[Lhunardawen]

It really surprised Tilionwen to find that she felt neither any recurring pain nor envy as she listened to Astilwen. All she could see was the blooming happiness in her friend's face, and that was more than enough to swallow any vestige of self-centered emotion she might possibly have. It was a pleasant sight, and one Tilionwen would do anything for if only she could keep it that way...

She was not sure if she was merely seeing things, but Tilionwen could bet that there was a hint of a blush on Astilwen's face earlier. It seemed to her an odd reaction to such innocent queries as hers were, and it made her feel unexplainably curious. So did she tell the hobbit through her eyes, but she missed it - or at least she pretended to. She had let it pass for that moment, not wanting to offend her, but this time -

You've already told her so much! Even if it were ethically wrong, you have the right.

That blush, that evasion - they had to be there for a reason. And whatever it is, you should respect it.

And so the debate went on inside her, until Tilionwen noticed that Astilwen was looking at her oddly. They had both fallen silent. With a reluctant wave of a white flag the two other voices soon followed suit.

"But you didn't answer me completely," Tilionwen finally said. She smiled sweetly, innocently, at Astilwen, and let her prodding eyes speak for themselves. Perhaps this time she'll get the message.