Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR or any of the characters. To my great
dismay! I'd love to own a certain blond elf! :D But since I don't I just
have to make due with writing about him. :) No profit is made from these
stories; they are merely for the enjoyment of myself and anyone who cares
to read them.
Thanks, thanks, thanks to everyone that has reviewed my story so far and thanks to those that keep reviewing! You all keep giving me inspiration, especially when I have a bad case of writer's block! Wow! 115 reviews! I'm so excited! People are still reading this story and liking it! As a first time author it has been such an honor to be so well received by so many people. Thank You! 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 but there might be. Especially since I am writing and posting this chapter at 1:30 am with bleary eyes! LOL That is also the reason this chapter is a little short, sorry. :)
sabercrazy-No, this is not the end. I have a few more things planned for this story. It is slower going than I would like but I'm trying hard not to rush things. :)
Imbefaniel-thanks for your continued reviews. Regardless of the sparse woods where you live, you can always resort to FF to find your beloved woods inhabited by glorious elves! ;)
Karri-Thought you'd enjoy the horse thing. I still haven't forgotten the trees though. I'm working up to it. I know, I know. I keep saying that, but I mean it, honest! :)
Shauna-LOL Yet another chapter to revive you! :) I wish I could get these chapters out faster only so you won't die so much! ROTFLMHO! :D
Fantasia-Thanks so much for reviewing! :) I'm glad asking nicely worked so wonderfully in getting you to review! :) Keep it coming!
DJTCluva-*grins evily* Maybe because they won't? LOL Glad you're enjoying the story so far! :)
Merrylyn-Just can't get rid of that cloak thing just yet. It keeps creeping up on me! LOL You're imagined expression about Legolas' horror at not being allowed to ride his own horse must have been much the same as mine! LOL Thanks for the review!
Lady Jaina-The angst is gone???? *grins suspiciously* Me thinkssss I lovessss it too muchesss to letsss it gossss that easily! *winks* :)
Celebwen Starmaiden-Thanks so much for hanging around for this story! So glad you are enjoying it! :) BTW, I like that word too! :)
Earendilstar-Leggy is real good at giving everyone a scare! ;) That's what makes him sooooo adorable! Your comment about Elladan and Elrohir inspired me to throw in more about them in this chapter! And maybe the rest of the story too! Thanks! :)
O.B.I.M.-Thanks for sticking around and reviewing! Hope you continue to do so! :)
Shandrial-That character interaction is a lot harder to write about than it is to think it! LOL Glad you liked it though.:)
Kelly Neptunus-Don't worry, this is NOT the end! ;) I have more in mind for our duo yet. *grins sweetly*
Spades-I don't know what got into me that I didn't make it an evil cliffy. I was feeling especially nice that day. Today was another nice day too. It's not too much of a cliffy either. Hmmmm, maybe I'm due to throw one in soon though? *sly look out of the corner of my eye* You know, it is much more fun to write a cliffy than it is to read one! Hey, I liked your cheers! And don't worry, there is definetly more coming!
KC-Kick Camel-LOL Yeah, that friend calling thing is a REAL pain! Sometimes I wish I could just have them tap each other on the shoulder so they wouldn't have to call each other anything! Or maybe they could just say "Hey you!" Wouldn't that be a hoot?!" I never realized what a problem that would be until I started writing! Now, it's driving me nuts! LOL :D I'm glad you like the story though!
A Walk Out Of Reach
Chapter Thirteen
Aragorn and Legolas traveled beside the small brook following its path downstream. From time to time its waters would disappear beneath the ground then reappear again a short distance later. Eventually it would empty its meager waters into the Anduin. From there they would travel upstream beside the great river and head for the mountain pass then cross over into Rivendell.
The horses traveled at a steady pace for most of the morning. Nimrothuniel was especially mindful of his footing for he had no wish to cause his master any more pain. Even though his horse placed each foot carefully the constant jouncing had brought Legolas' headache back with a vengeance and bolts of pain lanced up his side at each step. He had managed to hide his misery from Aragorn but the effort was wearing him down. He longed to feel himself yet again. Without warning his vision blurred suddenly and he swayed precariously in his seat. Nimrothuniel shifted sharply to the left to compensate for the sudden movement. At the same time a hand grasped his arm to keep him steady.
