Disclaimer: These characters belong to Tolkien and I only get to *wish* they were mine! 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; kelly; szhismine; and Lilly Blackstar. 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 I am soooooooo sorry that I'm a little late in posting this new chappy. Real life just wouldn't leave me alone! LOL

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 Eighteen

After his brother had ridden out of sight Elladan searched the banks looking for a spot that offered some concealment. He found a perfect spot a little ways upstream from where Elrohir had left him. As carefully as he could the elf dismounted and pulled Aragorn off his horse. He settled him in his arms and searched for a level place to lay him. When he found a suitable spot he laid the ranger on the soft grass and covered him with his cloak. Then he quickly set about securing the horses for a quick departure.

Elladan kept his hands busy hoping that if he did so he would not have to think about the dangers his twin and the prince may be facing. They could take care of themselves. In fact, they had been doing it for over two thousand years. The Elf shook his head. He really needed to stop worrying so much or he would go quite mad. With a rueful grin he realized he would never be free from worry. Not as long as he had a young human and Elrohir for brothers. Legolas, in fact, caused him a fair amount of worrying as well. Trouble seemed to find them all, no matter what they did.

He moved over to Aragorn again and checked him. He watched his chest rise and fall softly and noticed the color had returned to his face. The Elf rested the palm of his hand against Aragorn's forehead and breathed a silent prayer of thanks. No longer did his skin feel hot but naturally warm. The herbs had finally done their work.

A debate played in Elladan's mind whether or not he should make a small fire. If he knew Legolas at all, he would probably return with more injuries. Then he would need a fire to make healing teas and compresses. For that matter, his younger brother may need something to ease his pain when he woke as well. He looked around studying the surroundings. They had moved quite a distance from the cave and the darkness gave them reasonable cover. In fact, sunrise was not far off for the sky had already begun to lighten slightly. The Elf pushed his hesitation aside and kindled a small, smokeless fire. It would be best to be ready for anything than to be caught unprepared.

Elladan sat next to Aragorn and listened to the soft crackling of the fire. His eyes continued to scan the surroundings, constantly wary of danger until a gentle stirring at his side shifted his focus. He bent low over his brother and laid a hand on the ranger's chest speaking quietly in his ear, "All is well for the moment Estel, though you must remain quiet."

Aragorn groaned softly and gingerly probed his head with his fingers. The pounding had lessened but had not stopped completely. Moving his arm sharpened the dull ache in his left arm reminding him of his injury. With his right hand his fingers sought the source of the pain but Elladan caught his hand between his own.

"Do not touch it Estel. You will only loosen the bandage." He frowned as his brother tried to sit up taking note of the flash of pain that marred Aragorn's features. He knew his brother would not remain lying down so he helped the ranger sit up carefully and studied him for a long moment, "I will make you some tea Estel. It will lessen the pain in your arm and dull the headache."

Aragorn only nodded. He was still trying to shake the sleep from his mind and bring the world back into focus.

Seeing that the young human would be all right for the moment, the Elf quickly moved to the horses. He rummaged through his pack gathering the herbs and several other things he would need before he settled in front of the fire once again. He worked swiftly, his motions carrying with them a certain confidence that only came from being trained by his father Lord Elrond, the most skilled healer of all the Elves.

The fog finally lifted from Aragorn's mind and he looked around, his eyes searching for Elrohir and Legolas. He frowned when he could not find them. He questioned his brother in a raspy voice, "Tell me Elladan, where is our brother? Has he gone to find Legolas?"

Elladan's hands continued their work without missing a beat. He glanced at the ranger then returned to his task, "Yes, Elrohir has gone to look for the prince. They should return shortly."

Aragorn's eyes narrowed suspiciously, "How long did I sleep?"

The Elf glanced upwards, "You slept only a little while. The sun will soon rise though." He motioned to the lightening sky and shot the human a warning look, "Do not worry Estel, our brother will find Legolas. Though in what condition he will be in I cannot say." The last sentence was muttered so softly that Aragorn did not hear the words.

Elladan knelt next to Argorn and pressed a cup into his hands. "Drink this Estel. It will make you feel better."

The ranger eyed the drink then sniffed it with apprehension, "You did not slip something in here to make me sleep did you Elladan?" The little trick he had played on Legolas was still fresh in his mind.

