Disclaimer: ..:sighs:.. You all know I don't own it and am making no profit off this…

Sorry 'bout any grammar and/or spelling mistakes.

So, here we are again; at chapter ten. n.n Crazy, huh? XD And a thank you to ashlyns for the 100th review, since a hundred was my goal. n.n I want to thank you all very much for the reviews. They mean a lot to me and I appreciate all your encouraging comments; advice is always welcomed and considered. n.n Thanks again and I hope you all continue to enjoy this fic. Let me know what ya think of this chapter, 'kay? n.n

Enjoy! n.n

Bound

Chapter Ten: Resting

It wasn't until the next afternoon that Legolas was suddenly pulled out of unconsciousness by a vicious nightmare.

"Legolas! Calm down, mellon-nin. You are safe," a voice tried to soothe him. The voice was familiar and brought ease to his heart. When he realized who it was he immediately woke up.

"Estel," he gasped as he fought with the pain his earlier movements brought on. He didn't think his body would be this stiff but he supposed it was only to be expected with how long he had been tied up and unable to move.

"Shh, just relax," Estel said comfortingly, placing his hand on the elf's shoulder.

It had frightened him when Legolas first started to thrash and scream in his sleep. It only testified to how horrible his experience must have been. And Estel felt even more guilty for not being there for him.

Aelin watched from her chair as Estel tried to calm the blonde down. Both humans had stayed up all night watching over their elven friend, neither wanting nor willing to leave his side.

Legolas opened his eyes slowly and looked around. He trusted Estel more than anyone, but he had to see with his own eyes that the orcs were truly just a nightmare.

He was relieved to see none of the foul creatures, but that relief quickly turned into fear when he noticed one of the humans was missing.

"Ellun. Where's Ellun?" he asked, thinking that something had happened to him and, if something had, it would have been his fault. He was the one who had insisted upon going outside, upon finding Estel. All of this was his fault. If only he had just concentrated on his recovery, then none of this would have happened.

"Legolas, it's alright, he is well," Estel quickly reassured.

Standing from her chair, Aelin went next to the elf and said, "Aye, he speaks the truth. Ellun is still guarding Lord Adanel, making sure he does not escape."

Legolas had had no doubt of Estel's words, but with both of them saying it, it was much more comforting.

The blonde elf fell back the rest of the way (he had been trying to get out of bed) and exhaled heavily.

"Here, mellon-nin," Estel said softly, handing his friend a cup of tea mixed with painkillers. He then helped his injured friend drink it.

Moments after drinking the tea, Legolas felt the pain in his body lessen.

"Hannon le," he said with a smile.

Estel nodded, mirroring the elf's expression.

Then Legolas realized he had the chance to ask the question that he had wanted to from the very beginning and so he did. "What is it that they were trying to do? It was some type of sacrifice, but… for what?"

Estel and Aelin sighed heavily at the expected question, Estel because he felt bad for not being there and Aelin because she didn't like telling the village secret even though it was now alright to do so. However, out of everyone Legolas had the most right to the answer after his ordeal.

Therefore, the woman repeated what she had told Estel to the elf.

Legolas watched Aelin as she explained, seeing her emotions and when she finished speaking he couldn't believe what he had heard.

So, Adanel had gone mad after losing his family…

He could understand that, but it was still hard to believe that someone could kill others to try and bring back loved ones. And he really thought the Valar sent him as a sacrifice? That would never happen.

He had to admit that he felt sorry for the man, however, he had no excuse for what he had done.

"What is going to happen to him?" he quietly asked.

Aelin shook her head, "I know not."

Silence then took over, each lost within their own thoughts.

"Mellon-nin," Estel said, shattering the silence, "you should rest. You have been through a lot."

"Nay, I have rested enough," the elf answered sternly. He still had more questions.

However, he was unable to ask them as he was startled when Estel suddenly flung himself at him and – being careful of his friend's injuries – hugged him, silent sobs wracking his body.

"Estel," he said in confusion as he unknowingly slipped into his native tongue, "what is the matter?"

Aelin, feeling that this was a private moment between the two friends, retreated to the back of the room, wanting to stay with Legolas, but not wanting to interrupt or impose. Besides, the two had lapsed into Elvish out of habit.

"I'm sorry! I should have been there with you, should have looked harder for you," the human said, voice filled with guilt.

"What are you talking about?" Legolas asked puzzled. He hadn't told his friend about what had happened before coming to this village so how would he know?

"I should have been there to protect you from the orcs. I knew something was wrong when you did not show up on time," Estel explained, tears now trickling down his cheeks, his exhaustion not helping his lack of control over his emotions. "I'm so sorry, Legolas."

The elf gazed at the human in shock. He hadn't known his friend had felt this way and he certainly hadn't meant to abandon him before. It wasn't Estel's fault at all! It was his own to bear; no one else's.

