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: Well we're about two thirds done, so please stay with me on this, I'm almost finished. Well, sort of anyway, there's still a bit to go. I just want to quickly thank everybody who reviewed, and I hope to hear from you guys again. Sorry for the cliff hanger last time, but I couldn't resist. Anyhoo, Legolas *will* be in this chapter, which is a little more fast paced, for all of you who missed him in the last one. Also, thanks to Lomiotheil, for the award, but I really hope you didn't hurt yourself when you fell. Alrighty, on with the next chapter, read on……

Chapter eighteen

With a loud clash, the swords of the man and his elven adversary met, again and again, each blocking their opponent's every advance, knowing full well one mistake would be a fatal one. Both were using all the force and strength within them, but still, there was the same outcome. Both were fine fighters, and skilled in the art of hand to hand combat, however in any other given circumstance, Piong would have won, no contest, but given his weakened state, his movements were slower than they were when at full throttle.

About a foot away, Gwiryn watched intently, waiting for the slightest sign that Hirid may need his help to take down this being. It wasn't that he was a coward, in his own mind anyway, but meeting the blade of this elf was not on his list of top priorities. He had heard by more than one source that Mirkwood elves were quick tempered, and he was now faced with a confirmation of that. Piong had been pushed to his very limit now, and he had nothing left to loose. That was a deadly combination, and Gwiryn wasn't exactly edging to have to face the elf, he was hoping to fall upon the sword of his friend.

"Why can't you just die already?" Hirid shouted, as the elf dodged another of his almost deadly blows, that was intended for Piong's abdomen, but was avoided, as the fair being twirled his body, striking back at the man, with a shot of his own, that was not so quickly blocked.

"Simple, human" the elven advisor began with a smug look upon his ageless face, "I refuse to."

Hirid shook his head at him, as their blades met again, locking as the two opponents met dark gazes, "there is now way that you are going to make it out of here, elf" he began exaggerating the last part, causing Piong's eyes to fade to a dark silver from the blue they had been moments ago. "You and your little prince are going to die."

"Want to bet?" the voice came from another who had entered the hallway, one who neither Hirid or a now advancing Gwiryn expected to join them.

The slight distraction was all it took, for Piong to gain the upper hand, and with a quick flick of his wrist, he was able to unarm Hirid, causing the man's weapon to fall to the stone floor, with a clang, as a sharp punch followed it, knocking the man down with it. Gwiryn quickly approached, but didn't get a foot close to the elf before an arrow pierced his upper arm, disarming him as well before he had to lean up against the wall, to keep from falling while Piong laughed, and backed up to where the other stood, bow in hand.

"I knew you were going soft," Hirid growled, as his eyes locked with Aleic, who aimed a projectile at him with the intent to kill, as he tried to go for his sword. "You're a traitor, you'll pay for this" he continued, as he lay on the ground, with hatred glowing in his eyes.

"I'm only doing what I should have done a long time ago, Hirid" Aleic began, as he then spoke to the elf standing beside him, but dared not remove his eyes from the two other men who would kill both of them, at the first opportunity. "You should hurry" he assured, causing the elf to nod, "go, I can manage these two."

Piong nodded once again, sheathing his blade, as he patted the man on the shoulder, "thank you," he spoke with deep sincerity in his voice, as he glanced back down at his fallen foes. "It seems I was right when I presumed you not like the rest of these men."

"Don't be so sure of that" Hirid warned, catching the elf's attention, just as he hoped to do. "He may seem like a respectable man right now, with his seemingly new conscience, but men like us cannot change overnight. He's still the same killer he's always been, the same killer he will always be."

Piong made an advance towards the grinning man, but stopped himself, now was not the time to be taking it for granted, he had almost been stopped already. He knew he could not waste the little time he had left. He looked once more to Aleic who was obviously fighting his inner demons, "I said go," he ordered, with a tone of desperation, "I can handle them, you must get away, now, while you still can."

The elf sighed, giving another nod as he started down the hallway, running with all the speed his legs had the strength to take him. He had the distinct feeling that leaving the man alone was not the smartest thing for him to do, but he forced himself to keep his thoughts strictly on his objective, the young prince who was possibly dying at this very moment. Something that became a little bit harder to do, when he heard the voice of Hirid once more, as he approached the bottom of the staircase that would take him to the right floor.