The Elf laughed lightly, "No Estel, I did not. Though I think I soon shall if you continue to annoy me."

Aragorn felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth and he drank the tea without further comment. Just as he put the cup down he saw Elladan stop his motions and listen intently. The ranger cocked his head and listened as well hope shining in his eyes. Before long he too heard what had alerted the Elf. A rider was approaching. He could hear the hooves of a horse clicking softly on the rocks.

Elladan turned to the ranger, "Wait here Estel. I will see who is coming."

Aragorn started to protest but his brother was gone before he could find his voice. Adrenaline pumped through him making his heart pound as he moved swiftly to his horse. He snatched his sword from its scabbard then crouched in the tall grass and waited.

He soon heard hushed voices and realized they belonged to his brothers. Relief flooded through him and he hurried forward to greet them. Aragorn stopped short when he saw Legolas sagging limply in front of Elrohir, held upright only by the twin's arm around his waist.

"What has befallen Legolas?" His voice was barely a whisper but Elrohir's sharp hearing picked up the ranger's horrified whisper.

Elrohir stopped his horse next to the small fire. "I do not know Estel. I found him as you see him now. An orc would have slain him had I not shot it with my bow. Alas, I fear I did not kill the creature. It fled into the woods."

Elrohir gently lowered Legolas into the waiting arms of his twin. Aragorn wanted to help but Elladan would not allow him to strain himself so soon after recovering from his recent poisoning. He stood aside, frustration evident on his face at his inability to assist.

The twin carried the unconscious prince to the place Aragorn had previously occupied and laid him gently on the grass. He began inspecting Legolas' injuries even as the ranger hovered close, fear making him crowd Elladan.

"For Valar's sake Estel, give me some room to work!" Elladan chastised the ranger gently. Aragorn was too worried to take offense and moved back immediately.

Elrohir knelt next to his brother and spoke in a low voice, "He has injured his side again for it is bleeding and I think he has broken several ribs. He also has this cut on his head." Elrohir gently touched the prince's head where blood still oozed slowly from the gash. "I did not have time to treat him for I feared the creature would return with his companions at any moment."

Elladan had indeed been right about needing the fire. He drew little comfort from being right however, and focused instead on treating Legolas. The prince had become as dear to him as his brothers. "Elrohir, press your hands here. We must stop the bleeding. Estel, move over and let us work."

Aragorn bristled slightly at Elladan's words but he knew it was worry that sharpened his tone. He sat quietly near Legolas' head and brushed the blond locks off the elf's face watching his brothers tend to his friend.

Elrohir pressed gently but firmly on Legolas' side while Elladan treated his other injuries. When he was done, Elladan pulled Elrohir's hands away and peered at the wound. The bleeding had finally stopped. He cleaned it and smeared on a sweet smelling salve before wrapping a bandage around the prince's side.

"When he wakes Legolas will not be able to move for all the bandages." Elrohir could not resist a small laugh.

Elladan nodded his head in agreement and laughed softly as well, "He shall think Ada has been at work here."

Aragorn rolled his eyes at his brothers' antics, "I do not think Legolas will appreciate you laughing at his expense." He grew serious once again, "How is he Elladan?"

Elladan placed a comforting hand on Aragorn's shoulder, "He will soon be well Estel though I fear he shall be weaker than he will care to admit for awhile." He looked at his adopted brother closely, "How do you fare Estel?"

The ranger pondered this question for several minutes and finally decided to tell the truth, "My head no longer pains me though my arm is a bit stiff, but I am well." His brother nodded, satisfied for the moment. A soft groan caused Aragorn to glance sharply at his friend.

Legoals shifted slightly. His head felt like it was stuffed with molten lead and each breath he took hurt his ribs. He struggled to open his eyes for he could hear muffled voices above him. Little by little the voices became clearer and he realized he was lying on the ground surrounded by his friends.

Aragorn grabbed Legoals' hand and held it tightly between his own. He called softly to his friend, "Legolas. . . come Legolas, you must wake."

The prince finally managed to pry his lids open. He blinked several times trying to bring the face that hovered over him into focus. Slowly, his vision cleared and he smiled tiredly at Aragorn. Legolas opened his mouth to speak and was surprised to find he could not get his voice to work.

