HI everyone. I just want to thank you all once more for giving me so many good reviews. Here is the second to the last chapter now so I hope I don't disappoint you with the ending.

Chapter 9: Overpowered by Guilt

Araduial sat on the edge of her makeshift bed. She had had enough. The truth was driving her to madness. Legolas haunted her. She dreamt about him at night, thought about him during the day. She loved him with all her heart and you shouldn't treat someone you loved like that. He had put his life in danger so save hers and she had let him. He could be in a terrible state now, just for protecting her and yet here she was miles away from and danger.

This might have been what Legolas wanted, Araduial's safety even if it meant his own life being endangered, but it wasn't what Araduial wanted. She couldn't take it any longer. Her conscience wouldn't let her. She had been wrong. She should never have let Legolas go. She should have stopped him and gone herself, that way Legolas may feel guilty but at least he would be safe and free.

Araduial knew that now there was only one way out. She had been thinking about it for a few days and the plan was all carefully formed in her mind. This was the only way she could give herself up and there still be the slightest bit of hope that Legolas would go free.

There was a rustling coming from outside. Araduial immediately jumped up and reached for a knife lying beside her bed. She edged towards the window and looked out. Below her window a small dear was rustling in the leaves. Araduial sighed with relief.

*~*~*~*~*

The door burst open. It slammed back against the wall causing dust to disperse into the surrounding air. Gayatil stormed in looking very angry.

"You lied Legolas." His voice was angry yet calm in some way. He spat the words out as though they burnt his tongue. "That place you told us about was empty. Araduial wasn't there. Remember what I said would happen if you tricked us Legolas."

Legolas looked up. He remembered perfectly but Ecargiel was gone now. She would be far away and Gayatil couldn't hurt her now.

"You can't hurt her now. She's free." Legolas glared up at Gayatil, a small smile in his eyes.

"We'll just have to get her back then won't we?" Gayatil looked smug. He walked out of the door and appeared seconds later pushing Ecargiel through the door. Legolas was shocked.

"You didn't let her go? I thought she would be gone by now?" Legolas realised he had been stupid. He should have realised that they wouldn't just let her go like that.

"Well you thought wrong. We were just going to let her go free without any confirmation that we would definitely get Araduial back." Gayatil brought Ecargiel down to her knee on the floor and as the guards had done the day before, he began to beat her.

Her hands and feet were tied and it was almost impossible for her to move from his reach. Legolas was forced to watch as she was beaten and wounded by Gayatil, and then eventually, just as the guards had done the day before, he took out a knife and inserted it into her stomach. She screamed with the pain and then finally took her last breath as Gayatil stood behind her smiling. He walked from the room ordering the guards to remove Ecargiel's body. When they were gone Legolas huddled himself up in the corner. He let a single tear flow down his cheek.

He had done that. He had killed Ecargiel, Gayatil was right. He had been stupid to expect them to have let Ecargiel go and he should never have done what he did. He was also beginning to doubt his power to save Araduial too. He had failed with so much already that he doubted his use for anything. He was scared for his life, for Araduial's life.

*~*~*~*~*

Araduial had had enough. She couldn't take anymore and she was going to do something about it. Her plan was sorted and she would make it work. She took her last look around and knew that this would be the last time she saw this place, or any other place in the outside world again.

Araduial was scared but she knew what she had to do and for the first time in days felt content with herself. It wouldn't be long now before everyone had what they wanted, and she hoped that Legolas would be free.

She looked down at the small knife, which she still held in her hands. She turned it over watching as her reflection became distorted. Slowly she slipped it inside the belt on her dress and set off. Blinded by tears, see could at last see clearly and she knew what she must do.

Anastasia Who: Ok, you were right. Legolas didn't really tell but it didn't matter anyway. He was tricked. Poor poor Legolas. He is slowly being broken down by the torture and it all effecting how he thinks. Anyway, not long to go now. Only one more chapter. Hope you like the end.

~Amariel~: I knew that you like this story but I just had to reassure myself. Yes this is going to be quiet a short story but coming up next is a very funny story which involves all of the fellowship. Hope you read it. And as for suggestion stories I have some good ones on my favourite list but I have to recommend Half Awake Warning as an author. She is amazing. Hope you find this helpful.

arwen undomiel3: Awwww indeed. Yes tears and sadness are bad but I think he has a lot more on his mind at the mo. Hope you are still enjoying this story and hope you like the end. Only one chapter left.

Michelle Frodo: Big ending coming up. Hope you like it. You said you did last time you read it but never mind. Anyway, I'm doing my best to stay in charge of this agency but no one seems to want to join??? I can't understand why. I'll have to advertise or something. Hmmm.....

ElvenRanger13: Now you know. Legolas didn't really tell but it didn't do much good anyway. Glad you are still enjoying this story and hope you like the ending. Only one chapter left.

Angel of death : You were right he didn't tell but as I said to everyone else, it didn't matter anyway. Only one chapter to go now everyone so stay close.

mousegal: It's ok. I'll forgive you for taking a while. You came in the end which is all that matters. Glad you are enjoying. Big ending coming up....watch this space.

Than you to everyone who has read and reviewed this. Your reviews are all cherished no matter how small. I'm sad this has come to and end but I hope you have enjoyed it and I hope you like the finale. After this story I have a humorous story coming up called 'Fellowship in Ibiza' so I hope you all return to read that. I've been told it is very funny.

Anyway, thanks again and see you all next chapter.