Chapter 6

The elf maid sat in the darkness of the dungeon, her eyes unfocused in the elven version of sleep. She did not stir when the door creaked open on hinges rusted from disuse. She did not stir as the elf who had opened the doors softly padded across the dirt floor and sink to her knees next to her friend. Gently she laid a hand on her captive friend's shoulder. Instantly the other awoke and jerked away from the slight touch.

"Pennanto?" she questioned softly.

The blond elf shut her eyes and drew a deep and shaky breath before looking squarely at her friend, "Yes, it's me."

Concern showed in Fëaeledh's eyes as she took in her friend's current state.

"I'm sorry," she apologized.

"It's not your fault, you couldn't remember," Fëaeledh opened her ,mouth to protest, but Pennanto stopped her. "Don't blame yourself, it was my choice to return. Even Lord Elrond couldn't stop me, and he did try." A small laugh shook her shoulders but did not come to her lips nor show in her eyes. "Even Elladan and Elrohir tried to dissuade me. They thought I was crazy. But I had a responsibility, I should never have let you come here alone."

"You can't control everything, mellon nin(my friend). Some things are beyond your reach. But

I promise that I will try everything I can think of to get you out of here."

Unshed tears glimmered in Pennanto's eyes. " Thank you, muinthel(sister)."

---

The dungeon door creaked open slowly on it's rusting hinges. The dungeons were not used often, and so were ill maintained. Pennanto did not look up. She was seated on the ground, her legs held down in stocks and her arms hung next to here head, suspended. The door was shut and the visitor walked across the room soundlessly. Pennanto could sense the other elf standing in front of her but she resolutely looked at the ground, away from where they were standing. For a moment, neither spoke. The free elf gazing coldly and with some wonder at the bound female before him.

"After all these years you came back. Should I wonder why? Is it your goal in life to make Mirkwood a cheerless place. It seems that whenever you are here evil things seem to happen. Why is that?"

Pennanto refused to acknowledge the voice and he tipped her chin up so he could see her face. Pennanto's jaw involuntarily clenched and she shut her eyes to avoid having to look the other in the face.

"What?" the voice taunted. "Is your guilt too much? Can you not look me in the face?"

Immediately Pennanto's eyes popped open defiantly. She was not going to be ruled by these people. They may have taken her dignity, but her innocence was still in tact. Perhaps not by law in Mirkwood, but in her own heart.

"Le norn mîn meleth(you twisted my love)," She spat at the elf, "ieaw enni na ha. Le badhor enni pen lasto. Ennas ú fael edhel ned Laeg Eryn(mocking me w/ it. you judged me w/o listening. there is no just elf in Greenwood)."

Suprised by her use of Mirkwood's old name, Greenwood, the other elf's expression softened a bit. A slight smile formed on Pennanto's face.

"Yes," she said softly. "It is still Greenwood the Great to me. Mirkwood is far to harsh a name for a place that is still full of beauty." A deep sorrow filled her eyes, "You wanted to know why I came back? I came back because a friend needed me. You called me here, Legolas, and I came. I knew what the consequences were, and yet I came. Please, do not talk about what you do not understand. I never harbored ill will against your family, and especially not your mother. I loved your mother as if she were my own. There wasn't even a trial, did you know that? I was arrested, detained, and sentenced. There is one thing I need to know, do you hate me?"

"No. I tried for many years, but I couldn't. I became very good at pretending."

"Yes I know what you mean...it eats at me to have to hate you. It's almost an obligation. Please...can you leave now? Having all these dreams and nightmares played out is tormenting me."

Legolas did leave. He stepped outside the heavy wooden doors and spoke quietly with the gaurds. He came back quickly, and with a ring of keys. Pennanto looked at the elf in shock as he knelt and unlocked her bonds.

"What are you doing?" she asked him, her voice trembling. "When your father finds out--"

"I will be prepared, I am willing to help you. I never completely thought you would do anything like they said you did."

She took a deep, steadying breath, "Legolas, you don't have to do this. I'm ready to accept the consequence for my actions."

Legolas looked at her seriously, "They will kill you."

"I know."

"Does Fëaeledh know?"

Pennanto shook her head, "I didn't tell her. I didn't want her to know. When I am gone, will you watch out for her? Ennas ú estel an mîn(there is no hope for me)."

When she had said this, she closed her eyes and refused to acknowledge his presence anymore.

His gaze upon her was full of compassion, "Estel uireb(hope is eternal)."

---

"We have to do something!" Fëaeledh declared to Legolas after he explained Pennanto's situation.

"We can do nothing, she has already been sentenced," Legolas told her firmly. "Even I cannot do anything, does that not tell you something?"

"And just who sentenced her?" Fëaeledh's voice dripped with sarcasm. "It wouldn't be your father would it? Because if you hadn't noticed he's not exactly an unbiased judge."

"Wait, say that again."

"He's not an unbiased judge?"

"Exactly, don't you see?"

"See what," Fëaeledh was smiling at Legolas's enthusiasm, but was shaking her head in confusion.

"We need to demand that there be an unbaised trial, with a judge with no emotional connection to the case."

"Like who? Not Lord Elrond, he would rule in favor of Pennanto."

"What about the Lady Galadriel? She's probably heard of the case."

Fëaeledh nodded, grinning. "That's perfect! We just have to arrange it!"