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Aragorn insisted on remaining on watch as the remainder of the company rested beside a pitiful fire in their small cave. They all huddled together for warmth, as Aragorn sat just beyond the mouth of the cave. He was not tired, he was itching to continue their climb. Legolas was up there alone.

The raindrops fell harder, soon developing into icy pieces of hail. Gandalf, Boromir, and the remainder of the Fellowship was right when they insisted they seek shelter. Though Aragorn was adamant on finding his friend, he knew that no soul could survive such weather while climbing the Jagged Crossing.

A scuff outside made Aragorn alert. He sat upright rigidly, his hand on his sword tightening with attention.

After a few seconds of just hearing the pounding rain, the sound resumed. Aragorn's heart soared with wishful thinking, as his thoughts rain wild with emotion.

"Legolas?" he called out to the rain.

There was no reply.

Aragorn slowly approached the entrance, calling again, "Legolas? Are you there? Speak to me."

A light groan was carried by the wind. Aragorn's eyes widened in urgent worry, as he charged out into the downpour.

"Legolas!" he shouted, turning in all directions wildly, "Legolas! Where are you? Show yourself!"

He turned towards the cave, and was face to face with beings that were not his Elf friend. Four creatures of Mordor closed in, Orcs of the scouting pack who tricked Aragorn into exposing himself and his company's location.

"You fool!" one Orc smiled with rotten, yellow teeth, "Prepare to meet your death!"

The Orc jumpde towards Aragorn, weapon at the ready. Aragorn was just able to dodge the blade at the last second. He fell to the rocky floor as the rain dripped down all around them. His clothes were soaking, the wind was forceful, and the rain was blinding him.

He held his sword up to defend himself as the four Orcs surrounded him.

"A Ranger!" another Orc snarled, "You will meet a most unsavory end from my blade!"

Aragorn's sword was still held before him, trying to keep the approaching Orcs at bay, "Stay back!" he shouted, "Do not come any closer!"

"There is no use, Ranger, you, your Elf, and the rest of your company will perish!"

All four Orcs leapt at Aragorn.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Legolas' eyes opened to see water dripping from the rocky arc of the cave's entrance. The rain had stopped. The grey clouds were lighter in color and the heavy winds had died down. The sun started poke out into the sky, casting its glowing rays across the valley.

The Elf sat upright, swallowing his pain. He must have been unconscious for hours, yet it could have been days or minutes and he would not have known.

The Orcs had not found him, or else he would already have been slaughtered.

Legolas examined the wound upon his abdomen. Thankfully, his hastily applied wrapping had stemmed the flow of blood, but the wound was still open and raw. It was vulernable to infection and needed healing properties as soon as possible, though he did not know when that time would come. The wound on his arm was in a similar condition.

Legolas knew that remaining in this cave would only increase his chances of entrappment, and all of his rational thoughts were urging him to flee. Yet, his corporeal needs were resisting these thoughts. When he attempted to stand, his vision grew hazy and he felt weak and dizzy.

The injuries were taking their toll, and his immortal body was considerably weakened due to his untreated state.

"You must continue, Legolas," he muttered to himself, "You will die if you remain."

He took a few deep breaths, trying to focus his energy on his further venture. Legolas gripped his bow in his hand, a trickle of bright red blood running down his skin. He breathed heavily, enduring the pain, then he climbed out of his hiding. His blue eyes scanned the horizon first, looking for any sign of an Orc or Warg. None seemed to be near, this was an open opportunity he could not pass up.

He dashed out of the cave and towards the nearest boulder. He sprinted towards it and came to an unsteady stop behind it as cover. He hissed in pain as the movements proved rather excruciating.

Legolas was anxiously aware of the silence. No Warg howls, no Orc shouts, not even the sound of thunder. He had been pursued for so long that these tranquil sounds alarmed him. He stayed there for a moment longer, when he heard movement approaching. The Elf stiffened.

"Mirkwood Prince!" came the cry of an Orc, its throaty growl unpleasant to the ears, "You are surrounded, it is futile to run further! You are trapped!"

Legolas felt his survival instincts start to take hold as his body's adrenaline gave him added strength.

He ground his teeth and called back, "You foolish creature! You think I am that naive to submit to your false claims? I challenge your lie!"

"Very well!" the Orc laughed, "You are correct, you are not surrounded! You have slaughtered too many of my brethren and our steeds to do so," there was extra malice in its voice, "but we have something far more precious to you!"

Now, it was Legolas' turn to laugh, "What could that possibly be?"

"Legolas, run away from here! Quickly!"

"Quiet, wizard!"

The Elf stiffened, true fear taking hold of him. That was Gandalf's voice. His heart pounded as he realized the Orcs had captured the wise, old wizard. When Gandalf was captured, that meant the remainder of the company should follow….

"Let him go!" Merry shouted, "Pip, it's alright! Don't hurt him!"

"Release the halflings!" Boromir's angry voice sounded, "They are of no threat to you!"

"Mr. Frodo!" Sam shouted, "Are you there!?"

"I'm here, Sam! Don't struggle, they will hurt you!"

"Legolas!" Gimli's voice called to him, "Do as Gandalf says! Run away from here, save yourself!"

Legolas felt his heart in his throat. His fists clenched the rocky surface of the boulder, his eyes wide unsuredly. Those were most definitely the voices of his company, they had followed him, and now they were in danger because of his actions.

One voice did not call out.

"Aragorn!" Legolas shouted back, "Where is Aragorn!?"

"He is here, lad!" Gimli responded hastily, "Unconscious, but alive!"

"Enough!" the Orc shouted, "Show yourself and surrender, Elf! Or your company is doomed!"

"They will kill us either way!" Boromir snarled to the Orc, "Flee, Legolas!"

"I will not!" He growled back, "I cannot leave you all!"

"Then show yourself! You will throw your bow aside, archer, and approach cautiously! Our steeds are hungry for your Elf flesh!"

Legolas knew quick thinking was necessary, he knew he running from this place was wise to save himself, but he could not. The Fellowship had followed him, to find him, and he had put them in more danger than before.

With a defeated sigh, Legolas slowly stood.

"NO!" Gimli shouted, eyes wide, "Do not be a fool, Legolas!"

Legolas' blue eyes met Gandalf's who looked once sorrowfully at him, then to the floor.

His friends were surrounded by a dozen Orcs. The beasts' weapons were pointed at their huddle, ready to strike. Aragorn was being poorly supported by two Orcs as their unconscious prisoner.

"Please….," Merry shook his head.

The Orcs smiled at him hungrily and hatefully.

"That's it," one laughed, "throw your bow aside."

Legolas complied. He tossed his beloved weapon to the floor beside him, ready to accept his death.

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