Chapter Six

Author's Notes: Ahh!!! I am so late! The biggest apologies in the world! With there being only a few weeks of school left, I seem to be slacking off in every area!! I am so sorry! And here my reviwers are, being so awesome and giving me praise....I feel like pond scum. So finally, here we are with the next installement! Please forgive me!!

Dedication: To my dear reviewers, for staying faithful while I have been slacking! To Beth.....dude, your cd is in stores now!! Da Dillon rocks!! You're the Chilli, Bethers! To Jay, man, you've been there through thick and thin and you've helped my faith grow stronger. Love ya, Jason! To Kristi....dude, we gotta lay off the hyper kicks....Love ya girl!

Chapter Six

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Kimberly stood in the room she had been led to. She looked around. It was much the same as the rooms in Mirkwood, just with a slight different decor. A large bed sat against a wall, a large clothing dresser sat opposite it across the room. Paintings of waterfalls and gardens adorned the walls and a vanity table sat against a wall. The balcony doors were open, and the sounds from outside floating in, while the white curtains blew in the wind. Kimberly sighed and moved to the bed. She sat down, her hands clasped in her lap.

It had been an emotional reunion.

Flashback

Kimberly clung to her parents as they held her, each one weeping. Celebrain stroked Kimberly's dark hair softly, whispering, "My baby girl." Elrond held her tightly, as if afraid she was only an illusion and would disappear. When they finally pulled away, the joy in her parents eyes were enough to send Kimberly into sobs again. "Welcome home, my daughter," Elrond said, gently cupping her face and wiping away her tears with his thumbs. Kimberly smiled and covered his hand with her own. Her parents stepped back, and Kimberly was quickly swept into the arms of her twin brothers.

"We get to hold you once more, baby sister," Elrohir whispered into her hair. Kimberly laughed and held them both tightly. They separated and Kimberly turned to face her sister. Arwen smiled at her through a tear-streaked face and rushed to her, laughing as they embraced.

"I knew we'd see each other again," Arwen said, holding her close.

Kimberly pulled away and looked into the face that was nearly identical to her own. The same complexion, same jade eyes...same everything. She smiled and embraced her once more. Aragorn quietly walked up next to them, placing a hand on Kimberly's shoulder. She looked at him and saw a small smile on his face.

"Welcome back, Nebride."

She smiled and nodded before embracing Arwen again.

Behind them, Elrond turned to Gandalf. "How is this possible, Gandalf?," he asked. "What magic brought her back to us?" The old wizard simply shook his head.

"I haven't the faintest idea...all we know is that Legolas found her on the side of the road and brought her to Mirkwood. It was there we discovered who she truly was."

Elrond turned to Legolas and clasped his shoulder. "Diolla lle, Legolas." Legolas smiled and clasped the Elven king's shoulder. Celebrian smiled and stared at her four children.

"I am just glad that she has returned."

Elrond nodded in agreement. Gandalf looked at them. "All of you have much to discuss," he said. "There has been 18 years between you...Yes, very much to discuss."

Elrond looked at him and nodded. "Indeed...come, we will settle you into rooms. This calls for a celebration in honor of my daughter's homecoming."

Kimberly smiled soflty. This was the first time she had ever felt welcomed somewhere. Sure, every once in awhile she had felt welcomed at her friend's houses, but this was different. This time....she was welcomed at home. She looked down at the bed and ran her hand over the dark blue silk sheets. She smiled again, thinking of Legolas. He had stayed behind the scenes during the reunion with her family, and now she desperatly missed him. After all...how many guys say that they'll wait until you're ready to be with them?, she thought. Legolas was the kind of guy any of her friends would have killed for. Polite, charming, a real gentleman, and not bad in the looks department at all.....

A knock on her door brought her out of her reverrie. She looked up to see her sister standing in the door, a smile on her face. "Is your room suitable?"

Kimberly nodded. "Yeah, it's great." Arwen smiled and walked into the room, closing the door behind her. "This is one of our best guest rooms. We would have you in your old one, but it was made for an infant. You may be small, but I doubt you could fit into that small cradle." Kimberly laughed. Her height had always been the object of many jokes, but when her sister joked about it, it didn't bother her at all.

Arwen sat next to her, and brushed a strand of hair out of her face. "I'm glad you're back," she said.