The ranger held tightly to the prince's arm and reached over with his other hand. He grasped the elf's reigns and gently tugged on them. The elven horse stopped alongside his own and nickered in distress. "Legolas." He called softly to his friend worry lacing his tone, "Legolas!"
This time the elf turned and looked at the ranger, his eyes glazed with pain. Aragorn made up his mind quickly, "That's it, we're stopping. We have traveled long without rest." Before Legolas could respond Aragorn swung his legs over his horse's side and leapt from the saddle. He kept his hold on Legolas' arm for fear the elf would fall from his seat.
The prince opened his mouth to protest but was stopped when another wave of dizziness washed over him. He closed his eyes swallowing hard against the sudden surge of nausea that suddenly welled up.
Aragorn watched him worriedly. He was angry with himself for not seeing his friend's weariness earlier. The elf's resilience had made him forget he was even injured. That and the fact the prince was usually very good at hiding his pain. He berated himself silently for his carelessness. When Legolas opened his eyes Aragorn gently pulled him off his mount and gripped his shoulders until he stopped wobbling. He spoke softly in the elf's ear, "I am sorry Legolas. You are yet healing and I should not have pushed you so hard. Forgive me friend for the unnecessary pain I have caused."
Legolas shook his head tiredly and kept his tight grip on the ranger's tunic trying to stop the ground from spinning, "Nay, it is not your fault Aragorn. You must not lay blame on your shoulders. I should have spoken of the pain earlier but our need for haste gave me cause to keep silent." The elf did not blame his friend at all. Instead he was angry with himself for being the cause of their delay. He tried to protest again, "Aragorn, I am well. It was but a moment of weakness and it has passed. There is no need to stop. You said so yourself, we must make haste to Rivendell to warn our people. Let us press on for we can ill afford this delay."
Aragorn shook his head at the elf's reasoning. Legolas could make almost anything sound logical, even if it meant that he would leave a trail of blood from one end of Mirkwood to the other, "No, we are not traveling any further until you have taken some rest Legolas. Quit arguing with me, for it is an argument you cannot win." He guided the tired prince under a tree and sat him amongst the pine needles. "Besides, the horses could use a rest as well."
Legolas gave up his protests. It was no use arguing with Aragorn for once he made up his mind he could be as stubborn as an elf. He chuckled softly at that thought. He knew the ranger was right. They could ill afford for him to take ill again before they reached Rivendell. Although his wound was healing and the poison had been purged from his body, Legolas had pushed himself hard to keep up the relentless pace. They had traveled long without rest and fatigue had settled in his limbs making them heavy and stiff. Giving in to his tiredness at last the elf settled his back against the trunk of tree letting its smooth bark soothe his tired mind.
The ranger tied the horses close to the brook and offered words of comfort to them before he turned his attention to the elf. He knelt beside his friend and found his eyes already glazed over in sleep. He smiled softly and examined the elf's face. The bruise on his jaw was almost gone and he could no longer see dark circles under his eyes marring the fair face. The elf looked peaceful in his slumber.
Apprehensively, his eyes traveled downward to the elf's midsection. He lifted the prince's tunic to examine the wound. The bandage had not shifted and Aragorn tugged on it gently to make sure it was still secure. He had worried the long ride would start the bleeding afresh but no blood stained the cloth. Satisfied, a sigh of relief escaped his lips as he pulled the tunic down and sat back on his heels.
He watched Legolas sleep, his mind in turmoil. One part of him felt immense relief that the prince suffered only from fatigue. The other part felt a tremendous guilt that he had allowed his friend to become so tired in the first place. He was a healer. He should have seen it sooner. His friend's well being should have been foremost in his mind. It should not have escaped his notice regardless of his impatience to reach home. He sighed again and watched the elf's rhythmic rise and fall of his chest. The forced rest would do much to speed the elf's recovery. Aragorn vowed to himself that he would not be so careless with his friend's health again.
As infuriating as the elf's stubbornness could be Aragorn looked forward to having him back to normal. He had come too close to losing him and that thought pained him more than he thought possible. Over the years their relationship had become quite close. Aragorn no longer looked upon Legolas as just a friend but as a brother. He held a place in the ranger's heart alongside his adopted father and brothers. He knew the Legolas felt the same for him, especially since the prince had no siblings.
