Take My Hand

Title: Take My Hand
Author: Noelwing
E-mail: noelwing@aol.com
Genre: AU
Pairing: Legolas/Haldir
Rating: R
Warnings: None for this chapter (WIP)
Disclaimer: Middle-earth and all characters and places therein are the property of JRR. Tolkien. Any original characters belong to the author.
Author’s notes: I would like to thank the people who have sent me feedback and who have stuck with me. Thank you all and please enjoy this next part.

Part 6: Turning Point

Three days had passed since the troupe from Lorien had set out to find their missing comrades. Celeborn led the way with Galadriel at his side and Rumil and Orophin rode behind her. Sadly, due to a massive rainstorm, the trail left behind by Haldir and Legolas had gone cold and now the Lorien elves had to search blind. The only option left to them was to keep following the road to Mirkwood for they would be at the southern border within a few days time. It was there that they would most likely rendezvous with the search party of Mirkwood. The Galadrim elves could only hope that their woodland kindred had better fortune in the search effort.

Galadriel was, by nature, a quiet woman but lately her silence had been deafening. Her head hung from time to time and the light of her usually radiant eyes was now weighed down with worry. It was nearing the end of the day when Celeborn called the party to a halt. “We have done all that we can today,” He said in his stern voice. “We shall make camp for the night and resume tomorrow at the first light of dawn.”

“Celeborn what are you doing?” Galadriel quipped. “We still have some time before the sun sets. We can keep going a little longer.”

Celeborn dismounted. “My lady will you please come with me.” He extended his hand to her, “We need to talk.” His voice was firm but there was a hint of sympathy in it. Galadriel acquiesced and dismounted. Orophin came and took the reigns of their steeds and tended to the animals. The rest of the troupe began to set up camp and settle the night. Everyone made sure they had something to occupy themselves whilst the lord and lady had a moment together.

The two of them walked to a clearing in the wood. Galadriel focused on the moon as it hovered in the sky like a pale beacon. It looked so lonely without the glow of the stars for it was not yet dark enough for them. “Galadriel, are you alright?” Celeborn addressed but she did not respond to him, she only stared at the sky. Celeborn knew something was amiss for it was not like Galadriel to shut him out like this. He gently grasped her right arm and turned her to face him. “Galadriel please, what ails you? You have been unnaturally silent for sometime now.” He lovingly tipped her chin up with his fingers when she avoided his gaze. “My love, I am right here.”

Galadriel looked deep into the blue-gray eyes of her husband, they were a sea of concern and she felt her heart drown in them. Without having to say anything, Celeborn opened his arms for her and she walked into his caring embrace. “I am sorry; I do not mean to push you away.” Her voice began to buckle under the weight of tears. “It is just that…that if anything happens to Legolas or Haldir I will never be able to forgive myself. Legolas was entrusted to us by his father and Haldir...” Her voice was broken by the onslaught of repressed tears. Her frame began to shake with sobs and Celeborn pulled her lovingly into his arms.

“I know you are very worried for Haldir, you always have been.” He tightened his embrace.

“All of this is reminding me of that day so long ago, that day Haldir became lost in one of the underground tunnels. I had the same exact feelings now as I did then, when I knew something was very wrong and that Haldir needed my help.”

“Yes I remember but that was many hundreds of years ago. Haldir is our best warrior and I am sure he would laugh if he saw you now. He has always looked to you for guidance and strength. He would not want you to be afraid for him.”

With a deft motion of his hand, Celeborn wiped the tears from her face. “Thank you my husband. I understand what you have said but it is just that I promised Haldir that I would always be able to find him. I had to come with you.”

Celeborn pressed his finger over her lips. “I understand but please, do look out for yourself lest Haldir become upset with me for not taking better care of you.” He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and they walked back to the camp circle.

********
Haldir stood in his cell and stretched as much as the walls allowed. The cell was so small that his hands scraped and bumped against them with his every movement yet he no longer felt threatened by their close proximity. He had a grim understanding as to why; as long as he stayed in his cell he was safe from the Easterling overseers and their cruel blood sport that went on in the chamber beyond the cellblock.

The other men in the cellblock would be dragged out by the guards and the ones left behind, including Haldir, had nothing but the clamor of the guards and the pained screams of the prisoners to distract them. Haldir knew that sooner or later the guards would come for him but the constant waiting for his turn was even worse. Haldir could feel it; his time to fight was soon approaching.

He had no idea how long he had been in this cell; it could’ve been a week for all he knew. Haldir reached into the folds of his dirty gray tunic and pulled forth the piece of fabric that had once served as a bandage for his wound. The wound had healed and the cloth was no longer needed but Haldir kept it because Legolas had given it to him. Haldir could only hope that Legolas was all right without him. Haldir was supposed to be a guardian, he was supposed to protect Legolas and not just because Galadriel asked him to but because it was his sworn duty as a Galadrim warrior. But now they were separated and he had no way of knowing how Legolas was faring. Some Guardian he had turned out to be.

