AUTHOR'S NOTE: Yes, it's been long, don't think I don't know that. I'm sorry, I know the other chapter was short, but I'll make this one longer, I think.

DISCLAIMER: I own nothing except for the story plot and the Angresan, which aren't mentioned.

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"Have I mentioned you have a very nice hair cut?" Gimli asked.

"Yes, so shut up, Dwarf," Legolas said. He had been feeling a lot better under the care of Aragorn, who was quite experienced in the art of healing. Although his left arm had been fractured and now was in a cast against his side, and he had many broken ribs that had still to heal. But the fast immune system of the Elves would make it easy work.

"What did they do to you?" the Dwarf asked. But Legolas remained silent. "If you do not wish to tell me, you shant need to."

"Hush," he said, placing a broken finger against his bruised lips, "a great number of people or things are coming. The ground shakes under their feet." He was silent for a while, closing his eyes and listening, when they were opened again, they showed great fear and angst. "Orcs."

Aragorn raised his head from mixing herbs for Legolas' wounds. Soon, the ground began to tremble, and even those who were not Elven, felt it. Legolas took his left arm from his cast.

"Legolas! You are in no shape to fight," Aragorn said, walking nimbly over to where to elf sat.

"I do not wish to be a burden," the Elf replied stubbornly.

"Your body will be if you are dead," Aragorn said, a note of finality in his voice, "I am sure Gimli is skilled enough to protect the both of you."

"Ai," the dwarf said proudly.

"I will have no short, stiffed necked creature defending me when I can take care of myself," Legolas ground out between his teeth. He loved Gimli dearly *as a friend* (I repeat, as a FRIEND), but he still would not have anyone or anything protecting him as long as he was able to breathe. Stifly, he reached for his knives, his bow was next to Aragorn, and he did not have the strength (nor the patience) to walk over.

Holding onto the bark of the tree for support, he hauled himself upwards until he stood erect. "Legolas..." Aragorn growled.

"Do not mother me Aragorn!" Legolas shot back with more fire than he had wanted.

"I do not wish to 'mother' you, but you know perfectly well no Elf can fight after being flogged until they were more than half dead!" Aragorn said, Legolas opened his mouth, but Aragorn silenced him. "There will be no more arguing."

"There is not the time," Legolas replied as he stared off into the distance, "They have arrived."

As if on cue, three orcs bounded towards them, effortlessly, Aragorn dispatched them. Still, more came pouring out from the bushes. Gimli, to the dismay of Legolas, stood in front of him, willing to protect him even though it was not wanted, and to Legolas, not needed.

The battle suddenly heated, as Uruk-Hai began to storm in. Legolas felt a wave of pure hatred flow towards them. They who had caused him so much pain and the loss of independence. Gritting his teeth, he stepped out beside Gimli.

"Ai Elf! Get back, you heard Lord Aragorn, you are in no shape to battle," Gimli shouted as he cleaved the head of an Orc. Not answering, Legolas continued to fight. He turned and twisted, parrying the enemies blows and adding his own.

He lost track of time, but his injuries did not. A steady ach was beginning to grow in his side. His moves began to slow. Suddenly, the pain in his side intensified, the elf looked down, and there an Orc blade was buried. The Orc gaved the astonished elf a look of glee, then removed the blade and plunged it into Legolas' chest.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: So? How many people think I'm going to kill Legolas? *Claudia's hand is raised* Only one person that's right? What a pity...