Come Athelas

Title: Come Athelas
Author/Email: MaraJade (LadyJadeSky@aol.com)
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters and I make no money off this endeavor.
Summary: When Aragorn is injured, will he die for want of athelas?

Aragorn felt the sharp bite of the arrow that had suddenly lodged itself into his left shoulder. He was too busy to deal with it at that moment as he was currently surrounded by orcs. Ugly, mean orcs that were out for blood-his blood. Not that he knew of any other brand of orc.

Aragorn didn't even have a chance to check on his companions. He trusted in the skills of his brothers and his best friend, but they had been horribly outnumbered. He blocked a sword thrust, pulling his thoughts away from the others and looking to his own survival. The wound in his shoulder slowed him some, but he didn't allow it to incapacitate him. He fought like a man possessed, dispatching his foes as quickly as possible.

What seemed like an eternity later, he was relieved to note Legolas killing the last of the orcs. When he was certain that the threat was gone, he re-sheathed his sword and allowed himself to drop to the ground.

"Estel!" Elladan cried out, rushing to check on the wounded man. The other two elves were right on his heels. "Are you alright?"

"I'm exhausted. Oh, and I have an arrow sticking out of me! I'm just fine," Aragorn sarcastically replied.

"I'll go get the athelas from the saddlebags," Elrohir volunteered, matching actions to words.

"How do you always manage to get hurt?" Elladan asked. "You are such a bad influence on poor Legolas."

"He's older than I am, how am *I* the bad influence?" Aragorn asked incredulously.

"You just are, now hush and conserve your strength!" Legolas ordered.

Elrohir returned then looking perturbed. "Whose turn was it to pack the medical supplies?"

"Yours," Elladan and Aragorn said in unison.

"Oh. Well, I forgot the athelas and I couldn't find any in the immediate vicinity," Elrohir replied apologetically.

"It's fine. Just get this arrow out of me! We'll wash it with waster and bandage it. Father can look at it when we get home. It should only take us three days to get back."

Elrohir handed over the water bag and bandages he had retrieved as Legolas moved around behind Aragorn to hold him. Elrohir quickly got into position to pull out the arrow while his twin readied the bandages.

When everyone was ready Elrohir jerked the arrow from Aragorn's body. Estel grunted through clinched teeth, stiffened, and then collapsed against his friend, panting harshly.

"Sorry, Brother, but I have to clean it now. This is going to hurt," Elladan apologized. Aragorn just nodded as he was in too much pain to properly be able to voice his thoughts. He winced at the slight pressure from his oldest brother's hands, but he continued to rest his weight against Legolas' sturdy support.

"Are you alright?" Legolas questioned softly.

"I will be," Aragorn replied quickly getting himself under control.

"Estel, how do you feel?" Elrohir asked holding the offending arrow up, scrutinizing the tip.

"What is it?" Elladan asked.

"There is something here, but I can't tell if it is just dirt and blood, or something else."

When the twins were focused on him again Aragorn replied, "I'm a little lightheaded, but that's probably just from blood loss and exertion."

"If it gets worse, let us know. I think we should start home now," Elladan said.

Legolas helped Aragorn stand and steadied him when he staggered.

"Can you give me a leg up?" Aragorn asked as he approached his mare.

"Of course," Legolas responded, helping his friend into the saddle before mounting his own horse.

They trotted a long for several hours before Aragorn's mare came to an abrupt halt. The elves watched in stunned silence as Estel tumbled from his saddle. Their inaction only lasted a moment before they were all scrambling down from their horses rushing to the injured human. After gently rolling him over, they saw he was drenched in sweat.

"Fever. That arrow must have been poisoned," Legolas said.

"We have to get some athelas and get him to Father as soon as possible. Legolas, you and I will search for athelas. Elrohir, see what you can do to lower Estel's temperature and make him comfortable."

