A Wolf's Cry

8 of ?

Disclaimer: I do not own one thing that pertains to Lord of the Rings. That privilege lies with the wonderful J. R. R. Tolkien.

Summary: Following Aragorn's fall from the cliff at the Gap of Rohan as they journey to Helm's Deep, Legolas struggles to come to terms with the apparent death of his friend and how it affects himself and all those round him.

Category: Angst (Hurt/comfort)

Feedback: michelemichelecross. or on list.

Thank you to my wonderful Beta Barbara. Also huge thanks to Katy, Terri, Mysty and Deana for their love and encouragement.

Author's note: Set before A Gull's Cry.

Beta's note: Some dialog was taken from the movie. The names Estel/Aragorn and Gandalf/Mithrandir are used pretty much interchangeably.

Sindarin vocabulary

Ada, Adar … Dad, Father

Anor … the sun

Aulë … the Vala concerned with the substance of Arda; rock and metal. Aulë went so far as to create a race of his own, the Dwarves.

Baw … don't, stop, no

Daro ….. Stop, halt

Gwador … brother

Hennad … thanks

Hír, Hír-nin … Lord, my Lord

Ion-nin … my son

Mae govannen … well met (greeting)

Mellon-nin, mellyn-nin … my friend, my friends

Mín … us, our

Mintel … (my creation) A very rare elven medicinal tonic/cordial with stimulating properties. It is a sweet and potent compound of many herbs and a touch of elven magic. Two drops every four hours is the usual dosage, can be doubled at great need. Have dire side effects if over-used. Kept secret.

Navaer … goodbye, farewell

Pellin … fading

Penneth, pennyth … Young one, young ones

Saes … please

Sîdh … peace

Thalion, thelyn … hero or dauntless man, heroes

Westron … Common language, the language of men.

Additional vocabulary …

Pauldrons - armor to protect the shoulders and arms.

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Chapter Nine

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No one moved, they did not even dare breathe, such was their shock at Haldir's words.

"What is here?" Talleth asked and there was a nervous edge to his voice.

"I do not know." Estel admitted. "I can feel something, but I know not what it is."

Mithrandir looked thoughtful. "That is not actually correct, Estel we have both felt this before. We have even stood before it."

"We have?" Estel was confused. Surely he would have remembered something like this?

"Yes we all have, aside from Talleth and Théoden." Mithrandir admitted to them.

"What is it then?" Talleth had never felt quite this uneasy before in his life.

"It is one of Sauron's minions. I can feel the darkness, but as yet I am not sure exactly what it is." Mithrandir was staring at the chamber door as if expecting the thing to come through any minute.

"You have no idea what it is then?" Théoden was looking at him with wide eyes.

"At this moment, to be truthful?" Mithrandir turned to look at them all.

They all nodded and Mithrandir sighed.

"Then no, I only can feel that something is here." He hated having to tell that particular truth.

"What do we do?" Théoden asked, concerned.

"There is nothing we can do until we know what it is we face. We can at least be on the alert. Without Haldir's warning it would be a different matter." Estel answered.

"How do we find out what it is?" Talleth asked, ever practical.

"Keep watch for anything unusual. I am sure this will not help Legolas in his recovery. I wish Legolas were awake. He could tell us what it is, he would know." Estel sounded frustrated.

Gimli suddenly spoke. "Legolas said that the walls were killing him."

"What!" Estel turned to his small friend.

"Legolas said a couple of times that he felt the stones of the Keep were killing him. He seemed afraid of something." Gimli was thinking back and could have kicked himself. Why was hindsight always so clear?

"You are right! I remember that. It was the night we helped him up to see the night sky." Talleth understood the incident immediately.

"Yes it was, that very night, He told us of the new star." Gimli could recall it clearly.

"You should not have taken him. He was, and is, too sick." Estel was not impressed with that at all.

"He needed the fresh air and I was with them." Talleth would never tell them that Legolas had all but begged to see the night sky. He doubted that Gimli would either.

"But still…. He did pass out later, you said that he had." Estel pressed.

"Yes, you are right. He did collapse, but we both know that he would have collapsed no matter what happened." Talleth would not let him guilt him like this.

"Agreed. But he still should have not been allowed to go out in the night air. Valar knows what it has done to him." Estel crossed his arms as he looked at them, doing a wonderful impression of his foster father.

"It did him so much good as well. He seemed to come alive for a short time. He seemed to be so happy and then he saw the star and his heart seemed to break anew." Gimli actually sniffed at the memory.

Estel felt his heart drop at the mention of the despair that his friend had felt at his supposed death, they would have to deal with that when Legolas was well enough.

"Aye, that would not have helped him. I blame Legolas' condition on no one but myself." Estel looked down at his unconscious friend.

"Blame yourself? Stupid human, you were not to blame!" Gimli all but shouted.

"Yes I am. I let the stupid orc catch me and then the warg dragged me over the edge of the cliff!" Estel was still angry at himself over that. Not only had he almost lost his own life but he had lost the Evenstar that Arwen had given him, something he treasured as much as he valued Legolas' friendship.

"You could not know what was going to happen, Aragorn." The voice came from the doorway.

Estel looked up to see Gandalf leaning against the door, watching them all.

Aragorn blinked, he had not noticed that Gandalf had moved! When did he do that? Aragorn sighed. He must be wearier than he had thought.

"What makes you say that? Why have you moved?" Aragorn glowered at the Maia.

"I wanted to observe the corridor and it is the best place to have this." Gandalf held up his pipe. "I thought I would get a bit more use out of this one before Legolas is well enough to strike and hide it once more."

Aragorn had to laugh at that. All three of them in the chamber who smoked pipeweed had been targeted by Legolas and had both pipe and weed stolen, only to be found somewhere they would not already have thought of. Like one of the horse troughs or once, in the case of Gandalf, in the rubbish pile. He had not been happy with that.

But then they could not say with complete certainty that it was Legolas who did this. He just happened to be around whenever the pipes went missing.

"I think I will join you." Aragorn reached for the pipeweed pouch at his waist. At least at the door he could see what was happening with Legolas and Haldir, but he also needed the break.

"Ye do that Laddie and when ye finish it will be my turn." Gimli said with relish, he did enjoy his pipe.

"That sounds good, it will do us all some good to relax." Aragorn had already filled the pipe bowl and stopped to light the pipe with flint and stone as he reached the door.

Gandalf gave him a small smile and then spoke so that only Aragorn and any conscious elf nearby could hear him.

"You are not to blame for all that has happened. Did you know that your hand would get caught in the warg's harness?" Keen blue eyes watched him.

"No, how could I, but I should have anticipated it and taken steps to prevent it." His brother's had taught him to look ahead, to anticipate, but this once he had not.

"How could you have done that? The warg was not near the cliff when you mounted it." Gandalf would not let him continue this. "And do you think that Legolas would have revealed his injuries if you had not fallen?"

Aragorn had to give him that. Legolas always hated admitting to injuries and he could never make Legolas strip, the way his father did, to check for injuries.

"No, Legolas would never willingly admit to being injured. You are saying he would still be injured?" Aragorn looked at the Maia through the pipe smoke.

"Yes, he would. He would not have begun to fade, but even that is not your fault. Your presence here has helped him more than I ever could." The old wizard arched a bushy eyebrow at that.

"He was pleased to see me." Aragorn looked back over to his friend. He would never forget the look on Legolas' face when he saw Aragorn arrive.

"He was certain that you were still alive. We thought he was delusional, but he was adamant that you would return to us." Gimli's voice was gruff. "I am very thankful that yon Laddie was right."

"As am I, Gimli. What do we do about this thing?" Aragorn turned brighter eyes towards Gandalf, eyes that were more settled, some of the guilty feeling fading at their words.

"We do as you suggested, keep a close watch for anything that is out of place or feels wrong. Once Legolas is awake there will be more that we can do. I do not think that this entity plans to strike soon. Although I do think we should be cautious." Mithrandir sounded thoughtful.

Aragorn opened his mouth to say something, but stopped. Then he blinked. Gandalf had said once Legolas was awake, almost as if he knew that Legolas would be awake soon. He felt new hope, his elven namesake burst forth.

"You think that Legolas will wake?" Aragorn turned a wide-eyed gaze upon the grey wizard.

"Yes, Aragorn, I truly believe that Legolas will awaken. You will speak with him again. Then we will both give him trouble over the heartache that he has caused us." Gandalf gave a small impish smile.

"You are quite right there." Aragorn finished the last of his smoke and looked at it regretfully. "I really need to get back to Legolas. I need to see if that fever has lessened any."

"I will join you to see if there is anything that I can do to help either of them." Mithrandir knocked out his pipe and placed it in its usual place in the crook of his staff before walking further into the chamber with Aragorn even as Gimli eagerly took their place.

Aragorn was disappointed when he looked down at his unconscious friend. Legolas was grey and his lips had that faint, blue cyanosed look that spoke of not getting enough air. His breathing was frighteningly shallow. If this carried on they would need to sit him up even higher.

The only colour, apart from the grey, that Legolas had was the bright red fever spots on his cheeks, fever spots that had not been there a while ago. It was more than enough to worry Aragorn.

He reached out to check Legolas' fever, although he knew what he was going to find. He was right as well. Legolas' fever had risen even in this few short hours.

Aragorn looked up, a grim expression on his face. "His fever has risen. Talleth, I need some warm water and a goblet of hot water."

