Disclaimer: The characters you recognise belong to that Tolkien chappy. The others are mine.
***********
PART THREE: THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR
Aragorn had been summoned. With feelings of slight trepidation he knocked on the door of the king's private study and was bade enter.
The king sat behind a large desk created by the branch of a living oak tree, which also formed the main strut supporting the roof. Birds flew freely above his head and parchment, ink and quills surrounded him.
Thranduil gestured to one of two carved wooden chairs and Aragorn sat down. No sooner had he done so, then the door was opened again and Legolas joined them, his arm supported by a sling strapped closely to his body following the 'accident' earlier in the day.
'Greetings father, you wanted to see me?' Seeing the parchments scattered around he added 'Drawing up battle plans again?'
Thranduil was not amused. He raised his eyebrows and inclined his head towards Aragorn and the second chair. 'Uh-oh', said Legolas. The king had not spoken but it was clear that he was not best pleased. Aragorn and Legolas exchanged a fleeting glance as the prince obediently took his seat.
The king stood up. 'I understand you were hurt this morning Legolas?'
'It's nothing. It barely troubles me at all.'
'Enough to require a sling, it seems.' He turned to Aragorn. 'And you, you also seem to be amassing a number of injuries recently'. Aragorn started to speak but the king raised a hand to silence him 'and don't go telling me that that cut were sustained shaving. I know an arrow wound when I see one.' He looked at Legolas as he spoke making it clear whom he held responsible for the ranger's facial injury. At least Legolas had the good sense to attempt to look contrite, although Aragorn severely doubted that he was in any way sorry for his actions.
The king was not swayed by his son's pitiful look, he was just beginning his tirade and Aragorn had never seen an elf loose his temper quite as completely as Thranduil was about to demonstrate. The king leant across his desk slamming his fist down so hard that it caused the ceiling to shake and Aragorn to jump involuntarily. 'How could you be so irresponsible Legolas?' The prince didn't answer, as he knew from experience that no reply was expected, nor was he allowed the time to interject anyway. He met the blazing eyes of his father as he continued. 'I'm sure I don't need to remind you that these are dark times in Greenwood. I need to be sure that all of my warriors are fit for battle and not putting themselves out of action fighting petty squabbles!' His voice rose to a crescendo, 'and yet you . . . you think nothing of picking a fight with a. . . with a man no less!' He paused for breath and lowered his voice. 'Look at him Legolas' he gestured towards Aragorn 'he is but a child!'
Aragorn felt affronted by this slight, his own ire was beginning to rise and strangely he felt an inclination to defend the prince, as it was he not Legolas, who had picked the fight. Legolas sensed Aragorn's mood next to him and caught his eye with a warning look giving a subtle shake of his head that served to hold Aragorn back.
The king hadn't finished. 'Well, since you are not going to be of any use around here for a few days, Legolas, I'm sending you on an errand.' It dawned on Legolas what the piles of parchments on his father's desk were. 'Please, you would not have me deliver the trade agreements, Father?'
'It is the least that you deserve. A couple of days amongst men will do you good - and you can take this one with you.' Aragorn's jaw dropped. When he was summoned he hadn't expect to be insulted then ordered off on some mission by the King of Mirkwood. The king glared at him. 'Something you wanted to say ranger?'
It was reluctantly agreed that they would leave straight after the mid-day meal and aim to reach Mirkwood's southernmost outpost by nightfall. As Legolas headed off grumbling to sort out supplies for the journey, Aragorn was left behind to wait for the parchments.
'You do not object to going with Legolas?' the king asked as he rolled the parchments and applied the royal seal. His countenance had returned to normal and anyone who hadn't witnessed it would not believe that this was the same elf that had the trees shaking only moments before. Aragorn didn't know how to reply. In truth he did not look forward to three days in the princes' company. He was not sure if the peace they had begun to forge that morning would last that long - especially if Legolas continued to scar him at every opportunity. But that was not an answer a father would wish to hear about his son and certainly not one to give to a king, particularly one prone to explosive outbursts. 'It was my fault he was injured this morning. If not for my companionship, the prince may be grateful for my protection.'
The king laughed. 'Even with one arm incapacitated, Legolas is more than match for any man or beast on the road.' Aragorn was well aware of this fact after the incident with his knife and what was left of the tip of his right ear. 'Yet, your chivalry is to be admired.'
The king sealed the last parchment and gathering them all together placed them in a bag and handed it to the ranger. 'Don't judge him too harshly Aragorn. He is an elf out of time.' Aragorn looked questioningly at the king. The king explained. 'Legolas came into this world too late for in his heart he is of the First Age. Had he lived then, I oft wonder if evil would have taken such a hold on Middle Earth. As it is, in this time of men he can only offer his fealty to such men that earn his respect. There are not many that can or will but I think you may be one of them.' This was an unexpected speech and one that would puzzle Aragorn for sometime to come. It seemed that the royal family of Mirkwood had expectations of him that he wasn't sure he could meet.
