Chapter 6

Another chapter after a long day! Excuses for the errors! ^^" Thank you for reading!

****************

Aragorn stood still inside his dark pavilion, with his arms locked, crossed and stiff above his chest, and wearing a deep frown upon his face. It was the middle of the night and the men were already back on to their respective duties, leaving the comfort of their seats and their tasty ales, to be back as the vigilant and alert Rangers of the North.

Aragorn was saved by Halbarad from the duties and was told to rest for the night, but the lone man found it impossible to rest for a part of him was still missing. Legolas had not yet returned from the woods with Rohimnūn of Gondor, or who ever he might be, and Aragorn found it disturbing. They have been gone for more than an hour now (Aragorn had been constantly on the look out for them but was unsuccessful to see their return), nobody saw them return much to the other's dismay as well. Annoyance consumed Aragorn the whole night for how could Legolas come with a man he barely knew? Does he have to follow them- see what they were up to?

He was in the midst of wondering what they might have been doing when he heard their approaching voices from somewhere not far. With a bolt, he strode to his bed and tucked himself in as fast as he could and refrained from moving. He did not know what drove him to do so but he realized he did not want Legolas to see him. With in moments he heard their voices, much clearer and closer this time and as they draw closer he could hear them talk...

"…I would very much love to see that…."

"Then why not come back with me then, Legolas? I can tour you out to the whole Kingdom! And as I have told you of Ithiliens' beauty- it is not a sight to miss! Especially with your kind! So what say you? Care to come?"

The voice was strong and confident, Aragorn was surprised at how deep it was but hearing the offer made Aragorn's eyes shot out of his sockets as his fear was confirmed: why this man was wooing Legolas! His Legolas! How dare he-?

He struggled to stay still as his body was raging to go outside and confront the man when he heard the elf's voice answer,

"That is kind of you, but no. I would really much like to go but not without my Master."

"Master?" Rohimnūn's voice rang out.

Master? Ah… that would be me… Aragorn thought quickly, his mind racing. Gladness swept over him as his excited heart was lifted out of its place- Yes! Tell him what I am to you!

"The one I must protect," amended Legolas quickly, "Aragorn."

"Aragorn would not be cruel enough to keep you from your happiness." came the honest reply and Aragorn was startled. That was a big throw…

He wished he was there to defend himself yet under circumstances he felt like it would be improper to jump at them from no where… But then, it was improper to eavesdrop too…

Silence followed the man's statement and Aragorn found himself waiting anxiously for Legolas' response.

"It is not about him being cruel, Rohimnūn, do not say that," says the Elf quietly after sometime with the hint of patience and warning, "but of me. I would not be cruel enough to leave him to his fate."

Aragorn felt a sigh of relief leave his lips. He found his heart thumping loudly in his chest and he feared Legolas and Rohimnūn would hear.

"That's my Elf…" he murmured, smiling silently.

"Ah…if that is the case, then," started the now hesitating voice of Rohimnūn, "then I might as well invite the captain."

Aragorn frowned. What made you think I would come?

"That is well-thought of you," answered Legolas sincerely, "You may talk to him in daylight; I expect he is resting right now… he's been tired, he did not rest much on the way."

"I understand. Well then, I suppose I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Of course."

Silence followed their words and Aragorn closed his eyes. Visions of the Elf entered his mind and his hearing became acute to that of the Elven feet that entered the pavilion for they were light as feather. He could sense Legolas stopping by to look at him from the dark so he eased himself and waited for drowsiness to take him, and when it did, the last he remembered was Legolas' eyes boring on his back and the smile that had stayed on his lips.

-----------------------------------

Dawn was setting; the sun was ready to rise up to its throne, and the Rangers of the North were up to the speed of the morning sunlight, ready to tackle another day, and inside his pavilion sat the chieftain of the Rangers, thinking in isolation as he found himself alone once more.

I'll stay with him today, Aragorn decided silently as he put on his boots and get ready to rise up, He shouldn't feel alone…not with him…

He wore his tunic and other garments, then grabbed his sword, placing it neatly on his side and strode outside where he knew Legolas would be.

It was the Elf who first saw him and was the first to greet him that morning and to Aragorn's relief, no sign of Ranger of Gondor beside him.

"Have you had your breakfast?" the ranger asked as he faced the Elf.

