Disclaimer: Unfortunately, none of this is mine! sob

Title: Strike of the Serpent

Rating: R

This is dedicated to Alex, who gave me a kick start!

00

"Legolas!" Aragorn cried, dropping down beside his friend and taking him by the shoulders, "Legolas, what is it? I cannot help if you do not speak!"

Legolas cried out again as another wave of the wizard's magic hit him like a physical blow, making his head swim and his wounds scream.

"He is still trying to get in, Aragorn…I cannot fight him much longer, I have not the strength…"

Gandalf and Aragorn exchanged anxious glances. Aragorn leaned down and pulled the Elf into his arms, lifting him easily from the ground.

"We can linger here no longer, we cannot risk that demented wizard getting hold of Legolas again. He would not survive it, Gandalf!"

The Istar nodded grimly. "I fear you are right, Aragorn…" He turned away and let out a shrill whistle, startling his companions.

"Gandalf--"

"Shadowfax is near, Aragorn. With any luck, your mount will have followed us here also. We can flee faster on horseback than on foot, and we must get Legolas to the Lady as soon as possible."

Legolas looked up at them, confusion flashing in his eyes. "What? To Lorien? Why?"

Aragorn smiled gently. "You are not well, my friend…Lady Galadriel may be the only one who can help you."

Legolas shook his head defiantly. "No, we cannot go there, not now. Theoden's people are in danger now, we must not leave them to fall to darkness without warning or chance of defence. We must return to Edoras!"

Aragorn opened his mouth to speak, but Gandalf interrupted him.

"In danger how?" He asked urgently, "How do you know this, Thranduillion?"

Legolas closed his eyes. "I know his mind, Gandalf…I could see what he was planning, even if he did not realise it. We must warn Theoden and his people, otherwise there will be massacre."

Aragorn opened his mouth to protest, but Gandalf stopped him.

"Know you all his plans, Legolas?"

The Elf shook his head. "Nay, Mithrandir, I know but the outlines of them. He has more than ten thousand strong in his caverns, he is determined to reclaim Rohan…" He broke off, coughing harshly.

"He believes that he will share power with the Dark Lord when Middle Earth is defeated, nothing can convince him otherwise! He hungers for the ultimate power, Gandalf, he will never let go of his desire for it. He believes that by helping Sauron weaken the defences of the world of men, that he will gain his favour."

"But, Saruman must surely be dead by now!" Aragorn exclaimed, "That wound was fatal, I have seen people die from less…"

Legolas shook his head weakly, his strength waning. "I yet live, do I not, Aragorn? Nay, it would not be so easy to kill one as evil as he."

Aragorn was saved from answering by the arrival of the horses. Aragorn's mount had indeed followed them on, and trotted up to stand beside his master as Shadowfax went to Gandalf.

The ancient Istar whispered a word in the great horse's ear, and Shadowfax lowered himself to the ground, allowing Gandalf to place Legolas on his back without a fuss. Gandalf climbed on behind the Elf, supporting him carefully. Aragorn mounted and pulled Gimli up behind him.

Gandalf glanced at Legolas and, thinking him unconscious once more, he turned to Aragorn as the horses broke into a trot unbidden, eager to be away from the evil place.

"I will take him to the Lady, Aragorn. You must go and warn Theoden, I will follow when I may--"

"You are not leaving me behind, Gandalf," Legolas' weary voice cut into their quiet conversation. He had not opened his eyes, for his weakness was great, but he needed to make them understand. "So you can stop your scheming. I am returning to Rohan with you,"

Gimli muttered several choice comments about hard headed Elves into his beard. Aragorn smiled as he caught a few of the less flattering ones.

"Can you agree to nothing, Elf," Gimli cried aloud, "Even if it is for your own well being?"

Legolas frowned, cracking open an eye to peer at the Dwarf. "I care not for my own well being, the future of Arda is much more important, my friend."

Gimli returned to his mutterings, only to be startled out of them a moment later as Aragorn spurred Hasufel into a swift canter, forcing the stout being to cling tightly to the larger man to avoid being jostled off the horse and into thin air.

The Rohan horse stumbled slightly on the uneven ground, accompanied by a most un-Dwarf-like squeak as Gimli came down too hard on the wrong part of the saddle. Fortunately, the Dwarf thought the better of releasing his iron hold on Aragorn to cradle his undercarriage, as the horse danced sideways to avoid another uneven patch, leaving Gimli hanging on for dear life.

