A/N- All reviews welcome all flames WILL be used to torture someone in my next fic!
As the stars came out they looked down on two; one elf and one man. Estel lay on the ground by the fire shivering. His body could not take the cold like an elf; and the fever that raged inside him made him shiver even more.
Legolas looked at his friend with confusion and pity. As an elf, he did not know what to do, for he did not suffer the ills of men. He got up and walked over to Estel, placing his own cloak around him.
Estel awoke up as the sun came over the trees. He noticed not only did he have his cloak but Legolas' as well. His body still raged with fever, but he was so hungry. His entire form shook and he was at a loss to stop it. He laid back down and fell into a deep, fitful sleep. As he dreamed horrible things he tossed and turned. Legolas was even more worried for his friend. He scooped up Estel and mounted his horse. He would take him to Mirkwood. He knew his father did not like humans, but this was Estel. The man writhed around he screamed out in his dream, "Legolas do not leave me!"
"I will not leave you mellon nin." I promise. Legolas hoped Estel could hear his words for he meant them. Estel did seem to hear the elf's voice and quieted down.
Everytime Estel cried out, Legolas winced. He knew his friend was suffering. As he approached the gates of Mirkwood someone yelled for them to halt. Six elven guards leapt from the trees. They bowed as they recognized their prince. "Excuse us, Prince Legolas." They started to wave the prince on when they noticed what he held in his arms. One guard notched an arrow ready to kill the human.
"Stop, what are you doing?" Legolas cried "This is my friend Estel."
"You know your father's rule about humans. We will hold the man while you speak with him." Legolas stormed into his father's study.
"Legolas, what is the meaning of this intrusion!"
"The guards have taken Estel and placed him in custody."
"Legolas try to be reasonable. He is human. Your friendship with him will only end in sadness one day when he dies. Please break your ties now with the human before you grow to close."
"You do not understand!" Legolas said as tears ran down his face."I would give my very life for Estel, and he for I; we made a vow to protect each other. He is sick now and needs the healers." Legolas was now sobbing. "You do not understand Adar he is...gwador nin."
"You call this man your brother?" Thranduil asked with a quizzical look on his face. "Aye Ada, I do."
"It pains me to know that you have made this choice, but go to him if you must." Legolas leapt up and hugged his father. He then ran to get Estel and take him to the healers.
Estel awoke feeling much better. His eyes peered around the room and came to rest on Legolas. This brought a smile to his face as his normally pristine friend looked rough. His hair had come loose from his braids, and his eyes were now glazed over in sleep.
"He has not left your side in two days." The healer spoke to Estel. "Your bond of friendship must be strong, for King Thranduil has said you are now welcome in the halls of Mirkwood. You do know his feelings toward humans; so you must be special."
"It is." Estel said. "Only death would break that bond, and even then I think he would be watching over me."
Legolas had woken and now stepped to the bed. "Never have you been more right my friend. Now get better so we may return you to your father in one piece for a change." The healer headed for the door leaving the two friends together. Thranduil had been standing at the door watching the whole time. 'Maybe my son has chosen wisely,' he thought and with that he left the two friends to their laughter.
