A/N Back with another chapter! I'm so ready for this weekend! Hopefully I can get some stuff done that I have being meaning too... :)

Disclaimer: not mine.

Chapter Five

Aragorn managed to corner Thranduil early in the afternoon. With one look at the man's face, the king knew that he wasn't going to be thrilled with whatever he had to say, he had little doubt as to what it would. Aragorn's face was as one prepared to do serious battle.

"What?" Thranduil asked shortly, wasting no time as he turned to look at the human.

"I am ready," the human paused, taking a deep breath. "I just need to finalize my choice in a companion."

"And just whom might that be?" Thranduil asked coolly as he drew himself up to his full height. If the human dared to say the name he thought he was going to, then blood might just be shed.

"I was thinking, Hir-nin, and... Legolas truly makes the most sense." He met the kings eyes straight on, wiling to engage in battle.

"No," Thranduil said without hesitation, his eyes glinting dangerously. "He is too weak, take someone else who is stronger."

"But—"

"NO buts. That is my final say, and I am father as well as his king." Thranduil glared at the human, already ready to push past him and pick the strongest warrior he could find, with or without the man's help. Aragorn stuck out an arm, unwilling to let him pass until he had been heard out.

"That is true. But think, all that Legolas said is true as well. He trust me, you haven't seen how the other elves flinch away from me. They would just as soon go back into the forest and face down the spiders than come with him. He will actually let me care for him. Also, think, he will be the first to receive the cure."

Thranduil appeared unimpressed and Aragorn hurried on. "Ada also is familiar with Legolas. He knows what proportions work best, what herbs work particular well or not on him, etc. That may seem small, but it could save precious time. And I know that he has the strength to make this! I have seen him countless times push forward even though by looks he should be dead. I don't know where he stores it, but he always manages to find just a little bit more energy.

"He and I know how to work together. I don't have to guess what he is feeling, I know. I know what to do for him without having to guess or ask."

The king remained rooted to the spot, his eyes narrowing as he folded his arms firmly.

"No, absolutely not," he growled, shaking his head vigorously. Aragorn frowned, standing taller and straightening his back.

"Yes," he said just as stubbornly. Thranduil eyes widen in shock, his arms coming unfolded as he blinked once. It had been a long time since anyone had defied him when he had laid down the law so firmly. "Yes. I am the healer."

"Well, I am his king and his father," Thranduil repeated dangerously, leaning into the ranger's face. His voice was rising, but Aragorn only matched it.

"He is an adult! He is free to make his own choices!" He choose to ignore the part about Thranduil being king because, in reality, he had nothing to combat that with. "I am the healer. I am doing what is best for all your people, not just Legolas. He is willing." He paused, his eyes coming up to meet Thranduil's as he voice dropped almost below a whisper. "But are you willing to do what is best for your people?"

Aragorn fell silent, watching as the king opened and shut his mouth. That had been a low blow, and he knew it but if would do the trick...

"He could die…" Thranduil said at last, his voice dropping. "He is already so ill, he won't be able to stand that harsh of a journey."

"Legolas won't die," Aragorn spat the words out so sharply that he almost jumped himself. "And he will be rewarded for his sacrifice with the cure." Thranduil turned away, his hands clenching and unclenching.

"I'll…" the king paused, swallowing, "I'll bring him to the horses, then?" the faint note of bitterness was noted and when he turned to look at the human, his mask had appeared as hard and unbreakable as ever. Grabbing the king's arm, Aragorn pulled him to a stop.

"I swear by the Valar, I swear, that I will do absolutely everything in my power to keep Legolas safe. He will live, or I will die," he promised with quiet power, his eyes glistening with emotion. Thranduil shook his arm free.

"I would expect no less," he growled, fighting back from the way that his heart was pounding fast enough for three and the way that his throat was starting to swell shut. Thranduil twirled away and moved swiftly down the hall, ignoring all elves that called out for him. They could handle whatever needed handling without him for just a little while.

Slipping soundlessly into Legolas' room, he locked the door behind him and turned to face his son. Legolas was sound asleep, his mouth parted. Smiling sadly down at him, Thranduil felt a wave of unexpected motions hit him. He had slipped into his son's room so many times over the years, starting when Legolas had been but a baby. And then with the small, inquisitive, boy who had quickly turned into a strong fearless youth. Now, he was the selfless, stubborn, warrior that lay before him, struggling for breath.

Tearing his eyes away, Thranduil wrenched the closet doors open and began to carefully fold anything that he thought his son might need into a well-worn pack. His fingers began to slow of their own accord and soon they had stopped. His eyes were locked on his son, not his hands.

Legolas was all he had left.

A distant rumble of thunder and the faint splattering of yet more rain jerked him out of his thoughts and he finished the packing in record time. Kneeling next to his son, he smoothed back his sweat soaked hair.

"Legolas…," he called softly. The prince stirred, his breath catching in his chest. "Legolas, it is time to awake." The elf rolled his head to the side and Thranduil gently slide his hands under his shoulders, easing him up. He was just in time as harsh, frame quaking, coughs quickly announced Legolas' return to the living.

Patting his back firmly, Thranduil allowed Legolas to lean against him. He could fell the heat of his son's skin through the thick layers of his robes and the king closed his eyes in silent horror. He rested his free hand against the prince's brow, trying to see if his temperature had risen.

