Disclaimer: See chapter one if you still don't get it.
A/N: Okay here is the next chapter. I'm sorry it took a little while. Also this one is in Aragorn's POV. I know I had the pattern of doing Legolas then Aragorn then back to Legolas, but this one came out better talking about Aragorn first. So enjoy. The next chapter should be up soon. As promised a response to my reviewers.
Deana: I'm glad you keep coming back to read more. You will get to see how Legolas is on this chapter. The friends are finally reunited. Thanks for reading.
Aranna Undomiel: Yes, Aragorn is fine, thanks to two overprotective twins. You hope nothing has happened to Legolas? Well, too bad cause stuff did happen to him. You will see on this chapter.
Nikki. Yes, they need a good plan. I'm glad you liked the chapter. I like Cormir a lot too. He is a cool guy.
Blue Autumn Sky: Sorry it wasn't sooner. The next update should be sooner than this one was. Hope you enjoy and continue to read.
Gozilla: Thanks for your review. Glad you liked the chapter. Hope you continue to enjoy.
Lady of Rivendell78: Yes the twins have come to help. Awww… you feel sorry for Legolas, even if you don't like him too much. Poor Legolas. Unfortunately, things will only get worse for him before it gets better. Please keep reading and thanks so much for your review.
Allison: Thanks for your review. I'm glad you liked the chapter. Yes, now the twins are in the mess of it. Things are going to get hard for them soon too. Please continue to read. I try to update once a week, but sometimes it's every other week.
IcyLeo: The twins shall come up with a plan soon, but right now I don't even fully know what that plan is. Guess I should figure that out, huh? Perhaps I shall call the twins and asked what they have planned. They could work. :-D Anyway, I'm glad you are enjoying. Thanks for the review.
Brie: You don't normally review for things, huh? Well, I am honored that you decided to review for my story. Wow! You have no complaints either. Well, thank you. I am glad you like how the story is falling together. Thanks again and please continue to read.
SaphireCat: I'm glad you liked the chapter. Yes, things are getting interesting. Thanks for the review.
Alia G. L: I'm so glad you loved it. Here is the next chapter for you. Thanks so much for your review. I know you were having trouble reviewing so I'm glad you kept coming back till you could. Thanks so much.
Dreaminoflorien: Well, you didn't review the last chapter, so I'm thinking you forgot or something. That's okay. I know you loved it because you already said you did. Thanks for betaing for me. Here is the next chapter.
Okay, well, now that all that is done, here is the next chapter. Remember it is in Legolas POV. Enjoy and please review.
WARNING: This chapter is really sad. I would have a tissue box near.
Chapter 10
Fading into Darkness
'I've been sleeping a thousand years it seems
got to open my eyes to everything'
The stars glistened over head, providing small light to where I sat. The sun had long since disappeared. Silently, I stared out into the woods, thinking about the past week. After the attack on our group, we had searched for any signs of the Karp's hideout, but just as before, the beasts seemed to disappear into thin air. There was no trace of them. Not even the skills of Elladan and Elrohir could aid us in our search. The whole scenario seemed odd.
Now, however, we were heading back to Gerchen's establishment. I was eager to get back for I feared for Legolas. I had been gone for over two weeks and hoped he was all right. However, I couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed. After searching for so long and even battling with the Karps, we had nothing to show for our effort.
My thoughts were disturbed as I heard slight movement to my left. I looked past the small fire that still burned. Elladan sat quietly on a log staring in the woods. He had been so quiet that I had almost forgotten he was there. His gaze was firm though, and I wasn't even sure if he had made the noise. I followed his gaze into the trees, but saw nothing.
I turned back to him. His body was still, but his eyes moved ever so slightly as if watching something move. His face was firm, silently contemplating.
"Man cenich, Elladan?" I whispered. (What do you see?)
Elladan broke his gaze and glanced at me. Then turned his eyes back to the forest. "We are not alone." He said calmly.
I jumped to my feet and grabbed my sword. "The Karps?" I asked frantically.
"Havo dad, Estel!" Elladan commanded me sternly but calmly. He met my eyes. "We are in no danger." (Sit down)
I kept my gaze locked on him as I sat down near him. "Then what is it?" I asked.
Elladan sighed. "The creatures are watching us."
I looked towards the forest, but still saw nothing lurking in the darkness. "Why are they watching? Why not attack?"
Elladan shook his head. "There are too few of them right now. They are cunning. They are scheming." Elladan turned his gaze back on me. "Remember when you were attacked by the river?" I nodded as he continued. "That was a set up. They led you there. It was a trap. They didn't kill any of your men. It was just a warning."
"A warning of what?" I asked, not understanding.
