Here's the next chappie. I hope you al enjoy it but I have to warn you that the first bit of torture will pop into this one. So here goes...

Chapter 3: Torn

It had now been 2 days and 2 nights since Legolas had learnt of Araduial's past. He had been to see her on three separate occasions and this morning he would go again. He had taken her food, clothing and his company. He missed her dearly when he was with her but he knew it was all for the best for now. It wouldn't be long, he hoped.

Legolas was making his way cautiously through the trees. He was always careful that no one followed him and he took a different route every time he went. Today was no different.

Legolas wasn't far from Araduial's temporary home when he heard a noise from behind a nearby tree. A few leaves rustled and Legolas sharp sense of hearing was on them at once. The cause of the noise realised their mistake and acted with such swiftness that Legolas had only just enough time to fire two arrows, both missing their target.

Within seconds the Prince was lying face down on the floor of leaves with what felt like five lead weights pressing down upon his back. It was in fact three rather large Elves and there was no way that Legolas could escape. He guessed immediately what this was all about and couldn't believe he'd been taken so easily.

The Elves resting on Legolas' back got up, but before he could move they had stood him up and were once again using their strength and their weight to keep him there. They moved with such swiftness, even for elves, and Legolas was surprised.

From behind there suddenly appeared another elf; tall with long back hair flowing down his back. His skin was pale in contrast to his dark hair and Legolas guessed who he was.

"You probably know who I am and what I want, so to make it easier on yourself, just tell me where Araduial is." His voice was sharp and although he spoke quietly his voice sounded loud to all around him.

"I will not tell you where she is. Nothing you can do would make me sacrifice someone I loved, even if it was to save my own life." Legolas spoke confidently back and although he was unsure of what was going to happen he wasn't scared.

"As I thought." Gayatil turned around to walk off quietly muttering three words to himself.

Unsure of what was going to happen now Legolas waited. Then he felt the blinding pain through he head. A large heavy object had come into contact with his skull and the pure force of the weight sent a blinding light in front of his eyes. Legolas' body slowly became lifeless and everything faded to black.

*~*~*~*~*

Legolas shivered. The air was cold and damp, matching the room in which he sat. Slowly he opened his eyes. The room was dark and the only thing visible was a thin crack of light coming from beneath a door in the far wall. Legolas felt a blinding pain behind his eyes and he shut them again. His body ached and he felt bruised and sore.

Leaning again the damp wall was painful but shifting to a more comfortable position only led Legolas to the conclusion that his hands and feet were tied. Using all his strength to try and break free, he only succeeded in making them feel tighter. The blood was being stopped from reaching his hands and he began to get a tingling sensation in his fingers.

Sitting back against the wall Legolas rested, taking in his surroundings. The small room was dark and although there was a small beam of light, Legolas couldn't see much. The room felt small and enclosed. It was very damp and cold. He guessed that these were the dungeons that Araduial had spoken of, recalling her terrifying story. Wondering what Gayatil had in store for him Legolas rested his head back against the cold wall and closed his eyes. He made a vow to himself. Nothing Gayatil could do would make him give up Araduial. She would remain unhurt even if he did not. He would not show pain or mercy. Legolas would remain strong for Araduial and she would be safe.

It seemed like hours to Legolas as he sat in the dark. He thought of Araduial and what she was doing. She would be expecting him and when he didn't turn up Legolas just hoped that she would have the sense and strength to stay where she was. Legolas also thought about various types of torture. Anything he could think of which may be in store for him within the next few hours. He was scared. The Prince rarely experienced fear but now it was overwhelming. The only thing that stopped him from breaking down into tears was his love for Araduial, and the reason he was here.

*~*~*~*~*

Araduial was sitting alone in her hide out. She had seen everything. Legolas hadn't been far from her when he was taken by surprise and she had had to resist the urge to run to him as she watched them carrying him away. She didn't know what to do. They would hurt Legolas to get the secret from him but if she followed she would be captured and couldn't stand the thought of being sent back. She was torn.

