Wow! I got quite a few reviews for that one! I'm glad you all liked it, and I think you all for the encouraging reviews!
A few, slashy thoughts in there.
Disclaimer: If you still have yet to realize that these guys belong to J.R.R. Tolkien, then I pray you to come out from under your rock and bask in the talent of this great man.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 21: More Than Words
They did not stop until late afternoon, when the Sun was just barely peering over the top of the horizon. Aragorn had wanted to stop as soon as they had reached the woods surrounding the tower, but Ylana would not let them, saying Legolas needed to get as far away from the tower as possible. When the human had looked down at the Elf in his arms for conformation, Legolas simply nodded. So they continued on, moving as fast as they could.
Finally, Ylana deemed they had gone far enough, and they should stop to make camp. Once he had laid Legolas on the ground and made sure he was comfortable, Aragorn took control.
"Boromir, find us some wood and get a fire going. Once you've got that done, I'll need you to boil some water. Ylana, I'll need you to make bandages, and quite a few. He's hurt pretty badly." While saying this, Aragorn was busy rummaging through his pack for his herbs and Legolas's cloak. The Elf's garments were little more than rags, but they were all he had until they reached Terin. The cloak would help.
Legolas would have laughed at the situation if he had been able. It reminded him sharply of the last day he had been among his friends, when his leg had been injured in the Warg attack. Only it had been Ylana giving the orders then, not Aragorn.
The human once again appeared at his friend's side, a smile on his face. "I have some things to give you," he said softly, reaching down towards his belt. Legolas followed his movement with his eyes, which went wide as he realized that Aragorn's first gift was his twin knives.
"Here," Aragorn said, handing them hilt-first to Legolas. "Ylana brought them along to give back to you, and gave them to me for safe-keeping."
The Elf smiled warmly at the Ranger as he accepted his weapons. Their sheaths were gone, but he still had his belt. That would have to do.
"I also have this." This time, it was the cloak that Aragorn held. "We found it on the way here. I thought you might want it back. It's torn a bit, but it's nothing that Arwen cannot fix."
Legolas clapped his hands in delight at this. He knew that there was no point in putting it on just yet. Aragorn would be tending to his wounds here shortly. Still, it was very comforting to know that his beloved cloak had not been lost.
Aragorn laughed at this, feeling his heart lift. It was so good to have Legolas back. He'd missed him so much...
Still smiling, he reached down to brush away a lock of Legolas's hair. "Im gelir lin mae, mellon-nin," he said softly. (1) "I was so afraid that we would find you dead, or worse."
Looking up at him, Legolas felt a pang in his heart. He'd missed Aragorn dreadfully. During his captivity, all he could think about was his human friend, what he must be going through. He had thought of all the things that he would say to the Ranger if ever he were to see him again. About Annolir's betrayal, the reason that he'd rarely spoken, the reason Saruman was after him... He wanted to tell Aragorn everything. Yet, now that he had been reunited with his human friend, he couldn't say a word. And that was frustrating on a level that Legolas hadn't known existed.
~People always told me that you really don't need words,~ he thought, only half-amused. ~That you can make your feelings known through actions better than speaking them aloud. Those people have never known what it is like to be deprived of your voice!~
His attention was diverted by Boromir, who had returned to camp with a load of firewood, dumped it on the ground, and began cursing at a splinter that now resided in his finger.
Ylana, who was patiently tearing bandage-strips, watched with an amused expression on her face. "You can yell at it all day long, my friend. That's not going to get it out any sooner."
This brought a smile to Legolas's lips. ~They're all still the same.~
Nothing had delighted the prince more than realizing that Aragorn and Ylana---both whom he'd feared dead---were alive and well. He'd noticed the bandages on his fellow Elf, but she didn't seem to be handicapped in any way by her injuries. He hadn't been too pleased to see Boromir, but he supposed beggars couldn't be choosers. At least it hadn't been the Dwarf.
Now that he thought about it, he wondered where Gimli and the others were. He knew they weren't dead. Aragorn wouldn't seem so happy if they were dead, especially Frodo. He and the Ranger had gotten to be quite close, something that caused a twinge or two of jealousy to arise in Legolas's heart. That, and the fact that Saruman never said a word about Gandalf or the Ringbearer being killed. That was proof enough that the rest of the Company was still alive.
But how to ask? He had no paper on which to write his question, and he didn't posses the gift of telepathy like some of his kin. He could speak mind to mind with animals and trees, but not with people.