"Nay, Estel, 'tis not your fault, 'tis mine own," the elf tried to reassure the young man. He was shocked at this display. He realized he must have worried his friend horribly; probably more than he had thought. "'Tis I who should be sorry, for I did not mean to worry you so."

Estel could only shake his head quickly from side to side. "Legolas—"

"I'm curious of one thing, however," Legolas said interrupting Estel, wanting to distract him. "How did you find me?"

The dark-haired man was slightly taken aback by this abrupt question and had to think a moment before answering.

He released Legolas and stood tall. "Well, since we have not seen each other for almost a year, I thought I would meet you half-way. However, I got a lot farther than I should have been able to and began to worry. I then started to look for any signs of you. I came across your horse a day later," he said the last part quietly.

Legolas lowered his eyes. With everything that had been going on he hadn't had time to really mourn for his faithful companion.

"I'm sorry, Legolas."

The elf waved him off, urging him to continue with his explanations.

Estel nodded in understanding. "After that I followed your footprints to an area near the village. There I ran into Aelin and Ellun before I could even really get a look at the scene. The rest you know," Estel concluded. It still amazed him at how quickly he had run into the couple. They must have been in search of help to begin with, he figured.

Legolas thought for a moment before asking, "Does anyone know you left?"

"Aye… well, they knew I left to meet up with you. I had no time to go back to tell them I never met with you," the man told the blonde. He had thought about that himself and, while he knew his family was probably worried, he had known he couldn't just backtrack to tell them when Legolas could – and had been in danger.

Legolas merely nodded and closed his eyes. Estel knew about his captivity with the orcs and the torture he had endured (he assumed Aelin had told him), but not the major details, thank the Valar. He also knew what had occurred in this village. He did not wish to speak of it anymore, however.

Estel patted the elf's hand. "You should really get some more rest, mellon-nin," he said caringly.

The blonde reopened his eyes and looked up at the human. Switching back to the common tongue, he said, "Nay, I am fine. I wish to see him."

There was no need to specify who 'he' was, for both humans knew he spoke of Adanel. Why he wanted to see him was beyond them, though.

"That, I cannot permit, Legolas. You are not well enough and can barely move your arms. Perhaps tomorrow you may," the grey-eyed man said sternly, his healer side taking over with a sympathetic look seen in the stormy depths.

"I am no elfling," Legolas said befitting of his royal status.

"I know. Legolas, please be not so stubborn and just rest," Estel pleaded with the elf.

Looking at Estel carefully Legolas saw worry and exhaustion.

He sighed heavily, closing his eyes. "Forgive me, mellon-nin. I know not what came over me," the elf said wearily. He felt bad for snapping at his friend, he supposed he was just frustrated.

Estel shook his head. "There's no need. Just sleep, please," he tried again.

Legolas looked at the dark-haired man and grinned. "Only if you sleep as well."

Estel smiled at the concern shown towards him, even with the pain the elf was in. "Hannon le; I shall."

Legolas returned the smile and, no longer able to keep his eyes open, he let them close and succumbed to sleep seconds later.

Estel exhaled deeply, watching the blonde before him in guilt. He flopped back into the chair behind him in exhaustion.

"You have a promise to uphold," Aelin said cheerfully, with a wide smile.

The young man jumped in surprise. The woman had been so quiet that he had forgotten she was even in the room.

"I know, but I do not wish to leave his side," Estel replied with a sigh.

Aelin shook her head. "And I thought he was stubborn," she murmured. "I shall bring you a blanket then."

Before Estel had a chance to protest the red-head left to retrieve said item.

The grey-eyed man focused his attention on Legolas, a smile gracing his handsome features. However, it soon turned upside down when the elf winced after shifting his body.

He knew that, when the blonde awoke, he wouldn't be able to prevent him from seeing Adanel. He didn't know what Legolas wished to accomplish by seeing him but he'd have to comply.

He was grateful to Ellun and Aelin though, for they had showed nothing but politeness towards him and Legolas; even helping the elf recover for the month that he had been absent. He would have to repay their kindness…

…………

When Aelin returned with the blanket, she was surprised to see Estel already fast asleep in the chair. She figured he was more tired than he had thought, and that he finally thought it was safe enough to sleep.

She smiled sadly and draped the forest green blanket over the sleeping form.

Then she took her seat in the other chair next to Legolas' bed and waited, waited for what came next. She wished to go see her husband, but needed to keep an eye on Legolas just in case. He had already had a horrible nightmare and had to be awoken from it. It could happen again and she had to be there. She also felt that it was her duty since Estel was sleeping as well. Besides, Legolas was her friend as was Estel now, for she had already taken a liking to the newcomer.

Hours later Legolas woke up with a quiet grown.

Aelin stood from the chair and hovered over the blonde elf. She noticed how his eyebrows were furrowed in pain.

"Here, let me get Estel for you," she said in concern, knowing it was better for the young man to take care of the elf, for he knew more about elven remedies and needs; he seemed to be raised by them by his accent on the common tongue as well.

