Disclaimer: ..:still only owns Aelin and Ellun but… more to come:.. n.n

Warnings: Dun, dun, dun

Sorry 'bout all grammar and/or spelling mistakes.

See? A lot quicker, huh? n.n Only… three days. I haven't quite typed up chapter five quite yet, but it'll be done soon enough. Definitely won't be another month 'til the next update. I promise. n.n

I really hope you guys enjoy this chapter. This is where things start to pick up, too. n.n Let me know what you think of it, alright?

Enjoy. n.n

Bound

Chapter Four: Relief. Panic.

Legolas was nearly healed completely. The only wounds he had left were the ones that had been vicious and deep, even they were almost healed. For this the blonde was extremely glad of; the humans were as well… to say the least. He still wasn't fully recovered, though.

Ellun and Aelin felt immensely relieved over the fact that they no longer had to help the elf with everything, not only did it frustrate Legolas, but it had showed that he hadn't even been close to recovered. They didn't mind helping him, not at all, but they needed him to recover. It also meant that the elf was a lot more safe now. It had taken another week to improve this much. They had been lucky that Legolas hadn't been found out yet, but they feared it wouldn't be much longer before he was, unfortunately. Changing Legolas' room had just bought them time; they had no idea how long, though.

They did have one major problem, however, and it dealt with Legolas being found: the elf wished to go outside more and more everyday. They were extremely surprised they had been able to keep him preoccupied this long. Both figured it was because of his condition that he hadn't tried to go out himself. They knew they would have to go outside with him soon, though, for they thought the blonde would try to sneak out now. That… they wouldn't be entirely wrong about.

Ellun and Aelin were just discussing this when Legolas started to walk into the room. With his growing health, he had regained his other senses, as well as his light steps. He was just overhearing all sorts of things… He hadn't meant to sneak up on them or even listen in on their conversation, but since the couple couldn't tell he was there it was hard not to since some of the information he desired was being spoken. There was also a chance of him going outside involved. He couldn't help but feel like an animal trapped inside, waiting for its master's consent. What could he do about it, though?

He refocused his thoughts on the conversation, praying it would go his way. Soon he would just leave and find Estel, even without their permission. Why did he need it in the first place? He supposed it was because they had taken care of them and he was in a strange town where something – everything, felt out of place.

"We have no choice," Aelin said rationally, but uncertainly.

"They have been asking more often now," Ellun tried to reason. He wanted Legolas to be able to go out as well, but it was too risky. They both knew what would happen to the elf if he were seen.

"I know, but he needs to get out or he may just do it without us. At least we know where he might not be seen," the red-head said convincingly.

She did have a point there, Legolas agreed. He had already been thinking about it.

Ellun sighed in defeat. He couldn't win this and, in truth, he didn't want to. They didn't own the elf. He didn't want to keep him locked up on their cabin like some captive. He had already been stuck there long enough. "Alright, alright; we need to be really careful, though."

If they had seen Legolas then, they would know immediately that it had been the right decision, for the grin plastered on his face would bright up anyone's day, no matter how grim it had been.

"We shall go tonight then, when there are less people that could see him," the brunette stated with no room for argument.

Aelin nodded; she wouldn't even consider arguing.

Both let out a heavy sigh, unable to believe they were really going to do this; especially after all they had done to keep him secret. But this was to keep him safe, to protect him, to let him recover, and then get away when he could. This was the best they could do for him.

They knew it was a bad idea, however, neither had a choice. They feared Legolas would be found no matter how hard they tried. They just hoped that if one of they villagers spotted the beautiful elf they would not tell. Of course there were the ones that would, but not too many. Most agreed with Ellun and Aelin about what was going on: that it should be stopped. No one knew how to stop it, though.

Legolas had quietly snuck back to his room so they wouldn't know he had been there. Finally, he would be able to see the stars!

If Legolas hadn't known already about what was going to happen he would at least know that something was up by how anxious Aelin and Ellun looked and acted.

The elf was good at hiding his feelings behind a mask of indifference so they hadn't suspected he knew. He didn't know if that would change their minds or not so he had been especially careful of not letting his mask slip.

The couple actually sat him down and told him what they were planning – he pretended he hadn't known – and laid down the rules, saying he had to go where they did and no where else as if they were talking to a bad child who never listened; him inwardly laughing all the while.

Legolas had to wonder why he was going to listen to their every word. It wasn't as if he had to. He supposed it was just out of curiosity, and to see if there was anything he could do to help the people who had saved his life.

Then, he followed the couple outside, dressed to blend in to the shadows, his cloak's hood draped over his head to hide his golden hair. He had to force himself from stopping in his tracks to inspect his surroundings, for Ellun and Aelin were rushing to some place unknown to him.

Legolas saw few people while they walked down a path, and when he did see someone they practically sprinted past in order to be undetected.

The three continued this way for ten more minutes before the elf could enjoy being in the open air. He had been surprised at how small the village was and had to wonder how long it had been like this. However, he could think about that later. At the moment all that concerned him was the nature, the smell, the sounds, everything. He had missed it terribly. Words could not describe how much he had.

The wood-elf breathed in deeply, closing his eyes for a moment to let his senses reach out to the trees.

