Disclaimer: See chapter 1

A/N: Here is the next chapter. I'm sorry the last one was really sad. I'm afraid it must only get worse before it gets better for poor Legolas. I promise it will get better, eventually.

Elven Kitten: I know it is sad. I cried too as I wrote it. You might need the tissues again for this chapter. Thanks for the review.

Dreaminoflorien: Yes, it is so sad. Yes, we are very, very mean. Writing angst is fun though. Yes this chapter is sad and so is the next. I promise it will get better though. Thanks so much for your reviews and for helping me with ideas.

Lindahoyland: Yes poor Legolas. I'm glad you think this is exciting. Thanks so much.

Ella-elbereth: Yes, poor Legolas. I can't imagine the pain he must feel either, but I've been trying to write his character as realistically as possible. Yes it is good that Aragorn is back, but I'll tell you this. Things are going to get worse for Legolas. And who said it would be a happy ending? grins evilly Of course it will get better. I'm not that mean. gives innocent look

MusicDreamer: I told you it would be sad. I'll give you a warning. Get the Kleenex for this chapter too. This one is sad as well. Thanks so much for your review.

Azla: I do not know how men can be so cruel. Thanks for reading. Here's the next chapter for you.

The Cap'n: Poor Legolas is right. How could I do that to him? Well believe me when I say it makes me cry too. I'm glad you are liking the story. Thanks for your reviews.

Kukumalu: I'm so glad you came across this story and that you are enjoying it. You basically answered your own question, but it is explained a bit in this chapter too. I hope you continue to enjoy. The twins will be in the next chapter, ready to help. If they only knew what was in store.

Alia G. L: Yes, it is very sad. I know I am so mean. Things will get better eventually, I think! Here is the next chapter. Thanks so much for your reviews.

Aranna Undomiel: I'm sorry that you feel bad for Legolas. Yes, I don't like Hamath very much either, but he has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before this is over. Here is the next chapter, mellon nin.

Blue Autumn Sky: I'm sorry you are depressed now. Just imagine how poor Legolas feels. Sorry to say, yes it can get worse for poor Legolas. I do not believe Aragorn can bargain with the Karps, but they do have a roll yet to play somewhere. Keep reading and thanks for your reviews.

Lady of Rivendell78: Yes, it is very sad. I hope Aragorn is able to save Legolas too. He sure has his work cut out for him, doesn't he. Thanks for reviewing.

SaphireCat: Don't let Legolas die? looks innocent Would I do something like that? Don't worry. It will get better in time.

Boppy: I'm glad you think this story is fantastic. I have been thinking about letting him succumb to grief, but you will have to read to find out. Thanks for the review.

Gozilla: I'm glad you liked. Here is the next chapter for you.

Phew! That took forever, but you all are worth it. You all mean so much to me and I love hearing your opinions. Thanks so much. Here is the next chapter in Legolas' POV.

Chapter 11

'Without a thought, without voice, without a soul.'

I sat on the floor, my knees drawn close to my chest, my weary head resting on them. Silent tears fell against my knees and onto the cold stone floor. I couldn't keep them back any longer. Gerchen had broken my spirit. All of my pride and defiance was gone. I fully submitted to him, my Master. I could not resist against him any longer. It cost too much.

My back burned in a fiery pain, my sides ached where two ribs were broken, and every move I made sent spirals of pain through my weakened body. Everything hurt. My chest, arms, and legs were bruised from the abuse of the guards. My head was sore and I felt extremely dizzy.

This however, was not why the tears fell. All this pain could not even come close to what I felt in my heart. My heart burned with sadness. It was filled with grief, regret, and shame. Guilt lay heavily on my heart. I would never be able to forgive myself.

Gerchen had found my weakness. Three weeks ago, he had found an elf traveling in the woods. He captured her and brought her here.

Flashback

My arms hurt from being chained above my head. My vision was blurry. I was sure I was still hallucinating, but the woman in front of me looked almost exactly like my mother. She had long blonde hair, beautiful fair face, and blue eyes. But I knew it couldn't be. It had to just be a hallucination.

