Legolas perched on a tree, gazing at the blue night sky spreading above him, listening to the melodic sound of the river Nimrodel. He and his brothers, along with some other companions, had been camping for several weeks near the border of Lothlorien. They had agreed to help Langolin, their sworn brother and teacher, to accomplish his mission. Little did he know about the true purpose of this mission, save for pursuing justice by capturing an evil Elven Witch who ruled the realm of Lothlorien. Why and how the Witch committed the crime was unbeknownst to him, and curiosity was never part of his character.
Langolin, their leader, was known as Morni rochbennil* among the Elves of Mirkwood. He got the calling for his black hair and dark eyes and his constant choice of black outfits. Only few knew his real name, and even less knew his background. Legolas only knew that his teacher was very ancient, perhaps even older than his father, King Thranduil of Mirkwood. Despite his little knowledge about his teacher, Legolas respected him as the greatest warrior of Mirkwood and the was the most influencing person for young Legolas.
"Legolas, come here. We need to discuss something, " Aeglos, his oldest brother called him. Legolas jumped down from the tree to follow his brothers and friends who went to sit around the fire.
"As you can see, we have been spying Lorien for several weeks without significant result, " Brethil*, one of the warriors who joined their company, spoke. It was true that they could not even sneak into Lorien without alarming the guards, let along capturing the Witch.
"We know that matter, Brethil. And I begin to feel desperate. This mission is impossible," Aeglos sighed.
Brethil smiled cunningly, "Do not despair. I have found a plan to lure the Witch out."
"How? By calling her out loud?" Legolas asked cynically. Despite the respect he had for his fellow warrior, he never liked Brethil much for some reason he did not understand.
"By kidnapping Arwen, her young granddaughter. You see, this Princess loves to sneak away to Nimrodel, and cries alone there. We can catch her there. I daresay this little Elf is smarter than any of us, being able to escape her caregiver and the guardians of Lorien while we cannot even enter the Realm."
"Well, what are we waiting for then? Intelligence is something the little girl might possess, but she cannot possibly beat all of us. This task is a lot easier than sneaking to Lorien." Aeglos seemed very excited. He had missed Mirkwood terribly and longed to go back, for he had an Elf maid waiting for him there.
"I disagree. The little girl is innocent, and I could find no reason why we should involve her in this matter," Legolas frowned to emphasize his opinion. He was always an idealist among his fellow brothers and kinsmen, and as a warrior he valued justice and honor above all else. This plan was not an honorable way to accomplish their mission.
Daeross* looked at his younger brother with sympathy mixed with mockery. "Your heart is too gentle for a warrior, muindor*. As you can see, we have no other option. Or perhaps you have a better plan? "
"But the little girl is grieving, and now we are using her against her grandmother. What kind of warriors are we?" Legolas insisted. The story about Celebrian sailing to the West not long before was known to all of them, as Mirkwood and Rivendell were close allies.
"Seem like you have started to pity our enemy, cunnen*," said a cold voice was heard behind Legolas. He turned around and faced Langolin*, his teacher. His eyes were cold and emotionless. He had listened to the whole conversation in silence, for it was not his habit to waste his words in worthless speech.
Legolas shook his head," I am speaking on behalf of justice and honor, gwador*."
Langolin chuckled. "Justice you said? Nay, you are still young and an idealist, little do you know about justice and truth, but I respect your point of view. We will do her no harm, Legolas. Do not worry."
Legolas hesitated, but he knew it was useless to force his will. Besides, Langolin, his teacher and a noble warrior of Mirkwood, would never break his promise or do anything dishonorable.
"It is decided then. Legolas, you stay here with our belongings and horses. Others, follow me. Brethil, show me where the little girl usually hides and we will await her there," Langolin ordered. The rest of the company nodded and followed him while Legolas was left alone, feeling upset to be the youngest of them all.
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Translation:
In Quenya:
*Tulielto = they have come.
*Langolin = his name derives from the word lango, meaning "long broad sword".
In Sindarin:
*Morni rochbennil = Dark Knight. Morn: dark, rochben = knight.
*Daeross = great rain.
*Aeglos = a kind of plant like furze.
*Brethil = beech tree.
*cunnen = my prince.
*gwador = sworn brother.
*muindor = brother.
Thanks for alliwantisanelfforchristmas for beta reading!