Chapter 17: Determinations

Aeglos sighed inwardly. For the hundredth time this day, he cursed his stupidity for agreeing to Langolin's mission to capture Galadriel. He was sitting on the bush, resting before continuing his journey to Lothlorien. He usually enjoyed traveling alone in the open air like this, submerging himself in the beauty of the stars, singing hymns to the Star-lady and Yavanna for their great deeds in decorating Arda with all the splendor of nature. But right now, no hymn or song escaped his lips. Instead, he had muttered ceaseless prayers to the Valar concerning the Lady Galadriel's predicament, which of course, also concerned his fate.

Tomorrow he would reach Lothlorien. He only had to hand Nenya to Lord Celeborn and his duty would be over. But how could he explain about how he had gotten Nenya in the first place? He would only need to tell Celeborn that Galadriel had assigned him to this task. But he doubted the Ancient Lord and lover of the Lady would suffice with such a petty explanation. And he would have to answer all of Celeborn's queries, unveiling all the truth about his foolish deeds and the revenge Langolin had planned for the Lord's beloved wife. The thought really made him cringe inwardly.

The heir of Mirkwood's throne smiled faintly. So tomorrow I must face the Lord of Lorien's wrath, he mused, but that is my fault anyway. There is no way I can escape from this trouble. Better to face responsibility with bravery than shy away in cowardice.

"Come on, Hwest." He stood and patted the horse's neck. "We must go on." He mounted his horse, and raced it against the coming of the dawn.

"Let it be what it will be."

*********

Galadriel knew Limiel had gone to Thranduil to ask for the King's interference in this matter. She resented the fact, but could do nothing. Why did she disagree with their action? Didn't Limiel do that to keep Langolin from hurting her or perhaps killing her? Her irrational irritation at Legolas and Limiel's decision only strengthened the truth that lay deep inside her unconscious thought. She wanted to be punished. So great was her guilt that had been accumulating after all these ages that the stern judgment of Mandos could not scare her anymore, not even the possibility that she would probably stay there until the end of Arda.

Galadriel had walked several miles into the woods, knowing that it was perilous to do so, but not caring. The dense leaves of the Mirkwood forest hid the dim moonlight, making the surroundings dark and eerie. But her light always was most prominent in the darkest place; it was impossible to hide herself from the sharp eyes of Legolas who had come to search for her.

"Lady Galadriel?" he called her softly, knowing very well that she was displeased with his and Limiel's actions. Formerly, he would have worried over Galadriel's reaction to his decision, but now he was certain that he had done the right thing. He did not have much wisdom, but he knew the consequence would be grave if Langolin harmed Galadriel. Perhaps Lothlorien would seek revenge, or his father King Thranduil would decide to punish his sons and vassal severely. Even though those things might not happen, the thought that he would lose his first love, the one he still held dear in his heart, though not in the romantic way as it used to be, was enough to drive him mad with anxiety.

"What is the matter, Legolas?" Galadriel asked. She had sensed his presence from some time ago. She wished to be alone, yet she knew Legolas would never let her to do so in her unguarded state. She had given up Nenya, the only thing that could aid her if perilous creatures of Mirkwood suddenly attacked her.

"I think we better leave this place. It's not safe here," Legolas said cautiously, not wanting to cause more irritation to the Lady.

Galadriel did not reply. She walked past him, heading towards Limiel's house.

"Err…., Lady?" Legolas called.

"Yes?"

"I don't think it is wise for us to return there. Let us go somewhere else."

"Why?" Galadriel frowned and pried into his mind. The young Elf desperately tried to hide his intention but failed miserably under the scrutinizing mind of the student of Melian.

"You want me to run from your teacher," Galadriel said out loud what was in Legolas' mind. "You know I will not do that. I have sworn not to run."

"Lady, please," Legolas pleaded. "My teacher can kill you."

"Then let him do what he chooses to," Galadriel said rather indignantly.

"If you are so ignorant of your own safety, at least you could consider our fate should something ill fall upon you," the supposedly less wise Elf replied in desperation mixed with impatience. He did not understand Galadriel's guilt, nor did he want to. He started to feel angry over these Noldor, his teacher and Galadriel. Both seemed to live in the nutshell of their past, oblivious to the significance role they were holding now. Should something terrible occur to them, the Elven realm of Middle Earth- which had already suffered too much loss of leaders- would go through harder times, mainly because darkness had slowly arisen again.

Galadriel sighed, failing to deny the truth behind his words. Yet what could she do? She would not run away like a coward.

"Let us talk about this later when your teacher comes back, Legolas," she finally said after long consideration. "A sworn oath must not be broken. Just as my brother kept his oath to his last breath, so will I. And perhaps you have judged your teacher's intention too harshly. Perhaps he only wanted explanation, not revenge." Galadriel added the last sentence in doubt, for she could sense Langolin's deep hatred for her.

"But…"

Legolas never finished his argument, for Galadriel silenced him with a raise of her hand. She walked briskly back to Limiel's home, not wanting to change her decision once she had made it.

*******

Meanwhile, the person that had been their concern, Langolin, had decided what to do to his adversary. He traveled alone. His fist clenched and his eyes burned with determination. Urging his horse to move faster, he held his long sword tightly.

Before the first glint of Anar could be seen today, he would arrive at his destination.

********

(tbc)

Warning: Half of this story, including this chapter isn't betaed. But it is currently edited by alliwantisanelfforchristmas. I don't think you want to wait a couple more weeks for this chapter will be betaed before I post it, do you?

Authors note: I apologize deeply for the late of update. I promise this will never happen again. And I am sorry for delaying the confrontation too, I am still working on it. Don't worry, it will be posted next week, or two more weeks if something comes along. You know, I have to babysit some other Elves who incessantly nagging me to write them. And Galadriel isnt being her kind self to me nowadays. ( dont make me slash you, Galadriel!)