Legolas killed orc after orc, not bothering to count. If they were fighting to the death, the contest seemed of little importance. Suddenly, through all the shouts and screams of death, he heard a terribly familiar cry. Whirling around, he saw a sight that sent a jolt of terror through him: Aragorn was lying on the ground, the wind knocked out of him, and a giant troll was stalking toward him.

"Aragorn! NO!" Legolas shoved his way through the enemy and soldiers, desperate to save his friend.

Aragorn lay on his stomach, dazed and winded, faintly hearing someone screaming his name. It sounded like Legolas. Then he heard a new roar above the battle noise. The troll that had thrown him down was looming down on him. Just before it reached him, he managed to roll onto his back, but that was as far as he got. The monster stamped down on him, sending pain shooting through his chest and stomach. He frantically stabbed the beast's foot in a desperate attempt to save himself.

Legolas gave another scream as he reached for his bow and managed to release an arrow. But before it struck the troll, the vile thing turned around as an ear-piercing scream filled the air. As it turned away, its foot came off of Aragorn, and the Dunedain panted as sweet air filled his lungs. He only allowed himself a moment before quickly getting to his feet.

Legolas stopped his mad dash toward his friend and turned toward the sound. Mordor was falling

After the battle ends

Gandalf flew off on the eagles to rescue the hobbits. Legolas instantly remembered his friend and once again began sprinting toward the human.

Aragorn gasped as the adrenaline left him and pain hit him in a wave. He concentrated on not collapsing. He had to manage to stay on his feet for at least a while longer.

Suddenly, a strong arm slipped around his waist. Turning slightly, he saw a familiar pair of dark eyes staring back at him.

"Mellon nin, you're hurt!" Legolas gently turned his friend toward him.

Aragorn quickly considered his options and decided it wasn't worth arguing. The pain was getting worse, and he was struggling to get his breath. He simply nodded and let himself lean against the elf.

"Here!" Legolas motioned. "Sit down!"

"I shouldn't. How would it look to the people of Gondor if their future king simply sits down after a battle?"

Legolas bit back a laugh. "Well, think of it this way: how would it look if that future king stays standing and finally collapses? I don't need to tend to your wounds now if that makes you feel better. But you need to at least sit."

Aragorn gave the required eye roll before allowing the elf to lower him to the ground. He had to admit his friend was right. His head was swimming, and he had felt close to fainting.

Legolas knelt down in front of the human and took his hands in his. "It's alright, Aragorn. Just breathe."

"Hurts!"

Later

Aragorn gratefully lowered himself onto the bed in the room he'd been given at Minas Tirith. Legolas patted his unbruised cheek and smiled gently. "Now, let's see to your wounds."

Aragorn nodded and allowed his friend to help him undress. He had little choice. He couldn't remove his own armor in the best of circumstances, much less when he was hurting. He gave a grateful sigh as the heavy mail shirt was lifted off.

Legolas shook his head when he pulled off his friend's tunic. The human's entire chest was swollen and bruised. Aragorn yelped as the elf carefully examined him. "It looks like you have some broken ribs. No wonder it hurt you so much to breathe."

Aragorn simply nodded. Legolas reached for the water on the side table and gently began washing off the dirt. Then he spread the salve he'd gathered and finally wrapped his friend's chest in linen strips.

"There, does that feel better, Tithen pen?"

Aragorn scowled. "How many times do I have to tell you not to call me that?"

"At least once more, apparently!" Legolas gave an evil smile.

Aragorn attempted to jab him, but the pain struck him hard, and he cried out. Legolas smiled softly and eased his friend back onto the bed. "Alright, Mellon nin, you need to rest. You've cared for others so much. Now let yourself be cared for." Then he tenderly began to stroke his friend's head.

Aragorn nodded gratefully and relaxed into his friend's care. "Hannon le!" he murmured before finally closing his eyes and giving into sleep.

The End

Ok...I'm sorry for skipping the fall of Mordor. But it's such a wonderful moment, and I didn't want to try to describe it. Peter Jackson did it better than I ever could. I'd rather just have fun with the friendships and romances.

Anyway...Saes...Saes...Leave a review!

Hannon le in advance, Mellons!