"Ada?" Legolas squinted up at his father, trying to make out who was holding him upright through the blurriness.

"Yes?" So it was his father.

"Ada, did…did Estel leave?" Legolas pale face was pinched in worry and Thranduil felt his heart open for his son. He leaned him against his body, savoring the moment.

"No," he said at last. "In fact, you manage to convince him that…that you should be the one to go with him. "Legolas abruptly sat up straight, his face lighting up with shock.

"What do you say, Ada?" he asked hesitantly as he searched his father's face. Thranduil gave him a wan smile.

"That ranger is worse than you, it seems, with coming up with good reason for going through with horrible ideas. I can't do anything with when the two of you have your minds made up together. Just promise me that you will come home."

Legolas grinned, and leaned back against his father. "Nothing could keep me from always returning home," he promised sincerely. Both knew this wasn't exactly true, but it boosted Thranduil's spirit. Kissing the top of his son's head gently, he clung to him for this moment that they had. The façade was ripped apart as Legolas coughed harshly, his hand moving to clutch at his chest. Thranduil closed his eyes, pressing another kiss to his head.

"That sounds like it hurts," the king said slowly and Legolas smiled.

"Maybe," he answered as he suppressed another cough. He caught sight of the pack resting on the floor and sat up again. "We are leaving immediately, aren't we?" Thranduil nodded mutely. "Ada, I am ready."

"No, you are not," Thranduil snorted. "But you aren't going to be ready anytime soon. So I guess this will have to work." With swift fingers, he began to unbraid what was left of the long bride in Legolas' hair, before combing the sweaty strands out with his fingers and rebraiding it. He wanted so desperately to stall time, but also speed it on its way."At least you can see now."

"Ada, I am ready," Legolas repeated. Thranduil nodded, closing his eyes. Standings, he felt his emotions rise up against him but hurriedly pushed it all aside. Legolas also made as if to stand, but Thranduil's palpable glare stopped him.

"You will need all the energy you can conserve for the journey. You will not walk, or you will not go." The prince frowned, but as another cough ripped through him, he was forced to admit defeat. Thranduil grabbed a nearby cloak and swiftly wrapped it around his son's shoulders.

"Put your arm around my neck," the king directed, sliding his arms underneath Legolas' body and lifting him from the bed as Legolas did as requested.

"I really am fine." Thranduil didn't bothering answer, only shifting his son to a better position as he headed for the door. After a moment, Legolas allowed his head to drop and laid it against his father' shoulder. He was feeling much wearier that he wanted to let on.

The soft patter of a light rain greeted them as they stepped out into the courtyard and Legolas flinched with surprise as the drops hit his hot face. But before Thranduil could move to cover him, he titled his head back, laughing quietly as the drops continued to fall. He had been in bed and inside for far to long.

Aragorn was waiting for them in the shelter of an overhanging stable, and as he saw them approaching, flicked his hood on and stepped out. A pair of glossy black horses stood behind him, clearly prepared for travel. The one on the right pranced lightly, throwing her glossy head, and Aragorn patted her gently as he passed.

"This is your last chance to back out, Legolas," he said when they were within talking distance. His keen eyes scanned the prince, but kept their emotions to themselves. The elf shook his head stubbornly and Aragorn nodded. Turning to Thranduil, he said, "I thought we would take two horses instead of one."

Thranduil nodded. With Aragorn's help, they seated Legolas on the first mount, and the king turned towards Aragorn. "You keep him safe, you hear?" he said shortly over the sound of Legolas giving a feeble cough.

"Of course, my lord," Aragorn said quietly, "I will return him home again alive." Thranduil nodded curtly and handed the human Legolas' pack. The man moved to tie to the other horse and the father stepped closer to his son. He said something to him in rapid elvish and after a moment Legolas replied, holding out a trembling hand. Thranduil sighed, but in accordance with the prince's request pulled free on of his own daggers and handed it over. Legolas tucked it under the cloak and gave his father a smile, comforted by the weapon. Thranduil said one last thing to Legolas as he reached out and clutched his son's arm, and then stepped back.

"We will ride as fast as it is as possible to go," Aragorn stated, moving forward and swinging atop the mount and wrapping an arm around Legolas' lithe waist. "As soon as Ada has the cure, we will send it back by birds and with instructions."

Thranduil didn't reply, he couldn't speak, and only raised a hand and swept it out in the traditional evlish farewell. Aragorn followed suit and Legolas made half the gesture. The father and son locked eyes, and then Aragorn had kicked the horse into a gallop and the horse began to run as if it was racing the wind. The second horse dutifully followed, and Thranduil was left alone in the rain with mud splattered robes.

TBC...

Poor Thranduil...I think he needs a hug. Someone should give him a hug. ;)

Review Responses:

Bellasiel: Your wish is my command. :) Hehehe, adventures are certain to be had!...and trouble. Of course, what is a FF without a little bit of trouble!? I am excited for it, at least. Thanks so much!

WoodElfJedi: Haha! Yup, me and my cliffhangers. :) Got to love them. I am so glad that you are enjoying it so much. Thanks!

Idon'tliketoast: Of course it won't! When has anything they have ever done end well? Thanks!