Take My Hand

Title: Take My Hand
Author: Noelwing
E-mail: noelwing@aol.com
Pairing: Legolas/Haldir
Genre: AU
Rating: R
Warnings: None for this chapter (WIP)
Disclaimer: All characters within the Tolkien universe belong to Tolkien and are only being borrowed for this fic. Any and all original characters are property of the author.
Author’s notes:/words/ denote thoughts. As always, any questions or comments can be sent to the e-mail address above. So here is part 5, enjoy^_^

Part 5: Separation

Brodda poked at his food, he usually enjoyed dried meat for breakfast (and in a place like this there were few things to enjoy) but he was not hungry. Ever since last night his mind had been preoccupied with thoughts of those elves but it had nothing to do with their welfare. He wondered if what he heard last night was true; that one of the elves was really a prince. He was sure that it was the little elf that had been called a prince by the other. If it was true that the little one was really of elven royalty then which realm did he belong to? Was it a wealthy realm and most important of all; how close was that realm in relations to Gondor?

It was common knowledge that Gondor and the elven realms were allies and had been for ages. It was because of Gondor’s ties to the elves that the city of men had never fallen to an enemy. But what would happen if an enemy of Gondor held an important ally hostage? Brodda’s heart skipped a beat, he knew he was getting ahead of himself but he could not help but to think of all the possibilities the situation presented.

If they did indeed hold an elf prince hostage then the Easterlings would finally have something that they could use against Gondor. It took an effort, but Brodda got a hold of himself before he got too lost in a delusion; he had to make sure first. He knew that it would take some doing, he couldn’t just walk up to the elf and ask; he would have to come up with a better plan.

Brodda pushed his food aside and headed to a secret cave that only he, Sari and Rune knew about. It was hidden deep in the mine and Brodda used it as a lab and a place to avoid the harassment of his older brother, Nanook. It was here that Brodda researched different plants and chemicals to make potions for varied purposes. Rune and Sari only knew about it because they often used Brodda’s concoctions to subdue prisoners.

Brodda flipped through his notes to see what ingredients he would need; he went back and fourth from the book to his supply closet until he had all he believed he would need. If he was correct, when the ingredients were mixed properly they would create a very intoxicating substance that could affect even the strongest willed person and make them answer any question whether they wanted to or not. The potion also involved some magic and required a lot of study but Brodda had the patience for such a task; after being in the mine for so long patience was the one thing he still had in spades.

********

Haldir shivered a little, elves did not feel cold easily and his tired mind told him that he must still be weak. Despite his state, he still felt better than he did before he had fallen asleep. His stomachache was gone and he felt very comfortable. His head was pillowed on something soft and warm and for one moment he thought that the nightmare of his captivity in the mine had only been that, a nightmare. He breathed in the cold air through his mouth and it felt stale upon his dry tongue.

He shifted his head from side to side in an attempt to wake himself but his eyes refused to open. He was also stricken with a terrible thirst. Water, he needed water, just a little bit to wet his parched throat. But he was unable to move and he shifted helplessly.

Legolas was roused from a light sleep when he felt Haldir moving in his lap. Legolas almost jumped out of fear that Haldir was having another attack just like he had the night before. Haldir’s head was moving from side to side, his mouth opened but no sound came out and his lips were dry. Haldir needed water and fast; Legolas looked at the door to the cell; maybe he could call a guard or something.

Legolas was ready to cry at the top of his lungs when he heard faint footsteps approaching. A scrawny figure in a tattered dress entered the cellblock; it was Namel, the little slave girl with their morning rations. Like the day before, she put the rations in the cells and left without saying a single word. Legolas wasted no time; with care he lifted Haldir’s head out of his lap so he could fetch the desperately needed water.

Haldir felt the warmth beneath him being replaced by the hard, cold surface of the earth. Haldir felt cold but thirst was even greater. Haldir could swear that he had never been so thirsty in all his life and just when he thought he could no longer take it; his head was gripped and lifted by a gentle hand and a cup was pressed to his lips. Cool water poured slowly from the cup into his waiting mouth and without care; Haldir guzzled it down as quickly as he could.

Legolas was relieved to see Haldir take the water but he was afraid that if Haldir didn’t slow down he would choke. When Haldir’s mouth was full Legolas pulled the cup away and let him swallow. Haldir’s facial features relaxed and his lips parted; a sign that he was ready for more water and Legolas tipped the cup to his waiting lips.

The water was not fresh, it had a metallic taste to it but it was water all the same. The muscles in Haldir’s throat stopped burning as his thirst was quenched and he could breathe easier. He took in a deep breath and opened his eyes to see Legolas doting over him. Legolas’ face was smudged with dirt and there were dark circles under his eyes, the kind from when one is deprived of sleep. /did he look after all night/ Haldir wondered. “Legolas,” his voice was tired and scratchy.