***
Just after the sun had passed its apex in the sky, the two companions rode out of the palace heading south. As soon as they were out of sight of the king and his healers, Legolas had shed his sling. He had also categorically refused to leave his bow behind even though with his strained shoulder he could not draw it without aggravating the injury further. When Aragorn had questioned him about the wisdom of his actions, the prince had replied that should they happen to meet any foes on the road, it wouldn't be wise to appear weak. Aragorn could see the logic of this statement but as the journey went on, he could not fail to notice how the elf was favouring his left arm and appeared to be in significant discomfort. Seeing this sent twinges of guilt through the ranger, not because Legolas hadn't deserved to brought down a peg or two, but because he had had to resort to dirty fighting tactics to achieve it and Aragorn had genuinely not intended to cause him any lasting pain. He was also still reeling from Thranduil's lecture. Having witnessed Legolas' fighting skill Aragorn didn't doubt the archer's skill would be sorely missed if Mirkwood was called upon to defend itself. He consoled himself with thoughts of the twins left in Mirkwood who would lend their not insufficient skills to Thranduil's army if need be.
'The King was pretty angry.' He stated matter-of-factly.
'Ai' replied Legolas without looking round.
'Does he always turn purple like that?' Now he had Legolas' attention. He turned his head and looked at the ranger thoughtfully. Aragorn held his gaze sorely tempted to laugh but unsure of the prince's reaction.
'No' Legolas' face was deadpan. He continued. 'Usually red is his favoured colour.' His face broke into a mischievous grin. 'I did observe, Aragorn, that your face also had a shade of puce about it when father referred to you as a child.'
'I must admit to feeling a little annoyed at that' acknowledged Aragorn 'but I guess that in an elf's scheme of things, I am a little, shall we say young? You really ought to pick on someone your own age.'
Legolas laughed 'Of course, you do realise that he was angrier with me for allowing a mere "child" to win the fight than any concern for your well-being?'
Aragorn acknowledged that was probably true. 'Speaking of well-being Legolas, how is your shoulder?'
'It troubles me not', came the reply that would have convinced most people but not the ranger whose experience with the healing arts had taught him to spot the nuances that gave away pain. A look in the eye, subtle loss of grace, a sharpening of breath, were often the only way to tell with an elf whose stubborn pride made him want to appear invincible. He was beginning to see that Legolas was a stubborn elf of the worse kind.
***
A bird sang out in the distance. 'I guess that means we're nearly there' stated Aragorn. Legolas smiled. He was impressed by the rangers' ability to distinguish real birdcalls from those imitated by his people. Not a skill possessed by many humans. By way of confirmation the two travellers suddenly found their way blocked by three elves standing in their path, bows draw and aimed directly at Aragorn's head.
'Friend or foe?' questioned the tallest of the three. The question was asked of Legolas yet was clearly about Aragorn. A man travelling with an elf looked suspicious in Mirkwood at the best of times, but when it was Prince Legolas himself, it wasn't any wonder that these warriors were apprehensive. 'Lower your weapon Demallion, he is no foe.' The warrior complied with the order and his companions did likewise.
'You always did choose strange company Thranduillion, but a man?' said Demallion casting a disparaging look in Aragorn's direction. 'Yes, where did you find this one' asked another. 'Looks like you dredged him out of the swamp.' The three elves enjoyed the joke, not realising that the ranger spoke their language. Legolas quirked an eyebrow, he was going to enjoy this. 'What say you Aragorn?' he asked in his companion in the common tongue. 'Only that it was I who first found you in a swamp'. After their initial shock at discovering the man had understood their ridicule of him, they laughed heartily at the joke that had now been turned on to the prince.
***
The two travelling companions had set out again early the next day having spent the evening in the company of the small band of elves. By mid-morning they had reached a small farming community on the southern most border of Mirkwood where the king's business was quickly taken care of. By all account it was a good day, the weather was glorious, the humans had been most amicable and even the elf seemed to be content despite his initial reluctance to enter this land of men. It was after Aragorn and Legolas had said their goodbyes and were about to mount their horses to leave that the trouble began.
Trouble took the form of a small band of horsemen who came galloping into the corral. They were an impressive looking group dressed from head to toe in black, gold-studded leather and long red capes that skirted the ground. Their faces were clean-shaven and their skin brown from exposure to the sun.
