Disclaimer: All references to Lord of the Rings Characters and places are
the property of J.R.R Tolkien, I have just tried to use them for my own
story.
Chapter 14: A Love Denied
After the feast was over, the Company were shown their sleeping couches on the ground by Haldir and the Lady summoned Celebfaer to come to her rooms.
When she entered Galadriel had her back to Celebfaer though she sensed that it was Celebfaer that had entered the room.
"You have changed much in your time away from Lothlorien." Galadriel said before she turned around to look at Celebfaer, her eyes seeking Celebfaer's.
"I have changed my Lady? I have grieved for Mirthrandir in the past few days and that grief, as well as the length of the journey has taken its toll." She replied.
"That is true, but it was not what I meant, my child." The Lady said and then she looked into Celebfaer's eyes and Celebfaer as always rose to the challenge and continued to stare into the Lady's eyes until Galadriel smiled and set her free. "You have discovered many things, experienced new things though the greatest thing that you experienced is evident in your heart."
"Of what do you speak my Lady?" Celebfaer asked bowing her head, to look at her feet.
"You have encountered love." Galadriel responded and Celebfaer looked at her then shook her head, trying to deny what she knew the Lady could see as clearly as the stars in the night sky.
"Nay, I have not. It is forbidden for a Fairy to love one of another race." She replied looking straight at Galadriel and Galadriel smiled.
"Race does not matter in love. Ask Aragorn and Arwen if it matters, ask Luthien Tinuviel of her love for Beren. Ask Legolas and he will tell you that it does not matter if you were the daughter of Sauron himself for nothing can change his love. You too feel that love, though you do not know it now, it is the truth that I speak. As you are my scholar I will give you some words of advice in this matter and pray that you heed them. Love once found should never be denied, no matter what form it takes." Galadriel said and Celebfaer bowed once again.
"Your words are wise though you do not understand the way of a Fairy."
"I do not believe you yourself understand the true way of a Fairy." Galadriel said and Celebfaer looked at her, the anger flaring in the Fairy's eyes, Galadriel just stared back at her 'Scholar'. "But that is enough talk for one night, tomorrow we shall continue with our talks as I greatly desire to see what you have learnt. Aragorn was not speaking of something that took place in the mines of Moria and I fear it had to do with you. But tonight is not the time." Galadriel said lifting the mood and the anger in Celebfaer's eyes was not as intense, causing Galadriel to smile. "I bid you sleep well and I shall look tomorrow at your wings to try to cleanse them."
With that, Celebfaer back to her normal obedient self, nodded and bowed once more. "You are wise my Lady and I bid you sweet dreams until tomorrow when next we speak." She said and then she walked out of Galadriel's rooms.
The Elves outside were singing, grieving over the loss of Gandalf and Celebfaer sighed then went to find her favourite pond in all of Lothlorien.
She sat by it thinking deeply and Haldir found her there later as he had searched her for a small amount of time before thinking of the pond. She and Haldir had become good friends over the years and he looked on her as a younger sister as she was many years younger than him, though he had trained her with the bow and knifes too, by the request of Galadriel.
"Celebfaer what ails you?" He asked her and she looked up and smiled at him.
"I fear the Lady no longer sees me as she used to."
"You have grown much in you months away from Lothlorien, there is a spirit and determination in you that was not there before you left. Are you thinking of leaving us?" He asked her and she looked at him a smile on her lips.
"Nay. Haldir Lothlorien is the only home that I would choose as it is the fairest of all Elf dwellings and my life is not complete unless I dwell here though I feel as though something is missing."
"So our greatest wonder, the Fairy has found something she loves more than Lothlorien. He is worthy of it Celebfaer though he has a great journey ahead of him."
"What do you hint at Haldir?" She demanded, the anger flashing in her eyes once more and he smiled in response.
"Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood forest of course. I do believe that at the feast many she-elves were trying to get his attention, though he did talk to them his attention was elsewhere."
"He aims at me you say? His aim is too low for he is worthy of a great and fair she-elf, and who better than Lurien. She is young, fair and niece of Elrond of Rivendell, cousin to Arwen. Worthy of a Prince." She said and Haldir laughed.
"I have heard that Legolas has an aim hard to be beaten with an arrow. He rarely misses his target, or so it is said." Haldir said then he bowed his head slightly and walked off, leaving her to think on his words. Haldir had a habit of doing that to her.
