"The others are busy planning. They hope to leave for the black gates by day fall tomorrow" The voice was calm and barely more than a whisper somewhere in the darkness.
The sounds of it though drew Cassandra from the recesses of her waking dreams. Her body shifting as she felt herself coming back into herself. Her eyes blinking into focus as she stared into the darkness of her room. She could hear a few more voices. Three in total and she had a good idea on who it would turn out to be.
Turning her head she could vaguely see the outline of someone seated at the foot of her bed near the fire. Two figures leaning in to speak with the one there. Their black hair catching the light from the fire and seeming darker in the already darkened room. It had to be late in the evening because there was almost no light coming in from the windows near her.
"I see. You will most likely be going with him i assume?" The one sitting commented as he nodded and closed the book that he had in his hands. His own golden hair catching the firelight. The nods from the black haired figures seemed to be enough answer for him. " I will remain here with her then."
The words brought Cassandra completely to awareness. The sight of these three before her and their words being what she needed to wake up fully. Shifting she sat up a little. Glad for their distraction as she was able to hear more. It had apparently been three days since she had collapsed on the battlements of Minas Tirith and Aragorn felt he could not wait any longer. They needed to go if they were going to be able to help Frodo.
The decision to leave her behind having been made because of her previous injury and her exhaustion. For the most part all good reasons. However she knew that should she remain here to heal then there would have been no point in her coming all this way. She might as well have travelled the shorter distance to lay coddled in Rivendell.
Throwing back her blankets Cassandra lamented the loss of their warmth. Pushing that aside she managed to swing her legs around and stood up despite the surprise of the three. There was a moment when her legs felt like hey would be unwilling to support her weight. Only a moment thankfully as when she took her next step she was able to stand straight and without support.
"Cassandra? Are you okay? Maybe you should lay back down?" Elladan asked as he stepped in front of her as she'd gone for her boots.
"If you don't want me to show Haldir how easily i can lay you flat move" Cassandra let her voice sound colder than she meant it to be. She wasn't angry at him really. Simply frustrated that they would plan to leave her behind when she was resting. She was getting tired of them doing that. this would be the second time they planned to leave her behind for "healing".
The taller dark haired elf hesitated a moment before finally stepping out of her way and watching her carefully as she made her way along to where her boots were left. Her outer tunic and cloak was folded on the chair near them and her weapons were resting upon them. Cassandra considered the other items for a moment before deciding that she would bypass them for now as she slipped her feet into her boots and pulled hard on the laces to tighten them.
"Show me to where they are please?" Cassandra asked Elladan and his twin as he turned to face the two. Them having returned to standing near the fire with Haldir and simply watching her. Clearly trying to see how much she had recovered and if she was well enough for such a journey. Finally as she met the eyes of the youngest twin he sighed and nodded, to the annoyed look of his elder brother.
Elrohir shrugged at Elladan in a sort o "what can i do?" way before moving to grab her cloak and wrap it around her to fight off the evening chill. This accomplished he turned to lead her along through the halls of Minas Tirith. Now and then passing guards men or those of the palace who worked as servants. Each time they would glance to them and then bow their heads in wonder.
Travelling through the halls in silence the four finally arrived at the throne room. Cassandra being able to hear the voices within. The sound of Aragorn imploring those that were inside about the need for them to go to war. The voices that responded being less than happy about the idea and some outright refusing. Cassandra could hear some that said they should just wait while Sauron hid in his walls. For if he sealed himself there in his dark lands how could he hurt them?
"There are too few men left that are able to march to battle. Should we go now we will die needlessly." This voice was not one of those Cassandra recognised but it received a large supporting of those in the room who were opposed to going to Mordor now.
Stepping forward passed the guards on either side of the door Cassandra placed her hands upon the great doors leading into the throne room. Giving a heaving push she shoved the doors open and stood in silence as they slammed open. Her eyes locked upon those that turned to face them. She took a moment to gather her strength together before stepping forward. Suddenly glad for the three that flanked her as they moved in silence to match her pace.
