Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR or any of the characters. Nope, I don't! :(
Too bad, so sad!! I wish I did! Especially the blond elf! :) LOL! No
profit is made from these stories; they are merely for the enjoyment of
myself and anyone who cares to read them.
Pooooh! Since FanFic revamped its site a lot of the names on the reviews are gone. All the anonymous reviewers no longer have a name and instead are just listed as xing@fanfiction.net. I'd still like to respond to your review but I'm sorry I don't have your name. So...I guess I will just refer to these reviews as A1 and A2 for Anonymous 1 and Anonymous 2 and so on. :)
O.B.I.M. Since you asked soooooooooooooo nicely, here's another chapter! :)
Melissa Greenleaf-Yes it is gross but it had to be done. How else would he get the poison out? :)
A1-I'm just a sucker for Leggy angst that's why! LOL But don't worry...I would NEVER kill off our beloved elf! Gasp! :0 That has not even crossed my mind! I would definitely cry too! LOL
A2-Well, I kind of like that word...Miffed... hmmm, yep, has a nice ring to it. ;) Thanks for taking the time to review!
A3-Don't worry. I have EVERY intention of finishing this story! It's kind of hard for me to post during the week though cause right now I'm teaching full time and taking two night classes. I just had a killer Psyche test this Thursday so I spent the week madly studying. But now that the test is behind me I can again focus on the important things...like this story! At least until the next test! :( LOL
A4-Thank you for the kind words. I'm not exactly sure how the orcs snuck up on our elven prince but I had to make the story interesting somehow. :) Well, elves share a close bond or tie or whatever you want to call it with nature and the trees. I took my cue for that from all the wonderful stories I have ever read here on FanFiction.net. So many of them tell of this close relationship and I thought I'd throw that into my story as well. :) I know if I were the tree Legolas was laying on I'd definitely treasure him! LOL Heck, if I were a rock he stepped on I think THAT would make me happy! LOL!!!!
Shauna-Your review had me ROTFLMHO! I hope I managed to get this chapter out before you died too much! ;)
Celebwen Starmaiden- Here, here, hope this chapter tells you what Aragorn's intentions are. Don't cry too much! ;) LOL
Earendilstar-Wow, you must get up pretty early to hit the net before school. I can barely drag myself out of bed in time to get ready and not be late for work! LOL :)
A5-Yeah, that last chapter was longer. I try really hard to make them at least 1,500 words but sometimes I just run out of steam. I would have liked this chapter to be a bit longer too but that test I had on Thursday really threw my momentum off. :( Hey...btw...you'll have to fight ME off Orlando Bloom first before you can get him down the aisle! LOL Thanks for your kind words. :)
Spades-I think all the writers of FanFiction.net are rubbing off on me. I'm starting to like the cliffy thing more and more...at least when I do it and not when I'm reading a story! *grins wickedly* LOL
Elenora-Wow, thanks for your wonderful critique of my writing! It was very inspiring as I do try very hard to imagine in my head how Aragorn and Legolas would really talk to each other. I too have read stories with contemporary speech and they do not really appeal to me. Thanks so much for taking the time to review! :)
A6-I am so glad I could be a part of your first experience here at FanFiction.net! There are so many wonderful stories here! I'm sure you will feel as I did when I first found this place...that you have discovered a gold mine! :)
A7-I find my imagination gets the best of me too when I'm left in limbo for too long! Hope this chapter came out soon enough so you won't imagine anything too terrible! :)
Lady Jaina-Don't worry...I'd never let Aragorn hurt Leggy...too much! *Chuckling evily*
Imbefaniel-Thanks for your nice review. I'll work the trees in again as soon as I can. :)
Goma-Ryu-Hope this next chapter eased your pain a little. :)
A8-Thanks so much for your compliment on my story!
A9-Here's more for ya!
Midnight-Here's more for you too! ;) Hope you like it.
Erin- LOL You can only comfort Leggy AFTER I've had MY turn! LOL And I do try to update at least once a week. I know that I get really bummed when I have to wait for a looooong time for new chapters on stories I absolutely love! Talk about nail biting! LOL
Kelly Neptunus-Thanks for your enthusiastic review!
