Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to the creative genius of JRR Tolkien, not me.
My Friend, My Brother
Chapter 6. Return to Mirkwood
Despite Aragorn's protests that he could walk on his own, it soon became obvious that this was not the case. He flatly refused to suffer the indignity of being carried on a stretcher, as Legolas had suggested, instead he fashioned himself a walking stick from a dead branch. The journey was slower than the Elves would have wished, but their destination was not all that far ahead. By the time they had reached Thranduil's Hall, the effects of the poison had diminished markedly. Nevertheless, Legolas insisted on sending for the Healer once he had settled his friend in the guest chambers he had used on his previous visit.
"I have not had to treat a human before, but as far as I can tell, Prince, your friend is recovering well. I have given him some medication to counteract the poison and he should be able to walk again in the morning. I suggest he rest in bed until then. I think that you also should rest, my Prince, for I can tell that although the gash on your arm is almost healed you are not totally over the effects of the Orc poison yourself."
"Thank you, I will take some rest soon," Legolas said, relieved that his friend was indeed recovering.
"I will be back to see you later," the Healer said turning to address Aragorn, startling the human, who was beginning to think he was invisible. He nodded his head in silent thanks but as soon as the Healer left he attempted to get out of bed.
"What do you think you are doing?" asked Legolas as he glared at his friend.
"I am feeling much better and I do not intend to stay bedridden." Aragorn replied with a shrug. It was not entirely the truth for a great weariness suddenly overcame him and it was only the swiftness of an Elf's reflexes that saved him from collapsing onto the floor.
"I think you would do well to follow the Healer's advice," he said as he helped Aragorn back into bed. "In fact, I think I shall stay here and rest as I was ordered. I intend to make certain that you do likewise." Aragorn's protest died on his lips as Legolas favoured him with a look that told him arguing the point would be a waste of time.
"If you must 'nurse maid' me, at least let us discuss what happened," he grumbled. "How did you know where to look for me?"
"Perhaps you would like to explain what you were doing in amongst the spiders in the first place?" They exchanged a look of surprise at the unexpected visitor. "Surely you did not forget the danger of leaving my Path?" Thranduil asked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
"Greetings, Your Majesty." Aragorn replied formally. "I did not forget, but I was surprised by a band of Orcs. Knowing I was sorely outnumbered, I had no choice but to seek refuge in the trees." Legolas smiled brilliantly at this admission, but said nothing.
"Orcs? Before sunset? That is disturbing news." Thranduil commented. "I must inform Mithrandir next time he finds his way here. Anyway, I am pleased that no harm has come to you, and I welcome you once again to Mirkwood." Although he had warned his son of the danger of becoming involved with a mortal, Thranduil respected Legolas' choice. "I hear you were injured, too, Legolas. I trust you have healed well also?" he asked studying his son's slightly pale face, an indication that he was not yet fully recovered.
"It was just a small gash, and I no longer feel the effects of the poison." Legolas replied, dismissing the issue. "However, Father, maybe you can enlighten us with regards to the experience we shared?" Legolas asked looking to Aragorn for permission to continue with such a personal subject. Aragorn nodded agreement and the Elf quickly explained how he had been delirious and heard his friend's call for help, and how the link had enabled him to find and rescue Aragorn. Thranduil looked thoughtful for a moment, then asked the human,
"Why did you call to Legolas? What made you think he would hear you?"
"I honestly cannot say, Sire, beyond the fact that I just KNEW he would hear me and come to my aid. It was as if there was some connection between us, some kind of bond." Aragorn tried to explain, not really clear as to his reasons.
"And you are both wondering how this is possible, especially since it is many years since you last met?" They both nodded, curious as to whether Thranduil knew of an explanation. "I think that perhaps your friendship runs deeper than either of you know. It is not uncommon for Elves to form very strong emotional attachments the like of which you describe. Aragorn is not an Elf, but he is descended from a line that does contain some elvish blood, so perhaps that is why such a bond is possible between you two. It is also likely that since you have been unaware of your connection until now, you were only able to 'contact' Legolas because his senses were heightened due to his delirium."
"Well, I am glad that he heard me," Aragorn said.
