A Wolf's Cry

by MCross

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 him and all those around him

10. Chapter 10

A Wolf's Cry

10 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.

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

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

Beta's notes: Some dialog was taken from the movie.

The names Estel/Aragorn and Gandalf/Mithrandir are used pretty much interchangeably.

Some referenced incidents are from our story The Twisted Web of Fate.

Tissue alert: You might want one.

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 (by adoption or choice)

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. Has dire side effects if over-used. Kept secret.

Muindor … brother (by birth)

Navaer … goodbye, farewell

Pellin … fading

Penneth, pennyth … Young one, young ones

Saes … please

Sîdh … peace

Suilad … hello (greeting)

Thalion, thelyn … hero or dauntless man, heroes

Westron … Common language, the language of men.

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Chapter Ten

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Aragorn was aware that, for the first time in a very long time, he was warm and comfortable. So warm and comfortable that he did not want to move. He sighed and buried his head into the incredibly soft covering beneath him. He did not know the ground could be so soft. He could almost be in his own chamber back at Imladris or in his chamber next door to Legolas' in Mirkwood.

Any time now either his brothers or Legolas would be here, trying to wake him. It had been many years since Elladan and Elrohir had been able to sneak up on him and he was rather proud of that. Legolas was another matter. He mused with a soft smile… that swiftly turned into a frown. He was missing something here, something that he knew was important, something to do with…

"Legolas!" Suddenly he was wide awake and sat up in one swift move that caused Gimli, who sat beside the bed, to jump.

"Peace, Aragorn, Legolas has not changed since you fell asleep." Gandalf's knowing eyes met his.

"How long?" He was already pushing himself to the side of the bed.

"Eight hours. You were much in need of sleep." Gandalf smiled gently at him.

"I was tired." Aragorn admitted. The last week had been hard.

"It was more than that, dear boy. You were exhausted and about to collapsed had you not rested. I was pleased that you could gain some rest. I will have some food brought in and something warm for you to drink while you check over Legolas and Haldir." Gandalf's eyes fairly twinkled and Aragorn had to smile. The old wizard knew him all too well.

"Hennad. That will help." Now that Aragorn was awake, he was hungry and in need of the bathing chamber. But that could wait a few minutes. He had more important things to do.

Aragorn padded in stocking feet over to his best friend's side. Amazing what just a few hours sleep could do for one.

Legolas was still asleep, eyes closed. That significantly dampened Aragorn's mood. He hated to see Legolas like that. He had hoped to see the blue eyes at least half-opened, if not more. Alas, he knew it was still too early.

There was a soft, weak voice from behind him. "Mae govannen, Estel, I began to think that you would sleep forever."

Heart flying once more, he whirled to face the bed behind him. He had focused solely on Legolas.

"Haldir, mellon-nin, how do you feel?" Legolas was momentarily forgotten in the joy of seeing his old friend awake.

"I am… better, Aragorn. What happened?" There was a throbbing great black hole in his memory that he could not seem to get past.

Aragorn frowned. He not expected that in the least. He stopped and sat on the bed, gazing worriedly at the pale Galadhrim. "What do you recall?"

Haldir frowned. What was the last thing he recalled? Marching to Helm's Deep with the army Celeborn and Elrond had supplied, was his last clear recollection. He certainly did not recall… Then there were sudden flashes of memory, lines of grim old men and frightened young boys arrayed for battle watching from the battlements as they arrived at the Keep, of warm arms hugging him enthusiastically in greeting, then seeing Legolas painfully thin and the knowledge of how near his close friend was to fading and leaving them…

"Legolas!" He tried to sit up but felt the biting pain of his wounds. It took his breath away and spots danced in his eyes. For a moment, he truly thought he was going to black out.

Aragorn saw the flash of pain on Haldir's proud face. "Sîdh, Haldir, Legolas is resting. Just relax. Your wounds are painful. I will bring you something for that."

"Legolas is still with us?" Haldir's voice was breathless as he tried the old trick of pushing the pain to the back of his mind and ignoring it.

"Yes, he is. Now, please, lie back and relax!" Aragorn admonished him and only relaxed himself when Haldir leaned back against the pillows with a sigh of relief.

When Haldir caught his breath, he opened his eyes. "Thank the Valar! I was worried. I saw the way he fought during the battle…" Startled blue eyes met his. "We won?"

Aragorn's grey eyes met his, full of sadness. "Yes, Haldir, we won, but there were terrible losses."

Haldir took a deep breath, feeling the wounds on his chest and back pull. What was Aragorn trying to say to him? His mouth was dry. "How many?"

Aragorn knew what he was asking. How many of my kin and friends survived to see another dawn. How many families will grieve? How many will I take home to Lothlórien with me? He looked away and bowed his head, unable to meet those searching eyes. "Far too many, mellon-nin."

"Aragorn, I need to know. There are prayers to be made and families to inform…" Haldir did not really want to know, but he had to.

"All but a few and they are badly wounded." It was a reluctant admission. He knew the pain it would bring.

Haldir closed his eyes. Thank Ilúvatar, his brothers had stayed in Imladris at Lord Celeborn's orders. Having the Lord of the Golden Wood as one's foster father did sometimes have benefits, it would seem.

Aragorn spoke hesitantly. "I fear we had marked you as one of the lost. We thought you had died. Legolas was devastated. He saw you fall."

"I also thought I had died." It was a painful admission even as his heart ached at the thought of all the deaths he must report to their families. He knew they would understand. They would all meet again, eventually, but still, the thought that he must bring such dire tidings of their loss tore his heart. He knew every single one of them.

Now that his head was clear and his memory had been stirred, Haldir recalled the terrible pain when he was wounded, more pain than he had ever known, as the blades bit deep into his back, chest and then side. Before darkness had fallen upon his eyes, his last memory was the sight of many bodies, intermingled in death, human, orc and elf, scattered and piled all about him as he fell. His last thoughts had been for his brothers and friends, a sad goodbye and apology to his foster parents and the hope that he had made them proud with his love, and then the bittersweet thought that he would meet his own parents again… and then nothing, until now.

"But you did not! Hold to that, Haldir. You are still with us. I, for one, will always rejoice in that. I fear that Legolas will need both of us." The admission was reluctant.

"Legolas?" The breathy voice was suddenly sharp as Haldir looked towards the Prince. "What is wrong with him?" It was a demand, nothing less.

Aragorn had to tell him, yet he was reluctant.

"Estel!" Haldir's voice was sharper.

Aragorn jumped. He had been trying to form the words, yet he could not. How could he explain what Legolas had done simply to get through the battle?

There was only one way, the truth.

"Legolas was injured in the battle, but again hid the wounds afterwards. They were not bad, but he lost more blood that he could ill afford to lose in his weakened condition." He knew Haldir would understand, at least more than Gimli and Talleth did. Gandalf knew exactly what was going on with the Prince and how precarious his condition truly was.

He was proven right by Haldir's sharp, pained gasp. Aragorn held his hand up to stop Haldir from interrupting so that he could finish.

"Legolas blames himself for not stopping the Uruk-Hai torch runner from igniting whatever it was that caused that… eruption." It was the only way he could explain the wave that had caused him to fly through the air and had briefly knocked him out.

Haldir frowned. He knew that Legolas took these things personally. Of all the people in Arda, the hardest on the Prince and his actions was Legolas himself.

"But his shots were true!" He winced at the weakness of his own voice.

"I know that, you know that, but Legolas…" Estel trailed off, shaking his head.

"… is always the hardest on himself, harder than anyone else ever could be." Haldir closed his eyes wearily. He, and others who knew Legolas well, had dealt with this too often in the past.

Haldir believed that a number of factors caused his friend to be so hard on himself. The expectations of being the perfect prince and son, the loss of his Naneth and desiring to do all that he could to help his adar and not be a bother… so many causes and yet it boiled down to one thing. Legolas would never forgive himself for what he perceived to be failure. And if someone was hurt or even died as a result, Legolas felt it even more keenly. Haldir had to stop the shudder that threatened to shake him, that would hurt.

"Haldir?" Aragorn was worried.

"I am well. Just worried for Legolas, he will take this very hard." The admission was soft. "Help me up? I would like to look at him."

Aragorn's heart dropped. Before he would allow Haldir to see Legolas, he had to tell him a little more of what had happened.

"Haldir, before I do, I have to tell you something." There was unusual hesitation in Aragorn's voice and Haldir picked up on it immediately. He raised an eyebrow in query. "It is to do with Legolas and I do not want you to become too upset when I tell you."

That caused Haldir to frown. "What is it, Aragorn? It cannot be that bad." At Aragorn's sigh, his heart lurched. "What?" He tried to sit up but could not manage it on his own.

Aragorn looked to Gandalf for support and the elderly Maia nodded his encouragement, though he would not leave Legolas' side at present.

"The Mintel that you brought for Legolas…" Aragorn started but then stopped, unsure of how to go on.

"What of the Mintel, did it not help? It seemed to aid Legolas in battle." Haldir's brow was knit with worry.

"Yes it did, a little too well." And it all made sense now.

"Too well?" Haldir was confused. He was still in a lot of pain and Estel was not making much sense.

Aragorn sighed and brushed at his eyes, taking time to gather his thoughts. How was he going to explain this to their friend and not make him feel guilty as well?

"Estel?" Haldir was growing more worried by the second.

"There is no easy way to say this, but you must remember that Legolas knew the risks and he and I will have words on it when he recovers." Aragorn's voice was soft.

Already the deep anger he had felt with Legolas was easing. He was beginning to understand what he had tried to do. He might not like the result, but he could understand it, especially seeing what Legolas was going through…

"What has Legolas done?" There was deep concern in Haldir's voice.

"The Mintel, he overdosed on the Mintel to get through the battle. He did not think that he would survive. According to Gimli, he did not want to go to Mandos as a weakling, cowering from the orcs." There was deep sadness in his voice, to think of his proud friend reduced to that.

"By the Valar! Galadriel will kill him! Elrond will have his skin!" Haldir watched him with horror. "How much?" He needed to know what they were dealing with. How bad exactly was Legolas?

"That may be the least of Legolas' worry." Aragorn sighed. "He took almost the entire bottle."

"Ai, no!" Aragorn had never seen Haldir this upset before. "Did he not know what that would do to him? Valar, what am I saying! Out of all of us, Legolas knows too well what it does!"

"Yes, he does… but, Haldir, think of the alternative. Can you imagine Legolas in the hands of those foul creatures? He fought magnificently! He took many of the foul creatures to their doom. He rode a shield down the stairs, firing his bow all the way down. You saw his back before the battle, yet he managed to lift me and Gimli up on a rope with very little help after you fell." Estel felt that the Marchwarden needed to understand, as he now did.

