Into the Labyrinth

Author: Amorous

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: In chapter one.

Author's Note: Just a little thing, there's a bit of Elvish in here and the first line is in Quenya. I just thought I'd mention that, because Legolas ususally uses Sindarin but I couldn't get it in that.

*Chapter 10: Awaiting the Dawn*

"You shall regret arguing with your brother, Alymar." Legolas stated threateningly from his place of restraint across the room. "He was right, it is far too dangerous."

Alymar narrowed his eyes. "How did you know what we were saying?" Legolas raised his slim eyebrows without a word and Aragorn hid a smile. Amadeo gave his twin a pointed look.

"Never mind." Alymar said quickly still somewhat bewildered. "What are your names?"

Time seemed to slow and Aragorn blanked. He couldn't tell them his real name; they could never know that he was the lost king of Gondor. He would need another…and Legolas. Did these people have any idea that they had the heir to the throne of Mirkwood? He wondered if they had even heard of Kind Thranduil. Or Lord Elrond, for that matter.

"My name is Furnerain." The young Ranger replied confidently. Had they been in any other situation, Legolas would have laughed at his friend's choice. In Elvish, the name meant 'hidden king.'

"I see." Alymar commented with a nod. "And yours, Elf?"

"He's Legolas." Aragorn said quickly before the Elf could reply.

Legolas gave him a sharp, incredulous glare. The Prince was not pleased by that answer. "Mankoi lle uma tanya? / Why did you do that?" He asked, speaking in Elvish so that the Brothers could not understand.

"Avo 'osto. / Don't worry." The young ranger replied, trying to give the Elf a meaningful look, but Legolas was not satisfied.

"Aragorn…" He started angrily, then noticing what he'd given away he paused, unsure. But looking at the Lavi Brothers, he realized that they must think that was Elvish as well.

"What are you saying?" Alymar broke in, glancing back and forth between them.

"If we wanted you to know we would have spoken in Common." Legolas burst before he could stop himself, his anger getting the best of him. He instantly realized his mistake as both twin's faces hardened into masks of ire. Only Alymar's eyes held a strange twinkling light in their depths. He walked up close to Legolas and the Elf could feel Sureim's fingers pressing into his neck. Legolas expected a blow, prepared for it.

"Boy, you should not make your friend angry in the future, it could cause him or you unwanted pain." The man in green stated simply, his eyes locked on Legolas' in a silent warning.

"We will speak more on these matters at a later date," Amadeo swept his red cape about and seated himself back down in the cushioned chair. "It is getting late, brother. Sureim, please show these two to their quarters. The foremost rooms, if you would. And make sure every guard on duty is armed with a shooter. At all times. I'm not going to take any chances."

Sureim motioned to his men and the captives were hustled out the door again, though this time there was not even a thought of escape. With the ropes connecting their ankles, the friends could only just walk and their arms remained securely fastened behind their backs, now tangled in their over-coats as well. Legolas caught a glance back before the door was shut and saw Alymar's dark eyes following him with an uncurbed combination of fading irritation, curiosity and wonder.

The Elf evaluated their situation with despair. This is what he had been afraid of from the beginning. It was cruelly ironic that on the very first night in Rahma, Aragorn and he had found out everything they'd intended to uncover about the unlawful fighting ring and could tell their companions nothing about it. Isorfinduil, Elrohir, and Elladan would be forced to begin at square one.

Looking at Aragorn, who was several yards in front of him, Legolas could not help feeling betrayed. What had possessed that human to give his true name? The Elf could see no reasoning behind it and could only hope that the young man could explain the purpose to this risky act. From experience, Legolas knew that when dealing with men such as these twins, it seldom helped to be known as a Prince.

The procession turned down a long, torch-lit and passed by room after room, each with doors made of long metal bars. But beyond the barred doors, Legolas was surprised to see wooden walls and even some furniture inside. Several heads from inside looked up, interested, as the two strangers were forced by. Eyes widened when they saw the Elf, as though he was from another world altogether.

They were led far down to the very end of the hallway to the very last two cells, if they could even be called cells. Sureim unlocked the two doors that were facing each other and they were pushed inside, the doors locked behind them again. Then Sureim gestured to Legolas to come up to the metal bars of the door. Legolas stared back suspiciously.

