Disclaimer: I do not own LotR, but I do own my OCs! Names and all. n.n;; …as far as I know, there's no one else by the names of Aelin or Ellun… There better not be anywayz! ..:shifts eyes:..

Warnings: ..:gasps:.. None! XD ...maybe me bein' kinda insane...?

Sorry 'bout all grammar and/or spelling mistakes.

OMG! Can ya believe it? It's a freakin' update! Took long enough, huh? I know. I was trying, believe me, I was. But my computer came down with a virus… ..:glares at stepbro and stepfather:.. …and I couldn't type anything up. Yeah, that was fun. And my father had gone to Japan and wasn't able to fix it so I had to wait 'til it was his weekend again. Yeah, good fun stuff that was. I was also sick the other day and was that I was going to be for my father's weekend. Ooo… that woulda made me extra-mad. ..:ahem:..

But… yeah. Good news, though. Since I had no computer for most of that time – or I couldn't do much on it anywayz – I got a lot written, and only for this fic too! Amazing, huh? n.n I am up to chapter seven, I believe. Almost done with that one. I just had to type them up and you'll get them, so updates should be fairly quick, especially since my dad's fixing the computer (finally!).

Hope I haven't lost a lot of you. n.n Man, I missed updating so much. I felt bad for not updating too, but I had no choice. ;-; But I'm back! n.n

So… on with the chapter. n.n yayness!

Bound

Chapter Three: Moving

Legolas continued to recover as more days passed and with his heightening senses he noticed an increase in the humans' anxiousness.

They had kept too close of a watch on him to even consider leaving. This also seemed odd to him, for they were practically hovering over him like he was some unfortunate prey to many predators about to attack.

While he knew he could trust these two – or at least the most amount his past experiences could allow – he wasn't too sure of their behavior. He still needed to get to Estel, but he wasn't quite strong enough. He could walk now, though he did have to run his hand along the walls for support when it became too much. Walking hurt terribly but his pride would never let him just give up and, even though he couldn't walk for that long he would continue to build up his leg strength again.

The elf found out that Aelin and Ellun had been taking care of him for nearly two weeks before he had gained full coherency. When they had told him this he could only stare wide-eyed at them as if they had gone mad. That, without a doubt, was the longest it had ever taken his body to recover enough to where he could be welcomed back. The human had been extremely careful when taking care of him while he was unconscious. Ellun seemed to have talent in the healing arts and Legolas assumed he was either a healer or that most in the village had been taught a lot. Aelin also had knowledge and seemed to know what she was doing while assisting her husband.

Although he had been in the care of these two strangers for almost three weeks now, (according to the couple) he still had seen absolutely nothing of the outside surroundings and that was starting to get him agitated. He needed to just take a step outside at least. He needed to see the nature that was surely around them, for he heard the twittering of the birds flying about during the day.

What also made him feel at odds was that the couple had dark drapes covering the few windows their cabin had, letting no sunlight enter. Of course, upon being able to do so, the wood-elf had requested some sunlight. At first they had been reluctant but when he had told them that it would speed his recovery (and raise his spirits) they had hastened to comply. Then he hadn't been so sure if that was a good or bad thing, however, he did not let the rays of light go to waste and had enjoyed the sun that he had missed so much, being hallowed up in the dark cave. He had asked them before why they would not help him outside, but every time he brought it up, they quickly changed the subject.

It was all too obvious something was going on; even the trees outside his window warned him of danger. He wished to know before he did go outside. He didn't know if he could resist long, though. He just prayed that Estel really hadn't been captured.

The blonde sighed heavily, turning his gaze to the window that currently had the drapes blocking out the sun.

Much to his dismay, and surprise, the drapes had to be shut at certain times of the day. He was almost considering going out just to see what all the fuss was about.

The elf had been so deep in thought that he hadn't even noticed someone enter his given room.

"I'm sorry," Aelin said sadly, seeing the longing gaze Legolas looked at the window with. "I know you need the sun, but I'm afraid you must wait."

Legolas didn't turn away from the window, but echoed his earlier sigh. This room was beginning to feel like a prison, like the cave, stuck in darkness. He was, however, grateful for the candle and the free movement he could make around the cabin at least, small though it was.

