Note: All unknown characters are mine! The rest are not! This story focuses on a romance between Aradia and Seiren. Some A/L SLASH is in this fic, as well. Elvish speech is in ''. Sorry, no slash in this chapter. Sorry for the delay!!!! Takes place right after the last chapter. Sorry it's so short! Not my song! Song lyrics in ~~. Not sure this chapter is very good…

Time

Part 7

Legolas and Aragorn raced against time, towards Mirkwood, as fast as they could. Neither spoke as they rode, grim determination and desperation on their faces. Seiren could not die like this, not after everything…

A mental image of the red-haired Elf, with amethyst eyes appeared in Aragorn's mind. The somewhat subdued and withdrawn, mysterious Bearer of Light, who was a good friend to him and Legolas both. Neither had forgotten the sacrifice that Seiren had made for them once.

Only Legolas could claim that he understood his friend, who was more a brother to him than anything. And even then, not even Legolas always knew what went through his friend's mind at times. The blond Elf refused to lose his best friend, not after what they had all gone through together.

Legolas had once saved Seiren's life, and his dear friend had repaid that several times, saving his life and Aragorn's. Then Aragorn and Legolas had saved Seiren, so the three were close friends. Seiren was the only one Legolas completely trusted to keep Aradia safe from harm.

The Elven king of Mirkwood had always hoped that Aradia would fall for his mysterious, enigmatic friend, and she had, finally. But now Seiren was fighting for his life and was depending on Legolas and Aragorn to bring the antidote.

They could not let him down… Not this time.

Legolas' spell shimmered around them, causing them to travel much faster than they had been. He'd been too weak too use it before, after riding without rest for days, but now his magic was strong again.

In less than an hour, they would reach Mirkwood, for good or ill.

Neither of the two lovers knew what they would find when they arrived. Would Seiren already be gone? The gentle, wise Elf, who did not hesitate to place himself in danger first, to protect the ones he considered family to him. That bleak thought was like a dagger in the heart to both Kings.

Aragorn looked at Legolas. 'Aradia is with him… She will not let him go without a fight,' he said, trying to convince himself.

'I know… Love may be the deciding factor in his life or death,' Legolas responded. 'He loves her and will not willingly leave her, Aragorn. But he is not invulnerable.'

Aragorn nodded. 'But she will bide us time.'

'I pray to Elbereth that you are right, my love,' Legolas quietly told his lover.

**************

Mirkwood

**************

Aradia held Seiren's hand, gently whispering to him to return from the darkness, into the light.

'Please do not go; I need you,' she murmured, sadness in her grey eyes.

Why had she not seen through him before, Aradia wondered. She had thought that she knew everything about her confidant, but he was even more special than she had thought. Unfortunately, it also meant that his life was in danger.

The daughter of Arwen gently smoothed red hair off of Seiren's pale face, pleading silently for him not to go. Not when they'd finally revealed that they…

Seiren was fighting as hard as he could, flinching at the agony inside of him. His magic was starting to weaken even more, as it held back the poison in his veins. Once it was gone, he would die, even if he did not mean or want to.

Aradia, he thought desperately. I have to live for her sake… I love her… And my friends, almost brothers… Legolas… Aragorn…

Oh, Elbereth, this hurts so much. But I can't give up… Not after all that… Seiren struggled to keep living, pleading in his eyes, as he tore his way out of the darkness long enough to see Aradia's worried face looking down at him, tears in her eyes.

'I…love…you,' Seiren whispered, before going limp.

Aradia gasped and checked to see if he was still breathing. Thank Elbereth, Aradia breathed silently, when she saw that Seiren was breathing very faintly. It was only a matter of time before he gave in.

The half Elven Princess sat beside him in the chair, holding onto his hand. There was only thing that she could think of to do anymore to hold him here with her. Aradia wished that she had told Seiren of her feelings before, because there was no doubt in her any longer that he truly loved her. A few tears streamed down her face as she opened her mouth and began seeing sweetly.

~~Many nights we prayed, with no proof anyone could hear
In our hearts a hopeful song, we barely understood
Now we are not afraid, although we know there's much to fear
We were moving mountains long before we knew we could~~

Aradia gazed down on the one she loved, who was dying. She brought his hand to her face, pressing it against her cheek.

~~ There can be miracles, when you believe
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles, you can achieve,
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe~~

Seiren stirred slightly, flinching. He could hear the words, echoing in his unconsciousness. He was doing his best not to die, but it was so close… But he could not… he would not give in. As if sensing his need, Aradia sweetly continued the song, hope in her voice.

~~In this time of fear, when prayer so often proves in vain
Hope seems like the summer birds, too swiftly flown away
Yet now I'm standing here, my heart so full I can't explain
Seeking faith and speaking words, I'd never thought I'd say~~

That was when Seiren knew… She loved him to. It was more than he'd ever wished for, more than he'd ever dared to hope for. Joy sang through him, even though he could not respond to her. He was beyond physical movement right now.

Aradia was surprised at the soaring love that she felt, and she knew that this must be what bound her father and Legolas so tightly together. This bond, made of pure, unselfish love. This was what Aradia had longed for so much.

~~There can be miracles, when you believe (When you believe)
Though hope is frail, it's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles, you can achieve (You can achieve)
When you believe, somehow you will
You will when you believe~~

If only their love could be a miracle, Aradia wistfully thought. She would do anything to ease the pain of the one that she loved. She would challenge Sauron himself to keep the one she loved safe from harm.

But Aradia knew that her father and Legolas would not let Seiren down. She felt a weak squeeze on her hand, and smiled in gratitude. He could hear her… Her song for him. And somehow, the daughter of Aragorn knew that he and Legolas were near.

~~They don't always happen when you ask
And it's easy to give in to your fear
But when you're blinded by your pain
Can't see your way safe through the rain
A small but still resilient voice
Says help is very near~~

Seiren groaned faintly, barely keeping his grip on life. His magic was just a tiny flicker right now, considering what it used to be. A soft hand touched his forehead gently.

~~ There can be miracles (miracles)
When you believe (When you believe)
Though hope is frail
It's hard to kill
Who knows what miracles
You can achieve (You can achieve)
When you believe
Somehow you will
You will when you believe
You will when you believe
You will when you believe
Just believe, just believe
You will when you believe~~

Aradia let her voice fade sweetly, hearing the last notes echo before fading. The half Elven Princess looked up, when she heard the sounds of someone in the hallway. She had placed the sword against the bed, leaning it carefully. Now she picked it up with firm resolve, and stood, prepared to fight once more to protect Seiren.

The door opened.

To be continued