A wise man makes his own decisions, an ignorant man follows the public opinion.
Chinese Proverb

Chapter 9: Ignorance

The couple were sitting on a horse. The maiden sat in front, leaning against the muscular chest of her beloved. They had been riding slowly for several hours, merely to enjoy each other's company. They didn't speak, content enough to listen as their hearts beat in unison.

"Beloved, you look so fair this morning," Aeglos whispered to Limiel ere gently sucking the pointy edge of her left ear.

Limiel laughed, "Pray tell, am I the loveliest maiden?"

Aeglos smelled her scented hair, and touched her ear with his nose ere answered, "Yea."

"Liar, " Limiel smiled. " Lady Nerwen is a hundred times prettier."

Aeglos frowned, "The Witch? Nay."

"Ah, Aeglos. Should you always be so opposed to her? Where did you learn about her evilness save from my uncle's words?"

"What makes you sure she is not?" Aeglos fingers ran through her silky brown hair.

"Haven't you known me well enough? I don't judge anyone negatively until evidences confirm the opposite," Limiel took his hands to wrap them around her waist.

The Prince was quiet, pondering the truth behind her wisdom. It was true that the Lady gave no hint of wickedness or cruelty. All his limited knowledge about "the Witch" came from Langolin's obscure explanation, which was not enough to objectively judge anyone.

"Tell me, what do you know about her? From her appearance, I think she must be a princess or some sort," Limiel broke the silence, her hand stroking his arm.

"The name she is well known by is Galadriel, the Lady of the Golden Wood. Maybe the name she gave you is her maiden name."

Limiel turned and faced Aeglos with her eyes widening in surprise, "Lady Galadriel? The ruler of Lothlorien? Mother in law of Lord Elrond? Have you gone mad or something? Kidnapping such influential Elf? Does your father know?"

Aeglos was stunned. For the first time, he realized what he and his brothers had done. What if his father found out? His father would be deadly furious. And what would happen if Elves from Lorien or Rivendell or elsewhere in Middle Earth found out about the Princes of Mirkwood's involvement in abduction of their Queen?

"No, Limiel. No one else save you and we know about this matter."

"We better keep it that way." Limiel turned and leaned against him again. She let out a deep breath, marveling the thoughtlessness of her beloved and friends. "What a mess my uncle got you into! And all of you are no better than horses, following the riders wherever they go without any concern as to where they shall be led to."

"He is a honorable person. His integrity has been proven by time. We trust him," Aeglos tried to object to his beloved, but he could not truly deny it.

"Aye, he is. Or else my father wouldn't have vowed brotherhood with him in first place; still it is not excuse for your actions. For Elbereth's sake, you are the eldest among your brothers and heir to the Mirkwood's throne! Can't you even think before doing something?" Her tone voiced her impatience. She loved Aeglos deeply, deep enough to feel the anger aroused by her concern. Her prince had never been taught wisdom and good judgment, unlike herself whose father was a teacher. They were trained to battle, not to discern.

Aeglos could not feel angry at the cruel comment of his lover. It was harsh, but so true. He only sighed ere said, "It has been done. What shall we do now?"

Limiel shrugged, "I don't know. Maybe the best thing we can do right now is to find out why Langolin caught her, then we can decide any course of action needed."

"Then go and ask her about it."

Limiel shook her head, "I will not. It is time for you to show your responsibility over the mistake you made. I truly wish that you would learn to act considerably from now on, my love. Or else, you fail your birthright, yourself, and me."

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BurningTyger: Thanks so much for reviewing. There is NO Quenya translator program, but I have the dictionary and courses from Ardalambion. Quenya tongue is heavenly isn't it?

Deborah, Treehugger, Oboe-Wan: (without belittling other reviewers who I appreciate as highly as sky above, gosh I am tooo poetic). Without your support, I can never go this far, especially thanks for also reading my other poems and fics…. And LIKE IT! I LOVE making poems. Also the atmosphere of this story is very appropriate for poems isn't it?

Oboe-wan: thanks thanks thanks for beta read me!!

This chapter is very short for writer's block still on my way and head. I am composing the next which contains why she was captured, but since it will be a very important chapter, I am still revising and editing and of course, as my kind beta reader's opinion.