Disclaimer: These characters belong to Tolkien and every waking moment (in the shower, in my dreams, driving, getting dressed, shopping, etc.) I think about them and wish they were mine! Sad to say, I make no money from this story either! :(

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! :) In the words of Shirebound, " 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; Lilly Blackstar; kuramaswildfire; Lamoo and TrinityTheSheDevil. You have made me feel soooooooo purtiful 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! I must apologize for being extremely late in posting this latest chapter as well. I had a Psyche test last Thursday and a presentation this Thursday and report cards went out on Wednesday. . . so it has been "a bit" of a "hectic" week! And last, I'm sorry if this chapter seems a bit. . . rough! Because of the hectic week, I've not had a lot of time to get this written. I hope you still like it though. :)

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 Nineteen

Elladan looked around to determine their position. In the distance he could see small hills dotting the landscape and numerous rocks and boulders lay strewn all over the hillsides. The Old Road passed right through these hills. Once they reached them they would follow road over the mountains towards home.

They had ridden hard only stopping every now and then to check on Legolas' condition. The Elf had remained unconscious the entire time. Elladan clutched Legolas a little tighter to his chest as worry continued to course through him. Perhaps the only reason the prince had not woken was that he had not yet recovered from his previous injury. He fervently hoped this was so and they had not missed anything when they examined him.

He glanced to his left and tried to determine the condition of his human brother without him noticing. That was not easy to do for the young human was as stubborn as Legolas when it came to admitting any weakness. If he were caught he would surely be subjected to a tongue-lashing. His frown deepened when he saw the ranger slightly slumped over in the saddle. Weariness seemed to ooze out of his form and shadows had formed beneath his eyes. Elladan felt his worry spike even more.

He shook his head. It was a good thing daylight chased most foul creatures into the shelter of shadows and darkness. Should they meet trouble now they would definitely be at a disadvantage with Legolas unconscious and Estel not quite his normal self. He glanced at the ranger again, perhaps they should stop so Estel could rest. He needed to check Legolas again anyway.

The Elf tugged gently on his reins when they reached the faint remnants of the Old Road. Aragorn and Elrohir continued forward a few paces before they noticed he had stopped.

"What is it Elladan? Is something wrong with Legolas?" the ranger's voice rose in tightly controlled panic.

"Nay Estel, do not worry. His condition had not changed. I merely stop to check how he fares." *And so you can rest as well* He added the last sentence in his mind only. His brother would certainly not appreciate being coddled.

Aragorn's eyes narrowed suspiciously. He had a hunch that was not the only reason for Elladan's halt but he held his tongue. His brother was only looking after for him. Besides, even if he did protest, Elrohir would back up his twin and when they both ganged up on him, there was no winning an argument.

Before either twin could protest, Aragorn dismounted and moved to Elladan's side. With gentle care he pulled Legolas into his arms and laid him on the ground.

Elrohir gathered the reins and tied the horses to a nearby tree as Elladan knelt next to Aragorn. He spoke softly in Aragorn's ear for even in daylight he was loath to draw attention to them. "He sleeps a healing sleep now Estel, though long his sleep has been."

Aragorn shrugged, "His injuries must have been more grievous than we knew, but yes, I think his Elven healing has kicked in. The wound at his side looks much better. Already has it begun closing." He continued to run his hand over the prince's body, checking his other injuries." Satisfied, the ranger sat back on heels and studied Legolas' face intently.

"Estel."

The ranger fixed his gaze on Elladan expectantly.

"You should take some rest."

He started to protest but was stopped before the words had left his mouth.

"Do not argue brother. I can see the weariness in you. It is pulling you down. Even though you did not receive a grievous wound, the poison has sapped much of your strength. You must rest if you are to recover fully."

Seeing his brother's face harden, he changed tactics feeling a twinge of guilt for using Legolas. Alas, he had not a choice for his brother would otherwise refuse to rest. "You will be of no help to Legolas if you do not rest."

The ranger frowned at his brother's words then felt a hand clasp his shoulder gently. He watched Elrohir hunker down next to him. Aragorn pursed his lips together to keep from groaning. He was pretty sure what was going to happen next.

