Story Title: Lean on Me

Chapter Title: Darkness Falls

Author: J. Chassells

Summary: My take on how Aragorn (mostly referred to as Strider and Estel in this fic) and Legolas met and how their friendship was forged throughout their adventures and misadventures.

Author's Note: My first LOTR fic, so please don't hurt me! Reviews and flames are appreciated. This fic isn't really dedicated to anyone, but if I'd have to dedicate it to someone or something, I think this one goes to the US Military. I'm an extremely patriotic person and I support our military completely and firmly. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Don't own the characters, just the plot, yada, yada, yada...

Characters that star in this story: Strider (Estel), Legolas, Elladan, Elrohir, Elrond, maybe a mention of Arwen here and there, and some unnamed orcs and just plain ol' bad guys.

Another A/N: Hmm...this is going in a different direction than I first thought, but I like it, I like it!

Chapter 3

It was early the next morning when Elrond stumbled from Estel's room. The elf king's eyes were drooping with weariness. Elladan and Elrohir were at his side, supporting him, and they led him to his rooms, where he promptly passed out on his bed. The twins carefully undressed him and buried him under soft quilts before leaving.

They headed to Estel's room, where he had been moved to during the night. They'd also wanted to move Legolas, but Elrond had forbidden it. The surgery had gone as well as could be expected. Though soothed by the sleeping herbs, the young man had cried out during the procedure, leaving a mark of guilt on the twins' hearts that they had been helping put their brother in pain.

They loitered around the room for the majority of the morning, and around noon, Elladan stood by the window and stared at the gray clouds. They matched his dark mood, and Elrohir walked to his side. The older twin was not startled when Elrohir asked, "What grieves your heart, brother?" Elladan's sigh was tired. "It is not what, tithen gwador, but who."

Elrohir let his eyes travel to Estel's still body. "You mean the tithen pen." Elladan chuckled slightly. "It is odd we call him 'little one' when he saved Legolas' life, carried him on his back for two days, after being wounded in a fight to save said prince, and managed not to pass out."

Elrohir found this funny and laughed. A soft, tight voice behind them made them do an abrupt about-face. "Must you two always laugh? Some people are trying to sleep." Elrohir's joy was apparent. "Estel! By the gods, you had us worried." Elladan frowned and made his way to Estel's bedside.

He took in the glazed eyes, pinched features, and haggard look, and softly amended his brother's statement. "By the gods Estel, you still have us worried." Estel's smile was faint and his eyes drifted close. However, a sudden thought shook him and they flew open. "Legolas!" He struggled to sit up while Elladan struggled just as hard to keep him down. Elrohir jumped into the fray and held down his thrashing brother.

Fortunately for them, Mithrandir chose that moment to walk by the room and heard the noise. Hurrying in, he saw the fighting man and hurried to his side quickly. "Strider, Strider! Listen to me!" Elladan looked at the wizard in shock as he heard him use Estel's ranger name. However, it seemed to do the trick, and Estel's struggles weakened. "Mithrandir?" The wizard nodded, and noted with concern that the boy's eyes did not focus on him.

"Strider, listen. Legolas is safe. He is deep in a healing sleep in the Hall of Healing." There was a pause, then a soft, "Promise?" Mithrandir nodded. "You have my word, Strider. He is on the mend, as are you, but you must rest now." Almost suspiciously, Estel's eyes slid shut and he slumped into Elladan's arms.

The elf gently caught his brother and held him tightly. He stayed motionless for a moment before carefully leaning his brother back against the pillows. He brushed the hair from Estel's face and murmured, "Post mae, tithen gwador." Turning to Mithrandir, he narrowed his eyes and said in an accusing voice, "You made him sleep, didn't you?" The aged wizard merely smiled and walked through the door.

1 Week Later

Estel sat against the wall, one leg up to his chest, the other dangling towards the abyss below him. The sun was setting, throwing pale colors throughout the sky. Estel's eyes followed the path of a lone hawk; he watched it dive and soar, bank and dip.

However, he was not too immersed in his watching to hear steps come up behind him. His voice quiet, he asked, "May I help you?" The response nearly made Estel fall into the abyss in shock.

"Get off my wall, filthy Adan!" Estel's head whipped around, his eyes wide, and he saw Elrond standing, glaring at him furiously. The man staggered to his feet, confused and shocked. Elrond's whole frame trembled beneath his robes. "Adan, I have heard a rumor, and I want your absolute honesty. Understood?" Estel nodded carefully, recognizing the fact that Elrond was livid.

"Aragorn, is it true that you have feelings for my Evenstar? Do you...care, for Arwen?" Estel shut his eyes and tilted his head to the ground, then swallowed tightly. He knew he couldn't put this off any longer. He inhaled deeply, opened his eyes and fixed his eyes with his father's. "Yes, it's true. I love Arwen." Elrond's eyes had been dark with fury before, and now they were pitch black with uncontrolled rage.

"Aragorn..." The words shook as they came out, and the ranger braced himself. "You...you are no longer welcome in this house, Aragorn. Neither will you be welcome in Lothlóríen or Mirkwood, or any other Elven refuge! I shall see to that." Estel pushed away the questions running rampant through his head and asked the one that made the most sense to him, "Father, why?" The elf lord snarled, "Do not call me father, Aragorn, for I am not. And the reason is simple enough, Aragorn: you are not worthy to love an Elf."

There was a slight pause, then Elrond growled, "You will leave at dawn. Take everything you own, and I mean everything you own. You will be given provisions and you may keep your horse. Am I understood?" Estel seemed to search for words. Finally, he stammered, "Per-perfectly." Elrond stormed away, leaving a despairing Estel in his wake.

The man looked around, pain in his eyes, and turned to view the forests below that had become his home. He swallowed, and suddenly felt a resolve from somewhere, deep inside of him, not to cry. He looked around his home, feeling lost and alone, and headed into the palace to begin preparing for his life.

Behind him, the sun set, and darkness fell.

Translations:

Adan- human
Estel lasta an enni- Estel listen to me
tithen pen- little one
tithen gwador- little brother
ion nin- My son
post mae- rest well

Brannon nin- my lord
Mellon nin- my friend
Ada- Father

lend ol- sweet dreams

Namaarie- goodbye

awartha nin- my family

Thanks everyone for reviewing, and much more thanks to raven-of-a-took, who has been my most adamant supporter.

In the next chappie...Estel leaves Rivendell...