He could hear the footsteps, running, chasing after him. Fear was what drove him on. The fear of being caught, of being trapped. The distance between himself and his pursuer seemed to shrink the faster he tried to run yet he dared not slow down. A hand grabbed him by the arm, jerking his body backwards and sending him crashing onto the ground.

He rolled onto his side, trying frantically to get up. He couldn't let It take him. Not again, not like It had so many times before. But just like everytime he'd been pulled onto the ground there was a heavy weight that pressed onto his back, pinning him to the ground.

Strong hands grabbed him by the arms and lifted him up. Even though he knew it was useless he struggled anyway. His captor merely tightened it's grip on him just as it had always done. Cruel arms wrapped around his torso, pinning his arms to his side. Knowing what was to come as he was carried off, he screamed and thrashed his body, desperate to free himself from the torment that was coming.

"Leithio nin!"
Just like before his cries went unheeded, and he was carried further into the darkness.
"Saes! Saes leithio nin!"
Tears fell from frightened, blue eyes as he was dragged into a familiar clearing. The arms that held him released their grip, throwing him onto the ground where only a single light shone.
A bright, cold light that only illuminated the figure on the ground. The one who was on his knees with his arms wrapped around himself, a single tear fell from his eye and ran down his cheek before falling onto his clothes.

He'd never been more afraid in his entire life.

"So this is what you have
become."
He flinched as the cold, hate-filled voice creeped into his ears. He lowered his head to where his chin was touching his chest, he refused to look at the one who stepped out of the shadows.

"A brave warrior is what they called you, a fearless fighter, one who would oppose evil until his last breath."
The speaker's words dripped with poison, with scorn, disappointment. A hand grabbed onto his hair and yanked his head up, and now he was forced to stare into the empty, hateful eyes Thranduil, his father.
"I am ashamed to call you my
son."
He spat as he threw him onto the ground.

Legolas gasped as his head hit the cold floor. He watched from where he lay as his father began to circle him, like a predator circling its prey.
"You are weak." A boot collided with Legolas' back making the elf cry out in pain.
"Worthless." Another kick was delivered to his stomach. Legolas curled in on himself in a vain attempt to shield himself from his father.
"Ada," he whispered in a trembling voice, "ada saes."

His pleas were ignored. Just as they always were. Thranduil continued to circle his son, his face showed no emotion other than hatred. All of which he directed at Legolas.
"Everything you are, everything that you think you are, is a lie."
He hissed.
"You are no hero, you are no prince, you are a coward."

With every statement Thranduil kicked Legolas, the young elf could nothing to protect himself from his father's blows.
"Your father is right."
A new voice, one that Legolas had never heard before, sounded from the darkness that surrounded him. Cautiously he lifted his head as another figure emerged from the darkness. Legolas' heart froze and his entire body became stiff with shock, and fear as Aragorn came into view.

His eyes were filled with the same hatred and scorn that his father's held. Aragorn joined Thranduil in circling him, and just as he had done he delivered a kick to Legolas whenever he spoke.
"You are nothing!"
Aragorn shouted, delivering a blow to Legolas' head. The elf's world reeled for a moment, spinning out of control. This couldn't be happening, not Aragorn, not his best friend.

"Pathetic!"
Another blow to his back.
"Worthless!"
His ribs.

It was no longer the blows to his body that hurt, but those last three words that made him feel as if he had been stabbed through the heart. He couldn't mean that, he didn't mean it...

"Why do you still hold on to hope? Why do you keep resisting the truth?"
Legolas closed his eyes and moaned. Not this, please, no more.
Gimli had joined his father and Aragorn. All three surrounded him, like wolves hungry for fresh meat.

"You should just die!"
The dwarf bellowed.
"No one needs you, no one cares about you!"

It wasn't true....

"You're lying."
Legolas whispered, tears stained his face and his body was sore from where he had been kicked.
"You are the one who is lying Legolas."
Gandalf came out next, followed by Elrond, Elladan and Elrohir. The grey wizard spat his name as if it were a curse.

"You know that what we say is true."
Three more appeared from the darkness, one was Boromir, and the other two were the last ones he wanted to see, two elves who glared at him with pure hatred, his brothers.