Legolas, having heard the squeak in his fading consciousness, opened his eyes, glancing over at Aragorn and Gimli. The Dwarf appeared to be in a very uncomfortable predicament, and Legolas' eyes shone with mirth.

As the stout being loosened his hold slightly in his discomfort, the great horse danced sideways. The look on the Dwarf's face was priceless, and Legolas burst into a gale of merry laughter, startling his companions.

Gimli scowled. "I am glad that you find my pain so amusing, Master Elf. Guard your back later on, lest you find yourself in similar discomfort by my hands…" He looked away to hide a smile. It was good to hear the Elf laugh.

"Indeed, Master Dwarf, I have seldom seen such an expression on the face of one so stout and brave as yourself…" Legolas muttered as he struggled to hold on to his consciousness.

Aragorn frowned slightly at the weakness in his friend's voice.

"Perhaps you should relax, mellon…" He trailed off mid-sentence as he saw Legolas go limp in Gandalf's grip, having lost his battle with consciousness.

"He has passed out again…" Aragorn muttered.

Gandalf nodded, having suspected as much from the Elf's behaviour. "We must take some rest, he will not make it all the way to Rohan if we do not stop to see to his wounds."

Aragorn and Gimli began to protest, but the Wizard cut them off. "I realise it is not safe out here, there is a village just west of here that very few people know about, there is an inn there that we may take our rest in. Trust me, tis perfectly safe…"

Aragorn raised a sceptical eyebrow, but inclined his head in assent, spurring his horse on after Shadowfax. They began to veer west on a little used road that the Ranger did not know, however Gandalf remained true to his course, and soon the small village came into view between the sparse trees.

Gimli glanced at Gandalf in amazement as he spotted the town's lone tavern.

"The Deadman's Inn? This does not exactly sound like safe refuge, blasted Wizard…"

Gandalf growled gruffly. "Tis a perfectly pleasant establishment, Master Gimli. And serves some of the best ale this side of the Misty Mountains…" He added slyly, with a gleam of humour in his eyes.

Aragorn smiled as Gimli's eyes lit up. Gandalf knew exactly how to get around the Dwarf.

They passed their horses over to the bored-looking stable hand, who looked at the odd companions as if he did not quite believe what he saw.

"Look after them well, my good man," Gandalf bid him, "They have travelled hard, and been through much. I will reward you well,"

The young man nodded dumbly, taking the horses' reins from the Wizard and watching as the ancient being lifted the Elf carefully down from his mount and the companions left the stable.

As they entered the tavern, all conversation stopped, and every pair of eyes turned on them. The bar tender looked up, startled, but relaxing when he saw Gandalf, who he evidently recognised.

"Master Gandalf, tis good to see you again. What can I do for you tonight?"

At the friendly greeting, the patrons returned to their business, occasionally darting curious glances at the strange group.

Gandalf smiled at the bar man as he approached. "Greetings, Master Trent. As you can see, my friend has been injured along the road, I wonder if you have any rooms available where I may treat him?"

Trent's eyes widened when he saw what manner of being it was that Gandalf carried, but recovered his composure with admirable speed.

"Of course, Master Gandalf. I will show you to my most comfortable lodgings. Please, follow me,"

They followed the innkeeper as he threaded his way deftly through the throngs of inebriated patrons and led them up a flight of stairs. He paused to unlock the first door he came to, handing Aragorn the key as he stood aside to let them enter.

"There should be plenty of room here for the four of you. I shall drop up some warm water as soon as it is ready, if there is anything else you require, do not hesitate to call me."

Aragorn smiled. "Thank you, friend."

The man inclined his head and left the room, closing the door behind him. Gandalf gently lowered Legolas onto one of the beds, being mindful of his wounds and broken bones. Without raising his head from his task of opening Legolas' tunic, he spoke to Aragorn.

"There should be some healing herbs in the pack that Gimli carries, Aragorn."

The man nodded, taking the bag from the small being and upending it on one of the other beds, spreading out its contents to find the required packages. He grabbed the small bags of herbs, placing them on the desk beside the bed, within easy reach for Gandalf.

