This is a re-post of my original chapter. I have modified it slightly, hopefully for the best. Enjoy.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY to all, Irish or not! :oD Watch out for leprechauns! ;o)

Disclaimer: The Lord of the Rings belongs to J.R.R Tolkien, Peter Jackson, New Line Cinema and their associates. I am making no money from this; it is just a wonderful way for me to write for an audience with room for me to improve upon my skills/technique through their comments and criticisms.

Cymbeline was written by William Shakespeare (c. 1609) and belongs to him, not me.

Rating: Most likely R, although some may argue it PG-13.

For my author's note please see the bottom of this post. Hannon le!

Fear No More the Heat O' Th' Sun

IV. Fear No More the Frown O' Th' Great

The door creaked open and Aragorn couldn't help but stare at the form on the bed with slight pity. He suddenly looked so small in a bed wide enough for two people. White sheets covered his frame, his head cushioned by equally white pillows. The Elf looked odd nestled among them, his eyes closed, the moonlight making the contrast between his pale skin and the dark rings under his eyes even more dramatic.

Closing the door lightly, Aragorn slowly stepped forward to his silently slumbering friend. Taking a seat a sigh escaped the great king of Men.

"You sound much wearier than I, my dear friend."

The smooth and gentle voice startled Aragorn. He had thought Legolas to be asleep. A wave of guilt washed over him at the thought of having disturbed his friend. "Did I wake you?" his voice was hoarse from weeping.

"Nay, Aragorn."

Elessar could see what an effort speaking and breathing were becoming for his friend. Not knowing what to say he let his eyes wander from Legolas' face. They momentarily paused and Legolas thought he could see him flinch. He knew he was looking at the skin of his wrists- rubbed raw from bonds now cut.

"You know I love you, Estel."

At those words Aragorn closed his eyes against a wave of pain. When he opened them a second later Legolas was surprised at the pleading light they held and the sharp tone of his voice. "Legolas, why don't you fight it? You are strong. You could survive this if only you'd-Ë the tired look in his friend's eyes made him stop. He'd never seen that emotion worn by the prince before. Not even through all their trials together.

When at last he spoke, Aragorn's hope all but died.

"I have no choice, Aragorn."

Any weak barriers erected now burst. Aragorn could feel tears stinging his vision. "Legolas, please... you cannot pass. Not from the deeds of one vile man. There is so much for you here. Who will teach my sons to hunt?" Aragorn had slid out of the chair to be closer to his companion and know knelt on the floor, near to him as he could be.

The Mirkwood prince regarded the weeping man at his bedside with a wistful smile. "You will."

At the words Aragorn cried all the harder. "Why does it have to end this way?"

Legolas struggled to place his hand upon his king's. "Mellon-nïn, death is no end."

Aragorn searched his friend's face wishing to memorize every curve of the brave soul. He clasped the prince's hand in his own and held it to his cheek. "Brother, I only hope that the next world be better than this."

Legolas' eyes took on a curious expression as they searched Aragorn's. "This world is a lovely one, mellon."

Aragorn's eyebrows rose and he clutched Legolas' hand harder. "What beauty can there be in a world that allows such deeds to pass?"

The Elf suddenly looked tired and Aragorn couldn't help but feel that he was failing his friend in some way. "You have much to learn, Estel. There is always light in the darkness. This you know." He paused and squeezed his eyes shut as a wave of pain suddenly washed through him. Aragorn's eyes widened but Legolas reopened his a moment later. His voice was strained. "There are still the trees, Aragorn."

The former Ranger could see how weak his friend and fellow warrior had become. He felt guilty for any wrong he's ever caused the Elf, no matter how small. He felt guilty now for arguing with him even though he was sure Legolas would laugh at such an observation. "I am sorry, mellon-nïn. I did not mean to upset you."

Legolas' eyes were now closed, his body still. "Nay, Aragorn. Your presence has always bought me joy. Do not doubt yourself so."

The Elf said no more as he quickly succumbed to sleep. Aragorn bit his lower lip as another wave of tears threatened to spill forth. He never thought he'd be with Legolas on his deathbed. Yet here he was in a moonlit room with a dying Elf who was still attempting to console the living.

A nobler heart he'd never known.

Please Review!

Review Responses:

.:Tithen Min:. : Yes, yes! Happy St. Patrick's Day! :oDBig hug! Oh, confound those hobbits! Do you know where I found them? Sharing pints with a bunch of leprechauns in a faerie meadow! Sigh What's a girl like you or I to do? :Op I hope you like this part! Love ya buddy! (I'm also anxiously awaiting an update on one of your fics! :oP)

Erin go bragh! That's the right way to spell it! :Op

Lady Laswen: So sorry I couldn't update before today! I almost couldn't today... glares at leprechauns who have been causing all of the mischief... not to mention Ernest Hemmingway who I have to read... sucks the creativity right out of you! :oP Oh okay, Richard III! I'll remember that! :oD ! Hope you liked this chapter and I hope to hear from you again soon! ;oD

And to any lurkers or those of you who did not get to review the last chapter, thanks so much for reading! Hannon le! :oD!