Sorry I left it at a cliffy earlier people! It was totally unplanned!

Chapter Two

"What happened!" Endured the two friends. Their curiosity was peaked. Reluctantly Rothinzil continued.

"They attacked. I've never seen anything like it before your highness. It was like they saw us some how." The dark haired elf squeezed his eyes shut, remembering. Legolas put his friend's face between his hands.

"You have to tell us Roth." Aragorn placed a comforting hand on the shoulder of the shaking elf. The fair being shrank from his touch. It was too much like having the men he had just encountered touch him and he could not bear it. The ranger understood and let Rothinzil be. Drawing a deep breath, Roth's voice shook as he said;

"Nimlossie...he took an arrow...through the chest... Another struck him in his abdomen. He has yet to quite calling my name." A sob ran through the elf and Legolas removed his hands as Rothinzil let lose a sob. Nimlossie was his brother. Leaving Legolas to stay with Rothinzil, Aragorn went to the guardhouse/flet. Inside elves reluctantly gave way. They were all familiar with the ranger. However, now it was hard for them to trust anyone.

Nimlossie lay on the guardhouse floor. Blood flowed from two wounds but the elf did not stir. His chest lay still and his face was pale with the frost of death. Nimlossie was gone. The arrows lay on the floor beside the slain elf. They were indefinitely of Lake Town make. So the Lake Men were angry, but why? Hesitantly, Aragorn asked the surrounding elves what had happened. At first they told him nothing different. Then one said, "they said we would pay the price with more deaths until they had their retribution filled."

Aragorn was appalled. Choking out the words, he hissed, "and what did they say angered them so?" His jaw clenched with anger. This was wrong.

"They said we had killed them. Though how we can't imagine." The ranger was deeply hurt for his friends. This was immoral. You could not punish a whole race for the mistakes of a few. He doubted that they had done anything to the men anyway. Looking at the elves with a devastated look, the ranger said;

"I'm sorry. I don't know how this could have happened." The fair beings turned away their heads. They did not want to see the human. Aragorn dropped his eyes to look at the floor. He had no idea what to say. He could not find the words to tell it like it was, to tell what he felt in his heart.

Meanwhile, outside Legolas was doing his best to comfort his shaken friend. The dark haired elf continued to sob. His brother had fallen. No longer would his brother comfort him when his tears fell like rain, nor would he laugh with him. His brother's joy was gone from the world. Legolas could do nothing but watch and cry with his friend.

The ranger came slowly out of the guardhouse. His face was paled from witnessing the devastation of the elves. They were his closest companions. Legolas saw and knew. "Roth, come with us," pleaded the prince. "You are hurt and are weary. Come to the palace and rest." Rothinzil looked at the companions, considering. Reluctantly, he began to follow them. Legolas smiled wryly. Together they went to the palace.

When they had reached the palace some time later, Legolas showed his friend to his quarters, as hey had no time to find others because of the council meeting the prince was already late for. Aragorn was chosen to stay with Rothinzil.

When the elf was settled in the room, the ranger seated himself in chair to keep watch over the weary being that was close to hyperventilation. Legolas gave a mournful glance at both of them. His blue eyes welled slightly with unspilled tears. It hurt him terribly to see his friends in pain and worse to witness the death of an elf. It was so sad when immortal lights went out. It was an impossibility that was still possible. It was like saying dragon fire was cold or sugar bitter. The mind could never fully comprehend it. No words could ever explain it. Reluctantly, Legolas left the room. As he went down the great halls to the council room, he wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. It came away wet with tears.

As he entered the room his father sent him a sharp glance. It looked like he was angry at first but then, seeing to anguish on his son's face, he softened and waved a hand in the direction of Legolas's seat. Out of the corner of his eye, the prince could swear he saw Iaurgwath giving him a cold calculating look. What was the adviser's problem? Seating himself, the blonde elf looked at his father, "I'm sorry atar."

Thranduil looked at his son and responded serenely, "it is forgiven Prince Legolas. Pray do not do it again."

Legolas connected his blue eyes to his father's gray ones. "I will do my best."

Thranduil nodded slowly. "I can ask no more." Legolas could have sworn he saw some form of pity in his father's eyes. Did he know of Nimlossie? The prince was certain of it. Suddenly Iaurgwath shifted uncomfortably in his seat. His stare fell across Legolas and then away. The adviser's gaze seemed to strangely threaten him. Legolas surpressed a shiver that started at the end of his spine and crept icily up to his neck. He sent a glare of his own back. Iaurgwath turned a blind eye to it. Legolas was so deep in thought he hardly noticed his father say, "let us begin." As a matter of fact, until Iaurgwath rose from his place to speak. Thranduil spoke with reluctance in his voice and dread. "Iaurgwath, what is it now?"

