Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR or any of the characters although I like to
delude myself that I do! Especially the blond elf! :D No profit is made
from these stories; they are merely for the enjoyment of myself and anyone
who cares to read them.
Wow! 130 reviews! I continue to be amazed that people are still reading and liking this story! Thank you so much for the many kind reviews! I am speechless! Well, not too speechless to write of course! :) 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. I would also like to say that I am in no way an expert on Middle Earth's geography. I am merely looking at Tolkien's map and making my own interpretations. So forgive me if there are errors in my descriptions of it. ;)
CartDi-Thanks for your kind review! You might want to check out my favorite list of stories and authors. The authors/stories that I have listed are just incredibly awesome! The writers are so talented and the story plots are just mind blowing! All of them, stories and authors, hold true to the spirit that Tolkien intended for his characters. Again, thanks for taking the time to review! I hope you find as much enjoyment in the stories here as I have. :)
TrinityTheSheDevil- LOL You really know how to give a Subtle hint huh?! LOL Well, I really did have chapter fourteen written and posted but FF WAS messed up! *Clears throat and looks around innocently* Ok, ok, you know I didn't! But I had a good reason! I had *groans* another test in Psyche! Happily I passed it but now *groans louder this time* I've got a research paper due in a week and a half and I haven't even started it! And here I am writing and posting this instead! Hey, at least I have my priorities straight! :P Thanks for the review! :)
Pilot3001- Yup, they'll be showing their "purtiful" faces pretty soon! :) Gotta luuuuuuuuuuv elves huh? LOL
sabercrazy-I'm so glad I'm part of your monster list! I too have one that I watch like a hawk and I do a happy dance every time a story is updated! So here's another chappy to get those feet doing the happy dance again. :)
Midnight-Since you asked so nicely, here's another chappy for you too. Thanks for taking the time to review! :)
Kelly Neptunus-LOL! You sound like me when I think one of my favorite stories is ending! Part of me is happy that everything is resolved and part of me is sad that I will no longer have that story to look forward to! :) Well, me thinks I will be writing this story for awhile. I just can't get things resolved quickly enough in my head. Thanks for sticking with me! :)
Isilwen-Telpefion- I too love the "friendship" stories. While slash is ok for some people, the plutonic brotherly love Aragorn and Legolas share kinda warms my heart more than anything else. :) Elladan and Elrohir are Elrond's twin sons and also Aragorn's adopted brothers. The books make mention of them although the relationship shared between the three is not given in detail. I just love stories that have them 'cause they give you insight as to what life and family may have been like for Aragorn and Legolas too! Thanks for the review and I hope you enjoy this next chapter!
Karri- I threw just a smidgen in about the trees though I do plan on writing more about them soon! I'm getting there, I promise! LOL
Fantasia-I'm so glad you enjoy this story! It's a lot harder to write than I realized so it's always nice to know people actually like it. :) Hope you enjoy this next chappy! If I ask nicely again, will I get another review??? LOL
Earendilstar-Oh my, is that good or bad? Good, I hope! ;)
Lady Jaina-You know, when I first started looking around on FF, I was amazed to find LOTR slash. I have to honestly admit that when I read the books, slash never entered my mind. Though some people enjoy it I find the plutonic relationships more my forte than the other. In my mind, I have tried to write a story that is true to the spirit that Tolkien intended. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against slash. I just never imagined it for these characters. Now you give me Brian and Justin from Queer as Folk and that is quite another story! LOL Thanks for the reviews!
Shauna-I'm gearing up for a little more action here! But it is soooooooo much harder to write! LOL *winks* Yeah, those twins are Definitely magnets for trouble!!!! LOL *hint* ;P
merrylyn-I tell you, that cloak thing just keeps nipping me in the bud! I can't seem to let it go!!!! Yeah, it definitely is a character now that's for sure! LOL Every time that cloak thing nips me in the bud I always imagine in my mind what you will say in your next review! LOL Hey, where can I get me a Leggy plushie?! So glad to get your review!
