(-)Chapter 1(-)
Aragorn made his way between the trees silently, his eyes shifting every which way, despite the fact that he could barely see anything for the small light of the moon was blocked by the canopy of towering trees surrounding him. He jumped slightly as a sound to his left caught his attention and he immediately ducked into the undergrowth, somehow managing to keep the plants from rustling any more than the wind was already causing. Watching warily as a second being stepped nearby.
A wicked smirk crossed the other being's face as he made his way towards the noise he'd heard. The rustling of the plants was unnatural, and he figured the source would be the one he hunted. He stepped silently over the dead leaves on the ground, not eliciting a sound. Unlike the man he was searching for, he had little trouble with the dark. He stopped suddenly, annoyed eyes systematically searching the area, knowing the man was nearby. His eyes suddenly stopped on a slightly shifting bush only a few feet away. He made his way over and shoved the branches to the side, his expression of victory dropped when he found nothing.
Aragorn smirked from where he crouched in the tree behind the bush the other had just searched. He stayed completely silent until he knew the other would be well out of earshot. He stood slowly and carefully climbed into the next tree, moving nervously in the dark, he finally reached a nearby river and clambered down the the tree, stepping on the rocks around the river so as not to leave any footprints and carefully stepped into the river, making sure not to step in the mud and walked downstream a ways, the light glinting off the surface of the water both helped and hurt him. He could see where he was putting his feet now but he also knew that if the other was to look in this direction they would see him easily, despite the elven cloak. He froze when he heard the trees rustling to his right and cursed inwardly. In the blink of an eye he had stepped under an overhanging rock and ducked under the surface of the four foot deep water.
The other glanced about the area intently, he could sense someone nearby, but couldn't find him. He carefully scanned the ground, looking for footprints but found none, he glanced to the dark purple sky and sighed, it was getting late, he didn't have much more time before it would all be over. His search quickly doubled in its intensity, knowing his time was almost up.
Aragorn panted as he came out of the water when the other being finally left, one hand went to his chest and he breathed slowly, trying to calm the burning in his lungs before making his way out from under the overhang. He sighed in annoyance, knowing he'd be stuck in the water now since if he left he'd leave water trails wherever he went. He began making his way upstream, knowing the other would be heading downstream. Grumbling to himself silently about how strong water could be, he pushed his way upstream until the water became too rough. He then climbed onto the branch of a tree that overhung the great river and climbed into it, shuddering from the cold that was beginning to take hold, the wet cloak unable to do its job any more.
He clambered through the trees swiftly but carefully, desperately trying to reach Rivendell before the other turned and headed back, knowing he'd be caught up with quickly in that case. In an extra attempt to dissuade his follower he backtracked through the trees, something he had to do only because of the water that dripped from the branches. This was a great disadvantage to him as it hadn't rained for a while and it would be an obvious clue. He backtracked a few times, leaving trails in the trees and on the ground before taking off on the ground, knowing he'd be expected to take to the trees where he'd be able to hide easier. He ran as fast as he could without running into things and the great house came into view in about fifteen minutes.
He continued to run, even after he reached the gates, which were flung open just in time for him by two startled elves, he sent them a quick, thankful wave and continued into the house and up the polished stone stairs and instead of heading towards his room, quickly hid himself in Erestor's study.
Unfortunetly Erestor was in there and he gave the human an odd look from where he sat at his desk.
Aragorn glanced up, the intense look on his face never dissapearing. He sat himself quietly infront of the fire with a slight shiver.
"What are you doing?" Erestor asked, breaking the silence after a moment.
"Shh," the man hissed, frowning at him, "I need to keep hidden for only a while longer and I'll be okay... okay?"
"Why?"
"L-" he froze before he even really started and cursed quietly, "they're here," he whispered, standing up and climbing into the tree outside the elf's window, "don't let them know I was here. Please?"
The advisor sighed and smiled slightly, "Alright, go before they get here."
"Thank you 'Restor," he nodded and quickly dissapeared.
The elf shook his head in slight amusement and went back to his work.
Five minutes later Aragorn made his way inside again, this time at a much slower pace, and quickly found the one who had been searching for him.
"Mae govannen Legolas!" he smirked.
The elf sighed, "Alright, I admit it, you can hide from me in the dark, you didn't have to prove it you know."
"Of course I did! If I didn't you would assume I couldn't. I can't let that happen," he grinned.
Legolas rolled his eyes, "I see... now, how did you get so wet?"
"I hid in the river," he muttered flatly.