"Here," the woman said, holding a tray of food out. He needed his strength after all.

Legolas took the tray and set it on his lap. He truly was not hungry, but he still ate, though slowly, for he knew how important it was for his health. If he wanted to recover he had to eat, it was as simple as that.

Aelin just stood in place, watching the saddened elf with guilt. She tried to think of something that could help raise his spirit, some form of reassurance, but could come up with nothing. Anything she might say would give away the village's secret, a secret she could not afford to tell the blonde elf, who was still recovering from an obviously traumatic experience. She didn't know how he would react and, as of yet, she did not wish to find out. Maybe when Legolas had recovered, even then neither she nor Ellun would tell unless absolutely necessary.

The red-head knew that the elf wished for more privacy than he had just received while she got the food, but they couldn't give it to him at the moment.

Feeling horrible for doing this to an elf, she sat down in the chair that was always beside the bed. She tried to strike up a conversation, but the flame wouldn't catch as Legolas continued to stare at the window as if entranced in its dark pattern.

Aelin became very concerned by this behavior, for the blonde had never down-right ignored her or Ellun and had always been polite.

She leaned closer to Legolas and reached her hand out to his shoulder. Hesitantly and uncertainly, she placed her hand onto his shoulder, still receiving no response. She was surprised to find him tense, and felt fine tremors taking over his graceful form.

The woman frowned deeply, and began to shake his shoulder, lightly at first; then more forcefully when no response was given.

This seemed to push Legolas out of whatever haunting thoughts he was having and brought him back to reality with a gasp as he flinched from the touch.

It took him a moment to realize where he was, repeatedly blinking to clear his vision as he shook his head to rid his mind of the lingering memories.

"I… I'm sorry," he stuttered. He had no idea what had happened, he supposed he had just spaced out. His mind had wandered to the place he had refused to recognize, refused to confront, and, met with no resistance this time, it had strayed there.

"No need for that," the woman waved it off. She was still concerned, though, with not knowing what had happened to cause that behavior. "Are you alright?"

"Aye, I'm fine," the blonde automatically responded. He moved his legs slightly and heard a faint clinking noise. Looking down at his lap, he was reminded of the food in front of him. Forcing himself to eat it again, he slowly nibbled on it. However, he swallowed his water in one gulp.

Aelin continued to keep an eye on the elf, having no idea what she should do or even say. This had turned out to be a much more difficult task than she had first thought.

Both Aelin and Legolas started when they heard the front door open and close loudly, followed by thundering footsteps.

"I shall be back," the red-head said quietly, rising from the chair.

Legolas nodded in return, knowing there was no danger. The loud steps were easily distinguished as Ellun's and, even if he couldn't tell by that, the human's curses would be enough. He could hear the desperation in Ellun's barely restrained voice.

"He suspects," the man hissed in obvious fear.

Legolas knew it wasn't appropriate to eavesdrop but he needed answers, and he hoped he would receive them now or at least some hints.

"What? How? No one has seen him," Aelin responded, her voice wavering.

"I know not," Ellun stated, pacing back and forth. "It could be that he noticed the drapes have been closed and that I have been bringing back more game…" he said thinking aloud, trying to come up with some explanation.

"We have been extremely careful. We need to do something," the red-head said, nervously chewing on her fingernails.

Legolas didn't like how this conversation was going at all. His breath stilled as he listened more intently. Every second that passed he grew more and more wary, for it sounded like they were talking about him. There were his drapes that were always shut during most of the daylight hours, and then the extra game was for him.

Nay, he did not like the sound of this at all.

Who had suspected them? And of what? They seemed far too agitated for it to be some simple matter.

Ellun's heavy steps suddenly halted their pacing and he focused back to the couple's conversation.

"Should… should we tell him…?" the man asked hesitantly.

"Nay, we cannot. Not yet," the wife answered anxiously. "We shall wait. He does not know for sure, right?" She wanted to make sure before they made any decisions. It was already frightening enough as it was. She had no idea where they would go from there.

"Aye; we need to be even more careful." He had to admit, he had been thinking of waiting too. At first he had just panicked. He had hoped that it would not come to this.

Aelin nodded in agreement and took a deep breath.