Kimberly nodded. "Me too....it's good to have a family." Arwen smiled. "Not that I'm not glad to see you, but what are you doing here?"

Arwen grinned. "Father sent me up to get you ready. There's to be a celebration for your homecoming. Not a very big one, but one of a large size. It's small enough for all of us to bond together again, but large enough for most of Rivendell to be invited."

Kimberly frowned. "Yeah....Kind Thranduil threw one like that in Mirkwood before we left....Is there gonna be dancing? Cuz, needless to say...I can't dance."

Arwen laughed. "Well, Father will remedy that. As will our brothers and Aragorn, I might add. They are all so glad that you are back with us.....It's been too long. I just wish you could remember everything."

Kimberly nodded. "Me too."

They sat together in silence a few moments before Arwen sighed. "Well, come. We must get you ready or Father will have a fit. I've given you some of my dresses until a seamstress can be called. They should fit....if not a little long on you."

This time, Kimberly glared up at her playfully. "Enough about the height," she said with a smile. Arwen laughed and kissed the top of her head gently. "As you wish, my dear sister. Now come, out of that riding dress. We must get you ready."

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"What do you think of Legolas?"

Kimberly nearly fell off the stool when Arwen's question came from nowhere. She was clothed in a stunning dark purple gown with flared sleeves and she sat on the stool of her vanity while Arwen worked on her hair. She met her sister's eyes through the mirror. "What?"

Arwen smiled. "Legolas. What do you think of him?"

Kimberly hesitated. "Um....I don't know really....He's really nice.....He's been kind to me." Arwen nodded and ran the brush through Kimberly's long hair.

"Yes....but what do you think of him? I've seen the way he looks at you, and before I led you here, I also caught the look you sent him. Tell me, do you care for him?"

Kimberly thought a moment. What does she reply to that? Did she love Legolas? She's asked herself that quesiton before, and she still wasn't completely sure. She'd never been in love, therefore didn't know.....but the way she felt....

"I think so," she said softly.

Arwen smiled. "Yes, I assumed so. He's certainly taken with you. I've never seen him look at a maiden as he does you. Perhaps you will be the one to tame his heart." She pinned up Kimberly's hair, allowing a few whisps to fall around her face. "He's a fine one.....quite a catch. You couldn't do any better. But just keep in mind, that if he ever harms you, I'm afraid a long friendship will not be enough to keep Aragorn and your brothers from beating him to death."

Kimberly laughed and smiled at her sister as she rose from the stool. "That's a comforting thought," she said, reaching out and embracing her sister. "Thank you for making me feel welcome, Arwen."

The she-elf smiled. "You belong here, Nebride. Of course you're welcome."

A knock on the door drew their attention and their mother entered, clothed in a blue gown. Celebrian smiled at her daughters. "Glad to see you both are ready. The celebration has already started and your father can't wait much longer." She came into the room and embraced both her daughters. She pulled away, and wiped at the tears forming in her eyes. "Well, I can't start that again....Come now. We should go. There are many people waiting to meet you." Kimberly smiled and followed her mother out the door. Here we go again.

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I hate these things, Kimberly thought.

She sat at the large feasting table next to her sister. She had spent the last hour and a half meeting elves she had never met before--which, considering where she grew up, wasn't any surprise-- and listened to several stories from when she was an infant. The feast had commenced and she once again tried to comprehend what was being talking about, but was once again, failing at that. Looking up, she saw Legolas laughing with Aragorn, the old friends so comfortable around each other. Arwen gripped her hand under the table, giving it a small squeeze for encouragement. She smiled. I can do this.

Time flew by as Kimberly pieced together some of the conversation and before she knew it, the plates were being cleared away and the guests headed to the dance floor. Elrond approached her, laying a hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright?," he asked into her ear.

Kimberly smiled up at him. "Yes. I think I might be getting the hang of this whole 'ball' thing. Thank you for it, too. It's a nice welcome home."

Elrond smiled at her. "Your homecoming called for a celebration. It would have been much larger, but I didn't want to overwhelm you."

Kimberly nodded. "Thanks."

Elrond smiled, and kissed her forehead. "Be sure to save a dance for the men in your family," he said. She nodded and watched as he walked off, taking her mother's hands and leading her to the dance floor.