"I know not, but the reason we have not been able to find them is because they have been traveling alone. They regrouped the night before they attacked you. Then they left and scattered. Now they are regrouping again."
"Maybe they consider this their territory or perhaps they are protecting nesting grounds." I suggested.
Elladan nodded. "Perhaps, but last time it was a warning to leave. This time, there will be no warning." Elladan stated, his eyes locked on mine.
I stared at him, confused.
"We must reach Gerchen's establishment before nightfall tomorrow or they will attack us. And this time, they will not retreat." Elladan replied.
"Can't we just fight them?" A voice asked from behind me.
I turned around, startled. Cormir walked from the tent, towards us. "I overheard both of you talking."
I looked back at Elladan. His gaze was back on the woods. Silently, he shook his head. "There are too few of us. They will attack to kill this time. Something drives their anger."
That night I went to bed with a lot on my mind. When I awoke the next morning, Elladan and Elrohir were awake. I silently wondered if Elladan had even rested. The twins greeted me with a smile, but did not speak. Something weighed heavily on their shoulders; I could see it in their eyes.
Before I could question them though, Hamath came out of his tent. He glanced at me briefly, but walked towards the twins.
"May I have a word with both of you?" He asked.
The twins nodded. "Of course." Elladan said.
Hamath looked at me. He opened his mouth to speak, but with sigh turned back to the twins. "I wanted to thank you for your help." He said. The twins nodded, but before they could reply, Hamath continued. "However, I ask that you leave us now. We are but a day's journey away from lodging area. We have no more need of your assistance."
Elladan nodded respectfully. "As you wish, but I do offer you a warning. If you are not careful, you and your group will soon be in great danger."
Hamath glared at him. "Danger? I hope that is not a threat from the elves?" He retorted.
"It is not the elves that you should fear." Elrohir spoke up, obviously surprised by his comment. "The Karps are tracking you and I fear their intent."
Hamath gave the twins a puzzled look. "The beasts? Nonsense. Those creatures have no mindset. They can not plan things."
"You would be surprised if you only knew." Elladan said plainly as he stood. "Come brother. We will return to our home." He looked at Elrohir and switched to Elvish. "We will be following you, Estel. Do not give up hope."
I nodded slightly and watched as they walked towards their horses. This would make things more complicated, but I knew the twins would hold to their promise. They would help rescue Legolas.
The daylight was ending just as we made it to Gerchen's establishment. The day had been uneventful, but it had been rushed. Storm clouds hovered over us the whole way and Hamath traveled hard, hoping they would not slow us down. They had not and we made it back safely. After reporting to Gerchen, we each took our leave to retire for the night. I began to search the grounds for Legolas.
After searching the fields, I went towards the stables. Legolas was no where to be found. I sighed in frustration.
Suddenly Cormir came running towards me.
"Strider!" He yelled.
I turned to him, quickly noticing the panic look on his face. "What's wrong?" I asked.
Cormir gasped to catch his breath. "I overheard the guards talking," He said as he drew another deep breath, "They were bragging about a slave and how they got him to submit to them. They said it was great to see him finally broken." Cormir drew in another breath. "They were talking about your friend."
My eyes widened. "Where is he?" I asked quickly.
"I think he is locked in the dungeon." Cormir replied.
I nodded and began to run towards the house. Cormir's voice made me turn briefly.
"You better hurry. From the sound of it, I think he has almost given up on life."
I bit my lip and ran as fast as I could towards the house. I reached the house and took a deep breath. Everything in me made we want to burst into the dungeons and rescue the prince, but I knew that wouldn't work. I had to remain calm, no matter how much my heart screamed at me. I asked the nearest slave where the dungeon was located and she quickly directed me.
As I walked down the stairs to the dungeon, a putrid smell met my nose. The pathway was dark, only lit by a few torches. I grabbed one from the wall and continued to walk the pathway. I quickly found one guard, standing by a locked door. I drew in a breath, deciding upon my actions. I sighed and walked towards him.
He looked at me curiously. "Can I help you?"
"I heard that Gerchen has finally broken the elf slave. I have come to see if it is true." I replied, trying to keep my voice from shaking.
He nodded. "The elf is in here." The guard said as he unlocked the door. I noticed a slight twinge in his voice. I couldn't tell if it was regret or sadness, but it sounded like he wasn't pleased.
I peered inside the dark room. I could hardly see, so I lifted my torch higher. In the shadows, I barely saw a figure curled in the darkness.
"Can you leave me with him?" I asked.
The guard hesitated a moment. "I'm suppose to watch him, but I guess a few minutes won't hurt."
I nodded, grateful for his help. Silently, I stepped into the small cell. The figure in the shadows sat with his knees drawn to his chest. His head was on his knees and his long blonde hair hung limply down over his knees. It was Legolas.