All of them stood over Legolas, these were his closest friends, his family, the ones he loved. Yet in that moment he wanted to be as far away from them as possible.
But he couldn't move, there was nowhere for him to go. He watched as they all reached for something, terror flooded throughout his entire being as whips appeared in their hands.

"Man cerig?!"
He exclaimed in horror. This had never happened to him before; it had always just been his father, beating him with no weapon of any kind. But this, this was more horrifying than anything he had ever experienced before. As they raised the whips over their heads he opened his mouth to beg for mercy, which turned into a scream as the first whip struck him.

Blow after blow was dealt to his body. He covered his head with his arms in an attempt to shield himself, his knees were pressed against his chest, as if making himself as small as possible would ease the pain.

Over and over they struck him. His tunic was torn to shreds, blood flowed down his back in rivers of scarlet, soon he was surrounded in a pool of red, yet the whipping never ceased.

"You are nothing but a pathetic elfling."
Aragorn's voice rose above the cracking of the whips. And as much as Legolas wanted to block out his voice, he couldn't.
"I should have killed you a long time ago, you worthless elf. You are no better than an orc."

"Stop...."
Legolas could barely hear his own voice. He was so tired, in so much pain.
"I cannot stand the sight of you."
Aragorn continued.
"Stop it..."
Legolas pleaded.

"You disgust me."

"Please, stop..."

"I hate you!"

"Please..."

"I HATE YOU!"

That was it.

Legolas could take it no longer. Ignoring the pain, ignoring the whips the lashed at his body, he got to his feet, his eyes blazed in anger. The whipping didn't stop as he ran forward, his gaze fixed upon the man in front of him. Who smirked as Legolas collided into him, arms wrapping around his middle as he brought him crashing onto the ground.

Legolas raised a bloodied fist and smashed it against Aragorn's face. He raised his other fist and did it again. Over and over he punched Aragorn's face, screaming in rage and fury, blinded by red.

Then suddenly, without thinking, he stopped.

Legolas slowly lowered his fists, his breath came out in gasps as he looked down at the form beneath him. Aragorn no longer moved. His eyes were closed and his face was a mess of blood, unrecognizable.

Horror washed over him as he realized what he had done. He'd killed him, he'd killed Aragorn.

"This is what you truly are."
Thranduil's venomous voice echoed in his ears. Tears fell from Legolas' eyes as he stared at Aragorn's beaten, bloodied face.
"A murderer."

Legolas' eyes widened as hands wrapped around his neck, abruptly cutting off his air and refusing to let go. Black dots danced at the edge of his vision as cruel laughter filled his mind. His body shuddering, his eyes rolled back into his head and he collapsed onto the ground.

Surrendering to the darkness.

{}{}{}

Aragorn sighed and shifted himself into a more comfortable position in his chair. He rested his chin on the back of his hand while tired, grey eyes watched his sleeping companion. Legolas had not stirred since Elrond treated him, though his foster father assured him that Legolas' life was no longer in danger, the ranger was not convinced.

After seeing that Boromir was cared for Aragorn had gone straight to Legolas' room to be with his friend. No one tried to stop him for they knew that an attempt to would be useless. The friendship between the man and elf was known throughout both Rivendell and Mirkwood, many said that their friendship was as strong as that of Turin and Beleg, maybe even stronger.

Yet now, Aragorn was on the verge of despair. In all the time during his silent vigil Legolas hadn't so much as moved a finger, he was breathing so slow there were times when Aragorn thought thatvhe was dead, and his skin was still far too pale.

Aragorn leaned forward and placed his hand on top of Legolas'. His friend was lying on motionless on his bed, white covers were pulled up to his chest but did not cover his arms. His golden hair was spread out across his pillow and his eyes remained closed which was what scared Aragorn.

Elves were not supposed to sleep with their eyes closed, they only did when they were wounded, exausted, on the verge of death. Aragorn shook his head, chasing the thought away.
He is not dying. He will be fine.
That was what he kept telling himself, what he tried to believe.

"Please, wake up gwador nin," he pleaded softly, squeezing Legolas' hand, "I need you to fight this, I need you beside me." Hanging his head he released Legolas' cold hand and leaned back in his chair. He'd lost track of the days he'd spent here. Food had been brought to him but he rarely touched it. Elrond and Gimli came every once in awhile to check on both of them, other than them Aragorn hadn't seen anyone else.