Elrohir quickly got everyone's bedrolls ad cloaks and made a pallet. He then gently lifted the human and placed him on the pile of blankets, covering him with as many as they had left. He made his way to a nearby stream with a pot, filled it, and then started a fire to boil the water for the athelas. He used some water form his bag to wet a cloth to bathe his brother's brow.

Elrohir wasn't sure how long he sat there before Aragorn started to stir. "Estel? Wake up, Estel."

"Hmm?" Aragorn mumbled, forcing his eyes open.

"Good, Estel. You need to stay awake for me. You have a very high fever. Do you know who I am?"

"El-hir," Aragorn stated, his voice weak and hoarse.

"You haven't called me Elhir since you were little. Elladan and I despaired that you would ever learn to properly say our names, but I kind of miss my 'little bother.' You have grown into a fine man, don't get me wrong. I just miss having your complete and total adoration. You followed us around constantly and as much as it annoyed us we loved it. No! Don't close your eyes, Estel. Stay awake," Elrohir ordered.

Estel's eyes fluttered before he managed to keep them pen. "Tired. Hurts."

"I know. Elladan and Legolas should be back soon. They went to find some athelas." Elrohir wet his cloth again and felt Aragorn's forehead. "Your temperature has risen yet again. You need to stay awake. Do you think you can do that?"

"Will…try," Aragorn whispered, shivering violently. Elrohir noticed and stripped off his cloak to tuck around his brother.

"Elladan and I were very impressed that you could tell us apart from almost the moment you met us. When we were younger, we fooled quite a few of our caretakers. I remember this one time we both claimed to be Elladan. Our nurse refused to be our keeper after that. She left for Lorien a few months later and we continue to torment the poor maiden when we visit Grandmother and Grandfather. You should come with us next time. You haven't spent much time with them lately, and Arwen would love to see you again. Estel!"

The elf started to panic when the human began to convulse. He valiantly tried to regain his composure without much success, but he retained his wits enough to hold Estel's head down to keep him from injuring himself further. The seizure lasted for what seemed forever. Elrohir was praying to the Valar for his brother's live when Legolas and Elladan returned in time to watch Aragorn's back arch a final time before he lay perfectly still.

"No! Is he--?" Elladan couldn't finish his sentence. Elrohir's hand visibly trembled as he checked his baby brother for a pulse. He let his head drop to his chest as he inhaled a shaky breath.

"He lives. Did you find the athelas?"

"We did but we only found one sprig. We have to get him to Father as quickly as possible."

"His temperature continues to rise. I do not know how much longer he can endure. This is all my fault!" Elrohir cried.

"How is this your fault? Unless it was your arrow that struck him," Elladan countered.

"I should have remembered the athelas. If I had, this would have been prevented!"

"We don't have time for this! We need to see to Estel and get back on the road as soon as possible," Elladan replied. "As soon as our brother is well I will argue with you about blame.

The trio of elves set to work trying to heal the human. It took several hours but his temperature dropped low enough that the elf princes weren't overly concerned about sitting him on a horse with Elrohir in the saddle behind him. Aragorn's mare trotted docilely behind them.

"How is he?" Legolas asked after they had ridden for several hours.

"He is beginning to stir. I believe he will awaken soon." As if on cue, the human moaned, then lifted his head to look around.

"Estel? Legolas said, seeing the confused look on his friends' face. Aragorn swallowed twice before attempting to speak, but he words would not form. He shifted n the horse's back, settled his weight against his brother again, and gave in to his body's plea that he not be conscious right then.

A little while later, Aragorn woke again. He glanced behind him to see who was supporting him, then said, "Elhir?"

"Yes, Estel?"

"Thirsty," the human croaked. The elf hurriedly grabbed his water bag and helped his brother sip the liquid. "Thanks," he said.

"How are you feeling?" Elladan asked.

"Tired," the ranger answered.

"That's to be expected. You are very sick. You are probably going to be weak and tired for several weeks. That's okay, though. It will take that long at least for you to convince Father to let you leave the house," Elrohir teased.

