Chapter Eight - Harsh Lessons And Confessions
The second Melriadora opened her eyes she wished she hadn't. She did not remember passing out, but she had woken to unbearable pain. She closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing wishing someone would stop the pain that was shooting through her body like sharpened knives.
"Good. You're awake again." A cold voice commented. Melriadora turned her head and opened her eyes. The room was painfully red, blood red. The dark fur of the Polrai, which moved through the room, evilly shrieking as they went about their tasks, and the pale face of Reymara contrasted with the room. Melriadora was strapped down to a table, which was growing warmer by the second; soon it would be unbearably hot. Then she remembered that it already had, that was why she passed out earlier. Time was losing its meaning, she would have to be careful to keep her bearings. She must focus on something good, she forced her mind to wander to summer on the Isle, if she grew hot, she could swim in the lake. Its waters were cool and clear, and always felt good against her warm skin. She almost smiled, as the pain seemed to dim when she imagined herself diving into the water.
Reymara noticed this and leaned closer. "In case you don't remember we were just discussing the art of breaking a soul. The first step is you to give me a nice, loud, scream. Why don't you go ahead and do that for me? Then I won't have to heat the bench again, and I might put some nice healing herbs on your poor burnt flesh. Will you scream for me Melriadora?"
The bench grew hotter; she could feel it leading up to burning her, that was the worse part. Still, she must not give in. Melriadora shook her head, "No." She managed to croak out, unable to say it firmly, her throat was far too dry.
"No?" Reymara repeated, she nodded to the Polrai. The heat on the bench increased sharply, Melriadora could feel the skin on her back begin to coil and burn. She bit her lip to keep from crying out and closed her eyes to gather her strength. She allowed her mind to wander again, desperately searching for something that would give her strength. Then she thought of Legolas, she saw the look on his face when he welcomed her home for her visit all those years ago, the way he looked at her when he thought she wasn't looking, the way they danced together. He was her truest companion and greatest friend, she knew that he would be her strength. When she opened her eyes again her purpose was clear again, she must not give in to Reymara or she would become an agent of evil herself.
To Reymara this was unacceptable, she summoned another Polrai forward who handed her a long knife. Reymara raised it, hesitated for a second, then sliced through the flesh on both of Melriadora's arms, leaving long slits in the flesh, not deep enough for her to bleed to death, but deep enough for the blood to run out onto the burning table. The blood sizzled and boiled, making a sickening sound to add to the disgusting smell of burning flesh that filled the air.
Reymara smiled at the look of horror in Melriadora's eyes, and she stepped around to where Melriadora's head, which was thankfully not on the burning table, was and stroked her hair. "My dear, that bench is hot enough to boil your blood. You've shown considerable courage, but is it really necessary?" Reymara then put a cooling cloth on her head, which would have been more useful on her back that was still coiling in the heat, but was nice all the same, and wiped away her sweat and tears. "All I ask, is for one scream. Is that too much? Just one."
Melriadora could not stand it anymore, the pain was too much, she gathered her strength to scream, but suddenly her mind flashed, a vision had come to her:
'She was on the top of a cliff, she looked around, she knew this place. It was a cliff just across the lake from the Isle. In ancient times it had been a place of great power and much of the old power still remain strong here. She had climbed to the top many times for the pure joy of climbing. She was facing Reymara, there was much chaos and confusion surrounding them below, a battle? Yes, a battle, she could hear it now. She held in her hands a knife, but instead of cutting into Reymara, she cut into her own hand-'
Melriadora was jerked out of her vision suddenly. It had only showed her a little bit, but it was all she needed. Melriadora had seen how to defeat Reymara, at last. "Of course." She muttered, it seemed so simple now! And ancient spell, long forgotten.
Reymara stared at her, anger playing out over her features. "Or course what?" She sneered. "You've had a vision haven't you? Yes, I know you have!" She leaned closer. "Tell me!" She ordered.
Melriadora simply stared at her, refusing to answer.
"Tell me now!" She shouted, angry. Reymara had never had the Sight herself. That was why she was so angry now.
Melriadora still refused to answer. The vision had given her strength to resist Reymara, so she now stared up at her, a small smile playing on her face, mocking Reymara, as if to say 'I know something you don't know.'
Reymara threw the wet cloth down with a snap. "Fine! If you refuse to share your Sight with me, then I will deprive you of another type of sight!" She snapped her fingers and another Polrai appeared bearing a long vile of green liquid. Without hesitation Reymara grabbed Melriadora's eyelids and held them open, the Polrai poured the liquid into her defenseless eyes and everything went dark.