It made since to him though, Boromir was still recovering from his fight with the Nazgûl, and he probably felt uncomfortable with wandering around a place full of elves by himself. Aragorn didn't know why, but ever since he met him Boromir had harbored both distrust and suspicion towards elves.

He avoided being near them when he could and he hadn't been thrilled in the slightest when he learned that Aragorn's best friend happened to be an elf. Though he now considered Boromir to be one of his closest friends, his mistrust of elves was still a mystery to him.

Of course, I've been around elves my entire life. I forget that it's common for men to be wary of them.
Aragorn shifted in his chair again yawned. He hadn't rested properly since they'd arrived in Rivendell.
I am sure that Boromir will come around in time, he'll see that there is nothing to fear from elves. Unless you are a servant of Sauron that is.

Chuckling softly to himself, he glanced at the still elf on the bed and thought of how fierce Legolas could be in battle. Boromir had yet to see him fight, for all he knew Legolas was a silly, sometimes childish elf who could hold his own in combat.

He has yet to see the dangerous warrior that hides behind the cheerful prince of Mirkwood.
Aragorn sighed and drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. What would happen if Legolas never awoke? What would he do without his best friend?

A soft knock on the door brought the ranger out of his thoughts. He looked over his shoulder and managed a tired smile as Gimli entered the room.
"How is he?"
The dwarf asked trying to walk as quietly as possible to Legolas' bedside.

"He has yet to stir," Aragorn replied dejectedly, "Elrond says that he will awake, but I am beginning to lose hope." Stretching his arms over his head he added, "How are Boromir and the hobbits?"

"Boromir has fully recovered, Elrond had given him leave to roam Rivendell but he prefers to stay with the hobbits. He's grown very fond of them if you'll believe it, especially Pippin, the lad follows him everywhere. He always wants to hear Boromir's tales of Gondor and of battles he has fought in."

Gimli's lighthearted news lifted Aragorn's spirits somewhat. "Does that mean Merry has recovered?" he asked hopefully.
Gimli shook his head, his shoulders slumped as he reported on the hobbit's condition, "he was muttering in his sleep last night, but not even Elrond could make out what he was saying. The hobbits refused to leave his side until a couple of days ago, Elrond encouraged them to go out and walk around, take their minds off their troubles."

"That's where Boromir comes in handy I presume?"
Aragorn asked raising an eyebrow, "Entertaining the hobbits with tales of his heroics?"

Gimli laughed but quickly quieted himself, remembering the resting elf on the bed.
"That's actually what he's doing. Elrond assured the three of them that Merry would be fine, but the poor lads blame themselves for what happened. Boromir is keeping their thoughts off of that idea and on other things. Specifically exagerated stories about his greatness."

Both man and dwarf chuckled at their inside joke. Ever since Boromir had joined their company the two of them teased the Gondorian about always trying to be heroic and showing off his "warrior skills" that could be unmatched by any other man.

Fortunately Boromir caught on quickly that they were not being serious and that both of them were glad to have him in their group of misfits. Of course, Boromir and Gimli ended up having plenty of things to tease Aragorn about. Just as he and Legolas had their opinions on Gimli and the other way around.

Boromir and Legolas rarely spoke to one another and there was contant tension between the two. Legolas sensed that Boromir was suspicious of him so he kept his distance and avoided him and Borormir did the same with Legolas. Aragorn had faith the Boromir would come to trust Legolas in time, Gimli eventually did, and he was a dwarf.

"How many days has it been?" Aragorn asked breaking the silence.
"Its been nearly two weeks since we arrived," Gimli replied through narrowed eyes, "I can bet that you haven't slept at all during that time."

Aragorn shrugged as he struggled to hold back a yawn. "I've rested enough." he responded stubbornly.
Gimli rolled his eyes and groaned.
"Honestly Aragorn do I have to be the one who looks after you, Boromir, and the elf?"

"What do you mean by that?" Aragorn questioned skeptically.
"If it wasn't for me you wouldn't be here right now! When you and I were with Boromir in Gondor who was it that made sure the two of you rested when we became stranded in the mountains near Minas Tirith after both of you were injured by orcs?"