"Nay, let him be," Legolas gasped, barely getting the words past his chapped lips. He knew his friend was sleeping by the even sound of his breathing. He was glad that the man was resting and wanted him to continue to do so, knowing he hadn't been able to receive much sleep – if any – while trying to find out what had happened to him.

"But you are in pain," Aelin said helplessly. She wished to help the blonde but did not know how, not knowing if the painkiller she might give him would be strong enough for an elf. She wasn't sure if the one given to him before had worked properly either.

"'Tis nothing I cannot handle. He needs rest," the blonde said the last part quieter than the rest, looking over at the human.

Aelin sighed in defeat. "Very well."

Suddenly, Legolas clenched his eyes shut tightly, grinding his teeth against letting any sound escape as the pain increased. He did not wish to wake Estel up; he was surprised his earlier groan hadn't. Usually, the human was tuned to any and all sounds emitted from Legolas, especially when he was injured, for he was used to these periods.

He didn't know why his body hurt so much; his elven healing should have taken care of that. Then he realized it was probably due to his prior injuries from the orcs' as well that was making it hurt so much.

"Let me give you something then," the red-head insisted. She had to do something for her friend, she felt horrible and couldn't just stand there and watch as he suffered. If she had just told Legolas the village secret, who knew, it could have prevented this whole thing. She was grateful that it was all over now, though. There would never be another sacrifice from Lord Adanel, never be any more innocent victims.

Aelin had prepared the herbs that had seemed to work best for the elf when he had been fevered and in terrible agony, hoping it would work for this situation. She helped Legolas up to drink it carefully.

"Thank you," Legolas said after being laid back down, his back resting against the wall so as not to feel as weak or vulnerable.

Aelin just nodded in return, she was still concerned for the injured elf. She didn't know how he would act now. Would he try to go see Adanel? If so she would have to stop him. Estel had thought it to be a bad idea and he knew Legolas a lot more than she.

"I'm sorry for being such a burden," the blonde suddenly said quietly.

The woman looked up quickly, startled not only by the unexpected sound but by the fact that he was apologizing for such a thing. She had no idea why he thought that he was a burden to her.

"Nay, my friend, you are not a burden. I am grateful to you," Aelin said looking into sky-blue eyes to show her sincerity.

Legolas raised his eyebrows in confusion. What had he done? If anything he had only complicated things.

By the skeptical look the elf gave her, she knew she had to elaborate. "You made it possible to solve an on-going problem; to stop it. I told you about the sacrifices and how long they had been going on. Now they can finally stop and innocent people will not die. You are to thank for that, Legolas," she explained, a grateful note carried with her voice.

Legolas looked down at his hands; after a moment of thought, he raised his head to look at the human who he had become friends with; his savior.

"Nay, 'tis I who should thank you. You saved my life; without you I would not be here. I have yet to thank you properly," the elf stated, feeling guilty. Everything had happened all too quickly and he had had no time to give any gratitude. "What can I do to show my appreciation?"

Aelin shook her head. "You have already done more than you know. You need not worry about it," she said with a grin.

With that, and with Aelin having to quiet Legolas a few more times, the subject was dropped.

Legolas looked over at the young man still fast asleep in the chair, forest green blanket draped across him.

"Ai, I cannot believe he still sleeps," the red-head exclaimed, for their conversation, which had started quietly, had not ended that way.

She was glad to see that the painkillers she had given to the blonde elf had seemed to help, though, unless Legolas was just hiding the pain extremely well, which she doubted given his current state.

"Must have been more tired than he let on," Legolas agreed with a sad smile. He was the reason his friend was so exhausted. Who knew how long he had gone without sleep. It had probably been days. Knowing Estel he had only rested when absolutely necessary.

Legolas leaned his head back against the wall behind him and closed his eyes without realizing it. He didn't want to admit it but he was still very tired.

Then there was a light chuckle from near Aelin, startling the both of them. "And you said I was more tired than I thought…" he said in amusement.

"Estel," Aelin jumped in surprise, "we thought you were still asleep…"

Estel smirked at the two; both of their expressions were of surprise. "I was, 'til you two woke me," he responded.

Usually you'd think a comment like that would make someone feel bad for being loud or talkative but Legolas knew the human was jesting and that he would have awoken soon whether or not they were speaking.

Legolas smiled back at his friend, extremely glad to be with him again, for he had missed him terribly.

So, what do ya think of this chapter? n.n There are only a few more left, prob'ly two… three at most. And don't worry, you'll find out what's goin' on with Adanel in the next chapter. n.n

Btw, I think I'm goin' to my father's this weekend so you'll prob'ly get an update then, too, so you don't have to wait another week… n.n;; It's always easier to write there for some reason… ..:shrugs:..

Thanks again for all your reviews! They really help and I appreciate every one of them. n.n

Ja ne