Disclaimer: I do not own LotR, of course.

Warning: Slash, A/L! And one-sided OC/Legolas.

So sorry it took so long! I didn't get the time to type it up, which is prob'ly mostly my fault, but also my friends'! We've been playing a lot of pool. xD The next chapter won't take as long; I promise (and hope I can keep to it). n.n;;

Thank you for the continued reviews, they're very much appreciated and help the progress of this fic. n.n

Hope you all enjoy chapter four. n.n

Jealousy Wrought

Chapter Four: Wearing Thin

Legolas wanted nothing more than to sleep, to let elven dreams take him away, but his worry and the need to take care of Estel wouldn't allow it.

"Sleep, mellon-nin, I shall watch over him," Eildan offered again. He had thought he finally got another chance; with the archer so torn emotionally he was exhausted. However, the prince was beyond stubborn, refusing to sleep for even a short while, promises of being awoken soon, and whenever Estel regained consciousness doing nothing to dissuade him.

The more time that passed, the more frustrated Eildan became. He was gritting his teeth within hours, his patience wearing thin. Luckily for him, Legolas was too focused on Estel to notice.

Again, his response was a shake of golden hair and he quickly said, "I'm fine."

Even though Legolas trusted his old friend, Estel didn't, going so far as saying it was he who had attacked him. Now, he still had an extremely difficult time believing that, but he took the man's feelings into consideration, staying close by his side, unable to leave him at Eildan's mercy. It wasn't like Estel to carelessly make such an accusation so, for all he knew, the human could be right. However, he needed proof, for his heart couldn't even handle the thought of such a betrayal on Eildan's part.

By morning, Eildan was ready to give up and just kill the human while Legolas watched; it would serve him right. The young elf had led him on. It hadn't been until his and Estel's sudden relationship that it seemed he wanted someone else. But he didn't believe it. Nay, Legolas was just playing hard to get. Once the human was out of the picture Legolas would realize who he really wanted. He would make sure of it.

It was with these thoughts that a desperate plan began to take root and sprout within his jealous-wracked mind.

Legolas had barely moved while Estel lay in his lap, the blue orbs reflecting the man's face as he caringly watched over him, observant for any changes. Still, he kept his ears alert to his surroundings, making sure that no one entered or moved about without his knowledge, despite his outward appearance of being oblivious. He listened to his friend as well, aware of how much he fidgeted and wondering if he should be worried by it.

Just as he didn't move, he neither ate nor drank anything, and Eildan made it his business to watch over the archer, waiting for his chance. He was actually surprised that Estel still hadn't woken up, though not disappointed.

"I shall go check on the horses," Eildan stated, standing up. He needed to get out of there, at least for a while.

Legolas had voiced his concern for their horses early. He loved his stallion and didn't want anything to happen to him. He knew that Estel felt the same towards his own horse as well. At first he had been torn between going after their horses and staying with his love. However, he just couldn't bring himself to leave the man's side and had been extremely grateful when Eildan offered to look. The elder elf loved his horse, too, it had been by his side for years now. Besides that, he needed to prove that he was trustworthy again as he had noted the look of wariness in the crystal-blue eyes.

Of course, he had found them and then had brought them near the cave where they grazed; they didn't have to go that far for water either.

He knew that the horses would be having no problems, nothing had been heard or seen and there was nothing to spook them.

But he still couldn't forget the feel of Legolas' arms wrapped around him. The thought sent shivers down his spine. He wanted to feel that again. More than anything.

He knew this. However, he had come out for the fresh air. He still felt the effects of the suffocating darkness of the cave and felt vulnerable while in it, although it was foolish, for nothing resided in the endless mouth besides a wearied elf and an injured human. The two had been fortunate to find such refuge; it was rare to find anything similar (without something inhabiting it) in these times. It had been unfortunate on his part but it no longer mattered since he knew what to do. There was no way the human would escape from him this time.

Eildan grinned maliciously as he pet his horse's neck absentmindedly.

………

Legolas watched as Eildan went to tend to their horses. He was very appreciative that the guard had been able to find them and bring them back. He had been ecstatic to hear the horses as Eildan tried to soothe them. In fact, it had been the only time that he had left Estel's side even if it was only for a couple of minutes as he hadn't been able to be away any longer than that. Before going back to Estel, however, he had excitedly hugged Eildan, thanking him. Then he pet the horses and ran back to be with his love.

He had felt a huge weight lift from his shoulders after that and he was able to calmly wait for Estel to wake up… for a while, in any case.

Legolas sighed in relief when his friend left. He didn't know why, though, and he gave it no thought. He needed to take care of Estel; not Eildan.

He rested his hand on the man's chest, feeling the reassuring rhythm.

The elf leaned forward, cautious of Estel's injuries and kissed his forehead lovingly. He wished he was well and could enjoy their remaining time. With the way things were going, they would miss their deadline; he wondered if his father would send out a search party, for he was never late unless something happened.

A few hours later, Legolas frowned deeply.

Estel's breathing had become labored and he groaned, shifting as if to escape something.

