Frodo and Celandiel stayed up all night talking, making their relationship less than distant. When Mithredriel went to the kitchen next morning she found both of them asleep, Celandiel's head rested upon Frodo's shoulder. She smiled, and began to prepare breakfast.

When the two awoke, Celandiel was startled to find she and Frodo in each other's arms.

'Good morning,' Mithredriel said. 'Did you two have a good sleep?'

'Yes,' Celandiel answered slowly, afraid her mother would punish her.

'You needn't be afraid, Celandiel,' Frodo said gently, placing a hand on her shoulder. 'Mithredriel wanted me to spend time with you, for you looked very forlorn.'

The half-Elf smiled, and happy she had found a friend she held his hand.

~*~

When Legolas entered Galadriel's talan (flet) he was startled to see the Lady sobbing. 'What is wrong, hiril nin?'

'My Calatalai has passed away,' she cried openly. 'I fear that my scoldings may have affected her.'

'Dead?' he repeated. 'How could it be?'

'She stabbed herself, and when I heard her scream I rushed to her chambers to see her still on the floor. When I approached, she told me - ' Galadriel cried even harder.

'What, hiril nin?' the Elven Prince pressed, placing a gentle hand on hers.

'She said that this was all your doing. But I couldn't understand, for her eyes never opened again.'

'It was my fault Galadriel,' Legolas sighed heavily. 'I'm sorry.'

'What did you do, your Highness?'

'I wanted to be alone, but she followed me. She insisted on my staying with her, but I did not desire to. When she tried to force me I threatened her with death, and she became frightened. I released her and I did not see her again.'

'Perhaps it was right of you to do this.' Galadriel looked at her feet. Legolas was surprised. 'She still thought that it was Celandiel's doing to force her out of love, and longed to revenge for it. My guess is that she was too driven to her thoughts and she wanted to be with you so Celandiel would be jealous. I would only be able to breathe easily now that the half- Elf is safe from my great-granddaughter's madness. It is you wish to see her again, is it not, Legolas?'

'Yes it is,' Legolas replied softly. 'That is why I came to you. Would you grant me leave to search for my love?'

'You may,' Galadriel nodded, wiping her tears. 'But promise me this: you shall not return to Lothlorien until you have Celandiel at your side. Here I will bestow you your marriage, and you and Celandiel may live here in Caras Galadhon for ever, if you wish.'

'I shall.' Legolas turned to leave. 'I give you my best to you and Calatalai's family. I truly am sorry she had died; perhaps she would have been better if she was not drawn to love.'

'Maybe; take care, Prince of Mirkwood,' Galadriel replied.

~*~

Again Frodo and Celandiel stayed up late that night.

When it was but a few minutes to midnight, Frodo took the she-Elf's hand. 'Come with me. There is a place that I would like to share with you.'

Celandiel smiled, and he led her out the door to the top of his hole under a great oak tree.

'Look yonder at the skies,' he instructed.

She looked, and gasped in amazement. The stars were twinkling brightly in the night. Below, lantern lights were flickering dimly in the village. It was a wonderful sight.

'This is beautiful,' Celandiel breathed, too taken for words.

'As you are,' Frodo said softly, stroking her face. He pulled out a ring, wrought with silver and diamonds. It shone as bright as the stars. 'Will you marry me?'

'Oh Frodo!' she gasped. 'I never thought that you would ask me!' She smiled and tears glistened down her eyes. 'I love you.'

Frodo smiled widely, and tilting her chin they kissed.