“Here, have some more water.” Legolas pressed the cup to Haldir’s lips and he took the last swallow of water. “Will you be alright now?” Haldir nodded and tried to get up from the ground. Legolas tried to assist him but Haldir, kindly, refused his aid. Haldir was able to get up on his own and he treaded over to the bars of the small cell that the two elves now shared and leaned up against them. Haldir seemed to have a grip on his sanity again but Legolas was still concerned about him. “Haldir, what happened to you last night? You were shaking violently and your skin was pale and sweaty.” Legolas cringed at the memory of it.

Haldir Rested his head against the cold metal of the iron bars and took in a lung full of the chilly air. He could feel the eyes of Legolas upon him but this time, it did not bother him. “I do not know for certain but I think it has a lot to do with the way my parents died. I told you that they died in a cave in and I suppose now I fear the same kind of fate. Ever since they died I have been afraid of enclosed areas like caves and such. Whenever I am in them for too long I feel as though the walls,” He trembled and gripped the bars, “that the walls are closing in all around me and I fall into fits, sometimes violent ones just like the one… the one last night.” Haldir turned around and slumped up against the bars and with a huff; he slid down to the dirt floor.

Legolas timidly approached Haldir and sat down in front of him. He pulled his knees to his chest and took a moment to observe Haldir. So it was his fear of shut in places that caused his attack. Legolas stared at Haldir, trying to comprehend what it must be like to live with such a fear. Legolas’ heart was wrenched by the fact that because of their current situation, Haldir was trapped in a living nightmare. It was a nightmare where Haldir was surrounded by his worst fear and there was no escape. “Haldir,” Legolas said shyly. “You do not have to explain anything really. I understand how you must feel, I mean, you are a tree elf after all and you are more accustomed to open spaces.” Legolas mentally kicked himself, that had to the lamest thing he had ever said but he could think of nothing else better.

Haldir lifted his head and stared at the stone ceiling of their cell. “You know, it is funny. I did not even know that I feared closed places until several years after my parents were killed.”

“What…what do you mean,” Legolas asked pensively.

“It has been many hundreds of years since I first realized my fear but I will never forget that day. I was serving as an apprentice to one of the border guards at the time. He asked me to deliver a message back to the city via one of the underground pathways. I wasn’t even half way through when I started getting nervous, I felt like the walls were going to come crashing down on me. My hands started shaking so much that I dropped the lantern I was holding and the flame extinguished. Everything went dark and it wasn’t too much longer before I panicked and fell into a seizure.” Legolas gulped as he tried to imagine what it must have been like to experience something so frightening for the first time.

A shiver ran down Haldir’s spine as he recalled the events of a day that for the most part, he had tried to forget. “I do not know how long I was suffering in that tunnel but I do remember who came to my rescue. It was none other then Lady Galadriel. I do not know how she found me but I had never been so happy to see her; I remember her telling me that no matter what, she would always be able to find me. She is the only one who has ever seen me in that state,” He sighed. ”Until now that is.”

“Is that why you respect Galadriel so much? Because she is the only one who knows what happens to you when you feel trapped?” Legolas shied away from Haldir’s gaze as he spoke to him.

“Oh no, I respect her no matter what. If it weren’t for her graciousness, the Valar only know what would have happened to my brother’s and I. They of course know of my fear but they have never seen me during an attack. I thought I had become better over the years but,” Haldir sighed bitterly and looked all around the cell, “I guess I was wrong, I really do not like what this place is doing to me.”

“This is a strange place indeed,” Legolas said as looked Haldir in the eye. “I have always wanted to learn more about you and now I have, I just wish it was under better circumstances.” Legolas suddenly turned away from Haldir and faced the bars that separated Haldir’s cell from the other.

Haldir sighed deeply, was Legolas still in pursuit of his heart even after all he had said and done to the prince? Were his efforts a last ditch attempt to try and win his affections? Normally such thoughts would have left a bitter taste in his mouth but they didn’t. They were drowned out but other thoughts. Haldir wondered why Legolas had chosen him, a mere march-warden to begin with. To add further confusion, last night he had tried to apologize to Legolas for rejecting and treating him so coldly, yet, Legolas said that it no longer mattered. This was all very new for him. Haldir was so accustomed to black and white ways of thinking, to seeing the answer clearly and keeping a steady mind. Now every thing was all muddled and all he could see clearly were dark, stonewalls and Legolas’ face.

Legolas’ face was lined with fatigue yet his eyes; his eyes were filled with some unreadable expression. Whatever that expression was, it was strong enough to break through the walls of formality and composure that Haldir used to shield himself from the world. Yet there was still one last barrier that would not budge. “Listen, Legolas I have no idea why you say that you love me and I am sorry that I hurt your feelings that…that day when you confessed. But please understand; my brothers are taken care of and I have a place and a home in Lothlorien. I feel that I have all that I need; my duties are my life. I’m not looking to fall in love. I am sorry my prince but I cannot possibly be what you want.” As always, the barrier around Haldir’s heart stood strong.