He took a deep breath to calm himself down before he could get frustrated. ~Just take it easy, Greenleaf. I'm sure someone will mention something about them soon. They probably went on to Terin while these three came after me.~
After having finally removing the offending splinter from his finger, Boromir had started the fire, just as Aragorn had requested. Ylana was still making bandages, humming so softly that only Elven ears could hear the haunting melody. Aragorn was preparing his herbs, continuing to dig through his pack until he found what he was looking for.
"We'll have you as good as new in no time," the Ranger said, smiling down at the silent prince. "These herbs will have to do until we get to Terin and a fully-trained Healer. But I do like to think that I know a bit about Healing. After all, I did learn from the best."
Legolas smiled warmly as he reached out to squeeze Aragorn's hand. ~I trust you, Estel. I always have.~
"I hope that this is enough," Ylana said, dropping a heap of bandages on the ground and startling her friends. Neither Man nor Elf had heard her approach. "If you need more, I shall make them."
Aragorn eyed the pile appreciatively. "This should be plenty. Thank you, Ylana."
She smiled and gave him a half-bow. "My pleasure. Now, while you work on our wayward friend here, I'm going to patrol. I don't think that---"
She was interrupted by Legolas who, moving quicker than the eye could follow, let go of Aragorn's hand and snagged Ylana's wrist, tugging. With a surprised 'Oh!' she abruptly sat on the ground.
The Ranger laughed at his friend's expression. "I think he wants you to sit down." he teased, gray eyes twinkling.
Ylana made a face. "Humans. Think they're so smart by stating the obvious." She turned to the male Elf. "I was just caught off-guard. That's all."
Legolas gave her an apologetic smile. Then he reached up and gently touched the dirty bandage that was wrapped around her head and gave her a questioning look.
She answered with a reassuring smile. "Don't be troubled on my account, mellon-nin. I have a very thick skull. It will take much more than an Uruk-hai to crack it."
His expression never wavered as his hand moved from the bandage around her head to the one around her arm.
Ylana reached up and placed a hand over his. "Legolas, I'm *fine*. Really. I don't even need these bandages anymore, but Estel insists that I keep them on until there is no chance of them getting infected."
Legolas gave her a relieved smile. ~You don't understand,~ he thought. ~You were hurt because of me. I had to make sure that you were all right.~
"And that's *exactly* what they'll do," the Ranger answered firmly as he began to mix his herbs with the water. "Speaking of infections, it appears as though you've got one, Legolas."
The male Elf nodded. ~I know.~
"This may take awhile. Perhaps you should let Ylana put you to sleep? I don't want this to be any more painful for you than it has to be."
Though deeply touched by Aragorn's concern, Legolas still tensed. His dreams had not been pleasant of late and, in his weakened condition, he wasn't sure he could handle them.
But he was *so* tired...
Ylana, still sitting by his side, reached out to gently brush a lock of his hair away. "I will guard your dreams, mellon-nin," she whispered. "No evil will reach you there. I promise."
That was all he needed. His body was too weary to argue. So he gave her a nod---~I trust you~---closed his eyes, and allowed himself to sink into black oblivion.
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~He looks so vulnerable, like a child.~
This was the thought running through Aragorn's mind as he began to gently apply his potion to Legolas's scars and still-healing wounds.
The Ranger could barely stand the sight of his friend's battered body. Looking at him, imagining what he must have gone through to get those scars... It nearly made Aragorn sick. But he was the only really skilled Healer among them. And Legolas was *his* best friend. He was the only one who could do it.
At least he was asleep. Aragorn hoped to have him bandaged up by the time he awoke. When he did, the Ranger would give him some herbal tea to help fight off the infection. While the infection posed no threat---Legolas was an Elf, after all---it still couldn't be pleasant. And Aragorn wanted to spare his friend any more pain.
Ylana's fingers rested lightly on the male Elf's forehead, humming softly, eyes closed. Aragorn had no doubt that she was working her magick, helping the prince.
Of Boromir there was no sign. Aragorn suspected that his human companion had gone to scout ahead. He always seemed to disappear when there was a chance the Ranger might get emotional.
Now that he had some quiet time with nothing to occupy his mind other than the task at hand, Aragorn found himself wondering at the events that had taken place at Orthanc. His joy at finding Legolas alive...and his shock at discovering that the Elf's voice had been taken away.
It had nearly broken his heart when Legolas had turned from him when Ylana had broke the news. It hurt to realize that Legolas would think that Aragorn would think less of him now that he had no voice. That he would think that his best friend in the world would see him as a liability.