Talleth nodded and went to gather them. He knew what Aragorn needed this for. It was elementary really.

"What can I do?" Gimli had already discarded his pipe. Legolas needed him and it was more important than a smoke.

"Help Gandalf keep him cool." He gestured to where the wizard was already rolling up his sleeves even without being asked.

"Of course." Gimli's voice was gruff with worry as he took the cloth from Aragorn.

"I'll prepare more herbs for him. Watch his breathing." Aragorn was not sure he really needed to say that because Legolas' breathing was already hitching. He would be keeping an even closer eye on that. This could be the beginning of the end, if the Mintel was beginning its insidious work…

"Of course, Aragorn you think it is the Mintel?" Gandalf's quick mind was ahead of them all.

"I hope not." But he could hear the uncertainty in his own voice even as he spoke. With one last look at Legolas, silently begging him to fight, to hang on, he went on to the herb table and began to chop the herbs that he needed.

"If it is, what happens?" Gimli had to ask, even as he accepted the bowl of warm water from Talleth.

Gandalf answered. "His breathing will worsen and he will go blue. We could very well lose him."

Gimli shivered. "I will not allow that! By Aulë! I will not lose my friend." Gimli's heart had dropped at Gandalf's words. It was bad enough that they had lost Boromir, had in all intents and purposes lost Gandalf, only for a miracle to happen, and then the same with Aragorn. Their losses had all hurt, to be truthful, but none had touched his battered heart like the Prince had.

They had started off as the most bitter of enemies, allowing the words of their fathers to colour their perceptions, if they were both honest.

Their last harsh words had been outside of Moria, but then it had changed, although Gimli could not say exactly when or how.

Was it when they had faced the Troll? Or before, when he had found his kin slaughtered and left to moulder as they had fallen? Legolas had tried to comfort him before the battle had started, even if it was just a quiet murmur.

Or perhaps it was in their flight from the Balrog, when Legolas had caught him, preventing him from falling, even if it was at the cost of his beard? Or was it after Gandalf had fallen? He had seen the utter grief and confusion in Legolas' eyes. Yes, Boromir's death had hurt, but the loss of Gandalf, whom Legolas had known before any of the rest of them had been even the most distant twinkle in their ancestor's eye?

Perhaps it was that. The grief, the tears that Legolas had thought he had hidden as he mourned the Maia. Legolas had been unable to speak of the lament that the elves of Lothlórien had sung for their friend. Later, Gimli pretended to be asleep, had accepted Aragorn's prod at his snores, but he had watched with half-closed eyes as the elf had crept supposedly unnoticed from the camp.

But, Gimli had seen, and noted. Once the others had fallen into slumber, he had followed the elf, curious where he could have gone. Gimli found him standing in a small clearing, his back to him.

"I have known Mithrandir since I was an elfling." The soft voice made the dwarf jump. He had not realised that Legolas knew he was there.

"I thought as much. May I join you, Legolas?" He did not even realise that, for the first time since they met, he had called Legolas by his given name and not 'Elf'.

"You are welcome, Gimli. Would you like some ale?" It was then that Gimli noted the two silver jugs and goblets that rested on the silver tray. Legolas had been expecting him all along.

"You knew I was coming?" Gimli had asked, surprise in his voice. How had the Prince known?

"Aye, I could see that you were not really relaxed in sleep, and the trees and wind added their warnings." Legolas just seemed to shrug it off.

"The trees and wind?" Gimli had gaped at him. How could he talk to the wind and trees? Then he recalled overhearing a conversation between Gandalf and Aragorn about it outside of Fangorn as they waited for the horses to return. Legolas himself had said that the trees were old, very old…

"Aye, they talk to me. It was what warned me on Caradhras." Legolas admitted.

"Tell me of Gandalf?" Gimli accepted the goblet from him.

"Mithrandir?" He looked towards the Dwarf and saw his confusion. "That is his elven name, as Estel is Aragorn's."

"Ah, yes. I have heard you mention both." He settled beside the Elven Prince.

"As I said, I have known Mithrandir since I was an elfling. One of my first clear memories is of hiding behind his beard at one of my parents' functions. Glorfindel had frightened me. He looked so big and so scary." There was a sad smile on his face.

Gimli snorted at that. As if anything could scare the elf, how daft.

"I cannot recall how many times he let me do that. Once he even let me hide in his robes, I was so scared." This time a tear trickled down the pale face.

"How old were you?" The impression made Gimli smile. He could just picture a wee blond tot peering from behind robes or beard….

"Five I think… About two in human years. He would blow smoke animals to keep me amused. I think that was how I saw my first Mûmakil." Legolas' voice was soft with remembrance.

"Aye. He did the same with me as a child." Gimli nodded and smiled at his own memories of the 'funny wizard' that would visit the wee dwarflets any time he came to see Glóin.

"After my Naneth died…" Legolas' felt his throat catch. He missed her terribly, even now!

"Naneth?" Gimli was confused.

"Forgive me, Gimli, my mother." Legolas corrected himself to explain.

"Ah." Gimli understood now, but what he did not realise was how unusual it was for Legolas to speak of his mother, especially to a relative stranger… Well, Aragorn would not have believed him.

"I was barely twenty-five when she was taken. Mithrandir was often there whenever I needed to talk about her or needed encouragement. He was always there. What will we do without him, without his guidance?" There was an unspoken 'what will I do?' in there.

"Life goes on Legolas. We all have a quest to finish and we have to do it in Gandalf's memory. We have to finish this for him and Middle-earth… For Frodo." Gimli's voice was gentle and yet encouraging and he found himself blinking. He was encouraging the elf? Talking as an equal? He no longer thought of Legolas as 'the Elf' but now he was Legolas, pure and simple. He felt his heart tighten as he thought how proud Gandalf would be of them. They had done the impossible, and seen past their races, the old enmities, and had seen the person within… Perhaps that had been what he wanted all along. If only he knew…

o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

"Gimli?" The voice seemed distant as he washed his friend down rather frantically. "Gimli!"

That startled Gimli and he looked up. Gandalf peered at him worriedly.

"I was asking if you were alright. You seemed to be lost in thought."

"I was thinking about the time that we, Legolas and I, really talked for the first time. It was in Lothlórien after Moria. After you…" Gimli could not continue.

"I understand. I want to say how proud I am of both of you. I just have not had the chance." Gandalf's voice was soft.

"I thought you would be. He was so sad, Gandalf, telling me about how he hid in your beard as a child." Gimli soothed the sodden hair from Legolas' head. It seemed to be forever sticking to his forehead. It really needed to be washed. Gimli had never seen Legolas anything other than clean, and to see him like this…

Aragorn looked up in shock. They had spoken of Legolas childhood? That was a real rarity and proved that there was trust there. Aragorn was glad. Legolas had few enough close friends that he would talk to about these things, only a handful actually.

"You are most honoured Gimli. It is not everyone that Legolas considers close enough to talk to," Gandalf looked at him kindly. "especially about his childhood."

"I figured as much. I think it was the first time that I truly looked at him and did not think of the pointy ears and the lies that my father had told me." Gimli admitted.

"I hate to interrupt you, but I have Legolas' tea ready." Aragorn was truly sorry. This could be an eye-opener after all. Legolas had not told him that he and Gimli had spoken.

"That is alright, Aragorn. You are welcome in this conversation." Gimli told him hurriedly.

"Thank you, my friend." Gandalf helped Aragorn sit Legolas up so he could give him small sips of the tea. Aragorn was painfully aware that his friend could too easily choke on just the tiniest of sips at present.

Gimli shrugged it off. "For what? I have done nothing."

"You have done more than you give yourself credit for. I thank you for a great many things, one of them being that you and Talleth kept Legolas here and grounded until I could get back." Aragorn concentrated on giving Legolas the drink. He was becoming increasingly worried about the Prince. Gimli missed the worried look that passed between Maia and human.

"This tea will help him?" Gimli went back to washing him down.

"Yes I th…" A sharp nod made him look up, but Estel relaxed when Théoden hurried in.

"How are they?" Théoden spoke briskly

He was soon followed into the chamber by a tall handsome blond Rohirrim they recognized as the King's nephew, Éomer.

"Legolas is not doing as well as I would have hoped. Haldir is sleeping. How are you, Éomer?" Aragorn was pleased to see that the younger man was uninjured and merely looked tired.

"I am well, but sorry to hear of Legolas' illness." He crossed to stand and look down at the thin elf. "What happened to him?" He did not really understand. How could an elf be this ill when they did not fall ill to start with?

Surprisingly it was Théoden who answered his nephew. "He was injured in battle." He turned to Gandalf. "Have you informed his father of what has happened?"

"I sent a message by bird earlier." Gandalf nodded.

"By bird?" Éomer gaped at the grey pilgrim before him.

"It is the method the elves use to send urgent message. I also took the time to send one to Elrond." Mithrandir had thought that was the best thing to do.

"But, by bird? How do they know where to go and who to take the message to?" Éomer could not understand how a bird could do such a thing.

"Birds are far more intelligent than you give them credit for." Aragorn glanced up from giving Legolas the tea.

"They are?" Éomer was eager to hear. His attention, and that of the others, was on Aragorn and Legolas, so they did not see the little wren return through the high window with a flower bud clamped tightly in her beak.

She peered over the lip of the window before flying in, but hesitated at the number of people there were in the chamber.