Celebfaer looked into the pond then ran her hand through it, disturbing the peace of the pond in her frustration, then she headed downwards to the place where the Company were to be sleeping.
The hobbits were not awake, but Boromir, Gimli and Aragorn were still awake, talking quietly. Legolas was no where to be found. Aragorn sensed Celebfaer's presence first as he had grown up with Elves and his senses were as good as an Elf.
"It seems the Lady's scholar has come to speak with us." Aragorn announced then he turned his head in her direction and Boromir and Gimli did also. She stepped into their sight as they did and she smiled at the three.
"My lady Celebfaer, I apologise for my harsh words a few days gone you are in high favour of the Lady and therefore my words were uncalled for." Gimli said then, bowing to her.
"Master Gimli, there is no need for apologies. I am just glad you remembered my warning and am deeply sorry that you had to be blindfolded to walk through the forest, as it is of great wonder and splendor." She replied and he nodded.
"Yes for the Lady graces it with her beauty." He said and she smiled, thinking how odd it was that the Dwarf had changed his views about Elves after seeing the Lady.
"Why do you come now that you are among your friends?" Boromir asked and it was clear that he would not forgive her for not telling the truth.
"Boromir you are under the protection of the Lady and you should have no anger or hurt after staying a few days this city. Yet I can see that you will not change."
"You deceived us!" He said and she shook her head.
"No, you just all assumed I was an Elf." She said softly, making sure there were no Elves to hear her. "Had you have asked I may have outright told you, but you would have needed to ask the right question." She said and Boromir looked at her.
"Words! We have had enough of your riddles......." He started, but Aragorn cut him off.
"Enough Boromir. I think it is time we all went to bed. There is no evil in this place so please do not poison it with harsh words." Aragorn said then he turned to Celebfaer. "You came here for a reason and to say something?" He asked her and she nodded.
"I just wished to tell you all that I was glad that you allowed me to accompany you all, this far into your journey. The rest of the journey will be long and tiresome but I feel that it will succeed. It must or it is the end of all beings on Middle Earth." She said and Boromir mumbled something then walked off and Gimli bowed once more.
"The pleasure was ours fair one." He said and then he yawned. "But I am tiresome and wish for some rest." He added before he turned and walked off to his bed.
"Do you seek Legolas, Faer hen?" Aragorn asked her then and she smiled.
"I did but it appears as though you shall be in Lorien for a time so I shall seek him at a later date." She said and Aragorn laughed.
"I think some she-elves whisked him away to try and catch his attention but an hour gone if that is of help." He said and she nodded.
"Thank you Estel. Once more you have proved yourself helpful though I do say beware of Boromir, I sense something evil at work in his heart." She said the she bowed. "I shall come back to see the Company and the hobbits when I am allowed so that you are not alone among the Elves as few of them speak the Common Language." She said then she smiled. "I wish you sweet dreams Estel." She added before she turned and walked off through the trees.
She wasn't walking long before she heard Legolas's voice, so she walked in the direction of it and observed from a distance before deciding if it was worth interrupting.
Lurien's mother was talking with him and he was surrounded by various other she-elves that had daughters ready for marriage.
Legolas looked as though he was worried that if he did not find a way to escape soon they would have him wedded to one of the daughters before the night was over. It made her smile to see the worried look in the Elf's eyes and Celebfaer watched for a while longer.
"My sister, Celebrian, was Elrond's wife so my daughter has some claim to higher elves than the rest of these......" Lurien's mother said trailing off and Legolas turned to look at her.
"In Mirkwood it does not matter what lineage an Elf is from and I am sure my father will choose a suitable bride for me when the time comes that I need a wife." Legolas said smartly, empathizing the words 'my father' and 'choose' and hoping that the she-elves around him would take the hint.
"But then how will you enjoy your married life. You must have a beautiful wife, one that matches your own greatness instead of some tramp picked out for you." Another of the Elves that surrounded him said and he turned to look at her, mock anger flashing in his eyes.
"You call the she-elves of Mirkwood tramps? Although some do not compare in beauty to the she-elves of Lothlorien, I would not call them tramps." Legolas said quite irritated.
That was when Celebfaer decided to interrupt and save him an argument.
