Disclaimer: I don't own anything that belongs to Tolkien. See, pretty self-explanatory.

Cyberwing: BAHAHAHA! (insane laughter) I finished another chapter (dance dance)... and it's 1:45 in the morning. I'll cut the crap and let you read this lol

And now, me go sleep!

Don't Love Me Too Much-ch18

Culina flinched as she received another slash on her cheek. She swung her sword in front of her only to find that her response was too late.

She missed him again!

Damn it.

He was using the hit-and-run strategy, coming close to her to strike and backing away before she could even touch him. The wounds which she'd received from him were deep enough to bleed and feel pain only. They weren't serious injuries. He was toying with her, like she was some sort of plaything.

She couldn't understand why he couldn't fight in an honourable manner; that they couldn't stand face to face and fight until the one who remained standing wins. However, she couldn't complain, she was much stronger than him in comparison and both of them knew this. The truth was; she was the one who taught him how to fight properly. Therefore, she knew every move of his.

She had to find a way to lure him close to her enough so she could actually attack... but how? Halbarad wasn't a cautious man, anyone who fight intended to win should know that the more time it takes to win, the more chance for the opponent to get use to the fighting style. As a result, the opponent has more chance to win.

This could be the cause of his downfall, by giving her more time to think of a plan and for a chance.

However, right now, she had to wait since he wasn't in her attack range most of the time and attack unexpectedly. She had to lure him close enough to grab onto him, preventing him from escaping once more.

An idea came into mind, but it was a great risk. Breathing deeply and exhaling. She executed her plan.

She closed her eyes...

And waited.

Legolas winced as he heard Narie screamed. She was screaming so loud that most of the men in the camp practically jerked their heads to the direction of her voice. Her voice, stopped for a moment, probably taking a deeper breath, since the scream after it were louder and higher in pitch.

He watched as a person lead his men out of the campsite to investigate the source of the sound. He entered the camp quietly, wondering whether he needed to do that anymore. Her voice was practically drowning out any sound. Well, it was time for him to look for the unconscious girl.

Taking a last look at the direction of her voice, he shook his head. For an elf, she sure knew how to make a scene in the simplest manner. Well, at least her diversion plan worked.

It was the stupidest thing she had ever done, Narie guaranteed as she remained sitting on the ground, limping on one side, having her right hand over her ankle as if she was hurt.

She heard the sound of footsteps, judging by it, it was around 14 people coming her way...

It didn't take long for her to see them, as they were running to her, only to stop ten feet away from her. Indeed, there were 14 men in total. They were all human, between the age of twenty and forty. They were strong build meaning they had either been fighting or working hard for most of their lives.

"Help me," Narie said weakly, "I sprained my ankle on my way. I... am wondering if you can help me to go back to Lorien?" With that, she touched her pretend wounded ankle once again, deliberately showing the golden bracelet she had on her wrist.

She had to stop herself from laughing out loud as she saw how their eyes widened and their mouth watered at the sight of her jewelry.

Well, at least she caught their attention.

"It is getting late..." One of the men stepped out from the rest, "and you are injured. How about we head back to my camp and tend your wounds first. Then, we'll personally deliver you back?"

Hell's bells were ringing in her head. If she was to agree, then entering the camp would be easy while trying to get back out would nearly be impossible. Unlike Legolas, she possessed no fighting skills. Her agility might be an advantage but she doubted she would be able to outrun them all.

However, right now, she must play her role as the injured, 'innocent', ...naïve elf.

"I would...ouch!" She gave a small scream as she tried to move her ankle, wanting to display herself as brittle as possible so they would lower their guards into thinking she had no chance of running. After all, surprise could prove effective if it was used effectively. "I would..."

She stopped when she heard a few men approaching at a distance, coming to her in a steady speed. She turned around, only to see they were in terrible condition. Some of them were leaning on another person for support. Great, now she had one less escape route.

She narrowed her eyes a bit... there was something about them that made her felt like she had seen them before...

Oh my...!!!

Realization hit her, she swirled her head around, hoping the injured men didn't see her face... She clenched her hands into fists, taking deep breathes to remain calm. She had to haut them from getting back to the camp as much as possible... She must!

Those injured men were the ones who'd attacked her earlier. They would know that about Legolas as he was the one who rescued her from those men. Therefore, they must not see her face!

(A/N: from now on, I'll refer those who attacked Narie before as 'injured men' and those who had gotten out of the camp due to Narie's scream as the '14 men'.)

She lowered her face, using her hair to conceal some of her facial features. She hoped that they wouldn't recognize her.

Fortunately, the injured men walked pasted her to the 14 men.

"What happened?" The 14 men moved toward them to support them, acting as the injured men's crutch.

"We were so close in capturing an elf. Then some bastard came and rescued her." A man with husky voice said. Then he chuckled, eyeing Narie, "But you didn't look too bad yourself, you got a maiden."

"Wait till you see what she has on her wrist."

They didn't even bother concealing what they were doing anymore! Narie realized, her knuckles were turning white due to the about of force she used. She bit her lower lip, trying to figure out what to do next.

A man kneeled next to her, pulling her face up with his index finger for everyone up to see.

Before she could get out of his grip, someone in the group exclaimed, "She's the one from before! The one that has a guy with him!"

With an unknown power, Narie slapped the man's hand away, got up and started sprinting in the direction where there wasn't any man as fast as she could. Unbelievable, she thought, she was actually able to get away... probably they would never have expected her to run since she had 'twisted' her ankle.

Footsteps could be heard chasing after her, motivating her to run harder. Her inability to fight might be a disadvantage to her, but she knew the landscape of Lorien extremely well. If she couldn't fight fire with fire, then she shall fight fire with water...

After all, one couldn't be in a defenseless position forever.

Culina's eyes snapped open when she felt Halbarad's sword pierced into her body.

NOW!

In one swift, smooth movement, she let go of her sword and grabbed onto his arm with both of her hand. She twirled around so her back was facing him and flipped him over her shoulder, slamming his hard onto the ground.

Now she had him within her grip.

With her knee, she held him in place. She slipped the knife which was in her boot out, lifting it up in the air; she planned to jam it into his heart, ending this mess.

And end her hope and dream for the future which once lied within him. She loved him, but she couldn't keep her eyes shut anymore. She couldn't let him endanger her people or anyone anymore. She couldn't be so selfish or pusillanimous.

She had to do this...

She must do this...

"Don't." Halbarad's became visible once more; pain and fear were in his eyes. He raised both of his hands in surrender. "I love you! I did this for you! Think of our future!!"

Still...Culina hesitated...

And that moment of hesitation was precisely what Halbarad needed to pick up her sword which was on the ground and use it to strike her.

Well this is the end of the chapter. What will happen next? Read the next chapter to find out! However, right now...PLEASE CLICK THE BOTTOM LEFT BUTTON TO REVIEW! YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH THEY MOTIVATE ME!! Thanks for reading!