princess-Greenleaf-of-Mir - Yes, I do plan to continue though I'm not sure if I'll make it to chapter 55. LOL Hmmmm, as for the dialogue with King Thranduil, hmmmmm, I'll definitely give that one some thought and I will definitely try to give you some of things you asked for on your wish list! :)
Spades-Yeah, that Leggy can sometimes be too stubborn for his own good! But that is part of his charm! :)
Now, on to the story! :)
A Walk Out Of Reach
Chapter Fourteen
Aragorn drifted off after awhile and woke with a start some time later. He sat up and looked around quickly. Warily he scanned their surroundings but found no hidden dangers. Everything seemed well. He then took note of his friend. Legolas was still lost in elven dreams for his eyes had not lost their glassiness. The ranger continued his survey suspiciously until his eyes came to rest on the horses. They seemed unconcerned for both stood quietly off to the side with heads bent low to the ground. Their quiet munching could be heard from where he sat. He watched their tails swish at the flies that buzzed by from time to time. Aragorn relaxed at last for if anything were amiss the horses would give warning.
The ranger stood and made his way over to them. He spoke to the horses quietly as he checked their injuries. Both continued to heal nicely. Aslathon's wounds were almost gone and Nimrothuniel's were completely closed. With a last pat for each horse he returned to the sleeping elf.
Legolas still showed no sign of waking. The ranger glanced up at the sun then made up his mind. He knelt next to the prince and gently shook his shoulder. "Come my friend, you must wake. Noon has long passed and we must get moving again."
The elf groaned softly and blinked his eyes. Reluctantly he left his elven dreams. When Aragorn shook his shoulder again he brushed his hand away and sat up, "I am awake Aragorn. There is no need to shake my head from my shoulders."
The ranger grinned widely at the jest and clasped Legolas' hand. "My, someone woke up just a bit grumpy." He laughed at the look of annoyance on the elf's face then slowly pulled him up. His smile disappeared as soon as he saw the elf wince at the movement. Concern sobered him immediately.
Legolas shook his head in frustration at his friend's scowl. He was getting tired of being treated like glass that was easily broken. It was beginning to wear thin, "It is nothing Aragorn. Only a little stiffness, but it has passed." To prove his point the elf walked to his horse and rummaged through his pack. Legolas pulled out his water bottle and took a small sip. He looked up at the sky and frowned at the position of the sun. The elf turned to the ranger and asked softly, "Why did you not wake me earlier?"
Aragorn watched his friend skeptically through slitted eyes trying to decide if he was telling the truth about being fine or not. Though a little stiff, his movements were steady and his steps sure. He decided to let the matter rest, for now. He shrugged and answered the elf, "You needed the rest, as did I." Before Legolas could protest he continued, "Come. If you are ready we will press on."
Legolas nodded, "I am ready." Aragorn helped the elf mount his horse before he clambered upon his own. He pointedly ignored the exasperated look his friend gave him for his mothering and flicked his reigns. With a jolt his horse started forward anxious to get moving again as well. Aragorn glanced back to make sure his friend followed. Nimrothuniel walked close behind him, Legolas seated upon his back. Satisfied the ranger rotated around and scanned the trees then turned his horse in the direction of the Anduin.
They rode in silence for awhile. The prince was loath to admit it, but as they rode a growing unease had begun building in his mind. To make matters worse he was not exactly sure of their location. No, that wasn't true. He did know where they were, he just didn't want to admit it. How had they ended up here? He had hoped to avoid this area altogether but apparently their flight from danger had brought them here. Perhaps the poison had addled his brain more than he knew and that is why he did not recognize this place sooner.
Aragorn heard the steady canter of a horse coming closer. He turned to find that Legolas had ridden up beside him. Distress was evident upon the fair face and he didn't even try to cover his concern, "What troubles you friend?"
Unconsciously a frown creased the elf's forehead as he turned to his friend. Legolas chose his words carefully for he did not wish to give the ranger another reason to mother him, "I do not recognize this place Aragorn. Where are we?"
The ranger frowned. It took him a moment to answer for he was not sure if he had heard Legolas correctly. Surely his illness would not cause the elf to become so disoriented he would not know where they were. He schooled his features quickly before his friend could see his surprise, "We are in the southern reaches of Mirkwood approaching the Anduin River." He pointed to a small canyon a short distance beyond, "The River Gladden joins the Anduin from there. We should reach it shortly." He peered closely at his friend, "Are you well friend?" He stomach clenched with alarm.