Legolas gripped the bars he was leaning against; he couldn’t show his true feelings. “Do not apologize; you have stated your case. Also, it is like I said last night, none of that even matters anymore so lets just put it behind us.” He took deep breath, got up and went over to collect his food. “We need to try and find a way to get out of here, which is all that is important right now.” Legolas spoke with all the neutrality of the court as he sat down and began to eat the bread that served as his morning ration. Haldir ate as well and they were both quick about it, no doubt the guards would soon come to return them to their work in the mine.

Legolas concentrated as hard as he could on eating, anything to keep from breaking down into tears. /Haldir, last night when you were suffering, begging for the darkness to release you, you were breaking my heart. Even now I can see it in your eyes, you’re still troubled, would it hurt you so much to open up even just a little/ Legolas thought as he stole glances at Haldir eating. His hands were still shaking a little and Legolas could only hope that he would be all right. Legolas didn’t like it, but he knew the best way he could help Haldir right now was to act as though he truly believed him when he said that he was all right. Haldir was under a great deal of stress and fatigue and Legolas knew that openly worrying over it would only add to the stress of the situation. He would have to suppress his emotions and let Haldir believe that his illusion was working.

Legolas was working on his last bite of bread when Haldir spoke again. “Legolas,” He said softly. Legolas turned to Haldir and gave him an inquisitive glance. Haldir looked the prince straight in the eye. “I have yet to thank you for what you did for me last night; taking care of me and all. It was very descent of you.”

Legolas’ heart skipped a beat but he answered as casually as possible. “Oh no, it was nothing, do not worry about it. What is important is that you are well again.” He turned his face away just in time before his cheeks flushed; but something suddenly became very clear to Legolas. /Haldir, don’t worry, I’ll look out for you in Galadriel’s place/ Legolas couldn’t remember the last time he was sure of himself and of what he had to do.
Perhaps if he concentrated on that hard enough, he might just forget his own fears about this prison. All day yesterday, Legolas had noticed some of the guards staring at him in ways that made his flesh crawl. He didn’t know why they looked at him the way they had; but it frightened him.

********
It was a week before the carrier falcon, that had originally been dispatched to deliver news of Galadriel’s premonition to Thranduil, had returned. Unfortunately, the news it carried only confirmed their fears; Haldir and Legolas had not yet arrived in Mirkwood, nor had they been to any of the checkpoints between the two realms. This was proof beyond doubt that something was wrong and action had to be taken.

Thranduil said in his message that by the time they received it, he and a regiment of troops would already be searching the paths between Lothlorien and Mirkwood, looking for any sign of the prince and the march-warden. He also said that he believed that Lothlorien would be looking from their end as well. With any luck, maybe one party or the other would find something.

Celeborn figured that the Lorien party and the Mirkwood party would meet half way between the realms at some point. If that happened and nothing was found then they would combine their efforts and try again. Celeborn really hoped that scenario would not be the one that played out; he wanted someone to find Legolas and Haldir. He decided to lead the search party himself for Haldir was the best guard to ever serve in the Galadrim; there was no way Celeborn was going to lose him. Celeborn signaled to Rúmil and Orophin that he was ready to leave when he saw a most unexpected sight; Galadriel arrived in full riding attire with a horse as well.

Galadriel casually strode to the front of the party (ignoring the looks of amazement from the guards) to the side of her husband. “I am ready to leave when you are.” She said in her usual courtly tone.

Celeborn was still trying to close his drooping jaw when he heard the statement of his wife. What was she thinking he wondered? They were heading out into the wilderness on a potentially dangerous mission and it was no place for a lady. He had to do something to quell this madness. “Galadriel, what do you think you are doing,” He demanded.

“What does it look like, I am going with you.” She put her foot into the stirrup of her saddle.

“But Galadriel, it is dangerous out there,” He reached his hand and spoiled her attempt to mount her horse. “I cannot allow you to come my lady-“

“I AM GOING WITH YOU!” She shouted with all the fury of the Valar. Celeborn let go of her and backed away; he hadn’t seen her that furious since the first age. Galadriel didn’t mean to lash out like that but she just couldn’t stand by while her captain and the prince (whose care was entrusted to her) were possibly in danger. She mounted her horse. “Celeborn you know I cannot stay behind, especially when Haldir might be in danger.” Celeborn nodded and a light of yielding acceptance passed in his eyes.

