Disclaimer: see chapter one if the disclaimer actually interests you
Chapter Four
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Formalities were exchanged slowly while Fiothiel sat itching in her seat, waiting for the real punishment that was sure to come. Surely she was not to be punished for the current weather, so why didn't they just get on with it!
Sure enough, Elrond turned to her and spoke in a gentle voice, "'Thiel, I believe that you know why you are here… but I will repeat it in case we have any storyline…differences."
Legolas raised his eyebrows at this shaky show of faith.
He continued, "I understand you attacked Legolas in the woods when you assumed he was an intruder. Surely, 'Thiel, you know better than to pounce on just anyone!"
Exasperated, she spoke, "He told me not his name, milord. Otherwise I never would have, well, 'pounced' on him, as you put it. It was suspicious enough to merit an attack."
Elrond smiled slightly, and his eyes twinkled as he leaned towards her, "That must have been quite some attack, to bring down that elf." Tadieron coughed, and Elrond leaned back slowly and resumed his serious expression. "However, I'm afraid that you must accept a punishment for your… hastiness."
Legolas looked at Elrond, who nodded, and said rather gently, "'Thiel, I have known you for ages, and you are one of our best guards," Legolas looked slightly miffed, but said nothing. "This, however, was horribly inappropriate, and you will serve a punishment for your actions; you will be denoted back down to be trained in discipline, and to hone your fighting skills, although they are sure not to need much help if you brought down Prince Legolas," Elrond smiled apologetically at her, and she knew that he could not let this one go by, attacking royalty was no small misdemeanor. Legolas glanced at her, and in his gaze flickered slight amusement. Amused was he? She didn't see anything funny about the situation, that was for sure.
Out of nowhere, the heavy mahogany door was jerked open with a bang.
A breathless serving maid, tears streaming down her cheeks stood framed by the halo of sunlight in the doorway. She spoke, her voice choked by sobs and horror:
"The lady Celebrwien… she's dead"
With that spoken, she collapsed.
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