Story Name: Dark of Night
Pen Name: Elena Roan
Disclaimer: Don't own any of them, written purely for enjoyment.
Rating: M
Warnings: very dark
Summary: When Legolas journeys from Mirkwood to Rivendell seeking answers to his unease and troubling dreams, little does he realise what awaits him and his gwador.
Editor: Michelle
Timeline: III 2990 (Aragorn 59 years old)
Note: AragornStriderEstel

Chapter 8: Dark Departure

Legolas had finished his drink a while back and was now just watching the efforts of the twins and the process of packing up the camp. They were nearly finished transferring everything to the saddlebags.

Carefully he got to his feet, and was pleased to note he was nowhere near as shaky as he had been, and walked over to the twins and Estel.

"How is he?" Legolas asked softly, crouching down next to them and ignoring the penetrating looks he got from both of them.

Finally Elrohir answered with a sigh. "No change. I will be glad when we can get him to ada (dad)."

"How are you feeling?" Elladan asked. "And no pretending you are 'fine'."

Legolas chuckled. "I feel much better than I did, my weakness must have been from overexertion." They both looked at him doubtfully so he added, "I am well."

"I doubt that," Elladan stated. "But you at least look in no danger of falling over any more. Eat, then we shall make the final decision as to whether you can ride on your own."

"Do not argue," Elrohir added when the prince opened his mouth to protest, "or we shall insist that you ride with Glorfindel." The younger twin ignored the glare the blond elf sent his way as he snapped his mouth closed.

"Once you have all eaten we can set out for Imladris," Glorfindel inserted into the conversation, coming over and handing Legolas bread and some stew that was more broth than stew. Raven was a few paces behind him with plates for the twins. Legolas glared at him but ate it slowly nonetheless.

Satisfied the three elves would eat what had been brought Glorfindel returned to the fire for his own meal as Raven collected his.

Even as he concentrated on eating the food Legolas' eyes barely left Strider's still form, to the point of breaking his gaze only as long as necessary to thank Raven when he took his empty plate from him.

The twins were trying to keep an eye on both Strider and Legolas and were relieved to note that Legolas seemed to have survived none the worse for wear, if only they could say the same about Strider.

"I shall carry Strider," Legolas stated softly as they prepared to leave once the small meal was done and cleared away.

"Legolas...," Elladan said doubtfully, only to have the prince interrupt.

"I...I need to."

Elrohir studied the blond carefully, realising that he was terrified of his gwador (sworn brother) disappearing again and probably wouldn't be able to shake that fear until they had all made it back to Imladris.

"Very well," Elrohir said slowly, after sharing a glance with his twin, "but if you start to feel the slightest bit odd you are to let us know."

Legolas agreed readily before mounting his horse and waiting for the twins to hand Estel to him.

Once the others were mounted the twins brought their horses alongside Legolas', one on each side, Glorfindel took the lead and Raven brought up the rear. All of them were glad to finally turn their horses away from the area and head out, even if one of them was still inexplicably unconscious.