Footsteps from high above triggered his guard. He looked up to see a man standing on a ledge high above the cellblock. Haldir knew that man, it was the same man that had subdued and tried to molest Legolas. It was the man called Nanook. Haldir could feel his face turn rigid as he stared up at that miserable man. Haldir could tell that Nanook was one to take pride in the suffering of others; it was evident by the way he was looking at all the broken men in the cellblock.

Haldir knew that if he wasn’t strong he could very well end up just like the men around him. The thought of such a fate frightened him. He would have to figure out a way to get out of this place, get Legolas and get out. He wasn’t beaten yet; he still had a duty to fulfill. He squeezed the silver fabric in his hand and prayed for strength.

Nanook looked down from the precipice upon which he stood. From here he could survey the prisoners used for the fight ring. One in particular held his attention; the elf that had just recently been added. Nanook knew that elves were famous for their fighting abilities and great endurance. Nanook wasn’t the only one either. All his troops that participated in the fight ring were eagerly waiting for a chance to fight the elf. It was getting to the point where the men were literally fighting each other for the opportunity to fight the elf.

Nanook couldn’t have been more pleased with the enthusiasm of his men, he knew that they too were excited about the potential for a good fight to really care about much else and that’s how Nanook preferred it. Before the fight rings were established the guards were frustrated with life in the mine. They were restless because they had no battles to fight nor anyway for them to acquire wealth. Yes, occasionally precious stones or metals would be unearthed but all of it was to be sent away to the lords who remained in the Easterling homelands. Nanook himself felt their frustration. He was a warrior and his skills were wasted on keeping track of iron shipments and such things.

At one point Nanook made a request to his father the king that he be allowed to return to the empire; the king responded by sending Brodda instead. At first Nanook was very angered at the presence of his younger sibling, this mine was supposed to be his domain but his opinion quickly changed. Nanook simply put Brodda in charge of the book keeping and shipment schedules and other such mediocre tasks. Once that was done, Nanook was free to go out, taking his favorite troops with him, on hunts or rides.

But things soon got even better. With the potions that Brodda concocted, the guards were able to bring in more workers, stronger workers and thus the mine became more productive. The guards still hungered for more excitement and with stronger men being brought in as slaves they decided to make use of that strength. Nanook knew that using the stronger slaves, as fighters would once again slow things down in the mine but holding fights between guards and prisoners sounded very appealing to him. And so the fight rings emerged.

Besides combat, the acquisition of wealth was among the favorite activities of the Easterlings and so gambling became another reason for the guards to participate in the rings. Nanook finally had his solution to the restlessness of his men and mutiny was no longer a problem. Nanook himself found distraction in the fights and no longer even cared about returning home, in fact, why would he. Here in the mine he was like a king with men at his command and life was one of sport and leisure. Nanook no longer cared for how the mine operated; all such duties could be left to Brodda who was very easily controlled.

But lately, Brodda had become very scarce. Even his two cohorts, Sari and Rune, were rarely seen. This had been going on for a couple of weeks now. It started just after the scuffle the two brothers had over what really went on in the mine and why production of ore had become so slow. Nanook was a little bemused as to the sudden change in his brother’s behavior. What was he up to? Nanook would have to make it a point to find out what it was that kept Brodda out of sight but it could wait. Right now there was something else that demanded Nanook’s attention.

The elf had come just in time. Lately the men were getting bored with the same batch of tired prisoners to fight with and Nanook feared losing control over them. But now all of that was in the past and the men were once again ignorant of their surroundings. They all wanted to fight the elf and Nanook himself was eager to try his luck as well. The elf was the first person to ever knock him off of his feet and Nanook wanted nothing more then to pay back the elf for the humiliation.

In the same moment, both man and elf looked at each other and their gazes met. Each had nothing but contempt for the other and it showed in their eyes. Each had something to pay back the other for and they looked forward to the time when they would be able to do it.

*********

Legolas leaned up against the wall of the tunnel away from the sight of the guards. He sighed with despair because once again, he had awakened that morning to find the cell next to his empty. Every night since he and Haldir had been separated Legolas had gone to sleep hoping that in the morning he would find that Haldir had been returned to him. But many awakenings had come and gone for the prince and still, no Haldir.

Not knowing Haldir’s fate was just as worse as being separated from him. When they were together, they barely communicated but Legolas took comfort in the fact that Haldir was at least there with him. /Am I really so needy/ Legolas asked himself. Did he need to remind himself that he was a prince and should be able to handle a situation like this? Maybe he wasn’t as strong as he believed himself to be?