"Drink this my friend. It will ease your throat and help with the pain." Aragorn put his arm under Legolas' shoulders and lifted him slightly. Carefully he held the cup Elladan had given him to the Elf's lips urging him to drink.

Legolas took several small sips and immediately felt the warm liquid soothe his throat.

The ranger handed the cup back to his brother after Legolas signaled he did not want any more and gently eased him back. He leaned in close to hear Legolas' soft words.

"I think I am growing tired of this position Aragorn. Me on my back and you hovering over me like a mother protecting her young." He laughed lightly but the laugh soon turned into several moments of harsh coughing. Pain lanced up his spine as the coughing strained his ribs and his side.

Aragorn grew alarmed when the coughing did not stop and looked at his brothers silently asking for help. Elladan moved quickly, "Estel, we must help him sit up. It will ease the cough and make it easier for him to breathe." Together, Aragorn and Elladan lifted Legolas till he was sitting upright. Slowly, the coughs subsided and Legolas drew in ragged breaths. His head fell forward tiredly.

Elrohir pressed the cup into Aragorn's hands again. "He must drink all of it Estel if it is to help him."

The ranger nodded and turned back to his friend. "Legolas, you must finish this tea." He frowned when Legolas did not lift his head and glanced at Elladan.

"I fear he has lapsed into unconsciousness again Estel." Elladan looked at Aragorn, worry evident in his dark eyes.

His mouth set in a grim line, Aragorn moved carefully until he was behind Legolas, his legs on either side of him. He pulled the Elf against him gently until Legolas' head rested on his shoulder. The ranger placed his hand over the Elf's forehead holding Legolas' head securely against his shoulder. He lifted the cup to the Elf's lips and little by little he poured the liquid into Legolas mouth slowly trickling the drink down his throat. He continued to do this until the cup was empty. Satisfied, he handed it back to his brother then carefully wiped the Elf's chin with the edge of his sleeve.

He sat for several long moments holding Legolas against his chest. Aragorn was so tired. All he wanted to do was curl up in his warm bed at home and sleep. The ranger felt his lids growing heavy. The adrenaline that had kept him going had begun to taper off and tiredness pulled at his limbs. His head drooped forward until his forehead rested on Legolas' shoulder and his lids slowly drifted closed.

Elrohir watched the two friends silently. It was clear that both were extremely weary. He turned his head to look at his twin beside him.

Elladan met his gaze and whispered reluctantly, "We cannot remain here brother. I fear the creatures will find us."

"I know. I hate to wake our brother for he has only begun to recover from the effects of the poison." Elrohir reached out and brushed a stray lock of hair out of his brother's eyes.

Elladan nodded his head in agreement, "I too brother would have him rest if it were possible. But we must use the daylight to get as far from this place as possible." He looked at the sky as he spoke. The sun was just beginning to turn pink from the rising sun. He stood gracefully, "Come Elrohir, the pass is but half a day's ride from here. Let us make haste."

Elrohir nodded and shook the ranger's shoulder gently, "Estel, you must wake." He shook it again having received no response from the human, "Estel!"

Aragorn's eyes opened slowly. He fixed a questioning gaze on his brother's face.

The twin sighed inwardly at the weariness in the ranger's features. "We cannot remain here Estel. We must ride once more."

Aragorn passed his hand over his eyes trying desperately to rub away the tiredness. Elrohir reached for Legolas and slipped his arms under the unconscious elf. With quiet ease he lifted the limp form and carried Legolas over to his brother who was waiting on his horse.

The Elf lifted Legolas carefully and helped Elladan arrange him until he was positioned securely in front of him. When his brother had a firm grip around the prince's midsection Elrohir turned to his adopted brother and grasped his arm gently.

"Come Estel. Are you ready?"

The ranger nodded and mounted his tall horse with less than his usual grace. He turned to find both the twins frowning at him. "What?" His voice was puzzled and held a hint of annoyance. He had a feeling he knew what they were going to say.

Elladan spoke first, "You cannot yet ride unaided Estel. The poison has weakened you too much."

Aragorn shook his head irritably, "Nay brother. I will be fine. Let us ride for the sun has now risen and we should not waste the light." He flicked the reins and nudged his horse forward leaving the twins staring after him in frustration.