Even worse was the guilt that coursed through him like sour wine. For a split second, he *had* thought that. How the absence of Legolas's voice would affect him.
The Ylana's urgent calls had snapped him out of it, and all his thoughts were on the battered Elf.
He continued applying his ointment, trying to be as gentle as possible and to ignore the tingles of pleasure that raced up his arm at the contact. He wondered what it would be like to caress the Elf's skin while gazing deeply into those bright blue eyes...
Aragorn quickly pushed those thoughts away, feeling his face began to burn. He ducked his head, but Ylana didn't seem to notice.
~Arwen. You love Arwen. Legolas is your best friend. People don't fall in love with their best friends. Especially when the best friend of the woman you are engaged to is with you.~
~Focus!~ his sensible side told him sternly. ~You care about Legolas either way, and you won't help him much if you don't pull your act together.~
Ylana's humming was louder now, but no less haunting. Every now and then, Aragorn could make out a word or two. She seemed oblivious to anything around her except Legolas.
No matter what he felt, Aragorn was glad Ylana had come along, and not just because of her skills as a warrior. She had been the one to pull Legolas from his shell, and had refused to let him sink back into it. If it hadn't been for her, Aragorn would have fallen apart on the way to Isengard. Because of that, he could ignore the embarrassment he felt at thinking of Arwen, and the jealousy he would never admit he was feeling at the relationship Ylana shared with Legolas.
Aragorn almost---*almost!*---wished Legolas would just tell him that he was in love with Ylana, but he knew that would never happen. Ylana was terrified at the idea of falling in love---the fear of losing someone else close to her kept her from telling s certain someone that Aragorn was quite aware of that he loved him---and their actions were definitely not the actions of two people in love.
Legolas had not had any lovers that Aragorn knew of, and he'd known the Elf his whole life. Of course, it was possible for Legolas to have had lovers before Aragorn came along. But, if he had, he never mentioned them.
"Aragorn? Aragorn, are you all right?"
The Ranger blinked at the sound of Ylana's voice, then blushed as he realized that, he had been so lost in his thoughts, he had stopped his ministrations of the Elf. "I'm fine," he said, picking up another bandage. "I'm sorry if I alarmed you. I was---I was just thinking."
Ylana gave him a warm smile. "It's all right. I was just afraid that you had fallen asleep. You have been stressed quite a bit lately. I know how exhausted you can be when some of that stress is alleviated." She nodded to Legolas to indicate that he had been the cause of stress of them all.
Aragorn's brows came together in determination. "I *am* tired," he admitted, gently spreading his salve onto one of Legolas's many scratches. "But I won't rest until I know that he's okay."
The female Elf nodded. "Of course," she said, rising to her feet. "I am going to find Boromir. Call us if you need anything."
"Sure. But I'm sure that we will be fine."
Ylana bowed, then turned and disappeared into the foliage, her feet making no sound.
~So we're alone...~ "It's just you and me now," he said, gently wrapping a bandage around the Elf's arm. "There's a lot of things I'd like to tell you, but I just can't. I do want you to know that I care a lot for you. More than you will ever know. And I don't care what happens to you, or who you are. I don't care if you're deaf, blind, mute, no arms, no legs... You're still Legolas. *My* Legolas. I'm sorry for having ever given you the impression that I was going to think differently of you. You're my best friend, and that's all that matters."
He smiled as he reached for another bandage. "I guess I should be thankful. I was so worried that you would be an Orc. I even had a nightmare about it! I'm just glad that you weren't hurt worse. And we'll be in Terin soon. Then we can get you some real help. Maybe Gandalf will know a way to restore your voice."
Aragorn gently pulled back a scrap of Legolas's leggings to get a better look at the Elf's leg wound, and hissed as it came into view.
It looked as though it hadn't healed one bit. That jagged teeth marks were still visible, the skin torn. The wound went deep, so deep that Aragorn could see the muscles. Dried blood caked the area all around it.
"What did he do to you?" Aragorn said softly, ringing out his cloth to begin washing off the blood. "Ylana had this all wrapped up nice and neat. But I'll take care of it. It'll be healed in no time. I promise."
Once the blood was cleaned off, it looked a little better. ~It's no wonder he has an infection,~ he thought. ~Between his shoulder and leg, it's a wonder he's not sicker than this, even if he is and Elf. Not to mention all of his other wounds. It's a good thing he's so strong.~
"Well, I guess I should start by telling you what happened after the fight..."