"Yes they are. Legolas' people usually use eagles, falcons and hawks to fly their messages and we sometimes use ravens. Lothlórien often uses owls. Thus we can identify who sent the message before it lands. Legolas taught the birds." Éomer laughed at that idea.

Legolas had, in fact, simply asked the birds if they would consider doing the task. Many of the birds would do anything for the Prince and readily agreed. Legolas had done the same in each of the Elven Realms when he had visited them.

"Legolas, but, why Legolas?" Éomer was puzzled. He missed his Uncle's grin. He was amused because Théoden knew how shocked he had been personally.

"Because, Éomer, Legolas is one of the only elves in Middle-earth who can talk to them." Aragorn kept the explanation simple.

"You have to be jesting." Éomer shook his head, laughing at how gullible they must think him.

Gimli bristled and would have said something but the wren chose that moment to be brave and flew in through the window down to rest on the bed beside Legolas.

Éomer gaped, his jaw almost hitting the floor as he watched. How in the world had a bird gotten in? Talleth would scream murder just about…

"Hello, Little One, and what have you got there?" Aragorn looked over in time to see the wren place the flower beside the elf's still hand. "Is that for Legolas?"

The wren warbled at him in answer.

Aragorn smiled and nodded. "That is nice. I will make sure he gets it when he wakens."

To Éomer's amazement, the bird seemed to understand every word that Aragorn said to it.

"You were not jesting." It was said simply, without embarrassing himself.

"No, I was not. Legolas can talk to any creature or tree in Middle-earth and knows exactly what they are saying. They warned us about the arrival of the orcs." Aragorn wiped Legolas' lax mouth and put the goblet to one side. He then picked up a limp wrist to check the Prince's pulse once more.

"I wish I could see it." Éomer would never in his life forget how fast Legolas had drawn his bow. He had never seen anything like it. Had he not been so angry, he might have dropped his sword in surprise.

"You may well yet. I am sure that the wren will be back when Legolas wakens." The answering chirp made them all laugh.

"Why is Legolas so special?" Théoden poured them all a goblet of wine and a tankard of ale for Gimli as he asked.

"Legolas has a deep affinity with the world around him." Aragorn did not think that he would understand fully.

He was right.

"In what way? What affinity?" Éomer looked puzzled.

"Let me just say that Legolas is rather unusual, even among the Wood Elves. All in the Royal family are born with a deep affinity and ability to read the forest, trees and wildlife around them." Aragorn was not sure how much he should truly explain.

"They are?" Éomer absorbed that. "I can understand that, but what does that have to do with Legolas?"

It was Aragorn's turn to gape before he realised. "You do not know who Legolas is." It was not a question.

"Yes, he is who you said, Legolas of the Woodland Realm." Éomer was puzzled, who else would Legolas be?

Aragorn flushed. He had introduced Legolas in that manner when first they had met. He had then not changed it "I may not have been totally truthful with you there." He admitted.

"In what way?" Éomer missed the grin on his Uncle's face. Théoden King was enjoying seeing his usually calm and collected nephew wrong-footed like this.

"Well I did not truly introduce Legolas to you fully. You see Legolas is not just a simple elf." Aragorn was not sure how to explain this to the proud Rohirrim before him.

"Then who is he?" Éomer looked from one to the other trying to see what they were hiding.

Aragorn mumbled and Éomer strained to hear him.

"What was that?" He had not caught a single bit of that.

"Legolas is the Crown Prince of Mirkwood." There he had finally said it.

"Oh, is that all? I expected him to be the King's only son or…" Éomer's voice trailed off as he fully understood what Aragorn had said. He went pale. "I beg your pardon?" Surely, he could not have heard what he thought he had heard Aragorn say.

"Legolas is the Crown Prince of Mirkwood, and King Thranduil's only son." Aragorn repeated for emphasis.

Éomer groaned, lowering his head into his hands. He could not believe this. It was far too embarrassing for words. He had held the Crown Prince of Mirkwood at spear point and threatened his life! This could not be happening.

"If it helps you, Éomer, I did not know for some time either. I was rather rude to him as well." Théoden admitted to him.

"That is all well and good, Uncle, but you did not have him held at spear point and threaten his life." Éomer admitted sheepishly.

"You did not!" His uncle sounded scandalised, as well he might.

"I wish it were otherwise, Uncle. As it is, I may have started a war with Mirkwood by my rash actions." Éomer was mentally berating himself. The last thing that they needed now was a war with Mirkwood.

Mithrandir gave a rumbling laugh that Aragorn soon joined. Éomer looked affronted. How dare they laugh at his fears?

"We are not laughing at you, Éomer, far from it. I can tell you that once the three of us had all calmed down and were on our way again after that incident, Legolas found the whole thing highly amusing. He laughed about it and how his father would not believe that he had defended a dwarf!" Gimli nodded at Aragorn's words. He remembered being a bit irritated by the whole thing.

"Besides you gave him Arod. That horse loves him." Gimli added with a disdainful sniff. He and the horse would never get on.

"I am glad. It is unusual for one of our horses to take to another rider. I would love to see Legolas and Arod together." There was wonder in Éomer's voice. "Legolas was not offended?" He had to clarify that.

"No, Legolas was not offended. Forget it, Éomer. I assure you Legolas will think nothing more of it." Aragorn replied.

"But when his father hears..." That was his fear, a real diplomatic incident…

"He will never hear it from Legolas." Gandalf answered.

"He will not?" Pure relief flooded through Éomer and he gave a small smile. "So, why would his father be shocked if Legolas defended a dwarf?"

Gandalf choked back laughter. "You would know instantly if you saw their father's together."

Gimli chortled. "It would be a bit like touching fire to oiled parchment and watching it flare!"

Aragorn agreed, laughing.

Éomer sensed a story here. "Oh?"

"It is a long story and best left for when Legolas can tell his part of the tale as he was actually there at the time." Gandalf looked down at the pale, perspiring elf.

"He was?" Gimli looked surprised at that. "I did not know that."

"Your father was unaware of the connection." Gandalf wiped the sweat away gently. He hated to see Legolas' bright eyes shut like this.

"He kept that very quiet." Gimli grumbled.

"As Legolas will, Éomer, for he will not speak of such things willingly. At least he will not be the one to start the conversation." Gandalf's voice was clear.

"Aye, Legolas can be most close-lipped when he wishes." Aragorn was thinking about the incident with the Uruk-Hai that had carried the torch to set off the explosion at the Deeping Wall. Legolas had blamed himself right away. In Legolas' eyes there was only one person to blame for the breech in the Deeping Wall and that was himself. Aragorn had no doubt about that.

It would take many conversations with Legolas to prove to the Prince that he was not the one to blame. Aragorn had gone back, had seen what was left of the foul creature, not that there was much, but he also knew that Legolas had not missed with any of the shots he had directed at the torchbearer. They all hit true and should have stopped the monster. That they did not was a cause for great worry.

He really needed to talk to Gandalf about that. It would seem that Saruman not just producing orcs for Sauron. That made his treachery all the more angering and damning. They needed to stop him and soon. Could that be why the Ents had come to their aid when even Legolas had believed that they would not?

How and why did Saruman turn, and more importantly when, how much harm had he done? There were too many questions and so few answers to those questions.

Aragorn pulled himself back from his dark thoughts. They would not help Legolas right now.

The others were still talking about Glóin and Thranduil's hatred and he smiled. It was nice to hear an honest laugh come from the dwarf. He turned to mention this to Legolas and what he saw made him start.

Legolas' lips were deep blue and he seemed to be barely breathing.

"I need Legolas sat up high!" His cry startled the others but they were quickly in action to help Legolas.

"What happened?" Éomer was gathering cushions to help keep him upright without one of them behind him. Aragorn ignored his question. He was trying to count the pulse that was almost too erratic to detect.

"Legolas is having trouble breathing." Gandalf's voice was surprisingly calm as he replied.

"Why?" There was such worry in Éomer's voice that Aragorn felt sorry for him, but he did not have time to explain. He would leave that to the others.

He bent to press an ear to Legolas' chest. There was a definite wheeze in there that he was not happy with. The herbs had not helped at all.

He bit his lip as he listened and thought. What could he use that would open up the airway and help Legolas, especially with the few herbs that they had?

"What can you do for him?" Gimli knelt beside his friend, trying to help in any way he could.

"Try and open his lungs, somehow." Aragorn was still thinking hard. They had so little left in the way of medicinal herbs, unless… "Are there any children that can go and hunt for an herb for me?"

"Yes, we can have the older…"

"I will go Uncle. I do not want to take the risk that the young ones may find lone orcs. At least I can look after myself. I can take some of the other riders with me. It would make the search faster and easier." Éomer watched anxiously as Legolas struggled to breathe.

"That is good thinking, Éomer. What do you need, Aragorn?" Théoden was pleased that his nephew had taken charge. Éomer had been so upset at Theodred's loss. And with… what the evil wizard and Wormtongue had done to him… He would never forgive Saruman… never.

"What do we look for?" Now that his Uncle had given his blessing, Éomer was eager to go.

Aragorn looked to Talleth. "May I see your herb books? Do they hold drawings of the herbs and roots?"

"Some, yes, let me get it for you." Talleth hurried from the room, aware that all haste was needed.

"Théoden, does your kitchen hold any stocks of mint?" Aragorn needed to help Legolas now.

