No Way Out

Ch XI





For the past two days Haldir and Legolas had restored their bodies to almost perfect health. They slept, ate and drank plenty. The lack of sunlight was the only thing that drained them of energy but there was nothing they could do about that just yet and thus they tried to put it out of their minds as much as they could. Neither had been called to fight in the time that had passed, which suited Haldir fine, though he was eager to return to the ring. He constantly chatted to Legolas about escaping and fall-back plans they should revert to should something go wrong. He had thought of everything that could possibly go wrong except one thing: their escape. That was the only part of his strategy that remained constant, so sure was he that they could do it. Trying to convince Legolas was another matter entirely. At times he almost succeeded, but the young Prince’s despairing nature was well ingrained now and it was hard to bypass. Occasionally Haldir felt like giving up, proving his ideas correct with actions rather than words, but some stubborn part of him refused to stop.



For the moment, they were taking a break from their continual arguing, instead resting up for the fight that was sure to come soon. To keep warm they were now sleeping together. This night Legolas was spooned tightly around Haldir. The Marchwarden could feel the Prince’s head resting on his. Haldir however had not slept much, dozing in and out of slumber, his mind too active for sleep to remain with him. As much as the cold ground was seeping into his shabby clothes, his body stiff and sore from the hard surface, right now he remained as still as possible, enjoying the other Elf’s closeness. Strange… as a child he always refused to go to bed, and never on time. But now it was his favourite part of his daily routine. Sighing softly he inched back a fraction and continued pretending to sleep, all the while fiercely aware of every inch of his body and where it connected to Legolas’.



Legolas released a soft moan in his heavy sleep and subconsciously nuzzled his face into the crook of the Lorien Elf‘s shoulder, his eyes void of the brightness they normally held while awake. And though his features were emotionless, his arm came tighter around Haldir’s midsection as he instinctively sought the body heat of his companion. It was an odd thing, really, for an Elf to feel the cold. He had always been aware of temperature change, but now it seemed to severely affect him.



He had felt a chill for the first time two nights ago and would have confused it with a shudder of fear had Haldir not touched his shoulder lightly only to discover the Prince’s flesh to be cold as stone. And Legolas could tell by the concern in the other’s eyes that this was indeed not normal. Haldir had promptly pulled the surprised younger Elf to his chest, ignoring his suddenly tense frame and they lay in the straw for quite some time.



The elder elf was beginning to feel the cold as well, and Legolas knew it. And though words went unspoken, he knew that this depressing place was having a toll on them both. But Haldir kept hope, hopefully enough for two people, because at the moment the Silvan’s own was close to diminished. He had been so certain if his father knew about his capture, he would have sent help by now. Perhaps they couldn’t find him? Or perhaps the woodland King believed him dead?



Either way, it seemed less and less likely they would ever make it out alive. If they were not killed in the ring then they would eventually fade in this underground prison, away from everyone and everything they held dear. He had not pictured his life ending like this- on the contrary- as an Elf he had not pictured his life ending at all, lest it be on the battlefield.



But through the troubles that plagued his mind, he took heart in one thing- the fact that he had Haldir here with him, and if they were not long for this world, at least they were together. The Marchwarden, headstrong though he was, had become very dear to Legolas in their short time together, and always seemed to be there whenever the Prince needed him.



Even in the young Elf’s unconscious mind, the Marchwarden was never far. This particular night thoughts of Haldir swam in his mind as he held the warrior against him, and unbeknownst to the Prince himself, his appreciation of the other elf was evident as his hips pressed innocently against the Galadrim’s backside.



A half-smile gifted Haldir’s face as he felt a bulge between his buttock cheeks. He almost blushed at the thought that he was creating this effect on the Prince, but such an idea was dangerous. Just because ‘little Haldir’ stirred every night at having Legolas close, did not mean he was the cause of Legolas’ want. It was to be expected. Two bodies lying in close proximity of one another was bound to have this effect on at least one of the people. That was all Legolas was responding to, Haldir reasoned, the closeness of someone, not the Galadhrim himself.



