For Disclaimer please view chapter 1

Author's Note: Sorry for the long wait! I wish you all a happy new year! Read and enjoy….Kersi

Chapter 7: Only Human

He would not sleep, could not sleep, if the urge came to him he sent it back from whence it came. His mind kept slipping in and out, it had been days since he had received the visit from the strange guard and stranger yet the message he brought with him. For a while Legolas would only stare at the stone wall that lay before him, saving his strength for when it would be most needed, that way he would be able to last longer without food or water, which had been given to him scarcely. Rohan knew their prisoner; it knew that Elves lasted longer without food or water, and they were pushing the limits as far as they possible could. He took the time to listen and observe his surroundings. He could hear that only two guards were posted near him, and he knew that the guard change happened twice during what Legolas was assuming was the day. Legolas, in fact, had not been exposed to the outside elements; his cell was below ground, away from light, away from life almost. His meticulous observation could only hold his attention for so long, his body wanted sleep, his mind wanted to sleep.

"I do not think it could have gone any better actually!" said Lasneth as he ran circles around Legolas, who happened to be covered in mud.

Legolas smirked as he watched his younger brother enjoy the miserable state that he was in. "If you keep mocking me brother, I will have to teach you a lesson you may not take a liking to."

Lasneth stopped right in front of him, "What? Will you go and fall into another mud pit?" He said in jest.

Legolas wiped some of the mud away from his face and flicked it towards Lasneth, "I fell in there because of you!"

"And I am grateful indeed that you saved me, as an elder brother should, but it does not take the humour out of your situation. Go on, go on, fall in there again…what was the sound you made as you fell?" Lasneth then began to pretend he was about to fall into a mud pit, "You made a horribly high pitched noise that I have not heard from you before, was it like this…?"

Legolas closed his eyes as he heard his brother squealing, making a most horrible sound. "Ai…I was not that Orc sounding Lasneth."

Lasneth began to laugh, "Funny all the same." He noticed that his brother was not having as much fun, "Alright, I will stop. Naneth will be so disappointed; she just made that vest for you." He lightly touched the mud covered vest and contorted his face in disgust.

They began to walk back to the palace, as they had been out in the woods all day it would be a long walk back. Legolas had thought it a good idea to take Lasneth out for a hunt, and give their parents some privacy during the last few days before their sister was to arrive.

When they first arrived back through the gates it was quiet, even the air seemed not to make a sound. Legolas, too concerned with getting out of his muddy clothes, rushed away not giving the quietness another thought and left his brother behind. It was only after he had washed himself and changed into new clothes that he could hear his brother calling out too him. The way that Lasneth was shouting out his name filled Legolas with fear and he rushed to where his voice was coming from. He ran as fast as he could until he finally reached him. Lasneth was just standing there as if in a trance.

"By Elebereth, you fool! Why do you call out my name with such desperation?!" shouted Legolas grabbing hold of his younger brother and shaking him.

Lasneth remained still and did not even blink.

Legolas was confused, "Lasneth, answer me!"

But Lasneth did not have to answer, he heard the loud anguished cries of his mother and let go of Lasneth. "Was that Naneth?" He looked at his brother and waited, thinking that perhaps he had heard something else, but then another cry rung out into the halls. "What is happening?" He turned around, and realized they were at the houses of healing. Without thinking he entered, but was immediately surrounded by healers. Briefly he could see his mother and father; his mother looked like she was in pain.

"What is happening?" The healers were pushing him out, and he struggled against them, "What is wrong? Is she to give birth now? Why does she cry out like that?" Legolas remembered Lasneth's birth and did not recall such cries of pain. He easily pushed the healers away from him, "Leave me be!"

When the healers all scattered he was able to see more fully what was happening and rushed to his parents. His father looked horrible; a complete state of panic marked his face. "Legolas." Said Thranduil, his hand shakily holding the hand of his mother, but Legolas only wanted to hear his mother's voice.

"Naneth?" He asked gently.

Beads of sweat covered her forehead, and she tried to hide the pain away from him but found it futile. She gave out another scream and it made Legolas step away.

"Go and be with your brother." Said Thranduil.

The healers were constantly coming away with blood soaked towels; Legolas knew that it was not normal. "She is losing too much blood." He said, ignoring what his father had just requested from him. His mother gave out another scream. "Do something!" shouted Legolas to the healers; the cries were piercing his heart.

"Lasneth.." cried out his mother, "Where is he?"

"He is outside." Said Legolas still keeping his distance.

