Title: Out of the Safety of the Wood
Authors: No Tears, with a considerable amount of help from Dollrandir
Summary: Making their way back into Mirkwood, Legolas and Naruhitu are attacked, and
Legolas is taken captive while Naruhitu is left for death.
Rating: R
Warning: Violence/torture, bdsm, rape, and all that good stuff. I've decided to go further into this
fic and explore the realm where Legolas is in a non-consensual Master/Slave relationship.
Eventual slash! Though nothing really graphic will be placed in this version of the story, as I must
heed the rating rules of FF.net.
Disclaimer: We don't own anything made by Tolkien! Naruhitu, however, belongs to Dollrandir.
All the other icky bad guys are mine!
No Tears' Notes: Numerous apologies for the delay! But school is out now for Dollrandir and I,
and so we have much more time to work on this story! And, we made another mistake. It seems
that the graphic parts are going to be delayed for another couple of chapters...because we write
through our characters and only when they believe it is time, will it be time. Which should be
somewhere in the next two chapters, if not sooner. Depends on how the characters write
themselves. All right, on with the next chapter!
**WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE FORMAT OF THIS CHAPTER. FOR SOME REASON, WE
CANNOT FIND OUT WHY SOME PARAGRAPHS ARE SEPARATE AND OTHERS ARE
NOT. WE WILL TRY AND FIND THE ANSWER TO THIS PROBLEM AS SOON AS WE
CAN!!**
Oh, and thoughts are now depicted between ~these.~
**********
**********
**********
**********
**********
Part 5: Piece by Piece
**********
**********
**********
**********
**********
Naruhitu awoke to the feeling of tugging at his hair. He let out a soft groan, mostly from the
weariness of waking. It felt like he had slept for days. Suddenly he remembered what had
occurred to lead him here, and would have bolted himself upright had he the energy. He was not
in as much pain as he had been, and he wondered just how long his body had been in the state of
Elven healing sleep.
The small jerking movement he made served to startle whatever had been pulling at his hair, and
he could hear the soft patter of tiny feet as whatever it was began to chatter angrily at him. He
guessed it was a squirrel of some sort, and this was confirmed when a small furry creature with a
long bushy tail began to take shape in his line of vision. The little rodent had taken to the safety of
the trees and now seemed to be giving him a firm reprimanding for startling it.
His eyes clearing, the raven haired Elf began to observe his surroundings. He was not in the
clearing where the men had left him, but somewhere in a copse of trees. There was a dying fire
nearby, and next to it lay a cloth of some sort, upon which was what looked like cooked nuts and
other plant-like items. The scent of food reached his nose, and he was then aware of how hungry
he was. As his eyes continued to scan the area, he caught sight of something moving in the
woods.
Fear clenched his heart and he tensed up. Who had found him? Were they friend or foe? It was
then he realized that he was no longer bound, and would be free to run should he wish it. But he
doubted that he would be able to escape any captor in his condition, and so he could only wait in
silent apprehension as the figure drew closer. The squirrel that previously had been squeaking
non-stop was now deathly silent.
Finally, the being stepped into clear view, and Naruhitu felt relief soar when he recognized it as
another Elf. Whoever it was, was softly singing, and through the voice the raven haired Elf could
discern it as a male. Most everything else was hidden from him, as the stranger was carefully
concealed in a dark green cloak that matched the leaves of the trees in the forest. Naruhitu began
to shift subconsciously on the ground and then winced when he realized his movements would be
heard by the other Elf and signal him to his consciousness. Even though it was another Elf that did
not mean Naruhitu did not need to be wary.
As predicted, the cloaked Elf's head turned towards the dark haired Elf. Naruhitu froze, his blue
eyes wide as they were met with another pair of fierce hazel. Wavy brown hair tinged with gold
flowed freely down the stranger's face, the length reaching to where Naruhitu guessed was the
small of the Elf's back. After a few seconds the green-brown eyes softened, and the Elf resumed
to walk around the camp to the spot where the nuts and plants lay.
