Legolas winced as he nearly collapsed. He was forced to lean his back against a tree to take a short rest. His left hand went to his head and he massaged his temple, trying to tame the headache. By now, he could not move his right arm. When the guard punched him, he must have dislocated it. That was not all that hurt though. He could feel every wound, every whiplash. His whole body was stiff and ached with each move. He didn’t know where to go. He had simply begun walking. He could not go to Rohan, for if Gondor was closed to him, Rohan would not welcome him. He could not go home, for there was no home to go to. Anywhere else lay west of the Misty Mountains. Gimli. He would go see the Dwarf. He knew Gimli was currently planning on leading a group of his kindred to the Glittering Caves and he could only pray that the Dwarf had not left yet. He was close enough that he could make it. He could see the Misty Mountains looming in the short distance. He held his right arm tenderly with his left hand and began off again.

—————————————————-

Aragorn dropped into a chair in his study. Finally he was alone. He was made sure he would not be bothered. His hands went to his head as a sob escaped him. How could this have happened? His best friend… Legolas had tried to kill him. He still could not believe it. He didn’t want to believe it. Could he have spoken the truth when he said the leader had taken one of his arrows? He was torn between trusting his friend for many years, or his dying guard. What reason did Ingold have for lying? Tears streamed down the King’s cheeks. Legolas would never have done such a thing. Never. But he could not go back on his word. The elf would be long gone by now. He quickly wiped his tear-streaked face and stood up. He opened the door to exit the study. Two soldiers stood on each side of the door. Aragorn looked at both of them.
“I have lifted Legolas’s sentence. I know my friend and he would never do such. Should he be seen, inform him. Pass along the word.”
Both soldiers bowed and turned opposite ways and walked off. Aragorn sighed and walked away.

———————————————

Legolas stumbled on the rocky terrain of the Mountains. He cursed silently and leaned heavily against the stony wall. A ragged hiss of pain escaped him. He suddenly fell silent. He could feel the presence of another. He looked wearily around. He could hear the footfalls of a group of travelers. It was not orcs; that he was sure of. Slowly, he limped towards the sound of the group. It was a small group of Dwarves. Though the friendship between Elves and Dwarves had always waxed and waned, he hoped this group would help. He could go no further. He made sure the Dwarves could see him, so he would not be attacked.
“Please… I need help…”
The Dwarves looked at him, frozen in their spots, as if deciding just what to do. Suddenly, one of the Dwarves broke away from the rest.
“Legolas? What in Aulë happened to you?!”
Legolas suddenly dropped forward, unable to hold himself up anymore. He was caught from hitting the ground by Gimli. Legolas blinked to stay awake.
“Gimli?”
The Dwarf nodded and forced a worried smile.
“None other, Laddie. Come. There will be time for talk later. Rest by the fire.”
Legolas nodded and was helped to a spot by the fire. He cringed and lay down.
“Gimli. I need a favor.” he said weakly.
Gimli came to Legolas’s side and nodded.
“My right shoulder. It was dislocated. I need you to pop it back.”
Gimli winced in compassion and moved quickly to Legolas’s right side. He lowered the elf’s tunic to allow him to be able to see the shoulder better. He grimaced at the sight of it.
“This is going to hurt, Legolas.”
The elf nodded stiffly.
“No more than it does right now. Just hurry and…”
His sentence was cut short by a cry of pain and a sickening crack. Gimli stood and dusted his hands. Legolas swallowed and his hand went to his shoulder that was now properly in place.
“Thank you, mellon nin.”
Gimli waved it off and shook his head before sitting beside Legolas. Legolas slowly sat up and looked at the Dwarf. It did not take long for Gimli to start asking questions.
“Who did this to you, Legolas?”
Legolas swallowed and looked away from Gimli, turning is eyes to the fire. Gimli could see the sadness in the elf’s eyes and almost said something when Legolas replied.
“Men.”
Gimli’s brows creased in confusion, but Legolas shook his head.
“This does not matter Gimli. Gondor is going to be attacked. They need to be assisted.”
Gimli shook his head.
“Wait a minute, Legolas. What happened to you? We thought you were dead. Half of Mirkwood is gone.”
“I know that!” Legolas snapped.
“I was there! The men did it! Haradrim. They burned our woods and took me with them.”
Gimli looked at Legolas with a hurt expression and Legolas sighed.
“Gimli, I’m sorry. I am not myself. I cannot yet explain to you why. Now is not the time.”
Gimli nodded slowly.
“Well, if Gondor is under attack, the Dwarves will ride to meet their aid.”
Legolas nodded.
“As will the elves.”
“Legolas. Not all of Mirkwood is gone.”
Legolas looked to him. The Dwarf now had his full attention.
“Many elves came to us for aid. We have been temporarily housing them.”
“How many?”
“A hundred at least.”
Legolas looked at Gimli in disbelief.
“A hundred? How? All from Mirkwood?”
Gimli nodded.
“They somehow managed to escape the attack. And they are all well and ready for battle.”
Legolas nodded and stood up. He stood as if he was not hurt at all, though he was still in great pain.
“Let’s ride.”