Ciendriel and Legolas had wandered around the city of Lorien for most of the night. He hadn't spoken much, and he knew his silence had inspired hers. He was trying to dwell not too hard on the command that had been issued to Ciendriel, but instead cling to the hope that it might be repealed.

Legolas knew deep in his heart that the wedding of Ciendriel to Haldir might not be as bad an event as Ciendriel seemed to think. Despite how he had treated the both of them, Legolas knew she had come to care for Haldir. In fact, had she met him before she had met Legolas, this path might have been an easy one for her to follow. He understood this, understood that beneath the brutish exterior, Haldir was someone who could be loved. He had never chosen to give this love in return, but certainly, despite what Legolas had said, he must be able to.

Who could not love Ciendriel? Maybe she would tame Haldir's ruthlessness. Lady Galadriel did not speak in idleness. She would not push either of them towards a bad end. He had never met Morgone, Ciendriel's mother, but he could only believe that she would not push her daughter towards something inherently wrong, either.

And still, he had no wish to give her up. His mind resisted the idea at all costs. He didn't think he had the strength to do it, though he knew he must steel himself for the possibility that the event would occur with or without his blessings. Was he willing to accept unhappiness in order to see the two of them happy?

Maybe he should just give himself to Gimli, as the Dwarf had desired him for so long. The two of them could just spend their days riding and wandering the country without care. They could visit Fangorn Forest or something. Stay away from the dwellings of Elves. Soon that would be all that was left to them, anyway. All the Elves were slowly leaving Middle-earth. No doubt Haldir and Ciendriel would be sent to the undying lands after they were wed.

Legolas stopped walking and looked at her. They were at the edge of the river now, where the Elves of Lothlorien docked their boats. Once he had taken boats from here with the rest of the Fellowship, while they were still on the quest to destroy the One Ring. It seemed a lifetime ago and had in reality been only a few short years.

Ciendriel looked back at him and Legolas brought his hand to her face, touching her tenderly. He had never known any female like her. In Galadriel's dress she seemed unreal, an untouchable vision, and yet here she was, warm and willing. Lazy desire spiraled inside of him. He bent and brought his mouth to hers. She met his kiss eagerly, wrapping her arms around him.

"Love me, Legolas. Here, beneath the trees."

"There is nothing I want more…" he said, meaning it.

"There is hesitation in your voice. Why? We have waited so long."

"I think you know why. You are betrothed to Haldir."

"I am not! I will not marry him."

Legolas bowed his head, but he did not let go of her. "This is difficult for me, as well. Do not think for one moment that I do not desire you, that I have not wanted you from the first moment I laid eyes on you, and loved you soon after that."

Tears rose in Ciendriel's eyes and this made his own throat ache in response. "This should have happened back in Rivendell," she said. "Had we not drunk that wine, we would have lain together and not with Haldir. Perhaps it would be you instead of him that I was betrothed to!"

The thought struck him like an arrow in the heart. It was true. After all, Ciendriel had been on her way to Mirkwood when they had met. Maybe she had been intended for him all along. It was completely unfair, but Legolas knew that life often was unfair, and that little could be done about it.

Still, he could not make love to her while she was bound to Haldir, against her will or no. He kissed her again, but the kiss was soft and gentle, a soothing rather than an inspiration of passion.

"Wait for me here, and I will go now to speak to Galadriel," he said. “This cannot wait any longer.”

***

Angelica Headstrong lay face down in Galadriel's soft bed, luxuriating in the feeling of the Elf Queen rubbing salve on her tender red behind. She had to admit that this felt almost, but not quite as good as the spankings themselves. Galadriel moved with languorous slowness and Angelica felt herself becoming drowsy. After all, she had not gotten very much rest in the resting place. When Galadriel spoke to her at last, it was as if in a dream.

"Angelica Headstrong, how quickly you have found your way into the hearts of your fellow travelers. You have made a dear friend to Frodo, our beloved Ringbearer, who sees in you his comfort and solace. To Samwise Gamgee you are angel and lover, heaven and earth. To Gimli the Dwarf, you are youth and promise. To Meriadoc Brandybuck, you are simply love, such as he shares with young Perregrin Took, the most gentle and tender of all Hobbits--"

"And most succulent," Angelica added thoughtlessly. Galadriel laughed softly and went on.

"To this most succulent Hobbit you are a diamond, rarest of all gems. And no wonder. How you shine for him! You have the affection and respect of Princess Ciendriel and Prince Legolas, and even the rare admiration of our Marchwarden."

"Haldir?" Angelica laughed, her eyes closed. "He has been my ruin."

"Has he?"

"He caused me to be banished from my home, my village in Long Cleeve."

"And what happened after your banishment?"

"I… I nearly died."

"And then?"

"I woke up--"

"Yes?" prompted Galadriel.

"I woke up in Merry and Pippin's bed," Angelica said with wonder. "Could it be that Haldir, certainly without meaning to, did me a favor?"

"Fate works in mysterious ways, little diamond."

Galadriel pulled Angelica's dress back into place, smoothing it with a kind hand. Angelica realized that all the pain was gone, though a mild tingle still lived in her flesh. It was not unpleasant. Far from it. She awakened more fully, turning over and sitting up. She looked up into the eyes of this most ancient and beautiful queen. Galadriel smiled at her with kindness, and Angelica did not feel afraid.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"You have a decision before you, one which will not be easy. It will affect the lives of all of your admirers and companions. You are about to change, and the life of the Hobbit Trollop must pass. It is time to settle for one of them. You must choose before you reach Mirkwood."