Even though the question seemed offhand, Legolas could hear the concern in the ranger's voice. He fought to keep his voice light despite the anxiety that filled him when the ranger confirmed their location, "I am well Aragorn. I merely do not recognize this part of Mirkwood. Little have I traveled this far from my home." He breathed a quiet sigh of relief when the ranger nodded then turned his eyes forward. They rode on in silence once again.
Legolas was lost in thought. Although not a complete lie, his statement to Aragorn had stretched the truth a bit to suit his purpose. He shifted in his seat as memories that had long been locked away came to the surface again. Many centuries had passed since he last visited this part of Mirkwood. In fact, Elladan and Elrohir had been with him at the time, as well as some of their friends. That adventure he had buried deep in his mind for he had no wish to dwell on those memories. It appeared the twins had not spoken of it to Aragorn either for he seemed unaware of the turmoil his words caused the elf.
Legolas stared ahead not really seeing where he was going. He thought back to when he and Aragorn had watched the orcs from the trees. Something about them had made him uneasy. Of course all orcs were vile and disgusting creatures and altogether evil but these orcs had made him shudder with an unreasonable fear. That fear had been stronger than he had ever felt before and he did not understand it cause. The orcs reminded him of something, but of what seemed to be just out of reach.
"What do your eyes see friend?"
The question startled the elf and he berated himself under his breath for letting his attention wander. With effort he pushed the unpleasant memories aside and brought his horse to a stop next to the ranger. He shielded his eyes from the sun and scanned the area in question. On the bottom of the ridge the river Anduin glistened in the bright sun. Its path wove through the valley like a velvet ribbon. "My eyes find nothing amiss Aragorn. A pair of deer drink from the river and a school of fish swim in the shallows where the River Gladden meets the Anduin. I can see nothing else that moves. He brought his hand down and rested it in his lap. The elf cocked his head to one side then closed his eyes and listened to the sounds of the forest.
Aragorn watched the elf with a slight feeling of awe. Even after growing up with elves all his life he still felt amazed at an elf's ability to communicate with nature. He sat quietly in the saddle and watched his friend, concentration was written all over his brow.
After a few moments Legolas opened his eyes and looked at his friend. "All is quiet, though the trees whisper of a growing evil. They are afraid Aragorn. The evil has been gaining strength and they ask for help."
"Aye, and we will give it to them as soon as we may. Let us make haste." Aragorn moved his horse forward again and began weaving through the trees down the side of the mountain. Legolas followed close behind. They traveled slowly for the brush and trees were thick. Several times they had to stop altogether and find another route for the path they traveled was blocked by shrubbery so thick, it was impossible to push through. They finally reached the bottom of the mountainside at dusk.
Aragorn and Legolas stopped and dismounted to check the horses and give them a rest. "I did not realize that mountain was so high. I thought we would never reach the bottom." Aragorn leaned on his horse tiredly.
Legolas glanced up at the ranger then continued his inspection of his horse's legs, "Yes, I had hoped to reach the bottom sooner." He glanced at the sky, "The sun rides low on the horizon. We will have to find shelter before darkness falls." He let go of Nimrothuniel's leg satisfied that the horse had not sustained any more injuries. The elf waited until the ranger had checked his horse as well before he grasped the reigns in his hand and led his horse towards the banks of the Anduin.
Man and elf walked in comfortable silence towards the water. The steps of their horses seemed to echo heavily through the valley. The ranger's steps were light but not as light as the elf's. He could not even hear his friend's footsteps. He turned to make sure Legolas was still at his horse's side. They let the reigns loose when they reached the water and allowed the tired horses to quench their thirst.
Aragorn watched the dark water for a moment, its current swift and strong. He was relieved to have finally reached the river for it would make traveling much easier and swifter. They would follow the river upstream riding close to the tree line for safety. In this way it would only take a couple of days to reach the Old Road to the Pass.
The ranger bent down and cupped the river's cool water in his hands to wet his face. It was so refreshing he did it several times until he heard the elf's clear laughter. He stood quickly and dried his hands on his tunic, "What?" When the elf continued to laugh he asked again, "What do you find so amusing friend?"
