Disclaimer: Same as always.

A/N: Thank you so much to all who reviewed. All the reviews are so much appreciated. I know the last chapters have been sad. It makes me cry too. It is hard when the torture is on him, but when it is on his sister, that is what makes it really sad. Hope you all continue to read though. I want to get this chapter up for you all so I don't have time to respond to everyone; however there are a few questions or response I will make. You all mean so much to me. Thanks.

Kitsune Kida: It's okay that you haven't reviewed for the past chapters. I forgive you. Here have a cookie for reviewing this chapter. hands over a cookie Thanks so much for your comments. I'm glad you are anxiously awaiting each new chapter.

Mornflower: I'm glad you have started reading this. I'm sorry I almost made you cry. I know it is really sad. Thanks so much for your review.

Kukumalu: That is a good point you made, but perhaps in her haste Linriel just talked in the common tongue. That's kinda why she felt so guilty a little later. Thanks for you review. Oh and 'a happy-bunny Legolas' huh? tries to imagine Legolas bouncing around Hmmm… I'll have to see about that. J Thanks again for your review.

Alia G. L: cringes I might just want to skip the next couple of ju jitsui classes. You might kill me for this chapter. I'm glad you are enjoying, even though it is and hides behind Aaron

And a BIG THANKS to dreaminoflorien. She helped me with so many of the ideas for this chapter and the next. (The cliffhanger ending is all her fault. J ) She deserves a lot of credit for this chapter. Thanks so much, girl. This story couldn't be half as good if it wasn't for your awesome angst-filled ideas.

Okay, here is the next chapter. Thanks once again.

Warning: This chapter is also very angst-filled. A lot more sadness in this chapter. I promise it will be happier soon.

Chapter 12

One Last Request

'Don't let me die here

there must be something more.'

I stared silently at the moon. I inhaled deeply letting the crisp air calm my body. I needed to talk with Gerchen, but I needed to calm myself down before I was able to. Somehow, I needed to get him to release Legolas. There had to be something I could do.

My thoughts were disturbed as I heard light footsteps approaching from behind me.

"Strider?" A gentle voice called.

It was Cormir, but I didn't respond.

"What is it, my friend?" He asked as stood by me.

I looked at him with a sigh. "My friend is dying." I said simply. "He will not live much longer."

Cormir bit down on his lip as compassion filled his eyes. "Is there nothing you can do?"

I shook my head. "I do not know. It is said that an elf can die of a broken heart. Legolas is nearly there. They killed his sister; now they are killing him too."

Cormir stared at me wide-eyed. He shook his head. "I don't know what to tell you." With a sigh, he looked up at the moon. "You say your friend can die of a broken heart." Cormir said as he looked back at me. I nodded sadly as he continued. "Perhaps if you make Gerchen realize this, he will let Legolas go free or at least allow you to help him. I'm sure he doesn't realize how serious this has become and surely he does not want to loose his prized slave."

I nodded. "I will go talk to him. I just don't know what to say."

"Tell Gerchen that Legolas is fading. Tell him that if he doesn't let you do something about it, he will loose his slave."

I smiled slightly at Cormir. "You speak my own thoughts my friend. I only hope Gerchen will listen."

I sighed and headed back inside. I heard Cormir whisper softly as he watched me head inside.

"Good luck my friend. I feel you will need it before the night is over."

Whether he wished me to hear him or not, I do not know.

I made my way through the halls and into Gerchen's study. I knocked softly on the door.

"Come in!" Gerchen called from inside the room.

I drew a deep breath and walked inside.

"Ah, Strider. What brings you here at this late hour." Gerchen asked as he laid down some papers he was working with.

I drew in a deep breath and calmed my voice. "I heard you have finally broken your elf slave." I said as casually as I could.

Gerchen grinned. "Yes, the elf fully submits to everything I tell him." He bragged.

"I had to see if it was true, so I visited him the cell. He does not look in good condition." I told him.

Gerchen shrugged. "He has been through a few hard days, but believe me the elf is fine. Do not concern yourself with such foolish matters."

"Foolish matters?" I asked, my emotion getting the better of me. "You don't understand. Your elf is dying." I stated.

"Nonsense. He is fine." I opened my mouth to speak again, but Gerchen cut me off. "Strider, I know that you do not like slavery, but how I deal with my slaves is my own concern."

I sighed. "I understand that. I also understand elves. Your elf's spirit has been broken. He is slipping into darkness. A shadow is passing over him and I fear that soon no one will be able to bring him out of it."

Gerchen looked at me. His face betrayed no emotions, but his eyes held a bit of curiosity.

"Allow him into my quarters for the night. Let me talk with him and pull him from this darkness. We will decide what to do then." I felt like I was bargaining with the devil. My rage was boiling inside me and it took everything I could to suppress it.

Gerchen rubbed his chin for a moment. "What makes you so concerned about the elf?"

