Now I'm ready to end the tension--here's the next part…..

Chapter 32

He hurt, he burned, but at the same time he was so cold. He couldn't move or speak. Darkness hovered at the edges of his mind, coaxing him to give in to it. Legolas knew he must not or he would be lost. I have to wake up, it's not my time yet--I will not give in. He faintly felt he was being moved and he could hear familiar voices. He grimly began fighting his way to consciousness.

Aragorn slid from Jaisia's back while Gimli clambered down from Kai's and began to make a pallet for Legolas to lie on.

Kai came over. "He's still alive, that could be a good sign--dawn is only two hours away. We'll know his fate then," he said.

Aragorn laid Legolas down on the blankets. "He has always been a fighter, he will live," he said fiercely. They waited as the sky slowly lightened.

. Legolas slowly opened eyes whose lids felt like they weighed tons. He could see Aragorn close by. "A-A-Aragorn," he whispered. It hurt his throat horribly to speak and his voice was feeble and rasping. Still Aragorn must have heard him because he turned.

"Legolas! You're awake!!" Aragorn exclaimed. "We feared you wouldn't!!"

Gimli, Kai and Jaisia came over; their relief was obvious. Kai shooed the others back a little. "Give him some room," he directed. "Legolas, can you move? Try to raise your left hand."

Legolas managed to do so though it wasn't easy. "Can I have some water, please?" he whispered hoarsely.

Gimli grabbed a water skin and supported Legolas while he drank. Once he'd had enough Gimli recapped the skin and laid it aside before lowering the Elf to the ground. "Welcome back, crazy elf," he said.

"Thank you, stupid dwarf," Legolas returned.

They all laughed, giddy with relief. Kai collected himself first. "Listen, Legolas--do you have any pain or tingling in your limbs? Nausea maybe?" he asked.

"My head hurts, that's all and I'm tired," Legolas muttered. His eyes started to glaze over in sleep though he tried to fight it.

"It's all right, go to sleep…it will help with the headache. All is well now, little brother," Kai said.

"Thank you, Kai," Legolas mumbled then let his exhaustion overtake him. He was asleep in an instant.

Kai sighed and looked at the rest then smiled. "You no longer need to worry. He is sleeping normally now and he will be fine when he awakes again," he said--seeing their concern.

"Good, we can rest now. I think we're far enough away from the other centaurs. I'll take the first watch just in case," Aragorn said.

"Wake me for the next one, Aragorn. You need to rest also," Gimli said.

I shall, Gimli, thank you," Aragorn said.

They settled down to sleep. Soon they would be able to continue their journey as soon as Legolas had recovered his strength.

Yipeee! He's alive!! He's alive!! Oops--sorry, got a little carried away. Hope you peoples liked. R/R!!!