Turning his attention to his wounded friend, he reached out and smoothed some matted hair from the Elf's forehead, trying to entice some flicker of consciousness, but Legolas did not respond.

"He is greatly weakened…" He muttered sadly, "This should never have come to pass, Gandalf. A great warrior such as he should never be reduced to this, it is wrong!"

Gandalf shook his head sadly. "As are many things that happen during these dark days, son of Arathorn. All we may do is make certain that the darkness does not overtake us, nor gain the upper hand. You must believe that he will pull through this, for Legolas' sake."

Gimli settled heavily into a chair at the end of the bed. "Or perhaps," He said gruffly, "We should believe the exact opposite. That crazy Elf would recover just to prove us wrong, it would not surprise me!"

Gandalf smiled. He still could not believe such a strong friendship had developed between these two, who's kind had fought for generations.

"I agree, Gimli. He is far to stubborn to give up, especially when he knows that we intend to take him to the Golden Wood while he sleeps…"

They were interrupted by a quiet knock at the door, startling them all. Aragorn approached the door silently, listening carefully.

"Who is it?" He asked, listening to light feet shuffle on the floor outside.

"Tis some hot water, sir, for your wounded friend." A gentle voice called from outside.

Aragorn swung the door open, revealing a young girl balancing three basins of warm water and two bags of herbs.

"Master Trent sent me, sir. I hope I am not disturbing you,"

"Of course you are not, my lady," Aragorn smiled, "Your assistance is much appreciated." He took one of the basins from her as she moved past him into the room, setting her burdens on the large table.

"Master Trent bids you ask for his help if you require it, his door is right opposite your own."

"Thank you, young one." Gandalf said, giving the girl a kindly smile.

She smiled in return and bowed her head slightly, disappearing out the door and closing it quietly behind her.

Aragorn shook his head, smiling slightly, as he gently sat Legolas up and eased the tunic from the Elf's shoulders.

Gandalf and Gimli looked on in horror at the marks of the evil that Saruman had done to their friend. The burns and lash marks were still raw, the persistent fever had not allowed Legolas' healing powers to do their work. Legolas' entire right shoulder was black with bruises from where it had been re-set.

Gandalf's eyes were sad as he looked upon the damage done to the noble Elf who he had known since childhood. Gimli, however, looked truly enraged. Aragorn did not doubt that if Saruman were here, he would soon have found himself in pieces, courtesy of a Dwarf battle axe.

"Saruman did this to him?" He questioned softly. Aragorn nodded.

"Aye, I believe so…he and Grima took Legolas from our cell. I did not see what happened, but when they returned him…"

The wizard nodded sadly, a spark of anger in his eyes. "We must treat him, quickly."

Aragorn moved to Legolas' other side, looking the fair being over and assessing what needed to be done.

"We should treat the burns first, Gandalf," He said, gesturing to Legolas' neck and abdomen, "They are at greatest risk for infection, we cannot risk that when he is already weakened."

They worked over Legolas for hours, cleaning out every burn and lash mark, putting liniment on every bruise. The Elf did not stir from the position they had placed him in, except when they examined his abdomen, where Gandalf's blow to Saruman had wounded him.

It was deeply bruised in a way that implied internal bleeding, but there was no visible wound that could be treated. Aragorn swore angrily under his breath as Legolas jerked at the pressure of the examination, his eyes flying open.

He looked around in alarm, his eyes would not focus and he could not recognise anything except the fact that he was in pain, in an unfamiliar place, and there was a figure in white robes leaning over him and another holding him down.

"No!" He snarled, lashing out towards the robed figure, struggling with an amazing show of strength. "Let me go, I will tell you nothing! You have no power over me,"

Gandalf's eyes opened wide in surprise as he ducked to avoid the blow aimed for his head. "Legolas!" He cried, "Listen to me, Thranduillion! Return to the light, you have nothing to fear from us!"

Legolas continued to buck and struggle, landing a solid kick to Aragorn's jaw, sending the man to the floor.

Gimli leaped up onto the bed, grabbing Legolas under the arms and pulling the Elf back against him.

"Listen to me, flighty Elf! Stop trying to kill us! We are attempting to help you, you hard headed creature, be still!"

Legolas' struggles lessened, and he glanced around uncertainly. "Gimli?"