Melriadora gasped, the liquid seemed to light her eyes on fire. They burned ferociously, eating away at her eyes. She fought to free her arms to wipe away the stuff, but she could not. The pain swallowed her whole, as it ate away at her now sightless eyes.
She could not fight it any longer. The pain was too much. For the first time, Melriadora let out a long, agonizing scream, which filled the air, ringing off the walls.
The bench the turned and she felt herself fall to the cool floor of the cavern. She gasped with pain and struggled to sit up.
She heard Reymara's cold voice above her. "Was that so hard, dear?" She then heard her footsteps walk away, before leaving the cold voice ordered. "Put this on her." A rough garment was wrapped around her, cutting into her burns, causing further pain, she bit her lip to keep from crying out again. "Now, take her to the cell which you left her companion. We must let him see what will become of him if he is not cooperative."
Melriadora then felt herself being lifted into the furry arms of a Polrai. She could not walk on her own, at least they had recognized that and did not force her to try. However, the rough cloth in the garment she was wearing cut into her burns, causing them to sting almost as badly as when she had received them. Melriadora bit her lip and hoped that she would pass-out soon, the pain was getting worse.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Legolas had no idea how long he had been in this cell. It let in no sunlight, so days could pass and he would never know. There was no way out, he had tried every possibility and all of his attempts had failed. He would not have left, though, even if they had. He could not leave Melriadora behind.
A scream filled the air. Legolas jumped to his feet, ready for action, of course, he could do nothing but listen. That was Melriadora! She was in pain! He beat his hands against his thighs frustrated, never in his life had he felt so helpless! All he could do was listen for more screams, but he heard none. All he could do was wait.
The door opened, Legolas shielded his eyes, the light hurt. His eyes had grown accustomed to the dark, and the small torchlight hurt. He squinted to see what was happening. To run would be foolish, he knew this, he had no weapons, and had no idea where they had taken Melriadora. One of the Polrai put a torch in one of the holders, 'they must not be too concerned with me finding a way out.' Legolas mused to himself. The Polrai then moved out into the corridor and Legolas heard a scuffling of feet as if they were being dragged across the floor. The Polrai threw someone into the cell, as if throwing out the trash. He slammed the door behind him as Legolas went to the figure in the floor.
"Melriadora?!?" He gasped. He had not even recognized her at first. Her body was so mangled, but he could see her now. Her golden hair was coming unbound and dishelved and falling in her face. He moved to take her in his arms and help her up but she gasped with pain when he touched her back. Then he noticed the blood that covered the back of the rough robe she was wearing. He recoiled his hand in shock and horror as he noted her back was one giant burn. A horrible burn at that. That robe she was wearing was only making it worse too. This filled him with rage. How could they do that to her and left him be? He would have gladly taken whatever she had faced in order to keep her from pain.
"Legolas?" Melriadora's voice sounded strange. Instead of her usual cool, strong tone, her voice sounded distant and weak, like a child, searching in the dark for a lost parent. "Legolas, is that really you?" She asked, her eyes darting around the room.
Her eyes. He gasped, yet again, in horror. Instead of their usual icy blue, they were dark, dull, and had a dead look that chilled his bones. He took her hand, and put his other to her cheek. "Yes Melri, I'm here." He stared at her in shock. "What did they do to you my love?" He whispered.
She swallowed, "I can't see." Tears began to flow from her useless eyes. "My eyes, Legolas, she destroyed my eyes!" She began to shake uncontrollably.
Legolas carefully wrapped his arms around her, trying to avoid her burns, which was impossible but he could try. He hesitated for a moment, then unfastened the back of her robe, he winced when he saw her burns. "Melri-" He trailed off, unable to find words. "Is that better?" He asked.
Melriadora nodded, "Thank you." She whispered, leaning against him and resting her head on his shoulder.
He pulled her close, holding her gently. He kissed her forehead, stroking her hair, "You are welcome." She was still shaking, he noticed. Legolas tried to comfort her as best he could. He looked down at her tortured form and knew she was suffering. "Melriadora, I promise, I will get us out of here."
She blinked her darkened eyes, not saying anything.
"Melriadora, I swear it. I will get you out of here, and take you somewhere where you can heal." He told her, wiping the tears from her cheek.
Melriadora was quiet for a long time. He could feel her growing weaker, and weaker. Her strength failing, and all he could do was hold her and hope.
Suddenly she broke the silence. "I love you."