"Elladan is right Estel, you must take some rest. It is not yet midday and we still have enough daylight left to cross the pass."

Aragorn let out a heavy sigh and his shoulders slumped in defeat. There it was, the twins had ganged up on him, quite efficiently he might add. With both of them working against him, there was just no way he could avoid doing what they wanted. It was not worth the effort and the bit about helping Legolas did little to fuel his protests.

"Very well. But do not expect me to pass the day in slumber for I will not! I will take but a short rest, then we will continue on our way." His voice was fierce yet soft.

Elrohir nodded in agreement, "Agreed, only for a little while. We will not let you sleep long."

Highly agitated, Aragorn stretched out next to his friend and closed his eyes. He glanced at his brothers to see what they were doing. Both had left him and now sat a little ways off talking quietly amongst themselves. Aragorn cocked his head trying to pick up their conversation but he could not make out the words. He finally gave up and settled his gaze on the clouds drifting lazily overhead. Their fluffy whiteness almost looked like a solid surface on which one could walk.

The gentle clouds calmed his mind as he continued to watch them floating overhead. Aragorn felt his lids growing heavy and he tried to blink the sleep away. His efforts were in vain for the last thing he remembered before he fell asleep was a particularly large cloud that looked exactly like an Oliphant.

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The gentle shaking pulled Aragorn from his dreams. He blinked several times before his vision cleared, finally coming to rest on the figure looming over him. His eyes widened in surprise and it took him a moment to find his voice. "Legolas! You are awake! How do you fare?"

The Elf was leaning over him, one hand on his shoulder. A small smile graced his face as he straightened.

"I am well Aragorn, you need not worry about me." Legolas easily changed the subject. "You are hard to wake my friend. Perhaps I shall let you sleep longer?" The elf raised his eyebrows in mock seriousness.

The ranger scowled, "Nay! I do not need to sleep any longer." He looked at his friend, a wicked glint in his eye, "You forget, I was not the one who slept the entire way here!"

Legolas laughed easily, "Very well Aragorn, you have me there. I shall no longer tease you about your human weaknesses." He grinned at the ranger wickedly.

Aragorn only shook his head and laughed. He and Legolas could carry on endlessly but they must not. They must make haste to Rivendell.

He let the Elf pull him up then took a moment to work the stiffness out of his legs. Elladan appeared at his side and he noticed the smile on his brother's face did not quite reach his eyes as he studied him.

"Are you well Estel?"

"I am fine brother. Do not worry about me. It is our friend here who gives us constant cause for worry." He put his hand on Legolas' shoulder.

With as much royal dignity as he could muster, Legolas looked at Elladan and rolled his eyes. "As I said before Aragorn, I am fine." He stressed the last word emphatically.

The ranger glanced at Elladan but his twin only shrugged. Making his mind up quickly, Aragorn grabbed Legolas' arms and tried to get him to sit on the ground.

The Elf resisted, "What are you doing Aragorn?"

"I only want to see for myself that you are as well as you say."

Legolas knew the ranger needed to be convinced, otherwise he would have to endure yet another examination by one of Lord Elrond's sons. He said gently, "Your brothers have already seen to my wounds my friend. In fact, I have spent more time than I care to being examined by them while you slept. I am fine."

Seeing Aragorn narrow his eyes at his words he quickly amended his statement, "Or at least, well on my way to being fine. Really Aragorn, I don't know who is worse at mothering, you or your brothers! You are all most certainly, the sons of Lord Elrond!"

The ranger finally relented. He knew his brothers had been taught well by their father in the art of healing even as he had been instructed. He trusted their skills implicitly. If they had examined Legolas and treated him then that was good enough for him.

"Very well. I shall not subject you to another examination," He looked at the Elf mischievously, "this time!"

Legolas let out a soft sigh but did not answer. Why did it seem that whenever he and Aragorn traveled together they always met with some sort of trouble? Being injured was no fun, especially around Aragorn and the twins. They would smother him with attention and coddle him worse than an Elfling. It could be quite annoying! One would think he had lost his Elven grace with all the injuries he had sustained recently, and falling out of a tree! It did not matter how startled he had been, he could not believe he had actually fallen. Reluctantly, his thoughts strayed to Beleth and his expression grew serious. All these long years, he thought him dead. He could not believe that the vile creature anxious to slay him was the same Elf he knew in his younger days.

