Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings.

A/N: I had wanted to get this up early, but I came up with a new idea. I decided that some of this story is going to be in Legolas' point of view. So, I rewrote the second chapter. I hope you all enjoy. Also a big thanks to all who reviewed. WOW! I was not expecting for people to like it so much. You have all made me very happy. I am honored that my story was well liked. Thank you also to all that added my story to their favorites list. Okay here is the next chapter. It is in Legolas' point of view, so don't get confused.

Chapter 2

Slave Life

'Without a soul, my spirit's sleeping somewhere cold

until you find there and lead it back home.'

It was only early morning, yet I could tell it was going to be another hot day. As I look up in the sky, I saw no clouds to shield me from the sun's rays. My body, though not affected by heat as humans, had become weaker from the hot sun and torturous hours. The abuse and punishment from the guards that I'd endured, only made my dire circumstances worse.

I wiped sweat from my brow as I picked up two large buckets of water. I want desperately to wash my face and hands in the cool water, but I knew such an action would infuriate the guards. I had learned that 'lesson' a long time ago and was not about to repeat my mistake.

I carried the heavy buckets of water to the fields where other men were working. I passed by some of the guards on my way, but I kept my head down, hoping they wouldn't notice me. No such luck. One man thrust his foot out to trip me. I almost stumbled, but managed to keep my balance without spilling any water.

The guards laughed. "Look at the clumsily elf. He's barley even caring those buckets of water."

"And here I thought elves are suppose to be strong. Not so high class now are you, elf?" Another guard sneered.

I heard their comments, but their cruel words meant nothing anymore. My spirit was too broken to even care anymore. I knew I was hated among these men. I knew there was no chance of escape. Hope had left a long time ago. The only thing I held to now was my pride and dignity of who I was.

Though captured and forced to work as a slave, I was still a prince. I was still Legolas of Mirkwood. I still had a father who loved me, no matter if I could feel that here or not. I was an elf warrior and some how I had to press on and keep going. I would not give up fighting even when all hope had faded.

Lifting my head a little, I continued walking towards the fields. No emotion showed on my face. I wouldn't give these guards any more pleasure by seeing me in pain. No, I would be strong for as long as I could. The guards tried to break my spirit many times already and they very nearly succeeded more than once. Yet I held on still, refusing to let myself succumb to them.

The day continued like any other normal day here. The work was hard and strenuous and sometimes I wondered how the men survived.

As the hour grew later, the sun still pressed hard against me. I sighed and continued watering the ground. I noticed two guards approaching. I ignored them, but they grabbed my arms.

"Come with us." One said.

They gave me no choice as they began pulling me towards the house. I followed them, regretting what would be in store. I had probably done something 'wrong' again and was about to receive my punishment. As the thought crossed my mind, I groaned softly. Could I survive another punishment from these men? How far would they go this time, before the captain of the guard stopped them? I bit my lip hard as I entered the house, dreading the worst, yet mentally preparing myself.

I was led into a small study. A young girl was inside the room, waiting.

"Clean him up." The guard said to the girl as he thrust me towards her.

I staggered but caught my balance. The girl picked up a bowl of water and a rag and set it on a bench. She nodded towards the bench for me to sit. I looked around. The guards were still standing watch. I didn't understand why they had brought me here.

Silently I sat down on the bench.

"Remove you shirt." The girls said. Her voice sounded frightened and weary.

I stared at her, but did as she asked. I unbuttoned my tunic and let the shirt slide from my shoulders. She then picked up the wet rag and began to wash the wounds on my back. I carefully pulled my long blonde hair over my shoulder as she continued her work.

I hissed silently in pain as she cleaned the blood and dirt from my welted back.

"I'm sorry." I barely heard her mutter as she continued.

I knew she was trying to be careful, but her hand was not that of a healer. Her rubbing was painful and my back was sore. Soon, however, she had finished. She then offered me a clean rag.

"Wipe your face." She commanded.

I took the towel and wiped it across my brow. The towel was cool and it felt good against my skin.

"Alright that's good. Now take him and show him what he is to do." The guards commanded.

