Title: Regret

Summary: When you lose a friend to death, it is tragic, but what if you lost them before you got the chance to say, "I'm sorry." Could you live with that?

Notes: Hello again, I hope everyone's weekend was good, mine was, because my computer was finally fixed. Yah! So, here is the twentieth chapter, kinda short, but the next one is pretty long, so that should make up for it. Thank you to the reviewers and readers, you guys are the best. And to everyone who is a little annoyed with Kip, not to worry, it could be worse right? He could have another brill idea…*grins*

Gwyn - Thanks for the spelling correction, it's a weakness of mine.

Anyhoo, read on……………

Chapter twenty

The hard glare upon his back, could be felt burning through his shirt as he walked with great speed in front of his elven companion, who unnaturally allowed him to lead. Despite the fact that he lacked the heightened senses of the elf, Kip was certain he knew the exact cause as to why his friend was unnerved. He let out a sigh, as he heard the slight muttering coming from behind him, spoken in just a high enough tone for him to hear it, but not to make out what was being said.

"Look," he began as he paused and turned around, surprising Elrohir who then almost walked into him, "I already said I was sorry. What else do you want from me?"

Elrohir shook his head, rolling his silver eyes backwards, as the young man crossed his arms and waited for a response. The elf was still bothered by the fact that Kip had cut their only chance at continuing with their tracking of Aragorn, and the fact that his human sibling could be in trouble worried his heart greatly. However he would never show that to the ranger before him now. What good would it do them, if they both lost hope in bringing the missing home safely. At least Kip still clung to a hope, which was the only reason that the younger of Elrond's twin sons had not already strangled him to death.

"I don't want anything, young Kip" he assured, knowing that using the word 'young' annoyed the human a great deal. "I am just trying to figure out, how we are suppose to help Strider, when you have no idea where you are going."

Kip rolled his eyes this time, "I don't know where I am going? Bah, elves and their pride, you, young elf, know not either which way will lead us out" he finished returning the mock with one of his own.

It was true, which irritated Elrohir more than anything else. He was one of the first born, and both companions were skilled rangers, yet neither of them knew how to navigate their way around the damp and dingy cavern they found themselves in. They had been walking for nearly three and a half hours since the bridge had fallen, bringing down the orcs and goblins with it. All they had come across in that time had been one dead end after another. The blade sharp rocks that made up the walls of the tunnel made it hard for them to differentiate which paths they had taken before, and the closed in surroundings, made it nearly impossible for Elrohir to continue. It was if the walls were closing in, and the feeling of claustrophobia was growing. He knew that he had to get out of this place before he had a break down, but again, that was not something he would tell his fellow traveler.

"I know exactly where we are going" he lied causing the man to laugh as he shook his head, causing short strands of brown hair to fall in front of his humoured matching eyes. "What?" Elrohir shot again, in a growingly heated tone, not appreciating the human's reaction to his assurance. "What about any of this is amusing to you?"

"What I find amusing, friend, is that you say you know which direction we are taking, yet we have come across this passage at least five times" Kip replied with a grin, as Elrohir glared and shoved past him taking the lead once more. "Tell me, elf of Rivendell, is it your intention to travel in circles?"

"Shut up" the immortal growled, causing a laugh to escape the man's lips, as he obeyed and quietly followed after the elf, where ever he was going this time. Elrohir ignored the giggles, concentrating fully on his mission at hand. There had to be a way out on this side of the cave, otherwise he could think of no reason why a bridge had been built where it had been hours ago. He knew that these caverns had been used long ago by a colony of dwarves who did dealings with the people of Dunland.

Though the elf didn't have much experience with the stout beings, he knew they were prime in the earth. They were smart, as much as those of his kind wished to disagree, and they would have had another exit in case of a cave-in or another type of emergency. There had to be another way out, all he had to do was find it, and hope that where ever it took them, it would not be too far from where the encampment of wildmen was located.

"We've been down here before" Kip assured, noticing the small shimmering trace of gold in the walls. He recognized it from about an hour ago, and fact that they were going in circles was already getting to him as well. Their purpose had been to rescue the ones taken hostage by the wild folk, as well as make sure Aragorn stayed out of trouble. How could they do that if they couldn't even find a way out.