Suddenly the woman looked up and I stared into her blue eyes.

"Legolas?" She gasped as she ran to me. I blinked my eyes a couple times; my vision finally coming into focus. Two guards stood at the door. The woman who ran to me was not my mother; she was my sister.

"What did they do to you?" She gasped as she stood by me and touched my tender body.

"Linriel?" I asked unbelieving.

"Oh Legolas. I've missed you so much. Dad has been so worried. We thought you were dead." She said as she reached up and pushed a stray piece of hair behind my ear.

My heart cried out. "What happened? Why are you here?" I gasped. I was frightened that Gerchen's men had captured my little sister.

Before she could reply however, Gerchen came into the cell. "Isn't this sweet? A little reunion." Gerchen said in a mock tone.

"Let her go, Gerchen. She is of no value to you." I demanded.

"Oh, on the contrary, she will be quite useful, especially because you seem to know her. Tell me Salien, or should I say Legolas? Which one would you prefer?" Gerchen mocked.

I glared at him, but made no reply.

"Fine then, LEGOLAS. Who is she?" He asked.

I bit my lip. "She's… She's a friend."

Linriel looked up at me with a questioning gaze but said nothing.

Gerchen grinned. "A friend?" He grabbed one of her arms and pulled her to him. She gasped and tried to struggle free. "Then why did she refer to you like a brother?"

I drew in a deep breath. He overheard her talking. Linriel bit at her lip. "I'm sorry Legolas." She whimpered as she looked up at me.

Gerchen smiled and turned to his guards. "Unchain him."

The guards unchained my arms and my weary body slumped to the floor.

"Stand elf!" Gerchen commanded.

I drew in a deep breath and forced myself to stand. My legs felt weak underneath me and I wobbled dangerously, but I managed to stand. Suddenly however my legs were kicked out from underneath me and I fell hard to the ground.

"What are you suppose to say, elf?" Gerchen hissed.

I glared up at him. "Yes, sir." I hissed as I pushed myself to my knees.

The guard, Zergan placed a hand on my back and forced me back to the ground. "That's not good enough." He hissed.

I closed my eyes tightly. I knew what he wanted. I looked up at Gerchen with an icy glare.

"Say it!" He commanded as he tightened his grip on my sister.

I continued to glare at him. Suddenly he raised his hand and struck Linriel across the face. I gasped. "Don't touch her." I yelled.

"Stand!" Gerchen commanded once again.

I closed my eyes and swallowed hard. "Yes," I choked on the words, but forced it from my mouth. "Master." With that, I stood to my feet.

End Falshback

I bit my lip as I remembered the first day she had been here. Gerchen had used her against me. He used her to make me submit to his will.

Linriel was young and innocent. Yet, every time I resisted the guards, Gerchen punished her for my misbehavior. My pride and defiance as an elf prince tried to keep me standing, but my kindness and love brought me to my knees. I could not allow Gerchen to hurt my sister for my sake. No matter how much it hurt, I would submit to everything that he wanted me to do.

I bit my lip as a few more tears fell down my face. My heart burned; however, because of what Gerchen had done just a few hours ago.

Gerchen had killed my only sister. He forced her to suffer for my disobedience. He tormented her to punish me. He already took everything from her and now he took her life.

All of it, all her pain, had been my fault. I was supposed to be her big brother who protected her. I was supposed to watch over her. I was supposed to keep her safe from all harm. Instead, I let her fall slowly into darkness. I had betrayed my little sister. I had failed her and in doing so, I failed my father. I swore I would protect her with my life.

Yet, the only thing I gave her, was death. She didn't deserve it. She had her whole life ahead of her. Gerchen took that from her, and I didn't stop it. I should have done something. I should have fought harder against the guards that held me. I should have fought until my dying breath.

Flaskback

"Stand elf!" Gerchen commanded.

"Yes Master." I replied as I immediately stood to my feet. The words felt like poison as they came from my mouth, but I was growing use to them. If it meant that Linriel would not have to suffer, I could live with it.

