Idrial and Berethor slept soundly that night. The air around them was cool and clear, soft fragrances of musk and vanilla drifted on the air, the trees gently swishing. Lothlorien was like Rivendell… but was so much more to Idrial. This was where she was brought up, her life started here and her heart would always have a place. Haldir had led them up a tall tree, the silver staircase winding its way up like a stairway to the stars. Small lights dotted their way up and as they reached the top the sight took her breath away – it did every time. At the top of the staircase was a small, almost like a luxurious treehouse, with tiny lights glittering at the walls and the open spaces let in the cool air. Tree grew alongside them, as elves wound their way up also to their rest, and statues of figures and small waterfalls were located around the area on which she looked down on. Blankets had been laid down for them, soft and comfortable and both had fallen asleep straight away.

Idrial woke to find Berethor standing at the edge of the balcony like walls.

"Can't you sleep?" she asked yawning, and noting the darkness of the night, still.

"I am sorry, I did not mean to wake you."

"You didn't I woke myself," Idrial got up and stood next to him. "What troubles you?"

"Nothing of importance." Berethor said not looking at Idrial.

"I am not blind Gondorian, something troubles you and I wish for you to tell me!" She laughed.

"Ae ú-esteliach nad...estelio nîn,"

"You know I do not understand the Elvish tongue." Berethor smiled.

"I said, if you trust nothing else…trust me," Idrial said looking down and back at Berethor. "And you can, what troubles you?"

"It is not important, but as you wish I shall tell you. Two days ago… on the plains of Eregion you kissed me. And now at least I know that it meant nothing, but you did not say about your love for Haldir."

"Haldir? I do not know how I feel. He has asked for marriage-"

Berethors face dropped.

"-But I fear it. I feel that…if I were to marry Haldir I would be trapped. My heart longs for elsewhere but I do not know where yet. And I do not know how I feel." Idrial sighed gazing at Berethor.

"And the kiss meant nothing?"

"Gondorian," Idrial smiled. "If it meant nothing would I have been so foolish as to do it?"

"And if you do not know how you feel…how would you feel if I kissed you this time?" Berethor said leaning in.

Idrial slowly began to lean in also, her hands gently touching his arm as her eyes began to close.

"Idrial!" a voice called from the far corner. Haldir emerged from around the corner as Idrial jerked away just in time. "Lady Galadriel wishes to see you."

"But it is still dark?" Idrial said looking out and noticing the sunrise. She forced a laugh. "'Tis strange how time passes with simple…chat!"

"Yes," Berethor looked grimly at her. "It is."

"Nîn Hiril!" Idrial kneeled.

"Idrial," Galadriel smiled broadly. "You know well you do not have to bow to me."

"Yes," she said standing. "You wished to see me?"

"I did, I heard of your arrival, what news do you bring from Rivendell?"

"Grave news, the roads to the Grey Havens are not safe! Orcs are spreading across Middle Earth. Saruman has supposedly betrayed us and the weapon of the enemy-"

"I know of the ring. The Fellowship have lost Gandalf to the Balrog of Morgoth, and the bridge of Khazad-Dum."

"Where are they now?" Idrial cried. "Are they safe?"

"They are simply full of grief. They are at the edges of the East Emnet Gullies. They shall be here by nightfall. But you cannot stay to meet them."

"And why ever not?" Idrial said quickly.

"I need you to do something for me. The plains of Rohan are near. You must travel to the Rohirrim town of Amar. It has been overthrown. The wild men of Dunland are driving out many of the people. Please Idrial. Reclaim the town, and remove Grima from it!" Galadriel frowned. "Theoden King, is still under Saraumans spell so you must be wary and the road will be dangerous but you can do this. Take the Gondorian with you."

"I shall." Idrial blushed.

"I know why you cower. This man has made new feelings in you come alive. But Haldir is an honourable Elf, he would take good care of you."

"Yes Ma'am, I have made my decision."

By noon the horses were strapped up, supplies made and weapons sharpened. The sun was shining now, and the birds were wildly chirping and singing. Berethor and Idrial trotted through the trees nearing the edges of the plains but someone called. Berethor groaned.

"Idrial!" It was Haldir. "Wait please."

Idrial got of the horse and walked back to meet him clenching her fingers and holding her breath. This was it,

"Idrial, I am sorry but I could not bring myself for this. My…my courage has dwindled," Haldir smiled. "But I wondered if your decision has been made?" He went red, and his eyes stuck to the ground.

"I have." Idrial said blankly, looking back at Berethor who was looking out on the plains. "I will marry you."