Disclaimer: These characters do not belong to me. I only get to torture them from time to time! ;) Aren't I horrible!? LOL No profit is made from these stories; they are merely for the enjoyment of myself and anyone who cares to read them.

As always, a continued thanks goes out to everyone who has taken the time to review my story! I cannot express my gratitude enough through mere words! :) And as Shirebound would say, " I walk on the shoulders of giants." A continued thanks also goes out to those of you that have put me on your favorites list: krisnkriss; Lady Jaina; chescaotaku; Elenora; O. B. I. M.; Shauna; Karri; KC-Kick Camel; Astarael; Jessica332; princess- Greenleave-of-Mir; CartDi; pupulupk; Legilmalith; Sporky Doom; merrylyn and kelly. You have made me feel soooooooo special! Thanks! :) As always, please keep those reviews coming!

I apologize if I have inadvertently left anyone out of my review comments for I appreciate them all! And last...

All the spelling and grammar mistakes in this chapter are mine and mine alone. Hope there's not too many. Please keep in mind I am not 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. ;)

A Walk Out Of Reach
Chapter Sixteen
A Walk Out Of Reach
Chapter Seventeen
Aragorn sat quietly lost in thought. He offered no protest as Elladan continued to treat his wound for he was hardly aware of his brother doing it. When a drink was pressed into his hand he took it without question and drained the cup, his mind numb.

Elrohir watched his brother with growing alarm. If he did not know better he would think the young human was going into shock. It could not be though, for his injury was minor and had been treated quickly. The poison had been neutralized before it could do any harm. The twin peered closely at the ranger then nudged Elladan who was tying the bandage on Aragorn's arm.

Elladan looked at Elrohir in surprise before he realized what his twin was asking. He looked at Aragorn and his stomach clenched with worry. Sweat beaded the ranger's brow and his complexion was much too pale. His eyes held a glazed look and his lids drooped unnaturally. Elladan peered closely at Aragorn's eyes and frowned at the dilated pupils. He turned back to his task and quickly finished tying the last knot on the bandage then whispered to his twin "It is as I feared Elrohir. A small amount of poison has remained in the wound. Alas, we can do nothing now but watch him closely."

Elrohir nodded sadly, "It would seem you are right brother." With a tired sigh the twin stood, "Wait here while I gather our things and the horses. We must move from this place. The others may return at any moment."

Elladan clasped his brother's hand and squeezed it tightly, "Make haste Elrohir. Legolas may need our help even as we speak." With a heavy sigh, he watched Elrohir move towards the small cave. He turned his head and examined his human brother again. His worry went up another notch when he noted the ranger's shallow breathing. "Estel!" The elf shook his shoulder when he did not receive an answer, "Estel! Can you hear me?"

Aragorn head lolled at the shaking and he groaned softly. Jumbled voices had drifted in and out of his mind for some time now but he had not given them any thought. His mind was comfortably foggy he did not appreciate being shaken so roughly. If not for the arm supporting his back he would have stretched out upon the ground and gone to sleep. He struggled to clear his vision when the voice called his name again and he finally focused on the Elven twin, "Elladan?"

Relief flooded through the Elf. At least his brother recognized him. That was indeed a good sign. "Yes Estel, it is I. Our brother has gone to get the horses. Do you think you think you can ride?"

The words slowly registered in his foggy brain. Ride? Why couldn't he just lie here on his comfortable bed and sleep? Looking around he saw branches swaying around him instead of the walls of his room. With a start he realized they were not home in Rivendell but in Mirkwood. Aragorn looked around him not noticing the look of worry on his brother's face. He knew there was something he should remember. It lingered on the fringes of his memory. His brow furrowed in concentration then suddenly he realized what it was. Legolas! He looked at his brother almost in panic," Elladan, we must find Legolas! We must before something happens to him!" The ranger struggled to rise against the hands pushing him down.

Elladan forced his brother down unwilling to let him rise and run off after Legolas, "We will Estel. We will find him. But right now you must listen to me." The ranger ceased his struggles and focused on his brother's words. Satisfied that he had Aragorn's attention, Elladan continued, "Some of the poison from the orc blade has remained in your body. It is making you ill. I know you are worried for Legolas, we are too. As soon as Elrohir returns with the horses we shall look for him, but we will not if you do not listen to me. Do you understand Estel?"

Aragorn nodded slowly. He knew that in his muddled state he would not be much help to his friend. The ranger clasped his brother's forearms, "Elladan, please do not let him come to any harm. I almost lost him and I could not bear it if anything happened to him now." Tears shimmered in his eyes as he made his plea.