"If you want your ropes cut then come here." The lieutenant said sharply and impatiently. Legolas backed himself up to the door and felt the man fiddling with his coat and the ropes. He took this opportunity to glance about his room and saw a fairly nice cot with blankets, a chair, and even a small rug covering a portion of the wooden floor. High on the walls on either side of him a strip was left open with only metal bars between his room and the next.

After his arms were free, he felt the ropes about his ankles cut away as well and he quickly stepped away from the door. A guard tossed a bundle through the bars of the doorway.

"Change into those." Sureim said, looking back and forth between the two cells. "And don't think that being rebellious is gonna get you anywhere except in our bad favor. I might be forced to bring Jyrka back to change your mind, since he did such a nice job outside."

Legolas guessed that Jyrka must be the giant of a man from earlier. He left the bundle on the ground where it was. Sureim and his guards left soon after that and Legolas strode across the room – which was not a particularly far distance – and stood on top of his cot, peering out through the bars. What he saw puzzled him. Apparently these rooms were the last two. Or rather, the first two. Through the small but long window, Legolas saw a very large room with a floor of stone. Cut out of the floor was a huge square hole the size of a small house and far above the hole was a slightly smaller steel cage being held up by four thick ropes on pulleys. All around the room were long benches situated stadium style.

Legolas was gazing about the chamber with mystification when he heard his name being softly called. He got off the cot and went to the door to find Aragorn staring back at him from across the hall, behind his own barred doorway.

"Legolas, lasto nin. / listen to me. I had a reason for giving them your name."

Legolas watched him quietly.

"I doubt they have even heard of your father, Legolas. Or mine." The young man continued eagerly but more gently so that his voice would not carry far. "They know practically nothing about Elves and so we have the advantage. I figured that your true name would mean nothing to them and if they somehow found out your lineage…it could only work for our good. They are fearful of you as it is. If they heard you were a Prince they would most likely be so afraid of getting run out by your father that they'd let us go free."

"Or they would do what Amadeo wanted from the beginning and kill us."

The young face lit by a flickering torch visibly fell. He obviously had not thought of that. Legolas was instantly regretful of his sharp words. "Aragorn, forgive me. I did not mean to sound harsh."

"No," Aragorn said distantly, then focused again on his friend, his face full of sorrow. "Legolas I am so sorry. I did not think of other possible outcomes." He paused and suddenly held a hand to his head, wavering slightly. "Eru, what have I done this night?"

"Please do not blame yourself. It is not your doing."

"But it is! Legolas, I thought I was so right to follow those boys."

Legolas said nothing, but looked at the Ranger. Then he tilted his head. "Are you alright?"

The young man touched his darkened eye gingerly, not looking up. "I'm fine, just a black eye."

"You're sure -"

"Yes!"

The Elf noticed that the burning in his own lungs had disappeared and he felt only a small ache in his stomach from being hit a few minutes ago. He eyed the bundle that rested nearby warily.

"I suppose we should see what it is they want us to change into. Then we just have to wait." Aragorn said just then, voicing the Elf's thoughts exactly. They found it was a blue sleeveless shirt that passed below the waist. Apparently the pants and belts they wore now were to be kept. After changing, Legolas placed his light tunic carefully under the mattress of his cot.

"Did you see that chamber?" Aragorn inquired. "That must be where the fights are held."

"I saw it. It must hold many people." The Elf came back to the doorway so that he might see his companion. "This building is much bigger than it looks."

"Yes…" The young Ranger trailed off, eyes distant, his thoughts running elsewhere.

"We'll get out of here, Furnerain." Legolas used his friend's new name and guessing his thoughts correctly.

"I wonder what the others are doing now."

Legolas laughed, trying to raise Aragorn's disheartened spirits. "Elladan has probably forced his way into every bar and demanded that someone show him where we are."

Aragorn smiled at the thought. "I'll bet you're right."

**

The room was quiet and dark, only the light from a wavering candle showing its three silent occupants. All three had tried to sleep but none had been successful. They were lost in their thoughts.

