It's always helpful to learn from your mistakes because then your mistakes seem worthwhile.--Garry Marshall
Aragorn was getting a perverse sense of pleasure pissing off this elf he didn't know. Elladan and Elrohir would admonish him badly as would his father, Elrond. He could tell the elf what family he came from, but Aragorn doubted that he would be believed. He'll just meet with his brothers; dump the other elf in their lap and leave again. He wasn't going to put up with this for any longer than he had to. Elrond had warned him of interacting with other elves from the other realms. Even Elrond's name wouldn't necessarily keep Aragorn from harm. He was a human and sometimes that was all that mattered to other beings he met; elven, dwarvish and other men alike. Walking back to the elf, he knelt by his feet and pulled the blanket back to reveal the broken ankle.
"Does it pain you any?" he asked and gently felt the area.
"Not until you started touching it, human."
Aragorn rolled his eyes and turned to his collection of herbs. The elf's wounds were healing slowly but Aragorn knew that the elf's healing abilities would soon kick in. the swelling needed to be kept down and all other wounds clear of infection before the elf would be back to his normal self. 'Valar, help me,' he thought and tossed another piece of wood onto the fire. Mixing up a paste and letting it cool, he gently smeared the paste over the ankle and began wrapping the ankle.
"Who taught you the art of healing?"
Aragorn glanced up at the elf before looking back to the ankle.
"My father did, as did my tutor. My brothers help whenever my father allows," Aragorn said and secured the bandage.
"Brothers not as talented as father?"
Aragorn chuckled softly, envisioning Elladan and Elrohir.
"They are very talented but sometimes they enjoy going on adventures more than doing their studies. They rub off on my quite often," he said and gently lowered the foot.
Aragorn wiped is hands clean and pushed aside the blanket to look at the abdomen. Legolas flinched when Aragorn touched the wound and he looked up as he pulled his hands away.
"Does that hurt?"
"Nay, human touch is just so strange to me," Legolas murmured and forced himself to relax.
"I am sorry. I can imagine how strange it must be. Sometimes I feel far more comfortable with elves than my own kind," Aragorn said quietly and gently touched the wound.
"Why do you feel more comfortable with elves than humans?"
"I was raised around elves," Aragorn said softly and pulled the blanket back to cover the elf.
"What happened to your parents?"
"They were…my mother died a few years ago. My father was murdered before my eyes when I was a young child," Aragorn answered and stood. "You better rest. We shall leave at first light."
Legolas watched as the human walked away to the horse. He didn't know what to think about the human and his ways. This new information was interesting and he stored it away for future reference. Sighing, he allowed himself to slip into a healing sleep, listening to the human move around the camp.
(I)(I)(I)
Aragorn glanced over to the elf before turning back to the horse. His hands ran over the smooth hair as his mind slipped into memories. Some nights he had nightmares reliving his father's death and he would wake up in a cold sweat and tremors. It happened infrequently but whenever it did he was awake for the remainder of the night. Softly murmuring to the horse, Aragorn slowly brushed the horse and ran his other hand behind the brush. The animal nickered softly and lipped at the Ranger's clothing, sensing the turmoil inside the human. Smiling slightly, Aragorn rubbed the horse's face and felt the animal bump her head against him. Chuckling softly, Aragorn pushed her head away and tossed the brush towards his pack. Stoking the fire, he sat across from the elf with the fire between them as he pulled out an unfinished arrow. Slipping his dagger from his boot, he slowly started working on the arrow as the night passed by.
(I)(I)(I)
Legolas woke up to the human moving silently around the camp, breaking everything down to leave. The human did so quickly and efficiently as the mare stood quietly watching her master. The fire was already smothered and scattered around the area.
"Are you ready to travel?"
Legolas looked up to the human as he kneeled by his side. Nodding, he slowly sat up and grimaced at the pull on his stitches. Getting to his feet, he leaned against the human as the dizziness passed. Aragorn instructed the mare to kneel and he helped Legolas onto the animal's back and into the saddle. Legolas gripped the mare's mane to keep his balance as she stood and watched the human. Rolling up the bed roll that the elf had used, Aragorn attached the roll to the saddle and looked around the camp one last time before starting to walk. The horse immediately followed Aragorn as he departed the camp.
"You are walking?" Legolas asked as Aragorn shifted the pack on his back.
"Yes; I do not wish to wear out Anil in case we need her speed later. It is easier for her to bear you alone than both of us. And you despise human touch. This way is easier," he said and continued to walk.
