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

Thanks for so many kind reviews! You continue to inspire me! ;)

Continued thanks to: Pheonixqueen; Meethrill; Artemisa; krisnkriss; sol-nemesis; Narwenya; Mystical Magic; Earendilstar; eck; Skye; Imbefaniel; lil*bee; Spades; Estell; dorkwad; sirithiliel; Wicked Misty; Celebwen Starmaiden; Karri; Rain Minstrel; Vana Everyoung;Lady Jaina; The Exterminator Sango; Imirie; szhismine; Shandrial;Shauna; Estel Elendil; Pilot3001

Pink-Cheery-Blossom: Don't worry. I would NEVER kill our beloved elf! Ithilien: LOL I'm frightening myself at how long I've been torturing poor Legolas too! Silent Angel: * sigh * I'm a BIGLegolas angst fan too! Morgaine le fey: LOL! Yeah, I love it too when Aragorn gets the best of Legolas! Allafricannirish: You're quite welcome! :) Marilyn: Thanks for the kind words! I try really hard to stay true to the spirit Tolkien intended. I hope I continue to do so. :)

Here's another chapter. I'm sorry it's been so long but RL keeps interfering with my good intentions! :( I will try my best to at least post at least once a week. BTW...any spelling or grammar mistakes are mine and mine alone.

Again, thanks for reading and please keep those reviews coming! :) They really make my day...and get my hands typing faster! (grins even more wickedly)



A Walk Out Of Reach





Chapter Ten

The horses moved at a steady pace. Aragorn feared to push them too quickly though for Legolas could not abide the rough ride. His eyes searched diligently for shelter so he could treat his friend.

He slowed the horses' pace when he felt he prince stir in his arms.

Legolas could not help the groan of pain that escaped his lips. His head was throbbing and the ache in his back had pulled him back to consciousness. Dimly, he became aware of someone holding him upright. An arm was wrapped tightly around his middle and someone softly called his name.

"Legolas." Aragorn called his friend again then shifted in his seat trying to get a better view of his face. The prince's features were laced with pain and his eyes were open.

He looked around at his surroundings before his eyes came to rest on the ranger's face. Puzzlement shone from their silver depths and his voice was hoarse as he spoke, "Aragorn. Where are we?"

The ranger tugged on the reigns halting his horse. "We are looking for shelter my friend. I need to make a fire to tend your wound properly." He dug in his pack with his free hand for the water bottle. Finding it he brought it up to the elf's lips.

Recent events flashed through Legolas' mind. Angrily he swatted the ranger's hand away. "You hit me."

It was a statement, not a question. Aragorn agreed sadly, "Yes. I did. But it was necessary for I would not leave you unattended. I would beg your forgiveness for my injury to you my friend." He paused for a moment waiting for some word from Legolas. When it appeared none was forthcoming he held the water bottle to the elf's lips again. The elf allowed the gesture and took a small sip.

Aragorn tucked the bottle back in his pack and grabbed the reigns. "How do you fare?" He urged Aslathon forward keeping his arm wrapped around the prince mindful not to put pressure on his wound.

Legolas did not answer the ranger's question for he was irritated with his friend. He had treated him like a naughty child that had been scolded and sent to his room by a parent. Only he had been tossed over the ranger's shoulder like a bag of laundry. The pounding in his head wrenched him out of his thoughts and his slender fingers unconsciously rubbed at his throbbing temples.

Aragorn grimaced at the elf's silence then took note of how his fingers absently rubbed at his temples. He gently pulled Legolas' head against his shoulder and was surprised when the elf offered no resistance. "Rest my friend. We will find shelter soon."

Legolas closed his eyes tiredly and took a deep breath. The constant rocking motion was making his head swim and waves of nausea washed over him. Heeding Aragorn's words he gave in to his body's demands and allowed himself to drift into darkness.

Aragorn allowed himself to feel a small measure of victory as the elf went limp in his arms. Legolas had not been as mad at him as he feared or he would not have given in to his weariness so easily. With a wry grin he turned his eyes forward and continued to look for shelter.

A short while later he spotted a place that would suit his purpose. Surrounded by a thick tangle of pines and dense brush stood a small hill. On one side a small brook had cut into its side and had formed an overhang. It almost looked like a cave so deep was the depression. A small flow of water ran past the overhang then disappeared beneath the stones a little ways past it. There was just enough room to hide horses and themselves from prying eyes.

The horses did not want to venture into the thick brush and Aragorn had to urge them through before they stopped in front of the overhang. The halt in motion woke the elf. He straightened and looked around with bleary eyes.

"I have found a place to take rest. Can you sit unaided while I dismount?" Aragorn asked his friend when he realized Legolas had woken.

Legolas nodded and clung tightly to the horse's mane trying to blink the sleep from his eyes. He was frustrated with the weakness of his body. Having no control over it he was forced to depend heavily on the ranger's aid and this helplessness was beginning to wear on his nerves.