Aragorn watched Legolas' face grow more somber by the moment. Luckily for the Elf, he was spared further comment from the ranger when he saw Elrohir leading the horses towards them. The twin called out merrily, "Are you three ready, or do you wish to spend what light remains in conversation?"

Elladan let out a cry of protest, "Nay brother! It is not I with a loose tongue, but these two!" He gestured towards Legolas and Aragorn with his thumb.

With visible effort, Legolas turned his thoughts outward. It took him a moment before he noticed that Aragorn was steering him towards Aslathon. Realization dawned on him.

"Aragorn, I am capable of riding my own steed."

"Ai! Must we go through this yet again my friend? I do not think you shall win the argument for I have Elladan and Elrohir on my side as well!" He looked over at the twins for support.

Elladan nodded his head and spoke gently, "You should not yet ride alone Legolas. Though I do not think Estel is ready to tax himself so, I am sure he will insist you ride with him."

Legolas glanced at Aragorn sharply, "What does your brother mean Aragorn? Why should you not tax yourself?" The Elf studied his friend closely. Lines of fatigue were etched on the ranger's face and fading shadows were still visible beneath his eyes. The way Aragorn moved his left arm stiffly set warning bells off in his mind. All was not as well with his friend as he claimed. And here Aragorn was mothering him!

The ranger merely shook his head and nudged Legolas forward.

With doubtful hope, the prince looked at Elrohir for help but found him chuckling softly in amusement. He should have known he would get no help from the son of Elrond.

Exasperated, he gave in, "Fine. But I can mount on my own!" The words were tight and clipped.

Aragorn almost cringed. Legolas was angry. Angry with himself for his own injuries and angry with the twins and himself for their protectiveness. Sometimes he forgot that because his friend was a strong and independent warrior, anything that caused him to lose even a little of that independence was disturbing to the Elf.

He ignored the glare Legolas shot his way as he mounted his horse in back of the Elf. Before he could settle himself comfortably a soft nose nuzzled his side accompanied by a distraught whinny. Startled, he looked to the left to find Legolas' horse nudging him nervously.

Legolas smiled in spite of his annoyance and leaned over. He gently patted the horse's neck pulling its head away from the ranger's side. He spoke in its ear softly, "I am well my friend, you need not worry. Soon shall I be able to ride you once more." The Elf's soothing voice calmed the agitated animal immediately and it nickered softly in response.

Legolas continued to speak to the horse for several moments and when he was done, Nimrothuniel tossed his head and moved behind the ranger's horse waiting for them to begin. The Elf's horse would need no further prompting to follow his master.

Aragorn watched his friend with amusement. His smile did not disappear when the Elf shot him another angry glare. Instead he urged his horse to an easy gallop followed by Elladan and Elrohir.

The ranger glanced at the sky worriedly. If they rode hard, they should be able to cross over the pass and reach the other side by dusk. That is, if they did not meet any trouble on they way. Hopefully, the danger would be left behind. He pushed away his dark thoughts and concentrated on the road ahead.

TBC...

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Kelly Neptunus: Thanks! *blushes* People have said that before but it's always nice to hear it again! :) LOL

Gwyn: Many times I've even stayed up REALLY late just to finish a story. I'm so glad you enjoyed my story so much that it kept you up that late! ;) You must have been a zombie the next day huh???? LOL

Jessie-Greenleaf: Well I'm glad you wrote a review now! :) LOL Yes I agree about the 18 chapters. I too have read stories and at the end of each cliffy I get to go "Nice cliffy. . . next chapter!" LOL It's great isn't it! But, when you catch up to the chapters, THE CLIFFIES DROVE YOU NUTS! I've actually gotten a few death threats from some of my cliffies, though I'm honored to receive them! :D I do not think my cliffies are as bad as some of those that I've read though. Anyway, I'm glad you like the story!