-----------------------------------
Ylana found Boromir sitting on a rock, sharpening his sword, gazing out at the smoking tower of Orthanc. She walked slowly forward, purposely making noise so as not to startle him.
He turned and, seeing who it was, smiled. "Greetings, Lady Ylana," he said, putting his sword away. "Would you care to join me?"
"Gladly," she said, perching on the boulder next to the human. "As long as you promise to stop calling me 'lady'. I am nothing more than a simple girl, protecting those that I love."
"Which makes you more of a lady than those of royalty or fine nobility." He smiled. "Besides, I was raised to treat any and all women with respect. You deserve more, because you are a warrior."
She laughed, a pleasant sound. "Oh, Boromir. If only all Men on Arda were as you. Then there would be no cause for war."
Boromir turned away to hide his blush, but couldn't help sitting a little straighter, holding his head a little higher. "How fares Legolas? Will he be all right?"
"He will be just fine," Ylana assured him. 'Aragorn will make sure of that. Have no fear."
"That is good to know. I didn't know how we'd be able to reach Terin with him injured and not able to walk. There was no way we would leave him behind, but..." He shrugged. "I didn't know how it would be possible."
Ylana never moved, but glanced at the warrior out of the corner of her eye. ~What *would* he have done if Legolas had been injured more? Would he have left us behind? For I know that Aragorn would have never left Legolas. Neither would I.~ "I'm sure we would've managed it somehow. There's no way we would've left him behind."
"Of course not." Boromir drew a line in the dirt with the toe of his boot. "I wouldn't have left him. Not after all the trouble we went through to get him back. And I could never put Aragorn through any more mental strain. This has nearly done him in."
"Indeed it did." Ylana shaded her eyes as she looked off to Isengard. "But I have a feeling that he'll be a lot better now that Legolas has been found, safe and sound."
"I'll feel a lot better once we reach Terin." Boromir pulled out his pipe, packed it, then lit it. "Aragorn's still going to be testy, at least until we get Legolas to a Healer. While I respect him and understand his predicament, I don't know if I can stand to be around him much longer."
Ylana had to smile at that. That much she could understand. Aragorn had been a bit difficult ever since Legolas had been taken. But she had put up with it, knowing why it was he acted the way he did.
For a moment, Boromir was silent as he puffed on his pipe and stared off into the distance. Then he let out a soft chuckle. "I guess I have no room to talk. I would have acted worse had it been Faramir who was taken."
The Elf allowed herself a slight frown. "I have heard you speak of this Faramir before. He is your brother, correct?"
"Aye. My younger brother."
Ylana nodded. There was nothing to say. She understood. She had had a brother once. "Well, I shall leave you to your thoughts. Aragorn should be finishing up. Will you be joining us soon?"
"I'm going to sit here a bit longer. Then I'll be along."
The Elf gave him a bow, then turned to walk back towards camp.
----------------------------------
"...so that's how we ended up here."
Aragorn finished tying the last bandage and sat back to admire his handiwork. Legolas was still fast asleep, much to the Ranger's relief. His face was still flushed, and Aragorn knew that he would have to give him some herbs to relieve the fever. But right now, he was just happy knowing that his best friend was safe.
A crunching of twigs announced Ylana's return. He knew it was her, though he never moved, even when she placed a hand on his shoulder. "A fine job, Estel. Your Adar will be more than proud." (2)
He looked over his shoulder and gave her a tired smile. "Hanna le, mellon. (3) I only hope it is enough to last him until Terin." He rubbed his eyes. By the Valar, was he tired!
Ylana's expression changed to one of concern. "You're exhausted. Would you like to take a rest? I can watch him for a while."
Aragorn turned back to Legolas, a slight frown on his face. Ylana had a good idea, but he didn't want to leave Legolas.
The female Elf placed a little more pressure on the Ranger's shoulder. "You must, Aragorn. We all need to keep our strength, and you are the one who needs the most rest at the moment. Legolas will need you when he wakes up. Please."
Aragorn let out a deep sigh. "All right," he said, getting to his feet. "You promise you'll stay and watch him?"
She gave him a reassuring smile. "I won't move an inch."
The Man nodded. "Then I'm going to the river to was off, then I'll go sleep." He shot one last look at the sleeping prince---~He looks so peaceful~---before turning and walking off.
He waited until he could hear the river---and was sure the others wouldn't be able to hear him---before he leaned against a tree, slumped to the ground, and began to cry.
Legolas was back with Aragorn, right where he belonged. And he was safe. Everything was going to be just fine.