He was no longer angry at Legolas, just very heartsick that this brother of his heart had felt the need to do this. Legolas would have his support. Gimli had made him see Legolas' side of the situation and who would have thought of that? A Dwarf knowing the heart and mind of an Elf? These were indeed strange days!

"But to go to such lengths..." Haldir carefully shook his head.

"Think, Haldir, mellon nin, put yourself in Legolas' position and tell me you would not have considered the same thing." Estel watched him closely. If necessary he would make sure that Haldir would not come near Legolas until he did understand.

"But, Mintel overdose?" Haldir sounded a little stunned at that revelation, not even blinking an eye at the scenes Estel had described of the battle.

"Yes, it was stupid, yes, if Legolas had thought or felt differently, I am sure that he would not have done this. But he has, and we have to help him. Will you help us help him and not hold this against him?" Aragorn was not aware of the proud look Gandalf leveled at him from behind.

"Hold it against him? Why would I hold it against him?" Haldir was shocked that Aragorn could think he would do that. How many times had Legolas helped him through tough times, when he had been wounded, or when his brothers had been wounded, which for Haldir was even worse than being injured himself. No, Legolas would have his full support, all of the time.

Aragorn sheepishly admitted. "I feared that you would be as angry as I was, until a certain friend made me see sense." Aragorn almost wished that he had not sent to Imladris for help from Elrond, that they had kept this among the few here that knew, but he knew that was impractical. Ada and DaerNana always knew these things, no matter how hard you tried to hide it and he wanted so much for Elrond to help him.

Haldir's sigh was sad. "I am saddened and worried, but not angry. As you say, if I were in his place, I may have decided on the same course. Help me up?"

"Of course, but you will hurt and you have not yet had your tea." A cup appeared in his sight then and he looked up to see Talleth's worried face. "Thank you, my friend."

"I thought Haldir might need it." Talleth had watched their conversation and saw the pain in the warrior-elf's face. A healer could always see these things.

"Thank you, mellon nin." Haldir did not know what else to say. Talleth had done much for Legolas and now was perceptive enough to realise how pained Haldir was even though he was trying to mask it.

"You are more than welcome." Talleth gave them a small smile before moving back to sit beside Legolas.

"He has been a great help in Legolas' care. I do not think I could have managed without him." Aragorn spoke wryly as he brought the cup close for Haldir to sip.

"Elrond would be most proud to know a healer like that. You have informed him of course?" He took the tea slowly with Aragorn's help.

"Yes, I really had no choice." Aragorn's lips were a thin worried line.

"No you did not, they have probably seen." Haldir shook his head. "This would not have gone unnoticed."

"That was my thought. I wanted Ada's ideas on how to help Legolas further." The cup was emptied and he sat it to one side. "Do you wish to wait a few minutes for the herbs to work?" Aragorn knew that this would be painful for Haldir, even moving carefully.

"No, I wish to see my friend and gauge his condition with my own eyes. It is not that I do not believe you, but…" Haldir shrugged gently.

"You know what we are dealing with even better than I and that means more than you know. I am glad you are still with us." There was a wealth of unspoken meaning in Aragorn's voice.

Haldir gave him a sharp glance. "You will have to explain to me what happened later on." It was not a request.

Aragorn nodded, it was only fair. "Yes. Let me help you."

Slowly, gently, he helped Haldir move into an upright position, ignoring the expected hisses and groans that Haldir could not prevent.

Finally though, Haldir was upright. He wished for a few moments that he was still lying down.

"Easy, Haldir, just take it easy, and relax." Aragorn knew, despite the herbs he had been given, that Haldir hurt.

Haldir nodded weakly, wishing that he did not have to move his head. It had started thumping the moment he rose into an upright position.

Once the spots had stopped flashing in his eyes, he grinned weakly up at the young human who held him so gently.

There was wry amusement in Aragorn's voice. "Feeling better?"

"Much better, hennad, and warm." There was a glint of amusement in Haldir's voice and eyes.

"Good I am glad. Can you sit without aid?" Aragorn expected that the mighty Marchwarden would not like to rely on another's aid, not without much grumbling and resistance.

He paused as Haldir's eyes sought Legolas. This would not be easy on him. He felt Haldir stiffen even as he thought it.

"Valar!" It was a mere whisper and nothing more.

"Aye." Aragorn agreed.

"I knew he would look bad, but this?" Haldir could not move his eyes from his friend.

"I know. That was why I wanted to prepare you."

"Hannon le, Estel." Haldir tried not to show his worry. "How long since this started?"

"A day and a half." Aragorn wished that he could get the images of those wounds out of his mind.

"A day and a half? Good, it is almost past the crisis. We just need to nurse him through the last twelve hours." He turned worried blue eyes to Aragorn's. "The wounds would be bad… I take it they are very bad?"

"Yes, they are heavily infected, as a matter of course." Aragorn had to look away.

"Sîdh, Estel, they are going to heal. We will aid Legolas through this. Almost all of the hard part is done. He only must make it through the last few hours of the Mintel's grip." Haldir told him gently.

Aragorn agreed. They could do that. They had come too far to have it any other way.

"Aye, we will." Aragorn eyes brimmed with tears of relief.

Haldir hated lying to Estel, hated it with a passion, but the young Adan looked so sad, especially after all that had happened on the journey to Helm's Deep.

Haldir would never forget their joy when their patrol, with his brothers, had unexpectedly chanced upon the old wizard wandering in the forest surrounding Lothlórien upon his return to Middle-earth. They had all been devastated when they were told of Gandalf's apparent death in the battle with the Balrog in Moria.

He had known Gandalf all his life. He and his brothers had watched, mesmerised, as he made smoke animals or told them impossible tales of the places and people he had seen. He had seemed so magical, so invincible.

Gandalf's loss began Legolas' slow descent into Pellin, Haldir was sure of it. It was only hastened by Aragorn's supposed death on the way to Helm's Deep.

These last few hours that Legolas faced would be the hardest. Estel thought they had overcome the worst of it. Little did he know, and Haldir did not have the heart to tell him. They would face this together.

"You have treated the wounds, obviously?" Haldir knew he was stating the obvious.

"Aye, every four hours, with athelas. I am making him drink it as well." Aragorn recited as if from a list, and it was, a mental list, that was.

"Good, and food?" Haldir knew that Legolas would need the sustenance and strength that the food would give him. He had lost too much weight to fight this without fuel for his body to draw upon.

Aragorn was reluctant to admit. "When we can get it into him. It has been a little difficult just getting water or herbs into him."

"We must try every hour to give him food, herbs to strengthen too. Legolas will need all of this. The fluids will help." Haldir tried to think through the wave of tiredness that threatened to overwhelm him.

"I will speak with the cook and see if he can help." The quite voice came from behind Mithrandir and Haldir blinked, he had not realised that there was anyone else in the chamber with them.

Mithrandir moved aside to reveal Théoden. Haldir did not have strength to be embarrassed that his elven hearing had failed to notify him of this. He was, after all, injured and could be forgiven…he hoped.

"Aran Théoden." He almost inclined his head, but the increased pain made him stop.

"Lord Haldir, I am most pleased to see that you are awake. I have been worried about you both." Théoden had been asleep until the soft voices had disturbed him. For once he was not unhappy at being awakened.

"Hannon le. I am sorry that I worried you. I am better." Haldir winced at the weariness evident in his voice.

Aragorn snorted at that. If Haldir was better then he was an orc! "You are better now? Then, if you are better, I will move away and see to Legolas." He knew Haldir could not cope with that. He whispered. "And you are also exhausted."

Haldir sighed, they had him. Whatever happened they had him. "Alright." It was said with much resignation. He then turned to Théoden. "I am better than I was, thank you."

"Good, it is nice to see you awake. I am glad that you are better. I cannot thank you and your kin for all you have done for us." Théoden spoke with a heavy heart. He had seen what a terrible sacrifice the Firstborn had made for his people. It would not be forgotten, EVER. He had already spoken to Éomer to assure that if, Valar forbid, something were to happen to him, his wishes would still be carried out.

Haldir nodded slightly, his own heart was incredibly heavy with so many gone, so many friends lost. "Thank you. They all volunteered to come, but that does not make it easier to bear their sacrifice." It was a quiet admission.

"No, I know. I felt the same every time I sent Theodred and Éomer out to do battle, the fear and worry that they may not return." Théoden's heart was heavy. He had done that so many times, yet the one time he did not care, or rather was made not to care, that awful premonition had come to be. No parent should ever have to bury a child. So simple and yet so utterly true.

His poor son, cut down so early and without achieving his true potential. Theodred's loss created another dilemma that he knew he would have to correct this very day. The people of Rohan deserved to be made aware of the decision their King had made concerning his new Heir.

Haldir knew this all too well, when his own brothers went off and he was left in Lothlórien. He worried from the second they left until the moment of their joyous return. "It is a chance that all warriors risk. We all know the risks or we would not go, but for the ones left behind it is the hardest." Suddenly he yearned to see Orophin and Rumil.

"Yes, that is true. And yet, Theodred went off before I had the chance to make things right between us. Thanks to that evil Worm, my son left Edoras believing that I no longer cared." That hurt Théoden more than anything. How he loved his son and wished he had that chance now.

"He knew, Uncle." Éomer stood next to his Uncle. "He knew that we all loved him."

"I pray that is so." The old King had tears in his eyes.

Aragorn offered comfort and reassurance. "He does. He can see from afar. The Valar would not be that cruel to either of you."

"Thank you all, I will be alright. I just miss my son." It had been one of the first things that he asked about when his mind cleared after Gandalf released him from Saruman's thrall, his son.

"Grief comes in many guises, Théoden King. Do not let it rule you, but grieve and carry on. Do not let it win. Your people need you now, more than ever." Gandalf had listened to all from where he was sitting by Legolas.

Théoden just sighed tiredly. "I know, but it pains my heart greatly that he is gone And then, to see all those fine young men and elves fall." Théoden shook his head. It would take generations for the people of Rohan to recover from this great loss, if they could ever truly recover.

"My people will be reborn at some point, as I believe that you will see your son once again. Hold to that, Sire." Haldir firmly believed that Théoden would see Theodred again.

Haldir knew that some men believed in ghosts, spirits of the dead that haunted and tormented the living. He believed that there was something to the notion of spirits, but chain-rattling, howling ghosts that the Edain liked to create tales about? No, you had more to fear from the living around you than the spirits of those that preceded you in death. Yes, he believed in spirits like those that inhabited the Dwimorberg, the Haunted Mountain, but the frightening stories created to scare children? No, that he did not believe.

"Aye, I am sure we will meet in the Halls of our ancestors." That seemed to help Théoden and he sat up slightly straighter.