"Mint? I am sure we will have stocks of that and other simple herbs why?" Théoden was puzzled. What could a simple cooking herb do to help?

"It well soothe and ease Legolas' lungs. Can you get some for me? It will help Legolas until the herb I need is found and brought to us." Aragorn hated to order the King around but he doubted that either Gandalf or Gimli would leave Legolas.

"Of course." Théoden was of the same mind and would have offered if Aragorn had not asked. "I will return."

As he left the chamber, Théoden looked back, hoping above hope that he would not have to write to King Thranduil with the awful news that his only son had died while in his care. That was not something he would wish to write, let alone receive.

Talleth rushed back into the chamber, a book in his hands. "I have it."

He handed it to Aragorn, watching curiously. He would like to see the herb himself.

"Thank you." Aragorn accepted the book, hurriedly leafing through the pages only to sigh in disappointment. The herb he sought was not listed there. "Talleth, do you have any parchment?" He would just have to draw the thing himself.

"Yes." He hurried over to the King's writing table and came back with quill, ink and pen. "Here."

He watched, fascinated, as Aragorn quickly drew the herb.

"The leaves are green with a purple, toothed edge." He shaded the edge so that Éomer could see what he was talking about. "You have to make certain that the colors are variegated, if they are not, I cannot use it."

"May I take the parchment?" Éomer hoped that he could find the herb and bring it back quickly.

"Of course." Aragorn handed over the drawing.

Éomer was actually at the door before he turned, rather embarrassed, and asked. "What does 'variegated' mean?"

"It means that the leaf has two colors in a distinct pattern, as the picture shows." Aragorn did not smile, did not even find it strange that Éomer did not know. He was, after all, a warrior and not a healer or scholar, why should he know?

"Ah, right, thank you. I will go now and make certain that the others have their instructions. Look after Legolas and I will return with all haste." Éomer promised.

"We will." Aragorn promised. "Just be swift as you can be?"

Éomer nodded and hurried out, closing the chamber door softly behind them.

"What do you think is causing this?" Gimli had slipped behind Legolas to support him and help his breathing. Yes, he could have used the pillows, but at least this way he felt he was doing something useful to help his friend.

"The Mintel." There was no doubt in Aragorn's mind. This was all caused by that tiny green bottle, the herbal tonic that was meant to help Legolas.

"Will he die?" Gimli hated to ask.

"I will do my utmost to prevent that." Aragorn vowed. Gimli nodded, accepting that. Aragorn then looked to Gandalf and the Maia looked to Gimli, seeming to make up his mind.

"Gimli, I must ask that what you see here today you speak of to no one apart from those of us in this chamber, Legolas included." Gandalf peered into Gimli's worried brown eyes.

Gimli had rarely seen the old wizard this dour. It brought home to him how serious this was.

"O' course I promise ye. Can ye help the Laddie?" That was all he cared about.

"I can try." Gandalf then turned blithely to Talleth, who watched them with a curious expression on his face. "Could you get me a fresh pitcher of drinking water? I will have need of it, as will Legolas."

Aragorn nodded. Legolas would be dehydrated with the fever. They would need to make certain that he drank some water when they had him breathing easier once more.

"Certainly." Talleth knew that, out of them all, he was the one who could be spared for fetching such things. "I will be back."

Gimli watched him go before he turned back to Gandalf, just in time to see something glitter on the wizard's ring finger, something that he had never noticed before, yet it was so incredibly bright.

"What is that?" He was startled. He could not imagine how he had missed whatever this was. It shone as brightly as did the fair Lady Galadriel.

"This, Gimli, son of Glóin, is a secret that I have kept for quite some time. Only those I truly trust know about this. You are now counted as one of those." Gandalf watched him closely and saw first shock and then pride cross the craggy face.

"I am?" Gimli could not stop the pride from entering his voice.

Aragorn spoke as he counted Legolas' shallow breaths. "Aye, Gimli, you are. And the first who is not elven, aside from me, to be let into Gandalf's confidence and even among the elves there are only a select few who know."

Gimli's pride increased. "You can depend on me to keep this secret."

"I will hold you to that, Gimli, for this can affect the safety of all Middle-earth." Gandalf was deadly serious.

"You can trust me. I would do nothing to harm any of you." The three before him and the four little hobbits in their Fellowship had become like family to him. They could trust him as he had come to trust them.

"Good." Gandalf smiled at Gimli, but then grew serious again. He held up his right hand and on the index finger sat the bright light that Gimli saw before, the light that reminded him of Galadriel. "This is Narya, the Elven Ring of Fire. I have been her keeper for many years now."

Gimli gaped as the ring flared even brighter as its name was spoken. A Ring of Power, Gandalf was the Keeper of the Ring of Fire? He was in even greater awe of the old wizard.

Once, long ago as a dwarflet, Gimli had caught a glimpse of one of the Dwarven Rings and he could still remember feeling such a deep feeling, a feeling that had never left him… and now he had another one within reach?

Funny, he had never thought nor felt the same about the One Ring that Frodo carried. Maybe the others had, after the Council at Rivendell? He could not say, but after his attempt to destroy the Ring with his axe, he had never felt anything from the Ring. But… this bright light before him filled him with hope that he thought had been lost.

Gimli bowed his rust-colored head. "Thank you for trusting me."

"That is all that you will say?" Aragorn could not believe it. He had expected Gimli to have a tantrum or something, not display this calm acceptance…

"What do you wish me to say?" Gimli asked simply. "Can you help Legolas with it?" That was all that he really cared about. Once they destroyed the One Ring, what would a Ring of Power matter?

"I hope so, Gimli. Through the Ring's power I can speak with the other Bearers of the Elven Rings. Thus I hope to secure help for Legolas." Gandalf admitted.

"You should hurry. I will make it clear to Gimli." Aragorn was aware of just what a short time they may have to work with.

"I agree. I will speak with you later." Gandalf sat back down with a worried glance towards Legolas. He relaxed, closed his eyes and reached for the contact with the others that he had come to rely upon.

"What is he doing?" Gimli asked with interest. He was not sure what Gandalf was doing.

"He is going to contact my father." Aragorn said, without thinking.

"Your father!" Shock coloured Gimli's voice. How could Gandalf contact Aragorn's father? He had been dead for a great many years now.

Aragorn looked up at the Gimli's shocked voice. What had caused him to have such shock? Aragorn thought back to what he had said. What had he done to cause this? He could not think.

"Gimli, what is it?" He eventually had to ask.

"How can Gandalf be talking to your father? He is dead!" Gimli was wide-eyed for once.

Suddenly it all made sense. "My foster-father, Gimli, the elf that brought me up after my parents passed from this world." Aragorn clarified.

"Oh? Oh!" Sudden understanding came to Gimli. "I wish I could meet him. I would praise him for raising you so well."

Aragorn smiled at Gimli's words. His smile widened as he realised that Gimli did not know who his foster father was. He could not help but tease the dwarf. Had Legolas been awake, he would have enjoyed this.

"I will let him know. He thinks Legolas and I get into far too much trouble, and when my brothers join us…" He let his voice trail off and shook his head sadly before he looked at Gimli from the side of his eye. Gimli was still closely watching Legolas and worrying that his friend's breath hitched so badly.

"Brothers? You have brothers?" Gimli's eyes were wide. "I would like to meet them."

"But, Gimli, you have. You have met all three of them." Aragorn grinned madly now.

"I have? When? Why did you not introduce us!" Gimli was indignant.

"You had already met them before I arrived. I thought Ada would have told you. I am sorry." Aragorn actually was very sorry.

"It is not your fault, Laddie. Just tell me who they are so next time I will know." Gimli reassured him. Any family of Aragorn's would be treated like his own. He tried to do that with his friends, although at the moment he really was not sure how he would react to Thranduil. There were many years of hatred bred in him to forget it all at once, but for Legolas he would try.

"Lord Elrond is my foster father." Aragorn stated simply. This talk was helping both of them stop being frantic about Legolas' deteriorating condition.

"Ah, that actually makes sense." Gimli had seen the closeness between the Elf Lord and the man and now that he thought about it, he should not have been surprised.

"I am glad. Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir have been my family for so long. It was joined by Legolas and I hope by you?" It was a tentative request.

"Of course, Laddie! I would be honored." Gimli was more than happy, actually. Then something else made sense. "Elrond has an Elven Ring?"

"Yes, he does, Gimli, as does my foster Grandmother, Lady Galadriel." He had to slip that one in, just to see Gimli's reaction.

"It will never fall from my lips that they do." Gimli had gone a little starry eyed at the mention of the Lady of the Light. He suddenly realised what Aragorn had said. "She is your Grandmother!"

"Yes, Gimli she is." Aragorn smiled at Gimli's surprised expression.

"She is beautiful." The dwarf's voice was little more than a sigh. Then sharp eyes turned towards him. "Does this not mean that Lady Arwen is your sister?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes, but in name only, not by blood." Aragorn's voice was resigned. How many times did he have to go through this with people? It seemed that only four people truly understood his feelings in this matter. Elladan and Elrohir had been uncertain at first, until they had spoken to DaerNana. Whatever Galadriel had said, the twins had changed their minds and gave them both their full blessing.

Legolas had seen the love grow between Estel and Arwen and had been pleased for both of his friends from the start.

When he was told of it, Gandalf had laughed delightedly and told him it was about time.