"I was waiting for you." said Legolas with a smile. Aragorn smiled in return,

"Then come, we should not miss the food." He replied and they walked side by side toward the table where the foods were set. To Aragorn's dismay, however, the table was occupied by Rohimnūn and Halbarad who were talking quietly. They were both serious and silent and as he and Legolas draw nearer, the attention was turned to them.

"Aragorn! Come and join us! Legolas!" called Halbarad from then, with a wave of his hand. Aragorn smiled politely, and led by Legolas they made their way toward the table and sat side by side, serving themselves with the food at hand. When they were all served, Halbarad spoke lightly.

"Aragorn, you must have recognized Rohimnūn? He was the one I spoke to you about. He comes here from Gondor to give us tidings."

"So I see," said Aragorn, looking fixedly at Rohimnūn in the eye. He scrutinized him with his grey eyes and Rohimnun returned the gaze with the same gravity before bowing a little. The man bore the same black hair likewise to most of the rangers, grey eyes, strong and broad arms and shoulders and if Aragorn was not mistaken, a captain or some sort to his former land. Rangers of Gondor or Rangers of Ithilien, are known distant relatives to them, the Numenoreans. "It must have been a long journey for you, and such strong sense of loyalty for Gondor, you have."

Rohimnun was looking at Legolas when the praise was delivered and it took him time to respond. He turned to gaze back to Aragorn and in his eyes, something glinted- was it malice? It was a seething gaze at first but it quickly faded away.

"Duty calls, Lord Aragorn." he answered, "We rangers are bound to it no matter, like you are bound to yours."

"What news of Ithilien?" asked Aragorn and there was no sign of contempt in his voice but plain curio, "Words have reached us that it's been swarming up with both goblins and Orcs and evil men…"

"That is precisely it." supplied Rohimnūn simply, "I am sent here by orders, Lord Aragorn to give tidings and I did. The help we asked for will soon be granted by your rangers."

"It shall be." nodded Halbarad with a serious frown, "how many do you need?"

Rohimnūn turned to Halbarad swiftly.

"As many as you can give us while not endangering this side of the North for their absence." Then with a glance to Legolas, he turned his whole attention to Aragorn, "And I am thinking of having you to command them, Lord Aragorn."

Aragorn, who had just took a sip of water from his mug, choked back in surprise and quickly drew the mug away from his lips. Legolas helped him with it and tapped him on the back while the man's mind was racing…Leading the rangers there would mean going to Ithilien! Aye! The wit of this man!...Going to Gondor... But it is duty. I shall not abandon Gondor to its ruin…

"No."

The three people on the table looked up at Halbarad who spoke. The wise Ranger had his eyes on Aragorn and there was a frown on his face. Aragorn knew exactly what was on the man's mind and this made him square his shoulders and think.

Legolas looked at Halbarad and knew what he was thinking too and decided he was right. Going out onto the field means giving Aragorn's enemies a chance to attack and Halbarad would not risk it, and neither will he. He turned to Rohimnūn and shook his head.

"I do not think Aragorn should go either."

Rohimnūn looked from Halbarad to Legolas with an evident confusion in his face.

"I do not-?"

"Aragorn shall remain here, Rohimnūn, nothing more of that matter." says Halbarad firmly, piercing Aragorn a deadly look as if daring him to oppose, "There are other good rangers here who could lead them and they will not be reluctant to follow you either."

"But-!" started the man again but Halbarad gave a final gesture of his hand and stood up. Looking at them all, he gave a small bow and left with out a word.

They followed him with their eyes then stared at one another.

"I am sorry." said Aragorn and he really meant it. He bowed his head and stood up too, forgetting about his other worries, he walked on to think. Legolas was on his heels quicker than the wind and they both disappeared among the rangers who were walking on the field. Rohimnun watched them go and the frown on his face deepened. He was about to stand up when he spotted a ranger walking by quietly on his own.

"I beg you pardon, brother." He said standing up to meet the man, "I would want to ask a few questions…"

----------------------------------

Legolas was on Aragorn's trail as they walked on about the camp. It was sometime before the Elf realized where they were heading to: the stables. The man stopped to his horse's side and stayed silent while Legolas stood still on the entrance, watching him.

"You know you should not go to Gondor." voiced the Elf then. Aragorn did not look up at first but patted his horse and stayed silent. Legolas became patient as he wondered what was playing on his Master's head. To help was his Master's favorite past time so to speak and an opportunity like this was not something to miss for him. Yet under circumstances…

"Don't you want to go to Gondor?" asked the man suddenly and Legolas was caught off guard.

