Ho, ho, ho!

I'm surprised people actually read these parts of the story! I'm so grateful for everyone who has offered their elvish secrets! The thing is this; I want to know as much as I can, therefore I keep writing the same request. Maybe what one person doesn't know, someone else does!

The part with Gandalf and his pipe smoke… Who knows what weed the man is smoking, but I just wanted something for him to think about! I know I am annoying, have patience!

PLEASE REVIEW! I love everyone who does. Sincerely…


**********************************************************************************************

CHAPTER FOUR

Bringing the bruised and battered Legolas to his chambers proved to be more of a challenge than expected. Stumbling over his own feet and trying to focus on the ground in front of him, he was rather immobile. But with the help of the firm and guiding hand of Aragorn, they slowly entered his quarters.

" I will go find a healer immediately", he said, but hesitated about leaving Legolas alone. The Elf may be his friend, but there was no telling of how we would behave when he was left by himself.

" I will not hurt myself further, Aragorn" the Elf said and leant back in his bed. It seemed to be difficult to him, as if it hurt to move and Aragorn wondered if they might have done more to him. " I will be alive and well when you return."

The dry sense of humour was more alarming than amusing to Aragorn, who feared that the Elf spoke without really knowing what he was saying.

" I would wish. But I will settle with alive."

The healers was not busy since it had been some time after the last battle, and only a few patients lay on the beds.

Knowing exactly what he was looking for, he questioned every healer until he found one who had treated Elves before, and knew of their complex souls. Walking quickly back to the castle, Aragorn wanted to run, but he knew that he could not do so in front of his people. The King of Gondor could not be agitated.

Half expecting to find Legolas missing, Aragorn sighed with relief as he saw the still form of Legolas asleep.

" It is good that he is sleeping", said the healer and knelt by the bed. " His healing powers will do most of my work."

" It would take too long for him to recover by himself", Aragorn said just to make the healer understand that he should work faster.

" I will do my best, highness. Your Elf will be as good as new…" the healer said, examining Legolas' head. "…physically", he added when he let his hand rest on the resting Elf's forehead.

Regretting that he had ever brought Legolas to Minas Tirith, Aragorn nodded. Restoring Legolas' body would be a step on the way, his mind would be a completely different thing, but he was willing to make a huge sacrifice of time for that matter.

" You may leave, highness, if you have more urgent matters to attend." Aragorn did not know what he should do when no one could know to what extent Legolas could be called "fine", but he was not blind to a hint. Hesitantly, he backed out of the room, not taking his eyes from Legolas' unmoving face.

" Find me immediately if there is a change in his health. Whatever I am doing is not more important, no matter what anyone else says, is that clear?"

Just looking at him for a while, the healer finally nodded.

" Do not worry for your Elf, highness. He is made from strong wood."
Not being able to hold back a sigh, Aragorn closed the door behind him, leaning against the wall.

How could things like this happen? Was it destiny's way of saying that he had been lazy lately? But why did it have to affect Legolas? And why did the healer insist on calling Legolas "his" Elf? Shaking his head, he returned to his chambers and poured himself a large drink.

A thought of Legolas' funeral passed through his head, and he cursed himself for thinking such thoughts. Of course he would not die. He was an Elf for crying out loud. The only thing that could kill them naturally was heartbreak. And Legolas' heart had not been broken. Or at least he hoped it had not.

" I would do anything to make him better."

***

Following the fleeing form of the King of Gondor with his eyes, Gandalf blew out yet another puff of smoke, that shaped into an image. If he did not make them on purpose, they would take the shape of whatever was to come. It was his way of telling the future, even though the smoke was treacherous and you could never tell when the signs would show and if you could see what they was. This time there was no misinterpreting. The askew shape of a heart formed and he frowned.

" The pipe does not lie, but I strongly oppose its foretelling this time. You are not made for loving, Aragorn, and yet you do. It says that you will experience the pleasure of uniting with you kindred spirit. But how can that be so, when you are trying so hard to deny it? Pray that I am wrong this time, Aragorn. Pray that the smoke is right."

His position on the ground had gone uncomfortable a long time ago and he moaned and groaned his way to a standing position.

" My body is not getting any younger" he stated and started to make way back to the castle. The tickling sense of being watched made him turn and stare over the walls of the city. He could not see far, but there something moving in the bushes on a low hill. It could be the guards that had returned to their posts but somehow he doubted that he would sense their eyes on him.

" I wish I knew what you Elves are up to", he mumbled to the retreating form. " I should ride to Rivendell to find out."

