Here is my 2nd story.

Chapter 1

One Step Behind

Their departure from Mirkwood seemed to be an extremely happy event for most of the royal household they even appeared to be relieved for some reason. Neither Legolas nor Estel could ever quite escape the feeling that everybody looked forward to this time. They just could not understand the reason behind all the smiles they saw peeking out from under the usual sour expressions that the household had anytime that they were around. As they passed by many even waved happily as they said their goodbyes.

As they rode out passed the gate all goodbyes having been said they turned their horses towards Estel’s home.

Estel took one more look back and broached the subject with his companion. “Legolas is it my imagination or are your people happy to be rid of you?” he asked a grin breaking out upon his face.

Legolas looked at him for second and then launched into his triad. “Me? My friend? Nay, I think that it was you that they are eager to see gone. I do not have these problems when you are not here.” As he spoke his smile matched the one that decorated Estel’s own features.

Estel face become puzzled as he absorbed his friend’s reasoning his head tilted to the side as he thought.

“Problems, what problems would that be? Compared to a stay at my home I do not think that we have had any real problems” The Ranger pointed out.

Legolas laughed out loud the forest echoing with its musical sound. “Yes, I do believe that you are right. Maybe we should invite your brothers to return with us next time. Then when we visit on our own they will be relieved.”

The sounds of their conversation drifted up to the guards that surrounded the Prince’s home. Their faces paled at the thought of having to deal with the twin sons of Elrond in the palace with Legolas and Estel! It would be a very long visit next time. They looked at each other with dread Mirkwood would never survive. They knew that it was their duty to warn the household so that they may be prepared before the prince’s return.

Both Estel’s and Legolas’ laughter increased as they distanced themselves from the guards above they had no intentions of bringing the twins with them on the next visit but the guards would not know that and the news of the twins impending visit would spread through the house of Mirkwood like wildfire filling them with fear over the possibilities therefore getting even with all the smiling faces that were so eager to see them leave.

The day drifted quietly away from the two as they talked enjoying each others company. Soon they were out of the inner circle of the Mirkwood realm. The safety of his father’s kingdom left behind as they now traveled the areas of the forest that were no longer safe. The patrols did not frequent this outer area now concentrating only on the areas closer to home. The guards would be spread out too thin to cover the entire area.

The travelers spoke quieter here as the forest contained many creatures who were not friends of the elves that dwelled here. The evil had been growing here taking over the forest that the elves fought so hard to save.

Legolas felt the growth of this evil more then the rest of the elves and was affected by the loss of the trees and forest creatures that he loved. The king never refused his son’s travels to Rivendell because it gave him a break from the ever encroaching darkness that grew like moss on a tree always there but never really seen until one looked closely to see its thick lush carpet smothering the bark.

Today was no different; the forest looked beautiful and inviting on the surface its multicolored hues of green seemed warm and comforting as they pass beneath their branches. To anyone else the forest would seem safe there was no obvious sign of the danger that was hidden underneath sucking the vibrant life from the forest and anything that made its home there. The forest leaned towards the strength that emanated from the single elf that now traveled its path.

Breathing deeply Legolas took in the smells of his forest loving the scent as it engulfed him.

“Are you done?” Estel inquired of the elf as he had stopped talking and was engrossed in his surroundings.

“The trees all love you and are sad to see you go! Can we travel a little faster now because I could walk this fast!” Estel teased.

Rejoining the conversation they talked of their plans. The main topic being the twins, as they were to be the object of the next prank that they had been working on. It was their turn to retaliate since the twins had struck before they left leaving them no opportunity to get even. Elrond had seen to that.

Estel went on about his ideas when he suddenly realized he was talking to himself again!

Stopping his horse he twisted around in his saddle to see what had captured the wood elf’s attention this time.

“Legolas!” He spoke louder then usual. The rest of his words died on his lips as he saw the elf poised listening to more then just the forest around them, his word seemingly spoken very loud in the suddenly still forest.

The only response he received from the prince was the slow raising of his finger to his lips.

The prince sat unmoving upon his horse like an arrow pulled taunt ready for its release his whole body straining to hear through the silence. One minute he had been enjoying the beauty of the forest now it screamed to him to run trying to protect the wood elf from what it knew was coming.

A gentle breeze stirred the leaves blowing his hair into his face as he tried to hear what his eyes could not see.

Finally there is was a light sound of contact made between a tree branch and something heavy walking softly upon its limbs. Looking to the trees he saw nothing, but he knew it had to be there.

The trees trembled from its presence walking among its limbs stalking the elf upon the ground. They whispered their fears to the elf encouraging him to flee.

His voiced lowered just for Legolas’ ears Estel questioned “What do you hear?”

His sharp eyes never leaving the trees he answered in a low steady tone. “We are surrounded”

Slowly moving into action Legolas dismounting his ride and instructed her to run. Estel followed suit never questioning his friend.

“Our options?” he asked pulling his sword slowly from its scabbard his eyes scanning the trees trying to see what Legolas saw. He need not ask what they faced for he already knew.

“Fight, we will never make it if we run. It is too late” Legolas aimed his bow into the trees above them searching through the limbs waiting for one to make a mistake and show itself. His thoughts criticized his lack of attention as he wondering just how long they had been followed. How had he not noticed such a disturbance behind them?

But this group was better then most and no mistake was made. As they got closer Legolas could feel their oppressive evil enveloping him like a thick fog on a misty evening it was enough to steal his breath away.

Appearing from the top of a giant oak that stood directly in front of the elf a large black spider slowly made its way down from the tree top it was one of the largest spiders he had ever seen its massive bulk making it difficult to maneuver down the trunk.

It was bold and deliberately made itself known to the elf drawing the prince’s attention it kept its many eyes upon him as if enjoying the drama of the moment.

Legolas followed its path with his arrow as it descended slowly towards them eager to end its life in one shot.

It froze half way down the tree with one click of its jaws the rest of the group appeared and the trees were filled with eyes and legs from many beings. With an almost human like smirk on its face the spider watched for the elf’s reaction to his impressive army as if daring the immortal to strike.

Legolas could not stop the quick intake of breath at the shear number of spiders that now surrounded them. Next to him he heard Estel’s muttered under his breath shocked at the adversaries they now faced. They practically blocked out the light from sun filtering through the forest as their large dark bodies filled the trees making the day appear to wane. He could feel the tree’s fear at their touch upon its bark. The forest had grown silent even the breeze had stopped it’s gently stirrings as if it too was holding its breath.