“You!” The boisterous voice was followed by a thrust to Legolas’ stomach. Legolas took hold of the box filled with glittering stones that had been jammed into his gut by the guard. “Take that to the dwarf!” The guard commanded flaunting his spear as he did. Legolas wondered what it would feel like to take that spear and skewer the man right through the eye; probably pretty good. But Legolas knew he couldn’t do that. If he did, half a dozen other guards would instantly fall down upon him and it would all be over. He was no help to Haldir dead. With swallowed pride, Legolas accepted his orders

********

The modest sized cave was filled with the tink tink tink sound of a tiny hammer being applied to a chisel. The small working tools were nearly enveloped by the bulky hands that guided them. But the hands were deceiving; they worked with incredible precision as they used the tools to pry rock away from a piece of ore. Gimli concentrated only on his work and paid little heed to the elf as he entered his work lab.

“The guards told me to bring this to you,” said the elf. He held out the box of stones to the dwarf.

“Did they now?” Gimli’s voice was dry and devoid of any kind of real interest. “Put it over there,” He said pointing to a counter top to the right side of the workshop. Legolas set the box down in the designated spot. His common sense told him to return to the tunnels to be put back to work but it’s not like he was under orders to return. So he decided to remain.

The dwarf seemed too engrossed in his own craft to acknowledge the elf so Legolas began to explore the little nook that served as Gimli’s workshop. The walls were covered with chisels, hammers of many sizes, picks and all other tools involved in the art of metal smithy. Legolas felt comforted by the many candles that provided light for the dwarf to work. The warmth they gave off reminded him of the sun on a summer’s day. It was nice to be in their light and not enveloped in shadow like in the tunnels. Legolas felt very safe in the workshop, something he hadn’t felt for quite sometime.

Gimli ceased his work, he felt uncomfortable by the looming presence of the elf. He turned away from his desk to see the elf poking at the box of minerals that he had just delivered. Gimli had half the mind to tell the elf to take his curiosity elsewhere but his sense of pity took over. Ever since the elf’s friend had been taken away he had become very forlorn and passive. Gimli could understand. It had not been the first time he had seen friends separated in the mines and sometimes it was forever. Gimli decided that the elf didn’t have to leave right away so he turned back to his work.

It wasn’t long before Gimli could feel the elf looking over his shoulder. “It’s copper ore.” He handed a small bit of it to the elf so he could take a better look. The elf took the piece of metal and loosely examined it before handing it back to Gimli. “Occasionally they find things like that in the mines. Good metals like copper, iron, even gold and silver sometimes. The guards who run this place aren’t trained to know how to test the quality of such metals so I have to.”

“Is that why they captured you Gimli?”

Gimli nearly dropped his tools. It wasn’t the question that surprised the dwarf rather it was the fact that the elf addressed him by his name. It felt like an eternity since someone had called him by his name.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked you that.” The elf said sheepishly. He moved over to a small corner of the shop and sank to the floor.

Gimli tried to go back to work but the elf still distracted him. “Tell me little elf, what’s your name?”

“My name is Legolas.”

“Legolas,” The dwarf barked, “That’s a mouth full of a name.” Gimli picked up his tools and began to work again. “I don’t know if they captured me intentionally but I was captured none the less. It was so long ago.” Gimli had never told anyone that before. But when he turned around and saw the elf’s eyes narrowed in what could possibly be sympathy, the words came uncontrollably. “I had left my kinsman to explore the glittering caves in Rohan. It was a dream of mine to see them for I had heard so much from those that had.”

“Did you get to see the caves at all?” The elf’s voice was full of both hope and dread. His gaze was nervous, like a person who anticipated a bad ending to a good story.

“Ai, I made it to the caves.” Gimli paused to let the elf take a sigh of relief. “I had dreamed about them for so long but they were far better than any dream. When I beheld them for the first time with my own eyes I knew that there was nothing upon this earth that could possibly rival their beauty.”

Legolas sat and listened to Gimli describe the glittering caves to him. He was practically enthralled as Gimli talked about the various jewels that rested with in the walls, the artifacts left behind by the people of Rohan from when they sheltered there and the amazing underground streams and rivers that etched lines and stone formations that Legolas couldn’t even begin to imagine. It was a wonderful tale but its good beginning didn’t suit the sad ending that it ultimately came to. Gimli had intended to visit his fellow dwarves in the great hall of the lonely mountain, but he never made it.

Legolas pulled his knees to his chest. “I was captured while traveling as well. Haldir was escorting me back home to Mirkwood. We were just a day or two shy of the southern border when we were captured.”

“Haldir, that’s the one who was with you, isn’t it?”

Legolas choked back a sob. “It’s all my fault. You see, I said some things that I shouldn’t have said to Haldir. We quarreled and I ran away from his custody. I fell into one of the Easterling pit traps and when Haldir came to save me he was captured too.” His head dropped in remorse. If only he had bitten his tongue and never told Haldir that he loved him then maybe they would both be safe in the halls of Mirkwood right now.