------------------------------
(1) Im gelir lin mae, mellon-nin----------------I am happy you are well, my friend
(2) Adar--------Father
A few, slashy thoughts in there.
Disclaimer: If you still have yet to realize that these guys belong to J.R.R. Tolkien, then I pray you to come out from under your rock and bask in the talent of this great man.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 21: More Than Words
They did not stop until late afternoon, when the Sun was just barely peering over the top of the horizon. Aragorn had wanted to stop as soon as they had reached the woods surrounding the tower, but Ylana would not let them, saying Legolas needed to get as far away from the tower as possible. When the human had looked down at the Elf in his arms for conformation, Legolas simply nodded. So they continued on, moving as fast as they could.
Finally, Ylana deemed they had gone far enough, and they should stop to make camp. Once he had laid Legolas on the ground and made sure he was comfortable, Aragorn took control.
"Boromir, find us some wood and get a fire going. Once you've got that done, I'll need you to boil some water. Ylana, I'll need you to make bandages, and quite a few. He's hurt pretty badly." While saying this, Aragorn was busy rummaging through his pack for his herbs and Legolas's cloak. The Elf's garments were little more than rags, but they were all he had until they reached Terin. The cloak would help.
Legolas would have laughed at the situation if he had been able. It reminded him sharply of the last day he had been among his friends, when his leg had been injured in the Warg attack. Only it had been Ylana giving the orders then, not Aragorn.
The human once again appeared at his friend's side, a smile on his face. "I have some things to give you," he said softly, reaching down towards his belt. Legolas followed his movement with his eyes, which went wide as he realized that Aragorn's first gift was his twin knives.
"Here," Aragorn said, handing them hilt-first to Legolas. "Ylana brought them along to give back to you, and gave them to me for safe-keeping."
The Elf smiled warmly at the Ranger as he accepted his weapons. Their sheaths were gone, but he still had his belt. That would have to do.
"I also have this." This time, it was the cloak that Aragorn held. "We found it on the way here. I thought you might want it back. It's torn a bit, but it's nothing that Arwen cannot fix."
Legolas clapped his hands in delight at this. He knew that there was no point in putting it on just yet. Aragorn would be tending to his wounds here shortly. Still, it was very comforting to know that his beloved cloak had not been lost.
Aragorn laughed at this, feeling his heart lift. It was so good to have Legolas back. He'd missed him so much...
Still smiling, he reached down to brush away a lock of Legolas's hair. "Im gelir lin mae, mellon-nin," he said softly. (1) "I was so afraid that we would find you dead, or worse."
Looking up at him, Legolas felt a pang in his heart. He'd missed Aragorn dreadfully. During his captivity, all he could think about was his human friend, what he must be going through. He had thought of all the things that he would say to the Ranger if ever he were to see him again. About Annolir's betrayal, the reason that he'd rarely spoken, the reason Saruman was after him... He wanted to tell Aragorn everything. Yet, now that he had been reunited with his human friend, he couldn't say a word. And that was frustrating on a level that Legolas hadn't known existed.
~People always told me that you really don't need words,~ he thought, only half-amused. ~That you can make your feelings known through actions better than speaking them aloud. Those people have never known what it is like to be deprived of your voice!~
His attention was diverted by Boromir, who had returned to camp with a load of firewood, dumped it on the ground, and began cursing at a splinter that now resided in his finger.
Ylana, who was patiently tearing bandage-strips, watched with an amused expression on her face. "You can yell at it all day long, my friend. That's not going to get it out any sooner."
This brought a smile to Legolas's lips. ~They're all still the same.~
Nothing had delighted the prince more than realizing that Aragorn and Ylana---both whom he'd feared dead---were alive and well. He'd noticed the bandages on his fellow Elf, but she didn't seem to be handicapped in any way by her injuries. He hadn't been too pleased to see Boromir, but he supposed beggars couldn't be choosers. At least it hadn't been the Dwarf.
Now that he thought about it, he wondered where Gimli and the others were. He knew they weren't dead. Aragorn wouldn't seem so happy if they were dead, especially Frodo. He and the Ranger had gotten to be quite close, something that caused a twinge or two of jealousy to arise in Legolas's heart. That, and the fact that Saruman never said a word about Gandalf or the Ringbearer being killed. That was proof enough that the rest of the Company was still alive.
But how to ask? He had no paper on which to write his question, and he didn't posses the gift of telepathy like some of his kin. He could speak mind to mind with animals and trees, but not with people.
