The Wrong One

By Nefhiriel

A/N: There's not a whole lot I've got to say today...(readers cheer)(Nefhiriel gives "the look") Well there's no need to sound so happy about it! Anyways, this is one chapter that I really worked hard on (in fact, it turned out to be one of the longest in the story!) and it's one of my favorites, so please let me know what you think!

See first chapter for disclaimers. Reviewer responses at the end.

Chapter 12: You're Not Alone

Finally the big lug has decided to leave. This claustrophobic elf, for one, is truly grateful.

Not only did prolonged time in tight spaces do funny things to his head, it was turning out to make him irritable as well

I hadn't counted on this extended stay, normally I don't spend my vacations in holes, he began to struggle out of his awkward position. But thanks to you I am uncovering my deeper emotions on the subject. Oh yes, my emotions run very deep on this subject... Legolas's mood improved slightly upon getting out of the dreaded hole. Slightly. He was still in a cave, after all.

One thing that had been driving him crazy was that he couldn't see his friend. He could hear him and occasionally see Dagron but he hadn't yet seen his friend. The cave split off into two rooms: the one Legolas came out into seemed to be the storage room for all the camp supplies, the other one was obviously being used to hold the prisoner. Now the wall of rock that divided the two rooms was all that stood between him and Aragorn.

Half staggering, working the blood back into his cramped limbs, he ran to the doorway and entered the other room. There he was. Aragorn must have heard something for, under his breath, he muttered something almost inaudible.

"So I've finally come to the point were I'm having hallucinations. Eru, I could have sworn I heard something..."

"You did Estel. It's me, Legolas."

"Wait a minute, I thought with hallucinations you saw things."

"No Estel listen—it's me!"

"Legolas?"

His voice was so incredulous... I could have gotten here sooner, I should have gotten here sooner!

"Mellon-nín, is it really you?"

"Yes, I've come at last."

Legolas stepped further into light shed by the few guttering torches that lined the walls. His friend was in horrible shape.

"How did you..." Aragorn didn't need to finish the question.

"I found a gap in the back of the cave."

Even in his dire plight the ranger continued to try and lighten the mood with a joke.

"And just how small was this 'gap'?"

"Oh, I don't know. Small enough."

"Let me get this straight: you crawled through a small crack in the wall so you could get into a cave? Please tell me what you have done with the real Prince of Mirkwood."

"And what's to say that the real Prince of Mirkwood wasn't brave enough to do all that just to get to his friend?"

"Hmm, it's possible." Aragorn seem to consider it for a minute. "But the genuine Legolas wouldn't have made such a noisy entrance."

"Why you—"

Aragorn's smile quickly dissipated and was exchanged with a grimace of pain as his laughter jarred his much-abused ribs.

"Forgive me mellon-nín."

I stand here like and idiot while his hands go numb.

Legolas lowered himself beside his friend and reached for the ropes that held his hands tied. He was shocked, and a little hurt, when, upon feeling Legolas touch his arm, Aragorn started and then pulled away.

"Aragorn, hold still. Just let me untie you."

"No Legolas."

"What do you mean 'no'?"

"You must leave."

Aragorn's voice was growing husky and Legolas began to see just how exhausted he was.

"Yes, I will leave, and I'm bringing you with me."

Again he made a move to untie him.

"No Legolas, you can't."

Paying no heed to the reproof in Aragorn's voice, Legolas leaned forward and struggled with the ropes—they were far too tight. At last he succeeded in loosening them. Aragorn gasped as the blood rushed into his fingers.

"Come on, let's get out of here."

Legolas continued to ignore his companions feeble objections as he looped his hands under Aragorn's arms and lifted him up. He could tell Aragorn was doing his best; his best just wasn't very much.

Aragorn tried to grasp for his friend' arm, as his feet refused to work, and Legolas had to almost entirely support him. He advanced a step, Aragorn struggling to stand and stifling a groan as bruises and broken bones were jarred. The human slipped and Legolas quickly reached out to grab his left arm. He cried out softly, as Legolas' hand unknowingly gripped his wound.