"Gimli please, we were just fine." Aragorn grinned as he prepared himself for one of Gimli's famous outbursts.
"Just fine?! You got hit with two poisoned arrows, one in your shoulder and one in your leg, and Boromir nearly lost his arm and bled to death! Both of you could barely walk much less stand and to make matters worse it was the middle of winter! The two of you nearly froze to death and you would have if it wasn't for me saving both of your-"

A cough interupted the dwarf's tirade and caused both him and Aragorn to turn their attention towards the door.
"Master Samwise, what brings you here?"
Aragorn asked with a friendly smile.
"I um-I hope you don't mind me intruding Strider-er-Aragorn. I just wanted to see how Legolas was and if he was gettin' any better."
Sam looked down at his feet and shuffled them nervously on the floor.

"You are not intruding, please come in." Aragorn watched as the hobbit entered the room, he kept casting nervous glances at him and Gimli.
I wonder why he is so wary of us. Aragorn thought to himself.
Sam's attention was soon drawn to Legolas' pale form. A startled gasp escaped his lips and his eyes widened.

"It's alright Samwise, he is not dead," Aragorn assured him, "he is merely resting."
That seemed to calm the hobbit some as he forced himself to meet Aragorn's gaze.
"Frodo told me a bit of what was wrong with him. He feels real guilty you know, he blames himself for what happened to Merry and Legolas."

Aragorn sighed and ran a hand through his unkempt hair.
"I understand why he would feel that way," he said tiredly, "I feel the exact way now."

Gimli shook his head, but only to where Aragorn noticed. Sam however had a puzzled expression on his face.
"Why would you be feelin' guilty? You didn't do anythin' wrong."
He asked with his head tilted to the side.

"I left when I should have been with Boromir protecting Frodo and Pippin. I went out to search for Legolas and Gimli, I found him and Merry but I wasn't there to help Boromir fend off the Nazgûl. He was injured, Legolas and Merry almost died, I was charged with protecting all of you and I nearly failed."
Aragorn wanted to continue but he could feel himself starting to despair so he stopped speaking.

"You can't blame yourself for what happened Aragorn." Gimli placed his hand on Aragorn's shoulder, which he could only do since the man was sitting.
"How can I not? This is not the first time this has happened Gimli. Tell me, how many times one of you were hurt because I came short in some way?"
Aragorn snapped, his exaustion was finally getting the better of him. Gimli was right, he needed to rest.

"I don't think that you're a bad leader." Sam's timid voice reminded Aragorn that the hobbit was still there. When neither he nor Gimli replied Sam continued, "I mean, I haven't really known you long, but Legolas told me a lot about you. He trusts you and says that he couldn't ask for a better leader."

Aragorn glanced at his unconcious friend. A sigh escaped him as he recalled how many times Legolas assured him that he had his undying loyalty.

I'd follow you to the darkest places of the earth, into the fires of Mordor, or into the tower of the dark lord himself.
He remembered the day Legolas said that to him, it seemed like such a long time ago.
You are my brother in all but blood Aragorn. I would give my life for you and I swear that as long as I draw breath I will never leave your side.

What had he done to instill such loyalty in the elf? To this day he still didn't know, but he was ever thankful for his friendship, one that knew know bounds.

"Have you known him long?"
Sam's questioned brought Aragorn back to the present. He couldn't help the laugh that escaped him.
"I have known Legolas ever since I was a child."
Gimli joined in his laughter as Sam looked absolutely startled.
"That long?" he asked as if he needed to confirm it.

Aragorn chuckled and nodded his head.
"Yes Samwise, Legolas has been apart of my life since childhood. Well, my childhood anyway."

Sam looked at Legolas, then back at Aragorn. There were so many questions that he wanted to ask and Aragorn wondered if the hobbit would ask any of them. Before he got the chance though his eyes caught sight of movement from Legolas' bed.

He leaned forward in his chair and studied Legolas' hand, he could have sworn he saw it twitch.
"Aragorn?"
Gimli asked following his gaze. The room fell dead silent as Aragorn's, Gimli's, and Sam's eyes widened.

Legolas moved his hand, and the rest of his body was slowly beginning to come alive.
"Gimli, go find Elrond."
Aragorn ordered. Gimli didn't hesitate and raced out the door. Aragorn was out of his chair and kneeling beside the bed in a blink of an eye.