Kimberly stood against a wall, watching the sight before her. Who knew I came from a family like this?, she thought as she watched her parents and sister and brother-in-law dance. Her brothers were conversing with a group of other elves and Gandalf, each of them smiling. Trying to be inconspicuous, she searched out Legolas, her eyes traveling from face to face, but never finding the angelic one she seeked.

"Looking for someone?"

Kimberly spun around, startled by the deep voice that came from behind her, and smiled when she saw who it was. "You've got a thing for sneaking up on women, don't ya?," she asked, smiling up at Legolas.

He returned the smile and placed his hands on her waist. "No...only with you, Kimberly," he whispered, leaning in and placing a gentle kiss on her cheek. Kimberly smiled at him as he pulled back. "Are you enjoying yourself?"

She nodded. "Yeah...yeah, it's great. A little weird, but I'm good. You seem to be enjoying yourself as well." Legolas nodded.

"Especially since I am once again holding you in my arms," he said. She smiled and Legolas placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "Dance with me?" Kimberly laughed.

"You sure you wanna try that again?"

Legolas grinned. "For a moment holding you, I would do anything." Kimberly smiled and took his hand as he led her to the dance floor. He gathered her into his arms and never took his eyes off her face.

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"Our daughter has returned," Celebrian said soflty, watching as her youngest child danced with the Prince of Mirkwood.

Elrond nodded. "Indeed....and what a delight. We were fools to think that she would never return," he said, kissing his wife's forehead. "We should have known better."

Celebrian smiled. "Yes we should have....and now look. We last saw her as such a small thing...now she's grown, and in love, if I recognize that smile on her face."

Elrond nodded and looked at his daughter. He recognized that smile as well. He saw it everyday on his wife's face, as well as on his eldest daughter's. Nebride was in love with Legolas, and though he knew and trusted the prince, it still unsettled him. "She's young," he said.

His wife nodded. "Yes, she is, but she's also smart. She knows how to take care of herself. Can you deny her what she truly wants and deserves?"

Elrond sighed. "Of course not. But to lose her again after just seeing her again...."

Celebrian looked up at him. "I believe you are thinking too far ahead, my love," she said, smiling. "I'm sure she wouldn't jump into anything just yet. And besides...we would never lose her agian. She has returned, after all. I don't think she wants to leave."

Elrond nodded. "Yes....well, if she were to choose someone, there is no one better than Legolas. He is a good Elf....I believe the war has changed his reckless lifestyle. He seems to deeply care for her....He will treat her right."

Celebrian smiled. "And if not, I'm sure her brothers and yourself would have something to say about it."

Elrond laughed and kissed his wife, holding her closer.

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"Are you alright?," Aragorn asked as he danced with Arwen in his arms.

His wife looked up at him, her eyes slightly tear filled. She smiled at him. "Yes....it's just so joyous that she's home....It's been close to 18 years since she disappeared....and now to see her again, grown into be beautiful young woman....Oh, Aragorn, it's so overwhelming. But I am so happy that she has finally come home."

Aragorn smiled and placed a kiss on his wife's forehead. "It's miraculous that she is back. It seemed as if everyone had given up hope on ever finding her....It just saddens me that it took so long. But she is back." He looked over to where Kimberly was dancing with Legolas. His Elven friend said something to her, and a dazzling smile appeared on her face. Legolas smiled in return and Aragorn saw his hands tighten on her waist. "And quite infatuated with our dear friend, Legolas."

Arwen laughed and looked over to her little sister. "I worry about it, though. Legolas does have a reputation amoung the maidens."

Aragorn nodded. "Aye, he does. But I believe that he has given that lifestyle up.....if for nothing else, then for Nebride. He adores her, you can easily see it."

Arwen nodded. "As easily as it can be seen in you." She smiled up at her husband and leaned up to kiss him gently.

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"Ya know, it's kind of strange," Kimberly said as she danced with Legolas. He looked down at her quizically. "It's just....well, I've never really felt welcomed anywhere before. For 18 years....and yet now, when I travel to a whole nother...I finally do...it's a strange thing to feel."

Legolas smiled and nodded. "I would imagine so. Your family appear delighted to have you back."

Kimberly nodded. "Yeah...I'm glad to be back, I really am. But..."

Legolas frowned at her. "What?"