The squirrel that had been cursing at Naruhitu before gave a small squeak of delight and quickly
scurried down from its perch on the tree. With effortless ease it climbed up the back of the
hooded newcomer and began squeaking animatedly into his ear. A soft chuckle sounded from the
brown haired Elf.
"Aren't you quite the impatient one." he stated.
Naruhitu watched as the newcomer kneeled down next to the pile of nuts and spoke once more to
the squirrel. "All right, you may choose whichever one you'd like. But I warn you, these are
cooked."
The squirrel did not seem to mind, and with a final squeak jumped down and all but disappeared
into the pile of nuts as it searched for the perfect one to consume. The brown haired Elf watched
the squirrel's antics with amusement, reaching out and gently pinching the exposed bushy tail. The
little creature gave a squeak from where it stood underneath the pile, but soon resumed its search.
Naruhitu could not help but smile at the scene.
"How are you feeling?"
The question caught Naruhitu off-guard, being the first time the other Elf had spoken directly to
him since arriving. The young Elf looked at the other uncertainly, his mind frantically trying to
remember how to speak. Finally he managed a reply.
"I-" Naruhitu winced at his dry, raspy voice and swallowed before trying again. "I feel better than
I did before waking."
The strange Elf did not look at him as he spoke. "I found you in a clearing." he said, answering
one of Naruhitu's unspoken questions. "You were badly injured. I tended to you as best I could,
but your own body did a greater job healing itself."
Naruhitu's brow furrowed and he dropped his gaze to the ground as he tried to force his mind to
work. After a moment he glanced back up at the other Elf, who had removed the hood of his
cloak and was now currently sitting back on his heels as he studied the other.
The squirrel finally found the nut it wanted, and pulled its way out of the pile. Holding the nut up
to its face, it took one gigantic bite out of the nut. The strange Elf let out a sound of surprise.
"Steady yourself, little one!" he admonished the small creature. "If you eat the entire nut, then
naught shall be left for you to keep yourself well through the winter!"
The squirrel glanced quizzically up at the brown haired Elf, before letting out a small squeak and
began to take tiny bites of the nut, steadily stuffing the food into its cheeks piece by piece.
"There you go," the other Elf said, nodding in approval. "Just be patient."
As Naruhitu watched the squirrel slowly eat the rest of the nut, he realized that the air around him
was cold. The squirrel was going to need to store food for the months it snowed, though it looked
as if it would be able to get all the sustenance it needed from this strange Elf. After it finished the
nut its cheeks were slightly plump from the filling. The squirrel glanced at the brown haired Elf
one last time, before turning and scurrying away like a galloping horse.
Naruhitu's eyes widened as yet another memory made its presence known. "Horses!" he gasped
suddenly.
The other Elf gave him a puzzled look and tilted his head. "Pardon?"
Naruhitu blushed slightly before answering. "Horses. I remember seeing horses with me."
The strange Elf continued to stare at him for a moment, before throwing his head back and letting
out a light laugh that was echoed in the trees. "Horses! Of course...how could I forget? It was
how I found you in the first place."
"I remember a stallion with a dark coat."
"Aye, that was Maethor. He is the leader of the herd." A small smile appeared on the strange Elf's
face. "It was a good thing he found you when he did."
"Where are we now?"
"Near the eastern borders of Mirkwood. Do you believe yourself to be recovered enough to make
it back to your home?"
The younger Elf didn't bother asking how the other knew he was from Mirkwood; it was clear on
the garb he wore.
Naruhitu braced himself and made an attempt to rise. His limbs quaked under the strain, but he
managed to get himself into a sitting position. It did, however, take more effort than he had
anticipated.
"I'll need to rest for a while longer if I am to make the journey." the young Elf answered
truthfully with a grin. "Oh, and, my name is Naruhitu." he added, feeling it safe enough to give his
true name to this Elf.
At this, an almost imperceptible light of sorrow entered the other Elf's eyes, before he smiled
once more. "I am known as Rainraw." he said softly, placing his hand to the right side of his chest
in a polite greeting. "Mayhap, while you are regaining your strength, you will be able to tell me
the tale of how it is you ended up in such condition. I gather however you did, it was not
pleasant."