The Elf blinked hard, trying to focus eyes that would not cooperate. Slowly his vision cleared, and he flushed with embarrassment as he watched his Human friend pick himself off the floor, rubbing his jaw with a look of wonder on his face.

"That was quite a kick, my friend…" He chuckled ruefully, "Remind me never to get on the wrong side of you when you are at full strength!"

Legolas' eyes filled with remorse. "I am so sorry, Estel! I woke up and all I knew was the pain and someone holding me down…I saw the white robes and I panicked, I am truly sorry, my friend."

Aragorn shook his head, holding a hand up to silence the Elf. "Be at peace, Legolas. There was no harm done, I was merely jesting with you, my friend."

Legolas smiled slightly, pulling a face at his friend. "I will never understand edain humour…" He muttered.

Aragorn looked closely at the archer's face, seeing the pain reflected there that the proud Elf would not give voice to.

"How do you feel, mellon nin?"

Legolas looked away, but Aragorn gripped his chin and drew the Elf's gaze back to his own. Pain, shame and dark fear were reflected there, the strength of which made Aragorn want to weep.

"I will be well, my friend…" Legolas sighed.

"Lie down, Legolas," Gandalf coaxed gently, "Allow us to tend to your wounds."

Legolas nodded wearily, his eyes already half lidded, testifying to his weakness, as he lay back on the bed quietly, all the fight gone out of him.

As Gandalf gently eased the Elf back onto the bed, his eyes fell on a mark that he had not seen before, one that Aragorn had been quietly and discreetly treating. The mark of Saruman was still painfully fresh, standing out livid red against the pale skin of Legolas' left arm.

Gandalf's horrified eyes shot to Aragorn's face, but the Ranger shook his head, indicating that they would speak of it later. It was far too sensitive a subject to discuss while Legolas was awake.

Legolas, meanwhile, was oblivious to their silent exchange, trying to will away the throbbing pain in his limbs.

Aragorn noticed his friend's obvious discomfort and reached for a small bag of dried leaves on the table by the bed. Crushing them, he dropped them in a cup of hot water.

"Legolas," He waited until the glazed eyes had focussed on him before he continued, "We need to finish treating your wounds, my friend. It would be better if you slept…" He suggested gently, holding out the cup.

Legolas eyed the mug suspiciously. "I hope this is not the one that tastes like the smell of your brothers' boots after a day in the swamp…" He joked weakly.

Aragorn chuckled. "I hope it is not quite that bad, my friend."

"Very well then, give me the cursed stuff…" Legolas sighed in resignation, taking the mug from Aragorn and swallowing it all in one go, grimacing at the taste.

"You were right, Estel, it is not quite as bad…"

"Thank you, my friend--"

"It is worse…"

Gimli exploded into un-Dwarf-like giggles at the look on Aragorn's face, somewhere between comical frustration, relief and amusement.

"Go to sleep, Legolas." The Ranger muttered, glowering at the little smile on the archer's face.

The Elf's eyes were already starting to close and he stuck out his tongue at his friend before falling into a deep healing sleep.

Aragorn pinched him lightly on the arm to ensure he was asleep. "Elves…"

Gandalf's voice broke into his amused thoughts. "How did this happen, Aragorn?"

The man looked up at the wizard, who's gaze was firmly fixed on the scorched flesh of the archer's left arm.

"We were attempting escape from the orcs' camp…Legolas thought that if we brought down Grima, it would distract the creatures long enough for us to get a head start." He looked solemnly at the Elf's pale, bruised face. "It almost worked…but Saruman's reach was greater than either of us had realised. He brought Legolas down, and the Uruks recaptured us. As for the mark, Grima wished to show Legolas his place."

Aragorn's voice caught at the end, remembering too well the panic in his best friend's voice as the Uruks had held him down, his cry of pain and the smell of burning flesh. He closed his eyes against the memories.

Gandalf's brows drew together, thinking of such cruelty being committed against the gentle Elf. "We must treat this well, he must not have to carry it the rest of his days…"

Aragorn shook his head sadly. "It goes deep, Gandalf, I have seen it. I do not know if--"

"Do not despair, son of Gondor. We will find a way,"

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Thank you all so much for your patience and for not coming after me with cattle prods! Hope you enjoyed it

.:Tithen Min:.