Isorfinduil suddenly but silently rose from his bed and went to the window, a place that the others had quickly learned was his favorite spot. They watched him as he stood with his back to them, arms crossed and feet spread, as he intently searched the dark street below for any sign of life.

Elrohir was lying in his bed, still attempting to fall asleep. His overcoat, turban, and weapons rested close by. Elladan sat nearby, perfectly erect as though counting in his head the minutes until dawn. His defined features and high cheekbones were outlined in the candlelight. No one spoke a word.

Isorfinduil dropped noiselessly into the small chair under the window and rested his head against the window-frame, gazing at the clear, crisp stars above. His deep blue eyes sought out Earendil, the star that was most beloved with all of Eru's children. His worries became faint and obscure as he found solace in the steady shimmer and was able to let his thoughts run free. He was soon seeing the thick trunks of Greenwood the Great, their large green leaves quivering in the breeze and sending shadows playing across his face. Beautiful golden haired kinsmen, all laughing merrily in the dashing, patterned sunlight surrounded him. His Prince was at his side, a smile upon his fair face and a deep green band of woven vines on his head.

The twins watched as Isorfinduil's body relaxed ever so slightly and his sharp eyes became distant. Elrohir glanced at Elladan, realizing their younger companion had drifted off into dreams. He was glad that at least one of them was able to do so. Elladan seemed at the moment to be mystified by Isorfinduil. The weak starlight filtered through the streaked windowpanes and rested upon the dreaming Elf, causing him to shimmer in a bluish white light.

Elladan relaxed against the wall, still watching the sleeping Elf under the window. He wondered idly if he was dreaming about Mirkwood and what memories he was reliving. His mind then turned to his own home at Rivendell and he envisioned the rushing waterfalls and rustling leaves. He could almost hear the sound of the water and the wind. Then he was walking through an open hallway, the setting sun creating misty rainbows in the falling water to his left…

Elrohir watched as his brother as well fell to sleep, his grey eyes fixed still on Isorfinduil, but now abstracted. The twin pondered again what it was that kept his two companions at such odds. If they would just give each other a chance, they might become good friends. It interested him that his brother fell asleep while staring in an almost curious nature at Isorfinduil. Perhaps it was not dislike that kept them apart.

Now wide awake, the dark-haired Elf sat up in bed and resigned himself to the night, waiting for dawn to awaken the town.

**

Hola, mis buen amigos! Como estas hoy? Estoy màs o menos. Miro, iraba la playa con mi hermana, pero…haha, sorry. I get carried away sometimes. So anyway…my first attempt of Elvish appears in this chapter. I hope I didn't mess it up too much. I went to the beach yesterday and I got a sort of mild heatstroke from being in the sun too long. So on the downside, I'm completely fried, drained, and otherwise dead to the world…and very red. Let's just say that dressing has become a very delicate process. But on the plus side, they can no longer call me a porcelain doll! Yay!

Okay, now for things that matter to you:

Thank you to Jack Sparrow (like the name!), nightcrawler's girlio, and ketchup for dropping a line. I'm so glad you guys like it.

Trin and leggylover03 – You guys stay tuned, all I'll say is that do have some of what you want in mind for a little later. You'll like it, don't worry!

Elvulia – Thank you, I have tried my best on the twins. Thank you, thank you! And God bless you as well!

ASL – Geez, I'm gonna have to be careful about what I write, I can't have you knocking yourself out so often…brain damage or something…but you'll have to wait and see about Isor. I actually can't wait until that part comes, I'm looking forward to doing it. I'll let you know when it comes. I'll say "ASL! This is the part!" Hehe, Thank you again!

Chris – Thank you for delurking!! :) Glad you're enjoying it!

Betsy – Wow, thank you that was really nice! Very encouraging!

Key – Hm… you actually just gave me an idea…hm…okay but anyway, yes, I've seen Pirates three times already and I'm planning on two more! Haha. Oh, and the soundtrack comes out today, I believe. That'll be great. I loved the music. But thank you very much for the review!

Okay I think that's everyone. Thank you all so much, It's your reviews that keep this story coming!

Finally ff.net started working again…

Amorous