~*~Chapter 3~*~
Aragorn waited a moment before drawing his sword. He glanced to the tree he had seen Legolas climb and shifted slightly, enough so that he would hope the elf had seen him before hiding again. He then turned to the watch the tree that he had seen Elrohir climb.
When he saw the elf he knew they were all waiting and jumped from his perch.
He had figured out which was the leader and they brought out their plan.
Landing behind the leader, Aragorn quickly brought his sword to the man's throat.
The man gasped and froze, "Who are you?"
Aragorn narrowed his eyes slightly, his voice deepened, hoping to scare the man a bit, "It is not you who is in the position to be asking questions."
"Is that right?" the man gasped, "I have five men with me, and ten coming, all against you."
Aragorn snorted, "Look again."
The man did so and gulped, his men were in the same position as he. Two of them being held back by two dark-haired *men* and the last two pressed back to back with a long blade pressed to each of their throats by a blond-haired person.
The man sighed, then, voice wavering, asked, "What do you want?"
"I want to know where the Unicorn is."
The man growled, "Another looking for it? I'll never get a break!"
Aragorn narrowed his eyes and tightened his hold around the man's neck.
The human gasped, "It's tied up in the next clearing."
Aragorn resisted the urge to groan, "Does she have guards?"
"Yes, four."
"If I bring you and let you live, you will let me take her?"
The man spat on the ground, "I worked hard to catch that creature! I will not give it up without a fight!"
Aragorn growled, "You are picking a fight with the wrong man."
The other sneered, "I know you are."
Aragorn pressed the blade of his sword tighter to the man's neck causing a trickle of blood to flow down only to be soaked up slowly by the top of his tunic.
He gasped, "Okay! Okay…"
Aragorn released his hold and swiftly brought the blade point around so it pressed lightly against his back, "Forward then. Swiftly!"
The man moved forward grudgingly, doing so only to keep his head on his shoulders… or a blade out of his back… either one was his death and he knew it.
Within three minutes they were in the smaller clearing. The man quickly bid his men lower their weapons and back down. The four men backed down unwillingly, annoyed at having their next big pay taken from them so easily.
The three elves quickly pushed their captives next to the others and fixed their bows on them, hoping they would not try to take off.
Aragorn pushed their apparent leader towards Legolas who quickly spun the man around and held one of his blades to the human's throat.
"One stupid attempt and you shall become leaderless," Aragorn said meaningfully.
The men nodded and stood still.
"Sit," Aragorn said.
They didn't move for a moment but when Elladan raised his bow they sat slowly. If they sat it would be harder for them to get up and run. But by the time they wouldn't be able to get much more than halfway up before they fell back thanks to Elladan and Elrohir.
Now with his hands free, Aragorn walked quickly up to the white unicorn. He checked her over carefully but quickly and found that they had drugged her to keep her asleep.
He sighed; she probably wouldn't be up for two or three hours yet. He glanced around before looking in the direction he knew Elenoharthad was in and whistled shrilly. The knelt down to re-examine the creature that lay in the dirt.
After giving her a quick look over, he stood and nodded to the elves who grabbed a couple ropes and tied the group up against one of the larger trees. That done they stood in the middle of the clearing and awaited the return of the other unicorn and the dragon.
When they got there, they all used the remaining rope to tie up the group of men who had taken off after Loonailma.
Once they finished that Aragorn motioned over to the unicorn and Elenoharthad immediately understood, moving carefully she lifted the unicorn.
Aragorn took a step forward and froze, spinning around as he heard the snapping of twigs… only to stagger back in shock as an arrow embedded itself deep into his side. He heard a yell echo in the clearing and it took him a moment to realize it was not only more than one, but his own mingled with the cries of dismay, shock and worry from his brothers and Legolas.
Before the three were able to get off the dragon a man came running out of the forest with his sword drawn. One of the elves could have shot him easily if they were not half way down the dragon's side. By the time they could have shot at him, Aragorn had barely drawn his sword in time to block an attack.
Legolas knocked an arrow to the string as soon as he was able to and aimed, ready for a shot.
