Chapter 17
The twins were a little concerned when they saw their brother weave as he walked. They were relieved when they finally reached his bedroom, where Aragorn almost threw himself on the bed. With a small chuckle, the two brothers removed their youngest sibling's shoes, bringing him a nightshirt and telling him goodnight. They left quietly, knowing their brother would fall asleep quickly.
******************************************************************************
In the morning, Legolas awoke to a sharp pain in his shoulder. He moaned softly.
"Shh, Estel."
'Estel,' wondered Legolas. He opened his eyes to find Elrond leaning over him.
"Stay still. Your wound is very grievous and the smallest movement could reopen it."
"What happened?"
"Be quiet, my son. You returned late last night."
"But-"
"Hush. Legolas and the twins are probably worried about you. I will send them in soon."
"But-"
"Drink this, it should help with the pain." Elrond pushed a cup into Legolas' good hand. While Legolas was trying to figure out how to move without jostling his injured shoulder too much, Elrond went to the door and called one of the servants. "Please fetch my sons, they will want to know that their friend is well." Echuirdur nodded and left, heading toward Aragorn's room.
******************************************************************************
When Echuirdur got to Estel's sleeping quarters, he found the entry blocked by two identical elves, sleeping with their backs against the door. Echuirdur hated to wake them, for they looked like they had had a trying night, but he could hear a muffled cough coming through the door. He knocked gently on the mahogany panel, hoping that the twins could still sleep through almost anything like they could when they were younger.
"Estel, are you all right?"
"Yes," a voice croaked.
"You don't sound well."
"I think I caught a cold from the rain last night." Echuirdur heard a sneeze.
"Do you want me to fix you a cup of tea?"
Aragorn thought about refusing, but he decided being able to breathe properly came before his pride. "Yes, please."
"I will bring it to Prince Legolas' room. I was sent to fetch you, for he has awakened."
"Thank you." Aragorn started to get dressed while Echuirdur went to fix the medicine. He forgot to warn the human before it was too late. He heard a soft thump and two cries of pain.
******************************************************************************
"ESTEL!"
Stunned, Aragorn tried to get his fever-muddled mind to form a complete sentence. "What were you doing there?"
"Sleeping! Wasn't that obvious?"
"How was I supposed to know you were there?" That stopped the twins in mid-argument, for they could come up with no real response. Before they could formulate a reply Aragorn had pulled them off the ground. "Echuirdur says Legolas is awake, and I intend to see him. Are you coming?"
As if in answer to his question, the twins tried to push past each other, each trying to reach Legolas' room first. Aragorn was winded by the time he caught up, but the elves were still trying to be the first to enter without letting the other push past him. Aragorn quietly slipped behind them. Focused solely on each other, they never noticed when he crawled between their legs.
He greeted Elrond with a wry smile. "You may want to tell them to keep it down, Ada, for at this rate they will shake the walls."
"I guess I should tell-" Elrond looked at Aragorn for a moment. "What did you call me?"
"Ada? How else wold I address you?"
"Estel?"
"Yes." There was a bewildered tone in his voice. Aragorn was stunned when Elrond threw himself on his youngest son, holding him tightly. "Ada, are you all right?"
"I thought it was you I was working on last night. I was so scared that I had lost you." Tears glistened in his eyes as he relived the whirlwind of emotions that had enveloped him the previous night.
The moment was interrupted when they heard a vase crash in the hall, no doubt knocked over in Elladan and Elrohir's struggle. "I should probably break them up."
"I think separate them for life might work better." Elrond left, closing the door behind him to shield Legolas and Aragorn from what was sure to be a long lecture for the twins.
"Legolas," Aragorn softly called. He did not wish to disturb his friend if he was resting.
"I'm awake, Estel. It's incredibly hard to sleep through the racket outside." Legolas offered a weak smile.
"How are you feeling?"
"A little sore, but it is not the worst wound I have received."
