A/N: Sorry for the cliffhanger! (evil laugh) Many thanks to Elena maiden of Gondor, Sexi Silver, and shieldmaidenofeorlingas for their lovely lovely, wonderful reviews! Many hugs to you all!

Chapter 7

He stepped out of the trees to her right, and she froze for a moment. He didn't see her…he was gazing up at the waterfall. Girithfen stepped behind a tree, and gazed around it at him. Her heart was beating so loud she was sure he could hear it.

But he didn't. She watched him as he stepped up to the edge of the cliff. The mist from the falls swirled around him, and the tiny droplets landed in his hair, causing it to sparkle. She saw him close his eyes for a moment, and he took a deep breath. Then, letting it out, he opened his eyes again.

Girithfen noticed that he didn't look like he had before. He looked tired, and the playful spark was no longer in his eyes. She felt sadness sweep over her as she gazed at the weary warrior.

Taking a deep breath, Girithfen stepped out of the trees. She slowly walked towards him, no longer able to fight back the tears. They spilled down her face as she came closer to him.

He finally heard her, and he spun around. They both froze, and Legolas's mouth opened slightly in shock. Girithfen didn't bother to wipe her tears away. All of her excitement, eagerness, and relief of finally seeing him crashed down upon her, and she felt like she couldn't stand.

She saw tears forming in Legolas's eyes as he took one step towards her, a hand slightly outstretched. But, as if he couldn't believe it was her, he stopped.

Then, at the same time, they overcame their shock and ran towards each other. Girithfen sobbed as she moved towards him.

They crashed into each other, in a tight embrace. Girithfen had to ask herself if this was really happening, or if it was a dream. But it was real. She let out a whimper of utter joy as she buried her face in his hair. She felt him tighten his grip on her and she didn't want him to let go.

"I knew I would see you again," he whispered into her hair. Girithfen couldn't reply. Her emotions wouldn't allow her.

Legolas pulled away and cupped her face in his hands. A tear rolled down his cheek.

"It has been so long," he said, "Everyday I kept hope that I would see your face again. Every night I dreamt about you. And…" he paused, swallowing the knot that had formed in his throat, "And I don't even know your name." He gave a weak laugh, more tears falling down his cheeks. He pulled her closer to him. "I have never even heard your voice," he said softly, "Let me hear it…I have waited a long time." Girithfen smiled, touching his hair that was damp from the mist.

"My name is Girithfen," she said quietly. Legolas's face lit up and she saw the spark rekindle in his eyes. He no longer looked weary…he was the playful Elf she remembered.

"I don't know how, or why," he said, "But I love you, Girithfen." Girithfen began to cry harder, and she put her cheek against his chest. She could hear his heart…it was beating as rapidly as hers. He splayed his hands across her back, and pressed her against him.

"I love you too, Legolas," she whispered. Legolas did not reply, but pulled away. Their eyes locked, and Legolas smiled, his eyes glowing. Girithfen knew she would never get used to the blue of his eyes.

He reached up and put his hand behind her neck, his fingers warm against her skin. He pulled her face up to his and Girithfen closed her eyes as their lips met. Everything else around them seemed to melt away as they stood in each other's arms.

Girithfen knew that she was now truly home.

THE END (until the epilogue, that is)

I LOVE happy endings! Don't fret, there's an epilogue coming! Hope you liked it, and thanks for reading!

AbbeyMalfoy87