“The guards took him away and I don’t know where he is.” He blinked away the tears creeping out of his eyes. “That’s my fault too. I started a fight with one of the guards. When that guard returned with others to subdue me Haldir interfered. The men beat him and took him away.” Legolas began to sob. “Haldir was only trying to protect me.”
“So they did take your friend after all. Nanook must really be getting bored if he wants to challenge an elf.”

Legolas cringed when he heard Gimli speak the name of that foul man. Worse still, what did Gimli mean? “Challenge an elf? Gimli, do you know where they took Haldir. If so, please tell me.”

Gimli could tell that the elf was very worried over the whereabouts of his friend. His hands were shaking and new tears began to fill in within his eyes. Gimli really wasn’t sure what to tell the worried elf. For all he knew Haldir may very well have been dead.

“Gimli, please tell me. I have to know where he is please…”

“They took him to the fight grotto,” Said a guard who suddenly burst into the workshop.

“What does that mean?”

“As of now, you friend’s purpose here is to provide entertainment for us. That means that we get to beat him everyday until he can’t take it anymore. It should be very interesting to see.” The man spoke with such malice, he didn’t even sound human. “But you, you are to go back to work immediately.” When Legolas didn’t move the guard slapped him across the face. The crack that emanated from the man’s hand connecting with the elf’s face filled the little workshop. “You will do as you are commanded!” The guard backhanded Legolas across the face knocking the poor elf dizzy.

Legolas slumped against a wall, his body numb from learning Haldir’s fate. How could this be? Why was Haldir being made to suffer for something that wasn’t his fault? Why did the guards take Haldir instead of him? “I had hoped to save my energy for the fight today, but I guess I could take a few practice swings on you.” The guard raised his hand for another strike, Legolas braced himself but the blow never came. He stared in horror as the guard prepared to strike Gimli instead.

“No! Don’t do it, leave him alone!” Legolas cried. “I’ll go back, just leave him alone, please.”

“Good, now you know what happens when you disobey in this place. Now get back to work you worm.” The elf did as he was told and ran from the cavern.

Gimli chiseled feverishly away at the piece of ore lest the guard attack him for not getting back to work either. But he was fortunate this time, the guard left without any further aggravation. Gimli strained his ears until the guard’s footsteps had completely faded did he take a sigh of relief. Once again Gimli was alone but his work faltered. Gimli didn’t care much for elves (he was a dwarf after all) but there was something about Legolas that made him question everything he had to come to believe about elves. Legolas was in no way, arrogant or haughty, he was more like a child really. What a terrible way to learn such a terrible lesson. No matter what you do, someone else would suffer for it.
********

Brodda hated to leave his lab; the potion he had spent the last several weeks concocting was not yet finished but he had to go to the fight grotto. He heard from Rune that one of the elves had been taken to the fight ring and Brodda had to be sure that it was not the elf that he believed to be a prince. It was early in the day and yet a huge crowd had gathered already and the betting pools were nearly filled to the brim. Torches were burning, the men were drinking and the Easterling fighters were taking practice swings at each other.

Brodda was not a common sight in the crowd but the troops ignored him all the same as he made his way to the ledges above the ring for a higher view point. From there Brodda was able to see the fighters already gathered for the day’s match. The elf stood out among them and Brodda was relived to see that it wasn’t the elf in question. It was the bigger one that had also been caught that day.

Brodda actually detested the fight rings but when he saw how differently the elf carried his self he felt compelled to stay. The elf stood with his head held high and no emotions could be read upon his face. The fighters from the Easterling side, Nanook among them, tried to intimidate him by flexing their muscles and pushing each other around but the elf showed no sign of fazing. Brodda, on a whim, decided to stay and observe the fight. He sensed the opportunity for the complete humiliation of his brother; he would never forgive himself if he missed it.

Haldir focused on his breathing. /Stay calm you can handle this/ he told himself. He knew from the moment he had awakened that morning that something was going to happen. It was further confirmed by the way the other prisoners in cellblock looked at him. Haldir was positive that his turn had finally arrived. Sure enough, when the guards came to collect a batch of fighters, they took him as well.

As he and the other prisoners were led to the main chamber the din grew more and more clamorous. It was hard on Haldir’s sensitive hearing and he had to fight the urge to cover his ears with his hands. He couldn’t show fear but annoyance was something else. Taunts were being thrown at him left and right and Haldir could feel his nerves begin to fray a little. A part of him (a more ferocious part of him) couldn’t wait to get in there and show these Easterlings what happens when an elf was pushed over the edge but he decided to keep his cool. The last thing he needed to do was get angry and make his vulnerabilities known. Taking one breath at a time, Haldir remembered his training as a warrior and what it was to be a Galadrim.

The Easterlings Hardly paid any attention to the other prisoners. They all wanted to see the first match between the elf and one of their own. Haldir wasn’t at all surprised when it was decided that he be thrown in the ring first albeit he had his reserves about having to remove his shirt. Haldir handed the garment to one of his fellow he took that fateful step into the ring and his opponent followed suit.

