"This is absurd. Legolas should have woken by now! Arg, crazy Elf! Gandalf, why does he not waken?"
"I do no know Gimli, for I know not what ails him. Yes, we are pressed for time, but we do not know what battles Legolas may be fighting right now. And until he awakens, we can do nothing but wait."
Gimli growled. He was fearful and concerned for his friend, but of course would never voluntarily let it show, however obvious and already known it was. And so it all came off as frustration. Why would he not wake, what ailed the elf? Aragorn said that all the poison had been expelled from Legolas' system, but the elf's recent behavior said differently. Or was it even the poison? Was there anything else at work that had caused him to act so? Gimli growled again in frustration and confusion.
Well he would not just wait. If the answers were not making themselves clear, he would find them himself. He rose gruffly from the position he had held, leaning against a near tree, and made his way over to Aragorn who was crouched beside the elf, head bent over him as he called his name softly.
The ranger gently laid his hand against the elf's brow again. It was still cold. As old friends, Aragorn was terribly worried over his friend and could not help but feel guilty; he should have been more careful, then Legolas wouldn't have gotten shot. And he felt horrible about that morning. Now he wished more than anything that he could repair the rift between them that had begun earlier, he had not wanted their conversation or their friendship to be left off by angry words. He felt so helpless, and wished he could do something, though he knew he could not. Suddenly, Gimli was beside him, looking over his shoulder at the lithe sleeping form upon the ground.
"Has anything changed?"
The ranger shook his head, and heard Gimli's gruff grunt at his answer.
The dwarf was about to bend down and shake the sleeping elf, when Legolas' eyes suddenly snapped open. Gimli flinched hard and could barely suppress a cry of surprise. Aragorn started as well, but recovered quickly and gave supporting hands as Legolas sat up with a gasp. The elf was breathing hard, but awake and well. When Aragorn began to examine him for any injuries he may have missed and offered a hand to help him up, the archer only waved him off, eyes indignant.
"Leave off, Aragorn! I am fine. I can rise by myself, thank you." And as he rose he dusted him self off and checked his body for all his weapons, obviously nursing his wounded pride.
Aragorn frowned in confusion and frustration. Yes, the Wood Elves were well known for their pride, Legolas most of all, but it was unlike the elf to snap at him like that. The Legolas he knew never lost patience so quickly, and was usually mild, though mischievous being. Aragorn's features darkened: something was not right here.
"Legolas, why are you acting like this? Are you well? What happened? Why will you not speak to us? You may tell us if something ails you, you know. Aragorn or Gandalf may be able to cure you, though I myself know not much of the healing arts. Is it your arrow wound that still bothers you?"
"Enough Gimli, enough!" Legolas put his hands up defensively against the barrage of questions. And the way he took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down was not missed by any of his three companions. Legolas closed his eyes and shook his head, as though trying to clear it. When he opened them he was met by three different expressions of emotions. Gimli emanated genuine concern, but also frustration; Aragorn's face held natural worry, but it also fought with suspicion – Legolas wondered at that, and anger grew in his mind; Gandalf's features were impassive and nearly impossible to read, but Legolas could see a slight frown tugging at his lips. What was it that disturbed his friends so?
Suddenly, and unexplainable anger washed over him, and he nearly staggered under it intensity. Who were they to judge him? Where did they claim the right to mistrust him? Had he not proved him self multiple times over? Were they so selfish and unappreciative that they did not recognize all the times he saved their lives and the certain doom of the quest. Untamed wrath boiled in his blood. If they were so disloyal to him, did they truly deserve the life he had allowed them to keep so many times? Could he not take it back now, rid himself of their petty mistrust and suspicions. It would be so easy, his own skills surpassed theirs by leagues, he could just…
What were these evil thoughts invading his mind?! They were not his own! Legolas shook his head hard, trying desperately to rid him self of them. NO! He would not bow to whatever force was at work in his mind that was not his own. These were his friends, they would never do anything to harm, and never for instant did their loyalty waver. He knew this and he knew he felt the same… but then, what were those thoughts?
Legolas looked up with blank eyes and saw Aragorn looking hard at him. He had been calling his name and the elf had only now just heard him. He dropped his hand and he realized that unknowingly he brought them to his delicate ears, as though trying to block out something only he could hear. He looked up and his eyes met those of Aragorn's.
Aragorn's eyes widened as he watched in horror and awe as Legolas clear blue eyes suddenly darkened to the deepest black he had ever seen, as though they had been filled with black ink. And then, he watched as they cleared just as fast just as fast as they had darkened. The ranger stood frozen. The terrifying memory of the horribly evil look Legolas had given him with those black eyes was burned into his mind. He swallowed to wet his throat, dry from surprise and fear, and opened his mouth to speak. He felt shaky from the experience which had only lasted the blink of an eye, but spoke as suspicion and concern won out over surprise, fear and grief.
"Legolas? Son of Thranduil – Legolas? Legolas!" He was finally rewarded by the confused, blank eyes of his Elven friend. "Legolas, are you well?"
The elf looked up to him and as their eyes met, both knew what his question really meant; what the ranger was truly asking. And Legolas only stared, for in truth, he knew not how to answer.
***
Well, there is another chapter. I know its short, but its all I could write in a short amount of time and I guessed that you all would probably want me to update now rather than wait so much longer for a little more. And who knows when I will be able to update next, but I *swear* I will try! Anyway, I hope you like it and don't forget to REVIEW!!!
Ithilien: HEY! I was wondering when you would come back. ;P I am so glad you like it, about the whole "coming to the meaning of the title" thing, read on and you shall see my friend… MUAHAHAHAHA! Oh, and anxiously awaiting the next chapter of "The Hunting Trip". Oh and I hope you like this chap, because this ones for YOU!
Daylight: Yay! A new reader! I appreciate your review so much, it's nice to know that people actually like my fanfiction! I love you and look forward to hearing from you again.
anon: Same thing for you. I am so glad you have happened upon my story I am elated that you like it. Thank you so much for the wonderful review.
Lady V: Muahahaha indeed. Yes, I love torturing our little elf too. Aren't we horrible? *evil grin* I am really sorry about the lull there, and I hope you like this chapter! :)
Nizuno Mikomi: HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! Very funny. Yes, our elf can seem very wimpy at times, but he's not I swear! He is strong, and wise, and beautiful, and sexy, and deadly, and sleek, and immortal, and sexy….. *drool*
grimlock: Thank you, thank you, thank you! You have no idea how much your reviews mean to me!
Gimli der Zwerg: I am so glad that this is not the typical angst for you! I go for uniqueness and I'm glad that someone else appreciates it. Thank you so so much for the wonderful review. I look forward to hearing from you again.
Blayze: I love you. What else is there to say? I just plain love you. You always make my day with your wonderifical (like my new word) reviews! :D I will try to update more often for you.