A Strange Fate
A/N: I know, I know! Another delay! I was gone to Europe for a month in October and then submerged myself in NaNoWriMo for November. To those of you who sent me little notes reminding me that I should finish this… THANK YOU! You're a doll! ;) Thanks again for all the comments, I treasure all of them. :)
Chapter 10: What tomorrow brings
What tomorrow brings, we cannot know.
The remnants of a soft voice whispering words into his ears echoed hauntingly as a multitude of thoughts coursed through Arthur's mind. He dressed precipitously, his fingers fumbling quickly but awkwardly to tie the catches of his tunic. The main thought at the forefront of his consciousness was how grateful he was that Guinevere had chosen to return to her quarters after their illicit encounter. He could not yet discern the thoughts the warrior maiden elicited in his heart, but he knew they were a cause for additional reflection as he was not a man of many pleasures in life. So very few times did he find himself in the throes of passion with a woman who brought out such indiscernible feelings. Long after she kissed him in a final embrace before slipping away through the dark halls, he was still reeling from the feeling of her lips brushing against his. Her only words spoken to him as she entered his quarters still haunted his thoughts.
What tomorrow brings, we cannot know.
Quickly shaking these thoughts from his mind Arthur refocused on the moment, Jols had awoken him in the dead of night. Though this was not an uncommon occurrence the urgency in his attendant's voice was enough cause for concern. Meeting Guinevere on his way, he raced across the fort through the courtyard and up towards the wall, taking two steps at a time. On his way, he found Lancelot, his hair dripping wet and mist ghosting around him from the cold winter air. Obviously the knight sought a way to sober himself rather quickly and he stumbled after his commander.
"Make way! Make way!" One of the soldiers shouted as Arthur passed by.
As he rounded the final steps to reach the top of the wall, Arthur was met by Legolas whose gaze was transfixed on a sight which stole the breath from his lungs. He quickly turned his head and closed his eyes to regain his composure and mask the sheer terror coursing through his veins as he heard the harried steps of his fellow knights rushing up to meet him.
Before them was the plains of Northern Briton and at the far end, a full day's journey away marched an ocean of flame and destruction. The Saxon army had regrouped and was now advancing at a terrible pace toward the Wall, one more confrontation becoming more than a nightmare, but a reality. He turned his back to the fires across the wall and gazed at the knights who had rushed forth along with Guinevere. A terrible ache gnawed at his heart and he fought to stifle the sob that wrestled to escape his throat as he took into account the defenceless state of the serfs and the small number of Roman soldiers still guarding the Wall. He turned to face the Elf standing close to him, and he knew in that instant the Elf would follow him into whatever path he chose. However, he felt a pang of guilt upon seeing the faces of his knights who had just won their freedom. How could he ask them to throw it all away a second time? They had barely escaped with their lives on their last mission. Arthur did not have the heart to ask it of them once again. He would fight alone.
Resolved and with a strong voice, he said, "Knights. My journey with you must end here. May God go with you."
He had no intention of remaining a moment longer to hear the protests that would no doubt follow; he nodded to the knights and left quickly.
Legolas could hear a heated argument in the distance between Arthur and Lancelot, one deciding to stay for this was the moment he had waited for and the other begging his friend not to waste his life on a fruitless mission. Legolas chose to keep his distance, but he was sincere when he offered to stand at Arthur's side. He stared at the approaching army for what felt like hours, even to an Elf, but it was most likely less than a half hour. He estimated they would arrive by midday or perhaps later.
As her continued his observation, Legolas felt a slight shift in the winds which drew his attention toward the sound of the trees. His gaze brought him over the wall where he saw a small party rushing forth toward the fort. He observed them for some time, until at last they disappeared underneath the Wall, most likely arriving at the gate. Legolas closed his eyes as a gust of warm wind caressed his face and he once again heard the murmur of the trees.
Estel
Legolas abruptly opened his eyes.
Lasto beth nîn, tolo dan nan Estel
A rush of relief filled Legolas' heart as he realized his eyes, his heart and the trees did not tell lies. Quintus stood to full attention as he too felt the wind and noticed the party. "What is it?" he asked the Elf.
"Hope," Legolas replied with a smile.
"Hope? What hope? Who are they?" Quintus asked as Legolas raced down the stairs.
