Disclaimer: If I did own anything, you guys would definitely know. But unfortunately you can't flaunt what you don't got.

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

~*Author's Notes*~ I would like to thank my reviewers.

~*LadySiri*~ I send you all my gratitude for all your praise and help that you have given me. Also for adding me to your favourites list.

~*Cerridwen*~ Thanks, I'm always worried that my 'romantic' scenes will end up being awkward or cheesy.

~*Asfaloth's Girl*~ I'm glad that you like it. Oh and regarding my short poem that you reviewed, I can't say that I didn't have someone in mind when I wrote it. :

~*ME*~ Aww, poor Elrond, but I'm delighted that you're enjoying how my story is going.

~*crazyLOTRfan*~ Thank you or reviewing, and please continue to. I'm happy that you like it.

~*Gionareth*~ Please continue to read because it means a lot to me. I will try to finish up as soon as possible.

~*Natters*~ I would like to show my appreciation to you that you have read my story.

~*Rachel*~ I'm overjoyed that you have been reading my tale, I have never expected so many reviewers and it never ceases to amaze me.

~*Shagrat*~ I'm glad that you like it. I agree, Aragorn has been through a lot, but what can I say, I like to torture the poor guy.

~*MisunderstoodGnome*~ Please carry on with my story because it always helps me to get reviews. Thanks for adding me to your favourites list!

~*Kyliegh*~ I will try to add some more use of elvish language, its such a beautiful thing ain't it?

~*someone*~ Thank you for taking the time to read my story.

~*Elizabeth Goode*~ Thanks and I'm glad that you like it. I also like to read canon stories but I could never take the risk to write one. I would be to afraid that it wouldn't match up.

~*the ring of power*~ thanks for reviewing and I'm happy that you find it enjoyable.

~*grumpy*~ I'm glad that it's one of your favourites!

~*Eowyn*~ I'm filled with joy that you are liking it.

~*Maria*~ thanks for your confidence. It helps a lot.

~*Myfanwy*~ thank you for your criticism and your suggestions. It really does aid me in writing.

~*lizmybit*~ I'm happy that you like it.

~*Rhieannon*~ Please continue to read.

~*Alexandra*~ All I can say to your review is…WOW. I was never expecting such a nice review.

Now I have no clue if all of you guys are still reading, but it was important to me that I tell you all how greatly appreciated your words were to me.

How Can I Survive

Chapter 25

"Be quiet or you might wake him up" Elladan snapped at his twin as they moved breathlessly into Aragorn's room. The elf knew that the man was going to be leaving soon and for who knows how long, so he had to do something that was like what they used to do. He had to do something that would mend the rift in their once perfect relationship.

"He is going to be so mad at us" Elrohir whispered ever so quietly while he managed to close the wooden door that they had just entered. Dawn had just come so the two siblings knew that Estel would be out cold for at least another three hours, for he had went to bed late last night. But Elladan wasn't about to let him sleep the day away and he had dragged his brother into his idea.

"Who cares, he'll get over it" he said as h stifled back a giggle that desperately wanted to be set free. He picked up the red basin that he had set down on the orange and purple carpet that was covering the oak floor. The bowl was filled with fresh spring water and Elrohir walked over to where the royal blue drapes hung at the other side of the bedroom.

"On three" Elladan said, as he began to count up to the number that would start what he had planned. "THREE" he exclaimed, as his twin pulled open the curtains which let in all the bright sunlight that was being blocked out. The shouting from Elladan and the new luminosity that had just entered brought Aragorn out of his deep sleep.

"What in the Valar" he mumbled as he rubbed his eyes so he could have clear vision. But as soon as his hands were removed from his sleep wrinkled face, water came splashing down on top of his head and soaked his dark hair not to mention his clothes and his bed.

That surprise caught the man off guard and it definitely woke him up. He looked by the door to his room and there he saw Elladan and Elrohir laughing hysterically. The older twin was holding onto the doorknob for support, he was amused so much. Elrohir was covering his mouth and trying to sober himself up, for he could only guess what would happen next.

Aragorn glared at the two of them but a hint of playfulness was evident in his green eyes. He threw the blue blankets off of him and jumped out his cozy bed, and that started a high speed chase through the hallways of the palace of Imladris.

"You're dead, both of you" Aragorn shouted as he followed the twins down a winding staircase. Although the elves seemed to be gracefully floating down the steps and Estel was thudding down them, he was so close to catching them. "You're going to regret that you did that" he yelled.

When Elladan and Elrohir were downstairs they began causing an uproar down there as they pushed people out of the way in hopes of loosing the aspiring ranger.

But that they would be upset for Aragorn was right on their tail. "Come on" he yelled, frustrated that they had pulled one over on him. He was overly focused on catching them that he was oblivious to the things and people around him. He was running as fast as he could when he bumped into an elvish maiden who was coming the opposite way. The collision sent them both to the ground.

The person who he rammed into was in fact Ireth. "Uh…sorry" he said as he watched the twins get farther away from him. He wished he could continue after them, but he was to much of a gentleman to do that. "Really, I am" he said as he put out his hand to help her up from the ground.

