Disclaimer: I do not own LotR.

Warning: Slash, A/L!

Here's the third chapter. Thanks again for all the amazing reviews guys. I love 'em all. n.n Hope you enjoy!

Jealousy Wrought

Chapter Three: Denial

Movement caught Legolas' eye and he quickly lost his train of thought as he focused on Estel. He had carefully placed the man's head in his lap and started to smooth the wavy mess of dark hair.

Soon Legolas was rewarded with a pair of silver eyes looking into his own and, although, they were glazed over with pain, he was glad to see them open.

The stormy eyes widened with a look that bordered on panic and fear. "Eildan…" the man whispered and Legolas was forced to push him down as he struggled to get up.

"I'm sure he's alright, Estel," he replied soothingly, not knowing what the human had meant.

"N-no. Eildan… he's the one…" Estel managed to croak out.

At first, Legolas merely stared dumbstruck, hoping he had assumed wrongly. Eildan couldn't possibly do this. There was no way. The attacker must have looked similar to him. Aye, that had to be it.

Because of this, he said nothing; just continued to smooth Estel's hair. He had to think of some way to get them out of there.

The human would have argued his case further if he had been able to think. He had closed his eyes again, clenching them tight in an attempt to lessen the pain, which obviously failed. Eildan was a better fighter than he had thought. He had had a major disadvantage as well…

He felt Legolas shift and he gasped as the slight movement sent an unexpected pain through his chest and side.

"Forgive me, love," the archer said sadly. He hated seeing the man in such horrible condition; it broke his heart.

The term of endearment sent a smile to chase away the grimace. He was extremely grateful he had Legolas by his side, especially at a time like this. He didn't know what he would do without him, and he didn't want to think about it.

"Chew these, mellon-nin," the prince commanded, wanting the man to open his eyes as well. "Sorry, we cannot risk a fire."

Estel knew exactly what that meant: first, the herbs would not taste even the least bit good; second, he had to use the ones that could go without being heated so, not only would they take longer to take affect but they wouldn't help as well as the others.

The dark-haired man nearly sighed, but stopped himself in time. Just that simple thing would have caused unbearable pain throughout his body.

It had been difficult to feed the herbs to Estel, for the movement that it required pulled the skin around his wounds, especially on his chest, sending sharp pain to shoot through his weakened body. The man wasn't even strong enough to bring his hands up to his mouth.

Legolas felt terrible for causing the man even more pain than he was already suffering, but there was nothing he could do about it. He wanted nothing more than to hold and kiss Estel. Unfortunately, he knew that definitely wouldn't comfort him. Instead, he resumed running his fingers through the dark hair, soothing Estel as he tried to think of what they could do next. If he attacker was really out to get Estel then he would be back, and he was completely helpless. He would do everything possible to protect the human, but he would be distracted since Estel was so vulnerable.

"Legolas?" Estel softly asked, curious. The elf seemed deep in thought as he stared blankly at him. It was unsettling. The hand that ran through his hair did so absentmindedly, although it was still comforting having the deft fingers there and able to do that.

The blonde shook his head; the fingers stopped. "I know not what to do," he said, sounding more lost than Estel had ever heard him sound, and it hurt.

"Legolas," the man said solemnly after a moment, "it was Eildan who attacked me."

The herbs had cleared his mind and he hoped that, since he was more coherent now, the elf would actually listen to him. He knew it was hard for Legolas to believe his friend would do such a thing, but… he needed him to.

Legolas opened and closed his mouth but no sound came out. He just didn't know what to say. He had thought that they were over this. "It is not possible, Estel," he finally managed to say firmly. He loved Estel and trusted him with his life, but he couldn't believe that his friend would do such a thing to someone needlessly and he was sure Estel had done nothing to provoke him. Indeed, they had been together nearly every waking moment.

"I did not imagine it. Be wary of him, Legolas," Estel said sternly, locking his eyes with the elf's. Despite the strong sound of his voice, it was becoming increasingly difficult to stay awake. He had seen Legolas give him the sleeping herbs along with the healing ones; if he had been more alert he would have stopped him. Now, however, it was too late and the stubborn prince still didn't believe him. He had no idea how he could change his mind, and he feared there was no way. He just hoped the elf would at least heed his advice.

The reassuring smile given to him as he closed his eyes did anything but that, for he knew Legolas' trusting nature could be their downfall—or his.

Estel fought the herbs but could do nothing as they forced him to succumb and fall into a healing sleep, even with the dangers.