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Lilly Blackstar: I'm glad you took the time to review. And for adding me to your favorites list! :) Thanks! :) Here's another chappy for ya!

sol-nemesis: I'm sure glad you didn't completely forget me! LOL Glad to have you back ;)

Eclipse: Thanks so much for your many kind words. I'm glad you've enjoyed this story so far. I hope you continue to do so. :)

krisnkriss: Ha ha! I see you are a glutton for punishment like me! LOL I definitely torutured our poor Elf this chappy hmmm? LOL Yes, I'm a teacher and you can ask me questions about it anytime you'd like. :) I always like to help out those that are going in to the profession and tell them things that no one ever told me before I started teaching. So yeah, fire away! :)

legolasluva: Ooooh, the twins are simply wonderful aren't they?! :) Yeah, here's more angst, angst, angst for you! I love that word! I love angst for Leggy, angst for Aragorn, angst, angst, angst! :) LOL

Helms_deep2234: I try really hard to update every weekend but sometimes it is just so hard. I've got a test this Thursday so that set me back on my update this week. :( But, I finally got this new chappy up and I'm only two days late. :) Hope you like it. ;)

sabercrazy:Yeah, they are a mess, mess, mess! I sure like them that way don't you???? LOL As for Beleth, I don't know how much I will delve into that storyline in this story. *shrugs* Does the word backburner have any meaning??? LOL Hope you like this chappy.

Goma-Ryu: Wow, a whole 24 pack just for me! :) Cool! But, I hate to tell you, they are ALL GONE by now! I was so busy this week typing, studying and running around that I had to drink the whole shibang in one pop and now I'm ready for more. Do I get more after this chappy??? LOL :)

blazes_one_and_only: Well, I'm sure glad you got back into LOTR stories with mine! I'm quite flattered and glad you like my story! Hope you like this chappy. :)

LOTRFaith: I'm not sure how much I'll tell about Beleth in this story. I might save that for another story. But who knows????? LOL I'm happy you like this story so much! :)

Elven Maiden: Well, I think you might just like this chappy cause I really did a number on Leggy! Awwww, poor him huh? Don't you just want to kiss all his boo boos??? Well, you can't cause I get to do it first! LOL I'm glad you're enjoying this story so much! ;)

andrea: I'm not exactly sure how many more chapters there are to go. I just kinda go with the flow although I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. :) Now. . . if only those darn plot bunnies would just leave me alone! :D

CartDi: I laughed when you said you almost had a panic attack! LOL I didn't know I could do that to people! LOL Hope you don't panic too much in this chappy. :)

Earendilstar: Oh, I'm not surprised at how many people just love to see our beautiful Elf in agony, are you? Especially, since I'm one of them! :D Just like you. ;)

Elantari Manwe: *evil chuckle and looks around innocently* Hurt Leggy???? HURT LEGGY???? WHO???? ME?????? Naaaaaaah, I'd NEVER hurt Leggy! *an even more evil grin and wicked laughter* I'm not HURTING him, I'm just toying with him a little! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOL!!!! ;) Thanks for the kind words and I hope you like this chappy too! :)

Sporky Doom: LOL Tape on your computer???? LOL I'm flattered you'd go to such measure to remind yourself to read my story! ;) Thanks for the compliment about adapting to Tolkien's style. It means a lot to me! :) Hope you like the next chappy here. :)

Shauna: Hee hee! Maybe I should have given you the Golden Fortune Teller Globe to go along with your Pain Of Death award huh????? LOL Of course Leggy has to slip up. . . That's what makes him so wonderfully satisfying to torture and write angst for huh????!! LOL And as for him ever learning, I'm kinda glad he's not too bright about that cause then we'd never get angst! And I just love angst!!!! :)Yeah, you pretty much hit the nail on the head with the whole Beleth thing although I don't think I'm gonna delve too deep into that storyline in this story though. Maybe in another??? I think poor Aragorn will be peeved at the Elf AFTER he gets better! His vulnerability always pulls at Aragorn's heart strings. :) MINE TOO!!!! ;) Thanks for the wonderful review Shauna! Hope you continue to enjoy this story. :)

