Disclaimer: Same

A/N: Here is another chapter. No the last one was not the end. Sorry if it looked that way. There is one more chapter after this one. I wanted to get this one up sooner, but my beta was sick. So sorry, you all. Thanks so much for all the reviews. I appreciate them all.

Sielge: You are my first reviewer once again. Lol Thanks so much for the review. No, you are right. I have not finished. I meant it when I said there is more in store for the twins. Enjoy.

Deana glad you liked the chapter. Legolas' injuries? Lol. Read the chapter to find out. Thanks so much.

Kukumalu: Yes, the story is coming to a close soon. /tries again to give innocent eyes/ Okay, you are right. I wouldn't let Elrohir get of that easily. Lol. Yes, I know Gerchen should have been Karp bait or something. Stupid coward. Killing himself like that. /drinks champagne/ YAY! Legolas is free. Lol. Hope you enjoy this chapter.

The Cap'n: Yes, we are all happy that Gerchen is dead, even if he did kill himself. Yes, Legolas is free. Thanks so much for the review.

Blue Autumn Sky: Hehe. Poor Gerchen. /slaps self/ What am I saying? He deserves anything you have in mind. Hehe. Glad you liked the chapter. Thanks so much for the review and for a good laugh.

Irukapooka: DING DONG! THE SLAVERS DEAD! YAY! We are all happy now. Here is another chapter for you and there is one more to follow. /whispers/ then there might be a sequel and/or prequel later. I have many ideas in mind. So anyway, enjoy this chapter.

Lady of Rivendell78: /smiles/ Everyone is so happy Gerchen is dead. Well, I am too. You hope nothing bad happens? /gives innocent eyes/ Would I do something like that? heh. Enjoy this chapter.

Dreaminoflorien: lol. Yes, it would have been fun to see what Thranduil would have done, but Gerchen was obviously afraid of that solution. Better to die by his own hand, according to him. A wedding in the future? Well, I'm not sure, mellon nin. Perhaps one day.

SaphireCat: /blushes/ You flatter me. I'm glad you liked the chapter. I hope one day I can be a good author and have lots of books. It is a dream, but until then, I write stories for everyone here to enjoy. Thanks so much for your review.

Mornflower: LOL! Thanks for the review and the good laugh. Naughty Legolas and Estel for saying evil words. Heh. Here's another chapter for you.

MusicDreamer: No, mellon nin, it was not the end. Sorry to confuse you. This one is not the end either, just so you know. Yes, Gerchen killed himself, the coward. Yes, it was priceless when he found out he was holding an elven prince. I would have loved to see his face. Lol. Thanks for the review. Enjoy this next chapter.

Elven Kitten: Glad you loved it. YAY! Legolas is free. I'm sure he is really happy about that. Here is another chapter for you. Enjoy!

Lindahoyland: Glad you liked it. Here is the next chapter. Thanks.

The Contessa: Yes, home must sound very good at this point. Thanks so much for the review. I'm glad you liked the chapter.

Dark Borg Drone: Glad you liked the story. Thanks for the review.

Alia G. L: Ding Dong the witch is dead! Heh. Yes, Gerchen did get off easy, but at least he is dead. I'm glad you liked the chapter. Thanks so much for your review. And about the wedding, well, that might be later, but it won't be in this story. Sorry, but maybe one day. Thanks again.

Allison: Everyone thinks Gerchen got off easy. Lol. I think he did too, but hey he's a coward and didn't want to face Thranduil. I wouldn't really want to face the king either after I had been so mean to his children. Do you know how mad Thranduil would be? /shudders/ Thanks for the review.

Aranna Undomiel: Glad you liked the chapter. I'm glad you liked the part with the Karps too. Don't worry, I'm not letting Elrohir get off that easy. Lol. Thanks so much for the review, mellon nin.

Me: I'm glad you are liking this story. No, it isn't over yet. I still have some unfinished business to tend to. Hope you like this chapter as well. Thanks for your reviews.

Alright, that's everyone. Thanks so much. This chapter is in Legolas POV. And this is not the end.

Chapter 17

Free At Last

'Save me from the nothing I've become.'

I watched happily as my sister and Elrohir talked quietly. I noticed that although Linriel looked like she was recovering, Elrohir seemed to be getting weaker. I hoped he was right and that his body would be able to fight the poison.

I shifted slightly and drew in a deep breath. Breathing was still hard for me to do and it caused pain in my ribs. My thoughts went back to the beating I had received from Gerchen's men. My wounds had still not healed and though they were not as painful as they once had been, I could still feel the throbbing pain of broken ribs. My anger raged as I remembered the vow I had made. Gerchen needed to pay for hurting my sister. Though she had survived through his torture, he deserved death for laying a hand on her in the first place. I needed to find him.

"Legolas are you even listening?"

My sister's voice brought me out of my thoughts.

"What did you say?" I asked as I stood.

She smiled at me. "What are you thinking? You have been so quiet."

I forced myself to smile at her. "Nothing to worry yourself over." I kissed her gently on the head. "There is something I must do. Rest, my little sister. I will be back soon."