When Aragorn made a noncommittal sound, Elladan chimed in with, "You know it's true, little brother!

"Mm-hmm," Aragorn agreed, quickly falling back asleep.

"I think his temperature is going back up," Elrohir stated. "Maybe we should press the horses for a while. He is very weak," The others agreed readily, urging their mounts from an easy trot to a full-out gallop.

When his stallion stumbled a couple of hours later, Elrohir had trouble keeping his balance as well as ensuring that Aragorn didn't fall. He quickly called a halt, then asked for help getting Estel down. When Elladan offered to take their brother on his horse, Elrohir refused stating, "Estel's mare is fresher, we'll rider her for a while. Elladan could tell Elrohir felt guilty, but until Estel was well there would be no talking him out of it.

When Elrohir was handing the ranger to Elladan the human awoke and panicked. He flailed, catching his brothers unawares, causing them to drop him. He groaned when he hit the ground, then called out, "No! Stay back! Leave me alone!"

Elladan hesitated then slowly approached. He dropped to his knees and held out empty hands. "Estel, it is I, Elladan. You are ill and injured, and are delirious with fever. We are trying to get you back to Ada. He will have you patched up in no time." Elladan spoke soothingly but it had no effect.

"No, it's a trick," Aragorn claimed. "I will not be fooled."

"Strider, please. Your brother speaks the truth. Let us get you back to Imladris," Legolas pleaded, keeping his distance so as not to make the ranger feel trapped.

"I do not know you," Aragorn stated, suspicious of the Prince of Mirkwood.

"I am Legolas Thranduilion. We have been friends for a long time when counted by mortals."

"Legolas? Yes, I know Legolas. He's my best friend," the human said to himself, but the elves clearly hear him. When Aragorn looked up the confusion had cleared from his eyes. "Elladan," he sighed, letting himself fall into his brother's embrace.

"How are you feeling?"

"My head feels fuzzy," Aragorn complained.

"That's no surprise. You are very ill," Elladan explained.

"Oh," Aragorn responded, seeming to think about that for a moment. "Okay."

"Let's get you mounted," Elladan said, helping Aragorn rise on unsteady feet.

"Can I have some water?" Legolas quickly stepped forward offering his water bag and Elladan held it to the human's lips. He let Aragorn slowly drink his fill then walked him to his mare. It took a few more minutes to get everyone resettled on their mounts then they were galloping towards Rivendell once more. They had made great progress in their journey and Estel seemed to be doing better. They would make Rivendell the following day if they continued at their current pace.

Hours later Aragorn's mare fell to her knees. Aragorn and Elrohir were flung over her heard. Elrohir had managed to twist his body, looking much like a cat, landing on sturdy shoulders and rolling to bleed of the impact. Estel was not so lucky. He landed hard on one shoulder and his neck. Everyone heard a loud 'crack,' Aragorn's pained cry, then silence.

Legolas recovered from the shock first, rushing to Aragorn's side while Elladan moved to his twin.

"How is he?" Elladan asked fearfully as he helped Elrohir to his feet.

"I believe he had dislocated his shoulder. I'm not sure if he hit his head that hard or if he just passed out from the pain." The twins heaved a sigh of relief as they made their way to Aragorn.

"Perhaps we should rest here for the night," Elrohir suggested, and his older brother and the Mirkwood prince agreed. "I'll check on the mare. She I usually very sure-footed," He hurried to the horse's side and cried out in dismay.

"What is it?" Elladan asked.

"Se has cut her frog badly. She should not even be walking on it, let along bearing the weight of two riders," Elrohir informed them. "I fear we will have to leave her to make her own way home as we are in too much of a hurry to delay. Estel would be crushed if something evil were to befall her."

"Just make a poultice for her. I'm more worried about Aragorn right now! This injury is not good for his fever. I want to try and wake him, but we'll need to set his shoulder first and I'll need help from you and Legolas. The mare will be just fine on her own, Estel needs help." Elladan was irritated that his twin seemed more concerned about the horse than their brother.