After a moment he walked up to one of the trees, one that was thrilled to see him alive. Apparently, it had seen him when he had first been carried past it and had seen his condition. All of them had been concerned about him, which was another reason he had wanted to go outside: to reassure the trees.

He placed a slender, pale hand on it, showing the excited tree his true state of health. It was indeed reassured, as were the others.

A minute later he walked away from it and over to a place he could look beyond the canopy of leaves. Tilting his head back, his hood falling back to his shoulders to reveal his golden hair, he looked up at the stars shining brilliantly above; the moon's glow adding to the ambiance of the night, as he took it all in.

A smile broke out on his face, a smile of content, of peace, of tranquility, of relief.

This is what he had needed to truly recover.

Ellun and Aelin looked at each other, a sad smile mirrored on their faces. Wrapping their arms around the other, they turned their gazes back towards the elf before them, watching as he enjoyed the simplicities of life; the necessities.

They knew they would have to do this more often now and, seeing this, they would be glad to. The look on Legolas' face was the greatest reward they could have hoped for.

Sure, they still had their fears – they did not mind, not now. Maybe later they'd regret doing this, if only for the fact of Legolas being seen, but the elf had needed this.

They wouldn't regret it.

Later that night Legolas felt more at ease and a lot more peaceful. He had been disappointed when he had to go back inside but had done so nonetheless. No matter how much he wished to stay around the nature, he wasn't about to endanger Ellun and Aelin. They had been nothing but kind; he wasn't going to take advantage of that. He never would, the guilt would consume him if he even tried.

He had eaten in silence, trying to decide what his next move should be. He couldn't stay with these human's forever. He had friends to go back to, his father and his kingdom. Even if he wanted to he couldn't mention anything about being a prince. Having no idea what was going on in this village only made him more certain of that. He didn't trust what was going on. Who knew what affect his status might have – if any; he did not care to find out.

However, this only grazed the surface of his almost ethereal mood. This night nothing could damper his attitude.

Well, remembering that he still didn't know where Estel was did little to heighten it, but at the moment there was nothing he could do.

Then an idea struck him that night as elven dreams were about to steal him away.

The trees. Aye, the trees would help.

With this soothing thought he allowed himself to fall into the sweet elven dreams, reflecting his content demeanor.

The next day went by without mishap, much to the relief of Ellun and Aelin. It seemed as though no one had seen the elf.

When night came again Legolas convinced the couple to let him go back outside to the same spot as before.

They agreed – albeit hesitantly – since the elf seemed determined this night. They didn't want to push their luck anymore than they already had, but figured if they were as careful as the night before then they would be fine.

Once the three had stopped in the same place as the before, the human found out why Legolas had been so adamant about going as soon as possible. The elf told them that he wished to ask the trees for assistance in finding Estel, to see if they had seen his friend anywhere. They were amazed that he could actually do that.

This time when they arrived back at the cabin, the elf was quiet, deep in thought, and not the tranquil quiet like before. He prayed that the trees would know something; that they would have some type of information for him when he next visited them. He wasn't expecting them to know right away, there were a lot of trees after all, and who knew where Estel was.

…………

Legolas jumped and looked towards his door. But it was not his door on which someone had knocked – pounded would be a more appropriate term really. It had been on the front door.

By Aelin's petrified expression the intrusion had been neither expected nor wanted. She stood and left the room with a quiet whisper of one word.

Why should he do that, though? Who could be at the door? Why had they come so late? Had he been spotted? Should be just hide, or listen to Aelin?

He had no idea whatsoever; therefore, he stayed in place, trying to hear what was happening on the other side of the door.

Legolas heard raised voices; however, he could not make out what was being said.

Seconds later he was startled when he heard the voices suddenly become silent and then heavy steps coming towards him.

What should I do? he thought panicked, the horrible feeling weighing him down as he jumped from his bed looking around quickly.

Then his gaze fell onto his bow.

Ellun had actually found the bow when he had gone back to the area Aelin had found him. He had gone back to see if there were any dangers that could threaten their cabin.

Knowing it was scratched and chipped – not to mention he had no arrows – he picked it up, gripping it tightly in his hands for a weapon. He could still knock someone unconscious if he hit them correctly. He wasn't quite at his full potential but it would do… he hoped…

Maybe he was being paranoid but with how Ellun and Aelin had been acting this whole time, he thought it was a really good chance that he wasn't.

The elf listened intently, the sound of his racing heart and blood pumping through his veins loud in his ears.

He listened as the steps came closer and closer.

Then further, and they stopped.

The humans were quiet and he wondered if something had happened to them.

A loud crash, wood splintering.

Whoever the intruder was had kicked down a locked door. The door to his last room, Legolas realized with dread. By the direction of the sound and how far it was away it had to be his last room.

The boots' echoes were everywhere, searching for one thing, they had only one intent.

Legolas' breath stilled when they stopped in front of his door.

He swallowed thickly. Gripping his bow tighter, he waited.

Lol, I couldn't help but be reminded of a dog when writing the beginning of this chapter. XD Poor Legolas. XD!

Did ya like it? Are you mad at me for leaving that small cliffie? Do you want me to just shut up and hurry up with the next chapter already? …or just shut up? I vote the last one. -.-

I still have this to say, though: If you wish for a response to your review go here http/ www . geocities . com / indeath666 / rr . html. n.n

Ja ne