Aragorn barely caught the movement, and, blocking one more attack, dropped to the ground and rolled, gasping out loud as the arrow cut in deeper before the end snapped off. Within a moment his breath was forced from his lungs as the other man fell on top of him, as arrow embedded in his throat. Aragorn managed to push him off and get to his knees. He suddenly felt two sets of hands lift him to his feet. The man managed a weak glare at the men who were tied that were watching with wide eyes, his gazed fixed with that of the groups leader for a moment before the dragon carefully lifted him onto her back.
Next thing he knew he was sitting between one of the twins, he couldn't figure out which one though he guessed it was Elladan since Elrohir was more skilled with his healing, and Legolas. The two of them, one of the twins and Legolas, held him carefully while the other twin probed the wound carefully. He sighed and leaned back, knowing he could not remove the arrow here for two reasons, it was keeping the wound closed for the time and there was no way he could get it out without doing more damage at the time anyhow.
Legolas then imitated the clicking noise he had heard Aragorn use a few times to tell the great dragon they were ready.
She seemed to hesitate a moment and glanced at the unicorn, she clicked back a little before turning back to the black unicorn, - Listen, I know this may be hard but I must go to Rivendell now. It could be dangerous to him if we do not head right there. –
The black unicron looked unsure, - I understand that he is in danger but… -
Elen's blue eyes flashed dangerously, - Listen you! He helped you! He quite possibly saved your friends life and now it's your turn to return the favour! –
He looked surprised at the fierceness of her voice, - I… I am truly sorry… I was not thinking, - he bowed his head before looking up, - Go! I'll meet you in Rivendell. –
Without answering Elen leapt into the air and flew away with an incredible speed.
~*~*~*~*~*~
Elrond stopped and frowned as he felt a shadow pass over the Ford but after a moment realized it was the dragon with his sons and Legolas… only… there was something else.
He shook his head slightly and headed quickly for the door.
The dragon flew into Imladris and landed carefully. She laid the still unconscious unicorn on the ground before carefully taking the man off her back and laying him on the ground.
Aragorn gasped as he felt the sudden pressure placed on his wound.
The dragon winced; she looked him over carefully and then glanced at the door of the house where Elrond was about to exit.
The door opened and the elf lord held back a gasp. He nearly ran down the steps and knelt next to his human son. He glanced over the wound and carefully lifted the man from where he lay.
Aragorn gasped and struggled weakly.
"Sh," Elrond soothed the man, "you are safe… calm down."
Aragorn weak voice came back to him, even being an elf he had to strain to hear it, "I know I'm safe and I *can* walk…"
Elrond couldn't help the smile and he shook his head, "I care to differ."
Aragorn groaned, "Just let me try, it's not that bad…"
Elrond sighed, "If you collapse you will give me no more trouble? With anything?" He hated doing this, knowing it could hurt the man but if you had him as a patient you would understand.
Aragorn nodded and braced himself as he was put on his feet, although he wouldn't admit it he was grateful for his fathers help as the elf kept his arm around his shoulders, ready to catch him if he did fall and taking some of weight off his feet.
Aragorn steeled himself as he moved forward, amazingly, he managed to make it to his room before he collapsed on the bed.
Elrond sighed, wincing inside for his youngest.
The last thing the man saw before he fell unconscious was his father gathering his herbs and such to care for his wound.
Legolas looked worriedly in the direction the man and elf-lord had gone. He sighed and turned to the unicorn, knowing that Aragorn would not forgive him if he left her out without care.
He shook his head and walked over to her and checked her over.
The twins came up on either side of him as he crouched next to the creature.
With the twins checking her over, Legolas walked off towards the man's room to find out how he was doing.
Elladan watched him go before turning back to the unicorn.
"She had been drugged," Elrohir informed his twin.
"I figured as much."
With that the two went about moving her and making her comfortable. By the time they had finished the Loonailma had appeared and immediately took up the job of watching over her.
Once the two had done everything they could they said a quick farewell to Elenoharthad before heading over to check up on their brother.
A/N
Don't hate me! I meant to update sooner but never really had the chance… sorry!!!
SilverKnight7- What? I feel so used!!! *Runs off crying*
leggylover03- I'm glad u thought it was good!
mascara freak- More Legolas, I'll do what I can. And yes, Aragorn is mine. MINE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ^_^ Funny kitty. Sorry you've been sick but yur probably better by now… ^_^
Sorry again!!! PLEASE forgive me!! I'll try to update faster from now on. Happy reading!
~Elenmeoi