I turned to Elrohir. "May I borrow your sword. Estel might need my help." I said, although that was not my real intent.

Elrohir nodded and handed me his sword. "Be careful."

I nodded. "Rest, my friend. You look weary."

With that, I headed out the door. I walked down the halls, but paused as I heard someone in Gerchen's study. I quietly opened the door. Gerchen was inside, quickly packing a bag with a few belongings. I drew my sword and slammed the door against the wall.

Gerchen looked up startled. He looked at me and then down at the sword. "Le...Legolas." He muttered surprised. "Fetch me my cape and my bag upstairs." He commanded.

I glared at him. "You are not my master." I advanced at him with my sword.

"You will obey me, slave." Gerchen commanded, though his voice held fear.

"I am not your slave." I spat. "You have held me captive for long enough. Now I will finally take my revenge for every beating you gave me and for every humiliation you put me through. And most of all, for hurting my sister."

Gerchen laughed. "You will always be my slave, Legolas." He said as he picked up a sword on a shelf.

He unsheathed it and came at me. "I think it is time to teach you another lesson." He mocked.

I glared at him and parried his thrust. The elven blade felt odd in my hand. It had been two years since I had held a sword in my hands. My skills were rusty. I whipped the sword around, aiming for Gerchen's head. My speed was not as fast as it once was, and Gerchen easily blocked. He slashed back at me and I moved out of the way. Before I could react again however, his blade cut at my arm. I hissed in pain as I felt blood pour from the wound.

"Give up, elf, and I might spare your life." Gerchen taunted.

My anger provoked, I came at him again. This time I caught him on the arm, leaving a bleeding wound. He glared at me. He cut again quickly at me, but I blocked his attack. He was fast, an expert swordsman, but my hands quickly remembered my skill with a blade. I had many years of experience on him. He was no match for my elven skill.

I caught his blade against mine and quickly whipped it around. The sudden action caused Gerchen to loose his grip and his sword flew against the wall. I brought my sword up to his neck in one quick action. He stared at me, but the slaver was not about to give up the fight yet.

He backed up and rolled out from underneath my blade. His actions surprised me and caught me off guard. He rolled and caught me with a punch to my ribs. I gasped in sudden pain as my ribs protested.

Gerchen used this moment to retrieve his sword. I sucked in breath, trying to ease the pain of my screaming ribs. He came at me again and I blocked just in time. I sidestepped another attack and brought the blunt of my sword down between his shoulders. Gerchen fell to his knees. I did not give him time to recover. I pushed against him with my foot, forcing him to the ground. With my other foot, I pinned his sword arm to the ground, forcing Gerchen to release the sword. I placed my sword against his neck and kicked his blade away.

I glared down at Gerchen. With a sharp kick to his ribs, I forced him to roll over. I pointed the blade at his neck.

"Give me one reason to let you live." I spat at him.

"Because a slave shouldn't threaten his master."

I glared at him. I could not believe he still thought of me as his slave. I was not his slave and he WAS NOT my master. My anger raged and I drew my sword up, intending to thrust it painfully into his stomach. "Wrong answer!" I snapped.

"Legolas stop!"

I turned my head, surprised to see Aragorn and Elladan. "He deserves death, Estel." I spat out. There was no mercy in my heart.

"I know he does. But this is not the way to end this." Aragorn's voice was surprisingly calm.

I turned my head back to look at Gerchen. This was the way to end this. It had to end now. "Leave me! Let me get my revenge on all that he did to me; all that he did to my sister." My words were bitter.

"Legolas put the sword down and think about this." Elladan told me.

"I have thought about this." I countered, placing the blade back near Gerchen's neck. "I have dreamed about killing him. He deserves nothing better."

Aragorn placed a hand on my shoulder. I hadn't even realized that he was close enough to do so. "I know." He said, understanding in his voice. "But if you killed him, you would be no different than him." He paused for a moment, letting his word sink in. "Let me have the sword, Legolas." He said finally.

His words were so calm and so full of understanding. It was like he knew my pain inside of me and still he wanted me to do the right thing. I closed my eyes tightly and gripped the sword hard. Everything Gerchen had done to my sister flashed into my mind. I heard her screams, saw her tears, felt her pain. Then, I saw her smile at me. He had tried to break my sister's fiery spirit, but he had not. She was still strong.

Slowly, I let the blade slide off Gerchen neck. With my face down, I handed Aragorn the sword.

He squeezed my shoulder gently.

"Hannon le, mellon nin. Though I do not doubt I would have regretted killing him, I am glad you stopped me."

I saw Aragorn nod out of the corner of my eye, but another movement caught my eye as well. I looked at Gerchen just as Elladan forced him back to the ground, his foot firm on Gerchen's chest.

"Going some where?" Elladan said mockingly.

Gerchen was glaring at him. "You have no right, elf."

I heard Aragorn chuckle. "Oh, I believe he has every right. You are going to pay for the crimes you have committed."

I clenched my fist. He was going to pay. I would take him to my father. I knew my father would not be pleased by his actions and harsh punishment would be given.

