Finally, an update…YAY!

Sorry I've been gone for so long, things have been so busy, plus the fact our computers have been down for about two months didn't help either. But now the computer is mine, yay! Poor thing was awfully sick, 17 viruses. But he's all better, so I can actually type. R2R will be at the bottom. Enjoy

Chapter 5: Trapped

The fire had destroyed the western forest quickly. Trees stood out with their trunks marred black, their branches brittle and the ends turning to ash. The forest lay quiet in that area, except for a few flames that were still fueled on. Further east the fire still ragged onward, but it was of no threat nor concern to the two Elves that walked gracefully along the broken ground.

Their long black hair mingled in the wind, as the bent down to studied the worn dirt. Elrohir scanned the horizon with keen eyes as his brother ran a hand along the ground. The day had drawn late, and Aragorn and Legolas had not arrived home. Elrohir felt the slightest twinge of worry growing inside of him. He didn't want to fully admit how worried he was.

Their younger brother seemed to find trouble often, it was not a rare occasion for Estel to suddenly go missing and turn up hours or even days later. Elrohir smiled as he remembered the one of those times. Estel had become stranded in a tree when the fabric of his tunic became wrapped about a small yet sturdy branch that left him hanging suspended in the air for several hours. Father was not at all happy when he learned about his youngest son's excursion.

"But Ada, tis not my fault!" Estel protested.

"Then whom is responsible, may I ask that?" Elrond queried as he climbed up after his son.

"Well," Estel started, trying to twist himself around so he could see his father. "I…I think the one to blame would be Elladan."

"What!"

His brother jumped up onto a log shortly in front of the tree. "Pray tell me, why is this my fault?"

"Yes, I would also like to know," Elrond remarked, glancing over at his youngest.

"You're always telling me to try new things," Estel argued.

"He does have a point my brother," Elrohir told him quietly.

"Not things that are going to get you killed!" Elladan yelled at him, obviously frustrated. He folded his arms across his chest, shaking his head.

Elrohir laughed slightly at the memory. He hoped that his younger brother was well, and the same with Legolas. He knew that Legolas would not abandon his companion. A sigh passed Elladan's lips as he stood, his gaze quickly scanning the terrain.

"They didn't pass by this way, it doesn't make any sense, their tracks stop here…" Elladan rubbed his chin, seemingly lost in his own thoughts. Elrohir followed his line of gaze to the ground, the faint outlines of boot imprints could barely be seen, something one could easily pass over.

"Perchance they retraced their steps?" Elrohir offered, but Elladan shook his head.

"Such a sad fate our own brother doesn't even know the way back home," Elladan said with a wry grin. "But then again, it may be better without him…"

"Elladan!" Elrohir immediately scolded, surprised by his brother's sudden thought.

He laughed, "You know that is not the truth." Elladan ran a hand through his hair, pushing it off his brow. He drew in a sharp breath, holding it for a few moments before releasing it slowly. Elrohir could see his face was flushed, something he had not noticed before.

"How are you faring?" he asked him quietly, making his way over to him.

Elladan nodded, but said nothing. His gaze searched the blackened area, praying silently that the two had avoided this area.

"We need to move on, I have to try and find them. The sooner we do, the quicker we can return home. I'm not certain if leaving that wolf home with father was the best of ideas."

*~*~*~*~*

Long ago it had been a game; they would run through the darkness, moving quickly. They did not want the others to see how frightened they truly were, and so slowed down when the light flooded in. They would be greeted with praise, and dares of doing it over again.

It seemed harmless enough, but no one could ever have anticipated what happened…

Legolas shook his head, pulling his bloodied hands away from the rocky wall. He and Aragorn had already spent hours trying to find away to push aside the newly formed blockade. The two had barely avoided the tree that smashed against the entrance, but once inside they found themselves trapped as the entrance collapsed on itself. 
Legolas was not yet ready to give up, the palms of his hand cut and scratched in some places deep as he had tried to work a way free. Aragorn was resting against the wall, his eyes half lidded as he tried to stay awake. Legolas could barely see his outline in the darkness. Turning his attention back to the blockade he ran his fingers carefully along the sharp rocks, seeking desperately a seam that would let them pass. He hissed sharply as one rock dug deeply into his right palm.
"Legolas, let it be. We're need to find another way out," Aragorn said quietly between a yawn. 
The Elf let his hands fall by his side as he slowly sat down. Wrapping his arms around his legs, Legolas brought his knees up under his chin. His hands hurt, but he ignored the erratic throbbing. He felt slightly sick, and was ashamed he could not get rid of the foul feeling deep within his stomach. 

'It's so cold…"

Legolas shivered at the eerie memory. "Haithin e' gurth," he whispered silently.

"Legolas?"

He was taken aback by the sudden voice, feeling slightly ashamed and embarrassed about it. He glanced sideways at the human who was calling him, raising an eyebrow.

"Are you well?" he queried.

Legolas nodded, laying his head back down on his knees.

"Let us get some rest," he said softly.

Aragorn watched the Elf long after he had fallen asleep, wondering. He had barely heard what Legolas had said, but he did hear the last word, the one that troubled him.

"Death," he whispered. "Why would you be talking of such things?"

Aragorn shook his head. He knew not the answers, but he would keep a closer eye on the Elf. He closed his eyes as he yawned again, leaning against the wall as sleep overcame him.

TBC 
 Bishouen-
Everyone has the right to speak their minds, and yes I do forgive. When things go wrong we tend to do things we regret, though a few people don't seem to think so…another story however. And no, I don't hold grudges, I really see no point in them…but Id thank you for your nice comments and hope you are enjoying the story 

Holly-
Well thank you! I'm glad you like the story, hope you enjoy the rest of it
Carrie-
Mae Govannen!
Hmm you always say you review, you really need to find another excuse. So kind to check up on me and see if I'm still living…Yes I got the chapter, but I no longer have it, you need to send it to me again, it got lost somewhere between my mom's email and mine…not sure, but I'll send an e-mail
Yes, well that's the way the story is, as you saw in this chapter they are looking out for them now…Hope you enjoyed your camp. GET BACK! ~WE HAVE WORK TO DO!!! LOL, hear from you later
Ivy Tante-
True, poor Legolas ends up in a lot of caves somehow, and yes the wolf pup is adorable. You it's a proven fact that if an add contains a famous person something like 43% of people will remember the product, but when there is an animal, 75% of people remember the product? Pretty amazing if you ask me.
Lock Owl-
Ahh yes, the twins leaving him alone. Well don't worry, I have reasons for everything…Say hi to balthasar for me, haven't heard from her in a while. Let her know I'm back online.
Firnsarnien-
I tried to update as soon as possible… and no, I'm not telling you if there is any angst, you must wait and see…