That night, Jauriel came back with a pack and their weapons as well as her own bow and quiverful of arrows.
"I have detained the guards for a little while, but not for long. Let us hurry. This way, to the battlements. There are trees we will be able to climb down brushing against them.The king would not consider that path."
"I don't know if I can do that," Legolas said worriedly. "And why would there be trees brushing against the battlements? That's a severe weakness if Mirkwood ever got attacked."
"I have powers over living things, although not as strong as a wizard," Jauriel answered.
At that, Gandalf raised his hand to the cell doors and they immediately opened by some unseen force.
"Can you walk, my Prince?" Jauriel asked.
Embarrassed at showing weakness especially before a female, Legolas muttered that he only needed a little help. And Jauriel did something totally unexpected. Instead of letting Gandalf help him, she came over to assist.
Putting her hand at his waist and his arm round her shoulder, she declared, "What are you starting at? Let's go!"
Legolas was pretty sure he looked foolish because Gandalf seemed to be having problems not laughing at them. It wasn't as if he like liked her. He loved Tauriel. Maybe. Alright, he wasn't quite sure anymore. Jauriel was distractingly beautiful.
Together, they made their way past the guards, who for some mysterious reason, were perfectly obedient to Jauriel.
"I am convincing their minds that we should be allowed to do this. However, it will only last so long," she told Legolas when they had passed over ten guards easily.
Finally, they reached the battlements. Jauriel showed them where a tree was leaning against the wall.
"This is where we will get down. Are you up to it, my Prince?"
"I can do it. You don't need to worry."
"Good."
They then climbed down the tree, Gandalf first, then Legolas, and finally Jauriel.
"Well, that went better than I expected," said Legolas.
Suddenly, they heard the whistle of arrows.
"Duck!"
"I HAD to open my mouth."