The elf wiped his eyes, "Oh Aragorn! If you could only see yourself! You look like a drowned vagabond now. And that cloak! Your brothers will think you have stolen it from a child!" He laughed again unable to stop himself.
Aragorn scowled for a moment then looked down at himself. His tunic was wet from his splashing and his leggings were ripped in several places. He could only imagine how he must look from the days of travel and little rest. And his cloak! His cloak had indeed shrunk in size, though, through no fault of his own. He started laughing as well.
"You think I look a sight my friend! You should see yourself! Your cloak has shrunk a little as well and your tunic is no longer green! Perhaps you should remember to comb your hair when we are on the road for your braids have also come loose." Aragorn laughed harder when Legolas' eyes widened at the mention of his hair and his hand went up automatically to feel his warrior braids.
The elf laughed again as he tucked the stray locks behind his ears, "Indeed, we are both a sorry sight to behold my friend. Perhaps your father will not recognize us and we shall escape his lecture when he finds out we separated despite his words of caution."
Aragorn shook his head, "Nay my friend. I fear nothing will prevent that. Perhaps I shall make you tell him."
"I will not my friend. He is your father! I fear that unpleasant duty falls upon your shoulders."
Aragorn only nodded at his friends words, "Very well, but when we see your father, it will be your duty as well to inform him of these events." He looked over at the elf and chuckled to himself when he saw the prince sober immediately.
The elf spoke in a quiet, serious voice, "I had forgotten about that. Could we not tarry in Rivendell for awhile my friend? Surely we could send word to my father through messenger instead. There is no need for us to travel to my home so soon." He had no wish to tell his father he had been injured by orcs yet again for King Thranduil was not as even-tempered as Lord Elrond was.
Suddenly Legolas' head turned and he held up his hand motioning Aragorn to be quiet. He stood still and listened carefully then turned back to his friend, "There are riders approaching. We must hide."
The ranger nodded and grabbed his horse's reigns. As quickly and quietly as possible they led their horses towards the safety of the trees all traces of amusement gone from their faces.
**************************************************************************** **
Wow! 130 reviews! I continue to be amazed that people are still reading and liking this story! Thank you so much for the many kind reviews! I am speechless! Well, not too speechless to write of course! :) 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. I would also like to say that I am in no way an expert on Middle Earth's geography. I am merely looking at Tolkien's map and making my own interpretations. So forgive me if there are errors in my descriptions of it. ;)
CartDi-Thanks for your kind review! You might want to check out my favorite list of stories and authors. The authors/stories that I have listed are just incredibly awesome! The writers are so talented and the story plots are just mind blowing! All of them, stories and authors, hold true to the spirit that Tolkien intended for his characters. Again, thanks for taking the time to review! I hope you find as much enjoyment in the stories here as I have. :)
TrinityTheSheDevil- LOL You really know how to give a Subtle hint huh?! LOL Well, I really did have chapter fourteen written and posted but FF WAS messed up! *Clears throat and looks around innocently* Ok, ok, you know I didn't! But I had a good reason! I had *groans* another test in Psyche! Happily I passed it but now *groans louder this time* I've got a research paper due in a week and a half and I haven't even started it! And here I am writing and posting this instead! Hey, at least I have my priorities straight! :P Thanks for the review! :)
Pilot3001- Yup, they'll be showing their "purtiful" faces pretty soon! :) Gotta luuuuuuuuuuv elves huh? LOL
sabercrazy-I'm so glad I'm part of your monster list! I too have one that I watch like a hawk and I do a happy dance every time a story is updated! So here's another chappy to get those feet doing the happy dance again. :)
Midnight-Since you asked so nicely, here's another chappy for you too. Thanks for taking the time to review! :)
Kelly Neptunus-LOL! You sound like me when I think one of my favorite stories is ending! Part of me is happy that everything is resolved and part of me is sad that I will no longer have that story to look forward to! :) Well, me thinks I will be writing this story for awhile. I just can't get things resolved quickly enough in my head. Thanks for sticking with me! :)
Isilwen-Telpefion- I too love the "friendship" stories. While slash is ok for some people, the plutonic brotherly love Aragorn and Legolas share kinda warms my heart more than anything else. :) Elladan and Elrohir are Elrond's twin sons and also Aragorn's adopted brothers. The books make mention of them although the relationship shared between the three is not given in detail. I just love stories that have them 'cause they give you insight as to what life and family may have been like for Aragorn and Legolas too! Thanks for the review and I hope you enjoy this next chapter!