Legolas noted the spark of intelligence in the depth of its soulless black eyes that he had never seen in a Mirkwood Spider before. Legolas almost thought the spider was pleased with himself if that was possible. What did not escape the wood elf’s attention was the fact that it focused solely on him making no effort to hide its desire from the elf. Legolas fought the feeling of uneasiness that grew within him as the spider seemed to smile with anticipation.

Breaking the stale mate the spider spoke its voice dripping with malevolence its sound shocking both the human and the elf. “Mirkwood prince, we have been waiting for you”

Chapter 2-Captured

“Mirkwood prince, we have been waiting for you,” the words scorched his mind; this was not just bad luck! They had fallen into a trap. He glanced over to see Legolas’ reaction, subconsciously he inching closer to the elf as if he could offer him some protection from the nightmare that they now faced.

The spider’s attention was focused exclusively upon the prince. His eyes never shifted to the human it was as if he wasn’t even there. Like a child with a piece of candy, the spider could see nothing else.

Estel’s entire world narrowed to the confrontation that was unfolding in front of him, his mind trying to tell him that they could still escape.

Legolas pulled the string back tighter on his bow, his knuckles turning white from the tension. “My arrow has been waiting for you,” he replied his voice as ominous as the spider’s.

The spider appeared to enjoy the banter unfazed by the elf’s threat. “That may be, my prince but my army will kill you and your human, before you ever make it out of my woods,” he boasted.

“But you obviously need me alive otherwise you would have killed us already” Legolas countered. Keeping his arrow poised on the huge creature.

“True.” The spider answered. “But I can still kill you. I can get more elves, many more, but you are the king’s brat you are worth more then the others! So, make up your mind, your highness. My soldiers wait.”

His eyes scanning over the figures in the trees, Legolas knew his words were true, they would never escape this many of them; not on foot or horseback. He leaned over slightly to Estel his eyes returning to guard the spider.

With a sigh of acceptance, he whispered, “He speaks the truth.”

“I know, my friend, I know” Estel acknowledged. He took a second and looked up into the forest limbs seeing the numerous glowing eyes that stared back at him. It sent shivers down his spine. How could spiders be this big? He thought.

The spider watched as his two victims discussed their options. His plan was working out better then he had anticipated. The elf prince himself had walked into his trap. He was determined to bring the king to his knees and take over the lands of the elves. He no longer wished to live in the shadow of the almighty elves it was his time to rule.

The spider moved his large, gleaming, body farther down the tree until his feet met with the warm, soft earth. He stopped a few feet from the elf. His size more impressive the closer he came.

His grating voice spoke again to the elf offering a bargain. “I do not need both of you for my plans. I only need you, my dear prince, the human I have no need of; his death will suit me fine.” Clicking a command to some of the nearby spiders, they responded quickly closing in on the human.

Moving to protect his friend, Legolas put himself between him and the approaching horde. “No! Stay back!” He ordered.

Fear for his friend’s life fueled him into action and without even consulting Estel; Legolas put his own bargain on the table, the words tumbling out of his mouth with no forethought.

“Let the human go and I will stay with you… willingly” The thought of Estel dying was worse then anything the spiders could ever do to him.

Glaring at the prince, Estel pulled urgently at Legolas’ sleeve, “No, I will not leave you here!”

Before Legolas could answer, the spider broke in, taking the choice away from them. “No, he does not leave here, but I will allow him to live, if you cooperate and come with us. If not, I can easily kill you both and wait for another elf to come along.

Legolas would never allow another elf to take his place or risk Estel’s life in an attempt to escape, so his choices were few; fight and risk death, or give up, and wait for a chance to escape. He knew that if they chose to fight the spiders would surely kill Estel in the process. The only way to keep him alive was to take the bargain offered to him.

His voice filled with resignation, Legolas admitted “There is no choice, Estel” lowering his bow to the ground. Immediately, the clicking of the spiders increased; their excitement evident as the forest was filled with their sickening sound. Legolas fought the impulse to cover his sensitive ears at the resonance.

Estel put his sword away in agreement with his friend. “We will figure a way out”

A sudden thought crossed Legolas’ mind and he raised his bow again towards the spider before it had even made a single move towards them.

“Promise not to bite the human! Use no poison on him. I will only cooperate with your plans if you do not harm him.” He kept his bow trained again on the spider as he waited for an answer.

Eagerly, the spider asked. “You will cooperate in my plans?” His eyes gleamed in anticipation as the final bargain was struck.

“Yes, if he is unharmed” he answered, stronger then he felt. He hated spiders, but did not fear them normally, but this one was causing his resolve to waver. What had he just agreed to?

Estel voiced his concern. “Legolas don’t, we can figure a way out” he pleaded, afraid to bargain with the creature who seemed very excited to get his hands upon the prince.

Legolas turned to his friend. “There is no other way,” in Sindarin he added “You will be able to escape if you are unharmed. If we are both poisoned we will never make it out of here”

The spider hissed at the elf’s words “No, elf talk here!”

“Do you agree?” Legolas demanded of the spider again. His arrow still trained dead on the eyes of the evil creature in front of him.

Rubbing his forefeet together in delight, he answered. “Yes, of course, I can keep the human alive and unharmed” In a more threatening tone he continued “But, I can not say the same for you, prince. Do you agree?”

Before, Estel could protest Legolas repeated the spider’s words “I agree.” He was glad to have at least kept Estel from harm. He slowly lowered his bow and returned it to his back along with the arrow.

Putting all his trust in his friend, he lowered his head and whispered quietly to Estel. “Escape when you can and come back for me”

Knowing this was the only way, Estel agreed, but it would be his last resort; he would not leave his friend to what ever these spiders had in mind. Against his better judgment, he too put his weapon away and waited for the spider’s next move.

The large spider clicked orders to his army. Their reaction was immediate as the ground was covered with spiders in a matter of seconds eager to do his bidding.

Legolas looked back up to find the huge spider standing right in front of him. He had not been that close a second ago, its size was unnerving, even for a woodelf. He tried not to show any fear, but his heart raced at its closeness. It was after all a very large spider, large enough to strike fear in anybody who would find themselves standing this close to it. He found it difficult not to reach for his knifes. He clenched his hands in attempt to stop any automatic fight response.

The spider said nothing, but moved even closer violating the elf’s space. Taken back by its proximity, Legolas involuntarily backed up trying to put some distance between himself and the creature, but at the same time separating himself from Estel. He did not like the way the spider advance upon him. He did not go far when he felt the trunk of a tree against his back halting his retreat.

The tree felt his fear; it was saddened by the scene that played out below. The forest did not want to see any harm come to the elf, but at the same time, it could do nothing to save him.

