An hour later, an elf approached the dungeons with one purpose. He gripped tightly to the Elven blade and silently crept up to the sleeping guard. Without jingling or clanking the keys, he pulled them off Melhonin and opened the door. Entering, he noticed the prisoner was asleep also.

The elf grabbed Faelwen and placed his hand on her mouth to silence her. Her eyes shot open in panic and she struggled. He brought the blade to her neck, ready to make her pay for killing Arìon.

Melhonin stirred and glanced over at the cell. His eyes shot open when he saw the elf with the blade. He leaped to his feet and unsheathed his blade. Melhonin leaped over and pressed his own blade to the elf's neck. "Release the prisoner." He commanded.

The elf sighed, but did not comply, "Melhonin, leave me alone. The wretch is just getting what she deserves."

"Were you commanded to do so by the king?" Melhonin asked angrily.

"It doesn't matter if I was or not. It's a life for a life." The attempted murderer argued. Faelwen struggled and gasped for breathe. She was running out of air! The elf's tight grip on her mouth had also covered her nose. She felt herself becoming dizzy from the lack of oxygen.

"If you kill her, you will," Melhonin emphasized the word will, "regret it. I will tell the king and the king will punish you. That I can promise."

The elf paused, seemingly to think through his options, "But he can't just let her go!" Faelwen's struggles became weaker and weaker. She could tell that she was on death's door. Her face turned blue from lack of oxygen.

"Who said we were releasing her?" Melhonin exclaimed.

"Well it's either kill her or release her...so..."

Getting impatient and seeing Faelwen's face, he punched the elf in the face, knocking him unconscious. Melhonin rushed over to Faelwen, who was gasping for breath.
"All you alright?" He asked, concerned. She tried to nod her head, but couldn't. Faelwen just lay there, trying get her breathing under control.

Melhonin dragged the elf out from the cell and took the keys from his hands.
He stuck the keys in his pocket and returned his attention to Faelwen.

She had managed to stop gasping and took deep, soothing breaths to calm herself. "That...that was the guard that punched me...he...he tried to k-kill...me." She said, almost as if in a trance. It finally struck her. She had almost died.

"It's okay." Melhonin soothed, "You're alright now."

She looked at him, her eyes wide. "I...I don't know what to say...you saved me."

Melhonin smiled. "You don't need to say anything." He turned his attention to the guard. "I must get him to the healers and explain myself to the king before rumors start spreading. I will also speak to him about releasing you." He sighed, "I am sorry, but I have to lock you up. Not that I think it is necessary, but I must do my job." Melhonin turned the keys in the lock and locked the door.

Then, he picked the unconscious elf up, brought him to the healers and went to Thranduil. Melhonin explained all that had just happened, and then added, "I wish to request for her freedom."

"I will forgive her if she will tell me the truth about what she was doing in Mirkwood, and if she was passing through, what her business is." The king decided.

"I will ask her." Melhonin bowed, and then returned to Faelwen and told her the king's offer.

Faelwen thought through her options, "He's quite the nosy one, isn't he?"

Melhonin laughed. "I guess you could say that." He said, still smiling.

"Well, could you maybe convince him to just let me go? Without asking more information?" She pressed.

Melhonin shook his head, "I don't think so."

Faelwen breathed deeply, "Then I'm afraid you'll have to tell him no."

Melhonin nodded.

He returned to Thranduil and told him Faelwen's answer.

The king raised an eyebrow. "So she wasn't just passing by. Well, that is my only offer. She can stay in there and rot until I think of a punishment or she tells me the truth. If she decides to tell me the absolute truth, then I will forgive her." Melhonin relayed the message to Faelwen.

She shook her head in frustration, "Well then I guess I'm not going anywhere." She turned away from the door and quietly huffed. Melhonin sighed and sat back down on the ground next to the cell.

Days went by as Faelwen sat in her cell. Occasionally, Melhonin would be posted to guard her, but other than that, she had no company. They gave her food once a day and water when requested. She hated to sit there alone. But, through the many hours to think, she formulated a plan.

Well hello there once again! Ithildae here again with Evara and Aris! Say hello guys!

Evara: heeeeeeyyyyyy

Aris: Hi

Note*
This story was written by me, Evara, and Aris. We each wrote for certain characters.

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Credits:
Thranduil-Aris
Tauriel-Evara
Legolas-Ithildae
Crÿthian-Aris
Random elves-Ithildae, Aris, and Evara BananaBam03