Author: Estelrond

Disclaimer: The words are mine, the elves aren't

Warnings and all that good stuff can be found in Chapter one. I appreciate reviews though. I'm a feedback junkie. (Plus, if you don't, I'll send my assassin elves after you.)

I have to give a hug to Sio and Carol, my most faithful reviewers; I don't think they've missed a chapter! You rock, ladies!

Trinka- Thanks for sticking with me. I know I'm just a confuzzled little girl, but you tolerate me anyway.

San, Claudia, Any, Morwen and Sa… my world wouldn't be the same without you.

The rest of this story can be found at (reviews there are nice as well)

This chapter is for Tim, who came bravely to the aid of Elven Justice with a lightsaber.

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Part Eleven

Call Him Back

When Legolas' screamed, Aragorn was at his side in a moment. The elf fell backwards, and his cry trailed off as he fell unconscious into the man's arms. "What did you do?" he asked, and though the desperate query was mostly directed at 'Ros, it was also in part asked of Farlest. Just that someone, anyone would give him an answer, so that he would know what ailed his friend and how he might help.

The glazed look in the wolf's eyes disappeared as he became aware of his surroundings.

I'm sorry. The thought crept softly into the ranger's mind, H-he wanted to know, and I have been alone so long, I may have underestimated myself. I did not mean to hurt him.

But there was no forgiveness in Strider's stone-hard gaze. "What had he ever done to you? Did Farlest put you up to this?"

'Ros shook his head, It was an accident; he was not prepared for what he found. You must believe this. he was profoundly sorry for whatever damage he may have done to the young Sindar, he only could hope it was not permanent, he was also trying to keep his blazing temper under control. The ranger's behavior rankled something in him.

"I do not have to believe anything! My friend has just been hurt. In what way or how badly I do not know! But I do know this, he would not have been hurt had you not been here." Aragorn growled. 'Ros and Farlest could both see that the ranger was in no way ready to be reasonable.

You may have to help, Farlest. I am a great warrior, but no healer. The dark-haired elf could see that his friend felt very guilty. Under usual circumstances he would have been unwilling to show any of the skills that he could find of use in this situation, but since is was 'Ros…

Leaning forward, he placed a calming hand on the ranger's shoulder, "Here, let me help." He offered, placing gentle fingertips on the elven archer's chest.

But Aragorn, still wrathful, slapped his hand away. "We don't need your help." He said in a clipped tone, "Haven't you done enough already?"

He is a gifted healer, Estel o i Dunedain. Trust him.

The ranger faced the strange wolf with a sardonic gaze, "I really don't have much choice do I?"

Life is fraught with ironies, young one. Aragorn could have sworn he heard a mental chuckle.

Farlest sat beside Legolas, across from his vengeful friend, his eyes were open and honest, "If I hurt him, you may kill me."

Strider's eyes widened at the soft declaration the elf had just made, but he nodded, hearing the sincerity in the simple statement, and from the look on his face, Farlest knew that the man would kill him if he felt his friend threatened.

He placed the tips of his fingers on the fallen elf's temple, and then…he reached. When he touched the fire within him he always felt rejuvenated, stronger, but always when he used it, it was to be given away. He washed the pure healing energy over the Wood Elf's mind, cleansing and restoring. He winced as he felt a throb of pain himself. 'Ros had damaged something all right. He could still sense Aragorn, and 'Ros beside him, but they were fainter, and all he could feel was the other elf. Legolas.

He suddenly felt weaker, as some of his own life force ebbed away. It would return in a short time, but it was always tiring. He felt a surge of satisfaction as he realized his job was done. Moving his digits from the blonde's face, he sighed heavily and let his tense body relax as the world moved fully into focus again. He met Aragorn's worried silver eyes,

"Call him." He commanded.

The ranger glanced at him skeptically, but, drawing closer to his friend, called his name softly, "Legolas? Legolas come back."

Drawing a great, shuddering breath, the prince's blue eyes flew open as he came to. His gaze flitted briefly to Aragorn and Farlest before settling on 'Ros.

And now you know. came the voice, sorrowful, hesitant.

"Yes," the elf agreed, "I know." He grinned shakily, "Though it was a bit more than I bargained for."

"You frightened me, Legolas, what happened?" the ranger shook his friend's shoulder gently, trying to get the elf's attention. He had felt like he had almost lost Legolas and was already uncomfortable with the ease that 'Ros had captivated his woodland friend.

"Our red-furred friend here was giving me a lesson in ancient history." The answer was cryptic, and very strange considering that the elf was usually straightforward with his human companion.

"Oh?" Aragorn's tone was harsh, "And he nearly killed you, do you realize that?"

The prince's eyes blazed, "I'm alive, am I not?" he met the man's stare, silently challenging him to call his motives into question. Farlest could feel the tension in the air, and his eyes flickered to 'Ros, who he found was watching the two with extreme unease.

He could sense the anger mounting in the wolf, and knew what happened when his friend lost his temper. Ah well…at least the elf and the ranger would stop fighting…

"You," growled the man, jabbing his finger at the prince's chest, "Are an arrogant conceited, little-"

Aragorn was never able to finish insulting Legolas, as the wolf, 'Ros, blazing with an otherworldly light, stood between them.

ENOUGH!!!!!!!

His voice sounded like a thunderclap in their heads, and left an unpleasant ringing sensation. They glowered at him, but he was so wrathful that he paid no heed. Though, as a wolf, he was far shorter than either of the two, he seemed to tower, an unmovable pinnacle of white lightning.

Stop bickering. He roared, I mean no harm to any of you, and if we are to continue the journey at dawn we should make good use of the few hours we now have left to us. As he spoke, the cooling of 'Ros's temper was almost visible. Farlest knew that his friend's temper, though often destructive, was quick to subside…usually. Though this outburst had been rather minor in comparison to the elf he had once known. It seemed a few years in Mandos' halls had done him some good. Even if he had come back as a wolf.

But apparently his conversation skills were not lacking, as the man and elf backed away quickly with Aragorn mumbling something about insanity and Legolas with a look of amazement that somehow looked odd on his elven features.

But nothing more was said as they bedded down. It seemed to be a silent agreement that the wolf would keep watch this night. And somehow, they all felt very safe, for being in so dark a forest.

To be continued…

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