Elladan's heart clenched at the sight of his brother so close to tears. He gently patted the human's back trying to offer comfort, "Legolas will be all right Estel. He will not come to harm. I promise you, we will find him." The elf turned at the sound of Elrohir approaching with the horses, "Come Estel," Elladan pulled his brother up carefully, making sure to keep his arm around Aragorn's waist to support him. "let us find Legolas before trouble finds him first."

Despite much protest that he could ride alone, Elrohir boosted Aragorn up so that he sat in front of Elladan on his horse. The ranger was in no condition to ride for remnants of poison in his body clouded his thinking. They would have much need for stealth if they were to find Legolas without attracting the attention of the countless orcs that had followed the elf.

Elladan and Elrohir urged the horses to move quickly. They guided them upstream putting as much distance as they could between them and the small cave just to be safe. Aslathon and Nimrothuniel followed close behind, needing no urging to keep the fast pace. Their soft noses brushed the legs of the twins from time to time finally causing Elrohir to turn and speak softly to the horses. At the elf's gentle words the worried animals slowed their pace so that they did not follow so closely. The wearied group continued on, only the horses labored breathing and their hooves clicking on the rocks broke the silence.

The steady jouncing was making Aragorn's eyelids droop even as he struggled to keep them open. Soon, they drifted shut and he sagged in Elladan's arms. The Elf jerked in alarm when he suddenly felt Aragorn go limp. He leaned over and took a quick look at his brother's face. Relief flooded through him when he saw that he only slept. Elladan tightened his grip around his waist and hugged his brother closer. The rest would do Aragorn good and with any luck, when he woke the effects of the poison will have worn off.

Elrohir pulled up beside his twin when he saw that Aragorn had fallen asleep. He motioned for his brother to halt then whispered quietly so he would not wake the human, "We must separate if we are to find the prince brother. We cannot search for Legolas with Estel as he is."

Elladan nodded, "You are right brother, though I wish you were not."

Elrohir continued quickly knowing Elladan would try to stop him, "Stay here with Estel and I shall hunt for our friend." He turned to go but was stopped when Elladan reached out and clutched his arm tightly.

"Nay brother! You stay here and I shall look for Legolas." Elladan knew what his brother would say even before he said it but he still had to try.

Elrohir shook his head, "Nay, you were always much better at healing than I. Estel may yet have need of your skill. Fear not, I shall return shortly."

Elladan's shoulders slumped in defeat and he pleaded with his brother quietly, "Promise me you will be careful."

The Elf only offered a small smile, "When am ever not careful brother?" With a wink he turned his horse and quickly rode away missing his brother's quiet whisper.

"May Elbereth watch over you brother, and Legolas too." Elladan watched his brother's back until he could no longer see him then turned his attention back to the young human in his arms.

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Legolas pressed himself tighter against the trunk of the tree and listened to the orcs passing below. Their angry shouts and heavy steps reverberated through the trees, causing them to shudder in revulsion. The feeling was not lost on the Elf. He too felt a surge of disgust at the thought of their foul feet tainting his once beautiful home.

He didn't move until the din grew faint in his ears. The Elf released the breath that he had not even been aware he had been holding. That was close, too close. He was glad none of the creatures had thought to search the trees.

Legolas listened quietly a little longer until he was satisfied the band of orcs would not return. Gingerly, he worked his way down the tree lightly grasping the branches for handholds. Without warning a lone orc trailing behind the main group passed directly below him. The Elf's foot slipped in surprise before he was able to catch himself but the damage was done. The orc heard his misstep and looked up into the tree. It locked eyes with Legolas and sneered at the Elf.

Legolas was frozen. He could not move. Those eyes! Ai, may the Valar help him! He recognized those eyes! So great was his shock his hands released the branch he held. With a start, he felt himself tilt dangerously backwards. He flailed his arms outwards trying desperately to grab for something to stop his fall. His fingertips brushed the edge of a branch but he could not grab hold of it. A small cry escaped his lips as he fell towards the ground with frightening speed.

The Elf landed with a sickening thud at the feet of the orc. His quiver bit into his back as the air was forced from his lungs with a whoosh and he found himself struggling to draw in a breath. Black spots swirled before his eyes and for a moment he could not see anything but darkness. He heard someone groan then realized the sound came from him.