Thranduil looked at his tired wife and knew what she wanted. "Bring your brother here…your mother wishes it." He said.

Legolas immediately went to fetch his brother and brought him back, but they were not allowed to be close to her, they could watch only from a distance, for in those few moments, her condition had become even graver. She gave out one last piercing cry which seemed to take every ounce of energy from her. It was her eyes that hurt Legolas the most, he could see the pain in her eyes, and there was no release from it.

He was nearly at tears with the last memory he had of his mother alive in this world. He cursed himself for having remembered it so clearly and then thought back at the anguish that Aurel once had with memories, and how she had confessed to him so freely that her own memories haunted her. Now his memories were haunting him, and he knew why, he knew why his mind constantly slipped into the last memories of his mother; he knew he held the same fears for Aurel, however unsound they may be, in his mind he held that fear. He feared losing her because he had come so close to losing her before and each time it destroyed a part of him. These thoughts plagued him not only in thought alone, but the guilt of selfishness washed over him. Not once did he think of Aurel and her own fears, or even of the child, he feared only the loss of Aurel and what that would do to him. For that very reason he did not connect with the child, and for so long denied the bonding that should have happened months before. It was easy to pretend earlier on, but now that the child was only 3 months from being born, he could no longer ignore his bond. Now that he yearned for the bond he so carelessly threw away, he was cruelly torn away from his wife and unborn child at the risk of losing all their lives.

Ihawsanor had been one of the guards who had accompanied Legolas to Rohan, and also one of the guards who had stayed behind when Legolas had been confined to his cell. Since his Prince's arrest, he remained in the great hall of Medusheld as long as he could during the day hoping to speak to Eomer and during the nights would remain with the other guards who had been ordered to remain in Rohan as long as the Royal couple were confined. After waiting for more than a week to have an audience with Eomer, his request was finally answered. He had managed to secure an audience with the king and looked forward to it. He knew he would probably be surrounded by more than just the king, his entire court would be there, but Ihawsanor would enter alone without the other Elven guards. As he approached the court and the king he noticed something in Eomer's eyes, something worried, something saddened was there, he hoped that the king was in a good mood.

"My lord, thank you for agreeing to meet with me." Said Ihawsanor as he stopped a foot away from Eomer.

Eomer only nodded in response.

"I wish to know of how the Prince and Princess fair."

Eomer contemplated the question, "They fare well enough."

Ihawsanor wanted to ring his neck at the answer he had given, but knew it best to remain calm. He had been trained to be diplomatic and knew that any outburst would ruin this meeting with Eomer. "I wish to see Prince Legolas."

"Your request is denied." replied Eomer almost immediately. "I cannot allow you to do that."

Ihawsanor bowed his head, "At least let me seek counsel with the Princess then, you can have as many guards there as you wish, I only wish to see for myself of her condition."

"Do you not trust what I have told you?"

Of course Ihawsanor did not trust him. "I would be failing in my duties and in my oath to Eryn Lasgalen if I was not allowed to do this."

Eomer eyed him, seeking to catch a glimpse of deceit in his eyes or his behaviour, but he could not, he seemed to be speaking the truth. "As you waited so patiently and have come to me directly for permission to do this, I will allow you to see the Princess, but only for a short amount of time, and with my guards there. Any false move on your part and they will strike you down without hesitation, so be mindful that you do not play games with me."

Ihawsanor only nodded at the king.

"My guards will find you when it is time for you to meet with the princess."

"Yes, my lord." He waited for Eomer to depart before departing himself, back to the handful of Elven guards.

They were only too curious to find out what happened between Ihawsanor and Eomer, the guards waited for him to tell all.

"Something is not right." He shook his head in confusion.

"What did the fool say?" asked one of the guards.

Ihawsanor looked at him, "He has allowed me to visit with the Princess, of course under supervision and for a short time."

"He is more foolish than we thought then." replied the guard.

"This is what troubles me. I have met the king before, several times, and never have I known him to behave the way he has over the past days. Something is not right, and he tells all in his eyes, they are filled with worry."

"That is because he knows of the grievous mistake his has made, he knows that he will have Eryn Lasgalen at his feet very soon." said another guard.

"I want you all to listen to what is said around here very closely, something is not right."

"What are you thinking it concerns, Ihawsanor?" They asked.

"I am curious why his family is not here, they usually are…listen for news of the Queen and Prince of Rohan, report anything that you hear to me, I want to know if they were sent away, or if they left anytime before-hand…." Ihawsanor was interrupted as two guards of the Rohirrim entered their tent and told him to come with them. Luckily they were safe in speaking freely, for they only spoke in their native tongue and no person from Rohan would understand Sindarin.