***

The young servant girl watched the King pace back and forth in his room. She stood holding his cup of wine he had ordered, but he had yet to notice her presence. The last thing she wanted was to upset the King, so she waited patiently for a time to arrive. Suddenly he stopped and turned his head to her.

" Yes?"
Embarrassed about being caught, she curtsied and bowed her head to hide her reddening cheeks. Absently the King took the wine, taking a small sip of it, returning to his thoughts. He had not told her to leave, and she could not do so if he wanted her services later. So therefore she returned to the wall and resumed her waiting.

It was natural for her to worry at her Kings concerns. After all, what bothered him, bothered her, for it would surly affect her sooner or later. But this seemed a little more personal, considering there were no advisers present that kept arguing for different kind of actions. She had worked there long enough to know the procedures of warfare. This was a different kind of war, a tremendous victory had to be won for the King to be at peace.

A door to her left opened and she crept further back into the darkness. There were advisors she would rather not meet if she could avoid it, and she would still be at the Kings command. But it was not the filthy advisors, it was Gandalf, who may in some purposes serve as an advisor as well. Stopping in the middle of a step, Aragorn lost his balance for a while as he looked at the wizard.

" What is wrong? Is it Legolas?"
Grunting a bit to himself, Gandalf walked over to the table that was set with food and took a grape. Chewing on it slowly, she could not help the smile that spread. The wizard loved to tease the King and would do so until the latter told him not to. And even then would he continue.

" Nothing is wrong, and so accounts for Legolas I would assume, considering you are here."
" They would not let me stay with him."
" Does not surprise me, they know fairly well that you would just complain about their methods. Kings always think they know better. Sometimes Kings hands are not healing hands."
Slamming the cup down on the table, Aragorn screamed in despair as he threw out his hands.

" Why cannot anyone understand!"
Taking another grape, although chewing faster this time, Gandalf sighed.

" I am sorry, Aragorn. But I do understand."
Shaking his head in disbelief, Aragorn walked dangerously close to where Iamlin was standing. This was a conversation she was not supposed to listen to, but now was a little late to excuse herself and leave.

" How can you? For as far as I have known you, you have never loved."

Raising his white, bushy eyebrows, Gandalf took a few steps closer to Aragorn. Under the stare of those wise eyes, Aragorn shied away.

" You say? Can you read my mind, King of Gondor? No, you cannot. But love does not always exist in another human, or being", there was some emphasise lain on the last word, and Iamlin was wondering about that. Was the King in love? " It can also be in the peace of the world, the alliances between two countries, the rising of the sun. Aragorn, I do love, but not in the same way you do. Although it does not change the fact that I know. You wear your heart on your sleeve, Strider, and with that follows risks. He took that heart from you, kept is safe. You know where you have him, and yet not. It is the confusion that attracts you, Aragorn."
His face was completely opened and Iamlin felt her heart ache for her King. Desperately wanting to know who this mysterious person was, she forgot herself and the sound of her feet against dusty floor made both of the men turn to her. Gandalf just watched her with surprised interest while Aragorns forehead turned into a deep frown.

" I was…"
" It is alright, my child", Gandalf spoke before Aragorn could come with a bunch of not so appropriate words for an eavesdropper. " I have a job for you. In the room at the furthest end of this building, there is a wounded man. He needs fresh water and I want you to assist the healer the best you can. Do you understand?"
Nodding fiercely, she was already on her way to the door.

" And forget about this conversation you have overheard. It is so trivial it is not even important."

Bowing deep, she quickly exited before the King could think of a suitable punishment.

***

The healer stood silent by the bed and looked down at the sleeping Elf. His healing ability had already begun to work its magic, but there was still a lot of work left. Just as he was about to leave for some new water a small girl with long dark hair came in with and gave him a bowl of water.

" I was sent here to help you" she said shyly and glanced at his patient. Nodding towards the small table by the bed, he began ripping stripes from an old sheet.

" Put it there. Have you washed your hands?"

The girl nodded and demonstrated by holding out her hands to him. Not being able to hold back a smile, the healer positioned himself next to the bed and instructed the girl in how she should tend to the wounds so they would not heal wrong.

After another hour the healer decided it was all they could do for the day, and the girl looked both exhausted and a little disgusted. It was not pretty wounds.

" We should let him rest, his body takes care of the rest."
During her assistance she had been particularly interested in the Elfs pointy ears and clear skin. Time and time again he had caught her caress his cheek, tracing a finger over his forehead.

