Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created.

**

Sold Into Ruin

**

Thanks so much to everyone who reviewed. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. Please keep reading, enjoying and reviewing the story. Here's the next chapter for you all…

**

Chapter 14 ~ Slippery Slopes

When Legolas came round the first thing he saw were Aragorn's concerned eyes looking down at him, closely followed by those of a teary Jasmine.

"Are you alright?" Aragorn asked as Legolas gingerly put his hand to his aching head. He felt a little blood to accompany the pain but knew it wasn't anything too serious.

"Fantastic," Legolas muttered sarcastically, which led to a bright smile appearing on his friend's face.

"That means he's alright. He couldn't be so sarcastic if he had a serious concussion," Aragorn explained to Jasmine, who was looking a little confused as to whether Legolas was seriously hurt or not. Aragorn, of course, knew exactly how to read his friend. "He's always this grumpy when he regains consciousness," the man added, laughing gently. Legolas shot him an annoyed glare before sitting up. "Slowly," Aragorn advised a lot more seriously, going to help him an earning another scathing look from the prince and wisely backing away.

"What happened?" Legolas asked when he had swung his legs over the bench so he was sitting on the edge.

"Kallon thought he would check to see how many blows it would take to knock an Elf unconscious," Aragorn explained jokingly. "I think he was a little disappointed in you, mellon nin."

"Well, send him my sincerest apologies for not meeting his expectations. He could have just asked though; that would have been more polite and less painful," Legolas smiled, rubbing his sore head.

"He didn't do any real damage. It might hurt for a while though."

"Good. I was really worried for a moment there," Legolas laughed. Although this might have seemed strange behaviour to any outsiders it was perfectly normal for the two close friends. They had made a pact when Aragorn was just a teenager that whenever one of them got hurt the other would not get too serious about it. At first they had not been able to test the conviction of their oath but as Aragorn got older and they went on more adventures it was tested to the absolute limits.

Their adventures often ended in a trip to the healing halls. Luckily both Elrond and Thranduil had gotten used to it over the years although they still reserved the right to make as much fuss over their respective sons as they deemed necessary when they returned. This, the two sons could not stop and had ceased trying a long time ago. However, Aragorn and Legolas kept to their pact whenever they were injured. They were both convinced that it helped the healing process, although Elrond insisted that was utter nonsense.

"Me too. You would be no good to me without a head," Aragorn joked, knowing it was the correct procedure for this occasion.

"I would not be much use to anyone without a head, Estel. Although your father would probably think me far more sensible."

"He would without a doubt. Can you imagine the panic though? Ada frantically searching for a cure for decapitation," Aragorn laughed, the picture now forming in his mind.

"Elrond may be the best healer on Middle Earth but I fear even he has no cure for headlessness."

"He would certainly try if it was you though."

"He most certainly would, probably at the same time as giving us a lecture about safety and the virtues of staying within Imladrian walls."

"In that case, I believe headlessness would leave you with a firm advantage."

"I would have to agree," Legolas laughed. They had had this near-identical discussion when Aragorn had returned home with a large, bloody gash on his forehead. Unfortunately, his head had still been firmly attached and he had been on the receiving end of one of Elrond's infamous 'healing hall lectures'. The Elven Lord had not been too happy at the suggestion that Aragorn would have preferred to have been without a head at that point.

"Well, at least there is no damage this time," Estel said.

"That's easy for you to say," Legolas muttered, causing his friend to smile softly again.

"I'm glad you two find this so hilarious," Jasmine interrupted before either could speak again.

"Jasmine…" Aragorn smiled but was cut off before he could complete his reassurance.

"You could have been seriously hurt and all you can do is joke about it?" she said angrily to Legolas whose smile faded somewhat at being told off by the woman.

"I'm sorry, Jasmine," Legolas said seriously. He had almost forgotten the woman was there. Of course she wouldn't be used to such frivolity over injuries. She had never experienced the ways of the two friends before so she must have thought it both disrespectful and unkind. They knew that to outsiders it seemed strange but it was their way and they needed something to hang onto in this place.

"I was worried about you. I thought you were really hurt," she said, tears falling from her eyes.

"I appreciate your concern. You should just ignore us. It's just Estel's way." Legolas smiled more kindly, placing a gentle hand on her shoulder.