Naruhitu's eyes widened, his mind screaming at him for even momentarily forgetting what had
happened to Legolas. He struggled to his feet, and would have fallen because of his unresponsive
limbs if it weren't for Rainraw hurrying to his side to support him.
"Calm yourself, Elfling!" the brown haired Elf gasped as Naruhitu tried to wrench from his grasp.
"Legolas!" Naruhitu cried. "I have to get to the king! I must speak with him as soon as possible! I
have to..." Sobs choked him and he hung limply in the older Elf's arms.
"What is it you know that is so urgent to alert the king of?" Rainraw asked, concern etched in his
large, hazel eyes as he gently placed the weak Elf onto the ground.
Naruhitu was beyond responding, his grief having taken over. He curled up on the forest floor,
burying his face in his arms as sobs wracked him. Legolas had been taken by men, to be used for
whatever evil purposes they wished of him. That was, if the prince was still alive.
*********
*********
*********
*********
*********
Legolas moaned miserably, a sound that was quickly swallowed up by the walls surrounding him.
How long it had been since he had been placed in this horrible imprisonment, he knew not. It was
far too long for his liking, and he could no longer control the occasional panic attacks resulting
from claustrophobia. Sweat continued to break out on his forehead, sticking the hood to his face.
His muscles were extremely cramped, for even though he was lithe, his body was not used to
withstanding pressure on all sides as such.
The first long moments of being placed in here he had attempted to move to ease the discomfort.
It had only heightened his sense of the walls around him and gave him the impression that they
were closing in on him. He had panicked then, giving a scream that was effectively suppressed by
the large gag in his mouth. Legolas had used his legs to push against the wall behind him with his
back, as if trying to move the very stone of the walls themselves to give him more room. This had
proved useless, and he had stopped moving, making whimpering sounds that would go unheard.
How much longer was he to be kept in here? Had they forgotten about him and left him to die?
The thoughts made him whimper again, and he tried to shift in the cramped area once more. His
arms were still bound behind him, crushed between his back and the wall. At least, he believed
they were. They had long since lost all feeling.
He was also terribly thirsty, having lost much of what little water he consumed through
perspiration. His mouth and throat were dry around the ball gag, and his tongue felt swollen. His
jaws were also aching fiercely from being forced open for so long. Legolas had been afraid that if
he went into Elven sleep to escape the pain, that he wouldn't wake up again. He had to focus on
breathing. Unfortunately, even this was restrained because of the hood over his head. Each time
he would inhale, the fabric would press against his nose, preventing him from taking too great a
breath.
He once more made the futile effort to shift himself into a more comfortable position. His eyes
began to well up with tears of frustration and fear, and he shut his eyes tightly behind the hood.
That was when he heard it.
Voices!
Since the time he'd been imprisoned down here, not once had he been able to detect any sound of
indication that others were around. That had been the final factor in his misery, that had sent the
poor prince over the edge.
Now was his first sign since coming down here of other life besides himself, and his heart flared in
hope as he held his breath. If they left him down here any longer, he was sure he'd succumb
completely to madness.
Footsteps approached, and the sound of sliding could be heard. He felt a waft of cool air hit his
body, and nearly wept with relief.
"My young prince, are you ready to be released?" It was the voice of Faregon. Under any other
circumstances, he would have reacted with defiance.
But not now. He felt his rebellious spirit frantically struggle to break free, but it was ultimately
overcome by his fear of spending any more time in the hellish kennel. The Elf could only whimper
in response, being restrained of all other communication. He just wanted to be taken out of this
Valar forsaken place, to be able to breathe freely and stretch tired and cramped muscles. And his
thirst seemed to be growing by the minute.
It happened faster than he'd expected. The pressure of the wall on his left side abruptly vanished,
and he fell onto his side. He had not the strength to move; his limbs needed circulation to return
before he could even try. He found that the cold stone beneath him was soothing against his
burning skin.
