I'm not sure if I can do this here but I'd just like to say: My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the space shuttle Columbia's crew. This has been a dark day for America and Israel and for all humanity. As with all that have given their lives in the endeavor to explore space...they will not be forgotten. May they be with God.

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.

I'd like to thank all the people who have taken the time to review my story. Your words have given me much inspiration and courage to go on with this story. I am so honored that you have read it and liked it. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!!!!! Keep the reviews coming, they are greatly appreciated! :)

Thanks to: Silent Angel; Celebwen Starmaiden; Vana Everyoung; eck; Earendil Baby; Karri; Lady Jaina; Ithilien; Mystical Magic; Narwenya; Skye; sol-nemesis; krisnkriss; szhismine; Artemisa; Meethrill; phoenixqueen.

Since so many of you asked so nicely ;) here's another chapter. I am sorry it has taken me so long to get it up but teaching full time and taking two classes has definitely cramped my style. lol I know how frustrating it can be to get hooked on a story and then the author takes a looooooooooooong time to update so I promise I will try my best to update frequently until this story is done. Again, thanks for reading and please keep those reviews coming! :)

A Walk Out Of Reach





Chapter Eight

Legolas turned his thoughts away from the puzzle. Their trek through the trees had wearied him more than he cared to admit. It had sapped much of the strength he had recovered during his rest. Now his head was swimming and the darkness beckoned, urging him to close his eyes and give in to its sweet release. Resisting it was getting harder for he was exhausted. He could feel the shadows creeping into his mind and he struggled to keep them at bay. Slowly he became aware that someone had called his name.

"Legolas" the ranger called his name a second time.

The prince felt a painful grip on his shoulders. He brought his head up and blinked several times trying to clear his mind. Aragorn was holding him upright looking at him with wide eyes. Wincing at the tight grip he stared at the ranger in confusion and asked, "What happened?"

Aragorn loosened his hold on the elf's shoulders, his heart beginning to slow back to its normal rhythm. He had turned to find his friend deathly pale and his breathing shallow. His eyes had been glassy and unfocused. Aragorn moved to grab his shoulders just in time for at that moment Legolas slumped over in his arms limp and unresponsive. The ranger fought to keep his balance on their perch for the movement had taken him by surprise. He shook his head at Legolas' question, "You fell into darkness for a moment." He was at a loss for further words.

Legolas was too weary to respond. He continued to lean heavily on Aragorn for his body refused to obey his commands.

The ranger absently kept his grip on his friend, lost in thought. He could feel the heat radiating from the elf's skin through his cloak. His fever continued to climb. Eventually it would cause him to lapse into shadow from which there was no return. Although he knew not what poison had been used on the elf, there were many herbs that could be used to slow the poisons' spread and even stop it altogether. Unfortunately the herbs he needed were in his pack and for the moment, that was out of reach. Setting foot on the ground was a priority for they could call the horses to swiftly take them to safety.

He would carry his friend if need be but he would not let him die. "Come Legolas. On your feet, we must move from this place." He pulled the elf up and wrapped his arm around his slender waist supporting him with ease.

Legolas wavered on his feet as they stood. He was listless and his eyes lacked their usual gleam. Without comment he simply obeyed Aragorn's commands to move his feet.

Stepping through the tangle of branches was difficult and their progress was slow. The ranger had to keep a tight hold on the elf. With only one arm to help him balance he had to step carefully, making sure his feet were secure before he moved them forward.

Legolas meekly clung to the ranger. Much of his strength had fled him leaving him dependent on Aragorn for support. If not for his friend's strength he would have fallen to the ground below. They trekked through the trees for a few more hours before stopping to rest. As they caught their breath Aragorn turned towards the West. The sky on the horizon was beginning to turn pink signaling the rising sun. He felt a surge of relief for he knew the coming light would drive the orcs to the dark places of the earth. They could reach the ground without fear of capture.

He turned his head to look at the prince, "How do you fare, friend Legolas?"

The elf was too tired to pretend anymore. He looked at Aragorn and answered hesitantly, "I am...weary."

The ranger knew the warrior must feel terrible to make even that small admission of weakness. He nodded his head, "I am sure you are, but look, dawn approaches, and with it's coming we shall be able to set our feet upon the ground. Our journey will be much swifter on our mounts."

They sat quietly watching the sun rise above the mountains regaining some of their strength in the brief rest. Too soon for Legolas' liking, Aragorn stood up. He pulled on Legolas' arm lifting him up. "Come. The sun has cast enough light upon these woods. All foul creatures have surely fled to the dark by now. Let us make our way to the ground and take advantage of the light." They moved towards the trunk of the tree and prepared to climb down.

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"You must."

"No! I will not!"

"Aragorn, you must!"

"No! Do not ask me again Legolas! I will not do what you ask!"

Legolas sighed tiredly. Could his friend not see there was no way he could climb down on his own? The poison had weakened him too much. And what Aragorn proposed was too risky. He would not allow his friend to sling him over his shoulder. Climbing down with such a burden was too great for the human. He lacked the surefootedness of the elves in the trees.

"Aragorn, I have not the strength to argue with you. We waste time debating this matter." He softened his tone, trying to take the sting out of his next words, "You are not an elf Aragorn. You do not have the sure steps of our kind in the trees and I fear that you would fall carrying me." When the ranger did not respond he continued his plea, trying to make him see the folly in his notion. "Look at the ground Aragorn. We are far above it. Yes, what you say is true, elves are light by nature. But my weight is not the issue. Carrying me over your shoulder will hinder your movements. Both you and I know what will happen to you should you fall from this distance."

"I got you this far didn't I?" The ranger looked at him through slitted eyes. "If not for my help, you would still be back there in the trees...dead!" he retorted angrily.

As soon as he saw the expression of hurt on the elf's face he wished he could call the angry words back. Aragorn regretted them as soon as they left his lips but he would not take them back. He was angry at Legolas hesitation in allowing him to carry him down the tree. Did the elf doubt his abilities as a ranger? He was no longer some young, inexperienced novice. He had gained a variety of abilities and survival skills during his many years of roaming the lands as a ranger.

Legolas stood unmoving, grasping the branches tightly for support. He was unable to look at Aragorn for he knew his words had wounded the ranger deeply. He deserved Aragorn's anger though. He had no right to doubt his abilities for he knew Aragorn had learned much in his responsibilities as a ranger.

Aragorn rubbed his face in frustration. If only the horses were here. He had called for them several times but they had yet to come. The coil of elven rope he always carried in the bottom of his pack would be of great aid right now. He worried at their lack of response to his shrill whistle for his horse had never ceased to come when called.

He pushed that worry aside and snuck a glance at Legolas. He looked as if he could barely hold himself upright and his grip on the branch was so tight his knuckles had turned white. Ai, sometimes he felt like pounding that stubborn streak right out of the elf! Suddenly a thought struck him. He thought on it a moment then determinedly decided to act on it. He just hoped his friend would forgive him for it later.

"Legolas." Aragorn called the elf softly.

Reluctantly, the prince brought his eyes up, meeting Aragorn's steady gaze. Without warning, lights exploded before his eyes and thunder clapped in his ears. Darkness overtook him and he knew no more.