Cassandra could see Aragorn near the tables with their maps and charts. He looked far older to her than he had when last she had truly seen him. His eyes pained and the lines upon his face far deeper then she had ever seen before. Over his shoulder Cassandra could see Legolas seated in a chair near to him. The other three elves of Haldir's party near him the four of them silent as they watched the workings of men.
Gimli sat himself a little further away. Seated beside Eomer. With them Cassandra could see Merry and Pippan. The two hobbits looking quite bored and having obviously reached their limit of how long they could sit in silence and watch others debating. Her eyes slipped over the others in the room and she found her voice.
"Too long have you suffered under the rule of a fool of a steward. Otherwise you would know that there is no other choice. We must ride out and draw out the enemy from his lands if we hope to survive." Cassandra was a little surprised at the sound of her own voice. She sounded more sure of her words than she had felt on the inside.
The look that the man sent her was withering. Clearly he did not appreciate a stranger calling the late steward a fool . Nor did he seem to fond of having someone tell them what to do. His eyes narrowed upon her as he looked her over, his gaze then turning on the ones beside him.
"My apologies my lady elf. However this is a matter of men. It shall be decided by the race of man not..."others""He sneered at her coldly his cold smirk and words drawing a ripple of agreement from those closest him.
The rage it brought from within her companions and from the other four near Aragorn was instant. Legolas's eyes burned with anger and Haldir's companions grew tense and swore among themselves fixing hatred filled eyes upon this man. The twins themselves swore under their breathes as they stepped forward.
Cassandra moved quickly to step forward before them. Her hands slamming down on the table as she met his gaze and then turned meet the eyes of every human in that room. Her eyes at long last falling upon Eomer who's own eyes burned with anger at the man's words.
"You will find that not one of the "Others" that are seated within this hall has done anything less than put their lives in harms way to protect the world of Man! Show your respects to those that have fought for you." The cold venomous voice that struck the man down then was like a vicious lash that Cassandra hardly recognized as her own.
The agreement that came, not from the elves and the others but the men themselves drew the man back as he met the enraged eyes of the men of Rohan. Their new lord barely seeming able to contain his men's rage. The shouts that the elves had saved them. More words about her and the other six's involvement in the great battle that was only four days passed also came to light. The murmurings of the involvement of the hobbits, how it had been Pippan who had pulled the sickened Faramir from his deranged father's pier.
With this the man did the only thing he was able to do without having further anger upon him. He shut up and did nothing further as the others fell back to look upon Cassandra and Aragorn beside her. The ranger turned king looking grateful for his finally falling silent. Meting the man's eyes Cassandra could see the tiredness there inside of him and sighed as she nodded her head to him.
"Whatever the outcome I will march into Mordor at your side Aragorn" She stated before at long last side stepping the table to move closer to Legolas. The blonde rising to meet her in an embrace the two locking their arms upon each other's shoulders before breaking apart.
Cassandra let herself lower into a seat that had been found for her as she sat along side Legolas. The twins and Haldir having joined them as well as the debates began again. The open support of Cassandra, and seemingly from her words all of the elves present in Minas Tirith the men of Rohan were all for going to war. They felt indebted to the elves, as they should. With the men of Rohan's support in this endeavour it was a slow process, however Aragorn at long last managed to draw the support of all of the men from Gondor.
The decision to march out the next morning being made once the agreement to go had been achieved. Aragorn had been making his preparations prior to receiving the full agreement so that they would have everything ready for a quick departure. A move Cassandra was greatly impressed over as she smiled. She loved seeing Aragorn like this. The man fitting the role of King well. He was so diligent in all aspects of his plans and he insisted upon being a part of the preparations himself.
When at long last the council had been called and all had taken to leaving Cassandra found Eomer before her. The man stared upon her with a look of wonderment and gratitude. He reached forward to place his hand upon her shoulder as Legolas or Aragorn would and met her gaze with that unwavering stare.
