Chapter 52

Meanwhile, Tauriel, in pursuit of the orcs, comes to a rocky promontory at the end of the river and at the banks of the lake. Far across the lake, Laketown is visible. On the rocks are pieces of a deer that the orcs had previously shot and ripped apart. Hearing something, Tauriel turns her head slightly and reaches for something at her side. She whips around and comes to a crouch with an arrow knocked to her bow. Several yards behind her is Legolas, also with his bow drawn. Tauriel said, "Ingannen le Orch. [I thought you were an Orc.]"

Legolas said, "Cí Orch im, dangen le. [If I were an Orc, you would be dead.]" They both lower their bows. "Tauriel, you cannot hunt thirty orcs on your own."

Tauriel said, "But I'm not on my own."

Legolas smiles. "You knew I would come." Tauriel smiles. "The king is angry, Tauriel. For 600 years, my father has protected you, favored you. You defied his orders; you betrayed his trust. Dandolo na nin...e gohenatha. [Come back with me...he will forgive you.]"

Tauriel said, "Ú-'ohenathon. Cí dadwenithon, ú-'ohenathon im. [But I will not. If I go back, I will not forgive myself.]"

Tauriel said, "The king has never let orc-filth from our lands, yet he would let this orc-pack cross our borders and kill our prisoners."

Legolas said, "It is not our fight."

Tauriel said, "It is our fight. It will not end here. With every victory, this evil will grow. If your father has his way, we will do nothing. We will hide within our walls, live our lives away from the light, and let darkness descend. Are we not part of this world?"

Tauriel said, "Tell me, mellon (friend) when did we let evil become stronger than us?" Legolas looks conflicted. "More importantly, how far did you get with the girl?"

Legolas glared at her. "As far as her curse let me."