Elrohir quickly mixed some herbs and bandaged the horse's hoof. Then he untacked her and whispered for her to make her way to Imladris as she could. She snorted and tossed her head in understanding and agreement, then carefully lowered herself to the ground to rest as comfortably as she could.

Elrohir then made his way to Elladan. Legolas finished making camp and he approached as well. By unspoken agreement Legolas and Elrohir supported and held Aragorn steady while Elladan, being the more skilled healer, set the ranger's arm. Even being unconscious did not help Aragorn as he cried out and instinctively tried to shy away from the pain. The elves had all done their parts well so it was finished quickly and the human was unable to move. Elladan had fashioned a sling and with his brother's help, they managed to put it on Estel with a minimum of fuss.

They made Aragorn as comfortable as they could then Legolas went to refill the water bags. With that being taken care of, Elladan was attempting to wake the human.

"Estel? Wake up, Estel," he called. When that garnered no response, Elladan turned to his other brother. "When Legolas gets back, take him and go see if you can find any athelas. I'm really worried about Estel. His temperature is up and his breathing is getting increasingly labored."

"What do you think about one of us riding to fetch Father? We could meet on the trail sometime tomorrow. Ada can bring as much athelas as he needs, as well as any other herb he may require and it will be faster. This way Estel has a better chance of recover," Elrohir suggested.

"That is probably a good idea. You are the better rider, but you should take my horse. Yours is likely more tired from carrying the combined weight of you and Estel. Elrohir agreed and set off as soon as Legolas returned with the water.

"Will Aragorn be alright?" Legolas asked.

"Not if we don't get him to help quickly. That is why Elrohir went for Father. We will meet him on the trail, and he will have the supplies needed to stabilized Estel enough to safely get him home. I'm worried that his body has taken too much abuse. I don't think he'll survive the trip back to Imladris without Ada."

"Humans are very fragile, are they not?" Legolas observed.

"They are, and Estel attracts trouble like no other human I know. Arathorn was nowhere near as bad as his son. Of course, Arathorn grew up among the Dunedain knowing his heritage, and Estel grew up safe in Imladris."

The human suddenly stirred and opened his eyes. "Eldan? I'm thirsty," he said, sounding much younger than his years.

"Okay. I'll help you. Drink slowly," Elladan cautioned. Aragorn did as he was bid, and it took several minutes for him to drink his fill. When he was finished, Elladan laid him back down and asked, "How do you feel?"

"It hurts," he answered softly.

"I know it does. Elrohir went to get Father. In the morning if you feel up to it we'll start out so we can meet them on the trail. How does that sound?"

"Fine," Aragorn whispered. The elves could clearly read the exhaustion and pain written on the human's face. He looked so pitiful that Elladan couldn't help but pull his younger brothers up and into his arms to hold him. Aragorn sighed as he rested his forehead on the elf's shoulder.

"Tell me a story?" Estel requested.

"You haven't asked for a story in ages. I'll be glad to tell you one." Elladan pulled up a blanket to wrap around the ranger. He then masterfully fashioned a story much like a weaver would an intricate tapestry. Aragorn was so enthralled that he was able to forget his pain and focus fully on the tale.

"That was a wonderful story," Legolas praised when Elladan finished.

"Thank you, Legolas. I'm not as good as Father and Elrohir, though. And you, Estel. Did you enjoy it as well?"

Aragorn nodded and whispered his thanks. Now that he was no longer concentrating on Elladan's story, the pain was back again with a vengeance. His only comfort was that he was safely being held in his brother's embrace. No matter what was happening if his father or one of his brothers held him, he felt no harm could come to him.

"Estel, why don't you lie down and rest? You will feel better," Elladan suggested softly.

Aragorn clutched at his brother for a moment before asking, "Stay with me?

"Of course," Elladan agreed readily, laying the ranger gently on his bedroll. "You didn't think you could get rid of me that easily did you?"

