Chapter 10: Hope
Hope: A desire of some good, accompanied with an expectation of
obtaining it, or a belief that it is obtainable; an
expectation of something which is thought to be desirable;
confidence; pleasing expectancy.
The twins sat at their table, pretending to drink their mead while they watched the other customers, wondering if these people knew anything or if they would even be useful. They were positioned so that they could see the whole room, but not be noticed. It was something their brother had learned to do well once they taught him, but it was the twins who were best at it.
Elladan seemed to be worrying more than usual, and Elrohir couldn't figure out why. None of the people he was watching appeared to know anything useful and he wondered if Elladan was learning things and wasn't sharing. He touched Elladan's knee, trying to get his twin's attention, but Elladan only held up a hand to wait. Frowning, Elrohir turned to look at the table that had captured Elladan's attention. He didn't see what was so interesting; the people were just talking about selling stock.
Sighing, Elladan turned to his twin. "They were discussing slave trading before you tapped me," he informed furiously. It wasn't anger towards Elrohir that made him sound furious; it was anger at himself and despair because he had very little idea about where to look for his little brother.
Elrohir only smiled sadly at his twin. "I am sorry." He understood that Elladan's anger wasn't directed at Elrohir, but at Elladan himself. It was hard to convince his twin that he had done nothing and couldn't have prevented what had happened to their little brother, and even when Elrohir tried to explain, Elladan still despaired. "Did you learn anything?" he asked, his voice filled with hope but his face blank, trying to keep people from becoming interested in the twin's conversation.
"Yes," Elladan replied. "Come, I will tell you of it outside. As neither one of us is comfortable in here, it would be better if we went to where our horses are. I will tell you as we ready them."
"Alright," Elrohir agreed. He stood from the table, and followed Elladan out of the inn and towards where their horses were. "What did you learn?" he asked when they were alone.
"I have an idea of where to look for Estel and Legolas. Mount up, and I shall tell you everything on the road." Elladan swung himself into the saddle and rode off; he wanted to get started.
- - - - -
Legolas was tiring and he knew that Aragorn needed to rest as well. They had been riding for three days with short breaks to stretch their legs and for Legolas to apply a salve to Aragorn's wounds. He really didn't want to stop because he wanted to put a lot of distance between them and Lord Nelkoo, but he knew it would be best for both of them if they rested for a time.
Legolas spotted a small brook up ahead and decided it would be a good place to stop so that he could refill his water skin and let the horse rest. He knew the mare had to be incredibly tired from all the riding and from carrying both his, and Aragorn's, weight. He hated making the mare work so hard, but Legolas knew it was incredibly important to get his friend home as soon as he could. Aragorn was sleeping on the horse, so Legolas picked him up and laid him down on the ground while he went to fill the water skins.
Aragorn blinked a few times, and found that he was lying on the ground. Confused as to how he got there, he pushed himself up and groaned in pain from the headache that rushed to embrace him. He looked around, covering his eyes with one hand to keep the sunlight from assaulting them. Legolas was kneeling by a water source, he saw; he also saw his horse drinking greedily from the water. He didn't care much about his surroundings, but he surveyed them out of habit.
They seemed to be out of the desert, and Aragorn wondered just how long they had been riding for. He couldn't remember because he had been in and out of consciousness and he was still exhausted and in an extreme amount of pain. There weren't a lot of tall trees, but there were a bunch of small shrubs and other vegetation that didn't need a lot of water. He was surprised that there was a brook so close to the desert, but it was the rainy season after all.
He tried to stand, but his legs didn't want to hold his body weight, which he decided was just as well because he didn't have a lot of strength to waste on walking around. "Legolas," he called to his friend, his throat dry and scratchy.
Legolas turned around and gave his friend a half smile. "How are you feeling?" he asked, walking over to Aragorn with two full water skins. He was worried about his friend, but he tried not to show it.
"Not very well," Aragorn responded. He didn't even bother to lie about how he felt; he knew it wouldn't do any good and that it wouldn't help him in the long run. "I'm really thirsty."
"I believe you," Legolas said, laughter twinkling in his eyes. "You've had little to eat and drink for the last few days. Do you remember much since we left?" He passed a water skin to Aragorn and let him drink as much as he wanted.
When Aragorn had finished drinking the water, he looked at his friend. "I'm afraid I remember very little. I'm so tired and everything hurts. Thank you for coming to find me. I don't think I said that before."
Legolas smiled sadly as he looked at the pain in his friend's eyes. "You do not need to thank me, I am your friend. I'm just happy you are safe now." He got up and went to get his pack. "Here," he said, giving Aragorn some food. "Eat this and then rest; I'll watch you and see to everything."
Aragorn smiled. "Thank you." He quickly ate the food Legolas had given him, and removed his tunic so that Legolas could get to his wounds.
