddles in the grass. To this day, the rain held special meaning to the both of them, and reminded them always of the day they gave in to their love for one another.

One day, Legolas was off somewhere, and Lianna sat on the grass near the spot she and Legolas used to swordfight. Suddenly, her ears perked up and Legolas came into view, jogging around the trees and flowers. In his hands he held two swords, and on his face he held an excited grin. He thrust the hilt of one sword to her.

"Let's go." was all he said. She looked down to the sword in her hand and a cheeky smirk slid across her lips. Legolas positioned himself in front of her, and she attacked immediately. He simply rolled out of the way and attacked right back.

This went on for another few minutes, until Lianna got backed up against the Willow Tree. Legolas sent his sword down to her head, but she raised her sword to block his. But he was stronger, and her arms gave, so their swords were crossed across her chest, and separated their bodies. Legolas closed the small space between their faces and captured her lips in a quick kiss.

He felt her smile under his lips, but before he got to ask what was so funny, he felt a jarring kick to his shin. He leapt back and hopped on one foot, as she relentlessly attacked the temporarily crippled and seriously disgruntled Elf. Finally, due to his position, Lianna knocked the sword from his hand and held hers to his neck.

"That was so unfair." He announced. Lianna simply smirked. They sat in the shade of the Willow Tree for a moment, catching their breath.

"I need to declare my resignation in Mirkwood." Legolas said unexpectedly. Lianna paused a moment.

"Don't tell me we have to go back there."

Legolas nodded. Lianna groaned loudly.

"I am so sick of traveling!"

"We don't have to go right away. But we can't wait too long. I have already been away longer than expected. They may be getting worried."

Lianna signed submissively. "Fine. When do you want to leave?"

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Two days later, Lianna and Legolas packed their packs and saddled their horses. Elrond and the Clearwater family sent them off with sad but hopeful words. Lianna sighed as they exited Rivendell and made their way across the plain.

"Traveling again." She sighed sadly.

"This is the last time." Legolas reassured.

He did not know what was to come, what the future held, or else he'd not have sounded so confident in his statement.

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A/N…you know what that means. More surprises! I have a few more tricks up my sleeve. -looks into dusty, ripped sleeve. Moth flies out and hits me in the forehead.-

Childofgod-4ever - Don't worry about reviews for your story. Reviewers need time. Just remember: If you write it, they will come. : )

TPfan333 - Sorry, the wedding will have to wait a bit. Thanks for reviewing!

Vampire Feuer - Thanks SO much. Reviewers like you keep me going!

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-Austin B.