Legolas watched the human's back as he led the mare with an occasional word. His views of this human were slowly changing from what he had once believed about the race of man. Sighing, he pulled the cloak around him tightly as the horse moved slowly. The human had given him a spare tunic and leggings that was a few sizes too big for the elf but fulfilled their purpose. His arm was in a sling and bound to his torso to prevent any movement. His ankle was numb from whatever the human had smeared on it but his abdomen wound throbbed with each step. The pain did serve to keep him alert and for that he was thankful. He hated the feeling of helplessness especially around the human but it was unavoidable. His ankle was unable to support him and the other wounds were just beginning to heal. He was in no shape to travel alone without weapons and he was too far from Mirkwood. He swore in elvish and looked to the human as he started to laugh.
"Such colorful swear words, Master Elf. I prefer to swear in Dwavish myself," he said and stopped to look up at the sky.
"You speak elvish?"
"Aye and several other languages. My father and brothers would have smacked me over the head for saying what you said," he answered and slipped his pack from his back.
Legolas raised his eyebrows at the human and carefully maneuvered to slide off the horse. The human helped him off the horse and steadied him before lowering him against a tree. Pulling out a water flask from his pack, Aragorn offered it to the elf. Lifting up the tunic, he looked for any spotting of blood on the bandages before looking to the shoulder wound.
"You wounds are healing quickly. How are your wrists?"
"Slightly sore," Legolas answered as Aragorn pushed up the sleeves to look at the red skin.
Aragorn nodded and glanced up to the sky as thunder rumbled in the distance. Dark clouds were slowly moving in and Aragorn could smell rain upon the air.
"Your wounds will probably be gone in a week. The ankle will take another week until it is strong enough for you to battle with it," he said and sat back on his heels.
Reaching for his pack, he pulled out some dried meat and a thick cloak to pass to the elf. They would keep moving through the oncoming rain and not stop till nightfall. If nothing delayed them, they should meet Elladan and Elrohir the morning of the second day. 'And I can finally get rid of this elf,' Aragorn thought with a snort.
The rain hit them just as Aragorn was helping the elf onto the horse again. Pulling his hood up to cover his head, Aragorn started off again with the horse following. When they intercepted the river, he turned northward and moved up the river. The river was easy to use as a landmark but the ground was saturated along the river with water, making it hard to walk. Aragorn wrapped his cloak tighter around him and kept his eyes on the ground. Hearing his horse snort behind him, he turned and looked to the mare.
"Is something amiss, Anil?"
"She is probably offended by your stench," Legolas commented dryly and Aragorn ignored him.
He was tempted to tell Anil to throw the elf but he wasn't in any mood to tend to more wounds. Watching his horse shift anxiously and flick her ears back and forth, Aragorn became aware of the mud under his feet. As he watched, he could seed the solidity weakening. Shoving his pack onto solid ground, the ground gave way under him in a cascade and he slid down towards the river. He splashed into the river and felt the mud weight him down up to mid-chest. His head barely cleared the water when he lifted it up but the water was steadily rising.
"Help me get free," he said to the elf that sat atop Anil on solid ground.
Instead of coming down to help, the elf sat there and watched the human while holding the horse back. Aragorn saw it in the elf's eyes; the same that he sometimes saw in soldiers during a battle. A willingness to leave a wounded comrade behind to die.
"You are going to leave me," Aragorn grunted as the water slowly rose.
"Humans deserve death for all they have done."
"Like saving you for one," Aragorn snapped and glared at the elf.
Legolas didn't say anything as he turned the horse and rode away. Almost wanting to scream in frustration, Aragorn tried to claw himself out of the mud and keep his head above water. Taking a deep breath just before the water submerged him, his head dipped below the water level as he pushed away the mud that held him down. Just as his lungs started to burn from lack of air, he felt the mud start to shift and released him. Breaking the surface, he took a lungful of air and started coughing as he crawled up the bank. Pressing his forehead to the ground, he continued to cough as the cold slowly set in. A chill went through him as he lifted his head to see his pack a few feet away. He could also see the horse's tracks leading away from the river. Climbing to his feet, he hissed when he put weight on his left leg and he glanced down to his thigh. His leggings were torn and a ragged slash down his thigh bled freely. Limping to his pack, he pulled out a bandage and wrapped his thigh tightly. Swinging his pack onto his back, he started to limp after the trail and imagined all the things he would do to that elf when he caught up with the elf.
(I)(I)(I)
Legolas slowly rode along and bit his bottom lip in pain as his wounds protested angrily at the movement. The sun was setting and he would need to stop to camp soon. However, he saw a campfire near and the inhabitants were elves. Elves he recognized as good friends. Riding up, he saw the two elves stand and reach for their weapons.
