A/n This chapter did not turn out at all as I meant for it too. I believe I was just in a more melancholy mood than I thought. I apologize to those of you who were hoping for a more uplifting chapter.
Chapter 12: Despair
Elladan and Elrohir gently cleaned their little brother's wounds as best they could with their limited supplies, and wrapped bandages around him. The twins decided stitches weren't needed for the wounds because they were not as deep as they had first appeared to be. When they had finished, the wounds were clean and Aragorn was in new clothing that they had brought with them from home.
"Do you think he will heal quickly?" Legolas asked, coming back from catching fish. He carried two medium sized fish on an arrow and gave the twins a shrug when they looked at it. "I was not trained to be a fisherman," he replied easily. "How is Estel?"
"He will survive," Elrohir replied. "Rest would do him a lot of good; it seems he has not gotten much since you two fled Fleniar." The twins had both noticed the fatigue in their brother's body when they had cleaned and bandaged his wounds.
"We had no time to rest," Legolas pointed out defensively. "I knew it was what he needed, but it is hard to rest when you know bounty hunters will most likely be on your trail soon." He looked at Aragorn and then back at the twins. "I did not want to save him just to endanger his life again."
The twins nodded – they knew he spoke the truth.
"Do you really think bounty hunters will come?" Elladan asked curiously. They had been so intent on finding Aragorn and Legolas that the thought of bounty hunters had not crossed their minds. "Would the awful man who did this to him actually send people to find him?"
"Yes," Legolas replied, "I am sure of it." After he had seen how Lord Nelkoo treated his slaves, Legolas decided it would be a blow for the lord when he lost one because the tasks would fall on others.
Aragorn stirred from where he was lying on the ground. When he opened his eyes and saw the twins, a puzzled expression crossed his face. "I thought I'd dreamed you coming," he said hazily. "I figured you'd have other, more importan' things to do than look for me. Legolas saved me, though; you can go."
Elladan, Elrohir, and Legolas exchanged looks; it seemed Aragorn was falling back into the mindset he had been in a few months before and that wasn't a safe place for him to be since his body was suffering. They all knew that if he fell back into a melancholy state again, he might become sick and give up. None of them would allow that to happen if they could help it. They had tried so hard to save him, and they all loved him, that they would do anything to keep him safe.
Elladan bent down next to his little brother with Elrohir bending down next to him. "We will not leave you, Estel," Elladan told him seriously. "Do not think for a moment something is more important to us than your wellbeing."
Aragorn nodded. "I know…I'm jus', jus' really tired. I'm not thinking properly, forgive me."
The twins were not happy with the sound of their brother's voice. He was slurring his words and speaking in both Common and Elvish. They had noticed it earlier, but had just thought he was a little groggy.
"Are you unwell, Estel?" Elrohir asked anxiously. "You do not sound as if you are healthy."
Elladan pressed a cool hand against Aragorn's forehead and frowned. "He has a fever."
"Some of the medicine we gave him earlier will help," Elrohir replied. "I put the correct herbs for healing sickness in it as well."
"I'm not too sick, 'Dan, don't worry," Aragorn said sleepily. The sleeping draught Elrohir had given to him earlier hadn't worn off completely and he was still very tired.
"I am going to cook these," Legolas said quietly. He stepped away from the brothers and searched through their items for something to cook with. He had nothing except a few spices, but no pans or other things. When he did finally find a pan, he carried it over to the fire and built something to help the fish cook and so that he wouldn't burn his hand. By taking care of the tasks around camp such as cooking, he could give the three brothers the time they needed together. So he set to work cooking.
"Rest a little, Estel," Elladan said, not even noticing Legolas who had started to cook the fish he had caught.
Aragorn nodded and curled up, not caring about anything except the rest.
-----
Elrond had to excuse himself from his guests because thoughts of his sons were lying heavily on his mind. He knew it wasn't fair of him to have Erestor and Glorfindel take over the entertainment. Sighing, he walked out to the balcony that connected the house together and walked towards the courtyard, his thoughts in another place.
The snow was falling lightly, but Elrond knew the passes would become difficult if his sons did not return soon. He looked up at the sky and could see the stars twinkling overhead. He prayed to Valar for the safe return of his children and Prince Legolas.
"Elrond." Glorfindel spoke gently, walking towards Lord Elrond. "Share what troubles you." Glorfindel knew well what was troubling his friend, but he also knew it would be better for Elrond to say it.
"I am not a child," Elrond said reproachfully. "I do not need to speak of things that trouble me and you do not have to follow me around my own home." He saw the soothing smile on Glorfindel's face and sighed. "Walk with me, then, if you are happy to do so."
Glorfindel chuckled. "Thank you for the invitation." He smiled at his old friend and walked with him in silence.
After a time, Elrond spoke. "Do you think harm has come to my sons?" It was something that was weighing heavily on his mind and heart and he wanted someone to tell him his worrying was for naught.