The search party now consisted of twenty elves (including the lord and lady) and was ready to go. Celeborn led the way, Galadriel at his side with Rumil and Orophin hovering protectively near by. Celeborn knew that Galadriel’s psychic powers were far stronger then his own and if they failed to find their missing quarry, then they might just have to fall back on her powers. Also, of all the elves in Lorien, Galadriel was the only one whom Haldir seemed to really respond too; it was an interesting chemistry that Celeborn had yet to figure out.

********
Legolas had lost count of the days they had been living and working in the mine. He thought of the time he and Haldir spent working as day and the time they were allowed to sleep as night. But he really had no idea if it was actually day or night when those two time periods took place. But what did that matter really? All he could do was work, treat the cuts on his hands and let his feet grow accustom to the rocky floor of the mine.

Legolas focused on all that was around him, the people in their toil, the guards with their cold steel eyes and his dwarf of a cellmate. Gimli was always led away by another guard when the workday began and Legolas wondered where it was that the dwarf was taken. It was only until a few days had passed that Legolas learned what was done with Gimli, he was put in a little cavern all his own where he worked with and processed the rare jewels and metals that were occasionally found in the mine. A chunk of silver had been found by one of the lower workers and Legolas was ordered to take it to Gimli. Without a word the dwarf began work on the piece of precious metal while Legolas watched. The dwarf was absolutely immersed in his craft and paid no heed to the sounds of metal tools and smashing rocks; it was most likely because of this craft that the dwarf had managed to hang onto his sanity for all his years of captivity.

Gimli had his craft to keep him sane, after all, dwarves delighted in metal work and the mining of precious stones like they had been created solely for the art. But what good was a destined craft when one was forced to do it in captivity. Legolas could see all too well the clouds in the eyes of the people who toiled in the mines. Their hopelessness and fear; they carried it with them like the stones they hauled out of the mineshafts.

It pained Legolas to be in the midst of so much suffering and the cold glances of the guards had become so prominent by now that even he buckled. But at least he was able to distract himself; wherever he was assigned, Haldir was sent with him. That way, he was able to keep an eye on Haldir (though he did so in secret) just as had promised himself. It was a good way to distract himself from his aching muscles and the rocks that bit into his bear feet.

Haldir loaded up a basket full of rubble and handed it to a slave boy. It was the boy’s job to take the basket to a fissure, dump its contents there and return for another load. The boy was thin and had trouble balancing the heavy load upon his shoulder so Haldir helped him. With the help of the elf, the boy was able to carry the basket out of the tunnel on his own. Haldir watched the boy leave; he had done nothing to thank Haldir for his aid, verbally anyway. But Haldir had seen the utter amazement in the child’s eyes and understood that for the boy, kindness was a very alien thing.

But halfway out of the tunnel, the boy stumbled and dropped the load on the ground; right at the feet of the guard. The boy scrambled to gather up the stones but the guard was furious. The poor boy quailed as the guard thrust a foot into his ribs. Haldir had never seen such cruelty with his own eyes before; how could a man do that to a fallen child.

What happened next stunned Haldir beyond words. Legolas ran right past him and with one punch; knocked the guard off of his feet. The confusion gave the boy time to escape the guard’s wrath and he disappeared out of the tunnel. Legolas stood by as the guard regained his balance, the man was not happy at all. Legolas, however, was fully prepared to counter the guard. Haldir (and several other prisoners) stood speechless as the elf and the guard pushed, shoved and shouted lines of profanity the likes of which Haldir had never heard.

Legolas punched the guard in the face and the man fell to his knees in defeat. The man braced himself and Legolas knew that the man must have been expecting some kind of finishing blow. But Legolas would not stoop so low as to kick some one when they were down. Legolas kicked a small stone at the fallen guard and went back to his work like nothing had happened. The guard cupped his bloody nose and stumbled out of the tunnel.

Legolas finished filling the basket with stones and handed it to Haldir, “Here, this is ready to go.” But Haldir just gaped at him. “What, you think I didn’t learn anything from Galadriel.”

“I don’t want to know,” Haldir said blankly and he took the basket and went to go dump it.

Nanook and three of his companions heard the sounds of a scuffle and had come to investigate. Fights among prisoners (and sometimes between guards) were commonplace but when they came upon one of their own men, beaten down, they knew this had been no ordinary quibble.

“What happened to you,” Nanook questioned the beaten guard. The guard wiped his bloody nose and informed his master that he had been beaten by one of the elven slaves. “Elven slaves, since when have we been holding elves captive?”

“Your brother and his group caught them a while ago,” Said one of Nanook’s companions. ”Brodda has them doing tunnel work.”

“Oh, does he now? Where are the elves now?” The beaten guard pointed to the tunnel just a few yards behind him and Nanook’s eyes filled with hostile curiosity. The guard watched in cold satisfaction as his leader made his way to the tunnel along with his company; that elf was going to pay now.