Ihawsanor followed the guards closely, taking in as much as possible about where he was. When he reached where Aurel was, he was surprised to find that they had actually provided her with a proper chamber, and not some damp-ridden cell. They opened the doors and entered, surprising Aurel whom at that moment was alone.

At first a flash of fear ran through her, as they opened the doors so roughly, but when she saw Ihawsanor she was relieved. She was sitting up on the bed and looked well enough. He went to her and knelt by her side.

"You are only to speak to her in the common tongue, by order of the king." said one of the guards.

Ihawsanor paid no attention to them, but did do as they requested. "My lady, are you well?"

Aurel only nodded.

"Are you being looked after?"

"Yes."

"Is there anything that you need?" He asked.

"To leave this place." She said sharply and looked at the guards. "Have you any news of Legolas?" she asked, placing her attention back on Ihawsanor.

He shook his head. "I was not allowed to see him. But the king said he fared well enough."

"You spoke with Eomer King?"

"Yes…it is he whom has given permission for this meeting. I wished to see Prince Legolas for myself, but my request was denied."

"How long are we to stay here then?" She began to worry.

Ihawsanor shook his head, "There are no signs that they will be releasing either of you if the demands are not satisfied."

"I must speak with Eomer, I must find reason within him, this has spun out of control."

Ihawsanor stood and went to reach for something that he had in the pouch beside him.

The king's guards immediately unsheathed their swords.

Ihawsanor turned around to show he was no threat, "I am merely giving the lady a tea remedy. Look for yourselves if you wish to." He held the pouch out to them.

"The king has ordered no exchange of any kind." replied one of the guards. They re-sheathed their swords.

Ihawsanor tried to act like the fool, "It is merely tea." He repeated.

One of the guards greedily snatched the pouch out of Ihawsanor's hands and opened it, the smell was potent. "Smells like filth!"

"It is Elven tea."

The guard that held the pouch took the pouch; turned it over and let the contents fall to the ground. "No exchange of any kind." He said thoroughly shaking the pouch of its contents while the other guard laughed.

Ihawsanor only shook his head. And the guard threw the pouch at him, "This meeting is over."

"But we have barely had any time!" exclaimed Aurel.

The guards ignored her.

"I will try and see you again Princess." Said Ihawsanor, and he sadly walked out with the guards following closely behind, locking the chamber door.

Aurel stared at the tea leaves scattered on the floor. Why would Ihawsanor want to give her a tea remedy? He had never been too concerned with her. She looked at the pouch that was on the floor. She got out from her bed quickly and snatched the pouch up off the ground before anyone returned. She stared at the pouch momentarily before ripping the bottom away at the seam. She had been correct in her assumption that there was still something inside. It was a note from Ihawsanor! It read:

"Now that we know where you are, we will come and get you in a fortnight's time. Be ready."

Aurel quickly got rid of the note and threw the pouch back on the ground as she heard footsteps approach her door.

The door to Legolas's cell opened suddenly and much to his surprise it was Ethaen who had entered. The door quickly shut behind him. Legolas stood.

"I came to see how you were." Said Ethaen.

Legolas clasped to his arm in gladness. "How were you let in? I have not been allowed any visitors."

"I have my ways." Replied Ethaen quickly changing the subject. "You look pale…have they not fed you?"

"It is this damn cell, not the lack of food that has me this way….have you been able to see Aurel?"

Ethaen shook his head. "I wanted to see you first. I have been waiting for days to come and see you."

Legolas looked deep into his eyes, there was something that Ethaen was hiding. "They have said things about you Ethaen…about things that you have said…I did not believe them…"

"What have they said?!" He asked taking a step back.

"Do you know why we are here Ethaen?"

"Because of the filth that has come forth from my sister." He nearly spit out the words as if they were poison." He got closer to Legolas. "I have fought harshly to clear your name but they hear none of it, the King only hears what he wants." His tone was hushed now.

Legolas put his hand on Ethaen's shoulder, "You must free Aurel. Find a way of getting her back to Eryn Lasgalen."

Ethaen shook his head, "There is no escape, believe me, I have thought of ways of getting you both out."

Legolas shook his head; "I am not important…get Aurel out of here…that is all that matters. There will be bloodshed here soon."

"Ada…I cannot….if I am caught, they will throw me in this cell with you and my family will starve to death."

"I realize the costs to you…can you not find a way? For her? I am powerless here, you are my only hope now."