"Good, now I will make certain that Haldir gets the rest that he needs to aid his recovery." Estel's voice was emphatic. He could see how exhausted Haldir was.

"That would be a good idea, I think." A low groan interrupted Gandalf.

"Let me ease you back against the pillows. Do you think you can handle sitting up while…?"

"Estel, I will manage. Go, see to Legolas. The Caun has more need of you than I." Haldir watched Legolas with worried eyes.

"I will help Haldir." Éomer stood and hurried to Aragorn's side.

"Thank you. I did not truly want to leave him on his own. Make him tell you of the level of his pain." Aragorn slipped out of the way as Éomer gently took his place supporting the Lothlórien elf.

"I will." It was a promise. Aragorn could tell, and nodded acknowledgment. He knew that Haldir was in good hands. "Good."

Another groan came from the bed behind him.

"Go!" Haldir urged.

Aragorn nodded as he moved to his best friend's side, worried about what he would find, but he was also pleased. This was the first sign of life that Legolas had given for some time, since he had collapsed in fact. Hopefully this was the start of an upward trend.

Gandalf looked up as Aragorn neared them. "He does not seem to be waking."

Aragorn's heart dropped. He had hoped … "I will check him."

As he joined Gandalf though, his mouth was dry and his heart hammered in his chest. Aragorn hated to admit that he was relieved it was not necessary to check that he was still breathing, the groans told him that. Legolas had to be alright, Valar be praised.

Legolas tossed his head from side to side in great distress. Another low groan sounded, indicating that he was in pain. Aragorn reached for a thin wrist. The pulse was reassuring, even if it was far too fast.

Very slowly, blue eyes did open. Legolas looked dazed. It seemed that he was not really sure where he was.

"Ada?" He sounded like a frightened elfling calling for a parent.

"No, Legolas, it is Aragorn." If anything, Aragorn's worry grew. Legolas was very febrile. His fever seemed to be growing, not lessening as he had hoped.

"Ada? E… Estel here?" There was confusion written all over the pale face.

"I am here, Legolas, sîdh." He tried to reassure his injured friend.

"Tired." There was a wealth of emotion in that one word.

"Then rest, mellon nin." As much as he rejoiced at his friend being awake, he also knew he needed more rest. "Are you in any pain?"

"Aye, Laddie, the last thing that we need is for you to be in pain." Gimli could not remain silent. He was too worried about Legolas.

Legolas blinked at him, closed his eyes and then blinked once again.

"Ada why is there a Dwarf here?" Confusion was clear for them all to both see and hear.

At any other time Gimli would have been furious and let his mouth run away with him in anger, but now he realised just how muddled Legolas was. He had no idea where he actually was, that was obvious.

Aragorn looked over at Gimli in trepidation, certain Gimli would explode at the innocent question, so it was a pleasant surprise when Gimli just said nothing and kept watching Legolas.

Gandalf replied to the prince's query. "He is with me, Legolas." His voice was kindly. He also hated to see the proud Prince brought this low.

"Mithrandir? Ada never said you would be coming." Legolas frowned, trying to clear his cloudy brain. Why was it so hard to think?

"Yes, young one, it is I." Gandalf kept his voice low and soothing.

"When?" Legolas was having trouble remaining awake.

"I arrived a few days ago, but you were injured and very unwell. It is not surprising that you do not recall." Mithrandir thought it best that he kept as near to the truth as possible without terrifying the confused Prince.

"I… injured?" Legolas tossed his head so that he could squint at the wizard. "Is that why I h…hurt?"

"Yes indeed, Legolas that is why you hurt. Is it bad?" Gandalf knew that Aragorn needed to know the answer to this question.

Legolas licked at his dry lips, trying to make sense of the odd words that he was positive he had heard from the old wizard's lips. It just did not work. "W… what?"

"How much do you hurt, mellon nin, and where?" Aragorn stepped in.

"Estel? You are here? Where is Ada?" He searched around for his father, ignoring the question totally.

Aragorn frowned. This was not like Legolas. He would not normally ignore such an important question. He might try to hedge his answers, but ignore it? It was not his way. What was going on here?

"Your Ada is not here, Penneth. Do you know where you are?" Mithrandir frowned mildly down at him, watching as Aragorn felt the pale forehead.

"H…home?" Was the confused answer. "Where is Nana?"

Aragorn felt his mouth go dry again. This was not good. Legolas was asking for his mother who had died before even Aragorn's grandsire six times removed had been born.

He was saved from answering by Mithrandir. "She is not here either, Legolas. Now you need to rest for me. How is your pain?" Mithrandir feared there was more going on here than they realised.

"B… bad." Legolas told him. "Want Nana."

"Would that I could get her for you, Penneth. If I could, I would." Mithrandir was pleased that he had received an answer, but not pleased with the answer.

"Legolas, you have a fever. I need to give you something for your pain. Do you think you can drink it? I will help you." Aragorn was worried about the rising level of heat radiating from his friend.

"Thirsty." A dry tongue poked out to lick at even drier lips as he nodded slightly.

"Then I will get some water too." If Legolas was asking for drink, that had to be a good thing, did it not?

"Estel?" Clouded blue eyes searched for his.

"Yes, Legolas?" Aragorn was growing more concerned about him by the minute, his friend was never confused.

Legolas was searching around, as if looking for something lost. "Where is Fileg?"

"Fileg!" He had no idea what Legolas was talking about. He had never mentioned a 'Fileg' to him before.

Gandalf frowned. This was a sign of how badly confused Legolas was. He was asking after a duckling he had cared for when he was an elfling. This was not even remotely funny.

"Legolas, Fileg is not here at the moment, but I am sure that he will be here later." Gandalf did not want to upset Legolas any more than he already was.

"So small, he will be cold and his wing hurts." Legolas tried to explain.

"He will be well. Ah, here is your drink. I know you are thirsty." Gandalf watched as Aragorn brought the medicinal tea and water.

"Yes, very." Legolas acknowledged.

Aragorn sat on the side of the bed to help his friend. "This is the herb tea, mellon nin. It will be bitter."

"You have the same?" It was an innocent question that had Gandalf choking back laughter.

Aragorn blinked, bewildered. "No, it is for you, Legolas, you need it."

"Will not." Legolas had that stubborn look that they all knew so well.

Gandalf knew where this was heading and intervened.

"What Legolas is trying to tell you, Estel, that he has a pact with Gailarphen that he will take his tea as long as he had some of the tea too." Gandalf was now aware of where Legolas' mind was. This had happened a long time ago, but he had witnessed some of it.

"Oh." Aragorn did not know what to think, but if it helped Legolas… "Would you like me to have some tea too?"

"Yes." Legolas told him seriously.

"I will make the tea for him, Legolas, while you start yours, if that is alright?" Gandalf told him easily.

"Yes." Legolas looked quite happy.

Gandalf nodded and stood. On his way to the herb table, he stopped as he drew level with Aragorn and bent to whisper in his ear. "It will be plain tea. Legolas thinks he is twenty-four. This confusion is worrying."

"Yes it is, but we will deal with it." Aragorn whispered in return before turning to Legolas again. "Now, Legolas, it is time that you drink this tea, it will help you, I promise."

Aragorn had not expected that Legolas would try to gulp down the bitter fluid so fast. "Easy, Legolas you will choke." He tried to pull the goblet away but Legolas gave a small distressed mewl and tried to grab weakly for the goblet. He then choked as the fluid he held in his mouth simply went down the wrong way.

All Aragorn could do was pat him gently on the back as he sputtered and coughed, aware of the pain this would cause his friend, but he simply did not know what else to do.

Finally, Legolas leaned back wearily against the pillows, exhausted.

He spoke with disgust and made an awful face. "It is yucky."

Aragorn nearly choked to stop a laugh at that. "I can understand that! When you are ready, you need to finish this tea and then have some water. Do you think you could manage some porridge?"

To his amazement, his friend's blue eyes seemed to light up. "Porridge? Creamy porridge?"

This time Aragorn did laugh. Was this how Legolas had been as an elfling, so sweet and innocent? "If you would like creamy porridge, I am sure that could be arranged." He hoped this was so.

"Goody, Fileg likes it too." Legolas took a small, cautious sip of the tea.

"Legolas?" Aragorn had to ask.

"Yes?" Wide, glazed blue eyes held his.

"Who is Fileg?"

"Ahem." Gandalf made them both jump. Legolas winced at the pain it caused him. "Legolas needs that tea and rest, Aragorn. We will talk later." It was a pointed message to Aragorn.

"Not need to rest." Legolas pushed his lip out in a pout and then yawned, which totally ruined the effect.

"Right, and I am an orc!" Aragorn joked, only to freeze at the look of terror that crossed the pallid face.

Aragorn thought some very colourful phrases at his careless speech. How could he have forgotten what had happened with Legolas' mother? He had only found out the true tale four years ago in Imladris. He shivered at the memory. It was when they had almost lost Legolas.

"Monsters?" There was an unusual quiver of fear in his normally-strong voice. Aragorn regretted his words. He was quick to reassure his friend. "No, Legolas, there are no monsters here."

"None?" There was that unusually fearful quiver in Legolas' voice again. Aragorn had never heard it before.

"None and even if there were, we would make sure they could not come near you." Aragorn was not sure why, but it was so important to him that Legolas was made aware of that.

Aragorn watched as Legolas held his right hand out stiffly, as if it was splinted, but no, that was not possible. Legolas looked down and whispered confidentially. "Fileg is scared of them." It looked as if Legolas had some sort of pet in front of him, almost like he was stroking a cat, unless he was mistaken.

He turned to look at Gandalf who shook his head slightly, mouthing 'later'. Aragorn nodded, but he had to admit this was beyond his knowledge and experience. Legolas was obviously hallucinating if he truly thought he was only twenty-four, almost equivalent to a seven or eight-year-old human child, and not his true age.

Mithrandir spoke gently, as if to a frightened elfling. "Legolas, Fileg looks a little tired and you need to finish that tea and have some water. Maybe you should let the poor thing rest?"

With a start Aragorn realised that due to the fever and the effects of the Mintel, Legolas really did believe he was an elfling. It hurt more than he cared to admit, to have Legolas retreat into hallucinations.

"He is tired." Legolas admitted, trying to smother a yawn with the back of his stiffly-held right hand.

"Then he should rest, as should you. Finish the drink that Aragorn has for you and then you must rest. You will feel better when you waken and then we will talk some more. Is that well with you?" Gandalf spoke so gently to Legolas that Gimli found himself fighting tears.

"Alright, but Fileg will need some bread and water when he wakes up." Legolas looked to the side of the bed as if considering something. "He would like that."

"Good, that is settled. Aragorn?" Gandalf nodded to the cup of tea. "I will make something that will also help you sleep. You can have it with the water."