The adviser spoke softly and yet it sounded cold. Legolas stared at his father. He was judging the reaction. Thranduil's face remained calculatingly expressionless and dead like. "Orcs and goblins plan to attack from the borders along Dol Guldur. We all know what this means. There is a chance they could pillage some of our kingdom. Have we not suffered enough?" Some of the advising elves present nodded in agreement. Others exchanged glances. Iaurgwath looked around the room. "I say we attack them. Drive them back to their evil realm."

This was madness. They had not the numbers to challenge the ever- spawning goblins and orcs. It could result in disaster. Legolas looked urgently at his father. Thranduil stood. "I am not sure this would be best. Iaurgwath you were always rash. But you do speak wisdom. We must do something." Legolas relaxed.

Iaurgwath's response was almost a snarl. "And what do you suppose we should do?"

The king thought for a moment. At length, he said, "Send out a scouting party. Let them come back and report the danger our enemies pose. Until then I say we wait." Legolas had approval shining in his eyes. Iaurgwath muttered something inaudible, even for elf ears, and shrank back to his chair.

Another elf stood up and said. "Your majesties," he addressed Legolas and Thranduil, "what of the problem with the Lake Men? I have grown impatient and would like to know more and if possible find a solution." Several elves nodded in agreement.

Legolas's senses picked up. He had been zoning out. Already the meeting had grown dull. Now things were taking a turn. Rising, the prince said, "I as well would like some answers and a full explanation. For one of my friends was killed this day and another two mourn." Legolas looked over in Iaurgwath's direction absent-mindedly and saw the elf's eyes shift nervously. Thranduil nodded.

"Does anyone care to explain what occurred this morning?" The elf still standing graciously volunteered. "Very well," consented the king.

Bowing, the elf began his tale, "This morning two men came and craved an audience with you, Legolas, and your father. The guards forbade them, for they reeked of anger and the sentinels feared they would do harm." The fair being paused to gather his thoughts. Shortly he continued. "The men began shouting for payment of us. They said we had poisoned them. The guards still held them off. Losing their tempers as well as some arrows, they shot down Nimlossie. (If anyone is aware of his condition let me know). We no not how they got a shot at our archers but they did." Bowing he said, " I am finished." Legolas's face went dark with thought and his eyes were wide by now. Poison? How was that possible?

"They demand we give the life of an elf for every life they lost," said Thranduil. His voice was thick with anger. Legolas was angry himself. "They threaten to claim the elves themselves if we do not." The king's voice changed to a bitter tonality.

Legolas's eyes brimmed with tears as he recalled the loss of his friend's brother. "One life has already been forfeit. Nimlossie died not more than an hour ago." Cries rang out in the room. The elf looked at Legolas.

"That is grave news." Legolas bowed his head and a silvery tear shimmered as it rolled down his right cheek.

The council meeting resulted in that a scouting party would be sent out near Dol Guldur but would not venture into the evil place. They still had not decided on what to do with the Lake Men and their threat.

Legolas went swiftly to see Aragorn and Rothinzil and tell them of the strange events. When he entered the room he saw that Roth had fallen asleep upon the bed. His eyes remained open but were blindly staring into nothing. Elves more often than not, slept with open eyes. Aragorn sat watchfully on the edge of the bed. A cup of steaming Athelas was in his hand along with a spoon. Legolas grinned. "You spoon fed him Athelas tea?" The ranger nodded. It had sure done the trick. Legolas noticed as his friend held back a yawn. "You are tired yourself. Rest. I will look out for things here." Aragorn said;

"Not until you tell me what went on in there."

Legolas looked torn. "It's secret. Do you know how much trouble I'd be in?"

"I think living with me begging you every moment would be worse." Legolas grinned twistedly. He trusted the ranger. This was just a game they played. He always told the human of the meetings. Seating himself on the opposite bed corner, he told in brief the meeting's highlights. Aragorn showed no sign of tiredness. He had turned his full attention to Legolas's tale.

"Poison? Do you suppose it is the same one that has claimed the lives of several of your people?" Legolas nodded. "What do you plan to do?"

They held breath as Rothinzil stirred and then went still with sleep again. "I don't know. Father has more or less forbid any elves but the guards to be near there."

Aragorn looked worriedly at his friend. "How will you save your people if you don't try and solve the problem?" The blonde elf looked hurt.