Aragorn raised his eyebrow. "This is a habit we need to break. We can't keep bringing ourselves back to father like this."
Legolas laughed. "You are probably right."
The twins entered then, more subdued than usual. "What happened?" queried Aragorn.
"Ada gave us the 'You Are More Noisy than a Herd of Oliphants' lecture along with the 'You Should Act Your Age' lecture. He also gave us 'the eyebrow'."
"Oh no, not 'the eyebrow'," teased Legolas.
In order to take out his frustration Elladan threw a pillow at the wall, where it exploded, showering them all with white feathers. Elrohir was laughing helplessly, leaning on Aragorn for support. Legolas was trying not to chuckle too hard at Aragorn's sneeze when the fluffy substance irritated his nose.
"Elladan," a stern voice called from behind.
"A-Ada," gulped Elladan.
This only caused the others to laugh harder.
******************************************************************************
Over time, Legolas healed. Concurrently, Aragorn felt worse with each passing day. It soon came to a point where he could not leave his bed, for he felt so drained of energy.
"You wouldn't want to trade places with me again, Legolas?"
"And go through that again? Never! I honestly wish it was only a bad dream."
"So do I. It was fun being an elf, but that glow of yours is annoying sometimes."
A wise wizard stood in the entrance, eye's glistening with mischief.
******************************************************************************
"Ugh, my head is throbbing." Aragorn tried to sit up but he felt a firm yet gentle hand push him back down. "What happened?"
"We returned home the other night and you had a high fever. It finally broke late last night."
"We?"
"You and I mellon nin," Legolas reminded him.
"What about the twins?"
"It was just us."
Elrond looked worried about his son's memory. "Estel, rest. Maybe it will come back to you later."
Aragorn tried to remember, finally putting pieces together. "I'm sorry. I was getting it confused with a strange dream that I had."
"I'm going to get you something to eat, Estel. After that I expect you to go back to sleep." Elrond looked at Legolas, making sure that the elf understood that he was to let the human rest.
"Yes, Ada."
When Elrond left Legolas' curiosity got the better of him. "I had a strange dream last night too. What was yours about?"
"I dreamed that we switched places, and then we lost our way while hunting with Elladan and Elrohir. Pretty farfetched, isn't it."
"Amazing. I had the same dream."
"Mine had Elladan and Elrohir trapping you and letting you hang from a tree."
"Mine as well."
"Do you think it wasn't a dream?"
"Of course not. Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds?"
Elrond interrupted by knocking on the door. "Estel, you wouldn't believe the dream I had last night..."
******************************************************************************
"FOOL!" Saruman was furious. Sauron would have given him a great reward for the death of Isildur's heir, and his plans were ruined due to his subordinate's lack of care.
"Master, please, I fired the arrow."
"You should have stayed to make sure he died."
"I thought he was dead."
"You relied on the assumption that your aim was true. Never make that mistake again."
"It would have hit the human if the cursed elf did not get in the way."
"The elf shouldn't have mattered."
The orc considered saying more, but the fear of his master's temper quieted him. When Saruman calmed a little, the orc found the courage to talk. "It was just a man. What difference will one weak human make?"
******************************************************************************
Aragorn was finally allowed out of the house. The illness had run its course, leaving no permanent damage behind. The sunny weather was perfect for swimming, meaning that Legolas and Aragorn had tried the best to sneak out of the house without anyone noticing. Aragorn doubted his father would approve of such an activity so soon after he had recovered.
They were removing their tunics and about to dive in when Aragorn noticed something strange.
"Legolas, when did you get that scar?"
Legolas looked down at his shoulder, seeing the slightly pink mark. "I do not know. I can't seem to recall injuring my shoulder."
"It must be recent. I've never seen it before."
"I first saw it after we returned from the hunting trip. I didn't injure myself, did I?"
"I don't remember anything. It looks deep, like it was painful." Aragorn went into healer mode instantly. "It is too dark to be an old scar; it looks recently healed."