He took a deep breath to calm himself down before he could get frustrated. ~Just take it easy, Greenleaf. I'm sure someone will mention something about them soon. They probably went on to Terin while these three came after me.~
After having finally removing the offending splinter from his finger, Boromir had started the fire, just as Aragorn had requested. Ylana was still making bandages, humming so softly that only Elven ears could hear the haunting melody. Aragorn was preparing his herbs, continuing to dig through his pack until he found what he was looking for.
"We'll have you as good as new in no time," the Ranger said, smiling down at the silent prince. "These herbs will have to do until we get to Terin and a fully-trained Healer. But I do like to think that I know a bit about Healing. After all, I did learn from the best."
Legolas smiled warmly as he reached out to squeeze Aragorn's hand. ~I trust you, Estel. I always have.~
"I hope that this is enough," Ylana said, dropping a heap of bandages on the ground and startling her friends. Neither Man nor Elf had heard her approach. "If you need more, I shall make them."
Aragorn eyed the pile appreciatively. "This should be plenty. Thank you, Ylana."
She smiled and gave him a half-bow. "My pleasure. Now, while you work on our wayward friend here, I'm going to patrol. I don't think that---"
She was interrupted by Legolas who, moving quicker than the eye could follow, let go of Aragorn's hand and snagged Ylana's wrist, tugging. With a surprised 'Oh!' she abruptly sat on the ground.
The Ranger laughed at his friend's expression. "I think he wants you to sit down." he teased, gray eyes twinkling.
Ylana made a face. "Humans. Think they're so smart by stating the obvious." She turned to the male Elf. "I was just caught off-guard. That's all."
Legolas gave her an apologetic smile. Then he reached up and gently touched the dirty bandage that was wrapped around her head and gave her a questioning look.
She answered with a reassuring smile. "Don't be troubled on my account, mellon-nin. I have a very thick skull. It will take much more than an Uruk-hai to crack it."
His expression never wavered as his hand moved from the bandage around her head to the one around her arm.
Ylana reached up and placed a hand over his. "Legolas, I'm *fine*. Really. I don't even need these bandages anymore, but Estel insists that I keep them on until there is no chance of them getting infected."
Legolas gave her a relieved smile. ~You don't understand,~ he thought. ~You were hurt because of me. I had to make sure that you were all right.~
"And that's *exactly* what they'll do," the Ranger answered firmly as he began to mix his herbs with the water. "Speaking of infections, it appears as though you've got one, Legolas."
The male Elf nodded. ~I know.~
"This may take awhile. Perhaps you should let Ylana put you to sleep? I don't want this to be any more painful for you than it has to be."
Though deeply touched by Aragorn's concern, Legolas still tensed. His dreams had not been pleasant of late and, in his weakened condition, he wasn't sure he could handle them.
But he was *so* tired...
Ylana, still sitting by his side, reached out to gently brush a lock of his hair away. "I will guard your dreams, mellon-nin," she whispered. "No evil will reach you there. I promise."
That was all he needed. His body was too weary to argue. So he gave her a nod---~I trust you~---closed his eyes, and allowed himself to sink into black oblivion.
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~He looks so vulnerable, like a child.~
This was the thought running through Aragorn's mind as he began to gently apply his potion to Legolas's scars and still-healing wounds.
The Ranger could barely stand the sight of his friend's battered body. Looking at him, imagining what he must have gone through to get those scars... It nearly made Aragorn sick. But he was the only really skilled Healer among them. And Legolas was *his* best friend. He was the only one who could do it.
At least he was asleep. Aragorn hoped to have him bandaged up by the time he awoke. When he did, the Ranger would give him some herbal tea to help fight off the infection. While the infection posed no threat---Legolas was an Elf, after all---it still couldn't be pleasant. And Aragorn wanted to spare his friend any more pain.
Ylana's fingers rested lightly on the male Elf's forehead, humming softly, eyes closed. Aragorn had no doubt that she was working her magick, helping the prince.
Of Boromir there was no sign. Aragorn suspected that his human companion had gone to scout ahead. He always seemed to disappear when there was a chance the Ranger might get emotional.
Now that he had some quiet time with nothing to occupy his mind other than the task at hand, Aragorn found himself wondering at the events that had taken place at Orthanc. His joy at finding Legolas alive...and his shock at discovering that the Elf's voice had been taken away.
It had nearly broken his heart when Legolas had turned from him when Ylana had broke the news. It hurt to realize that Legolas would think that Aragorn would think less of him now that he had no voice. That he would think that his best friend in the world would see him as a liability.
