Chapter 6:

Aragorn wiped the black Orc blood from his sword. He was furious. He had changed the course of their search finding more blood. Following the trail they had run into a rather large groupr of Orcs. The group seemed startled to see them. NO matter, the Orcs soon drew out their weapons and the battle started. ARagorn had yelled out to keep survivors. IN the end they had one, but he had killed himself with a hidden knife in his filthy boot.

Aragorn held his temper. Gimili did not. So with a growl he ran his axe into the Orcs body over and over. He knew as much as Aragorn that the Orcs knew about Legolas. They had found his weapons amongst the Orcs dead bodies. His bow which had been a gift from the Lady Galadrial lay broken in two, and his two knives from Nilavar. Aragorn rubbed his brow in frusteration. The past dday they had been going around in circles. The Orcs had filled them with hope knowing Legolas must be somewhere nearby. But now that they were all gone, they had no idea as to where he may be. They may not make it in time after all. Aragorn prayed once again to the Valor that something would turn up. However slim the chances were he wouldn't give up. He would not let his friend die.

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Legolas slowly opened his eyes. He thought he heard a noise but couldn't have been sure. He groaned. It hurt something fierce to open his eyes even the slightest bit. He looked around the dark room but could see nothing. There was no light. He had not seen it for weeks. Finally he took in all that was happeing. He was going to die in the dark never to see the sun again. Never to see his friends. The grass, trees, and wind blowing against his skin was but a memory now. It had only been two weeks. It had felt like eternity.

Tears trailed down his face. The taste of salt reached his mouth. He barely aknowledged it. His vision had slowly become more cloudy. He could no longer hear any screeches and horried sounds from the Orcs let alone anything else. No longer did he heard the screaming and taunting for they were gone. Gone, and he had not given them what they desired. His screams.

He had not given up hope then. He knew his attackers and all that had kept him alive was to defy them. But now he was all alone in the dark. No assailent he could see. Just the darkness and his past memories, nightmares, and mistakes slowly filled his head. He saw Nilavar and her twinkling blue eyes and flirtsy smile that she only gave him. His eyes filled with tears. He wished he had said good-bye to her. He wished he had stayed. His mistakes slowly took place of his hope. He could feel the darkness enter his very soul. Slowly his eyes began to close.

But before they did, something caught his eye. It couldn't be. His mind was playing tricks on him. Beneath the door a light had appeared. But it was not the flicker of a torch. It was a pale white light. He stared at it fascinated. Suddenly he heard a click. What was it? The lock? The door was gently pushed open. Legolas's eyes took a moment to adjust to the light. When they did, his eyes widened.

Nilavar stepped through the doorway.

She stepped quietly and quickly to him with a sad almost heart wrenching look in her eyes.

"Is that really you Nilavar?" His own voice sounded foreign to him.

"Yes it is." She put her hand upon his bruised cheek.

Her hand was warm and it sent a shock through him. Love flowed through her skin. He had not felt love in what felt like ages. His body slowly jerked in quiet sobs that echoed through the room. He looked at her through tear filled eyes. She held onto him with one arm and with her free hand undid the chains. When he was loose his broken body collapsed against her. She held onto him gently as to not hurt him more. But he would not let her. He squeezed with as much strength as he had which wasn't much. He was so happy he did not notice the pain. He finally pulled away slightly but only after making sure he could stand with her support.

"I have missed you so."

"And I you." She put her forehead to his and looked deep into his eyes until he spoke.

"I am so sorry."

"You did not lose hope Legolas. You have no need to apologize."

:But I should ha..........." She shushed him.

"The past is behind us. No need to worry about old mistakes. Yes, remember your memories. But to dwell on mistakes from the past harms your soul. It will slowly eait it away if you let it. Your soul keeps you going, don't let it die. The body cannot be without the soul."

He looked at her and she saw it nagging at him inside. "Besides, the fault twas not yours. It was mine. Please forgive me. Know that I love you Legolas." She placed her hand upon his heart.

"I will always be with you." She did not blink. "Now come. It is not yet your time to go. We must hurry."