Legolas knelt by his friend, pulling back the tattered arm of his coat to examine the dagger-wound. Aragorn winced and tried to pull his arm away as Legolas loosened the bandage that Dagron had tied.

"Oh, mellon-nín, what have they done to you?"

Legolas gingerly removed the bandage and scanned the swollen, and obviously infected, wound. He looked at his unseeing friend's face, and flinched again. He had a black eye and bruises, as well as scratches, were everywhere. The sight lit new fury, and new determination, in him.

This time going to his other side, and taking him by his good arm, Legolas tried a second time to bring Aragorn to his feet.

"It's no use, I'm too weak." Aragorn said hoarsely.

"I'll find a way to get us out of here."

"How?"

Legolas allowed him to sink back the ground, but he refused to give up.

"I don't know. There's got to be a way!"

"Legolas," Aragorn was completely resigned and composed. "even if I were strong enough to help fight our way through more than twenty men, I don't have my sword. Not to mention the fact that I'm still blind and don't have enough strength in my hands to hold a weapon. And don't even think about the crack back there. Even if I had enough time between the guards' visits to attempt crawling through there in my less-than-adequate condition, I'm afraid I wouldn't fit quite as easily as you."

"I am not going to leave you here to face those men alone, Aragorn. I have already left you by yourself to suffer through too much. I should have found you before this. Ilúlvatar knows I tried—but I should have tried harder. And now that I have found you I refuse to just leave. If you insist that there is no way out for you, then there is no way out for me either. Have all the years we spent together meant nothing to you? Won't you allow me the privilege of sharing your fate, mellon-nín?"

"You know all the years we have spent together meant so much to me," Aragorn's gaunt face was illuminated with a faint but melancholy smile. "so very, very much. But you cannot share my fate, Legolas."

"And why is that, you stubborn human?" the usually teasingly derisive epithet was said without any of its habitual amusement. "A prissy elf can meet death just as calmly as you."

"I don't doubt that. I never have."

"Then why?"

"There are more lives than just mine and yours on the line. I need you to go back and tell Adawhere I am and how many men there are." a smile, not shadowed by any sadness, full of fondness, softly lit his features. "Most of all, I need you to go back and keep my overly rash brothers from doing anything stupid. I don't think it would be wise to tell them the position of the camp. It would take every bit of your power to keep those two from rushing in here in some ridiculous, heroic, single-handed, rescue attempt."

"I just can't leave you here."

"Please Legolas, I don't have any more strength. And, despite the many tips I have gotten from my brothers over the years, you usually beat me when it comes to debating. You may be able to do it now. But please, let me win this once, when it counts the most? Other lives are depending upon you, you can't let them down."

They both jumped when they heard voices approaching the cave.

"Quick, hide in the next room!" Aragorn whispered hastily to Legolas, who complied, dashing into the next room.

How he wished he could stay by his friend's side! He clenched his fists and, with a start, realized that he was still holding the ropes. A slight hope rose up in him that the guards would find out that someone had visited the prisoner. They would search the cave, find him, and then he would be forced to stay. All his hopes were soon dashed. After heaping the normal harassments, thankfully most of them verbal, the man left. Legolas stole out of his corner and found Aragorn just drawing his hands out from behind his back.

"You'll have to hurry now, they're coming more and more often." he pumped his fingers once more and then put them behind his back again. Legolas just stared at the procedure. "Is it just me, mellon-nin, or are you being particularly slow today?" Aragorn asked when his friend made no move.

"You don't actually expect me to tie you up again."

"So it isn't just my imagination—of course I need you to do it! Who else is there?"

"They would probably just think you got out yourself." he continued to shy from doing what seemed like a final act of betrayal and abandonment. Common sense told him that Aragorn was right. If the guard found him untied it would probably not go well for the prisoner, no matter who had done the untying.