"Ladies I think that you should give the poor Elf a rest. He has traveled far and must be weary from his travels not to mention weary in heart at the loss of a good friend." She said, stepping forward into the place where the Elves had surrounded him.
"The Lady Celebfaer is right, I am weary and although it is calming and peaceful in Lothlorien I am in great need of rest." He said. "And I seem to have forgotten the way back to the couches, Lady Celebfaer, would you show me back to my sleeping place?" He asked her and she nodded.
"Of course Master Greenleaf." She said being formal as she was not considered high among Elves at all and to call a Prince by his first name when she was not of equal rank would be blasphemy to the she-elves that were present. Besides, in their eyes a scholar of the Lady was merely that, nothing of great importance and certainly not worthy of the Prince of Mirkwood's attention. So, Celebfaer turned to the other Elves, inclining her head slightly. "Ladies I suggest that you try to get some sleep, for you may be able to show Master Greenleaf your daughters tomorrow when he is refreshed and his heart is less weary." She said then she added to Legolas. "The couches where the rest of the Company rests are this way."
"Thank you my ladies, but you will have to excuse me for I am very weary from my journey." He said, bowing to each and kissing their hands before following Celebfaer, who had already walked a way off into the forest.
Legolas eventually caught up to her and when he was sure there was no one watching, he took her hand and came around in front of her causing her to stop, taking her other hand as well.
"Thank you Celebfaer. I thought I would never get away from them."
"You thank me too soon for tomorrow they will have their daughters lined up to meet you dressed in their best ball gowns in hope that you will choose their daughter over the rest Master Greenleaf." She said, bowing her head slightly and he laughed.
"It will do them no good for my heart has already made its choice. How much longer are you going to deny what there is between us?"
"By advice of the Lady I shall not deny it, Master Greenleaf, but in the eyes of all the Elves of Lothlorien, I am merely a scholar of the Lady and not worthy of the attention of a Prince." She said and he smiled at her, then frowned.
"Celebfaer, I have told you to simply call me Legolas. There is no need for formalities." He said and she nodded, then looked at her feet.
"Legolas, we cannot be seen in Lothlorien together for the elves such as Lurien's mother will try to tell everyone that I bewitched you. There are some Elves who do not like the fact that I was healed by the Lady then taken on as her Scholar. Though I will no longer deny the feelings that I have for you, even though it is still rather confusing for me. I have never felt anything like this before Legolas." She said and he smiled, then placed his hands gently under her chin and brought her face up so that she was looking at him, before he softly kissed her.
"I only fear that my stay in Lothlorien will be too short and there are no guarantees that any of the Fellowship will live much beyond the destruction of the ring." He said looking deep into her eyes and she knew his words to be true, as she knew she had to tell him of her own quest.
"I too have a journey to make, though I do not wish to embark on it yet for it is dangerous and the path is long, though I must one day. If that quest succeeds however I will not be able to walk among Elves as I do now. I shall search for my people and no longer will I walk the world cloaked and hidden from it." She said and he nodded in understanding.
"If I am able I will travel with you on this quest, I shall and may I be able to protect you when you least expect to be attacked." He replied, bowing his head slightly as he made his pledge.
"But while I am in Lothlorien I am under the Lady's command and our talks are often long and tiresome so I shall not have much time for you I am afraid." Celebfaer told him.
"It does not matter. I shall find ways." He said with a slight smile and she laughed.
"But now I must be leading you back to the couches where the others sleep."
"I know the way, my love I just needed an excuse to get away and talk to you." He said then he kissed her hand lightly. "I shall see you often before we depart from Lothlorien, but until then I bid you farewell my Lady." He said and then he ran off, away through the trees and back to the couches, where he slept silently and peacefully.
Celebfaer stood where he left her for a small amount of time realising that he had just called her 'my love' and until then, they had never spoken of love. The way he had said it so casually as though it just rolled off his tongue had shocked her a little. It seemed weird to hear him mention the word 'love' for Celebfaer was new to the emotion. She did not know if it was indeed love that she felt for Legolas, but while he was in Lothlorien she had time to work it out. Besides, Aragorn was right, if Legolas had hope of coming back to something, it would make the journey a little easier.
Celebfaer did not stand there for long and after a minute or two, she walked back to her rooms and the smile that was on her face reflected the happiness that she was feeling. It was almost the first time in her years among the Elves that she had been truly happy and that thought was what made her smile.
