Disclaimer: Lord of the Rings is Tolkien's. I'm just borrowing it for a sec.

Author's Notes:

This IS a short chapter, I know, but blame it on school. At least I HAVE been updating daily. Still stuck on assignments. I've been doing nothing much. Keep on reviewing. I love you! I am so happy! Add me to your favourites PLEASE! Thanks to those who did. *Blows a kiss*

Because no one complained, author notes will remain at the top of the chapter. Tell me if you want it at the bottom ok?

Everyone: Thanks for reviewing. It is much appreciated.

Haldir's Heart and Soul: Elrond is coming hopefully in the near future. Thanks for adding me to your list. Dream comes true, literally.

FrodoBaggins87: Sleeping Beauty I think it's called.

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The next part… Legolas' thoughts are in italics. By the way, his LEFT wrist is broken. 

Legolas dragged the cleaning equipment out. There was a scrubber, an old mop, a broom, a rickety ladder, some rags and a tiny bucket. Unwillingly, Legolas took the bucket and filled it up using the small tap in the hidden room. He held the bucket in his right hand. He shifted the bucket to his left hand, so he could close the tap and almost dropped the bucket. OW! That hurts! I really have to fix that wrist.

He ripped some small strips of cloth from his long tunic and bound them around his wrist. I hope it doesn't get worse. Gingerly, he went about and started to scrub the floor.

Many trips later and lots of scrubbing…

Legolas sat and rested. The floor was now clean. So far, so good. His muscles ached from the unfamiliar activity but his obstinate nature did not allow him to give up. It was starting to get darker outside as it approached evening. Legolas was reminded of the time limit. He was hungry, he hadn't eaten since that last dinner with his father a day ago. Elves did not need to eat as much as the Edain [Humans] but they needed to have sustenance for energy. The way it looks I won't be eating for quite a while.

He ignored the pain in his back, ribs and stomach. His right wrist was hurting from the repetitive movements of scrubbing the floor. At least I've done something. His knees were raw from scrubbing the floor, as were his knuckles.

Legolas contemplated what he would do next. Clean off the cobwebs from the windows and wipe them I guess. At least I wouldn't be crawling on the ground.  Legolas tried to raise his mood by thinking of the positive side. Mother always said- No! I can't think about her right now. She's dead. But she said she would always be with me? A childish voice said inside him. No! Focus! The warrior inside Legolas took over.

He refilled the bucket with clean water then started the long task of cleaning the windows. By the time he was finished, it was well into the night. Legolas was famished and exhausted. Not caring where he laid, he closed his eyes and dreamt about his father.

**Dream**

Legolas had finished cleaning the room. He was waiting for the supervisor to inspect his work. He was kneeling on the ground when a tall elf strolled in.

"Get up, Prince Legolas, your father wants to eat with you. Hurry up and get yourself clean." The supervisor was smiling. "I am so proud of you."

Legolas smiled at his own achievement and ran off to meet his father.

"Ada! Ada! I'm so sorry, I didn't mean it - " Legolas' joyful reunion was interrupted by a shout from his father.

"I didn't ASK TO SEE HIM! GET HIM OUT OF MY SIGHT! Ruthiun take him to Githil. Punish him for this rude intrusion." His father's voice was loud and cold.

"Please, no PLEASE," Legolas implored desperately.

"Get the slave out of my throne room. NOW." His father did not look at him. Instead, Ruthiun dragged him down the corridor. His laugher echoing, echoing, echoing…

**End Dream**

His small form shook and writhed on the floor. Small moans escaped his tortured body.  

Legolas shook himself into reality. His breathing was laboured and a thin sheen of sweat covered his brow. His tunic was soaked with sweat and streaked with his own blood. He heart hammered in his chest. It was only a dream. Only a dream. It felt so real. The laughter still rang in his ears. The grating chuckle. He shuddered involuntarily. 

He got up off the floor. I know I won't sleep again tonight. I won't even try. Legolas slowly crossed the room to look out the window. The cool night air brushed past his face. His tangled hair flew freely. For a moment, he would forget about his worries and the nightmare that haunted him. The shadow that traced his steps.

Mother. He gazed up longingly at the stars. Mother always said that in the darkest of times, looks towards the stars for comfort – for hope because she's waiting for me. He closed his eyes and let a single tear escape from the confines of his eyes. The silver droplet glistened on his cheek almost like a shining star. I fear hope. Estel.