Disclaimer: See chapter 1

A/N: Sorry this wasn't up sooner. I've been busy. This chapter is in Legolas point of view. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed. You reviews mean so much. Thank you! Okay here's the next chapter. Enjoy and you know what to do after you read.

Chapter 4

A Needed Friend

'Now that I know what I'm without

you can't just leave me'

I sighed quietly as I raked hay in the barn. I hated the job, but I enjoyed the solitude. It was one of the only pleasures in my life, a time to be alone. I was alone with my thoughts, where I could wish myself someplace else. I would find myself in a place of peace and tranquility.

Through the time I have spent here, I found the only comfort was my place of solitude. I could draw into myself where no one would disturb me. This in fact, had been the only way I had survived. Through many tortures or sleepless nights, I would draw into myself and become nothing on the outside. I became as a hard shell, not caring what they did, but just wishing it would end. But it never did. Perhaps for a short time I would be alone or things would be all right, but it wouldn't last. They would soon be back, taunting me, whipping me, and using crude jokes and humor. I found myself longing for time alone.

When I was alone, no one was there to torment me. It was peaceful, or at least the closest thing to peace I could get.

Like my time alone now. I knew it wouldn't last and my fear was correct as I heard footsteps approaching. I wished they would just leave me alone. I wished they would just give me a moment. I looked up silently as someone came in the barn. My worst fear was that it was Gerchen's captain of the guards, Zergan, or worse Gerchen himself.

I was slightly relieved; however, to see the ranger, Aragorn. In fact, I was more than slightly relieved. There was something about the man that I knew I could trust. Not just, because I heard a lot about him from Elladan and Elrohir, though that was a big factor. There was something more about him. There was gentleness in his eyes and the truth and compassion behind those eyes.

Aragorn was not just any man. He was different. He wasn't like the self-less, cold-hearted ones I had come to know.

Silently I looked down and continued my work.

"How do you fare this morning?" He asked.

"I'm fine." I replied quickly, though it was not quite the truth. I wanted to believe it was, but as I reached to pick up my shovel, I was quickly reminded of the previous night. I winced as it felt like fire burned up my back. I stood up quickly.

Suddenly my head began to swim. I was loosing my balance. The barn seemed to be spinning in circles. I quickly grabbed the wall for support. I felt Aragorn gently help me to stand, until I regained my balance.

I placed my hand on his and gently pushed him away.

"What did they do to you?" I heard him say.

I shrugged it off like it was no big deal. No matter how much I trusted this man, I was still afraid to let down my guard. "It was just a dizzy spell. I am fine."

I knew it wasn't true. I was not use to being dizzy for it did not happen often. I knew my body was weakening and the fact that I barely got any sleep didn't help.

As if reading my thoughts, Aragorn asked, "How much sleep did you get last night."

Again, I shrugged my shoulders. "I was unconscious for a few hours before the guards aroused me to work in the stables." I replied like it was a no big deal. Aragorn did not need to know that fact that I had passed out from pain.

He must have read it in my voice though because his voice held concern as he spoke again. "Unconscious? You mean you passed out?"

I shrugged yet again. "What does it matter? Why do you care?" The question came out more bitter than I had wanted, but after not having any one care for so long, it did not surprise me.

"I care because you don't deserve to be treated this way. You deserve to be free." Aragorn said. His voice was stern, yet gentle. "And I'm going to help you escape from here."

"And how expect to do that? You think we can just walk out of here?" I had tried to escape before, only to be caught, and punished. There didn't seem to be any chance of escape. I lowered my head and my next words were barely above a whisper. "I can not escape from here. Leave me, Estel. You'll get yourself caught if you try to help me. Just forget about me."

"Forget about you?" Aragorn replied with shock in his voice. "It's too late for that. I would regret it the rest of my life if I left you in these men's hands. I'll find a way to help you or die trying."

I looked up at him, searching his face. Though I had seen compassion in his eyes, I still found it hard to believe why he would risk everything for me. What had I done to deserve his kindness? "Why would you risk everything for me?" I finally asked.

His reply surprised me.

"Because seeing you captured tears at my heart. I won't leave you here to die. I can not."

I looked down as unbidden tears formed in my eyes. I refused to let him see them. "It has been two years since I have felt any compassion or friendship from anyone." I told him as I tried to push back the tears. I looked up at him, now realizing why Elladan and Elrohir, who he fondly called his elven brothers, were so fond of him. He truly was different from other humans. I smiled as I looked into his eyes. "I understand now why Elladan and Elrohir think so highly of you."

