**************For disclaimer see chapter 1*******************

Cheryl W – Thanks so much for reviewing even though you know in advance whether it is any good or not :o)

ColaGreenleaf - Read ahead and find out – though I think you can guess – (insert evil laugh here)

arcana - I am so glad you like it let me know if this chapter tickles your fancy at all!

Quickbeam1 - I hope I did not keep you waiting so long that you lost interest. For I love you reviews so much!

Alex mistress squirrel – Here is the next chapter – Hope you love it!

Star-Stallion – I hope you love the next chapter in this lovely idea as much as the first to.

*************Back to the story************

Legolas and Gimli ran for several hours in the silver dark along the waters edge. All the while, Gimli speculated what "not far," meant exactly to an elf who had lived upon this Middle Earth for close to three thousand years. The water ran swiftly in the river and Gimli knew in his heart that Aragorn could have been carried quite far before washing up on either shore, if he had not already drowned in the icy water. Many times Legolas had stopped to inspect the rocky shore or look out over the moon glistening water rushing past them. Gimli had watched Legolas clutch the mysterious silvery item in his hand again and bring it, so enfolded, to his lips almost as if in supplication.

Now, unexpectedly and with renewed vigor, Legolas charged out ahead of Gimli. The elf prince was several paces ahead of the stout dwarf when Gimli heard him cry out. "He is here! Thank the Valar! He is here!" Legolas reached Aragorn who was lying half upon the smooth river tumbled rocks of the shore and half submerged in the frigid water. Brego, Aragorn's trusted mount, stood protectively over his injured master as if to keep him from being swept out again into the frigid current. Working swiftly, Legolas moved his unconscious friend the rest of the way out of the icy stream. Brego whickered as if in thanks and stepped out of the river onto the rocky bank close to where Legolas lay Aragorn down with great care.

"Is he. . . ?" Gimli's face tightened as he reached Legolas and Aragorn.

"He lives Gimli!" Legolas sighed in relief as he felt for any sign of breathing and he observed a slight gasp that escaped from Aragorn's lips. Worriedly he lay his elven head upon the sodden chest of his friend, "his heart still beats, but weakly and we must get him warm quickly. Gimli, gather all the wood you can to build a fire."

Gimli, returning from his foray with as much dry wood as he could find in his quick scout, saw that Legolas had taken Aragorn's bedroll from Brego and settled his friend upon the blanket in the center of the clearing where the fire was soon to be burning. The dwarf was startled, as he got closer, to see that Aragorn was almost completely naked and Legolas even now struggled to free a last wet boot from his friend.

"Are you mad? He'll freeze." Gimli sputtered.

"He is already freezing. He must be rid of these wet clothes." Legolas looked to Aragorn whose body was now racked with involuntary shivers that threatened to overcome him entirely. "Quickly Gimli build the fire! We will warm our cloaks and these few blankets to cover him. We need to bring his body back to its natural warmth again. Though I fear if we succeed in this it will soar very high on its own as his body fights to heal these wounds he has sustained."

"Should we not carry him to the Keep where it is better stocked with provisions and offers us all protection from the elements?" Gimli questioned piling the firewood into a hollow he had kicked out with his boot.

"While I admit I do not know much of the medicine of the dwarfs I am very skilled in Elvish medicine. A pint of ale, bandages and a warm bed are not what he needs!" Legolas snapped. Seeing the flash of anger cross the dwarf's face Legolas continued less agitated, "forgive me Gimli I do not wish to be harsh, but already time is our enemy. With every passing minute his heartbeat is quickening in its pace while getting weaker in its strength. He has lost much blood and his mind has slipped into a deep state that has me very worried. I have seen it before in the world of men, they will have injuries are not great but yet still they succumb to them quickly. Aragorn will need time to regain his strength but I would like to see him stronger before we move him. We will wait until first light and the warmth of the day to take him back to Helms Deep!"

"I did not question your skill Legolas," Gimli offered, "only your methods." Without a further word, Gimli set about working with his flint to start the small tinder of leaves and grass under the logs.

Turning back to Aragorn, Legolas wrapped a blanket tightly around the future king of Gondor's still shivering body and soon felt the warm heat of the fire start to cut the chill of the damp night air as Gimli built up a roaring blaze. Reaching into his pocket, he drew out Arwen's Evenstar pendant, "this belongs to you, mellon nin," and he carefully re-clasped it around Aragorn's neck. Almost immediately the trembling that wracked his injured friend lessened. Legolas allowed himself a brief grin, and then cupping Aragorn's face in his hands said soothingly to him "the strength and spirit of the Evenstar has kept you safe this night, she will not allow you to be parted from her so easily. Find peace this night Aragorn, and rest your soul in her care."

Author's Note

*********Hope this was worth waiting for everyone**************