The Lord of Rivendell frowned, as his long thing hands started to unbutton the tunic of the injured Elf, the dark brown eyes fixed upon his patient. He had tended to Legolas more times then he cared to remember, though this time it was different, this time it was dangerous.

Pale smooth skin was revealed under the tunic, not a mark upon the flawless flesh, that was until the fingers brushed over ribs when the tunic was slowly removed. Legolas groaned softly in pain while there was a joined gasp behind Elrond. He turned around in surprise, seeing the two young Hobbits Merry and Pippin standing close to Aragorn, a pained expression on their faces.

"Take them away Estel; this is not fit for young eyes."

Both Hobbits started to protest at being called young, and to be send away from their friend. He could not divert his attention to them, they were not injured and his young friend from Mirkwood was. He silenced them with one stern look, before looking up at his youngest son in all but blood. The grey eyes showed a protest, it was clear the human was not keen on leaving the side of Legolas. Though he nodded, and gently led the two little ones away.

Elrond knew it would not be for long, his son would be back as soon as he could, to know how his friend was fairing, a question yet to be answered. He could understand the gasps from the Hobbits; the Elf's chest looked bruised and battered, dark blue almost black spots mostly on his ribs. Skilful fingers prodded the chest gently, provoking another moan from Legolas. Five broken ribs and none had punctured the lunges, this was a good sign. He continued the gentle search downwards. No other injuries to the legs save for some scratches; the right arm was badly broken and needed to be set soon. That left the two injuries that worried him the most, the deep head wound and the Elf's back.

The head wound was deep; he could see white bone through the mass of blood and skin. He needed clean water to wash away the blood, and he needed to stitch it fast. He could see no fracture or dent in the skull, though there was still the danger of bleeding within.

"Your water is here Master Elrond."

Gimli came walking towards him with a large bucket with steaming water. He gave a nod, watching the Dwarf quietly for a few more moments, until he had caught the sturdy being's attention. He needed help; he could not turn Legolas over without the risk of further injuries. He rather had Estel here, he had some healing skills, but for now the Dwarf had to do.

"Gimli, I need your help, you need to lift Legolas slightly if you may."

The Dwarf gave an eager nod; letting the Lord know he would do anything he could to help his unconscious friend. Elrond had thought naught else, there was an unlikely bond between the Elf and the Dwarf, a friendship that had not been between these races for as long as he could remember. He watched as the sturdy creature gently lifted the blond Woodelf, the muscled arms not even twisting from the strain.

"That is high enough Gimli, hold him there."

With a concentrated look in his worried dark eyes he seated himself on the bed, so he could see to the injury. On the back were also dark bruises, along the spinal cord. Hesitantly his fingers prodded the skin, searching for the feared break, though there was none. A sigh of relief escaped him, even when there was obvious swelling. That would heal in time; it would cause discomfort but no danger. He helped Gimli lower Legolas onto the bed gently with a grateful nod. He took a clean cloth, wetting it in the clean boiled water.

"Find me needle and thread; it should be in this room."

He did not worry about ordering the Dwarf; there were more pressing matters to attend to, Legolas being one of them. Fortunately, Gimli realised that as well, as he went without further comment. The blood was washed away, revealing the deep gash, larger than he originally had thought. This was dangerous, he feared for a head injury, a serious one. He had seen this before, and the Elf had never been the same ever since. Once the dirt and grime was removed he bent closer, peering into the wound.

A crack.

The skull was damaged slightly. He could close the wound, but there was nothing he could do for the cracked skull, that was beyond his skills. This battle had to be fought by the Prince and him alone. The wound was stitched without any explanation to the Dwarf watching, and his younger son who had joined them once more. He could hear the cries of the injured men who were brought in, there seemed to be no end to the stream.

"Estel....?"

He looked up to his son, locking eyes with the troubled grey ones. He had one more injury to attend to, one he could not do alone. The Ranger needed no further explanation, as he came to the side, one hand on the blond Elf's hip and the other on a knee. The broken arm needed to be set, and the shoulder had been dislocated. With a practised move he took the broken arm and pulled it right which was accompanied by a sickening loud crack. Legolas screamed in pain, making the others winch. Besides the moans and screams from the other injured, there was no sound, no talks. All worked fervently to save others, Elrond moved from one bed to another, assisted by Gimli while Aragorn stayed with Legolas.

Many hours later the Healer moved to Legolas' corner, exhaustion went deep, he needed to rest soon before he would haste to Rivendell, to see how Arwen was fairing. He had not meant to stay, though he could not leave either, when he knew there was still a battle to be fought. He had feared for the well being of Aragorn, so he had stayed.

"How serious is it Ada?"

Aragorn's question pulled him out of his short relapse, realising he had been standing at the bed of the young Elf for some time. He was more tired the he initially had thought. Aragorn was not a little boy anymore; there was no use in hiding the truth from him. With a tired sigh he looked down to his son.

"I do not know Estel, I wish I could tell you more. His head injury worries me."

"How serious is it?"

Aragorn looked back at him evenly, with stern grey eyes. Yes, he was no longer a boy, there had been a time an answer like this would have been sufficient.

"His skull is cracked; there is nothing I can do now. We have to wait for him to wake, if he wakes."

~ * ~ ~ * ~

Yes, I'm still here, the world hasn't swallowed me whole just yet. I haven't forgotten about this story either. I promised myself this one will be finished soon, it just has to be.

Thanks again to all those who reviewed and all those who read the story and liking it. I appreciate it all!

Silver toekee – I know, but I don't know what else to use beside Word, I'd love to add HTLM tags but word doesn't allow that. Aragorn does care for his friend; they have a deep friendship that is portrayed well in the book, but unfortunately not in the movie.

Joee1 – Cliffies are good, right? I mean, I like reading chapters with tense endings; they make you want to read more. But I agree, I'm not on the receiving end this time, so there's no way to compare.

Melanye Baggins – I know, sorry about not updating sooner this time, had somewhat of problems. But I'm back and hopefully able to keep updating a lot faster this time.

Star Stallion – Yes, Leggy had been out of the previous chapter. But now he's still not talking much, lol, guess you have to be a bit more patient as to know what he has got to say.

MoroTheWolfGod – thank you thank you

AmberRose – Yeah, I know, short chapters. I just can't write them any longer, not when I'm using different points of views every time. Guess I'm more of the short chapters kinda gal.

Elanor8 – Most first meetings have some sort of violent character, and I just wanted it to be different. I picture a very young Aragorn, seeing a Wood Elf for the first time. And we have to admit, when seeing Legolas for the first time, how can you not be awed at the beauty? The Hobbits are.......around........somewhere......Lol. Merry and Pippin will come in play soon, and they will be just like their old selves, I love those two!