Aragorn smiled. "We will escape from here."

His voice held such confidence and hope. Hope! Yes, his name Estel. It meant hope and here he was trying to give me hope. "You are living up to you name of Estel." I state. "You have brought me hope." I grinned and with a hint of pride I added, "I named you rightly."

Aragorn seemed surprised by what I said. Surely, he had to know his name meant hope.

"You named me Estel?"

I nodded. "I thought of the name and Elrond thought it fit, so that's what he called you."

Aragorn looked surprised, but a grinned formed across his face. "So you're the one I have to blame for my name. And to think all this time I've been blaming poor Elrohir."

I could tell by the sound of his voice that he was joking. I chuckled. A reply formed in my mind as I thought of the adventures I had heard about from the twins.

"Perhaps I should have suggested Presta. I've heard that it seems to follow you everywhere." I said with a laugh. It felt so good to be able to laugh.

Aragorn placed his hands on his hips and glared at me. Yet, he couldn't keep a smile from his face, which only made me laugh harder.

"I am not trouble." He stated, trying to defend himself. "My brothers are the ones that get into mischief and always manage to pull me into it."

I continued laughing. It was true. The twins always did manage to get into some trouble. Yet, I could not believe Aragorn was totally innocent, but blaming the twins seemed like a very good idea. "Yes blame the twins." I said through my laughter.

Aragorn laughed as well.

Finally, I took a deep breath. "You better get back before you are missed." I said, though I wished he never had to leave.

Suddenly I heard approaching footsteps. I returned to my work as Aragorn went near his horse. I looked up as a man came in the barn and cringed mentally at seeing Zergan. The man watched me for a while. I bit my lip, trying hard to ignore him.

Suddenly he kicked the wheel barrel that I was placing the dirty hay in. I groaned silently.

"Pick it up." Zergan said harshly.

I bit my tongue. It was all I could do to keep from snapping at the guard. Carefully I began to shovel the hay back into the wheel barrel, but Zergan stopped me. He grabbed my shovel.

"Pick it up with your hands." He commanded.

I glared at him, unwilling to make myself that low. I balled my fist tightly and drew in a deep breath. I had to stay calm. I had to fight the anger that was rising in me. "Please sir, can you give me back my shovel so I may continue my work." I hoped my words didn't sound as scared as I felt.

"I said pick it up with you hands." Zergan said as he shoved me hard to the ground, causing me to grunt in pain. I saw him pull a whip from his pocket.

"Now, slave." He demanded.

I didn't comply. I couldn't. Suddenly, the blow came down on my back. I hissed in pain as the unhealed welts from the previous night were reopened. My body began to shake. Inside my heart, I knew it wouldn't be able to survive another whipping. I was too weak and had not had enough time to recover. It was too soon. My body needed to rest. I feared the next blow. My only hope was that I would not allow Zergan to hear me cry in pain, at least not right away. I knew I would eventually, like I had last night, but I would try as hard as I could not to.

Before the next blow came; however, I heard the frightened neighing of a horse. The guard looked up and ran towards the horse. I took advantage of the distraction and stumbled to my feet. As quickly as I could I shoveled the hay back into the wheel barrel. I heard Aragorn conversing for a moment with the guard.

Aragorn asked if I would take his horse out of the stable for some fresh air. The guard didn't agree right away, but eventually agreed to Aragorn's request. He called me over. I suddenly felt weak as I walked towards the horse. My legs were weary and every step caused me pain.

I took the reigns of the horse and gently stroked his mane. Aragorn was beside me. I heard him mutter in elvish very softly. It was so soft, that I wasn't even sure if he could hear himself.

"Lean on him for support." He said.

Suddenly, I realized that it was Aragorn who had just saved me from another beating. Aragorn had caused the distraction and then provided me with an easier job. Not only had he saved me from another beating, he had given me a newfound hope.

I smiled slightly as I stroked the horse.

"Hannon le." I said quietly as if I was speaking to the horse, but hoping Aragorn would hear. "You have given me hope."

With that, I took the horse outside. Aragorn was right. His horse was strong and steady. As I began to walk, dizziness flooded over me once again. Aragorn's horse seemed to sense it immediately and he stiffened his stance until I was steady again. I patted his neck tenderly as he took a few slow steps forward. I stayed by his side and with his gentle guidance, my legs were no longer weak underneath me.