They abruptly stopped their horses a few feet short of where Aragorn and Legolas stood showering them in with a cloud of dust. Aragorn shot them a glare as he brushed himself down, whilst Legolas expressed his annoyance with a few choice words in Quenyan, causing Aragorn to snigger. The combination of responses caught the attention of the leader of the new arrivals. He turned to the duo taking them in with an appraising stare.
'You got something to say elf, then say it so we can all understand' he hissed with obvious distain for the noble being who stood before him. Aragorn cringed, with Legolas injured as he was, and being outnumbered 6 to 1, the last thing they needed was to get into a fight. 'Peace, my friend, we do not desire trouble'. The leader now turned his attention to Aragorn, a wicked, and somewhat lopsided grin, crossing his face. 'Well, perhaps if you apologise to me and my friends for getting in our way, we might go easy on you.' Any hopes that Aragorn had for diffusing the situation were quickly dashed as the elf prince's voice was heard above the taunting laughter of the men that followed their leader's comment. 'I said that you were brainless idiots who were not fit to ride mules.'
A dozen pairs of angry eyes shot towards the elf. 'Obviously your friend does desire trouble' the leader growled at Aragorn whilst keeping his eyes locked with those of Legolas. Aragorn sent Legolas a pleading look but it went unseen and unheeded.
'I do not like elves' spat the man. 'You think you are so much better than us mere mortals don't you?'
'It is as nature ordained' replied the elf matter of factly.
'Show him who's better Teremoth' came a shout from the rank of men, quickly followed by murmurs of approval from his comrades. The man they called Teremoth faced the prince square on as he issued a challenge 'You will meet me here in one hour with your choice of weapon, we will soon see who is the better.' With that he turned his back on the elf and headed off towards the nearby buildings swept along by his entourage of cheering men.
Aragorn and Legolas watched them go. 'Well that was dumb' said Aragorn.
'Indeed it was' replied Legolas, 'it is not wise to challenge the Eldar'.
'I wasn't referring to him' answered the ranger.
***
A short while later, Aragorn approached Legolas as he sat honing his long white knives. 'Where have you been' enquired the elf on sensing rather than seeing the ranger standing behind him. 'Trying to negotiate our way out of this. Unfortunately, Teremoth is just as bull-headed and prideful as you. Nothing but your royal blood will appease him'. Legolas glared at him angrily until Aragorn answered the hidden question. 'No, I didn't tell him who you were.' Legolas turned back to the task at hand. 'Good. I will have the satisfaction of letting him know who ended his miserable life, just before I slice his throat.' Aragorn rolled his eyes. 'And the fact that your right arm is nigh on useless just now won't stop you?' Legolas leapt to his feet and faced Aragorn square on. 'Would you like to discover the folly of that statement?' he snarled bringing up the point of his knife to Aragorn's ear. Aragorn sighed in resignation. 'I'm only concerned that you return to Mirkwood in one piece.' Legolas smiled and sheathed his knife. 'You're only concerned that you won't have to tell my father that I have been killed by a man.' Aragorn laughed 'Now that does concern me'. He grasped Legolas by his good shoulder in mock seriousness 'Don't kill him unless you have to, or we'll both have to face Thranduil and tell him why war has been declared on Mirkwood, and worse, why he won't be getting the new season's supply of wine.'
'Now that does concern me' came the reply.
A few moments later the pair saw Teremoth emerge from the building that served as the local hostelry. 'Here they come' stated Aragorn needlessly. Legolas nodded and fixed his eyes on those of his foe, even before Teremoth was close enough to return the stare. 'Are you ready to die elf?' the man asked as he came to halt a few feet in front of Legolas. 'It is not I who will cross the threshold of death this day' replied the elf. His challenger smirked as he took up his chosen weapons, a club in his left hand and a flail tipped with 2" spikes in his right. Their crude form offset all the more by the elegance of the elf's own weapon, a single long knife which balanced almost delicately in his left hand. Teremoth laughed again at this pathetic gesture as he confidently began to circle his foe. The onlookers stepped back to give the opponents room, and to protect themselves from ending up on the receiving end of a stray blow.
'Your friend tells me you are already injured elf' Teremoth said menacingly. Legolas held off the temptation to turn his attack onto the ranger for the folly of imparting that bit of information to his enemy. Teremoth continued to taunt the elf; 'I could go easy on you, just kneel at my feet and admit that you are a feeble worm who doesn't deserve to lick my boots.'
'My friend is mistaken' replied the elf pointedly.
