Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

A/N: Thank you for all who reviewed. Your reviews mean a lot. Thanks Dreaminoflorien for beta reading all my chapters and for your nice ideas to be mean to Legolas. (lol) I hope everyone enjoys this chapter. It is back to Aragorn's point of view. Please review.

Chapter 3

The Beginning of Friendship

'Wake me up inside

Wake me up inside

Call my name and save me from the dark

Bid my blood run

Before I come undone

Save me from the nothing I've become'

I sat in my bed, staring at the wall. The hour was late, but I could not rest. The meeting had ended a few hours ago. Gerchen had talked to us about a pack of wild animals roaming the countryside. The pack had been attacking travelers without warning. People were becoming agitated and it needed to stop. Hunters had gone to try to find the animals, but soon found that tracking them is difficult.

Gerchen therefore hired a group of rangers to help in the search. He warned us that the beasts would be hard to kill once we found them, but everyone seemed ready for the challenge.

I sighed as I put my hands behind my head, now staring at the ceiling. From the description, Gerchen had given about the animals, I knew they were Karps. I had read about them from books in Elrond's library. From what I remembered, Karps were beast similar to Wargs. They have a tough hide and sharp fangs. The difference is that Karps are smaller than Wargs, making them more agile.

I did not tell this to the others, however. I played my part as a simple ranger who had no idea of the animals lurking this far south.

The plan was that we were stay the night here for a few days; then we would head out as a group to track the creatures. After we had hunted and killed the beasts, Gerchen promised to make it worth our while.

I took a deep breath and tried to close my eyes to rest. Sleep would not come, however. My thoughts were haunted by images of the elf slave. I needed to do something to save him. I couldn't leave him here to die.

With a sigh I stood from the bed and headed towards the door. I needed to get some fresh air. Silently, I walked down the hall. I made my way outside into the open air. I inhaled deeply as my eyes scanned the courtyard. My eyes fell upon a slave who was still scrubbing the pavement. I quickly realized that it was the elf prince.

I walked slowly towards him. He looked up once, but quickly returned to his work. I wondered why the prince was still working and how much sleep Gerchen allowed him.

I walked close to him. He kept his eyes down and his mouth shut, choosing to try to ignore me. I bent down so I was eye level with him.

"Legolas?" I questioned.

He stopped working for a moment, obviously surprised. Quickly he closed his eyes and began scrubbing again.

"Can I help you, sir?"

I looked at him with pity in my eyes. "I believe I am the who can help you." I replied with a gentle voice.

"I need nothing from humans." He replied bitterly. Immediately, however, he regretted his words. "Forgive me. I should not have raised my voice. Please do not be angry." He muttered. His voice held more fear than sincerity, but I smiled regardless.

"There is no need, Legolas." I said gently as I placed a hand on his shoulder.

He drew away from my touch, but looked up. He didn't speak, but he kept his gaze locked on mine. "How do you know that name?" He finally asked.

"From my Elven brothers. They have told me a lot about you."

The prince continued to stare in at me confused.

I smiled. "My name is Strider, but I am also known as Estel. I was raised by Lord Elrond of Rivendell." I explain.

Legolas searched my face. Suddenly a spark of hope glints into his eyes.

"You are Aragorn, the only son of Arathorn and only living heir to Gondor." He replied. A small smile creased over his lips.

I raise an eyebrow at him, surprised that he knows my heritage. I'm happy, however, to see the smile on his face and the hope in his eyes. It is a welcome relief from the stone cold face etched with pain. I silently wonder how long it has been since he smiled. Probably too long, way too long.

"I was there when Elladan and Elrohir rescued you." He explained. "You were just a young child when Elrond took you in."

I nod. "I'm going to help you escape from here."

Legolas opened his mouth to speak, but quickly turned his head to the left. His elven instincts alerting him of danger. Someone had entered the courtyard.

I looked across the yard. I saw two people, but from the distance, I could not tell who it was. They did not look like they had seen us yet.

"You should not be here." Legolas said as he looked back at me. "Go before he sees you!"

I nodded and stood to my feet. "I will help you." I promised. I turned to walk away, but seeing there is no where to go without being noticed, I quickly hid behind a bush. When I looked back, I saw Gerchen heading towards Legolas.

"Why isn't this finished, Salien?" Gerchen asked, now towering over Legolas.

Legolas looked up, but kept his eyes low. "I'm sorry, sir." He muttered.

Gerchen scowled as he backhanded Legolas. Legolas' face flew to his side from the blow.

I grit my teeth in horror, wishing there was something I could do, but knowing that anything would blow my cover. I have to sit tight and wait things out.

Gerchen reached down, grabbed a handful of Legolas' hair, and pulled his head up.

"How many times must I beat you before you call me master?" He hissed. Before Legolas could even speak, Gerchen continued. "You embarrassed me today in front of my guests. One would think I have not properly trained you."

Legolas' eyes held no emotion. He just glared at Gerchen with an icy stare.

"So, my slave," Gerchen hissed. "Must I beat you again?"

Legolas swallowed hard. From my experience with elves, I knew that they enjoyed their freedom. Calling this man a master would be like giving up that freedom and all sense of pride. Legolas' gaze drifted toward the bush where he knew I hid. He drew in a deep breath, trying to find courage and strength.

I closed my eyes, wishing to pass to him all the strength I could. I looked back at Legolas as he looked back at Gerchen.

"You will never be my master." Legolas spat.

Gerchen backhanded him again, allowing him to fall to the ground. "You worthless, slave." He yelled. "One day you will learn your place. You will learn to accept that I am your master and that you are nothing."

Gerchen turned his gaze towards the man that had walked outside with him.

"Take him. Teach him another lesson." Gerchen hissed.

"With pleasure, sir." The man grinned evilly.

Gerchen turned to walk away as the man pulled Legolas to his feet. Gerchen turned around suddenly. "Make it a lesson he won't soon forget. Spare him no pain."

The man nodded. He led Legolas back inside the house. Legolas didn't fight him. There would be no use.

I balled my fists tightly, silently cursing Gerchen. I silently whispered words of comfort to Legolas, hoping the wind would carry it to his elven ears. "No bell, Legolas. No bell!" (Be strong.)