"Mithrandir, you had better have a plan. You said you would get me out of this and I trusted you."

"Yes, tonight we will leave," Gandalf said.

"Good," said Legolas leaning against the wall. He gritted against another twinge in his chest from cracked ribs. This was going to be hard. At least, being an elf, he would heal faster or he wouldn't be able to escape.

Just as he was shifting his weight in a vain attempt to relieve some of the pain, a she-elf cautiously slipped over to his cell.

"My Prince? Are you awake?" she whispered softly.

She knelt down beside him, her long blonde hair cascading down, since she did not have it tied back. Legolas found himself mesmerized by her beauty for a moment before quickly regaining control.

"seriously, you are already looking at another only a few days after Tauriel died? for shame!" he thought to himself.

Leaning forward, the she-elf handed him a small loaf of lembas and a small vessel of water.

"Here, to regain your strength. You will need it to escape," she said.

Legolas went pale. "Who are you and how do you know that!?" he demanded worriedly. "Does anyone else know I plan to escape?"

"I am Jauriel, maidservant to your Adar. But I do not agree with him and will not betray you. I only ask that you take me with you because he would execute me for treason if I were found out. No one else knows about your plans."

"How do I know I can trust you?"

"You cannot. But you truly have no choice in the matter. I practice secretly with the bow and the blades, so I will not be a very cumbersome companion. Saes, my lord."

Legolas looked to Gandalf. "What do you think about it?"

"I believe she will be an asset. I sense no ill motives in her mind and spirit."

Legolas closed his eyes in frustration. "Fine," he agreed. "You may come, Jauriel."

A smile lit up her face. "Then I will see you tonight with supplies."

She gracefully glided out.

"I hope this works, Mithrandir...Mithrandir?" Legolas called.

But Gandalf was asleep, resting for that night.

A small smile graced Legolas's features. He wished he could sleep but he was in too much pain.

"Sleep well, mellon-nin."