"Alright, I am tired." Another gaping yawn happened but this time Legolas did not try to hide it.

They all watched as Legolas slowly took the tea, then ate a few bites of food and finished the water with sleeping herbs that Gandalf handed Aragorn. All this was taken without complaint.

"You have done well, Legolas. It is time for you to sleep now. Would you like to lie down?" Legolas looked pale and pained to Aragorn's eyes.

"Want Ada." Legolas mumbled sleepily.

"I know, but he is not here. Mithrandir and I are here." Aragorn reassured him once more. "We will watch you both while you sleep." He would humour Legolas for the moment, but he wanted to know who or what this Fileg was.

"Ada is working again?" There was sad resignation in Legolas' voice.

"I am sorry, Legolas." What more could he say?

"Alright, he is busy being Aran." Aragorn cringed inwardly. It sounded as if Legolas had learned to say that at a very early age. "We go to the forest tomorrow to see the mice!" There was a tired sort of excitement in his voice.

Haldir spoke from his place in the bed across the way. "That is good, Legolas, you will like that!" His heart ached for his friend. He had known this period of Legolas' life all too well. It was a time that few who knew the prince chose to dwell on.

Legolas and Thranduil had both suffered from Pellin at the time they undertook the journey to Fornost. It was so soon after they had lost Queen Minerella, barely a year had passed. It was feared, by those who knew, that they would lose at least one of them, if not both. Haldir still rejoiced that they had both been spared. Legolas had become one of his firmest friends, along with Elrond's sons. They all got into such trouble as they had grown…

"Haldir! You are here!" There was pleased surprise in a voice that was far too weak. But it did do one thing. It rid Haldir of any lingering anger or exasperation still with him from Legolas' decision. It ended right there and then.

Haldir knew that Legolas would not wish to be seen like this. He would hate this. Hate that Aragorn and Gimli should see him so vulnerable. No, Legolas must have truly thought that he would not live through the battle.

"Yes, Penneth, I am here. We will talk later, after you have slept. Then perhaps, if you are feeling better, we can both go out onto the balcony to feel the kiss of Anor's warmth." He smiled for Legolas.

"Like that. Wren has been calling to me!" A yawn cracked his jaw once more as the herbs hit his system.

"I am glad. What is she telling you?" Now that was more like the Legolas that he knew and loved.

"That her family is safe and happy now that the Monsters are gone." Legolas answered him.

Haldir heard Gimli mutter under his breath. "Monsters? What are these Monsters?"

Gandalf hissed. "I will tell you once he is asleep, Gimli!"

"I am glad. Perhaps she will come and see you later?" Blue eyes drooped sleepily. It would not be long before Legolas would sleep. Hopefully, he would be more himself when he woke.

"Like that." Slowly Legolas' eyes closed as he lost the battle his body fought against the herbs and the fever currently wracking his body.

Aragorn tried to smile reassuringly for Legolas, but he had a feeling that it came over more like a rictus of pain than anything else. He was too worried for the feeling to reach his eyes. "Then sleep, mellon nin, sleep and we will be here when you wake."

"You will?" The blue eyes blinked open to look at him. Once again Legolas looked so young, so innocent. "You will not leave me?"

"We will be here the whole time, Legolas. We would not leave you alone." It was a heartfelt promise.

"Estel speaks the truth, Legolas. We will not leave you, none of us will." Gandalf watched worriedly.

"Good, I do not want the Monsters to get you." There was a trace of fear in the Prince's voice, something that was rarely heard since he became an adult.

"They willna get us, Laddie. I willna let them!" Gimli's voice was a low growl, his accent becoming more evident as he grew agitated. He may not understand exactly what was happening with Legolas, but he did promise one thing. Whatever these 'Monsters' may be that had scarred Legolas so badly in the past, he would assure that his friend would stay safe. "Or they will feel the sharp edge o' mah axe!"

"You do that for me?" There was wonder in Legolas' voice as he looked at the Dwarf.

"Aye, and more!" Gimli told him grimly. "Ye sleep now, Laddie, an' we will watch o'er ye."

Legolas barely nodded as his eyes closed, safe in the company of people he knew as friends.

Aragorn frowned as he watched his friend slowly fall back into sleep's embrace, eyes closed. He hated that, what he would not give to see Legolas sleep normally with his eyes opened and glazed in reverie.

He was reminded how poor Pippin had screamed when he had seen Legolas asleep the first time, waking them all because he thought Legolas was dead. In reaction, Legolas had drawn his knives in one smooth movement, shocking and frightening the youngest Hobbit even more. Aragorn regretted that they had not warned the young Hobbits that it was how elves normally slept, but he and Gandalf were so accustomed to it, they did not think of it. It was just how they slept. If Legolas' eyes had been closed… well, that would have been an entirely different matter. They would have probably had to deal with an almost hysterical human rather than a definitely hysterical Hobbit.

After that, until the Fellowship was broken at Amon Hen, Aragorn had watched on the nights, rare as they were, that Legolas slept among the Fellowship, as Pippin and Merry waited until Legolas was asleep and waved their hands frantically before the blue eyes or made strange faces to see if they could get a response from him.

They probably would have died of shock if they had got a reaction. Still, it had been amusing to watch them eagerly waving and dancing in front of the familiar blue eyes. The amusement in Legolas' eyes when he woke told Aragorn that the Woodland Prince was quite aware of what had been happening and was not in the least upset at the younglings.

It had actually helped the mood of the travelers, seemed to raise spirits that had fallen so far after the debacle of Caradhras. Once again, if it had not been for Legolas pulling the wizard back from the cliff's edge just before the avalanche hit them, they would have lost Gandalf earlier.

The mysteriously appearing apples and mushrooms the Hobbits found in their packs the next morning was a sign of Legolas' understanding and amusement. Yes, he had been more than aware.

Aragorn looked over at his friend with fondness then and a deep gasp of shock escaped him. In his sleep, Legolas had stuck his thumb in his mouth… He was sucking his thumb! He had never seen Legolas do that before!

"He has not done that in many centuries." Gandalf's voice was soft and fairly hummed with worry.

"What do you think caused this?" Gimli watched his friend with something akin to worried horror. The proud Prince that he knew would not allow himself to be seen like this. He was always neat, perfectly proper, with not a hair out of place, his face perfectly clean…

"I believe it is the Mintel. It has caused him to hallucinate, has taken him back to a period in his life he would rather forget about." Gandalf supplied the only explanation that made sense.

"The Mintel has caused this?" Gimli was incredulous.

"Aye, and it can cause even more problems." Haldir's voice sounded incredibly old and bone weary. For the first time, Gimli could see the Marchwarden's true age reflected in the weary, sad eyes.

"More problems?" Gimli would never admit it, but he was now terrified. How could this get any worse?

"Yes, Gimli, far more problems." Aragorn had to admit.

"What kind of problems?" Gimli was really not sure that he wanted to hear this, but he also wanted to be prepared to help Legolas all that he could.

Aragorn was almost relieved. Now is the time for the truth, time to let Gimli know exactly what they were all facing. "If Legolas gets through the next twelve hours he may have damage to his mind. This confusion may be an early sign of that. Legolas may never be the same again." There, the truth, and not honey-coated.

Gimli was aghast. "Damage to his mind? Ye never mentioned tha'!"

Talleth looked white and shocked, as well he might. "I did not think that elves could be hurt like that."

"Yes they can. It is rare, very rare and normally their families send them to Valinor in the hopes that they can recover there." Aragorn was suddenly weary again. So much of this was hard. He desperately wanted Elrond here, someone to take over the responsibility of Legolas' care. Then he could sit back and just be the terrified friend that he was.

"I'll nae let tha' happen ta the Laddie!" Gimli was on his feet, ready for a fight. Legolas could not, would not be damaged like that, it was unthinkable!

Haldir spoke from behind them. "We may not have a choice in the matter, Gimli." The three of them turned to see him propped against the pillows with Éomer silently supporting him. His face was white as he observed, unable to look away from the sight of Legolas.

"What d' ye mean?" Gimli's voice was grim. He would not let this happen!

"Mintel is insidious, as is the damage it can cause. It may not seem it to look at Legolas, but even now it is working on his body. His temperature will fluctuate. His heart will either beat too slow or too fast. He will have problems with his breathing."

"Aye, that has already happened once." Gimli shivered at the memory.

"It may happen again, I would ready myself for the possibility." Haldir hated to admit it. "Are his kidneys working?" Not a nice subject, he knew, but vital as well.

"Not for some time." Aragorn was horrified, that was the one thing he had not thought of!

"But equally, he has not had that much fluid." It was not a question. Haldir was merely stating the obvious. "I have seen how difficult it is to get him to take anything. We must watch that, Aragorn." He looked over at the ranger.

"I will watch that. You should, and will be, resting." It was said with a totally mirthless grin. And Haldir said that Legolas was bad!

"I am well."

That did make Aragorn laugh grimly then. "You are far from well, Haldir! You have just recovered from being officially dead! You have dire wounds and you are exhausted. You will rest, believe me." The glint in Aragorn eyes told him that if he did not do so willingly then he would do so with help.

"I want to be there for Legolas and my friends." Haldir tried to shift in the bed to get comfortable and ended up wincing.

"All you can do for them at the moment is to get better. Legolas would not wish you to make yourself worse on his behalf. He will need all of us to support him. Saes, rest, for Legolas, if no one else?" It was perhaps a little underhanded, but as long as Haldir got some rest and recovered he did not care what measure he must use to assure it. Aragorn still felt the grief of seeing Haldir fall.

Haldir sighed, that was perhaps the only thing that Aragorn could use against him apart from…

"And what would Galadriel say if she heard you have neglected yourself? DaerNana would not be pleased." Aragorn played dirty.

"I should have known you would bring Híril nin into this." Haldir's voice was wry once more.

"Yes, and if you do not do as your healer says she will hear all about it!" If she does not know already! Aragorn thought with amusement.

"The way my fortune has turned recently I am sure that she is already quite aware of it." Haldir shook his head slightly and winced when the movement pulled on his wounds. Perhaps he should rest, that way he may be able to be better able to help later when he knew he would be needed. "I will rest."

Aragorn felt great relief at that statement. "Good, you need it." Who could miss the lines of exhaustion on Haldir's pallid face?

"What about yon Laddie? What can we do to help and how do we keep this Mintel from hurting him further?" That was worrying Gimli, the thought that Legolas might come out of this with permanent damage scared him more than anything else ever had.

"There is nothing more that can be done that we are not already doing for him." Haldir haltingly admitted. "Treat each symptom as they show, keep his temperature down and make him comfortable. Apart from that, just be there for him."