"If I do this. If I disobey my father...I could be put into exile. I could be charged with treason." Yet in his heart he knew that more elves would die until it was solved. The ranger's pleading look made him smile. The man always managed to bring light to a joyless situation. "I will need a few days to get my supplies together," said Legolas. The trouble they always managed to find. He looked at Roth and noticed the elf was awake and staring open mouthed at both of them.

"Your mad Legolas!" he hissed. He tried to raise his head but was still too tired. Legolas gently eased his friend back down onto the pillows. "And what in Middle Earth was that stuff you gave me?" Legolas laughed.

Aragorn answered., "it was Athelas." Turning to the prince he said. "Elladan packed a cluster of it into my pack when I was not looking. I guess he knew it would come in handy sooner or later." Legolas brightened up. Elladan was so protective of the young ranger. Roth moaned.

"You can't go Legolas." Legolas smiled then became serious.

"I know but I have to...You can't tell anyone, understand?"

"But what if-"

"It doesn't matter," interrupted Legolas. "You can't. Now do you understand?" The elf nodded reluctantly. Legolas sighed. This was going to be harder than he thought. Suddenly Legolas spoke again, "You can stay here and I will get servants to care for you. You must rest a little longer mellon nin. Hold on until I get back." Giving his friend's hand a comforting squeeze, the prince stood up to leave followed by the ranger.

Going into the hall, the prince noticed not a torch was lit. This was odd. Aragorn stopped abruptly before slamming into his friend's back. Legolas's eyes were large. He did not trust the dark. People got hurt in the shadows. He could not suppress the feeling that somebody was out there and watching them. He was not sure however, and did not want to worry the ranger needlessly. Humans were jumpy enough as it was. Especially the rangers. He knew they must leave that night. If they didn't it left too much time for someone to discover their purpose. He had wished to get more time to prepare and get supplies but that would not happen now. Aragorn sensed what the elf was thinking, but kept it to himself. Legolas had enough on his mind. He followed as the elf swiftly began to move on down the hall. Legolas knew they could not go, or at least he could not go, in his regular cloak and gear. It was too noticeable.

Going to the throne room, Legolas went through it and to another room. This room held spare cloaks that were not as brilliant in color as the prince's. Grabbing two, he tossed one to the ranger, who caught it. Next he went to the wall and selected two bows. These were less elegant and smaller than the huge long bows. Their quivers and arrows were no better. If the elf and human wished to be less noticeable he would have to reduce himself to using lesser supplies. Slipping the gray mantel on over his woodland attire, Legolas buried his face deeply into the hood. His eyes still shined through and it was hard not to notice he was one of the fair folk. Aragorn did like wise. In unison they both swung the bows and quivers onto their backs.

Going back out of the room, they cleared the throne room and went out into the night. Their journey had only begun to unfold.

Iaurgwath watched warily from a corner. He could not see their faces but he knew who it was. It was Thranduil's brat and the scrawny mortal. Legolas was preparing to leave. Where was he going? Iaurgwath needed to know. Things were not going as planned. Two of the 'special barrels' had already turned up missing. He guessed that they had been accidentally rolled into the stream for the Lake Men who took the empty tubs and sent them back full in return for different things they could not make. This was why the men had complained about being poisoned. They had been, although it was unintentional it could prove useful. If they got hold of the foolish prince he may not have to do anything to get rid of him all. Without the tubs he could not possibly carry through with his original plan. What if Legolas found out and made it through? These thoughts raced one after another through the adviser's head as he thought about what his next move would be. He would have to find some other way to get rid of Prince Legolas.

Legolas and Aragorn walked through the woods together in silence. It was dark and quite. Every now and then they wood catch sight of some other elves laughing and making merry in the woods. Their songs filled Legolas's heart with joy. At least his people were happy again. The ranger was even smiling to himself in the dark of night. The fires were burning like little beacons of hope in the distance. Hope that a solution would be found. Hope that no more would die. Suddenly, the ranger tripped. He banged directly into Legolas's back, jolting the prince forward. The human snickered. He could almost picture his friend's face. Legolas pursed his lips into a line as he tried not to laugh. Blowing his breath up, he puffed a strand of hair out of his eyes. Aragorn heard him and knew exactly what had happened. He smirked in the dark, knowing that if it weren't dark his friend would have had him in a headlock by then. Legolas just glared at his friend through the blackness. Finally he could no longer check the smile he had been fighting and it burst across his face.

They continued to walk carefully through the forest until they came to a dark patch. It was blacker than all the rest, the lair of the spiders, the terrors of Mirkwood Forest. Into there they had to go. It was the quickest way to reach and pass the borders that ran along the Lake Mens' realm.

