Chapter 18: Confrontation

Langolin reached his destination earlier than he had planned. He certainly had underestimated the strength of his new horse. Or his own impatience. He arrived just a few hours after midnight. Aeglos, Legolas, and Limiel are probably still sleeping, he thought. But why is the fire still burning? Could they possibly have forgetten to put it down? Not wanting to awaken them, he tiptoed to the window and peeked inside.

He was taken by surprise, when he found his adversary, Galadriel, and Legolas were sitting in front of the fire in Limiel's house, chatting warmly about Lorien, the garden in Aman. He could not see Aeglos or Limiel inside. Thinking they might have been searching for privacy somewhere, he did not suspect anything. It did not occur to him that they might have gone to Thranduil or someone else. They could not possibly betray him.

Right now, his attention was completely drawn to the intimacy that Galadriel and Legolas shared. They both seemed so comfortable with each other, as if they had known each other for ages. Moreover, the way Galadriel talked to Legolas was like a teacher to her student. Nay, it was not the right word. It was more like a mother to a son. Her affection toward Legolas was palpable, and so was the young Elf's respect and admiration for her.) So the Kinslayer has won this youngling's devotion, Langolin thought wryly.

Stepping into the house, he surprised them by his coming. Galadriel turned and watched him enter. Her face still wore the friendly, warm expression, not showing any fear or hostility to her enemy. And soon, her killer. Legolas, on the other hand, was alarmed. Instinctively he touched the hilt of his blade while his eyes fixed on his teacher. Langolin raised one of his eyebrows as he saw Legolas' reaction, not entirely surprised that the "witch" had made his student turn against him. Where were Aeglos and Limiel? Had they too betrayed him like Legolas? Trusting this kinslayer more than their teacher and life long friends?

"Sounds like this lady has bewitched you, my youngest student," he said mockingly. "You are even ready to attack me, your teacher."

Legolas pulled his hand away from his blade, but he was still staring at his teacher. "I will not let you kill her." His voice was stern and determined.

But Langolin laughed. "And what you are going to do if I want to kill her? Kill me first?" He turned to Galadriel who was still wearing a calm, even peaceful expression on her face. "So you got another devotee. How did you manage to spellbind my most faithful student in such short time, Kinslayer?"

Galadriel winced inwardly at his last word. Langolin's hatred for her was passionate, and running deeper than she had thought. Perhaps he would kill me indeed, thought Galadriel.

"Langolin, leave Legolas out of this," she said. Her tone clearly showed that she would accept no objection.

The Noldor warrior stood still for a moment, ere he nodded. He too, did not want this foolish young Elf to interfere. Langolin unsheathed his sword and pointed it at Galadriel, "If that is your wish, we shall settle our dispute elsewhere. Move!"

Galadriel complied and walked out of the hut, followed by Langolin who was still pointing his sword at the Lady. Legolas was taken aback by his teacher's action and he too unsheathed his blade. But ere he could do anything, Galadriel had cast him a sharp glare. And it was not the usual gaze, as Legolas felt himself frozen against his will as Galadriel and Langolin disappeared in the forest.

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"Stop!" the darker Elf commanded, having felt that they would not be found by anyone. The forest was thick, and the place where they were standing was completely hidden from the path they just walked. Langolin had known that not even the keenest of Elven eyes would find them here, unless this place was their specific destination.

Galadriel complied and turned to face Langolin, whose eyes were blazing in fury and vengeance. There was no mercy there, no reason. Only madness. Langolin was blinded by his hatred. Without having to pry to his mind, Galadriel knew that the only thing that could satiate his burning rage was a decent revenge according to his liking. Sadly, she recalled the same fire burning in Feanor's eyes when he led the Noldor to attack her mother's kinsmen. The fire that was oblivious to anything, burning anything that came in its way. The fire that burned in the blood of every Noldor.

"What do you want from me, Langolin?" Her voice was calm, even sad, but not fearful. She had never feared death. Not now, not ever. Still, she was grieving for Langolin. His life was fueled by revenge, his only reason to live was to take revenge. But what would he do once his revenge had been carried out? What would he live for? Would he fade? Or could he live happily with the knowledge that he had murdered one of his kin? Galadriel was no alien to the burden of guilt, and she wished no one else would taste the bitter toxicity of regret the rest of their immortality.

"I will have revenge on my parents' behalf." So she was right. He wanted no more and no less than revenge.

"How?"

"I would have you killed."

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(tbc)

Will be finished in about 3 or 4 chapters.

( this chapter is not yet betaed)

Thank you for everyone who reviews: Treehugger ( I love you), Galadriel, the Mad Writer, Neca, psyco101, Aria, Arinya. I love you all.

Aria: How do I know so much Elvish? go to Ardalambion.

Mad Writer: slash Galadriel? Nah, I would prefer slashing Glorfindel. *g*