*Hello, it's me and the next chapter. Honestly, I'm starting feeling sad for Legolas, poor Leggy :'(

Anyway, thank you Whyamiobsessed (I hope I wrote it right) for you review, I'm glad you are still with me ;)I hope you will enjoy also this chapter, I'm just sitting outside and getting cold but I had to upload haha ;D

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

~~~ Chapter 9 ~~~

He looked over his shoulder at Gimli and sighed. He wasn't sure he is ready. He didn't tell him anything offending. It was just... a difference of view.

"Legolas." Aragorn's voice brought him back so he again looked at him. "Is it Gimli, right? He told you something I don't know? "

"N-no.." his whisper was painful. Aragorn's gaze was stubborn and he knew he didn't tell him the truth. "Okay, yes. Yes he did tell me something, satisfied?" he snapped but regretted this very soon. "I'm.. I'm sorry, I shouldn't have... I'm sorry." he apologised with sadness.

"Don't apologise to me for everything." he whispered smiling lightly.

The elf smiled back.

"Sor-"

"Don't."

"Right. I'll try to remember."

"Fine. And now, tell me what he said to you."

"But..." he sighed. "Promise me you won't say anything to him."

"Okay, I promise." he smiled. "But tell me, because I wish to help you."

He looked down for a moment and closed his eyes sighing deeply.

"I had woken up as the first one, as usual. And I saw him. He told me it's noon and he said we had overslept because he didn't wake us. He decided to give you more sleep because you lead us. So I started telling that we should've gone from there many hours ago. And.. and he asked me if I even miss Gandalf..." his whisper was now even quieter and more painful.

Aragorn seeing his sadness, placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Then, he started insulting me because of my father. He can't forgive him an imprisonment of the dwarves. He doesn't understand that I'm not my father. He thinks I have no heart and I don't miss Gandalf... Estel, it's not true.. you.. you know that I-"

"I know it perfectly, Legolas. I have no doubt of that. I know you miss him, more than any of us. I can't even imagine how hard must it be for you. But I'll try to help anyway. Listen, I'm really, really sorry for everything what happened to you, you shouldn't suffer like that, you shouldn't even know about such a pain. I know I can't reverse time, even if I want it so badly, and believe me I do. But remember, I'm always here, I can repeat these words to you for eternity, and we both know I'm able to do this, so are you. And you mustn't worry because of Gimli's stupid talking. Just ignore him. He doesn't know you, he doesn't know your real face. And it's only his loss that he won't get such a good friend who you are. My friend. My brother." he smiled trying the most to cheer the elf up.

He was silent for a minute, staring into his friend's eyes but then, he smiled softly.

"I have never asked for a friend like you. I don't know what I have done to get one. I don't deserve you. You're definitely too good for me. For someone that..." he stopped.

'Dirty', he wanted to say. Instead he turned away and closed his eyes. But he felt Aragorn's presence very near. Then, he felt not only his presence, but also a hand on his shoulder. His grip was so gently and supportive.

"Dirty you wanted to say?" he asked knowing him too perfectly.

"... Yes. I wanted to say dirty." he whispered after a while.

"I thought we have explained this already. You're not dirty and you've never been. Listen carefully, I will never think of you as of someone dirty. You didn't ask for it. You didn't have anything to say. They forced you, Legolas. They've forced and taken you without your permission. You are not dirty." he saw tears in his friend's blue, hurt eyes.

"When you found me... I thought you will be.. disgusted by me. That I will be for you like.. a slut."

"What an absurd, Legolas. I would never thought about you in that way."

"I gave myself to.. to them."

"You haven't wanted it. They took you by force, against your will. Don't hate yourself for what has happened. You're innocent and we all know that. You should know that too."

"I.. I know but.. but it's not that easy. They've beaten me, they've us.. used me. They've taken me captive for five days. They've said that... that nobody will come to rescue me.. that.. this is my.. my fate. That I was born to please them... They've been touching me... everywhere... They've threatened me that if I try to escape, they will hurt you. I couldn't.. couldn't let that happen... I just didn't want you to suffer as much as me... I needed to protect you..." he whispered, his eyes filled with tears which were soon covering his face.

They were far enough to not let the rest see them now. Aragorn sighed and gave him a warm hug to support him. He didn't know about these threats. He was shocked how much he had to suffer.

"Shh, mellon nîn. It is alright, you're safe now. So am I. Nobody's going to hurt you. Don't cry, it is not necessary. You're neither slut, nor guilty. It wasn't your fault. They were monsters without a heart. Believe me, if I could do something better for you, I would."

"No Estel, you've done much already. It's enough for me if you're next to."

"I will always be. I will never leave you, don't fear. I will always help you. I will do anything for you, even die."

"N-no! Don't die, please, don't..." he panicked, his eyes and face wet.

"Calm down, Legolas! I'm not going to."

"I'm just.. so tired of being weak. I can't help myself. I can't do this alone. I was fighting so hard but.. it's fruitless." he whispered, his voice very broken. "Time won't erase some things. They're still underneath my skin. I wish they just left me alone. I tried to get rid of them but.. this pain is just too real."