Haldir sized up his opponent, a big, burly man with a shaved head and a black goatee. The man looked more like a scruffy orc than a fighter to Haldir but he didn’t drop his guard. The man instantly assumed a fighting stance and Haldir steadied himself in anticipation of the man’s first move. /Concentrate-concentrate/ His elven senses focused on the situation at hand, his face became a mask of intense focus and the din of the spectators faded out as their fighter charged the elf at full speed. Haldir saw the man coming right for him /Oh please/ Haldir thought sarcastically as he dealt the man a powerful right hook to the face knocking the man to the ground.

A whoop of disappointment erupted form the crowed as they saw their fighter fall to the ground after just one hit. The man lay prone on the ground. Blood flowed from his broken nose as he tried to stand. Haldir reassumed his fighting stance once his opponent got back to his feet. The man’s comrades began to cheer for him. “You show that elf whose boss around here!” The men shouted. Again the man charged Haldir and again Haldir dealt the man a powerful blow. The man fell to ground once again, only this time he lay their drowning in dizziness. Haldir was sure that the man was not getting up again despite the urges from his comrades. Was this the best they had to offer?

Brodda couldn’t believe his eyes; the elf had just defeated one of their strongest fighters by striking the same move twice. The hush that fell over the spectators was deafening and the ring felt like a lifeless void. The only thing to felt was the pride radiated by the elven warrior. He stood proudly yet his face was a mask of serious intent. Too noble was he to let pride distract him from a task he knew to be only half finished.

Brodda remained where he was throughout the rest of the match. The elf never faltered. As soon as one Easterling fighter was defeated by the elf another would take his place. Brutality, ferocity and strength; all the things that Easterling fighting depended and prided on was no match for the elf’s grace, courage and prowess. The elf succeeded match after match and Brodda had never seen Nanook so furious in all his life. It was something to see. Finally the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived, Nanook stepped into the ring for his chance.

The commotion raised by the spectators pierced Haldir to the core, it was so loud and the walls around him shook with the echo from the cheering and yelling. Haldir called all of his senses to him as he made eye contact with the man who had put him here in the first place. Nanook was just as muscular as the other men Haldir had fought but he looked far more nimble than the others. Haldir put himself on his highest guard for he knew that of all the fighters, Nanook would definitely be a challenge. After all, Nanook had been watching Haldir fight the whole time; no doubt breaking down his fighting style. Letting Haldir fight the other men first so he could observe had probably been the plan all along.

Brodda held his breath as his brother and the elf held a standoff between one another. Each one waiting for the other to make the first move but Brodda knew his brother well enough. Nanook was not well with patience and it was not long before Brodda was breathing once again.

Nanook lunged so fast that Haldir was surprised by the man’s speed and he only dodged the blow by an inch. That was too close for comfort and the match had only begun. Nanook was so quick to strike that Haldir found himself having difficulty finding a window to strike and was barely able to dodge Nanook’s attacks. The crowd roared so loud that every inch of the fight chamber shook with the echo of it all. Haldir’s hearing became overwhelmed and he buckled; it was an action that cost him dearly.

Nanook took the opportunity and kicked the elf in the ribs with all his might. The pained cry from the elf was completely drowned out by the cheer from his fellow Easterlings. The commotion from the troops grew even louder when the elf crumbled to his knees. Nanook drank in the praise of his men and he towered over his victim with pride. His face was smug but on the inside, he was disappointed. He refused to believe was beaten so soon.

“Is that all you’ve got elf?” Nanook gloated. The elf paid no heed to his words. He remained on his knees curled in on himself. Nanook’s features contorted into an ugly grimace. “Come on elf.” He gave the elf another kick in the side for good measure but still nothing.

The stinging pain from the kick was quickly filled by a cold rush and Haldir felt like he couldn’t breathe. He huffed for breath and beads of cold sweat crept down his forehead. He could feel the man standing over him, feel the small kick to his side and could hear the man taunting him. But the pain form his injury prevented him form moving.

“I’m disappointed. I thought you would be a real challenge especially after you beat every fighter before me.” The elf still made no move. “Finished are you? Maybe I’ll have my men bring your friend in here. I remember him being a lot feistier than you.” A sick, cold laughter emanated from the crowd.

Nanook’s words hit Haldir with more force than any blow could ever render. Even the din of the crowd washed out completely. Air poured into his lungs and the sting form his injury began to dissipate as his strength returned to him. /Legolas has been there for me twice already/ He thought as remembered when Legolas had saved him from the fatal blow of an orc and when Legolas looked after him, cared for him when his panic attack left him prone. /I can’t let him get hurt/ His resolve hardened and a sudden hush fell upon the crowd as the elf rose to his feet and faced Nanook.