Chapter 14: A Love Denied
After the feast was over, the Company were shown their sleeping couches on the ground by Haldir and the Lady summoned Celebfaer to come to her rooms.
When she entered Galadriel had her back to Celebfaer though she sensed that it was Celebfaer that had entered the room.
"You have changed much in your time away from Lothlorien." Galadriel said before she turned around to look at Celebfaer, her eyes seeking Celebfaer's.
"I have changed my Lady? I have grieved for Mirthrandir in the past few days and that grief, as well as the length of the journey has taken its toll." She replied.
"That is true, but it was not what I meant, my child." The Lady said and then she looked into Celebfaer's eyes and Celebfaer as always rose to the challenge and continued to stare into the Lady's eyes until Galadriel smiled and set her free. "You have discovered many things, experienced new things though the greatest thing that you experienced is evident in your heart."
"Of what do you speak my Lady?" Celebfaer asked bowing her head, to look at her feet.
"You have encountered love." Galadriel responded and Celebfaer looked at her then shook her head, trying to deny what she knew the Lady could see as clearly as the stars in the night sky.
"Nay, I have not. It is forbidden for a Fairy to love one of another race." She replied looking straight at Galadriel and Galadriel smiled.
"Race does not matter in love. Ask Aragorn and Arwen if it matters, ask Luthien Tinuviel of her love for Beren. Ask Legolas and he will tell you that it does not matter if you were the daughter of Sauron himself for nothing can change his love. You too feel that love, though you do not know it now, it is the truth that I speak. As you are my scholar I will give you some words of advice in this matter and pray that you heed them. Love once found should never be denied, no matter what form it takes." Galadriel said and Celebfaer bowed once again.
"Your words are wise though you do not understand the way of a Fairy."
"I do not believe you yourself understand the true way of a Fairy." Galadriel said and Celebfaer looked at her, the anger flaring in the Fairy's eyes, Galadriel just stared back at her 'Scholar'. "But that is enough talk for one night, tomorrow we shall continue with our talks as I greatly desire to see what you have learnt. Aragorn was not speaking of something that took place in the mines of Moria and I fear it had to do with you. But tonight is not the time." Galadriel said lifting the mood and the anger in Celebfaer's eyes was not as intense, causing Galadriel to smile. "I bid you sleep well and I shall look tomorrow at your wings to try to cleanse them."
With that, Celebfaer back to her normal obedient self, nodded and bowed once more. "You are wise my Lady and I bid you sweet dreams until tomorrow when next we speak." She said and then she walked out of Galadriel's rooms.
The Elves outside were singing, grieving over the loss of Gandalf and Celebfaer sighed then went to find her favourite pond in all of Lothlorien.
She sat by it thinking deeply and Haldir found her there later as he had searched her for a small amount of time before thinking of the pond. She and Haldir had become good friends over the years and he looked on her as a younger sister as she was many years younger than him, though he had trained her with the bow and knifes too, by the request of Galadriel.
"Celebfaer what ails you?" He asked her and she looked up and smiled at him.
"I fear the Lady no longer sees me as she used to."
"You have grown much in you months away from Lothlorien, there is a spirit and determination in you that was not there before you left. Are you thinking of leaving us?" He asked her and she looked at him a smile on her lips.
"Nay. Haldir Lothlorien is the only home that I would choose as it is the fairest of all Elf dwellings and my life is not complete unless I dwell here though I feel as though something is missing."
"So our greatest wonder, the Fairy has found something she loves more than Lothlorien. He is worthy of it Celebfaer though he has a great journey ahead of him."
"What do you hint at Haldir?" She demanded, the anger flashing in her eyes once more and he smiled in response.
"Legolas Greenleaf of Mirkwood forest of course. I do believe that at the feast many she-elves were trying to get his attention, though he did talk to them his attention was elsewhere."
"He aims at me you say? His aim is too low for he is worthy of a great and fair she-elf, and who better than Lurien. She is young, fair and niece of Elrond of Rivendell, cousin to Arwen. Worthy of a Prince." She said and Haldir laughed.
"I have heard that Legolas has an aim hard to be beaten with an arrow. He rarely misses his target, or so it is said." Haldir said then he bowed his head slightly and walked off, leaving her to think on his words. Haldir had a habit of doing that to her.
