Title: Regret

Summery: When you lose a friend to death, it is tragic, but what if you lost them before you got the chance to say "I'm sorry." Could you live with that?

Note: You guys have no idea how much your feedback means to me. I really appreciate it, and thank you to everyone who read the first two chapters, and are now reading this one. A special thanks to the reviewers:

Tamara, Ryoko, Erestor & Nurnoleiel, PrettyLittleDuck, jambaby1963, Patty, Legolas's Queen, Pellawethiel, MaverickGirl, Fairlady, Lady of Legolas, CalliTrakand, Konjurer, ElvenSong, Eowyn 006, Lady Eleclya, bant, evil spapple pie, Goma-Ryu, Kelly L. K, Vanna Everyoung, and Joha.

You guys are the best, thanks a bunch. Sorry this one is really short, but the next one will be longer. I promise.

Chapter three

The road to Mirkwood was a long and dangerous one, and Aragorn knew that the four elves would take every precaution to ensure that they made their trip safely, and untracked. The ranger found it very difficult to find any prints, and many times he wanted to give up, and return to Rivendell. However neither his heart, nor his conscience would allow him to do such a thing. He knew he had to find Legolas, and apologize for how he reacted towards him.

The ranger knew that Legolas was probably feeling guilty himself, for the elf was still young, and though centuries his elder, in some ways they were the same. Both felt responsible for every mishap they were involved in, and both hated being wrong. Which was exactly what he had been, he had been wrong to accuse Legolas, and say the things he did. In fact, when Aragorn thought back to the fight, he could not believe he let such a small thing get so out of hand.

The sound of footsteps echoed in the ranger's ears, immediately the man was aware of another's presence. Two, to be certain, and they were heading in his direction. The steps were too loud to be elves, and much to quiet for the strangers to be orcs. The logical answer was men, and sure enough, within a few seconds, the man's guess was confirmed, and out of the foliage stepped two human men.

Aragorn instantly recognized the older of the two men to be Ginyc. The ranger he had met many times before, and could always be pointed out by the bushy read beard he sported. However the other man, who looked even younger than Aragorn's himself, with shoulder length sandy coloured hair, and a freckled complexion, he did not recognize.

"Strider," Ginyc exclaimed, as the three travelers came face to face. "It's good to see you again," he finished, as he pulled Aragorn into a tight hug, causing the other man, to smile at the look of discomfort in the young ranger's face.

"You as well," Strider replied as he pulled himself from Ginyc's grip, before turning his eyes back to the other companion. Immediately the younger man introduced himself.

"Kip's the name," the boy began, before he interrupted Aragon's tried response, "and I know who you are." he concluded with a smile.

With a nod, the ranger's attention fell back upon Ginyc, who began to speak again. "What are you doing out here all alone my boy? It's a dangerous thing to be doing right now." His words only caused Aragorn to laugh, it amused him how protective the older ranger could be over the younger ones he knew, and even though Aragorn was skilled enough to take care of himself, it never stopped Ginyc from asking all the questions a parent would.

"I'm tracking a party," was his answer, trying not to give any unnecessary information, about Legolas and the three other elves the prince was traveling with.

"Coincidence," Kip replied, "so are we."

Confusion was written all over Aragorn's face, which urged the boy to continue, "we're tracking a band of wild folk. They're in these parts pretending to be rangers. But they're far from that. They're an evil bunch they are. Hunters."

"What's their game?" Aragorn questioned, trying to sound interested, even though his mind was far from this conversation, and still directed upon his elven friend who was getting further and further away from him.

The ranger knew that the longer he stood here with Kip and Ginyc, the less of a chance he had at catching up with the elves, and that was something he didn't want to happen. He knew that where ever Legolas was, the elf was in pain. For the loss of friendship was not something that Thranduil's son had never encountered before, and Aragorn knew that the parting that they had had, was far from pleasant.

"See now that's the funny part," Ginyc said, as he entered into the conversation, "they're not after deer or any type of animal. They're hunting people."

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To Be Continued….

I'm sorry that this one is so short, but I just haven't had much time to write recently. However, as I said before, the next one will be a lot longer, and for all Legolas lovers, he will be making an appearance in it. So look for it soon. I should have it posted within a few days. So until then, please let me know what you think. Thanks a lot. Bye.