Then hands were grabbing at him, pulling him up so he was kneeling. His legs protested, but he
trembled with weakness and had no energy to fight the men. The hood on his head was removed,
allowing Legolas's eyes to once more see in something other than pitch black. Soon after the gag
was loosened from his mouth. After it was pulled out, he found that trying to close his jaw caused
him too much pain; the joints had been badly strained.
As his eyes focused, the prince could see the figure of Faregon standing over him, a triumphant
smirk. The man kneeled before him, and reached out to touch his face. Much to his shame,
Legolas found himself flinching back from the fingers before he stopped himself. Faregon's hands
touched his still open mouth and then, to the Elf's surprise, began massaging the pained joints of
his jaw.
"How is my little Elf faring?" the man asked. "It seems you did not like the three days you spent
in the kennel."
~Three days?!?!~ Legolas managed to furrow his brow in incredulity as he gazed at the man.
Faregon was, however, correct in that the Elf had no pleasure whatsoever in being kept in that
cramped space.
The man continued to soothe the joints of Legolas's jaw, and eventually the Elf found he could
close his mouth again. Faregon tussled the prince's hair before standing once more.
"Take the prince to his new living quarters and have the servants give him a proper bathing." the
man ordered the guards. "Do not feed him. Do not water him."
The Elf only stared up at Faregon, as if not understanding. He was pulled up by the arms, and
gave a startled cry as his legs crumpled beneath him. Circulation was beginning to return, and
with it the terrible pain that gave him the distinct feeling of being jabbed with thousands of
needles. Legolas's breath caught, and he shut his eyes as he waited impatiently for it to be over.
When he found the strength to at least support himself with the aid of the men, they began to lead
him away, holding him firmly up even as he stumbled.
Faregon watched the men take his new, prized slave away. He turned to the kennel and shut it
once more. The man knew that the prince's seeming submission at the moment was not to last.
Still, Faregon knew he'd started with the correct steps. Legolas was on his way to becoming a
well trained slave, just like the rest of them. When the Elf would recover enough, he'd continue
with the training. Faregon smirked. This time, it would be more hands on.
Authors: No Tears, with a considerable amount of help from Dollrandir
Summary: Making their way back into Mirkwood, Legolas and Naruhitu are attacked, and
Legolas is taken captive while Naruhitu is left for death.
Rating: R
Warning: Violence/torture, bdsm, rape, and all that good stuff. I've decided to go further into this
fic and explore the realm where Legolas is in a non-consensual Master/Slave relationship.
Eventual slash! Though nothing really graphic will be placed in this version of the story, as I must
heed the rating rules of FF.net.
Disclaimer: We don't own anything made by Tolkien! Naruhitu, however, belongs to Dollrandir.
All the other icky bad guys are mine!
No Tears' Notes: Numerous apologies for the delay! But school is out now for Dollrandir and I,
and so we have much more time to work on this story! And, we made another mistake. It seems
that the graphic parts are going to be delayed for another couple of chapters...because we write
through our characters and only when they believe it is time, will it be time. Which should be
somewhere in the next two chapters, if not sooner. Depends on how the characters write
themselves. All right, on with the next chapter!
**WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE FORMAT OF THIS CHAPTER. FOR SOME REASON, WE
CANNOT FIND OUT WHY SOME PARAGRAPHS ARE SEPARATE AND OTHERS ARE
NOT. WE WILL TRY AND FIND THE ANSWER TO THIS PROBLEM AS SOON AS WE
CAN!!**
Oh, and thoughts are now depicted between ~these.~
**********
**********
**********
**********
**********
Part 5: Piece by Piece
**********
**********
**********
**********
**********
Naruhitu awoke to the feeling of tugging at his hair. He let out a soft groan, mostly from the
weariness of waking. It felt like he had slept for days. Suddenly he remembered what had
occurred to lead him here, and would have bolted himself upright had he the energy. He was not
in as much pain as he had been, and he wondered just how long his body had been in the state of
Elven healing sleep.