"No we haven't" the raven haired elf replied flatly, more so trying to convince himself than Kip.

"Yes we have" Kip shot back, as he came up beside his annoyed companion who met his hazel eyes with his own. Differences of opinion had sparked disagreements before, but now it was more so just plain disappointment in their own failure. Both were tired, but at the same time, sleep was out of the question. It was taking it's toll and both knew it. "We crossed these pillars three times already," the man continued, gesturing to the large stones to their left, "do not tell me you don't remember them."

"Are you suggesting that I know not what I am saying?" Elrohir questioned, raising his left eyebrow.

"That is exactly what I am suggesting" Kip shot back, the claustrophobia edging up on him as well. "If you were any type of ranger, you'd know how to keep track of the sights we pass."

"If you were any type of ranger, you would remember that you have been leading us since the bridge, which by the way, you cut down!" Elrohir snapped, growing increasingly angered. His comment gained the exact response he had hoped for, as Kip creased his brow, and exhaled slowly, trying to calm his frustration. Why the elf had to keep bringing that up, he didn't know, but he was tired of it. He took a step forward, causing the elf to do the same, each ready to let out their emotions upon each other using their fists, but both were suddenly halted, as Elrohir stiffened, becoming deathly alert.

Kip took notice and listened as well when he saw that Elrohir turned his head to the side, staring off into the dark, seeing and hearing what he could not. Whether this was a good thing or a bad thing, the man didn't know, but at least it was something. Something to keeping them from going at each other's throats for a change. He knew he should not speak, unsure of how close whatever the elf sensed was to them. He watched, as Elrond's son withdrew his sword from it's sheath, and did the same as the two friends took steps in the direction of the noise.

"Something is there" Elrohir whispered, so quietly that Kip barely heard him. The man nodded, tightening his grip on his weapon's hilt, as the elf continued. "I believe we have just found our way out" he finished, smelling the fresh air that drifted inward, and caressed his fine face, causing Kip to smile, feeling it as well. Their guess was proven correct, when the vision of sunlight echoed through the tunnel, almost blinding them, with it's rays, that their eyes had been deprived of for too long.

Almost breaking into a run, the two companions made haste towards the crevice that now came into clear view. Reaching the stone wall, Elrohir went first through the crack in the earth, knowing that he would be able to ensure it was safe to cross through. As his foot met the grassy earth, the elf let out a deep breath, the sight of lively trees and an endless blue sky bringing a new calmness to his heart. When ever doubt clouded his mind, he seemed to always be reminded of hope when he was outside. Much like a lot of his kindred. The earth was their sanctuary, and he was grateful for it, now more than ever.

Giving the surrounding area a glance, Elrohir saw no others around, but his senses still told him to keep his guard up. Where ever this path had taken them, he had no clue, but he hoped that they were not too far from where Aragorn had been led by Jevinx. He gave the nod to Kip, letting the man know it was safe for him to follow after him, which he did right away. It took some time for his eyes to adjust to new light, but he was grateful that his eyes could do what they were meant to do now. See.

Their peaceful moment of enjoying their freedom of the cavern was brought to a cold stop, when the danger that Elrohir had sensed before made itself known to both of them. The two figures ducked behind a large boulder, as three men, recognized to both Elrohir and Kip as Dunlandings, ran past them, armed, and from the angry and distressed looks upon their faces, in a hurry. Kip was ushered to keep quiet as the men took off into the trees once again, after taking a quick look inside the crevice in which the elf and ranger had just passed through.

"They're looking for someone" Elrohir exclaimed, worry filling his heart once again as Kip nodded, agreeing with the elf's comment. The sight of the wildmen had at first brought him relief, for it meant that they could not be too far from Plemith, however, if the men were looking for someone, that had to be bad.

"Looking for who?" he asked, not expecting an answer, but he received one anyway, from his distressed companion.

