"Very well." He nods, and follows her out, turning to where his own men are waiting.

They are there, standing respectfully back from the rest of the crowd by the fire, their eyes a-glitter under the stars, breath fogging in the air, and under Caranthir's direction they accept the candle stubs with thanks, but stay silent. This is a time for the Haladin, and they are the intruders here. But Caranthir's eyes shine brightly as he watches Haleth, and more than one of his men are smiling in appreciation as the candles fill the night with man-made stars.