But everyone else…

"Good. I have seen the way you look at her. I expect an invitation to the wedding, Laddie!" Gimli grinned happily.

Aragorn's heart dropped. There would never be a marriage. He looked away, a bleak acceptance in his eyes. "Gimli, there will be no wedding. Arwen has left Middle-earth. She had sailed to the West where she will live and be safe." He tried to explain to Gimli.

"Love does many strange things, Aragorn. Do not quench your dreams. You will be amazed at what can happen." Gimli was sure of that.

Aragorn closed his eyes tightly. He was unsure how to feel at Gimli's advice. On one hand, he wanted Arwen to be safe from harm and happy as she could be, but he also felt empty knowing she was not here, would never be beside him again. He had been so harsh to her to try and make her understand that in all likelihood they would not return from this Quest yet it had hurt him just as deeply at the same time. No… the important thing was that she was safe. That was all he would think of.

"No, Gimli, this time there will be no miracle. Arwen has sailed and that is the ending of that." His voice was blunt as he turned back to Legolas.

He was breathing no better.

Aragorn startled when Gandalf suddenly sat up with a sigh.

"Gandalf?" There was hope in his voice.

"I have spoken with both your father and grandmother." Gandalf was watching them wearily.

"Are they well?" That was what Aragorn needed to know.

"Yes and both are furious at Legolas for the ridiculous move he made, although they both understood why he did it." Gandalf shook his head .

"What did they say?" They had to be able to offer some aid. They could not just let Legolas die, not like this. Aragorn could not believe that the Valar would let Legolas come through the battle of Helms' Deep only to pass away like this.

"Take heart, Aragorn. Your DaerNana said that her mirror shows that Legolas will continue on Middle-earth for some time yet, even though he is now so very ill. She has seen him dressed in Royal finery, looking very proud." Gandalf had to offer them some hope, after all.

"Really?" Hope shone in Aragorn's eyes. "What was he wearing?" Daft as it may sound, Estel had to know. That way he could match the actuality to a time it may happen within his Grandmother's vision, anything to boost his hope that Legolas would recover.

"Galadriel knew you would ask." Gandalf smiled, Galadriel knew him so well. "She said it is a silver-blue tunic and that Legolas wore his crown."

Aragorn closed his eyes and imagined how Legolas would look, hair unbound and flowing down his back, shining brightly in the sunlight. He could picture Legolas' blue eyes twinkling. It was the type of thing that could keep one going even when you could see nothing but darkness about you. He smiled at the thought.

"What did Ada say?" There was a little more peace in Aragorn's eyes when he opened them.

"That he will personally kill Legolas, when next he sees him, and then give him yet another lecture!" There was a twinkle in Gandalf's eyes.

Both Aragorn and Gimli laughed at that sentiment. They could actually relate to that!

"But he says to continue as we are. He foresaw our need a few days ago and sent Glorfindel with some herbs that should help. All we need to do is keep Legolas with us until Glorfindel gets to us." Gandalf relaxed back when he had passed on the news.

Aragorn smiled. "Good. Ada will help. I knew that he would."

The door opened and Talleth entered with Théoden. Each held the item that they had been sent for.

Théoden crossed directly to Aragorn. "The cook said he has plenty of mint if you ever need more. Is this enough?" He held out the surprisingly fresh leaves to Aragorn.

"That is perfect, thank you. Yes, we may well need more." Aragorn took the fresh bundle and hurried over to the table and began to shred the leaves before using the edge of the knife to draw the fluid from the leaves. Each drop was vital and could be rubbed into Legolas gums and a leaf could be crushed and placed under his tongue. This was the quickest way to get the herbs benefit into Legolas and he could also make an inhalation that would help ease that awful wheeze and occasional hitch that sounded when Legolas breathed.

"I will get some hot water." Talleth had used mint for tea in the past.

"Thank you." It was a relief to have another healer on hand, Aragorn would admit.

Gimli and Gandalf watched them as they worked.

Finally the tea was ready and Aragorn crossed to give it to his friend. Gimli helped while Talleth steeped the leaves to make sure that the herb's essence diffused into the water.

It was ready by the time Aragorn had finished and he took the bowl and held it gently beneath Legolas' nose so that the vapour was inhaled deep into his lungs.

"This will help him?" Théoden was watching them worriedly. He thought that Éomer should be back with the other herb by now.

"Yes, it will help him. That is all we need to do until Glorfindel gets here. Gandalf, can you check Haldir for me? I have not had a chance recently." Aragorn looked to the grey wizard again.

"Of course, Aragorn." Gandalf stood and crossed to the other bed in the chamber.

Aragorn picked up the remaining mint leaves and crushed them between finger and thumb. Then he gently opened Legolas' lax, blue-lipped mouth and placed a mint leaf under his lax tongue.

"Why are you doing that?" Talleth watched as Aragorn gently rubbed mint juice on the blue gums.

"This gets the herb's benefit into him faster than a tea might." Aragorn was not really listening. He was more interested in getting the mint into Legolas and having it work.

"I know that, by why the mint?" Talleth was patient. He knew Aragorn had more than enough on his mind without him getting angry.

"The mint helps to both relax the patient and stops the lungs from going into spasm. See already Legolas' breathing has eased." The hitch when he breathed was not so pronounced already.

"I have never seen mint used like that." There was wonder in Talleth's voice. They only used mint for cooking, or sweetening foul-tasting medicinal teas. He would never have considered using it as a medicine. At least not like this. Mixed with other herbs, yes. But on its own? Oh no.

"It is very good actually. It helps both the patient and the muscles to relax." Aragorn hardly needed to tell them this. They could all feel it as the scent permeated the air.

Whenever Éomer returned Aragorn hoped to have a little extra herb that would help them as well… He had put a small note on the bottom of the parchment asking Éomer and his men to look for kingsfoil. He had very little left and was waiting to use it when it was needed urgently. But if he had more it would benefit them all.

"Haldir is recovering well. He is sleeping now with his eyes half-opened." Gandalf reported as he joined them once more.

"Half-opened?" Talleth looked over with shock at the other elf they were tending.

Aragorn smiled at him. "Elves sleep with their eyes open. They only close their eyes in the direst of circumstances."

"How dire?" He could recall Gimli saying something about this earlier but he had been concentrating on Legolas at the time and not really listening.

"It happens when they are exhausted, injured… or dead." Aragorn's voice was flat as he looked down at his friend. Legolas' eyes were tightly closed.

A warm hand patted his shoulder and he looked up to see Gimli's encouraging visage.

"They will open, Laddie, Legolas will waken." He sounded so sure and Aragorn wished upon hope that he was right, although the deep blue cyanosis of Legolas' lips had eased somewhat.

They would need to give him the mint every two hours until Glorfindel arrived.

"I hope so, Gimli. I do not think I could continue this quest without both of you at my side." Aragorn admitted. Since the Hobbits had been taken, they had formed a cohesive group as the Three Hunters. Not even Gandalf's return had stopped that, if anything, it had strengthened it.

"You will not need to. I have the herbs that you required." The voice spoke from the door.

They turned to see that Éomer had returned with his men.

"You have it?" Aragorn could not hide his relief.

"Yes, we all spread out to search and found what you asked for, both herbs and in plentiful supply. I have never before seen either plant grow in such abundance. It was almost as if…" Éomer stopped unsure how to continue.

"You were meant to find it, with the aid of the Valar." Gandalf finished for him.

"As Glorfindel would say they move in the most incredible of ways." Aragorn murmured "And I for one am very glad for that fact."

"Me too!" Gimli's voice was gruff as he watched the seven humans brought in the herbs that they had gathered.

Soon two large piles of the herbs sat beside each other on the table. Aragorn was amazed, he had never seen so much of either of herbs before, and they were normally so rare. They would have enough to re-stock Talleth as well.

"I need to make the tea for Legolas. Éomer, I cannot thank you enough for finding this." Aragorn grinned at the other man.

"I am glad my men and I went to search and not the children. We came across two orcs still alive, hiding in the ruins like the cowards that they were." Éomer's voice was flat.

"You took care of them?" Théoden looked at him.

"Aye, Uncle, they will not harm anyone else." Éomer was furious that they had been left alive to start with.

"Good, you were not hurt?" Théoden looked at the young man who was now his heir. The last thing Théoden wanted was to lose Éomer as he had Theodred, his son.

"Nay, Uncle I am unhurt. We are all unhurt." Éomer reassured him and then blinked as a refreshing smell permeated the room. "What is that?"

"It is athelas, Kingsfoil, one of the herbs you gathered for me." Aragorn told him.

"But, is that not a weed!" Éomer had not mentioned that earlier.

"No, it is actually a very potent herb used much by the elves in healing. This will help Legolas as much as the other herb. Once I have given him the thuioladin galas he will be able to breathe better. We can give it and the mint two hours apart and that will keep his spasms under control." Aragorn explained as he chopped the herbs that had been found for Legolas.

"What does it do?" Éomer sat forward, greatly interested in what he had been sent to search for.

"It blocks the body's reactions against certain problems. The Mintel is attacking Legolas' lungs. This and the mint will stop that to a certain degree." Aragorn mixed the herb into a paste. He was going to give this in two ways, as a tea and under the tongue in a ball that would dissolve.

"I never knew herbs could do that!" Éomer looked to Talleth for confirmation.