He was no doubt an elven horse and I was grateful. The sun felt nice on my face as I walked silently beside the horse. It was hot, but it was a welcome relief as well. I felt myself gaining energy and by the time I walked back into the stables, I felt refreshed. The crisp air and the gentle walk had done me good.

I went back to work, cleaning out the stables and caring for the horses. My heart was lighter now. I had a new sense of hope and new strength in my body. It felt like I was able to live again. It felt like I was real, not just an empty shell that did whatever he was told.

At about noontime, I finished in the stables and was heading towards the fields. One of the slaves named Tayliath met me.

"Where have you been? I've been looking everywhere for you." He shouted.

"I've been working in the stables." I replied, trying to keep my anger under control.

"You were suppose to be working in the fields. Now we'll get into trouble because all the work isn't done." Tayliath accused. "You worthless slave. You never do as you're told."

"I was do something else I was told to do." I retorted. My voice was becoming angrier.

"You are always making excuses. Wait till I tell Master Gerchen."

I balled my fists. If Tayliath told Gerchen, I knew I would be the one in trouble. I would get the blame and Tayliath would be pleased.

"Oh good. Here comes one of the guards now. Wait till he hears you were slacking again." Tayliath taunted with a grin.

I bit my lip as my anger turned to fear.

"What's the problem here?" The guard asked.

I tried talking before Tayliath could spread his lies, but we both talked at once.

"Silence!" the guard called. He looked at me. "Elf, you know the rules. Everyone is above you, even the slaves. Keep your tongue and allow him to speak." His words were bitter and I lowered my head.

I could only listen as Tayliath told the guards of how I was slacking off on my work. He added lies that he saw me sitting in the shade doing nothing. I wanted to speak up and say he was lying, but it would be no use. I would be found guilty and I would be punished.

The guard glared at me. "Elf you are more hard headed that I thought. You never learn. Guess that means I will have to beat another lesson into you."

"Please let me explain." I pleaded.

The guard punched me in the face. The blow landed hard on my upper jaw and I stumbled back.

"Silence elf." The guard said.

Suddenly I heard another voice from behind me.

"Excuse me, but I think you might be making a mistake."

My heart leapt as I saw Aragorn, but as the guard looked at him, I became worried. I didn't want Aragorn putting himself in danger for my sake.

"Excuse me, sir?" The guard asked.

"That slave," Aragorn said as he pointed at me, "He was caring for my horse. I asked him to do it. If he didn't do something he was asked, it was my fault."

I bit my lip. Aragorn was putting himself in a bad situation.

"I came back here to ask him for the saddle for my horse." Aragorn added.

I looked at him. Another slave had taken his horse and saddle from the stables about half an hour ago. Aragorn must have just used that as an excuse to free me.

The guard shoved me towards Aragorn.

"Go." He said.

Aragorn nodded a thank you and we walked towards the barn. I heard Tayliath arguing with the guard, but the guard put him in his place.

Once we were out of earshot, I whispered to Aragorn with slight amusement. "You horse is already saddled.

Aragorn chuckled. "It was the best excuse I could think of at short notice. It worked, didn't it?"

I smiled. "Thank you Estel. You saved my life."

Aragorn grinned. "Next time you need saving, just give me a better warning. I hate spur of the moment things." He said lightheartedly.

I laughed. "I'll keep that in mind. So what is the real reason you are here?"

Aragorn sighed. "I'm leaving Legolas and I don't know for how long." His voice sounded disappointed and worried.

I lowered my head. "Oh I see." I whispered.

"I have to do what I came here to do. I hope to return in a few days." He said sadly.

I looked up. I couldn't believe he was leaving. After all this time of not having anyone I could trust, it made it all the harder. It felt good to have a friend again and I didn't want him to go. I opened my mouth to tell him, but closed it. Aragorn had a job to do. "My you have a safe journey." I replied.

Aragorn placed a hand on my shoulder. "I will be back Legolas. I promise." He said confidently.

I nodded, hoping he would return soon. "I know. Worry not for me."

Aragorn smiled. "Goodbye my friend. Stay out of trouble."

I nodded as he left the stables. I watched from a distance as he and the other rangers left. I prayed that the Valar would protect him, before returning to my work.