Legolas blinked hard several times until his vision finally started to clear. The large dark shape looming over him turned into an orc and he suddenly found himself hauled to his feet by rough hands around his neck. He weakly tried to pry off the iron grip around his throat but was unable to. The hands were cutting off the air to his already oxygen-starved lungs. Just as darkness was creeping into his vision once more Legolas kicked out at the creature hard. His foot caught it in the groin.

It dropped the elf with a cry and fell to its knees. Legolas fell to the ground once more and he lay on his back unable to move. He filled his lungs with great gulps of air and when he was finally able to breathe easier he turned to face his attacker.

The orc had risen to its feet once more and stood a short distance away eyeing Legolas warily. It had not called to its companions or made any noise but its eyes shone with hate as it continued to watch the Elf.

Legolas' eyes were wide with disbelief. He shook his head in denial. No, it couldn't be. . . could it? Memories flooded unbidden through Legolas' mind even as his heart tried to deny what he was seeing. Finally the creature spoke in a coarse voice. Legolas' eyes widened even further for it was not the black speech that spewed forth from the creature's mouth, but High Tongue.

"I see you recognize me 'Prince' Legolas." The words rolled from the creature's mouth and dripped with sarcasm.

Legolas' jaw dropped and he found himself unable to answer. He stared mutely at the orc standing before him.

It slowly drew its scimitar and advanced on the frozen prince. "Many years did I wait for my master's trust before he finally gave it. Now he has turned his eye elsewhere, leaving me to my own design. You cannot know how much I have longed for this moment. I shall finally have my revenge for what you have done." It stopped in front of the Elf and looked down on him. "Where are your friends now Elf?" With a snort it viscously kicked Legolas' side causing him to gasp at the unexpected pain. "That pitiful little human cannot save you now." Its voice was tinged with a barely contained fury.

Legolas flinched when he looked at the creature. Its eyes were cold and filled with hate and loathing. He finally managed to find his voice though it came out as a mere whisper, "Belethharmaion," He swallowed hard before continuing, "Beleth, we tried..."

The creature kicked him again before he could finish, "Nay! I will not listen to your lies. The time for reason has passed. I shall have my revenge!" Legolas struggled against the fire burning in his side. The fall had reopened his wound and he could feel his blood pooling beneath him. To top it off the shock of seeing Beleth and the viscous kicks to his side were making the Elf's head swim. He turned on his side and tried to pull himself away from the deadly blow.

With a satisfied grin the orc lifted the scimitar above its head and prepared to bring it down on the Elf beneath him.

Legolas heard the twang of a bow. He glanced at the creature out of the corner of his eye and he saw an arrow protruding from its side. The orc let out a loud howl as it yanked the arrow out and tossed it to the ground. With a last look at Legolas it fled into the woods before the prince fully understood what had happened.

His head whipped to the left when he heard his name called. Legolas sagged to the ground in relief when he saw Elrohir running towards him. Thank the Valar! Friend and not foe had found him!

Now that things seemed to have calmed for the moment his many hurts were making themselves known to him. He closed his eyes against the pain, unable to rise just yet.

Elrohir reached the prince's side and crouched next to him. His fear spiked when he saw that Legolas' eyes were closed. A bit apprehensively, he reached out and laid his hand on the Elf's shoulder and shook it gently, "Legolas?"

The twin exhaled in relief when the prince slowly opened his bleary eyes and fixed them on him. "Legolas, are you hurt?" He frowned when blond Elf did not respond.

Legolas was so tired. He felt a stab of guilt for the anxiety he was causing his friend but he was just too weary and heartsick to find his voice at the moment. He could only nod his head tiredly as his eyes closed once more against the pain.

As carefully as he could Elrohir unfastened Legolas quiver and shrugged it over his own shoulders. Then he gently turned Legolas onto his back so he could inspect the Elf for injuries. His fear mounted again when he found a nasty gash on the side of Legolas' head. The blood was soaking the Elf's hair. Elrohir continued to run his hands over the Elf as he searched for other injuries. He glanced sharply at Legolas when he hissed in pain as he probed his ribs. Judging from the Elf's reaction, he had a couple of broken ribs as well. Remembering the prince's previous injury Elrohir carefully lifted the Elf's tunic to check the wound. With a cry of dismay he saw that the bandage was soaked through with blood. It had flowed down the Elf's side and pooled beneath him in a rapidly growing stain.

For an instant panic overtook him and he pressed his hands hard against the wound hoping to staunch the bleeding. Legolas let out a small cry and his eyes flew open. Elrohir was immediately remorseful for his hasty action and he eased up on the pressure, "I am sorry my friend. I did not mean to cause you pain."