The small jerking movement he made served to startle whatever had been pulling at his hair, and
he could hear the soft patter of tiny feet as whatever it was began to chatter angrily at him. He
guessed it was a squirrel of some sort, and this was confirmed when a small furry creature with a
long bushy tail began to take shape in his line of vision. The little rodent had taken to the safety of
the trees and now seemed to be giving him a firm reprimanding for startling it.
His eyes clearing, the raven haired Elf began to observe his surroundings. He was not in the
clearing where the men had left him, but somewhere in a copse of trees. There was a dying fire
nearby, and next to it lay a cloth of some sort, upon which was what looked like cooked nuts and
other plant-like items. The scent of food reached his nose, and he was then aware of how hungry
he was. As his eyes continued to scan the area, he caught sight of something moving in the
woods.
Fear clenched his heart and he tensed up. Who had found him? Were they friend or foe? It was
then he realized that he was no longer bound, and would be free to run should he wish it. But he
doubted that he would be able to escape any captor in his condition, and so he could only wait in
silent apprehension as the figure drew closer. The squirrel that previously had been squeaking
non-stop was now deathly silent.
Finally, the being stepped into clear view, and Naruhitu felt relief soar when he recognized it as
another Elf. Whoever it was, was softly singing, and through the voice the raven haired Elf could
discern it as a male. Most everything else was hidden from him, as the stranger was carefully
concealed in a dark green cloak that matched the leaves of the trees in the forest. Naruhitu began
to shift subconsciously on the ground and then winced when he realized his movements would be
heard by the other Elf and signal him to his consciousness. Even though it was another Elf that did
not mean Naruhitu did not need to be wary.
As predicted, the cloaked Elf's head turned towards the dark haired Elf. Naruhitu froze, his blue
eyes wide as they were met with another pair of fierce hazel. Wavy brown hair tinged with gold
flowed freely down the stranger's face, the length reaching to where Naruhitu guessed was the
small of the Elf's back. After a few seconds the green-brown eyes softened, and the Elf resumed
to walk around the camp to the spot where the nuts and plants lay.
The squirrel that had been cursing at Naruhitu before gave a small squeak of delight and quickly
scurried down from its perch on the tree. With effortless ease it climbed up the back of the
hooded newcomer and began squeaking animatedly into his ear. A soft chuckle sounded from the
brown haired Elf.
"Aren't you quite the impatient one." he stated.
Naruhitu watched as the newcomer kneeled down next to the pile of nuts and spoke once more to
the squirrel. "All right, you may choose whichever one you'd like. But I warn you, these are
cooked."
The squirrel did not seem to mind, and with a final squeak jumped down and all but disappeared
into the pile of nuts as it searched for the perfect one to consume. The brown haired Elf watched
the squirrel's antics with amusement, reaching out and gently pinching the exposed bushy tail. The
little creature gave a squeak from where it stood underneath the pile, but soon resumed its search.
Naruhitu could not help but smile at the scene.
"How are you feeling?"
The question caught Naruhitu off-guard, being the first time the other Elf had spoken directly to
him since arriving. The young Elf looked at the other uncertainly, his mind frantically trying to
remember how to speak. Finally he managed a reply.
"I-" Naruhitu winced at his dry, raspy voice and swallowed before trying again. "I feel better than
I did before waking."
The strange Elf did not look at him as he spoke. "I found you in a clearing." he said, answering
one of Naruhitu's unspoken questions. "You were badly injured. I tended to you as best I could,
but your own body did a greater job healing itself."
Naruhitu's brow furrowed and he dropped his gaze to the ground as he tried to force his mind to
work. After a moment he glanced back up at the other Elf, who had removed the hood of his
cloak and was now currently sitting back on his heels as he studied the other.
The squirrel finally found the nut it wanted, and pulled its way out of the pile. Holding the nut up
to its face, it took one gigantic bite out of the nut. The strange Elf let out a sound of surprise.
"Steady yourself, little one!" he admonished the small creature. "If you eat the entire nut, then
naught shall be left for you to keep yourself well through the winter!"
The squirrel glanced quizzically up at the brown haired Elf, before letting out a small squeak and
began to take tiny bites of the nut, steadily stuffing the food into its cheeks piece by piece.
