Disclaimer: I do not own LotR.

Warnings: Slash, A/L, of course.

Sorry! …Will leave it at that.

Enjoy; it's the moment of truth! -.-

Jealousy Wrought

Chapter Seven: Blood Promise

Legolas dropped to his knee, breathing heavily. He lowered Estel to the ground before he could accidently hurt the man.

When Estel was safely on the ground, the archer allowed himself to collapse next to him. He had been carrying him for what must have been two hours, at the least. With the beginning of the following day, he had started off again, hoping to avoid Eildan for as long as possible. He wasn't sure if he was going the right way but it didn't matter, so long as he kept moving. He needed a distraction, he needed to do something, even if it did seem like it was in vain.

It was now late afternoon, and he could no longer hold Estel. Even if he was an elf, he had his limits, which he was quickly reaching and pushing. By looking at him, it was obvious, with the circles under his eyes, his pale skin. He received no rest, the feeling still held him, he had no food, no drink, took care of the injured and fevered Estel constantly without regard for himself.

He couldn't move. Had no energy to even try. Therefore, he merely shifted his gaze to fall on Estel. The man's condition did nothing to motivate him, for he was the same as he had been the past few hours.

Someone was on their way. They had to be. There was no possible way for Estel—maybe even himself—to survive if they weren't.

They were too far from the palace, too exhausted; they would never make it. As it was, Legolas couldn't even lift a finger, and Estel wasn't even conscious.

They had very little hope. However, the wood-elf still desperately clung on to it—for Estel. The man had to live.

Sapphire eyes were slowly covered, only to be seen again moments later as the prince forced his unwilling body to cooperate with him and stay awake. There was no time for sleep; no time for rest.

He forced himself to flip over, to face his love.

It was as far as he got, though, when his drained body stopped listening.

The blue orbs stayed trained on Estel's still body, watching unblinkingly as if he expected the man to suddenly awaken and be well again.

Legolas had no idea how long he laid there, how long he had just stared, and honestly didn't care at this point. He hadn't recovered enough strength, and probably wouldn't in his condition. He needed drink and food, and rest.

But… Estel.

He needed Estel.

Slowly, he blinked.

He managed to push himself up into a sitting position.

He breathed deeply and let it out slowly.

He had to move on. For Estel.

Legolas stood on shaky legs. Then, he stooped down and picked up the unconscious human.

The archer took another deep breath and forced his legs to move on.

However, even with his fierce determination, his body couldn't keep up and it gave in half an hour later. Somehow he managed to find a safe place beforehand, though, and now he waited, hoping, praying for help.

Legolas heard a sudden sound from Estel and snapped his attention towards him. Was he finally waking up?

"That's it, Estel. Wake up, love," he encouraged gently, kneeling next to the dark-haired man. He couldn't help but feel a rush of relief at this turn; it filled him with hope.

When the stormy eyes opened, he nearly shouted in excitement. He knew that Estel would more than likely have a headache, however, and didn't wish to make him feel any worse. Therefore, he contained himself… somewhat.

Legolas smoothed the man's tangled hair, smiling down at him lovingly.

He was ecstatic to be able to talk to Estel during this time, extremely grateful for the human's awareness, even if he didn't know exactly what was happening—it was great seeing him awake. Of course he soon fell back into sleep, but it was to be expected and Legolas couldn't help but still feel the relief that continued to wash through him, giving him some hope.

About an hour later, the feeling that had tightly gripped him before was growing stronger. It was time for him to be on guard again; the feeling made it easy, for it made him be alert. He would never receive any type of rest so long as it hung about, especially not if it continued to rise.

Unsheathing his twin knives once again, he kneeled to protect his love. Something was going on and he was going to make sure no harm befell Estel—never again.

"Show yourself!" Legolas finally shouted knives ready to dig in to the flesh of whoever threatened his Estel. There was no point to the silence he had tried to withhold, for the strange presence obviously knew of him. He figured he might as well try to draw them out; that way he would be able to get this over with as well. Who knew how long the both of them would last…

A few agonizing moments later, which he nearly broke down during, Legolas heard a chuckle. He couldn't help but feel like he had heard it somewhere before, but the cruelty in it wasn't recognized.

A figure clad in tan and dark green jumped down from the trees ahead of him.

The archer quickly stood tall, determined to show no weakness. He couldn't help but wonder how long he had been watching them.

"Eildan…" The name was said almost pleadingly, as if he still desperately grasped on to the hope that the guard would change his mind about Estel, about him.

"So, he survived, huh?" the brown-eyed elf asked regretfully. "Such a shame."

The first words spoken between them and they were nothing but hostile. There was no way Legolas was able to cling onto any hope of his old friend returning to him or giving up on Estel. Then again, he wouldn't be able to forgive Eildan for what he had done.

Legolas said nothing, just stared at the one who had betrayed him, forlorn, deeply hurt.

"Be not sad, this shall all be over soon, and then… we can be together," Eildan crooned, grin playing on his lips. Everything he did was all for Legolas. He would soon see his mistake, realize his true love.

Eildan flicked his gaze to the right of Legolas and quickly back again, inwardly smirking. It looked like Estel was still unconscious and having difficulties by how fast he was breathing. He could tell how well the human was even from the distance.