"The elves use this all the time as well." Aragorn looked up. "I have already written to my foster father to ask that some elven healers come to aid you until your people are recovered from this battle. They will help Talleth learn about elven healing as well."

"Thank you, Aragorn. I doubt that I could ever thank all of you enough for what you have done for my people." Théoden's voice was sincere.

"You have done as much for Legolas and Haldir. You have given up your own bedchamber for them both." Aragorn corrected him.

"It is the least I could do when Legolas and the others fought and risked so much for us." Éomer looked down at the Prince. "He really was magnificent in battle. I have never seen a shield used in the manner Legolas used during the height of the battle."

Gimli and Aragorn looked at each other. This was news to them.

"What did he do?" Gimli asked.

"He used it like a tray to glide down the steps." Théoden shook his head. "The shield then even killed an orc!"

"He used a shield!" Gimli could not help but repeat.

"Yes, he used a shield like a tray. I have never seen one so elegantly used either." Théoden grinned at Éomer. "Éomer tried to ride a tray down the steps once as a child and broke his wrist. I think that has put an end to that activity, until now!"

Éomer blushed bright red. "I was ten... and it was a roasting tin."

"So was mine!" Théoden laughingly admitted and they all looked at him in shock. "I was a child once too!"

"I remember that." Gandalf chuckled. "The cook was in uproar!"

"Yes, he was, and Father was not impressed with me, but at least we did not try to do so while firing arrows." Théoden laughed again.

"Is that what Legolas did?" Aragorn was impressed. He had thought that seeing Legolas riding the troll was impressive enough. But, oh, what he would have given to see that!

"Yes, and he took out five orcs with arrows and then one with the shield. I would not be surprised if we hear the children have been trying it. The soldiers were discussing it earlier." Théoden shook his head fondly.

"I would like to have seen that." Gimli's voice was gruff. He was coming to the conclusion that Legolas may have been a little conservative with his score after the battle.

"You may one day, Gimli. There is more fighting to come." Aragorn promised him. He was now thinking that Legolas could come through this and live. Galadriel had said as much.

"Yes. The foul orcs will rue the day they followed Sauron or Saruman." Gimli fingered his axe fondly.

"I agree. But, for now I need to give Legolas this tea. Once he is more settled, I want to rebandage his wounds and make sure that his back is healing." Aragorn shuddered at the memory of the damage to his friend's back.

"I will help you." Gimli turned to help sit Legolas up only to stop at the sight of a thin sliver of blue that shone from behind eyelids that were opened just a crack. "Laddie?"

They all turned at the hope in Gimli's voice.

"Legolas?" Aragorn pressed through the others to reach the side of the bed and check his friend.

"He is still unconscious, Gimli, but this is a good sign." Aragorn could hear the disappointment in his own voice. He had hoped for one second…

Gimli almost sagged with relief, but Gandalf sat up straighter as if suddenly galvanised by what he had heard.

"He is doing better?" Gandalf pressed.

"A little better, it is certainly a step in the right direction. If I know Legolas, he will soon be doing something equally as daft as riding the shield very soon. It is a wonder I have any hair left after some of the things he has done to make me wish to pull it from my head." There was a rueful smile on Aragorn's face.

"He has done things like this before?" Théoden wanted to know more about this enigmatic Elven Prince he had found himself growing to like quite well. He had not wanted to like him at first, but that had soon changed on the way to Helms' Deep.

"Legolas has done many things to age his father or others who care for him." Gandalf answered while Aragorn gave the Prince some fresh water. His lips were beginning to dry and crack a little with his fever. He would have to treat them with some athelas paste. "Where do you think Aragorn got his idea to mount the warg from?"

Aragorn blushed at that, recalling that incident all too well, not really wanting to go into it, as well Gandalf knew.

"Oh? What did Legolas do?" It was Gimli that had to ask, it just had to be.

Aragorn decided that he would provide the answer in an effort to try to save his own blushes. A little creative spin on the story would not be too bad.

"We were once cornered by some orcs and wargs while traveling back to Imladris. We saw that the only way out was to mount the warg and kill its rider, who also happened to be the leader." Aragorn warmed to his new and much improved tale. "Legolas decided that it was best that he be the one that tried this." Well, he had been injured at the time, even if it was only a sprained ankle.

Gandalf coughed at that, eyes twinkling lips twitching. He knew very well what Aragorn was trying to do. He could only shake his head, highly amused.

Aragorn pointedly ignored him. "Legolas successfully mounted the warg and killed the leader, but many of the orcs rounded on him and he would have been killed had I not been there."

This time Gandalf did laugh. "They only turned on him because a certain someone sitting very closely to me at this precise moment called out his name and made them all turn!"

Aragorn had the grace to blush. He had only been seventeen at the time and terrified for his best friend. He had not meant to draw attention to Legolas. Luckily, his brothers and Glorfindel had been close by on their way back from patrol and had waded in to help them.

Amazingly, they had not had more than a few scratches and Legolas had killed many orcs just with his bow and arrow before sinking his twin blades into the warg's back.

"We got away uninjured." Aragorn protested, indignantly.

"For once." Gandalf replied, a knowing smile on his face.

Aragorn sighed. Why did the oldies always have to say things like that? It was hardly as if he and Legolas went out searching for orcs or other sorts of trouble. It just seemed to find them.

"Gimli, Éomer, would you help me move Legolas onto his side? I need to look at his back." Aragorn ignored Gandalf. He would not rise to his teasing.

"Of course, Aragorn. What do you want us to do?" Éomer was eager to help.

"Just roll him onto his side and hold him upright. Talleth, can you take off the bandages? I want to mix some of these herbs." Aragorn pointed to the table.

"Of course." As they worked slowly and methodically, Talleth looked up, one spot had dried and stuck to the bandage so he was gently soaking it off. "You never did finish your tale did you? The one about the time Legolas hid his injuries?"

"No, there was more to think about with Legolas. I will finish this and make certain both he and Haldir are alright and then, maybe, over some food, I will get to finish it for you." Aragorn had not even looked up from preparing the herbs, peppermint to help with infection, athelas, yarrow and thyme to aid it. Legolas needed all the help they could give him.

"I would like that." Gimli was happy at that idea. "I will tell Éomer the tale, up to where we are in the story, so that you can be ready to go."

Aragorn nodded then concentrated on preparing the herbs that Legolas would need. He was comforted by the soft bur of Gimli's voice and Éomer's shocked exclamations as the story warranted.

He could understand that sentiment. Legolas really seemed to like taking things to the edge. Seeing him standing on the head of the troll in Moria had been awful, although he had been too busy to be able to do anything about it. Then he had been thrown against the wall and all had gone just a little fuzzy for a time. When he had cleared the mist and confusion from his head, it had all been over and the troll was dead, felled by one of Legolas' arrows, naturally. But... Frodo had lain so frighteningly still on the floor then…

Aragorn could not stop a shiver as he remembered seeing the young Hobbit so still. It was one memory he could well do without. But it paled at the joy of seeing the mithril undershirt that he had been wearing! He had been as relieved to see that as he had when Legolas recovered from the orc wounds.

The herb was cut as finely as he could get it and his knuckles were white through from trying to fight back the memories. He wished he knew where the four little ones were now. He could only hope that they were safe and well this eve.

He quickly made the paste that he would need for Legolas' wounds then he set some of the herb aside for some tea. He was doing anything he could think of to help Legolas fight this infection as well as the Mintel poisoning. He set some of the leaves into a bowl and was startled when gnarled old hands took the bowl from him.

He had been giving it his sole attention while his thoughts wandered, but looked up startled now. Gandalf gave him a small smile. The others were seeing to Legolas and none of them realised that Aragorn and Gandalf were otherwise occupied off in a corner of the room.

"I will see to that for you. You see to Legolas. He needs your help, Penneth." His voice was so soft and gentle it reminded Aragorn of when he had been a child and the Maia had visited Imladris.

"I know, but…" Aragorn bowed his head. How could he admit this?

"But?" Gandalf inclined his head to look kindly up into Aragorn's lowered face.

"I am frightened, Gandalf. Afraid of what I will find when I go and remove the last of the dressings. Scared of what the Mintel is doing to Legolas." There he had admitted it.

"I can understand that. We are all worried about that. Well those of us who fully understand what the Mintel can do to a person." Gandalf admitted.

"You too?" Aragorn was amazed.

"Yes, Aragorn, me too. Just because I have more age and experience to fall back on does not mean that I am not capable of being scared about something. I bounced both of you on my knee when you were small and you both scare me rigid at times." Gandalf was serious.

"But you do not want to hurt him. I am terrified of hurting him." It was a simple admission.

"Again, that is understandable." Aragorn felt relief wash over him as he heard the Maia speak. "I would not want to either. And you will not. Legolas can not feel what you are doing. We both know how the Mintel works on the nerves. Legolas will not feel any of what you are doing and you have given him all the pain herbs that you dare, I know."

Aragorn smiled at that. "I have indeed. But… the thought of Legolas in pain worries me more. How do I know if he is in pain?"

Gandalf smiled at the young human, so worried for his friend.

"Take a deep breath and think on these questions very little. I want an immediate answer. What happens when a person is in pain?" Gandalf asked him. He knew that Aragorn knew. He just needed to be reminded.

"Their breathing increases and their pulse goes up." Aragorn answered swiftly.

"Yes, and if that happens?" Gandalf was pleased.