"I will not lie to you or tell you what you wish to hear," Glorfindel chided. "No, do not frown," he added when he saw the sad look that crossed Elrond's face, a look that said his worst fears had been confirmed. "If something terrible had befallen your sons and the prince, I am sure that a Ranger would have told you of it."
Elrond nodded in agreement, knowing this was reasonable. "No letter has come from Elladan and Elrohir, Legolas, or Aragorn. Surely if they were well we would have heard from them."
Glorfindel looked at his friend with compassion but also with shock. "How can you think those things? A letter may not have come, but you would know if some dreadfulness had come to your sons. Do not worry, Elrond, your children will come home to you."
Elrond sighed and looked at the falling snow again, wishing that it held the key to everything that was happening.
-----
Aragorn woke the next morning feeling very hungry and very sick at the same time. He stood up shakily but saw that his strength was returning. He knew not to stress himself, but that his wounds would heal, especially after his brothers had tended to them.
"Estel?" Legolas asked, surprised to see his friend walking around the camp. He was walking back from the river, another couple of fish speared on one of his arrows.
"You are a splendid fisherman I see," Aragorn teased. He was feeling better; not miraculous, but the medicines his brothers had poured down his throat were helping with pain and energy.
Legolas snorted. "Oh, of course I am. I am good at everything."
Aragorn laughed. "Of course you are."
Legolas shook his head and walked back near the fire. "Your brothers are looking around," he said over his shoulder.
Aragorn nodded to show he heard him and walked down to where the river was.
When he reached the river, he removed his worn shoes that Lord Nelkoo had given him to wear as a slave. Looking down, he noticed that he was in Elven attire and he wondered why his footwear had not been changed with the other clothing. He shrugged it off and walked in the water up to his ankles.
Now that he wasn't feeling so weary, the cold water was a nice relief from the warm climate. It soothed his itchy skin and washed the dust away. He heard the sound of horses approaching and he looked up to see a man riding towards him in the distance. He had a sinking feeling in his stomach that this was not a person out for a pleasure ride and quickly put the worn shoes on before jogging up the river banks and back to the camp; a feeling of panic creeping up on him.
Elladan and Elrohir had returned to the camp and when they saw Aragorn walking at a brisk pace toward them, they scolded him.
"You should not tax yourself," Elladan told him, a look of concern in his grey eyes.
"Why are you not resting?" Elrohir asked. "You will hurt yourself more."
Aragorn ignored them and said, "Someone is coming." He was feeling faint from the little exercise he had forced his body to do, and he knew his brothers were right. If he stood for much longer, he would collapse.
Legolas went to look at the rider who was approaching quickly. "It is a bounty hunter," he called back to them, a note of both anger and worry in his voice.
"How can you be sure?" Elladan asked harshly, looking for himself.
"Who else would ride so quickly and ferociously?" Legolas asked quietly.
Elladan had to agree that Legolas was correct; no one else would have any reason to ride directly towards them at such a fast pace. "We do not have time to pack up; we will have to meet him."
Panic hit Aragorn in a wave of terror. "I will not go back."
Elrohir heard him and reached out to grip his shoulder. "We will not let that happen, Estel, do not worry."
Aragorn smiled at his older brother. "I know."
Legolas turned from where he was standing next to Elladan and retrieved his bow, quickly stringing it. He threw his quiver over his shoulder, his blades stuck in their special pockets. He was ready for a fight if one should come.
The twins did much the same as Legolas; reaching for their bows and quivers but making sure they had blades close at hand or attached to their wastes. Though a bow was the preferred weapon of the elves, their skills with a blade were something a human would brag about.
Aragorn had no weapon to defend himself with and his brothers and friend did not give him one. He was injured and would be of little help to them in that state. He moved out of the way and went towards the horses and gave them attention, trying not to succumb to the fear.
The rider rode into their camp and pulled his horse to a halt. He had brown eyes, sun bleached brown hair, and tanned skin. It was obvious he worked hard from the calluses on his hands and the scars that covered the skin that could be seen.
He surveyed the people and his upper lip curled in disgust at finding three armed elves and a human in their company. "I am here to collect the belongings of Lord Nelkoo of Danslow Farm in Fleniar," he announced haughtily.
"We have nothing that belongs to him," Elrohir said, he was trying to keep his voice polite but anger slipped into it nonetheless. He could tell this man had no love for elves but he knew better than to treat people like him rudely.
"What about him?" the man asked, pointing at Aragorn who was trying his best to ignore the conversation that was taking place only a few feet away. "He looks like a slave that's gone missin' recently." He looked at Aragorn uncertainly. He did look like the slave Lord Nelkoo had sent people after, but he was wearing nice foreign clothing.
"He is no slave," Legolas replied coldly.
"Who is he, then?" the man pressed, thinking he had discovered a secret.
Aragorn knew he had to speak up but could think of no fake name to use. He smiled but also grimaced when Legolas spoke up again.
"He is Strider, a Ranger of the North," Legolas shot at the man.
"What are ye doin' here?" the bounty hunter asked scornfully, a sneer on his face. "Isn't it a little far south?"
"Our business is not yours," Elladan snapped. "We do not have to answer to you; leave us or we will attack."