Legolas nodded tiredly, "It is all right Elrohir. We must move from this place, must we not? Your arrow did not kill him and I fear he will return with his companions."

Elrohir had to lean in close to hear the softly spoken words. He looked around. Legolas was right, they could not remain here. He looked down at his friend worriedly, "Can you walk? My horse is but a short distance from here."

Legolas nodded tiredly, "If I must though I shall need your help."

"Then I shall gladly give it my friend." Elrohir moved his hands from Legolas' wound and felt a small measure of relief when he saw that the blood had slowed slightly. He wiped his hands on his leggings leaving dark stains and looked around. His eyes rested on the object he sought, half buried under the leaves. Reaching over Legolas he grasped the prince's bow and secured it on his back. Elrohir then turned his attention to his friend, "Come Legolas, let us get back to Elladan and Aragorn."

Legolas struggled to his feet with Elrohir's help. If not for the arm around his shoulders he would have fallen. He tried to mask his pain but each step jarred his side and made white-hot stabs of fire race up and down his spine. Despite his efforts his body trembled with the exertion and he cursed himself silently for the weakness.

Elrohir felt the prince shaking with each step. He kept a tight grip on Legolas and quickened their pace, half-dragging, half-carrying him. "We are almost there Legolas. See, just beyond that tree my horse awaits." He glanced at the prince quickly when he did not answer and tried to lighten the mood, "I fear Estel will be upset with us both my friend, when you return in worse condition than when you left."

At that, Legolas chuckled softly despite the pain, "You are right Elrohir. Aragorn will be furious" Just then he stumbled on a rock and his legs gave out from under him.

Shifting his weight quickly, Elrohir tightened his grip on the injured elf and kept him from falling to his knees. They continued when Legolas regained his feet and managed to make it the rest of the way without further incident.

When they reached his horse Elrohir helped Legolas mount. He made sure the Elf was secure before he mounted behind him. "Are you ready?" Elrohir peered over Legolas' shoulder and studied his face.

"Aye, as ready as I shall ever be. Let us leave before the orcs return." Legolas made no mention of what had transpired between him and Beleth for the grief was still too near. He had no wish to talk of it yet.

Elrohir tightened his grip around the prince's waist making sure he did not press his injured side. He nudged his horse gently urging it to a fast trot.

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CartiDi: I think this chapter is even longer! ;)

Orli's girl: Glad you like it! Hope you like this chapter too. :)

Budgielover: I'm truly honored that you have read my story. I absolutely love all your stories! In fact, I'm riveted to a few of them right now and every time you post a new chappy on one of them I do a happy dance. Ok, now on to several points you raised in your reviews. Although I cannot say for certain, I would think orc blood would smell just horrible while Elven blood would not. That is why Aragorn sniffed the blood that dripped on him. As to the commas, AI! They constantly drive me NUTS! I've even referred to my college handbook but I still find myself completely bewildered at times as to whether or not I need them! LOL Another things that drives me bonkers is whether or not to put a comma at then end of the sentence before the quotation. At times it seems so appropriate and at other times, well, I'm quite at a loss as to what to do. When I said I was a teacher in my bio, believe me, I knew exactly what standards I'd be held to. But I should have also said that I have taught kindergarten and elementary special education. Rarely have I needed to delve deep into the intricacies of grammar. *LOL fancy wording huh?* Anyway, I do appreciate you pointing them out though, for they make me more conscious of what and how I write. LOL, and yeah, you are right. I did mean reined and not like a king would reign! That one totally slipped by me! LOL And BTW...I have taken your suggestion about how to write elf and have changed it now to Elf, Elves, and Elven. Hopefully, I used them appropriately in this chapter. :) Thanks so much for the many suggestions and commentaries on my story. Since constructive criticism only makes a writer better, I really appreciate the fact that you have taken the time to offer your opinion. :) I hope you continue to read and enjoy this story! Thanks for the many wonderful reviews! :) And last but not least...shouldn't you be madly writing the next chapters of your stories????? LOL ;)

princess-Greenleaf-of-Mir: Ha ha! This Leggy plushie is just simply a wonderful, cuddly, absolutely adorable likeness of our beautiful prince. It's so wonderful to squeeze when you read any kind of angst involving our beloved Elf! :) I'm sorry, but I don't think they are sold in stores. I'd lend you this one but it does not belong to me. merrylyn was so gracious to lend me hers, though I fear she will have a hard time getting him back from me! LOL *wink* I fear she will be howling at me to give it back after this chapter! LOL Well, I must simply say you were indeed "gracious" to give me 7.5 seconds. Wow, what shall I do with ALL that time???? *sarcastic roll of eyes* LOL I don't think I made THAT deadline did I? LOL Good luck with your *sticks tongue out-yucky* state district testing. :P We did ours earlier this month! Hope you enjoy this next chappy. :)