"Then I stop and make sure that he is alright and, once calm, carry on gently." There was more confidence in Aragorn's face, the sudden hesitation gone. "I do know what to do, do I not?"

"Yes, Aragorn, you know, and you have known all along. You are letting your love for Legolas, the same as your love for your brothers, stop you from helping him. Think how your Ada feels when you are injured or sick. How does he feel? Do you think he feels any different than you felt a few minutes ago?" Gandalf understood more than Aragorn realised about how the young man felt.

"No differently, I expect. Actually more… I am his son and Legolas is as good as another foster son. It must hurt him as well at times." Aragorn had never thought of it that way before.

"More, much more. I have seen Elrond go until he was out on his feet to look after the pair of you. I have seen him sob over one or both of you if he had to hurt you, even if you were unconscious. But the most I have seen him do, the furthest I have ever seen him go to help one of you was when Legolas was just an elfling, soon after his mother had died." Gandalf sighed at the awful memory of that time. He was not sure that Aragorn had ever been told of it. They rarely talked about it.

"What happened?" Interested grey eyes turned to him and Gandalf could have groaned at his own stupidity. He had been right. Aragorn had not been told of that particular time and how many times they had come within a hair's breadth of losing Legolas, so many times in such an agonisingly short amount of time.

"It is a long tale, perhaps better left to another time when both your Ada and Legolas can join in." Gandalf had that maddening twinkle that told him that he knew more than he was letting on.

"I would like to hear this tale, but perhaps you are right. I must see to Legolas now." Aragorn's resolve was firm now, which was what Gandalf had been hoping for.

"Then let me get this Athelas ready and you can begin." There was approval in Gandalf's voice and a look of pride on his face as Aragorn nodded all business.

Aged hands quickly crushed the herb and placed in the hot water.

Éomer looked up at the smell a look of wonder in his eyes. "What is that? It is beautiful."

"It is the Kingsfoil that you brought me." They had all relaxed once more with the wonderful smell.

"I would never have believed that a weed could be so heartening." Théoden was as amazed as his Nephew at how the herb made him feel rejuvenated.

"The elves use it constantly." Gandalf told them.

"Did you know about it, Talleth?" Théoden turned bright eyes to his healer.

"No, but I want to learn everything I can about the herb lore of the elves, it would be good to know." Talleth was a bright healer who would do all he could for his patients.

"Good, we will make sure that we do." The hint of the 'we' was not lost on any of them and only Gimli was not totally sure what he was alluding to.

Théoden would have his warriors taught what to do. Anything that would help when injured was a step in the right direction.

"Good, that will help as well." There was sadness in Talleth's voice, by the time they had returned with Theodred it had been too late to help him. The wound had been deep and he had lost far too much blood for Talleth to be able to do anything other than keep him pain free and comfortable. If they had more to hand at the time could he still be alive and with them now recovering? Talleth did not really think so, but he could also not be totally sure…

"Are we ready?" Aragorn's voice was grave as he interrupted them not realising that they were pleased to have that interruption.

"Aye." Gimli replied rolling his sleeves up and willing to do anything to help.

"I must warn you that the wound may be very bad. I do not know what we will find when Talleth lifts up the last of the bandages." Aragorn did not pull any punches.

"We are ready and fully understand, Aragorn." Théoden was cradling Legolas' head gently against his chest, making sure that he was comfortable. Gimli was gently washing the pale face once more.

"Thank you." There was real sincerity in Aragorn's voice as he turned and nodded to Talleth who reached for the bandages…

How Aragorn kept his composure when the bandages were removed he did not know. For the wounds were in far worse a state than he had been expecting.

The Mintel was indeed doing its best to kill the Elf.

"I need to make certain that all of the exudate is removed." Aragorn was no longer the worried, nay terrified friend he was instead the healer given the task of saving the Elf's Life.

"How could it get so bad in such a short amount of time?" Gimli was aghast.

"A mixture, Gimli. Infection and the Mintel. But we can still fight this. Gandalf, I will need a lot of Athelas water and paste. Lots of paste to cover the wounds with. And a tea. Legolas will need Athelas tea above all else." Aragorn was already thinking ahead as he washed his hands ready.

The Mintel may have a hold on the Prince and it may think it was winning… but Aragorn would not it do so without the greatest of fights and looking at the others, even Éomer, he could see that they felt the same.

He gently but firmly wiped away the old cream that he had spread over the wounds. The infection was deep. The wounds raised and puckered as the swelling put pressure on the sutures. If this continued they would not have the sutures in place for very much longer and he would need to pack the wounds.

The exudates smelt as well and put Aragorn's already heightened senses on the alert.

"I will ready more of the herbs for you." Talleth was also willing to help, he liked the prince and the sight of the deep infection set his own heart thumping. He had only seen wounds this bad once and his patient was not alive six hours later. He did not want this to happen to Legolas.

"Thank you, Talleth, I would appreciate that since I will be keeping Gandalf busy mixing those herbs." There was no jest in Aragorn's voice, just the plain cold truth.

"That is also why I offered." Talleth admitted as he picked up the washed herbs.

"Again, thank you." Aragorn gave him a small smile. The healer impressed him more and more.

"What do you want me to do?" Éomer was the only one of them that really had nothing to do and he felt a little extraneous in this hive of activity.

"Please keep an eye on Haldir for me. He was beginning to run a temperature earlier and I need to know if it rises at all." Aragorn had seen Gandalf keeping a close eye on that as had Talleth but now they were occupied with Legolas that could well slip by them and he did not want that happening.

"Of course. Does he need to have some fluids?" Éomer had looked after the sick and injured colleagues and friends of his in the past and he knew what a fever could do to a person.

"That would be perfect and let me know if he begins to waken?" It should be soon at that from the way Haldir's eyes were opening more and more.

Aragorn was just pleased that Haldir would be here for Legolas to see and speak to the minute he woke up and was coherent.

It took almost an hour for Aragorn to clean and redress the wounds on Legolas' back alone. It was that big a job. Once the bandages were replaced he stepped back, He would not be proud. He admitted he needed a short break before seeing to Legolas' leg.

"Have a rest." Gandalf knew this had to be hard on Aragorn, but he also knew that even Elrond could not go straight onto seeing to the leg wound.

"I may have to." Aragorn was weary, very weary. He looked towards the window to see that darkness had fallen, hopefully that would mean that Glorfindel would be nearer to reaching them. He could hope anyway.

He did not refuse the hot tea that Talleth passed to him, indeed he had not even been aware of it being made, such had his attention been on his friend. A little wine would have been nice and more than welcome, but he would not risk it, that would be saved for later. Legolas needed him to have his wits about him, not dulled by both exhaustion and alcohol.

"Thank you, Talleth. I really appreciate all you have done for us. I know that you will be welcome to visit Rivendell any time, Ada will be most eager to meet you I am sure." Aragorn would give his father a message about just what the young human healer had done for them all, not just Legolas. "I would not be surprised if you also either have a visit from King Thranduil or an invitation to Mirkwood at some point."

Aragorn hid a smile at how pale Talleth had become. "G… go to Mirkwood? But the Elves eat chil…" Talleth stopped and could have groaned. "Another story to scare the children?"

Aragorn laughed and nodded. "Indeed it is just so. The elves of Mirkwood are among the merriest that I have ever known and I have known many! They will hold festivals at the drop of a hat and their singing is second to none. When that happens I will travel with you as will my brothers and father in all likelihood."

Talleth nodded, not noticing the way Aragorn said when and not if.

Aragorn sighed, that would only happen if they defeated Sauron, still they had to have hope.

"I believe I will join you." Gandalf told them and Talleth relaxed even more. If the White Wizard was going then they would all be safe. He was sure that Gandalf would let nothing happen to him. "It would be good to see my old friend again."

Of course they would have to take Legolas back with them and Gandalf was sure that Legolas would insist that a certain someone else came with them and that he had to see!

"Thank you. How is Legolas? I know the wounds are bad and the infection huge, but how is he?" Talleth could see that in all events Legolas was not doing well, to have the wounds look like that…

"Actually better than I feared." Aragorn gave an exhausted sigh. "He has come through the first day and that is something. We have one day to go, one day until I will be able to say with any confidence that he will be able to survive this."

They all sighed with relief at his words. They were half-way through the deadline, half-way there. They all had to work still, but that they would gladly do.

Aragorn finished the tea and stood once more feeling a little stronger and more able to go ahead with this. He would finish treating Legolas' leg and then he would make certain that Haldir was stable. Only then would he get some sleep. He had to, or he would collapse and how would that help them?

"Talleth, can you take down the bandage on Legolas' leg while I wash my hands in athelas?" Aragorn turned exhausted eyes to the healer.

"Of course, Aragorn, you know you only need ask and I will do whatever I can." Talleth quickly washed his own hands and began to work as Aragorn scrubbed at his own hands.

By the time they were ready and the wound exposed, Aragorn knew what to expect, the exudates had dried on the bandages and caused them to stick to such a point that they had to soak them off.

Aragorn was dismayed that the wounds were in as much a mess as the back wounds were and would need as much gentle care. This was all due to the Mintel. Once Legolas was better and over the lecturing he was sure to get from just about everyone (and quite rightly too was his thought) then he would also be speaking with Legolas about just what Mintel did to wounds that were already present. Oh yes, he and Legolas would be having many talks.