Even worse was the guilt that coursed through him like sour wine. For a split second, he *had* thought that. How the absence of Legolas's voice would affect him.
The Ylana's urgent calls had snapped him out of it, and all his thoughts were on the battered Elf.
He continued applying his ointment, trying to be as gentle as possible and to ignore the tingles of pleasure that raced up his arm at the contact. He wondered what it would be like to caress the Elf's skin while gazing deeply into those bright blue eyes...
Aragorn quickly pushed those thoughts away, feeling his face began to burn. He ducked his head, but Ylana didn't seem to notice.
~Arwen. You love Arwen. Legolas is your best friend. People don't fall in love with their best friends. Especially when the best friend of the woman you are engaged to is with you.~
~Focus!~ his sensible side told him sternly. ~You care about Legolas either way, and you won't help him much if you don't pull your act together.~
Ylana's humming was louder now, but no less haunting. Every now and then, Aragorn could make out a word or two. She seemed oblivious to anything around her except Legolas.
No matter what he felt, Aragorn was glad Ylana had come along, and not just because of her skills as a warrior. She had been the one to pull Legolas from his shell, and had refused to let him sink back into it. If it hadn't been for her, Aragorn would have fallen apart on the way to Isengard. Because of that, he could ignore the embarrassment he felt at thinking of Arwen, and the jealousy he would never admit he was feeling at the relationship Ylana shared with Legolas.
Aragorn almost---*almost!*---wished Legolas would just tell him that he was in love with Ylana, but he knew that would never happen. Ylana was terrified at the idea of falling in love---the fear of losing someone else close to her kept her from telling s certain someone that Aragorn was quite aware of that he loved him---and their actions were definitely not the actions of two people in love.
Legolas had not had any lovers that Aragorn knew of, and he'd known the Elf his whole life. Of course, it was possible for Legolas to have had lovers before Aragorn came along. But, if he had, he never mentioned them.
"Aragorn? Aragorn, are you all right?"
The Ranger blinked at the sound of Ylana's voice, then blushed as he realized that, he had been so lost in his thoughts, he had stopped his ministrations of the Elf. "I'm fine," he said, picking up another bandage. "I'm sorry if I alarmed you. I was---I was just thinking."
Ylana gave him a warm smile. "It's all right. I was just afraid that you had fallen asleep. You have been stressed quite a bit lately. I know how exhausted you can be when some of that stress is alleviated." She nodded to Legolas to indicate that he had been the cause of stress of them all.
Aragorn's brows came together in determination. "I *am* tired," he admitted, gently spreading his salve onto one of Legolas's many scratches. "But I won't rest until I know that he's okay."
The female Elf nodded. "Of course," she said, rising to her feet. "I am going to find Boromir. Call us if you need anything."
"Sure. But I'm sure that we will be fine."
Ylana bowed, then turned and disappeared into the foliage, her feet making no sound.
~So we're alone...~ "It's just you and me now," he said, gently wrapping a bandage around the Elf's arm. "There's a lot of things I'd like to tell you, but I just can't. I do want you to know that I care a lot for you. More than you will ever know. And I don't care what happens to you, or who you are. I don't care if you're deaf, blind, mute, no arms, no legs... You're still Legolas. *My* Legolas. I'm sorry for having ever given you the impression that I was going to think differently of you. You're my best friend, and that's all that matters."
He smiled as he reached for another bandage. "I guess I should be thankful. I was so worried that you would be an Orc. I even had a nightmare about it! I'm just glad that you weren't hurt worse. And we'll be in Terin soon. Then we can get you some real help. Maybe Gandalf will know a way to restore your voice."
Aragorn gently pulled back a scrap of Legolas's leggings to get a better look at the Elf's leg wound, and hissed as it came into view.
It looked as though it hadn't healed one bit. That jagged teeth marks were still visible, the skin torn. The wound went deep, so deep that Aragorn could see the muscles. Dried blood caked the area all around it.
"What did he do to you?" Aragorn said softly, ringing out his cloth to begin washing off the blood. "Ylana had this all wrapped up nice and neat. But I'll take care of it. It'll be healed in no time. I promise."
Once the blood was cleaned off, it looked a little better. ~It's no wonder he has an infection,~ he thought. ~Between his shoulder and leg, it's a wonder he's not sicker than this, even if he is and Elf. Not to mention all of his other wounds. It's a good thing he's so strong.~
"Well, I guess I should start by telling you what happened after the fight..."
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Ylana found Boromir sitting on a rock, sharpening his sword, gazing out at the smoking tower of Orthanc. She walked slowly forward, purposely making noise so as not to startle him.