"Me?" he asked blinking. Aragorn lifted his eyes to look at him quietly.

"Yes. Ithilien's a beauty you should not miss." Or as he said, which is true…He added bitterly.

Legolas remained silent for a while as he watched Aragorn with curious eyes then answered.

"I will go there if you will…but not this time. You must stay here."

Aragorn threw Legolas a look and at that moment the Elf saw both guilt and defiance in his eyes. It did not last and the calm grey eyes returned gloomily.

"I can look after myself." He said in bitter resentment. "I can kill, if must, those who pursue me. I have travelled to Bree with no more than a single scratch and I manage to get here unharmed. What is there to ask?"

Legolas walked closer to Aragorn and stood beside him. He was aware how strong his Master was yet something was amiss his knowledge…the way how Halbarad fret for Aragorn's life was suspicious… Clearly something more than vengeful enemies are out there… But why?

"It would be better if you stay in this place. It's safer here."

Aragorn responded with a soft chuckle and murmured under his breath, "There is no safer place for me…not anymore…"

Legolas' eyes narrowed and for a moment both of them remained quiet, lost for words and their own silent contemplation. Aragorn stroked his horse quietly and patted its head. Tending to his horse eased his heart than walking in isolation undisturbed, and he did not miss the presence of his Elf who chose to be with him than to sit with Rohimnūn under the glorified daylight. Slowly calming down, he turned to smile at his elven companion.

"Strange it is that you should stay here with me in this hollowed stable, than be out in the sunlight where most of your kin would prefer."

Legolas did not miss the hidden sarcasm in the voice, but it sure made his heart go lighter. He raised his eyebrows up to heaven, trying not to smile as he did and inclined his head on his side.

"I was under the impression that a servant always follows his Master." He said.

Aragorn grinned and shook his head.

"You need not be my servant if not for your persistence. Why did you opt to be one? You have freedom to go anywhere you want."

"I don't have a place to go to." said Legolas quickly, standing straight, "And if it is the case you should know how important it is for an Elf to have a place they belong to. And I belong to you."

Aragorn pretended to stroke his horse…

Too many dangers he has been in, too many breathtaking events have been on his memory, yet nothing can beat the way how his heart would skip a beat over and over every time his elf would say such things.

And that was just too damned straight...again...

He was about to respond when the atmosphere suddenly changed. Legolas felt it too and both of them observed their surrounding. Their surrounding suddenly intensified as if it was on fire. The two looked at each other and just then, running feet distracted them both and they looked at the entrance where a ranger suddenly appeared, looking faze.

"The nearby village has been under attack by orcs!" he told them urgently, "Halbarad ordered me to find you, sir! Many has been wounded, they are being carried by those who escaped!"

Aragorn and Legolas did not linger; they both jumped into action, striding past the ranger into the daylight. It was a chaos- that's what they saw when they went out.

The horses that were on the field were being used and half the ranger wore their battle gears as Legolas and Aragorn walked passed them to witness it. They were all moving in motion, swiftly and securely, riding the horses with firm hands. Some injured people were being brought in and the elf and man did their best to assist them to the shelter.

"Aragorn!" called Halbarad from his horse. Aragorn looked up and saw him equipped with shield and sword and a frown. "Stay here! Tend to that wounded!"

Aragorn nodded and set back on the wounded people while Legolas was on the rear.

"Move out!" Halbarad's voice rang through the whole camp and hooves of horses could be heard, and the ground shook in motion. Aragorn was the one to lead every one in tending the injured as the tent becomes more crowded with injured people. Many of the rangers were good at tending the wounded but no one can surpass Aragorn's knowledge. He was skilled at it, as Legolas observed and it was without hesitation that his orders were followed by those who were around him.

"Heat some water…this injury here has been poisoned…Orc blade…curse them… that little one why is he still bleeding? Go get more blankets! My lady it will be fine… just close your eyes and I will take care of it… No, do not touch that, it has been infected, let me take care of it… Legolas I need more pressure…"

The day passed slower than Legolas had anticipated and for an Elf, that was saying something. They became busy with running to every patient and orders from the healer and securing the safety of their area at the same time. Legolas was always beside Aragorn, helping him as he was allowed. The procedure of the healing was familiar to him and he remembered how Aragorn tended to his wounds when he was injured the first time they met. It was without a doubt that he knew all the victims were in good hands... It was sometime before he remembered Lord Elrond as Aragorn's Elven father... it was no wonder he was so good at it...

