Thanks everyone for being patient with me. I know it has been ages. It's one of those things where you thought people lost interest when there was some sudden resurgence. For those who hung on all this time…..I love you guys! For those who are new….Welcome!

Every night, over the next few weeks, Ellie would ask Loki to stay with her. At night she would fall asleep on her side of the bed. In the morning Loki would awake with her in his arms. He would watch her sleep and observe the bruises fading day by day. Every morning he would kiss the top of her head and disentangle their bodies before she awoke.

Little did Loki know that Ellie knew about the morning routine. She awoke in his arms and appreciated every moment. Loki was always there for her yet gave her the space she needed. He would spend the day showing her around the realm and the evenings they would spend with his family.

Loki watched as Ellie slowly came out of her shell. At first she was quiet, but she made small steps as she opened up and would start laughing again. He was so proud and wanted to do something for her. One night he pulled Thor and Jane aside.

"I would like to do something special for her. The elves will be wanting her to take her place as their queen soon…" Loki hesitated not wanting to finish the thought.

"I think that's a wonderful idea," Jane said. "I think we can come up with something that will be special for her."

Loki smiled and bowed his head to Jane. Then he remembered a little thing Ellie had told him.

"Jane, can you do something for me?"

Ellie slowly began to feel like herself again. Once she was willing to show her face again, Loki would fill her days with excursions around Asgard. At night Frigga would invite small groups of people for dinner. Ellie got the feeling Frigga was starting to groom her for the responsibilities she would soon be facing once she was ready to be taken to Alfheim.

The whole idea made her nervous, but Loki was at her side. He always presented his arm for her to lean on when Ellie was feeling a bit overwhelmed. Even if it was a wink from across the room or a silly smile behind someone's back. Ellie found herself laughing more and flinching less when she was around people. Not only was Ellie getting better, but she felt that she was starting to see the real Loki.

Now that people seemed more comfortable with Loki being around again his mischievous streak began to show itself. Watching Loki gave Ellie the confidence she needed. Especially the night that the Elven Elders came to meet her.

"Where is Jane?" Ellie asked sounding nervous. She paced the room wearing her robe.

"I do not know, my lady," Kara replied as she organized the gown that Ellie would wear to meet the elders. "I have not seen her all day."

"Have you seen Loki?" Ellie said turning to face Kara.

"No my lady," Kara replied again.

"Ugh!" Ellie moaned and turned towards the balcony.

Kara smiled to herself and moved into the washroom to gather the things for Ellie's hair. When she returned, Ellie was pacing across the balcony.

"My lady, we need to start preparing you for the evening."

Ellie stopped pacing and let out a long breath. "Alright."

Ellie sat patiently as Kara did her hair. All that ran through her mind was how she had to meet the men that would be her advisors as she ruled over the realm of elves. Her people. The whole idea still gave her butterflies in her stomach. When Kara was done she had Ellie stand so she could dress her in her gown.

"And now for the final touches," Kara said.

She moved over to the dresser and opened a box that was carved with the most beautiful designs. She motioned for Ellie to move closer. Kara pulled out a ring adorned with a blue stone and placed it on Ellie's right middle finger. Next came a silver cuff bracelet which was put on her left wrist. Followed by a simple silver chain necklace. Ellie sighed and turned to go look in the mirror.

"There is one more piece my lady," Kara said stopping her.

"It's just Ellie," Ellie said turning back.

Kara pulled out a small tiara that looked like a wreath with small blue stones like the ring. She placed it atop Ellie's head and then turned her towards the mirror.

"You are no longer just Ellie. You are a queen, my lady," Kara said with reverence and bowed.

Ellie looked at herself in the mirror and sucked in her breath. She did not recognize the woman that looked back. In the mirror stood a queen.

Loki and Thor hurried back into the palace. Everything was prepared for Ellie's surprise. Jane had returned and was already getting ready for the evening feast with the Elven elders. Tonight was a special night for Ellie and Loki wanted everything perfect. He knew how nervous she was and he wanted to try and keep the evening as stress free as possible for her. Ellie had been doing so well, but he knew she was balancing on the edge of a knife.

When he reached his chambers he rushed to get ready. Ellie had been taken back to her old chambers once the elders had arrived. Frigga had insisted upon it. Since Ellie was not married to Loki she did not want the elders offended. Loki had laughed out loud when his mother had told him, but he reluctantly agreed. When he had finally finished washing and dressing Loki hurried downstairs to the great hall.

