Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings.

"Wake up, you!" That was what Sheaowyn woke up to. Reality hit her like a sack of llamas. Today was the day of her trial. Today, if things went as expected, was the day of her death. "Yes, I see you understand," the warrior said with a smirk.

Sheaowyn stood and lifted her chin defiantly. The warrior's eyes narrowed in suspicion. The warden she recognized as Shawnuil appeared behind him. "Let us get this over with," he murmured to the other elf. He glanced at Sheaowyn with pity. Apparently, someone wanted her to live. A small smile touched her dirty lips. "I need you to come with me. No struggles, alright? Please?" the handsome elf, Shawnuil pleaded. The other warrior had disappeared.

"And tell me, kind sir, what would be the point in struggling? I have accepted my fate." Sheaowyn replied. Shawnuil frowned sadly. "Do not look so grim. A burden is being lifted from your shoulders, today, Shawnuil."

"What makes you so sure Rumil will call on your death?" the elf asked, unlocking the cell door. "He is not so heartless."

"Heartless? My friend, it would be far from heartless to kill me." She spoke with such ease of her own death. "And I still cannot fathom why you wish me to remain alive after what I did to your friend."

"My lady, you are not evil. You have merely been misled to believe you had no choice. It is hardly your fault." Shawnuil replied. He had taken a length of rope from the wall. "For safety's sake," he murmured, pulling her hands behind her back.

Sheaowyn nodded. "I do not agree with you, Shawnuil. But I hope Rumil has made the right choice."

"And what choice do you believe that to be?" he asked uncertainly.

"The choice to punish me for my actions in the most thorough way."

"Do you really wish to leave Middle Earth so much?"

"I confess, friend, that a part of me is hoping that Rumil will forgive me, the part of me that needs him to love me as much as I love him, even though I now it is wrong for me to wish so." Sheaowyn whispered.

Shawnuil smiled slightly. "If there is one thing to believe in, Sheaowyn, my friend, it is love."

"Perhaps you speak the truth. I suppose we shall see soon enough."

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"Are you sure you can handle this?" Orophin asked for the tenth time that afternoon.

"Of course, brother, my shoulder has long since healed." Rumil replied.

"But what of your heart?" Orophin asked.

Rumil looked over at the elf, surprise clear in his eyes. His eyes were what told Orophin all was not well. They had never regained their sparkle. "I assure you, I can handle this, brother," the younger elf said, looking down and avoiding the question.

Orophin sighed. "I suppose you are right. After all, your shoulder has been healed as much as can be. I must go with Haldir." The tall blonde elf placed a hand on Rumil's shoulder. "I trust you will make the right decision."

Then he was gone, leaving Rumil to calm his nerves and slowly healing heart.