"Go to sleep," Legolas suggested. He didn't want his friend to tax his strength for too long. "You need it."
"No," Aragorn replied, trying to smother a yawn. "I'll be alright for a time."
Legolas sighed but didn't press the matter. "Maybe you should wash in the brook. It will clean your wounds."
Aragorn made a face. He really didn't want to enter freezing water, but he knew it would be good for him to keep his wounds clean. "Alright, but turn around."
Legolas laughed, but did as he was told. "I never knew you were modest."
Aragorn snorted and quickly stripped his clothes off and washed, feeling what little strength he had leave him as he entered the freezing water. He washed quickly and got out as fast as his injured body would let him. While he changed back in to his clothes, he shook despite the heat the sun produced. "Alright," he said, his teeth chattering and his body shivering.
Legolas turned around and scrutinized his friend. "The water is quite warm," Legolas said. "I thought it was."
"Your perception of cold is much different than mine," Aragorn snapped, suddenly ornery. He wasn't angry with his friend, he was just cold, tired, and in an amazing amount of pain.
"I know that," Legolas responded absently. He went back into his pack and produced a cloak. "Here, wrap yourself up, I'll start a fire for you and heat some of the herbs your father gave me before I left Imladris."
Aragorn nodded, suddenly feeling lightheaded and incredibly fragile. "Thanks," he replied weakly when Legolas gave him the cloak.
- - - - -
"Aragorn is a slave?" Elrohir demanded from his brother. "How?!" He couldn't understand how this had happened. Aragorn should have just learned what he could and then joined up with the Rangers; he should not have gotten himself captured by slave traders and turned into a slave.
"If I knew how he had become a slave, dear brother, I would have told you," Elladan replied acidly. He wasn't angry with Elrohir, but he was becoming increasingly annoyed by the questions his twin was asking. "I know we need to find a Lord Nelkoo because he is the one who owns our brother."
Elrohir glared at the thought of someone owning their little brother. "Alright, where are we heading?"
"Fleniar," Elladan responded. "That is where Lord Nelkoo lives and that is where our brother is." He hated to think of the harsh treatment slaves received, because he didn't want to think of the horrors his little brother was probably facing. It hurt him to know that people felt they could own their own kind as if they were animals. He didn't think it was fair, and the fact that the slaves were treated cruelly didn't make Elladan feel any better.
"Legolas may have already found him," Elrohir pointed out. "If Estel isn't there, what will we do?" It was worry that was causing him to ask such silly questions, he knew the answers; he just wanted the confirmation as to what would happen.
Elladan sighed and looked at his brother with compassion. "Let's not think too far ahead, 'Ro. If Estel isn't there, we'll just have to look for him and ask questions without seeming to ask them."
Elrohir nodded. He wanted to cry at the hopelessness of it all. It didn't seem as if they would ever see their brother again, everything seemed so bleak and Elrohir didn't know what to do anymore.
Elladan smiled at Elrohir sadly. "We'll find him."
"I hope so," Elrohir replied. "I honestly do, 'Dan." He didn't know what he would do if they didn't find the twenty-six year-old. He didn't know what they would tell their father or anyone else.
"Hope," Elladan repeated quietly. "Estel."
- - - - -
Legolas heated herbs and water over the fire he had made. Darkness was starting to fall and he was happy to see that his friend was resting and was no longer shivering. Aragorn was doing much better than he had been three days before, but he was still covered in cuts and bruises, and many of his cuts were on the verge of becoming infected. Legolas was surprised that he had even been able to maintain consciousness for as long as he had earlier.
He finished heating the herbs and water, mixing them to form a tea-like combination that he would make Aragorn drink to keep him well. He picked up a mug that he had brought with him, and poured some of the steaming mixture into it before he roused Aragorn. Rousing Aragorn was something he was loath to do because he wanted his friend to get as much sleep as possible, but it was necessary to wake him.
Aragorn stirred when Legolas shook him gently. "What is it?" he rasped out, his weakness evident in his voice. Sleeping was the only thing he had on his mind; he didn't want to be awake. His strength was lacking, and it was becoming harder and harder for him to focus on things. When he was asleep, it was much easier for him to let his mind rest.
"Drink this, then you can go back to sleep, I promise." Legolas pressed the warm mug in to Aragorn's hands. "When you're done, you can have something to eat if you're hungry."
"Thank you, I'm not," Aragorn replied, sipping the warm mixture. "Will this ease the pain?" he wanted to know.
"I hope so," Legolas responded. "It is a recipe your father gave me, so I assume it will ease pain and make you heal quickly. I also have a salve to dress your wounds with. I need to do that before you sleep again."