A10-Guess those puppy dog eyes worked in getting me to put out another chapter! LOL
A continued thanks goes out to everyone that has reviewed my story so far! Without all of your kind and inspiring words I think I would find it incredibly hard to keep writing! You have really given me the courage to go on! THANKS!!!!! BTW...if you don't mind, sign your review so I can know who you are. If you don't want to that is ok too! I'll take reviews ANY way I can get them! :)
Oh yeah, all the spelling and grammar mistakes in this chapter are mine and mine alone. Hope there's not too many. ;) Keep those reviews coming!
On we go...
A Walk Out Of Reach
Chapter Eleven
As gently as he could Aragorn used the tip of the blade to probe the wound. He glanced sharply at the elf, checking for a second time to see if he had woken. Legolas had not moved. The ranger took a deep breath and turned back to his task. Gritting his teeth, he pushed the blade into the wound then withdrew it slowly causing blood to seep out. The prince moaned as the blade pushed into the wound and his eyes sealed themselves tightly shut at the pain. The ranger shook his head angrily, mumbling to himself.
He had not pierced the wound deep enough for the blood needed to flow, not leak out from the injury in order to cleanse the poison from the elf's body. Aragorn tightened his grip on the handle and pushed the blade into the wound a second time. This time he pushed until almost half the length of the blade disappeared in the elf's side.
The prince jerked sharply at this invasion and Aragorn had to use one hand to keep him pressed against the ground as he tried to move away from the pain. A loud moan escaped the elf's lips and his hands fluttered weakly, trying to push the ranger's hands away. Aragorn withdrew the blade quickly and set it aside then caught the elf's hands in his own. He pressed them down pinning them against the elf's side halting his movements. The elf's head lolled from side to side reacting to the pain even in his unconscious state.
Aragorn spoke softly, offering words of comfort to his friend. The elvish words calmed the elf and he soon quieted once more. When Legolas stopped moving the ranger checked the wound. Blood flowed heavily from the injury and quickly saturated the cloth he held over the torn flesh. The ranger reached for a clean strip then tossed the soiled one into the fire.
The blood flowing from the wound was tainted with black poison. The ranger pressed firmly on the elf's side just above the injury to increase the flow of blood from the wound. He must drain as much of the poison as he could. The pressure caused the elf to moan again. Aragorn laid his hand on the elf's forehead murmuring soothing words then turned his attention back to the injury.
He watched as the thick black blood saturated a second piece of cloth as well. Just when he thought it would never clear, the blood flowing from the prince's side turned a bright red color. He gave a sigh of relief. He had drained as much poison as possible from the elf's body. He only hoped what he'd managed to withdraw had been enough. For the second time he threw the soiled cloth into the fire watching the flames dance over it before taking hold.
Elrond's lessons were evident in the ranger's quick efficiency in his task. He pressed a clean square of cloth against the wound until the flow of blood slowed and finally stopped. With gentle fingers he applied a thick layer of the healing paste over the torn skin. When this was done he covered the wound with several large leaves from his medicine pack and tore more strips of cloth from his cloak. He used these to bind Legolas' side securely holding the paste and leaves in place. Shaking his head he gave a rueful chuckle. If this kept up, he soon would have a very small cloak.
Aragorn tiredly wiped the sweat from the elf's face. Tending his friend and the uncertainty of his fate had taken a toll on the human. He had taken no rest unless you counted the few moments he had snatched earlier this morning. The sluggishness of his movements gave evidence of how tired he was. He longed to lay beside his friend and give in the weariness pulling on his limbs.
With a heavy sigh, Aragorn stood and gathered the rest of the bloodied strips of cloth tossing them in the fire. He rinsed out the cook pot and stowed it in his pack along with his pack of medicines then cleaned his blade in the brook before he sheathed it at his waist. He worked quietly for several more minutes until no evidence of a camp remained. He left the small fire burning, it's smokeless flames offering the elf warmth. Satisfied, the ranger looked up at the sky checking the sun's position. It was now riding low in the sky. Darkness was not far off.