Kara went over some of the customs with Ellie once again before she left. Ellie's mind started to become more frazzled as she repeated what Kara told her that she felt she would forget it all before she made it downstairs. Kara just smiled and gave her arm a squeeze.

"All will be well, my lady. Do not fret."

Ellie let out a strained laugh.

"Now just sit down and relax," Kara said as she guided Ellie over to a chair. "Your escort will be here shortly to accompany you down."

Ellie sat down, closed her eyes and took in a deep breath then slowly let it out. She did that a few more times and when she opened her eyes to thank Kara she had already gone. Ellie was alone and her nerves started again. She just closed her eyes and concentrated on her breathing until a knock sounded at the door. Taking one more deep breath she started towards the door. In the back of her mind she expected Loki to be on the other side. But when she opened the door it was not who she thought.

"Good evening my queen," Anson said as he bowed in front of her.

Ellie looked Anson over and noticed he was no longer wearing the traditional Asgardian uniform. He was now dressed in black and silver.

"Good evening Anson. It is so good to see you again," Ellie said as she went to give him a hug.

Anson held up his hand to stop her. "That would be improper, my lady, but I am glad to see you again and that you are well."

Ellie looked at him confused, but did not question him. Especially since Kara had just gone over so many rules with her.

"Shall we go down my lady?" Anson asked.

"Alright," Ellie replied letting out a breath.

Ellie moved out into the hallway and noticed three more guards dressed just like Anson.

"Who are they?"

"They are your personal guards my queen."

Ellie was flabbergasted. She had never even thought about that. Anson bowed and motioned for Ellie to proceed. She started the long walk to the great hall and her new personal guards fell in step behind her. As they walked along Ellie felt weird. She wished she had Loki's arm to hold on to. They finally reached the doors to the great hall and they were closed. Ellie turned to look at Anson.

"They are preparing for you entrance my lady."

"My entrance? Why can't I just walk in?" she asked.

"You are being presented to the Elven elders so you will walk in unaccompanied." Anson replied.

"Oh god," Ellie mumbled to herself as the butterflies started to go crazy in her stomach. "I can't do this."

"You will do well. Just walk in and stand before the elders my lady. It will all be over soon enough," Anson said giving her a smile.

Ellie smiled weakly back and turned to face the doors. She tried to concentrate on her breathing as the butterflies performed a circus. Just when Ellie thought she was going to throw up the doors to the great hall opened.

Ellie let out a gasp as she saw that the hall was packed with people. They were lined up on either side of the door and they were all looking at her. She could see the elders sitting on three chairs at the other end of the hall below Odin and Frigga. Ellie would have to walk past all the people to get to the three elves. There were two options. Walk across the hall or puke and run. Ellie slowly let out her breath, squared her shoulders and began the long walk across the hall.

Loki stood next to his mother as he nervously awaited Ellie's arrival. He stared at the doors hoping they would open soon. They had not seen each other all day and he missed her. First he had to wait through the formal presentation before he would be able to get her alone. Frigga grabbed his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. He looked down at her and she looked back up at him with the motherly expression to relax. Loki took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Thor, who stood next to Odin, winked and nodded at him. Then the doors opened.

Loki turned and saw the most beautiful sight he had ever seen. Ellie stood on the other side of the doors wearing a shimmering silver gown. Her hair was done up with a small tiara. He could see that she hesitated. All the people staring at her must have been making her nervous. Loki held his breath and then he could see her stand up straight and she began to walk. Ellie moved gracefully as she crossed the hall that it made Loki burst with pride. All the people looked and bowed to the woman he loved.

It felt like forever to Ellie as she crossed the large hall, but she eventually made it. Stopping about ten feet in front of the men, Ellie almost started to bow. When she looked up at Loki and he gave her a gentle bow of his head she remembered that she was the queen. The three Elven elders slowly stood out of their chairs and bowed to her. Ellie didn't know what to do. Was she supposed to speak? Not really knowing, Ellie decided on letting them lead the way.

The elder in the middle adjusted his cane. "My queen, Elliana. This is Gimor and Soldom." He said motioning to either side. "I am Anton."

Ellie stood there not knowing what to say. "Elliana?"

"You were named after your grandmother. A very honored and respected queen."

"How could that be when my father was not around for my birth?" Ellie questioned.

"Ellador was present at your birth and for the first year of your life you and your mother lived on Alfheim."

Ellie stared at him in shock. How could that possibly be?

"You lived with your father in the palace until Ellador felt it was unsafe. You and your mother were then hidden and he did not disclose where we would be able to find you. A seer had told your father that you would be found when the time was right. My queen, the time is now," Anton finished.