"You're not weak, nor are you alone. I'm still with you, never going away. I won't leave you behind. Remember, when you cry, I will wipe away your tears. When you scream, I will take away all of your fears. You have me. I won't let you go through this alone."

"I... don't feel well saying this all but.. please, please, tell me this is only a nightmare. Please, I beg you, wake me up, please I... I cannot do this alone. Just.. bring me back to life. I thought I am healed but... All I want is to forget about this. I will get lost without you. Just.. wake me up.. wake me... please..." he hid his face in Aragorn's chest.

The ranger's heart was breaking. His best friend. He is his best friend. Why it all must have happened? Why to him? He doesn't deserve it. Nobody actually does. He was embracing the elf strongly. His words were like knives. He wished very badly to wake him up. He wished it was only the nightmare. But it wasn't at all. And it pained him like nothing else. If only Gandalf was with them now. He would say something.

"Oh Legolas... you have no idea how much I want you to forget. How much I want it to be a bad dream. How can I help you, tell me." he whispered and in his own eyes appeared tears. He hated when his friend suffers like that. Much more he would stand his beating than mental pains.

"Just be..." he heard a weak, almost silent whisper.

"Fine then. I will. Believe me, I would love to see them suffer. I hope Valar will forgive me, but I would love to take them back to life and let others torture them like they tortured you. They should've died in pain, alone. They are now in Udun, burning. They are no more danger for you. I will protect you from others. I will not let you be hurt."

He glanced at him with tears, he looked like a child who had got a bad dream and called someone adult to sleep with him. Aragorn swore to help him, he remembered the day he found him perfectly. They both were so scared. And when he told him what they've done to him, he regretted that he killed them that quickly. They really should've suffered much more. How someone can be so cruel? How someone could rape an elf? Especially this race is too innocent to survive such horrible things. Very few of them get out of it alive. Legolas was this strong one.

"Will you.. will you save me from the dark..?" he heard a voice of his friend, he sounded so weak and broken as it has never been.

"Of course.. of course. I will try my best. I promise." he wiped away his tears.

"Thank you." his whisper was now stronger.

"Don't thank me. Thank yourself instead." he smiled gently and brushed off golden hair of the prince.

"For what?"

"For being strong. And for finding a courage to tell me all your feelings. You don't do this very often. You're a true warrior."

He smiled lightly, his eyes were still wet but Aragorn wipes them away when one appears.

"Please, smile. For me, mellon nîn." the ranger whispered.

Legolas listened to him and forced a smile. His eyes were shining a little in this darkness. They looked at the view under them. The kingdom of Lothlórien widened in front of them. It was very beautiful. The lights of elven houses in trees added an extra loveliness.

"I think you should check on the others." said finally Legolas.

Aragorn looked at him.

"Yeah. I probably should do that..." he smiled. "But I'm sure they aren't killing themselves. And they don't need me to babysit them all the time."

They looked at each other and exchanged gazes.

"Everything's so peaceful now. As it never be that way. An evil is far from here. I feel really safe for the first time, I believe." said the elf.

"I feel it too. Maybe I'm not an elf, but indeed, everything's so calm and beautiful. I think even Gimli can feel it."

Legolas smiled lightly.

"How's your cut?" asked the ranger nodding to his head.

"Ah, it. To be honest, I forgot about any cuts. They don't bother me."

"I'm glad hearing this. Because I was afraid that you may have a brain injury. But if you had, it would appear by now."

"I told you it's nothing."

"Yeah, you did. But you always say that. You would say it even if your leg had been cut off."

"What can I say? I just don't like exaggerating."

"If you call a cut off leg an "exaggerate", I'm afraid if you tell me of your any injuries like cracked ribs, or wounded arm if you had one."

"Don't fear, I will."

They looked around, at the camp.

"Where's Frodo?" asked Aragorn.

"I don't know. I saw him about an hour ago, he went down."

"To the mirror?"

"Probably."

Aragorn looked away and saw Boromir sitting alone a few meters farther than the rest of the group.

"Forgive me, my friend, but I need to go check something." he said looking at the elf.

He nodded lightly.

"Of course. You have duties of the fellowship. I will be okay, go to them."

"You sure?"

"I am."

"Fine. But I will be back soon."

Legolas smiled to him and looked at the group of elves with Haldir.

"If you look for me, I'll be with Haldir." he said and they split up.

Aragorn nodded and smiled. He knew that if Legolas goes there to other elves, he will feel much better. He knows Haldir quite long.

He came to them silently.

"Legolas! Mae govannen!" smiled Haldir and put a hand on his heart.

"Nice to see you after all this time Haldir." he said.

"Lady and gentlemen, this is Legolas. Prince of Mirkwood and... my old friend." he said to the group of two elves and one she-elf.

"I heard of you, prince Legolas." spoke the woman.

"Please, just Legolas. I don't like being called 'a prince'."

"Fine then. I heard of you, Legolas."

"Only good things I hope." he smiled.

"Basically that you're a great archer. Is it true, or is it not?"

"It is not up to me to tell." he smiled.

"Okay, okay. Enough for tonight. Legolas, you must be tired, get some sleep."

"Thank you Haldir, but I will take a rest later. I don't feel tired."