Aragorn yawned and nodded. "Alright, that sounds good." He continued to sip his medicine as he took in the surroundings once again. "How far are we from Lord Nelkoo's home?" He hoped they were far away because they had been gone for three days and bounty hunters were sure to have been sent out. He was anxious about the bounty hunters, but it was hard for him to care about much since he wasn't feeling well and his body ached.
"Three days of very hard riding on an Elven horse," Legolas replied. "It will take humans a very long time to catch up with us; especially since as soon as I am done dressing your wounds we will be leaving again." He smiled comfortingly at his friend. "You need to get home so your father can see to you. Frankly, Estel, I am surprised you are doing so well."
Aragorn smiled at his friend in thanks. It was rare Legolas gave him compliments on something and he appreciated it. "I'll heal in time," he told Legolas. "Rest is something I need in plenty."
Legolas nodded. "I know; that is why I want you to sleep as much as possible." He saw that Aragorn had finished his medication. "It is time to leave." He stood up and doused the fire before he arranged everything to look as if they had never been there. "Do you need help getting up?"
Aragorn nodded. "Yes."
Legolas smiled and helped his friend to his feet and then onto the horse. He mounted behind Aragorn and they set off.
Reviewer Responses:
Lindahoyland: I know, I think everyone is hoping he is safe. Let's hope he'll be safe now. It's been three days of hard riding since they escaped! Good luck, Legolas and Aragorn!
DreaminofLorien: I don't know about Estel's relationship with the twins. I am sure there is one that he goes to for some things and then another one he goes to for other things. I think that since Elladan is my favorite, it will probably be him in my stories, but I'm not sure…Perhaps. Thank you for the compliments on my story, I'm so happy you like it! I am trying. I think you'll like the next chapter (yes I have already written it so you won't have to wait too long!)
Mornflower: LOL! You're brother sounds interesting. Well, your typing doesn't sound too normal either. :-P Of course, I would probably be looking around too if he was in the room watching me type. Just tell him you are paranoid! :-P I'm happy you like the fic, I hope you like the next chapter which will be up next week.
Someone Reading: LOL! I am sorry that I made your heat almost stop, but I am happy that I'm playing with your emotions. I really hope you like this chapter. I had a lot of fun writing it! Thanks for the compliments and for reading.
Sielge: Well, you're going to have to read and see what happens. :-D I know how much people hate doing that, but I think you'll like what happens next!
Linchi: Yay!! I am so happy you like what is happening. I know you'll like the next chapter. Thanks for the review!
Frodo-gal: I am so sorry I kept you waiting for so long! I know everyone is going to complain, but I am happy you like what I have got. I hope you like this chapter.
Shadowfaxgal: Thank you so much for all of your lovely compliments! I am happy you like how I've got all of the characters portrayed and I am incredibly sorry that I took so long to update. I know I said it would be soon, but I've been so busy (I know that isn't an excuse). I hope you like this chapter!
Wolf Jade: Thank you for your compliments on the previous chapter! I hope you like this one just as much and I am sorry it took me so long to update.
Catmint: Thank you so much for everything! You are so patient with me and I really appreciate everything you do for me when it comes to beta reading. You've go to be the best beta in the world!
Jadesaber: ::sigh:: I know I've messed up in previous chapters. I'm so sorry. When you notice it, please tell me! I'll go back and change anything you notice. Thank you for the review!
Tetherballfreak: I am glad you really like this fic! It took me a long time to update, but I think you'll like it.
Music Dreamer: I know; Aragorn needs help as soon as he can get it. Believe me, he only gets worse from here on out. Thanks for the review, I hope you like this chapter!
Beling: Heehee, don't worry about the twins and them. They'll see them soon, I promise!
Timmy2222: I'm not the best at making the stories in "old" language, but I'm doing my best. It is kind of hard to write in a language you don't speak in normally. I'll try from now on, though. I am happy you like what is happening. Thanks for the review!
Kai: Yay! Thanks for the review. I hope you like this chapter.
Jordon: I updated…even if it did take me a long time!
James: I'm sorry it too me so long to update, but here you go!
Irukapooka: Yup, they're free…or are they? Heehee, I hope you like this chapter and the one after it! Thanks for the review!
Levaire: I'm sorry it took me so long to update, I hope you like this chapter.
Velvet12: I'm sorryit took me so long to update, I hope you like this chapter.
Jacquelinestel and wackoranger: I updated!! HAHAHAHA!! I did it!! Rejoice, mellon-nin, for I updated!! YIPEE!! Ok…now that that is out of my system, thanks for the review! You have been updating a lot better than I have. I can't wait until your next chapter!!!
Arifel16: I am so happy you really like this story. I hope you enjoy this chapter!
A/N I know you are all out for my blood and I must apologize for how long it took me to update. I really don't have a good excuse, but I hope you will all find it in your hearts to forgive me! Please review!!!
