Thank you, thank you for your reviews. Got you on the edge of your seats then, eh?

In reply to some of your comments, Illadris is there for a purpose. I really haven't dropped her in for the sake of it and yes, I am evil for leaving Arien like that. I'm afraid she's not going to be much better off at the end of this one either, but hey, there's always next time – lol!

Anyway, on we go!

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Forever Yours

Chapter 10

Arien recoiled in terror as the two men rushed across the room and grabbed the man atop her, throwing him forcefully to the floor. The largest of the two back-handed Arien's assailant and snarled at him;

"I told yer not t' touch 'er!"

Arien looked to the man who had spoken and wondered if he was the leader of the group for the others regarded him with reverence which bordered on fear.

"I told yer, if a she-elf is taken against 'er will, she'll die! What good'll she be t'us then, yer mangy dog?" he added.

The accosted man cradled his abused face as he spoke;

"What good'll she be t'anybody then? They ain't gonna buy 'er for ought else but 'er body, is they?" snapped back Arien's attacker.

"T'ain't none o' our concern. We'll be long gone by then. All that matters is that she's alive f'r the auction so's we can get our gold! She can go t'Mordor after that f'r all we care!"

Arien's attacker picked himself up and brushed roughly at his clothes. He turned and made for the door. His friends laughed at his retreating form and called after him;

"Go 'ave yerself a few jars and find a willin' wench! One female's th'same as any other, any'ow!"

The retreating man snarled an incoherent reply and slammed the door behind him. The remaining two turned their attention to Arien and she curled herself into a ball in anticipation and dread. She was surprised when they simply checked her bonds then moved to the far side of the room. They sat on the floor and began to talk in low voices.

For the first time in her life, Arien had experienced real pain and the dreadful sensation all but overwhelmed her. Throughout her life, she had been cared for and cosseted and the most serious injuries she had suffered were scrapes and scratches due to over – boisterous play. She never imagined agony such as she now felt existed. Her head thudded with pain at each heartbeat and her bound limbs burned as though they had been held over an open flame. Tears filled her eyes and she shut them tightly in the hope that it would diminish the reality of her circumstance. She buried her thought in memories of those she cared most about. Visions of her family floated before her eyes and she allowed them to envelop her in a warm blanket of comfort but her respite from the horrors which surrounded her was short lived.

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Deep in the Golden Wood Haldir ordered the search party to regroup and return to the city. He was anxious to speak with the lady in order that he might impart his inner feelings to her. He felt certain that she would understand and consequently guide him toward the path he should take. He was also intent on returning Legolas to the refuge of Caras Galadhon for he feared under the circumstances for the rationality of his friend. Twice he had had to restrain him from rushing headlong into the forest in a futile attempt to locate his sister. Finally, Haldir had seen realisation wash over Legolas, his legs buckling beneath him as he finally acknowledged the facts before him. Haldir felt it wise not to impart his feelings to the prince for fear of giving rise to false hope. Instead, he helped his friend to his feet and, placing his arm around his shoulders, joined he others on their trek back to the city.

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Galadrial sat in a high-backed chair in a room usually used for meetings of the city council. Before her stood Illadris. She held herself erect and showed no sign of her former grief, her face expressionless and Galadriel felt she was carefully guarding her thoughts. Finally, the lady spoke;

"I feel all is not well, Illadris, and would have you speak truly to me err I make further inquiries. You know that you cannot keep from me that which is connived for thoughts which are veiled are oft first to be revealed."

The lady's voice was low and controlled and Illadris felt a hidden threat in the words. She struggled harder not to expose her deeds to her lady and could not prevent her head from drooping slightly. Galadriel saw the gesture and it further indorsed her suspicions of foul play. She did not understand why Illadris should have disliked Arien enough to be instrumental in her disappearance but felt that, for now, to ascertain the whereabouts of the princess was of most importance.

A palpable silence descended over the room as Galadriel awaited a reply from the elleth. Finally, Illadris spoke;

"I have told all there is to tell, My Lady. I have given directions to the place where I last saw the princess; I fought for my own life as well as hers, as you can tell by my appearance. I am deeply dismayed that you would question my words and therefore have doubts concerning the loyalty and devotion of one of your Guardians!"