'Well no matter' said Teremoth, 'you soon will be'. With that he leapt forward swinging the flail towards Legolas' head. The elf ducked effortlessly out of the way and came up behind the man momentarily disorientating him. Despite having gained the advantage, Legolas did not attempt to strike his foe physically, 'It is you who will soon be wounded if you insist on fighting like a old maid'. The two continued to circle each other, psychologically preparing for the next engagement. Again it came from Teremoth, this time he levelled the club at Legolas' knees causing him to jump higher than any man would be capable of to escape the blow. As he landed the flail once again descended this time narrowly missing the elf's midsection. Teremoth wasn't so lucky, a flash of the elf's blade saw the man's arm sliced just above his wrist resulting in a spurt of fresh red blood. The man had now lost the ability to speak coherently producing only animalistic growls as he continued the attack.
From the sidelines, Aragorn watched in admiration of Legolas' fighting skill. To any ordinary observer, the elf was on top fighting form. If anything he was holding back, obviously conscious of their earlier discussion about not killing the man unnecessarily. Aragorn was just beginning to think he had been worried without cause when the inevitable happened.
Legolas had backed away from Teremoth, as he span towards him swinging the flail in front of him like a hammer thrower, until he found himself surrounded on three sides by Teremoth's men. With nowhere to go the only route of escape was up and over, which he took, diving over Teremoth's head to land in roll on his other side. Although the manoeuvre lacked nothing in grace, the landing placed pressure on Legolas' weakened shoulder and the already stretched muscles gave way popping his arm once again from its socket. The pain of this action momentarily paralysed the elf giving Teremoth enough time to reposition himself and bring the club down on the ailing elf's head.
His weapon never met its mark. Instead it struck steel as where there had previously been space between the opponents stood the ranger, sword raised to defend the elf. 'No.'
Teremoth was angered by Aragorn's action. The two stood in gridlock weapons pressed against each other neither willing to give ground. 'How dare you interfere? This fight does not concern you' growled Teremoth through gritted teeth. 'He is my friend and what happens to him does concern me greatly' replied Aragorn putting all his strength behind his sword. 'But are you willing to die for him?' Teremoth pulled back his club causing Aragorn to stumble forward into the crowd of men. They pushed him back towards Teremoth who was now swinging the flail above his head and getting dangerously close to Aragorn. '...Because die you will'. Aragorn looked around for escape, but like Legolas before him, he was hemmed in on all sides, yet unlike Legolas he lacked elvin agility and was unable to somersault out of the way. He gulped involuntarily and offered a silent prayer to the gods for his soul.
Someone must have been listening. Suddenly the battle scene was filled with a dozen rearing horses, sending the company running in all directions in fear of their lives. The dust they threw up made it almost impossible to see. Then out of it emerged Legolas atop his own steed, he reached out a hand and pulled Aragorn into the saddle behind him and off they raced into the safety of the woods.
***
'Let me look at it, you stubborn elf'. Aragorn was getting annoyed. After their dramatic escape they had ridden for several miles until reaching the clearing where physical exhaustion and pain had forced them to stop. Legolas now sat leaning against a tree, his face pale and drawn as he supported his right arm against his body but obstinately refusing to let Aragorn come near to help. Aragorn tried to reason with him again. 'Legolas, your arm won't go back by itself. Look, your fingers are already turning blue. If you leave it too long, you might lose the use of your arm completely, then what would your father say?' The thought of his father's anger at losing one from the ranks of his archers convinced Legolas. He sighed. 'Very well - go ahead.' Aragorn knelt down beside Legolas. 'You do know what you are doing don't you ranger?'
'I have seen it done before' replied Aragorn placing one hand against Legolas' shoulder and gripping his forearm with the other. 'On the count of three.'
Three hurt. Not just Legolas by the wrenching of his arm back into its socket, but Aragorn too as the elf's left fist connected with the ranger's jaw. Legolas would later argue that this was a reflex action.
Later as the two headed back towards Mirkwood atop a single horse, Legolas scolded Aragorn. 'That was a very foolish thing you did'.
'You mean stepping between you and Teremoth? Yes, I suppose in hindsight it wasn't the most sensible thing I have ever done, but he would have killed you.'
Legolas nodded in agreement. 'Yes I know Aragorn. Thank you.'
'It is I who should be thanking you Legolas. I assume you did have something to do with the horses behaving as they did?'
There was a moment of silence, before the elf spoke again. 'Actually Aragorn, when I said that was a very foolish thing you did, I meant...'
'What did you mean?'
'Well, you do realise you left the trade agreements behind?'
Aragorn groaned. 'Will you tell your father or shall I?'
Legolas appeared to contemplate this for a few moments. 'You can Aragorn. After all, isn't that what friends are for?'
***
AUTHORS NOTE
I hope you have enjoyed reading this, my first fan fiction. I would very much appreciate your reviews. Thanks!!!
