Disclaimer: Same as chapter 1

A/N: I meant to post this yesterday, but I got busy and forgot. Please forgive me. The next chapter should be posted on Wednesday or maybe Tuesday. Please review and enjoy.

Chapter 7

Fading Hope

Aragorn shivered as the cold wind blew snow into his face. His hands were almost frozen from digging in the snow and he was weary from the cold.

Legolas was searching desperately for the Healing Winter Flower, but he was beginning to loose hope. They had been searching for many hours with no success.

Suddenly Legolas spotted something in the snow. He quickly ran towards it. As he came closer, he saw a small flower that seemed to be glowing white. He quickly unburied it from the snow revealing a small patch of the white flower.

"Aragorn!" He called.

Aragorn turned to look at his friend. As he saw what Legolas was looking at, he ran towards him.

"You found it, Legolas!" Aragorn exclaimed. He quickly pulled out his knife and began cutting a small amount. His hands shook from the cold as he did. After placing the small amount in his pack, Aragorn quickly headed down the mountain. He had found the Nesta Niphredil for Reallan. Now he needed to bring it back before it was too late.

*~*~*

Amras's thoughts were disturbed as Reallan began to gasp for breath again. She was taking ragged breaths as she gulped for air. Amras reached for her hand to try to comfort her. Her hand felt like ice as he picked it up. He quickly felt her forehead to find the same results.

Amras quickly stood and rushed from the room. He almost bumped into another elf who was coming in the door. He was relieved to see one of Elrond's sons.

"Elladan, get your father." Amras quickly commanded.

"Elladan is in the study with Elrond." Elrohir replied. "What is wrong?"

"Reallan has gone cold. He has to help her." Amras replied.

Elrohir nodded and quickly ran off to find his father.

When Elrond heard the news, he quickly ran into the healing room. He quickly placed his hand on Reallan's forehead.

"She's fading fast." Elrond reported. "She's passing into darkness."

"But there is something you can do, right?" Amras asked desperately.

Elrond picked up Reallan's cold hand. "Lasto beth nîn, tolo dan na ngalad." Elrond said to her.

"What's he saying." Amras asked Elrohir and Elladan.

"He's trying to help her. It means 'listen to my voice, come back to the light.'" Elrohir replied.

Amras looked over at him, then back at Elrond. Panic filled his face. He walked to Reallan's bedside and took her other hand.

"Don't you dare give up on me." Amras said.

Reallan's breathing gradually became more normal and she opened her eyes.

Amras smiled down at her through tear filled eyes.

"So cold!" Reallan mumbled weakly.

Elrond stood and quickly retrieved another blanket from a shelf. He placed it over her. He then gently smoothed her hair and smiled at her.

As Amras spoke softly to his sister, Elrond left the room. Elrohir quickly followed.

"Adar?" He said as he saw his father sit down in a chair.

Elrond looked up. His face was full of sadness.

Elrohir stared at his father. "She's not going to make it, is she?"

Elrond looked away from his son's gaze. "I doubt she'll make it through the night." Elrond replied sadly.

"There has to be something you can do, Father. Aragorn is coming. He will bring back the flower needed to save her." Elrohir said.

Elrond shook his head. "Whatever poison that these orcs used is too powerful, even for my skill. Not even Athelas is helping to cure her. I have done all I can for her. The only thing to do now is make her comfortable."

"Aragorn will make it in time. I know he will." Elrohir said.

Elrond stood. "I hope you are right, ion nin. I must; however, warn Amras. He must know."

Elrohir nodded. He stared at the sky, knowing that night would soon fall. It had been four days since Aragorn had left and Elrohir knew he would return in time. He just knew.

*~*~*

Aragorn looked up in the sky. The sky was darkening and he could tell a storm was coming. Legolas and he had been traveling without rest since last night. After finding the flower, Aragorn made with all speed toward Rivendell. It was now almost twenty-four hours since they had departed from the mountains. It had been about another twelve hours since Aragorn had rested. He was weary, but he knew he could not rest. He pushed sleep from his mind and continued riding.

Finally, after the moon was high in the sky, he stopped his horse to rest.

"If we rest now, we can leave in a few hours and reach Imladris by morning." Aragorn said.

Legolas nodded. "We are fortunate to have swift, steadfast horses." Legolas whispered as he stroked his horse, Nienna.

Aragorn agreed with him. Both of their horses were loyal and could go great distances without tiring.

Aragorn and Legolas shared a quick meal, then rested for a short time. When Aragorn awoke four hours later, he was still weary and his muscles were sore. He quickly pushed those thought aside and stood to his feet. He was dizzy and almost lost his balance as he stepped forward.

Legolas looked up at Aragorn. "Perhaps you should rest awhile longer, Aragorn." Legolas cautioned.

"I'm fine. We need to get to Rivendell." Aragorn replied.

Legolas stood. "Why do you care so much for this young girl?" He asked curiously.

Aragorn looked over at his friend. "I don't know, but ever since the day I found her I have wanted to protect her. I would do anything for her."

Legolas smiled. "You will make a good father one day. Arwen is very fortunate."

Aragorn shot him a glance.

Legolas chuckled. "Oh, come on. It's written all over your face how much you love her. I am sure one day you will marry her."

Aragorn smiled as he thought of Arwen. He did love her and he hoped that one day Elrond would allow them to be married.

"Come we must go quickly." Aragorn said as he remembered their mission.

Legolas nodded and packed up their small supplies.

"You have done well, Gwindor." Aragorn said as he patted his horse. "Soon we will be in Rivendell where you can rest." Aragorn mounted as he said, "Until then, I need all the speed you can give me."

Gwindor seemed to understand. He took off quickly toward Rivendell. Nienna traveled close behind him.

A/N: Adar means father. It is the same as Ada only more formal. In addition, ion nin means my son.