"That's right, blame me," Aragorn muttered but he smiled at Jasmine to let her know he wasn't serious.

"I always do. It's just so much easier."

"Well, I suppose as long as you're alright," Jasmine said shakily, wiping her tears away with the sleeve of her shirt.

"I'm fine," Legolas assured gently.

"He's always fine. It's not like there's much to damage in there anyway." When both Legolas and Jasmine shot him a disapproving look he said "Sorry" and hung his head in mock shame.

"Next time it's your turn to get knocked out though, Estel," Legolas said, rubbing his hurting head again as though to emphasise his point.

"But you do it so well," Aragorn quickly retorted. Legolas laughed before looking to Jasmine to check their banter wasn't upsetting her again. She had a thin smile on her face though and there were no longer tears in her eyes so they assumed she was alright.

"You should both get some rest tonight. Tomorrow Kallon will put you to work and you want to be well rested for that. Trust me, you'll need every ounce of your strength," Jasmine advised before walking off to talk to the other women who were still awake.

"Sounds like good advice," Aragorn mused. Legolas nodded and got down from the bench with Aragorn watching closely to ensure he was alright. "Are you really alright?" he asked seriously now that Jasmine was gone.

"I'm fine," Legolas assured, dispelling Aragorn's concern.

"I'm sure you are but let me know if your head hurts more or you feel dizzy or nauseated," Aragorn said in his best healer's tone. Although he could be as light-hearted as Legolas when needed, Aragorn could also turn into every inch of the healer he was trained to be if necessary. Although Legolas would never admit it he actually liked this trait in the man. It made him feel safe. Of course, he would never tell Aragorn that - he'd never live it down.

**

The light of dawn woke Legolas but it was the rows of guards storming into the building which woke Aragorn and the other humans an hour or so later. They charged in without thought, purposefully making as much noise as possible.

The leader of the guards shouted to wake up the remaining prisoners. "All of you get up now and get your breakfast."

Two guards then walked in, carrying a big pot of steaming food. The prisoners instantly lined up in front of them, eagerly awaiting their food. Legolas and Aragorn did the same, guessing they might not get another chance any time soon. One guard handed them each a bowl and another spooned a foul-looking broth into them. They were handed some dirty wooden spoons and sent away. Legolas looked at the stew in disgust, stirring it around with his spoon. The meat, covered in thin gravy, looked to be deer meat but he really couldn't be sure; it was overcooked and tough and swimming in an even fouler grey-like liquid.

Although Legolas was somewhat reluctant Aragorn tucked right in, swallowing the meat as quickly as he could to disguise the taste. Legolas watched him in disgust. He didn't know how he could even put the foul concoction in his mouth.

Aragorn glanced over when he felt Legolas' sharp blue eyes on him. He swallowed the food he had in his mouth.

"Just gulp it down as quickly as possible," he advised with an amused smile. When Legolas looked like he was about to object Aragorn said, "You need to eat. You might not get another chance any time soon." Legolas nodded reluctantly before lifting the spoon to his lips. He chewed the meat and swallowed it with a grimace.

Aragorn laughed at him so Legolas snapped, "Just because you'll eat anything that's lying around." Although the retort was sharp Aragorn knew he didn't really mean anything by it.

"You know I'm not so fussy, Elf," Aragorn laughed. Legolas forced a strained smile to his lips and dared a couple more bites.

"Alright you lot. Time's up. Let's go," the head guard shouted. Everyone formed two lines, almost like an army drill and Legolas and Aragorn did the same. In a matter of minutes they were marching out of the building and towards a large door in the otherwise sheer rock – the entrance to the mine. The ground beneath their feet was slippery from the recent rains and some of the others seemed to struggle somewhat. None of them were wearing shoes, making it even more treacherous.

Legolas, however, was not at all troubled by it. He walked upright and perfectly steady, having superior balance to any human. He took a hold of Aragorn's arm when he slipped and held him upright. The man shot him a thankful look and held onto the Elf's arm to make sure he didn't fall in front of the guards. It was at times like this that Aragorn really wished he was an Elf. Legolas just walked normally whilst the others slid all over the place. They were all watching him in amazement.

However, this was just a minor challenge compared to what was to come.

TBC…

Translations:

Mellon nin – My friend

Ada - Dad

**