Story Title: Lean on Me

Chapter Title: Those Who Can't, Torture

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: Can't believe some people have stuck with me so long! Especially you, Raven! Cool! Anyways, this one's gonna be fun...torture...know I shouldn't be happy, but I am ...u...

One again, Indicates thought.

Chapter 7

Legolas glanced around before nodding. "He did pass this way, and not too long ago. We trail by only eight or ten hours." Elrohir sighed. "Those eight of ten hours could mean death for him."

Elladan inputted, "I wonder how he traveled this far over the Ettenmoors so quickly. We're but a half-day's ride from the river Mitheithel." Legolas shook his head and looked at the horses, which were resting and feeding on the sparse grass. The night was young, and Legolas leaned against a tree.

His eyes turned skyward, and they unconsciously locked onto Polaris, Strider's favorite star. Legolas smiled slightly, but it swiftly turned to a frown. The bright star had suddenly dimmed considerably.

His change of mood was detected. "Legolas, what is it?" Legolas turned to Elladan. "The North Star...it's not as bright as it was a moment ago." Both twins looked at the directional star, and Elrohir murmured, "You're right..."

Legolas turned to the tree he was leaning against. He could hear its joy at being in the same vicinity of an Elf, especially a wood Elf, and rested his palm against it.

Please, my friend. I need to know what Strider is going through right now.

The tree's limbs trembled some and the leaves swayed in a non-existent wind. Elladan and Elrohir watched in fascination as the trees around them seemed to speak in hushed tones.

Legolas closed his eyes as he saw through the tree. He flew from tree to tree, moving as fast as the wind, until he suddenly came to a stop. His face twisted into one of horror as he saw Strider held captive in the middle of a band of orcs.

They were advancing on him with sneers and grins on their faces. When Legolas looked harder, he saw that Strider's face was already one of pain, and silently cursed the orcs with all his will.

He turned his attention from his thoughts to his friend, and closed his eyes as he saw one orc pull back his fist. His eyes being closed didn't block the sound of flesh hitting flesh, though, and Legolas swallowed tightly before retreating from the scene.

Elladan watched as Legolas closed his eyes and became alarmed when his face turned into one of complete horror. Moments later, Legolas opened his eyes and backed away from the tree with a gasp. Elrohir quickly asked, "What is it? What's wrong?" Legolas moved quickly to his horse.

"Strider's been captured by orcs. He's in trouble." Elladan and Elrohir were immediately at their horses. While checking the saddle straps, Elladan asked, "Is he hurt?" Legolas' face was the only answer he needed.

Strider was at the complete mercy of the orcs and he knew it. That didn't stop him from struggling, though. His troubles earned him a swift punch in the side of the head that left him dizzy. Blood trickled from the new wound on his temple and blurred Strider's vision.

He didn't see the fist heading towards his ribs until it burrowed into them. He moaned as already weak and barely knitted ribs cracked under the blow. He gasped for air and fought the darkness at the edges of his vision.

The orcs still had a hold on his arms, and abruptly, one orc pulled on his left arm viciously. Strider couldn't keep back a yell as he felt the bone slide from the joint. Suddenly, the orcs let him go and he fell to his knees, trying to control the pain.

His right arm cradled his left, hoping to relieve some of the pain that throbbed and washed through his nerves. He looked up slightly and saw the head orc come up to him.

Grabbing his chin forcefully, he tilted his head up and growled, "Ranger, it's quite a ways to the hall of our lord Sauron. You think you will last that far?" Strider summoned his courage and spit out, "If only to kill Sauron when I get there, yes."

His reply earned him a kick in the side, flipping him over and damaging already abused ribs. He landed with a cry and ignored the orcs laughing around him. Suddenly, he was dragged upwards and his arms were tied behind him, the ropes so tight they bit into his flesh and cut off the blood flow. Another rope was tied around his neck so tight Strider nearly had to gasp for air.

With a none too gentle shove, he was pushed forward, and the orcs started to walk in single file. Strider was near the front, and orc in front and behind held his leashes, and their trek began. Strider knew that they would have to pass over the Misty Mountains to get to their destination, and he only hoped he'd be able to survive the treacherous weather.

