Three weeks later Legolas was as good as healthy again. His back still hurt when he moved too jerkily, but the elf had regained his strength and from day to day he felt better.

In fact, he was so well again that he and Aragorn were able to go on an outing together again. Although the ranger was not really enthusiastic about the idea, at some point he had been so annoyed by the prince's constant pleading that he had agreed. And the joy and the gleam in the warrior's eyes had really been worth it.

Now the two warriors were sitting by a river in the green grass, enjoying the sun on their skin. Legolas was lying next to the human with his eyes closed. His features were relaxed and the ranger was more than grateful that any pain had disappeared from them. He had seen that too often in recent weeks.

With a smile, Aragorn turned away and looked at the glistening water before him. He couldn't tell how incredibly grateful he was that the elf was still here. The man had no idea how he would have handled it if his friend had not survived. If he were no longer here now.

The ranger's heart contracted at the thought. Immediately he called himself to order. No, he didn't need to think about that now. Everything had gone well.

With a gentle smile, the Heir to the Throne of Gondor dropped into the grass beside his friend and closed his eyes as well, but a soft, melodic voice made him open them again. "Thank you, mellon-nin."

Aragorn quizzically drew his eyebrows together and looked into those familiar blue eyes that beamed at him with tenderness and gratitude. What was that for now? "For what?" the man inquired softly, not sure what it was about.

Legolas smiled gently. "For being there, and always being there." Warmth spread through his heart and the human smiled as well. "Not for that, Legolas."

And with those words, the two looked up at the sky again. They both knew that the coming time would not be easy. That the darkness would increase and all of their fates would be uncertain. But that did not matter right now. Because at the moment everything was good.