Finally, after several hours of sobbing, Araduial decided that she should stay. Legolas was strong and it wouldn't be long before he was back with her. He could escape them. Her presence would only make matters worse as Legolas would never give up on her. She decided that the only thing she could do would be to sit here and pray that Legolas would be all right.

*~*~*~*~*

Legolas was forced down onto the cold hard floor. The force of his decent combined with the coldness of the ground took his breathe away. His clothes had been torn open and pulled down to his waste revealing his strong back and shoulders and fair skin. His hands still tightly bound together, were dragged out in front of him and held forcefully still. A painful pressure was placed on his ankles and he was made to turn his head to the side so he could breathe easily. He closed his eyes tightly as he waited. Waited for the first stab of pain to hit him. He wouldn't scream. He would be strong. The first strike didn't come.

Momentarily he opened his eyes. Then he felt it. The first rein of the whip on his back; the force of the attack splitting open his soft skin instantly. He gasped and tensed his muscles as the pain registered. This was followed by the second blow, then the third and a fourth. Each attack was worse than the previous. When his back was a mass of cuts the whip continued in previous spots. He could feel the skin being broken and warm blood running down his sides.

Legolas turned his head to face the floor, pressing his forehead against its cold harshness. He thought of Araduial. He was doing this for her. If him being beaten like this meant that she would live then he would have to cope. He pictured her warm loving face in front of him. She smiled.

Legolas wasn't sure how much more of this he could take. The pain was almost unbearable. Suddenly and without warning the whipping stopped. The Elf holding his hands let go and the force on his ankles was released. They both walked up to his shoulders and pulled him to his feet. His legs gave way beneath him and the guards allowed him to fall to his knees, still holding him tightly by the shoulders.

"Araduial was always so nice. She would do anything that I asked for without question." Gayatil suddenly spoke, appearing in front of Legolas. "She was my favourite, Legolas, and I vowed that she would spend eternity with me. Where is she?"

Legolas' head was hung and he was staring at the floor. He could now feel warm blood running down his back and onto his clothes, still hanging around his waist. He didn't answer.

"There is only so much of this you can take." Gayatil took a handful of Legolas hair and pulled his head backwards, forcing him to look up. "Then you will break. Everybody does. I have patience and I will find out where Araduial is if it's the last thing you do." He let go and motioned to the others elves to take him.

Forcefully they half dragged, half carried Legolas back to the small room and threw him inside. The door slammed shut with a deafening 'clang' and everything went silent. Legolas' heavy breathing was the only thing that could be heard in the cold cell as he lay face down, his hands still tied beneath him.

The pain in his back was unbearable. It stung and the sharp pain seemed to spread throughout his body. He rested his warm cheek against the cold floor and waited. Slowly he closed his eyes as the darkness engulfed him and the pain became too much.

*~*~*~*~*

Araduial woke with a start. She had had a terrifying dream of Legolas being tortured. She could see his beaten body in front of her and she knew it was all her fault. But it had just been a dream. Legolas would fight back, he was stronger then them. Araduial lay back down, her body shaking. She loved Legolas and dared not think about what he was going through. It was all her fault but she was too scared to give herself up. She had to stay where she was.

So did you like it? Please let me know what you think and sorry for hurting Leggy. I'll return him in full working condition when I'm done.

Michelle Frodo: Ok, I'll hold off with the torture for now but I'll be expecting your reviews. I'm sure you'll enjoy the torture more than most seeing as you are not a Leggy fan. Oh well, as long you enjoy the story.

Amariel: Another one of your amusing reviews. Keep them coming and thank you for introducing me to Orlando. I hope he is enjoying the story as much as you seem to be. I'll update as quick as I can but patience is a virtue you know! Hehe. Please keep up reviewing.

Mousegal: Glad to have you on board lol. I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as the first too. I apologise for the Leggy torture.

Coolio: I hope you enjoy it all and I'm glad the first two chapters 'sound good' . Hope to see in future ones.

Vladimirs Angel: Yes, He's very sweet when he's being protective. I'm sorry for the elf torture but I hope you enjoy it anyway.

Thank you to everyone who has reviewed and I hope you will review future chapters.