"We're going to kill him, elf" he shouted, causing the fair being to pause slightly for a second, knowing that his words meant Aleic. He despised himself for having to leave the person who had given him this opportunity, it was wrong for him to just leave Aleic alone against two adversaries, but once again, his vow to Thranduil popped into his head. His vow that under any circumstances, the life of his prince came first, above everything, and everyone else. "The second you're gone, he will die."

He had no choice, "forgive me" he whispered silently, before then forcing himself up the set of stairs.

"Don't move," Aleic shouted, growing a little more weary after hearing the elf leave him. He didn't blame Piong, not in any way whatsoever, however, he was just coming to realize that now that his companion was out of sight, the two men he was left against were becoming a little more sure of themselves, and far more bold. Both men went for their swords, "I said don't move" he spoke again, backing up a few steps, as he readied another arrow to his bow's shaft.

"You're a traitor Aleic" Hirid snarled, as both men lunged at the man, who released the arrows, but to his misfortune, both missed due to the impact his foes made upon his chest when they collided their bodies with his. The blow caused Aleic to drop his weapon, to the floor as his back smashed into the stone wall of the hall, causing his head to collide roughly, slicing a bloody gash on the back of his scalp. "And we don't like traitors" he continued, as he brought the tip of his sword, to the man's chest, right in the middle, pressing lightly, just enough to cause severe discomfort.

Aleic made no response to this, keeping his pride, and his dignity, knowing full well that loosing both would not save his life. Not now, not after all he'd done to ruin the plans for Jevinx's captives. He felt his jaw tighten, as both men brought their faces closer to his, breathing their stagnant breath upon his face, trying to intimidate him. He ignored it though, as best he could, knowing that if he were going to die this day, he would go knowing that he had not let them win over him.

"What have you gotten out of this, huh?" Gwiryn asked mockingly, honestly confused by their once friend's change of sides. "Both those elves are going to be caught. They won't get far, and you know that. Why blow everything for those two? What could you have possibly gotten out of helping them?"

The questions were simple, but so were the answers, which was why Aleic was so easily able to respond right away. "Self redemption."

"Fool" Hirid spat, with an icy glare in his deep brown eyes that had not had a shred of humanity in them for years now, "all it earned you was death" he finished cruelly, as he quickly plunged the sword deep into the helpless man's body, causing Aleic to gasp. His eyes widened, and a new pain, one he had never felt before surged through him, along with a somewhat calming feeling that came afterwards. The expression of pain that faded to one of pure acceptance confused his attackers, especially as he replied to them.

