Disclaimer: This story was written for enjoyment only. I do not own any of Tolkien's characters.

Author's note: Thank you to all my readers and reviewers! Your comments as always are greatly appreciated and help to put a smile on my face as I read over them. :) I hope you enjoy this next chapter:)

Relesen Chapter 8

The crowded room had emptied, and the hectic rush of activity that previously presided over it was now replaced by an uncomfortable silence. The sole occupant, who remained, wearily seated himself beside the supine figure upon the chaise. Elrond rested his elbows upon the cushioned furniture, and allowed his head to drop forward, catching its weight within his hands as his fingers made contact with the delicate flesh beside his eyes and along the curve of his nose. Taking a moment, he used his fingers to relieve some of the stress that these previous hours had wrought before moving his hands away and back toward the lounger. Opening his eyes once more, he viewed Aragorn's unconscious form, finally allowing himself another perspective. It was no longer necessary for the elf lord to remain aloof and force his emotions aside to resemble those of a distant observer. The child, he had taken in as a young boy, now lay before him a Man. His ravaged body remained unmoving upon the cushions supporting his weight, barely betraying any hint of existence save for the shallow, uneven breaths his body still managed to claim. His countenance was devoid of all color except for the telltale signs of fever that flushed across his cheekbones, and this caused the stir of trepidation to increase within the elf lord's breast.

Elrond had spent the better part of these past hours tending to his youngest son's wounds. The arrow, which had pierced Aragorn's right shoulder, had proven to be the more serious of his two injuries, though the angry laceration, wrought by the orc scimitar, also appeared inflamed and quite ragged. To remove the arrow, Elrond had been forced to cut into his son's flesh, then diligently repair the extensive damage that the wayward projectile had inflicted upon both vessels and tissue. The elf acknowledged grimly to himself after completing this delicate operation that if the arrow had been removed while his son was still out in the wild, Aragorn would have surely bled to death before ever reaching the borders of their homeland.

During the grueling minutes that had preceded, Elrond had been forced to keep his complete attention centered solely upon his tasks as a healer, but now that the last of Aragorn's wounds had been sewn up, the last of his medicinal herbs employed, and the last of the Man's bandages sufficiently bound, he could finally look upon the Human before him as a father would his son, and the emotions he had been holding so tightly in check began to falter. "Estel..." Elrond breathed roughly while reaching out to lay a gentle hand upon the still heated flesh of Aragorn's face. "You must get better. I am unclear as to what took place in the wilderness between Legolas and yourself, but I am certain that your future welfare will both be dependent upon your making a recovery. You must fight hard, my son." Reaching down toward the coverlet, Elrond clasped Aragorn's left hand within his own. "Use the strength and love surrounding you, Estel, in this final battle. Let it aid you in finding your way back to us."

Elrond released Aragorn's hand, placing it softly back upon the quilt that covered him, before making to stand. Leaning toward his son, he blinked back the tears that threatened to fall, and moved forward to place a light kiss upon the Human's brow. This intimate display of affection, however, was immediately interrupted by a soft knock upon the door behind him acting to distract the elf lord's attentions. If the presence of his sons' steward and long time tutor surprised him, Elrond's face did not show the emotion.

"My lord." The steward spoke up.

"Cerindur." Elrond acknowledged.

"May I..." The steward implored only to falter as his liege beckoned to him to enter the room. Elrond knew it would be only a matter of time before more of his household staff would stop by to inquire about the state of Aragorn's health. The Human was held in great esteem by all, who knew him, within the realm of Imaldris, and though the elf lord was appreciative of this fact, he knew that the success of Aragorn's recovery would depend upon him receiving uninterrupted rest, while his weakened body strove toward healing itself. Though well meaning, frequent intrusions might work toward hampering this desired effect.

"How is the boy?" Cerindur inquired unable to hold the apprehensiveness that filled his voice at bay.

If it wasn't for the serious nature of the circumstance surrounding them, Elrond would almost smile at the term, "boy", his fellow brethren had used when speaking about his youngest charge. The elf lord had recognized of late how much Aragorn had grown to despise being regarded as such especially now that he had gained the full status of adulthood in accordance with Human years. Elrond could not find it within himself to fault Cerindur for this estimation, since he, himself, at times, still perceived Aragorn as such especially now when he lay so visibly vulnerable beside him, and he spoke up to reply.

"His condition is quite serious, Cerindur."

"But, he will recover, my lord, yes?"

"I wish I could confirm that diagnosis..." Elrond began hesitantly. "...the next few days should tell us all that we wish to know. Estel's body has been severely traumatized from the wounds he's sustained, Cerindur, and as a result he has slipped into a deep slumber like state." The steward looked on in concern as the elf lord continued. "I have seen this condition before in Humans. Some, like Estel, have suffered grave injuries, yet managed to cling to life only to awaken and pull through, while still others with lesser hurts have let go upon the tenuous cord that holds them to this existence. It is difficult to say how Estel's situation will play out, but if the Numenorean blood which flows within his veins is any indication, the strong will suffusing his soul will not give up upon this life without a struggle."