" He is distressed" she said as she washed her hands again looking over to the healer. He stopped and frowned, examining the little girls eyes.

" I know. How did you know?"

" I could sense it…" she said, afraid he would make fun of her. " His wounds are deeper still."
" Yes, but they are not visible wounds. His kind cannot take imprisonment, it destroys their souls."

Returning her gaze to the Elf, she stared at him for a long while. The healer sensed her thoughts, and knew well what she was thinking.

" He is an Elf", he explained, laying a hand on her shoulder. Gasping, she put a hand over he mouth and backed away. Increasing his hold, the healer held her steady. " No, he is not dangerous. The King has asked him for help, he is here for us."

The little girls tensed muscles relaxed and she steadied her breath, although the aura around her was still cautious, as if the Elf would jump out of bed and frighten her, in spite of his wounds.

" His is pretty."
" Have you not seen an Elf before?" the healer asked absently as he dried his hand. The answer was already known to him.

" No, but my mother has told stories about them. They have great skills with bows."
" Not just bows, swords and staffs too. And they can make such beautiful things that even a king of Men would be grateful. It is the gift that have been given to them, together with inhuman beauty, an extraordinary faculty of healing and immortality."

" But how can he be so badly hurt?"

The healer felt the girls wits and realized she would understand if he explained it too her, maybe she would even feel for the Elf. But he did not dare to risk the reputation of their King, so he therefore held that part of the truth out.

" His soul is tarnished, and it takes much longer to heal. Sometimes it can take forever for us, and sometimes it never heals. What he needs to recover is love and sympathy, although he would not be pleased for the last. Elves are also a proud race."
Stepping closer and laying her hand on the Elfs, the girl gently pushed some strands of golden hair from his face.
" Maybe that is why the other Elves is coming here." Her voice was thoughtful and she nodded. " Yes, maybe the King has hurt the Elves feelings and they want revenge."
" Maybe" the healer agreed, astound by the girls intelligence. It was so simple that it was possible that the King had not even thought of it.

" Could you watch him while I go speak to the King? I promised I would give him the news of the Elfs health. Do not fear him, he will not harm you if he awakens. Have a glass of water ready, he will have an awful headache. I have been rude, I have not asked your name."
" Iamlin."

" You have done an excellent deed, Iamlin. You should be proud."

Giving him a beaming smile, Iamlin returned her attention to the Elf and the healer left.

***

" Stop appointing yourself as the foe, Aragorn. Legolas unfortunate accident is not your fault. Quit trying to find a way to atone this. He does not blame you."

" You saw him, Gandalf! You saw the agonizing look in his eyes. He does blame me, if it was not for me he would be safe now!"
Shaking his head at Aragorns blindness, he sat down as his legs was starting to ache, not to mention his head. Blind was not the only thing Aragorn was, stubborn also came to mind.

" Can you not appease yourself at the knowledge that he will be the amorous himself in no time?"

" There is no such thing left in him, Gandalf. He is broken, I saw it! There will be a miracle if he can ever forgive me."

" You are underestimating the healings of Elves. Yes, they can die from heartbreak, but given time, they can also heal it. Give Legolas that time, and he will still be yours."
" Why does everybody insist on calling him mine? He would not be happy if he found out."
" But you see him as yours, as do we."

' Are you trying to pick a fight with me, Gandalf?'

Smiling, Gandalf arose from the chair, but before he got further than that, there was knock on the door and the healer stepped in.

" Your highness. I bare the news that your Elf is recovering."

Glaring at the healer, Aragorn nodded, though he was relieved.

" He ought to be, since you are baring the news yourself. Is he guarded?"

" He is asleep and I doubt he will wake before tomorrow, and Iamlin is by his side."
" Iamlin?"
" Yes, the girl you sent to help me" the healer responded, nodding towards Gandalf. " She has shown signs of becoming an excellent healer, giving the proper education." Nodding his approval, Gandalf walked over to the healer with a stern look at Aragorn.

" Give her the education, teach her what she needs to know. I have a feeling we shall need all the healers we have."

Not showing a single sign of surprise, the healer bowed and turned to Aragorn.

" With your consent, my Lord, I have duties to fulfil."

Aragorn nodded and waved his hand in permission. When the healer had left, Aragorn was quiet and grave as he stood by a window, looking down at his city.

" I am responsible for all of these people, and I cannot even sort my own life out." It seemed more like he was speaking to himself, but Gandalf knew that Aragorn needed someone to understand not to admonish.