The dark pressed on thick around them. Aragorn could even hear Legolas's breath in the thick air of the night. Legolas looked around, but the night was so thick he could not see his hand in front of his face, even with the aid of his elven eyes. Even though he knew the ranger was there beside him he felt alone. The dark seemed to creep into his very soul; it seemed to shake the depths of his very bones. It was not a totally natural darkness. The shadow that hovered over Dol Guldur often clouded even Thranduil's fair realm at night. Legolas could hear Aragorn breathing hard. The spiders often spun their sticky traps here to catch an unwary elf. Even now Legolas could feel the presence of the beasts as they watched them with hungry eyes. One false move could mean their deaths. Cautiously, the prince stuck out a wary foot. Placing it lightly onto the ground, he felt for a sticky snare. Reaching out into the dark, Legolas grabbed the ranger's arm. He muttered two words barely heard, "spider territory." That said it all for the mortal. He understood the danger. He had seen spiders' nests before, when Legolas pointed the beastly things out.

Aragorn held onto Legolas's hand as he was guided through the hidden maze of webs. They more than partially out of the danger zone when Legolas heard a bubbly hiss gurgle behind them. Even as an elf, a wave of terror shot through his system. They were no matches for a horde of three or more of the creatures. Even one was trouble enough. Legolas wished they could quicken their pace. It was not possible though. They would be snared in a web if they went recklessly faster. Aragorn's stomach was doing flips. Legolas felt a lump come up in his throat. The hiss drew closer. Legolas placed one hand onto the handle of one of his twin knives. They would not go down without a fight. His elf ears could hear the brutes heaving their bulk around in the treetops above. Suddenly he grabbed Aragorn tightly and threw the ranger forward.

Aragorn fell forward into the trees beyond. He noticed there was light in there. Or the darkness was less heavy. Legolas had thrown him out of the spiders' lair. Where was the prince? With horror, the ranger realized his best friend had not followed. He was still inside. A hissing scream pierced the air from within the Realm of Lacework as some spider cried its death cry. Aragorn leaped to his feet. He halted suddenly as he saw something come through the trees. It was Legolas. Then he saw that something was wrong. Terribly wrong. His friend was slowly sinking to his knees as he walked. Racing to the blonde elf's side, Aragorn supported his friend. Helping Legolas over to a more lighted part of the forest, he laid him in the grass. Legolas shivered as he felt the cold dew on the back of his neck and winced as it touched and cooled a burning welt. It was the welt of a spider's bite or sting. Even though his neck burned, the rest of him felt cold, so very cold and stiff but he was quite alive. He was aware of all around him, but that was quickly fading as well. Aragorn watched as his friend's face went deathly pale and Legolas's blue eyes began to wander upward to look at the trees. He grasped his friend's cold hand as Legolas slipped out of consciousness and into deep coma-like sleep.

He was not dead though. He was only sleeping. Spiders did not eat dead meat as a rule. It was not fun to eat blood that had quite flowing. As Aragorn looked at his friend, he saw that webs had been bound loosely about his legs. Their ends were severed from the touch of a knife blade to them. One of Legolas's knives glittered in his tightly clenched hand. It shone black with spider blood. Another lay on his chest. He had done what most elves could not. Legolas's breathing had slowed almost to a stop. He lay down by his friend and looked up at the trees. Fearing he would fall asleep, he sat up again. But slowly his chin lowered to his chest and he drifted away into an uneasy sleep.

Aragorn was awakened by the sound of the prince coughing up venom. Some of Legolas's color had returned. The prince suddenly curled into himself on the ground. Aragorn crawled over. "What is wrong? Legolas?"

The elf trembled. "I'm going to be sick again." Aragorn shifted the prince's golden hair away from his face like a mother would a sick child. He turned away however, when he heard Legolas begin to cough as he wretched once more. The ranger waited until all was quiet again then took a canteen he had had with him by chance. It still had some water. Holding it out to Legolas he said;

"Drink my friend. It will help. Honest." Legolas tired but it made his stomach feel worse and he handed it back.

"I can't...It hurts." The ranger rolled his eyes.