Legolas heard nothing more of the conversation. They had now calmed themselves enough to where they were whispering. Besides that, his thoughts were racing far too much for him to focus on anything else. He knew, or assumed, they were talking about him, but who did they have to be careful of, and why?

The elf let out a heavy sigh, dropping his head back against the wall behind him. He would just have to wait and see how things played out.

He was the puppet and he had no idea who was pulling the strings.

Ellun walked in about ten minutes later, looking stressed but otherwise under control.

He smiled and Legolas returned the greeting, deciding to say nothing of what he had overheard. Aelin was close behind her husband, seemingly less composed, but he still greeted her as if oblivious.

"What's wrong?" he questioned, feigning ignorance to keep up with his ruse. He would pretend he didn't know until he needed the information, and he probably would soon...

"Nothing, my friend." The man tried to sound reassuring but by the softness of his tone and the hesitance, it did not help in the least. However, the blonde nodded.

"Are you finished eating?" Aelin asked, stretching her hand out to take the tray; she did so upon his nod.

"Here, let us work on your legs," Ellun said, going over to the elf.

Legolas was slightly taken aback by the sudden suggestion. However, he let the human help him as he embraced the opportunity to recover further. He would be able to get to Estel sooner, or even find out what was going on. Maybe the whole situation depended on his health. It would certainly explain Ellun's sudden want to help… not to mention a lot of other things.

Therefore, he took the man's outstretched hand and, taking a deep breath, he stood up. Once he was steady he let go of Ellun's hands and slowly walked around the cabin.

He couldn't believe how weak he was still. Sure, he had barely made it, and wouldn't have if it weren't for the humans that had found him by chance. He had been extremely lucky. This he knew and was reminded of every day, but it frustrated him to no end. He wasn't used to this and never would be. He hated not being able to do everything himself.

Aelin noticed how Legolas was tiring and told him to rest.

She hadn't known the elf for that long; however, she did know that he was incredibly stubborn. She had never met someone as stubborn as he. She was amazed at his spirit as well; at his will to live and his need to get to his friend. She knew he could be trusted. They still could not tell Legolas about him, though. They just couldn't.

The blonde elf was shocked at how tired he felt after just walking around the small cabin, and he did not like it in the least, so he reluctantly agreed with the woman.

Ellun suddenly stopped him and motioned towards a different room, one it looked like was used for a storage type area. It wasn't too crowded, but there were a few boxes along the far wall, and he found that herbs – along with other healing supplies – were stored in the room on a long work bench. The bed was the same as in the other room and he had to wonder if they had moved it while he had been walking around the cabin, but he would have noticed that, right?

The elf looked towards the man puzzled. Why would they suddenly need to go in there? He had never been in it before. What was going on?

"We need to use the room you are staying in for a couple of days," the brunette told him, quickly.

Legolas could tell that Ellun had made the excuse up on the spot, causing his suspicions to rise. However, he nodded and let it go. He didn't want to seem ungrateful, they were taking care of him of their own free will after all and, if he assumed correctly, they were protecting him.

Legolas laid down on the bed in this new room.

"Get some rest now, my friend," Ellun said warmly, gently patting his shoulder.

Then they both left, softly closing the door behind them.

The elf sighed deeply. He knew they would be back to check up on him so he couldn't do anything. To his dismay he found that the window in this room was also covered by dark drapes.

Unable to quell his worries or curiosity, it took him a couple of hours to fall asleep.

Little did he know that things would become even more complicated.

So, what'd you guys think? Still like it or no? Let me know, 'kay? I haven't heard from you in forever. n.n;; Been almost a freakin' month, man. ;-; But… yeah. I'm excited to be back, can't ya tell? XD;;

Anywayz… yeah, as I was saying before, updates should be fairly quick now cuz of the four chapters I have after this. n.n Just need to type them up.

Review responses. Can't forget the review responses. Yes, I'm doing them still (I laugh at you, FF . net!). No, but they're on my own site so ya have to go to: http/ www . geocities . com / indeath666 / rr . html. So, if you're interested go. 'Kay? 'Kay. n.n

Let me know what you think everyone, 'kay? n.n Man, I missed this. n.n;;;

Ja ne