Hey all, how's everyone doing--here's the next chapter…..

Chapter 33--Hidden Sorrows

Aragorn woke up at dawn the next morning. He laid in bed for awhile, trying to go back to sleep, but after an hour gave up. He rose and dressed then went out to the archery range to get some practice time with his bow. When he got there he found someone else had the same idea. "Good morning, Legolas," he said.

"Good morning," Legolas replied, firing another arrow. "You are up early."

"So are you, should you even be up yet. You looked exhausted last night," Aragorn remarked.

"I am fine, the wounds are all ready healing," Legolas said.

"Are you still planning to pommel me?" Aragorn asked.

Legolas calmly notched his last arrow then whirled, pointing it straight at Aragorn's heart. "I could shoot you instead," he said coolly.

"If you did I would not blame you. I treated you terribly. You do not have to shoot me. You could have your father decapitate me. He--" Aragorn began. He stopped short when he realized what he was about to say.

Legolas lowered the bow then laid it aside. "He told me what he said he would do," he admitted.

"Oh, well, are you ready to pummel me yet? I am here and throw myself at your mercy. Do as you wish," Aragorn said jokingly. He spread his arms.

Legolas walked over to him then, without warning, punched him in the stomach. His fist then crashed into Aragorn's jaw, splitting his lip. The Elf starting swinging in earnest.

Aragorn allowed it without moving, allowing Legolas to continue punching until he was ready to stop. It was the least he could do after all he had put Legolas through.

When Legolas finally did, he was shocked at what he had done.

Aragorn's breathing was harsh. He had two black eyes, a bloody lip and his nose was broken. "Are you all right now?" he asked. "You pack quite a punch."

"Ai, I am so sorry, I hurt you badly. You need to see the healer," Legolas exclaimed. "I should not have lost control like that."

"I will be fine in time. Let us go," Aragorn said.

Legolas came to his side and helped Aragorn into the castle and took him to the healing room.

The healer looked up as they entered. "What in the Havens happened to you?" he demanded. He helped Legolas get Aragorn over to the bed then shooed Legolas out.

Legolas left Aragorn in the care of the healer then returned to his room. He washed the blood from his hands, Aragorn's blood. The thought made him feel vaguely sick. He stood in front of the mirror, staring at his reflection. "What have I done? Valor help me, I do not like what Arathorn has driven me to be come," he whispered. He fancied he could still feel Arathorn's touch and see him looming over him. He could not seem to lose the memories. He settled down on the bed and tried to go to sleep. A scream ripped through the air, yanking him from a nightmare. He realized he had screamed, waking himself up.

The door flew open and Jadriel rushed into the room. "Are you well? I heard you scream as I was passing by," he said.

"I just had a foul dream," Legolas said. He managed a smile. "I will be fine."

Jadriel didn't believe him. He came over and sat down on the edge of the bed and drew Legolas into his arms, feeling him stiffen then relax. "You do not have to be strong in front of me, little brother. How many times have I held you close when nightmares haunted your sleep? Let me do so now," he said.

I fear this will haunt me worse then the other rape, it will not fade, Legolas thought. "You were always there for me, Jad," he said and relaxed into his brother's arms, taking comfort from his presence……

Didn't want him to recover to easily, I was trying to show the feelings between Legolas and his brother…R/R please.