Cerindur drew comfort from Elrond's final words and he answered assuredly. "Yes, as witness to that strong will, I can attest that he is a stubborn one, my lord. He will not give up!"

Elrond couldn't help but smile at his brethren's words as the remembrance of some of Aragorn's earlier indiscretions, while under Cerindur's tutelage, played back upon his memory. Oh, how the boy had succeeded, even over the efforts of his brothers, in driving his tutor to distraction. The elf lord remembered one particular instance when pitch had been alloyed with writing ink. The elf before him had been in such a state that he threatened to pack up all of his possessions and live out his remainder of his days among the wilds of Eriador until the time came for him to travel to the Grey Havens and set sail for the Undying Lands.

Cerindur smiled back hesitantly at his liege, uncertain of what it was that caused his lord's mood to suddenly lighten, but was grateful that perhaps that in some small way, he may have been responsible for effecting this change. "May I sit with him, my lord?" Cerindur inquired.

"Yes, please..." Elrond began. "That would be helpful, Cerindur. I have no wish to leave Estel unattended, but I must go and check on Legolas."

"The prince of Mirkwood is here then also?"

"Yes." Elrond acknowledged woodenly, causing Cerindur to crinkle his brow in concern again, as the elf lord's countenance grew grave once more. Elrond began filling Cerindur in on the remaining details. "It was he, who transported Estel home over long distance and through great peril, while suffering from his own physical distress. I must go to him now."

"Yes, my lord." The steward replied, stepping aside to make way for Elrond.

The elf lord was hesitant, however, momentarily turning to allow his gaze to fall back upon Aragorn. Taking his son's hand within his own, he spoke a few brief words of comfort. "I must go now and see to Legolas, Estel. Take comfort, my son, that I will be return shortly, but for now I leave you in Cerindur's care." Releasing the injured Man's hand, Elrond gently caressed Aragorn's brow, brushing aside the damp hair that fell across it, while he finished with. "Rest easy, my son."

Then turning toward the steward, he issued a brief plea. "Talk to him, Cerindur. Though his body may sleep, I believe his mind still hears that which is around him. It will comfort him to know that you are close by." With that said, Elrond departed the room, and made his way through the long passageways leading toward the guest quarters.

If the elf lord had believed the gravity of the situation, which had presented itself upon his doorstep mere hours before, had diminished in its intensity, then he was to be sorely mistaken as he entered into his guest's chambers. The sight that met him was anything but reassuring. Legolas's earlier condition had remained all, but unchanged , except for the fact that he now managed to remain upon his own feet without the benefit of Elladan's arm and shoulder for support. Instead, he used the far wall, leaning heavily against it for assistance. In the center of the room, his sons, Elladan and Elrohir, stood looking on ineffectually, the frustration, they now felt, clearly marking their countenances.

Though visibly weakening, the Silvan elf persisted in his attempts to be left alone. At first the brothers, though disheartened, conceded to his wishes and tried using words instead of actions to soothe their friend, waiting for his strength to falter, then finally give way so they could see to his injuries. But Legolas had remained steadfast in his opposition, and somehow drew strength from some unrecognized source to maintain his present footing. As time dragged on, the twins turned their backs to him to quietly argue amongst themselves on how to proceed, neither of them expecting that Legolas' continued resolve would last this long.

"This is folly, Elladan!" Elrohir began unable to brush aside the impotence he now felt over not being able to lend his support. It had been painful enough when his father had rejected his offer of assistance earlier, but now watching his friend as he wove back and forth unsteadily upon his feet as he refused similar aid, was almost unbearable. "We must do something. Each minute that passes only proves more harmful to him. He is clearly feverish and his untreated wounds are obviously the cause."

"I know, Elrohir." Elladan concluded sadly. "But to force ourselves upon him, while he is so adamantly averse to such help, might prove more damaging than good to his condition. Have you seen the wild look that fills his eyes? It worries me greatly. It is as if some frightening specter has taken hold of our friend. Does he not realize that we only mean to lend him aid?"

Elrohir looked on anxiously as his older brother continued. "And the fact that he has not spoken one word regarding Estel, since our return home bothers me. Surely, Legolas would be concerned for our brother's welfare? The condition that we found him in is testament to that fact. Our brother would not be alive now, if it weren't for his efforts."

A small cry of despair came from across the room, and drew the two elves attentions back toward the lot of their companion. While they had been in discussion, the Silvan elf had lost his precarious battle to remain upon his feet. His body betraying him once more, as he stumbled clumsily toward the stone wall, but his efforts failed him, and his body slid down its length to end up in a jumbled heap upon the floor below him. Elrohir and Elladan rushed forward to his side, but Legolas extended a hand forward to ward off their approach as he drew his other arm around himself. "No!" He ground out. "Do not touch me!"

"Legolas," Elrohir argued. "You are clearly in no condition to make such a decision. You are wounded. Your body calls out for succor. Please, my friend, let us be of some assistance to you!"

Legolas only shook his head in disagreement to the elf's heartfelt plea.

