A/N: Well, this is it! A big thank you to everyone who read and reviewed. I hope you have enjoyed this. I have greatly enjoyed hearing from you! I've indulged in a bit more of mushiness in this last chapter. I hope you can forgive me!

In the book, Legolas and Gimli travel about Middle Earth until Legolas hears the call of the undying lands and the two sail to Valinor. I'd like to think that maybe the two of them had a bit of company during their adventures. ;-)

I'm not sure if I will be writing the "prelude" to "The Scouting Mission" anytime soon. Perhaps in the spring but I'm not sure.

"I would make wine from your tears" is a quote from INXS.

Epilogue

"It seems rather fitting, doesn't it?" Legolas leaned over and murmured into Annowe's ear as they scurried across the marble floor after Thranduil. Various retainers dutifully followed in their wake.

"How so?" She whispered back, hitching up her dress to avoid stepping on it. The satin tended to slip out of her hands and she had to periodically stop to gather it up or risk ending up sprawled on the floor.

"This is where we "officially" met for the first time," he chided her gently as they paused outside the entrance to the Great Hall. "Have you so quickly forgotten?"

Annowe stifled a giggle at the memory. "Oh, no. I could never forget the look on your face."

Legolas grunted and slapped her lightly on the rump to voice his displeasure. She giggled outright and returned the gentle slap to his firm bottom.

"Will you two behave?" Thranduil growled in mock aggravation. They seemed determined to drive him to distraction and he sighed. He had forgotten how playful the two of them could be when they were together and in high spirits.

Annowe and Legolas exchanged conspiring glances and burst into giggles behind his back. Both of them were so happy to be home and together that it was difficult for them to maintain their decorum in public.

"I know you two would rather be alone," Thranduil murmured to them over his shoulder. "But please indulge me for only a while. There has been so little to celebrate over the past years and this is a most joyous occasion."

Legolas lowered his gaze guiltily. "Sorry, father," he mumbled.

Annowe squeezed Legolas' arm reassuringly. "I'll behave," she agreed quietly.

Thranduil turned to look at them both then placed his hands on either side of his son's face. "Your mother would be so proud of you," he said softly. "I only wish she were here," his voice trailed off and he gave his son a quick hug, fearing the tears of her memory and his son's happiness would overtake him.

Legolas blinked. Rarely did Thranduil speak of her and Legolas was suddenly struck with the gravity of the situation. Their union was a reason to celebrate after the long years of sorrow and fear. Their union would be a permanent reminder to everyone of the year The Ring was destroyed and would be used as a reminder to mark the passage of time.

Legolas cast a glance at Annowe. She was watching them and nervously chewing her lip making her look like a young child caught wearing her mother's clothes. Her pearl and mithril diadem, the signifier of her rank as one of Ulmo's daughters, sparkled warmly in the soft light upon her thick curls as she fidgeted anxiously.

He remembered the first time he saw her in her "official" capacity. She had taken his breath away in her green satin dress – the same one she was wearing now. His eyes ran admiringly over her curvaceous form. Certainly she was not as beautiful as an elf – few creatures were – but she was so vivacious and exuded a presence that filled an entire room with her warmth that Legolas actually would feel physically cold when she was not near him. He had learned to live with the feeling when she had run off to Pelargir never quite understanding the emptiness until she had re-entered his life. It was then he realized the depth of his feelings for her. He cleared his throat nervously.

Thranduil turned his bright gaze to Annowe. "And you," he shook his head. "Your father is simply amazed that you have managed to escape all perils intact!" He smiled. She grinned weakly in reply. She, too, was amazed but wisely refrained from admitting so.

"Now," Thranduil said as he turned back to the Great Hall. "These door will open and I will announce your union. After greeting the guests, you two will be free to," he paused searching for the right word.

"Misbehave?" Annowe offered helpfully, trying unsuccessfully not to grin at the thought. More than anything she wanted to be alone with Legolas. She reached over and pinched him on the bottom causing the retainers behind them to twitter. She grinned impishly at them.

Legolas giggled and Thranduil laughed outright. "Yes, I believe that is the correct term – misbehave," he agreed and signaled the pages to open the doors.

As the great oak doors swung open, sunlight flooded from the hall, nearly blinding Annowe and she hesitated as Legolas took her arm and moved forward into the packed room. She blinked several times as her eyes adjusted to the light.

She could hear Thranduil's voice declaring them and the answering shouts and cheers of congratulations from those in attendance but she felt completely removed from the scene. Rose petals and daisies rained down as they slowly made their way through the parting crowd and to the front of the hall. Familiar faces smiled back at her. Holly stood near the front of the aisle, her arms full of daisies and her dark eyes shining merrily. Even Deka was grinning although Annowe suspected Gimli had something to do with that.

The stunned naiad paused halfway through the room and nervously squeezed Legolas' arm. He stopped and looked at her curiously. Her lip quivered and the tears of joy welled up in her eyes. She never thought she could be so happy and the feeling nearly overwhelmed her. They were alive and safe. The hated Ring was destroyed. She and Legolas would be together forever.

It was like a dream. He was like a dream, dazzlingly arrayed in royal blue satin with a mithril diadem upon his silken hair. The blue in his tunic brought out the blue in his eyes and he had never looked more ethereal or beautiful to her. Under it all was his quiet strength and tender heart touched with a bit of playfulness. He was simply too exquisite for words and she marveled at his beauty – both inside and out. One tear ran down her cheek and she felt her heart must certainly burst with joy.

"What is it?" He asked anxiously. The crowd was growing quiet, sensing her hesitation.

"You are," she whispered. "So beautiful to me. I still can't believe that you are mine."

He smiled as the tips of his ears turned pink and he slid his fingers along her cheek to cup the back of her head. "Annowe, I have always been yours. From the moment we first 'officially' met in this very hall," he murmured tenderly to her. She blushed and lowered her eyes.

"That was the look on my face that you so fondly remember," he grinned, his dark eyes shining. "It was the realization that I not only adored you as my friend but I wanted you as my mate."

"Legolas," she choked. "Please don't say anymore or I will truly cry."

"And I would make wine from your tears," he murmured as he pulled her close, sliding his arm around her waist and leaning down to kiss her. As their lips met, the crowd roared in approval and a shower of rose petals fell over them.

The End