Aragorn debated with himself if they should press on. After several moments he decided against it. Right now, they had sufficient shelter from prying eyes and the elf was deep in rest. If they pressed on, darkness may find them before they found shelter again. No, they would stay here for the night for the brush would keep them well hidden from sight. Too many foul creatures wandered the woods in the dark and he could ill-afford to meet up with one of these with a wounded elf.
His decision made Aragorn sat next to elf and looked at him closely. Some color had returned to his face chasing away the sickly paleness. The ranger touched the elf's forehead with the palm of his hand and found his skin much cooler as well. It seemed enough poison had been purged from the elf's body allowing his elven healing to kick in. He smiled softly in relief.
The ranger sat quietly with his arms wrapped around his knees. There was no longer the desperate urgency he had felt earlier for his friend was out of danger. The adrenaline that had kept him going was now depleted and his eyelids grew heavy. He found himself unable to keep them open. Resisting the urge to close his eyes and give in to his weariness the ranger stood swiftly and made his way over to the horses. He spoke softly to them.
"I have need of your aid again friends." He stroked the forehead of both horses comfortingly. Aslathon nickered in his ear as if offering his master any help he needed. The elf's horse pawed the ground impatiently waiting for Aragorn to speak his request. He chuckled at their eagerness to help.
"I fear I am too tired to remain awake much longer and Legolas lies in slumber as well. I would ask that both of you watch over us as we rest. We can ill-afford to be discovered by the enemy." The ranger watched both horses intently then smiled as Aslathon nickered in his ear again giving his agreement. Nimrothuniel tossed his head and took a step forward towards Legolas. The elf's horse seemed to know Aragorn was helping his master and was anxious to help this human watch over him any way he could.
The ranger stopped the elf's horse with a gentle tug on his reigns. "Hold friend. I know you want to help your master but you will be of no aid until I loosen these knots." He smiled at the horse's impatience and untied both animals then led them closer to the elf. He let their reigns dangle free instead of tying them for he knew they would not leave their watch. Giving the horses a final pat the ranger stretched himself out on the ground next to his friend. He would only sleep until the sun disappeared behind the mountains then he would keep watch through the night.
Aragorn turned his head towards Legolas and placed one hand on the elf's chest. The gentle rise and fall of beneath his hand comforted him and he was soon asleep.
The horses watched the silent figures closely. From time to time their eyes would scan the surroundings then return to rest on the elf and human as they lay in slumber. Both horses stood unmoving listening intently for the sound of footfalls or fell voices. In silence they held their vigil over their beloved masters.
************************
Aragorn blinked slowly trying to push away the confusion clinging to his mind. Where was he? A thick canopy of trees loomed over his head and he could see a few stars peeking through the thick foliage. He suddenly realized he was lying on the ground and his hand rested on something warm and soft. With a start he remembered what had happened.
The ranger sat up quickly and looked around. The small fire had died down and only a few red coals gave off a warm glow. The horses stood where he had left them and they looked at him with questioning eyes. Aragorn looked down at his friend. Legolas had not moved and his breathing was soft and even under his hand. Reaching out he found the elf's cheek cool to the touch. No fever remained in his body.
Aragorn turned his attention back to the horses who were still looking at him worriedly. He spoke softly, "It is all right my friends. I thank you for keeping watch. You have done well." His horse gave a soft nicker of response. This time he spoke to Nimrothuniel, "Your master fares much better friend. I am sure you will soon have him back to his old self." His mouth turned up when the elf's horse bent his head and nosed the blond head gently. Satisfied, the horse raised his head and looked at the ranger. He nickered softly as if to offer his thanks for saving his beloved elf.
Aragorn sat in silence once again scanning their surroundings and listened to the sounds of the forest around them. The crickets were out in number tonight for he could hear their numerous songs and a few night birds called to each other in the trees. The sounds gave him comfort for if evil lurked in this part of the woods only silence would greet his ears. All good creatures of Middle Earth loathed and feared the minions of darkness.
Just then he felt the prince stirring at his side. He turned and peered at him through the darkness watching as the elf opened his eyes and blinked slowly.
**************************************************************************** *
Pooooh! Since FanFic revamped its site a lot of the names on the reviews are gone. All the anonymous reviewers no longer have a name and instead are just listed as xing@fanfiction.net. I'd still like to respond to your review but I'm sorry I don't have your name. So...I guess I will just refer to these reviews as A1 and A2 for Anonymous 1 and Anonymous 2 and so on. :)
O.B.I.M. Since you asked soooooooooooooo nicely, here's another chapter! :)
Melissa Greenleaf-Yes it is gross but it had to be done. How else would he get the poison out? :)
A1-I'm just a sucker for Leggy angst that's why! LOL But don't worry...I would NEVER kill off our beloved elf! Gasp! :0 That has not even crossed my mind! I would definitely cry too! LOL
A2-Well, I kind of like that word...Miffed... hmmm, yep, has a nice ring to it. ;) Thanks for taking the time to review!
A3-Don't worry. I have EVERY intention of finishing this story! It's kind of hard for me to post during the week though cause right now I'm teaching full time and taking two night classes. I just had a killer Psyche test this Thursday so I spent the week madly studying. But now that the test is behind me I can again focus on the important things...like this story! At least until the next test! :( LOL
A4-Thank you for the kind words. I'm not exactly sure how the orcs snuck up on our elven prince but I had to make the story interesting somehow. :) Well, elves share a close bond or tie or whatever you want to call it with nature and the trees. I took my cue for that from all the wonderful stories I have ever read here on FanFiction.net. So many of them tell of this close relationship and I thought I'd throw that into my story as well. :) I know if I were the tree Legolas was laying on I'd definitely treasure him! LOL Heck, if I were a rock he stepped on I think THAT would make me happy! LOL!!!!
Shauna-Your review had me ROTFLMHO! I hope I managed to get this chapter out before you died too much! ;)
Celebwen Starmaiden- Here, here, hope this chapter tells you what Aragorn's intentions are. Don't cry too much! ;) LOL
Earendilstar-Wow, you must get up pretty early to hit the net before school. I can barely drag myself out of bed in time to get ready and not be late for work! LOL :)
A5-Yeah, that last chapter was longer. I try really hard to make them at least 1,500 words but sometimes I just run out of steam. I would have liked this chapter to be a bit longer too but that test I had on Thursday really threw my momentum off. :( Hey...btw...you'll have to fight ME off Orlando Bloom first before you can get him down the aisle! LOL Thanks for your kind words. :)
Spades-I think all the writers of FanFiction.net are rubbing off on me. I'm starting to like the cliffy thing more and more...at least when I do it and not when I'm reading a story! *grins wickedly* LOL
Elenora-Wow, thanks for your wonderful critique of my writing! It was very inspiring as I do try very hard to imagine in my head how Aragorn and Legolas would really talk to each other. I too have read stories with contemporary speech and they do not really appeal to me. Thanks so much for taking the time to review! :)
A6-I am so glad I could be a part of your first experience here at FanFiction.net! There are so many wonderful stories here! I'm sure you will feel as I did when I first found this place...that you have discovered a gold mine! :)
A7-I find my imagination gets the best of me too when I'm left in limbo for too long! Hope this chapter came out soon enough so you won't imagine anything too terrible! :)
Lady Jaina-Don't worry...I'd never let Aragorn hurt Leggy...too much! *Chuckling evily*
Imbefaniel-Thanks for your nice review. I'll work the trees in again as soon as I can. :)
Goma-Ryu-Hope this next chapter eased your pain a little. :)
A8-Thanks so much for your compliment on my story!
A9-Here's more for ya!
Midnight-Here's more for you too! ;) Hope you like it.
Erin- LOL You can only comfort Leggy AFTER I've had MY turn! LOL And I do try to update at least once a week. I know that I get really bummed when I have to wait for a looooong time for new chapters on stories I absolutely love! Talk about nail biting! LOL
Kelly Neptunus-Thanks for your enthusiastic review!
A10-Guess those puppy dog eyes worked in getting me to put out another chapter! LOL
A continued thanks goes out to everyone that has reviewed my story so far! Without all of your kind and inspiring words I think I would find it incredibly hard to keep writing! You have really given me the courage to go on! THANKS!!!!! BTW...if you don't mind, sign your review so I can know who you are. If you don't want to that is ok too! I'll take reviews ANY way I can get them! :)
Oh yeah, all the spelling and grammar mistakes in this chapter are mine and mine alone. Hope there's not too many. ;) Keep those reviews coming!
On we go...
A Walk Out Of Reach
Chapter Eleven
As gently as he could Aragorn used the tip of the blade to probe the wound. He glanced sharply at the elf, checking for a second time to see if he had woken. Legolas had not moved. The ranger took a deep breath and turned back to his task. Gritting his teeth, he pushed the blade into the wound then withdrew it slowly causing blood to seep out. The prince moaned as the blade pushed into the wound and his eyes sealed themselves tightly shut at the pain. The ranger shook his head angrily, mumbling to himself.
He had not pierced the wound deep enough for the blood needed to flow, not leak out from the injury in order to cleanse the poison from the elf's body. Aragorn tightened his grip on the handle and pushed the blade into the wound a second time. This time he pushed until almost half the length of the blade disappeared in the elf's side.
The prince jerked sharply at this invasion and Aragorn had to use one hand to keep him pressed against the ground as he tried to move away from the pain. A loud moan escaped the elf's lips and his hands fluttered weakly, trying to push the ranger's hands away. Aragorn withdrew the blade quickly and set it aside then caught the elf's hands in his own. He pressed them down pinning them against the elf's side halting his movements. The elf's head lolled from side to side reacting to the pain even in his unconscious state.
Aragorn spoke softly, offering words of comfort to his friend. The elvish words calmed the elf and he soon quieted once more. When Legolas stopped moving the ranger checked the wound. Blood flowed heavily from the injury and quickly saturated the cloth he held over the torn flesh. The ranger reached for a clean strip then tossed the soiled one into the fire.
The blood flowing from the wound was tainted with black poison. The ranger pressed firmly on the elf's side just above the injury to increase the flow of blood from the wound. He must drain as much of the poison as he could. The pressure caused the elf to moan again. Aragorn laid his hand on the elf's forehead murmuring soothing words then turned his attention back to the injury.
He watched as the thick black blood saturated a second piece of cloth as well. Just when he thought it would never clear, the blood flowing from the prince's side turned a bright red color. He gave a sigh of relief. He had drained as much poison as possible from the elf's body. He only hoped what he'd managed to withdraw had been enough. For the second time he threw the soiled cloth into the fire watching the flames dance over it before taking hold.
Elrond's lessons were evident in the ranger's quick efficiency in his task. He pressed a clean square of cloth against the wound until the flow of blood slowed and finally stopped. With gentle fingers he applied a thick layer of the healing paste over the torn skin. When this was done he covered the wound with several large leaves from his medicine pack and tore more strips of cloth from his cloak. He used these to bind Legolas' side securely holding the paste and leaves in place. Shaking his head he gave a rueful chuckle. If this kept up, he soon would have a very small cloak.
Aragorn tiredly wiped the sweat from the elf's face. Tending his friend and the uncertainty of his fate had taken a toll on the human. He had taken no rest unless you counted the few moments he had snatched earlier this morning. The sluggishness of his movements gave evidence of how tired he was. He longed to lay beside his friend and give in the weariness pulling on his limbs.
With a heavy sigh, Aragorn stood and gathered the rest of the bloodied strips of cloth tossing them in the fire. He rinsed out the cook pot and stowed it in his pack along with his pack of medicines then cleaned his blade in the brook before he sheathed it at his waist. He worked quietly for several more minutes until no evidence of a camp remained. He left the small fire burning, it's smokeless flames offering the elf warmth. Satisfied, the ranger looked up at the sky checking the sun's position. It was now riding low in the sky. Darkness was not far off.
