A/N: Oki. I'm back into the swing of things. School has started up again and homework is in abundance.*sigh* Just so you know, I only have the weekends to work on this fic, therefore the chps might be coming slow. It really depends on how long I write. And don't say it, because I KNOW that chapter four took too long, and I KNOW how much it grinds on people's nerves when authors take forever to update, because it happens to me too. I've had to wait forever for some things too, so you're not alone in this. However, I just have no choice in the matter. My dad works at home and so he's always on the computer. The only time I have is weekends(if I don't have any homework) and that isn't much. Please bear with me. So here's chapter five, and enjoy^___^.

Chapter Five

The sky was a clear blue, dotted with wisps of white cloud and soaring birds that wheeled and dived through the city, searching for a morsel of tossed away bread or half eaten fish in the crush of houses. The folk of Gondor went about their buisness, neighbors chattering across the street to eachother, women bustling about the market with a squabling bevy of little children at heel, stall keepers hawking their wares and prices. It was a well ordered existence, without surprises or unsteadiness, and that was how folk liked it. You did your duty and lived your life, and the world went on as it always had. That was the way it was.

Some might have been upset by the presence of the unknown, the dangerous and the evil. Some might have said it was simply madness, or weakness that forced Eldarion's hand. What did a king with a duty to his people have any need to keep prisoners for every reason but the obvious? It seemed Eomynne's presence had caused more upheaval than previously thought. After the ball, she had been confined to her room once again, where memories and nightmares begun their terror anew. However, she slept, and ate, and one afternoon, Vera came for a brief visit.

"I can't stay for long." She whispered, glancing back at the doorway she had passed through moments earlier with a fearfull glance. "I'm only supposed to bring you this."

A package wrapped in brown paper appeared from her apron, and she smiled as Eomynne gave it a confused stare. "What is it?"

"Your clothes. From….ah…when you were captured." Her voice was hushed, as if she were embarassed to say such a thing. Eomynne did not reply, struggling with a rising anguish within her that Vera's words had envoked. Elleduil and Caelidur's faces were a constant reminder to how much she had lost, and despite herself a a fierce bolt of anger sliced through her chest, unconsciously directed towards the handmaid though she had nothing to do with it.

"You've become quite a number." She continued, seating herself precariously on the very edge of Eomynne's bed. Her eyes continuously darted towards the door as she spoke.

"General Domic wants to question you, and your brothers. He has a lot of folk on his side. Eldarion still won't do it though, wants Lord Simeon's opinion. Or course, he doesn't really know what to think either. The entire court is divided, and Eldarion doesn't seem to care all that much at all. Like he's waiting for something almost…."

"How do you know all this?" Eomynne asked, smiling a little.

Vera blushed. "I—ah…overhear things."

"I see." Eomynne opened the package and lay each item on the bedspread, touching one or another almost tenderly. Vera wathced with curiosity, casting an appraising eye over the light velvety fabrics of greenish hue and soft lavender. Eomynne sighed softly, trying desperately to remember lovely Rivendell and golden Lothlorien as her father had so tenderly described them, where her kind danced below the branches and sang songs of beauty, but finding she could not. There was too much noise, too many things for the mind to focus on. And Vera wasn't helping, chattering away about how wonderfull and beautiful Eomynne's clothes were, and once again commmenting on her fall of golden golden hair.

"How could you fight and kill wearing such lovelienss?" she whispered, holding up the green tunic with care, brushing her fingertips over the embroidered leaves and creeping insects as if it were a precious jewel. Eomynne sighed again, pursing her lips.

"You would not understand." How could they understand? How could they feel the earth's heartbeat in this city of stone, and know the brush of clean wind, the destruction of hungry fire, the rich smell of earth underfoot, or hear the whisper of the trees as they told the secrets of the world to those willing enough to listen?

"I might." Vera murmured, looking a little hurt. "I mean….if you told me…I might understand better…"

"What we take from the earth we honor." Eomynne said stiffly. "We do not forget. We thank Elbereth for all she has given us. We wear her beauty as ours with pride. We show her our thankfullness in all that we do, even through the smallest thing do we praise her."

Vera seemed a little perplexed. "Elbereth," she observed, the accent horrible. Eomynne refrained from comment. "Is that your uh…goddess?"