Legolas looked down at her in surprised. "Melri-?"
She licked her lips, as if gathering strength. "I wish.... sometimes..... I had stayed in Mirkwood with you." She took another breath, as if struggling to speak.
"Melri sh...." He tried to shush her, but she kept going.
"Legolas, I don't think you knew how much I loved you." She told him, "I still love you. I love you so much, Legolas." She swallowed. "And before I die, I want you to know that."
"You aren't going to die." He protested, holding her closer. Her gasp of pain made him loosen his grip. "You're going to be fine." But even he could hear the doubt in his voice, despite the pleading in his heart.
She smiled bitterly, "I can feel myself getting weaker, and I know you can feel it too." She reached up a hand, sitting up and searching for his face.
He took her hand, and kissed it. "Melri-"
"Sh..." She placed her hand on his lips to shush him. Then, following her hand, kissed his lips. It took all her strength but she kissed him.
Legolas was taken back at first, but then gave into the kiss and returned it. He was surprised by the hunger in her kiss, the desperation. When they broke apart, Melriadora moved her hand searchingly, to his face, and then took it away, her brow furrowed. He knew she felt the tears that were flowing down his cheeks, but she didn't say anything.
"You should rest." He told her.
Melriadora curled up next to him, her head back against his shoulder. "I just wanted you to know." She whispered, closing her eyes.
He stared at her concerned. "Melri? Melri, stay with me!" He shook her slightly and her eyes opened again, even though they could see nothing. "Melriadora, promise me you will fight this shadow that falls on you."
"Legolas-"
"Promise me, Melri!" He ordered.
Melriadora swallowed, "I promise." He helped her to lie down on her stomach so her ruined back wouldn't brush against the floor or walls anymore. He couldn't help but stare at her back, he couldn't believe that the ruined black and red flesh was hers. Her head rested in his lap and he stroked her hair and sung softly to her until she fell into a feverish sleep. Legolas knew he had to get her out of here soon, he just had to figure out how.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A/N- Ooh.... sucks to be her! How is Legolas going to get out of this one? Hehe, I know! But you don't! And if I don't get reviews, I won't tell you! Haha, I have that sort of power! So review! Just a quick sentence, it doesn't even have to be nice! Hehe! Although I would prefer that you did not cuss me out or something! Happy reading!
The second Melriadora opened her eyes she wished she hadn't. She did not remember passing out, but she had woken to unbearable pain. She closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing wishing someone would stop the pain that was shooting through her body like sharpened knives.
"Good. You're awake again." A cold voice commented. Melriadora turned her head and opened her eyes. The room was painfully red, blood red. The dark fur of the Polrai, which moved through the room, evilly shrieking as they went about their tasks, and the pale face of Reymara contrasted with the room. Melriadora was strapped down to a table, which was growing warmer by the second; soon it would be unbearably hot. Then she remembered that it already had, that was why she passed out earlier. Time was losing its meaning, she would have to be careful to keep her bearings. She must focus on something good, she forced her mind to wander to summer on the Isle, if she grew hot, she could swim in the lake. Its waters were cool and clear, and always felt good against her warm skin. She almost smiled, as the pain seemed to dim when she imagined herself diving into the water.
Reymara noticed this and leaned closer. "In case you don't remember we were just discussing the art of breaking a soul. The first step is you to give me a nice, loud, scream. Why don't you go ahead and do that for me? Then I won't have to heat the bench again, and I might put some nice healing herbs on your poor burnt flesh. Will you scream for me Melriadora?"
The bench grew hotter; she could feel it leading up to burning her, that was the worse part. Still, she must not give in. Melriadora shook her head, "No." She managed to croak out, unable to say it firmly, her throat was far too dry.
"No?" Reymara repeated, she nodded to the Polrai. The heat on the bench increased sharply, Melriadora could feel the skin on her back begin to coil and burn. She bit her lip to keep from crying out and closed her eyes to gather her strength. She allowed her mind to wander again, desperately searching for something that would give her strength. Then she thought of Legolas, she saw the look on his face when he welcomed her home for her visit all those years ago, the way he looked at her when he thought she wasn't looking, the way they danced together. He was her truest companion and greatest friend, she knew that he would be her strength. When she opened her eyes again her purpose was clear again, she must not give in to Reymara or she would become an agent of evil herself.
To Reymara this was unacceptable, she summoned another Polrai forward who handed her a long knife. Reymara raised it, hesitated for a second, then sliced through the flesh on both of Melriadora's arms, leaving long slits in the flesh, not deep enough for her to bleed to death, but deep enough for the blood to run out onto the burning table. The blood sizzled and boiled, making a sickening sound to add to the disgusting smell of burning flesh that filled the air.