"There you go," the other Elf said, nodding in approval. "Just be patient."
As Naruhitu watched the squirrel slowly eat the rest of the nut, he realized that the air around him
was cold. The squirrel was going to need to store food for the months it snowed, though it looked
as if it would be able to get all the sustenance it needed from this strange Elf. After it finished the
nut its cheeks were slightly plump from the filling. The squirrel glanced at the brown haired Elf
one last time, before turning and scurrying away like a galloping horse.
Naruhitu's eyes widened as yet another memory made its presence known. "Horses!" he gasped
suddenly.
The other Elf gave him a puzzled look and tilted his head. "Pardon?"
Naruhitu blushed slightly before answering. "Horses. I remember seeing horses with me."
The strange Elf continued to stare at him for a moment, before throwing his head back and letting
out a light laugh that was echoed in the trees. "Horses! Of course...how could I forget? It was
how I found you in the first place."
"I remember a stallion with a dark coat."
"Aye, that was Maethor. He is the leader of the herd." A small smile appeared on the strange Elf's
face. "It was a good thing he found you when he did."
"Where are we now?"
"Near the eastern borders of Mirkwood. Do you believe yourself to be recovered enough to make
it back to your home?"
The younger Elf didn't bother asking how the other knew he was from Mirkwood; it was clear on
the garb he wore.
Naruhitu braced himself and made an attempt to rise. His limbs quaked under the strain, but he
managed to get himself into a sitting position. It did, however, take more effort than he had
anticipated.
"I'll need to rest for a while longer if I am to make the journey." the young Elf answered
truthfully with a grin. "Oh, and, my name is Naruhitu." he added, feeling it safe enough to give his
true name to this Elf.
At this, an almost imperceptible light of sorrow entered the other Elf's eyes, before he smiled
once more. "I am known as Rainraw." he said softly, placing his hand to the right side of his chest
in a polite greeting. "Mayhap, while you are regaining your strength, you will be able to tell me
the tale of how it is you ended up in such condition. I gather however you did, it was not
pleasant."
Naruhitu's eyes widened, his mind screaming at him for even momentarily forgetting what had
happened to Legolas. He struggled to his feet, and would have fallen because of his unresponsive
limbs if it weren't for Rainraw hurrying to his side to support him.
"Calm yourself, Elfling!" the brown haired Elf gasped as Naruhitu tried to wrench from his grasp.
"Legolas!" Naruhitu cried. "I have to get to the king! I must speak with him as soon as possible! I
have to..." Sobs choked him and he hung limply in the older Elf's arms.
"What is it you know that is so urgent to alert the king of?" Rainraw asked, concern etched in his
large, hazel eyes as he gently placed the weak Elf onto the ground.
Naruhitu was beyond responding, his grief having taken over. He curled up on the forest floor,
burying his face in his arms as sobs wracked him. Legolas had been taken by men, to be used for
whatever evil purposes they wished of him. That was, if the prince was still alive.
*********
*********
*********
*********
*********
Legolas moaned miserably, a sound that was quickly swallowed up by the walls surrounding him.
How long it had been since he had been placed in this horrible imprisonment, he knew not. It was
far too long for his liking, and he could no longer control the occasional panic attacks resulting
from claustrophobia. Sweat continued to break out on his forehead, sticking the hood to his face.
His muscles were extremely cramped, for even though he was lithe, his body was not used to
withstanding pressure on all sides as such.
The first long moments of being placed in here he had attempted to move to ease the discomfort.
It had only heightened his sense of the walls around him and gave him the impression that they
were closing in on him. He had panicked then, giving a scream that was effectively suppressed by
the large gag in his mouth. Legolas had used his legs to push against the wall behind him with his
back, as if trying to move the very stone of the walls themselves to give him more room. This had
proved useless, and he had stopped moving, making whimpering sounds that would go unheard.
How much longer was he to be kept in here? Had they forgotten about him and left him to die?