"Estel!"

~~~~~~~~******~~~~~~~

"Where are we going?" Aragorn asked as he followed after a very irate Jevinx, who was leading him through the hallways of the large manor towards an unknown destination. There were so many questions running through the man's mind, about his friend, about the other prisoners, about what had been done, and how badly hurt Legolas was when he escaped. He needed answers to these questions, but he also knew that he had to get the answers one at a time. He had to be patient, as hard as that was going to be.

Jevinx didn't reply, but instead stopped when he saw one of his followers, a blond man, stout in shape, and rough in face. He grabbed a firm hold on the man's arm, causing the two to come face to face before Jevinx finally spoke to him. "Where is Aleic?" he questioned, furious that one of his own had aided the two elves escape their doomed fates. "Answer me" he shouted as the frightened man tried to reply. "Where is that traitor who betrayed me?"

"Dead sir" the follower eventually got out, though a little stuttered.

The response caused Aragorn to sigh, keeping his response as hushed as he possibly could. Whoever this Aleic person was, had helped Legolas get away, that much he knew, and that was all it took to make the man's death tragic to the young son of Arathorn. The response from Jevinx however was the opposite. "Good" he replied with an evil grin, that made Aragorn's hatred for him grow, "anyone who makes enemies with me, deserves death" he continued as he released the man he held, ushering him to help in the search for the missing captives. He wanted Legolas found, and soon. He would see that the elf prince died, and he would do anything, kill anyone to make sure he was able to avenge his father's murder.

Aragorn wanted nothing more than to kill Jevinx where he stood, to beat him, to make him feel the pain that he inflicted on to others. It took all his will power to half smile at the man as they continued down the hall, towards where the other prisoners were held. He felt himself biting the inside of his cheeks, as they pushed through the wooden door, and laid their eyes upon the captives. Eight there were, a mixed variety of folk, but the one that immediately caught Strider's eye was the smallest of the hostages. A small boy, looking no more than three or so. His anger grew, as that cell was the one that he found himself and Jevinx stopping in front of.

"You there" Jevinx growled, ushering for the father of the young child, who rose to his feet right away and approached the bars, tucking his son behind him, in order to protect his offspring at all costs. "What is your name?" Jevinx continued, as Aragorn gave the young boy a smile trying to calm the crying toddler, which was in vane, nothing could calm him, and with good reason.

"Pal" replied the man, flatly, "I would think that my capture would know the names of the people he imprisons" he finished, holding and showing his bravery which proved useless. Jevinx didn't honestly care what the man's name was, or why he was here, all he wanted was answers. And he wanted them now.

"Well, Pal," he started again, "I want to know what the elf said to you before he left. And I want the truth, I'll tolerate no lies fro you. You're life is not worth keeping if I cannot trust you, nor is your son's." The threat was clear, and both Pal and Aragorn felt a lump form in their stomachs at hearing his words. So cold they were, so heartless. "Speak!" he ordered, like he had with the guard before.

"The elf said nothing" Pal responded, not knowing how much he should or could say without putting his own or his son's life at risk. The elf had sworn to come back for them, and part of the way the being spoke, assured him that it was a truthful oath. One that would not be broken, and only would be, if the creature had….

"Look the elf that was in here is dead," Jevinx shot back, irritation boiling over, causing Pal's eyes to widen, and Aragorn's brow to narrow. "So whatever he promised you for your silence, is void. He cannot help you now, and I swear I will have your son's head, should you lie to me again. Tell me what it is he said to you about where he was going, so I can recapture the prince, and I will not only spare your lives, but release you. Both of you, you have my word."

Aragorn wanted to laugh, as if anyone could take this man's word. He was a cold blooded killer, who cared nothing for the value of human life, and yet he expected Pal to sacrifice his only playing chip for the possibility that Jevinx was being truthful. It was humorous, but his silent laughing halted when he saw that Pal was considering the offer. He couldn't blame the man, for it wasn't only his life in jeopardy, but that of his child. Pal sighed, and Aragorn panicked. There was nothing he could do to stop the man, not without blowing his cover, and being this deep, he wouldn't make it out alive.

As Pal was about to speak, Aragorn tried to silently tell him to stop, using subtle facial gestures, not wanting them to be noticed by the man to his side. His eyes were wide, and he scratched the back of his neck, in worry. "Don't do it" he shouted in silence, praying that the Valar would do something, yet it seems he went unheard by both the man and Iluvitar, for the words finally left Pal's mouth.

"Alright, Jevinx," he began, causing the man to smile at his victory. "I'll tell you what he said, I'll tell you everything I know."