Xandra: LOL I try to write faster, real life just keeps interfering! As to tips on writing secrets, hmmmm. The only thing I can really think of at the moment is when you write dialogue between the characters, try to keep the speech "old". You know, the way the characters would speak for the time they live in. Don't have them using contemporary speech, you know like Leggy saying something like "Cool man!" LOL It is not as believable because the reader knows these characters did not really talk like that. I think that is the best piece of advice I can give you about writing a story. It is not easy to do but practice makes perfect! :) Hope that helps. ;)

Bubbles:LOL You're review mad me laugh! It is hard to make reviews unique and different isn't it? The bread with caviar was definitely unique!!! :P So, I think you managed quite nicely! I like the fudge sundae much better! :)I hope you like this chapter! :)

TrinityTheSheDevil: That's ok, I pout too, all the time! LOL. But. . . *runs like mad!* I'm not gonna stick around any longer when writing your review comment cause I heard that last arrow whiz right past my ear!!! LOL *keeps running till I'm a dark spec on the horizon and shouts when she gets there* I HOPE YOU LIKE THIS NEXT CHAPPY. BUT. . . IT'S KINDA HARD TO WRITE WHEN DODGING ARROWS! :D LOL

Isilwen-Telpefion: I'm sorry I left you hanging so long but real life just won't leave me alone! I have to say though, the Leggy on top bit really got my fingers moving fast over the keyboard!!! I usually try to update every weekend but since the end of the semester and the end of the school year is coming, many of my projects are due and paperwork at school is having to be turned in. So I'm doing double duty as a teacher and student. :( I graduate with my Masters May 9 though so hopefully I can devote more time to writing than homework!!! :D You are welcome for the e-mail. Did I put your fears to rest??? :) Hmmm, your coat is quite nice but. . . don't you remember how fast plot bunnies multiply????

Lamoo: I'm glad you like the story so far! It's always nice to get reviews from people that have been lurking for awhile! Thanks for taking the time! :)

Shauna: Ok, that's it! *Drum music rolls. . . Voice speaks over the loudspeakers. . ." And the Golden Fortune Teller Globe goes toooooooooo SHAUNA! Ok, now you have two awards for your mantle!!! Yes, this is a bit of the lull between and yes, they are FINALLY on their way home again!!!!! Yay! It's taken long enough huh????? It's a good thing Leggy is an elf or I think his whole head would be gray from Aragorn's antics!!! LOL Well, sorry to say, there's not much of a cliffy here either. But I'm quite sure with your fortune telling abilities you should be able to figure out something! :D And btw...for shame, for shame! You are reading instead of doing homework???? Well *shakes head* I do the same thing all the time too! LOL ;)

Elentari Manwe: No need for apologies since you reviewed this chapter! :) Thanks btw! NOT hurt Leggy??? Hmmmmm, that will be quite hard! LOL

kuramaswildfire: Thanks for adding me to you list of favorites! I'm soooo glad you like this story that much! :) Wow! THREE AM???? You would definitely be a zombie the next day!!!! I'm not quite sure how much longer it will take them to get to Rivendell. These plot bunnies just won't leave me alone! :D That does sound like an interesting reason Leggy always gets into trouble! I've never heard it before. But, don't you just love that he always manages to find trouble!? ;)

Fantasia: I'm not sure if I included Uruk-Hai, just orcs. As for the orcs seeming a bit different, I haven't quite explained that thoroughly yet though I probably will before the story is over. :) Glad you liked the chapter. :)

CartDi: Uh oh! I definitely didn't mean to cause you a panic attack! LOL Hope this one settles you somewhat! ;)

blazes_one_and_only: I usually try to update over the weekend but things have been so hectic for me lately that I haven't been able to do it. I've only got two more major things to worry about in class so I'm hoping to get back to my regular schedule real soon! Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. I'm glad you like this story so much! :)

orion: Wow! You're enthusiasm is catching! *smiles broadly* Glad you like the story! :)

Legolasluver: Yeah, he can be a bit of a klutz sometimes but it suits the purpose! LOL Without that he'd never get hurt then we'd never have any angst! ;)

Aemilia Rose: I'd never make Leggy be not ok! I just like to torture him a bit!!! LOL I see you like trees just like Karri! :)

Pilot3001: The twins are gems aren't they?! ;) I like them too!