Nanook could feel his enthusiasm tremble a bit when he saw the severe intensity in the elf’s eyes. The aura the elf radiated was incredible and free of the muddled feelings of one who was confused, broken and only fighting to survive. There was nothing but sheer focus and Nanook knew he was the target of that focus. Inside, He began to waiver but his men began to shout encouragement and goad him on; he couldn’t back down in front of them.

Brodda had never felt such an intense presence before and he knew that Nanook had really crossed the line this time. Brodda knew that it was his duty as an officer of the court to protect those above his rank, like his brother, but Brodda couldn’t reduce the swell of satisfaction that rose within him as he watched his brother fail to land a single blow upon the elf. The elf moved with god like speed as he led Nanook in their grim dance. It was obvious that the elf was merely toying with Nanook and Brodda could see Nanook losing faster and faster. The elf had complete control over everything and soon he decided to end his little cat and mouse game. With one graceful move, he dodged yet another desperate attack from Nanook, brought the back of his fist around and struck Nanook in the back of the neck. Nanook tumbled to the ground and there he lay for several minutes.

Every fiber in Haldir’s soul told him to pounce upon the man and beat him till there was nothing left but Haldir resisted, he wasn’t a savage. Haldir, unlike Nanook, was not the kind of person who would kick a downed opponent in spite of how good it might feel. Nanook made several attempts to get up but Haldir was sure that Nanook wasn’t getting up anytime soon. Victory was his for the day.

Several guards came in and helped their fallen leader to his feet. As soon as he could stand Nanook shoved the guards away from him and faced Haldir again. Haldir wasn’t worried in the least; he could tell that the man was still having trouble regaining his equilibrium. “Nanook you’ve lost!” A strange voice suddenly broke in. A man with similar features to Nanook stepped into the ring and to Nanook by the arm.

“Brodda, what the hell are you doing here?”

“Saving your life! Face it Nanook, you’re beaten.”

“LET GO! I STILL…ARGH!” Nanook wailed as a result if Brodda yanking his arm. Arrows of pain shot into his ribs causing him to buckle. He was in great pain, most likely a rib or two was broken.

‘I thought so,” Brodda said, the suspicions of his brother’s injuries confirmed. “You’ve had enough for one day.” Nanook was in no mood for his brother’s antics and gave in without a fuss. Brodda knew at that point that his brother was hurt far worse than he thought; Nanook was actually listening to him for once. Nanook allowed Brodda to pass him off to two of the troops who guided him out of the fight grotto.

Brodda turned to the elf. He was just as badly beaten as Nanook but yet he still stood on guard, ready for the next fight if it should come. Brodda had seen everything, that elf didn’t get mad until Nanook had threatened harm to the other elf. Brodda wondered if the elf that stood pensively before him was the bodyguard of the suspected elf prince. If so than he could be trouble outside of the fight grotto; it was best that he never leave. Brodda motioned to the guards to have the elf and the other fighters taken back to their cells. The moment the elf was surrounded by the guards, he stood down and cooperated.

The crowd in the ring began to break up and every one return to their usual duties and tasks. Brodda would’ve liked to return to his lab but he wanted to check up on his brother. He couldn’t wait to see what kind of damage the elf had done to him and he looked forward to it with masochistic delight.

********

Haldir didn’t know how much time had passed sense he willingly returned to the cellblock, but he had spent it all drifting in and out of sleep. His body ached all over and the dirt stung his scratches. He was very uncomfortable but he considered himself very lucky. Even though he had the upper hand in the end with Nanook, Haldir was positive that he would not be able to withstand any more fights. Haldir inhaled deeply and tried to relax. That man Brodda, the one who had ended the fight, who was he Haldir wondered. Whoever he was, Nanook didn’t seem to take too well to him. But Haldir put the thought aside, he was tired and it looked as though Nanook would be out of commission for some time; Legolas would be safe from him for at least a while.

Haldir dozed until the sound of scuffling feet brought him back to full awareness. His elven eyes spied a figure in billowy clothes moving about, it was that same little slave girl from Haldir’s old cellblock. It was the first time he had seen her in a while; usually another handled the job of distributing food in this area.

Eventually, she made her way to Haldir’s cell. Haldir paid little attention to her until he noticed that she was putting piece after piece of bread onto his plate. “Wha…what is this?” He asked after the girl had placed probably the sixth piece of bread onto his plate. The girl only motioned to the other men in the cellblock with her head and Haldir looked to see all of them looking at him. In the darkness he could vaguely make out there smiles. Some were even raising their cups of water to him, like people would in a toast.

“That’s our gift to you, friend,” Said one prisoner.

“You saved us all today,” Said another prisoner and others thanked him as well.

Haldir shook his head in disbelief and told the girl that she could return the food. She placed her hand upon his, “Please take it,” She said; her voice was scratchy from long periods of silence.

“The stronger you stay, the better you will be able to fight,” Said another man in the cellblock.

The words were simple but they held a powerful wake-up call for Haldir. Today was only the beginning and if he was to survive, he would have to stay strong. Whispering words of gratitude, Haldir accepted the food.