"Good. I have a little something for you to watch today." Gerchen said evilly. I did not like the sound of his voice, but I followed him obediently. We walked to another cell. Gerchen opened the door and pushed me inside.

Someone lay on the floor. Her back was bleeding from many cuts by a whip. Her long blonde hair spilled over her face that was pressed against the stone floor. I gasped and ran to my sister's side.

"What did you do to her?" I asked as I placed my hands gently on her. "Linriel?" I gently called as I rolled her slightly over. She didn't stir.

"My guards punished her for your misbehavior last night." Gerchen replied.

I looked up and glared at him. "What misbehavior?" I asked coldly.

"Tayliath told me you had also been involved in the beating of my guard, Zergan." Gerchen replied with anger.

My mouth dropped. I had done no such thing. I had seen it happen, but I was not involved. "I did not lay a hand on him." I said in my defense.

"Did you see it happen?" Gerchen questioned.

I nodded. "Yes, but…"

"Yet you didn't do anything to stop it. Therefore, you are as guilty as they are. Instead of punishing you like I punished the others, I allowed your sister to be punished." Gerchen replied.

I looked back at my sister as unbidden tears formed in my eyes. She had still not awakened.

"Linriel?" I cried as I shook her gently, holding her tight in my lap.

Slowly her eyes opened. "Legolas?" She questioned weakly.

"Amin sinome." I whispered to her. (I am here.) "Avo 'osto." I tried to comfort as I swallowed the lump in my throat. (Do not fear.)

Tears glistened in her blue eyes. "I…I'm so weak."

"Shh." I said gently as I placed a finger on her lips. "Seldo." (Rest)

She swallowed hard. "There is no hope." She barely whispered with a scratchy voice. "I can feel my body passing."

I shook my head. "No Linriel. Please don't say things like that." I pleaded.

"I'm sorry." She breathed as a tear fell down her bruised, yet still beautiful face.

"No, there is nothing for you to be sorry for. I am the one that's sorry. I did this to you." I said as tears spilled down my own face. "Forgive me."

The corners of her mouth formed into a small smile. "Ú-moe edaved." She whispered. (There is nothing to forgive.)

I smiled a sad smile at her. Suddenly two guards grabbed my arms and pulled me from her.

"There is nothing you can do for her." One of them said.

"No let me go." I yelled as I struggled against them.

I looked down at Linriel. She lay motionless on the ground. Her eyes were a dull lifeless gray. Life of the Eldar was quickly fading from her.

"Do not give in to the darkness." I desperately called. "Fight Linriel. Please fight."

Her eyes met mine for a moment. Time seemed to stand still. Her eyes held fear and pain, but also seemed to hold a silent message of love. I stared into her eyes, committing them to memory. Suddenly they closed and her head fell wearily to her side. I stared in shock and horror.

I fought against the guards harder, desperately calling her name. I managed to break free of one hold, but immediately received a punch to the stomach. I doubled over, but continued to fight. The guards held me tight, hitting me over and over again. I hardly noticed. They pulled me from the room and shoved me into my cell.

"She is dead. There is nothing you can do." The guard said bitterly.

I stood in shock in my cell. The guard's words rang in my head. I couldn't believe she was dead. Tears began to fall down my face. My legs became too weak to hold me and I fell to the ground. I covered my face with my hands as sobs shook my whole body. Never before had I felt such sadness.

End Flashback

I bit my lip hard as more tears came to my eyes. It had only been a few hours ago, but it seemed like an eternity. Only a short time after her death, the guards returned to my cell. They wanted me to continue my work, but I was too numb to do so. The guards became angry. One tied my arms as another pulled out a whip.

They punished me harshly, dealing blow after stinging blow to my raw back. They punched my sides and stomach, breaking ribs with their blows. My head was spinning and unconscious claimed me twice, but the guards only reawakened me. I screamed and cried because of their torture, but I hardly noticed the pain or heard my own screams. I was too lost inside myself. I was dying inside and I was ready to give up. The darkness seemed a welcome relief to the pain I felt. The only thing keeping me alive was revenge. Before I died, I wanted revenge on Gerchen for what he had done. My spirit was fading though, and I was not even sure that I would be alive long enough.