Karri- I threw just a smidgen in about the trees though I do plan on writing more about them soon! I'm getting there, I promise! LOL
Fantasia-I'm so glad you enjoy this story! It's a lot harder to write than I realized so it's always nice to know people actually like it. :) Hope you enjoy this next chappy! If I ask nicely again, will I get another review??? LOL
Earendilstar-Oh my, is that good or bad? Good, I hope! ;)
Lady Jaina-You know, when I first started looking around on FF, I was amazed to find LOTR slash. I have to honestly admit that when I read the books, slash never entered my mind. Though some people enjoy it I find the plutonic relationships more my forte than the other. In my mind, I have tried to write a story that is true to the spirit that Tolkien intended. Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against slash. I just never imagined it for these characters. Now you give me Brian and Justin from Queer as Folk and that is quite another story! LOL Thanks for the reviews!
Shauna-I'm gearing up for a little more action here! But it is soooooooo much harder to write! LOL *winks* Yeah, those twins are Definitely magnets for trouble!!!! LOL *hint* ;P
merrylyn-I tell you, that cloak thing just keeps nipping me in the bud! I can't seem to let it go!!!! Yeah, it definitely is a character now that's for sure! LOL Every time that cloak thing nips me in the bud I always imagine in my mind what you will say in your next review! LOL Hey, where can I get me a Leggy plushie?! So glad to get your review!
princess-Greenleaf-of-Mir - Yes, I do plan to continue though I'm not sure if I'll make it to chapter 55. LOL Hmmmm, as for the dialogue with King Thranduil, hmmmmm, I'll definitely give that one some thought and I will definitely try to give you some of things you asked for on your wish list! :)
Spades-Yeah, that Leggy can sometimes be too stubborn for his own good! But that is part of his charm! :)
Now, on to the story! :)
A Walk Out Of Reach
Chapter Fourteen
Aragorn drifted off after awhile and woke with a start some time later. He sat up and looked around quickly. Warily he scanned their surroundings but found no hidden dangers. Everything seemed well. He then took note of his friend. Legolas was still lost in elven dreams for his eyes had not lost their glassiness. The ranger continued his survey suspiciously until his eyes came to rest on the horses. They seemed unconcerned for both stood quietly off to the side with heads bent low to the ground. Their quiet munching could be heard from where he sat. He watched their tails swish at the flies that buzzed by from time to time. Aragorn relaxed at last for if anything were amiss the horses would give warning.
The ranger stood and made his way over to them. He spoke to the horses quietly as he checked their injuries. Both continued to heal nicely. Aslathon's wounds were almost gone and Nimrothuniel's were completely closed. With a last pat for each horse he returned to the sleeping elf.
Legolas still showed no sign of waking. The ranger glanced up at the sun then made up his mind. He knelt next to the prince and gently shook his shoulder. "Come my friend, you must wake. Noon has long passed and we must get moving again."
The elf groaned softly and blinked his eyes. Reluctantly he left his elven dreams. When Aragorn shook his shoulder again he brushed his hand away and sat up, "I am awake Aragorn. There is no need to shake my head from my shoulders."
The ranger grinned widely at the jest and clasped Legolas' hand. "My, someone woke up just a bit grumpy." He laughed at the look of annoyance on the elf's face then slowly pulled him up. His smile disappeared as soon as he saw the elf wince at the movement. Concern sobered him immediately.
Legolas shook his head in frustration at his friend's scowl. He was getting tired of being treated like glass that was easily broken. It was beginning to wear thin, "It is nothing Aragorn. Only a little stiffness, but it has passed." To prove his point the elf walked to his horse and rummaged through his pack. Legolas pulled out his water bottle and took a small sip. He looked up at the sky and frowned at the position of the sun. The elf turned to the ranger and asked softly, "Why did you not wake me earlier?"
