A/N: I'm still here! I'm still working on this, I really am trying hard to get time for this. I'm so sorry it's taken so long to update, but I've had a lot of school work and not a lot of energy because of the illness. But I'm still working!

Chapter XXV

That's right: Mommy. The woman who stood before me was none other than Alatáriël of the Hylden – my mother. I had memories of her now, and there was no mistaking it was her. We stared at each other for a while, neither of us knowing what to say. Finally my mother spoke:

"Galadriël? Is it really you?"

"It's me," I whispered. "Is it you?"

"It is," Mother replied, smiling. "Oh my darling, I heard rumors that you died."

"Not exactly," I said. "Father sent me to the Hylden dimension when he discovered the Elder God's plot to kill me after Raziel died."

"Oh yes, I remember that," said Mother sadly.

"He's all right now, though," I said. I told my very long story and she listened patiently, interested. When I was through, about twenty or so minutes later, there was another moment of silence. What do you say when you've just heard a story like mine? I can't think of anything. And I couldn't then either. So I remained silent.

Finally Mother said, "I did feel a strong fluctuation in the time-stream a while ago. But I didn't realize the magnitude…"

"It's all right, Mother," I said gently. "Everything's all right now. Why don't you come with me back to the Stronghold? Father's there, and I want Raziel and all my friends to meet you."

"Oh, yes, of course!" Mother said. I took her hand and cast the spell to transport us back to the Stronghold. We materialized on my balcony. Raziel was still there, pacing up and down. His back was to us when we appeared, but he knew I was there.

"All right, it's not that I'm saying what you do isn't important, it's just that you never seem to have any time for anything other, oh damn," he said all in one breath. He had turned and seen my mother and me. I smiled. "Hello."

"I'm glad to see you too, Raziel," I said. "I'd like you to meet my mother, Alatáriël."

"Greetings," he said uncomfortably. Mother smiled.

"Raziel," she said fondly. "It's so nice to see you alive and well again." Raziel gave a sheepish sort of half-smile. I laughed.

"Come in, Kain," I called in the direction of the door. Kain hadn't knocked, but I had sensed him waiting out there anyway. He entered and came to the balcony where the rest of us were. Father was with him, and he froze when he saw Mother.

"Finny!" cried Mother, rushing into Father's arms. Father eagerly received her, both of them laughing and kissing each other ecstatically. I smiled. I had forgotten how much I loved seeing them like this, so happy and in love. I had even forgotten Mother's pet name for Father. No one else could call my father 'Finny' and live. When they finally stopped smooching and turned to face the rest of us, I spoke:

"Kain, I believe you'll remember my mother, Alatáriël?"

"How could I forget?" Kain replied, smiling at Mother. "It's good to see you well. I had heard that you were pulled into the Hylden dimension along with your daughter."

"Not exactly," replied Mother. "I was caught in a rift somewhere in between. Took me ages to get back out again. When I did, I found all this-"here she gestured all around to indicate all the massive changes that had occurred in the land "-and I wasn't even sure I was in the right dimension. Then I started hearing rumors that my daughter had returned alive and well, and more powerful than ever before. I had to find out the truth, of course, and then I ended up in a bit of a tangle with a few humans who somehow figured out that I'm a Hylden." Father kissed her cheek comfortingly.

"It doesn't matter what happened, so long as you're here now," I said firmly. "I'd like you to meet my friends. They're humans from the Hylden dimension, and are now the new vampire Guardians of the Pillars."

"Oh! I'd love to!" said Mother, obviously delighted to hear that I had new friends. I slipped my hand in Raziel's and led the way.

"Now, there was something important you wanted to ask me?" I asked him playfully. Raziel smiled.

"You know, I think it can wait a little while longer," he said teasingly. "Maybe at the ball tonight, I'll tell you."

"Oh, come on!" I protested, smiling. "You know I hate to be kept waiting."

