The days drag on, the only things pulling me through are the occasional talks with the dwarves, though some voices I do not hear as Dwalin told me that they are held too far away from us. That and there are the surprising visits from Legolas. They never last long, but are meaningful and even pleasant. I had just recently found out that he is the prince and that explained some things. It didn't change my view on him though, whatever that may be. Lastly there are the occasional faceless footsteps that seem to return on a daily basis.

The second time I heard them, I listened closely, my eyes shut for the extra effort. When I started to smile and laugh all of a sudden, Dwalin thought I was breaking down, going crazy as it is. But that was not the case though. I recognized those footsteps! Today though, I could care little for all that. I was having a bad day...

I look down sadly, clenching my jaw in an effort to hold my woes to myself. I open my shaking hand, letting another batch of feathers drift to the hard stone floor. I don't know how or why it started, I just want it to stop. I've never felt so terrible before.

/Legolas' point of view/

Making my way though the pathways of the dungeons, I come to a stop at Therith's like I have been doing for almost every day since I brought her here. I'm not sure what keeps dragging me back here, but whenever I find myself bored, I go speak to her.

Our conversations have started to sound like those of familiars, but I am reminded every time that we are not, for there are still bars separating us. It's disappointing, I'm sure that had we met on other terms, things could have been quite different. Therith is a woman I appreciate as she has smarts combined with a sharp tongue. Her confidence is becoming of her.

I'm surprised when I do not find Therith in her usual spot, looking out into the dungeons from the door. Looking inside, it takes a moment for my eyes to adjust to the dark, but what I see shocks me. "Therith?" I ask, my heart clenching in worry as she hardly reacts.

I turn to the nearest guard asking him to get the key. As he does so I keep my eyes on her, my mind wondering on what is happening to her. There is a shuffle in the next cell and soon a dwarf's head peeks around the corner. "Lad...Is something the matter with the lass?" he asks worried, but I do not answer as the guard returns. I unlock her cell and carefully step inside, startled even more now that I can see her up close.

I make my way over silently, though I know she can probably hear me. I try not to step on all the feathers on the ground, but there are few places I can set my feet without doing so. Her wings, once full and magnificent looking have turned dull and thin. Sharp and empty pins are left in some places.

"Therith." I repeat now crouching right behind her. "Will you not turn around?" I ask, not being able to see her face. She shakes her head. "I cannot." sounds her strained voice. "What is happening to you, can you tell me?" I urge. "I do not know. I don't understand at all." she says softly, sadness laced in her words.

"Hîr nin?" comes Tauriel's voice from behind me. I glance at her over my shoulder. "Tauriel, get a doctor to come up. Make haste." I say. She nods, quickly rushing off and I turn my attention back to the curled up woman before me.

Reaching out, I carefully put my hand on her shoulder, only for her to shrink back even further if that was possible. "Come, let us go see what it is. Maybe it can be helped." I tell her, lightly pulling her in an attempt to have her uncurl herself. It seems to work as she slowly turns to face me.

The emotional pain is quite clear to see. It looks even worse than any physical pain I have seen her in up to this point. It makes it difficult for me to keep a straight face. "It will be alright." I tell her, hoping it to be true for her sake.

The doctor arrived and we managed to move her to a room. It was done with some difficulty, as Therith was not only weak with sorrow, but the foul mouths of the dwarves, spitting insults at me after getting sight of her left me winded. I was surprised when she told them to be silent at one point.

The doctor examined her as I stood outside waiting. Tauriel passed by, looking at me curiously. "Hîr nin Legolas, you look worried. Is she alright?" she asks, stepping closer. "I do not know." is all I can say.

Tauriel frowns, looking away thoughtfully. "What is on your mind?" I ask, making her whip her head back around. "Couldn't it be that...It would be so simple..." she starts. "What is?" I urge her. "Maybe all she needs is freedom. Do birds not lose feather from distress and being kept in too small cages? What if it's only a prelude and she is withering away?"

I sigh. "Even if you are right, is there really something that can be done about it? She is my father's prisoner." I say, able to guess on what he will say on the matter. "Not just a prisoner, she's a Cloud dweller. Have you any idea of how few there are left? Your father does. Will he really keep her here, even though she is one of the last, or perhaps the last of her kin if it means it will eventually be the death of her?" Tauriel wonders.

I shake my head. "He would never forgive himself. Even though she accompanied the dwarves, he must let her go. Or he would have a heavy burden to carry." I say, knowing he will not enjoy being held responsible. "Talk to him Legolas. I know you will be saddened if she perishes. You must reason with your father using the arguments we have." Tauriel tells me, making me nod. "Stay here while I go see him." I say, walking off.