He washed and redressed the wounds before standing back. Then he moved to Legolas' head and bent down.

"You can rest for now, mellon-nin, but know we are all here and aiding you. If you hear snores it is Gimli he is as tired as all of us although I doubt he will admit as much." He had to smile at Gimli who nodded and snorted his reply. The Dwarf had no doubt that he would be snoring. He always did when he was asleep.

Aragorn straightened and crossed to the next bed, he gently picked up Haldir's left hand and was pleased to find it cooler. Not completely free of fever, but cooler.

"How is he?" He asked Éomer.

"He has groaned a couple of times and I thought he was waking but he has not done so just yet." Éomer informed him.

"Good, it should not be long then. His pulse is better." Aragorn reached to rest the back of his hand against the pale forehead. "Yes, his fever is lower. That is good. Can you continue watching him? I need to get some rest." Aragorn admitted awkwardly.

"I am not surprised. You have not paused since the fighting stopped, what with one thing and another." Éomer conceded. But then which of them had? It had been all go since the battle's end. Equally they had not fallen from a cliff and almost died and then ridden for days to warn them of the fell army that was heading their way?

If any one deserved to have the time to sleep, it was Aragorn.

"Of course I will stay with Haldir. Go and rest. We will watch over both Haldir and Legolas." Éomer reassured him.

"Thank you, my friend." He crossed to look at Legolas once more. "You will call me if I am needed?"

It was an unnecessary question to ask. "Yes, we will waken you, Aragorn. Now go and rest." Gandalf spoke for all of them.

Aragorn nodded and then with one last look at Legolas headed over to the chair that was drawn up by the fire.

He was stopped by Théoden "Where are you going?"

Aragorn looked up, puzzled and already more than three-quarters asleep. "To get some sleep." Was that not obvious?

"The surely the bed that has been prepared for you would be much more comfortable than the chair?" There was amusement in Théoden's voice as he smiled at the exhausted ranger. Aragorn really was out on his feet.

Aragorn flushed at the gentle reminder. All his tired brain could think was that it was a chair to rest his aching feet and back. With an abashed grin, he changed direction and headed to the bed that had been set up near Legolas. With a tired sigh, he sank onto the comfortable bed and, without even removing his boots or outer tunic, curled onto his side so that he could see Legolas. He wanted him to be the first thing he saw when he woke…. With a sigh he closed his eyes….

O-o-o-o-o-o-o-o

Éowyn walked through Helms Deep observing the work that was on going around her. The bodies had been removed and fallen weapons gathered so that they would not be a danger to the children that were now running around either playing quietly or doing chores for their parents.

The largest holes in the walls that would cause the most danger were being hastily and temporarily repaired so that they would be safe in case of some unforeseen attack.

She looked around and tried not to smile. They had struck deep and hard, and while not the victory that Sauron and Saruman wanted, it had gone a long way to help with their plans. It would take a long time for the people of Helm's Deep and Edoras to recover from this.

"My Lady." One of the guards nodded and greeted her as she passed and she vaguely nodded her acknowledgement.

The next plan was the fall of Gondor and all that opposed them there. That would cause Aragorn pain, but he did not seem to really care that much. Once Gondor fell they could see to the rest of Middle Earth and she could have her reward. What she had been promised. What Sauron had seen deep within her when Wormtongue had 'spoken' with her before the arrival of Gandalf. If only he had not arrived when he had…

At least she assumed it was Sauron, he had not really said. He had just felt like Sauron should feel to her mind.

She had thought that Wormtongue was evil, that he made her skin crawl. Especially after Theodred's death. She had sworn never to speak with him again if she could help it. And then he had asked for her forgiveness and explained that he was doing his Master's bidding, but that he liked her, really liked her.

As he had been speaking something had caught her attention, something that she could not say what it was. Once looking in his eyes she could not look away. Even if she had wanted to, which she found that she did not want to.

"You need to look into this…" Wormtongue's voice was beguiling and soft. Almost persuasive and she found herself looking at a large black ball.

It flared and she was lost… so utterly lost. He needed her to help him and help him she would.

First was to get rid of the fool of an Elf that had been a thorn in his side for so many years. So many times he had stopped her Lord's plan. Well no more. That was the one thing he wanted above all. Legolas dead. Then Aragorn would falter and be hers. Then, also Mirkwood would be his. Thranduil would not fight once his son had died.

"Lady Éowyn." A young maid curtseyed and she blinked. She was almost at her destination and she had not even known!

"Thlina, how are you?" She smiled at the young woman she had known for years.

"I am well, Elmund survived uninjured." There was relief in the young woman's voice. The fear of being a widow when she had their first young one on the way had not helped her during the fight.

"I am glad. Uncle had asked me to check the stores, so that we know what has been destroyed in the battle." Éowyn smiled again and Thlina did not notice that her eyes remained cold. This had been her explanation if anyone asked her what she was doing near or in the Crystal Caverns that had been their refuge.

"I am glad that they all survived. I must get on. We all have so much to do." Thlina bowed once more before leaving.

"Yes we do. All of us." Éowyn's voice was cold as she made for the wooden door that stood between her and the caves. There was no one about as she slipped in the open door and gently closed it, using her key to lock the door behind her. She did not wish to be disturbed.

The caves sparkled with their magical seeming light. Normally they transfixed her with their beauty, but today she ignored them and made her way down to where the river flowed through them. The damage that the blast had been caused had not seemed huge at first, but after the battle was over they had realised that it had severely compromised the wall as well. It meant that there was another way into the Keep and she had helped 'enhance' it so that it was bigger than it had been when she came back after the battle, as she had been instructed to.

A black shadow seemed to fill the area and she shivered subconsciously. Éowyn looked up at the creature.

"You are late." The voice was deep and cold.

"I ran into someone outside and thought it best to act normally." Éowyn told him in a small voice.

"Were you seen?" The creature asked her.

"No, there was no one about other than her." Éowyn found she could not meet his eyes.

"Good. I will not tolerate stupidity and neither will my Lord." The creature towered over her and she did not like that or him.

"I have not been stupid." She felt very threatened and for the first time was beginning to think this was not such a good idea.

"See that you do not." There was real menace in his voice. "What have you learned? Is the Elf dead?"

"I will." Éowyn gulped. "I have learnt nothing they have said nothing about their plans for the future. The Elf is still alive, but barely." She almost spat out that admission.

"He is to die." The voice was like ice.

"He does not look as if he will last much longer." That at least was true. Legolas looked as if he would pass any minute and the way the others were acting, even her Brother. It was rather sickening.

"He will not. You must give him this." He handed over a small brown package that was tied with some sort of twine.

"What is it?" She took it and asked with interest.

"Something that will make sure that the Elf will never leave his chamber. There is a bottle within. You will make sure that he gets at least one dose of it. He is so weak that should be the last he will need." The creature sounded smug.

"What is it? What fluid?" Éowyn really wanted to know what she was giving to Legolas and what to look for.

"The least you know the better it will be for you. Just make sure that he drinks it." The creature directed coldly.

Éowyn nodded and she knew better than to ask for more information. "I will. Will I see you again?"

"Yes, I will be around and you will know when I require you." The cold voice seemed to echo in the cave. "I will see you when you task is finished. Go."

Éowyn did not need to be told twice, she was out of the cave faster than she would have thought possible.

Outside she closed the door and settled back with a sigh against the door. She did not think she had ever been as terrified as she had just been. She had no idea who that black creature was. She just prayed that she did not have to meet him again or at least in unhappy circumstances.

She straightened and brushed her hair down with one hand and then hid the package in her skirt folds, that way she would not be asked any awkward questions.

Them she hurried to her own room. She would have privacy there while she formulated her plan.

Éowyn nodded to the men and women as she passed them, making sure that she had not the time to stop and chatter with them. What would she say to the silly little people anyway? They had nothing in common.

And then she was there, closing the door behind her. Here she could relax and be herself.

The mask fell away and cold, old eyes looked out from an equally cold face. There was none of the warmth that the people of Edoras knew. That Éowyn seemed to have vanished suddenly, within a blink of an eye.

Éowyn grinned and crossed to the window, sitting down to look out for a moment before removing the package from the folds of her skirt.

Eagerly she ripped open the package discarding both onto the floor without another glance. There was another who would clear that up.

Inside the small wooden box was an equally small bottle. She looked at it puzzled, what in the world could be so important about a small bottle of fluid like this? It must be potent, whatever it was.

She opened the bottle and sniffed the opening. Éowyn shrugged, the scent pleasant enough, but how would this small amount of fluid kill a full-grown elf?

This was getting more curious by the minute. The bottle was certainly pretty. She would keep it when this deed was done.

Éowyn turned it in her hand to see the bottle fully. There was a small label on it, but the writing was in a style that she could not read. What human could read that awful script? Not her certainly.

Now she had to get it to Legolas and make certain he drank it. She was not sure she could do it. Aragorn had told her to stay away from the foul creature. Still… she had time to think and perhaps she would think of something.

If she had been able to read the label, she would have had the satisfaction of knowing just how deadly the bottle of fluid was to that certain Woodland Prince.

For the elegant and flowing elvish script translated to one word. Mintel…

To be continued.

Mweahahahahahahahahahaha coughs. Sorry I couldn't resist that!

I hope you like this. Please let me know what you think? More soon I promise and a much more cohesive explanation about what is happening with Eowyn...

Love,

Shell