The slaves wasted no time getting out of Nanook’s way as he entered the tunnel; no doubt looking for someone else to throw into his fight ring. Nanook took great pleasure in the fear that he instilled in the slaves and delighted when he saw them cower in his presence. But they were safe for he had not come for any one of them; he was looking for the elf.

It did not take him long to find his quarry either. Hunched over the ground loading rocks into a basket was the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. Tales about the beauty of elves that Nanook had heard did no justice to the creature upon which he was now staring. Even in dirty clothes and smudged with dirt the elf still radiated pride and grace. The elf’s most prominent (if not identifying) features were his pointed ears and golden hair; Nanook wondered what his face looked like.

Legolas knew something was wrong when the other slaves became alarmed but he kept working anyway. He knew that the guard would call for reinforcements and whoever had just entered the tunnel must’ve been them. But Legolas showed no fear; he would not give his captors the satisfaction. But nothing happened, the men were just standing there and Legolas could feel their eyes upon him, staring at him. Not being able to take it any longer, Legolas stood and faced them; he found himself starring into a pair of black eyes clouded with ill intent. The man standing before him was half a head taller than himself and was obviously some one of higher status. His black hair was adorned with pieces of gold and the trim of his clothing bore gold colored hieroglyphs. Also the man had four other men with him; one of them was the guard that Legolas had just tangoed with. Legolas felt a chill go up his spine, he didn’t know if he could handle all of them and Haldir wasn’t with him.

Haldir dumped the load of rubble over the side of the fissure and the rocks and debris fell into the darkness. His elven hearing detected the faint sound of water; there must be an underground stream down there or something. Just like Legolas, Haldir had taken noticed of the immense underground river that flowed through the main chamber of the mine. If the water can get out then maybe they could as well. Haldir suddenly had a terrible feeling in the pit of his stomach; Legolas, something was happening to Legolas. Forgetting his musings, Haldir rushed back to the tunnel.

The five men surrounded Legolas. They were quiet and their eyes, though unreadable to Legolas, disturbed him greatly. Legolas’ back was to the wall but he tried to remain firm and not show how nervous the men were making him. The man in the middle was the most intrusive; he kept inching towards Legolas until there was mere foot between man and elf.

Nanook became enthralled within the elf’s blue eyes. They were so clear and unbroken, free from the despair of captivity and pulsing with determination and resistance. Also, the elf’s face was incredibly gorgeous. Out of curiosity, Nanook lifted a hand to the elf’s face. Legolas felt the man’s coarse hand cupping his chin and his blood ran cold.

Haldir made it back to the tunnel where he had left Legolas; he was greeted by a most disturbing sight. Legolas was surrounded by five men, his back was against the wall; he was trapped. But even worse, the man in the middle was touching Legolas’ face with one hand while he used the other to hold the elf in place. Haldir Stood frozen as the man shamelessly molested Legolas.

Legolas could feel the man’s touch upon his face, neck and shoulder. When he tried to move away the man tightened his grip upon his shoulder. The man became bolder and dipped his hand into the folds of Legolas’ tunic. Legolas felt the man’s hand on his chest; he had had enough and he pushed the man away from him. The man was enraged by his retaliation and instantly made Legolas pay; with one swift motion he swatted Legolas across the face with a mighty blow. Legolas became dazed but before he could regain his senses; all five men were upon him, pining him to the wall. “It did not take much to provoke you now, did it,” Said the man who had begun the assault.

Haldir’s blood boiled when he saw the man strike Legolas and then order the four other men with him to restrain the prince. The other slaves cowered, those that could ran out of the tunnel while others covered their ears and faced the walls; they had every desire to block out the suffering of a fellow prisoner. Legolas was a strong fighter but even he could not hold his own against so many opponents at once. The prince tried to break free but the men were very strong, very determined to make an example of him. Haldir couldn’t let this continue, he was a guardian after all.

Nanook’s men had succeeded in restraining the elf, the poor creature thrashed about, trying to escape their grasp. It was that kind of effort that Nanook took the most pleasure in, the elf was not yet broken, but that could be changed. Nanook knew that with time the elf would become yet another compliant slave, but he fully intended to enjoy the elf’s feisty nature while he could. In one swift motion, he gripped the elf’s chin in his hand and raised his other hand to strike the captive face. “NANOOK, LOOK OUT!” One of the men cried. But it was too late, the momentum of another body hit Nanook in the ribs knocking him to the ground.

Acting quickly, Legolas broke free from the men. They were too stunned from the shock of their leader being knocked down to fight back and Legolas broke away easily. Legolas trembled from the shock of his molestation, what was that man trying to do to him? Legolas felt a pair of arms push him against the wall but these arms were different, they were trying to protect him. Legolas regained his senses to see Haldir standing in front of him. /Haldir, you saved me/ Legolas thought disbelieving.

