Disclaimer: All characters and facts related to Tolkien's works are his.

The Duty of Brothers

Part II

Aragorn sat dismally under a tree in one of the many gardens in Imladris, Idly; he fiddled with the blades of grass that formed a smooth green carpet around him. He rested his head against the rough bark of the tree and closed his eyes.

The stubborn elf was in pain but refused to  admit it. He watched as Legolas struggled not to let his face twist into an expression of pain as he tried to sit up. Aragorn could see the large colourful bruises that decorated the elf's torso; in all probability, at least a few of the elf's ribs were cracked. Every movement had to be agony for him.

The orcs had finally returned Legolas to his companion's side, but much damage had already been done. The ranger's heart ached at his friend's sacrifice. Legolas had deliberately baited the orcs every time they so much as glanced in the man's direction, hoping to distract them and keep them occupied. It had worked, much to the elf's relief and Aragorn's dismay, and the orcs had let the full fury of their rage fall on the elf alone.

The elf opened his pain filled eyes and fixed them on Aragorn. Hurriedly and with an eye on the orcs, he whispered his proposed plan of escape. He was interrupted once by a fit of coughing, but within a few moments, Aragorn had gotten the gist of the plan…

A large, fat drop of water landed neatly on Aragorn's nose, pulling him out of the light sleep that he had fallen into. The once shining sky had been shielded by heavy grey clouds which were slowly beginning to let loose their tears. Aragorn got to his feet and began to walk back to shelter; he had just gotten under a roof when it began to rain. Thunder rumbled through the corridor.

Aragorn wondered if maybe Legolas had finally awakened, with all the noise the sudden storm was causing. Probably not… Despite the doubts that he had, he couldn't help quickening his pace a little as he headed for Legolas' room anxiously.

The elf remained unchanged though he looked much better now. Clean white bandages were wrapped around his torso and his arms lay limply at his side. His fever had escalated the day before but had broken sometime in the course of the night. He was only sleeping now. Aragorn remembered the day before with a shudder.

Legolas coughed violently, one hand clutched at his chest. His eyes were glazed and dilated with fever. Aragorn wet another piece of cloth and placed it on his forehead. He murmured soothing words to his friend who seemed to calm a bit.

A moan escaped from Legolas' throat. Some moisture leaked out from the corner of his eyes and he blinked. His vision was blurred and he didn't really know what was going on. His eyelids fell downwards and fell into a feverish slumber.

Aragorn watched sadly as his friend fell back to sleep. The elf's face was creased with pain even while he slept…

In comparison with the night before, Legolas looked much more peaceful. He was still very pale but it seemed his pain had lessened. Aragorn pulled a chair to the elf's side and sank into it. He leaned back and folded his arms over his chest. A jagged streak of lightning tore the sky into two and lighted up the room. Legolas stirred slightly. Aragorn sat by his friend's side, determined not to let his friend wake up to an empty room.

  

He felt the cool dewy air on his face and sighed in contentment. He could imagine the sunlight on his face and the white walls surrounding him. After the few nightmarish days in the hands of orcs, he felt a little hesitant about opening his eyes. Suppose this was just a dream? He did not think he could take it.

Tentatively, he lifted first one eyelid and then the other. An immerse wave of happiness washed over him. He was safe. There were no orcs in this place. He gave a contented sigh of relief.

His eyes lighted up as he caught sight of Aragorn. The man's head rested on one of his arms. He's sure to have a stiff neck when he wakens…  Legolas thought fondly. He was deciding whether he should wake him but before he could do anything else, the ranger stirred.

The moment Aragorn looked upon his friend and his bright clear eyes, it seemed as though a great load was off his back. He smiled happily at the elf, delighted that he truly was going to be fine now.

Legolas watched silently as several emotions flittered across Aragorn's face. Joy he could make out the clearest but there was something else in his eyes. Faint traces of guilt and confusion. He frowned slightly as he wondered what was bothering the man. The guilt he could easily account for but confusion? Aragorn walked over to a side table and poured the elf a glass of water.

As soon as his dry throat was soothed, he quietly asked, "What ails you my friend?"

Aragorn was startled. Here he was, just awakened after several pain filled days and the elf was asking what ailed him. After suffering several cracked ribs, a badly welted back and an assortment of cuts and many bruises, the elf's first real words were what was wrong with Aragorn.

"Shouldn't I be asking you that?"

"Oh… I'm feeling much better. There's no need for great fuss. I will heal." Legolas waved aside the man's concern carelessly.

"So… tell me. What is troubling you?" Legolas persisted. He knew the man would try to put off the question and he wanted to know once and for all what was troubling his friend before the matter dragged on.

Aragorn hesitated, pondering over whether he should tell Legolas what was troubling him. Finally, he let out a deep sigh and said wearily.

"It's just that… I bring so much pain and suffering to everyone around me. You… Elladan, Elrohir…" His voice trailed off. He had been troubled by this ever since he had come back to consciousness the day of their rescue. Legolas kept silent.

"Am I really worth so much? You have an immortal life. You should live through the ages and sail for the west when you so wish to… why risk losing that life just so I can walk safe and sound upon this earth?"

Legolas thought over this for a while before looking Aragorn straight in the eye and replying.

"I suppose it's as much for ourselves as for you. To lose you when we know we could have done something, would be more then our elven hearts could take…" He paused.

"To lose you and let the rest of middle earth suffer the consequences of your lost… wouldn't that be cruel? To bring pain and suffering to all of middle earth because we sat back and let you be lost to the world… you were meant for great things Aragorn. No matter how much you deny it and hide from it, you will do great things one day… you will make your father and all who know you proud." It seemed almost like tears of pride were glistening in Legolas' eyes and he tried to convince his friend of his worth.

"Meanwhile, it's up to your brothers and I to keep you safe till that time comes." He turned his face towards the window and watched the blue sky marbled with white.

He felt a callused palm on his hand and turned back towards Aragorn. With a small smile, he covered the man's hand with his own.

"Hannon le"

"You are most welcome, Aragorn. You are so very welcome."

He couldn't help adding as a concluding statement, "Besides, nothing like a few days with the orcs to teach you the value of water."

He glanced at the cool glass of water next to him, his eyes shining mischievously.

Aragorn looked at the elf like he was crazy. Perhaps the fever had done more harm then he thought…

TBC…

Please review if possible! The 3rd part may be posted quicker…

Ok, here's the thing. This was meant to be a two part story but since some of you actually want to know how Aragorn and Legolas came to be in the hands of orcs, I'm adding another part. So more elf angst coming up…

Thanx for reviewing…. See! They motivated me to write a third part….