I lowered my head. "I do not want to see him fade." I raised my head and met Gerchen's eyes. They held no pity or regret. "You must let me help him."

Gerchen began to pace the room. "How do you know so much about elves, Strider?"

I bit my lip as I searched for an answer. "I have had business with them on a few occasions." I told him. "I have learned of their culture and their ways."

Gerchen looked back at me, seemingly pleased by my answer. "My guards will bring him to your quarters. You may do as you wish with him for one day. My guards will assist you in any way they can."

I breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you, Gerchen." I turned to leave, but turned around as Gerchen called me.

"Strider, do not try any form of escape with the elf. If he escapes, I will hunt you down and take him back. And this time, I will not be nearly so lenient with him." Gerchen threatened.

I nodded my head and kept my voice calm. "I understand."

With that, I walked from the room and headed towards my own room. In only a few minutes, I heard a knock on the door. I quickly opened it. Two guards stood outside, supporting Legolas in between them. His hands were tied tightly and the guards held his arms to keep him from falling.

"Bring him in." I said quickly.

Legolas stumbled into the room. His steps were heavy and if not for the support of the guards, I feared he would fall. I directed the guards to set him on the bed and then asked them to leave. As they left the room, I turned to face Legolas. He sat silently on the bed. His eyes stared at the floor.

I walked towards him and silently cut the rope that bound him.

"I appreciate what you are trying to do, Estel, but my life no longer matters." Legolas said without looking up.

"That's where you are wrong. Your life does matter. You can't just give up."

Legolas didn't reply. I knelt by him so I could be eye level with him.

"Listen to me, Legolas. Your sister would not want you to give up like this. She would want you to keep fighting. She would want you to escape. I'm sure she doesn't blame you for anything and you shouldn't blame yourself." I tried to comfort him.

Legolas drew in a shaking breath. I could not see his face, but I knew tears were in his eyes. A few seconds later, a single tear fell to the floor.

I placed my hands on his shoulders, forcing him to look up. "Legolas, think of your father. Loosing one child is hard enough, don't let him loose another. You can return to him and together both of you can bear your grief."

Legolas was silent for a moment. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft, yet calmer.

"Lenriel reminded me so much of my mother. She was beautiful just like her and she had a heart of gold." Legolas focused his eyes on me. "She didn't deserve death, Estel. She didn't deserve what those men did to her." His voice held a bitter edge.

I sat by him on the bed. "I know she didn't Legolas. You don't deserve to be here either, and you don't deserve the guilt that you have placed on yourself. I am going to help you escape from here, but you have to promise me that you will not give up on life."

Legolas looked back to the floor. "There is no escape from this place. No way to end the torment."

"No, there is a way, Legolas. Elladan and Elrohir will help me get you out of here."

Legolas' eyes snapped up. "The twins are here?"

I nodded. "They are around. I met them in the woods and they promised to help."

Legolas suddenly clenched his fist and buried his knuckles into his eyes. He bit hard on his lip to try to control the sobs that were once again taking over him.

"Legolas what is it?" I asked concerned by his reaction.

Legolas drew in a shaky breath as his body shook. "Elrohir and Linriel…" Legolas swallowed hard. "They were engaged." His voice broke as he spoke.

I gasped. "Engaged?" I asked. "How can that be?"

Legolas looked up. "They have been…" Legolas stopped and corrected himself. "They were engaged for almost a hundred years now. My father said my sister was too young, so Elrohir had to wait." Legolas obviously found it hard to continue. His voice was shaking with emotion, but he forced himself to speak. "Every twenty years or so, Elrohir would visit Linriel. He would stay for some time, before he had to travel home. They were going to marry this spring." Legolas broke down again as tears flowed from his face.

I bit my lip. "I had no idea." I placed my hands against my head. It all made sense now. I remember as I was growing up Elrohir use to spend long hours at night writing. He often received letters from someone in Mirkwood and he would always go off some place private to read them. When I was about ten, Elladan and Elrohir traveled to Mirkwood. They stayed there for almost two years before returning home. I never knew why then, but I understood it now. I couldn't believe that my brother had been in love and I hadn't noticed.

"How do we tell Elrohir?" I asked after a long silence.

"Tell me what?" A voice suddenly called from the shadows.

I gasped and stood to my feet. Elladan and Elrohir immerged from the shadows, grinning.

"Some ranger you are. You didn't even hear us sneaking into your window." Elladan jested.

I did not smile, however, and neither did Legolas. The twins did not seem to notice. They both ran to Legolas and knelt by him.

"I didn't want to believe that you were dead." Elrohir said.

"We looked for you for months after your father said you were missing. Most thought you were killed." Elladan added.

Legolas looked up sadly at the twins. His eyes were full of grief and he quickly lowered his head. I could see the shame in his eyes.

"What is it Legolas?" Elrohir asked.