The huge spider silently mirrored his steps; he was not concerned that his captive might get away. The forest was filled with his soldiers there was no way out for the elf, he could feel the thrill of success flowing through his body.

Finding his prey trapped, he closed the distance between them. He placed his long legs on the tree surrounding the elf’s slim frame. The spider rose up on his back legs towering over the prisoner. He noted the sharp intake of breath that escaped from the elf’s control.

Legolas looked away from the spider searching out Estel. The man was surrounded by spiders; none touched him, but they kept him from moving in any direction. It gave Legolas some measure of relief to see him unhurt.

Estel realizing that he could not force his way through the spiders that deliberately blocked his path he turned his attention to where Legolas and the spider now stood.

Clicking its massive jaws together, it used one of its claw laced feet to force Legolas head back around to look directly at him. The elf’s piercing blue eyes stared back at him anger burning within their depths. Unaffected by the elf’s attempt to appear strong, the spider looked closely at his face.

Forced to look upon the creature, Legolas found the spider mere inches from his face, its expression unreadable as it gazed intently upon his face. Legolas found his features just as repulsive up close as far away.

“We could not have done any better. The king will do anything to get you back. Lucky for us that you look so much like him it makes things so much easier.”

Trying to keep his fear in check, Legolas let his tongue speak before he thought.

“Glad, I could help you out. However, you might not be that happy when my father does not give in to your demands. He will just kill you. You will never defeat my father and rule his forest,” Legolas, threatened staring back at the spider defiantly.

Hearing Legolas taunt the spider, Estel tried to caution him. “Don’t Legolas, please keep quiet.”

The spider hissed into the elf’s ear. “Be brave while you can elf.” Never taking his eyes off the elf, the spider directed his army. “Bind the human, but do not poison him.” He tipped his head to elf as he spoke recognizing the bargain that they had been made.

His eyes flashed in anticipation as he continued speaking their dark orbs shinning like polished stone. Addressing his army again, he said. “Only I may poison the elf. If anyone else touches him they will die by my hand.” As he finished, a wisp of fear flicker in the blue eyes that stared boldly back at him, just the kind of reaction he desired from the filthy elf.

The army clicked in response, passing his words among themselves from the close ones all the way back to the ones still watching from the trees. They knew better then to disobey their leader.

Focusing back on the task, the spider moved his legs from the tree trunk to the elf’s body pinning him to the tree. He saw the panic sweep through the elf as he realized what the spider was doing, but it was already too late, the spider was stronger then the elf and he easily sunk his claws into his flesh.

The elf held his tongue and let no sound escape his lips. He was securely pinned to the tree his arms and legs were pierced by the sharp claws making any movement impossible. His outward calm was crumbling; he knew what was coming. Spiders had bitten him many times before, but at those times, he never saw it coming. Here he not only knew, but he had to wait for it to happen. Having to sit still and wait for the strike caused his normally strong resolve to flee.

Estel did not fight being wrapped up in the spider’s silk, he refused to make matters worse for Legolas. He strained to watch his friend from his new place on the forest floor. He struggled to see between the dozens of legs that blocked his view.

The spider purposely drew out the process; he enjoyed torturing the son of his enemy. He hesitated as if unsure of where to bite his victim, finally he seemed to make a suitable choice as to where to bite the prince, his fangs lingering just inches above his target.

His sharp eyes noted the increase in heart rate that pulsed through the vein in the elf’s neck, but the creature barely breathed its chest almost still. He knew it held its breath, waiting for him to strike.

The spider gloated over his prize. “Do not fear little prince, I know how delicate your bodies are to this and I will give you a little can’t have you dying on me now.”

To proud to resist, Legolas could do nothing do save himself. He had made a bargain and he was not about to break it not when Estel’s life depended upon it. Being this close to a spider and his fangs was not something that Legolas ever wanted to repeat. The fangs hovered over his tunic just above his shoulder. Determined to keep quiet, Legolas bit his lip trying to keep control during the agonizing wait not willing to give the spider what he wanted.

The spider lowered his fangs to touch his shoulder setting off a chain reaction in the prince as he lost control over his breathing. His chest no longer still as the panic took over increasing his heart rate and breathing as he waited. He looked up to see the spider watching him, in the reflection from it’s multi black orbs he could see his own pale image staring back at him.

As if waiting for that moment to strike, the spider slowly expanded his fangs and sunk them into the soft flesh of the elf. Turning away from the spider, Legolas squeezed his eyes tightly shut and he bit down harder on his lip fighting any instinct to cry out.

The spider’s joy was short lived. The elf did not cry out as he had hoped. Watching the elf, he clicked in anger as the defiant eyes opened up and stared back at him again. Angered, the spider pushed his claws deeper into the elf’s body causing them to burrow deeper into his flesh. He did not stop until he encountered the resistant bone underneath, only then did the elf cried out in pain.

Watching the figure beneath him, the creature hissed. “Not so brave now? Huh, little elf?”

The spider jerked his claws out of the elf’s flesh forcing another cry from him. Blood bubbled up from the holes left in their wake.

Legolas remained against the tree using it for support; his eyes closed tightly against the pain. He knew the spider was still in front of him waiting for him to collapse.

He forced his eyes open to look for Estel. He soon spotting him lying upon the ground wrapped in a white cocoon. Escape, he knew was nearly impossible now. He closed his eyes unable to keep them open any longer.

It only took a few minutes for the poison to take effect, sending Legolas sinking to his knees on the ground at the base of the tree, his body no longer able to do his biding. His head was spinning from the poison, he quickly found himself on all fours trying to keep from collapsing. Nevertheless, his strength was fleeting and he soon fell into the cool inviting grass unable to resist its call.

The spider slowly made his way over to the form lying on the green grass, he was in no hurry, the elf was not going anywhere. He stepped over his prize, lifting the unresisting body, and began the process of wrapping his prize in an inescapable silk prison.

Estel could not believe that this was happening; he watched as the spider wrap Legolas tightly in his webbing causing him to cry out in pain. The white cocoon colored with the glistening red blood that seeped through from the wounds buried underneath.

Satisfied the spider finished with him and dropped his body to the ground before walking away, he glared at the human on the ground.

“Time to go human”

Estel felt his body lifted in the air as a spider latched onto his cocoon and proceeded to follow their leader off the path and into the waiting woods. Twisting his head around, he found Legolas being carried by the spider next to him. The prince was still conscious, but his eyes were closed. This would make escaping much more difficult then before. He had no desire to leave Legolas. Realizing that there was nothing he could do for now, but go along for the ride, he decided to try to come up with an escape plan.