The man knew that Elladan meant what he said. "I will inform Lord Nelkoo that his…property has been found and is headed to the North. He does not treat thieves well and will not forgive you for stealing what he owns," the bounty hunter said before turning his horse and riding off.
"Lord," Elladan spat the word in disgust. "What does he know of the title?"
"Peace, brother," Elrohir said quietly. He felt much the same as his twin; the man obviously disgraced his title if he treated people unfairly and was unforgiving.
"It is not safe for us," Aragorn said from behind them. "We must leave."
"Yes," they all agreed.
"We must travel quickly," Elrohir said to them. "It will tax you, Estel, and rest will not be frequent."
"I know," Aragorn replied. "I'll be fine. I will rest when we get home." He was slipping into Common and Elvish again from the exhaustion that was overwhelming him.
The twins shared a look – they knew their brother was becoming sick and that his wounds were far from healed, but they had no other choice. To stay would mean fighting with human bounty hunters. They knew that the one man would tell others and they would band together to retrieve Aragorn. Aragorn had to return to Rivendell so that their father could look after him. They knew he was not nearly as well as he told them and could collapse on his feet at any moment.
"You will ride with me, Estel," Elladan told him. "I daresay your horse is tired from having to carry two riders and Elrohir's horse is not as well trained."
Aragorn nodded. A haze was beginning to fall over his eyes and he knew that unconsciousness was coming to him. "That's fine."
Elladan sensed his brother's weakness and caught him as he collapsed. "We must hurry. It will take us over a week to return home, even with hard riding."
Elrohir and Legolas nodded.
Legolas quickly hid the traces of their camp while Elrohir helped Elladan put Aragorn on his horse. It only took them a few minutes before they were all mounted and riding away from their camp.
Reviewer Responses:
Leggylover03: Heehee, I am so happy you are enjoying this fic. I hope you like this chapter as much as you have enjoyed the previous ones. ::evil grin:: you will surely love the next few.
Siegle: I hope that the brothers will be able to help Estel as well. He has been through a lot and he has to be hurting badly. Thank you for your kind review.
Wolf Jade: YAY! You like it!! I am so happy. I will try to keep from letting people know what happens in the chapter so I won't release anymore info!!! It's a good thing Elladan and Elrohir have found their little brother. Hopefully they will be able to help him. Poor Estel, he's hurting and he's getting sick. : ( I know this took a long time to get out, and that is my fault. I have been very lazy.
Mornflower: LOL!! I loved your review! I had to laugh at it. ::grins:: I am all excited because it is all beginning now. It is the beginning of the rest of the evil!!! MUA HAHAHA…I hope that makes sense. ::looks at reviewer response:: I think it does. Thank you for the lovely review!
IwishChan: Yup!! Elladan and Elrohir have come to Estel and Legolas' rescue. Legolas needed it too even though some people don't seem to think so. He was worried. It's a good thing the twins are there now to help out! Heehee, Yup, it is true, Elladan and Elrohir would have gone right past them if Legolas hadn't called to them.
Jacquelinestel and wackoranger: ::wicked grin:: of course we are all plotting against you. Heehee. I am really enjoying your fic so please update soon!! About the elfling cult…I was really tired but I am still wondering about them. I know you said it was a clique…but are you sure? ::grin:: Thanks for the review!
Lindahoyland: YAY! Thankyou! I am so happy you are enjoying this. Thank you so much for the review. I agree, it is a good thing that the twins have come.
Catmint: Thank you for much for the review! I know you are enjoying your previews since you are my beta, and I think you deserve them. You're a great beta reader and I can't thank you enough for helping me with everything. I'm so happy you like the characterization; it is really hard because I want to give each character their own personality and not make them clones. Thanks again for everything.
MusicDreamer: ::grins wickedly: Heehee, I think you will have to wait for the evilness. : D I hope you enjoy what I have ahead for Aragorn. Yes, I do agree with you on Elrond – he must be worried sick over his sons. It would be so hard for them to be gone that long. Thank you so much for the wonderful review!!
Horisegurl: Iam glad you liked the chapter and enjoy my fic. Thank you for the review!
Elitenschwein: ::glares at ffnet:: I hate when it swallows reviews!! It does that to me sometimes. It is also the worst when it won't let me into my reviews. UGH I hate it when it does that. ::huggles:: So you're a newbie reviewer!!! Thank you for the review!! I love reviews from my lurkers. I am thrilled that you have enjoyed my previous stories such as Friendship is a Light of Hope. I am a big fan of Aragorn pain/angst. You'll rarely see Legolas pain/angst unless it is with Aragorn. (If you like Aragorn a lot, you could check out my friend Linuvial Greenleaf. It is what she writes too.) I know it took me a long time to update, and I hope you find it worth the wait!! I have been lazy and busy so I don't really have an excuse. Thanks for the review! Please review again!
Nessa Inwe: Yes!!! Finally someone agrees with me on the HP movie!! (I don't know if you read this fic, but if you did, I hope you enjoyed it!!)