Ellie's head began to spin. She looked up at Loki as he stood proudly next to his mother and he winked. Ellie's mind slowly started to settle. Anton motioned towards the back of the hall.

"You have seen some of your personal guards. Now I would like you to meet the rest of them."

Ellie heard footsteps behind her. The rest of them? Anton slowly moved to stand next to her. He offered Ellie his hand and turned her to see ten men standing behind her. All of them were large elves dressed in silver and black. Swords strapped to their sides and long black spears decorated with black filigree. Anton began to introduce each of the elves. They bowed to her in turn. Ellie lost track of their names as soon as they were spoken. She could not keep her mind in the moment.

Just as Ellie was about to lose her mind, Anton said, "And this is the captain of your personal guard. My great grandson, Anson, whom I believe you already know."

Anson bowed before her and tried to hold back a smile. Ellie's brain came shooting back to the present. Anson was the elder's grandson?

"I thought you were from Asgard?" she asked Anson.

"My mother is from Alfheim and my father is from Asgard. My life has been split between both realms. As of the last year, I have felt I was needed here," he replied with a smile.

Ellie smiled back at him and gently shook her head. Ellie thought to herself that if she had to have guards follow her everywhere, thankfully one was a familiar face and a friend.

Anton slowly made his way back to the other elders and they all sat back down. Ellie turned back to face them and then looked up at Loki. She was confused on how to feel at the moment, but Loki crossed his eyes and stuck out his tongue. Ellie had to stifle a giggle. If it was not for Loki she would have probably lost her mind during all of this.

"Tonight my queen, gather all your personal belongings for we will leave in the morning," Anton said almost as if it was an order.

Wait. What? Loki took a step forward, but his mother quickly grabbed his hand. Looking down at her she gently shook her head. Loki tried to pull his hand free, but Frigga held firm.

Ellie began to open her mouth to object, but the elders bowed to her in dismissal. Anson and the rest of her guard stepped up to her side. She gave the elders one last look and turned on her heels. In that one look, Loki saw the old Ellie. She practically stormed out of the hall.

Ellie was pissed and it felt good. She walked out of the great hall and then outside onto the veranda. The guards followed her. Stopping at the stone wall she closed her eyes and tried to calm herself down. Then she spun around and faced Anson.

"What the hell was that?!" she practically yelled.

Anson stood tall in front of her.

"Anton tells me what to do and then dismisses me? I thought I was supposed to be presented to them and then we would take things slowly. Not being told like a child to get my things because it's time to go home. It's not like I've been here playing with friends. This is like my home and now they want to rip me away." Ellie turned back to look out over the garden. "I don't want to leave yet."

"We have been without a ruler for nineteen years. Now that we have found you, our people are anxious to have their queen. The elders have seen to the realm since your father was killed and now it is your turn to rule," Anson said.

Looking over her shoulder Ellie said, "But they dismissed me like a child."

"They do not know you. The last time they saw you, you were but a small child. They do not know the woman you have become like I do. Show them the strong woman you are. The people will love you and the elders will realize that you are more than capable to lead." Anson put his hand to his chest and bowed to her.

Ellie was still angry. This was going to be a long road ahead of her. Just then she saw Loki coming out onto the veranda. She immediately moved to meet him, but her guards stepped in the way and would not let him near her.

Loki looked at the guards with an irritated look. "Get out of my way."

The guards would not move.

"Let him pass," Ellie said just as irritated.

They turned and looked at Anson who nodded his assent. The guards started to step to the side; Loki pushed his way through and walked directly to Ellie. She threw her arms around his waist.

"Are you alright?" Loki asked looking down at her.

Ellie looked back up at him. "I'm okay."

Loki turned on Anson. "What was that all about in there? You cannot just take her away in the morning."

"The elders are anxious to get her back to Alfheim. There is much to be done and much for her to learn," Anson started.

"She is not leaving," Loki growled as he stood taller and moved towards Anson.

Ellie stepped in front of him and put a hand on his chest to stop him. Knowing what he was capable of, she didn't want anything to happen to her friend.

"I am sorry, my prince," Anson gave a little bow to Loki. "I understand how you must be feeling, but I have no way of changing the elder's minds."

"Then let us be so we can have some time alone," Loki said staring Anson down.

"The elders said for her to be taken back to her chambers after the presentation so she could gather her things and be well rested for meeting her subjects tomorrow," Anson started to move towards Ellie.

