Chapter XXI: Restoration

Many long years passed, but Alexa never stopped loving Haldir. The pain of his loss had become easier to bear, especially since she had both her mother and her father, but it had never completely left her. Thoughts of Haldir brought her both love and pain, both joy and sadness.

She walked alone through the land often, just remembering him, loving him, and this day was no different. But then why did she feel so strange? She felt as though something had changed, that something was coming. Whether good or bad, she knew not, but she could feel its presence.

She slowed her pace as the sea came into view. A fond smile crossed her lips. The sea was so beautiful, so strong and powerful; turbulent at times, yet frighteningly calm at others. She frowned slightly as she saw an Elf walking along the shoreline, an Elf that looked very much like Haldir. She shook her head.

"Not again," she whispered.

Every time she saw an Elf that bore even a slight resemblance to Haldir, she thought that it was he. I am going mad, she thought. I have got to stop doing this to myself. He is not coming back, and I need to accept it and move on with my life. She turned quickly and walked back into the land. She stopped when she reached the bluff that overlooked the city. She stood there for a long while, trying to convince herself to move on, yet she could not. Why can I not forget you? She sighed as she felt a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"I am fine, Father," she said. He always tried to comfort her when she was in pain. But she did not need comfort! She needed to be released! She frowned slightly, for his hand had begun to tremble. "Truly, Father. I am well. I just need a few moments alone."

His hand tightened slightly, and he turned her around. Her eyes widened in a mixture of shock and disbelief as she recognized Haldir, but she could not speak, for he had pulled her to him and had taken her mouth in an intense, passionate kiss. After a long, heady moment, he released her and looked into her eyes.

"I love you," he whispered.

She reached up and held his face in her hands. "Haldir," she breathed, her voice breaking. Tears began to course down her cheeks, and for the first time in her life, she did not care. She looked into his eyes and saw his tears as well.

"I love you. I love you so much, Haldir," she managed through her tears.

He smiled and kissed her tears away before taking her mouth once more. After a moment, she drew back and embraced him tightly.

"I did not think that I would ever see you again, Haldir. I did not think you were ever coming back to me."

He drew back and gazed into her eyes. "For a while, neither did I. It was a long and difficult journey." He smiled at her. "But I am here now, and nothing will ever separate us again."

She smiled and he leaned in to kiss her once again, but she stopped him from doing so. He looked at her, his eyes full of confusion, but she merely smiled at him.

"I promised you an answer, Haldir."

He looked at her questioningly for only a moment before his eyes widened in realization. He stared at her, hope shining in his eyes. She looked at him and smiled.

"Yes, Haldir. My answer is yes. It has always been yes." She paused for a moment before continuing, "I am so sorry I did not answer you then. I was afraid. Afraid of failing you. Afraid of not being able to be a proper Elven wife." She sighed heavily. "I did not want to disappoint you."

He smiled tenderly and touched her cheek. "You could never disappoint me, Alexa, and you could never fail me. He kissed her lightly before continuing. "I only hope that I do not disappoint or fail you."

She looked into his eyes. "That will never happen, Haldir. Never."

"Remember, my love. I know as much about being a husband as you know about being a wife," he teased.

She grinned. "Then we shall learn together, beloved." She glanced at him shyly. "Will you marry me, my lord?"

He smiled, his eyes alight with joy. "Yes, my lady, my love. I will."

He picked her up and swung her around, both of them laughing all the while. He set her on her feet and kissed her soundly.

"I love you, Alexa."

"And I love you, Haldir."

They turned and walked towards the city hand in hand. Alexa glanced over at Haldir and smiled. She would marry him, and they would be happy. Her and her love. Until the very end of time.

Fin

Author's Note: Well, this is the last chapter of "Found". I hope you all enjoyed it. The prequel to "The Lost One" and "Found" will be up very soon. The title of the prequel is "Fragments", and it will be listed under the Glorfindel category. I hope you all read it and enjoy it!