Eomynne gave a brief nod, then folded her clothes once again and put them away, along with her painfull memories. Vera watched in silence, no doubt soaking in what Eomynne had said to her, and trying to understand what it meant. She didn't expect her to understand. How could she? The naïve woman had never walked in the Golden Wood and felt its mystery, had never sat alone in Rivendell and heard its lilting song, or known the cloak of fear none could escape in dark Mirkwood, where the only light was knowing what wonder you might behold when the mists rose and Thranduil's palace lay before you. Without understanding the heart of Elvin life, how could you know the belief and the never ending lore that was their lodestar in which their entire existance followed? It was simply impossible.

"I need to go." Vera said, almost reluctantly. "I might come again, if that is alright?"

"I suppose." Eomynne replied, faintly surprised that she would ask, when everyone else did not.

There was a pause. "Well, good-bye…" she stopped abruptly, brows furrowing together.

"It just occurred to me, that I do not know your name."

Eomynne told her.

"Eomynne." She echoed slowly, as if tasting it, and again the accent was less that perfect, but this time it didn't bother her as much. Vera smiled, then gathered up her skirts, bobbing a curtsy. "Good-bye Eomynne." Then she was gone.

Later, when the sun was sinking below the courtyard walls, a ball of fire diving into the west amidst the farewell calls of wheeling birds, there was a firm knock on her door. Eomynne was sitting by her window, looking down on the city, and it was three more knocks before she opened to a face she had never seen before.

"Good-evening." He said, a trace of a smile on his stern features. "Fine night is it not?"

Eomynne stared at him as if he were insane, terribly confused.

The man sensed her discomfort, the corners of his lips twitching a little as a smile threatened to break free.

"I am Caelan, Second in Command to General Domic. I will be your escort tonight."

"Escort?"

Caelan cleared his throat. "Eldarion has decided that you will be allowed a brief conversing with your brothers tonight under my supervision, until it is dark. Upon that time, you will return to your room."

He paused. "Now then, shall we go?"

Eomynne was struck speachless, a happiness swelling in her breast that nearly stole the breath from her. She would be allowed to see her brothers. She had never felt such joy and relief as she did then. There were simply no words to express the elated feeling that glowed in every fiber of her being.

"Yes." She breathed, tears brimming in her eyes. "Please."

Caelan moved aside, and Eomynne stepped out, eyes scanning the courtyard for signs of her brothers. Caelan gave her a brief glance then strode away, obviously intending for her to follow. Eomynne walked in step, shivering a little in the diminishing heat, and inhaled the cool air around her, catching the hint of colourful fragrance in the blooming flowers. The breeze was crisp, blowing the gauzy curtains of the gazibo into a swirling dance, delicate and slight. Sitting inside, were two slender figures, and Eomynne knew instantly it was them.

Barely constraining her joy, she quickened her step, approaching the shelter with the soft cry of their names. They heard her instantly, leaping to their feat and running to meet her. Near sobbing, Eomynne collapsed in Elleduil's embrace, feeling Caelidur move in protectively behind.

Elleduil was whispering a frantic prayer of thanks, his normally calm voice wobbling a little with emotion. Eomynne whispered her own prayer, holding her brother's tight, letting the tears flow. They were thin, so thin. She could feel it thorugh their ragged clothing, and instantly knew they weren't eating well.

"Eomynne." Elleduil breathed, pressing a kiss to her brow. "Dear one. Dear Eomynne, what is wrong?"

"You are not well." She cried softly, backing away from him and straight into Caelidur, who tightened his hold on her upper arms. "Not at all."

A regretfull expression crossed his handsome features, and he sighed. "You know us well. Almost too well perhaps."

"You must eat." Eomynne insisted, gently removing Caelidur's hands and standing so that she could see both of them. They were mirror images of their parents, Elleduil like Bren, and Caelidur like Legolas. Their faces were gaunt and hollow, and held not the warmth Eomynne had once known in them. It was an unnerving sight.

"How could we eat food provided by Eldarion?" Caelidur growled savagely. "It could very easily be our own kin."

Eomynne's stomach turned at the thought.