Hours later, they still traveled deep into the forests of Mirkwood, Estel did not know where they were being taken. He had never been to this part of the forest; they did not wander off the main paths often. Even if he succeeded in escaping from the spiders, he did not know which direction to go. The thought made him feel hopeless. Without Legolas awake they would not be able to escape, even if it was possible to get away form this many spiders.

The spiders traveled quickly through the forest nothing stood in their way. Estel had tried to watch where they traveled, but his view from beneath the spider’s body was only good for watching the ground as it passed before his eyes. It was a strain on his neck just to try to twist around to check on Legolas as they moved.

His thoughts were interrupted as the world suddenly went dark, it was as if a huge shadow had covered the sun; he panicked for a minute, until he realized that, they were entering a very dark part of the forest. The trees here were no longer green and healthy, but instead were blackened and intertwined as if they had burned and then tied together.

The trees created a shield from the sun giving the evil creatures within respite from the harsh glare of its penetrating rays. The emancipated limbs twisted among each other their leaves brown and dying; the ground below was covered with the bodies of the ones that had already met their death.

Straining to take in his surroundings, Estel noted the silence that assaulted his ears it was as if he had entered a room and shut the door cutting off all ties to the world behind them, leaving them to the mercy of the spiders.

The Beginning

Dumping the two prisoners on the ground at the base of a massive tree, the army of spiders quickly disappeared into the gnarled branches above.

Evidently, any concern for their escape was miniscule, as no guard was left to hover over them. As his body hit the ground, Legolas’ moans broke the eerie silence that filled the air.

Turning over, Estel tried to maneuver himself closer. Rolling back and forth, he managed to close the gap between them. But, unable to stop his momentum, he quickly found himself face to face with his friend, his body colliding with the elf’s. Running his trained eyes over the bound body of the prince, he was satisfied to note that the blood appeared to have stopped flowing. At least that was one good thing. Even an elf could not fight blood loss and poison at the same time without some assistance. His eyes came back to focus on the paler than usually face before him.

Consciousness returning, the prince furrowed his brows together in pain. Another groan escaped his throat as he became more aware of his state of being.

“Legolas, can you hear me?” Estel whispered, trying to get any response from the injured elf.

He waited for some sign of understanding from Legolas. His heartbeat quickened slightly as his fears got the best of him during the wait. What if the spider had used too much poison?

Realizing that he would receive no answer just yet, he closed his eyes and rested his forehead against the elf’s, distressed at the inability to do anything for him. He drew some comfort from the contact, relieved that he was at least able to be near him while he waited for Legolas to return to the world.

The prince’s forehead felt warm, but not hot. Estel did not know the symptoms that came with being poisoned by one of the giant spiders, so he did not know what to look for or how to treat it. He needed Legolas awake to tell him.

Closing his eyes for a second, he realized that Legolas would have hit him in the head for that one. How could I treat him all wrapped up this way? The image brought a smile to his weary face.

It was frustrating to watch Legolas in pain and be unable to do anything to comfort him or ease his pain. He looked back down over his own bindings, hoping to see something he had missed the other hundred times he had looked, but no, there was no way out of his own prison.

Aggravated, Estel laid his head back down on the dirt. What I would give for a good old-fashioned dungeon right now… At least then, I would be able to move. His thoughts were getting him nowhere. Turning his attention back to the prince, he renewed his quest to wake him.

“Legolas, can you hear me?” He gently pleaded; a soft moan was the only response. Encouraged by the sound, Estel lifted his head to look at him more closely.

“Legolas, come on, you can do it. Wake up.” He nudged him with his head, careful not to jar him too much.

“Estel?” Moaned the prince.

Relief flooded his mind at the wonderful sound of his own name. “Yes, I am here. Are you alright?”

Not answering the question, Legolas instead asked one. “Where are we?” His voice weak and unsteady.

“I do not know, but we are very deep in the forest. I hope that you recognize this place so that we can come back and take care of all these… these things.” He could not resist a shudder at the presences of so many of the creatures.

A faint smile came to the prince’s pale face. Licking his dry lips, he corrected his friend, “Spiders, Estel, they are called spiders.”

“Nothing that big should ever be called a spider, my friend.” Estel said, deadpan.

If he had had the strength to move, Legolas would have shook his head at Estel’s child like comment.

“Have you had any opportunity to escape?” Legolas questioned, trying to get his bearings on what had happened during his absence.

Estel gave his best ‘are you serious look’. He stared at the prince. “Legolas, have you

looked at me?” He asked incredulously. “I can’t even scratch my nose let alone escape.”

Legolas opened his eyes slightly, taking in Estel appearance. Oh yes, I remember seeing that now he thought. His brain still fuzzy courtesy of the lingering poison.

“I see. Any ideas then?” he asked, closing his eyes in an effort to stop the spinning that seemed to have started the second he opened them. He was not surprised to feel the added rumblings of nausea building within his belly. He clenched his jaw, trying to fight the rising sensations.

“Why, yes, now that you ask. I do have a plan.”

Legolas took a deep breath, well, as best as he could within the tight confines of the webbing. “And…?” he forced out.

Estel proceeded to explain. “You pretend to be sicker then you are, and the evil Lord Spider will be afraid that you will die. Then, he will cut me loose to treat you. It has worked before.”

He smiled as he added the last part, knowing how much Legolas hated playing the sick one. His smile faded quickly, he saw that Legolas still struggled to follow the conversation.

In a more serious tone, he added, “In this case, you will not have to pretend. Will you mellon nin?” he asked, trying to force the truth from the elf. His voiced edged with concern over his friend’s health.

“I am fine,” Legolas responded, trying to shake off the persistent fog that swirled in his mind. “It is just a little spider bite,” he commented, keeping his eyes closed. “It is nothing.”

“Yes, I see. Well, it sounded just like a very little scream when he attacked you.” He answered with sarcasm, not intending to bruise his friend’s pride. However, he knew that Legolas was not well and would not admit it unless he pushed him.

Legolas did not answer Estel’s last comment, not wanting to remember the fact that he had cried out in pain.

Knowing that Legolas was feeling ashamed, Estel apologized, “I am sorry Legolas, but I know you do not feel well. If I am going to try and escape I need to know if you can travel on your own or if I will be carrying you.”

“I know,” Legolas responded quietly.

“Do you think you can walk?” Estel asked, not letting the subject drop.

Legolas hesitated, not used to admitting any weakness, even to Estel.

“I do not think I will be able to walk just yet. The affects should wear off soon,” He admitted quietly.

He neglected to mention the rest of the symptoms, like nausea, fever and weakness that would be joining him shortly. It was hard enough to admit needing help walking. Telling Estel about the rest was more then he could handle at one time. Estel would have his hide later.