"Look, Legolas, I've been tied up in here for more then a week. From the beginning the ropes were tied far too tight for me to get out of, and since I'm far weaker now don't you think even the dullest, orc-brained idiot in the group might start to figure out that I couldn't possibly have untied myself?"

"Why would it matter if they did? I would be gone."

"But they would probably tell Acharndil. Now Acharndil is a smart man. He would then realize that someone had gotten to me and that now my family knew where his camp was. I don't want to loose our advantage of surprise. You know all this, quit being stubborn and do it!"

Hesitantly, Legolas took the rope and began to wind it around his friends wrists. He flinched when he saw how raw they were and tried to tie the ropes where it wouldn't be so painful.

"I little tighter Legolas, they'll never believe I've loosened them that much."

At his insistence Legolas drew it tighter. He finished and stood up. A strange lump formed in his throat when he looked back down at his best friend. How could he do this? How could he leave? Even in the dim light he could see the dark lines under Aragorn's eyes, the bruises scattered across his arms and face. He looked into the glazed, pleading eyes of his friend and felt tears form in his eyes. Why did Aragorn have to be right about this? If he turned around and left he was sure his heart would tear in two.

"May the Valar protect you, Legolas Thranduilion."

How could he talk like that? He couldn't, it sounded too final. Too much like a good-bye.

"Aragorn I—"

"Go!"

Not allowing himself the luxury of thinking about the horror of what he was doing, Legolas turned to enter the inner cave. The crack was still waiting. He'd forgotten about that.

"Aragorn would you reconsider letting me stay with you?"

"Stubborn elf..." he the ranger muttered, "For what reason should I reconsider?"

"The hole in the wall... It really is a very small crack."

Aragorn grinned.

"Anything else?"

"Then you won't reconsider?"

"No."

"I didn't think so."

Legolas was grateful that Aragorn couldn't see how close to breaking down he was. It went against his every instinct to leave. If he couldn't help his friend he needed to at least be with him. But Aragorn was adamant. And deep down Legolas knew he was right: he had to warn the twins and get more help.

Without looking back he turned and left. He would go, but he would be back, and as soon as possible, with reinforcements. When he returned, each and every man in this camp would regret having had anything, however remotely connected, to do with hurting his friend.

Aragorn let his head drop. For a while there, he had thought he might never convince Legolas. Now he was back to the nerve-wracking task of wondering and waiting.

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Elrond was fidgeting.

It was not at all becoming of an elf-lord, but at the moment he just didn't care. At first he had attempted to contain himself, but he soon gave up in despair. Dark feelings had been encroaching on him all day.

Darker than usual.

Something was going to happen. Something horrible was going to happen to his sons. Not only was Estel in trouble, the twins, and maybe Legolas as well, were going to run into danger. Now he had to decide what he was going to do about it.

Elrond rose from his seat and went to his favorite spot to think: the balcony. He leaned against the railing and tried to sort through the problem at hand.

"My Lord?"

How in the name of all the Valar did Glorfindel acquire such perfect timing?

"Glorfindel. You're exactly the person I needed to talk to."

"I'm glad, then, that I came."

Glorfindel smiled and waited patiently. When Elrond didn't answer, he asked cautiously:

"What is wrong? Something troubles you, my friend."

"It is Estel and the twins..."

"We are all worried for them. But we must—"

"Wait?" Elrond interrupted. "No. I've tried being patient. The time for that is past; I won't wait any longer."

"There is something you have not told me. Do you foresee danger?" Glorfindel intently studied Elrond's expression. "The twins are walking into trouble again, aren't they?"

"Running headlong into it, more likely."

Glorfindel grinned slightly.

"You are sure of this?" the balrog-slayer questioned the elf-lord with a freedom that few others had.

"Certain."

"Then we can not take this lightly. What would you have me do?"

"I wish you to take charge while I'm gone."

If Glorfindel was startled by the statement he masked it well. Still, he couldn't help but stammer a little.