-OoO-
"Open the gate!" Legolas shouted as he ran towards the main entrance of the wall where several guards stood in a semi circle, with their weapons at the ready.
"Open the gate, quickly!" Legolas repeated. The guards at the gate regarded the Elf with a puzzled look on their face as though they wished to proclaim the Elf mad. They turned their questioning eyes to Arthur whose back was turned to them. Legolas regarded the Romans with interested. It was clear that Arthur was presently occupied speaking with someone, possibly the intruders at the gate.
"My Lord?" Pullo, the head guard asked Arthur.
Still not giving the guards and Legolas his attention, Arthur nodded in agreement and turned to face them. He stepped aside and a party of strangers revealed themselves from the shadows. The guards exchanged curious glances but Legolas stepped forward, his eyes sparkling with utter delight. He stood before a group of four cloaked horsemen. The first one stepped forward and lowered his hood.
"Estel, mellon min!" Legolas exclaimed as his friend raised his gaze hurriedly toward the sound of his voice.
"Legolas?" Aragorn said with a smile of relief on his face that believed the disbelieving tone of his voice. He rushed forward and embraced his friend.
"Legolas, my friend, it brings me great joy to see you well."
"We have feared the worst, mellon nin," another member of Aragorn's party said. Legolas was able to identify him immediately.
"Elrohir, my friend and Elladan. I am also relieved to see you all,' he said. "And you as well, Malachim" Legolas said in reference to the fourth rider, a young and trustworthy soldier Aragorn favoured.
"Thank you my lord, it is an honour to see you well," the boy replied bowing slightly. He did not notice the dark stare Aragorn gave him with the use of the title.
Turning to Arthur, Legolas quickly introduced him to the company.
"As you are friends of Legolas, you are most welcome to remain with us this night, but I would urge you to leave by morning. We are on the brink of an impending attack, I fear we cannot the offer you the hospitality we would be keen on providing to travellers."
"It is well," Aragorn said. "It matters not, we are certainly relieved to see our friend well and we are truly grateful for the aide you have provided, thus far."
"Come," Arthur urged. "Allow us at least to take you to shelter this night."
As the party made their way to the fort, Legolas quickly informed them of his version of what had transpired since he had been separated from his garrison so many months before. For his part, Aragorn filled in the gaps, providing the missing links between Legolas' memories and the actual events that had transpired.
"And so, we found the Gondorian emissaries and the garrison that accompanied you, they had been without food or water for some time, but they are now well."
Legolas closed his eyes in relief. During his time in Briton he had feared the worst for the soldiers that were accompanying him on his journey to Harad. "Were there any injuries?"
Aragorn nodded. "Only minor ones with the exception of Tauriel, who was struck by an arrow. She has long ago healed and was adamant to join the search party."
"Poor Tauriel, she is very brave. I am relieved to see she and the others are well," Legolas smiled before changing the subject. "Aragorn, from what I could tell, we were ambushed by Easterlings."
Aragorn's eyes darkened. "I know. At first we had accused Southron rebels who wished to disrupt the negotiations, but as it turned out they were Easterlings as you say. Along with a party of Southrons, we tracked them and eliminated the problem, fortunately with little bloodshed."
"That is good news. I am pleased to hear this," Legolas said obviously relieved.
Aragorn eyed his friend up and down. "And what of you my friend, I fear that your time here was not altogether pleasant."
Legolas averted his gaze. "There were great trials," he admitted. Elladan and Elrohir looked at one another in suspicion. There was far more that Legolas would not say. Aragorn may accept the Elf's explanation, but the twins knew their friend longer than the man did. They also knew his array of evasive manoeuvres when wanting to avoid discussing his wellbeing.
"We were able to track you not three days ago," Elladan began. "We spoke to many villagers from this land and they spoke of your appearance and exploits."
The Noldor Elf smiled slightly. "Stopping an arrow in mid-flight? Only you can achieve such a feat."
Legolas arched his brow, shrugging unassumingly.
"From what I can tell, you have made friends here. The guards appear to respect you." Elrohir mentioned as guards bowed their head in their direction.
"It was not without great pains," Legolas said. "Many of these folk do not give their trust freely. And so, we learned to trust one another."
"Telin le thaed, Legolas," Elladan said, offering help on behalf of the riders.
"Hannon le."