"Well how do you expect to cleanse your system if you won't even attempt to drink water!" Legolas grinned slightly. Neither of the friends were any good at taking medicine or any medical advice. It was an inside joke they always did. Aragorn decided it was best to rest before continuing on. Legolas was certainly in no state to move. Deciding the elf needed more air, the ranger gently tried to remove his cloak. The hood had already come off. Legolas stopped him

"I'll get a chill." Aragorn nodded. The dew had already wetted the prince's hair. It was a good thing elves could not get illnesses, like a cold or flu. He noticed that as Legolas fell into another sleep that he shut his eyes. Considering elves always slept with their eyes open he figured his friend must be in a lot of pain and discomfort. Fidgeting to avoid sleeping again, the ranger discovered Legolas's knives were still lose and lying on the ground. Gingerly he picked them up, careful not to touch the dark blood. Wiping them on the grass, he returned them to their owner's sheathes. He was grateful that the elf had not cut himself on them before they were found.

After about a half-hour, Legolas was on his feet. He was a bit wobbly but insisted on moving on. The prince tried to shift his hood back around his face. After several failed attempts, Aragorn reached over and pulled it up around his friend's head. Carefully he tucked back some loose locks of hair into the hood.

The two crept through the woods. The night lingered on and they were nearing the boarder by Lake Town's dominion. Legolas's color had fully returned and he was steady- well for the most part. Every now and then, to the elf's embarrassment, he would stumble and the mortal would catch him with an outstretched hand. Questions raced through the prince's mind. What would he do once he got there? How could he ever come home? Would he come home at all? What would his father think?

Aragorn was worried for his friend. If he kept up this pace he would surely kill himself. The ranger was exhausted as well. Legolas watched as the human yawned sleepily. In the gray tongue Legolas spoke urgently, "you need rest. Sleep. I will watch things for a time."

"Don't play cute with me. I know you are worse off than I." Aragorn suppressed another yawn. The elf laughed.

"I couldn't sleep if I tried."

"I think if you can sleep in a tree you can sleep anywhere mellon nin," teased the human. It was a known fact that he had tried sleeping in trees and found it highly uncomfortable.

"Seriously. Sleep," urged the prince. "You mortals can't go long without sleep." He suddenly snickered, "I don't need a grumpy human with me right now. That's enough trouble in and of itself."

Aragorn hesitated before dropping to the ground. Legolas grinned. It was about time that human caught up with his rest. Seating himself on the ground, Legolas gazed into the trees. He longed to see the sky and its brightly shining stars. He longed to see the sickle of the Valar, the sign of doom to all evil. The prince could not have slept if he had wanted to. His thoughts were too troubled about his people and the deaths. How had the Lake Men come to get poisoned as well? He knew not but that the elves did not do it. He soon discovered the ranger could not sleep either. Legolas's blue eyes fell on the figure lying forlorn on the ground tossing and turning. The elf then looked back towards the trees. Aragorn finally gave up on sleep. The dew chilled him and his meditation would not slow enough for sleep. Rising, he came over to take a seat beside the prince. Legolas's blonde hair shifted in a sudden breeze. "We should continue," whispered the mortal. Legolas nodded slowly, as though in deep thought.

They went to the edge of the forest. Suddenly Legolas found himself yanked up into the air but his feet felt firm on the ground. When he quite going up he looked down about five feet at the ranger. Even being at five feet above made his stomach queasy as he looked down. A cold knot was slowly growing as his fear and wonder mounted. Aragorn stared desperately up at his friend. Legolas called softly, "Strider help me." The hood that had concealed his features had unexpectedly blown off when the net ensnared the prince. Aragron could see into his eyes, they were immense and glittered with fear. The elf was caught in a net. Legolas took out one of his knives to try and cut through it and was surprised when the knife fell away with a notch. The mesh of the net was mithril. It would not break. The only way to get out of it was to open it. To open it, you had to release a clasp even higher up, high enough up that the prince could not reach up to it. Legolas put his fingers through the holes, grasping the trap and had such a pleading look on his face that the ranger's heart bled. Aragorn started to climb the tree that held aloft the net. He intended to release the lattice and free his best friend. Legolas continued to shift around inside the snare, searching his tiny prison for any weak point he could direct the ranger to. He did not have much room. His quiver and bow kept getting entangled in the webbing and preventing him from much movement at all. Aragorn's eyes never left his friend's as he ascended up the trunk. The elf looked over at the trees beyond. He could have covenanted he had heard the snap of a twig and the creaks of bows being drawn. Unexpectedly, Legolas's eyes went wide. "Strider!" he screamed.