Elladan voiced his opinion on what we should do with him. There was humor in his voice as he suggested using him as Karp bait, but I was in no mood for humor.

"We will let my father deal with him." I said sharply. "He will be furious when he finds out that you have captured and tortured both his son and daughter."

Aragorn nodded. "I believe King Thranduil will deal justly with him. Not that he deserves much." He added.

Even through my anger, I could not keep the smile from my lips as Gerchen stared wide-eyed.

"Your father is the king?

"Yes, and his isn't very found of humans either." I spoke truthfully.

Gerchen stared agape at this new information. Elladan pulled him to his knees.

"We should restrain him in the dungeons until we are ready to leave." He suggested, looking at me for approval. I nodded my head.

Suddenly Gerchen's expression changed.

"Your father will not have the opportunity to judge me, Prince!" He exclaimed.

I looked towards him and gasped as I saw him plunge a hidden knife into his chest.

"Better to die...at my own hand..." Gerchen whispered. "Than to be executed...by your king..."

I stared in shock. I couldn't believe it. Elladan checked his pulse, but shook his head. Anger flashed in my eyes. After so much torture he had forced both me and my sister through, making us wish for death, yet his passing had been swift and hardly painful.

"Legolas?" Aragorn question.

"He did not deserve an easy death." I said through clenched teeth.

Aragorn sympathetically placed a hand on my shoulder. "At least he can torment no one else now. You are free Legolas. We can return home."

His words brought comfort into my heart. I realized he was right. We could go home now. I could see my father again and Gerchen could no longer hurt my sister. I smiled at Aragorn. Home sounded very good. I needed to rest. "Yes, Estel. Let us head home."

Aragorn turned to leave the room and I followed. Suddenly, my legs felt weak underneath me. My adrenaline that had empowered me during my fight with Gerchen was gone. My strength had left and I was weary. I felt a wave of dizziness comes over me and my knees buckled.

Suddenly, someone's strong arms caught me and lowered me gently to the ground. I looked up at Aragorn, slightly embarrassed.

"Legolas, what is it?" He asked concerned.

I shook my head. "I am fine, my friend." I said as I tried to stand.

Aragorn caught my arm and held me in a sitting position. "You are obviously not fine." He said in a stubborn tone. "And you are going to tell me everything that hurts or I will spend the next hour, or however long it takes, assessing everyone one of your injuries right here."

I looked at him, surprised. "I am fine. Really."

Aragorn glared at me, with a look that said he clearly did not believe me.

I put my hands up in the air. "Alright. It's just minor pain to the sides of my ribs." I admitted, knowing full well that it was not the whole truth.

Aragorn continued to glare at me, but then lowered his eyes. He gently prodded my ribs with his hands, feeling each one carefully.

I winced and hissed in pain as he continued. He stopped and looked up at me.

"Minor pain?" He questioned sarcastically. "You have at least two broken ribs." He half yelled. "What else do you have that you aren't telling me."

I smiled at him and seized my opportunity to try to hold my pride. "A broken leg, a sprained ankle, a dislocated shoulder, a broken wrist and a sprained finger." I said with a barely contained laugh.

Aragorn glared at me and smacked me on the shoulder. "I being serious, elf."

"Don't forget the knife stab in your side and the broken nose too." Elladan said with a laugh, leaning against the wall.

"You're not helping." Aragorn accused.

Elladan shrugged with a smile. "For all you know, half of what he said might be true."

Aragorn glared back at me. I smiled at him. "I am merely joking my friend. It is but two bruised ribs..."

"Broken ribs" Aragorn corrected.

I rolled my eyes. "And a few unhealed cuts on my back. Nothing serious."

Aragorn shook his head. "To an elf a fatal stab wound is nothing serious." He muttered under his breath, but just loud enough that both Elladan and I heard.

Elladan cuffed him on the head. "It wasn't fatal. It was only nearly fatal." He said in his defense.

Aragorn smiled and rolled his eyes. "Can you walk, my friend?" He questioned as he looked back at me.

I nodded my head. "I think we better check on Linriel and Elrohir. There's no telling what those two are up to." I said with a smile.

"Yes, and I need to look over Elrohir. That fool, taking the poison on himself." Aragorn said as he helped me stand.

Horror crossed Elladan's face. "Poison? What happened?"

Aragorn smiled trying to reassure his brother. "Your brother just wanted to play hero, so he took the poison that was affecting Linriel's body on himself. He says his body will fight it off."

Elladan smiled slightly. "Sounds like something he would do. Will he be okay?"

"He was getting weaker before I left." I voiced my concern.

Aragorn rolled his eyes. "I swear, you two will be the death of me one day." He said as he glanced at Elladan. "Come on, let me go save my brother's life once again."

Elladan shook his head. "I believe we have saved you more than once, little brother." Elladan reminded with a smile.

I smiled at them. It felt so good to be happy again. I was with my friends and I was finally free from the clutches of darkness. I smiled brightly and held my head up. I was no longer a slave. I was once again FREE!