Anime Soccer Lobos: Hmmm, a prequel. . . I've actually thought about it but I'm not sure yet. I have to give more thought to that one. In the meantime, I hope you like this chappy and thanks for the review! :)

szhismine: LOL, thanks for adding me to your list! And yup, your reviews are turning up! Hopefully that glitch has been taken care of! I hope you continue to enjoy this story. :)

O. B. I. M. : I'd love to become a professional writer! That would be simply awesome. But alas, real life takes precedence. Although, I'd seriously like to devote more time to writing when I'm off this summer. *mumbles humbly with blush on face* I've actually had a couple of poems I've written published in a couple of books and was extremely excited about that. But I've never tried submitting anything else. Thanks for the compliment though! :)

Elenora: LOL I thinks ALL my reviewers like angst, especially when it's for Leggy! LOL Thanks for the review Elenora! ;)

Imbefaniel: Wow! You made a longbow yourself????? I bet Orlando Bloom would be sooo impressed! Maybe he could teach you how to make your own arrows??!! On second thought, how bout we just transport you to Middle Earth so Leggy himself can teach you??? How's that sound?????? ;) Happy Early Birthday or Late in case I missed it. I just had one myself on the last day of March. Time is slipping by too fast I say! Oh well, what can we do?? Glad you like the story, here's a new chappy for ya!

merrylyn:LOL! I'm laughing my tail off here at your surprise merrylyn! It was just too funny! Holy Crapola!? That's a new one I've never heard before! LOL Too funny!!!! :) I really hugged your Leggie Plushie super hard this chapter, that's for sure! But I'm not ready to give him back just yet k??? LOL Gimli Plushie????????? Ooooh, THAT I'd love to see! LOL I can only imagine the noise that thing makes when you squeeze it! More like a grunt of annoyance??? ROTFLMHO!!! I tell you what, since I have personal connections with our blond god, I will see if he can get his seamstress from Ithilien to make me my own Leggy Plushie??? And she will have to get clearance from you that it meets all Leggie standards. Do you think that would work out ok???? LOL Anyway, so glad you liked that chappy. Hope you like this one too although you're gonna start screaming at me to give you back your plushie after it! LOL I'm glad you like the fight scenes too cause they are sooooooo HARD to write! Uuugh! LOL Harness! I can see that picture in my mind quite clearly!!!!! :D Keep that dramatic music playing for our poor cloak. It is gone but NOT forgotten! LOL Guess what, that candle worked wonders! I got a 94% on my paper, Yay!!!!! Thanks! :)And btw. . . the Leggy Plushie didn't shrink at all. I think it's all that Elven magic! ;)

xsilicax:ROTFLMHO at you sucking the poison from Aragorn's wound! You are too funny! Will anyone have a cloak left??? LOL I think merrylyn would have enjoyed that comment immensly! And I did get your "subtle" hint! :) Here's a new chappy for ya!

Lady Jaina: I think when it comes to angst we are ALL evil! LOL I truly hope you like this new chappy too. :)

Shandrial: Yeah, I THINK I got the hang of this dot to dot but I'm not quite sure yet. :) Here's the next chappy with LOTS of angst! :)

Fatasia: I would think all orcs look different just like people. In LOTR and TTT all of the orcs were so different looking from each other. Yeah, UGLY, but different ugly! LOL And I also think that an orc would remember his previous life too. The torture and mutilation he/she would have undergone to make them an orc would have twisted them and their feelings. It would have made them hate everything good, especially Elves who are the embodiment of everything good and light. That's why they torture Elves and hate them soooo much. Anyway, that is what I think about this. :) Thanks for the review. :)

Kirsten: Aaaah, the mental aguish can be just as angsty as the physical can it not?? ;) I'll definitely give that one some serious consideration! Glad you like the story! :)

Karri: You know, when I wrote this I debated long and hard about actually writing that particular element into the story. I had always felt negatively about Elves being transformed too, but after all the many stories I've read here at FF I've sort of changed my way of thinking about that. I've read several stories that have dealt with that particular issue in such a way as to make it believable and realistic. I can't remember them offhand but I've read them all the same. So I decided to just take the plunge and write that little tidbit into my story. I'm so glad that even though you do not care for that part, you have not let it turn you off to the rest of the story. :) Thanks for the review and honesty! :) I hope you like this next chappy. :)