"Your words brought my Uncle comfort in the darkest hour of his days. You have my support in all you do milady" With these words said the blonde king of Rohan turned then to leave the hall. His men flanking him protectively. Cassandra watching him go and pleased with the strength she could see within him. Eomer would make an amazing king.
With all but the fellowship, with the addition of Haldir and the twins , seeing as how they would not leave her side even among this company. Cassandra looked around the room at the silent faces of those around her. The tension that was running through them was thick enough to cut as she waited for someone. Anyone to say anything.
It was at last Pippan that could hold in his words no longer and the small man threw himself into her arms and cried softly about how he had thought she had fallen. With the first words, first movements being made it was not long until Cassandra had both halflings inside her lap clinging to her and crying softly in joy and relief at seeing her before them whole and for the most part well.
Cooing to the two of them and reassuring them that she was in fact well she spent a long moment with the two. The halflings finally pulling back to stare upon her in wonder as she stood from her seat. Her eyes scanning the faces of the remaining members of the fellowship. Her eyes by passing Legolas' who were a light with joy at seeing her here and seeing the happiness of the halflings at her return to them.
Stepping forward she looked upon Gimli as the male was not looking at her. He puffed harder at his pipe as she spoke his name but did not otherwise acknowledge her. When she had finally crossed the hall to stand before him he did look upon her. His eyes wet and filled with a mix of pain and happiness. The two of them stood in utter silence for a long while until at last he threw himself from his seat and gathered her thinner frame into his strong arms. Burying his face in her chest he murmured words of god blessings.
The relief that flooded Cassandra at the dwarf's acceptance and greeting was overwhelming as she wrapped her arms around him tightly and clung to the stouter male. Her eyes clenched against her own tears even as she felt a few hot tears of his own wetting her tunic.
"Bless the gods lassie...you and Aragorn ...are smiled upon by some greater power" Gimli breathed as he pulled back. Patting her arm and beaming up at her.
This left only Gandalf, who had until now sat in a corner near the back of the room in utter silence, and Aragorn who stood behind her. The most pressing to Cassandra though was Aragorn. With this in mind the raven haired girl turned to face the man. Meeting his bewildered eyes as he stared upon her like something out of a dream.
"You were dead. I felt your fea leave you." Aragorn breathed softly as he stepped forward. Clearly he was not as easily accepting of the idea that she had simply fallen into a healing slumber.
Stepping forward then Cassandra caught his cheeks within her hands and smiled up at the other. "You did an amazing job of sealing my wound for me. If it was not for your care and hard work i would have not been able to heal so well" It wasn't exactly a rejection of the words he had spoken. More a diversion. She sought to draw him from those dark paths.
"Bless the Valar Cassandra" Aragorn breathed as he pulled her into a bone crushing hug. The strength in his arms leaving the raven haired girl with no air within her. Her side, still healing, screamed in pain. Cassandra did her best to bit back the grunt of agony that broke out of her. Stumbling back a step as the man released her suddenly, realizing his mistake.
"My apologies...i forgot about your side...it's still open isn't it?" Aragorn breathed before sighing as she shrugged and sent him a sheepish grin.
The conversation that followed the greetings and murmurings of reunion was solemn then and to the point. There was a gentle debate as to if Pippin and Merry should be allowed to march with them. For which Cassandra threw her voice heartedly into the support of the two's desire to fight with their friends. Knowing very well the pain at being left behind. The words were not said but the looks several of her male companions sent her was enough to know that they believed that she herself should remain here as well.
The debates were long and ran late into the night. When at last they all finally agreed to allow the two halflings, and by proxy Cassandra, to go with them. The Fellowship left then to get what little sleep they could before they marched out later that morning.
Leaving her seat then Cassandra walked in silence as she was accompanied to her rooms not just by the twins and Haldir but Legolas himself as well. The blonde stepping inside with her where as the other three parted from her at the entrance way to her rooms. The blonde's eyes were filled with worry and concern.
"You'll ...truly be alright? Elladan said your side still bothers you" Legolas inquired gently. His eyes lingering over her face questioningly.