Rath: LOL Well, if you thought poor Leggy for that chappy, wait till you read this one! ;)

Elentari Manwe: If I were a tree, I would have helped him too! :) LOL Here's another chappy for you. :)

sabercrazy: ROTFLMHO! Well, if this chapter wasn't out soon enough for some people, they can blame you! You gave me a black eye and I fell out of the tree so Leggy had to nurse me back to health, and then that led to other things and, *clears throat* well, let's just leave it at that shall we? LOL

Anime Soccer Lobos: *pleased grin at being called "beyond-evil"* Maybe this chapter will revive you and make you feel better after all that whining and screaming? My ears are ringing now. :)

Goma-Ryu: Mmm! Me likes Mountain Dew! Will you give me one all for myself now? ;) Hope you like this chapter!

Midnight: I'd send Leggy over to help you get your foot "unstuck" but I fear you will not give him back once you are free. You shall just have to stay stuck and read the next chappy from there ok? LOL Hope you like this chappy. :)

Elenora: Whew that's a relief. I thought for a moment I was jumbling things up too much! Writing is much harder than it looks! LOL Anyway, glad you like this story so much! :)

Lady Jaina: Wow! Thanks for the compliment! Here's more for ya, hope you enjoy it! ;)

Imbefaniel: Hey, they say great minds think alike! ;) I'm glad you liked the last chapter and I hope you like this chapter too. :)

Fantasia: Yeah, Leggy can most certainly be "cunning" when the need arises! ;) LOL

pupulupk: Your review was very entertaining! It made me laugh! Wait till you see what sort of trouble Leggy finds himself in, in this chapter! LOL Hope you enjoy it! :)

BlackRose1356: Thanks for your kind words! It is so nice to hear that people like this story! :)

Morgaine le Fay: Practicing? No, not really. But I guess you could call it that if you consider this story just keeps going, and going, and going! :) LOL And a few people have pointed some things out to me that have made me more conscious of what I write. Don't worry, I would NEVER kill Leggy! *gasps in horror* Oh, that is simply UNTHINKABLE! :) Glad you like this story!

O. B. I. M. : I'm glad you are sticking with me on this one! ;)

Kirsten: Yeah, I'm definitely a fan of angst for our dear elf. Poor Leggy huh? He never gets a break from all the torture! LOL

Shauna: Yeah, you can call me that. Sounds kinda cute! :) Ha ha! You did it again and guessed correctly! Someone indeed, did "slip" up didn't they!? And yes, you do have the honor of being my first death threat. In fact I had this shiny award made up just for you! *Presents Pain of Death award to reviewer* LOL You can put it on your mantle and display it with pride! LOL I'm afraid you might need another wig after this chapter though! *runs and hides behind door* I hope you find this chapter just as enjoyable as the last! :)

Dujoran: Bleh, A levels, they do that now???? When I graduated there was no such thing. Only the SAT's which are Bleh too! :( Anyway, hope you did well. Well, poor Aragorn and Leggy cause they are both hurt now! *evil cackle* It's great isn't it?! LOL I hope you like this chapter. :)

szhismine: Yes, my kingdom for a tree! Especially a tree that got to touch our wonderful blond elf! ;) Thanks for putting me on you list of favorites too :) although your name doesn't come up on the stats list. Maybe it just lists those that put an author under favorite stories and author? Not sure, but thanks all the same! :)

Karri: You're quite welcome! Though the trees aren't in this chapter, I hope you still enjoy it! :)

Isilwen-Telpefion: You better be sure you reload that thing cause them plot bunnies REALLY had their way with me this time. They are the ones responsible for Leggy getting hurt, again! LOL BUT, aim carefully please! I'm still nursing my poor toe from the last time you shot at those things, not to mention the black eye that sabercrazy gave me! :)

xsilicax: Don't worry, they have plenty of leaves to spare! :) Yes, those twins can be quite "elf-henny" can't they!? LOL That's a good word! LOL And I don't mind you pointing out my boo boo's! That's what makes a writer a better writer! :) Hope you enjoy this chapter! It is a bit longer. :) And I did get your "hint" btw. :)

Whew, that was almost longer than the story! Not that I mind! :) LOL