"You will leave her with me and I will escort her back to her chambers after we have had a chance to talk," Loki said with a challenging tone.

"My orders come from the elders and I must obey them," Anson replied starting to sound a little angry himself.

Ellie looked back and forth between the two men. She needed to intervene before something bad happened. Ellie wanted to go with Loki, but knew that Anson would try to stop her and an idea came to mind. She reached for Loki's hand. With a flick of her wrist towards the guards, Ellie turned and ran off the veranda pulling Loki behind her.

The guards tried to follow, but ran face first into a barrier. Loki laughed as he looked over his shoulder at the guards trying to find a way through. Not knowing how long the barrier would last, Ellie pulled them into the garden maze.

Running in her gown proved to be difficult, but Ellie held tight to Loki's hand and kept moving laughing as they went. She didn't know where she was going, Ellie just turned and moved through the garden. Coming around a corner Ellie tripped over the hem of her dress and started to fall with a little shriek escaping her lips. Loki pulled back on her hand and spun her into his arms. All he heard was a muffled giggle as her face was pressed to his chest. The giggle turned into a fit of giggles as Ellie clung to his coat. Loki couldn't help himself and laughed right along with her.

After a bit he managed, "You have turned into the little mischievous one."

Ellie pulled back and looked up into Loki's face. "I have learned from the best."

Loki smiled down at Ellie. He felt like the luckiest man in all nine realms. With all they had dealt with since they first met, he could not believe that they had made it. Ellie loved him and he loved her with his entire being.

Putting his hand to her cheek he said, "My beautiful Elliana."

Ellie looked back up into his eyes and placed her hand over his. "I am just your Ellie."

"I have a surprise for you," Loki said with a smirk.

"Really?" Ellie asked confused.

Loki covered her eyes and gently guided her. When Ellie was able to open her eyes she saw they were by a small lake. A table had been set up inside a gazebo near the water's edge and golden torches lighted the area. Small glowing stones were scattered around and the sand sparkled in the light. On the table were lit candles and three covered dishes.

Ellie turned back and looked at Loki. "Did you plan this?"

"I wanted to do something special for you," he replied.

Loki held his arm out for Ellie and she placed her hand on his. He led her over to the table and held her chair. Ellie met Loki's eyes when he seated himself across from her.

"This is wonderful. Thank you."

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"I am famished," she replied.

Loki stood and pulled off the covers off the two plates in front of them. They quietly sat and ate. Ellie could not help but keep her eyes on Loki. Knowing that in the morning she would be leaving broke her heart. The elders never even mentioned her betrothal to Loki. Hopefully once she was settled in Alfheim that whole situation would be resolved.

"I have something for you," Loki said suddenly breaking her from her thoughts.

"For me?" she asked surprised.

Loki motioned towards the plate that was still covered.

"Dessert?" Ellie smiled.

Loki just gave her a mischievous smile and leaned back in his chair. Ellie stood and removed the cover. All that could be heard was the sound of metal hitting the stones as Ellie dropped the cover to the ground. Loki looked up at Ellie's face as tears streamed down her cheeks. Ellie picked up the book and clutched it to her chest letting out a shaky breath. Pulling it away she laid it on the table and started to flip through the pages. Her hand flew to her mouth and she gently bit her finger to keep from sobbing.

When she reached the last page Ellie finally spoke. "I can't believe you found my mom's photo album."

Grabbing the book Ellie ran around the table and flew into Loki's lap. Throwing her arms around his neck she cried, "Thank You! How did you ever get this?!"

"I asked Jane for help. She went back to Midgard and was able to bring back some of your things," Loki replied gazing into her eyes. "I knew how much you regretted not having the book and I wanted you to have it before you left for Alfheim."

"You are absolutely amazing!" Ellie gushed.

"No my love, you are the one that is amazing," Loki said as he brought his hand to cheek. Loki looked deep into Ellie's eyes. "I know that we have been betrothed because of our fathers, but I was wondering if you would do me the honor of becoming my wife."

Ellie looked back into Loki's eyes. Inside she was in complete shock. Loki wanted her, not because they were intended for each other, but because he loved her. She loved him right back. Without another thought Ellie leaned in and kissed Loki on the lips.

"Nothing would make me happier. Yes!" She exclaimed trying not to sound like a crazed little girl.

Loki breathed a sigh of relief, but laughed inside seeing how Ellie was trying to hold in her excitement. Moving his hand to the back of her neck he gently pulled her to him and kissed her. Ellie pulled herself in tight to his chest and threw all she had into that kiss.