Chapter 3

Elladan awoke to pain, a lot of pain. His head throbbed from the previous exploitation of that Elven weak spot and his back felt like it was on fire. His wrist and ankles burned with the intensity of dragon fire. As the fog cleared from his brain, he started to take in his surroundings. He was in a cell of sorts. It was relatively clean, though dark and slightly damp. His wrists and ankles and securely bound with what felt like a farthing of rope. And to top it all off, his tunic was missing. Oh how he hated being left in his loincloth. It made him feel so…vulnerable.

Attempting to get up was the biggest mistake he made. His head swooned and Elladan fell over. Frustrated, cold, hungry and naked, he started to break down. He was so confused. How did he get here? Where was he? Who brought him here? Why was he here? What was going to happen? The questions tormented him as much as his bindings did. Tugging at his bonds only sent rushes of white-hot pain lancing down his forearms and shins. Upon closer inspection, he found that the rope was…Elven!

Elladan's first thought was of his power hungry grandmother, Galadriel. But he knew Galadriel long enough to know that she wouldn't have done such a low down thing as to knock him out and lock him in a dungeon. Besides, Lorien didn't have dungeons. As he fumbled along for a while, a second thought crossed his mind. Thranduil.

Chapter 4

Niendel was tiring and had long lost scent of Elladan. Elrohir was at a lost. In the darkness about he could see nothing. Absolutely nothing save the yellow glare of the stray animal. Even his powerful Elven eyesight could not pierce the thick liquidy darkness he seemed to be drowning in. Sighing, he lost hope momentarily. Common sense told him that he should turn back and go to Glorfindel for help but his emotions urged him on. Elrohir, thankfully, the ever-sensible elf, turn back and rode with the wind to Rivendell, tearing his heart into pieces as he went. The pain of abandoning his brother to uncertainty almost undid him. But in his heart, deep deep down in the bowels of his soul, he could feel Elladan. And right now, Elladan was whole and alive. That was all that mattered. His white knuckled grip scrunched the leather reins as Niendel galloped on, giving her all to push towards Rivendell.

Hours of riding did not spell well of most horses. Niendel however, was not most horses. Hand-bred by the twins, she was one of the finest horses in Imladris. But now the finest horse in Imladris was tiring, and quickly too. After the 3rd hour she started to trot again. Elrohir, of course of horribly exasperated, but he knew that pushing Niendel any more would lead to her eventual death.the 5 hour ride back home was a five hour torture session for Elrohir's heart. As Imladris came into view, Elrohir felt a sensation of utter relief course through his body of knotted muscles and aching bones. As he neared the hidden gates of his land, he halted. Oh thank the Valar, sweet Elbereth! There, Glorfindel was, fully ready and mounted upon Asfolath, his magnificent steed.

"Glorfindel! I was not expecting you!"

"Oh dear Elrohir, I was expecting you! I saw you from the distance. I have been weary of late. My sleep has been plagued by dreams of cloud and smoke and I know not what to derive from them! My good Elrohir, enlighten me. Why are you here and where is your brother?"

"We leave now, it is almost dawn. But I need a fresh horse. Niendel and my brother's horse here are wearied. We have gone a long way through the night. We need to save Elladan! He has been elfnapped!"

"Oh Valar. By whom!"

"I know not. It has troubled me greatly."

"But you must rest Elrohir. Elladan has no use for a tired elf half asleep on his horse!"

"But Glorfindel, we must-"

"We must rest. Elladan needs help, not further trouble. We will go quietly at day break."

"I agree. But do not tell father. I would not have him more stressed than he is now."

"Well. Alright. Elrond's trade negotiations with Mirkwood has not been good. Thranduil is angry again. Valar. Away now! We rest."

Elrohir allowed Glorfindel to gently lead him away. He would need his strength for tomorrow. A lot of strength.

Chapter 5

Elladan released an anguish cry. His limbs protested against the cruelly tight bindings. His cry did not go unnoticed. The sound of a heavy door being opened resonated through the emptiness of his surroundings. Light footsteps of an elf was heard. Elladan tensed, expecting danger. However, the owner of those footsteps turned out to be those of a guard.

"Ah. You have come to."

"Apparently." replied Elladan coldly. He had not love for this place and that extended to its inhabitants.

"Well now. I'll get you out. The king has arranged a special meeting with you. I am sure you will come to…enjoy, your sessions." The guard possessed an eerie glint in his green eyes. They were feral, almost cruel. Elladan felt panic and fear slowly building up in his body and pooling in an uncomfortable lump at the base of his throat. Swallowing hard, he asked for this bindings to be removed.

"But of course." replied the guard in a voice that dripped with sarcasm.

The guard hefted Elladan up onto his feet. Using a knife, Elladan's bonds were sawed off. Elladan shook his hands and let out a sharp intake of breath as pain started to course through his limbs as bloody rushed in. The guard quickly produced a pair of iron manacles.

"Direct orders." he said. As if explaining the course of action.

Quick as a flash, heavy manacles encircled Elladan's wrists.

"But why? Why the hostility. I would not run even if given the opportunity for I know not where I am and how to go about. This is an outrage! What Elven society still operates as such! Manacles and dungeons indeed! This must be Mirkwood!" Elladan let out in a stream of Sindarin.

"How dare you mock my homeland. I serve the King and the King alone. He is always correct! He is right and just in all matters! Dare you mock the King? Who are you to condone the King's actions! I will report you, yes I will. And you will pay for your insolence!"

Unbridled fury unleashed itself in those green eyes. It was most unelven. Shuddering, Elladan took a step forward. One step closer to his doom.

"Let us meet the Almighty Thranduil then." said Elladan, his voice even. He could not risk this guard turning his anger upon him. He was too helpless for that to be safe. The praising of Thranduil seemed to placate the guard quickly and effectively. By the Gods, Elladan thought, what was Thranduil doing to his Kingdom!

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