They made it back to Mirkwood without any more problems within a day and a half.
Legolas looked around suddenly, and smiled.

"We have passed my land's boarders." Legolas stated happily "I am home." Aragorn sighed, his rib bothering him far less now than before. He glanced at Legolas and asked the question Legolas knew was coming;

"How does your head fare, Legolas?" Aragorn asked. Legolas rubbed his head; his concussion had healed quickly thanks to his elven healing ability. He felt dizzy if he moved his head too quickly, but otherwise it was healed.

"It is healed, mellon. How fares your rib?" Aragorn hated to admit it, but it was still healing. He didn't think he needed to be attended to by the healers, but he wasn't completely healed either.

"I do not need a healer." Aragorn stated simply. Legolas frowned at his friend's choice of words.

"If, Aragorn, you promise to lie still in your room and not do too many active things, I will not force you to go to a healer." Legolas said. Aragorn hated to be still in bed, but if it would spare him the indignity of having healers fuss over him.

"Alright, mellon nîn." Aragorn relented. Legolas pulled his horse to a stop, looking around. Aragorn followed suit and stopped beside his friend.

"Someone approaches." Legolas stated. They both stayed still when an elven rider, on patrol of the boarders of Mirkwood, rode onto the path. Upon seeing the prince and his companion, the patrol official slowed his horse and raised his hand in greeting,

"Mae govannen! Ernil nîn! You have returned. How was your hunting trip? I trust all was well?" The rider spoke in Sindarin. Legolas smiled back.

"My trip was enjoyable, Hannon le. I expect all is well here in Mirkwood?" Legolas asked also in elvish. The rider nodded in response and looked ahead.

"I must continue my patrol now, ernil Legolas. Farewell!" The patrol official rode off while Legolas and Aragorn continued through Mirkwood.

"I was sure you were going to break our agreement, and tell that patrol officer I needed help." Aragorn said, once the two were far enough away that Aragorn was sure the patrol officer could not hear them, even with his keen elven ears. Legolas shot Aragorn a mock-surprised look.

"I would not have been surprised at myself if I did." Legolas said, "I am not so sure you will honor the agreement and stay in bed until I deem you fine." Aragorn raised his eyebrows, looking at his friend, and jokingly replied;

"Legolas, your definition of 'fine' is to be on your death bed." Aragorn said in a slightly sarcastic tone. Legolas just ignored that comment and kept riding along.

`'~,*,~'`'~,*,~'`'~,*,~'`'~,*,~'

From where they had entered back into Mirkwood, the palace was less than a few days ride. When night fell, they camped and then in the morning they headed off. Now that they were back in Mirkwood, they would occasionally run into elves that were walking or riding along the path. They would raise their hands in greeting for the prince and his companion and wish the two well.

On the last day, as the sun was setting, and casting orange and pinkish-red glow over everything, the gate, leading into the palace came into sight and Legolas rode a bit faster until he was home. Once he got inside, he prepared a guest room for Aragorn and ordered him to lie down. Aragorn reluctantly lay down on the bedding and upheld his end of the deal, whilst Legolas upheld his and told nobody. A few weeks passed, and one day, Legolas decided to stop being over protective.

"Aragorn," Legolas said as he sat in Aragorn's room, sitting in a chair, idly stroking the fletching on one of his arrows, "I think your rib should have healed by now, and I'm sure you have other things to attend to. Our agreement is done, you can go, mellon nin." Aragorn smirked slightly; he had been out few hours ago, riding while Legolas was taking care of some political matters with his father concerning trade agreements. But Legolas didn't know that, so Aragorn nodded at his friend and got up out of the bed.

"You worry too much, Legolas." Aragorn said as he headed for the stables, ready to leave.

"Only when you're around, Estel." Legolas replied. When the two got to the stables, Aragorn pulled Legolas into hug and started to check over his saddle bags to make sure everything was accounted for.

"I will miss you, mellon nin." Aragorn said as he dug to the bottom of his bags, "Namárië -" Aragorn stopped short, pulling out a bundle of warm cloth, glowing with light and warmth from inside. He had completely forgotten about this strange thing until now. Legolas stared at the bundle in Aragorn's hands, a quizzical expression on his face.

"What is this?" Legolas asked. Aragorn was about to answer, when he realized he had none. In a whispering tone, he said;

"Valar, I do not know."

I have another complete story that is a kind-of sequel to this one. It's called The Little Red Gem and it is already done. If anyone is interested, please read it :P