"Please Legolas!" Elladan continued. "Will you not allow us to provide you with the same comfort that you offered to our brother? It is a testament to your ability as a protector that Estel is still with us. Will you not at least allow us to do the same for you?"

Legolas blue eyes widened in misery at the mention of his friend's name, and he became more agitated. "No...no..." He continued shaking his head. "All is not how you think! You do not know what happened! You don't realize how the blame lies solely with me!"

"Blame? You speak nonsense, my friend!" Elladan continued bewilderedly. "Surely you cannot fault yourself, Legolas? None of us could have done more for Estel than you did in getting him back to father! You must surely see this, nin mellon! Please, let go of this silliness! Your body cries out for support!"

"No!" Legolas raged on. "I do not deserve it!" Go! Please leave me in peace!" He began only to falter after this last mention of peace as an eery fit of laughter replaced his earlier desperation. "Peace?" He questioned absurdly as the bubbles of uneasy emotion gave way to sobs. "I shall never know peace again . . . "

It was during these last moments that Lord Elrond entered into the room, his eyes sweeping over the activity in front of him, making contact with the quiet frustration that lined his sons' faces before reaching the fathomless despair that marked Legolas' own.

"Father!" Elladan choked as he noted his father's entrance into the room. "Legolas . . . " He began.

Elrond held up a hand to quiet to his son. "I know, Elladan . . . " The elf lord began. "Perhaps if you left us alone, he would allow me to tend to his wounds."

" But, father, we have tried . . . " Elladan continued.

"I know . . . " Elrond answered again, adopting a quiet unobtrusive manner in an effort to restore some semblance of calm and order to the situation surrounding them. "...but it seems as if Legolas' injuries are not all of a physical nature. It might be best if I alone sought to treat them."

"But, father . . . " Elladan implored again before meeting his father's steady gaze and realizing there would be no bricking of compromise in this matter, so he conceded the point and answered. "Yes."

The Eldar then turned his attentions toward his other son. Elrohir had remained quiet thus far, unable to hide the pained expression that still filled his eyes over their earlier confrontation. Elrond felt his own remorse rise over having to turn the younger twin away so harshly, but the situation at the time had the potential of becoming quite explosive, and he could not risk the fallout that might have resulted had the knowledge he had so covertly strived to conceal had been made known. The elf lord lifted his hands to gently touch the sides of his son's troubled countenance. Elrohir's features tightened, but he did not turn away from his father's soothing touch. No words were needed to be exchanged for the son to know of his father's contrition, but Elrond spoke up anyway. "I'm sorry, my son. Someday, I hope you will understand why I felt it necessary to make the decision I did."

Elrohir only nodded his acceptance of his father's apology, before he uttered another thought. "Estel?".

"I have seen to his wounds . . . " Elrond began, but both of his sons could see the hesitancy that marked their father's words and face, and they waited for him to complete his statement. "Your brother is resting. His body has fallen into a deep sleep like state which sometimes accompanies such grievous injuries. I am not sure what its outcome will be yet . . . " His voice trailed off, revealing a hint of the troubled emotions imbuing his own soul, before he continued with. "Cerindur is with him now, but you can go to him. I will see to Legolas. I am sure your presence will be beneficial toward Estel's recovery."

The twins hesitated as their eyes moved back toward their friend upon the floor, and Elrond repeated his last words. "I will see to Legolas. If I require additional help, I will send for you. Go, now! Your brother awaits your arrival." A brief hint of relief marked both Elrohir's and Elladan's faces as they heeded their father's advice and left the chamber.

Turning toward the huddled mass upon the floor, Elrond moved stealthily across the remaining distance that kept them apart, halting only briefly to retrieve the pitcher of water, basin, and cloths that one of the twins had gathered earlier. Lowering the contents within his arms to the floor below, Elrond adjusted his robes to allow himself to settle beside his fallen companion.

If the Silvan elf knew of his close proximity within the room, he did not give this fact away. Elrond set about in preparation as he wet one of the cloths in his possession before wringing out the excess moisture as he set about washing the extended arm that lay before him. A deep gash marked its flesh. Legolas flinched at the contact, but he offered up no further resistance as the elf lord continued his ministrations, slowing making his way further up the elf's scarred body until he reached his face. Elrond gently brushed aside the tangled mess of hair that concealed Legolas' features to him before applying the soothing dampness to his heated cheek, cleansing cuts and washing away the blood that marred him from his past confrontations.

Legolas' body shook all the more in confusion as the elf lord continued these compassionate ministrations until at last he spoke out. "Why? Why do you do this for me? You, who know the truth? You, who know that it was my arrow?"

Author's Notes:

White Wolf: You were right on the money with your prediction last chapter. Good work! I have to hold these comments until the end, because I don't want to give anything away. A thought that is quite tempting to me. :)

Thank you all for your continued support:) I'm debating in my mind whether there will be two or three more chapters, but I will probably have to wait until the end to really make that decision. I won't be posting the next chapter most likely for a little while, since I have a big meeting coming up that I must prepare for, but I will try to get it in as soon as I can.