Aragorn smiled slightly as he carefully shifted to make himself more comfortable. With his hand held firmly in Elladan's he drifted off to sleep again.***

Morning came and with it Aragorn's temperature rose again. He moaned frequently in his state of unconsciousness.

"I thought after he had woken up last night and managed to stay awake for a couple of hours that he might be recovering," Legolas commented.

"I had hoped so as well. But a human's body is not as resilient as ours. It makes treating them difficult as one day they will have improved and the next they are worse than ever before. I don't know if we should attempt to move him. On one hand we will get to Ada quicker. On the other, I'm not sure how Aragorn's body will react."

"Perhaps we should just wait, then. It won't do Aragorn any good to push him too soon. I think it is better to risk delay than risk injuring him any further. Lord Elrond will not be pleased by his condition. I think it would be wise not to exacerbate that," Legolas commented.

"Wise words indeed, Legolas. I want to go look for more athelas. Whistle if you need anything. I won't stray too far." Legolas nodded and the oldest son of Elrond set off in search of the much needed plant.***

Elladan was already on his way back to their camp when he heard the whistle. The elf broke into a run fearing the worst. He had failed to find any athelas, which came as no surprise. Even though they continued to replace the taken plants with seedlings it was difficult to find this close to Imladris. Even when dried it's healing properties were amazing.

Elladan burst into the clearing they had used for a camp. Instead of his worst fears coming true, his prayers had been answered. Lord Elrond had arrived.

"Thank the Valar! Can you help him, Ada?"

"He is very ill. It will take some time, but I believe he will make a full recovery. Is that water boiling yet, Elrohir?"

"Yes, Father," Elrohir answered quickly bringing the post of water to the elf lord.***

Elrond worked all that day to nurse his youngest son back to health. When he finished he sank wearily to the ground.

"Are you alright, Father?" Elladan asked.

"Just tired. Estel was in worse shape than I originally thought."

"How is he?" Legolas asked, his concern evident in his tone.

"He will be fine. He should be ready to travel by tomorrow or the next day, and I cam heal him more fully back in Imladris. He will be up and about in a couple of weeks," Elrond told them.

"If we can keep him down that long. He'll be fighting to get up in a few days," Elrohir commented.

"Too true, Brother," Elladan said.

"I'll have to keep him drugged then, " Elrond jested. "For now, let us rest. The warriors have set the watch."***

Aragorn awoke and immediately wished he hadn't. He hurt everywhere, even in places he didn't know *could* hurt. He groaned as he opened his eyes. Legolas sat in a chair that had been pulled beside the bed.

"Are you truly awake this time, my friend?" the prince asked.

Aragorn tried to speak but his throat was so dry no words would emerge. He settled for nodding instead. Legolas immediately noticed his problem and poured him a cup of water. When Aragorn began gulping the water, Legolas pulled it away. Aragorn shot him a glare.

"Slowly, Estel," the Mirkwood Prince ordered sternly. "You'll make yourself ill." He refilled the water and offered it once again. This time the ranger's hand weakly clamped onto his friend's wrist, but he obediently took small sips.

"Thank you," he said softly when he finished.

"You are very welcome," Legolas replied. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I wish I hadn't woken up."

"You've slept through four days. It was past time for you to awaken," Legolas said, laughing.

"Four days?" Aragorn asked incredulously.

"Yes. Your body needed much time to heal enough to let you rejoin the living. You humans are so fragile. It amazes me you aren't all completely broken as children."

"Thank you. Your understanding and sympathy are overwhelming," Aragorn said sarcastically.

"My apologies, Estel. Perhaps now is not the best time to discuss this. Would you like me to get your father?"

Aragorn was not angry with his friend, but he immediately agreed just to get Legolas out of the room for a few minutes. The elf could get downright chatty at times and Aragorn was not up to answering question and explaining about mortality. He quickly settled down into his blankets and was asleep before Legolas could return with the lord of Imladris.

End.

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