***********
PART THREE: THAT'S WHAT FRIENDS ARE FOR
Aragorn had been summoned. With feelings of slight trepidation he knocked on the door of the king's private study and was bade enter.
The king sat behind a large desk created by the branch of a living oak tree, which also formed the main strut supporting the roof. Birds flew freely above his head and parchment, ink and quills surrounded him.
Thranduil gestured to one of two carved wooden chairs and Aragorn sat down. No sooner had he done so, then the door was opened again and Legolas joined them, his arm supported by a sling strapped closely to his body following the 'accident' earlier in the day.
'Greetings father, you wanted to see me?' Seeing the parchments scattered around he added 'Drawing up battle plans again?'
Thranduil was not amused. He raised his eyebrows and inclined his head towards Aragorn and the second chair. 'Uh-oh', said Legolas. The king had not spoken but it was clear that he was not best pleased. Aragorn and Legolas exchanged a fleeting glance as the prince obediently took his seat.
The king stood up. 'I understand you were hurt this morning Legolas?'
'It's nothing. It barely troubles me at all.'
'Enough to require a sling, it seems.' He turned to Aragorn. 'And you, you also seem to be amassing a number of injuries recently'. Aragorn started to speak but the king raised a hand to silence him 'and don't go telling me that that cut were sustained shaving. I know an arrow wound when I see one.' He looked at Legolas as he spoke making it clear whom he held responsible for the ranger's facial injury. At least Legolas had the good sense to attempt to look contrite, although Aragorn severely doubted that he was in any way sorry for his actions.
The king was not swayed by his son's pitiful look, he was just beginning his tirade and Aragorn had never seen an elf loose his temper quite as completely as Thranduil was about to demonstrate. The king leant across his desk slamming his fist down so hard that it caused the ceiling to shake and Aragorn to jump involuntarily. 'How could you be so irresponsible Legolas?' The prince didn't answer, as he knew from experience that no reply was expected, nor was he allowed the time to interject anyway. He met the blazing eyes of his father as he continued. 'I'm sure I don't need to remind you that these are dark times in Greenwood. I need to be sure that all of my warriors are fit for battle and not putting themselves out of action fighting petty squabbles!' His voice rose to a crescendo, 'and yet you . . . you think nothing of picking a fight with a. . . with a man no less!' He paused for breath and lowered his voice. 'Look at him Legolas' he gestured towards Aragorn 'he is but a child!'
Aragorn felt affronted by this slight, his own ire was beginning to rise and strangely he felt an inclination to defend the prince, as it was he not Legolas, who had picked the fight. Legolas sensed Aragorn's mood next to him and caught his eye with a warning look giving a subtle shake of his head that served to hold Aragorn back.
The king hadn't finished. 'Well, since you are not going to be of any use around here for a few days, Legolas, I'm sending you on an errand.' It dawned on Legolas what the piles of parchments on his father's desk were. 'Please, you would not have me deliver the trade agreements, Father?'
'It is the least that you deserve. A couple of days amongst men will do you good - and you can take this one with you.' Aragorn's jaw dropped. When he was summoned he hadn't expect to be insulted then ordered off on some mission by the King of Mirkwood. The king glared at him. 'Something you wanted to say ranger?'
It was reluctantly agreed that they would leave straight after the mid-day meal and aim to reach Mirkwood's southernmost outpost by nightfall. As Legolas headed off grumbling to sort out supplies for the journey, Aragorn was left behind to wait for the parchments.
'You do not object to going with Legolas?' the king asked as he rolled the parchments and applied the royal seal. His countenance had returned to normal and anyone who hadn't witnessed it would not believe that this was the same elf that had the trees shaking only moments before. Aragorn didn't know how to reply. In truth he did not look forward to three days in the princes' company. He was not sure if the peace they had begun to forge that morning would last that long - especially if Legolas continued to scar him at every opportunity. But that was not an answer a father would wish to hear about his son and certainly not one to give to a king, particularly one prone to explosive outbursts. 'It was my fault he was injured this morning. If not for my companionship, the prince may be grateful for my protection.'
The king laughed. 'Even with one arm incapacitated, Legolas is more than match for any man or beast on the road.' Aragorn was well aware of this fact after the incident with his knife and what was left of the tip of his right ear. 'Yet, your chivalry is to be admired.'
The king sealed the last parchment and gathering them all together placed them in a bag and handed it to the ranger. 'Don't judge him too harshly Aragorn. He is an elf out of time.' Aragorn looked questioningly at the king. The king explained. 'Legolas came into this world too late for in his heart he is of the First Age. Had he lived then, I oft wonder if evil would have taken such a hold on Middle Earth. As it is, in this time of men he can only offer his fealty to such men that earn his respect. There are not many that can or will but I think you may be one of them.' This was an unexpected speech and one that would puzzle Aragorn for sometime to come. It seemed that the royal family of Mirkwood had expectations of him that he wasn't sure he could meet.