"No" he began between panting breaths, as Hirid viciously pulled the weapon from him, allowing his wounded and fatally injured form to sink to the floor, still resting against the wall that was becoming stained. "It freed me. I'm free now" he finished as his words trailed off, and his eyes slowly closed, as his raven head fell forward, meeting his chest, as his life, that had become so unliveable to him, met it's end.

~~~~~~~*****~~~~~~~

As he reached the very end of the hallway and approached the door, Piong took in a deep breath, preparing himself in the case that his worst fear lay waiting for him inside this room. He prayed to the Valar that he was not too late, and as he silently pushed the door inwards, and entered the quarters of the man who had imprisoned so many, his eyes immediately fell to the form crouched against the wall secured there, with tight bonds. With a gasp, Piong instantly fell to the floor next to the shaky elf, who didn't even look up at him as he entered and shut the door behind him.

"Legolas?" he whispered softly, as he tried to ignore the sickly shape the young royal was in, as he gently lifted the proud head up with his fingertips that rested on the pale chin. There was deep hurt in the questioning blue eyes that met his, and Piong felt as though his heart had broke when he also saw the fear in them as well. "Legolas, what did they do to you?" he questioned, as he used his blade to slice the ropes that held the elf to the steel pipe on the wall.

The prince flinched as the bonds were cut and he felt the blood returning to his wrists that had been deprived for so long. He forced himself to ignore the pain that still came from the earlier beatings, and the serious wound made to his left arm that was still bleeding heavily. He had gone far paler that Piong knew was healthy, and he immediately ran over to the bed, ripping a strip of cloth from the bedding, that he instantly wrapped around the injury, as he noticed the worried look his prince was giving to him, as he helped him to his feet.

Legolas knew that the men who had brought them here were not going to easily let them go, especially after all that had already been done, and a great anxiety came over him when he saw that he had been joined by his life long friend. An escape had to have been made, that he knew, which also meant that they would not be alone for very long. He still couldn't speak, it hurt far too much for him to even try, which was the least of their problems. His condition was worsening, and both elves knew that to be the case. His entire body was red, from both blood and swelling, which to his delight was beginning to die down thanks to his elven healings abilities. However the lacerations were still fresh, and the burn under his collar bone was still causing deep pain that would not seem to dull.

"We don't have much time" Piong replied, as he gave the prince's back a quick glance, trying to hide his worry from the young son of Thranduil, not wanting to concern him at this time. He knew there wasn't a lot of time, and that Legolas would have probably already guessed their situation. They had to get out, and now, before their only shot at escape was lost to them. "Legolas, I know you're hurt, but you have got to stay with me okay, just until we get out of here. Can you do that?" he questioned as he took hold of Legolas' shoulders making a desperate eye contact with him, as the prince nodded.

Despite the pain he felt and as much as he just wanted to lay down and cry, Legolas knew that he had been given a chance, they both had, and they could not waste it. He would get out of here or die trying, and the sounds of heavy footsteps coming down the hall only sped things up for the two elven companions. Someone was coming, and a rush of sorrow overcame Piong, when he realized that this probably meant that the young man who had helped him had been taken down. The footsteps came from more than two persons, which also meant that others had been alerted making their attempt at freedom a little more tricky. The older of the two fair beings ran to the window of the room, breaking it, with a small pipe he found laying on the floor, before he scanned the sides of the wall looking for a way down.

The footsteps were getting closer, too close, and as Piong figured a way to get down to the ground, Legolas pushed his body to the limit, as he leaned his right side up against the bookcase that he had been thrown into earlier and using all the strength he had left, he forced it to fall sideways, hitting and blocking the door, just as the knob began to turn. He could hear groaning coming form the other side as he let out one of his own. He was far too weak and his injuries were too new for him to be pushing himself just yet, but as luck would have it, he really had no choice. They had to get away, for the punishment for attempting to escape he knew even his strong and resilient body, could not withstand.

"Are you alright?" Piong questioned, turning to find the prince clinging his tattered arm close to his body, breathing through his teeth, as the hurt of his injuries continued. Legolas forced his eyes open as he struggled over to where his companion was standing, and gave a curt nod, which wasn't believed, but now was not the time to argue. "Alright," Piong continued as he gave a quick glance over towards the blocked door, before turning his grey eyes back to the window, where Legolas was looking as well. "We have no choice, this is the only way out, and the men know it. We've got to climb down, and make for the forest. Our best shot is taking refuge there, it will be harder for them to find us under the trees" he finished, as the prince continued to nod, showing he understood. Piong grasped his shoulder, letting him know that he wasn't alone, before climbing out first, and out upon the ledge that led to the vines they would use to get to the grass below.

"Are you going to able to do this?" the advisor questioned a little worried, as Legolas gingerly followed after him onto the narrow ledge. He could see that the prince's arm was causing his usually graceful movements to stiffen, and he worried that the climb would be too difficult, but once again the stubborn royal proved him wrong, and defied the odds as he managed to quickly make his way behind him all the way down to the ground. He couldn't help but laugh slightly, as Legolas shot him a proud half smile, pleased with himself, despite his slowed and weakened state. Piong hadn't seen the prince smile since they had been in Rivendell, and the sight of it now gave him a sense of new hope, despite the danger they were still wrapped up in.

His thoughts were quickly thrown off however, as the grin on Legolas' face faded, and he felt the young royal steal the sword from the sheath around his waist, and before he could question the elf's actions, the blade flew through the air, out of Legolas' hand in directly into the heart of a guard who had prepared to ready an arrow in their direction. Piong felt his eyes widen, as the prince quickly ran over to the lifeless body, and extracted the weapon from the man, tossing it back to him, as he picked up the fallen bow for himself, as he wrapped the quiver around his bare back, ignoring the pain that coursed through him as his broken flesh rubbed the leather of it.

"Thanks" Piong congratulated, as the they ran with all speed towards the woods a couple of metres away, with a group of wildmen trailing them by a few good yards. "But lets hope the trees will give us enough cover to keep from being captured again" he finished as their feet finally met the forest floor, and the shade of the branches relieved them of the fear of being shot at like sitting ducks.

Both were hurting, both were exhausted, both wanted nothing more than to give their bodies a break, but their new freedom, would not last if they gave into those feelings. They were going on pure adrenaline now, and they silently prayed that that would be enough to get them out of this alive.

"I won't go back" Legolas swore inside his mind and heart as he pushed aside the fear growing within him, "I refuse to go back."