Haldir had no idea what had come over him, when he saw Legolas helpless and at the mercy of these men, he had to act, violently if necessary. Haldir formed a wall with his own body between the men and Legolas. He held his arms out defensively, anticipating any move the men might make. Nanook gauged the elf that had just taken him down. This elf was a lot bigger then the one it was trying to protect and obviously a lot stronger. One of the guards tried to help his leader off the ground but Nanook refused and got up on his own. Nanook walked right up to the elf, much to Nanook’s surprise the elf wasn’t intimidated.

Haldir could tell that the man was trying to bait him into fighting; it was one of the oldest enemy strategies. Intimidate your opponent and get him to fight leaving your protectorate defenseless. Haldir couldn’t let the man do that to him, he couldn’t leave Legolas open. The man began throwing taunts at him but Haldir only strengthened his guard around Legolas. Finally, in absolute frustration, the man threw a punch but Haldir successfully dodged it.

Several more times, the man attempted to get the elf to fight but Haldir only used defensive tactics to counter his attacker. Legolas did his best to aid Haldir by staying behind his body and keeping his own guard up at the same time. He could tell that the man called Nanook (that’s what he heard the guard call him) was trying to lure Haldir away by fighting him. But Haldir kept his cool and was able to ward off Nanook’s attacks. After several minutes of tedious fighting, Nanook lunged at the elf with savage force. Haldir focused on the man’s fist as it came towards him. Using his elven skills, Haldir dodged the man’s fist and caught his arm instead. The action left the man’s midriff open and Haldir dealt the man a powerful kick in the ribs. Nanook could feel the wind knocked form him and he fell to his knees leaving the guards and the tunnel slaves spellbound.

Nanook grasped his ribs as he stood up, no bones were broken but the same could not be said for his pride. He had never lost a fight with a slave before but then of course, this was no ordinary slave he had been fighting with. Normally Nanook would’ve ordered death by whipping to any slave that dared attack him but when he saw the light of defiance in the elf and he had a much better idea. Nanook’s companions were expecting their leader to order them to punish the two defiant slaves, especially after the brief scuffle he had had with the bigger of the two elves. But instead they received a shock; Nanook ordered them to take the little elf back to the cellblock, as for the bigger one, he was to be taken to the fight grotto.

Legolas’ stomach turned over when he heard that he and Haldir were to be separated. In the time he had spent in this prison he had become very dependant on Haldir’s presence. The two of them hardly ever spoke but just knowing that he was there was enough to distract him from the gloom of the tunnels. Also, if Haldir were taken from his sight, Legolas would not be able watch over him.

Three guards came forward at their master’s bidding; two of them grabbed Haldir by the arms while another approached Legolas. Legolas froze as the guard pointed a ferocious looking knife at him. The guard took advantage of the elf’s shock; he quickly grabbed the elf by the arm and extracted him from behind the protective presence of the other elf. The guard easily turned him around and twisted his right arm behind his back. One wrong move on Legolas’ part and the guard would snap his arm in two.

The guard spared no force as he began to push the elf out of the tunnel; all the while he kept the knife ready should it be needed. Legolas looked back at Haldir from over his shoulder and saw that two guards had him by the arms. They were handling him so roughly and Legolas couldn’t just let it happen, he had to do something. Legolas began to kick his feet at the ground, attempting to thwart the guard from shoving him out of the tunnel. “Come on elf,” growled the guard but Legolas kept retaliating. Fed up with the elf’s defiance, the guard twisted the elf’s captive arm, the action sent needles of pain into Legolas’ arm.

Haldir heard a cry of pain escape from Legolas. He looked to see the guard who held Legolas twisting his arm painfully behind his back. “Move you stupid creature!” But Legolas refused and kept resisting the guard. Haldir could see the prince’s eyes, they were focused on him and Haldir could see the pain that Legolas was in. Following Legolas’ lead, Haldir too began to fight against his captors.

Nanook found silent amusement in the efforts of his companions to restrain the unruly prisoners. The little elf didn’t seem to want to be taken away from his friend and the bigger one felt the same way apparently. But Nanook was not swayed by such displays of loyalty. Neither was the guard that had the little elf, he was quite frustrated with the stubborn creature and gave the arm another firm twist; the elf squealed but did not stop fighting. By now, the guard had had enough of the elf’s disobedience and was ready to put a stop to it. Using all of his strength, the guard lifted Legolas off the ground and smashed the lithe body into the cave wall.

Haldir’s heart stopped as Legolas’ body was flung against the cold, hard wall of the cave. The prince whimpered and then collapsed to the ground in a daze, he barely moved or made a sound. Haldir wailed and thrashed in earnest to escape the guards. But their will was just as strong as Haldir’s and they did not relent. Nanook, though very amused by the feisty nature of the elves, was ready to see order restored. He stalked up to the big elf and with full force, slammed his fist into the vulnerable stomach of the elf.