Though Haldir wished he could use the same excuse for himself right now and have it be the truth.



Saying nothing and responding in no particular way, Haldir remained still and quiet, allowing the sweet Prince a few precious moments of elation and pleasure in this hellhole.



The scratching of claw against stone broke through the sound of snoring and silent mutters, indicating several rats lurking around in the shadows trying to find any scrap or crumb that would satisfy their hunger. The noise disturbed the dozing wood Elf but only enough to cause him to stir against the other.



“Mmm… Haldir…”



The Marchwarden glowed with the ethereal beauty that their kind was renowned for in Legolas’ mind. His silver hair tumbling freely about his bare shoulders, he stood tall and was as naked as the day he was born. His figure was slim and battle hardened, his flesh pale, and his face… so defined and handsome- so perfect. Too perfect, and he could not help himself but reach out a hand and caress a pale cheek.



“AI!”



Legolas jerked up, whipping his hand so hard that the rat’s hold on his finger immediately gave as it was catapulted across the room.



“What is wrong? Are you all right?” Haldir asked, concerned. The sudden movement and scream alerted him immediately and his warrior instincts kicked in straight away, though he was reluctant to leave his comfortable position snuggled against Legolas just yet.



“‘Tis nothing, just a rat,” the Prince sighed, staunching his bloody finger with his thumb, his eyes searching for a piece of cloth to stem the bleeding.



“Here,” Haldir said, bringing his leg up to his chest and ripping a piece of his pants off then offered it to Legolas over his shoulder. “Anything else I can do? Maybe kiss it better,” he said with a playful tone in his voice.



Legolas felt his cheeks flush at the perfectly innocent remark and was thankful his comrade’s back was to him for the moment. “No… thank you,” he murmured. Taking the strip of offered clothing, he did his best to tie it around the wound with his other free hand.



He looked around noting the many sleeping figures of the men in the blackened chamber. “Is it very late? Or has morning come yet?”



“Is it possible to tell from in here?” Haldir half joked.



The Sinda merely shrugged his shoulders as he lay back down, tucking his fists against his chest to protect them from another assault on the rodents behalf. “I’m sorry; I did not mean to wake you.”



“‘Tis all right, I was only dozing. Today is the day,” he smiled with a happy intake of breath. “I can feel it. Soon we shall get up and finish our bread, provided it is still safe and the rats have not got at it, though we shall keep our water, after a few sips of course. Sneak it into our trousers when we are taken to the ring so we can easily refresh ourselves as we go and refill them when we have a chance. By tonight we will free and well away from here. Just wait, you shall see.”



“Very well, Haldir,” Legolas whispered, “if you truly believe this will work…” Screeching and the scattering of tiny feet came from several feet away in a corner, making the Elf cringe. “I fear I may be gnawed down to the bone by morning.”



“Never fear, I will protect you from those nasty rodents. Would you like to roll over now? To warm your back…?”



“All right...” Legolas submissively rolled onto his other side, unable to hold the shudder that ran through him as a warm body slid up behind him and his cold back was suddenly embraced by firm heat, and without thinking he encouraged Haldir’s arms to draw around him for further warmth.



“When we escape, the first thing I am going to show you is the Nimrodel… her cooling waters and spirit shall ease our weariness in seconds. There we will be free to do as we please and be disturbed by no one. We shall swim every day and eat the berries from the trees that flourish by the water’s edge. Animals that come to drink shall be hunted and we will eat well in the evenings by a roaring fire. And during the nights we will sleep under the stars and trees… just the two of us…”



A sad smile played at the young Elf’s lips as he imagined the flowing waters the Lorien guard described. The idea sounded marvelous, they would live off the land and there would be no one to hinder them. However, there was one setback.