~~~~~~*****~~~~~~

"Don't pray, do something" Kip yelled as he struggled to keep a firm grip on the plank as one of the orcs, the largest in the group got a good lead on the others and got less than a metre away from them. Elrohir let out an annoyed groan of deep frustration as he got to his knees, and back upon his feet, but before he could even begin to reply to the young man's dense remark, he felt the large body of the creature crash into him, sending him backwards, with the beast on top of him.

The one thing the creature did not mean to do however was aid the beings it was hunting, but that was exactly what it's actions did. As Elrohir was pulled backwards, Kip found himself being pulled upwards, and back onto the unsteady bridge, just in time as the rest of the party of goblins came upon them. He let out a sigh, as he readied himself for unsteady combat, but was quickly halted when he felt a hand grab his arm, and pull him in the opposite direction.

He turned to find that it belonged to the twin son of Lord Elrond, who had been successful in slaying the orc that had attacked him, and with a smile the two friends ran with full speed down to the other side of the bridge, avoiding thrashing blades that swung violently at them. "Don't you think now is the best time to shoot them?" Kip questioned as he gave a sigh of relief when his shaky feet met solid ground again, as the elf readied an arrow to Legolas bow, and took aim at the impending foes.

"I believe that for once, you would be right" replied the elf in a friendly jest as he took down the first of the creatures, who let out a wail as it fell dead, tripping the one behind it, sending it and another over the side of the tipsy bridge, to an unknown demise, as the elf notched another. And another.

"For once?" Kip exclaimed with a hurt tone, as he noticed that his companion was starting to run low on ammo. With quick thinking, an idea popped into the young ranger's head, as he grinned and rose his blade once more. He walked with haste towards the end of the bridge with the enemy was getting much too to for his or the elf's comfort.

Elrohir's eyes narrowed when he caught sight of what the human was going to do, and he went to let out a warning, but it came to late, for before he could say a word, Kip sliced the ropes on either idea of the bridge, allowing it to fall, swinging to the opposite side, causing all upon it, to fall to their deaths with hollers and screams. "Not too smart were they?" the man jested with a proud smile as the elf shut his open jaw and approached Kip's side looking down into the gorge where their enemies had fallen.

"No smarter than you" he responded with a deep groan that caught the ranger off guard, causing him to turn to his now very annoyed companion.

"What's that suppose to mean?" he shot back, confused by his friend's behaviour.

Elrohir sighed, as he tilted his fine head to the side, making eye contact with the bewildered human. He had to hold himself back from hitting the man for his stupidity, but deep inside he knew that Kip was only doing what he had thought to be right at the time, as apposed to the actuality of the situation. "It means, young Kip, that thanks to you, and your brilliant idea, we no longer have a way back to the other side."

A faint blush overcame the man's face when he realized his mistake, "oh" he began with a nervous laugh as he closed his eyes, and Elrohir rubbed his aching temples. "That's bad isn't it?"