"Greetings sons of Elrond," he called and saw them relax.
"Legolas! It has been long since we have seen you!" Elrohir cried and walked up to the approaching horse.
"And you also, Elrohir. What are you two doing so far from Rivendell?" Legolas asked and carefully slid from the horse.
"Are you well, Legolas?" Elladan asked as Elrohir supported the Mirkwood elf.
"Aye, just a bit beat up as usual," Legolas grunted as Elrohir helped him to the campfire.
"As usual. Let us see what you have done to yourself," Elladan said and inspected the wounds.
Elladan swiftly checked the ankle and nodded at the good job that was done. Moving to the other wounds, he inspected the stitching as Elrohir talked to Legolas.
"Elrohir, do these stitches look familiar?" Elladan asked and looked to his twin.
Elrohir leaned over and looked at the neat and tight row of stitches. The style was very familiar as Elrohir raised his eyes to Legolas.
"Who did these stitches, Legolas?"
"Some edan who called himself Strider, I think. I left him back at the river when he fell in and trapped himself. Probably drowned by now," Legolas muttered as his arm draped over his eyes.
Elladan's shocked lasted only for a moment before he ran for his horse. Leaping upon the animal's back, he raced out of camp in the direction Legolas had come. Legolas struggled to sit up as Elrohir stared after his twin and ignored the Mirkwood elf. His stomach clenched painfully when he envisioned what conditioned Aragorn might be in.
"Why all the concern for an edan?"
"That edan is our brother," Elrohir snapped and turned to the other elf.
"What?"
"That edan is named Estel! He is our foster brother," Elrohir said and rubbed his forehead.
"He said-He said that he was on his way to meet with his brothers. Elladan and you are his brothers?" Legolas asked faintly as Elrohir moved around the camp.
"Aye, Ada adopted him when he was about two years of age. We were on our way to meet him at a Ranger camp. I hope he is well."
(I)(I)(I)
Elladan's eyes quickly scanned the dark forest looking for any sign of his little brother. He was seething in anger at Legolas but he could not give into his anger now; his little brother needed him.
"Estel!" he yelled as he slowed his horse and listened.
Hearing nothing, he moved on and continued to call his brother's name. Hearing something, he stopped and called again as he tuned his ears to the forest. Spinning his horse, Elladan rode towards the sound until seeing a dark figure leaning against a tree.
"Brother!" he called and slung off his horse to jog to his brother.
Aragorn leaned heavily against a tree as he weakly lifted his head and looked to who called his name. The blood loss was weakening him critically and he was about to pass out. He felt arms wrap around him and support him as he looked up to the figure's face.
"Elladan," he murmured and sagged against his oldest brother.
"What ails you, little one?" Elladan asked and gently lowered his brother to the ground.
"Thigh," he grunted and felt his brother unwrap the bandage.
Elladan swore at the bleeding wound and quickly bound it again. Calling his horse, he carefully lifted his brother and mounted the horse. Aragorn mumbled incoherently at the jostling as Elladan urged the horse forward. He could feel a slight fever upon Estel's skin and a slight sheen of sweat. His twin and he would have to work fast to limit the fever. The horse galloped through the forest with its precious burden as Elladan cradled his brother tightly to his chest.
"Elrohir!" he called upon spotting his twin.
The horse slowed and stopped before Elladan slipped off with Aragorn in his arms.
"A cloth quickly; he has lost a lot of blood," Elladan said and pressed against the wound to staunch the bleeding.
Elrohir stirred the fire and added more logs before turning to the human. Carefully taking off his brother's wet clothes, he wrapped a blanket around the chilled body as Elladan worked on the wound.
"His heart is slowing, brother," Elrohir said and rubbed his palm over the human's heart to keep it pumping.
Moving up, Elladan framed Estel's face in his hands and barely touched foreheads. Legolas silently watched as the brothers worked on the human.
"Do not die on us, Estel! I will not go home to tell father of your demise! We can not lose you, brother!" Elladan called as Estel continued to breathe shallowly.
"Keep breathing, brother," Elrohir said and rubbed his brother's arms to increase the circulation.
Elladan worked quickly to stop the bleeding and bind the wound. Wiping his hands free of blood, he carefully lifted an eyelid and looked at the reaction.
"His eyes are slow to react; probably blood loss or shock. We need to keep him warm and hydrated to try and minimize the infection," Elladan said and moved Estel closer to the fire.
"I do not understand," Legolas said as Elladan turned to the Mirkwood elf.
"You almost got my brother killed! Do you understand that?" Elladan snapped and Elrohir stepped in front of him.
