Over the next few days, Rosegold lost some of her temerity, but as was to be expected, it was a constant battle for her to realize that no one in Edoras meant her any harm. Her healing was aided by the fact that Gandalf rode for Gondor the next day, leaving her no symbol of Saruman to fear.

Also she became more and more attracted to the ranger Aragorn. She watched him alone and with the people; his kindness, courage and natural leadership drawing her heart. Never before had the elf felt this way, not even toward Wormtongue, who up till now had been her only love. Now that she knew somewhat what real love felt like (having received some measure of it from all she met in Edoras), Rosegold felt sure that this was what she was feeling toward Aragorn. So one night, the former slave called up her courage and went to speak to Aragorn, prepared to offer her heart.

Aragorn, however, had been noticing her attentions. He became increasingly aware of her watching him and on rare occasions following him. The heir of Isildur uncomfortably realized that he would eventually have to tell Rosegold about Arwen, his only love, and dash her proffered affections to the ground. It pained him to have to do so, but he could see no other end to her interest. So when the elf girl approached him in the moon-washed night, this was what occurred.

"My Lord, a moment?"

In the Golden Hall in Edoras, Aragorn felt a light touch at his elbow and turned to find a nervous Rosegold standing beside him. Dread flooded through his heart, for he knew without words what she was going to say. But still he forced a smile and nodded. "Of course. What can I do for you?"

Hesitantly and awkwardly, but gaining confidence as she got on with it, Rosegold poured out her heart. She explained in detail her tentative feelings, then waited pensively for his reaction.

Aragorn winced. He had to tell her. Raising one hand, he pulled open his collar, exposing the necklace Arwen had given him at their last meeting. As he did so, Rosegold's hand, which had been seeking his, brushed his fingertips. Involuntarily he jerked his hand away. Immediately knowing that it was the wrong thing to do, he plunged ahead.

"Rosegold, this necklace was given to me be Arwen Undomiel. Your sister. She means more to me than life itself, and I can only hope I mean as much to her. She waits for me in Imladris, forsaking immortality for love. I cannot betray her trust by turning to another. I am sorry."

For a moment the elf maid stood still as stone. Then she dropped to her knees, both of her hands clasping Aragorn's left. "Forgive me," she whispered brokenly. "I was too bold." A single crystal tear fell from her eye and splashed onto the ring the man wore. Then Rosegold stood and ran out onto the balcony. Aragorn stared after her, watching as she fell to her knees at the edge, put her head on her arms, and began to sob. Pained at having hurt her so, the ranger started toward her.