"Y-you will be going, my Lord?"

"Yes. Acharndil has taken this far enough. I am going."

Slowly, hesitantly, Glorfindel nodded. By the light in Elrond's eyes he could tell arguing would be less than useless.

"Who will you take with you?"

"Glamdil and at least a dozen warriors. I plan on leaving as soon as possible. If we leave now we may be able to find them before nightfall. Pray that we do. I fear that even then we may be too late. Will you inform Glamdil so he can get the others ready?"

"Right away, hir-nin."

"Then tell them we ride within the hour."

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Elladan and Elrohir never let their eyes leave the ground. They were both paying so much attention to the ground that they almost fell over the small cliff and right into the camp.

Startled, they backed up and stared at the drowsy camp. Acharndil could be clearly seen in the middle of the encampment.

"Only humans would be this sleepy in the middle of the day." Elrohir whispered.

"Sleepy? I think either lazy or drunk is the word you're searching for." Elladan whispered back. "But look, Acharndil hasn't entirely lost all common sense, there are a few sentries around the perimeters."

Elladan pointed out five men walking around the edges of them camp. Most of the other men lay sprawled around the low-burning fires. Obviously they felt quite secure from attack.

"Where do you think Estel is?" Elrohir's voice grew even quieter.

"I don't know, but we're going to find out. Come on, let's go to the right."

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Legolas emerged from the hole. Thankfully, he was still too intent on just getting back out to think about what he was leaving behind. Strapping his quiver back on, he strode forward along the ridge.

It suddenly hit him that he had forgotten to tell his friends that he had found the trail.

Now I'm in for it.

They would kill him. He could only hope he would find them before they got too worried. He looked up at the sun. It had slid past it's zenith. Legolas groaned, hours had passed since he'd last seen them.

I suppose there is no chance of getting back before they miss me... He thought wryly.

Keeping an eye on the camp below him, he quickened his pace.

Seeing commotion at the cave entrance he automatically stopped. His breath caught in his throat as he realized that Aragorn was being brought out. Hauled out, was maybe a better way of putting it. The prisoner was towed over to where Acharndil sat and then allowed to drop to his knees. Legolas clearly saw Dagron land a spiteful kick to Aragorn's side. Before he even had time curse Dagron for the rough treatment of his friend, something else happened.

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The ridge sloped down and soon evened out. Elrohir followed Elladan around a large tree and into some thick brush that lined the clearing. The brush was short so they had to lower themselves to the ground to avoid being seen. They scanned the camp and for the first time noticed the cave, just opposite them now.

It was then that they found out where Estel was.

Elladan's eyes grew wide in shocked anger and Elrohir gripped a handful of grass in horror at the sight of their haggard younger brother. Elrohir remained slightly dazed, until he realized that his brother was not crouching next to him any longer. Elladan was now standing, hand reaching for his sword.

"Elladan!" Elrohir's voice rose a little in alarm. "Stop! We can't just charge in there!"

Elladan paid no attention. He stepped forward saying darkly:

"Hold on, little brother, I'm coming."

And Elrohir had no choice but to follow.

To Be Continued...

Reviewer responses:

HarryEstel: Yes, Legolas certainly will do just about ANYTHING to help Estel! He's such a good friend : ) And as you saw, he did get to be with Estel this chapter, if only for a little while. Hope you liked the chapter. Thanks!