"Aye, we can do that." That sincere agreement earned Gimli a pleased smile from Haldir. It certainly seemed to him that Legolas had worked his usual magic on those around him. Never had he come across another who did not like the Prince. It was just a large part of who and what Legolas was.

Aragorn watched as Gandalf gently pulled the thumb from Legolas' lax mouth. His brothers would never hear about this, not from him. Legolas would be too embarrassed.

Aragorn looked questioningly to the wizard. "Gandalf?" He needed to know who or what this Fileg was. If it were a figment of his friend's imagination, he would deal with it and help Legolas all he could.

Bright blue eyes turned to look at him, but their usual twinkle was missing and worry had replaced it. "You wish to know about Fileg?"

All of them became instantly attentive, apart from Haldir and Legolas.

"Yes, if you don't mind explaining?" Aragorn relaxed slightly, he thought that he would have trouble getting the old wizard to explain.

"Fileg is a pet Legolas once had as an elfling. It was during the journey to Fornost when he was so badly injured. Legolas had troubles with both his hands, one was in a splint and the other was injured and numb. He was miserable. Gailarphen produced this little duckling that had broken its wing and been abandoned by his mother. Legolas took him under his wing so to speak and nursed him back to health. He even took him to Fornost with him and back to Mirkwood, along with the kitten he rescued in Fornost. Thranduil did not have the heart to deny Legolas and tell him that they had to stay in Fornost. I have not heard Legolas mention them in a great while." There was a sad smile as he looked down at the Prince.

"So the way that Legolas was holding his hand and… " Aragorn made stroking motions with his hand.

"Was the way that Legolas used to be in Imladris as he recovered from his injuries. He had a splint on his right wrist and both hands were painful to use." Gandalf wanted so much to forget those awful days as they waited for their friends to recover.

"That makes a little more sense then. Thank you, Gandalf." Aragorn was relieved even if he still was worried.

"Legolas had a pet duck!" Gimli was chortling fondly. "Leave it to the wee Elven Princeling."

"Aye, I know. But remember the Wren!" Aragorn told him. He then reached to touch the damp forehead, Legolas was still feverish. "I will get some warm water."

When he returned no one had moved apart from Haldir who was now lying down, much to Aragorn's relief.

Talleth looked up as he walked over to the bed with a small smile. "There is no change."

"Good." Aragorn was as aware as Talleth was that Legolas' condition could change within the blink of an eye.

"Will you continue with the tale?" There was eagerness in Gimli's voice. He really wanted to know about the end of this particular story, all the better to tease Legolas with when he had recovered.

Aragorn nodded. "Yes, I can do that. It will give us all something to do while I… we wait for his condition to stabalise." There was little else he could do apart from waiting and that was always hard. All healers had to learn to be patient, but it did not mean that they had to like it.

"Good thank ye, Laddie." Gimli made himself comfortable to hear the story and yet he was still at the ready should he be needed.

"What tale is this that you are regaling them with, Aragorn?" Haldir had been listening to them from the bed.

"About the time Legolas hid his injuries from Ada for the last time." Aragorn sounded smug.

"When he decided he would make him strip before believing he was unhurt?" At Aragorn's nod, he grinned. "I cannot believe that you are telling them this!" Haldir was laughing.

"That is what I said." There was a small tinge of amusement in Gandalf's voice. "Legolas will not be amused."

"Legolas will live with it." There was a cheeky grin on Aragorn's face. "He was the one who did this foolish thing after all!"

Haldir laughed gently, anything more caused too much pain. "That is true. I will never forget when Legolas arrived for trade talks in Lothlórien with his father and Elrond made him strip even there to make sure he was uninjured! It was so funny."

"Legolas told me about that. He was so embarrassed and it was not helped by the fact that Thranduil would not let him forget it! All the way home it was mentioned and then to finish it off he told Doroniel all about it. The next time he came back from patrol she made him strip as well. Rithlin told me he had never seen Legolas blush like that!" Aragorn was laughing, genuinely laughing. His poor friend… so put upon at times.

Gandalf joined them. "I wish I had seen that! Unfortunately it does not appear to have had the desired affect." He finished by casting a gentle glower at Legolas silent form.

"No, I fear you are right about that." Aragorn sighed, worriedly.

"Mayhap we can make him see sense later." Gandalf told him kindly.

"I doubt it, but we can try." Aragorn agreed as he began to wash the hot face.

"So, on to the story?" There was a glint to Gandalf's eyes that showed amusement.

"Yes, where was I? Let me think…."

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

The kitchen of Helm's Deep had suffered some damage in the battle with the orcs. Most of the debris had been removed, but signs still remained behind. One section of wall had a hole in it and no door stood where it used to hang.

Tables had been hastily brought to replace those destroyed by the orcs or used as barricades. The pleasant smell of cooking could be detected for some distance away.

The food for the midday meal was well on the way in its preparation, and the tantalizing odors drifting from the kitchen made mouths water with anticipation, especially the bread baking for the evening meal and meat cooking over its spit.

The cook, Andris, had another job to take care of, though, one very special job that Théoden King had given him. He was making some creamy porridge for the Elven Prince who had fought so incredibly for their defense.

Andris had caught sight of the blonde warrior at times during lulls in the fighting, moving like a blur, killing so many of the vile creatures that had attacked the Deep. It had been incredible, his blond hair flying like a whip as he twirled and ducked, his arrows cutting through the air or his knives whistling as they sliced.

Some of the others had not truly believed that one person could be injured and yet move like that, so quickly so fluidly. Then they had seen the other elven warriors fighting and suddenly the Elven Prince had become a hero to them. One who would be helped in any way they could, even if all that could be done was to make some creamy porridge for him.

The news of the Prince's sudden collapse had flown on silent wings through the Deep. People spoke in hushed voices of how ill he looked and then the maids had added their own voices to the throng.

Andris did not want this to be so… he wanted the Prince to recover to show them how he looked when he was well. His Grandsire had told him such wondrous tales about the Firstborn, not the supercilious rubbish about them eating children as the young ones were told in frightening stories to make them mind. No, he had been brought up on how beautiful they were. How kind and faithful to those they called friend and family.

He also wanted to see if the remainder of what his Grandsire had taught him was true. Did they really glow brighter than the stars? And were their voices softer than the sweetest bird song?

Andris knew the part about family and friends were right for he had seen the Prince with his friends, had seen him greet the Ranger with such relief and love when he had arrived at the Keep after being missing.

A friend like that was so very hard to find. Andris sighed in soft regret. He had once had a friend like that, one he would have given his life for. The foul orcs had taken him away. It still hurt almost forty years later and he missed him more with each passing day. Perhaps he was just getting old.

Perhaps the last battle had made him consider things that had never been thought of previously, like how close death could strike and how quickly. His sword had been ready and more than willing to protect his people. He had seen the black substance that the orcs called blood. And yet he had also seen young, virile men with everything to live for cut down without thought, trampled underfoot like a pile of rubbish on the midden. Yet he, almost at the end of his natural life, had not even received a single cut or bruise.

How that had happened he was not sure, but it had. Perhaps his old friend had been looking down on him and had somehow protected him? He believed in these things. And the thought that he would one day be with his wife and his old friend once again was all that some days helped him rise from his bed, when the grief and pain became too much.

He stirred the milky porridge, it would be ready soon and he would take it to the Elven Prince personally. It was the least he could do.

He did not hear his visitor, so lost was he in his musings. The irritated cough made him spin around, milky spoon raised as a weapon… only to find Lady Éowyn standing before him. She did not look happy.

"My Lady, I did not hear you enter, my apologies." He lowered the spoon and bowed slightly. His hearing seemed to be going as well now! That was all he needed.

"I accept your apology." Éowyn's voice was sweet and yet he clearly caught the hard edge. "…this time, as long as it does not happen again."

Andris blinked a little in surprise. Lady Éowyn had never treated anyone like this before that he knew of. She was normally sweet and kind.

"I will make certain of it, My Lady." He told her seriously.

"Uncle asked me to come and see if the food for Prince Legolas was ready." Her voice sounded cold..

"Almost, almost finished." He nervously turned back from her to stir the pot once more.

"Good, he has asked me to take some fresh water up, as well. It will save you a journey if I do both at the same time." He was unaware of the grin that crossed her face as she fingered the bottle in her pocket.

"I will make sure that you have cold water for the Prince. After all that he has done it is the least I can do. You should have seen the way he fought, My Lady, he was incredible!" Andris reached for a bowl.

He missed the cold scowl that crossed her face. The Prince, it was always the Prince!

By the time he had turned back her face was back to its usual passive state as she watched him pour the porridge.

"So I have heard." Her voice was wry. "I wish I had seen that."

"You would have been amazed." He placed the bowl on a wooden tray and covered the top with a plate to keep the heat in. "I will get the water for you. Is there anything else that you require?"

"No, Andris, that will be all." She gave him a smile that did not reach her eyes.

"There you are, My Lady. Are you sure that you can manage?" It was a courtesy.

"Yes I can manage, thank you." The bite in her voice was back. Why did everyone seem to think that because she was female she had to have help to accomplish everything. That was what she liked with her 'master'. He trusted her and did not question her ability to accomplish her tasks. It made such a refreshing change. She really should have been male.

She lifted up the tray and quickly left the room before she said something that she would very much regret later.

She made her way through the halls with a glare on her face that kept the people from talking to her. She did not want to waste time on the small people. She had something far more important and urgent to see to.

Three-quarters of the way there she stopped and entered an empty audience chamber. Setting the tray down, she closed the door and took the vial from her pocket. Making her way over to the tray, she stopped and pulled the stopper free. She lifted it up and prepared to pour the fluid over the porridge, an evil grin on her face, when she paused.

A confused expression crossed her face and she looked from the porridge to the bottle. Her hand shook madly.

"What? How?" She looked around with no idea how she had arrived here and why did she have a bottle in her hand?

She looked at the bottle and began to move it away, ready to replace the stopper. She would not use something with no idea of what it was.

Then a shudder seemed to shake her and the evil grin re-appeared. Éowyn tipped a lot of the fluid from the bottle into the porridge and then stirred it. No one would be the wiser now and she would not be blamed for the Prince's sudden deterioration and then death.

If only he had died when he was meant to. If only the Orcs had carried out their part of the deal. But no, they had to get it wrong and the Elf had lived and she had to pick up the pieces and rectify the mistake.

Satisfied that the fluid was well mixed in, she lifted the tray and went on her way.

When she arrived at her Uncle's bedchamber, she paused before she knocked. Théoden actually opened the door to his own chamber, as if he was nothing more than a lowly servant and not the King of Rohan. She somehow kept her surprise from showing on her face.

"Éowyn, come in." He took the tray from her.