“It sounds wonderful, Haldir. Only,” Legolas sighed, turning his head just enough to meet the other’s eyes, “my father- my people need me. I cannot simply abandon them. What’s to happen when I’m gone? And you- you have a duty to yours, as well, mellon-nin. Can you forsake your responsibilities so easily?”



“We have been gone only a week, possibly two. Yet to me it feels longer… the endless dark, the unknown routine, the constant strain, emotionally and physically, the dying hope… it weighs on me so much it feels I have spent a lifetime here. I am drained and I feel my soul slipping from me. Surely you feel it too? I do not think our people would begrudge us a little time to recover. A week, a fortnight, a month… that is all I ask. One turning of the moon or as long as your father might be willing to give us. I know his people are important and you are needed, but even so, I do not think he would keep you from recovering in whichever way you wish to do so. Just a little peace and quiet. Just us and the wilderness. Completely alone. Time to reconnect with nature and heal ourselves. He would give you that, would he not? Your people would not stop you, surely?”



“They would not stop me,” the Prince confirmed, “and my father would not deny me, though I can safely say that he would not approve. I’ve seldom left Mirkwood, lest it be to Laketown, a neighbouring village- and only on my father’s orders.” He fell silent for only a second and shook his head to himself. “I will go with you, Haldir of Lorien… if we ever escape.”



“Shhhh… we will,” Haldir said softly and kissed Legolas’ ear in support.



The woodland elf felt the blood rise to his cheeks as the Marchwarden’s full lips touched his sensitive ear tip. But rather than tensing as he would have days before, he was becoming used to the physical contact the two of them depended on to keep warm, and now found himself daring to press further back against the firm body behind him.



Haldir eagerly accepted Legolas’ need to be close and wrapped his arms tighter around the Prince, cradling the small body close to his.



“Sleep now, and when we wake we shall be ready to leave this horrid dank and despairing hellhole and take our place in paradise once more. Sleep…” Haldir whispered so softly and soothingly that it almost sounded like a lullaby.



For what had to be the first time since they came to this dreadful place, a contented sigh left the young Prince’s lips. Cradled in Haldir’s protective arms, he almost felt there was nothing to fear- for the moment, at least. Heeding the elder Elf, Legolas allowed himself to relax, letting his mind drift off and his eyes become vacant as sleep overtook him once again.



Although weary, Haldir could not sleep. Excitement was beginning to fill him and holding the one thing in this place that brought joy to his heart brought him contentment. Taking hold of Legolas’ hands and holding them within his own, to keep them safe from rats (or so he used as an excuse), he let his mind wander, but not to the realm of Lorien, nor to the past and loved ones of old, but rather to the future and what his restoration period with Legolas might bring. He eventually fell back into a light slumber with a smile on his face.



It was several hours before Legolas awoke in the early dawn to his rumbling stomach- or at least he assumed it was early dawn. The inmates were still asleep, if their snores and wordless mumblings were any indication. Hungry though he was, the Sinda was reluctant to leave the warm body embracing him. But his hungry belly was consistent in its complaining.



“Haldir?” A muffled groan against the back of his neck in response brought a smile to his face- very slight, but the touch of a grin had not touched his lips for weeks. Deciding not to wake the dozing Galadrim, he gently removed the arms around him to move into a sitting position. For a moment he studied his companion, noting how relaxed he looked when his mind was overtaken by sleep, how gentle his expression was. It was almost... adorable.



Moving quietly so as not to wake him, Legolas went to their private stash, taking out what was left of their bread, tearing off a piece for himself and leaving the other for the Marchwarden when he awoke.



Haldir woke a little time later and was surprised to see Legolas sitting and eating, guessing his light doze had deepened as he slept, else he would have felt the Prince leave his embrace.



“Hungry were you?” he teased lightly. “Did the rats wake you again?”



“Oh,” Legolas froze, taking a moment to chew and swallow before addressing him, “Nay, this time it was my stomach that woke me. Here,” he passed Haldir the half loaf he had just placed out.