“Good, I need to ….” Estel’s sentence abruptly stopped. In his line of sight, he saw the now familiar large black legs just behind Legolas, getting closer and closer.

“Legolas” he quietly tried to warn, but the elf did not hear him.

His back was to the spider and his eyes still closed against the nausea, Legolas did not hear Estel’s attempt to warn him. Too tired to focus on his surroundings, he did not hear approach of the creature either.

“You will have to...” Then he heard the clicking, but it was too late. The spider knew that he was awake.

Angered at the prospect of the elf being awake already, the spider used its foot to roll Legolas over, so he could see for himself that the elf was already recovering from the poison.

His eyes bolting open, Legolas found himself face to face with the spider again. He had a hard time covering up the disgust that he felt at its closeness. His breath quickened of its own accord as he found himself looking up into the face of the disgusting creature.

“I see we are awake and planning what? May I ask?” he questioned suspiciously. His head turned at an angle, waiting for an answer, its black eyes seeming to bore a hole into the elf’s body.

Without the strength to answer, Legolas closed his eyes, not wanting to confront the spider again so soon. However, doing so was not enough to shelter him from the being’s presence.

Estel spoke up quickly, trying to draw the spider’s attention off of the elf. “I was just checking to see if he was alright from your poison. He is not recovery well.” He hoped that Legolas would pick up on his cue and act sicker then he was. Maybe the spider would take the bait.

“If he is awake, then he is well, human. Did I not give you enough poison, My Prince? My mistake.” He answered without taking his eyes from the elf.

The spider gave Legolas no time to act upon Estel’s lead. He jabbed his fangs into the elf’s thigh, cutting through the webbing that held him. He did not trust the elf; he knew that they were crafty and strong. He wanted to make sure this one would not be walking away anytime soon. He allowed more poison to flow into the elf’s body.

Legolas was too shocked to prevent himself from crying out pain. He felt the spider’s razor sharp fangs digging deeper into his muscles, tearing as they injected the poison into his already exhausted body. His leg felt hot as the poison flowed into his bloodstream, burning a path through his body.

“Stop!” Estel shouted at the spider, all caution lost as he watched the spider poison Legolas again.

“We cannot get away tied up as we are. It is unnecessary to poison him again.”

The spider removed his fangs from Legolas’ leg, causing the elf to moan in pain. He looked to the human who dared to speak.

“Do not think that you can tell me what to do HUMAN? I promised to leave you unharmed, not him. I need him alive, but just barely.” He said, his fangs still wet with Legolas’ blood, giving him a grotesque look, one that Estel knew would be seared into his mind for some time to come.

Not willing to give up, Estel continued. “You will make him sick. He can die if his wounds become infected. He will be too weak to fight the poison, and then you will have NO elf! Cut me loose, so that I can make sure he will live!” Estel demanded. “I promise, I will not try and leave,” he added, his desperation getting the best of him.

Stepping over the elf, the spider moved in and hovered over Estel before the ranger could even blink. The spider lowered his impressive body just above the glaring human, so that he could get a close up look at him. The sharp fangs glistening with the fresh blood rested inches from Estel’s face.

“Oh yes, human. You would not try and leave WITHOUT him, you mean.”

A look of contempt and hatred was flashed at the human as he spoke. “The elf is fine. Do not worry yourself, human. They are crafty creatures and cannot be trusted to obey. Therefore, he will remain as he is and under my control. If YOU want to remain alive you will not tempt me again!”

Without another word, the spider turned and left the way he had come. Frustrated, Estel dropped his head back to the forest floor, welcoming the sudden flash of pain as his head made contact with the hard surface.

Angry with himself for not watching for the spider’s approach, he turned to see if Legolas was still with him.

“Legolas? I am sorry. Legolas?” His voice strained to remain quiet. He was still lying next to the elf, but he might as well have been miles away, because Legolas no longer heard him.

The second dose of poison flowed swiftly through his weakened body. He had no strength left to fight off the effects. Legolas was forced back into the world where he could not move or talk; only suffer from the pain of his wounds and the affects of the poison. He sank rapidly into unconsciousness, powerless to fight the blackness that pulled at him from all sides.

They had been in many dangerous situations before, but this was one of the first times that Estel really felt that they had little hope of escape. Watching the poison steal his friend from him again left him uncertain of his ability to save him from the spider’s plans.

Estel looked up into the approaching night sky. The ranger knew he had to at least try and escape, even if it meant leaving Legolas here. Looking down again at his own bindings, Estel felt discouraged. How am I ever going to get away? Even wriggling his fingers was impossible in this cocoon.

Taking a deep breath, he chastised himself for giving up hope when he knew the prince would not. He refocused his energy on the forest around him looking closely for any nearby sharp object in which he could use to cut through the webbing.

Startled from his search by an angered screech that filled the air, Estel turned in the direction of the sound. He watched as the Lord Spider shrieked a command to his soldiers.

The spider’s slowly turned his attention back to rest upon the human, his black eyes glared at the human.

Estel realized that the spider had still been watching him from the dark, and had seen his appraisal of the surroundings. It was not hard for the creature to figure out what he had been doing. Estel did not have to wait long to discover what had been said.

Hastily the orders were followed, and a lone spider appeared in the air above them from the tree that loomed overhead. Without a sound, it latched onto Legolas’ cocoon and crawled back up its webbing dragging Legolas with it. Stopping about halfway up the tree, it then left him suspended by a web to the branch above. Then it scurried back down another line to do the same to the waiting human.

Estel could not believe their bad luck. Now, he was suspended from a web high above the ground, cutting off any possible methods of escape. At least before, he could have rolled away if that was at all possible.

He looked down to see the arrogant glowing eyes of the Leader still fixed on him. It was as if he knew just what he was thinking. As if daring him to try and escape him. Estel glared back at the spider. If he could kill just one spider before he died, that one would be it.

The spider gloated over his success. He shifted his attention from the human to the elf, lingering over the unconscious form. The recent interaction with the elf made it difficult not to cut him down and release some of his pent up anger upon the king’s son. He was torn between instant gratifications and adhering to his master plan.

The spider lord looked forward to killing the brat it had been difficult to stop himself from continuing his earlier attack. The human, he had no need to keep alive anymore. The deal with the prince was unnecessary now. The spider retreated to his lair. Pleased with his conquest, he went in for the night.

Estel watched the spider lord as he stared at the prince. Estel had no problem interpreting the leader’s desires. He realized that they were probably safer up here than down there.

Their bodies now suspended high above the ground, Estel could not see how Legolas was fairing anymore. His head was hanging down, with his chin resting upon his chest, his long hair covering up any view of his face. Estel knew that the spider had given Legolas enough poison to keep him out for a few more hours, which meant no chance for escape tonight.