It was in those moments that Cassandra allowed herself t ease onto her bed. Deciding before the decision had fully made itself know. She would show the blonde elf her trust...a thing they had fought over several times by now. Nodding her head she sighed gently as she pulled her shirt up enough to show the side that had been hurt. Still bandaged despite the wound having already healed a great deal. no matter the attempts to seal it the wound had not been healing as quickly as the rest of her wound had.
"It makes drawing back on my bow hard... damn near impossible unless i focus much of my attention upon it. It is not unmanageable though. I can still use my sword luckily" Cassandra explained as the other stepped closer to examine the wound. Which had been looked after by Elrohir throughout their trip and apparently since the battle as well.
Legolas and Cassandra spent a good hour after that speaking a s the blonde let himself relax and speak his mind with her. Cassandra felt grateful to see this much of the other. The blonde's insights and observations bringing a grin to her face at times while at others she was frowning. Legolas truly had done much suffering on his own while she had been gone. The pain still colouring much of his opinions of the time he'd spent in Edoras after the battle of helms deep.
Cassandra leaned back in her bed and let him regale her with the tales of how they had come through the mountain. Despite already knowing it she felt it amusing to listen to him explain about poor Gimli shuffling through the mists. When he was done he sat in silence before at long last quirking his brow as he glanced back towards her weapons and spotted the silver sword that had been her constant companion since returning.
"That is an amazing weapon Cassandra... I don't remember seeing it when i lay you in the cart. Where did you get it?" Legolas inquired. Cassandra hesitated for a long time at this question. Should she tell him the truth?
The decision was made in a few short moments as she shrugged gently and smiled. Telling the blonde that she had awoken to have it in her lap. Explaining how it had felt right to use the weapon and so she had taken to using it despite not knowing where it had come from. Her heart hurt at the lie but she knew that she could tell him the truth of i t later. perhaps when she had found the others.
Cassandra took a moment to imagine dragging the blonde and maybe the twins with her when she went to return the soul crystals to the other mother trees. She would enjoy sharing with them the bond she had with her willow. The twins had already seen her connecting with her willow once, but they had not understood. They had worried for her. Fearing she was feeding from her.
Legolas seemed to accept her words and he smiled as he stood. Glancing to the window he seemed to hesitate a moment, almost as if he wanted to say more before finally bidding her a good eve and taking his leave. Cassandra watched him leave with a sense of regret. She almost wished he would have stayed. Her body however was happy to see the end of him because as she turned over onto her side to relax she felt her mind skipping away from her in the absence of the other.
The sounds of the horses around them was all that could be heard. No man, Halfling or elf spoke as Cassandra glanced sideways from where she was galloping near to the main banner of Gondor. They had been riding for coming up to two days now and she could see the tension growing in the men around her. The humans growing silent in the pending darkness that was ahead.
They were sure to arrive at the black gates before mid day and many of the men had grown silent when they took up the ride that morning. Cassandra let her mind cast outwards as she rode upon Merigold. The mare shifting easily under her and matching the paces of her fellows easily. Though not as comfortable as Merock himself Cassandra was grateful to the mare. She had become a close companion to her in their mad dash to Gondor.
The mare had, perhaps sensing the deaths of the others, remained close at hand with the six other horses that had come with them. When they had been preparing to march out it had been a matter to find horses that she and her companions could ride. seeing as how Haldir's horse was the only one that had not died, and Merock was in no condition to ride anywhere for quite some time. It had been then that the sounds of horses and the surprised sounds of the men around them had caught Cassandra's attention. Turning then to see Merigold and the others being brought to them with Legolas leading them.
The blonde had explained how he had heard from Merry that they had brought with them another set of horses and he had set off earlier to see if he could locate them or if the seven had already struck out to head back to Rivendell. Cassandra thanking her stars when the blonde told her that they had been easy to find. Obviously they had known that they would be needed.
It was nice to ride a horse she knew rather than be thrown together with a stranger. She felt a connection to Merigold as much as she did Merock. The mare's strides were longer than Merock's and she had a little more speed to her, a feat that she attributed to being raised by the elves. Merigold was a horse of even temperament and Cassandra found herself easily matching the mares' pacing.