She gladly accepted his help, and took the extended hand. When she was back on her feet, she brushed her orange dress off and ran her hand through her silken, twilight hair. "It's okay" she responded. "Are you hurt?" he asked kindly. "No, I think I'll be alright" she replied and her words caused Aragorn to smile.

"Well, I'm sorry again, but I have to go hurt Elladan and Elrohir" he joked, triggering Ireth to laugh. "Goodbye…Ireth right?" he asked. "Yes, goodbye" she replied, as Aragorn ran back after the two beings who had soaked him. He was still dripping and in his sleeping attire which made him flush when he had realized it. He had just had a short conversation with his beloved's best friend, and he wasn't even properly dressed. He decided that it would probably do him more good than bad if he got changed first before continuing his pursuit on the twins.

He made his way back to his quarters and closed the open door when he got inside. He picked out black breeches and a dark grey tunic, and he got dressed into his clothes.

When he was finished, he went back downstairs and went outside to look for Elladan and Elrohir. He thought that, that would be most likely where they were hiding. He looked for about a half an hour, but he couldn't find them so he decided to sit in the garden to relax for a bit.

*****

The twins had actually remained inside of the palace. They were sitting inside of the dining hall, which was practically empty save for about 20 or 25 individuals that got up early this morning, which wasn't a lot considering how many people were usually there.

Elladan and Elrohir were seated on a bench, for all of the elves that they usually conversed with were still yet to be awoke. They were still laughing over what had happened this morning, and frankly they were happy that Aragorn had knocked somebody over because it gave them a chance to escape the man's wrath.

Their laughter immediately ceased when they heard another conversation going on behind them.

"I don't understand, I thought you and Arwen were so close" an elvish maiden called Nessime protested. "That's the key, we were close. The funny thing is though, Arwen still thinks we're the best of friends. We reconciled and she actually thinks I did what I did for her safety" Ireth said coldly. "Okay, even if you're not friends anymore, he's mortal. Don't you know what that means?" the sylvan elf asked, Nessime was visiting from Mirkwood.

"You really don't get it, do you?" Ireth responded as she shook her head causing her dark hair to fall from her shoulders. It was obvious Nessime was getting annoyed by being left in the dark. "No I don't, so why don't you tell me" she relented as she brought her delicate hand up to her chin. "I don't plan to marry him, gosh no. I just want to make our poor little Evenstar suffer a little. Just make her see that she is not as perfect as she makes herself out to be, that someone could very easily take her place" the noldorian elf explained as she chuckled cruelly.

Nessime's mouth was hanging open by the time Ireth had finished telling her plan. "That's all fine and dandy" she responded sarcastically "But what does this have to do with me?" Her words caused Ireth to laugh even more. "Do I have to explain that to you as well? I thought for sure you would know why I would let you in on my scheme" she said as an evil grin spread across her pale face.

Ireth was visibly perturbed that she had to keep explaining things but she still would say what she had in mind. "I told you my secret because I know your secret, and if you don't help me, I will tell everybody else your what you never wanted anyone to know" Ireth threatened and Nessime knew exactly what she was talking about. The raven haired elf's words caused all the blood to drain from her face.

"Well, what do you say? Will you help me or would you rather be exiled or even put to death" she questioned. Nessime paused not knowing what to say. She hated the fact of hurting somebody who had never done anything to her but the other option was the unthinkable.

"Isn't there anything else, do you have to hurt her like that?" Nessime begged hoping to get out of this somehow. "No, there is no other alternative. I am sick of hearing the evenstar this and the evenstar that. She thinks she's so perfect and so does everybody else. It's time for them to see that she is normal like everybody else" she seethed. "Unless you want everyone to know-" "Okay fine, I'll help you" Nessime interrupted. Ireth smiled nastily when she was finally able to make the other elf agree. "Good" she said as she stood up. "You'll be hearing from me."

When Ireth had left Nessime dropped her head into her hands. She looked up when she felt a hand on her shoulder and jumped when she saw who it was.

"Milord Elladan, Milord Elrohir" she managed to say. "Um…I…oh Iluvitar" she said as her head once again fell into her awaiting hands. "We are going to have to inform our sister of what just occurred" Elrohir said solemnly but there was a hint of anger in his voice. Her head snapped up causing her shoulder length blonde hair to fly up. "I know you didn't want to agree, but you did and that's the point" Elladan said. "Okay, I'm going to say something to you and you are going to think I am just trying to save myself but I'm not" Nessime responded as she stood so she could look them in the eyes. Her actions caused her green dress to drag the ground.

"Arwen will not believe that you are telling her the truth. She loves Aragorn and she thinks that she and Ireth are the best of friends again. Word gets around fast and I have been informed as to how you reacted when you learned of Arwen and Estel's love. She's going to think you are just searching for a way to tear them apart" she told them.

The twins looked at her then they looked at each other and they knew her words were genuine. There was something about her sparkling blue eyes that told them she was truthful.

"Okay, then what do you propose?"

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