~~~~~~~******~~~~~~~

Their pace had turned into another full blown sprint for survival, and staying a good few yards in front of the men chasing them, was key if they were going to escape alive. Their cover in the birch tree's branches had been spotted by one of the wildmen, and the two fugitives were given no choice but to try and find a new sanctuary. Their bodies were tiring and beginning to fail on them, as they were both considering the fact that they might not make it. Yet at the same time, there was still something that kept them both from giving in.

"I won't go back" Legolas repeated to himself over and over again, as he clutched his tattered arm close to his chest that was stained with his own crimson blood. "I won't go back." He was still unable to speak, and that bothered him almost as much as the pain that was affecting his body more than normally. Gwiryn had said that his voice would return, but it had yet to, and the prince feared the thought that he would never get it back. However, that was the least of his problems, he knew that should they get captured again, he would not be able to endure the punishment, he felt his life slipping away as it was, which terrified him. He had heard stories of death, from the elders of his kingdom as well as from Aragorn and the twins, but never had he never considered that it would happen to him, up until now at least.

Piong could see that the young elf beside him was fading, a lot quicker than he was, and he could see the pain and fear in the blue eyes that use to shine so brightly with life and the earning for adventure. He felt his own legs tremble from the endless movements and lack of nourishment, that neither of the elves had received for days now. In fact, their last meal, had been breakfast in Imladris, a week ago.

With a groan, he positioned his left arm, around Legolas' back, trying his best not to agitate the already throbbing wounds, as he hooked the prince's arm around his neck, and helped the stubborn royal continue, despite Legolas' assurance than he could make it on his own. He could tell that the son of Thranduil was horrified at the thought of being brought back to Plemith, where the men would continue their abuse on him. The young heir of Mirkwood would rather die fighting the enemy, than to be a slave any longer. It didn't take years to learn that about the elf, only one moment of looking into his strong eyes. Piong swore that he would ensure Legolas got to safety, he had to, it was not only his responsibility to his monarch, but to the elf he considered his own.

They stumbled through the woodlands, a little less graceful than normal, but still managing to keep a graceful slide in their run as they continued onwards, away from the evil men who wanted to spill their blood. Both could hear the men closing in upon them, and Piong knew that they might not have a choice now. There were too many following them, for them to lose. He turned his eyes to Legolas' who nodded in agreement as he straitened up and turned around, immediately readying an arrow to his stolen bow, wishing that he had not lost his own in their ambush as Piong drew his blade, just in time to greet the five men that stormed through the foliage towards them.

"Are you going to be alright?" Piong questioned a little worried about how Legolas' condition could affect his ability to hold back the foes that stormed them. He received no reply which caused his anxiety to grow, so as he sidestepped one of the men who lunged at him with a jagged sword, he turned to find a sight that brought a slight smile to his face as he plunged his weapon downwards into the back of his enemy. Legolas had taken down three of the men, with single arrows penetrating from their forheads, and finished the battle of with his final arrow, sending it straight into the jugular of the final threat that had started retreating back into the trees.

He then turned to Piong and nodded, a gloating expression on his exhausted face, as Piong rolled his eyes , plucking the arrows from the four men Legolas had shot down. "Why is it Legolas, that you always have to be the hero?" he jested handing the projectiles back to the glowing prince who half smiled at him, and instantly continued in the direction they had been going with Piong following right after him, mumbling quietly to himself.

