Chapter Two

Elladan and Elrohir hadn't noticed Aragorn leave, and continued their argument.

"We could both go out then." Elladan said grimly.

"Nay, what of Estel?"

Realization dawned on the elves. The argument ended immediately. Elladan was first to speak.

"Elrohir, Where is Estel? I thought he was asleep."

"He was..."

Both elves leapt to their feet, and ran to the horses to find Aslathon missing as well as Aragorn. Dread filled the elves' hearts.

"He must have overheard our conversation." Elladan concluded.

Elrohir didn't respond and instead went back into the cave.

Moments later he reappeared with their packs, fastening them to the saddles, he turned to his sibling, "I covered any trace that would look like someone had been here. We must not tarry any longer, Estel could be in danger." Elladan inclined his head in agreement.

The elves mounted their steeds with ease and grace. Motioning in the direction where they had heard the cry, they gave a kick to the horses' flanks. The horses bolted with agility like no other.

Aslathon cantered through the woods. The sound of his hooves against the forest floor echoed throughout the woods. Aragorn heard the sound of a battle up ahead not too far off. He tugged on Aslathon's reigns slowing him to a trot. Beads of sweat rolled off Aslathon's flanks and his legs shook from the long run. Aragorn slid off Aslathon's back and unsheathed his sword. Following the sound of the battle he crept around a large bush and was surprised to find the battle in front of him.

A blonde-haired elf was in the middle of the large band of orcs. His long elven knives shimmered in the moonlight, glistening with dark orc blood. The elf was surrounded, determination shone in his eyes. Aragorn recognized the elf immediately.

Stealthily he crept around the surrounding orcs until he found a small opening. Estimating how many orcs lay between him and the elf he found a good opportunity, and lunged into the battle sword in hand striking effortlessly leaving a trail of limp bodies behind him. Smiling grimly he gave one last swing breaking through the ring that surrounded the elf. The elf looked up in surprise, several emotions flit across his fair face. Aragorn gave a small nod and turned back to the battle.

Fighting side-be-side the two finished off the battle quickly. After catching their breath the elf turned to Aragorn,

"Aragorn..." He breathed. "What are you doing here?"

Aragorn gave a mischievous smile, "The question is Legolas, What are you doing here?"

Legolas laughed. "I have come to find you and your brothers, who knows what you three are up to."

Aragorn smiled but questions renewed themselves, "What happened?"

"Oh..." He responded quietly.

"Oh?"

Legolas berated to himself under his breath. Aragorn studied his friend for a moment, "Tell me Legolas worry not for I will tell no one of what happened if you wish."

Legolas held his gaze with Aragorn's and lowered his eyes, feeling guilty for not trusting his friend. "I was traveling through the woods looking for you actually. I guess I was caught up in my own thoughts and had not noticed the band of orcs that crept up on me."

Aragorn grinned but hid his humor quickly and nodded to Legolas signaling for him to continue.

Legolas sighed, "They crept up on me and caught me off guard surprising me. I shot on arrow and caught an orc short in the leg." Legolas lowered his eyes again as he felt his ears become hot.

Aragorn choked back the laughter he held and placed a hand on the elf's shoulder, "We heard the cry, was that you or the orc?" He could not contain the laughter any longer and burst out laughing.

Legolas glared at him, the elf did not think it was amusing that he had shot an arrow off target. Never had he missed in all his years as an archer. Aragorn stopped laughing and brushed away the tears that wet his cheeks with the back of his hand.

Legolas held up a hand silencing him, "Riders approach."

Far off in the distance the sound of hooves drew closer as two riders approached. Legolas drew an arrow aiming it in the direction from which the sound came from. Aragorn raised his sword; listening intently he heard the faint ruffle of leaves being scattered by hooves.

Both let out a relaxing breath and lowered their weapons as they saw the twins approaching. As the two elves reached them they both were scowling. Legolas nudged Aragorn roughly. Aragorn cast him a pleading glance, Legolas laughed and shook his head.

Elrohir stormed over to Aragorn. Aragorn cowered under his elder brother; feeling as if he were a young child caught breaking something of great value. Elladan followed after Elrohir with the same attitude. Aragorn gulped and asked Legolas for silent help. Legolas folded his arms across his chest and shook his head as laughter shone in his silver eyes.

Aragorn glared and turned back to his brothers. Elrohir fumed and turned to Legolas, motioning for him to leave. Legolas' eyes widened as an argument arose in his throat, deciding against it, he led his horse to a nearby stream. He would rather not face the twins' wrath.

Legolas winced as several elvish phrases were spoken to the young human. After what seemed like ages the speaking ceased, and the twins arrived with Aragorn close behind, dragging his feet.

Legolas quickly led the others' horses to the stream without a word.

The three elves sat close together, but Aragorn sat near the horses, throwing rocks into the stream. The rocks plopped into the water as rings spread apart from the disturbance of water.

The sun peeped over the mountains as morning arrived. Elladan and Elrohir's spirits had arisen dramatically; they both sat talking and laughing together. On the other hand Legolas watched the human worriedly.

Legolas jumped as he heard his name being called.

"Legolas?"

The blonde-haired elf turned to find Elladan looking at him, worry creasing his brow.

Before Legolas could answer a large flock of birds flew overhead cawing loudly. Darkness crept into the forest shielding the light given off by the sun.

Aragorn jumped at the sudden noise.

Elrohir stood and placed a slender hand overshadowing his elven eyes, "Darkness draws near."

Elladan stood quickly, and place a hand on his sibling's shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze, "Is it...?"

Elrohir turned and nodded, "Yes, we must find shelter, immediately."

The horses neighed and stamped their feet in distress. Aragorn leapt to his feet and tried to calm the horses.

Legolas sat dumbfounded at what was happening. Faintly he felt someone helping him to his feet. As he regained his equilibrium, his knees buckled and darkness overtook him.