Disclaimer: Nope. Not mine. Wish it was, but it's not.

A/N: Wow. You all are so wonderful! I truly appreciate the fantastic, stupendous reviews I received for the last chapter! As I've said before, they make my day! Hope you like this chapter, I'm not entirely sure where this story is going, or how much longer it will be. Thanks for reading! And now, CHAPTER FIVE!

Prejudices

The day wore on and Strider became more and more weak. Soon Legolas was almost carrying the man. The fever had returned with a vengeance along with the chills. Luckily for them both, Strider had not yet passed out again, though both knew it would probably happen again. They had to take it very slow, often Strider's breathing and pulse would race so quickly, the man nearly hyperventilated. They had made very little progress when night fell.

They stopped in a small clearing and Legolas set up camp, trying to hide his worry when Aragorn only drank some of Elrond's tea and ate a very few bites of food then went to bed. The Prince sat up, keeping watch, thinking of all that was happening. Thranduil would not be please when he showed up with Strider. Especially since the man was so ill. He was so lost in his thoughts he did not notice the many eyes peering at him from the forest beyond the fire. The eyes multiplied until the camp was surrounded.

A low growl startled Legolas out of his thinking. Cursing, he yanked his knives from their sheaths and built the fire up. But it was too late. The pack of wolves, lean and vicious, had been joined by their leader and would not now be frightened off by a relatively small campfire and one being with knives while another lay too weak to defend himself—an easy meal.

One animal, fur ratty and ribs in sharp relief under his gray fur, slunk into the ring of light cast by the fire, growling. Out of the corner of his eye, Legolas noticed other wolves also moving in, given confidence by their leader's daring. The wolf and Legolas circled each other, tension built and muscles were taut with anticipation. The rest of the pack yipped and woofed like comrades cheering their companion, encouraging him. Legolas noticed one move toward Aragorn's unconscious form, teeth bared in a hungry grin, tongue lolling. Lightning quick, Legolas threw one of his knives, embedding it in the wolf's side. With a soft whine, the wolf collapsed, dead. That seemed to be a signal for, within a heartbeat, the wolves began to come at the Elf, attacking from all sides. Frantically, caught off guard, Legolas fought desperately, killing and wounding the wolves.

Then all was quiet. Legolas let the tension flow from him and did not notice the pack leader creeping up on him, wounded fatally, but determined to kill the Elf. He let out a cry of surprise as the wolf sprang at him, knocking him to the ground. The wolf's jaws locked on Legolas' forearm and the Elf cried out. The wolf released as Legolas kicked it in the belly but sprang again. Legolas tried to throw his arms up to protect his face and fought desperately to keep the wolf from sinking its teeth into his neck. Suddenly from out of nowhere, a knife buried itself hilt deep into the wolf's neck. It collapsed with a snarl, its corpse landing on top of Legolas. Trying to push the heavy carcass off of himself, Legolas began to feel dizzy and light headed from loss of blood. Aragorn appeared above him, looking pale and weak. The man helped push the dead wolf off of his friend.

"Are you alright?" he whispered hoarsely. Legolas nodded, "Thanks to you, mellon nin..." Aragorn smiled, "Well, someone has to look out for you...Prissy Elf."

Legolas laughed, "Stubborn human. How do you feel?" Aragorn shrugged and dropped his gaze. His eyes widened, "Your arm!" Legolas quickly covered the injury with his other hand, "It is nothing. A scratch."

Aragorn frowned, "It is not a scratch and you will let me tend it! Now!" Legolas sighed, "Very well, do what you wish." Aragorn nodded and unsteadily stumbled over to the packs. Gathering what supplies he needed, he set about cleaning the wolf bite and both of the friends had some of Elrond's tea. Aragorn glanced around the clearing, "We should move on...Other creatures will be attracted to the on..." Legolas sighed and nodded, "You are right...But we must be careful. The wood is not safe at night..."

Aragorn smiled, "Well, soon we'll be to your father's halls and we can get a wonderful lecture. Then my father and my brothers will come and we can have even more wonderful lectures! Think about it, mellon nin! All those wonderful lectures waiting for us!" The Prince grinned, "I can hardly wait," he replied with dry sarcasm. Aragorn chuckled and began packing up quickly. Legolas rolled up the bedding and soon the two were ready to go. Legolas put out the fire, save for two large branches they used as torches, and the pair headed once again toward Thranduil's halls.

A/N: Okay, so I know this isn't the best chapter or the longest, but I was not sure how long it would be if I didn't update NOW. So, forgive the less than stellar content please. I'm working on the next one, hopefully it'll be better and done soon but no promises. As always, my eternal thanks for your continued feedback! I appreciate all my readers! Hugs and bunnies/purple spotted iguanas!

Lalaith

You know my perpetual plea...PLEASE REVIEW! Thanks!