"Uncle, Andris asked me to bring the porridge and some water. Is that alright?" She made her voice worried and anxious as they crossed the chamber.

"Yes, he will be busy preparing the meal. How do you feel, did you sleep?" He looked at her worriedly. She had not been acting like the Éowyn that he knew and loved.

"I slept and feel much better, Uncle. I am sorry about my outburst earlier. I am not sure exactly what happened." She made herself smile sweetly.

"It has been a trying time for us all. You were exhausted. I saw you work ceaselessly with the injured after the battle. I think we can allow you that one outburst. You have eaten?" Théoden seemed pleased to see the change in her.

"Yes, I had some fruit. That was why I went to the kitchens. Much work is needed to repair the damage to the walls." She made light conversation.

"Éomer will deal with that, but more important outer walls need seen to first." Théoden lifted the plate and looked at the porridge then looked across to where Legolas was sleeping. He would have to wake him up, but he had just gone to sleep. As much as he needed the food, he also really needed the sleep. "Aragorn, do you wish me to leave the porridge?"

"I think that is a good idea. Now that Legolas is asleep I really do not wish to wake him." Aragorn knew that Legolas needed to eat, but he had just fallen back to sleep.

"Ah, Laddie it would be cold by then. It would be such a waste to leave it." Gimli told them. They could hear his stomach rumbling.

"You are as bad as the hobbits!" Aragorn could only laugh. "But yes, you are right. The porridge will be ruined by the time Legolas wakens."

"I know that Andris will not mind making Legolas more." Théoden had heard the men talking earlier and they were in total awe of the Prince.

"I will have the porridge then." Gimli made his way to the tray and lifted the bowl.

No one saw the terrified expression that crossed Éowyn's face, because they were more concerned with joking with Gimli.

She could not let the smelly Dwarf eat that porridge. Her plan would be ruined. She would be found out. She had to prevent this and at least she had more of the medicine to use at a later time.

As the Dwarf drew near her on his way back to his seat she let her leg stick out, just enough that he would catch it but not feel it.

It worked like a dream. Gimli was laughing so much, distracted, that he did not see or feel the leg that caused him to stumble.

Gimli gasped and did the only sensible things that he could think of. He tried to save the bowl of porridge, but to no avail as it smashed and splattered all over the smoothed stone floor.

"Gimli, are you alright?" Aragorn was torn between amusement and worry for his friend. It had been so funny to see him try and save the porridge when he could have saved himself from falling altogether, but his stomach had been talking and reason had fled.

"Aye, but the porridge isn't." There was such sadness in Gimli's voice as he gazed at the wasted food that they all laughed.

"I will go and get you some food, Master Dwarf, it is the least I could do." Éowyn smiled as well, but mostly it was from pure relief.

"Thank you, Lady Éowyn. I will clean the mess I made." Gimli was already gently moving the smashed bowl to one side.

"Thank you. How is the Prince?" She turned her attention to the one subject that she really wanted to know about. The Prince still looked far more dead than alive, she was pleased to see.

"Sleeping, though he did wake briefly." Aragorn would not mention that he had been far from coherent. He was still wary of Éowyn around Legolas.

"That is good!" She smiled sweetly at him, while trying not to grit her teeth. "Would anyone like anything else from the kitchen when I go for Gimli?"

"No, we have all just had our morning meal." Théoden was not sure why he said that but something about his niece did not seem right. "Gimli is the only one who is still hungry."

"Nae, I can wait, Lassie. I am not really that hungry." Gimli assured her, slightly embarrassed at what just happened.

"You are sure? Shall I go and ask Andris to make more porridge for Legolas for later?" She seemed eager to help and kept her eye on Legolas.

Aragorn smiled politely. "It may be best to do that after Legolas wakes, so that the porridge is fresh. Thank you for the kind offer though, it is appreciated."

"As you wish. If there is nothing more I can do then, I should return to help the ladies in the hall." The ladies were making sure that those who had lost everything in the battle were being helped. Normally, she would have been among them but for now there were other things that held her attention.

"Thank you, Éowyn. I am sure they will be pleased with your help." Éowyn recognised it as a dismissal from Théoden.

"If you need anything I will be a call away." With a smile for her Uncle and Aragorn, she left the chamber and closed the door behind her.

The soft smile disappeared almost immediately. A scowl appeared in its place. Trust the stupid Dwarf and Aragorn to ruin her plan. Still… she had more of the medicine to use. She would definitely return later.

o-o-o-o-o-o

Éomer watched worriedly as his sister left the room, not once had she looked in his direction.

"Now that is very odd." He could not help but comment.

"What do you mean?" Théoden looked up sharply.

"Éowyn did not even look at me or acknowledge that I was here. She has never done that before." Ever since the loss of their parents, they had ever been comforted by the presence of each other and always sought each other out when near enough, if only to nod a greeting.

"That is unusual?" Gandalf rose stiffly from where he sat next to Legolas.

"Yes, very. She always looks for me in a room, has done since we were children and she seems to have an unusual… thing for Legolas." He was not sure how to explain it.

"We have noticed that before." Théoden admitted.

"She is not like my sister." There was worry in Éomer's voice.

"Perhaps it would be better to wait and watch for a while to see what is going on. Perhaps we should make sure that she is not alone with Legolas, just in case?" Gandalf did not want to think the worst of Éowyn, but if her brother was worried as well, it was worth taking notice.

"That may be wise, Gandalf, until we do at least know what is happening with Éowyn." He hated the thought that he did not trust his only sibling.

"Then it shall be." Théoden gave the plan his seal of approval even though he hated the thought as well. "While we are on this subject and before Aragorn begins his tale I want to let you all know of a decision that I have made."

"Uncle?" Éomer was suddenly worried at this. What could his Uncle mean?

"All is well, but it needs to be discussed before I inform the Council come morning. I have made a decision on the next Heir to the throne of Rohan." Théoden's breath hitched. This was not easy for him.

Éomer nodded. He had known that this decision must be made.

Théoden turned to address them all. "You stand as my witnesses in this, should anything happen to me?" He turned to Gandalf. "You will make sure that my choice is declared and carried out in this matter?"

"Yes, I will, old friend." Gandalf bowed his head.

"Thank you, old friend. I appreciate that more than you know." Théoden smiled at the elderly wizard, and then he turned back to his nephew. "With the untimely death of my son, Rohan has no Heir and she desperately needs one. We did not have the chance to decide before the battle and you were not here. I am sorry for that, Éomer, more than you can know."

"It is not your fault, Uncle, none of this was your doing. If you wish to blame someone the blame lies elsewhere. Twice elsewhere." Éomer's voice and features had hardened. He would never forget or forgive the two evil creatures that had changed his Uncle so drastically and then ordered the attack that had killed Theodred. Never.

"I know, but that does not help. I should not have fallen under their spell, I should have been stronger." There was sorrow in his voice and then he shook himself. "That can wait for another time when things are less fraught."

"I will hold you to that, Uncle." Éomer had been worried about the guilt that coloured Théoden's voice. It was obvious that he blamed himself.

A weak grin crossed Théoden's face before he continued. "I have decided who will be my Heir in the event of my death. I can think of no one better to follow in my footsteps than you, Éomer."

Éomer had bowed his head, he had a feeling that this was coming, but had hoped he was wrong. He was a warrior, not a prince, not a true prince, as Theodred had been. He had been trained for ascension to the throne from an early age.. Éomer had not had the same training. What if he got it wrong? What if he made a mistake that cost lives?

"I thank you, Uncle, for the confidence that you have shown in me, but I fear that I am the wrong choice. I have not the training. Yes, I can lead the men, yes they obey me, but… the people?" He shook his blond head.

"And that, Dear Éomer, is what makes me think that you are the right choice. I have made the right choice. We all have fears that we will fail. I did as a Prince, Theodred did and I am sure that Legolas has." He was smiling gently at his nephew.

"Legolas has, not often, but now and again he believes that he is not worthy of taking over from his father if that time should ever come." Aragorn told his friend gently.

"Is that why he was introduced as 'Legolas of the Woodland Realm'?" Éomer found it hard to believe that the fierce elven warrior he had seen in action and had come to like could have any doubts about himself.

"In part." It was Gandalf that spoke "And also partly because a lot of people would give a lot to have the Crown Prince of Mirkwood in their hands. It has happened before, trust me it is a lesson Legolas has learned well."

"We all did." Aragorn's voice was soft. He preferred not to think of that awful time. He would rather completely forget it.

Gandalf spoke gently, nut with conviction. "But that does not mean that either you, or he, are any less capable of taking up that burden. You will both be capable rulers, when the time comes."

"You truly believe that?" There was hope now in Éomer's voice. His Uncle's confidence in him and then Gandalf's agreement helped allay some of his fears.

Théoden spoke with an unusually gentle smile that Éomer had not seen in some time, a great deal of time actually, since before Wormtongue's deceptive actions. "Yes, I am certain of your ability, and your heart, Éomer. You were loyal to me, to our people, even when I did not deserve it. Will you accept the mantle and become Crown Prince of Rohan?"

"Yes, Uncle, if it pleases you. I will do my very best to make you proud of me." It was said with unusual shyness from the normally-assured man.

"Trust me, Éomer, sister-son, you already do make me so very proud of you."

Éomer looked up at his Uncle's words to see that Théoden was watching him with such open pride and fierce love that he felt his own eyes mist up for a moment before he collected himself. After all, Crown Princes did not cry, did they?

"I will endeavor to serve you and our people, my liege. I wonder what Éowyn will say about this?" There was unusual worry in his voice. The sister he knew and loved would be delighted for him and support him in any way, but this new Éowyn? Well, now he really was not sure.

"Time will tell, Éomer." There was an enigmatic smile on Gandalf's lips and nothing Éomer tried would get him to say more.

He gave up with a frustrated sigh, but missing the conspiratorial glance the two elderly men shared. It had the desired effect; preventing Éomer from worrying about things that he really could not change.

Éomer turned in frustration. "Perhaps you should finish the story then, Aragorn." It was said with such resignation that Aragorn had to hide a smile. He knew that Éomer had just been outwitted by one of the sharpest minds in Middle-earth and he knew how frustrating that could feel.

"Congratulation, Éomer." Haldir's tired voice sounded from behind him. "I can think of no one more fitting to assume this duty. I know that when he has recovered Legolas will be pleased for you."

"Thank you, my friend. I will be glad to see that." Some of the worry eased from Éomer's face. Perhaps they would be alright after all.

There was amusement in Aragorn's voice. "Good. Now, shall I continue with Legolas' tale?" Haldir and Legolas always seemed to know exactly the right sort of encouragement.

Gimli eagerly nodded. As Aragorn continued to wash Legolas down, they all settled to hear what had happened to Legolas that time long ago.

