Rating: PG-13 to R (Angst... proceed with caution)

Summary: When Legolas is forced to make a decision that could very
well determine the fate of all Middle Earth, what will he do? And
what consequences will his choice have?

// = elvish translations
# = flashbacks
* = thought

Disclaimer and Acknowledgements: As in Chapter 1

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Chapter 10 - A Concerned Friend

Three pairs of eyes watched intently as Aragorn undid the ribbon and lifted the lid with care. He let out the breath that he did not realise that he was holding when the content of the box did not come to life. Instead, a beautiful glass vial greeted him and a smile broke out on his face. He lifted the delicate vial out from the box, peering closely at its content and noticed that it was packed with athelas. The lip of the vial was sealed securely with wax and a small tag hung loosely at the side. Aragorn turned it over and his eyes widened as he read the writings on it. [IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, BREAK GLASS.] Laughter erupted around the fireplace when he read the inscription out loud. The teasing and jesting continued for minutes before Aragorn noticed that Legolas had withdrawn from the conversation some time ago and had gone quiet. Fearing that his friend may still be unwell from the injuries he sustained, Aragorn rested a hand lightly on the elf’s shoulder, requesting his attention.

"Are you well?"

Legolas gave a small nod but the gesture was not enough to convince the stubborn human. A week had passed since Legolas was drawn back from death’s door. Although all of his injuries had healed, Aragorn kept getting a nagging feeling that something was amiss.

"Tell me. What troubles you?" Aragorn pressed on.

Legolas turned and looked at Aragorn solemnly, regret showing deeply in his eyes. "I am sorry my friend for I do not have a gift for you today. It was taken along with my pack during the attack." The prince’s voice was filled with sadness.

Understanding dawned on Aragorn as words left Legolas’ lips. His friend was feeling guilty for not bringing a gift! Grasping Legolas by the arm, he shook the elf lightly and laughed. "Is that all that bothers you?" He looked Legolas firmly in the eye and continued, "The greatest gift of all is to have you here… with us." Relief flooded over him when a smile spread across Legolas’ face. "Come, join the fun!" he redirected the elf’s attention back to the squabbling twins.

The conversation among the brothers and friends lasted well into the night and finally Aragorn was sent to bed when he failed to stifle a yawn. His brothers shooed him towards his room but not before he dragged Legolas along and insisted that he should get some rest too. The prince still looked rather pale.

Legolas stayed on in Rivendell after the celebration. The second attack had grown in intensity and knowing that the pain and damage would only get worse, he realised that he would never make the journey back to Mirkwood alive. He would rather die among friends than to pass on alone in the woods. At least by staying here, there would be a body to be sent home to his father. He knew that Elrond and his sons would eventually find out about his condition before the deadline but he intended to keep the secret for as long as he was able to in fear that the elf lord may give up Vilya to save his life. On the other hand, perhaps Elrond would be able to find a cure although he knew that it was just wishful thinking. But until then, he would have to endure the pain alone.

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Legolas helped Aragorn load their game onto the horses while Elladan and Elrohir gathered up their belongings from the camp. The hunting trip was a success earning them three bucks and several rabbits. Legolas was glad that they were finally ready to go home. He had been invited to join the hunt two days after his fourth attack. Initially, the prince refused but after seeing the dejected looks of his three friends, he had relented. After all, it was only an overnight trip and he would have plenty of time to do what he had to do before the next attack. The quartet had set off at dawn the next day.

Legolas smiled at the memories of the previous day. He had enjoyed the time spent with his friends and was glad that he had come along for the hunt. Everything was working out according to plan and he would be back to Rivendell in time to pull one of his disappearing tricks and get away from prying eyes.

He was so wrong.

Several pairs of eyes watched the elves and man as they broke camp at dawn and they knew that if they wanted to attack, this would be their final chance. The alpha male made the first move and the rest of the pack followed his lead. A cry from Elladan was the only warning the ranger and elf received before the wolves bore down on them.

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The ambush had slowed them down considerably. Sometime during the fighting, their horses had run off. When things calmed down they had tried calling them back, but to no avail. They now had no choice but to walk back to Rivendell. Legolas looked around the camp they had set up for the second night. His eyes glanced over the sleeping forms of his companions. Elladan had made his bed at the base of the great oak tree that stood a short ways away from the fire. Elrohir was lying perpendicular to his twin, their heads nearly touching. Finally, his eyes came to rest on Aragorn. The elf sighed heavily. He had seen the suspicion and unease in his friend's eyes during his brief exchange with Elladan earlier in the evening. Legolas silently cursed himself for the desperation he knew had been laced through his voice. Elladan had offered to take watch, but Legolas had jumped up and refused his offer. He had insisted that he would take the first night's watch. But how could he help it? He knew that when darkness stole over the land, it would be the fifth day once again...

Suddenly he felt the pain begin welling up. He bit down hard on his lip, drawing blood, to prevent himself from crying out. He had to get out of here. Away from the camp before the pain became unbearable. He rose shakily to his feet and took off into the forest. So hard had he been concentrating on suppressing the agony he was feeling, he never noticed the pair of silver-green eyes watching him.

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To Be Continued...