Legolas observed Arthur and felt a twinge of guilt for not including him in his conversation with Aragorn and the twin sons of Elrond. Then, a thought struck him. "Elladan, I must ask you, do you have any remedy to cure the drinking ailment?"
Elladan furrowed his brows and he thought for a moment. "Yes, I believe so," he said at last, then turned curious eyes on the blond Elf. "Why do you ask?" His eyes widened suddenly. "Certainly you have not…"
Legolas laughed at the elder twin's implication. "No, no of course not."
Arthur marched ahead of the group of Elves, speaking in their Elvish tongue. He could not understand the words, but judging by the tone of voice, each Elf was using when he spoke, they exchanged their relief at their reunion and most likely completed the missing parts of their stories. Arthur was glad for the Elf, but he could not but help a feeling of disappointment. He had hoped the Elf would stand by him in battle the next day. But, now that his friends had come to claim him, Arthur doubted very much he or his friends would be willing to sacrifice themselves on the battlefield. He heard Legolas laugh out loud, not something he was accustomed to hearing and he felt his heart lighten and weight down at the same time.
"Arthur," the Elf shouted making the Roman stop, school his features into an impassive mask and turn around to face the group.
Legolas smiled again and approached the man. "I believe we may have something that may assist the knights in their recovery of their drinking. Elladan and his brother Elrohir are proficient healers and have brought their healing herbs. They could give the knights some tea. Perhaps they will be more able bodied in the morning."
This was not was Arthur was expecting to hear, and despite the positive statement it brought back more bitter feelings. "Thank you, Legolas; I am certain the knights will greatly appreciate being spared the torment of waking in the morning."
"Indeed."
"I do not believe the knights have gone to rest just yet, I shall summon them to the Round Table. You may administer the draught from there."
Elladan raised his hand to stop the knight. "Very well, by doing so it will allow them rest this night, for the hour grows late. The tea may be drunk once again in the morning."
Arthur nodded with a smile. "Again, thank you."
Legolas and the Elves nodded and bowed their heads.
-OoO-
Arthur hurriedly summoned the knights to join him in the Round Table Chamber. Each one joined him begrudgingly, for their own reasons, whether it be a sense of betrayal or excess inebriety. While Arthur was hard at work, gathering his most trusted soldiers, Elladan and Elrohir prepared the quick draught that was promised.
"Why are we here, Arthur?" Gawain grumbled as he stumbled in, nearly colliding with Bors who held his head. Lancelot was already there and stood with his arms crossed, a dark expression on his face. He said not a word and kept his dark expression for Arthur. Tristan and Galahad quickly followed suit.
"Arthur?" Galahad asked clearly puzzled by the new arrivals. "Who are these men? Or rather, Elves?" he asked his eyes widened as he took in the appearance of both Elladan and Elrohir.
"These are friends of Legolas," Arthur explained. "This is Elladan and his brother Elrohir," he introduced the twin elven brothers who brought in a tray of drinks. "And this is Aragorn, one of Legolas' closest friends."
"You are not an Elf?" Galahad asked, obviously curious by the apparent discrepancy.
"That is correct, sir, I am no Elf," Aragorn replied. He raised his eyebrows expectantly. Galahad stood dumbly at the man for several minutes until at last Arthur noticed this and introduced the knights one by one to the group of riders.
As Bors was introduced, Aragorn nodded to the man and said. "I believe we have met before, though you may not recall, it was some days ago."
"Oh yeah!" Bors slurred, still inebriated, "I remember you!"
Aragorn recoiled as the knight came too close and slapped him on the shoulder as though they were friends of old.
Arthur at last cleared his throat and explained to the knights that the Elven twins were skilled healers and prepared a draught to help them cure their upcoming ailment. Each one gratefully accepted the draught, Tristan included, despite the fact that he had barely drunk the previous night.
"It should not take very long for the mixture to take full effect, however it is best to drink it again in the morning to ensure the reaction is complete," Elrohir explained as Malachim gathered the empty cups from the knights.
Malachim excitedly walked over to Legolas and bowed before him. "Is there naught else I can do for you your highness," he asked eagerly.
Legolas narrowed his eyes on the boy worriedly.
"Your high-ness?" Galahad asked, having overhead the boy speak. "What does he mean, Legolas?"
Lancelot, who was also close by, narrowed his eyes suspiciously and looked to the Elf in anger.