"Perhaps it will always be a mystery."
"Perhaps." Aragorn watched his best friend dive into the lake. "You know, in my dream you were shot with a poisoned arrow."
"But it was only a dream." Yet, there was a hint of doubt in Legolas' voice.
"You were shot in your dream too, weren't you?"
"Yes. Do you think..."
"No! It was just a dream." Aragorn jumped in, drenching the elf.
"Just a dream," Legolas muttered to himself.
The End
Author's Notes: Finally, after so long a wait, I have finished! My first complete LotR fanfic. (And the first completed fanfic that I am somewhat willing to claim.) lol. Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed, especially those that offered continuous support. Your reviews really helped me finish this story.
Deana: Thank you so much for always being there to encourage me. I looked forward to your reviews each time I posted. I know I haven't left many reviews (my browser doesn't allow pop-up windows) but your work is amazing. I was awed that you would want to read my fic after you were able to write such wonderful stories. You are truly a talented writer, and your reviews meant much more to me because they came from a person whose writing abilities are far greater than my own, and even greater than many authors whose works I have read. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
AAAclub: Thank you so much for your constant reviews. I'm glad you have enjoyed the story. Thanks for recommending me to your friends! I have enjoyed your reviews immensely, for they are the inspiration I use while writing.
Websterans: Thank you so much for helping me with my writing while I wrote this fic. I am always trying to improve, and I had your suggestions in mind as I typed. Your compliment is one of the best I have ever received in my life.
Lulu Bell: (I know it has been so long, you probably don't remember what you wrote, but know that I found it hilarious.) Poor Legolas. Why must you torture him by making him kick your computer? Don't you think I torture him enough? lol. Thank you for your bow. I may need it in the future, as Aragorn and Legolas are still pretty mad at me. (But I returned them, mostly, unharmed. Only a few scars.) Thank you so much for reviewing; checking my e-mail was the highlight of my day.
Evenstar: I've never been able to find my story on fanfiction.net. (Ironic, isn't it?) Thank you for reviewing. The reviews really brightened my day.
Butterflyer: Thank you so much for your constant reviews. They were what inspired me to continue writing.
Kandice: Thank you so much! The way you summarized the chapter was funnier than what I had written myself. I was laughing so hard my brother thought I was crazy. (Not that he didn't already think so.)
Jamie: Sorry about not updating soon, but remember that you won't have to worry about me writing evil cliffhangers until I come out with my next story. lol. Thank you so much for always reviewing. Your comments always gave me something to look forward to.
Reverspots: Thank you for reviewing. : )
Marbienl: Thank you so much for reviewing! I feel sorry for Aragorn too. If I had been able to be an elf, I'm not sure I would like to go back to being human either. But he does seem to be taking it rather well. (Aragorn glares at Christi. "No I'm not," he shouts.) He's still being a little stubborn. I don't think he likes me very much right now. Maybe I should torture him in another story?
Aragorn: I'll be good. I promise. Just, please, no more fanfics.
lol. Not that I didn't like Fror, but I'm glad i won' have to worry about him (or his axe) anymore. I can't afford to lose too much more sleep; I'm sleep deprived enough as it it is. I know you said Fror was gentle, but... (glances behind herself, where an angry dwarf is waiting for me to finish posting.) Besides, you're conspiring with the twins. It's not as if I don't have enough to worry about. lol. Thank you for reviewing. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Shauna: Thank you so much for always reviewing. Your messages were so sweet, and they always made my day.
Elven Kitten: lol. You're right. "Little" is not the word to be used when describing Elrond. Thank you so much for reviewing!
Feagil: Thank you for reviewing.
Zapperz: Thanks for reviewing.
Frodo's Lady: Congratulations for guessing what I was going to do to Aragorn next. Crying I'm going to miss torturing him so much! lol. Thank you for reviewing.