(I)(I)(I)(I)(I)(I)
Thank you so much to everyone that gave me feedback on the first chapter. I was just thrilled and ecstatic when I read them all. I have a rough idea of what is going to happen in this story but it is all up in the air so anything could change. And school is about to end! Cheers for me!
Linuvial Greenleaf- I am so happy for myself too! I hope this story is going to be good; I have big plans for it. Not sure what they are but I am sure that they are big. Heehee. You actually spelled champagne correctly; do not worry. Wow, Satan in hot in this episode. I still have to rent The Prophecy; I might do that tomorrow. I LUV YOU! Heehee; my favorite beta reader.
Viggomaniac- Yeah, you have left me a few reviews; I recognize your name. I am the one that helps Linuvial Greenleaf with her stories; sometimes I dream her stories which is very disturbing, let me tell you. But she is a great writer and a great friend. At the beginning of my writing career, I was kind of bad about commas but I have gotten better. I proofread all my roommate's papers which sucks because she is horrible at proofreading so I do not have anyone to proofread my papers. She offers to try but I know how horrible she is so I just say no. Thank you for the compliment though. I also like to read well written stories so I know how important it is.
Invisigoth3- Well thank you so much for the compliment. I am glad that your weekend is looking up. Mine is not; I have a paper to write and a big test to study for.
XxgemxX- There are a lot of idea as to how they met; this is just my take and an idea that popped up from one of my psycho plot bunnies. Hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Sielge- Thank you so much for the compliment. Hope this is soon enough for you.
Neoinean- Once I read your review I realized you are right. Well, I hope to able to put a new twist on it and make it enjoyable.
Wolf Jade- I know; I know I have been missing for the past month or two. I am really sorry but I have been writing; just not posting. Yeah, my life is cutting off all my escape routes to write. I just find it hard to believe that Aragorn and Legolas were all friendly and stuff when they first met so I decided to have fun with their meeting.
Nietta- I promise I will try to update quickly or as quickly as I can. I am just having so much fun with Estel and Legolas. And I never realized it is very similar to that scene with Wormtongue; I honestly did not think of that. Hope you liked the chapter.
Elvendancer- I said it in my other story after reading your review! Hope it works for me. Have you read the sequel to 'Bond' yet? I posted it finally! Hope I can post again sometime soon. I will definitely watch the hours…and minutes…and seconds. GAH!
Ainu Laire- Aragorn's attitude and the stubborn elf are the best. Enjoy!
Deana- Thank you so much for the compliment. Hope you enjoy Chapter Two.
Quat-chan- Thank you and enjoy!
Alariel- Thank you and I thought the maggot idea was a good one; I always remember it when I study history and wars. And the recurrence that soldiers left unattended survived more often than the soldiers taking care of. Enjoy!
Elven Kitten- Thank you! Enjoy!
Viviana- I hope you enjoy this story and I hope that I do it justice.
Lindahoyland- Aragorn is an experienced man; he knows how it is in the wilds and how it is for Rangers. He is willing to help but he does not trust that willingly which I understand. Legolas is going to have jump through ringers to get back into their favor again.
Elowen Elrondion- I know you can not see me but I am seriously blushing over here from your compliments. My head is growing a few sizes larger; I will have to worry about going through my door now. Hope you enjoy!
Stacee Phelps- I think the twin's reaction is kind of called for but that is me. Hope you enjoy this new chapter and I promise to write as much as I can.
Randa-Chan- You sound just like Linuvial with the 'I want more!' It was hilarious to read her responses to the chapter after she beta read it for me. So, hope you enjoy the chapter!
Catmint- The chapter is that good? Well thank you for the magnificent compliment. Hope you enjoy this chapter.
Aranna Undomiel- He reminds me of that little old lady that takes in all the cats and takes care of all of them even when he is unable to do so. One of those: "He followed me home, Ada. Can we keep him?" Ha, oh I crack myself up. Anyway, the relation between Legolas and Aragorn is going to be a bit rough for quite a while.
Astalder27- Poor Legolas is just in the dark about everything but oh well. He should not make assumptions about humans, or Aragorn at least.
Dha-Gal- DHA! What is up girlie? How are you doing? Are you kidding? This idea is far from original but I hope I can put a twist on it to make it original. SKITTLES! Wow, I have not had any of those in a really long time. I have kind of sworn off candy, and chocolate. Which is really sad and depressing.
Leggylover03- Thank you for the compliment. Legolas will feel like a total ass for the next few chapters of the story. Heehee, I am just so mean and evil but I love it.
NycteaScandiaca- Wow, that is a very interesting pen-name. I really can not wait to see what I create for this story; my mind may just take the story to the edge and back. Enjoy!