"Limiel, I need to talk to you." Legolas hurriedly grabbed the maiden's arm, knowing that she did not like such behavior, but did not care.
"Of what matter, Legolas? You look so worried and nervous." She put down the dishes she was washing and examined the younger Elf carefully, surprised by his unexpected impoliteness.
Legolas looked around, to ensure that Galadriel was not listening, ere answered Limiel. "Your uncle is coming soon. I can feel it. And I am afraid the Lady's life is in danger."
Limiel's eyes widened. "Are you saying he is going to kill Lady Galadriel?"
"I just know that the Lady is very convinced that she will die in short time."
"Please, Legolas. My uncle may be cold and seemingly unkind, but killing the Lady? He is not that mad." Limiel tried to calm Legolas down, but without success. Even she couldn't convince herself. Langolin was always mysterious and unpredictable. Her uncle was always kind to her family. But that was because her father was his sworn brother and they always treated him with kindness and respect. But how would he treat his adversary? So far she only knew how he treated their common enemies, Orcs and spiders, but that did not count. No one would have mercy on these dark creatures. What if the enemy was another Elf? Fear started to creep in, chilling her spine as unwanted thoughts invaded her mind. She turned away from Legolas and sat on a chair, trapped in her own thoughts.
"Limiel, talk to me, what are you thinking? Why do you look so worried ? Don't scare me." Legolas' worry was fed by the look on her face. She had known Langolin longer than he did, because she was far older than Legolas, and she must know something about him that Legolas didn't. And whatever it was, it wasn't a pleasant one.
"Legolas." She looked at him again, her gaze showing her fear. "I remember…"
"What do you remember? Limiel, tell me!"
She nodded and spoke up, "It happened when I was a child. My father and my uncle were engaged in a serious discussion in the living room. I was with my brothers in our bedroom, preparing to sleep, but we decided that a pillow war was much more enjoyable. " A faint smile spread over her face as she remembered her joyous childhood. "Anyway… I didn't pay attention to their chat, of course. We were too busy playing and giggling quietly, so mother wouldn't catch us awake. Then a loud bang was heard, a sound of a table being hit, followed by an angry yell from my uncle. Never before had I heard him so enraged. My brothers and I were silent, frightened.
"I cannot forgive her, ever. I thought you know me better than that, Aglar!" my uncle was yelling again at my father. Of course, I wondered inside what had my father done to cause such anger from him. My father, as you know, was gentle and wise. His words were always soothing and comforting, never scorning.
"Langolin, ages have passed since the incident." Father was trying to placate him. "You have lived so many years of your life in bitterness and rage. Could you just forgive? It will heal your heart and soul."
"No! Aglar, you ask the impossible. She murdered my family!"
"It was a self-defense."
"It was not, Aglar, for she is a Noldor and supposed to stand on our side, her kin. She is not just a murderer, but betrayer as well. She is unforgivable."
"And are you the Valar to judge? Langolin, I don't think…" I didn't know why his words were halted, but I assumed my uncle forbade him to continue somehow. After a while my uncle's voice was heard again, this time colder and more stern. "This is the end of our discussion, Aglar. As dear as a blood brother you are to me, but you cannot compel me to forgive her. I never do, and never will. One day, I'll kill her with my own hand to revenge my parents' deaths and all our kin she has betrayed."
There was a long moment of silence after Limiel told her story. Legolas was certain now that his respected teacher would conduct a murder, causing his worry to peak. Limiel, too, shared the same thought with him. "What must we do now? Surely we cannot let that happen," Limiel spoke up first, voicing their shared thoughst.
"I think we must get her out of here. But I promised not to interfere with whatever my teacher would do to her…," Legolas said hesitantly, regretting his previous oath even more.
"But I don't promise anything, " Limiel smiled meaningfully.
"Perhaps she will ask you to."
"Before that can happen, I must go to your father, Legolas."
"No, don't…"
"Why?" Limiel looked at him curiously.
Legolas' face was reddening, as he answered, "I don't want my father to know about our involvement in this matter." He raised his eyes to meet hers and pleaded, "Please, Limiel. You will send all of us, including Aeglos, into a big trouble."
"Do you have better option, Legolas? I don't think so." She answered her own question after Legolas turned away, but didn't say anything to respond.
Finally, Legolas sighed and turned back to Limiel. "Go then, Limiel. We are warriors, we must not fear to be responsible for our wrongdoings."
The maiden nodded and said, "I wish I have another choice, Legolas. But hiding this truth from your father can cause a terrible ordeal later on for every one of us, and our kingdom."
"I know, Limiel. It is not amusing to imagine such a dreadful thing to happen. You better hurry. I can sense that my teacher is approaching. Is there a horse here? Aeglos took Hwest away to Lorien."
"I am a horse trainer, silly boy." Limiel laughed, "Don't you think I can train my horse to come to me when I need him?"
Legolas laughed with her. "Oops, I totally forgot."
Both of them smiled and went outside through the backdoor. Limiel whistled loudly to call her horse. A few moments later, a black stallion was running toward them. He stopped and sniffed Limiel lovingly. "Good boy," she said ere she jumped onto his back. She patted him and urged him on quickly. "Go, Mahtar. Run as fast as you can."
Legolas watched her disappear into the forest ere re-entering the house. 'Good luck, Limiel. The Lady's fate is in your hand. And perhaps Mirkwood's too.'
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