Aragorn

Aragorn shifted in his bed, trying to find a comfortable position. One would think with the long ride from Helm's Deep back to Edoras, combined with still recovering from his injuries, sleep would come quickly. But something unsettled him and wouldn't let him rest. Not to mention, the dwarf's rough snoring didn't help. Sitting up, he looked over to where Legolas slept beside him, only to be greeted by an empty bed. If the elf was troubled, that could explain why sleep alluded him as well. With a frustrated sigh, he got to his feet and stole out of the room to find his friend.

Legolas

Legolas stood on the edge of the castle wall, staring out at the night sky. He felt the darkness creeping over him, an evil presence stealing over his soul.

He felt someone come up behind him, and sensing his friend's presence, he spoke in a hushed voice, "The stars are veiled! Something stirs in the east!" Glancing at the form beside him, he said even softer, "The eye of the enemy is moving"

Then a soft smile touched his lips, "You really should be sleeping!" His tone was teasing, and Aragorn rolled his eyes.

"How am I supposed to rest when my best friend is absent. Especially when it's because he feels crushed by the darkness." Reaching out, he wrapped his arm around the elf's waist. "How many times do I have to tell you to come to me rather than hide yourself away when something is wrong."

The elf sighed and leaned against him. They stood without speaking for several minutes. Sometimes, as wonderful as their conversation could be, the silence and simple touch were best.

Aragorn

Suddenly, the elf jerked out of his grip, his eyes wide, "He is here!" His voice was laced with panic.

They both turned and sprinted toward the door where the man had come from. The sight that met their eyes caused a fresh wave of panic to crash down on Aragorn. Pippen writhed on the floor, holding onto THE PLANTIER!

Aragorn let out a scream that was partly terror and partly frustration. Without even thinking, he reached out and snatched the ball from the hobbit's hands. A weight crushed his chest, throwing him back onto the floor. Instantly, a slim pair of hands caught him, struggling to keep him upright. Even in his dazed state, he knew it was Legolas. He felt himself falling to the side, the hands never leaving his waist. The evil thing finally rolled from his grip, leaving him limp and panting. One of the slim hands moved from his waist to his leg. Rubbing in a soothing pattern.

"Easy!" The elvish litany that never failed to comfort him when he was hurt reached his ears. "It's over. I'm here. It's alright!"

Aragorn relaxed into his friend's touch. The exhaustion hitting him in a wave.

They both watched Gandalf crossing from where he had smothered the Plantier with a blanket to where Pippen lay on the floor. When he touched the hobbit's face, the tiny creature gasped and came to. When Gandalf's voice became too hushed to hear, Aragorn hissed in pain and struggled to his feet. Naturally, Legolas helped him to his feet.

Once the man was someone steady on his feet, he pulled away from Legolas and walked quickly outside. Hurrying around the corner, the last of his strength left him, and he slumped against the wall. Sliding down to the floor, he buried his face in his arms and let himself shake all over.

As he should have expected, a few moments later, a smooth hand brushed his knee, and opening his eyes, he watched the lithe elf lower himself down next to him. Legolas shook his head and spoke in an annoyed tone, "Now who is hiding rather than coming to his best friend when he's upset? You really must learn to take your own advice, Mellon nin!"

The gentle arm he slid around Aragorn, and the soft kiss pressed to his temple took any sting out of the words.

Aragorn choked out a half-laugh, half sob before closing his eyes and relaxing into his friend's embrace.

Legolas

After a few moments of silence, the elf spoke again, "What can I do for you, Gwadar?"

He felt the man shrug against him. "I felt him, Legolas. I thought hearing the Ring call my name was terrifying enough. But this...this evil...it felt like it was crushing me. I couldn't move..." His words fizzled out as he turned his head into Legolas' chest and finally let his tears flow.

Legolas didn't say anymore. Just rubbed his friend's back gently and slipped back into his elvish tongue.

Aragorn

Shifting in his friend's arms, Aragorn looked up into the elf's dark eyes. "You always know the right words, Mellon nin! Even if it means saying nothing at all." I never cease to be grateful that you're with me!"

The elf simply smiled and stroked his hair again. "It goes both ways, Aragorn!"

Aragorn returned the smile and once again relaxed into the soothing touch of his friend.

TBC

OK...That felt a touch rambly. But I'm not a professional writer.

And please...Reviews would mean the world to me