***
Just after the sun had passed its apex in the sky, the two companions rode out of the palace heading south. As soon as they were out of sight of the king and his healers, Legolas had shed his sling. He had also categorically refused to leave his bow behind even though with his strained shoulder he could not draw it without aggravating the injury further. When Aragorn had questioned him about the wisdom of his actions, the prince had replied that should they happen to meet any foes on the road, it wouldn't be wise to appear weak. Aragorn could see the logic of this statement but as the journey went on, he could not fail to notice how the elf was favouring his left arm and appeared to be in significant discomfort. Seeing this sent twinges of guilt through the ranger, not because Legolas hadn't deserved to brought down a peg or two, but because he had had to resort to dirty fighting tactics to achieve it and Aragorn had genuinely not intended to cause him any lasting pain. He was also still reeling from Thranduil's lecture. Having witnessed Legolas' fighting skill Aragorn didn't doubt the archer's skill would be sorely missed if Mirkwood was called upon to defend itself. He consoled himself with thoughts of the twins left in Mirkwood who would lend their not insufficient skills to Thranduil's army if need be.
'The King was pretty angry.' He stated matter-of-factly.
'Ai' replied Legolas without looking round.
'Does he always turn purple like that?' Now he had Legolas' attention. He turned his head and looked at the ranger thoughtfully. Aragorn held his gaze sorely tempted to laugh but unsure of the prince's reaction.
'No' Legolas' face was deadpan. He continued. 'Usually red is his favoured colour.' His face broke into a mischievous grin. 'I did observe, Aragorn, that your face also had a shade of puce about it when father referred to you as a child.'
'I must admit to feeling a little annoyed at that' acknowledged Aragorn 'but I guess that in an elf's scheme of things, I am a little, shall we say young? You really ought to pick on someone your own age.'
Legolas laughed 'Of course, you do realise that he was angrier with me for allowing a mere "child" to win the fight than any concern for your well-being?'
Aragorn acknowledged that was probably true. 'Speaking of well-being Legolas, how is your shoulder?'
'It troubles me not', came the reply that would have convinced most people but not the ranger whose experience with the healing arts had taught him to spot the nuances that gave away pain. A look in the eye, subtle loss of grace, a sharpening of breath, were often the only way to tell with an elf whose stubborn pride made him want to appear invincible. He was beginning to see that Legolas was a stubborn elf of the worse kind.
***
A bird sang out in the distance. 'I guess that means we're nearly there' stated Aragorn. Legolas smiled. He was impressed by the rangers' ability to distinguish real birdcalls from those imitated by his people. Not a skill possessed by many humans. By way of confirmation the two travellers suddenly found their way blocked by three elves standing in their path, bows draw and aimed directly at Aragorn's head.
'Friend or foe?' questioned the tallest of the three. The question was asked of Legolas yet was clearly about Aragorn. A man travelling with an elf looked suspicious in Mirkwood at the best of times, but when it was Prince Legolas himself, it wasn't any wonder that these warriors were apprehensive. 'Lower your weapon Demallion, he is no foe.' The warrior complied with the order and his companions did likewise.
'You always did choose strange company Thranduillion, but a man?' said Demallion casting a disparaging look in Aragorn's direction. 'Yes, where did you find this one' asked another. 'Looks like you dredged him out of the swamp.' The three elves enjoyed the joke, not realising that the ranger spoke their language. Legolas quirked an eyebrow, he was going to enjoy this. 'What say you Aragorn?' he asked in his companion in the common tongue. 'Only that it was I who first found you in a swamp'. After their initial shock at discovering the man had understood their ridicule of him, they laughed heartily at the joke that had now been turned on to the prince.
***
The two travelling companions had set out again early the next day having spent the evening in the company of the small band of elves. By mid-morning they had reached a small farming community on the southern most border of Mirkwood where the king's business was quickly taken care of. By all account it was a good day, the weather was glorious, the humans had been most amicable and even the elf seemed to be content despite his initial reluctance to enter this land of men. It was after Aragorn and Legolas had said their goodbyes and were about to mount their horses to leave that the trouble began.
Trouble took the form of a small band of horsemen who came galloping into the corral. They were an impressive looking group dressed from head to toe in black, gold-studded leather and long red capes that skirted the ground. Their faces were clean-shaven and their skin brown from exposure to the sun.