On that note his thoughts turned to his brothers, Elladan and Elrohir. He groaned inwardly at the thought of what they would say when they found out Legolas and he had decided to separate to cover more ground. Maybe they could get away without mentioning it at all. No, he decided. He would not be able to hide it from them. They would see right through any story he might tell. He may as well admit the folly right away before they had the chance torture it out of him with their merciless teasing. The scolding he would receive from them for forgetting his pack when he needed it most would be bad enough. Not to mention his and Legolas' bedraggled appearance. Ai, and he must not forget his ever-shrinking cloak! He could almost picture the expression on both Elrohir's and Elladan's faces when they scolded him. He didn't even want to think of what his father would say. No, that was definitely something he did not look forward to. Aragorn chuckled then turned somber when he remembered the destination of his brothers.
Elladan and Elrohir had ridden further south, closer to Dol Guldur to investigate the rumors of the growing darkness there. If he and Legolas had found orcs wandering in Mirkwood near the Gladden Fields surely his brothers had found the same so close to Dol Guldur. He fervently hoped not but that was unlikely for his brothers were magnets for trouble, especially when they were together. He hoped they had not been foolish enough to part company as he and Legolas had done. Aragorn's forehead creased in a deep frown. He had no way of knowing what evils his brothers had met and could only hope the Valar would keep them safe. The thought of losing them caused a vice of fear to wrap around his heart.
Aragorn stood and shook off his dark thoughts with visible effort. Ai! He needed quit thinking such dismal thoughts or he would go mad! With a last look at his friend the ranger walked around and combed the area they had stopped in, never straying far from sight of his friend.
He had hoped to reach the Anduin by now but so far they had not. Their flight from trouble had taken them further into the interior of Mirkwood than he thought. The small brook they followed bubbled quietly over the rocks. He walked beside it studying the surrounding landscape carefully. The Anduin had to be close. Suddenly the ranger stopped and stooped low to the ground. He rested his ear upon the earth and listened carefully. He could just make out the faint rumbling sound of water rushing nearby. Aragorn smiled and stood. The Anduin was not far. Their trek would be much easier and quicker along its banks. He turned and walked back towards the elf. Legolas was still asleep. Quietly he seated himself next to his friend and waited for him to wake.
Thanks, thanks, thanks to everyone that has reviewed my story so far and thanks to those that keep reviewing! You all keep giving me inspiration, especially when I have a bad case of writer's block! Wow! 115 reviews! I'm so excited! People are still reading this story and liking it! As a first time author it has been such an honor to be so well received by so many people. Thank You! 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 but there might be. Especially since I am writing and posting this chapter at 1:30 am with bleary eyes! LOL That is also the reason this chapter is a little short, sorry. :)
sabercrazy-No, this is not the end. I have a few more things planned for this story. It is slower going than I would like but I'm trying hard not to rush things. :)
Imbefaniel-thanks for your continued reviews. Regardless of the sparse woods where you live, you can always resort to FF to find your beloved woods inhabited by glorious elves! ;)
Karri-Thought you'd enjoy the horse thing. I still haven't forgotten the trees though. I'm working up to it. I know, I know. I keep saying that, but I mean it, honest! :)
Shauna-LOL Yet another chapter to revive you! :) I wish I could get these chapters out faster only so you won't die so much! ROTFLMHO! :D
Fantasia-Thanks so much for reviewing! :) I'm glad asking nicely worked so wonderfully in getting you to review! :) Keep it coming!
DJTCluva-*grins evily* Maybe because they won't? LOL Glad you're enjoying the story so far! :)
Merrylyn-Just can't get rid of that cloak thing just yet. It keeps creeping up on me! LOL You're imagined expression about Legolas' horror at not being allowed to ride his own horse must have been much the same as mine! LOL Thanks for the review!