Flashback

"Get some air into his lungs, Elladan, NOW!" There was urgency in Elrond's voice. They had little time to work with here.

Elladan did not even reply, he was instantly in action. The training Elrond had given them all months ago in this new treatment was being put to the test now.

"Glorfindel..."

"On it!" Giving the life-giving breath was useless if it did not reach the parts of the body that vitally needed it. He placed his hands firmly over Legolas' breast-bone and waited for Elladan to finish the breaths before gently yet firmly pressing down to stimulate the action of the lungs moving and the heart thumping.

It was fortuitous that Elrond had found this healing action. It had been a pure fluke in a moment of total need. A young adan child had, to all intents and purposes, drowned in a village not far from Imladris while Elrond had been visiting them, helping their healer with a case of fever in a new mother… Elrond had pressed the child's chest trying to get the water out of the lungs when the child had somehow started breathing again. The only thing they could put it down to was the chest compressions… it had worked almost all the time.

Glorfindel had to think that this was another patient and not Legolas he was doing this to, not the Young Prince who had adored him in hero worship since he was a small elfling. If he thought of that he could not have continued.

"Estel, move out of the way, try to stay calm." it was rare to see his foster son this panicked and out of his depth. Normally he was the calmest of his sons, determined to help his friend in any way he could.

Estel actually moved, but it was more out of instinct than anything and he did not look away from his friend not even when he bumped into the next bed.

Elrond sighed. When he had some time he would need to speak with Estel. His son would need it, but Legolas was the important one at the moment.

"Elrohir, I need hot water, lots of it. When you have put more on to boil, I want you to keep checking Legolas' pulse. I need to know when he is breathing on his own again." He could only pray to Estë that Legolas did begin to breathe again.

"Of course, Ada." His voice worried, Elrohir hurried to do as bidden while Elrond began to prepare the herbs he needed to help Legolas. Most would have to be given as creams and under the tongue to absorb. He could not begin to think of giving Legolas fluids. It would go straight to his lungs and that would be the ultimate death knell for the Prince.

They worked in silence and with deep concentration for what seemed like hours before a harsh voice was suddenly heard.

"I have a pulse!" Immediately, Glorfindel stopped the chest compressions and stood back so that Elrond could look at Legolas.

They all waited with bated breath as Elrond listened to his heart with his ear pressed to his chest.

"The rhythm is weak but steady and I hear nothing to be greatly alarmed at." He was aware that the others sighed with relief. Well all, bar one, who was still watching his friend with a look of shocked horror on his face. Elrond had the time now to look after his son. Legolas had the time. "We need to watch him carefully, Glorfindel, if you do not mind?"

"Of course not, Mellon iaur, I will make certain Legolas stays where he should. You look after Estel." Glorfindel's voice was soft with concern for the young man as well.

"Hannon le." There was such relief in Elrond's voice at his friend's soft words. He rose and hurried to Estel's side. "Come and sit, Estel, I need to look at you."

Estel just blinked at him without real comprehension. It was all that Elrond needed to see that his worst fears were confirmed. Estel was in shock, deep shock at that.

He led the unresisting Estel over to the chair by the fire. He could feel the tremors running through Estel. The warmth would help him, even though the fire was unusually low in deference to Legolas' high fever.

"Sit, ion-nin, I will get you some tea." He pushed Estel gently into the chair. He then looked at Elrohir.

Elrohir did not need words to understand what his father needed, or more precisely, what his young brother needed.

He nodded and moved to the herb table. Estel needed to sleep in order to recover. The way he was now he would not do that, so he would have to have a little help.

End flashback

"Or at least that is what I am told. All I clearly recall is that Legolas stopped breathing." Aragorn blushed at the memory. He was not proud of his reactions. He had been of no help to Legolas when he had needed him the most. He still felt shame about it even now and Legolas had tried to make him see that there was nothing to be ashamed of and nothing to be sorry for.

"That is understandable." Gimli's voice was a little hoarse. He recalled how he had felt when Legolas had difficulty earlier, helpless and unsure, powerless. It was something that the Dwarf was not used to feeling.

"I agree with Gimli." Talleth admitted. Even as a healer he was sure that he had failed the Prince somehow and had he been alone he would have been unable to save the Elf.

"Thank you. Legolas tried to reassure me that I had done nothing." he shrugged.

"He was right, Aragorn." Haldir admitted.

"I know, but still…" Aragorn shrugged. "I am a healer. I should have helped, should have been able to help my friend, rather than fall apart!"

Haldir sighed. He could clearly hear the anguish that the young human still felt. He knew that some part of Aragorn would forever be the young boy who would giggle with his brothers and plot with Legolas…

"I did the same once when Rumil was hurt on patrol. I was the patrol leader, for Valar's sake! All I could see was Rumil bleeding heavily on the ground." It took all his strength not to shudder at the memory. He knew that would hurt, a lot. "I was useless in aiding him."

"But, he is your brother!" Aragorn was aghast at his friend. "What more could you have done? It hurts to see them in pain… Aragorn stopped as the Marchwarden grinned at him slightly.

"Exactly, mellon-nin, and Legolas is your brother in all but blood. I have seen you grow closer and closer over the years. I have seen you both fight to keep each other alive when one of you has been injured." Haldir had made his point.

"I would give my life for him." Aragorn raised his head proudly.

"As Legolas would, and almost has, for you." Gandalf's voice was gentle. "But neither of you are to blame for being shocked when the other is hurt."

"I know, but I will always wonder if I could have helped more." Aragorn smiled sadly.

"So what happened next?" Haldir's voice was soft and encouraging. He knew what had happened, as did Gandalf, but Aragorn was not telling the tale for their benefit.

"Well, the next thing I remember, I was waking up…"

Flashback

He was warm and so comfortable that he did not wish to leave the cocoon that he was wrapped in.

He sighed softly and snuggled back under the covers, not sure what had woken him.

A sudden loud rumble and crash that seemed to make the room shudder told him what it was. The rain that he could now hear pelting against the windows woke him even more. Imladris was experiencing a major thunderstorm.

Legolas would love this. He could just imagine his friend standing outside, joyfully watching the play of nature as she demanded to be heard. He would revel in the wind, eyes closed as he listened… Legolas!

He suddenly shot up in the bed, the name leaving his lips involuntarily.

"Sîdh, Estel, he is still with us, gwador." Elrohir's reassuring voice came from beside him.

"He is? What happened? How did I get here?" So many questions were rattling around his head.

"We will explain, Estel, but you need something to eat." It was Ada.

"I am not hungry." How could he eat when they would not explain what had happened?

"You will eat, Estel. It has been over a day since you had anything to eat." Another loud crash of thunder sounded. "I will not let you go to Legolas until you have something." It was not an idle threat either.

Estel had no other choice. He had to see Legolas. Even though he was across the chamber, screens taken from the healing wing had been placed between them.

"Very well." He was surprised at how sullen those words came out.

"Good, you have slept well." Lightning flashed in the dim chamber. Even with candles burning, it was very dark.

"What did you give me?" He was aware that they had to have given him something. It was the only explanation.

"A mild herb, but you were exhausted and shocked. You needed the rest." Elrond was pleased to see the colour and life back in the grey eyes. He had been worried to see Estel looking so shocked and out of it.

"How long did I sleep?" He had not attempted to leave the bed. He knew Ada would not let him until he had eaten anyhow.

"Several hours." Elrond smiled fondly.

"What!" Estel was astounded. Then reality set in. Several hours, precious hours in which his best friend could have died and he had not been there, could not have had the chance to say a final goodbye to his friend who had taught him so much, hours in which he could and should have lent his strength and help to the Prince. He had failed Legolas. It was as simple as that. How could he call himself a friend? Friends did not do things like this.

Friends supported each other through thick and thin, stood between arrow or blade to protect you, taught you things when others had tried and failed, even helped you when you needed the help and did not know it yourself.

Legolas had done all that for him and much more and yet this was how he had repaid him. He was not worthy to be his friend and he would never be able to look Legolas in the eye again.

"Estel? Estel can you hear me?" Elrond's voice grew worried. He had called Estel several times.

"I let him down, Ada. When he needed me the most, I did not help him." He covered his face with his hands. "What kind of a friend does that make me?"

Ah, so now Elrond knew what was going through the sometimes complex mind of his youngest child.

"A friend who was exhausted and very shocked. You did not let Legolas down and with all of us here, there was very little that you could have done anyway. Legolas was not aware of what was happening and even if he was, he would not hold this against you. You know that." Elrond tried to make his foster son see the point he was trying to make.

"I know. Legolas would tell me to stop being stupid, to pull myself together and that I was not to blame, but I know what happened, Ada. You and the others saw what happened. How can I still be his friend?" That was the one thing that scared Estel more than anything.

That his friend would realise that he was not worthy of his friendship, would not want to have anything more to do with him. He was human and mortal, someone who would one day leave this world, no matter how much he did not want to. When that happened Legolas would grieve deeply. Perhaps it would be better to end this friendship now?

End flashback.

The room was silent. Estel's voice had cracked when he tried to explain how he had felt. The guilt was still there. He was not sure that it would ever really go away.

"You would have ended your friendship?" Gimli sounded truly shocked.

"To spare Legolas the pain when I die? Yes, I would. It is the last thing I would wish for, to cause my heart-brother pain. I have already done too much to him. He would not listen to me." He gave a wry smile, recalling the conversation they had after Legolas recovered.

"I should hope so!" Haldir had stayed silent throughout the telling of the tale. "Legolas knows what he is doing, mellon-nin, and he would not let you do this."

"That is what Legolas said to me later. I still worry though, especially with what happened on the way here." That had been shocking. He had known that Legolas would be upset, but to be fading like that? They really needed to speak about this.

He used the sudden silence to check Legolas over. His fever had not changed and neither had his pulse. No change was better than a negative change. He fervently wished the next eleven hours had already passed.

"There were many factors for that, Aragorn." Gandalf finally spoke up. "Your 'death' was the last loss he could take." He would not let the human feel guilty about this, not when he had also been to blame, should blame be decided upon.

"He always feels too much. He is so sensitive to the world about him." Estel could only shake his head.

Gandalf would not let the Ranger wallow in this self pity, not when there was nothing to wallow about. "Yes he does. At times it is a huge advantage, but at others, like now, not so. But I will be there for him, to help him, as will your Adar, brothers and Thranduil."

"My brothers and I will always help him. I know many that will." Haldir was thinking of all the friends Legolas had made, people he had helped and touched over the years, some who would be more than eager and willing to help Legolas over his grief when the time came for Aragorn to leave this world. To Haldir's great surprise, he found that just the thought of that happening caused him great pain. If this was how he felt, the others would feel far, far worse.