He turned and, seeing who it was, smiled. "Greetings, Lady Ylana," he said, putting his sword away. "Would you care to join me?"
"Gladly," she said, perching on the boulder next to the human. "As long as you promise to stop calling me 'lady'. I am nothing more than a simple girl, protecting those that I love."
"Which makes you more of a lady than those of royalty or fine nobility." He smiled. "Besides, I was raised to treat any and all women with respect. You deserve more, because you are a warrior."
She laughed, a pleasant sound. "Oh, Boromir. If only all Men on Arda were as you. Then there would be no cause for war."
Boromir turned away to hide his blush, but couldn't help sitting a little straighter, holding his head a little higher. "How fares Legolas? Will he be all right?"
"He will be just fine," Ylana assured him. 'Aragorn will make sure of that. Have no fear."
"That is good to know. I didn't know how we'd be able to reach Terin with him injured and not able to walk. There was no way we would leave him behind, but..." He shrugged. "I didn't know how it would be possible."
Ylana never moved, but glanced at the warrior out of the corner of her eye. ~What *would* he have done if Legolas had been injured more? Would he have left us behind? For I know that Aragorn would have never left Legolas. Neither would I.~ "I'm sure we would've managed it somehow. There's no way we would've left him behind."
"Of course not." Boromir drew a line in the dirt with the toe of his boot. "I wouldn't have left him. Not after all the trouble we went through to get him back. And I could never put Aragorn through any more mental strain. This has nearly done him in."
"Indeed it did." Ylana shaded her eyes as she looked off to Isengard. "But I have a feeling that he'll be a lot better now that Legolas has been found, safe and sound."
"I'll feel a lot better once we reach Terin." Boromir pulled out his pipe, packed it, then lit it. "Aragorn's still going to be testy, at least until we get Legolas to a Healer. While I respect him and understand his predicament, I don't know if I can stand to be around him much longer."
Ylana had to smile at that. That much she could understand. Aragorn had been a bit difficult ever since Legolas had been taken. But she had put up with it, knowing why it was he acted the way he did.
For a moment, Boromir was silent as he puffed on his pipe and stared off into the distance. Then he let out a soft chuckle. "I guess I have no room to talk. I would have acted worse had it been Faramir who was taken."
The Elf allowed herself a slight frown. "I have heard you speak of this Faramir before. He is your brother, correct?"
"Aye. My younger brother."
Ylana nodded. There was nothing to say. She understood. She had had a brother once. "Well, I shall leave you to your thoughts. Aragorn should be finishing up. Will you be joining us soon?"
"I'm going to sit here a bit longer. Then I'll be along."
The Elf gave him a bow, then turned to walk back towards camp.
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"...so that's how we ended up here."
Aragorn finished tying the last bandage and sat back to admire his handiwork. Legolas was still fast asleep, much to the Ranger's relief. His face was still flushed, and Aragorn knew that he would have to give him some herbs to relieve the fever. But right now, he was just happy knowing that his best friend was safe.
A crunching of twigs announced Ylana's return. He knew it was her, though he never moved, even when she placed a hand on his shoulder. "A fine job, Estel. Your Adar will be more than proud." (2)
He looked over his shoulder and gave her a tired smile. "Hanna le, mellon. (3) I only hope it is enough to last him until Terin." He rubbed his eyes. By the Valar, was he tired!
Ylana's expression changed to one of concern. "You're exhausted. Would you like to take a rest? I can watch him for a while."
Aragorn turned back to Legolas, a slight frown on his face. Ylana had a good idea, but he didn't want to leave Legolas.
The female Elf placed a little more pressure on the Ranger's shoulder. "You must, Aragorn. We all need to keep our strength, and you are the one who needs the most rest at the moment. Legolas will need you when he wakes up. Please."
Aragorn let out a deep sigh. "All right," he said, getting to his feet. "You promise you'll stay and watch him?"
She gave him a reassuring smile. "I won't move an inch."
The Man nodded. "Then I'm going to the river to was off, then I'll go sleep." He shot one last look at the sleeping prince---~He looks so peaceful~---before turning and walking off.
He waited until he could hear the river---and was sure the others wouldn't be able to hear him---before he leaned against a tree, slumped to the ground, and began to cry.
Legolas was back with Aragorn, right where he belonged. And he was safe. Everything was going to be just fine.
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(1) Im gelir lin mae, mellon-nin----------------I am happy you are well, my friend
(2) Adar--------Father