"You're just like your father."

~~~~~~~******~~~~~~

To their good fortune, the two friends managed to avoid any contact or meetings with the wildmen running about, which didn't bother them in the slightest. They had hoped not to have to encounter anymore foes, for they had already lost enough time as it was. They were suppose to have stayed right behind Aragorn, and be there in case anything should happen, and now, they were not only far behind, but also clueless as to where their location actually was.

"Where do you think we are?" Kip asked, as he hiked up the pack on his back that was beginning to become uncomfortable in the heat of the sun. The young ranger had only recently become a wanderer of the wild and was still lacking the experience of most of the rangers in the north. Traveling with Elrohir and Ginyc had been a great learning experience for him, and he enjoyed their company, even though both seemed to have their own secret lives he knew nothing about.

"Well, a lot further east than we should have been" the elf responded, eyeing the surrounding trees, for the slightest clue or hint that danger loomed about. "The wildmen we spotted tell me that we cannot be too far off from where Estel would have been taken, but as to how close we are or in what direction Plemith is, I am still….." his words trailed off once again, as he became still, and let his head drift to the trees to his left, causing Kip to become nervous again.

"What?" he asked, going for his weapon again, as Elrohir drew Legolas' bow, and armed it quickly. "What is it? What do you see?"

Elrohir hesitated before he responded, "we are being watched" he whispered, when suddenly, without warning, he shifted his body, turning to the right, in the actual direction he sensed the other, and released his arrow, letting it fly true and directly into the braches of a nearby tree.

~~~~~~~******~~~~~~

"Well" Jevinx replied, crossing his arms, completely oblivious to the fact that Aragorn's skin was close to white. "Tell me what you know before I grow bored of you?"

There was a slight pause between the three men, as the other prisoners looked on, each hoping that Pal said nothing, but at the same time, not wanting their own lives ended. It was a tragic situation, and none knew really what to think about. Aragorn bit down on his lower lip, as Pal began to speak once again.

"The elf told me nothing Jevinx" he answered, causing Strider to let out a quiet breath of relief and allow a smile to cross his lips, which Pal noticed out of the corner of his eye. "You wanted the truth, and I gave it to you. I begged him to take me with him, but he said no. Satisfied? The blasted creature took off without another word. The thing deserved death, I'm as glad he's dead, as you are" he lied, inside hating himself for what he was saying. Piong had promised he would help them, and had died trying. The thought of that, was heart wrenching.

"I know you're lying to me, slave" Jevinx shot back, hatred for the man growing significantly. First, one of his guards betrayed him, and now his prisoners were ganging together in mutiny. What else could go wrong for him today? All he looked forward to now, was how good it was going to feel, to end the life of Thranduil's only child with his bare hands. To hear the screams leave the prince's mouth until the life left his thin body. To feel him fall limp under his hold, and to finally know the feeling of revenge. "And because you're lying," he was cut off as another entered the room, Hirid, and he looked worried.

"Sir, we have a bit of a problem" he began as Aragorn shook his head, while Pal breathed in relief, and Jevinx let out a groan of annoyance.

"What is it now Hirid?" he questioned as he stomped over to where the guard stood in the doorway, leaving Aragorn alone in front of Pal's cage, who was eyeing him sceptically, which Aragorn noted right away. He could tell that Pal sensed something different about him, and Strider wanted to tell the man that he could be trusted, but this was not the opportune place to be having that type of conversation. Jevinx and Hirid were only but two metres away arguing between themselves, as Pal mouthed something, and Strider read it.

"Who are you?"

Aragorn bit down on his lip once again, giving a quick glance in Jevinx' direction to find that both the men had their backs to him, and so, as he reached up to scratch the back of his neck, eventually bringing both arms in front of him, crossed, he mouthed back. "A friend," he spoke silently, causing Pal to blink once in response, before the sound of Jevinx's voice broke their quiet conversation.

"He's what?"

Hirid went pale, hating to repeat himself, mostly because he was afraid of what Jevinx's response was going to be when he answered. He took a deep breath, his own anxiety showing, not only to Aragorn and Jevinx, but to the prisoners as well. Jevinx obviously didn't like having to wait for the reply and cleared his throat, assuring the man that his patience was running very thin. Finally, after almost a minute of hesitation, Hirid responded, and caused a wave of dread to overcome each of the persons who occupied the large stone room.

"He's back Sir. He's returned."

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

To Be Continued………

Once again, sorry about the long period before I updated, but it's good to hear that I am not the only one who has these darn computer problems. I'm so grateful for all the reviews that have been coming in, because it's them who keep me writing this story, and I'm glad you guys like it. I know this one isn't that long, but like I said before, the next one is really long, so look for that, it should be up in two or three days. So, until then, let me know what you think by sending a review, I read them all, and love hearing your comments. Buhbye for now, Adios.