polingly: Incredible! Such promptness! LOL.Everybody loves a claustrophobic Legolas : ) I should be able to do a realistic portrayal of claustrophobia – my Mom is REALLY panicky in close spaces, so I know what claustrophobic people are like : ) You know, it's really funny, our Mom is so claustrophobic, and our Dad LOVES caves, so almost every trip we go on, he finds some cave that we just HAVE to tour. Poor Mom's been dragged through half the caves in the country! Oh yeah, Legolas can handle just about anything – except caves. LOL. Oh, I know what you mean about actually liking villains! Some of them just try so hard...you have to feel sorry for them. And villains like Chauvelin are just so...endearing : ) It's so difficult, being so mad at the bad guys for what they're doing to the heroes, but at the same time...you can't help but feel a little sorry for them. Glad you like Acharndil, though. You're not the author, so you don't have to be hard on him : ) Your problems and Aragorn's are different? What, you don't think you're as cool as him or something? LOL. Oh, what's your original story about? I bet it's really interesting! I saw the pictures on DeviantArt that you said were for an original story of yours. Were they for the same story? As I said before: I absolutely LOVE the picture! It even inspired me to actually FINISH an e-mail to you : ) So you're looking forward to leaving? Fine, then you go and enjoy your vacation. (sniff) I don't care if you abandon me. (sob) You just go and have all the fun and relaxation...(sniff) And...are my guilt tactics working yet? (grins) J/K. I hope you have a wonderful time...even if poor little me is left at home doing school...(sniff)...and work...(sniff)...and cleaning...(grins) OK, you can go ahead and ignore me, now : ) Namárië, gwathel-nin esse Iluvatar! Hannon le!

Isadora2: You're STILL dealing with RL?! (gasps) You must spend a lot of time out there... Such bravery : ) Whew, glad to hear I didn't say anything mortally offensive during my brief foray into German, LOL. Thanks for once more taking the time to drop me a few lines!

Star-Stallion: Hmm, he actually ended up being skinny enough—it was the fact the he was hyperventilating that made things so difficult : ) Plot Nazgûl! That sounds familiar. LOL. Oh, I believe you're a nice person! We're all nice people on here... Somewhat weird, crazy, eccentric, out-of-our-minds, fanatical, and unconventional, maybe - but we're certainly nice ; ) Thanks for the review!

Mornflower: Poor Estel, doesn't know how to swim...Of course, if I had brothers like his, I probably wouldn't let them teach me either : ) Oh, and poor Legolas too! What an awful way to learn how to swim... Nothing to eat since yesterday at lunch! Don't starve yourself! LOL. Thanks for writing the review—even while you starved yourself to death : )

jacquelinestel: Yep, eight whole days. I actually looked up how long a "normal" human being can go without sleep (within in the bounds of reason) and still survive. In an US Air Force survival manual (it's my brothers book : ) it says that if a person is "...in reasonably good physical and mental condition, sleep deprivations can be endured 5 days or more without damage." I like this part "...although efficiency during the latter stages may be poor." LOL. I know it says only 5 days, but I thought that Aragorn, being Numenorian, and in fine physical condition (I won't comment on his mental status), could survive for a few days more...although his "efficiency" is definitely getting worse : ) Oh, I'm stuck with you, am I? Hurrah!!! LOL, this is definitely one author who WON'T be complaining! And don't worry, no matter what Estel and Legolas say, making up words is a perfectly respectable way of attaining a wide vocabulary : ) Thanks so much for reviewing!

elvingirl3737: I was schizophrenic once...but we's all better now, aren't we? Yes, we are! (grins) So you talk to yourself too? Yep, getting him out is never as easy as finding him! If it was easy, what kind of story would it make? But at least he had some company for a little while : ) (grins) Yes, it seems everyone loves a claustrophobic elf, LOL. That scene was really a lot of fun to write. Thank you so much for taking the time to review!

elitenschwein: Oh, welcome to being an official member! They did tell you that you're supposed to abandon all sanity at the door, didn't they? LOL. It's good to hear from you—I was missing my reviews from springfairy : ) It was so nice of you to go back and review all the previous chapters, it means a lot to me. I'm glad you liked chap. 7, despite my hesitancies about it. Pleased with all the angst so far, I see...good thing, since there's still more coming up! I definitely understand what you mean about Acharndil vs. Dagron, although, it's interesting how most of my reviewers so far are more angry at Dagron—you're actually the first to say that you dislike Acharndil and his more devious, cruel personality most. I'm glad, though, that you liked the way I explained his motivation. (grins) Oh yes...I had so much fun writing the part where Legolas got stuck. BDD sounds wonderful...I can't wait until it's all up! Sounds like there will be a delightful amount of Aragorn-angst : ) You're part Nazgûl!?!?! WOW! I find new things out about my reviewers every day... : ) To answer your question: this story will be 24 chapters long, plus an epilogue. Thanks, again, for going back and reviewing all those chapters!