"Yes" the elf responded flatly, patting the man on the back a little more roughly than normal, "that's bad."

~~~~~~*****~~~~~~

"Just wait until you see it Mardin" Jevinx began as he took the lead once again, as they walked with fair speed over a grassy mound that once they reached the top of, gave Aragorn the first view of Plemith. The place wasn't even a city, as he had expected it to be. No instead, it was just a rather larger manor, one over run with vines and weeds, with peeling paint and rotting wood. A new sense of relief filled the young man's mind though now that they arrived, because he knew that Legolas was near him now, within reach. Something he had longed for, for days now.

"What the?" Jevinx exclaimed when the sight was not as he had expected. Things were not as they had been the last time he had been here, and the sight almost put a smirk of Aragorn's face. The tents that had been set up for the rest of Jevinx's company had been trampled and the grounds were littered with debris from the men's supplies that had been, and were still being destroyed by the loose steeds, that had yet to be recaptured by the men running after them, causing complete chaos.

"Looks like things aren't going as smoothly as you thought" Aragorn couldn't help but mock, causing the man to give him a old glare, before the smirk left Aragorn's face the second he spotted something familiar. Running loose, was a mare that he recognized to be the very one that Legolas had left on when he journeyed out of Imladris. It's pure white coat, gave it away, and the man could sense that the animal was causing this problem in some way to help the elf she had come to love. Legolas was definitely here, he knew it, now all he had to do was find him.

"Shut up" the other man replied flatly as the two made full speed up to where a small cluster of men circled together, talking about something that from the outside looked extremely important. Aragorn eyed the activity closely as he followed after Jevinx, who interrupted the conversation being had by his workers in a not so happy tone of voice. "What is going on?" he demanded to know as the men he spoke to all jumped at the sight of him. They had all hoped to have this mess cleaned up before either of their bosses returned, and their faces went ghastly pale at seeing Jevinx in this obviously angered state. Especially one man, one who wore an eye patch over one eye.

"Jevinx" Hirid exclaimed eyes wide and swallowing hard. The last thing he wanted was for the man to have returned before the horses could be rounded up, not to mention before the escaped captives had been found. He knew that Jevinx was not going to be happy about this, and he even considered lying and telling him that everything was under control, but reason broke those thoughts, and he realized that the man would find out eventually, and the consequences for lying would probably be worse. Besides, it wasn't his fault. It was that traitor's fault. This was his doing.

"I know my name Hirid" Jevinx snapped back, as the rest of the men each gave Aragorn a once over, not completely sure if they wanted to speak of their failures in front of the newcomer. They knew not if he could be trusted, however, he had traveled here with Jevinx, and without bonds, so how harmful could he possibly be? "Now tell me what is going on. Now, and I want the truth" he finished, as Hirid's colour faded more.

"It was Aleic Sir," he began almost stuttering, causing his employer's eyes to narrow, and Aragorn's interest to peak. If something was wrong, than it could either be to his great benefit, or unfortunately, his loss. Either way, he listened closely. "He betrayed us, he betrayed you Sir, he…"

"He what?" Jevinx was becoming more agitated by the second, and all could tell. "Just tell me!"

"He let them go" answered Hirid, hoping not be to inflicted with the pain of his boss' wrath.

Nervousness ran up through Jevinx's spine, while Aragorn tried to calm his curiosity, not wanting to seem too anxious, and attract attention towards himself. This was good news, he could feel it, and he hoped that that feeling was correct. "The horses?" Jevinx's questioned, hoping that the animals were the ones his guard was speaking of. Unfortunately the look on Hirid's face told him otherwise. He suddenly felt like his heart was about to explode. This couldn't be happening, it just couldn't. He'd worked too hard, planned for too long. His chance had finally come. "The prisoners?" he exclaimed rage filling him entirely, as Aragorn hid his approval.

"Not all of them" Frapil added, trying to ease the tension a little bit. He failed miserably when he was urged to continued, "he um, well, it was just the two elves."

The feeling that suddenly came over Aragorn was not like anything he could even begin to describe. He had never felt so relieved in his entire life, and he felt as if he couldn't stay still. Legolas was alive, his best friend was still alive. He wanted to smile, he want wanted to let out a huge breath of relief over the news of his friend's escape. A part of him didn't find it very hard to believe that Legolas had been able to get away, and the fact that he had, let Aragorn's heart feel for the first time in a long while that everything was actually going to be alright. He wanted to run out of the camp right now, leave these dreadful men, and search out his elven friend, but the fact that there were other prisoners here, kept him from doing so. He had an obligation to help those imprisoned here, and he had sworn that it was not only Legolas he would find and rescue, but Ginyc as well. Where ever he was.

The ranger's reaction however was the complete opposite of the son of Halrinx, whose breathing deepened and he let out a loud groan of pure anger. "Just the two elves?' He repeated, causing the men before him to shrink with worry about what their punishment was going to be. "That elf is the only prisoner that I care about keeping here. Have you found him?" he demanded, causing Hirid to close his eyes for a second before he responded.

"No, Sir, but we're looking" the man began apprehensively as Jevinx let out another grunt, as he dragged his filthy hands through his sweaty brown hair. "They took off into the woods, but they couldn't have gotten too far. We'll find them, I swear, we won't rest until we find them."

"No, you won't sleep until you find them" Jevinx agreed, meeting their eyes again, completely not noticing the joy in Aragorn's eyes to the new news. "And you will find them" Jevinx continued, the men nodding as he spoke, "I don't care what you have to do to do it, but find him. I care not about the other one, kill him if you must, but I want Legolas found and brought back, do you understand me? You get him back here today. Alive. I want to kill that miserable creature myself."

"Go!" He shouted, as the men all leaped and dashed off in the opposite direction as Aragorn had to force himself not to attack the man beside him. No one, especially Jevinx would ever take the elven prince away from him again, Aragorn swore to himself. Not while he still drew breath, would he allow the risk of loosing his best friend show itself again. They would fight the danger side by side, like it had been before. Like it would always be.

"I can't believe this" Jevinx shouted, to no one, as he turned back to Aragorn who forced a sympathetic face to cover his gloating underneath. The man knew Legolas a lot better than any of these men did, and he knew that Legolas was one with the woods. He could disappear into the forestry in seconds, making it nearly impossible for anyone to find him. Aragorn smiled inside, he knew that where ever his friend was, the elf was safe, and not alone. That was a comforting thought, because, after everything that had happened, he hated the idea of the young prince being along in all of this.

"Well" Strider began "since I am your employee now, do you want me to help out in the search for, this Legolas that you spoke of. I have some experience with elves, I may be able to track his movements for you."

There was a long pause between them, as their eyes met, quizzing each other, and for a second, Aragorn thought that perhaps Jevinx could tell he was not being truthful. Perhaps the man knew that something was arise. He was about to speak again, to try and alleviate the tension but he was beaten to it.

"No," the man started with a shake of his head as he started with haste towards the house, ushering for Aragorn to follow after him which he did immediately. "No, you come with me."