"Aye, and he will have me. Trust me, Aragorn, I will not let him do something so daft again." Gimli's voice was gruff as he turned to the still-sleeping Legolas. "I will not let you do that again, Laddie."

"I will help all I can." Both Talleth and Éomer spoke as one and then shared rueful smiles.

"Thank you. Thank you all. I feel better for knowing that. I have been worried about this since I got to the Deep." Aragorn had been greatly concerned, seeing Legolas like that and hearing him talk about his Naneth had made Estel realise that his heart-brother had never, and probably never would, recover from his mother's death. No elf should die. He shuddered at the thought. So many elves had passed during the battle to keep Helm's Deep and to keep the people of Rohan safe, and to fight for the future of Middle-earth.

"Good, your mind is now at rest?" Mithrandir smiled at the show of support that Legolas had received. Then it dimmed as he realised that the Prince would not know about it until the day that fateful happening came to be.

"Aye, and thanks once more." Aragorn took a sip of the water that sat beside the bed. Legolas needed the fluids, but they did too.

"Good. You are ready to continue?" Gandalf's twinkle was back.

"Yes." Aragorn gave him a small smile, still amazed that they all wanted to hear about Legolas and his past.

Flashback

"You will continue to be his friend." It was simply stated with no embellishment as Elrond gazed into Estel's troubled face.

"But how? I let him down."

Elrond was gentle with his son. "No, Estel, you did not. The only person who does not realise that is you. You have stayed beside Legolas through all since the two of you met, often ignoring your own needs to help him. He knows what you feel for him and how you would help if you could. Until you can speak with him, simply try to forget what happened? You were distressed. It is natural and you would not be human if you did not react like this at times."

"Then I wish I was an elf." It was simply put. It was also after all the answer to all his worries. If he was an elf he would not die of old age. Legolas, his father and brothers would not go through the grief that it would bring on. It was all the answer he needed. Such a shame it could not be brought into being.

Elrond's eyes widened and then he chuckled. "If only it was that easy, ion-nin. But there are also distinct disadvantages to being Firstborn as well. We never grow old, we do the same things day in day out. Being an elf is not as wonderful as you seem to think it is."

"Ada is right, Estel. You should listen to him." Elrohir had brought the food that he had gathered for his younger brother.

"But… to never get sick." Estel could easily recall the chest chill he had taken the winter before. It had been nasty and had taken him a long while to recover fully from it.

"That is one advantage." Glorfindel's voice was wry. "But you also have to balance that with the fact that elves have perfect recall. Everything you see, everything you do is there waiting to haunt you. You do not want that, trust me, Penneth." There was old grief written over his face, pain so deep that it almost broke Estel's heart to see it reflected in the mighty warrior's eyes.

"I know. I am sorry." He would never cause any of them pain if he could help it. It was just not his way.

"We know, ion-nin, we know." Elrond smiled gently. "You are to clear all of that plate. Elrohir will sit with you. I wish to check on Legolas and once you have eaten I will return and we will discuss what has happened since you have slept." It was clearly an order from Ada, and when he spoke in the pedantic tone of voice you did not argue with him, simply because he always got what he wanted.

"Yes, Ada." He took the platter that a grinning Elrohir handed him. Only then when the top was removed and the pleasant aroma wafted upwards did he realise how hungry he actually was. His stomach gave a loud gurgle just then. He blushed painfully.

"Eat, gwador, and then that will stop. You look better." Elrohir watched as he took the first eager bite of eggs.

Through the mouthful Estel spoke. "Have any of you slept?" He could only hope that the last few hours had been peaceful for them as well.

"Aye, we took it in turns to slip into reverie. We are well and have eaten too." Elrohir watched with fond amusement as the man in front of him seemed to inhale the food. He and his twin brother could eat, but Estel was amazing to watch.

"Good." Less than fifteen minutes after he had started eating the platter was clean and looked as if it had been washed as well. "That is much better. Hennad!"

Elrohir grinned indulgently as he accepted the empty platter from Estel, knowing that in a couple more hours Estel would be hungry again. It always amazed him. His brothers teased him often, asking how he could stay so slim.

"Now can I see Legolas?" There was impatience in his voice.

"Yes, once you have washed up, changed your clothes and brushed that bush you call hair!" Elrohir had his orders as well.

"I do not need to…" He scrubbed at his face tiredly. "Very well." It was not worth arguing over. Especially when you knew that you would lose that fight right from the start.

Elrohir grinned happily, but he also watched closely as his younger brother stood, stretched and walked over to the bathing chamber.

Estel wavered when he first stood. He could still feel the exhaustion tugging at him and the fullness of his bladder made this trip necessary. He glanced over at the screens that hid Legolas from him as he left the room.

The tangle of his hair was a nightmare to get out. He often wished that his hair was smooth as his brothers' hair was. They never had this trouble.

Finally, he was ready, apart from the clean clothes and he would not leave the chamber to get those. He would not! It was as simple as that.

A sharp rap on the door of the bath-chamber brought his head up. His heart jumped into his mouth. It could not be Legolas, please not Legolas!

"Yes?" His voice sounded tremulous, even to his own ears.

"I have clean clothes for you, Estel!" The door opened and Elrohir appeared with some of his clothes from his room.

"Hennad." When Elrohir did not move he sighed. "I am not a child who needs help dressing!"

Elrohir's chortle resounded in the chamber as the door closed after him. As much as Estel loved them, he could cheerful strangle his brothers at times.

When the door closed, he sank back against the wall with a sigh of relief. He had truly thought that there had been something wrong with Legolas, that he had passed when he was not there. He would never forgive himself if that was so.

He shook his head. If he wanted to be there, he had better get changed. It was the work of moments to accomplish that and he left the chamber.

Elrohir was waiting for him as he entered the bed chamber.

"Good, that looks better." There was a small smile on his face. "Come then and we can join the others. We are leaving the screens up so that no one can see Legolas from the door."

"That seems a good idea." That way when Thranduil arrived, as they all knew he would, he would not hear the gossip first, but the truth.

"Aye. The way that Legolas looks right now..." Elrohir could not continue as he passed behind the screens. Estel took a deep breath then followed him.

To his relief nothing seemed to have changed in the Prince's condition. He was still pallid and flushed, as odd as that seemed. But to Estel's relief he was still breathing and with them.

"Ada, what happened?" He had to know so that he could be well-prepared to help his friend.

End Flashback

"I am glad that he came through." Gimli's voice was gruff as he spoke once more.

"I was too, although I was quite cross at what Ada did." Although, he could also understand it, he might not like it, but it had been the best thing to do.

Aragorn frowned.Legolas' fever was rising once more and he was sure that he could hear a wheeze when he breathed.

Gandalf noted his concern. "What is wrong, Aragorn?"

"His breathing is not right." At another time he would have been amused at how quickly the others, aside from Haldir, sat up.

"What can we do?" Talleth was already at the herb table, waiting for orders.

A new voice unexpectedly came from behind them. "You could give him this. Ada prepared it earlier so that time would be spared."

Estel gave a cry and turned around, his joy evident for them all to see. "Elladan!"

"Suilad, penneth. I heard that you have been having problems with a certain princeling that we know!" Even though Elladan was teasing, Estel could hear the worry in his brother's voice.

"Just a little. How did you get here so quickly? We sent the message bird only yesterday!" Aragorn had not been so pleased to see his brother in a long time.

"Ada had a vision and sent us on our way here days ago, not long after Haldir left us. We have ridden hard to arrive here in time." Elladan turned to the Marchwarden and then grinned. "I have messages for you as well, Haldir, from your brothers. I am much relieved to see you looking so well."

Haldir inclined his head in respect. "Thanks to Estel and Mithrandir. It is good to see you, mellon nin." He could relax now that they had aid in Legolas' care. He settled back against the pillows.

Aragorn frowned. There was something he was missing. Then it hit him, not something, but rather someone.

"Where is Elrohir?" He tried to look around his eldest brother.

"Ah… yes, well." For once, Elladan looked unsure of himself… almost embarrassed

"What? Where is he?" There was a hint of panic in Estel's voice. After all that had happened with Legolas and Haldir, he hoped his brother was not gravely hurt as well.

"I am here, Estel. It just took me a little longer to get here than it did Elladan." The voice held pain but was coherent.

"Elrohir!" He sighed with relief as his brother hobbled into the chamber. "By Elbereth, what happened?"

Elrohir had a large scrape and bruise down the left side of his face and moved stiffly. He blushed and glanced to Elladan.

"Well?" Elladan sounded amused. He hid this guilt well. You had to know him well to hear it in his voice. Gandalf, Aragorn and Haldir all heard it.

To Aragorn's amusement Elrohir mumbled under his breath. Aragorn knew then that whatever had befallen his brother was embarrassing. "I am sorry. I did not catch that."

Oh yes, there was definitely a smile on Elladan's face. This should prove to be very interesting.

He threw his hands up in exasperation. "I was asleep when my horse stumbled and fell. I went with it!" At least he had told them.

"Your horse fell!" Aragorn gaped at him.

"Yes!" It was said defiantly, almost as if daring them to say something.

That did it. Aragorn chuckled aloud and was soon joined by Haldir although his was more muted

"It is not that funny!" Elrohir was indignant.

"I know, but it is amazing! An elf brought down by his horse! Legolas will love that!" Suddenly reality hit home and he instantly sobered. "Elladan, he is very unwell. Please say that you can help him! I have done my best."

"Sîdh, Estel. Yes, we have something that may help and you have done incredibly well with him. Adar sends his praise as well."

Aragorn blushed at that.

Elladan went to the Prince, even as he looked over his shoulder as Elrohir limped further into the chamber. "Tell me, what has happened?"

Talleth moved to support Elrohir, noting his brother's concern. "I will help your brother."

"Hennad." Soon Elladan was deep in conversation, listening to all that Aragorn had to tell him that had happened to his friend.

From his place next to Legolas, Gimli could stay silent no more. "I'm sorry ta interrupt ye, Laddie, but should his breathing be that rough?"

"Gimli? What do you mean?" Aragorn turned back to Legolas and was horrified at how laboured his breathing had become.

"D' I need to tell ya?" Gimli glowered at him.

"No." He turned to his brother. "Elladan?"

"This is worse than Ada thought. He needs this, now." Elladan uncorked the bottle.

"What is it?" Aragorn was already lifting Legolas upright.

"Something to help ease the next few hours, but it may not work."

"It may not work? What do you mean?" Aragorn turned horrified eyes to meet his brothers'. "You fear it is too late?"

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

To be continued

Sorry this has taken so long, I got a little carried away writing it! I hope that you all enjoy it and please let me know what you think of it?

A huge great hug and thanks to Barbara once more for her wonderful support and betaing.

Love

Shell

xxxxxxx