Disclaimer:

I own nothing, everything belongs to mister Tolkien, who has created the wonderful fantasy story 'The Lord of the Rings'.

Chapter 16: Time goes by…

From one day to the other life continued much as it had for Elanor three years ago. Already the morning after she had arrived back home she had written a letter to Fastred of Greenholm, telling him about the journey that she had made and how glad she was that she was finally back home.

You can't believe how happy I am to see my family again. To talk to my friends and just to be back in Bag End. Don't get me wrong; I had a wonderful time in Gondor, but I'm glad to be back.

Now that I am back, I was wondering if I could see you… It's just that I shared so much with you through letters, I feel like you have become a real friend. And… well, if you don't want to I understand…

With a sigh Elanor looked out of the window of her room, three days ago she had send the letter to Fastred, and still there was no answer back. It shouldn't take a month to deliver (or longer) like in Gondor. What was going on? Perhaps she should not have been so forward. Maybe she should have said more explicit that he was just a friend… he was right?

That evening she was going to the Green Dragon with Lissy, for the first time in three years. She was really looking forward to it, but a bit scared to see Lily and May again. Eru knows how they would react on her being back. Perhaps they would not want to know her anymore. Elanor did not want to know them anymore, that was clear. They weren't real friends!

After dinner Elanor said goodbye to her family and she went out to the tree near the lake where she would meet Lissy. The friends greeted each other with a hug and arm in arm they walked to the Green Dragon, discussing nonsense. As they stepped into the Green Dragon the Inn fell silent. Of course, the news had spread that Elanor Gamgee was back home. But how should they react?

Soon some of the boys started cheering and Elanor grinned to them, making a mock bow. "Well hello mister Bracegirdle!" Elanor said, cheerfully as the hobbit lad walked over to her. "Miss Gamgee! It's wonderful to see you." He took her hand in his and place a light kiss upon it. Elanor laughed at his antics and waved him away, "I'm not a princess. Never been and never will be, Mister Bracegirdle." she said as she shook her head. Soon her attention was back to Lissy who had returned with two mugs of Ale. "Oh… I surely missed that!"

"Did you, Miss Gamgee?" Elanor wheeled around and looked right into the face that she had envisioned so many times in Minas Tirith. "Fastr…Master Greenholm!" she exclaimed, she had quickly stopped herself from calling him with his first name. The boy… no, he wasn't a boy, and he had not been a boy when she had left smiled to her, "I think we have long past calling each other with our last name, Elanor."

A blush crept up Elanor' cheek as she smiled happily to him, "It's wonderful to see you Fastred, so that is why you did not answer my letter! You were here!" – "I'm not supposed to be here," Fastred said with a smile, "But after I got your letter I went here immediately." – "I'm glad you're here…" Elanor said, not sure what she could say. Some people were looking strangely towards them, including Lissy who had a strange smile on her face. Elanor gave Fastred an apologetic look, whispering, "Be right back." before turning to Lissy.

With a grin she turned to her friend, "he's been writing to me as well, I haven't seen him for so long, just like you. And I barely knew him when I went away… and I think I do now…" Lissy raised her hand and said grinning, "You're rambling, Elly." If it could Elanor grinned widened more, "Sorry!" she said, still grinning. "Now go talk to him," Lissy said, turning Elanor around and pushing her to Fastred, "Have fun!" her friend said before Elanor turned around, sticking out her tongue to her. It only made Lissy return the gesture.

"Sorry, lets go outside," Elanor said, taking Fastred hand in her own and almost pulling him outside. She led him to the same bench where they had sat three years ago. Though it was still cold outside, Elanor was glad to be out of the Green Dragon.

They sat down on the bench in silence. After the silence they both looked up at the same time, wanting to say something, but laughing and blushing they both looked away again. Involuntarily Elanor shivered, it was cold and she had not brought her cloak with her.

"Come here," Fastred said softly and hesitantly Elanor shoved close to him, they're legs were now touching and a blush slowly crept up Elanor' cheeks. Fastred wrapped his cloak around her as well and pulled her closer so that they would both be warm. Elanor was now sitting on his lap. "Thank you," she said softly. His arms strangely felt good around her and she snuggled even closer into his warmth.

"So now tell me," Fastred said, his breath touched her cheek as he spoke and a shudder went down Elanor' spine yet again, "How was Gondor?" Elanor smiled, "Amazing," she said almost in a whisper, "Just amazing. You've got my letters, so you know… a little bit." -- "How is your mother?" Elanor asked, breaking the comfortable silence yet again, "She's feeling much better, thanks for asking," Fastred said, subconsciously pulling her closer. Again a silence fell.

"Fastred?" Elanor asked, turning so that she faced him. Right then they were rudely interrupted by Lily and May who came waltzing outside with their boyfriends, no husbands for they had married while Elanor was in Gondor. Elanor almost jumped of Fastred lap and looked bewildered to Lily and May, "Caught you! Is that what they learned you in Gondor? Flirting? With someone who you barely knew! Phuh! Slut!" Elanor face had reddened with anger, "You, May, should shut up about things you know nothing about!" Elanor yelled pointing her finger to the girl of whom she once thought to be her friend.

It was now that Fastred stood, "Miss Longleaf, that is enough!" he seemed to be angry as well, but tried to hide it better. He had taken hold of Elanor' hand, to prevent her from hitting May. Lily grinned and swayed against her husband, "Heh! Just leave them May, they're not worth it… Buh-bye crazy Elanor!" Laughing the four hobbits took off.

With tears in her eyes Elanor looked away from them, angrily looking to the ground. Fastred gently placed a hand on her cheek, making her look up into his eyes, "Don't worry, I don't think your crazy… and you're certainly not a slut," he said with a slight smile on his face. A faint smile appeared on Elanor' face, "Thank you, Fastred."

It took Fastred a long time before he dared to lower his lips to her cheek, "I think your beautiful," he whispered in her ear. Blushing Elanor looked up into his eyes, "Don't say that… now I have to thank you again." Fastred chuckled and Elanor giggled slightly. She was unsure of herself. But she was sure of one thing: she loved Fastred.

"Fastred?" Elanor' voice was barely heard for she had buried her face in his shoulder again. "Hush now," Fastred said. Wrapping his arms securely around her. They stood there for a long time.

Finally Elanor dared to say something, " I... I love you Fastred, I don't know why, but I think that it started when we first met in the Green Dragon, three years ago. And through our letters... my love only grew, and I understand if you don't feel the same, but I just want you to know that I love you... " her voice died away and she made to step back.

But Fastred stopped her and pulled her even closer to him, " I love you, " he whispered, "And I have since the day that I first saw you."

----The End ----

-hides away-

Alright. I'm very sorry guys. I wanted to update earlier, but I just couldn't.
Well here it finally is! My last Chapter, I hope you enjoyed my story!

Maikie