The twins were a little concerned when they saw their brother weave as he walked. They were relieved when they finally reached his bedroom, where Aragorn almost threw himself on the bed. With a small chuckle, the two brothers removed their youngest sibling's shoes, bringing him a nightshirt and telling him goodnight. They left quietly, knowing their brother would fall asleep quickly.
******************************************************************************
In the morning, Legolas awoke to a sharp pain in his shoulder. He moaned softly.
"Shh, Estel."
'Estel,' wondered Legolas. He opened his eyes to find Elrond leaning over him.
"Stay still. Your wound is very grievous and the smallest movement could reopen it."
"What happened?"
"Be quiet, my son. You returned late last night."
"But-"
"Hush. Legolas and the twins are probably worried about you. I will send them in soon."
"But-"
"Drink this, it should help with the pain." Elrond pushed a cup into Legolas' good hand. While Legolas was trying to figure out how to move without jostling his injured shoulder too much, Elrond went to the door and called one of the servants. "Please fetch my sons, they will want to know that their friend is well." Echuirdur nodded and left, heading toward Aragorn's room.
******************************************************************************
When Echuirdur got to Estel's sleeping quarters, he found the entry blocked by two identical elves, sleeping with their backs against the door. Echuirdur hated to wake them, for they looked like they had had a trying night, but he could hear a muffled cough coming through the door. He knocked gently on the mahogany panel, hoping that the twins could still sleep through almost anything like they could when they were younger.
"Estel, are you all right?"
"Yes," a voice croaked.
"You don't sound well."
"I think I caught a cold from the rain last night." Echuirdur heard a sneeze.
"Do you want me to fix you a cup of tea?"
Aragorn thought about refusing, but he decided being able to breathe properly came before his pride. "Yes, please."
"I will bring it to Prince Legolas' room. I was sent to fetch you, for he has awakened."
"Thank you." Aragorn started to get dressed while Echuirdur went to fix the medicine. He forgot to warn the human before it was too late. He heard a soft thump and two cries of pain.
******************************************************************************
"ESTEL!"
Stunned, Aragorn tried to get his fever-muddled mind to form a complete sentence. "What were you doing there?"
"Sleeping! Wasn't that obvious?"
"How was I supposed to know you were there?" That stopped the twins in mid-argument, for they could come up with no real response. Before they could formulate a reply Aragorn had pulled them off the ground. "Echuirdur says Legolas is awake, and I intend to see him. Are you coming?"
As if in answer to his question, the twins tried to push past each other, each trying to reach Legolas' room first. Aragorn was winded by the time he caught up, but the elves were still trying to be the first to enter without letting the other push past him. Aragorn quietly slipped behind them. Focused solely on each other, they never noticed when he crawled between their legs.
He greeted Elrond with a wry smile. "You may want to tell them to keep it down, Ada, for at this rate they will shake the walls."
"I guess I should tell-" Elrond looked at Aragorn for a moment. "What did you call me?"
"Ada? How else wold I address you?"
"Estel?"
"Yes." There was a bewildered tone in his voice. Aragorn was stunned when Elrond threw himself on his youngest son, holding him tightly. "Ada, are you all right?"
"I thought it was you I was working on last night. I was so scared that I had lost you." Tears glistened in his eyes as he relived the whirlwind of emotions that had enveloped him the previous night.
The moment was interrupted when they heard a vase crash in the hall, no doubt knocked over in Elladan and Elrohir's struggle. "I should probably break them up."
"I think separate them for life might work better." Elrond left, closing the door behind him to shield Legolas and Aragorn from what was sure to be a long lecture for the twins.
"Legolas," Aragorn softly called. He did not wish to disturb his friend if he was resting.
"I'm awake, Estel. It's incredibly hard to sleep through the racket outside." Legolas offered a weak smile.
"How are you feeling?"
"A little sore, but it is not the worst wound I have received."
