Disclaimer: I wish I owned the characters in this story, but I don't. So my dreams will continue. Please take the time to review, even just to say hi. Thanks and enjoy the chapter!

Chapter 34

For some hours, the blonde Elf lay upon the leafy ground, shadowed on one side by his horse. Above the two, clouds covered the sky and before long, fat raindrops fell over the leaves and grass. Within minutes, the injured Elf was thoroughly soaked.

The rain hit against the archer's face, pulling him out of his dark reverie. He opened his eyes slowly, letting his mind drift back into the waking world. The first thing he was aware of was that everything was wet. For how long he had lain there soaked to the bone, he had no idea.

Blinking against the intrusion of water droplets, the prince forced himself into a sitting position and tried to stand. At this attempt, his legs gave way against the sudden muscle usage and he ended up exactly where he had started.

By this time, the stallion had gotten up and was standing not far away, watching his helpless master in his vain attempts to make his weakened body comply. After being a spectator for a few seconds, the horse walked slowly over and knelt down beside the ailing prince. Legolas knew not what to do when this occurred, he did not want to accept help from anyone, even his own horse. Finally, though, the Elf lifted one leg over the horse's back and together they rose to a better position.

Gathering the reigns into one hand as he was taught at a very young age, he guided the stallion through the trees in search of a cave, or something of the like which would provide shelter until the rain had stopped enough that they could carry on.

Eventually finding a suitable place, namely a cave, Legolas checked that they would both fit into it before dismounting and resting against the side of the rocks. It was while he sat there that a thought entered his mind. Where am I going? Now that I have been banished from my own home, I have to go somewhere. I could travel to Rivendell and seek shelter there for a time. However, I wish not to be a burden to Lord Elrond.

For a long while the prince thought about this, never really coming up with anything else. Finally, he decided to go to Rivendell and rest there until his wounds had healed before leaving again. Surely Lord Elrond would not turn away an injured Elf?

A wave of nausea swept over the pale form and the Elf grasped the surrounding rocks in some attempt to stop the world from spinning. Thankfully the dizziness left soon after followed by bout of sickness which rendered the Elf trembling from the effort of not having anything in his stomach to throw up.

Legolas lay back against the stone wall of the cave with his arms wrapped tightly around himself to stop the pain from the wounds covering his whole body. A few minutes later, the Elf in question lay in the same position, unconscious. The pain had proved too much and he had given in to the black void that promised a painless sleep.

A sudden sound startled the horse that was happily resting at the back the cave. The familiar clinks of metal shields and armour could be heard outside in the rain, and it sounded like they were getting closer.

One day closer to Rivendell

Now two days into their journey home, Elladan, Elrohir, Estel and their father were in good spirits. The Ranger had moped around the camp for the first day, after leaving his best friend in such a predicament with no aid. After that, however, he realised that Legolas was a lot older than him and could take care of things on his own. This did not stop him worrying though.

"What is the first thing you are going to do when you get home, Estel?" Elladan asked, drawing the Ranger from his thoughts. For a moment, no response came from the human while he considered the question.

"I'm not really sure. Sleep most likely." They all laughed out loud at that statement. Sleeping was one of the things Estel did very well and spent a long time doing just that.

With only two more days to travel before reaching Rivendell, they had plenty of time to mess around and have a good time until they went back to the old routines and duties. Estel already knew what he was going to do.

He did not want to say this to his foster-brother but the first thing he was going to do when he got back was send a letter to Legolas. Just to let the Elf know that they got home safely. The Ranger always received a letter from the prince when he had to travel back to Mirkwood alone. It let the other's worry dissipate for the time being.

During the journey, Estel reflected on past memories of when he and Legolas had travelled together. They had many adventures, some of them good and some of them regrettable. But no matter if they were good or bad, the Ranger was glad that he had them.

Atop a chestnut horse, Elrond looked over at his foster-son with sympathy written in his eyes. He felt sorry that the young human felt like this and he wished that there were something that he could do to lift those feelings. The Lord of Rivendell knew inside, though, that the only thing that would help would be for Estel to see Legolas again. He could not be sure why, but he had a feeling that they would be seeing the prince sooner than anyone would expect.

Perhaps when I return to Imladris I shall write a letter to Thranduil and ask for Legolas to be sent here. Elrond thought. But I would need an excuse for the prince to come. The King would not send him for nothing. Mayhap I shall just write that I have a lesson to teach him…

TBC

Replies:

Moonyasha: Great idea, if you don't mind, I'm not going to use it in the next few chapters, because I already have idea for them, but I will definitely keep it in mind. Thanks!

kel: Here's more twins for you! Enjoy!

BitterLee: I am extremely glad that you are enjoying my story and I have the same bad habit as you, I rarely leave reviews. Maybe that should be my new year's resolution. Anyway, I haven't heard of the song but no matter – after I have finished this chapter I'm going to check it out. Thanks!

Nomad6: I agree, no one else has noticed, either that or they have and just haven't mentioned it. I'll leave it for now and see. If someone mentions it then I'll do something about it. Thanks anyway!

Joslin: I think they'll see each other quite soon. I'm as desperate as you are but I don't want to rush things or the plot might go wrong. It's happened to me before.

This review was blank in the name box

Even though you didn't leave your name, I expect it is Legolas anyway, as you are the only one who could possibly have been bitten by a Mirkwood spider and that I talk to. Anyway, I can imagine that it would be quite painful. Thanks for reviewing.

spiritstllionofthecimarro: He did that because he a really mean guy. Anyway, hope you are enjoying the chapters!

spanishgoddess86: Aww, I feel really bad about leaving Legolas defenceless in the woods. At least he had his horse with him. Estel and Legolas will meet up soon, more angst before that though. Can you cope with that? Thanks for the review.

Mornflower: Well, even though it took me about 5 minutes to read, your skit was fantastic. I love when people review with skits. Brilliant! Anyway, I had a good laugh and decided that you should devote a whole fanfiction to skits and the like. People would like that, I think. Or I would, anyway. Thanks again for the review, and great idea to put a song disclaimer at the end. Thanks!!!