They abruptly stopped their horses a few feet short of where Aragorn and Legolas stood showering them in with a cloud of dust. Aragorn shot them a glare as he brushed himself down, whilst Legolas expressed his annoyance with a few choice words in Quenyan, causing Aragorn to snigger. The combination of responses caught the attention of the leader of the new arrivals. He turned to the duo taking them in with an appraising stare.
'You got something to say elf, then say it so we can all understand' he hissed with obvious distain for the noble being who stood before him. Aragorn cringed, with Legolas injured as he was, and being outnumbered 6 to 1, the last thing they needed was to get into a fight. 'Peace, my friend, we do not desire trouble'. The leader now turned his attention to Aragorn, a wicked, and somewhat lopsided grin, crossing his face. 'Well, perhaps if you apologise to me and my friends for getting in our way, we might go easy on you.' Any hopes that Aragorn had for diffusing the situation were quickly dashed as the elf prince's voice was heard above the taunting laughter of the men that followed their leader's comment. 'I said that you were brainless idiots who were not fit to ride mules.'
A dozen pairs of angry eyes shot towards the elf. 'Obviously your friend does desire trouble' the leader growled at Aragorn whilst keeping his eyes locked with those of Legolas. Aragorn sent Legolas a pleading look but it went unseen and unheeded.
'I do not like elves' spat the man. 'You think you are so much better than us mere mortals don't you?'
'It is as nature ordained' replied the elf matter of factly.
'Show him who's better Teremoth' came a shout from the rank of men, quickly followed by murmurs of approval from his comrades. The man they called Teremoth faced the prince square on as he issued a challenge 'You will meet me here in one hour with your choice of weapon, we will soon see who is the better.' With that he turned his back on the elf and headed off towards the nearby buildings swept along by his entourage of cheering men.
Aragorn and Legolas watched them go. 'Well that was dumb' said Aragorn.
'Indeed it was' replied Legolas, 'it is not wise to challenge the Eldar'.
'I wasn't referring to him' answered the ranger.
***
A short while later, Aragorn approached Legolas as he sat honing his long white knives. 'Where have you been' enquired the elf on sensing rather than seeing the ranger standing behind him. 'Trying to negotiate our way out of this. Unfortunately, Teremoth is just as bull-headed and prideful as you. Nothing but your royal blood will appease him'. Legolas glared at him angrily until Aragorn answered the hidden question. 'No, I didn't tell him who you were.' Legolas turned back to the task at hand. 'Good. I will have the satisfaction of letting him know who ended his miserable life, just before I slice his throat.' Aragorn rolled his eyes. 'And the fact that your right arm is nigh on useless just now won't stop you?' Legolas leapt to his feet and faced Aragorn square on. 'Would you like to discover the folly of that statement?' he snarled bringing up the point of his knife to Aragorn's ear. Aragorn sighed in resignation. 'I'm only concerned that you return to Mirkwood in one piece.' Legolas smiled and sheathed his knife. 'You're only concerned that you won't have to tell my father that I have been killed by a man.' Aragorn laughed 'Now that does concern me'. He grasped Legolas by his good shoulder in mock seriousness 'Don't kill him unless you have to, or we'll both have to face Thranduil and tell him why war has been declared on Mirkwood, and worse, why he won't be getting the new season's supply of wine.'
'Now that does concern me' came the reply.
A few moments later the pair saw Teremoth emerge from the building that served as the local hostelry. 'Here they come' stated Aragorn needlessly. Legolas nodded and fixed his eyes on those of his foe, even before Teremoth was close enough to return the stare. 'Are you ready to die elf?' the man asked as he came to halt a few feet in front of Legolas. 'It is not I who will cross the threshold of death this day' replied the elf. His challenger smirked as he took up his chosen weapons, a club in his left hand and a flail tipped with 2" spikes in his right. Their crude form offset all the more by the elegance of the elf's own weapon, a single long knife which balanced almost delicately in his left hand. Teremoth laughed again at this pathetic gesture as he confidently began to circle his foe. The onlookers stepped back to give the opponents room, and to protect themselves from ending up on the receiving end of a stray blow.
'Your friend tells me you are already injured elf' Teremoth said menacingly. Legolas held off the temptation to turn his attack onto the ranger for the folly of imparting that bit of information to his enemy. Teremoth continued to taunt the elf; 'I could go easy on you, just kneel at my feet and admit that you are a feeble worm who doesn't deserve to lick my boots.'
'My friend is mistaken' replied the elf pointedly.