“Thankyou,” Haldir took the bread and sat next to Legolas, his back resting upon the brick wall. “Good thing my back is already cold else this wall be freezing!”



A look of concern crossed the Prince’s face rather than the humour Haldir intended. Leaning against the other Elf to warm him with his own body heat, Legolas dusted his hands off on his knees before folding them around his knees. He worried his lower lip for a moment and became very silent.



“Why so pensive?” Haldir asked, snaking an arm around Legolas’ waist to hold him tight.



“I was just thinking,” he paused, almost hesitant to continue, “We’re becoming more aware of the cold each passing night. We are eating far more than we used to, and I fear that, should we be thrown into the pit, we may be too weak to defend ourselves. How are we supposed to fight like this?”



“Good thing we do not need to defend ourselves then. Only deal out a few blows then run to the wall and jump over the top then up the stairs and off the side of the stadium and on to freedom. Of course our bodies shall deplete of our energy faster than what it usually would, but I am sure we can make some crude weapons while on the run and hunt various animals to replenish our strength. But, Legolas, imagine what chance of survival we have in here compared to out there. Surely we are better out there than if we stay here?” Haldir reasoned.



“I suppose,” Legolas started, glancing uneasily around at the dreaming men. “And I crave to feel the heat of the sunlight on my flesh again… but still, in our depleted state our chances of survival are low.”



“Well I think they are better out in the open air and the elements we have lived with our entire lives than what they are here. Unless of course your fathers’ caves have accustomed you to this dismal place and you like being here,” Haldir said gruffly, tired of the Prince’s narrow thoughts.



“I do not!” Legolas snapped haughtily, his expression quickly changing to one of affront. “And for your information, Marchwarden, not all Silvan Elves live in caves. Many of us choose to reside in flets in the canopy of the trees much like you and your own. That is where I stay when I am not doing my father’s errands or performing my duties, I despise being in the lifeless darkness of the underground like… like a Dwarf!”



“Then why are you so against the thought of us leaving here!?” Haldir near shouted.



“Look around you, Haldir! Do you truly believe we’re the first to attempt an escape? These men are here against their will! The Haradrim are unmerciful, they will force us to fight until the day we are killed, and we will be severely punished if we do not do their bidding! I want out of here just as much as you do, but if we should fail I doubt we shall live to see the morning after.”



“We are Elves, not these pathetic beings! For one, we live forever, they do not understand about us fading, and therefore will want to keep us for centuries! Five years for these humans in here is nothing compared to what we will be forced to endure should we not escape. Secondly, we are stronger than men. Possibly not right now but when others tried to escape, if they have at all, we are still in better condition than them. Yes it is good to be realistic, Legolas, but this pessimistic act of yours is really starting to get on my nerves!”



“Pessimistic act? If you knew anything about my homeland you would realize that placing any kind of faith in hope will only bring you tragedy and heartache. Though I don’t expect you to understand,” Legolas replied bitterly, “But very well, if my opinion means nothing to you and you rather me keep my mouth shut, fine. Just remember that you were the one who asked. I gave you your answer and you didn’t care for it.” The Prince then abruptly stood, jerking his body away from the other’s touch and stepped his way across the sleeping fighters to a small crevice near the front of the chamber by the bars, and he sat there silently, his back turned to the other Elf.



Haldir watched as Legolas left his side, a tiny smile lighting his features. Anger was good. It would lend the Prince extra strength when the time came. But hopefully there would be time enough for the heated emotions to be turned to their captors rather than himself by their next fight. The Marchwarden ate a little more bread and took a few sips of water. And then he waited.





OoOoOoOo



Dear readers



So terribly sorry for the long awaited update. I hadnt realized this chapter was never posted. But it's up now, with two more chapters on the way. So to those of you who have patiently awaited for the past two years, I thank you, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter.