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! :) Booooo
hoooooo! Oh well, I've got his picture on my wall at least! LOL! No profit
is made from these stories; they are merely for the enjoyment of myself and
anyone who cares to read them.
Trilku-sama-Thanks so much for you review! I'm so glad you are pleased with how I've portrayed Leggy! :)
DJTCluva-I'm absolutely mad for the elf and ranger friendship too! The books and movie never really told us much of this friendship and I'm always happy to be able to catch a glimpse of it in the many wonderful fan fic stories out there.
Musica-Thanks for the kind words and constructive critisism. Believe me, I read and re-read, but I guess when you are too close to something, it's hard to see your own mistakes. Yeah, tenses also give me A LOT of grief! LOL That is something very difficult to master, though I keep trying. :)
Rain Mistrel-Yeah, poor Leggy. Though it is typical of him to be a little mad at being tricked. Thanks so much for your encouraging words. :)
Kelly Neptunus-*Gasp* I would NEVER kill off our beloved Leggy! Egads! I'd never be that cruel! LOL
KC-Kick Camel-Thanks for reviewing my story! Your words give me inspiration to keep writing.
Ithilien-Hi again!!!! So happy you're following my story! Yeah, I guess the bleeding thing was pretty gruesome but it's like you said, no needles and all that other stuff. Poor Leggy had to go through some more torment before he could get better. LOL As for the happy ending...hmmmmm....and hmmmmm....LOL! Just kidding. Can it end any other way??? LOL Thanks for reviewing and for reading my story!
Celebwen Starmaiden-ROTFLMHO!!! Yeah, you did mention Leggies better! LOL
Leg-less harry-Yeah, I'd yell too. Though I'm sure if poor Leggy was awake he would have knocked Aragorns block off! LOL
Karri-Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the trees. Just haven't gotten there yet. I did throw a bit more of the horses in for you though. :)
Earendilstar-Man, at 5:00 I am dead to the world! LOL So glad you're reading my story though when you get up that early. Glad I could start your day out with a smile! :)
merrylyn-LOL Yeah, a little gruesome there huh? I'm glad you liked the cape comment though. Your comment on it inspired me to throw in a bit about the cape again in this chapter. :)
Shauna-Here's a new chapter to bring you back to life again! :) Hope it revives you nicely! LOL
Goma-Ryu-Here's more for you. Thanks for continuing to review! :)
Midnight-I'll keep writing as long as people keep reading and reviewing! Thanks for taking the time to do so. :)
Imbefaniel-It's too bad you don't have woods where you are. We have such beautiful ones here where I live. The forest is such a nice place to get away from things sometimes. And the smell of the pines is so refreshing. So glad you enjoy my story though. :)
Lady Jaina-LOL You sound like me...the elf pain! Love it! LOL Glad you keep reading my story. :)
Fantasia-Thanks for the compliment! Hope you like this next chapter as well. :)
Spades-LOL Yeah, I did the cliffy thing that last chapter. I think some of these cliffy loving authors are starting to rub off on me! LOL Anyway, this chapter doesn't have too bad of a cliffy, if you can even call it one. :)
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!!!!! Soooooooo glad FF is back to giving us reviews that have names on them! :) I was so pleased to get 100 reviews on this story so far! I never would have thought so many people would actually read this story and like it! It has been so...for lack of a better word...Awesome! :)
Please keep those reviews coming!
Oh yeah, all the spelling and grammar mistakes in this chapter are mine and mine alone. Hope there's not too many. ;)
A Walk Out Of Reach
Chapter Twelve
Legolas woke and blinked slowly, trying to clear his vision. A canopy of thick branches greeted his eyes and the smell of pine surrounded him. It was dark and he could see a few stars blinking through the trees. For a moment he thought he was back in Rivendell for it was known for its open and airy rooms. He blinked again, trying to remember exactly where he was. Realization dawned on him slowly and he turned his head to find Aragorn watching him intently.
"How do you fare Legolas?" the ranger asked.
The elf pondered this question. At the moment his head was pounding and there was a sharp ache at his side. He struggled to sit up causing the ache to spread up into his neck. He chose to ignore the pain for the moment, "I am well my friend. What has happened?" Legolas' voice came out raspy and hoarse.
Aragorn moved quickly to help his friend into a sitting position. When the elf looked as if he would not topple over the ranger grasped the water bottle and offered it to him. Legolas took it with a grateful smile and sipped a bit of water, easing his parched throat.
"We have made camp in this small shelter for it is well hidden from sight. Though I fear that we must stay put this night. At first light we will make for Rivendell," he told the elf.
Legolas nodded his head. Just then he noticed the thick bandage wrapped around his midsection and he looked at the ranger.
Aragorn responded to the unspoken question. "I have treated your wound and drained much of the poison from your body. Do you not feel better?"
Legolas handed the water bottle back to the ranger. "Yes, darkness no longer pulls at my mind." It was true. He did feel much better even though his side still ached and his head was pounding. He watched as the ranger continued to look at him, disbelief written on his face. Legolas sighed in resignation, "My head does feel as if a horde of orcs are pounding on it." He smiled crookedly at the ranger.
Aragorn laughed at the elf's comment. He stood and moved over to his pack. Taking his drinking cup he sprinkled a few herbs from his supply of medicines into it then added water. He swished it around before offering it to the elf. "Drink this. It will ease your headache."
Legolas looked at him incredulously. "You don't really expect me to fall for that one again do you?"
The ranger held his hand out in front of him, "It will only ease your pain my friend. Nothing more." When Legolas still hesitated he offered "I wish only to help you my friend. You have my word I will do nothing further unless I ask it of you first."
The ranger's words reassured the elf's uncertainty and he felt guilty for doubting Aragorn at all. The ranger was only trying to help him. Legolas took the cup still held out to him and swallowed the bitter liquid. The pounding in his head lessened immediately. The elf smiled at his friend in thanks then handed the cup back to Aragorn.
The ranger took it and rinsed it out in the brook before returning it to his pack. Turning back to the elf he laughed as Legolas pushed his horse's wet nose away from his face then wiped at his cheek in exasperation.
"Peace my friend. I am well," he told the horse. With a light laugh Legolas stroked Nimrothuniel's forehead affectionately.
"It looks like I'm not the only one feeling relief at your recovery," Aragorn said laughter still evident in his voice.
The elf rolled his eyes. "Did you ever have any doubt my friend? Elrond trained you well. You had no cause for worry." He spoke softly in the horse's ear and Nimrothuniel moved to stand beside the ranger's horse.
Aragorn only shook his head at his friend's words, the smile still on his face. He would not tell Legolas how scared he had been nor would he tell him how close he actually came to death. Turning his mind away from such dark thoughts he changed the subject, "What do your ears tell you Legolas? Do you hear anything amiss close by?"
The prince cocked his head to one side and listened carefully. "No, I think not Aragorn. I only hear the night sounds of the woods. I do not think evil draws near."
The ranger nodded satisfied. "That is what I thought for I could hear nothing unusual either." He moved over to Legolas and sat next to him.
The ranger studied his friend closely taking note how a soft luminous glow emanated from his form. The elf's illness had all but extinguished his light and now that he was on the mend it had returned. Legolas' eyes were no longer dull, instead they sparkled with life. Even the dark circles under his eyes and the bruise on his jaw were beginning to fade. Aragorn brought his hand up and felt the elf's cheek, smiling when he found it cool.
With raised eyebrows the elf looked at Aragorn as he continued to examine him carefully. In a teasing voice Legolas asked his friend when he was through, "Satisfied?"
Aragorn shrugged, "Yes." His efforts to keep a straight face were for naught for the elf's expression made him laugh. "You cannot blame me for being concerned friend. You were very ill."
It was the elf's turn to shrug. "But I am feeling better now Aragorn. For that I am grateful to you." The feeling of debt he felt towards the ranger for saving his life was no small thing for he was an immortal. But he also knew that he and the ranger had saved each other countless times in the past and would probably do so again in the future.
Legolas looked over at his friend. It was his turn to study the ranger and what he saw did not please him. Fatigue was etched onto his features. "Aragorn, have you not rested?"
The ranger turned to face the elf, "Yes, I slept for awhile while you were.sleeping." He hesitated a moment for drugging someone could hardly be called sleep, it was more like unconscious.
The prince nodded, "Well, you still look terrible. Why don't you get some rest and I will keep watch through the night."
Aragorn shook his head, "No. You need to rest more than I for you have just begun to recover from your illness. I will keep watch."
The elf opened his mouth to argue further but was stopped when Aragorn covered his mouth with his hand. "Look, both of us need to rest. Whether you want to admit it or not you need it more than I. You rest first and I will take watch. When half the night has passed I will wake you. Then I will rest while you watch. Does this arrangement suit you my friend?"
Aragorn moved his hand away from his mouth and Legolas nodded his head in agreement, "Very well, but be sure to wake me at my turn," the elf told him sternly.
When the ranger looked at him without comment Legolas grew uneasy, "Aragorn, I will not rest until you ..."
The ranger did not let him finish, "Sleep!" His tone of voice left no room for argument.
With a sigh, Legolas eased down onto his back, rested his hands over his chest and prepared to do just that.
Aragorn watched as the prince's eyes slowly glazed over in sleep and smiled. It was so good to see his friend well again. Even their teasing arguments were a welcome change. The meek and listless elf of before had been quite frightening. Aragorn turned his eyes outwards and scanned the darkness. He settled himself in for the long night.
When the moon was high in the night sky the ranger had woken Legolas for his turn at watch before crawling into his bedroll. Now the ranger groaned as Legolas shook his shoulder gently, pulling him from pleasant dreams. He rolled over and yawned as he sat up. The elf had already moved over to the horses and was checking to make sure their packs were secure.
Aragorn stood and stretched his legs. "It is well the night was so quiet. Let us hope our luck holds for we need to make haste to Rivendell. Father must be told of the large number of orcs crossing through Mirkwood. Your father must be warned as well."
"You are right Aragorn. They must be warned. I do not know what evil is in the works but it cannot be good for our people...or for yours. There are far too many orcs crossing these woods. For what ill I know not. And these orcs...they are, different." He shook his head in frustration. He did not have the words to tell the ranger what he felt about these orcs. Instead he handed him a small square of lembas then continued to erase all traces of their presence from the small camp.
Aragorn rolled up his bedroll and strapped it on his horse's back. He ate the lembas in silence and watched the elf out of the corner of his eye. Other than the slight stiffness of his movements it was hard to tell the prince had been deathly ill just the day before. Elven healing continued to amaze him.
"Come my friend. Let us ride," the elf clasped the ranger's shoulder gently, bringing him out of his thoughts.
With his headache gone, the only thing that still caused Legolas discomfort was the ache in his side. He moved to mount his horse and was stopped by a hand on his arm. He turned to find the ranger looking at him.
"We will not go anywhere until I see to your wound. I must make sure it is healing properly before we ride," the ranger told him. He was clearly exasperated by the elf's negligence to his health.
With an exaggerated sigh Legolas relented. He turned to face the ranger, arms hanging at his sides. "Very well. But there really is no need for elves heal quickly."
Aragorn rolled his eyes at the words he had heard many times before, "Yes, yes. I know, elven healing." He laughed softly, "Really friend, you must learn something new to say every time you get hurt for I grew up with elves, remember? You do not need to remind me that elves heal quickly for I would remind you that the poison in your body did not allow your elven healing to work properly. Now come sit over here unless you want me to lecture you further."
Legolas laughed quietly and allowed the ranger to move him away from the horses and sit him on the ground.
Aragorn lifted the elf's tunic and placed the elf's hand over it. "Here, hold this out of the way."
The prince did as he was told. He could feel the smile on his face grow as he watched the ranger work. Aragorn was quite adept at giving orders when he was treating someone's injuries. He did not even realize he was doing it.
With quick efficiency, Aragorn unwrapped the bandages from around the elf's midsection. Gingerly, he peeled away the leaves and paste that covered the wound and peered closely at the injury. It looked much better than it had before. The edges were no longer red and swollen. Instead they were pink and the wound had already begun to close.
The ranger smiled in satisfaction as he retrieved his medicine pack from his horse. He cleaned the wound then picked out several leaves from his pack and used them to cover the wound again before he wrapped the elf's midsection with clean strips of cloth. He looked up at the prince as he worked, "You know, when we get home you will have to provide me with a new cloak friend."
Legolas looked at him puzzled before he saw what Aragorn was wrapping his side with. He started laughing until tears ran down his cheeks. He wiped at them with the back of his hand, "Well my friend, you will not be the only one in need of a cloak." He pointed to where he had torn strips from his cloak as well.
Aragorn laughed and shook his head, "I fear we are a sorry looking pair. Elladan and Elrohir will hardly recognize us. They will think us to be vagabonds!" He laughed even harder then went back to his task.
"There, I am finished." The ranger sat back on his heels and looked at his handiwork.
Legolas looked down at the bandage before letting his tunic drop back in place. With a teasing tone, he asked the ranger, "If my health pleases you, may we now begin our ride towards home?"
The ranger smiled at his friend's attempt to take the focus off himself, "Yes my friend. But only if you ride with me." He chuckled as the elf's eyes widened in surprise.
The elf squirmed clearly agitated, "Aragorn! Surely you do not feel I cannot ride unaided?" Legolas was ready to argue vehemently against the suggestion. Elves not only healed quickly but they had a way with animals that mortals did not. His horse would not let him fall.
Aragorn held his hands up in front of him, "Peace Legolas. I was only teasing. I fear Nimrothuniel would miss your company too much and would not allow it."
The prince relaxed visibly at the ranger's words. For a moment he had thought Aragorn was serious. He stood and moved over to his horse shaking his head at the ranger's idea of a joke. Legolas mounted his horse easily feeling only a slight pull at his side. He waited patiently for his friend to mount his horse.
After he had disposed of the soiled bandages and secured his medicine pack the ranger mounted his horse though he did not have the grace of his friend. Even injured, Legolas had made it look effortless. He moved his horse to his friend's side and together they started towards Rivendell.
**************************************************************************** *
Trilku-sama-Thanks so much for you review! I'm so glad you are pleased with how I've portrayed Leggy! :)
DJTCluva-I'm absolutely mad for the elf and ranger friendship too! The books and movie never really told us much of this friendship and I'm always happy to be able to catch a glimpse of it in the many wonderful fan fic stories out there.
Musica-Thanks for the kind words and constructive critisism. Believe me, I read and re-read, but I guess when you are too close to something, it's hard to see your own mistakes. Yeah, tenses also give me A LOT of grief! LOL That is something very difficult to master, though I keep trying. :)
Rain Mistrel-Yeah, poor Leggy. Though it is typical of him to be a little mad at being tricked. Thanks so much for your encouraging words. :)
Kelly Neptunus-*Gasp* I would NEVER kill off our beloved Leggy! Egads! I'd never be that cruel! LOL
KC-Kick Camel-Thanks for reviewing my story! Your words give me inspiration to keep writing.
Ithilien-Hi again!!!! So happy you're following my story! Yeah, I guess the bleeding thing was pretty gruesome but it's like you said, no needles and all that other stuff. Poor Leggy had to go through some more torment before he could get better. LOL As for the happy ending...hmmmmm....and hmmmmm....LOL! Just kidding. Can it end any other way??? LOL Thanks for reviewing and for reading my story!
Celebwen Starmaiden-ROTFLMHO!!! Yeah, you did mention Leggies better! LOL
Leg-less harry-Yeah, I'd yell too. Though I'm sure if poor Leggy was awake he would have knocked Aragorns block off! LOL
Karri-Don't worry, I haven't forgotten about the trees. Just haven't gotten there yet. I did throw a bit more of the horses in for you though. :)
Earendilstar-Man, at 5:00 I am dead to the world! LOL So glad you're reading my story though when you get up that early. Glad I could start your day out with a smile! :)
merrylyn-LOL Yeah, a little gruesome there huh? I'm glad you liked the cape comment though. Your comment on it inspired me to throw in a bit about the cape again in this chapter. :)
Shauna-Here's a new chapter to bring you back to life again! :) Hope it revives you nicely! LOL
Goma-Ryu-Here's more for you. Thanks for continuing to review! :)
Midnight-I'll keep writing as long as people keep reading and reviewing! Thanks for taking the time to do so. :)
Imbefaniel-It's too bad you don't have woods where you are. We have such beautiful ones here where I live. The forest is such a nice place to get away from things sometimes. And the smell of the pines is so refreshing. So glad you enjoy my story though. :)
Lady Jaina-LOL You sound like me...the elf pain! Love it! LOL Glad you keep reading my story. :)
Fantasia-Thanks for the compliment! Hope you like this next chapter as well. :)
Spades-LOL Yeah, I did the cliffy thing that last chapter. I think some of these cliffy loving authors are starting to rub off on me! LOL Anyway, this chapter doesn't have too bad of a cliffy, if you can even call it one. :)
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!!!!! Soooooooo glad FF is back to giving us reviews that have names on them! :) I was so pleased to get 100 reviews on this story so far! I never would have thought so many people would actually read this story and like it! It has been so...for lack of a better word...Awesome! :)
Please keep those reviews coming!
Oh yeah, all the spelling and grammar mistakes in this chapter are mine and mine alone. Hope there's not too many. ;)
A Walk Out Of Reach
Chapter Twelve
Legolas woke and blinked slowly, trying to clear his vision. A canopy of thick branches greeted his eyes and the smell of pine surrounded him. It was dark and he could see a few stars blinking through the trees. For a moment he thought he was back in Rivendell for it was known for its open and airy rooms. He blinked again, trying to remember exactly where he was. Realization dawned on him slowly and he turned his head to find Aragorn watching him intently.
"How do you fare Legolas?" the ranger asked.
The elf pondered this question. At the moment his head was pounding and there was a sharp ache at his side. He struggled to sit up causing the ache to spread up into his neck. He chose to ignore the pain for the moment, "I am well my friend. What has happened?" Legolas' voice came out raspy and hoarse.
Aragorn moved quickly to help his friend into a sitting position. When the elf looked as if he would not topple over the ranger grasped the water bottle and offered it to him. Legolas took it with a grateful smile and sipped a bit of water, easing his parched throat.
"We have made camp in this small shelter for it is well hidden from sight. Though I fear that we must stay put this night. At first light we will make for Rivendell," he told the elf.
Legolas nodded his head. Just then he noticed the thick bandage wrapped around his midsection and he looked at the ranger.
Aragorn responded to the unspoken question. "I have treated your wound and drained much of the poison from your body. Do you not feel better?"
Legolas handed the water bottle back to the ranger. "Yes, darkness no longer pulls at my mind." It was true. He did feel much better even though his side still ached and his head was pounding. He watched as the ranger continued to look at him, disbelief written on his face. Legolas sighed in resignation, "My head does feel as if a horde of orcs are pounding on it." He smiled crookedly at the ranger.
Aragorn laughed at the elf's comment. He stood and moved over to his pack. Taking his drinking cup he sprinkled a few herbs from his supply of medicines into it then added water. He swished it around before offering it to the elf. "Drink this. It will ease your headache."
Legolas looked at him incredulously. "You don't really expect me to fall for that one again do you?"
The ranger held his hand out in front of him, "It will only ease your pain my friend. Nothing more." When Legolas still hesitated he offered "I wish only to help you my friend. You have my word I will do nothing further unless I ask it of you first."
The ranger's words reassured the elf's uncertainty and he felt guilty for doubting Aragorn at all. The ranger was only trying to help him. Legolas took the cup still held out to him and swallowed the bitter liquid. The pounding in his head lessened immediately. The elf smiled at his friend in thanks then handed the cup back to Aragorn.
The ranger took it and rinsed it out in the brook before returning it to his pack. Turning back to the elf he laughed as Legolas pushed his horse's wet nose away from his face then wiped at his cheek in exasperation.