Naesse: I had a lot of fun writing the part where Legolas got stuck : ) I'm glad you liked reading it! Thank you for the review!

Kathira: Yes, I agree, it is a very poorly thought out plan on the part of Legolas. But I actually meant it, to some extent, to be a impulsive and rash action that he did with one thought in mind: getting to his friend. He didn't necessarily plan on getting Aragorn out by the same way he came in—he wasn't really thinking about what he'd do once he got into the cave. I'm very sorry if it seemed unrealistic to you. I hope that this chapter was better, and that it explained things more clearly. Thank you so much for telling me what you thought! It's wonderful to know that my reviewers are being honest with me : )

Lord Elrond of Hogwarts: I had so much fun writing a claustrophobic Legolas : ) I'm glad you liked that part with Legolas being defeated by the crack - Imbecamiel (my sister/editor) always said that was one her favorite parts. That and... oh, wait, I can't tell you about that part yet. Can't give away any spoilers, can I? Oh yes...and that part with Aragorn, too...I'm glad you liked it : ) Me? (smiles innocently) Hurt them MORE? What ever gave you THAT idea? Oh, BTW, I was looking at your new account as Tinorial Peredhil - I can't wait to see what LotR fics you come up with! I love young Estel, and Aragorn and Legolas friendship stories so much (you couldn't tell, could you?)! LOL, yes, I could definitely use a few sessions with the Feedback Anonymous - this author needs serious therapy! In the mean time, thank you for feeding my addictions! ; )

Errhos: I'm glad you liked it : ) Grr...Emily had better let you on soon, I want to know what you think of the rest! Thanks you for the review!

viggomaniac: Oh my goodness!!! I almost didn't get your review before posting! Stupid website...selectively refusing to send alerts to me when some people review : b Grr... As if I'm not having enough MC withdrawal already... you just HAVE to keep bringing that up don't you? I'll have you know that I wrote that chapter loooong before I ever knew what the title of ... a certain story which shall remain nameless, was to be. Yep, I did do some research for this story. Actually, my brother's "United States Air Force Search and Rescue Survival Training" field manual had some VERY helpful information. For instance: for someone "...in reasonably good physical and mental condition, sleep deprivations can be endured 5 days or more without damage." I like this part, "...although efficiency during the latter stages may be poor." LOL. Who'd have guessed it? Wow, 17-19 hours without sleep is like borderline drunk? Hmm... perhaps we have discovered the true reason for why Jack Sparrow is the way he is : sleep deprivation! (grin) Yep, Legolas is very selfless where our ranger is concerned! Where would Estel be without him? LOL, no, I don't think either of them will be vying for your affections, considering what generally happens to the favorite characters of people on here... Yes, Dagron is definitely a bit light in the upper story, LOL. Actually, just calling him stupid all the time gets rather boring, don't you agree? My sister has collected a whole list of "creative ways of calling someone stupid". You wouldn't be interested in seeing it, would you? So glad you're "enjoying" Acharndil! I guess I'd better draw this to a close so I can get this posted... Miigwech!(Thank you! - Ojibwe N. America)

A special thanks to Tinorial Peredhil for adding me to her alerts! And also to elitenschwein for adding me to her favorite authors, and alerts!

The next chapter will be called "Past Breaking Point", and hopefully will be up Tuseday or Wendsday.

Please let me know what you think!

- Nefhiriel

Vice President and Co-founder of the SNWCG & member of the the F.F.F.F.F