Haldir doubled over as Nanook’s fist virtually disappeared into his stomach. Every breath in his body felt forced out of him and Haldir lost the ability to struggle. Both elves had been subdued and were taken away without further protest. The guard that had suffered the beating from the smaller elf was a little confused, he expected his lord to act more harshly in times like this. Why was he simply locking the elves away? “My lord, why did you not wish for the elves to be punished,” he asked his master.

“Who said I did not want to punish them,” Nanook said firmly.

“What do you have in mind,” the guard asked in malicious curiosity.

“Did you see their eyes? Both of them are feisty, full of spirit. It has been years since any one has been able to take me down, that big elf will be a most worthy challenge, something I haven’t had in a long time,” Nanook fisted his hand at the recollection of defiance in the eyes of the elf’s, he would not tolerate such a thing.

*********

The guard practically had to drag Legolas back to the cellblock; maybe he had thrown him into the wall a bit too hard? The two finally arrived at the cellblock and Legolas was carelessly thrown into his cell. Legolas quickly scrambled for the corner of his cell and for once, was happy of the safety that the bars provided. Legolas watched as the man secured the lock on his cell, he had a malicious glint in his eyes as he turned and walked away. Legolas’ head was throbbing; he was in great pain, not just from being thrown into the wall but from the brutal treatment of the guard as well. He collapsed to the ground shaking like a leaf.

He pulled his knees to his chest, wrapped his arms around himself and tried to stay his breathing. It didn’t work, he couldn’t distract himself from the memory of that man’s foul touch-what was that man trying to do? Legolas was so unused to touch but the thought of someone touching him in the manner that the man, the man called Nanook, had just done was truly frightening. Legolas felt his stomach clench and he dry heaved several times.

********
Haldir could feel the air grow heavier as the guards dragged him along. They must be descending even deeper under the ground, Haldir could feel the temperature drop as well but he tried not to pay too much attention to it. They came into an enormous open chamber, almost like it was some kind of place for gatherings. All over the floor there were broken and empty liquor bottles, pieces of scattered furniture here and there; it was all a mess, save for the center of the chamber. In the middle of the chamber was a large patch of dirt; free from the trash that was scattered elsewhere but what was most peculiar were the patches of red that stained the sand area. Haldir could tell instantly that they were bloodstains and the sour smell of blood mixed with sweat and agony wafted to his nostrils. What kind of sick torment went on within these walls?

Haldir cringed as he was led out of the chamber and through another tunnel, this time they came to stop in another cellblock, a cell block full of beaten and battered men. Haldir could smell the blood and despair that clung to the captive men and it all came together. This place must be used as a fight ring and the men imprisoned in this part of the mine were the poor victims of this terrible blood sport.

The two guards brought him to an ugly looking cell, its door was made of iron bars and it was even smaller than the cell he had been kept in earlier. Haldir could feel his heart skip a beat, they were going to put him in there; he didn’t want to be put in there and he began to thrash against his captors. “Not this again,” one of the guards grumbled while the other unlocked the door to the cell. Haldir continued to fight but the blow that the man called Nanook had dealt him drained him considerably. His efforts were futile, the guards flung him into the cell and slammed the door; the loud crash of iron bars echoed throughout the chamber.

********

Brodda looked up from his notes when he heard approaching footsteps, he was not worried for only he and his two companions new the location of this chamber. Sure enough, Sari and Rune entered the chamber. Brodda silently acknowledged his two soldiers before falling back into his research.

Sari and Rune were not too surprised to find their lord pouring over research, it was the only thing that Brodda really had to preserve his mind against Nanook’s constant badgering. But something was different about Brodda; he was far more engrossed in his studies than he usually was. He had been in his lab for days and Sari and Rune wondered what it was that held their master so.

“My lord,” Sari ventured out,” It has been many days now. What is it that you are doing here?” Sari surveyed the disarray of Brodda’s lab. Papers were scattered about, potions and glass phials were everywhere. Rune expressed the same concern.

Brodda looked up from his notes, “Hopefully something that well get us out of here.” His voice was like steel and his eyes were cold. “I weary of this cave life and being unable to escape my brother’s shadow.” Sari and Rune were taken aback by Brodda’s words. They had never heard him speak so harshly, not towards them any way. But it was also what he said that surprised them.

“My lord, what do you mean by saying that we may finally get out of here,” Rune inquired.

Brodda gazed at his two companions, he wasn’t sure if his theory was sound but he had to give some kind of reassurance. “Listen, I cannot tell you everything, not yet. But listen, if my plan works and this potion I am making tells me what I need to know, then we may finally be free of this dismal place. We can go back to our country with honor. That is all I can say right now but please, trust me as you always have and I promise that your faith will be rewarded.