"Peace my friend. I am well," he told the horse. With a light laugh Legolas stroked Nimrothuniel's forehead affectionately.
"It looks like I'm not the only one feeling relief at your recovery," Aragorn said laughter still evident in his voice.
The elf rolled his eyes. "Did you ever have any doubt my friend? Elrond trained you well. You had no cause for worry." He spoke softly in the horse's ear and Nimrothuniel moved to stand beside the ranger's horse.
Aragorn only shook his head at his friend's words, the smile still on his face. He would not tell Legolas how scared he had been nor would he tell him how close he actually came to death. Turning his mind away from such dark thoughts he changed the subject, "What do your ears tell you Legolas? Do you hear anything amiss close by?"
The prince cocked his head to one side and listened carefully. "No, I think not Aragorn. I only hear the night sounds of the woods. I do not think evil draws near."
The ranger nodded satisfied. "That is what I thought for I could hear nothing unusual either." He moved over to Legolas and sat next to him.
The ranger studied his friend closely taking note how a soft luminous glow emanated from his form. The elf's illness had all but extinguished his light and now that he was on the mend it had returned. Legolas' eyes were no longer dull, instead they sparkled with life. Even the dark circles under his eyes and the bruise on his jaw were beginning to fade. Aragorn brought his hand up and felt the elf's cheek, smiling when he found it cool.
With raised eyebrows the elf looked at Aragorn as he continued to examine him carefully. In a teasing voice Legolas asked his friend when he was through, "Satisfied?"
Aragorn shrugged, "Yes." His efforts to keep a straight face were for naught for the elf's expression made him laugh. "You cannot blame me for being concerned friend. You were very ill."
It was the elf's turn to shrug. "But I am feeling better now Aragorn. For that I am grateful to you." The feeling of debt he felt towards the ranger for saving his life was no small thing for he was an immortal. But he also knew that he and the ranger had saved each other countless times in the past and would probably do so again in the future.
Legolas looked over at his friend. It was his turn to study the ranger and what he saw did not please him. Fatigue was etched onto his features. "Aragorn, have you not rested?"
The ranger turned to face the elf, "Yes, I slept for awhile while you were.sleeping." He hesitated a moment for drugging someone could hardly be called sleep, it was more like unconscious.
The prince nodded, "Well, you still look terrible. Why don't you get some rest and I will keep watch through the night."
Aragorn shook his head, "No. You need to rest more than I for you have just begun to recover from your illness. I will keep watch."
The elf opened his mouth to argue further but was stopped when Aragorn covered his mouth with his hand. "Look, both of us need to rest. Whether you want to admit it or not you need it more than I. You rest first and I will take watch. When half the night has passed I will wake you. Then I will rest while you watch. Does this arrangement suit you my friend?"
Aragorn moved his hand away from his mouth and Legolas nodded his head in agreement, "Very well, but be sure to wake me at my turn," the elf told him sternly.
When the ranger looked at him without comment Legolas grew uneasy, "Aragorn, I will not rest until you ..."
The ranger did not let him finish, "Sleep!" His tone of voice left no room for argument.
With a sigh, Legolas eased down onto his back, rested his hands over his chest and prepared to do just that.
Aragorn watched as the prince's eyes slowly glazed over in sleep and smiled. It was so good to see his friend well again. Even their teasing arguments were a welcome change. The meek and listless elf of before had been quite frightening. Aragorn turned his eyes outwards and scanned the darkness. He settled himself in for the long night.
When the moon was high in the night sky the ranger had woken Legolas for his turn at watch before crawling into his bedroll. Now the ranger groaned as Legolas shook his shoulder gently, pulling him from pleasant dreams. He rolled over and yawned as he sat up. The elf had already moved over to the horses and was checking to make sure their packs were secure.
Aragorn stood and stretched his legs. "It is well the night was so quiet. Let us hope our luck holds for we need to make haste to Rivendell. Father must be told of the large number of orcs crossing through Mirkwood. Your father must be warned as well."