He felt useless unable to aid his friend or free them from this mess.

This was turning out to be what nightmares were made from, and there did not appear to be any way to escape. He feared they might have to wait until the spider’s plot was played out. Certainly, the spiders were going to hold Legolas for blackmail forcing his father into handing the kingdom over to them.

As he thought, the day’s events caught up to him and Estel’s eyes drifted closed. He would need his strength for whatever tomorrow held, so he did not fight the sleep that whispered softly to him, pulling him into its warm embrace.

Hours into the night, Estel was pulled from his rest. He did not know what had woken him as he looked around. In the dark, his eyes struggled to see beyond his face.

Taking a minute to get his bearings, he recognized that it was a feeling that had roused him from his much-needed rest. The feeling you get when you are the center of someone’s attention, the kind of attention that you do not want.

Slowly, he raised his head up not wanting to appear awake as he searched the dark. Estel had no trouble locating the source of his unease, because there, in a nearby tree, were two glowing eyes staring his way. His mind relaxed, realizing that a guard probably had been placed to watch them as the day approached. It was still too dark to really see anything more then its eyes, so Estel tried to return to sleep.

Nevertheless, sleep would not take him again. He could not shake the remaining feeling that kept the hairs raised on the back of his neck. With as little movement as possible, he again took in his surroundings. He had the feeling that something was amiss, but could not figure out what it was. Suddenly, he realized what it was. The pair of eyes that had been watching them from afar was gone! A bad feeling grew in the pit of his stomach.

Where would the guard have gone and why? He questioned himself.

He quickly glanced around, searching for the missing watcher. Estel’s breath caught in his throat when he found a pair of glowing eyes floating in the air above the prince.

He was confused, as the shape appeared to be in midair above their heads and moving closer. His mind swiftly put the clues together. A spider was spinning down from the branch that held them and he was moving towards Legolas. He got the distinct feeling that another spider was trying to make off with the elf as a prize for himself. Fear seized him as he realized he could do nothing to stop the spider from taking the prince.

The spider stopped itself directly next the elf and did not move. It seemed frozen in place or thought, not even noticing the human on the other side of the elf. The spider appeared to be looking closely at the elf, savory its nearness. Suddenly, it reached out its leg and snagged the elf’s cocoon, pulling him into its awaiting grasp. Its many appendages curled around the unconscious elf in a crushing embrace as it tried to steal him right before Estel’s disbelieving eyes. He knew at this moment, he was going to fail the prince. His heart constricted at the thought causing him to cry out. “Nooo”

Chapter 4- The Eyes of Another
Startled at the sound coming from the other prisoner, the spider let go of the elf’s body and quickly retreated back up the web, its hasty actions caused Legolas’ cocoon to bump into Estel’s with a thud. Their bodies twisted and bumped again making Estel dizzy, he was glad that Legolas was still unconscious.

Finally, their bodies stopped moving, Estel slowly opened his eyes that he had closed during the spinning. Relieved not to see the spider above them, he chided himself for falling asleep and for underestimating the danger that Legolas was in. He thanked Valar for waking him up in time.

Estel settled down, determined not to take his eyes off of the elf. Only a few minutes had gone by when he was startled from his watch. He felt the smallest of vibrations travel along the web that suspended him. Glancing up, he saw the same dark shape that had stalked Legolas was now over the top of his web. He the felt movement again, only this time he moved, or more precisely, he dropped.

Before he could figure out a course of action, he was being lowered to the ground. Legolas was no longer by his side. The ground came up quickly causing his stomach to leap into his throat. Again, he closed his eyes tightly waiting for the sudden stop. He hit the ground hard. Groaning at the impact, he felt his body protest the impact. As the pain cleared and he figured out that nothing appeared to be broken, his pain was replaced by panic as he realized that the spider had successfully separated him from Legolas, leaving the elf unprotected.

Panicked, he struggled to maneuver around so that he could see what was going on. His imagination was quickly taking over as he envisioned the spider sinking its fangs into his friend’s body dealing a lethal dose of poison and there was absolutely nothing he could do about it.

Estel was finally able to roll over onto his back so that he could look up into the tree. He strained to see the white shape of his friend. His fears were confirmed when he saw the hideous black shape hovering over the elf. He opened his mouth to shout another warning, but he never had the chance as Legolas’ body hit the ground next to him. Temporary relief washed over him at least they were together again.

The impact returned the elf to the conscious world, and a soft groan announced his arrival. Pain was registering from all areas of his body, but his mind could not figure out the casue.

Looking around for more shapes to come into view, Estel was surprised to find only one dark form descend from the trees. The same spider was still trying to make off with not just the elf, but him too.

Dread filled his thoughts as he watched the creature approach. Estel’s mind raced as he tried to think of the best course of action; call for help and wake up the rest of the spiders or take their chances against just one.

Estel observed the spider intently, trying to discern its intentions. He could hear Legolas quietly coming to his senses. He knew that the spider could hear it as well, and he did not want Legolas to attract any more attention to himself than necessary.

“Mellon nín, hush.”

The spider slowly approached them again. It appeared to be apprehensive, as it would take a few step towards the prince and then stop, turn around, and go back a few steps. The spider made no sound, its feet barely making an impact on the ground. It appeared to pace back and forth, apparently trying to…make up its mind?

Estel’s curiosity was peaked. Since when did a spider hesitate to kill an elf? Not sure what the spider had in mind, he watched in silence, his whole body tense.

The spider again attentively approached the body of the elf. It gently used his legs to roll Legolas over and peer into his face, eliciting a soft moan from the elf. The creature raised a careful foot to nudge the hair that covered the elf’s features. Not making any aggressive moves, the spider gently stroked Legolas’ face as if in a trance, its foot softly caressing the elf’s cheek.

The touch pulled at Legolas’ dull senses, alerting him to someone’s presence. He opened his eyes to find a spider directly over him, its foot touching his face.

“No,” he moaned quietly, too tired to really put up a fight. He tried to wriggle away to escape the touch, fearing that it was time for more poison, but he did not have the strength.

The spider backed off immediately at his movements it stood watching them both with interest from just a few feet away.

“Legolas are you with me?” he whispered, his voiced edged with hope.

Forcing his parched lips open, Legolas tried to regain control over the horror he had woken to.

“Yes,” he answered his voice weak and unsteady.

“Are you well? Is anything broken? Did it hurt you?” Anxious, Estel fired question at the weary elf.

“No, No I do not think so. Why?” The elf’s mind struggled to take in the situation. “What is happening?”