"Your highness," Lancelot repeated. "What does Malachim mean by that?"
He turned his easily infuriated gaze to the Elf. "What is it Legolas? You can no longer speak, you are too proud to stand before us know?" The knight walked aggressively toward him.
"How dare are you speak to his Highness Prince Legolas that way!" Malachim exclaimed unable watch as the Elf he idolized was ridiculed and drew the attention of the other knights with the inclusion of Arthur. They all stood rather shocked upon hearing the boy's words.
"Malachim be silent!" Aragorn quickly urged him to be quiet.
Elladan and Elrohir instantly responded to the threat by standing defensively on either side of the friend. Noticing this, Lancelot smiled ruefully.
"Ah, I see. Does this mean that Legolas, our *friend* Legolas is not our friend after all? What is it, you've been with us for days and you've been hiding the fact you're what? Royalty?"
"Prince?" Galahad said sounding more hurt than angry. "You have been with us all this time, yet you said not who you truly were. You're a Prince, the Prince of what?"
Legolas nodded and raised his gaze to meet the knight squarely in the eyes, and spoke calmly. "Yes, Galahad, I am a Prince. My father is the King of Eryn Lasgalen, my home."
"Thus all this time, all your assistance, all your help has been what? An act of diplomacy? An attempt to gather information for what? To invade us? Have you said nothing truthful," Galahad ranted, feeling utterly betrayed. The knight threw his cup the crashing sound making Malachim flinch.
"Of course not, Galahad, that is not so," Legolas spoke gently trying to keep the situation from escalating.
"And when you spoke of serving your king, you meant your father," Gawain added his contribution to the agitated argument. "Thus, you serve no one but yourself. You never did help your people, did you?"
"You know not of what you speak, child," Elladan berated, his temper flaring.
"Na dínen muindor Na him!" Elrohir urged his brother to be silent and calm.
"Law muindor nin!" Elladan refused to listen, his anger burning. "Did Legolas not offer his life to help you? Was he not terribly injured to save the life of your men? You are all the same! You ungrateful horrid little–"
"Friends, friends," Aragorn interrupted urgently knowing exactly what his brother would call the knight. He took the opportunity to stand in the middle of the room between both sides. "We are not here to exchange blame and be angry toward one another. Is there not a battle forthcoming in the morning? Should we not save our ire for them? To set ablaze the enemy and smote their ruin?"
Arthur nodded, his face also registering anger, but he saw the look of earnestness in both Legolas' and Aragorn's face. He had seen the Elf in action, and did not doubt his heart, despite this troubling news. He also felt the sting of betrayal and wondered why the Elf felt the need to conceal his true identify. "I believe Aragorn is right."
The knights began to protest loudly, even shouting curses, accusations of treachery and promises of retribution. Arthur needed to raise his voice above the ruckus to continue.
"I too, am deeply wounded by this troubling news, though, I am certain there is a sensible reasoning for this apparent deception. However Aragorn is correct, we need to save our strength for tomorrow. You are all leaving for home and I must prepare for battle." The commander spoke authoritatively, leaving no room for negotiations. The knights scoffed and rebuked Arthur, but did nod disobey the voice they were so used to following. They cursed and spat at the Elf's feet, eliciting dark stares and promises of retribution from both Elven lords and young Malachim. Aragorn and Legolas stood passively as the knights left with the exception of Tristan, who had remained apart of the entire ordeal.
Leaning against the wall at the entrance of the chamber, Tristan said: "A Prince, negotiator and warrior, who would have thought?"
Legolas looked at the man he considered to be a friend. "You are not surprised or angered?"
"I suspected," the knight agreed. "There is an air about you that spoke of royalty. It is logical, who else but a Prince would be sent as an emissary for a King to negotiate a peace treaty? It is a good strategy, especially when the treaty is of great importance."
Legolas nodded, his appreciation for his friend evident on his face. Tristan responded in kind and took his leave with the others.
When the knights had left, Arthur turned his searing gaze to the Elf. "I trust there is a valid explanation for this deceitfulness?" he said, not masking his resentment.
"Yes, Arthur. I do apologize for the deception. There was no intent to harm anyone."
"Then why conceal who you truly are?"