Lady Jaina-The angst is gone???? *grins suspiciously* Me thinkssss I lovessss it too muchesss to letsss it gossss that easily! *winks* :)
Celebwen Starmaiden-Thanks so much for hanging around for this story! So glad you are enjoying it! :) BTW, I like that word too! :)
Earendilstar-Leggy is real good at giving everyone a scare! ;) That's what makes him sooooo adorable! Your comment about Elladan and Elrohir inspired me to throw in more about them in this chapter! And maybe the rest of the story too! Thanks! :)
O.B.I.M.-Thanks for sticking around and reviewing! Hope you continue to do so! :)
Shandrial-That character interaction is a lot harder to write about than it is to think it! LOL Glad you liked it though.:)
Kelly Neptunus-Don't worry, this is NOT the end! ;) I have more in mind for our duo yet. *grins sweetly*
Spades-I don't know what got into me that I didn't make it an evil cliffy. I was feeling especially nice that day. Today was another nice day too. It's not too much of a cliffy either. Hmmmm, maybe I'm due to throw one in soon though? *sly look out of the corner of my eye* You know, it is much more fun to write a cliffy than it is to read one! Hey, I liked your cheers! And don't worry, there is definetly more coming!
KC-Kick Camel-LOL Yeah, that friend calling thing is a REAL pain! Sometimes I wish I could just have them tap each other on the shoulder so they wouldn't have to call each other anything! Or maybe they could just say "Hey you!" Wouldn't that be a hoot?!" I never realized what a problem that would be until I started writing! Now, it's driving me nuts! LOL :D I'm glad you like the story though!
A Walk Out Of Reach
Chapter Thirteen
Aragorn and Legolas traveled beside the small brook following its path downstream. From time to time its waters would disappear beneath the ground then reappear again a short distance later. Eventually it would empty its meager waters into the Anduin. From there they would travel upstream beside the great river and head for the mountain pass then cross over into Rivendell.
The horses traveled at a steady pace for most of the morning. Nimrothuniel was especially mindful of his footing for he had no wish to cause his master any more pain. Even though his horse placed each foot carefully the constant jouncing had brought Legolas' headache back with a vengeance and bolts of pain lanced up his side at each step. He had managed to hide his misery from Aragorn but the effort was wearing him down. He longed to feel himself yet again. Without warning his vision blurred suddenly and he swayed precariously in his seat. Nimrothuniel shifted sharply to the left to compensate for the sudden movement. At the same time a hand grasped his arm to keep him steady.
The ranger held tightly to the prince's arm and reached over with his other hand. He grasped the elf's reigns and gently tugged on them. The elven horse stopped alongside his own and nickered in distress. "Legolas." He called softly to his friend worry lacing his tone, "Legolas!"
This time the elf turned and looked at the ranger, his eyes glazed with pain. Aragorn made up his mind quickly, "That's it, we're stopping. We have traveled long without rest." Before Legolas could respond Aragorn swung his legs over his horse's side and leapt from the saddle. He kept his hold on Legolas' arm for fear the elf would fall from his seat.
The prince opened his mouth to protest but was stopped when another wave of dizziness washed over him. He closed his eyes swallowing hard against the sudden surge of nausea that suddenly welled up.
Aragorn watched him worriedly. He was angry with himself for not seeing his friend's weariness earlier. The elf's resilience had made him forget he was even injured. That and the fact the prince was usually very good at hiding his pain. He berated himself silently for his carelessness. When Legolas opened his eyes Aragorn gently pulled him off his mount and gripped his shoulders until he stopped wobbling. He spoke softly in the elf's ear, "I am sorry Legolas. You are yet healing and I should not have pushed you so hard. Forgive me friend for the unnecessary pain I have caused."
Legolas shook his head tiredly and kept his tight grip on the ranger's tunic trying to stop the ground from spinning, "Nay, it is not your fault Aragorn. You must not lay blame on your shoulders. I should have spoken of the pain earlier but our need for haste gave me cause to keep silent." The elf did not blame his friend at all. Instead he was angry with himself for being the cause of their delay. He tried to protest again, "Aragorn, I am well. It was but a moment of weakness and it has passed. There is no need to stop. You said so yourself, we must make haste to Rivendell to warn our people. Let us press on for we can ill afford this delay."
Aragorn shook his head at the elf's reasoning. Legolas could make almost anything sound logical, even if it meant that he would leave a trail of blood from one end of Mirkwood to the other, "No, we are not traveling any further until you have taken some rest Legolas. Quit arguing with me, for it is an argument you cannot win." He guided the tired prince under a tree and sat him amongst the pine needles. "Besides, the horses could use a rest as well."