Reymara smiled at the look of horror in Melriadora's eyes, and she stepped around to where Melriadora's head, which was thankfully not on the burning table, was and stroked her hair. "My dear, that bench is hot enough to boil your blood. You've shown considerable courage, but is it really necessary?" Reymara then put a cooling cloth on her head, which would have been more useful on her back that was still coiling in the heat, but was nice all the same, and wiped away her sweat and tears. "All I ask, is for one scream. Is that too much? Just one."
Melriadora could not stand it anymore, the pain was too much, she gathered her strength to scream, but suddenly her mind flashed, a vision had come to her:
'She was on the top of a cliff, she looked around, she knew this place. It was a cliff just across the lake from the Isle. In ancient times it had been a place of great power and much of the old power still remain strong here. She had climbed to the top many times for the pure joy of climbing. She was facing Reymara, there was much chaos and confusion surrounding them below, a battle? Yes, a battle, she could hear it now. She held in her hands a knife, but instead of cutting into Reymara, she cut into her own hand-'
Melriadora was jerked out of her vision suddenly. It had only showed her a little bit, but it was all she needed. Melriadora had seen how to defeat Reymara, at last. "Of course." She muttered, it seemed so simple now! And ancient spell, long forgotten.
Reymara stared at her, anger playing out over her features. "Or course what?" She sneered. "You've had a vision haven't you? Yes, I know you have!" She leaned closer. "Tell me!" She ordered.
Melriadora simply stared at her, refusing to answer.
"Tell me now!" She shouted, angry. Reymara had never had the Sight herself. That was why she was so angry now.
Melriadora still refused to answer. The vision had given her strength to resist Reymara, so she now stared up at her, a small smile playing on her face, mocking Reymara, as if to say 'I know something you don't know.'
Reymara threw the wet cloth down with a snap. "Fine! If you refuse to share your Sight with me, then I will deprive you of another type of sight!" She snapped her fingers and another Polrai appeared bearing a long vile of green liquid. Without hesitation Reymara grabbed Melriadora's eyelids and held them open, the Polrai poured the liquid into her defenseless eyes and everything went dark.
Melriadora gasped, the liquid seemed to light her eyes on fire. They burned ferociously, eating away at her eyes. She fought to free her arms to wipe away the stuff, but she could not. The pain swallowed her whole, as it ate away at her now sightless eyes.
She could not fight it any longer. The pain was too much. For the first time, Melriadora let out a long, agonizing scream, which filled the air, ringing off the walls.
The bench the turned and she felt herself fall to the cool floor of the cavern. She gasped with pain and struggled to sit up.
She heard Reymara's cold voice above her. "Was that so hard, dear?" She then heard her footsteps walk away, before leaving the cold voice ordered. "Put this on her." A rough garment was wrapped around her, cutting into her burns, causing further pain, she bit her lip to keep from crying out again. "Now, take her to the cell which you left her companion. We must let him see what will become of him if he is not cooperative."
Melriadora then felt herself being lifted into the furry arms of a Polrai. She could not walk on her own, at least they had recognized that and did not force her to try. However, the rough cloth in the garment she was wearing cut into her burns, causing them to sting almost as badly as when she had received them. Melriadora bit her lip and hoped that she would pass-out soon, the pain was getting worse.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Legolas had no idea how long he had been in this cell. It let in no sunlight, so days could pass and he would never know. There was no way out, he had tried every possibility and all of his attempts had failed. He would not have left, though, even if they had. He could not leave Melriadora behind.
A scream filled the air. Legolas jumped to his feet, ready for action, of course, he could do nothing but listen. That was Melriadora! She was in pain! He beat his hands against his thighs frustrated, never in his life had he felt so helpless! All he could do was listen for more screams, but he heard none. All he could do was wait.
The door opened, Legolas shielded his eyes, the light hurt. His eyes had grown accustomed to the dark, and the small torchlight hurt. He squinted to see what was happening. To run would be foolish, he knew this, he had no weapons, and had no idea where they had taken Melriadora. One of the Polrai put a torch in one of the holders, 'they must not be too concerned with me finding a way out.' Legolas mused to himself. The Polrai then moved out into the corridor and Legolas heard a scuffling of feet as if they were being dragged across the floor. The Polrai threw someone into the cell, as if throwing out the trash. He slammed the door behind him as Legolas went to the figure in the floor.
