Chapter 16

Darkness. Legolas didn't notice anymore. His whole body felt infinitely heavy and numb. It was like he couldn't move like he had no control over his own body. Then something added to the darkness. Stinging, unbelievable pain in his side. What was that? What happened? Memories came back to him. The troll. His companions. His knives. And then there was only darkness. The elf tried to remember more details, although that wasn't really good for his already aching head. The mines of Moria. Gimli's scream. His brothers. Death. An incredible pain spread through his heart. This pain was far worse than the pain in his side. It was his fault. They had died because of him. There she was again. The endless darkness. She enveloped him, invited him to just let himself go. Legolas was ready. He was ready to get involved with her. It was comforting, it would free him of everything. The pain in his head and side, from weakness, exhaustion, and tiredness. But especially of his memories and the pain in his heart. From guilt. The prince was about to drop when another voice reached him.

"You can't go." Who was that? The voice sounded strangely familiar. She was full of love, but at the same time full of sadness and fear. Legolas tried to remember the person who belonged to that voice. And then he recognized her. Aragorn! That was Aragorn! Legolas wanted to call for him, tell him that he didn't have to be afraid, but no sound left his lips. "I need you." These words triggered something in the prince. 'I need you.' His heart filled with warmth and love. And suddenly all desire for the dark was gone.

"Mr. Aragorn." The man turned with tired eyes to Sam, who was standing next to him and holding a bowl of food in his hand. The ranger smiled sadly. Even though he didn't feel the slightest hint of hunger, he knew that he had to eat something to stay strong.

"Thank you, Sam," the man whispered and took the bowl with the stew. The hobbit smiled slightly, but the grief was still clearly visible in his eyes. The day had been very difficult for all of them. And it didn't get better. Legolas still had to fight if he wanted to at all. This thought made the heart of the ranger hurt again.

No, Legolas was strong! He wouldn't give up so easily! With this in mind, Aragorn started to eat. After he finished, he looked at his companions. Merry and Pippin had wrapped themselves in their cloaks and were sleeping next to the fire. Boromir, Frodo, and Sam sat next to each other and talked quietly. Gimli was sitting further away from the fire, so he was barely visible in the dark. He kept watch and sat with his back to the fellowship.

Aragorn glanced at Legolas before he got up and went to Boromir and the two hobbits. The healer could no longer do anything for Legolas. He had given him something against the high fever and put wet towels on his body. Boromir and the Hobbits looked up as Aragorn joined them.

"How is he?", asked Frodo after a while worried and fear flashed in his eyes. The man wanted to say something to calm the ring bearer, but there was nothing he could say that was true.

"Unchanged," sighed Aragorn. Boromir looked at him pityingly and worriedly while Sam bowed his head in silent grief.

"Can't we do anything?", the man asked. Aragorn shook his head.

"I'm afraid no. I did everything that was possible. Now it depends on when and whether he wakes up. That is the most important thing now." The three nodded in understanding.

"I miss Gandalf," Sam suddenly said softly. "Maybe he could have healed him." Aragorn sighed. There was this pain again.

"Me too, Sam. But magic also has its limits at some point. And I'm afraid one of them is the threshold of death." Sam was about to say something when suddenly a faint sound came from behind them.