AN: Italics means they are speaking in Elvish. Enjoy!

Chapter 10

As we made our way to the stables, I couldn't help but notice that there were soldiers everywhere. The civilian Elves were quickly making their way to their homes with their families in tow. Haldir was explaining what was going on. Orcs were attacking the northern border. All of them bearing a white hand on their armor and helmets. If I was correct in my assumption, the white hand belonged to Saruman, the leader of the Wizards.

He was an ally. Why would he attack Lothlórien?

As we neared the stables, I saw Max getting prepped by one of the soldiers. He nickered at me, his head bobbing. "I thought Saruman was an ally." I said in confusion as Max walked to me and I mounted him. Haldir looked at me, anger in his icy blue eyes as he mounted his animal as well.

"He has betrayed us. He has betrayed us all." He said as my eyes narrowed in response as we rode out.

We rode to where the battle was raging on. Merendír was riding beside me as Haldir looked over at us and nodded. Merendír nodded as he pulled away. My eyes locked with Haldir and I could see the concern in his eyes. "Be safe Haldir." I said. His eyes flashed before he sent me a reassuring nod. I turned Max and broke away from Haldir's group. I caught up with Merendír and the soldiers that were riding with him.

We flanked the Orc horde while Haldir went straight into battle. I could see them through the trees. I pulled out my bow and fired at two Orcs simultaneously, hitting them both in the chest before they could scream our position. One by one, the Orcs on the outskirts fell and we, along with other Lothlórien soldiers, cutting off their escape.

"Charge!" Merendír yelled from a few feet away from me as the Lothlórien soldiers yelled a might war cry. All the Elves charged and the battle commenced with full force.

I shot Orcs down one by one, protecting the backs of my fellow soldiers. The Orcs would fall to the ground, their black blood bubbling out of their wounds. I was still on Max whose reddish brown coat was covered in black blood as he charged and stomped Orcs to their deaths. I scanned the area around me with an arrow notched. The battle was in favor for the Elves. I found Haldir fighting two Orcs and knew that he would be fine without any assistance. His eyes were determined and full of fury as he hacked and slashed with such beauty that I had to pull my dark eyes away from him. I searched the field again and saw Merendír had changed from his bow to his sword and long knife. He was on the ground and fighting four Orcs simultaneously.

I grabbed hold of my reins and urged Max towards his direction. Even for a great warrior, taking on four Orcs wasn't easy. And I had this sinking feeling that if I didn't get to him, something horrible was going to happen.

As Max galloped toward Merendír, I felt an impact on his side. The force was so strong that Max lost his footing and fell, sending me flying off. I tucked into a ball as I hit the ground. The breath was knocked out of me as I rolled onto my feet, looking at Max. He was getting up when an Orc leapt over him, his sword aimed at my chest. I deflected his sword with my bow, quickly pulling out my long knife as I sliced its throat. It fell to the ground with a sick thud, a pool of blood surrounding its body. Max trotted a few feet away, looking no worse for wear. I stood up, searching the battle field for Merendír.

Many of the Elves were yelling in victory as I saw Merendír sheathing his weapons. I let out a sigh of relief as I started to jog towards him. I saw him scan the field and when his gaze met mine, a relieved smile appeared on his face.

That is when my eyes went wide and sprinted towards him. I screamed at the top of my lungs as I notched an arrow in my bow. Merendír looked at me confused before his eyes widen in shock. Time slowed down as he slowly fell to his knees, his hands touching his stomach before lifting them to his face to see blood covering them.

I screamed as tears fell down my face as I released the arrow. It embedded into the chest of the Orc. I slid to Merendír's side and placed my hand over his wound. My hands shook as the tears streamed down my face.

This could not be happening. Not him, please not him.

He raised his hand and his fingers traced my cheek lightly before grasping my neck. His hands were so cold that I thought they were ice. His once lively face was pale as a ghost and I could see that the beautiful light of life in his green eyes was fading.

"Esperanza...my most trusted friend..." He whispered as I took my hands off of his wound and cradled his body to mine. I knew that he was too far gone for anyone to save him now. I sobbed uncontrollably as he smiled sadly, a trickle of blood appearing at the corner of his lips. "You have given me the best moments of my life. I found peace and love through you. It is time for me to join my family." He stated as I shook my head. I wasn't ready for him to go. I needed him. I couldn't lose him too.

"I need you Merendír. I need you! Please… do not leave me." I sobbed as a touched my forehead with his.

