Sorry about that cliff hanger, really I am. But here is the continuation of the story, it is shorter than I realized (chapters 6 and 7 were originally joined) but still conveys the message I wanted. Make sure you read the author's note at the end.

Overcoming Prejudices

By washow

Rating: PG

Summary: Things go badly for the elves of Mirkwood and their only salvation may come in the form of a ranger of the north. Will the woodland king swallow his pride and ask for help?

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings nor am I making any profit from this story. Any similarities to other fan fiction are purely coincidental. This is not slash but a tale of friendship and family love.

Chapter 7: Adventure's End

The blade was completing its arc and descending on it's owner's neck when a sudden disturbance erupted behind them. Gordor reluctantly halted his motion and turned just in time to see his partner slammed into a tree. The man looked up from the lifeless body of his helper only to meet the enraged eyes of the woodland king.

Thranduil picked up his own sword and saluted, "Why don't you leave that child alone and play with me? It is my realm you want and to get it you are going to have to come through me." Seeing no other option Goldor turned away from the hurting ranger and brought the sword up to face his foe. Aragorn's many bruises and other injuries were making themselves fully felt and he was having trouble staying conscious but he would not give in easily for he was sure this was a battle he wanted to witness. The ranger managed to turn his head just in time to see Thranduil parry a blow by Goldor and return a more forceful blow, which was unfortunately blocked. Aragorn was mesmerized by the skill of the woodland king – Legolas had always told him that this father was skilled with a blade but until this time Aragorn had never had the pleasure of seeing him in action. It was obvious that Goldor was overmatched and it was only moments later that Thranduil was able to get under the man's defenses and deliver the killing blow.

Thranduil was feeling lightheaded after the excursion but he refused to give in to unconsciousness before he checked on the ranger. He staggered to the man's side and found pain filled silver eyes staring up at him. He gently stroked the man's cheek, "I am going to cut your bonds now, it will probably hurt as the blood returns to your hands and feet." The man nodded his understanding so the king wasted no time and quickly cut the bonds. The man moaned in pain and the woodland king gave him a sympathetic look while he began searching for wounds. No matter how gentle the king was Aragorn could not hold in moans of pain as Thranduil's hands brushed the most abused sections of his flesh. His examination complete the wood elf turned the man on his back and looked into his eyes, "You are lucky young one, I do not believe you have any broken bones but this bruising is severe so you may have bruised organs and internal bleeding. In addition your old wound has been reopened and will need to be stitched as soon as possible. The good news is we are only a day's ride from the palace so if I ride all night I can get you help by mid-day tomorrow.

The king stood to call their mounts and prepare to ride when a hand gripped his ankle, "You can't do that, you have a concussion." The woodland king started to protest but was easily cut off by the man, "I've been trained by my father – I can recognize a concussion when I see it. Plus I know my own body and while I may have bruised organs I don't have internal bleeding so there is to need to rush heedlessly back to the healers. If you can help me get up we can move away from this den of death and rest for the night, then in the morning you can stitch up my side." The king opened his mouth to oppose this plan of action but the man cut him off, "Trust me Thranduil if you can bandage it tightly, it will be all right until morning."

As much as he wanted to deny it he could see truth in the young one's words and conceded defeat as the hammering in his head increased in intensity. He hauled Aragorn to his feet and the pair managed to walk a short way down the path before both collapsed on the ground. Minutes passed as Aragorn struggled to breathe past the pain and Thranduil fought for consciousness. Finally the woodland king was able to gather wood and start a small fire all the while being watched by the human. Finally Aragorn regained the strength to speak, "Thank you for saving my life."

Thranduil turned from the fire and smiled at the man, "That is what friends are for. Thank you for saving my people from starvation."

The ranger returned the smile, "That is also what friends are for." The pair sat in companionable silence for a long while but finally Aragorn had to express his fears, "My lord, neither of us are in any danger of dying from our injuries. Mirkwood may be a day away but Imladris is only a fortnight away and it lacks the presence of your over protective son."

Thranduil smiled, "I will never run in fear – especially from my own son. Besides I will protect you from him because that too is what friends are for."

TBC

A/N: As you can see this isn't the end well it is but it isn't because I have decided to give you an epilogue so all the Legolas lovers out there will know what the golden prince was doing and feeling all this time. It will be up Sat or Sun.