"That could not be so." Elleduil corrected. "The people of Gondor may be evil, but they do not eat the flesh of Elves. You disgust me, to think such."

Caelidur didn't look the least bit sorry.

"Come." Eomynne instructed. "Come sit. We have little time."

She led them into the gazibo again, seating herself on one pillowed bench. Her brother's sat oposite her, legs stretched and crossed before them. They both looked different, there was no denying, but not just in the physical sense; there was a wildness about them, like a creature caged too long for its own good. It worried Eomynne that her dearest brothers could be so changed in such a short period of time. It seemed that maybe they hadn't been as ready as Legolas thought them to be for this perilous journey. If Eomynne looked hard enough, she could almost see the sandy shores and clear, pearly blue skies reflected in their dull eyes, a longing, a memory of what once was.

There was a long silence. Neither knew what to say. It was almost uncomfortable, which unnerved Eomynne. She'd never felt awkward in her brother's presence before. They were too close. It was almost as if an invisible wall was dividing them now, that kept one from the other.

"How has Eldarion been treating you?" Elleduil queried softly.

Eomynne's stomach clenched and she felt faint for a moment, but schooled her features to remain calm. She did not want to worry her brothers.

"Well enough. As much as can be expected." She replied evenly, not a trace of uneasiness in her voice.

Caelidur gave an indignant snort. He was ignored.

"I'm afraid the same cannot be said for us sister." Elleduil said, his eyes somewhat distant. "Eldarion has made many attempts to extract information from us these past days. Of course, we have said nothing. Nothing of value at least. But Caelidur and I fear for you, Eomynne. We fear you may be his next target, and if he uses the same…..techniques, there is no doubt you would not keep silent."

There was no holding back reaction now. Eomynne felt her face pale, and the dizziness almost overwhelmed her, until a soft voice entered her head, along with pictures, heart-wrenching pictures of her childhood. This skill, was one only Elleduil knew how to administer, and he was a master. Visions swam before her eyes, of a bright eyed youth running along the shores, watching the boats come into dock with their Elven passengers, of three small children sitting in the tall grass, weaving intricate crowns from the smooth stalks, and finally of herself and Haldir standing in the tower, watching as the sun dove below the horrizon, the sky ablaze with deep orange and red. It was that, which nearly forced tears from her eyes, but it was not painfull. That was a happy memory.

"We must be strong." Elleduil whispered in her mind, warm and comforting. "We will be strong. As three mighty oaks stand tall, so do we hold firm. That is our way. None can harm us."

"None can harm us." Eomynne echoed.

"None can harm us." Caelidur was familiar with this ritual. He knew Elleduil's skill, and what it implied. He was a part of their mighty circle, and he had his part.

Eomynne caught the eye of Caelan, who was standing far enough away so as not to intrude, but close enough to keep watch. He gave a nod, then glanced to the sky, which was darkening rapidly.

"We do not have much time." She said urgently to her brothers, pulling her gaze away from the guard. Elleduil's mouth pinched a little, and Caelidur looked suddenly quite angry.

"Eldarion cannot separate us for long." He vowed. "Soon, we will be free of this evil place."

"Until we are given more time, you must keep on." Elleduil instructed, as if Caeldur had said nothing at all. "Eldarion is a dark and crafty man. He cares nothing for our kind. Be carefull around him. Give him no reason to question you, or hurt you. If you do that, we may have our chance soon."

Eomynne nodded, sudden tears welling in her eyes. She went forward and embraced her brothers, feeling their strength and wisdom as if it were her own. Their skin was cold with a despairing chill, but their hearts burned brightly with renewed hope, and that hope gave Eomynne the will and courage she was lacking. It would probably be a long time before she would see them again. This would have to do for now.

Pulling back, she met their eyes, glowing emerald green and clear blue in the moon's soft light. It was dark now, and it was time to go. With a last look, Eomynne rose.

"Namaarie." She whispered, then pulling one gauzy curtain aside and stepping onto the path, she left her dearest brothers behind, her heart aching with a pain she feared might never go away.

