Yeah, Deirdre is a psychopath and it will get worse before I let it get better…*Evil Laughter and Plot Bunnies Hide Under Bed*

Chapter 21--Both Together or None at All

Jaisia awoke from a restless doze. She had been hiding in the abandoned house for two weeks. At night she slipped out to swipe food and try to find a way to get into the castle and free Legolas. It seemed hopeless. She was one against many and the castle was guarded, but she was determined to get inside. They would both escape together or not at all. She hadn't tried to reach Legolas again. She knew he'd be furious to find she was still in the city instead of heading to Gondor. Minas Tirith was so far away and she couldn't bear to leave him.

By now Jaisia had gotten familiar with the rounds the guards did and avoided them easily. The leather boots on her hooves muffled noise very well. One night she made an interesting discovery. An opening covered with a grate. It couldn't be opened from the outside, but maybe it could be pried open. It was rather low and Jaisia would have to crawl to get in. She thought it might be a sewer opening from the smell, but it was a way to enter.

*Meanwhile*

Legolas's ribs had healed, but he was tired of being indoors. He spent long hours locked in the room while Deirdre was busy and he hated it. A key turned in the lock and the door opened. Legolas turned to face the door, glaring.

Deirdre entered the room and locked the door behind her. She was carrying several bundles, which she laid on a chair before looking at him. "I do not like the look on your face, golden one," she said.

"I do not like being caged in this room either!" Legolas retorted.

"If you gave me your oath that you would not flee I would give you more freedom and access to the garden," Deirdre said.

Legolas turned on his heel and went to the room's barred window. He could not swear that to her. He kept his word once it was given and he fully intended to flee at his first opportunity. Footsteps came up behind him and he stiffened.

"I would treat you like the Prince you are if you would accept your place at my side. Others who saw you at the gathering envy my good fortune at processing you. No one will touch you, but me for I will not share you and they all know that," Deirdre said softly. She brushed his hair over his left shoulder and kissed the nape of his neck. "Your ribs have healed so there is no reason to wait any longer. Come," she whispered.

Legolas spun and shoved her away. Caught off guard she stumbled back a couple steps. "I am not your plaything and I resent being treating as one. You leave me imprisoned here for hours without so much as a book to pass the hours then expect me to fall into your arms. I do have a mind as well as a body," he snapped. He braced himself for her reaction.

Deirdre stared at him then actually laughed. "Such spirit, I like that," she laughed. She went over to the bundles and picked one up, then tossed it to him. All of these bundles are yours and there will be much more to come," she said.

Legolas opened the bundle to find it contained white legging and a soft shirt made of blue silk. "So now you think you can buy my affections? That is nearly as insulting as treating me like a plaything," he said.

"You will have nothing except what I give you. If you do not want the clothes, fine. It will not bother me if you have to walk around naked. I am sure my future visitors will enjoy it too. It is your decision, my beautiful consort," Deirdre said. "Put them on or shall I help you?'

Legolas glared at her and obeyed, then faced her proudly, head held high.

"Magnificent, you are magnificent, truly a golden treasure," Deirdre said, "but one more thing is needed to complete the image." She picked up another bundle and opened it, the circlet Gimli had made! She walked over and slid it into place. "Perfect; come." She took his arm and pulled him gently from the room.

*Back To Jaisia*

That evening Jaisia returned to the grate with tools she had *borrowed* from a blacksmith's shop. The guards rarely came here; probably believing the grate was determent enough, so she figured she would be left mostly undisturbed. She chose a tool from the bundle and went to work. Be strong, little brother. I am coming, she thought…

Deirdre switching moods so fast, doesn't she? R/R please…..