Celebfaer looked into the pond then ran her hand through it, disturbing the peace of the pond in her frustration, then she headed downwards to the place where the Company were to be sleeping.
The hobbits were not awake, but Boromir, Gimli and Aragorn were still awake, talking quietly. Legolas was no where to be found. Aragorn sensed Celebfaer's presence first as he had grown up with Elves and his senses were as good as an Elf.
"It seems the Lady's scholar has come to speak with us." Aragorn announced then he turned his head in her direction and Boromir and Gimli did also. She stepped into their sight as they did and she smiled at the three.
"My lady Celebfaer, I apologise for my harsh words a few days gone you are in high favour of the Lady and therefore my words were uncalled for." Gimli said then, bowing to her.
"Master Gimli, there is no need for apologies. I am just glad you remembered my warning and am deeply sorry that you had to be blindfolded to walk through the forest, as it is of great wonder and splendor." She replied and he nodded.
"Yes for the Lady graces it with her beauty." He said and she smiled, thinking how odd it was that the Dwarf had changed his views about Elves after seeing the Lady.
"Why do you come now that you are among your friends?" Boromir asked and it was clear that he would not forgive her for not telling the truth.
"Boromir you are under the protection of the Lady and you should have no anger or hurt after staying a few days this city. Yet I can see that you will not change."
"You deceived us!" He said and she shook her head.
"No, you just all assumed I was an Elf." She said softly, making sure there were no Elves to hear her. "Had you have asked I may have outright told you, but you would have needed to ask the right question." She said and Boromir looked at her.
"Words! We have had enough of your riddles......." He started, but Aragorn cut him off.
"Enough Boromir. I think it is time we all went to bed. There is no evil in this place so please do not poison it with harsh words." Aragorn said then he turned to Celebfaer. "You came here for a reason and to say something?" He asked her and she nodded.
"I just wished to tell you all that I was glad that you allowed me to accompany you all, this far into your journey. The rest of the journey will be long and tiresome but I feel that it will succeed. It must or it is the end of all beings on Middle Earth." She said and Boromir mumbled something then walked off and Gimli bowed once more.
"The pleasure was ours fair one." He said and then he yawned. "But I am tiresome and wish for some rest." He added before he turned and walked off to his bed.
"Do you seek Legolas, Faer hen?" Aragorn asked her then and she smiled.
"I did but it appears as though you shall be in Lorien for a time so I shall seek him at a later date." She said and Aragorn laughed.
"I think some she-elves whisked him away to try and catch his attention but an hour gone if that is of help." He said and she nodded.
"Thank you Estel. Once more you have proved yourself helpful though I do say beware of Boromir, I sense something evil at work in his heart." She said the she bowed. "I shall come back to see the Company and the hobbits when I am allowed so that you are not alone among the Elves as few of them speak the Common Language." She said then she smiled. "I wish you sweet dreams Estel." She added before she turned and walked off through the trees.
She wasn't walking long before she heard Legolas's voice, so she walked in the direction of it and observed from a distance before deciding if it was worth interrupting.
Lurien's mother was talking with him and he was surrounded by various other she-elves that had daughters ready for marriage.
Legolas looked as though he was worried that if he did not find a way to escape soon they would have him wedded to one of the daughters before the night was over. It made her smile to see the worried look in the Elf's eyes and Celebfaer watched for a while longer.
"My sister, Celebrian, was Elrond's wife so my daughter has some claim to higher elves than the rest of these......" Lurien's mother said trailing off and Legolas turned to look at her.
"In Mirkwood it does not matter what lineage an Elf is from and I am sure my father will choose a suitable bride for me when the time comes that I need a wife." Legolas said smartly, empathizing the words 'my father' and 'choose' and hoping that the she-elves around him would take the hint.
"But then how will you enjoy your married life. You must have a beautiful wife, one that matches your own greatness instead of some tramp picked out for you." Another of the Elves that surrounded him said and he turned to look at her, mock anger flashing in his eyes.
"You call the she-elves of Mirkwood tramps? Although some do not compare in beauty to the she-elves of Lothlorien, I would not call them tramps." Legolas said quite irritated.
That was when Celebfaer decided to interrupt and save him an argument.