It was in mid afternoon that some of them were able to lay low and rest. Some would still constantly check the wounded and Aragorn was among them. Legolas did not tire of tending to those who were wounded but he became concerned for his Master. It was already past noon and the man still had not taken notice of weariness and the need to eat.

When all were quiet, he followed Aragorn in one of the tents and gently touched his shoulder. The man quickly looked at him in surprise.

"You should rest now." He told him softly and waited for a response.

Aragorn stood straight and watched an old man breath out shallowly in his sleep. He then shook his head and muttered,

"Orcs swarms the place as we speak… and my people are out there fighting. And I am stuck here."

Legolas did not recognize the voice nor did he like the way it sounded. What he did was to tap Aragorn's shoulder and gently lead him out of the tent. The man did not struggle but followed his lead until they were both outside the shelter, breathing the air of midday. From the day light Legolas saw how pale Aragorn had become and how tired his eyes were.

"I will prepare a meal for you… could you go and rest in your tent?" Legolas asked him quietly. Aragorn briefly glanced at the shelter where they were keeping the wounded then to the blue eyes of his companion. He then nodded and turned towards his pavilion without a word. Legolas watched his back, then made his way to the storage, making quick stride as he did.

------------------

Aragorn was in no great mood as he went for his area. He did not feel tired, not at all. On the contrary, he was frustrated. What was the use of going here if Halbarad would see to it that he went for no danger at all? That he would not do as other rangers would do and stay hidden for safety? It was one thing to be the one to protect…but be the one to be protected?

"Aragorn."

Aragorn did not notice the presence that was almost upon him for he was so lost in thought. He looked up and saw that it was Rohimnūn, who stood just about his tent with a serious look on his face.

"Rohimnūn," he muttered, pretending to sound unsurprised. "What brings you here?"

The man of Gondor did not answer but merely looked at him with curious eyes. Aragorn lifted his eyes and waited, they were alone. The man did not look threatening… neither was he intimidating… but something about him was not to be liked…

"I understand why you cannot go to Gondor." Rohimnūn started with visible pity on his eyes. Aragorn paused and stared at him fixedly, but when he did not say anything the man continued, "I am disappointed to hear that you cannot come, your life's being threatened? It is understandable, but I do ask you to let Legolas come with me."

Aragorn's eyes glinted dangerously and for a moment Rohimnūn thought the chieftain was going to pull his sword. Aragorn raised an eyebrow and said rather thickly,

"And why are you asking this of me?"

"Because you are his Master." Answered the Gondorian ranger quietly, "I have been with him for sometime and have known by heart how he looks up to you. By your word he will follow. I realized that he would not come with me even if he wanted to."

Aragorn's ears were ringing. This fellow… is annoying…

"What made you think I would let my Elf throttle around with you to Gondor?" he asked testily.

Rohimnūn stepped closer to Aragorn and this time the man felt strangely threatened but he stood his ground.

"Legolas wanted to see Ithilien and you are the only one pulling him from it."

Aragorn's eyes narrowed…

"Is this some kind of a play? And I am the villain?" he squared his shoulders and locked his eyes with Rohimnūn with a threatening aura that did not miss the Southern Ranger's awareness. "I do not know why you are telling me this but I am not a fool to believe words I feel as a threat, especially from you." He let his words stung the man and felt no regret as he continued, "He is my Elf and he will bid my will and none of them would ever involve going anywhere with you. I am surprised by your actions. What pushed you to say such things?"

Rohimnūn did not answer but looked coldly at him. Aragorn drew away from him with a frown and turned to enter his tent.

"Shame on you, Aragorn!" Rohimnūn shouted fiercely from behind, "Who would have thought the Chieftain of the Dunédein would encourage slavery! You shall pay for this!"

Aragorn did not heed as he left the raging man.

Rohimnūn felt anger swelling up in him. He knew by first glance he would not like the leader of the Northern Rangers and he was right. By his action it was proven- he will not let this pass by! It was rumored to them the greatness of the Aragorn of the North, yet- by false and deceit it was all a lie! Legolas- an innocent being from heaven, was held captive by this ranger's cruelty and selfishness and he, Rohimnūn, will do anything to free him, even if it meant endangering the life of this wicked person for it was not worthy of his care.

Elves are free beings. He would give Legolas his freedom, and that is all that matters.

~TBC~

Please review and tell me what you think of it^^ Thank you!