Legolas narrowed his eyes at Eildan, not trusting the guard—even if he wished he could.

The young elf closed his eyes briefly in despair, wishing he was anywhere but there, fighting anymore but Eildan.

"We do not have to do this, Eildan," Legolas tried to reason with the determined elf. He moved slightly, more protectively for Estel. No matter what, the man would live.

"No, we don't. However, he"—Eildan nodded towards Estel—"needs to go. Then everything will be perfect."

Legolas shook his head sadly. "Nay, Eildan. I cannot be with you, not in the way you want. I love Estel," he said sincerely, hoping despite himself, that the mad elf would believe him and not continue with his foolish endeavor. He really didn't want to fight him. "Without him I shall fade."

And it was the utmost truth. He knew that for a fact. Estel was his life.

"No!" the guard shouted, startling Legolas with the abruptness. "Why do you say such things! Me! You love me! You are mine!"

The determination in the words and in the deep brown eyes sent stabs of fear through Legolas' heart. He had no idea what to do and he knew Eildan would stop at nothing. He couldn't help but wonder where he had gotten the idea that he liked him, but he couldn't say or do anything to convince him otherwise, he realized.

"Eildan…" he started sadly, but stopped short, not knowing what to say.

Before he even had a chance to give it another thought, Eildan went for the attack, leaping towards him, going after the helpless Estel.

Legolas immediately went into action and made sure he would be able to block any and all attacks that Eildan would make against his love.

Eildan stopped, wide-eyed; taken aback by the move to protect Estel. "Move aside," he all but commanded his prince.

Legolas stood his ground, eyes gleaming with determination.

When it was obvious the young elf wasn't going to budge Eildan sighed dramatically. He really didn't want to hurt his Legolas. However, if he had to in order to get the human out of the way, he would. No choice now.

"Please," the archer begged, brokenly.

"Sorry, love," Eildan replied, not sounding meaningful at all.

This time there was no hesitation in the way Eildan went in for the kill; he merely held back since he knew Legolas would try to stop him. Couldn't have his elf dying on him.

Legolas blocked the forceful attack, gritting his teeth at the impact. He pushed back, and thrust a knife at Eildan. He would protect Estel, even if he really didn't want to hurt Eildan. Therefore, he stood firm between Estel and Eildan, refusing to stand down.

However, after minutes of fight, Legolas was wearing down. With the feelings from before—and worry for Estel—leaving him with no sleep, it was hard for him to stay on guard; his movements slowed. The exhaustion was creeping back into him again to replace the adrenaline he had gotten from the threat on Estel's life.

Eildan scored several hits against Legolas, most of which were superficial, except for one that bit into his shoulder, causing a knife to fall uselessly to the ground.

The elder elf smirked in satisfaction. There was no way he could lose this. Then he would have Estel out of the way and Legolas would be his.

If he had any sense left in him he would have realized how farfetched this thinking was.

The momentary pause in the fight from Legolas unexpectedly losing his weapon, quickly stopped, and they resumed. However, the prince fared no better. Soon he was doing nothing but trying to defend himself, unable to put up an offense.

Legolas knew he was losing it; he knew it but couldn't give up. He had to protect Estel. He wouldn't be able to survive in his condition.

As the unwanted fight continued—with more cuts and gashes included—the young elf started to try and think of other things he might be able to do, some type of strategy that would allow him to halt the fight; that way he would have a chance. He had never won anything against Eildan that involved combat, besides archery. That hardly helped in this situation.

All the while Legolas was extremely worried about Estel. Keep your focus on Eildan, he kept telling himself.

Suddenly, Eildan kicked at his knee, trying to throw him off balance. He easily blocked him. In order to do so with only one knife, however, he had left his side open. It was exactly what Eildan was expecting and he took full advantage. Quickly thrusting his sword at the open flesh, he heard Legolas let out a small cry of pain in surprise. Before letting the opportunity pass, the elder elf kicked again; this time it made connection and sent Legolas into a nearby tree, leaving him stunned.

Eildan chuckled in triumph and turned to his real objective. He didn't want to hurt his Legolas any more than was necessary after all.

His expression almost grew mad with excitement at the helpless human before him, at the way everything was laid out for him so perfectly.

And he stood above Etsel, staring down at the pathetic existence.

Shaking his head, he still didn't understand how his prince could fall for him. It made no sense. What was so significant, so special, about him? Well, it really didn't matter; he decided when he looked over at the golden-haired archer. Not at all.

Turning his full attention back to the seemingly still form laying at his feet, he shoved at him with his booted foot, smirk in place.

He raised his blood splattered sword, gleaming brightly at the promise.

..:hides:.. Don't hurt me. I know it's been forever and then I leave you with this. Okay, this time I promise that the next update won't be as long, which gives me a good few weeks. Kidding (hopefully)! xD I already have the next chapter written (and quite a bit of the next, which is a good sign!) all I have to do is edit it… and type it up, which seems to take the longest. -.- I will be starting college soon, however. For you guys, though, I shall set things aside and update sooner. n.n;; ..:really hopes she can hold to that:..

So… yeah, just let me know what you guys think. Thank you, everyone, for your wonderful reviews. They're very much appreciated. n.n

Ja ne