“We’re still in the spider lair, but we are back on the ground now.”

He turned his head to find Estel next to him, still wrapped up in a white cocoon. It all seemed familiar. The last thing he remembered was the searing pain of the spider bite piercing through his leg. How long had he been unconscious?

Legolas sighed. He was getting tired of always having to figure out what was going on.

“We were not on the ground before?” the elf asked, confused, his mind trying to find its way through the fog that clouded his thoughts.

“No,” Estel answered with a smile. “But we are now, thanks to our curious friend standing over to your right.”

Legolas looked to see the dark form of a spider watching them from a few feet away.

Great, he thought, another spider who wants to play with me.

“How is this good?” the prince inquired sarcastically.

Their conversation was halted by the approach of the spider, seeing that they were both awake now, it walked slowly around the two bodies until it was beside the human. The spider hesitatingly reached out and slashed the webbing that held the human tight. It then quickly scurried away a few feet and waited for the human to move.

Too surprised to make a sound, Estel felt the webbing give way. He quickly began to free the rest of his body from the confines of the remaining strands.

Legolas watched in shock, he struggled to take in the unbelievable scene unfolding in front of him. He tensed as the spider now approached him, he hoped with the same intentions of freeing him too.

It did not immediately release him as it had the human. Instead it lowered its head to look closely at the elf, causing Legolas’ heart to race.

The spider fought the natural urge to sink it’s fangs into the elf’s soft, inviting, flesh. The spider took in every detail of the elf’s features. Its claw caught the edge of the webbing by Legolas’ neck, slicing the cocoon and exposing Legolas’ clothing underneath, but stopped short of cutting him out.

The spider appeared entranced by the exposed clothing underneath. He lowered his head even closer, his fangs practically touching Legolas’ chest.

“Estel,” Legolas cried out softly, searching for his friend in the dark, unable to contain his alarm. He was sure he would feel the fangs piecing through his skin at any moment.

At the sound of the elf’s cry, the spider jerked as if woken from a spell. It moved to cut along the elf’s cocoon in the same way that it had freed the human.

The spider felt the elf tremble under its touch. After watching the treatment the elf had received at the hands of his leader, he could understand why. He had been on the receiving end of his leader’s punishments himself and knew he was one spider that deserved to be feared.
His attention draw back by the sound of his name, Estel saw the spider cut through Legolas’ cocoon,

Understanding Legolas’ fear at the closeness of the spider, Estel reassured him in a low tone, “Hang on, I am almost free”

Estel tried to hurry even more as he untangled himself from the sticky webbing, but it was not easy to escape the sticky strands. As soon as the last part that held his legs together was removed, he crawled over to Legolas.

As the human moved over to the elf, the spider quickly backed away from the two, giving them space to get up without feeling threatened.

Legolas felt the webbing being pulled away from his body. He remained tense even under the familiar touch of the ranger. “Easy, it just me,” Estel reassured him.

Legolas made a feeble attempt to pull some of the sticky threads off of his own body, but he was too weak to try and free himself the rest of the way.

“Just relax. I have it,” Estel murmured.

Legolas turned his head to keep watch on the spider as Estel finished freeing his body from its prison. He did not trust the spider and found it difficult to relax with it standing so close.

As soon as the last of the annoyingly sticky substance was removed from the elf’s body, Estel helped him to sit up. He then placed himself between the spider and Legolas. Whatever the spider had in mind, he knew that he was in better shape to put up a fight than his friend.

Without making a sound, the spider turned and walked a few feet away, and then stopped and looked back at the prisoners. It repeated the process, hoping the two would get the message.

Estel watched, dumbfounded, as the message sunk in. Estel spoke first confused at what he was witnessing. “Is this spider helping us escape? Is that possible?”

“Or trying to lure us away for himself.” Legolas responded as he peeked around Estel to see what was going on.

“Then why would it free us?” Estel questioned, “When it could have dragged us off and killed us in the cocoons. That seems much easier then freeing us and then trying to kill us”

“I do not know, Estel. It does not make sense.” Legolas replied softly, lowering his tired head to his hands. His world had begun to spin ever so slowly.

“I do not think we have many other choices at this point, so I say we follow him,” Estel reasoned.

“I agree it is easier to kill one spider than one hundred,” Legolas said glancing worriedly up into the tree canopies, expecting to see a million shining orbs staring back at him.

Easing himself up, Estel stood stiffly, his muscles unused to moving after the long hours spent in the cocoon.

“Then we only have one choice: to trust the spider. Are you ready?”

Wanting to put as much distance between himself and the leader of the spiders, Legolas forced himself to sound more ready then he was.

“Let’s go.”

Estel offered his hand to help Legolas to his feet, pulling him close to his own body for support.

Unprepared for the onslaught of pain and dizziness that assaulted him as he stood, Legolas buried his head into Estel’s chest to stifle the cry of pain that climbed up his throat and tried to give away their escape. He squeezed his eyes shut against the pounding in his head and the nausea. He shifted his body to take the weight off of his injured leg that was screaming for attention.

Estel heart sunk as he felt Legolas’ hot forehead make contact with his neck as the elf latched onto him for support. He realized then that their escape had just gotten complicated. Remembering how long it took to get here in the first place, the journey out seemed impossible now. He let out a sigh, what he would give for a horse right about now.

Focusing back on the problem at hand, Estel wrapped his arm around Legolas’ waist and supported his exhausted body. He knew he could do nothing for his friend’s injuries just yet. He would have to hold out until they were far away from here.

He could carry the prince, but knowing that Legolas’ stubborn pride would not accept the offer. The ensuing argument would just cost them time, time that they did not have.

Estel whispered into Legolas’ ear, “Mellon nín, are you ready? We must go. Lean on me as much as you can. I do not think that our guide will wait much longer.” He glanced up to see that the nervous pacing of the spider had increased as he waited for them to follow.

Legolas did not answer, but nodded in agreement. Pulling away from the ranger’s support he raised his arm over Estel’s shoulders, biting his lower lip, he fought any urge to cry out as the movement stretched his shoulder wounds.

Legolas’ muscles protested being used, his body was weak, and he felt hot and sweaty, something he was not used to experiencing. The limbs that had sustained the bites felt stiff and swollen. He was nowhere near free of the poison, and he was not sure how long he could go on before his body surrendered to its side effects.

Quietly they moved to follow their savior; fear motivated their progress in the beginning driving them to move quickly ignoring the protests from their stiff and sore bodies. His body w

The spider remained ahead of them, stopping if they got too far behind. Soon, however, the walking took its toll on Legolas and he found it difficult to keep moving. He depended more and more upon the ranger’s strength as he fought to keep one foot moving in front of the other. Pushing him passed his body’s current endurance.