"I will never leave you Esperanza. Never." He responded before I could hear him wheeze. I held him to me, knowing that he would be gone in seconds. My heart broke as he tried to stay. He was barely holding on. "Promise me Esperanza…"

"Anything Merendír…" I said as he wiped the tears away from my eyes. I leaned into his touch as his hand slowly started to slip from my face. I raised one of my hands and held his cold one to my cheek.

"Promise me... live your life. Take the risk. And never give up hope. I love you." he said as I held tightly to his hand with one of my own and placed the other on the side of his face.

"I love you too, Merendír…" I whispered before he was gone. I hugged his lifeless body to mine. My body shook as I grieved for my friend.

Of all the people, why did it have to be him? Why? He was an amazing person. Kind, gentle, and patient. He loved life and loved the beauty of the world. I needed him. He was my sanctuary. The person I relied on the most. He was always there for me and now... he was gone. Forever. Middle Earth lost one of its brightest stars. I could feel the deep and unbearable sorrow as the Elves surrounded us. Their hearts ached at losing a comrade, a soldier and a beautiful spirit.

I felt a hand on my back and another on my arm. I looked over and saw that it was Haldir, his eyes filled with sorrow. He pulled me to him and held me as I sobbed. I could feel his tears on top of my head.

"I am so sorry Esperanza. I am so sorry." Haldir whispered as I clung to him. I looked over and watched as a group of Elves wrapped Merendír's body in a cloak and placed him on a horse's back. I watched as the horse took him away and I sobbed harder.

I do not know how long Haldir held me as I grieved. But it was long enough that I had no more tears to shed. And in my sorrow, anger rose and took hold. I was furious. I pulled away from Haldir, my hands clenching and unclenching at my sides. I didn't know what to do. He was gone and if I…

Haldir stood and watched intently as I let out a whistle. Max came to me and I mounted him. Confusion flashed through Haldir's eyes as he walked to Max and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Esperanza?" But I ignored him as I gathered up Max's rein and urged him forward. "Esperanza!" I heard Haldir yelled as I urged Max into a gallop. I did not look back at him as Max surged forward, not stopping until we reached a clearing far into the south of Lothlórien.

Max came to a halt in my clearing. Ever since that day where I found it, it was my little hiding place to go when I felt overwhelmed or I needed some alone time. It was a place where I could cry out and release my anguish. And that is what I did. I thought I had no more tears but more came. I screamed out at the forest, letting all the pain in my heart out. I cried out to the darkening sky. My arms were wrapped around my body as I felt like a piece of my soul was ripped out of my body. I slowly fell to the ground, laying on my side and curled into the fetal position. My body wracked will heart wrenching sobs.

It was my fault that he died. I should have listened to my gut and got to him quicker. If only…

I felt a light pressure on my shoulder. I looked up and saw that Max was nuzzling my shoulder softly, his eyes shined with sadness. I knew he knew. I raised a hand and saw that it was still covered in blood. My tears stopped rolling down my face as I just stared at my hand. I let it drop to the ground before me.

I could have saved him. I should have saved him. And it was my fault.

After what seemed like hours before I stood up and walked to the small stream, washing my hands in the cool water. The blood flowed away as I plunged my face into it. I pulled out of the water and ran my hands over my wet face before sitting down and staring out in space. Max placed his head on my shoulder and I raised a hand to softly scratch him behind the ears. Slowly I stood up, grabbed the reins and walked back into Lothlórien. I had to prepare for the funeral of my dearest friend.

The lament for Merendír was beautiful in a heart wrenching way. The tears flowed silently as I watch Haldir put the torch to Merendír's burial mound. Merendír wishes were to burn his body, like he did for his family when he discovered them years ago. Haldir said a few words before looking over and finding me standing by myself dressed in a black velvet dress. He walked towards me and stood beside me. I glanced over at him with my dark eyes before my hand found his. He laced his fingers with mine as I leaned into him. I laid my head on his arm as we watched the fires rise towards the heavens, honoring our fallen friend with their flames.

Haldir walked me to my talan. He closed the door behind us and pulled me toward him. I looked down towards his chest. I felt his fingers gently raise my face towards him. He searched my face as he wiped the few tears away from my face. And it was like he read my mind because he said quietly, "It is not your fault. You could not have changed his fate." He touched his forehead with mine. My eyes closed and we stayed like for a long time.

My heart was broken yet with Haldir there... I felt hope that one day it would mend.

Haldir pulled away gently, placing a soft kiss on my forehead. "Rest, my friend. I will be here if you need me." He whispered as his hand rest on my cheek before walking out of my room, closing the door silently.