Alright, my peeps, sorry for keeping you waiting for, what, a week now? Yeah, that sounds about right. Lol, here is the next chapter for all you eager beavers. Or woodchucks. Your choice.
A very special thanks to my beta reader, WhenTheThrushKnocks! :)
DISCLAIMER: I do not own any of the LOTR characters, though...a girl can dream!
Thanks to people who reviewed!
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It took almost all the remaining strength Legolas had to even glimpse his surroundings, or move to ensure that he wasn't already dead. He was pretty sure that the second wasn't possible, for pain still laced through his body with a burning rage.
Finally, he gathered the remains of his Elven senses and used his sharp hearing to pick up the noises coming from beside him. Legolas didn't remember much about the situation he was in, except for one thing: he had been in great pain and must've fallen unconscious. But, wouldn't he be dead if someone hadn't been with him?
All of his thoughts were chased away when a voice, soothing and gentle, spoke directly to him.
"Legolas? Are you awake?"
He recognized the voice, yet since there was no face along with it he could not place the person, nor if he was friend or foe. Slowly, Legolas used every ounce of his will to crack open his eyes. He wanted to shout with glee when he achieved his goal, but since he was in great pain, he didn't think it was possible. Legolas gazed at the man beside him, smiling as recognition dawned on him. Aragorn put a hand on his friend's head, checking the fever that still wouldn't completely go away.
"How are you feeling?"
"I'm fine."
"I'm not falling for that one again, Legolas. Be honest with me. Again, how are you feeling?"
Legolas sighed. There was no way of talking himself out of this one.
"Like I was trampled by an Oliphant and then dragged across Mordor for a week."
Aragorn frowned at the description, wondering if Legolas was exaggerating, or if the Elf truly felt that way. He decided that this answer was at least better than none, and sighing, removed his hand from Legolas's head. Legolas gave him an inquiring stare before turning his eyes to search his surroundings.
Finally, he managed to find the strength to ask: "How long was I out?"
"At least three days, Legolas."
Legolas's heart dropped. He had delayed the Fellowship three days? Aragorn noticed how his friend looked at the ground, guilt showing fully on his face. The ranger changed the subject quickly.
"The healers say that when the fever breaks, you should heal swiftly. Your wound has been stitched and looks better than it did when we left the Mines. The only thing you need to do is sooner you get better, the sooner that we can continue our mission."
Legolas's eyes still portrayed guilt even though his friend was trying to tell him how well his recovery was going. Just as he was about to tell Aragorn about his guilt, someone else walked into the room. A familiar face popped into Legolas's view. Legolas smiled at Haldir, who walked over to the bed, returning the smile.
"Well, I'm glad to see you awake, Legolas. You gave everyone quite a scare."
Legolas nodded, averting his eyes and was suddenly fascinated with the pattern of the stone floor. Haldir and Aragorn exchanged brief glances, wondering what was bothering the young Elf. Aragorn put on a quick smile when his friend returned his gaze, and put a comforting hand on Legolas's shoulder.
"Rest, while you still can." Legolas nodded, closing his eyes wearily. He tried his best to stay awake, but darkness soon crept up on him, pulling him further into darkness.
Aragorn watched as his friend's breathing evened out in sleep. He turned his eyes to Haldir, who was looking at Legolas, sympathy marring his features. Aragorn returned his gaze to his friend.
"He's feeling guilty, isn't he?"
"Yes. His demeanor says it all."
Both friends made eye contact, concern showing equally in each other's eyes. Aragorn's look turned to determination, though, almost immediately. He wasn't going to let his friend's guilt effect his recovery, no. With a last glimpse at his sleeping friend, Aragorn sat down in a chair to wait. He would be there when Legolas awoke again, he would make sure.
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Wood Elf luver: Ok...don't kill me! I know that this chapter took forever, but this was also the hardest chapter to write! I personally believe there is one chapter in every story where the writer gets stuck, and the chapter turns completely terrible, but then the rest of the story makes up for it. Or, it could just be me. That would make sense too. Lol, read, review, and I'll type! Until then, TTYL! :)