Illadris stood proud once again and looked directly into the face of the lady. After a few moments, Galadriel broke the silence;

"Very well, Illadris. If that is all you have to say, then you are dismissed. However, I am not yet convinced that you speak the truth and must request that you return to your talan and remain there until sent for again."

Illadris bowed and made her way from the audience chamber. At the sight of her retreating form, Celeborn entered from a side door and stood beside his wife.

"I see the concern etched on your face, my love," he said. I too feel evil deeds have occurred this day and am saddened that one of our own should be involved. How best shall we deal with it?"

"Haldir and the other Galadhirim are returning as we speak," she replied. "I have requested Haldir's presence as soon as he arrives. I feel all is not lost but haste must be made if we are to avoid a dire outcome to this matter!"

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A short time later, Haldir stood before the lord and lady and imparted to them all that had occurred in the forest. He had left an inconsolable Legolas in the care of the healers in the hope that they might ease his pain. Galadriel and Celeborn listened intently to his description of the scene and he perceived their discomfort as he described the bloody scenario. When he had completed his report, Galadriel asked him;

"How many wargs have you encountered in the forest of late, Haldir?"

"None, My Lady! Indeed, it has been some time since these troublesome creatures have ventured into the Golden Wood."

"Indeed! So how is it one would be seen now? How could so fierce a creature pass by my ever-watchful wardens? Do you not feel uneasy with this Marchwarden?" questioned Galadriel.

Haldir thought for a moment. He was unsure whether the lady was questioning the ability of the Galadhirim or his perception that all was not well in this matter. He decided on the former and straightened his gaze to look directly into her eyes. Galadriel held his gaze for a moment and he felt her within his mind, probing and seeking. After a few moments his thoughts were once more his own as Galadriel spoke to him;

"You have feelings which tell you Arien is still of this world. I too feel all is not lost, but action must be taken quickly. Take a party of wardens and pass through the northern fences, for I do not feel she is within our borders. There are a few small villages thereabouts and inquiries made of the inhabitants may reveal information of use to you. Travel swiftly, Haldir and do not disclose your intentions to any other than those you intend to accompany you. If Arien is indeed alive, she is surely in great danger."

Haldir bowed and turned to leave. Suddenly, he stopped;

"May I ask as to the whereabouts of Illadris? I had thought she would have awaited our return for news, so distraught was she."

Galadriel paused before replying;

"I have confined her to her rooms for reasons I shall make clear to you on your return. Be sure to tell the wardens to say nought to her concerning your mission. Safe journey, Marchwarden!"

Haldir bowed once again and left the chamber. He was concerned by the lady's words and a little surprised at his summary dismissal but he determined to put all other thoughts from his mind save that of his task.

A short time later a small party of five Galadhirim, including Haldir and both his brothers, gathered in a small clearing outside the gates of Caras Galadhon. Haldir told them the reason for their mission and all listened solemnly to the words of their Captain. Each held his own thoughts as to the possible outcome of their assignment but did not make them known. They were about to move out when Haldir was halted by the sound of his name and turned to see Legolas running towards them.

"You would leave without telling me?" challenged Legolas, angrily.

He stood before the Marchwarden, his fists at his sides clenched in fury, his eyes ablaze with rage.

"Forgive me, my friend, but I did not wish to add anguish to your pain." replied Haldir, calmly."

"I will know no peace until I learn the truth regarding my sister, Haldir! I will come with you or follow your trail. Either way, I will not stay behind like some simpering elleth. Which is it to be?" he snapped.

Haldir sighed, knowing his friend would not be deterred.

"Very well, Legolas. You may come but you will accede to my command!" Haldir conceded.

They began their march through the woods to the borders and beyond. During the walk, Haldir questioned Legolas concerning his knowledge of their task, for he had not mentioned their leaving to any save those concerned.

"I saw Rumil and Orophin running towards their talan and overheard Rumil call instructions to take extra arrows. I knew it would be a matter of importance and followed, sure it concerned Arien's disappearance." answered Legolas.

Haldir smiled slightly and said;

"Ah, it would seem my brother's training regarding stealth is sadly lacking. I must remember to rectify it!"

Legolas looked to his friend and attempted to smile at his comment, but the heaviness of his heart would not permit it. Instead, they continued onward in companionable silence.

Tbc.

Oops, no rescue there then? Still with the cliff- hanger! Hmm….maybe in the next chapter. See you soon! Oh, and please R&R, I love hearing from you.

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