Legolas blinked, "You submerged yourself in the Bruinen in the middle of the night? Lord Elrond will not be pleased mellon-nin."
Aragorn shrugged, "I'll be fine if he doesn't find out."
Legolas chuckled, "Indeed?"
"One can hope?"
Legolas laughed outright, "And you have plenty of that."
"It is my name," he said simply.
"Literally," the elf mumbled, "go and dry yourself before you get sick human."
Aragorn snorted and shook his head, "I've been in much worse conditions Legolas, but it is uncomfortable so I'll do as you say dear Prince," he bowed mockingly to the elf and grinned.
Legolas crossed his arms and frowned at him, "Strider."
"I know, I know, you don't like the title."
"Indeed, and I'm guessing you don't either dear King-in-exile."
Aragorn gave him an odd look, "Well that's certainly a new one," he grumbled, "and I am not a King."
"Fine," the elf shrugged indifferently, "come then, fellow Prince, and we shall both get cleaned up before your father catches us like this."
"Lord Elrond is not going to be hard put to do so if you two don't quiet down," Glorfindel laughed quietly from his bedroom doorway.
The two smiled innocently, fully aware of the dirt that clung to them.
"Go get cleaned up, I'll have the night staff clean this mess," he smiled.
"Thank you Glor," Aragorn smiled and quickly headed down the warm, dark hall to his room.
Legolas nodded, "Hannon lle Lord Glorfindel."
The elf rolled his eyes and wandered down the hall to find the night staff.
(-)(-)(-)(-)(-)
Aragorn sat silently in an overstuffed chair by his window, staring at the tree-line, waiting for the sun to come up with a frown on his face. He jumped slightly when a quiet knock sounded on his door.
"Come in."
Legolas pushed the door open and frowned at him, "What are you doing up?"
Aragorn raised one eyebrow at him before glancing out at the dark sky with a slight laugh, "I couldn't sleep."
The elf cocked his head to the side slightly and tugged his robe around him tighter before sitting in a chair across from the man, "You too?"
The man nodded before glancing at the elf in confusion, "And why are you unable to sleep?"
"Dreams."
"Oh? I thought elves had more control over what they dreamt," he yawned slightly.
Legolas shrugged, "Not always."
"Well it is the same for me anyhow," he smiled, "I'd ask if you'd like to join me in awaiting the sun but it seems as though you already have."
Legolas smiled and leant back with a slight sigh, turning his gaze out the window. He glanced over at his friend after a moment, a frown growing on his face as he took in the tired human's appearance.
He sat slumped slightly, a confused yet sad look in his eyes, though he hid it well.
"You need to get some sleep Estel. You look horrible," he joked quietly.
Aragorn shrugged, "I'm sure I do."
Legolas sighed, "Are you okay mellon-nin? You look upset."
Aragorn turned to stare at him a moment with a sad smile, "You look no better."
"I take offense to that," the elf joked slightly.
"It is what I was aiming for," he joked back weakly.
"You're avoiding my question."
Aragorn sighed, "I am fine 'Las," he yawned again and shook his head in annoyance.
"No you're not."
Aragorn frowned at the elf, "You realise your persistance can be annoying at times?"
"Of course."
The man smiled slightly, "I'll tell you what's wrong, if you tell me what's wrong."
The elf winced, but if it made him talk... "Oh all right."
Aragorn smiled sadly, "I dreamt of my mother. 'T is odd though, I have not dreamt of her in a long time and I know not what brought it on."
Legolas blinked in surprise before smiling, "You and I both mellon-nin."
Aragorn glanced over at him in surprise, "Really?"
"No, I just felt like saying that," the elf rolled his eyes, "you're much too tired Strider, go back to bed."
Aragorn glared at him weakly, "Make me elf," he shook his head, before cocking his head to the side slightly, "I have never heard much of your mother."
The elf flinched and bowed his head, "She was killed. She and Lady Celebrian were friends, they were caught at the same time. Luckily Lady Celebrian survived and was able to go into the west, but she was far too hurt."
A/N
Elven Kitten: Sorry I posted so late... XP I hope this one turns out okay... anywho, I gots a lot of junk to do XP so I hope you enjoyed... XP Namarie!
IwishChan - lol, I'm glad you liked:) They do attract more danger than the twins :) it's fun that way :P
Elentariel - I hope you liked it so far!
Aranna Undomiel - Lol:P I'm glad you liked :D
MicroChips - O.o... okay then... flees from lightsaber/broad axe and hides meh...
Ilaaris - I'm glad you liked it! Hope this turned out okay:)