Eldarion sat straight in his chair, fingering a short blade between his slender hands, calloused and rough from many a day with the sword. He was half listening to Simeon talk, catching important words and phrases when he had to. Simeon's brothers were seated as well along both sides of the long table, attentive and alert. Domic seemed a little distracted, glancing out the window now and again and into the courtyard below. Eldarion dismissed it. Two of the brother's were missing, one on a duty, the other just never came.

"My Lord." Simeon said abruptly. "I asked you how the prisoners have been faring."

"Fine enough. The men are uncommonly strong. They do not utter a word, even after all my tries to extract it from them. It's bred into their kind, headstrong, arogant, every man thinks himself a hero."

"But what about the girl?" Domic put in, somewhat agitated.

There was a heavy silence.

"You already know the answer." Armael muttered. "Why then, do you keep asking?"

"Because I believe it a worthy cause." He snapped, turning his head so he met Eldarion's gaze full on. The King held it, a slow smile creeping upon his lips. "Because I know she would not hold."

There was a touch of unsteadiness in his voice now, a common reaction. None could meet Eldarion's eyes, and not be unnafected. They were like ice, and it was almost as if they sucked your soul out, turning your insides bleak and dark. It was an unsettling feeling, not one worth repeating.

"What his Highness says, is no concern of yours. His word is law."

Always jumping to Eldarion's defense, Cyrus was. He was a true follower, respectfull, dutiful, obeying the King's every word without question, jumping to his every beck and call. The other brothers thought it almost as bad as the youngest Essien, who refused to do anything unexpected without Eldarion's permission. It had used to be Simeon who he followed like a faithfull dog, now the King had the power to toss him around any way he pleased. After all, Essien who hear no word against his 'lord almighty'.

"Bold words, brother." Domic sneered. "Now why don't you clean the floors and wash the dishes as your King would want?"

All the lines had been crossed. It was all fair game now. Cyrus jumped to his feet, his hazy green eyes shooting daggers. Domic seemed ready to start a fight, but remained calm in his seat.

"How dare you speak of Eldarion as such?!" the outraged brother hissed.

Domic opened his mouth for a smart reply, but Eldarion had decided enough was enough.

"Return to your seats men. This is no place for petty arguments. We are not women."

They did as he bid, Cyrus lowering himself slowly and calmly into the chair, his eyes trained on Domic across the table. An unspoken message passed between them, then both eased, glancing at Simeon and Eldarion to see what would be said next. Their quarrel was instantly forgotten, as if it had never happened.

"Torturing the woman is not what I intend." Eldarion said. "There is more here to break her defenses than just physical attack and mutilation. If you know your enemy, you know what can harm them more than that. It is simple, if you find the right spot."

"Her brothers maybe?" Essien inquired, for he was there also.

"Her tie with them is strong, very strong." Eldarion admitted, a sudden gleam coming to his eye. "But look deeper, and you see the forlorn and distraught soul of a woman denied her family, her friends, her lover."

Armael looked thoughtfull. "So you think she has a lover then? A second soul? Which once she looses, she looses everything?"

"Exactly."

"They have been gone for very long." Elrond remarked, glancing about his own council with a steady eye. "Perhaps they are already lost to us."

"That's nonsense!" Legolas cried, clutching his wife's hand tightly beneath the table. "We would know if they no longer lived."

"What if they are captured? What if they live each day wishing for death, the final release, something to end the torture and the agony that never ever stopped?"

Haldir's words had their desired effect. The council shared a brief moment of silence, an icy chill taking hold of them. He too fought hard against his emotions, for just saying what he'd said had pulled painfully at his heart. Thinking of Eomynne at the hands of Eldarion made his blood run cold, an understanding of what he had the power to do making his stomach churn with fear and rage.

"We will wait another week." Galadriel informed them all. "Then we will go for them. This must be stopped."

Despite conflicting opinions on the matter, each and every one seated there gave a nod. It was decided. They would all rather have Eldarion keep on his bloody crusade, then see innocents killed for no good reason. At least if Legolas' children were brought back, three lives would be spared. That was enough for them.

One week, and they would be brought home.

A/N: Well, whataya think? Good? Bad? Wonderfull? Please review because it means so much to me!!!! And sorry for chapter four. I don't know what happened. The tabs just suddenly dissapeared through no fault of mine. Anywayz, hope you enjoyed this and REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW!!!!!