He resisted the urge to grasp his friend's hand, knowing that Legolas would be unpredictable once he fully awoke. Sam hovered uncertainly by the door, as if debating whether or not he should stay or go.

Legolas' movements were becoming more noticeable, but instead of relief a cold weight settled in the pit of Aragorn's stomach. His entire body was stiff, his movements were quick and jerky. Sweat covered the elf's brow and his mouth was opened slightly, he seemed to be muttering something but Aragorn couldn't make it out.

Legolas moaned as he rolled his head to the side facing Aragorn, his entire body was shaking and his still remained closed.
"Is he alright?"
Sam asked, fear evident in his small voice. Aragorn didn't have a chance to answer because suddenly Legolas' eyes flew open, and the most horrific scream came from his mouth.

Sam jumped and Aragorn watched in stunned silence as Legolas frantically pushed himself into a sitting position, his arms became tangled amidst the blankets and sheets. He continued to scream as he fought to free himself from the blankets. Aragorn finally snapped out of his stupor when Legolas started clawing at his own arms, drawing blood and staining himself and the bed.

"Daro Legolas!" Aragorn reached out clutched the elf's wrists, the action only caused Legolas to scream louder and thrash his body, desperate to free himself from Aragorn's grasp. Aragorn set his jaw and stood up as much as he could without releasing his hold on Legolas. He strained every muscle in his arms and back as he tried to force Legolas to lay down.

Legolas' screams almost sounded animal-like as he arched his back, resisting Aragorn's attempts to restrain him.
"Peace Legolas!" Aragorn shouted over the screams, "it's me Legolas, Estel! You are safe now!"

Aragorn's hold on Legolas began to weaken and without warning one of Legolas' wrists slipped out of his grasp. Before Aragorn could recover it Legolas' hand shot out at his face, Aragorn hissed in pain as Legolas' nails clawed at his face.
"Help him!"
Sam shouted frantically. Aragorn bristled in annoyance at his words. What did he think he was trying to do?

It was only after another figure appeared on the opposite side of the bed that he realized that Sam hadn't been addressing him.
Elrond! Thank the Valar.
The elf lord managed to catch hold of Legolas' free arm and together the two were able to force him onto the bed. Legolas continued to scream and Aragorn looked helplessly at Elrond, waiting for him to help his friend.

"Gimli! Bring me the blue vial off the shelf!"
Elrond shouted, struggling to keep Legolas down. Aragorn prayed that Gimli would hurry, his strength was failing him. After what seemed like an eternity Gimli appeared at Elrond's side, clutching the vial in his hand.

"I need you to take my place, make sure that you hold him down!"
Elrond ordered.
Gimli nodded and just as he handed the vial to Elrond he grabbed Legolas by the wrist and shoulder, holding him down just as he'd been told. Elrond yanked the lid off the vial and pressed his fingers into a certain point on Legolas' neck.

The elf's eyes widened and for a brief moment his body went stiff, his lips parted just enough for Elrond to pour some of the contents of the vial into his mouth. Quickly he forced Legolas' mouth shut and plugged his nose, leaving the young elf no choice but to swallow the liquid.

For a brief moment all was quiet, Aragorn and Gimli slightly loosened their hold on Legolas. Elrond and Sam watched in silence, everyone held their breath. Finally Legolas' body relaxed and he sank onto the bed, Elrond nodded his head to let Aragorn and Gimli know that they could release him.

Legolas lay still for a moment, his eyes were fixed on the ceiling and his bloody arms rested at his sides. A heartbeat later, Legolas' eyes slowly shut and soon the only movement from him was the rising and falling of his chest.

"Elrond," Aragorn started out of breath, "what happened to him?"
The elf lord shook his head.
"I will not know for certain until he awakes. Until then I will clean him up and let him rest," turning to Aragorn he added, "and you will be doing the same. You are exausted, and those scars on your face need to be tended to."

Aragorn had almost forgotten that Legolas had scratched him, but now he could feel the warm blood trickling down his face and onto his neck.

Elrond started towards the door and waved for the others to follow. The three followed after him in silence, just before he closed the door Aragorn cast one more glance at his friend, who was now sleeping peacefully.

Ai Legolas, what has happened to you?
Without a sound aragorn turned his back on Legolas and closed the door.