"Ladies I think that you should give the poor Elf a rest. He has traveled far and must be weary from his travels not to mention weary in heart at the loss of a good friend." She said, stepping forward into the place where the Elves had surrounded him.
"The Lady Celebfaer is right, I am weary and although it is calming and peaceful in Lothlorien I am in great need of rest." He said. "And I seem to have forgotten the way back to the couches, Lady Celebfaer, would you show me back to my sleeping place?" He asked her and she nodded.
"Of course Master Greenleaf." She said being formal as she was not considered high among Elves at all and to call a Prince by his first name when she was not of equal rank would be blasphemy to the she-elves that were present. Besides, in their eyes a scholar of the Lady was merely that, nothing of great importance and certainly not worthy of the Prince of Mirkwood's attention. So, Celebfaer turned to the other Elves, inclining her head slightly. "Ladies I suggest that you try to get some sleep, for you may be able to show Master Greenleaf your daughters tomorrow when he is refreshed and his heart is less weary." She said then she added to Legolas. "The couches where the rest of the Company rests are this way."
"Thank you my ladies, but you will have to excuse me for I am very weary from my journey." He said, bowing to each and kissing their hands before following Celebfaer, who had already walked a way off into the forest.
Legolas eventually caught up to her and when he was sure there was no one watching, he took her hand and came around in front of her causing her to stop, taking her other hand as well.
"Thank you Celebfaer. I thought I would never get away from them."
"You thank me too soon for tomorrow they will have their daughters lined up to meet you dressed in their best ball gowns in hope that you will choose their daughter over the rest Master Greenleaf." She said, bowing her head slightly and he laughed.
"It will do them no good for my heart has already made its choice. How much longer are you going to deny what there is between us?"
"By advice of the Lady I shall not deny it, Master Greenleaf, but in the eyes of all the Elves of Lothlorien, I am merely a scholar of the Lady and not worthy of the attention of a Prince." She said and he smiled at her, then frowned.
"Celebfaer, I have told you to simply call me Legolas. There is no need for formalities." He said and she nodded, then looked at her feet.
"Legolas, we cannot be seen in Lothlorien together for the elves such as Lurien's mother will try to tell everyone that I bewitched you. There are some Elves who do not like the fact that I was healed by the Lady then taken on as her Scholar. Though I will no longer deny the feelings that I have for you, even though it is still rather confusing for me. I have never felt anything like this before Legolas." She said and he smiled, then placed his hands gently under her chin and brought her face up so that she was looking at him, before he softly kissed her.
"I only fear that my stay in Lothlorien will be too short and there are no guarantees that any of the Fellowship will live much beyond the destruction of the ring." He said looking deep into her eyes and she knew his words to be true, as she knew she had to tell him of her own quest.
"I too have a journey to make, though I do not wish to embark on it yet for it is dangerous and the path is long, though I must one day. If that quest succeeds however I will not be able to walk among Elves as I do now. I shall search for my people and no longer will I walk the world cloaked and hidden from it." She said and he nodded in understanding.
"If I am able I will travel with you on this quest, I shall and may I be able to protect you when you least expect to be attacked." He replied, bowing his head slightly as he made his pledge.
"But while I am in Lothlorien I am under the Lady's command and our talks are often long and tiresome so I shall not have much time for you I am afraid." Celebfaer told him.
"It does not matter. I shall find ways." He said with a slight smile and she laughed.
"But now I must be leading you back to the couches where the others sleep."
"I know the way, my love I just needed an excuse to get away and talk to you." He said then he kissed her hand lightly. "I shall see you often before we depart from Lothlorien, but until then I bid you farewell my Lady." He said and then he ran off, away through the trees and back to the couches, where he slept silently and peacefully.
Celebfaer stood where he left her for a small amount of time realising that he had just called her 'my love' and until then, they had never spoken of love. The way he had said it so casually as though it just rolled off his tongue had shocked her a little. It seemed weird to hear him mention the word 'love' for Celebfaer was new to the emotion. She did not know if it was indeed love that she felt for Legolas, but while he was in Lothlorien she had time to work it out. Besides, Aragorn was right, if Legolas had hope of coming back to something, it would make the journey a little easier.
Celebfaer did not stand there for long and after a minute or two, she walked back to her rooms and the smile that was on her face reflected the happiness that she was feeling. It was almost the first time in her years among the Elves that she had been truly happy and that thought was what made her smile.