'Well no matter' said Teremoth, 'you soon will be'. With that he leapt forward swinging the flail towards Legolas' head. The elf ducked effortlessly out of the way and came up behind the man momentarily disorientating him. Despite having gained the advantage, Legolas did not attempt to strike his foe physically, 'It is you who will soon be wounded if you insist on fighting like a old maid'. The two continued to circle each other, psychologically preparing for the next engagement. Again it came from Teremoth, this time he levelled the club at Legolas' knees causing him to jump higher than any man would be capable of to escape the blow. As he landed the flail once again descended this time narrowly missing the elf's midsection. Teremoth wasn't so lucky, a flash of the elf's blade saw the man's arm sliced just above his wrist resulting in a spurt of fresh red blood. The man had now lost the ability to speak coherently producing only animalistic growls as he continued the attack.
From the sidelines, Aragorn watched in admiration of Legolas' fighting skill. To any ordinary observer, the elf was on top fighting form. If anything he was holding back, obviously conscious of their earlier discussion about not killing the man unnecessarily. Aragorn was just beginning to think he had been worried without cause when the inevitable happened.
Legolas had backed away from Teremoth, as he span towards him swinging the flail in front of him like a hammer thrower, until he found himself surrounded on three sides by Teremoth's men. With nowhere to go the only route of escape was up and over, which he took, diving over Teremoth's head to land in roll on his other side. Although the manoeuvre lacked nothing in grace, the landing placed pressure on Legolas' weakened shoulder and the already stretched muscles gave way popping his arm once again from its socket. The pain of this action momentarily paralysed the elf giving Teremoth enough time to reposition himself and bring the club down on the ailing elf's head.
His weapon never met its mark. Instead it struck steel as where there had previously been space between the opponents stood the ranger, sword raised to defend the elf. 'No.'
Teremoth was angered by Aragorn's action. The two stood in gridlock weapons pressed against each other neither willing to give ground. 'How dare you interfere? This fight does not concern you' growled Teremoth through gritted teeth. 'He is my friend and what happens to him does concern me greatly' replied Aragorn putting all his strength behind his sword. 'But are you willing to die for him?' Teremoth pulled back his club causing Aragorn to stumble forward into the crowd of men. They pushed him back towards Teremoth who was now swinging the flail above his head and getting dangerously close to Aragorn. '...Because die you will'. Aragorn looked around for escape, but like Legolas before him, he was hemmed in on all sides, yet unlike Legolas he lacked elvin agility and was unable to somersault out of the way. He gulped involuntarily and offered a silent prayer to the gods for his soul.
Someone must have been listening. Suddenly the battle scene was filled with a dozen rearing horses, sending the company running in all directions in fear of their lives. The dust they threw up made it almost impossible to see. Then out of it emerged Legolas atop his own steed, he reached out a hand and pulled Aragorn into the saddle behind him and off they raced into the safety of the woods.
***
'Let me look at it, you stubborn elf'. Aragorn was getting annoyed. After their dramatic escape they had ridden for several miles until reaching the clearing where physical exhaustion and pain had forced them to stop. Legolas now sat leaning against a tree, his face pale and drawn as he supported his right arm against his body but obstinately refusing to let Aragorn come near to help. Aragorn tried to reason with him again. 'Legolas, your arm won't go back by itself. Look, your fingers are already turning blue. If you leave it too long, you might lose the use of your arm completely, then what would your father say?' The thought of his father's anger at losing one from the ranks of his archers convinced Legolas. He sighed. 'Very well - go ahead.' Aragorn knelt down beside Legolas. 'You do know what you are doing don't you ranger?'
'I have seen it done before' replied Aragorn placing one hand against Legolas' shoulder and gripping his forearm with the other. 'On the count of three.'
Three hurt. Not just Legolas by the wrenching of his arm back into its socket, but Aragorn too as the elf's left fist connected with the ranger's jaw. Legolas would later argue that this was a reflex action.
Later as the two headed back towards Mirkwood atop a single horse, Legolas scolded Aragorn. 'That was a very foolish thing you did'.
'You mean stepping between you and Teremoth? Yes, I suppose in hindsight it wasn't the most sensible thing I have ever done, but he would have killed you.'
Legolas nodded in agreement. 'Yes I know Aragorn. Thank you.'
'It is I who should be thanking you Legolas. I assume you did have something to do with the horses behaving as they did?'
There was a moment of silence, before the elf spoke again. 'Actually Aragorn, when I said that was a very foolish thing you did, I meant...'
'What did you mean?'
'Well, you do realise you left the trade agreements behind?'
Aragorn groaned. 'Will you tell your father or shall I?'
Legolas appeared to contemplate this for a few moments. 'You can Aragorn. After all, isn't that what friends are for?'
***
AUTHORS NOTE
I hope you have enjoyed reading this, my first fan fiction. I would very much appreciate your reviews. Thanks!!!