~~~~~~*****~~~~~~

The sounds of footsteps, and men trampling down below could still be heard by the two fair beings, who had had no choice but to take to the tree branches for shelter and protection. High above the ground, far out of vision of the wildfolk beneath the trees, Piong had finally taken the time to give Legolas' wounds look. The elf prince was still loosing blood, though not as much, due to the sheet he had wrapped around the gash on his arm, that he held tightly to him, with his head down, as his father's advisor inspected the cuts and lacerations on his back.

Piong could clearly see that something had been put into the wounds, and when he found traces of salt upon the royal's fair skin he felt so much anger grow inside of him that it scared him. The elf before him was still so young, and had never suffered this kind of ill treatment before. He prayed to the Valar that it would never happen again, and that Legolas' condition would not worsen before he could find him some help. Having no supplies at all, except for the two weapons they carried, Piong wasn't able to do anything much for the prince's pain, and that was heart breaking enough. Which was why, Legolas made sure not to reveal the branding on his upper torso to the elven advisor. It was humiliating enough, not to mention painful. Not something the prince felt any urge to share.

"It's alright Legolas," Piong whispered so softly that only the prince could hear him. "They won't find us up here. You're going to be alright" he continued, hoping his words to be the truth. Both knew that Legolas was in really bad shape, and without proper treatment soon, unfortunately, death was a very scary, and real possibility. "We're safe now" he promised as Legolas turned around so that their eyes met, and mouthed something to him.

"For now" he spoke noiselessly, causing Piong to sigh, as the prince turned away again, cradling his torment in pure silence.

"For now."

* ************** *

To Be Continued…

Well Aragorn's finally there……only, Legolas isn't anymore. Okay, okay, please before you get mad at me, just remember, it's not over. Will they find each other? Before it's too late? Well, you'll just have to read the upcoming chapters to find out. I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, even though it was somewhat shorter than the last one, and please let me know what you think. Anything, from comments, suggestion, predictions, anything. I'd just like to hear what you think. Anyways, thank for reading, the next one will be up on Wednesday. Until then, Adios.