Legolas closed his eyes sadly, "Because of this, you see, I am the Crown Prince of my father's Kingdom. Middle-earth is a very dangerous place and the knowledge of my lineage has been used against my father and the people of Eryn Lasgalen before. It took great lengths and considerable pain to reverse the damage that was nearly done to our people because knowledge of an official visit from the Crown Prince to a neighbouring land turned perilous."
"I remember this," Elrohir began. "It was many years ago, Aragorn was not born yet. In fact Aragorn, your great grand father was not born, either," the Elf added. "When it was known the Crown Prince was travelling freely, acting as an emissary between two lands, he was taken prisoner and used as barter for the King of Mirkwood, which was the name of Eryn Lasgalen at the time, to hand over command of the realm or lose his son. It took many days to find the Prince."
"It was over a week, if I recall," Elladan added. "Legolas was very young and gravely injured. It was then it was decided it is for the best to protect the Prince's identity when travelling."
Arthur narrowed his eyes suspiciously, "I am inclined to believe you, however at the moment I am not so certain. I will require time to adjust to this news."
"I understand, Arthur. Believe me you are not the first to whom this concealment is an apparent deception. It is simply the result of a bitter lesson learned: to not immediately be so trusting with strangers. I cannot imagine how different my stay would have been had the Romans known of my true lineage."
"You may be correct, the Romans would have been far less merciful," Arthur conceded.
Elladan, Elrohir and Aragorn exchanged worried looks, uncertain to what events the Roman commander was referring to.
Malachim, who had until then remained silent after his exclamation threw himself at Legolas' mercy. "I am so sorry, my Lord, please forgive me," he begged, clearly remorseful of his outburst.
Legolas smiled gently at the boy. "Of course Malachim, I thank you for the show of admiration; however, it was neither the time nor the place."
Malachim nodded. "Of course, my Lord."
"Please, it is Legolas," the Elf laughed. "Have you not yet learned?"
Malachim lowered his head bashfully. "Of course my Lor- Legolas."
"Better."
Aragorn looked again at Arthur and noticed the man was still not convinced. "Perhaps, Arthur," he began. "I would add to Legolas' confession, my stating that though I am Aragorn and a ranger," Aragorn looked down at his ragged clothing and smiled. "I too, have spent many years concealing my lineage for fear that our great enemy, The Dark Lord Sauron, would find me."
Arthur stared at the man inquisitively. "I recall hearing of this enemy; he was defeated, was he not?"
"Yes, indeed, he was," Legolas added.
A small smile twitched at the corner of Arthur's mouth. "Then if Legolas' tale is to be believed, you must be the King he was to represent in these negotiations that never took place."
Aragorn nodded. "Indeed, I am him, Elessar, High King of Gondor. For the entirely of my life I have hidden my identity for my protection and that of my lineage, for Sauron sought to destroy the last heir to the throne of Gondor. It was not until his ultimate defeated that I could at last claim the right to the throne."
"Aragorn had done so reluctantly," Elrohir added, his fondness for his surrogate brother obvious in his voice. "Gondor is a better place now that the King has returned."
"I see," Arthur was taken aback by this news. He was impressed that a High King would take the time to lead a search party to find a dear friend, knowing this friend was also royalty aided in believing the deed.
"The hour grows late. I shall take my leave. Jols, my attendant will show you to your quarters. I will see you off in the morning," he said at last, bowing slightly and leaving the room.
-OoO-
Aragorn was immensely relieved to see his friend was alive and relatively well. However, he was greatly disturbed by the Elf's evasive answers and how he appeared to keep himself closely guarded. He did not elaborate on his stay in this cold, wet land. It reminded him far too much of the Marshlands between Emyn Muil and Mordor. He shivered; such thoughts did not bring that many good memories. There was something about the Elf. During his entire exchange with Legolas, from their reunion at the gate their current silent march through the long dark corridors of the fort, he exchanged several worried glances with his brothers. Legolas was thinner, much paler than usual and his eyes were hooded. They concealed a great pain the elf did not want his friends to see. Clearly his time in Briton was not good, the heated argument with the knights not withstanding. Most likely the Elf had been a prisoner and mistreated. He also noticed how the Elf had a slight limp and favoured his left shoulder and right side. Was he injured? He would need to speak with this Arthur before dawn to determine what the man knew.