The girl bowed her head slightly. "Yes my masters." She said as she picked up the bowl. She looked at me and with her head, bid me to follow. I stood and followed her from the room.

When we were out in the hall, I silently spoke with her. "What is going on?" I asked.

She looked at me and shrugged. "Master Gurchen wants you to serve the food with us today." She whispered. "I think we are having guest for dinner."

I sighed as we entered the kitchen. In only a few moments, the girl, who I found was named Treta, had showed me my job as a server. She told me the rules of what to do and what not to do. She advised me to be on my best behavior for Gurchen often became angry at the slightest thing when he had guests.

I nodded in acknowledgement. She gave me a tray with water, when I heard someone clap from another room. She nodded for me follow her into the dinning hall. I silently entered behind her.

Quietly, I began to fill the glasses around the table with water. As I entered; however, I had the strange feeling of someone watching me. I pushed away the thought for it was a usual occurrence. Still, I felt the gaze and before I knew it, my eyes were scanning the men at the table. My gaze fell on one man at the far end of the table, sitting near Gerchen.

The man's gaze was locked on me. For a moment, I stared into his eyes. What I saw in his eyes, or perhaps what I didn't see, surprised me. I didn't see hatred or cruelty in his gray eyes. If I had not known better, I would have thought I saw compassion and gentleness.

I dropped my gaze quickly. I should not have been looking someone in the eye like that. According to Gerchen that was considered wrong behavior for a slave. Still, I couldn't help thinking about what I had seen in those eyes for that brief moment. Was there someone that actually had compassion for me?

I pushed the thought away. Men were all the same to me. They were all cruel, stubborn, arrogant beings. Their only desire was power and control. They didn't care for anyone other than themselves. Their race was weak.

Suddenly I heard Gerchen call me.

"Salien!"

My head jerked up. I had not wished to tell him my real name when I was captured, so I chose instead to use the name of my best friend.

I went to Gerchen's side like I knew he wanted.

"What can I do for you, sir?" I asked. Even though he had guests, I could not bring myself to call him master. He would never be my master.

Gerchen ignored me and addressed his guest. He bragged about being one of the only men to own an elf for a slave. As he said this I heard the man beside him mutter a few words. The words were said under his breath, but with my elven hearing, I had heard them clearly.

"And they never should." He had said.

I looked down at the man, meeting his eyes once again. I wondered if he really meant those words. Before I was caught, however, I quickly looked back towards the wall.

Suddenly I felt a sharp slap to my sore back. Gerchen had hit me on a very painful welt that had not fully healed. The slap stung and I winced. I quickly regained my composure, however.

I let my face become cold, so no one would see my pain hidden below. No one would see the loneliness that I felt. I wouldn't let them see the humiliation I had been put through. My heart had become cold through the time I had spent here. My pain was hidden down deep and I wasn't about to let anyone draw it from me.

I felt the gaze of all the men on me, but I notice an intense gaze from the man right ahead of me. I lowered my eyes to look at him. His gaze was still focused on me and I wondered if he could see into my heart.

I was about to drop my gaze, when his eyes lowered. He bowed his head down in a simple gesture. I looked at him confused. Had he seen all the pain that I had been through? Did he know who I was?

That thought scared me. My heart began to panic. If he knew or even had the slightest hint that I was a prince, my father's kingdom could be in danger. He could use me to get at my father.

I focused my eyes on the man. My eyes pleading with him to keep my secrets that he seemed to know. He didn't look back at me, but he smiled.

"Now back to work." Gerchen commanded me.

I almost looked him in the eyes as I looked down, but I quickly corrected myself. I look down and muttered a yes sir. Once again, I filled the glasses of water. I realized that I had not bowed to Gerchen like I was expected, but right now my thoughts were elsewhere.

Who was this man? Why did his eyes hold so much compassion and strength? Was there really someone that would want to help me? Did a human actually care?

I sighed as I continued my work. I would not let my guard fall. I would not let myself trust just any man. I had trusted a man once before and that had cost me dearly. I wouldn't make the same mistake twice.

The man might have some sympathy and decency in him, but he was still human. I would ignore him like I had learned to do with every other human I had met. I did not need human sympathy. I never would.