[Arien]

Ceros returned from his ninth day of work with a heavy heart, cuts and bruises covered his arms and his chest was now black. The pain was fading slightly but it could not be completely abolished. Not with the work they were being forced to do. They fought against orcs tirelessly both for the fun of other and to train them up. Ceros had always defeated his opponent, but this day had been different. It seemed as though something had leaked into his mind and was taking over; it was corrupting all his emotions and sucking out his strength. He had nearly been slashed to bits by an over confident orc and he dreaded tomorrows work.

As he reached the cage the door was opened and the guards pushed him in. The door slammed firmly behind him and a few weary elves looked up in recognition. Ceros made his way to a corner of the cage and slip down to the floor. He propped his arms on his knees and looked down at the cold stone floor.

The diminished murmur of once happy Elves could be heard around him. It was of course of the newest addition including him; the others were worse. Some seemed all but defeated; they had given up all hope. It was distressing to see them like this, some, Ceros had known; he had served or grown up with them. Now he could barely look upon their grave faces, their eyes held no spark of life but yet they still lived. It was curious and it was chilling.

Ceros continued to stare at the floor, listening to his breath come slowly in and then out again. He was then lead away from his trail of thought by someone sitting down beside him. He looked up to find that it was Ihwesta. She had just been talking to Dorienne; that is what she came to explain. They were calling a council. In a matter of time all those able to understand Elvish were gathered around Dorienne and Ceros in the corner where he had first sat.

The two leaned against the edges of the cage and the others formed a circle around them. The sun now crept through the dense fog and a few rays’ immersed parts of their enclosure with warm merciful sunlight. The other were gathered around them intently listening.

“We have to get out; but we have to get out with as many as we can,” muttered Ceros. The Elves seated nodded silently.

“The best chance for escape must be during the day, the orcs don’t come out then. There are fewer guards and we will have more of a chance” Pointed out Dorienne.

“But how will we get out from this prison? It will be all very well if there are less guards but what is the use if we cannot escape?” Asked Ainemetion staring around the circle. A few mutters were heard around the cage but no one had anything to shed some light upon his question.

“A distraction maybe?” Suggested Reyn.

“Yes, lure the one guard outside in here. Then we could attack it.” said Eruwen.

“That is all well, but with what will we attack it with?” Asked Gilbereth.

Arië started, “He is right. The guard will have weapons and we are already too weak….” But she was cut off by Ceros.

“The knife..” Ceros said blankly.

“What knife?” Questioned Ihwesta.

“Mine…” Replied Taurëwen holding close to her side so the others could see. It gleamed in the light and the Elves’ eyes lit up with a new hope.

“So it shall be… Nodded Dorienne.

[ October 01, 2003: Message edited by: Arien ]