The archer wrapped his arm around the man's shoulder and he pressed the other on his head, a thumb rubbing his forehead soothingly as he tried to calm him down, the struggling would only cause Estel more pain and compromise healing.

Legolas' frown deepened when he did this, however. It seemed, despite his best efforts, the human had contracted a fever.

"Be calm, Estel, all is well," he tried to assure him.

Eildan returned and saw his friend's expression. He went next to the two and kneeled beside him.

"What is it?" he questioned, leaning forward to see what was going on. He couldn't help the rush of excitement at the complication, which was easily hidden from the worry-filled elf before him.

"He burns with fever," the archer distractedly answered, still trying to stop Estel's erratic movements.

"One of the wounds must be infected," the elder elf reasoned; it was probably due to blood loss as well. He truly didn't care either way since it made things easier for him. With Estel in an even weaker state; both physically and mentally, his task would take a lot less effort on his part.

Humans and their numerous weaknesses.

He didn't understand what Legolas could possibly see in him.

After minutes of caring words, Legolas was finally able to get Estel to settle down. The man had blearily opened his glazed, stormy eyes, troubled with fever and unable to focus.

He whispered a quiet, "Legolas," in relief and the eyes closed again, his body too exhausted to keep going.

This increased Legolas' deep-seeded worry and he had quickly checked over all the man's injuries, hoping to rid him of his fever as fast as possible.

Legolas had foolishly left his supplies back at their campsite as he had been too fearful of Estel's life—with good reason! Because of this, however, he only had the herbs Estel carried on his sword belt. Neither did Eildan have healing supplies; he wasn't even sure if the guard had brought them in the first place.

Eildan had started a fire so the herbs would have a better effect, telling Legolas not to concern himself with Estel's attacker; he would fight him off if need be—he nearly laughed at just the thought. It really didn't matter, though, Legolas was too focused on helping Estel to honestly care. He would fight to protect his love if it came to that.

The fire also gave Eildan the perfect opportunity.

The elder elf made the tea for the human, putting the needed herbs into it.

They roused the fevered Estel long enough to get him to drink it and then let him slip back into dreams.

Eildan turned towards Legolas when he let out a deep breath. He placed a hand on the archer's shoulder and reassured him, "Worry not, he will be well." So it was a lie…

The human just looked so vulnerable, so weak; he wanted to end the miserable existence already. If he didn't, soon he would surely go mad.

Legolas smiled at him gratefully, oblivious to his friend's thoughts, and turned his attention back to Estel.

Eildan bit his lip and let it go. It wouldn't matter soon enough, after all.

Even with the amount of time that passed, Legolas didn't take care of himself at all. Eildan drank some water but, even when offered, the prince wouldn't lift a finger from Estel.

He was almost afraid his plan wouldn't work. Almost.

Another hour later and he could no longer wait. He had done everything he could in order to keep himself preoccupied. He had regained Legolas' trust as well, with how he had been helping him with Estel. Luckily for him, the human still hadn't been aware enough to notice him.

He had maintained the fire since he needed it for his plan.

The brown-eyed elf looked to Legolas and then followed his gaze to the man lying still in his lap with a wet cloth on his forehead.

He nodded to himself. It was perfect. Legolas needed something to drink and eat, though.

Minutes later and Eildan had just that as he sat next to the archer.

It was a good thing he had kept his supplies attached to his horse so they did have those few items.

"Drink this, mellon-nin," he said caringly as he held a cup of tea out for the younger elf to take. "You need to keep up your strength." Of course it would take longer still for an elf to lose their strength from not eating or drinking but both knew it would happen at this rate, especially with the emotional strain of Estel's condition.

Therefore, bringing his eyes up from Estel, Legolas finally decided to take the offered drink gratefully. He needed to be there for Estel and couldn't pass out for neglecting his own health. He was sure the man would scold him for doing such a thing, too.

Eildan smiled warmly, deceivingly and took a drink out of his own cup.

Legolas did the same and, not realizing how thirsty he had really been, he quickly drank the rest.

"Has his fever lowered yet?" the elder elf asked after a moment, making sure to give it time.

The prince blinked at him a couple times before the question registered. He shook his head, clearing it. "Nay," he sadly replied, though the tone was tinged with slight confusion.

"Pity." It was said with such contempt that Legolas' eyes widened and he snapped his head in Eildan's direction.

"What did you do?" the archer demanded, but his voice was quiet and slow, eyelids drooping.

"Nothing, my love," Eildan said with a wild grin, stroking Legolas' cheek in a display of mock-tenderness.

Legolas' dulling blue eyes were blanketed with fear as he realized what his friend had done: he had slipped him a sleeping herb.

Eyelids getting heavier, his sight fell on to Estel, guilt gripping his heart tightly. He should have listened!

Estel's heavy breathing and sweat-glistened body was the last thing he saw before the herbs pulled him under, Eildan smirking all the while.

Muahaha…

..:ahem:.. Don't forget to let me know what ya thought, alright? Just don't hurt me, 'kay? Next chapter will definitely be out sooner than this one… I hope. -.-

(Possible info: http / nightshadow131 .livejournal .com)

Ja ne