With these thoughts in mind, Aragorn was prepared for Legolas' rebuttal when they were provided with quarters for them to spend the remainder of the night. However, despite retiring, the Elven party retreated to Arthur's round table chamber to continue their vivid discussion, where Legolas plead his case.
"No, Legolas, we accomplished the mission we were to perform. And so, now we must now endeavour to return to Middle-earth I know there are many who-"
"Aragorn, I made a promise to these people and I intend to keep it," Legolas interjected abruptly.
"Yes, but Legolas, I too made a promise to bring you home safely. I promised Laralen, I swore to her that I would lay down my life before leaving you to a ghastly fate. Does this no longer hold any meaning to you?"
"Yes it does. I understand Aragorn, but what you do not understand is that I am indebted to these people. They saved my life and thus I have sworn to help them and they are in a great time of need. I cannot abandon them now. It would be utterly faithless to do so."
Aragorn sighed in frustration. "Yes I see, mellon nin; however you have already done so much to assist them. Your presence has already altered their fate, what more can you offer? What more could you possibly achieve by dying for them? It would make you rescue futile and my mission a failure."
Legolas' eyes widened in anger as their colour faded from a deep sapphire to a pale ice blue. "You of all people should understand the importance of an oath, your Majesty. O Aragorn Elessar, King of Gondor and Arnor, holder of the sceptre and keeper of the White Tree, were you not yourself not so long ago; ready to throw your life away for a cause you truly believed was just?"
"This is not the same Legolas. Besides, it appears they no longer wish your help. They believe you deceived them by concealing who you truly are."
"That is not so. It is Arthur's knights who are angry and I cannot blame them, but not Arthur himself. He appears to understand and would need all the help he can get. He stands alone, Aragorn. All I ask is to stand next to him. Let me finish what I started. I do not even ask you to join me. I only ask that you to step aside and let me fulfill this fate."
Aragorn shook his head despairingly, washing himself of all implications.
"What shall I tell Laralen, your beloved who stands alone and as Regent over your land? Land I have given you, may I remind you."
Elladan took a step forward and stood next to Legolas. "That Legolas stands alone is untrue, but with those who would believe in him and support his cause," he said as his brother, Elrohir also took his place as the opposite side of the Sindar Elf.
"You would sacrifice my brothers as well!" Aragorn sighed in frustration and walked away from the Round Table chamber. He walked aimlessly until he found the armoury. He stood by the doorway and watched as the Roman soldiers emptied it along with the majority of weapons and supplies. Unlike Arthur, the Romans were leaving the fort, abandoning the people of the land to their fate. When the armoury was emptied of both soldiers and supplies, he entered the dark room and sat on one of the wood benches. He was suddenly reminded of a similar time, where he and the elf had a similar argument and stood on opposite sides. Fingering the cracks in the wall, he remembered how very strongly he felt of the cause he had chosen to support, despite the great risk to his life and the disapproval of the same Elf who now begged for his approval of his own futile mission. He breathed a sigh and laughed by himself in the darkness. He laughed at the irony at how their positions were now reversed.
Legolas was right, at its core, it was no different. Both were dangerous and risky, and Aragorn could have easily lost his life, in fact if it weren't for the Elf, he would have. Several times during the Quest for the Ring had Aragorn been grateful for Legolas' presence. The elf was a fortress of strength, confidence and support throughout the entire campaign, regardless of its apparent futility, and they survived. They survived, and were victorious. Righteousness and peace had overcome the darkness of Middle-earth. Certainly, this cause appeared righteous and would allow justice to prevail once again.
With a newfound determination, Aragorn stood up and returned to the Round Table chamber were he found Legolas and the twins going over battle plans with Arthur, who obviously could not find rest this night either.
He strode into the room to stand before Legolas. The man's presence elicited a hush to quiet the room as all presence stood expectantly for his next words.
Staring intensely into the Elf's eyes, he declared: "Very well, I will join you. But you must assure me that you will survive this madness else I will kill you myself, even if I have to chase you from death's door."
Legolas offered the man a bright smile and his eyes sparkled with obvious relief and gratitude. "Of course, my friend. Though, I believe you would need to wait your turn, for Laralen herself would hunt me down into the very depths of Mandos' Hall to bring me back to the living and kill me herself should I perish."
"Indeed, she would," Aragorn laughed, "as would the Queen, who loves you dearly. Now let us go over these plans you have begun to draw out. Arthur, let us provide you with counsel."