"As am I" agreed Legolas. Thranduil smiled remembering that Mithrandir had hinted to him of the important role these two friends might have in times to come. It would appear that the wizard right again, and he could not help but wonder how much that Istari actually knew of the future, certainly more than he ever divulged. Sensing that Legolas and Aragorn had much more to discuss in private, he took his leave.
"Now that we have solved that mystery, I would like to hear of your adventures since you left Mirkwood," said Legolas making himself comfortable on the window ledge. "How many years has it been?"
"Too many, my friend." Aragorn replied. "I suppose I should start with the journey back to Rivendell. You have no idea how annoying that Mithrandir can be, he would not answer my questions and spoke in riddles most of the time..." The sound of Legolas' silver laughter stopped him. "What is so funny?" he demanded.
"I forgot to warn you that it is a waste of time trying to get Mithrandir to tell you anything unless he wants you to know it, even Father has no success when it comes to getting answers. Please continue, what happened after you left Rivendell?"
"I have had an amazing time, Legolas. I have travelled throughout Middle Earth, attending to many errands, seen many wonders and met many different peoples. I even spent some time in the service of Thengel of Rohan and Ecthelion II of Gondor. I finally decided it was time to come home, and on my return journey I desired to visit my friend in Mirkwood, and found myself entangled in the spider's web!"
"I would suggest that next time you should be more selective of which tree you climb to avoid danger." They both laughed at the memory of the tree-climbing lesson so long ago. " I think I should like to travel like that one day." Legolas said, changing moods rapidly from merriment to being slightly envious. He was suddenly filled with a desire to see all the beauty of the world for himself. Then another thought occurred to him, "Since you have not brought him with you, I take it you have not yet found this Gollum creature?"
"No, not yet. That is one of the reasons I have returned. I am to meet Mithrandir in Rivendell; hopefully he has some information as to Gollum's whereabouts. We must find him, for the Shadow extends far beyond Mirkwood and it grows ever longer." Legolas nodded but said nothing; he was studying Aragorn's face, seeing something else there.
"You have not told me everything, nin mellon. Is that the light of love I see in your eyes? Someone has captured your heart." It was a statement of fact. Aragorn was taken aback by the Elf's perception, but could not hide the smile on his face as his thoughts turned to his ladylove.
"I can see there is nothing I can hide from you today. Yes, I am in love." He did not need to say the words for the look of total rapture on his face spoke volumes.
"Who is this wondrous creature?" Legolas asked.
"Arwen." He answered simply. It was Legolas' turn to be surprised.
"Elrond's daughter?" He wondered what the Lord of Rivendell thought of this situation. "I thought she was in Lorien?"
"Yes, that is where we met. We plighted our troth on the hill at Cerin Amroth."
"Wonderful! I am very happy for you both!" Exclaimed Legolas sincerely. "What does her father say about this?"
"That is another reason I must return to Rivendell, I think that Elrond should hear the news from me, in person."
"That would be wise," agreed Legolas. "I hope you do not have to leave immediately, though, for I have missed your company. Besides, it is almost Midsummer Eve, and I am sure you would enjoy celebrating in the fashion of Wood Elves. It will certainly put you in a merry frame of mind before you confront your future father-in-law." He said with a mischievous gleam in his eye, easily ducking the pillow that Aragorn threw at him in mock annoyance.
"Yes, I will stay for the celebrations. I know that you have many admirers amongst the maids, and I am sure it will be amusing watching them all trying to win your heart." Aragorn teased. Legolas merely laughed,
" You may have found your true love, Aragorn, but I have no need to hurry, I have all of eternity." The second pillow Aragorn threw did not miss its target.
The two friends spent the following days telling tales of their experiences over the years and generally just enjoying each other's company. Legolas found it was becoming easier to sense the thread that was the bond of their friendship and even Aragorn could feel it at times, like a tickling sensation at the back of his mind.
Midsummer's Eve arrived and Aragorn was not disappointed with the Woodland celebration. Thranduil had a well-deserved reputation for the lavishness of his feasts and the wine was superb. He sat with the King as they watched Legolas enjoy himself thoroughly. He was the centre of attention, never without a dance partner, and happy to lend his beautiful voice to the singing. At the end of the evening he was called on to sing a solo, and with a radiant smile directed at Aragorn, he sang the 'Song of Beren and Luthien'.