Goma-Ryu: Woo Hoo! A whole 24 pack! Diet of course!!!! Here's another chappy for you! :)

Anime Soccer Lobos: Yeah, Aragorn "convieniently" forgets that HE doesn't like to be coddled when he's hurt, yet he still does it to Leggy! Makes for some pretty touching moments though! I too think that all four have the Blame Myself Syndrome! LOL Here's some more of Aragorn forgetting what it's like to be coddled! :)

andrea: I try very hard to update somewhat consistently although I've not been able to recently. But I will still try as long as my readers are forgiving when I cannot! :) I have not written any other LOTR stories however, I do plan on writing more once I've finished this one. :) I'm glad you like this one so much! ;)

sabercrazy: Man, I bet some people that read these stories and our reviews think we are all a bunch of sadistic people. LOL! So many of us just LOVE to see our dear Elf being tortured don't we????LOL He does wear the color ANGST quite well though, don't you think??? LOL

Mirage: Feel absolutely free to repeat, repeat, repeat! I do not mind!!!! LOL Thanks for adding me to your favorites list! I'm honored! Oh yes, Elladan and Elrohir definitely have their hands full!!!!!

Lamiel: Thank you for the compliment! I'm glad you like it! :)

xsilicax: LOL! I think I would hate to get hurt around ANY of them!!! Hmmmm, on second thought, I think I'd LOVE to get hurt around all four of them! Especially Legolas! Then he can coddle me!!!! LOL Hey, you can't ride there! If you keep him from falling off and getting hurt, what would that do to all the angst!? LOL Since you seem to have lost your touch for hints too, here's another chapter! LOL

Shandrial: Never! I'll NEVER let the four stay out of trouble for long!!! LOL I love angst TOOOOOO much!!! LOL Yeah, I love my Leggy plushie by the way!!! LOL Quite an interesting little thing! LOL Merrylyn was sooo kind to let me borrow hers while mine is getting made by a Mirkwood seamstress! :)

O. B. I. M.: Happy ending??? Hmmmmmm. LOL Let me just say this, I don't believe in killing off ANY original characters from LOTR! *shakes head* Mmmmm mmmm! No way! Not this puppy! :)

Karri: Managed to get in a little about horses in this chappy! Hope you like. :)

Elenora: ROTFLMHO!!!!!! Crease in your behind! LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL! :D That was tooooooooooo funny!!!!!! Ok, I'm trying to get the chapters out there quicker! I wouldn't want your behind to become permanently creased! LOL :)

krisnkriss: No, they are not using the cloak as a bandage anymore. They now have the twins supplies to get "real" bandages from! LOL And of course, just physical angst is not enough for me! I've got to mentally torture the poor elf too! LOL Did you get my last e-mail? I was having a bit of trouble with it that is why it took me a few days to answer you. :)

Lady Jaina: Wow! A million times!! I'm thrilled you like my story that much! LOL Here's a new chappy to whet your appetite! ;)

Imbefaniel: Your bow's broken????? :( Ohhhh! How bout I send over Leggy to help you fix it??? Hmm, on second thought, I'll not send Leggy, I might not get him back! LOL How bout I send one of his friends???? I'm sure they could help you fix your bow. :) BTW. . . Happy Early birthday! :)

merrylyn: Here's some more of Elladan for you to feed your crush! LOL MUMMY! LOL Yes, that is the picture I intended! LOL ROTFLMHO at your Holy Crapola exclamation!!!! That was sooo funny! BTW. . . The Mirkwood seamstress is almost done with my Leggy plushie! Yay! As soon as she is I will have you inspect it to see if it is up to code! K????? I'll be sure to tell her to HURRY before another secret exclamation comes out, although I find them quite amusing! LOL I think that Gimli plushie is doing something to your mind!!! LOL As for my connection with "our blond god" I'm not saying a word! *shakes head emphatically* I have some secrets too! LOL Don't worry, the cloak I have NOT forgotten!!!! LOL :)

Whew! I think I got everyone! :)