"You are right Aragorn. They must be warned. I do not know what evil is in the works but it cannot be good for our people...or for yours. There are far too many orcs crossing these woods. For what ill I know not. And these orcs...they are, different." He shook his head in frustration. He did not have the words to tell the ranger what he felt about these orcs. Instead he handed him a small square of lembas then continued to erase all traces of their presence from the small camp.
Aragorn rolled up his bedroll and strapped it on his horse's back. He ate the lembas in silence and watched the elf out of the corner of his eye. Other than the slight stiffness of his movements it was hard to tell the prince had been deathly ill just the day before. Elven healing continued to amaze him.
"Come my friend. Let us ride," the elf clasped the ranger's shoulder gently, bringing him out of his thoughts.
With his headache gone, the only thing that still caused Legolas discomfort was the ache in his side. He moved to mount his horse and was stopped by a hand on his arm. He turned to find the ranger looking at him.
"We will not go anywhere until I see to your wound. I must make sure it is healing properly before we ride," the ranger told him. He was clearly exasperated by the elf's negligence to his health.
With an exaggerated sigh Legolas relented. He turned to face the ranger, arms hanging at his sides. "Very well. But there really is no need for elves heal quickly."
Aragorn rolled his eyes at the words he had heard many times before, "Yes, yes. I know, elven healing." He laughed softly, "Really friend, you must learn something new to say every time you get hurt for I grew up with elves, remember? You do not need to remind me that elves heal quickly for I would remind you that the poison in your body did not allow your elven healing to work properly. Now come sit over here unless you want me to lecture you further."
Legolas laughed quietly and allowed the ranger to move him away from the horses and sit him on the ground.
Aragorn lifted the elf's tunic and placed the elf's hand over it. "Here, hold this out of the way."
The prince did as he was told. He could feel the smile on his face grow as he watched the ranger work. Aragorn was quite adept at giving orders when he was treating someone's injuries. He did not even realize he was doing it.
With quick efficiency, Aragorn unwrapped the bandages from around the elf's midsection. Gingerly, he peeled away the leaves and paste that covered the wound and peered closely at the injury. It looked much better than it had before. The edges were no longer red and swollen. Instead they were pink and the wound had already begun to close.
The ranger smiled in satisfaction as he retrieved his medicine pack from his horse. He cleaned the wound then picked out several leaves from his pack and used them to cover the wound again before he wrapped the elf's midsection with clean strips of cloth. He looked up at the prince as he worked, "You know, when we get home you will have to provide me with a new cloak friend."
Legolas looked at him puzzled before he saw what Aragorn was wrapping his side with. He started laughing until tears ran down his cheeks. He wiped at them with the back of his hand, "Well my friend, you will not be the only one in need of a cloak." He pointed to where he had torn strips from his cloak as well.
Aragorn laughed and shook his head, "I fear we are a sorry looking pair. Elladan and Elrohir will hardly recognize us. They will think us to be vagabonds!" He laughed even harder then went back to his task.
"There, I am finished." The ranger sat back on his heels and looked at his handiwork.
Legolas looked down at the bandage before letting his tunic drop back in place. With a teasing tone, he asked the ranger, "If my health pleases you, may we now begin our ride towards home?"
The ranger smiled at his friend's attempt to take the focus off himself, "Yes my friend. But only if you ride with me." He chuckled as the elf's eyes widened in surprise.
The elf squirmed clearly agitated, "Aragorn! Surely you do not feel I cannot ride unaided?" Legolas was ready to argue vehemently against the suggestion. Elves not only healed quickly but they had a way with animals that mortals did not. His horse would not let him fall.
Aragorn held his hands up in front of him, "Peace Legolas. I was only teasing. I fear Nimrothuniel would miss your company too much and would not allow it."
The prince relaxed visibly at the ranger's words. For a moment he had thought Aragorn was serious. He stood and moved over to his horse shaking his head at the ranger's idea of a joke. Legolas mounted his horse easily feeling only a slight pull at his side. He waited patiently for his friend to mount his horse.
After he had disposed of the soiled bandages and secured his medicine pack the ranger mounted his horse though he did not have the grace of his friend. Even injured, Legolas had made it look effortless. He moved his horse to his friend's side and together they started towards Rivendell.
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