Glancing to her left she was pleased to see the familiar white horse near her. Another amazing journey had fallen before the horses that had journeyed with Aragorn and Legolas to the caves. The two having fled from the darkness underneath the mountains. However they had appeared in the city of Gondor two days after the battle, much to their master's delight.
Pulling up on Marigold's reigns Cassandra fought the flinch as the pull with her right arm caused her mild pain. She hid it mostly from the watchful eyes of the blondes that were almost never far from her side. Legolas and Haldir smothering her more than Elrohir in the matters of her healing side. She had had to threaten the two under penalty of a beating to give her space.
The sounds of the men up ahead with Aragorn had grown still and silent. the only thing she could hear was their horses. This leaving her to come to the conclusion, prior to her own eyes spotting the foreboding sight herself, that the black gates had come into view. Swinging Merigold easily out of the line Cassandra kicked the mare's sides lightly to urge her forward. Hearing the sounds of the others doing the same things she steered her horse to the front of the column.
Sure enough as she had assumed the dark gates of the enemy's lands loomed not to far in the distance. Close enough to cause a faint shimmer of dread to course through her and her companions. Cassandra took a moment to gather herself before meeting the eyes of Aragorn and Gandalf as they caught her gaze before aligning herself to the right of Eomer. The blonde human nodding his greeting to her. Merry behind him smiling nervously in her direction.
"We should reach the gates in less than an hour" Aragorn called back to her as she found herself gauging the distance with her eyes. Nodding to the ranger turned king Cassandra bared down on her own fears as she rode along.
Her mind was filled with the usual fears. The worries for her friends and those she cared for. More so for those she could not see. She could not help but fear for Frodo and Sam. She couldn't imagine the terrors and pains they had been forced to endure in the weeks that had seperated them. She hoped that this would be the help they needed.
The silence that covered the men of the west was so thick with tension that it made the horses themselves uneasy. Cassandra noted as she let the page boys that had come with them to tend to the horses of the men take Merigold off along with the others. Her eyes locked upon Aragorn.
The memories of what had just happened bringing a faint smirk to her lips as she loosened her sheaths as her hands rested upon her swords' hilts. She had opted to leave her bow upon her saddle not trusting her side in such close quarters not to falter.
The image of riding out along side Aragorn came to her them. When they had arrived to find the gate silent and still the man had rode forward. Not unexpectedly, she had found the others more than eager to ride along side him. just as she had. The greeting they had received had been a horrifying one.
No matter that she had expected, the sight of the Mouth of Sauron had made Cassandra's blood run cold. The creatures face being entirely covered by his helm save for the horrifying mouth that seemed almost to cover half of his face. The malicious hiss of his voice had brought chills to the raven haired girl as she listened to how easily he lied. Claiming Frodo dead.
The grief she had seen in the fellowship's face had drawn a yell from her as she raged forward intending to drive her sword through the creature's being. Her desire was short lived as in the moments after she had started Merigold forward she saw the flash of light from a sword moving only in time to realize what was coming a second before the Mouth of Sauron slumped headless from his saddle.
The rage and sheer belief that had shown out at them from the ranger turned kings eyes had left Cassandra breathless for a moment before a smile slipped across her face. The black haired man's trust in Frodo's determination truly was inspiring. Cassandra found herself staring upon her friend's strong back then as he turned to yell his challenge to the gate of Mordor.
There was a very quick and brief moment in which Cassandra had the urge to tell the ranger that the next time he challenged an enemy like that she'd kick him when she saw the sheer force of numbers that were revealed. Watching as the black gates peeled open to show the full size of Sauran's army Cassandra had a desire to flee from the place. A fear she managed to sooth quickly as she turned Merigold along to ride back to the army along side the others.