Aragorn watched his friend skeptically through slitted eyes trying to decide if he was telling the truth about being fine or not. Though a little stiff, his movements were steady and his steps sure. He decided to let the matter rest, for now. He shrugged and answered the elf, "You needed the rest, as did I." Before Legolas could protest he continued, "Come. If you are ready we will press on."
Legolas nodded, "I am ready." Aragorn helped the elf mount his horse before he clambered upon his own. He pointedly ignored the exasperated look his friend gave him for his mothering and flicked his reigns. With a jolt his horse started forward anxious to get moving again as well. Aragorn glanced back to make sure his friend followed. Nimrothuniel walked close behind him, Legolas seated upon his back. Satisfied the ranger rotated around and scanned the trees then turned his horse in the direction of the Anduin.
They rode in silence for awhile. The prince was loath to admit it, but as they rode a growing unease had begun building in his mind. To make matters worse he was not exactly sure of their location. No, that wasn't true. He did know where they were, he just didn't want to admit it. How had they ended up here? He had hoped to avoid this area altogether but apparently their flight from danger had brought them here. Perhaps the poison had addled his brain more than he knew and that is why he did not recognize this place sooner.
Aragorn heard the steady canter of a horse coming closer. He turned to find that Legolas had ridden up beside him. Distress was evident upon the fair face and he didn't even try to cover his concern, "What troubles you friend?"
Unconsciously a frown creased the elf's forehead as he turned to his friend. Legolas chose his words carefully for he did not wish to give the ranger another reason to mother him, "I do not recognize this place Aragorn. Where are we?"
The ranger frowned. It took him a moment to answer for he was not sure if he had heard Legolas correctly. Surely his illness would not cause the elf to become so disoriented he would not know where they were. He schooled his features quickly before his friend could see his surprise, "We are in the southern reaches of Mirkwood approaching the Anduin River." He pointed to a small canyon a short distance beyond, "The River Gladden joins the Anduin from there. We should reach it shortly." He peered closely at his friend, "Are you well friend?" He stomach clenched with alarm.
Even though the question seemed offhand, Legolas could hear the concern in the ranger's voice. He fought to keep his voice light despite the anxiety that filled him when the ranger confirmed their location, "I am well Aragorn. I merely do not recognize this part of Mirkwood. Little have I traveled this far from my home." He breathed a quiet sigh of relief when the ranger nodded then turned his eyes forward. They rode on in silence once again.
Legolas was lost in thought. Although not a complete lie, his statement to Aragorn had stretched the truth a bit to suit his purpose. He shifted in his seat as memories that had long been locked away came to the surface again. Many centuries had passed since he last visited this part of Mirkwood. In fact, Elladan and Elrohir had been with him at the time, as well as some of their friends. That adventure he had buried deep in his mind for he had no wish to dwell on those memories. It appeared the twins had not spoken of it to Aragorn either for he seemed unaware of the turmoil his words caused the elf.
Legolas stared ahead not really seeing where he was going. He thought back to when he and Aragorn had watched the orcs from the trees. Something about them had made him uneasy. Of course all orcs were vile and disgusting creatures and altogether evil but these orcs had made him shudder with an unreasonable fear. That fear had been stronger than he had ever felt before and he did not understand it cause. The orcs reminded him of something, but of what seemed to be just out of reach.
"What do your eyes see friend?"
The question startled the elf and he berated himself under his breath for letting his attention wander. With effort he pushed the unpleasant memories aside and brought his horse to a stop next to the ranger. He shielded his eyes from the sun and scanned the area in question. On the bottom of the ridge the river Anduin glistened in the bright sun. Its path wove through the valley like a velvet ribbon. "My eyes find nothing amiss Aragorn. A pair of deer drink from the river and a school of fish swim in the shallows where the River Gladden meets the Anduin. I can see nothing else that moves. He brought his hand down and rested it in his lap. The elf cocked his head to one side then closed his eyes and listened to the sounds of the forest.
