They were doomed the instant they woke.

They were doomed hours before then.

They were doomed the moment the doors to the palace gave way.

Rhyst silently pulled his still-sleeping baby brother onto his lap. Well, Legolas wasn't a baby, not really. He was sixteen. But he was still a baby to Rhyst. He would always be a baby to Rhyst. Rhyst loved him, cared for him, and valued him over his own life. The older elf cradled the princeling close, trying to protect him from the cold, frightening, and disgustingly dirty cell. Rhyst brushed a strand of hair out of Legolas's alarming closed eyes, shuddering. The fact that his eyes were closed meant he was in a nasty, unnatural sleep. The older prince traced his fingers down Legolas's perfect cheekbones and then down to his jaw, feeling nothing but flawless and smooth ivory skin under his fingertips. Yes, Legolas was definitely the prettiest of Thranduil's sons. He kissed the unconscious prince's forehead softly.

He looked up, and realized he was not the only one awake. Adraodon, the eldest, was also. He stared off into nothing, obviously deep in thought. Rhyst spoke.

"Dra? Dra-Dra?" He said shakily, employing the pet name for his elder brother that he had not used since he was about six. "What is this place?"

Adraodon snapped out of his trance, looking at his favorite sibling gravely. "I know not, my brother. Only that it is one of much pain and sorrow. Of past and… to come." He looked around at all twenty-one of the Mirkwood princes.

"Whu-what do you mean?"

Adraodon sighed. "I mean," He sighed again. "I mean… Things will come to happen to us Rhyst. All of us. Do not ask me how it is I know it. I just… know it. Pain and suffering beyond belief and…" He faltered. "Death is in our future, Rhyst."

Rhyst jumped as Legolas stirred, then woke, blinking large, jewel-bright eyes. He stared into his brother's face, locking eyes with him. "What happened? Where are we?" He said, voice full of the innocent curiosity that made him so charming. He attempted to sit, but fell back weakly. Rhyst wrapped his arms around the feeble elfling's chest and pulled him into a sitting position gently.

Legolas's mouth fell open in shock as he took in his surroundings. Tears of fright filled his cerulean blue eyes.

Adraodon spoke softly to the youngest Thranduillion. "I would tell you everything will be alright, Legolas. I would tell you, but it would be a lie."