The thoughts made him whimper again, and he tried to shift in the cramped area once more. His
arms were still bound behind him, crushed between his back and the wall. At least, he believed
they were. They had long since lost all feeling.
He was also terribly thirsty, having lost much of what little water he consumed through
perspiration. His mouth and throat were dry around the ball gag, and his tongue felt swollen. His
jaws were also aching fiercely from being forced open for so long. Legolas had been afraid that if
he went into Elven sleep to escape the pain, that he wouldn't wake up again. He had to focus on
breathing. Unfortunately, even this was restrained because of the hood over his head. Each time
he would inhale, the fabric would press against his nose, preventing him from taking too great a
breath.
He once more made the futile effort to shift himself into a more comfortable position. His eyes
began to well up with tears of frustration and fear, and he shut his eyes tightly behind the hood.
That was when he heard it.
Voices!
Since the time he'd been imprisoned down here, not once had he been able to detect any sound of
indication that others were around. That had been the final factor in his misery, that had sent the
poor prince over the edge.
Now was his first sign since coming down here of other life besides himself, and his heart flared in
hope as he held his breath. If they left him down here any longer, he was sure he'd succumb
completely to madness.
Footsteps approached, and the sound of sliding could be heard. He felt a waft of cool air hit his
body, and nearly wept with relief.
"My young prince, are you ready to be released?" It was the voice of Faregon. Under any other
circumstances, he would have reacted with defiance.
But not now. He felt his rebellious spirit frantically struggle to break free, but it was ultimately
overcome by his fear of spending any more time in the hellish kennel. The Elf could only whimper
in response, being restrained of all other communication. He just wanted to be taken out of this
Valar forsaken place, to be able to breathe freely and stretch tired and cramped muscles. And his
thirst seemed to be growing by the minute.
It happened faster than he'd expected. The pressure of the wall on his left side abruptly vanished,
and he fell onto his side. He had not the strength to move; his limbs needed circulation to return
before he could even try. He found that the cold stone beneath him was soothing against his
burning skin.
Then hands were grabbing at him, pulling him up so he was kneeling. His legs protested, but he
trembled with weakness and had no energy to fight the men. The hood on his head was removed,
allowing Legolas's eyes to once more see in something other than pitch black. Soon after the gag
was loosened from his mouth. After it was pulled out, he found that trying to close his jaw caused
him too much pain; the joints had been badly strained.
As his eyes focused, the prince could see the figure of Faregon standing over him, a triumphant
smirk. The man kneeled before him, and reached out to touch his face. Much to his shame,
Legolas found himself flinching back from the fingers before he stopped himself. Faregon's hands
touched his still open mouth and then, to the Elf's surprise, began massaging the pained joints of
his jaw.
"How is my little Elf faring?" the man asked. "It seems you did not like the three days you spent
in the kennel."
~Three days?!?!~ Legolas managed to furrow his brow in incredulity as he gazed at the man.
Faregon was, however, correct in that the Elf had no pleasure whatsoever in being kept in that
cramped space.
The man continued to soothe the joints of Legolas's jaw, and eventually the Elf found he could
close his mouth again. Faregon tussled the prince's hair before standing once more.
"Take the prince to his new living quarters and have the servants give him a proper bathing." the
man ordered the guards. "Do not feed him. Do not water him."
The Elf only stared up at Faregon, as if not understanding. He was pulled up by the arms, and
gave a startled cry as his legs crumpled beneath him. Circulation was beginning to return, and
with it the terrible pain that gave him the distinct feeling of being jabbed with thousands of
needles. Legolas's breath caught, and he shut his eyes as he waited impatiently for it to be over.
When he found the strength to at least support himself with the aid of the men, they began to lead
him away, holding him firmly up even as he stumbled.
Faregon watched the men take his new, prized slave away. He turned to the kennel and shut it
once more. The man knew that the prince's seeming submission at the moment was not to last.
Still, Faregon knew he'd started with the correct steps. Legolas was on his way to becoming a
well trained slave, just like the rest of them. When the Elf would recover enough, he'd continue
with the training. Faregon smirked. This time, it would be more hands on.