" If we could sort our own lives, no one would need to be miserable, Aragorn. We all share that burden with you. No matter what you think, you are not alone in this world."
The sigh that Aragorn managed made the thin fabric of the curtain ripple and he leant against the wall.

" It do feel that way. The Fellowship became my family, but to half of them it disappeared when the Ring was destroyed. They went home or just went away. I cannot deny that I miss Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin and their adamant wills and hunger. I miss the dry humour of Gimli and his infatuation with Galadriel."
" And Legolas?"
" Legolas…" The name was spoken with nothing more than a whisper but it held such care that it even moved the worn heart of Gandalf.
" I see your pain."
" I do not understand!? How can I hurt when he is gone, and hurt even worse when he is near?!"
Collecting his belongings and heading for the door, Gandalf decided it was time for the King to make decisions.

" It is the way of love, my friend. 'The ones we love, we chasten'," he quoted and left the confused King to his thoughts.

***

As the day proceeded the city of Minas Tirith lay calm in the middle of the plain, the duties of the day was completed and soon the city would rest. When the sun started to descend, Aragorn made his way over to the room that Legolas inhabited. He had been in his room all day, thinking, pondering, musing, but he had made no progress. All day he had craved to see Legolas again, but he had held himself back, not wanting to disturb his friend's much needed sleep. But now he could not hold back the need, and he stopped outside the door. There was no idea to knock, he would not be greeted anyway, yet he was reluctant to just enter. His problem was solved as the small girl from his room opened the door and looked at him with sleep in her eyes. It took her a while to recognize him.

" Oh, my King, I apologize, I must have fallen asleep!" she seemed so desperate to make amends, that Aragorn could just smile.

" It is nothing wrong with being tired, and you have made an enormous effort today. If you wish you can go home and sleep."
Biting her lip, Iamlin looked over her shoulder at Legolas. " If you would not mind, my King, I would like to stay. Elves are fascinating creatures."
Looking at Legolas over Iamlins shoulder, Aragorn nodded. " They are indeed. Do you wish to inform you parents of your whereabouts? I do not want them to worry." He hoped he did not sound to eager to make her go, but he wanted some time alone with Legolas. Almost as if she hinted his intentions, she smiled mischievously and turned back to Aragorn.
" As long as you say it is fine, they will not mind. But I would like to say goodnight to my little sister."
" Then go, I will guard over him while you are gone."

" I know you will." If he had doubts before about how much she had guessed, he did not now. The healer had been right, she possessed all abilities to become a great healer.

When she had disappeared down the winding stairs, Aragorn closed the door behind him and slowly crossed the room over to Legolas. He looked so peaceful in his sleep, and Aragorn hoped that his mind would stay in peace. Sitting down on the edge of the bed, he let his eyes follow the body's contours under the blanket. Legolas' legs were long and lean and Aragorn had many times envied the Elfs untiring walking, like he owned no fatigue. Arms and upper body was strong and lithe allowing him to draw his bow and wield his swords with tremendous skill. Wondering how nature could form a body like this, Aragorn took Legolas' hand, which was smooth and flawless. His mind began working up images, picturing to himself the rest of Legolas' skin. It was a blessing to love a creature like this, even more to have it love you back. Arwen had shown him all the graces an Elf owned, and he wondered if Legolas could do the things Arwen had. With a physique such as this, it seemed inevitable.

" What was fate's intentions when she crossed our paths", he whispered and stroked Legolas face. The contact between them, however insignificant, made Aragorns body shiver. It was like he could feel the body renew itself, feel the soul tend to the scars that now disfigured it. And in the process, even healing the tormented soul of Aragorns.

" What would I do without you…"

There was a soft knock on the door and he arose from the bed before asking them to enter. Iamlin soundlessly let the door open and stepped inside. Both of them was embarrassed, she being so probably because Aragorn was. This little girl new almost as much as Gandalf about his feelings towards Legolas, and it scared him.

" I should go. If something happens, even if it is in the middle of the night, come find me at once."
" Yes, my Lord. Goodnight."

" Goodnight, Iamlin." He turned to Legolas for a last look, 'Goodnight', and then left.

********************************************************************************************

My, was this chapter long! Somehow I had to get all views in perspective (all except poor Legolas who doesn't have one at the moment) and I had to expand a little since I could not cut out Rains remarkable ideas that fit so perfect with mine. *hugs her Canadian friend* From this chapter on, things will speed up a little, I hope at least, and things may get really complicated. I blame my imagination, though. Kind of like Aragorn…

Rain is on holiday when published and can't write his authors note. Hope you can spare it this time… =o)

// Zierra