Aragorn raised his eyebrow. "This is a habit we need to break. We can't keep bringing ourselves back to father like this."
Legolas laughed. "You are probably right."
The twins entered then, more subdued than usual. "What happened?" queried Aragorn.
"Ada gave us the 'You Are More Noisy than a Herd of Oliphants' lecture along with the 'You Should Act Your Age' lecture. He also gave us 'the eyebrow'."
"Oh no, not 'the eyebrow'," teased Legolas.
In order to take out his frustration Elladan threw a pillow at the wall, where it exploded, showering them all with white feathers. Elrohir was laughing helplessly, leaning on Aragorn for support. Legolas was trying not to chuckle too hard at Aragorn's sneeze when the fluffy substance irritated his nose.
"Elladan," a stern voice called from behind.
"A-Ada," gulped Elladan.
This only caused the others to laugh harder.
******************************************************************************
Over time, Legolas healed. Concurrently, Aragorn felt worse with each passing day. It soon came to a point where he could not leave his bed, for he felt so drained of energy.
"You wouldn't want to trade places with me again, Legolas?"
"And go through that again? Never! I honestly wish it was only a bad dream."
"So do I. It was fun being an elf, but that glow of yours is annoying sometimes."
A wise wizard stood in the entrance, eye's glistening with mischief.
******************************************************************************
"Ugh, my head is throbbing." Aragorn tried to sit up but he felt a firm yet gentle hand push him back down. "What happened?"
"We returned home the other night and you had a high fever. It finally broke late last night."
"We?"
"You and I mellon nin," Legolas reminded him.
"What about the twins?"
"It was just us."
Elrond looked worried about his son's memory. "Estel, rest. Maybe it will come back to you later."
Aragorn tried to remember, finally putting pieces together. "I'm sorry. I was getting it confused with a strange dream that I had."
"I'm going to get you something to eat, Estel. After that I expect you to go back to sleep." Elrond looked at Legolas, making sure that the elf understood that he was to let the human rest.
"Yes, Ada."
When Elrond left Legolas' curiosity got the better of him. "I had a strange dream last night too. What was yours about?"
"I dreamed that we switched places, and then we lost our way while hunting with Elladan and Elrohir. Pretty farfetched, isn't it."
"Amazing. I had the same dream."
"Mine had Elladan and Elrohir trapping you and letting you hang from a tree."
"Mine as well."
"Do you think it wasn't a dream?"
"Of course not. Do you realize how ridiculous that sounds?"
Elrond interrupted by knocking on the door. "Estel, you wouldn't believe the dream I had last night..."
******************************************************************************
"FOOL!" Saruman was furious. Sauron would have given him a great reward for the death of Isildur's heir, and his plans were ruined due to his subordinate's lack of care.
"Master, please, I fired the arrow."
"You should have stayed to make sure he died."
"I thought he was dead."
"You relied on the assumption that your aim was true. Never make that mistake again."
"It would have hit the human if the cursed elf did not get in the way."
"The elf shouldn't have mattered."
The orc considered saying more, but the fear of his master's temper quieted him. When Saruman calmed a little, the orc found the courage to talk. "It was just a man. What difference will one weak human make?"
******************************************************************************
Aragorn was finally allowed out of the house. The illness had run its course, leaving no permanent damage behind. The sunny weather was perfect for swimming, meaning that Legolas and Aragorn had tried the best to sneak out of the house without anyone noticing. Aragorn doubted his father would approve of such an activity so soon after he had recovered.
They were removing their tunics and about to dive in when Aragorn noticed something strange.
"Legolas, when did you get that scar?"
Legolas looked down at his shoulder, seeing the slightly pink mark. "I do not know. I can't seem to recall injuring my shoulder."
"It must be recent. I've never seen it before."
"I first saw it after we returned from the hunting trip. I didn't injure myself, did I?"
"I don't remember anything. It looks deep, like it was painful." Aragorn went into healer mode instantly. "It is too dark to be an old scar; it looks recently healed."
