Here's a new update everyone--ENJOY!!
Chapter 51--In Safe Hands
Aragorn knelt beside Legolas and quickly looked him over. He didn't seem to badly hurt; he had probably healed the worst injuries, but the sun had burned the exposed skin and that was going to hurt. He began untangling him from the thorny brush. He cursed when he got him loose and saw his wrists. They were bloody and raw. He drew his dagger and carefully cut the bonds.
Legolas' eyes fluttered open. "Aragorn, I am glad to see you," he whispered hoarsely.
Aragorn frowned and held his water skin to the Elf's mouth. "Small sips and not too much or you will be ill," he warned.
Legolas drank from the water skin and felt better. He struggled to his feet then he remembered. "Aragorn, Mei Ling, she--" he began.
"I know, she claims she did not mean for you to get taken," Aragorn said. "She came with us to find you."
"I am not sure I believe that," Legolas admitted
"Neither am I," Aragorn agreed. "We will have to watch her carefully."
Aragorn helped Legolas climb out of the gorge. The Elf was tired and a little unsteady on his feet. It took a little longer then it should have, but they made it safely.
Mei took a step towards Legolas when they were out and reached out. "Legolas--" she began.
Legolas shied nervously away from her touch. "Do not touch me," he said. He swayed slightly and Aragorn moved to his side to support him.
Mei Ling lowered her hand and backed off, looking slightly hurt.
"We need to get you back so you can rest before you collapse," Aragorn said.
"Aye, I will be needed to help the wounded," Legolas agreed.
"You will not be doing that right away. You need to drink, eat and rest in that order. I think I have something for that sunburn as well," Aragorn said.
Legolas wasn't in the mood to argue with him. He nodded. "Very well, Aragorn," he said.
They made their way back to the Elven army. Aragorn guided to Legolas to an empty pallet and tended the sunburn while Qui brought Legolas a meal and water.
Legolas was half-asleep by the time everything was finished. Aragorn guided him down onto the pallet. He nodded in grim approval when Qui sat down next to Legolas--club across his lap. He went to help with the other wounded.
Mei Ling watched everything then walked over to Legolas. She felt Qui's eyes on her as she took off a green jade pendant shaped like a dragon and laid it next to Legolas. "May the dragon's spirit protect you, sun child," she said then walked off.
Qui watched her go with thoughtful, sorrowing eyes. He knew what the gesture had meant and he also knew his sister would leave soon. He wished things had turned out differently, but it was not to be. He returned his attention back to his exhausted charge.
It was hours before Legolas woke up. He examined the pendant while Qui explained then put it around his neck and moved off to return to his duties among the badly wounded. He soon found Elrohir with Elladan next to him.
Legolas moved to them. "What happened?" he asked.
"I got a nasty cut and it damaged the muscle in my leg. Will you heal it for me?" Elrohir asked, giving Legolas a pleading look.
"How can I refuse the request of a friend?" Legolas said with a smile. He knelt beside Elrohir and went to work.
Before long the wound was healed without a trace. "Thanks, I did not want to sit here while everyone else is fighting," Elrohir said.
Legolas sat back on his heels for a rest. "How are we faring, Elladan?" he asked.
"Actually we are doing quite well despite the Humans greater numbers. They cannot maneuver well in Mirkwood and we do not go out into the field. That forces them to come into the woods where they can be easily ambushed," Elladan said.
"That is good, perhaps this will be over soon," Legolas sighed…..
So how was that--whew, this is turning out to be a long one!!!! R/R!!