Haldir watched as the girl finish her work. “Namel, wasn’t it?” Haldir hoped he had remembered her name correctly and it looked like he did. Namel returned to his cell and plopped down to her knees. “Namel, will you do a favor for me?” She nodded her head. “Do you know where my friend is, the one like me?” Again she nodded her head. Haldir smiled and handed her back one of the pieces of bread he had received. “Will you please give this to him and tell him…tell him…that I am alright.”

Namel took the piece of bread. “I will.” She said and stuffed it into her dress. She got up and headed out of the cellblock, but not before looking back at Haldir and smiling.

********

Elsewhere in the mine, two men occupied a richly furnished cavern. An enormous animal skin covered the entrance and the floor was covered in various pelts; all spoils from Nanook’s hunts. Several banners wrought by Easterling hands hung on the cave walls and a desk made of wood sat in one corner. And everywhere, white candles stood, their intense glow illuminating the cave. It had taken Nanook many years to acquire all the things he had to make his chambers as comfortable as they were but at the very moment his home provided little comfort.

It was not in his nature to be patient, but Nanook was too sore to lash out and shoo his brother away like he wanted to. “AH, will you stop that!” Nanook quipped. Brodda was supposed to be nursing the wounds he sustained during the fight but to Nanook, it felt more like torture.

“Stop complaining, things have to hurt if they are to heal,” Brodda said as he pressed key areas on Nanook’s side.

“You sound merrily confident today.”

“Do I? “ Brodda bowed his head in an attempt to cover up his smirk. “There, that’s the last of it. I thought some of your ribs might be broken but you have only a few bruised ones at worst.” Brodda paid little attention to the snort his older brother projected at him. “You’re welcome brother. You were very fortunate, that elf probably would’ve beaten you into the ground had I not interfered!”

“I’ll bet you would’ve like to have of seen that!” Nanook retorted.

“Well, maybe,” Brodda said in a smug and playful manner. He wasn’t like himself at all and this unusual sunny attitude was begging to annoy Nanook.

“You sound strangely arrogant today, just what makes you think you can talk to me this way? Furthermore, where have you been for the past several weeks?”

“Since when do my whereabouts concern you?”

“Admit it, you came to the fight just to see me get taken down, you enjoyed it didn’t you?”

“So what if I did?” A moment of silence passed before he spoke again. “I have my own tasks to attend to so if you will excuse me?” Brodda walked away carrying his head higher than Nanook had ever seen him before. His haughty attitude was also different; he behaved as though he knew something, something important, that Nanook did not.

“Just what are you up to little brother? What’s going inside of that head of yours?” Nanook wondered.

********

Gimli gasped when a basket of iron chunks suddenly appeared in front of him. He looked up to meet a pair of blue eyes, “You damned elf.” He grumbled. The elf had been making deliveries to Gimli for a while now but the dwarf still couldn’t get used to the elf’s stealthy movements. The elf never failed to startle him with each new delivery and Gimli was positive that Legolas found great delight in surprising him. Legolas chuckled and gave Gimli his space to work.

Legolas sat down on the dirt floor in a remote corner of the shop and pulled forth a scrap of bread from his dirty tunic. It was all that was left of the piece of bread that Haldir had asked Namel to give to him. Up until that night, he had been so worried for Haldir but thanks to Namel, he knew that Haldir was alive. He wanted to know more but Namel, after delivering her message, dropped back into her muteness.

Hearing about Haldir from Namel was only the beginning. In the days that followed Legolas heard rumors right and left about the mighty warrior that had not fallen to the Easterlings. Word passed around among the workers about a fighter that had not yet lost a match; that he had great skills, so great in fact that not even Nanook could stand against him. Legolas knew that it could only be Haldir. He knew Haldir was too great to lose against Easterling scum; it was one of the many qualities that Legolas loved about Haldir. His heart fluttered at the thought of seeing Haldir taking down his opponents-especially Nanook. Legolas knew Haldir could take care of himself but he still couldn’t help but to worry for him.

“I just wish I knew how to get to him.” Legolas mumbled.

“And then what?” Gimli barked. “Say you do manage to find him. What is it that you plan on doing after that?” Gimli instantly rebuffed himself for his outburst but he had heard this kind of talk form the elf before and quite frankly, he was beginning to tire of it.

“Escape of course. Do you really think I want to spend the rest of my life in this Valar forsaken place?” Legolas’ jaw was set in anger and his eyes were as hard as steel. “That river that leads through the main chamber, it has to go somewhere. If the water can get out then perhaps Haldir and I can as well.”

“Do you really think you are the only person to want to get out of here? People have tried to escape that way. The lucky ones drown and those that don’t wish they had!” Gimli’s head dropped, he had seen the punishments bestowed on attempted escapees, too brutal for words to describe.