Aragorn watched the elf with a slight feeling of awe. Even after growing up with elves all his life he still felt amazed at an elf's ability to communicate with nature. He sat quietly in the saddle and watched his friend, concentration was written all over his brow.
After a few moments Legolas opened his eyes and looked at his friend. "All is quiet, though the trees whisper of a growing evil. They are afraid Aragorn. The evil has been gaining strength and they ask for help."
"Aye, and we will give it to them as soon as we may. Let us make haste." Aragorn moved his horse forward again and began weaving through the trees down the side of the mountain. Legolas followed close behind. They traveled slowly for the brush and trees were thick. Several times they had to stop altogether and find another route for the path they traveled was blocked by shrubbery so thick, it was impossible to push through. They finally reached the bottom of the mountainside at dusk.
Aragorn and Legolas stopped and dismounted to check the horses and give them a rest. "I did not realize that mountain was so high. I thought we would never reach the bottom." Aragorn leaned on his horse tiredly.
Legolas glanced up at the ranger then continued his inspection of his horse's legs, "Yes, I had hoped to reach the bottom sooner." He glanced at the sky, "The sun rides low on the horizon. We will have to find shelter before darkness falls." He let go of Nimrothuniel's leg satisfied that the horse had not sustained any more injuries. The elf waited until the ranger had checked his horse as well before he grasped the reigns in his hand and led his horse towards the banks of the Anduin.
Man and elf walked in comfortable silence towards the water. The steps of their horses seemed to echo heavily through the valley. The ranger's steps were light but not as light as the elf's. He could not even hear his friend's footsteps. He turned to make sure Legolas was still at his horse's side. They let the reigns loose when they reached the water and allowed the tired horses to quench their thirst.
Aragorn watched the dark water for a moment, its current swift and strong. He was relieved to have finally reached the river for it would make traveling much easier and swifter. They would follow the river upstream riding close to the tree line for safety. In this way it would only take a couple of days to reach the Old Road to the Pass.
The ranger bent down and cupped the river's cool water in his hands to wet his face. It was so refreshing he did it several times until he heard the elf's clear laughter. He stood quickly and dried his hands on his tunic, "What?" When the elf continued to laugh he asked again, "What do you find so amusing friend?"
The elf wiped his eyes, "Oh Aragorn! If you could only see yourself! You look like a drowned vagabond now. And that cloak! Your brothers will think you have stolen it from a child!" He laughed again unable to stop himself.
Aragorn scowled for a moment then looked down at himself. His tunic was wet from his splashing and his leggings were ripped in several places. He could only imagine how he must look from the days of travel and little rest. And his cloak! His cloak had indeed shrunk in size, though, through no fault of his own. He started laughing as well.
"You think I look a sight my friend! You should see yourself! Your cloak has shrunk a little as well and your tunic is no longer green! Perhaps you should remember to comb your hair when we are on the road for your braids have also come loose." Aragorn laughed harder when Legolas' eyes widened at the mention of his hair and his hand went up automatically to feel his warrior braids.
The elf laughed again as he tucked the stray locks behind his ears, "Indeed, we are both a sorry sight to behold my friend. Perhaps your father will not recognize us and we shall escape his lecture when he finds out we separated despite his words of caution."
Aragorn shook his head, "Nay my friend. I fear nothing will prevent that. Perhaps I shall make you tell him."
"I will not my friend. He is your father! I fear that unpleasant duty falls upon your shoulders."
Aragorn only nodded at his friends words, "Very well, but when we see your father, it will be your duty as well to inform him of these events." He looked over at the elf and chuckled to himself when he saw the prince sober immediately.
The elf spoke in a quiet, serious voice, "I had forgotten about that. Could we not tarry in Rivendell for awhile my friend? Surely we could send word to my father through messenger instead. There is no need for us to travel to my home so soon." He had no wish to tell his father he had been injured by orcs yet again for King Thranduil was not as even-tempered as Lord Elrond was.
Suddenly Legolas' head turned and he held up his hand motioning Aragorn to be quiet. He stood still and listened carefully then turned back to his friend, "There are riders approaching. We must hide."
The ranger nodded and grabbed his horse's reigns. As quickly and quietly as possible they led their horses towards the safety of the trees all traces of amusement gone from their faces.
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