"That's exactly why I do it, my dear," he replied with a suave smile. I shoved him, but not hard. He laughed and kissed me. I had forgotten about the ball, actually. Golgonath was completed, and the Age of the Vampires, as some were calling it, was finally to begin. There was to be a great ball that night to celebrate. All of my friends were going, and Kain's new vampire lieutenants and their brides were going as well, along with every other vampire in Nosgoth. I, of course, would be descending the grand staircase of the castle on the arm of Raziel. Remembering the ball made me remember how hard it was for me to wait for it. I may be a tomboy, but I still love dressing up in magnificent gowns most girls my age (or at least the age that I look like) only dream of. I imagined how it would be, me in my gown, Raziel in his armor and the special shoulder drape I had made him, banners with the symbols of all the vampire clans hanging all around, fountains gushing out fresh blood. It would be a magickal night, and I couldn't wait to share it with those I loved most.

My friends, who had adjusted to all manner of strangeness and surprises, were thrilled to meet my mother, and she them. The immediately were friends, I could tell, and I was glad of it. I couldn't remember ever seeing Mother so happy. Well, more and more memories of her were returning to my mind, so I actually could, but that's not the point. Mother, Father, and Kain went off somewhere to discuss Nosgoth's rapidly developing future, my friends went off to…do whatever it is Guardians do in their spare time, and Raziel and I went off for a walk in my cherished garden. Well, 'cherished' is a strong word, because I cherish my friends and family, but I really like my garden. I grow roses there of every hue imaginable, as well as every kind of herb and healing plant like feverfew, St. John's wort, Anise star, and the like. The air hung with the pleasant, pungent smell of flowers and herbs.

"Isn't mixing magick and gardening dangerous?" asked Raziel.

"Only for things like poisoned apples and enchanted cabbages that turn those who eat them into asses," I replied. "And no one does that anymore except in faerie tales." Raziel laughed. I smiled and snuggled close to him as we walked. "Soooo, Raziel, dear, there was something you wanted to ask me?" I cooed sweetly.

"Nice try, Moony, but you'll have to wait until the ball," said Raziel. I pouted, but Raziel still wouldn't give in. I threw up my hands in defeat.

"All right! I give up!" I cried. Raziel only laughed again and slipped his arm around my waist, pulling me close to him. I tried to wriggle away. "Oh no you don't, we're in a fight now! Raziel, are you listening to me?"

"No," he answered, his lips on my bare shoulder, kissing their way to my neck. I smiled and relaxed. It's kind of hard to be mad at someone when they're the love of your life and they're kissing your neck. I turned my head and caught his lips with my own.

"There's something I want to show you," I whispered into his mouth. "Later tonight, when the moon rises, slip away from the revelry with me and we'll come here together, just you and I."

"I'll be waiting for you, then," Raziel murmured against my lips. We kissed for a few moments longer, but then we had to break apart so we could each dress for the ball. I returned to my room and found Mother there waiting for me. She was already wearing her elaborate gown; mine lay on the bed neatly. Mother helped me into it, as there were many pieces and they were all rather heavy. When that was finished, she styled my hair, weaving glittering, multi-faceted onyxes and garnets into it and fixing a gold tiara set with onyxes, garnets, and diamonds on my head. Then she applied my makeup while I put on my jewelry. I could do all this myself, but Mother and I had been apart for so long, and I knew how she loved to take care of me and help me like I was a little girl again. I wanted to make her happy, and besides I kind of liked being prettied up by my mother. When we were all done, I looked in the mirror. I was a winner, I have to say. The gown I wore was long and full-skirted, sleeveless and off-the-shoulder, made of deep crimson satin with glittering gold brocade, and an overskirt of gold satin. The neckline was somewhat low and square, and trimmed with black lace with a rose pattern. My makeup and jewelry matched perfectly. I smiled and couldn't wait to see Raziel. I only hoped he didn't forget what it was he wanted to ask me when he saw me!

A/N: Haha! You know, I was thinking of making this the final chapter and revealing just what it is that Raziel wants to ask Soul, but…I'm not going to! Hee hee, I am evil! Fear me! BOO! (reviewer jumps up and slaps authoress) Whoa, thanks. I almost lost my composure for a moment there.