If she had feared that her terror would still her blade she was pleasantly surprised at the strength and courage she felt rising inside of her at Aragorn's words. He truly was a master of words, the authority in which he addressed the men of Anor was breathe taking and left her thrumming with the desire to see the fight through to the end. Glancing around Cassandra could see the fires that he had spurred to life in the eyes of the men of the west. They would fight for their world until the blades of the enemy struck them down.
Watching Merigold leaving Cassandra turned then to face the army that was raging to go. The sheer malice she could sense from them felt like a great weight had fallen upon her. Squeezing her from all sides and leaving her breath laboured. The only thing that helped to ease this sensation was the feeling of companionship arose as a familiar set of six fell about her. The black haired twins to her left and Haldir to her right. The rest of his men standing closely around her and Haldir. Clearly they intended to defend both their leader and her.
Glancing around she smiled gently as she caught the worried gazes of the fellowship. Smirking at them as she drew her swords she saw their worry ease slightly at her obvious confidence. A confidence born from the surprising, and delightful feeling of relief. There was no danger to the members of the fellowship in this fight. Nor did she need to worry about Eomer off to her right somewhere. She only needed now to worry about protecting herself and the lives of her comrades.
"Hey Gimli...I hope you're ready to get beat by an elven lass my short friend" Cassandra laughed as she heard his and Legolas' bantering somewhere in the mass of people. The responding bellow and the laughter of the blonde elf was her reward. For which she was glad as she prepared.
The signal to charge came suddenly, and in the form of Aragorn starting forward on his own. The response however was instant. The forms of men, elf, and most amusingly enough hobbit, raced forward with such a cry that it rang in the ears of those within the field for many minutes to come as the two forces clashed.
Cassandra felt the jarring sensation of her sword slamming into the thick hide of one of the closest Uruk Hai as she sprang easily over the distance. Her body swinging smoothly in a semi circle to drive her second sword into the beasts' chest plate. A faint smirk spreading her face with satisfaction as the silver sword of the white willow sunk easily into the creature's flesh as if he wore no armour.
Kicking her dying foe aside Cassandra let herself fly into the battle. Keeping a mental track of her own count only really doing it out of a childish pride. She had challenged Gimli and thus joined their duel of numbers. She doubted it would really matter as long as all three of them came out of this battle alive and whole.
The fierceness of the battle struck Cassandra a while in. They fight had raged on for so long now that the black haired girl had lost sight of her companions a few times. Only for them to reappear at times as if checking to make sure she was still alright and had things under control, before diving back into the fray of massive bodies.
Cassandra kept a close eye on Merry and Pippan, having had to throw her sword once at the back of one that sought to drive a pike through the back of Merry. The creature had fallen instantly and the two had jumped in surprise at how close it had been before thanking her as she ran passed them to her next opponent.
The sound of Gimli's count had also caught her ears a few times during the battle. He was somewhere in the high seventies the last she paid him any attention and she had to admit. For someone of a shorter stature he was doing amazing. The stamina and heartiness of the Dwarves truly was a blessing. She had just taken out her eight third orc and her arms were aching from the strain upon them.
Gritting her teeth against the pain of the continued force she had to use in order to pierce the thicker skins of the Uruk Hai, Cassandra found herself glad at times when she came across the weaker breed. The orcs falling more easily than the others despite their heavy armour. The black haired girl had just spun around in order to counter an attack when she saw the first casualty of noting to her mind.
One of the three guardsmen of Haldir's had fallen protecting his kinsman. The other two letting out an almost animistic roar of rage as they turned upon their comrade's killer. Cassandra did not envy that orc's fate as the two made short work of killing it. Sending a prayer in the direction of the three Cassandra danced back into the mass of bodies that surrounded her. Her eyes flying over the faces of friend and foe.
The sound of a troll broke over the battle field and Cassandra could not help but flinch at the images that flashed through her mind then. She half wanted to step between the beast and Aragorn. Had she been able to though the mass of enemies that laid between her and the human was too many now to make it in a timely manor. She made the mental note however to keep an eye upon the man during his fight.
