For those who are wondering what will become of the orcs; in the next few chapters you'll see. That's all I say for now.

Disclaimer: I don't own them, just wish that I did… sigh. They belong to the wonderful professor named J.R.R Tolkien…

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Chapter 6

Legolas had been sitting vigil the night Aragorn had finally awoken for the first time in three days. His own father had made the medicine his human friend needed. It had indeed been poison on the traps and after trying all different kinds of potions, Thranduil had finally come to the one that worked. Elrond's foster son was lucky that he was in Mirkwood while it happened, for the plant that counteracted the poison only grew here. Lord Elrond had been unaware of its existence since he had never come in contact with this kind of poisoning before and Estel would have died for certain. His father could not care for the ranger however; he had to resume his duties again, for the spiders were growing bolder again and actions had to be taken.

The young prince knew that Lord Elrond was resting in the chambers next to his own room- exhausted from caring for his youngest. His energy was drained and even the older elf had realized he needed some rest if he was to be of any use to his son.

Handil had helped Elrond greatly; the elf lord had told them he did not think Estel would have survived, if not for the young elf's help. However, two times in so short a time had completely drained the poor elf. Handil had tried to transfer too much energy- desperate for his friend to live- and he had fallen into a deep sleep; his body's way to prevent him killing himself while trying to help others. That had been the day before yesterday and he still had to wake up.

Where Glorfindel and the twins were, Legolas was not sure. They had sat vigil beside his friend for awhile. Elladan and Elrohir were angry- not at Estel, but at what had happened to him. The blonde elf had a suspicion of what they were up to, but was content to stay with his young friend.

Legolas looked up as he noticed movement from the bed. Only a moment later, a harsh coughing was heard and the body on the bed was nearly bent doubly. The elf winced as he thought of the ranger's broken ribs.

He hurried to the man's side and tried to still his movements, gently resting his hands on small patches of his friend's body that were unhurt. The heat radiating of Aragorn was concerning the elf. The poison had cleared, but it was the illness that seemed to sap all strength from Estel's body.

Pneumonia. Legolas mulled over the word. So strange a name for something so deadly…

He spoke softly to his friend in elvish, noticing the effect his words had on the man- or rather, the effect the tone of his words had. He doubted Estel was clear minded from the dazed look he had seen earlier.

He picked up a cloth in a basin with cool water next to the bed and wiped his friend's face with it, hoping to cool him down some. He watched the way Estel grimaced and held an empty cup under his mouth.

"Go ahead, Estel. I know you want to get rid of it…" He coaxed and only a second later, the man had rid his mouth of the phlegm he had coughed up.

Legolas started to carefully stroke his friend's hair away from his face, keeping up his constant murmur in hopes of calming the young ranger. He smiled as he could feel the slightest nuzzle into his palm. When wetness touched it, the smile soon disappeared and he looked on worried as he saw tears rolling down his friend's cheeks.

"Estel?" He asked, not expecting an answer.

There was a small intake of breath before Aragorn stilled, the only sign he was still alive being the rattle heard with every breath he took and the pained rise and fall of his chest…

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Legolas sat back in a nearby chair and continued stroking his friend's hair.

The burns on his face have healed some… If only the rest of his injuries would heal so fast.

Aragorn was resting quietly when all of a sudden, he started twitching. Legolas, recognizing the onset of a nightmare, tried to soothe him with words and touch. It did not work and the pain lines around his eyes were getting worse, so the elf hurriedly stood up and walked to his bureau. He picked up vial with an amber coloured liquid in it and diluted it in some water, keeping his ears fixed on the figure behind him- the rattle was not diminishing. He returned to the bed and touched the young man's forehead; the fever had risen again.

"Little one, wake up for me. I need you to drink something." He said softly. When there was no reaction, he spoke a little louder. "Estel!"

The ranger's eyes snapped open and looked around, panicked. Legolas regretted he had frightened the man so. "Shh. I'm sorry little one, but you need to drink this." He held the cup with the mixture at his friend's mouth, but Aragorn kept his lips closed and turned his head slightly away.

Legolas carefully brought his hand to the man's brow and when he did not move away from the touch, started stroking his thumb over one eyebrow. "Please Estel, drink. It will calm you and relieve your pain. You're safe here."

Aragorn's eyes fixed onto him. They were still not clear, but the question they asked could not be mistaken.

"You're in Mirkwood, little one. Handil and I brought you to my home, remember? Your father and brothers are here too, they are so worried about you…" Legolas trailed off.

Aragorn's gaze became confused and he moved his lips- no sound came out, but Legolas could clearly recognize his name being formed. "Yes Estel, now please…" He held the cup at Estel's mouth again and this time, the man allowed liquid to be tipped in. Not too much at a time so the ranger could swallow with more ease.

Legolas started stroking his friend's brow again, watching as the man's eyes fluttered closed and the chest started to rise and fall in a steady pattern. The potion would diminish his fever and make him sleep throughout the night without any nightmares.

You need to heal and get better, my friend. I don't think your family could take it if you were to leave the cycles of this world so soon…

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TBC