The warning came seconds too late. The elf heard the sharp twang of bows being released and saw several arrows sing through the air. He watched with horror as they struck the ranger in unison. He called to his stricken rescuer as the human fell to the ground below. "Nooooooo! Strider!" Grabbing the mesh, the fair being yanked it back and forth, trying to break it. His friend was dying or was maybe even already dead. Legolas, forgetting his own fears and position, struggled madly for the freedom to be by his bleeding friend's side and tending to his wounds. He did not even heed the men who approached from the brush and ferns. He kicked savagely at the mesh and called out again to his friend, "Strider!" As a result he became entangled even worse, it was now impossible to move. Off in the distance he could hear the sound of hounds baying.

Aragorn lay on the ground. Arrows protruded out of his shoulder, thigh, and upper arm and along the outer part of his rib cage. The ranger lay deathly still. His eyes were open though and following the captors every move. Legolas was horrified. He did not pay any attention to the humans until they stood just beneath and in front of him. "And what 'ave we got 'ere?" they motioned to the elf who had ceased struggling and was watching the bounty men with bright blue eyes. "What might your name be elf?" Legolas remained mute. He could not possibly let them know his true identity. And what of Aragorn? Every second put less time between the mortal and death. He was certain the human was already at death's door. The elf was hypnotized by his friend, who lay suffering on the forest floor. A sharp blow across his face caused his eyes and cheek to burn. The outline of the mesh traced along his cheekbone, where the netting had left an impression from the strength of the blow. One of the men had backhanded him.

His mind was brought back to the present. Looking down, he saw a large hound standing beneath him on a tether, snarling vicious threats. "Let me go and aid my friend who is on the ground and I will tell you. I promise." The elf's eyes brimmed with tears; he gulped down the pain (physical and emotional) to avoid crying. "Please. Can you not see he is dying?" The men glared at him.

"How do we know we can trust the word of an elf? It is worthless." Legolas's face went a shade paler. His whole appearance pleaded for their approval.

"Please," whispered the prince. The men glowered at him.

"First your name elf otherwise we feed him to the hound and take you back to camp where the memories 'o his death 'ill haunt you until you meet yours," threatened the second man. Legolas looked at his friend. The prince could not give away his identity. Why had he promised something so foolish? He didn't answer and a second blow struck him. This time it drew blood as it busted his lip. A bruise had begun to from where the mesh had pinched the skin on his left cheek. Instinctively, he licked his bleeding lip.

Another one spoke. "Raxyn, I say we kill the elf now. It's too dangerous to hold an elf captive."

"Nay Axyn. I want to hear what he knows." Legolas suddenly felt sick as the net lurched to the ground. He had no chance to brace himself and even if he had he had no room in which to do it. He slammed to the ground. A sharp pain shot up from his shoulder. He felt it grinding and knew he must have cracked it at least. Shifting some more he found his collarbone must have cracked as well. He cried out softly. The net was heavy enough and weighed him down. It alone acted as a bond to his feet, which were snarled in with the mesh. A violent kick caught him in the ribs and rolled him over. Legolas stared up at the men. His mouth went dry. Biting his tongue to keep from screaming as another shock of pain radiated from his shoulder and burned his chest and neck, Legolas squeezed his eyes shut. The elf was in more pain than the men knew. Raxyn unclasped the lock on the net and careful lifted it off the panting prince. Legolas didn't move. He couldn't.

Aragorn struggled on the ground. Unable to get up, he yelled to his companion, "Legolas!" He wrestled with the pain that came from the arrows that bit deeply into his flesh as he watched them kick his friend again. "Stop! You know not what you are doing!" Raxyn turned to him and growled;

"Shut up!" Aragorn looked at the trembling elf. He knew that Legolas had broken at least one bone, maybe more. Legolas cried out flocculently again as the men forced him to his feet. Aragorn winced as he saw the ugly bruise that marred his friend's face.

"He would never hurt you! Just let him alone!" Raxyn left the elf to see the ranger. Touching one of the arrows with the tip of his boot, he nudged it, causing it to rub deeper into the wound. Aragorn winced. "My friend would never hurt you. You have to trust him."

"I did trust the elves once." He bent down into the ranger's face. "But they betrayed me." He looked over his shoulder at Legolas. "They have killed women and children. Poisoned good men I knew."

"No. You must listen! I've known this elf most of my life and I swear to you he would never kill innocent people!" Raxyn scowled and kicked Aragorn.

"Be quiet!" Aragorn hissed as his wounds burned again. He suddenly felt weak, very weak. He had lost too much blood. He could not continue to fight the want of rest. He tried to hold on but he couldn't. He slipped from consciousness as Raxyn placed a rough hand on the arrow protruding from his shoulder. Shutting his gray eyes, he slithered into darkness.

