Disclaimer: I don't own anything. It all belongs to Tolkien.

Summery: AU After the death of his friend, Aragorn falls into depression and there may only one person who can draw him out of it.

How Can I Survive

Chapter 11

"Legolas" he repeated "Am I dead?" Aragorn asked confused, for he wasn't even injured. The question caused the elf to laugh. "No mellon nin you are not dead, far from it" he replied. "Then are you alive, but I was at the funeral you had no pulse. Why are you here?" Estel questioned bewildered by this meeting.

"So may questions, you are acting like someone half your age. You should be ashamed" Legolas teased. "Please" the man begged for some answers.

"I am here for a time. I was originally sent to help you with your depression, but there is no need for that now. Just your childish behaviour." The elf said. Estel still looked perplexed. "What 20 year old runs away from home" he joked once again. Legolas seemed in good spirits, which puzzled Aragorn even more than seeing his friend.

"My friend, you can not run away from your problems. T'is not wise, will only get you into trouble." "I am afraid that Lord Elrond and the twins no longer want me" the Dunedain said embarrassed. Legolas hit the man upside the head. "That is not true, and they would be very displeased if they heard that" "They are already displeased with me, for I am in love with Arwen."

"Legolas?" "Yes" the elf replied. "I am still confused about one thing, are you dead or are you alive? You have still not told me" Estel said rubbing his forehead.

"As I told you I a…" "Yes yes, you are here for a time. For the sake of the Valar what does that mean?" Aragorn shouted, as he stood up so he could look Legolas in the eyes. Although he was still a tad shorter, it was better than sitting on the ground.

"It means I am here for as long as I am needed, and that won't be lengthy" the fair being said, which caused Aragorn's heart to become heavy.

"But do not be sad. You should be elated to have finally found love." the immortal continued. "Come on, I will take you back to Imladris" he finished.

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"We have to send out search parties and riders and give word to Lorien to ask for aid. We have to find him before he gets to far. We should also tell Gandalf because he could be of some help." Elladan talked very fast and they just made out what he said.

"We will, but you should get some sleep. Staying awake will not help." the elf lord said. "I don't think so. I will not just sleep, while Estel is out there. Who knows what might have befallen him…"

"Father" Elrohir yelled as he ran in from the balcony. "Its Estel, he has returned. With another who I know not."

Elrond looked out the window to see for himself and it was correct. All three of the elves dashed out of the room to meet Estel and the unknown stranger.

They finally made it to the gates of Rivendell. The unidentified being's face was blocked by Aragorn so they could still not see who it was.

Elladan grabbed the man and pulled him into an embrace revealing the face of the other. "W…what" Elrohir managed to say before he fell unconscious to the ground in astonishment. Aragorn pulled away from Elladan and knelt down next to the fallen elf, for the others were to surprised to do anything. Finally Elrond was able to break the silence that was becoming more and more awkward.

"Legolas is that you?" "Yes it is I. Surprised to see me?" he jested. "I swear you sylvan elf, if that was a joke.."

"It wasn't a joke, Elladan. I really did die, I have just been sent back to bring Estel home to you" Legolas replied, answering many questions on the minds of the others.

"Well do you know how long you will be able to grace us with your presence?" Elrond asked. "I do not deem it to be prolonged. My guess is just the night. I was hoping to be able to see my father though" Legolas said looking very sad.

"Well then your wish will be granted, Thranduil is here" Elladan said as he pulled the blonde elf behind him into the palace of Rivendell.

Aragorn picked up the other twin, and he and Elrond followed behind them.

They walked in the door and Thranduil was already awake. Legolas explained to him what had happened and why he was here. Then Mirkwood's king pulled Legolas into a hug and it looked like the younger elf was about to pass out from the lack of oxygen.

"Elladan, go get your sister" Elrond ordered. "That's probably not a good idea" the twin said and the peredhil nodded in agreement. "I will go" Elrohir replied. He had just awoken and was regaining his composure.

Everyone involved was looking forward to this night, for they knew it would be the last time they would see Legolas for a very long time. For some it would be the last.

Like it? Don't worry, more A/A scenes to come.