Legolas sighed deeply once the man's breathing fell into a steady rhythm and his body became relaxed. He wanted to just flop back to the ground and pretend this hadn't happened but he could do no such thing. Things had been going so well not too long ago and they were so close to the palace; only hours away—two at best. He would make a break for it; however, they would be far too open to their enemy. If he had his common sense, he would realize he was in denial. The elder elf was such a close friend; had been almost since he was born. He didn't want to believe the betrayal and refused to.

Hours passed and he was beginning to think that it was safe. He often checked Estel's injuries, making sure an infection didn't set in. He didn't know what he'd do then.

Maybe he could get them back to their horses and go from there. But could he risk it? Estel's condition was already strained as it was. He feared that he wouldn't be able to handle the long ride. They had done it with some serious injuries before, though.

Looking down at Estel and the wince that was present even while he slept, he figured they would have to get out of there soon. Estel needed someone who was an expert with the healing arts; not someone who merely knew the basics.

The cave grew darker and darker with the passing of day into night and, still, he dared not start a fire, not with the potential threat of the attacker on the loose.

A couple hours later, Legolas started and snapped his head from Estel to the cave's entrance. The noise was just barely there and he had to wonder if he had even heard it or imagined it.

Gently lifting Estel's head from his lap, he laid him down just as carefully, trying not to disturb him.

Picking up his twin knives, the prince crept to the entrance warily, keeping low, knives at the ready.

He heard the sound again. There was definitely someone there.

He crouched as he waited. They rounded the corner and he stood there in shock.

"Eildan!" he shouted, lowering his knives out of habit—he never raised a weapon against a friend.

"I finally found you," the elder elf said, sounding relieved, and he was. He could get his chance again. He was mad at himself for failing the first time. It shouldn't have been a problem getting rid of a human. If only Legolas had shown up later. He'd have to think of some way to convince his prince to leave the human in his care and he knew that wouldn't be an easy task.

"What happened? I heard what sounded like swords," Eildan continued innocently. "Where's Estel?" he added with the pretense of concern. Had to put his façade back into place, after all. Also, he needed to know where the human was if he were to come up with another plan. He has to be here somewhere, he thought as he glanced around.

"Someone attacked him and he was severely injured," Legolas answered, watching Eildan closely for his reaction. He seemed genuinely surprised as his eyes widened and he failed to say anything.

The younger elf nodded towards the back of the cave. "He's resting there."

"Is he alright?" the brown-eyed elf questioned in mock-concern. He did wonder just how injured the man was, though.

Legolas scrutinized him for a moment and then said, "Come take a look at him." He knew the elder elf had more experience with healing, though not much. He figured that if he had missed something Eildan would correct it.

The archer had sheathed his knives and now led his friend to the injured young man that was farther in the cave. He had thought it had been a good idea to settle him down back there so he would be harder to spot. It seemed to have worked out since Eildan hadn't even known he was there.

Honestly, Legolas was relieved to be able to check up on Estel, for he was worried about his ailing health. He didn't like being away from him when he was in his current condition either.

They were quickly within sight of Estel and Legolas hurried to be beside him. He kneeled down next to him and looked him over, making sure that nothing had changed for the worse. It hadn't, and he was relieved.

Eildan clenched his fist in anger and jealousy as he watched Legolas gently brush Estel's hair to the side and lovingly take care of him. It took every ounce of his willpower to hold back, to not do something rash.

He joined Legolas and checked over the young human, wanting nothing more than to wrap his fingers around the tanned neck and squeeze tightly. With the injuries he had now, it wouldn't have taken much longer, for Estel would have collapsed or faltered from either exhaustion or blood loss. Now, however, he had to wait. Again.

Eildan looked up and saw the questioning gaze of Legolas, who obviously wanted the results.

"He shall be alright. He was lucky." Lucky that Legolas had shown up when he had.

Legolas was glad he had given the dark-haired man the sleeping herbs, otherwise he would have been awoken by the ministrations and, not only did he need the rest, but he would have been alarmed with Eildan's presence. Thus far, Legolas had seen nothing suspicious from his friend. He had been keeping a close watch on Eildan, for he trusted Estel's judgement, but he just could not see the reasoning behind his accusations. Why would Eildan do such a thing? He didn't know what to think of any of this. All he knew was that he needed Estel to be well again.

Eildan's words were both reassuring and unnerving, however. He wasn't quite sure about the latter since Estel really was lucky, for he could have died. He supposed it was just the way in which Eildan had spoken the words, almost like he was exited, like he wanted the man to have been unlucky.

It had to be his imagination.

Yes, Legolas has major denial issues. xD

Let me know what ya think. n.n

Ja ne