The light brown tunic he was wearing was stained and torn in many places. His body was shaking, but I could not tell if he was shivering or crying. I heard a sniff and muffled sob and it broke my heart. He was crying. I walked slowly closer, not believing my eyes.
It was a horrible sight to see the Prince of Mirkwood in this condition. Somehow Gerchen had broken him and I feared how. Something had broken Legolas' spirit. I could not imagine what Gerchen had done.
"Legolas?" I question silently as I bent near him. It scared me that he hadn't even acknowledge my presence. "Legolas." I tried a bit louder.
Legolas did not look up, but silently whispered. His words were weak. "How can I help you, master?"
I gasped. I couldn't believe what I just heard. "What did they do to you?" I silently whispered. He didn't even recognize who I was. I placed on hand on his shoulder, but pulled back as he flinched away with a whimper.
"Legolas, it's me!" I said desperately. "It's Estel!"
Legolas drew in a shaky breath as his eyes slowly came up. He met my eyes and stared into them. His eyes were moist and tears stained his cheeks. His skin was pale and he had a few cuts running down the sides of his face. As I met his eyes though, my heart broke again.
His once beautiful blue eyes were now a dull, lifeless gray. They held no hope or strength. I met his eyes and I was able to see straight into him. His defenses had been shattered. All that remained was his broken spirit.
He lowered his eyes and stared at the floor.
"What do you want?" He muttered. His voice was shaky and weak.
I stared at him, unable to bring myself to speak. I was at a loss for words. Everything inside me felt shattered at seeing an elf, my friend, like this. I had never seen someone so broken. Legolas had just about given up on life. He was ready to give up, only holding on by a thin thread. Whatever it was that was still keeping him alive wouldn't last for long.
"I'm here to help to help you, Legolas." I finally replied.
Legolas swallowed hard, but did not reply.
"You have to let me help you Legolas. We can get out of here." I said confidently.
"There is no point." Legolas muttered. "She's still dead."
"She? Who? Who's dead Legolas?" I asked not understanding.
Fresh tears came to Legolas' eyes. "I watched them kill her. I watched her suffer." Legolas' voice was shaking. "She didn't deserve it, Estel. She didn't deserve it." He said shaking his head.
I grabbed Legolas gently by the shoulders. "Legolas whoever she was, she wouldn't want you to blame yourself." I said, forcing him to look at me.
"But it was my fault. I let her die." Legolas sobbed.
"Legolas, you can't believe that. There was nothing you could do." I was running out of words to say. Somehow, I had to convince Legolas that it wasn't his fault, but I wasn't even sure what had happened.
Legolas suddenly shoved me hard. "You know nothing, Estel." He shouted as he stood.
I caught myself with my hands. "I'm trying to help you." I said, my voice unintentionally raised. I lowered it and replied. "You are right. I do not know. Tell me what happened Legolas. I will do what I can to help."
Legolas turned his back to me and faced the wall. He rested his head against the stone and closed his eyes tight. I waited for him to speak and when he finally did he voice was weak and barely above a whisper.
"They found an elf maiden. She was…" Legolas swallowed hard. "She was from Mirkwood."
I bit my lip, but forced myself to listen.
"They captured her, killed her comrades, and brought her here." Legolas turned away from the wall. "And it wasn't just any elf maiden." Legolas drew in a deep breath. He bit his lip and tightly closed his eyes.
"Who was she?" I asked gently as I stood and walked closer to him.
"She was my...my sister." He replied as new tears flowed down his face.
I gasped. "Im naer, Legolas. I'm so sorry." I replied. (I'm sorry) There was no comfort that I could give my friend. I knew nothing would ease his heart of the loss of his sister.
"She's gone." Legolas sobbed. His knees collapsed under him and he fell to the ground.
I caught him and lowered him down gently. "You can't blame yourself, Legolas." I said as I let him cry.
Legolas placed his head on my shoulder as his body shook with sobs. "I should have protected her. I should have done something." He mumbled.
I closed my eyes, trying to think of some comfort. I heard footsteps approaching the door and I knew my time was up. I bit my lip. I couldn't possibly leave Legolas like this.
"Legolas you have to be strong. You have to hold on. Don't give in to the darkness. She wouldn't want that." I comforted in elvish.
Legolas looked up at me, but his eyes fell back to the ground. He sat down with his back against the wall.
I looked at him and turned to look behind me. The guard had returned and he stood at the door. His face was unreadable, but a hint of pity was in his eyes.
"You shouldn't be here." He said simply.
I looked back at Legolas. "Goro lim, mellon nin. Estel nin." I whispered. (Hold on my friend. Trust me.)
I stood and silently left the cell. I needed to talk with Gerchen. I needed to take action now or I feared Legolas' fate.