Aragorn hopped down careful not to jar his friend then reached up to help him dismount. He kept his arms around him until the elf regained his equilibrium.

Legolas clung to the ranger's arms taking deep breaths to stop the world from spinning. He was trying to get his legs working again. When he regained his balance he turned and moved unsteadily towards the spot Aragorn had chosen. He sat down on the soft earth and watched the ranger secure the horses. Guilt washed over him. He wanted to help for tending the horses was usually his task when they traveled but he could not find the strength to stand up.

Once the horses were secure the ranger untied the straps holding his pack and set it next to the tired elf. He crouched beside his friend and studied him closely. Legolas sat inside the depression resting his back against the wall of the overhang. He looked terrible. A feverish flush painted his features and his complexion was ashen. The dark circles under his eyes gave him a haunted look and to make matters worse the purplish bruise he bore on the side of his jaw stood out starkly against the paleness of his skin All of this combined gave him an almost ethereal appearance.

Legolas did not flinch from the close scrutiny. Instead he met Aragorn's steady gaze with one of his own lifting his eyebrows in question. The ranger felt the corners of his mouth turn up in a reluctant smile. The elf was practically daring him to make mention of his haggard appearance. Ai! He best not vex the prince further for he had caused him enough humiliation already. His worry continued to nag at him though.

The ranger made no mention of his concerns and instead clasped the elf's shoulder gently, "I will return shortly friend. I am going to gather a bit of wood to make a fire." The elf just nodded too weary to offer assistance. Aragorn stood quickly hoping the elf had not seen the look of despair on his face.

As quickly as he could the ranger gathered enough wood for a small fire. He did not have to stray far from his friend to find it for it littered the ground in abundance. Pushing his way back through the brush he dropped a second load next to the elf then knelt to make a small fire. He stole several glances at legolas as he worked.

The prince sat quietly. For an instant Aragorn thought he was asleep but the elf turned his head to watch him work. He worked silently until the small fire was well established. Reaching for his pack he rummaged through it until he found his small cook pot and bag of medicinal herbs. Choosing several of the herbs he mashed them together in the pot and added water from the brook. This he heated over the fire until it turned a milky green. He used a straining cloth and poured the foul looking mixture into a cup then offered it to the elf.

The elf scrunched up his nose at the smell. "You don't really expect me to drink that do you?"

Aragorn looked at him in surprise. Legolas' eyes held a teasing look. The ranger grinned in response, "Well, I can force you if you'd like but I'd much prefer you do it the easy way." He held his breath hoping Legolas would not force his hand.

The elf relented and accepted the cup with a shaky hand, "Very well Aragorn". I will drink it. But elves have a long memory. Take note, I will have my turn at revenge." Even though he was feeling poorly he could not resist teasing his friend.

Aragorn laughed then wrapped the elf's fingers around the cup helping him hold it steady as he drank the liquid. "It is well my friend. I shall gladly submit to your revenge should this restore your strength and bring your fever down." He made no mention of the fact that the drink would also help the elf rest and dull the pain.

Legolas swallowed the mixture as quickly as he could. It left a bitter taste in his mouth and he gratefully took the water bottle Aragorn held out to him when he had finished. Soon after he felt numbness spread through his body and his lids grew heavy. He knew immediately there was more to the drink than the ranger had told him. He glanced at the ranger sharply, miffed that he'd been tricked again.

The ranger turned back to the fire pointedly ignoring the glare. He rinsed the cook pot in the brook and filled it with clean water then set it over the fire to heat. He debated with himself which herbs he would need for his next task then picked a couple of herbs from his bag. He dropped them into the boiling water and stirred them slowly letting the mixture thicken. When it had thickened into a paste he set it aside to cool then turned to the elf.

Legolas' eyes were open, glazed over in sleep. The drink he'd made had worked quickly. The ranger smiled softly to himself. He much preferred to see the elf sleep with his eyes open than naught. He shook his head at what he had done in order to treat the stubborn elf. Knowing the warrior would insist on being awake while he tended his wound he'd resorted to trickery yet again for he loathed subjecting him to the pain he would soon cause. Quietly he moved over to the elf and gently grasped his shoulders. He lowered him carefully until he lay on his back.

The elf stirred at the movement then stilled once again. Aragorn watched him silently for a moment. When he was sure he would not waken he lifted the elf's tunic out of the way and studied the wound. It was slow in healing for the edges were red and swollen and a bit of blood had seeping out. He cleaned it and prepared himself for what he must do.

Aragorn looked at Legolas making sure he had not stirred then took his knife from his pack and held it tightly in his hand. Oh Elbereth, please let this work! He closed his eyes tightly and tried to gather his resolve. The ranger let out a deep breath then held the knife over the flames to sterilize the blade. When he was done he wiped it with a damp cloth cooling the metal. The knife needed to be clean not heated for he did not want to seal the wound.

Kneeling next the elf, he held the knife, poised over his still form.

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