Her words settled a heaviness over Angelica's heart. "Why? Why can't I love them all, forever?"

"You will only divide them if you do. Listen well, Angelica, they will always love you, every one. They will abide by your choice. They will celebrate it."

Angelica nodded. She could feel the truth of Galadriel's words. "I understand."

"I believe you also have a confession to make as well."

"Yes. Some of them still do not know that I have regained my memories."

"The time has come to tell them. King Aragorn travels to Mirkwood as we speak. It is to him you will make your decision as to whom you will give your love. He will give his blessing to you, and to the wedding of Ciendriel and Haldir--"

"The what?" Angelica nearly fell off of Galadriel's bed. "Ciendriel does not wish to marry Haldir. They are night and day. Her heart belongs to Legolas."

"So I have been told. However--"

"Forgive me, my Lady." Legolas appeared in the doorway. "I must speak with you. It is urgent."

"It must be, that you would come so boldly into my private chamber, Legolas Greenleaf," Galadriel said, her tone reflecting a mild disapproval.

Angelica felt a shiver of fear, but also an admiration for the Elf Prince for his brashness. She could guess why he was here. She wished him luck. He and Ciendriel were clearly made for each other. Why, she, a mere Hobbit lass from Hob's Corners, was given choice between four -- no five, she must count Gimli, too, lovely partners, and the Princess was being forced to someone she did not love -- the odious Haldir!

"I will excuse myself," Angelica said. "Thank you, Lady Galadriel, I have much to think on, and I will heed your words."

Galadriel nodded, dismissing her, and Angelica left.

"Good luck, Legolas," she whispered as she faced her journey back down many stairs.

***

He fell on his knees before Galadriel in supplication. Legolas Greenleaf had never begged for anything in his life, and even knowing the futility of his gesture, he made it to her anyway. It was also a gesture of respect. He said nothing, but looked up at her, pleading silently.

Galadriel brought a hand to him and bade him rise, which he did. Her ancient eyes were filled with sadness, and she shook her head.

“I have known you all of your life, Legolas. You do not come to me in idleness, or in lust, but out of the true desire of your heart. You have thought well on the nature of your errand, and you know it to be selfish.”

Legolas nodded. It was as he had feared. “I could not live if I did not question this decision.”

“It is not your place to do so.”

“Is it not? Ciendriel was sent to Mirkwood! Was she not being sent for me?” Legolas demanded. He might be quite wrong...but he had to ask. They had not even gotten as far as Mirkwood yet!

Galadriel smiled at him, looking amused. “You will continue on to Mirkwood, all of you.” Legolas nodded, not comprehending. Was he wrong in his assumption? Galadriel took his hand in her and pulled him over towards her magical basin. “Watch, Legolas. Open your heart, and your mind.”

She poured the water into the bowl and stirred it with her fingers. Mist rose from it, and Legolas stared into its depths. An image began to form, and when he saw the familiar face, he frowned.

“Aragorn?”

Galadriel tilted her head. “The paths of fate weave and change. Look closer.”

Legolas looked back into the bowl, and saw himself, Ciendriel, and Haldir standing before Aragorn. Aragorn, who had been lover to both himself and Haldir, who was now King.

“What does this mean?”

“It means that although Morgone has stated her desires and I have given my approval, that no destiny is set in stone. You must travel back to your homeland. I can say no more.”

“Can you not tell me, my Lady, how Aragorn affects the fate of us all?” Legolas asked in frustration.

“This was no face I expected to see, Legolas.”

He was mightily surprised. “Did you not?”

“I am powerful, Legolas, but not all seeing. I see much, know much, it is true, but no creature knows everything.” She smiled at him, then pressed her lips to his forehead. “Your will is strong, and you do not despair. A strong will is capable of changing fate. Yet keep in mind that you affect not only your fate but those of others as well.”

Legolas looked into the bowl again, and saw Ciendriel standing between himself and Haldir. She was crying and he reached into the water as if he could stop her tears. The image disappeared and he saw now only the bottom of the basin.

“I do not wish her any pain.”

“I know that.”

“Tell me, Lady, is the right path truly to allow her to be with Haldir?”

“What do you think is the answer to that question, Legolas?”

“I think it may be the right path...for Haldir. But for Ciendriel...”

“And for yourself?”

“I want her. I know that this is clear, that everyone knows it, and yet I must speak it again. I want her. As I have never desired anything. Forgive me, Lady Galadriel, I cannot give up. I will not, unless she pushes me away herself.”

“So be it, Legolas Greenleaf, Son of Thranduil, Prince of Mirkwood. The lady’s mother waits in Mirkwood with Thranduil, and Aragorn, and Elrond. You may state your wishes to them, there.”

Legolas nodded. It would take all of his reserve to face them all, to tell them that he meant to go against their wishes and have this lady whether they told him yea or nay. He knew that his father was no easier than Lord Elrond, and that Aragorn would not take his side merely from friendship. He was friend to Haldir as well.

“Very well. I thank you.”

He bowed to Galadriel and took his leave. He set his jaw firmly as he began the trek down the stairs, back to Ciendriel.

Legolas decided that he would waste no more time. He was going to love her this night, even if they had only this night together in the immortal span of their endless lives. Promised or not, she did not belong to Haldir yet, and if he had his way, she never would. Ciendriel was meant to be his. Of this he was certain, no matter what anyone else had to say about it.