She looked up at him. "I don't know them....I mean, yeah, brothers, sister, brother-in-law, parents....but, I have no idea about everything that's happened to them in the past, or any memories of them at all. I'm finding it kind of hard to think of anything to say. I mean, what if I offend them or something?"

Legolas laughed. "I don't think that's possible, Kimberly."

She smirked. "Oh yeah? Well, it certainly seemed possible growing up. I ALWAYS offended somebody. I was constantly putting my foot in my mouth, and I really don't think that will change."

Legolas laughed again and shook his head. "You are one of a kind, Kimberly," he said, kissing her lightly on the forehead. "Never will there ever be another like you. And I am very delighted in that."

Kimberly smiled at him. "I could take that two different ways, buddy."

He smiled. "Take it whichever way you prefer....But I meant it in the best way." Kimberly smiled at him and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you."

He frowned again. "For what?"

Kimberly's blue eyes looked into his, and he was amazed at how much love he saw in them. "For making me feel like I'm worth something." They stared at each other a few moments before she sighed and laid her head on his chest. Legolas kissed the top of her head and rested his chin on it, as they slowly swayed to the music.

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The night progressed successfully. Kimberly had smiled lovingly at Legolas after their dance was done before she was quickly swept into one of her brother's arms. Legolas smiled at her as he watched Elrohir twirl her on the dancefloor, listening intently to her delighted laughter. As he stood watching, all he could think about what was she had told him. Thank you for making me feel like I'm worth something.

Oh and how much she was worth. Legolas believed that she was worth ten times as much as all of Mirkwood and Rivendell combined. Worth more than all the mithriel in the Mines of Moria...worth more than anything....

He was so indulged in his train of thought that he failed to hear Elrond come up next to him.

"I wish to thank you again, Legolas."

Legolas turned, slightly startled. He recovered quickly and bowed his head. "There is no need, milord," he said.

Elrond shook his head. "Oh, but there is. You found my daughter and brought her home again. For that, I am eternally grateful. We had all almost lost hope that we would ever see her again...."

Legolas nodded. He could imagine. Close to 18 years with no sight or word of their beloved daughter....it's no surprise that they had all but lost hope. The two elves stood side by side, silently watching the young girl switch her dance partner with her other brother, who happily accepted her into his arms. Finally, Elrond spoke quietly.

"She's very young, Legolas," he said.

Legolas looked at him.

"She's very young, indeed. I don't wish to see her hurt or to lose her again....but I don't wish to deny her what her heart desires, either." He looked at the Prince. "I would expect you to treat her differently than you have treated women in the past, Legolas. Treat her like she should be treated."

Legolas nodded. "I would, Lord Elrond....My aim would never to be hurt her."

Elrond nodded. "Do you love her, Legolas?"

Legolas looked back at the dance floor, and his heart soared as his eyes landed on Kimberly. He turned back to Elrond and smiled. "Aye....with all my heart."

The king of Rivendell nodded. After a moment, he smiled and placed his hand on Legolas' shoulder. "Then I trust you to keep to your word."

Legolas smiled and gripped the elf's shoulder in return. "I shall." Elrond nodded, then, with a last look at his daughter, returned to his wife's side. Legolas turned back to the dance floor to see Kimberly now in Aragorn's arms, his old friend talking to her softly. The smile on Kimberly's face showed that she was quickly becoming comfortable with the whole situation.

"She certainly has a way with men, doesn't she?"

Legolas turned to see Arwen smiling up at him. He smiled and nodded. "Aye, she does."

"Especially you," she said. "I don't believe I've ever seen you pay so much attention to one she-elf....I'm beginning to think you might be softening up, Legolas."

Legolas laughed. "It would appear so."

Arwen nodded. "Which is good. Because if you would happen to hurt her, Legolas, I would not hesitate to make it so that you could never enjoy a woman's company again."

Legolas laughed. "I don't doubt it, Arwen," he said. "But then again, you would have to stand in line after your brothers, father, and husband."

Arwen nodded again. "Yes....I doubt they would leave me any scraps."

Legolas laughed. Well, I suppose this is where Kimberly got her sense of humor, he thought.

"Just be careful with her, Legolas," the lovely she-elf said softly. "She's even more precious to us now that she has returned home all grown up."

