Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR or any of the characters. No profit is made from these stories, they are merely for the enjoyment of myself and anyone who cares to read them.



A Walk Out Of Reach





Chapter Six

He drew close to the spot where his friend lay hearing orc voices. They were weaving in and out of the trees on the ground shouting to each other in their black speech. Snatches of their scattered conversations wafted up to the ranger from time to time. He continued to move stealthily occasionally catching glimpses of the ground far below. There was a large number of orcs staining the forest floor with their foul presence.

His eyes widened at the sight before his eyes. There on the ground sat the orc he had wounded. It was still pinned against the tree with his arrow but it's head had been separated from it's body. Aragorn could see it lying but a few feet away from the headless body, an expression of surprise and pain permanently etched on it's features. He scrunched his face in disgust then shrugged his shoulders. It's leader must not have been too pleased to find that it had been lax in it's duty.

He used the soft glow emanating from the elf to guide him to the prince's position in the trees. Carefully he eased himself down next to the prince and was surprised to find him lying quietly with his eyes open. A look of confusion graced his face.

Aragorn grinned widely as he spoke in hushed tones, "Legolas! How do you feel?"

The elf blinked slowly. Not yet fully aware, he struggled to push back the shadows that clung to his mind, "Aragorn?" His voice sounded pitifully weak to his ears.

The ranger gripped the elf's arm carefully, "Yes, it is I my friend. We are safe amongst the trees for the moment though caution is needed for orcs linger below." At this news the prince's eyes closed tiredly.

"Your fever has not improved. The poison in your veins hinders your healing." Legolas opened his eyes at the gentle touch to his cheek.

His eyebrows drew together in confusion, "Poison?"

Aragorn felt a stab of worry flow through him. Legolas did not seem to remember what had happened. He took the elf by his shoulders and looked into his eyes trying to determine their clarity then took note how the soft moonlight made the dark circles under his eyes stand out.

The elf squirmed under the close scrutiny. Suddenly memories flooded his mind. The battle with the orcs, being injured, his flight and finally his decision to rest. Ai, Aragorn had mentioned poison! His eyes widened slightly and his hand flew to his side probing the injury he knew was there. He winced from the pain even as Aragorn gently pulled his hand away from his side. The arrow that had pierced his side had indeed been laced with a black poison of whose origin he knew not. He could feel the heaviness in his limbs as the result. A wave of despair surged through him and he paled even more.

Aragorn's frown grew deeper as he watched a wide range of emotions flit across the elf's face. He gripped his shoulders again and squeezed them offering reassurance to the prince.

Legolas glanced at the ranger sharply feeling guilty for the worry he was causing his friend. He struggled to master his emotions, weariness making his voice heavy. "I am all right Aragorn." Frustrated at his weakness he found himself at a loss for words and instead tried to sit up. His body felt incredibly weak and he struggled to accomplish the small task.

Taking note of his friend's difficulty Aragorn moved to aid him. He placed an arm behind the elf's shoulders and helped him sit up. He made sure he was settled securely in the boughs before he removed his arm.

The movement made his head swim but after a moment Legolas felt a little better. At least sitting up he did not feel so helpless although he could still feel the evil effects of the poison in his body. He took a deep breath letting the scent of the forest soothe his troubled mind and asked a question that was puzzling him, "Aragorn, how did you come to find me, for climbing trees is not among your favorite things to do?" He glanced sideways at the ranger, a teasing smile on his face.

Aragorn shrugged a smile pulling at the corners of his mouth, "I followed your horse." Seeing the questions in his friends eyes he spoke quickly, "The horses are safe and in hiding until we have need of them. As for the rest, now is not the time for such tales. What matters now is getting you out of these trees and on the ground where I can properly tend to your wound."

The smile on Legolas' face disappeared as quickly as it had come. He knew Aragorn was right but he did not want to be reminded of his weakness. "Aragorn, I am not a child to be coddled." Seeing the hurt in his friends eyes, he softened his tone, "The rest I have taken has helped much. It pains me not at all." He dismissed his wound with a wave of his hand and turned his head away. It pained him to lie to the ranger.

"You don't fool me for a minute you stubborn elf." The look on Aragorn's face left no room for argument. "I know you. You could have your arm torn off and would still say it is but a small matter." He brought his arm up and rested his fingertips under Legolas' chin. He gently turned the elf's face toward him and pleaded, "Please Legolas, heed my words. The poison at work in your body will kill you if left untreated. Even now it is working it's evil upon you. I can see the shadows in your eyes and your skin burns with fever. Let me help you my friend, please." His voice cracked at these last words.

Legolas sighed and grasped his friends arm tightly. He had no wish to cause him grief, "You are right Aragorn. I was never able to hide much from you." His mouth turned up in a small smile, "You are quite persistent."

Aragorn felt a surge or relief rush through him. Sometimes the elf could be so stubborn it was infuriating. He thought for a moment he would have to carry him over his shoulder kicking and screaming. With that image in his mind he smiled in response to the elf's teasing words. He was glad Legolas had at least admitted he needed help although his friend must be feeling quite poorly to give in so easily.

Angry shouts from below reminded them both of the seriousness of their predicament.