Elrond's POV

Elrond was so focused on how he would go about getting his answers from the council member that he almost ran straight into his son. He twisted his body at the last second to avoid knocking the sick man to the ground.

"Ion!" He exclaimed, grabbing his son by his shaking shoulders. "What are you doing out of bed? You must rest."

Aragorn was sweating profusely and barely able to hold himself up, but his eyes held a fierce determination.

"I came to see Legolas. A guard told me that you found him and that he was at the healing wing."

"Yes, he is indeed at the healing wing, but he is resting as you should be. Come, I shall take you back to your room."

"No!" Aragorn jerked his arm away. "I am going to see Legolas with or without your help. It is my fault he is hurt. I did not look after my slave properly. I failed him."

"Oh ion-nin. You did not fail him. You could not have known what was going to happen, and even if you did, you were very ill. There was nothing you could have done." The man just stared back at him silently until Elrond heaved a sigh.

"Very well. I shall take you to his room, but you must promise me you will remain sitting." At Aragorn's nod, he grabbed his arm again and led him down the hall.

Elrond entered the dark room quietly and settled his son down on the chair beside Legolas' bed. Aragorn cried out in alarm and leaned closer to study the elf.

Elrond watched sadly, knowing his son blamed himself for everything.

"Ion," he said gently. "I have to leave. I will be back soon, but I want you to stay with him. Do not leave him for anything." Aragorn looked up, a question shining in his eyes, but Elrond didn't answer. No need to concern him in this matter.

Reluctantly, Aragorn nodded his consent and turned back to the elf. He replaced the warm rag on his brow with a fresh one, blinking hard against the tears in his eyes.

Elrond walked to the door, pausing and looking back at the pair. If he knew his son, he knew that he and Legolas had become friends, despite their situation. The thought brought a smile to the King of Rivendell.

Striding out of the room and closing the heavy doors behind him, he made his way to the torturer's chambers.

o-o-o-o-o

Ok, so really REALLY short chapter, but I'm just about to go on a trip (like leaving the car in 30 minutes) and I can't write anymore. Not my best work but I wanted to give you SOMETHING before I left because I won't be able to post anything for a week. Hope it was just enough to tide y'all over until I get back. I promise the next one will be really good and long. Deal?