Now that I can upload again it's time for more of this tail-I mean tale. Thanks to my reviewers!!!

Chapter 23--Blind and Deaf

It wasn't long before Legolas heard two sets of footsteps coming towards the royal suite. He watched warily as the door was unlocked and opened. Two guards entered the room and stalked towards him.

Legolas backed off a couple paces though there was really no place for him to go. He was seized and led from the room. They went down for several levels until they came to a floor that was obviously rarely used. Cobwebs and dust were everywhere. There was one door that was clean and he was dragged through it.

Deirdre gave him a rather cruel smile. "I have thought of a most interesting punishment for you, golden one," she said and stepped aside.

Legolas swallowed when he saw what was behind her. It looked unnervingly similar to the coffins Humans buried their dead in.

Deirdre smiled, catching some of his unease. "Ever wondered what it is like to be buried alive, Legolas?" she asked. "Trapped, barely able to move, knowing that you will soon run out of air?" She stroked the cushioned interior of the box. Still smiling, she walked over to Legolas. "Do not worry. I will not leave you in there to suffocate. There is ways for air to get in, but who knows when I will feel like releasing you. Ah well, you will just have to endure it until then," she smirked.

Legolas couldn't stop himself from pulling back against the guards hold when she approached. "Nay," he protested, trying to get loose.

Deirdre ignored him and blindfolded him then put some sort of cloth into his ears, rendering him blind and deaf. "Put him in," she ordered.

Legolas struggled as his arms were bound tightly to his sides and he was lifted off his feet. He was laid down again and he could feel the cushions pressing against him.

Deirdre watched coolly as the box was closed and locked then she left the room, gesturing for the guards to follow.

Legolas was more terrified then he had ever been in his life. He couldn't move, couldn't see and couldn't hear. He didn't know if the box was open or closed or if Deirdre was still there watching him. A scream rose in his throat, but he forced it back. He wouldn't break. He could bear it, he could!!

*Meanwhile*

Jaisia sighed in relief as she examined the grate. It was finally open. She hid the *borrowed* tools in some thick bushes then wormed her way into the opening. It smelt even worse inside, but she ignored it. She closed the grate behind her the best she could. She started to move up the tunnel when it hit her. Terror, helplessness, near panic, she got an image of a coffin like box and then darkness and silence. "Little brother, no! Hold on, I am coming..just hold on," she whispered. Suddenly she didn't care if Legolas was going to be angry because she was still in the city. (Legolas, be calm. You are not alone. I am here) she said.

(Jaisia, I cannot see, I cannot hear, I cannot move!) Legolas said. His mental voice revealed the depths of his terror.

(I am here, little brother. You are not alone. I am with you. Listen to my voice, just my voice. I am coming to free you and we will go back to Minas Tirith for a couple days then we will go back to visit my clan. We will have a nice, relaxing visit and play with our nephews. How does that sound?) Jaisia soothed. She felt Legolas relaxing in response. (She is just trying to make you snap. You are stronger then that. Sleep, Legolas sleep. Let time pass and be strong for a little longer.) The mind link softened and Jaisia knew that he slept. She was still worried though. He was so afraid that he had never even mentioned her presence here when she should be on her way to Gondor for help. "I will kill you for what you are doing to him, Deirdre," she vowed.

So what you think? Maybe he'll be free soon. Isn't that an awful torture for an Elf? Makes me shudder myself!!! R/R please….