Legolas pulled his horse to a stop and looked around the area carefully. After deeming it safe, he and the twins slid from their mounts. On the ground in front of them were the bodies of several orcs. Legolas examined the bodies and Elladan searched the ground.

He came upon tracks and called, "Legolas! These horse prints...it was not a dark one, and it was not mounted. But it certainly took off in a hurry." Legolas looked at the prints with him and agreed. "These orcs are slain using the Elvish style. Strider killed these ones."

Elrohir was over near the side and called, "Come quick! I think we have a problem!" The other elves were at his side quickly and stared at the tracks. It was Legolas who spoke first.

"A NazgĂșl. It was here." Stepping back, he took a longer look and said, "It got off its horse, then walked over here...where Strider was being held."

Elladan shook his head and cursed. Elrohir asked, "What was it doing here?" Legolas shook his head. "I don't know." He looked around before walking up to a tree. Laying his palm against it, he closed his eyes.

Mellon nin, show me my friend's fate.

As before, the tree rustled, and suddenly, Legolas flew along the air currents. He traveled quickly, and longer than before. When he came to a stop, the air was almost forced out of his lungs by what he saw. "Strider...no, not Strider..."

The twins looked at each other worriedly and looked back at Legolas. His face was screwed up in pain, and they could only wonder what he saw.

Legolas looked around the clearing, taking in every detail. There were twenty orcs, and the leader was a huge one, nearly twice Legolas' size. He glanced around, trying to find his friend. When he did, he almost wished he hadn't.

Strider was on his knees between two trees. His arms were stretched to the side and up, and were tied to some limbs of the trees. His head was bowed, and his breathing was harsh. His shirt, weapons, and belt had been removed, leaving only his pants and boots.

Legolas looked closer and saw numerous cuts on Strider's body. Quickly, Legolas jumped to one of the trees Strider was tied to. He could see blood leaking from numerous cuts on Strider's arms. A shoulder wound seemed to be particularly nasty.

The elf looked up as he saw a couple of orcs heading toward Strider. He couldn't help but watch in morbid fascination as one suddenly slammed his fist into Strider's chest. The impact left Strider coughing and gasping for air.

The orcs continued to pummel him until the leader came up with a flask in his hand. He grinned and said, "You thirsty, Adan? Here, have a drink." Though Strider strained against his bonds, it did no good. His head was forced back, revealing to Legolas his bruised and bloody face, and the foul liquid was forced into his mouth.

Strider tried to spit it back out, but the orc clamped a hand over his mouth. He swallowed, and seconds later, he was gasping in pain and the poisonous brew burned its way down his throat. His gasps turned to coughs, which left his body a shuddering, throbbing, painful mess.

Legolas looked around, trying to find some way to help his friend, when another orc walked up. He had a sword in his hand, and the tip was glowing red from being stuck in the fire.

He murmured something to his leader, and the leader grinned and took the sword. "It seems, young ranger, that you know the location of Rivendell, the secret elf haven. Is this true?" Strider looked wearily at his tormenter. "I don't know where it is, and even if I did, I wouldn't tell you."

The smile slipped from the lead orc's face, and he brought the hot metal near Strider's bare torso. The man swallowed, but said nothing. The next thing out of his mouth was a shout of pain as the orc pushed the blade onto Strider's side.

The orc drew it over his skin slowly, allowing the blade to travel on the skin on top of a rib. When the sword was removed, it left a long burning mark that followed his rib. Strider moaned and the orc said, "All you have to do is tell us where Rivendell is."

Strider glared at the creature through his pain and spat an Elvish curse that made even Legolas wince. The orcs were none too happy. "We shall teach you manners yet, Adan, and we will get the location of Rivendell, one way or another."

He advanced towards the ranger again, malicious intent in his eyes.

Legolas quickly retreated.

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

Sorry that this chappie took long. We had a family emergency; I know some of you can relate. I'll try and get the next chappie up quicker! Take care all!