Ethaen hung his head low, "Ada…I…" He looked up at the weakened Elf before him, so much hope in his eyes, how could he ever kill that hope? He only nodded his head.

Legolas dared to embrace him, "Thank you son."

"I must go, my time is bought and if I am caught here there will hope for none."

Legolas nodded his head and let him go. Ethaen gave a light tap to the door and the door opened, he quickly slid out.

Quietly had the days passed without any commotion and the Elven guards had prepared themselves thoroughly to help free Aurel and take her back to Eryn Lasgalen. They waited until nightfall of the fourteenth day to make their break, knowing that human eyes would be weaker then. Ihawsanor had created the tactics for the escape, he only hoped that the King had not been intelligent enough to move Aurel from the room he last saw her in, otherwise the plan would all fail. Draped in their dark cloaks two elves swiftly ran up the stairs that would lead to Aurel's room and surprised the guards, not even giving them a chance to make noise or unsheathe their swords, and silently sliced their throats. They grabbed the keys from one of the dead guards, and opened the door. There she was, waiting in the dark, just as they had asked her to do.

"Can you walk quickly my lady?" one asked.

She nodded her head and they handed her a dark cloak to wear. They pulled the two dead guards into the room, blood spilled from them everywhere. Aurel who was barefoot felt the warm liquid around her toes, she inched back. They locked the door behind them, and waited for the sign that Ihawsanor had promised them. The plan was that two guards were to get Aurel while Ihawsanor and the other guards created a tactic to get the gates open for them to escape. It could cost them their lives, but it was their duty. Suddenly they heard the commotion, there was screaming from the villagers and shouting from the guards. The two guards took their chance with Aurel and went down the stairs, peering out to see what was happening. Ihawsanor held a human child hostage, demanding that the gates be open for them to go free. This had the guards present and the village, who had been sleeping, in an uproar. When Aurel and the two guards saw that where they were standing from was no real threat, they made their way calmly to the stables where the horses were. There they were met by two other guards, who had secured the stable.

Aurel shook her head, "I will not be able to ride long."

"We know." Said one of the elven guards.

She nodded her head and was helped up onto the horse she would be riding. One of the younger guards mounted the same horse and he held onto her, protecting her back. They knew that if the archers were to begin shooting at them, even in the dark, that she must be protected at all costs. She wished to protest this kind of behaviour, but knew it was of no use, this is was they trained for; this was how they showed their loyalty to Eryn Lasgalen. Another horse was mounted; the Elven guard on that horse would be a diversion to give Aurel a better chance of escaping. Now all they had to do was wait for the gate to be opened.

"Open the gates!!!" shouted Ihawsanor.

"By order of the King, no Elf is allowed to leave this place!!" They would shout back. "Release the child!"

"I will kill this child and more if you do not open the gates!" he replied.

People were screaming at both Ihawsanor and at the human guards, it was perfect, and having it be dark was all the better. "Open the gates!! Open the gates!!"

"We wish to leave, you gave us no choice, I will kill this child now if you do not open the gates!!" shouted Ihawsanor.

King Eomer, who had heard all the commotion came out of the wooden hall and stood at the high platform. "What is happening here?" He asked his guards. The one most loyal to him responded.

"They are threatening to kill a child if the gates are not opened for them to leave."

Eomer thought of his options, if they left it would not be good on him, if they stayed it would not be good on him, he knew that they would kill the child, and that could possibly cause civil unrest. He looked out and shouted. "If they wish to leave, let them leave, they are of no use to us here; they are of no use anywhere!"

"You heard him! Open the gates!" shouted his loyal guard.

The sound of the gates opening could be heard.

Eomer called over the guards near him, "As soon as they release the child, go after them and kill them all." Said Eomer.

His most loyal guard stood wide-eyed. "My lord, if they are to leave good riddance! There is no reason to follow them out in the dark."

The gates were now fully opened.

"Do not question me!! Do as I say or you will suffer their fate!!" He said retreating back into the wooden hall.

As soon as the King has disappeared back into his hall, the sound of horses could be heard amongst the commotion. Two horses raced out through the gates bearing what seemed like two guards, but something was strange. Ihawsanor passed through the gates and only once he was past them did he push the child violently forward. It was then that the loyal guard to Eomer realized that this was some sort of diversion. They had no way of escaping, save but by foot, and why would the two guards with horses leave the others behind?

A guard came running up to him, "The elf princess is gone!"

"Go after them! Kill them all, and bring her back!"

But it was night, and they, after all were only human. They would be lucky indeed if they themselves managed to not get lost while chasing after the elves.