Legolas nodded and watched as the elf maiden walked off. The dance came to an end, and Legolas made his way towards Kimberly. She stood smiling up at Aragorn as he spoke to her. Her smile was instantly turned to him as he came up beside them. "Aragorn," Legolas said in greeting.

Aragorn smiled at him. "Legolas, good to see you again."

Kimberly grinned at him. "Aragorn was just telling me of the drinking competition you engaged in with your dwarf friend, Gimli." She laughed at the glare the elf sent her brother-in-law. "I never would have thought you the type to get into a drinking competition, Legolas."

Legolas looked at her. "The dwarf roped me into it. They are very persuasive, you should know." Kimberly simply shook her head and laughed. Legolas smiled and looked at his friend. "Would you mind if I stole her away for a few moments?"

Aragorn smiled. "Be my guest. But harm her, my friend, and--"

Legolas held up a hand. "Yes, I've already been warned several times tonight, my friend. There is no need. Believe me."

Aragorn laughed and clapped his old friend on the back. As Legolas took Kimberly's hand and led her away, she looked up at him quizically.

"What do you mean you've been warned several times already tonight?"

Legolas smiled down at her. "Your family happens to be very overprotective, my love." Kimberly smiled and laughed.

"Where are we going?"

Legolas looked at her. "Out to the gardens. They are beautiful at night.....as well is the night sky." Kimberly nodded and followed close behind him as he led her outside.

The gardens were silent as they walked hand in hand. Kimberly stared up at the starlit sky, mesmorized by it's beauty. Legolas, meanwhile, was mesmorized by HER beauty. He watched as her blue eyes searched the sky; as her hair fell across the side of her face, bringing out her cheekbones. She was beautiful.....

Legolas stopped walking, and Kimberly turned to him. Before she could open her mouth, he lowered his head and crushed his lips to hers. Kimberly started for a moment, slightly caught off guard, but quickly relaxed, wrapping her arms around his neck. Legolas' hand slid down to her waist, and he pulled her closer. How was it possible to love someone so completely?

They pulled apart, and Kimberly smiled up at him. "I'm completely in love with you, Kimberly," he said, caressing her cheek. "Are you aware of that?"

Kimberly's smile grew. "Yes....and I'm madly in love with you."

Legolas smiled and kissed her again. "You make me want to be something better, Kimberly....and I fear that I won't be able to meet your expectations."

Kimberly grinned. "You already have....you don't need to go any further. And if you can....it doesn't really matter....because no matter what you do, I'll always love you for it."

Legolas smiled. He pushed a piece of her hair behind her pointed ear and looked into her eyes. "I want to spend forever with you, Kimberly," he whispered. "I want to wake up with you each morning by my side.....I never want to be apart from you. I want to have a family with you." He kissed her softly. "Say you'll marry me one day, Kimberly. Tell me you'll one day be mine."

Kimberly stared at him. He just proposed to me, she thought. And WHAT a proposal. She smiled and stood on her tip-toes, brushing her lips lightly across his. "Yes," she whispered.

Legolas smiled. "Yes?"

Kimberly nodded. "Yes.....I'd love to marry you."

Legolas grinned and kissed her again.

She pulled back after a moment. "But, maybe not right away. I want to marry you more than anything...but there's just a lot going on in my head right now....It's kind of confusing."

Legolas nodded. "I understand completely....As I said before, I'll wait until you are ready....it doesn't bother me at all."

Kimberly grinned and laughed, throwing her arms around his neck and kissing him with fervor. "I love you.....I love you soooo much."

Legolas simply laughed and lifted her off her feet, embracing her tightly. At that moment, neither of them had ever been happier.

Life is perfect, Legolas thought, as he set Kimberly on her feet and kissed her again. Smiling, they walked back to the festivity, hand in hand.

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From her place in the brush, Janelle clenched her hands into fists so hard that her nails cut into her flesh. He proposed to the little tart? He had barely known her a month, and he asked her to be his wife??

Janelle glared at their departing forms, a plot already forming in her mind. I won't lose him to a little newcomer who doesn't even know the first thing about pleasing him, she thought. A devilish smile spread across her pale face. Bye-bye Kimberly....better enjoy your time with him while you still can.

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Alright, I didn't like the last chapter, and to be honest, I was totally slacking when I wrote it. So I recently wrote this one...a little bit better? Or did ya guys prefer the other one? Let me know! Love ya guys! Read and review!