Legolas gave up his protests. It was no use arguing with Aragorn for once he made up his mind he could be as stubborn as an elf. He chuckled softly at that thought. He knew the ranger was right. They could ill afford for him to take ill again before they reached Rivendell. Although his wound was healing and the poison had been purged from his body, Legolas had pushed himself hard to keep up the relentless pace. They had traveled long without rest and fatigue had settled in his limbs making them heavy and stiff. Giving in to his tiredness at last the elf settled his back against the trunk of tree letting its smooth bark soothe his tired mind.
The ranger tied the horses close to the brook and offered words of comfort to them before he turned his attention to the elf. He knelt beside his friend and found his eyes already glazed over in sleep. He smiled softly and examined the elf's face. The bruise on his jaw was almost gone and he could no longer see dark circles under his eyes marring the fair face. The elf looked peaceful in his slumber.
Apprehensively, his eyes traveled downward to the elf's midsection. He lifted the prince's tunic to examine the wound. The bandage had not shifted and Aragorn tugged on it gently to make sure it was still secure. He had worried the long ride would start the bleeding afresh but no blood stained the cloth. Satisfied, a sigh of relief escaped his lips as he pulled the tunic down and sat back on his heels.
He watched Legolas sleep, his mind in turmoil. One part of him felt immense relief that the prince suffered only from fatigue. The other part felt a tremendous guilt that he had allowed his friend to become so tired in the first place. He was a healer. He should have seen it sooner. His friend's well being should have been foremost in his mind. It should not have escaped his notice regardless of his impatience to reach home. He sighed again and watched the elf's rhythmic rise and fall of his chest. The forced rest would do much to speed the elf's recovery. Aragorn vowed to himself that he would not be so careless with his friend's health again.
As infuriating as the elf's stubbornness could be Aragorn looked forward to having him back to normal. He had come too close to losing him and that thought pained him more than he thought possible. Over the years their relationship had become quite close. Aragorn no longer looked upon Legolas as just a friend but as a brother. He held a place in the ranger's heart alongside his adopted father and brothers. He knew the Legolas felt the same for him, especially since the prince had no siblings.
On that note his thoughts turned to his brothers, Elladan and Elrohir. He groaned inwardly at the thought of what they would say when they found out Legolas and he had decided to separate to cover more ground. Maybe they could get away without mentioning it at all. No, he decided. He would not be able to hide it from them. They would see right through any story he might tell. He may as well admit the folly right away before they had the chance torture it out of him with their merciless teasing. The scolding he would receive from them for forgetting his pack when he needed it most would be bad enough. Not to mention his and Legolas' bedraggled appearance. Ai, and he must not forget his ever-shrinking cloak! He could almost picture the expression on both Elrohir's and Elladan's faces when they scolded him. He didn't even want to think of what his father would say. No, that was definitely something he did not look forward to. Aragorn chuckled then turned somber when he remembered the destination of his brothers.
Elladan and Elrohir had ridden further south, closer to Dol Guldur to investigate the rumors of the growing darkness there. If he and Legolas had found orcs wandering in Mirkwood near the Gladden Fields surely his brothers had found the same so close to Dol Guldur. He fervently hoped not but that was unlikely for his brothers were magnets for trouble, especially when they were together. He hoped they had not been foolish enough to part company as he and Legolas had done. Aragorn's forehead creased in a deep frown. He had no way of knowing what evils his brothers had met and could only hope the Valar would keep them safe. The thought of losing them caused a vice of fear to wrap around his heart.
Aragorn stood and shook off his dark thoughts with visible effort. Ai! He needed quit thinking such dismal thoughts or he would go mad! With a last look at his friend the ranger walked around and combed the area they had stopped in, never straying far from sight of his friend.
He had hoped to reach the Anduin by now but so far they had not. Their flight from trouble had taken them further into the interior of Mirkwood than he thought. The small brook they followed bubbled quietly over the rocks. He walked beside it studying the surrounding landscape carefully. The Anduin had to be close. Suddenly the ranger stopped and stooped low to the ground. He rested his ear upon the earth and listened carefully. He could just make out the faint rumbling sound of water rushing nearby. Aragorn smiled and stood. The Anduin was not far. Their trek would be much easier and quicker along its banks. He turned and walked back towards the elf. Legolas was still asleep. Quietly he seated himself next to his friend and waited for him to wake.