Legolas could see tears fill the rims of the dwarf’s eyes, he was sure of it but the dwarf turned away form him before he could make certain. “Gimli, I’m sorry for upsetting you but I just can’t accept that. You said almost all of those who try to escape are killed or recaptured. For all you know maybe some did make it out alive.”

“Who can say really? If you wish to tempt the fates then be my guest, the sooner you’re gone the sooner things will quiet down around here.” Gimli sat down to his work. He began to tap a scrap of iron when felt the elf looming over him. He looked up to see Legolas staring at him with a sad but somewhat amused expression.

“You’re strange to me Gimli. I can’t tell if you are annoyed with or if you’re trying to protect me. I just can’t read you.”

“I be what I be elf. I am a dwarf and no dwarf worth his beard ever let an elf read him.”

“Thank you Gimli.” Legolas lightly tapped his knuckles on the top of Gimli’s head. The silence of the workshop was invaded by a deep loud noise. It sounded like a ring from an enormous bell. “What is that?” Legolas asked.

“Don’t be alarmed. That’s just our oppressors calling us to the main chamber.”

“What for?”

“Usual prisoner count I guess. But what ever the reason, we best not keep them waiting.” Gimli put his tools away hastily. “Come on elf, let’s go.”

Legolas followed Gimli out into the main chamber of the mine. The usual roar of the underground river was drowned out by the clamor of the many prisoners already gathered there. They were all standing in a semi circle around something Legolas could not make out at first. But his eyes strained and he could see a small scaffold erected. A guard stood upon the scaffold with a whip in hand while another rang a gong. When a majority of the workers were gathered the ringing stopped.

Legolas looked all about him, the workers seemed more nervous than usual and he could smell their fear in the air. Gimli looked equally disturbed. “Gimli, what’s going on?” Gimli didn’t answer and Legolas could feel his mouth go dry from nervousness. A sudden scuffle caught Legolas’ attention. Two guards emerged and walked up to the scaffold with a crumpled figure in tow. Legolas felt his heart drop all the way into his stomach when he realized whom the guards had dragged with them. It was Namel.

“Oh, not Namel.” Gimli croaked.

Legolas gazed on in horror as Namel, thrashing and sobbing, was thrown to the feet of the overseer. The brutish man quickly raised his foot and brought it down on her back. The poor girl lay helpless beneath his foot. The overseer removed his whip from his belt and clasped it in his hands. /No, they wouldn’t, not to her/ Legolas thought as he watched Namel cringing under the man’s boot.

“This little brat was caught stealing food. As you all know, theft of any kind by a slave will be punished. You are here today because you obviously need reminding of that law. Look well upon this girl and know the punishment for thievery.” The overseer unwound his whip and removed his foot. Namel made a desperate attempt to crawl away but she was apprehended by two of the guards. She was pushed face down on her belly. With one guard holding her arms out above her head another held her legs out straight at the ankles. A wave of hushed cries and stifled screams emanated from the crowd as Namel was held firmly in place.

Gimli waited for the sick crack of the whip to cut through the air but it never came. “LEAVE HER ALONE!” Was what he heard instead.

With the speed and agility elves were famous for, Legolas tore through the crowd of people and dashed up the scaffolding. With barely an effort, he dealt the surprised overseer a blow to the face. The man wailed in pain and blood began pouring down his face. Legolas snatched the whip from the man’s hand just as quickly and cracked it at the two guards. They instantly released their hold on the girl. “NAMEL RUN!” Cried the elven warrior. Namel did as she was told and jumped from the scaffold and disappeared into the already scattering crowd of people.

Gimli was bumped and brushed from all sides as people shoved past him. The workers ran for safety. They knew if they stayed they could become targets for angry guards looking to restore order. Gimli knew that he should take cover as well but he wanted to stay. Never had he seen such grace and power in a fighter. The two guards on the scaffold couldn’t even touch the elf as they tried to subdue him. Legolas dodged every attack and countered every blow. He used that whip as though it was an extension of his own body. “Legolas, this is your chance. Take it and go. Go now.” Gimli whispered before he too made for the safety of the tunnels.

Legolas knew there was no turning back for him. He was acting like a fool but he couldn’t stop. He continued to fight until the perfect opportunity presented its self. A guard charged him and Legolas countered by dodging the strike and then grabbing the man by the arm. With sheer force, he twisted the arm behind the man’s back with one hand and wrapped the whip around the man’s neck with the other. The overseer and the other guard ran from the vicious elf and when Legolas’ captive knew he was abandon, he quit struggling.

“The fight grotto, where is it?” Legolas growled into the man’s ear. The man merely lifted his hand and pointed off in the direction of one of the tunnels. Legolas tightened the whip. “You better not be deceiving me!” He gave the whip a firm yank.

“No, I do not lie.” The man croaked.

“Very well. Take me there.” Legolas, still holding the whip around the man’s neck followed in the direction that his hostage led. /Haldir, don’t worry, I’m coming to get you/

TBC in part 7