I no longer had a reason to live. How could I go on, when my whole world was broken? How could I go on when my best friend whom I could trust with anything, was dead? Linriel and I use to talk for hours back home. We would laugh together, play together, cry together, and sometimes travel together. We had a special bond between us that few could even begin to understand. I promised her that no one could ever break that bond between us. No one would ever separate us. I had not prepared myself for this though.

I felt so empty inside. I felt so broken that nothing else seemed to matter. My little sister was gone forever. I could not get her back. The bond between us was broken.

For how long I waited alone in the cell, I do not know. I barely heard someone opening my door sometime later, but I hardly cared. It didn't matter anymore. Someone walked towards me, but I didn't acknowledge his presence. As he got close however, I began to wonder who it was and what they wanted.

"How can I help you, Master?" I whispered, without lifting my eyes.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and a desperate plea from a familiar voice. I flinched away from the touch, afraid that it was Gerchen.

"Legolas, it is me! It's Estel."

I drew in a shaky breath as I realized Aragorn was back. My eyes slowly came up and I met his eyes. Comfort and sadness were evident in his eyes, but it didn't matter to me anymore, so I lowered my gaze. "What do you want?" I asked bitterly, yet my voice was weak.

I'm here to help you, Legolas." Aragorn said after a moment of silence.

I swallowed hard. No one could help me now.

"You have to let me help you Legolas. We can get out of here." Aragorn said.

I shook my head. I didn't want to be free. I didn't deserve to be free. I had failed my sister. There was no point to escape. There was no longer a reason to live. "There is no point." I muttered, unsure if Aragorn could even hear me. "She's still dead."

"She? Who? Who's dead, Legolas?" Aragorn asked.

Fresh tears sprang into my eyes. "I watched them kill her. I watched her suffer." My voice shook with emotion. "She didn't deserve it, Estel. She didn't deserve it."

Aragorn grabbed my shoulders and forced me to look at him. "Legolas whoever she was, she wouldn't want you to blame your self."

I looked back down. It was my fault. Aragorn could not convince me otherwise because he had not see it happen.

"But it was my fault. I let her die." I sobbed.

Aragorn tried to tell me again that it wasn't my fault, but I would hear no more. I shoved him hard and stood up. "You know nothing, Estel." I yelled unintentionally.

"I'm trying to help you." Aragorn yelled back. He lowered his voice and spoke more softly. "You are right. I do not know. Tell me what happened and I will do what I can to help.

I turned my back to him and rested my head on the cold stone wall. I was not sure if I would be able to tell him. With barely a whisper, I began to explain to him about my sister. My voice shook and I had to swallow and draw in deep breaths. I had to force myself to continue.

"Who was she?" Aragorn asked.

"She was my…" I forced the words from my mouth. "My sister." New tears fell down my face. My legs felt weak underneath me. I heard Aragorn muttering in elvish as my knees collapsed. Aragorn gently lowered me to the floor. He embraced me and I laid my head on his shoulder. "She's gone." I sobbed into his tunic. "I should have protected her. I should have done something." I mumbled. All of my emotions were no longer held back. I released it all. My anger, my sadness, my pain, it all came through the tears.

Aragorn whispered soft comfort into my ear, telling me to be strong and not give into the darkness. I tried to hold on to that. I wanted to hold on and not give up, but it seemed impossible. I looked up at Aragorn, but lowered my eyes as I slumped against the wall. Aragorn stood.

"Goro lim, mellon nin." Aragorn whispered to me. "Estel nin."

I looked up as he left my cell. He told me to trust him, to have hope, but I could not see how. Hope in what? There seemed to be no point left in living. I closed my eyes tightly. There was a point in living. I had to avenge my sister's death.

I balled my fists and vowed to kill every one of the guards that had lain a hand on her. The guards had no sympathy or remorse. They were cruel and unjust and they deserved death. I would find away to avenge my sister and make them suffer for her pain. I would give them no mercy for they gave me none.