Legolas drew in a shaky breath as tears formed in his eyes. "I betrayed you, Elrohir."

Elrohir looked confused. "Betrayed me?"

"I promised I would look out for Linriel." Legolas explained.

Utter horror crossed Elrohir's fair features. "Legolas, where is Linriel?" Elrohir's voice shook with fear.

"I am sorry." Legolas muttered.

Elrohir stared in shock. He opened his mouth to speak, but no words came. I laid a gentle hand on my brother in comfort, but he did nothing.

"Do not say something has happened to her." Elladan begged Legolas. His voice shook as well. When Legolas did not respond he bit his lip. "What happened?"

Legolas looked up slightly, but was unable to meet the twin's eyes. "Gerchen killed her to punish me." He barely whispered.

Elrohir covered his mouth with his hands as a tear slid from his eyes. He shook his head. "No! No, tell me it's not true."

"I'm so sorry, brother." I said comfortingly.

Elrohir stood and brushed my hand away. He ran a hand through his hair as he began to pace. He looked back at Legolas. "You promised you would protect her!" He accused. "How could you let her die? How could you!?" His voice broke and he slumped to the floor.

Elladan ran to his side and pulled his brother into a tight embrace. He whispered soft comfort to Elrohir that I could not hear. I only heard Elrohir's muffled sobs and his faint voice calling Linriel. My heart broke as I turned back to Legolas. He still sat on the bed, but now his knees were drawn up to his chest, his face was buried against them. I placed my arm around him.

"It is not your fault Legolas. There was nothing you could have done." I tried to comfort.

Legolas did not respond. He just pulled his knees in closer to his chest. I sighed and looked over to my brothers. Elrohir was still murmuring accusations against Legolas and Elladan was still trying to comfort him. Elladan looked up at me. Grief was written all over his face.

'Take him to the other room.' I mouthed, hoping Elladan would realize my intent. Legolas did not need to hear Elrohir's sobs at this time, and Elrohir and Elladan needed some time alone.

Elladan nodded and stood. He pulled his brother up with him and walked into the adjoining room, closing the door behind them. I sighed and looked back at Legolas. Slowly, Legolas' eyes came up to meet mine.

"I no longer have a reason to live." He said with a shaky voice.

"Legolas that is not…"

"Estel, just listen to me." Legolas interrupted. "Everything I have ever lived for is gone. My family is destroyed, my pride is gone, and my honor has faded. There is nothing left."

I shook my head as tear slipped down my face. I could not believe what Legolas was saying. "Legolas you can't believe that."

Tears filled Legolas' eyes. "Estel, I must ask you one last favor."

I bit my lip. This was it. He was giving up on life.

"I can no longer go on. My body will soon pass into darkness. Nothing can stop it now." Legolas said, tears falling down his face. "I ask that you relieve me of my pain. Take my life, so my passing may be swift."

I stared at him in shock and horror. I could not believe what he was asking. "I cannot kill you."

"You must. Do it for me. Ease the pain of my passing." Legolas pleaded.

Tears fell freely down my face. "Legolas there is more to live for. You are immortal. You have many years yet ahead of you."

"I killed her, Aragorn!" Legolas shouted. "How am I suppose to live with that?! Shall I live in the darkness and the shadows for the rest of my days? Shall I go on living, when inside I'm already dead?" Legolas' voice quieted some. "Please, I beg you, as a friend, to ease my passing. Don't let me live a moment longer with this grief."

I drew in a few panicked breaths. I couldn't kill him, not even to ease his pain. How could I? "Legolas I could never kill you!" I told him. "And to kill yourself would kill more people than you would know." I pleaded with him not to give up on life.

Legolas looked at me for a moment. Then, abruptly, he stood from the bed. "Fine! If you will not kill me, then I will ask Elrohir. It will be payment for the pain I have caused him. I more than deserve it."

"Legolas, don't!" I shouted, as he walked towards the door. I knew what Elrohir was like in his grief. Elrohir was usually slow to anger, but when he was angry, he often acted without thinking. He acted irrational, and with all the grief on him, I feared that he would kill Legolas if provoked.

I quickly stood and grabbed Legolas' arm. "Do not pain Elrohir with this. He bears enough grief."

Legolas spun around to face me. Tears were in his eyes. "Please, my friend!"

I dropped my hand from his arm, as a sob rose in my throat. I took a deep breath. I would fulfil Legolas' last request; I would ease his pain.

Silently I drew my dagger. Legolas smiled a sad smile as he saw me draw it. "Navaer, mellon nin." He muttered as he stood in front of me, waiting to accept his death. I stared into his eyes. His dull, lifeless eyes, yet still the eyes of my friend; the eyes of an immortal who deserved to be free, the eyes of a young elf who had many years ahead of him, the eyes of someone I trusted completely though had not even known that long. Tears flowed freely down my face as I drew my dagger up, ready to strike.