"Melriadora?!?" He gasped. He had not even recognized her at first. Her body was so mangled, but he could see her now. Her golden hair was coming unbound and dishelved and falling in her face. He moved to take her in his arms and help her up but she gasped with pain when he touched her back. Then he noticed the blood that covered the back of the rough robe she was wearing. He recoiled his hand in shock and horror as he noted her back was one giant burn. A horrible burn at that. That robe she was wearing was only making it worse too. This filled him with rage. How could they do that to her and left him be? He would have gladly taken whatever she had faced in order to keep her from pain.
"Legolas?" Melriadora's voice sounded strange. Instead of her usual cool, strong tone, her voice sounded distant and weak, like a child, searching in the dark for a lost parent. "Legolas, is that really you?" She asked, her eyes darting around the room.
Her eyes. He gasped, yet again, in horror. Instead of their usual icy blue, they were dark, dull, and had a dead look that chilled his bones. He took her hand, and put his other to her cheek. "Yes Melri, I'm here." He stared at her in shock. "What did they do to you my love?" He whispered.
She swallowed, "I can't see." Tears began to flow from her useless eyes. "My eyes, Legolas, she destroyed my eyes!" She began to shake uncontrollably.
Legolas carefully wrapped his arms around her, trying to avoid her burns, which was impossible but he could try. He hesitated for a moment, then unfastened the back of her robe, he winced when he saw her burns. "Melri-" He trailed off, unable to find words. "Is that better?" He asked.
Melriadora nodded, "Thank you." She whispered, leaning against him and resting her head on his shoulder.
He pulled her close, holding her gently. He kissed her forehead, stroking her hair, "You are welcome." She was still shaking, he noticed. Legolas tried to comfort her as best he could. He looked down at her tortured form and knew she was suffering. "Melriadora, I promise, I will get us out of here."
She blinked her darkened eyes, not saying anything.
"Melriadora, I swear it. I will get you out of here, and take you somewhere where you can heal." He told her, wiping the tears from her cheek.
Melriadora was quiet for a long time. He could feel her growing weaker, and weaker. Her strength failing, and all he could do was hold her and hope.
Suddenly she broke the silence. "I love you."
Legolas looked down at her in surprised. "Melri-?"
She licked her lips, as if gathering strength. "I wish.... sometimes..... I had stayed in Mirkwood with you." She took another breath, as if struggling to speak.
"Melri sh...." He tried to shush her, but she kept going.
"Legolas, I don't think you knew how much I loved you." She told him, "I still love you. I love you so much, Legolas." She swallowed. "And before I die, I want you to know that."
"You aren't going to die." He protested, holding her closer. Her gasp of pain made him loosen his grip. "You're going to be fine." But even he could hear the doubt in his voice, despite the pleading in his heart.
She smiled bitterly, "I can feel myself getting weaker, and I know you can feel it too." She reached up a hand, sitting up and searching for his face.
He took her hand, and kissed it. "Melri-"
"Sh..." She placed her hand on his lips to shush him. Then, following her hand, kissed his lips. It took all her strength but she kissed him.
Legolas was taken back at first, but then gave into the kiss and returned it. He was surprised by the hunger in her kiss, the desperation. When they broke apart, Melriadora moved her hand searchingly, to his face, and then took it away, her brow furrowed. He knew she felt the tears that were flowing down his cheeks, but she didn't say anything.
"You should rest." He told her.
Melriadora curled up next to him, her head back against his shoulder. "I just wanted you to know." She whispered, closing her eyes.
He stared at her concerned. "Melri? Melri, stay with me!" He shook her slightly and her eyes opened again, even though they could see nothing. "Melriadora, promise me you will fight this shadow that falls on you."
"Legolas-"
"Promise me, Melri!" He ordered.
Melriadora swallowed, "I promise." He helped her to lie down on her stomach so her ruined back wouldn't brush against the floor or walls anymore. He couldn't help but stare at her back, he couldn't believe that the ruined black and red flesh was hers. Her head rested in his lap and he stroked her hair and sung softly to her until she fell into a feverish sleep. Legolas knew he had to get her out of here soon, he just had to figure out how.
* * * * * * * * * * *
A/N- Ooh.... sucks to be her! How is Legolas going to get out of this one? Hehe, I know! But you don't! And if I don't get reviews, I won't tell you! Haha, I have that sort of power! So review! Just a quick sentence, it doesn't even have to be nice! Hehe! Although I would prefer that you did not cuss me out or something! Happy reading!