"Perhaps it will always be a mystery."
"Perhaps." Aragorn watched his best friend dive into the lake. "You know, in my dream you were shot with a poisoned arrow."
"But it was only a dream." Yet, there was a hint of doubt in Legolas' voice.
"You were shot in your dream too, weren't you?"
"Yes. Do you think..."
"No! It was just a dream." Aragorn jumped in, drenching the elf.
"Just a dream," Legolas muttered to himself.
The End
Author's Notes: Finally, after so long a wait, I have finished! My first complete LotR fanfic. (And the first completed fanfic that I am somewhat willing to claim.) lol. Thank you so much to everyone who reviewed, especially those that offered continuous support. Your reviews really helped me finish this story.
Deana: Thank you so much for always being there to encourage me. I looked forward to your reviews each time I posted. I know I haven't left many reviews (my browser doesn't allow pop-up windows) but your work is amazing. I was awed that you would want to read my fic after you were able to write such wonderful stories. You are truly a talented writer, and your reviews meant much more to me because they came from a person whose writing abilities are far greater than my own, and even greater than many authors whose works I have read. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
AAAclub: Thank you so much for your constant reviews. I'm glad you have enjoyed the story. Thanks for recommending me to your friends! I have enjoyed your reviews immensely, for they are the inspiration I use while writing.
Websterans: Thank you so much for helping me with my writing while I wrote this fic. I am always trying to improve, and I had your suggestions in mind as I typed. Your compliment is one of the best I have ever received in my life.
Lulu Bell: (I know it has been so long, you probably don't remember what you wrote, but know that I found it hilarious.) Poor Legolas. Why must you torture him by making him kick your computer? Don't you think I torture him enough? lol. Thank you for your bow. I may need it in the future, as Aragorn and Legolas are still pretty mad at me. (But I returned them, mostly, unharmed. Only a few scars.) Thank you so much for reviewing; checking my e-mail was the highlight of my day.
Evenstar: I've never been able to find my story on fanfiction.net. (Ironic, isn't it?) Thank you for reviewing. The reviews really brightened my day.
Butterflyer: Thank you so much for your constant reviews. They were what inspired me to continue writing.
Kandice: Thank you so much! The way you summarized the chapter was funnier than what I had written myself. I was laughing so hard my brother thought I was crazy. (Not that he didn't already think so.)
Jamie: Sorry about not updating soon, but remember that you won't have to worry about me writing evil cliffhangers until I come out with my next story. lol. Thank you so much for always reviewing. Your comments always gave me something to look forward to.
Reverspots: Thank you for reviewing. : )
Marbienl: Thank you so much for reviewing! I feel sorry for Aragorn too. If I had been able to be an elf, I'm not sure I would like to go back to being human either. But he does seem to be taking it rather well. (Aragorn glares at Christi. "No I'm not," he shouts.) He's still being a little stubborn. I don't think he likes me very much right now. Maybe I should torture him in another story?
Aragorn: I'll be good. I promise. Just, please, no more fanfics.
lol. Not that I didn't like Fror, but I'm glad i won' have to worry about him (or his axe) anymore. I can't afford to lose too much more sleep; I'm sleep deprived enough as it it is. I know you said Fror was gentle, but... (glances behind herself, where an angry dwarf is waiting for me to finish posting.) Besides, you're conspiring with the twins. It's not as if I don't have enough to worry about. lol. Thank you for reviewing. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Shauna: Thank you so much for always reviewing. Your messages were so sweet, and they always made my day.
Elven Kitten: lol. You're right. "Little" is not the word to be used when describing Elrond. Thank you so much for reviewing!
Feagil: Thank you for reviewing.
Zapperz: Thanks for reviewing.
Frodo's Lady: Congratulations for guessing what I was going to do to Aragorn next. Crying I'm going to miss torturing him so much! lol. Thank you for reviewing.