"I won't be pushing you with that then. How long do you stay?"

"Well... I don't know. It's up to Aragorn to decide. I hope our presence doesn't bother you."

"No, not at all, don't worry. We're glad we can help with this quest. Lady Galadriel is very kind."

"I've never had any doubt. But we don't want to use too much of her kindness. I guess we'll leave in two, maybe three days."

"In case you will need something, tell me. You know where I can be found." Haldir smiled lightly.

Legolas nodded and turned away. He saw hobbits and Gimli looking at him. Aragorn was with Boromir. He wanted to trust him so badly. But it was inside him, he couldn't help it, he couldn't let it out, although he was trying his best.

"I'm sorry guys. I think I shouldn't leave the fellowship for too long."

"Oh, why? They are adult, aren't they?"

"Yes, they look adult but... You see those two hobbits in the corner?" he discretely pointed to Merry and Pippin.

"Yes, what about them?"

"They may look adult, but they're not. I have a feeling that they will destroy something in a minute." he whispered.

Hobbits indeed were laughing and playing around. They were so careless, and Legolas knew it. Aragorn is with Boromir so he won't see them.

"Oh, I understand now. So... good luck I guess. I hope you will please us with your presence later." Haldir smiling bowed lightly.

"Of course. Garo fuin vaer." he smiled.

"Losto mae."

They said goodbye and Legolas came back to his friends. Pippin and Merry were having good time, Sam was sleeping and Gimli was thinking about something. Suddenly, Pippin bumped into one of the statues and it fell down. Legolas, however, caught it quickly.

"Oops, you should be more careful." he said smiling

"We're so sorry Legolas. We didn't mean to."

"Don't worry, nothing happened. But something could so you two are very lucky." he told them, putting the statue on its place.

They smiled innocently but in their eyes appeared guilt.

"Can we go back to our game?" asked Merry.

"But please, be careful. We don't want to explain ourselves when we destroy something. It would be an unnecessary worry." he gave them a smile and they answered with the same, continuing their game.

He heard two voices of men coming closer. It was Boromir and Aragorn.

"Don't fear, I won't." said Boromir and looked up.

Legolas was standing in front of him.

"Enjoying the time here?" asked the elf.

He wanted to win with his fear to Boromir. He knew this man isn't evil. He isn't like them.

"Y... yeah. It's very beautiful here." he answered a little surprised.

Aragorn smiled softly and came up to the archer.

"I'm proud of you." he whispered so only he could hear it.

Legolas smiled. His gaze was still scared and sad, but he did a first step to happiness.

"I could just sit here and admire the view. Do all elves live in realms like this? Because Rivendell isn't very bad also."

"Almost every realm we live is beautiful."

"What about your kingdom? Is it Mirkwood right? Is it as well that breathtaking?"

"... Not exactly." he responded sadly. "It is beautiful in its way but... not really."

Boromir nodded and stepped closer. The elf flinched and wanted to step back, what noticed both of men. Aragorn quickly placed a supportive hand on his shoulder. Boromir seeing this, stopped not wanting to scare him. Legolas swallowed and stepped closer by himself. His heart was pounding of fear but he wanted to trust Boromir. But men hurt him once already. What if he goes into the same for the second time? After a quick hesitation, he stepped back again. He wasn't ready.

"Let's.. let's go to sleep. Tonight we all can get some." interrupted this awkward moment Aragorn.

He looked at him and nodded lightly. Boromir followed him. They all came back to the rest. Now, even Merry and Pippin were asleep. Only Gimli was awake.

"Oh, you've finally come back! I started thinking that you all left us." he joked.

He was in good mood what was really rare to see.

"Well, I'll better go to sleep as our little companions. Where is Frodo?" asked the dwarf.

"He is with other elves." answered Aragorn. "But he will come back, go to sleep."

"Good night Aragorn. Good night Legolas." said Boromir smiling and laid under bright root of huge tree.

"Sleep well." they said at the same time.

Aragorn smiled and looked at his friend.

"You did really well, mellon nîn. You don't even know how proud of you I am right now."

"I just don't want to be afraid of a member of the fellowship. We are together after all. It wouldn't be good if I were scared the whole time."

"You're right. Keep this attitude and you will be alright."

"Thank you for everything. Especially for your last words spoken to me. You help me a lot." he smiled lightly.

"I couldn't help you if you didn't want me to. You should thank yourself just one time."

"I will try."

Now, Frodo came back. Seeing his companions still awake, he flinched.

"I.. I was... uh..." he whispered weakly and nervously.

"Don't try to apologise Frodo. Nothing happened. You are safe here. So are we." smiled Aragorn.

"... I was afraid you will be angry with me because I walk alone."

"You can walk alone. It's safe here."

Frodo smiled and nodded, wrapping himselft around his sleeping bag.

"Good night." he whispered.

They answered as well and smiled to each other. Legolas was tired. This day was so rough to him. Aragorn knew it and wanted to help as much as he can...

T.B.C

Dictionary:

Mae govannen - Welcome/well met

Garo fuin vaer - Have a good night

Losto mae - Sleep well