************* Disclaimer, see chapter one, I don't own anybody***************
sighs
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none to give - I am so glad that is an idea you liked. I love it too! I have to thank Cheryl W. for all her help with my dialogue for she helps me so much when I feel like I have bogged it down somehow.
TheRowan -Let me know what you think of this chapter. I wish my professors could here you now – I have an English degree but yet when I was in University I had seen so little of life that I could not put any strength in my writing at all. I love that Elvish medicine I cooked up – I am glad it did not gross anybody out. At least not anybody that said so.
Quickbeam – Sue, I am so glad that you always get the subtleties – because I fret over them endlessly. I want to know so much what you think of each chapter I have even toyed with the idea of sending it to you before I post it – or at least emailing you that the new chapter is up so you can read the call outs too!!
Roccovende – I am so tickled that you like my story so much. As I said before I struggle with the dialogue so much because I do want it to be true to the character so I am humbled to hear that I am hitting the mark. With Cheryl's polishing of course * smiles at Cheryl *
Nightshade3 - Here we go more coming up!! Longest chapter so far, let me know what you think.
Faramir's Lover - * Lady smiles back * You just may have the talent - who knows. I would collaborate with you if you wanted. I like David Wenham in that role too – so you and I could do a little hurting and comforting of him together if you like!
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Now back to the story!!
Legolas, having finished administrating the elixir to Aragorn, extricated himself from underneath the unconscious man, who lay cradled in his lap. Then Legolas set himself to a new task. Aragorn's wounds required cleaning and to be properly bound lest they invite contamination that would only drive his friend deeper into illness. There were a few small scrapes along the Ranger's square jaw line that Legolas wiped with a clean cloth dipped into fresh, cool water. When he was satisfied the cuts were free of dirt, he applied a salve from his small bag of healing herbs.
The larger more menacing gash that had cut its way deeply into Aragorn shoulder was more troubling. With fingers as strong as silken steel Legolas removed the makeshift bandage he had tied hastily around the wound just to staunch the bleeding when they had first found the Ranger. He was hopeful that he would not start the wound bleeding anew by removing the dressing but it needed to be suitably cleaned. Relieved that blood did not pour forth when he removed the bandage Legolas noted to himself that perhaps when they reached the Deep he should make an attempt to stitch the wound closed to speed the healing and reduce the scar that this wound would leave behind. Rubbing gently with his cloth to clean the skin surrounding the affected area, he next poured the clean water from his flask once more upon the cut, cleansing away any dirt deep inside the lesion. From his pouch he took some soft fresh leaves whose curative effects would aid Aragorn's wound in healing and bound them into the new bandage.
Satisfied that he had done all he could for now, the Silvan Elf pulled the blankets and cloaks up to cover his friend again. Legolas reached out to brush the water away from where it had trickled down Aragorn's neck as he had cleansed his wounds. While he was encouraged to see that the Ranger's trembling had disappeared his skin now, however, was flushed with fever. Placing his hand on Aragorn's brow, Legolas was astonished to feel the vast extent of heat there when he had been so cold just a few short hours before. Legolas knew, from the healers in his Kingdom and from his time spent with Elrond at Rivendell, that a fever in the world of Men was a sign of healing. A war raged in his friend's body now to fight the damage done to it, but fevers could bring their own damage should they go on unchecked or too long. Legolas stood from his hunched position over his friend and let out a concerned sigh, he walked closer to the fire and examined his pouch for a few needed items.
Gimli, who was adding more wood to the fire and stoking it to a searing blaze, heard Legolas sigh. Walking over to the troubled looking Elf, the dwarf asked "What more can I do to help you Legolas?"
"Just stay with him. I need to take these and make a strong tea," Legolas held out a handful of herbs he had retrieved from his bag, "Aragorn has lost a great deal of blood and soon his body will cry out for restorative fluids. If I have judged correctly it should help reduce his pain as well."
At that moment, Legolas heard a sound come from where his friend lay, almost as if the reference to the Ranger's pain had called it forth. Looking back to Aragorn in alarm, he saw his friend begin to convulse fitfully. Legolas moved swiftly back to his friend's side and Gimli followed. "Hold him Gimli. We must keep him from doing himself further harm." Gimli held the cloak-covered legs of his friend while Legolas reached to entrap Aragorn's flailing arms.
//"Estel,"// Legolas spoke to him in elvish, // "Easy Estel, you must fight to hold back the pain that calls you to the shadow."//
Aragorn's eyes snapped open and by the amber glow of the fire Legolas could see they were deep grey pools bright with fever. Aragorn's body trembled and he fought against the rock solid hold the Elf had on him. Twisting in unseen pain, Aragorn ripped open the wound at his shoulder, blood poured forth yet again and Legolas reached frantically to staunch it once more.
Legolas swung his face in line with the Ranger's and encompassed Aragorn's face in his now bloodied hands With a commanding voice he called to his friend in Elvish, //"Estel! Hear me, I release you from this pain!"//
Gimli felt a strange sensation, almost a tugging at his mind, even as he watched Aragorn's body begin to calm, the tremors starting to lessen.
//Easy now rest my friend you are all right now.//
"Legolas…?" came a rough whisper, through fever cracked lips.
//Yes Estel, I am here, sleep now rest.// Legolas instructed him.
Gimli felt that strange tugging again and as Legolas released Aragorn's face from his hands, the Ranger's eyes drifted closed as if on command.
"I am going to have to learn that blasted language or I am never going to know what is going on!" He shot a look of amusement at Legolas then in an astonished voice he uttered, "what did you do?"
"I made it possible for him to feel less of his pain, though it is but a deception of the mind and its effects are short lived." Legolas answered.
Gimli stood from where he had been holding Aragorn's legs "It's no wonder that the Elves are legendary fighters in battle. That is a handy little trick to have." He smirked at Legolas.
"It can be. It comes not without a price, however." Legolas sighed heavily and Gimli glimpsed in the dancing firelight that beads of perspiration had formed on the Elf's face. Strange, he thought, he had never seen Legolas perspire before.
"Can it harm him?" Gimli questioned.
"Not of itself no. His body must heal and fight back on its own I can just give him some relief. The pain can not just disappear it has to go somewhere…"
"To you then," Gimli interrupted angrily, " Are you foolish?"
"I am fine Gimli and I can help him bear this burden for now. It does not last long as I said."
"Do we dare to move him at first light to Helms Deep Legolas?"
"If I had any other choice I would not risk it." He said worriedly. "Aragorn is not as strong yet as I would have him be. I fear we may do him more harm than good by moving him, nonetheless, I do not like our chances of remaining safe out here another night. Those warg riders will be back and bringing who knows what other beastly creations of Saurman with them."
"Yes, I had that very thought myself'," Gimli nodded looking around instinctively.
"The sun will be up soon." Legolas noted. "Brego obviously found an easier way down into this ravine than we traveled. Once the sun is up, I will need you to find that path while I ready Aragorn for travel. We will suffer Brego to carry us all out here.
"I'll find it Legolas don't you worry, I'll find it," Gimli reassured.