Sari came forward,” My lord, I assure you that we will do as you ask, you have always rewarded us in the past and never once have you given us reason to mistrust you.”

“Or hate you,” Rune jumped in and the three of them shared a knowing look. All three if them had come together because of their mutual hatred of Nanook. Far too long, Nanook had made their lives hell with his badgering and the constant torment he allowed the higher-ranking guards to inflict upon them. Sari and Rune were just as determined to get out of the mines as Brodda. If he had truly found a way to get them back to their country, they would do whatever he asked of them in the mean time.

********
Haldir slumped in the corner of his new cell. His stomach ached from where the man had fisted him but that was not the only reason why he felt pain. It was the familiar feeling he got when he was too long confined in a small place. Already, cold sweats began to form upon his brow and he clenched his fist tighter and tighter. He could feel the sting of his fingernails cutting into the flesh of his palms. /No, not this, not now/ he thought as he desperately looked around the cellblock. He tried to find something to focus upon, anything to distract him form the attack that was surely coming. All he could see were the pity filled stares of the beaten men around him, sadly, their stares made things worse. This place was even more depressing then the cellblock he had been in with Legolas.

Legolas. Haldir’s breath caught in his throat at the thought of the prince. He heard the guards say that Legolas was to be taken back to his usual cell but Haldir wondered if that were true, he hoped it was. If Legolas were back in the cellblock with Gimli, at least there he would be safe.

Haldir didn’t realize it right away, but musing over Legolas had actually helped to stay his mood. His breathing settled and his muscles began to relax. Haldir adjusted his limbs to a more comfortable position (or as comfortable as he could) and folded his arms upon his chest. He kept thinking about Legolas and all that had transpired between the two of them since they had Left Lothlorien. So much had happened, the race they shared in the woods, the night he told Legolas about the sad fate of his parents and even the day when they battled with the orcs. That was the day Legolas proclaimed his feelings of love and Haldir cringed. He was ashamed of his actions, for turning Legolas away so coldly.

Haldir reached into the folds of his tunic and retrieved a small piece of cloth; it was the cloth that Legolas had torn form his own tunic to make a bandage for Haldir’s wound. Haldir unfolded the silver fabric and ran his hand over it. It felt smooth and cool between his fingers, even the part that was stained with his blood. Haldir could still detect the faint smell of the prince as it clung to the piece of fabric.

Haldir clutched the piece of fabric in his hands, he felt fully relaxed now and the walls, though still dark and foreboding, didn’t feel as threatening anymore. Haldir felt the pull of sleep and he knew that if he were to survive whatever tomorrow might bring that he would need all of the rest he could get. But he still felt terribly worried for Legolas. Haldir concentrated on Legolas’ face, the sound of his voice and the smell of him that clung to the cloth in his hands. His mind drifted out of the confines of his cell and an image of Legolas began to take shape.

He could see Legolas back in his own cell but he lay curled upon the floor. His face was pale and he looked as though he was suffering from some invisible affliction. His body was shaking and beads of sweat dotted his forehead. There was nothing he could do to comfort Legolas. All he could do was watch the prince through the eyes of his mind and sympathize as Legolas began to weep.

*******

Legolas pulled his knees to his chest even tighter and tried to block out the image of Nanook and his men; it was to no avail. Legolas couldn’t get the image of that smug look upon Nanook’s face as he and his men pinned his body against the wall. The men enjoyed what they were doing and Legolas felt sickened when he wondered what the men could’ve possibly been thinking.

Namel had brought food but Legolas felt too ill to eat so his plate lay neglected on the floor of his cell. He hated being alone like this, he hated being separated from Haldir and he wondered where the men had taken him. He feared for the march-warden, was he being tortured, was he suffering at the cruel hands of those men at this very moment. The one thing that Legolas did know for certain was that whatever was happening to Haldir, it was entire fault; Haldir was suffering because of him. Tears crept form Legolas’ eyes, Haldir had only been trying to protect him and now he was probably going to suffer. “My fault,” Legolas said mournfully and he curled into a tight ball and began sobbing.

Gimli could hear the weeping of the distraught elf. He had no idea why only one elf had been retuned instead of the both of them but he had a good guess. The bigger one had most likely been taken to the fight grotto; it was sad but Gimli was not all that surprised really. Namel was just on the other side of the bars of his cell. She usually left after delivering his food but on some occasions she stayed for a while. It had been many years since she had last used verbal speech but Gimli could read her eyes well enough. He could tell that she felt sorry for the poor elf as he wept in his cell; both she and Gimli had seen the breaking of many spirits in this terrible place. But this time it was different, elves were creatures of legend, whose spirits were supposed to rise above all. If even an elf could be broken in this place, what hope did they have? What hope did anyone have?

TBC in part 6