Aragorn debated with himself if they should press on. After several moments he decided against it. Right now, they had sufficient shelter from prying eyes and the elf was deep in rest. If they pressed on, darkness may find them before they found shelter again. No, they would stay here for the night for the brush would keep them well hidden from sight. Too many foul creatures wandered the woods in the dark and he could ill-afford to meet up with one of these with a wounded elf.
His decision made Aragorn sat next to elf and looked at him closely. Some color had returned to his face chasing away the sickly paleness. The ranger touched the elf's forehead with the palm of his hand and found his skin much cooler as well. It seemed enough poison had been purged from the elf's body allowing his elven healing to kick in. He smiled softly in relief.
The ranger sat quietly with his arms wrapped around his knees. There was no longer the desperate urgency he had felt earlier for his friend was out of danger. The adrenaline that had kept him going was now depleted and his eyelids grew heavy. He found himself unable to keep them open. Resisting the urge to close his eyes and give in to his weariness the ranger stood swiftly and made his way over to the horses. He spoke softly to them.
"I have need of your aid again friends." He stroked the forehead of both horses comfortingly. Aslathon nickered in his ear as if offering his master any help he needed. The elf's horse pawed the ground impatiently waiting for Aragorn to speak his request. He chuckled at their eagerness to help.
"I fear I am too tired to remain awake much longer and Legolas lies in slumber as well. I would ask that both of you watch over us as we rest. We can ill-afford to be discovered by the enemy." The ranger watched both horses intently then smiled as Aslathon nickered in his ear again giving his agreement. Nimrothuniel tossed his head and took a step forward towards Legolas. The elf's horse seemed to know Aragorn was helping his master and was anxious to help this human watch over him any way he could.
The ranger stopped the elf's horse with a gentle tug on his reigns. "Hold friend. I know you want to help your master but you will be of no aid until I loosen these knots." He smiled at the horse's impatience and untied both animals then led them closer to the elf. He let their reigns dangle free instead of tying them for he knew they would not leave their watch. Giving the horses a final pat the ranger stretched himself out on the ground next to his friend. He would only sleep until the sun disappeared behind the mountains then he would keep watch through the night.
Aragorn turned his head towards Legolas and placed one hand on the elf's chest. The gentle rise and fall of beneath his hand comforted him and he was soon asleep.
The horses watched the silent figures closely. From time to time their eyes would scan the surroundings then return to rest on the elf and human as they lay in slumber. Both horses stood unmoving listening intently for the sound of footfalls or fell voices. In silence they held their vigil over their beloved masters.
************************
Aragorn blinked slowly trying to push away the confusion clinging to his mind. Where was he? A thick canopy of trees loomed over his head and he could see a few stars peeking through the thick foliage. He suddenly realized he was lying on the ground and his hand rested on something warm and soft. With a start he remembered what had happened.
The ranger sat up quickly and looked around. The small fire had died down and only a few red coals gave off a warm glow. The horses stood where he had left them and they looked at him with questioning eyes. Aragorn looked down at his friend. Legolas had not moved and his breathing was soft and even under his hand. Reaching out he found the elf's cheek cool to the touch. No fever remained in his body.
Aragorn turned his attention back to the horses who were still looking at him worriedly. He spoke softly, "It is all right my friends. I thank you for keeping watch. You have done well." His horse gave a soft nicker of response. This time he spoke to Nimrothuniel, "Your master fares much better friend. I am sure you will soon have him back to his old self." His mouth turned up when the elf's horse bent his head and nosed the blond head gently. Satisfied, the horse raised his head and looked at the ranger. He nickered softly as if to offer his thanks for saving his beloved elf.
Aragorn sat in silence once again scanning their surroundings and listened to the sounds of the forest around them. The crickets were out in number tonight for he could hear their numerous songs and a few night birds called to each other in the trees. The sounds gave him comfort for if evil lurked in this part of the woods only silence would greet his ears. All good creatures of Middle Earth loathed and feared the minions of darkness.
Just then he felt the prince stirring at his side. He turned and peered at him through the darkness watching as the elf opened his eyes and blinked slowly.
**************************************************************************** *
