Not much luck on getting out of there yet, poor Legolas…It must be frustrating…

Chapter 25--Stand Strong

"I returned at the right time," Deirdre said. She moved closer to the tub.

Legolas frowned at her. "You could at least allow me to bathe in private," he said.

"Why? This is much more pleasurable. Continue, unless you would like me to wash you. I would be pleased to be of service," Deirdre smirked.

Legolas glared at her, but did what she'd commanded. After washing his hair, he reached for the towel that had been lying next to the tub, but it wasn't there. Cursing under his breath, he shoved his hair out of his eyes and looked for the towel. He found Deirdre standing there, holding it where he couldn't reach it. "Do you mind?" he scowled.

"Not at all. Stand up, golden one and come ," Deirdre ordered.

Legolas glared at her. "I will not," he retorted.

"Really? Does that mean you are refusing to obey? You know what the consequences are for that," Deirdre said. She smiled. "Your choice, my beauty."

Legolas fought down a shudder of revulsion at the thought then steeled himself. He stood and stepped out of the tub.

"That is better, now come here, Legolas. I will tend you, golden one," Deirdre said. She frowned when he didn't move towards her right away. "Come, Legolas. Do not make me come to you."

Legolas took a deep breath and walked gracefully towards her, forcing himself to ignore the way her eyes moved over him. He stopped directly in front of her.

Deirdre began drying him off with the towel, lingering over it much longer then necessary then she turned her attention to his hair. "I can be gentle, love. Submit to me, obey me and you will never want for anything," she purred in his ear.

Legolas refused to speak. He stood motionless and allowed her to continue. He was relieved when she was finished. "May I dress now that you have gotten a good look?" he asked calmly, distantly.

Deirdre frowned and tossed the towel aside. "No, I have decided on a change of plans for this evening," she said. She pulled Legolas into the bedchamber and flung him down on the bed. She was furious when Legolas refused to struggle or respond to her no matter what she did. Finally she gave up, dressed and stormed from the suite. The outer door slammed and locked behind her.

Legolas smiled, rather bitterly. "Got you," he muttered. He was sure she'd be back all to soon to lock him up again. Hurry, Jaisia, he thought. Legolas rose slowly and glanced around for something to put on. He finally spotted the robe Deirdre had given him and shrugged it on. He went to the window and opened the shutters. Closing his eyes, he enjoyed the sun and cool breeze on his skin.

*In The Sewer*

Jaisia glared at the bars that blocked her way then examined the lock. She nodded to herself and took out a piece of wire that she'd also *borrowed* from the blacksmith. She began trying to pick the lock like Legolas had shown her.. A soft click told her she had been successful and she pushed open the door with a triumphant smirk. She was in a normal corridor now. The sewer was under the floor. She was grateful for that. She was sure she'd never get the stench out of her nose. She walked down the corridor which was dusty and cobwebby. After awhile she began to notice doors in walls. She stopped as one in particular caught her attention.

It was clean and the hinges were oiled. It looked used. Jaisia tried the door and found it was locked. She took out the bit of wire and went to work on it. She knew that she was wasting time, but she felt that something was odd about this. It took a long time, but she finally succeeded and pushed the door open. She was delighted to see their weapons tossed carelessly in a corner then she saw the battered and unconscious woman chained to the wall…..

Three guesses who Jaisia found! I bet you'll only need one though!!! R/R please!!!