"I would be grateful to receive your wisdom, your Majesty," Arthur said, bowing his head in the presence of the Monarch.
Aragorn waved his hand, "Please, as Legolas made it abundantly clear, titles are of no value here. Call me Aragorn."
"As you wish Aragorn," the knight acquiesced.
"Let us see what you strategies you have planned up till now," Aragorn offered again.
"Yes, and we shall also provide you with remedies that shall extend your strength and help treat any wounds sustained on the battlefield. We Elves do not need much rest before a battle, but you men certainly do," Elladan offered, a hint of a smile twitching in Aragorn's direction. "We have a remedy which may aid you in retaining your wakefulness during the battle."
"I would be grateful for whatever you can offer," Arthur said.
The small group them began to pour over Arthur's battle strategy until the following morning and offered whatever counsel they could.
-OoO-
Arthur did not success in finding rest this past night. The Elven twins, Elladan and Elrohir, had provided him with a tonic that would help him remain awake during the day, now that his night had been entirely sleepless. Though the Elves had provided invaluable counsel to assist him in battle, they would not fight by his side; he would stand alone to face the approaching army. He wandered aimlessly just as dawn finally began to chase away the darkness, his mind devoid of thought and as the first few rays of light began to filter slowly through the clouds, he found himself in the burial ground. Without thinking, his feet unconsciously led him to the one place the knight sought when his heart was heavy. Passing through the monuments of his fallen comrades, Arthur found himself standing before the most influential grave: his father's. He knelt by the mount without a sword, his hands digging in the cold damp earth. Countless times had he found himself in this very place, in times of great need, great victories or when he doubted his potential or his leadership.
His feelings for Guinevere were at the forefront of his mind and generated countless questions he knew he must ask. Could he truly love a Briton? Was it possible for him to seek an alliance with a maiden from the people he spent his entire career as a soldier fighting against? Was peace with the Woads and the other Briton tribes truly an attainable goal? Could they unite against their common enemy for the good of all? Could he put aside his hatred and place his faith in Merlin, Guinevere or Legolas, and learn to trust them as he once trusted Rome? Would they deceive him as Germanius did so careless?
The very core of Arthur's beliefs were shaken, the foundations on which he built his faith were no longer stable. What would his knights do now that they had at least acquired that which they most deserved and desired so? Their freedom.
Would they stand behind him in this great time of need? Would they let him stand alone against this insurmountable duty?
In his youth, when he studied in Rome, his great mentor, Pelagius, once told him the tale of a boy who stood up to a great giant. David, the young Israelite shepherd had fought against Goliath, the Philistine warrior who had terrorized his people. Barely able to carry his own weight, young David fearlessly challenged Goliath, armed with a rock and sling and his faith in God. Shortly after his great victory, he was crowned King of Ancient Israel. Could he, Lucius Artorius Castus do the same and stand before the might of the Saxon army and defeat it, as David once had?
"Father, Arthur began, his voice soft and charged with emotion, "Unlike David, I cannot do this alone."
"Nor should you." Arthur turned around swiftly to face the voice intruding his inner turmoil.
"Legolas?" he asked and noticed the Elf's friend, Aragorn was with him, "What are you doing here?"
"Looking for you. And to tell you that you stand not alone, but with friends. Aragorn and I have pledge our support to your cause. We should stand beside you in battle, all of us."
Arthur shook his head, "No, I cannot ask it of you." He addressed Aragorn, "Your quest was to find the Prince, your friend, and bring him home. You have already provided us with much counsel, we cannot ask for more."
"You need not to," Aragorn said as he took Arthur's hand and helped him stand. "We offer our aid freely to stand at your side," the King of Gondor smiled, "Besides, we have much experience fighting."
Arthur gratefully returned the King's smile. Guinevere was right, what tomorrow brings, we cannot know.
A/N #2: There's something iffy about this chapter. I can't put my finger on it. Maybe it's the never-ending night (a lot does happen, doesn't it?) or the sequence of events. Help! Thanks so much for reading even after all these years. You are the most patient audience! 3 Also, if you want to know who Laralen is, read my other non-crossover LOTR fics (or don't, they're not very good) and Tauriel is a character that will appear in the Hobbit movies (as if you didn't know that already!) I'm assuming she is a warrior and survives.