Legolas didn't even see his friend close his eyes. All he knew was that it had suddenly become silent. He could not hear Aragorn's voice trying to protect him. He could barely hear the ranger's breath. He struggled, jabbing Axyn in the stomach with the elbow if his good arm. He only succeeded in causing a heart wrenching pain in his collarbone. The man grunted and lessened his grip. Suddenly the prince felt a fierce smack in the back of his head. Stars danced before him. Everything seemed unreal. He was in a daze. His skull was pounding with pain. Another blow and he fell limp before his captors.

Aragorn woke up slowly. Pain still racked his memory. He looked around and then realized the arrows were gone. The men who had captured them were gone as well. It was just becoming bright with late dawn. His flesh still burned with a biting sting. His clothes were stiff with dried blood. His whole body felt weak and yet taut. As his thoughts cleared he suddenly wondered, where was Legolas? With great fear he suddenly realized the elf was not by his side. He was no where to be seen. The thought of what could have befallen his friend made his wounds cry out even more and his heart burn within his chest. His head whirled for a second time and he nearly swooned again. They couldn't have...no...they didn't kill Legolas. They did not kill him! Turning his head, he looked at a large tree.

There, to his utter horror, he saw his friend. Legolas's head lolled to the side in unconsciousness or death. His blonde hair hid his pale face. His arms were stretched above his head. His wrists were bound tightly together. The ranger's gaze followed down his friend's limp form until his eyes reached his feet. The elf's feet dangled, unable to touch the ground. All of the elf's weight was fully taken upon his wrists. Blood stained some of the golden hair that was falling around his shoulders. Following the hair, the ranger saw the source of the blood. It was a wound to the back of the prince's skull. From personal experience, the ranger could tell it was not a large wound. Head wounds always bled the worst. The way the elf's right arm was off at an odd angle told the ranger that the shoulder had taken some serious damage, it was most likely broken. This probably occurred when the elf was tossed to the ground in the net. It was obvious that while Aragorn had been out of it, Legolas had been through hell. What had they done to him? The elf suddenly shuddered. He wasn't dead! A soft moan escaped his parched lips. Legolas tried to raise his head and failed miserably.

The man struggled to get up, ignoring the pain that blistered from his hurts. However, his hands were tied along with his feet. He had to get to his friend. Legolas swung on his bonds as the elf tested them. They were far more than adequate for his state. The ranger rolled onto his stomach. He winced as his wounds scraped the ground. Wriggling, he moved forward in Legolas's direction. Each inch seemed a foot, each foot a yard. The prince was not even aware of the human yet.

All the elf prince could feel was pain. It blinded his thought and scalded his heart. His wrists were a torment to him. They stung with a white fire. Legolas's weight had caused them to twist into his flesh. He felt like screaming as the realization of his broken shoulder and cracked collarbone set in once more. He trembled as he fought the pains that felt cold and yet hot in his veins. His fractures were bearing the brunt of the elf's weight. The ranger watched with intense pity. He knew that the elf was suffering tremendously and had been through some more pain to cause him to pass out like that. He had been in better shape before Aragorn had fainted. The man had crawled close enough to his friend that he could hear the firstborn's raspy breath that came fast and at different paces. It was shallow and heartless. "Legolas," he whispered. Tears burned his eyes. He wasn't sure the elf could hear him.

Legolas heard somebody in his dark dream like daze. They were calling his name, calling him back. He tried to answer but all that came out was a cry of intense pain. It was soft, hardly recognizable, but the ranger heard it. He blinked and a silver tear shimmered down his cheek. Suddenly his ears heard the prince whisper hoarsely, "Strider...Where are you?" The elf coughed and squirmed under the pain it brought.

"I'm right here mellon nin. I'm right here," uttered Aragorn. He slithered closer, until he was beneath the elf's feet. Rolling over onto his back, the ranger reached his bound hands up to touch the fair being's boot reassuringly. Legolas seemed to smile. He had caught the words of his friend. Aragorn looked about the camp. He had to save Legolas. To do that though, he had to save himself.

By the fire that still smoldered, the man saw a knife sticking in the ground by its blade. Had the men left it there carelessly or was it there as a test for the pair? Was it a trap? He had to take his chances. "I'll be back. I promise. Don't leave me! Hold on!" He saw no response from the damaged elf and wondered if Legolas had already left him and forsaken Middle Earth. Gulping down hot tears that seared the back of his throat, Aragorn son of Arathorn, wiggled towards the fire and the abandoned blade.

