Name: An Uncommon Friendship

Series: The Lord of the Rings (LOTR)

Summary: When Estel meets Legolas a promising friendship develops. However, one man learns of them and becomes determined to rip them apart…literally.

Rating: T because I'm being paranoid and she told me too. XD

Other Things: As my friend isn't… overly fond of yaoi or slash couples, the friendship /is/ a friendship. (( But I'm converting her slowly. x3 I got her on Estel/Leggy fluff ))

Disclaimer: Sadly, neither Rach nor I own LOTR. If we did… o.0; Believe me, it'd be "insanity and cookies."

Note: I AM SO SORRY! I really, really am. First, we had some tests in school…. Then I'm stricken with a sudden narcolepsy… I am truly, utterly sorry for the lateness of this post. -shotforbeinglate-

Chapter IV: Heading Home

"Humorous emotional chaos remembered in tranquility."

- James Thurber

Legolas grinned. "I do believe it's your brothers." And indeed, a few seconds later, the two raven haired elves came into view. They scaled tree easily and were quickly seated beside Estel.

"Are you feeling alright?" Elrohis asked Legolas.

"As well as can be expected." Legolas plucked at the tunic he was wearing, which hung off his too-thin frame, and said, "You, on the other hand, seem to be feeling overly well. I do believe you are getting fat!" He smiled, and his sapphire eyes sparkled with mirth.

Elrohir pretended to look hurt. "I'm not fat, just well fed."

Legolas chuckled, then shivered. Drawing his cloak tighter around himself, he asked, "Do you have any miruvor?" (( Shadow: I am super sorry if that's wrong. TTTT ))

Elladan nodded and pulled another flask from the pile. Handing it over, he warned, "Don't drink too much."

Legolas nodded, then opened the flask and took a drink. He replaced it on the pile and said, "Thank you."

"Anytime."

They were silent for several minutes. Then Estel asked, "How did you get rid of those orcs?"

"Well, first we stabbed the sentries - not like they were very good anyway, judging by the ease with which we got in and out. Then we climbed some trees and shot them while they slept."

"Just like that?" asked Legolas mildly.

"Well, we did wake up a few," admitted Elladan, "but by that time, they had no hope of running away."

"Thank you. If those things had succeeded in getting me to Dol Guldur, I would have received more injuries to my face tan just this one." He brushed a finger across the ugly bruise that marred the left side of his otherwise fair face. Then he looked up. Estel did so too and saw a dawn sky between the leaves of the trees. "We should probably leave before the day grows much older."

Elladan and Elrohir looked at each other. What they were thinking was obvious, but Elladan said it anyway. "Legolas, you're tired and injured. Rest awhile, and then we'll leave. There is no hurry."

Legolas cocked an eyebrow. "There are may be no hurry, for you, but if I'm gone for too long, my father will send search parties out after me, if he hasn't already. Ad as my horse ran off, I will need to ride with one of you. As long as I am prevented from falling, I can rest while we ride." The expression on his face dared them to argue.

Elladan sighed in defeat. "Alright. We'll leave no. But if you so much as wince, we're stopping."

Within ten minutes, they were underway. Legolas rode with Elrohir. At first, he was wide awake, but eventually he fell asleep, eyes closed.

Estel watched him, concerned. Elves dreamt with eyes wide open, and only slept with eyes closed when extremely tired or in severe pain.

Elladan noticed his foster brother watching Legolas. "Don't worry. He'll be fine. He's just exhausted."

Estel nodded. "I know."