After many hours of walking, the spider stopped near a quiet stream. He walked over to the stream and then backed off, climbing a nearby tree to wait for them to rest.

Shocked, Estel stopped in his tracks when he spotted the small stream the spider had directed them to. Not only was the spider saving them, but now he was also seeing to their needs.

Not wanting to waste time questioning their good luck, Estel carefully lowered the prince to the grass next to the water so that he could drink.

Legolas’ body objected to the change in position. His lip was already bloody from trying to keep himself from making any sounds. He was relieved to have stopped walking his limbs had begun to tremble from the effort it took to keep going.

Exhausted, Legolas did not move from where Estel had set him down. He lay on his side with his head resting upon the cool grass. The water was inviting and he was extremely thirsty, but it seemed miles away.

It was still night, but not pitch black any longer, the sky was changing and the approaching day was looming overhead; the moon’s soft rays broke through the trees making its way to the ground giving Estel his first good view of the prince. He did not like what he saw.

The prince made no move to drink at the stream which was mere inches from him. Estel knew that Legolas had to be thirsty, as they had not been given any water during their capture, and the poison and bleeding both would have dehydrated the elf. And yet, he made no move for the water.

Estel knelt down, carefully gripping the elf and supported him so that he could reach the water. He felt Legolas again tense under his touch.

“Legolas drink; you need water to fight the poison and blood loss.” Estel’s voice was tender, but left no room for argument.

Legolas nodded, too tired to speak, but he complied with his friend’s instructions. He leaned over and cupped the water in his hands, bringing it to his dry lips. The water felt soothing to his parched throat. Drinking his fill, he used more water to cool his burning face.

“Enough?” Estel asked.

“Yes, 'Hannon le'”

Estel helped him to lie back down.

Legolas rolled over to lay on his back, motionless upon the damp grass, his wet face glistening in the moonlight.

Estel took his turn to drink and felt refreshed by the cool water. He moved back and sat beside the resting elf.

Frowning, Estel gently touched his hand upon the prince’s arm, “Mellon nín?”

“Yes?”

Estel moved his hand to rest expertly upon the elf’s forehead. The fever still raged within his body, increasing the worry that Estel already carried with him. He had nothing with which to treat the elf.

Legolas let a sigh of relief escape as he enjoyed Estel’s cold hand upon his feverish brow.

Estel moved his hand to press against Legolas’ flushed cheeks. From his own experiences, he knew how good it would feel to the elf.

Legolas closed his eyes; he had not realized just how hot he was until now.

He could not resist trying to continue his examination of his friend’s injuries in the moonlight. He ran his hands skillfully over Legolas’ body, feeling for the signs of fresh blood upon his clothes. He did not need the light to find what he was looking for.

Estel found dried blood on Legolas’ shoulder from the first bite and both arms from the spider’s claws, but no fresh blood. At least nothing had opened up from the walking. Moving down to look for the wound on Legolas’ legs, his hand was stopped by a warm wet hand.

“Don’t,” Legolas whispered.

He pulled Estel’s hand away from his leg, back up to his chest, holding it tightly. He could feel the warm blood running down his leg, both from the bite and the claw wound. It would do no good for Estel to know now, for he could do nothing about it. He wanted to put as much distance between them and the spiders as they could. His wounds would wait.

“No, Legolas, I need to see them now while we have water,” Estel said, letting Legolas keep his hand imprisoned against his chest, knowing that it gave him comfort in the dim light. However, it gave the ranger no comfort as he could now feel the prince’s racing heart beneath his hand.

Estel pulled out of the elf’s grip. He reached under his own tunic to tear strips off of his undershirt. Plunging the cloth into the stream, he prepared to clean the wound.

Brushing the sweaty strands of hair that clung to Legolas’ face, Estel warned him, “I am sorry. This is going to hurt.”

“I know,” Legolas responded, closing his eyes.

Estel gently cleaned the wound left by the spider’s bite. Fresh blood ran down Legolas’ leg as he squeezed the excess water into it.

Legolas clenched his jaw as he tried to remain still under Estel’s care. The only sound he made in response to the pain was his harsh breathing.

Taking another strip, Estel bandage the leg tightly. With the last strip, he put it into the stream and then wiped Legolas’ hot face with it. The cloth was so cold that it caused shivers to run down the elf’s weakened frame.

“I am sorry, that is the best I can do for now.”

After but a few minutes, the cloth on Legolas’ forehead was warm, Estel removed it. He was surprised to feel Legolas’ hand grip his wrist as he removed the cloth.

“More,” Legolas whispered. He was so hot that he felt like he was on fire. The cloth was like putting ice to his skin.

“Let me put it back in the water to cool it first, Mellon nín.”

Releasing his grip on Estel’s wrist, Legolas closed his eyes; he now knew just how terrible Estel felt when he was sick with human aliments.

After several trips back and forth, Estel managed to lower Legolas’ fever enough to give him some relief.

Estel sat quietly next to the elf, hoping that he had drifted off to sleep.

The spider took this moment to move above them. It took a distant path to the same stream to drink.

Its movements were not lost on the prince. He was unable to let his guard down and fully rest while the spider remained with them.

Breaking the silence, Legolas asked softly, “Are we being saved by a spider?”

Disappointed that the elf was not asleep, Estel answered his question.

“Yes, my friend, we apparently are being saved by a spider.”

“I just wanted to make sure I was not seeing things.”

“No, you are seeing the same thing as I. Not only has a spider just helped us escape, but it has even taken us to water.”

“Do you think it is just going to kill us later?” Legolas suggested, as he found it difficult to accept a spider actually helping them to escape.

Estel paused, thinking, and then pointed out, “No, why would it wait? We are far enough away from the group that it could have done so already.”

Taking a deep breath to clear his mind, Legolas said, “I do not understand why it would do this.”

“I do not understand either, but I do not know much about spiders. Have you ever heard of a spider behaving this way?”

“No. I only kill them. I do not ask them questions. Maybe we should speak to Celylith,” he said, his voice drifting off.

Estel smiled at Legolas’ reference to his childhood friend Celylith. If Celylith was here he would be right at home with the spider. He would be trying to stuff it into his backpack to take it home to…,

Suddenly Aragorn’s eyes widened. “Legolas! The spider! The spider that Celylith kept as a pet!”

Legolas eyes flew open at Estel’s outburst to peer at his face in the moonlight.

“Wilwarin?”

“Yes.”

“You think it is the same one? After all this time”

“What if i

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~A-E twin/father of Vampire Anakin~