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Chapter 11: Thank You
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Elrond looked from the elf to his sleeping foster son: "Do not worry", he said, "I firmly believe he is much better than before, now that he is with you again."
Legolas still beheld Aragorn´s pale face and the dark shadows underneath his eyes: "Do you really?", he said doubtfully.
.
Smiling, Elrond and Erestor exchanged another glance, then Elrond put aside the mug he was still holding: "Legolas, look at me", he said gently.
When Legolas did so, he looked him straight in the eyes: "I would have tied Aragorn to his bed if it had been of any use, but even then he would have found a way to get to you.
So there can be no doubt about it: you two are good for each other, and now both of you will mend."
.
As these words were sinking in, Legolas relaxed visibly.
"And now for the broth", Elrond said and reached for the mug once more.
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When Aragorn awoke a while later, Legolas turned to him again. He waited until the grey eyes had found his own, studying him.
"What is it?", Aragorn whispered, sensing that his friend wanted to say something.
Legolas continued to look at him: "You did not leave me alone, either", he finally stated.
Aragorn smiled: "I could not have."
"I see", Legolas said, somewhat smugly. "I will remind you of this if need be in times to come, mark my words!"
Grinning, his friend slowly sat up, leaned over and planted a kiss on the elf´s forehead.
"What was that for?", Legolas asked, but Aragorn just smiled and laid back down.
"Aragorn", the elf prodded.
"Shshsh...", Aragorn replied, closing his eyes. "I have to rest, otherwise Elrond will drag me back to my own room and lock me in. And put a troll on guard."
"Yeah, right...", Legolas said, lying back and crossing his arms, but smiling nevertheless.
.
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One week later.
Beautiful autumnal light illuminated the garden; the foliage of the trees had turned into different shades of yellow, orange, red, brown and green, thus the leaves seemed to glow.
Elrond stood at the window of his study and watched Aragorn and Legolas, who were sitting on a bench, enjoying the sun. Though the air was crisp, it was warm enough, and they were glad not to have to stay in bed any longer.
.
The elf-lord smiled; they had once more proven how strong their friendship was, how much they could rely on each other.
It lightened Elrond´s mood and relieved him a little to know that Aragorn would always be able to trust Legolas and depend on him in troubled times.
He sighed; there was no doubt about Mordor being regaining its strength, and he shivered at the idea of what that meant.
Those Orcs who had captured Aragorn and Legolas had only been few, and many more would come.
Elrond would have loved to know why they had caught Legolas alive in the first place and where they had intended to take him, but there was no way of finding out now. The elves would have to be even more careful in the future.
.
Looking at the two friends again, Elrond smiled despite his worries: at least there was something good and strong to oppose the evil, a thought he found very comforting.
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When the sun had disappeared and the air had grown chilly, Aragorn and Legolas got up and went over to the stables.
Alba and Ragnar were accomodated in two adjoining boxes and had recovered well from their adventure.
.
Legolas stroked his mare´s soft muzzle: "Have I thanked you enough, my dear?", he asked her quietly.
Alba pushed her nose against his chest and nuzzled him, snorting contentedly.
Aragorn smiled: "I think that means yes, but I do not mind if you do it again."
.
Grinning, Legolas produced an apple. He broke it in two: "Here you go", he said, giving Alba her share and the other half to Ragnar.
The horses chewed with evident pleasure, knowing that these would not be the last for some time.
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The End
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Author´s Note:
Thank you all for reading and reviewing! Check out my new story "Troublesome" as well, the first chapter is up now.
Cheers,
Maj