"The eagles are coming" That was Pippin that yelled over the sounds of battle. Drawing many eyes skywards as the shrill cries of the eagles broke over the battle. The great brown birds falling upon the Nazgul who had been coming to join the battle. Many seemed to wanted to s tand and stare in wonder at the battle that broke out between the two winged armies, but none could spare the time while the enemy's forces pressed endlessly upon them.
Cassandra was stumbling back from a pretty vicious blow some time after the Eagles had joined in the fight. Honestly she could not make her mind truly understand the true time that this battle had raged on. It felt to her body and mind that they had waged war against the forces of Mordor for at least a year...when her logical side knew that this was unlikely. A few hours at the most had likely passed though.
The tiredness that had taken her slowly was now pressing upon her. Held back by sheer force of will. The sight of many of her comrades in such a state drew a moment of panic from the black haired girl. She could see the twins tiring as they fought back to back. Their swords and knives stained black with the blood of their fallen enemies. Legolas was resorting to his twin knives, his quiver now empty. Even the stout and hardy Gimli had the look of a man too long upon his feet to his eyes as he continued his battle with only one weapon, his other axe probably having been broken or lost some time during the battle.
Had she over estimated her knowledge. Had something changed? Was the hopes of those here fighting to buy time for Frodo for not? Had the hobbit failed? The images of Frodo having died or truly been tormented and killed played through her mind then as she felt despair pressing upon her. She heard a cry of dismay and looked to her right in horror as she saw Legolas racing wildly towards where the troll had Aragorn trapped beneath it's horrible foot.
Moving on instinct Cassandra surged forward towards the troll and man. Wanting to save her comrade. She had only taken a few steps towards the two when there was a screeching that ripped it's way through the sky. Bringing sharp pangs of pain to the black haired girl as she twisted to see the first signs of distress within the eye of Sauron. Soon followed by the cracking and disintegration of the tower.
The cry of joy that ran through the men then was deafening. The army of the enemy responded almost instantly. Turning tail and fleeing from the black gates. Rushing into the mountains and hillsides as if their lives depended upon it. The sound of cracking following quite quickly as the ground beneath their feet and the gates themselves cracked and crumbled away.
Cassandra stood then among the bodies of the men of the west as the cheer went up. She could feel herself smiling without truly meaning to. She felt a pang of regret at having doubted Frodo and Sam. The thought quickly disappeared as she felt a pulsing burst from the jewel in her sword. Staring down upon it in shock as the silver soul crystal radiated another pulse of power she felt rather than saw it's power reaching out from her. Winding through the battle and into the hills near the gates.
Despite herself she flung herself forward. Wanting to follow the pull. There was something telling her that she must go there. The sensation that she felt was so similar to her own sword...had she found the one responsible for the great mother's damage? Her mind was flying over the possibilities so quickly she missed the first signs of the strong arm that wrapped itself around her narrow hips and pulled her backwards.
Flailing at first she cried out. She had to go that way. She needed to follow the lead she had stumbled upon. When her mind finally caught up with what was happening though she was grateful to the blonde that now held her back. Haldir having caught her as the ground beneath her feet had begun crumbling away like the rest. Cassandra took a few shuddering breaths as she let her senses settle.
The ground beneath both of their feet was solid, the breaths of the male behind her a little harder than normal, telling her he had rushed forward seeing her danger. This left her feeling somewhat embarrassed. The heat in her cheeks spreading until her whole face burned.
"Easy there milady" Haldir breathed gently before at last releasing her hips and stepping back.
Thanking the blonde Cassandra's eyes flew the way she had intended to go. She could still feel the vaguest sense of what she had felt before. It was moving further away however. Glancing around Cassandra felt herself cursing gently as she could not see away around the great split in the ground separating her from her quarry, save for a few league run around.
Her reeling mind was again thrown as the cries of those around her rang out in response to the great roar of the volcano as it exploded with lava. The sight of it brought her around then and her eyes widened. The billowing black ash that spewed from it along with the lava was already marring most of the volcano's sides.