He soon reached it but was out of breath from the exertion after all the blood he had lost, from pain in his wounds and from worry over his friend. His mind wavered from pain and weariness. Shaking, he put the bonds on his wrists to the sharp edged metal and began to saw away at the rough hemp. The threads popped and it was quickly cut. The knife was sharp, very sharp. Flinging the severed fetters aside, the human took up the knife and began to cut the cord about his ankles. It too cut with great speed. Aragorn strove to stand, but the circulation had too long been cut off. He wobbled and fell. Cursing, the ranger began to rub his legs and feet. Every now and then he would glance back to see how Legolas faired.

The prince's lips had taken the tinge of blue and his face was a touch paler than it had been. He was dying. Aragorn doubted it was due to his wounds, at least the ones he could see. The man thought the elf's heart had began to fade as he lost hope. It was only a matter of time before the elf would relinquish the world and his spirit would flee. "Legolas don't!" pleaded Aragorn with tears choking his voice. "Please... I need you!"

Legolas's world had gone dark again as faith quickly left him. Faith that he would survive. Faith that his people would last. A voice came again. It pierced through the black mantel of pain. It pleaded for his survival. He did not know where the voice called from but he answered it and allowed himself to come back to a painful reality. He suddenly felt hands. Friendly, gentle hands. They drove away some of the chill he had felt as death had began to creep up on him. His body screamed as it hit the ground. He was no longer beating air with his feet. Solid soil held his weight. What...? His arms ached. He cried out as he felt his cracked collarbone and fractured scapula. "Shhh mellon nin. Relax," a voice soothed. The prince thought as though he had been brought from death to life at his friend's touch. /When the black breath blows...and deaths shadow grows...and all lights pass...come Athelas!...come Athelas! ...life to the dying... in the king's hand lying!../ This verse came unbidden to the elf's mind. He had no idea where it came from. A sweet scent wavered in his senses. It cleared a mist away from his eyes. His wounds seemed to calm. /come Athelas...come Athlelas.../ Legolas opened his gray-blue eyes to see Aragorn staring intently at his face. The ranger's eyes were red rimmed. The human had been crying. The prince smiled wryly.

"Mellon nin. I missed you," moaned the elf. Suddenly he looked around with horrible fear. "Where are they!" Meaning those who had beat him and broke him.

"They are gone for a time my friend. I will not let them trouble you more... I promise you." Legolas settled down into the ranger's lap once more. Despite his grinding fractures, he felt peace.

"It is well." Aragorn smiled. His friend lived. Legolas groaned still as a deep breath shifted his ribs and broken bone. Alarmed. The ranger looked at his friend. Something besides the bones still hurt. Of course! The ribs. It had been painfully plain that the elf had been beaten. His ribs must be throbbing. Legolas shut his eyes in rest.

Aragorn gently unbuttoned the tunic of his friend and revealed bruises, dark and many. Taking some Athelas, he rubbed a poultice over the wounds. Again he praised the Valar for having such a wise and caring older brother. If Elladan had not packed Athelas into his pack, Legolas would have surely died. The elf called softly as hands pressed his wounds, as they continued to rub the bruises the pain lessened.

As Aragorn healed his friend he could not help but wonder, what reckless hate drove these people to do this to such an innocent being? That was when he heard the snap of twigs behind him and realized they weren't alone. But the ranger felt tired, so very tired.

So ends chapter 2. TBC... I will try to be quicker in updating. Check again at least every two days from now on. I know this was short but it's better than nothing huh? I have nada for time. I promise ya that the next chapter will be longer-much longer (with a whole lot more excitement!)

Kyliah- I won't say anything. No hints.zips mouth Thanks for being my first reviewer! I will remember that. I did not mean to separate the chapters but I had to get off in a hurry and do chores and HW! groans I could not help but post anyway! Grins

Stacee Phelps- I find the Leggy-Aragorn interaction funny too. Here is one of my own. Aragorn: Man! Stacee is soooooo mean to me! Why doesn't she beat you down? Legolas: The ladies love me.smiles with a sense of superiority Aragorn: rolls eyes Oh! I thought it was because girls aren't supposed to get picked on or fairy boys either. Legolas:grins I know. That's why I'm surprised she picks on you! Legolas yelps sounds of traded punches I know this was dumb. Don't flame on me! I'm sorry. You were not my first reviewer mellon nin. See ya at school.

Tonianne- Thanks for R&R! I appreciate your support! I was shooting for a good suspense build up! Glad you like it so far.

Deana- Glad you like it! Thanks a lot! About Legolas...well...wait and see. Grins evilly Jen- couldn't wait to update for you to read! Glad you enjoy reading it!

Keep the reviews coming! I love you all. Thank you! bows Thank you all for R&R!