"Frodo...Gandalffff" Cassandra felt herself cry out as she ran then towards the white wizard. the man looking at her with grief stricken eyes. She could see his doubt of their survival already blooming in his mind. " The eagles...hurry." Cassandra cried pointing towards mount doom.
Praying her words would be enough to send the man into action Cassandra was grateful when Gandalf nodded and called out to one of the eagles. She stayed in silence as he and the eagles flew off towards mount doom. The silence that followed the wizard's departure was heavy. Far heavier than the fear that had come before the battle. The idea that the victory had come at such a heavy cost left none of the men able to cheer.
"They're okay" Cassandra breathed. Mostly to reassure her companions, but also partly to reassure herself. She was certain that they would make it. How could all come to pass now only for this to fail.
The tension continued long until the sight of Gandalf returning emerged through the smoke of the volcano. The three eagles he had gone with now carrying the tell tale forms of the halflings. In this moment Cassandra felt her self crying out with joy along with the others. How could they not...
"He'll be okay. They just need rest now. let us return them now to Minas Tirith where they can recover" Aragorn was saying gently to Merry and Pippin who were fussing endlessly over the two hobbits that had been laid out in the supply cart that had been emptied for them. The two had not been from their sides since Gandalf had landed.
Cassandra watched this from a bit away with a gentle smile. She could understand their worry. for she shared in it. She was sure that all the Fellowship did. Sighing gently she rested her hand upon Marigold's nose as the horse nuzzled into her side.
"Final count? Mine was a hundred and three" Legolas breathed from behind her. His eyes twinkly gently. Cassandra quirked a brow spotting the grumbling Gimli behind him in the saddle.
"I take it Gimli got less?" Cassandra laughed. Her laughter increasing at his cursing response. Hesitating a moment she thought back on her count and wondered about it. She had definitely come far from the girl that had had a hard time matching Aragorn. "One twenty."
Pulling herself into her saddle she caught the look of surprise on the two of their faces. The surprise however melted from Legolas's face into a gentle smile as he brought Arod up beside Merigold. The way he studied her face then made her heat again as she met his eyes after some time.
"You truly have chosen huh? Lady Galadriel told me you had a choice before you." He smiled warmly at her surprise. " You make a magnificent elf milady" The blonde took off then with a laugh as she spluttered and yelled after him. Driving Arod off to meet up with Aragorn and Brego who were now leading the first of the men on their return to Gondor.
The words the other said were resounding in her ears as she stayed back a moment. 'You make a magnificent elf'. The blush he had brought up in her with his study had only increased hearing him. Cassandra couldn't help but smile faintly though. Something in her was glad at those words. The choice she had seemingly made unconsciously having proven to be the right one.
Glancing back towards the mountains that surrounded the now gaping entrance to Mordor Cassandra cast her mind outwards. Out towards the feeling she had brushed upon so faintly. She had felt it so clearly though she knew that there was no way she could have mistaken it. She had missed her opportunity to find the one who had caused this trouble. The sensation w as long gone now...she could feel nothing and her soul crystal was silent once again.
Turning away then she promised that the next time she felt that presence, she would not loose it so easily. Kicking Marigold's sides she brought the horse to a gallop to meet up with Haldir and the other two who were waiting a little ways away and finally with the main group.
"Cassandra huh. I look forward to our reunion. Lady of the White willow" The voice that hissed out of the darkness was followed with the quick movement of green cloak as the speaker disappeared into the hillside of the once lands of Mordor."
A/N: Hey guys, So i did return to only Cassandra's point of view for this chapter but i will be using others in the next one.
I hope you enjoyed it. I'm deeply sorry for how long it's taken me to load this. I'll admit that i have had this chapter ready to go for about a month but every time i sat down to load it up i always seemed to forget to.
I'm having a hard time getting a handle on the next chapter and i fear that may be due to the proximity to the ending. i know how i want it to end but I'm not quite ready for it type of thing. will be working hard to get another chapter up soon.
Due to my absence in writing I'll load another smaller an chap with my usual thank yous and responses to the reviews and things you leave me for the chapters since my last chapter.
Lotsa love
Stary