Disclaimer: Not mine, well, not entirely. I own a teensy, weensy bit.
Author's note: The next chapter should follow shortly. Thanks for your continued patience and support!
Chapter 36- Ready to Die
I was up really early on what could be the last day of my life, or the end of the world as I knew it, or both. I had slept fitfully after my dream so I felt even more tired than usual. Which was just obnoxious since today was the day we began our death march. Almira sat up with a groan. "Oh, this is not going to be pleasant," she muttered.
"Another one of those infamous understatements," I replied with a grin.
Almira snorted and flopped back onto her cot. "Do you think anyone would notice if we disappeared?"
"Hmmm, let me think," I stated sarcastically, "the only two women in this army? Not a chance."
"That's what I thought," she replied with a sigh. "Although, it's probably too late to sneak out the back anyway."
"We're surrounded by morning people unfortunately. Hell, we're actually becoming them," I finished wryly.
"Ugh, I am not ready for this."
"Me either. But we don't have much choice at this point. Remind me why we didn't jump ship at Lothlórien?" I asked.
"Got me. I could be at the top of a tree snuggled up with my elven lovemuffin right now." There was a pause. "What if I die? What if I never get the chance to really get to know him?" she asked quietly, staring at the ceiling.
"Nimmir would most likely erect a memorial in your honor," I joked and Almira snorted, a small smile twisting her lips. Our usual morning banter and gallows humor was comforting and helped relax me, and I figured Almira, too. "But seriously, I have no words of comfort for you because there are none. I wish there were, but the honest-to-God truth is that we could both lose our lives in this battle. I just want this to be over," I ended on a frustrated cry. Then smiled ironically. "Without having to die," I amended.
"You and me both," she replied. "Alright, let's get this over with." Almira threw back her covers, climbed out of bed and began getting dressed. At this point I was pretty much ready to go.
"I'll meet you outside," I called heading for the exit and heard her grunt of agreement, as her head was buried in her pack.
Legolas was just exiting his tent and upon seeing me, immediately headed my way. "Did you rest well?" he asked softly once he was standing in front of me.
"No," I responded shortly, dropping my head onto his chest and wrapping my arms around his waist. We were relatively alone this early in the morning.
Legolas pulled back slightly to look me in the eye. "Is your wound bothering you?" He was staring into my eyes searchingly. I smiled, bemused. This was not something I would lie about, at least, not right now.
"Other than the usual stiffness and soreness, no. I simply had a bad dream last night and slept fitfully. Not to mention I had to get up way too early. Not getting the twelve hours I need lately."
Legolas laughed softly. "I love that you can make me smile even in the darkest of times."
"Don't you dare go soft and sentimental on me now or I will burst into loud, ugly sobs. And you don't want that," I warned, giving him a stern look.
"No, I would not want that," he responded tenderly running a hand over my hair, which reminded me.
"I need you to braid my hair," I announced suddenly. I could not take any more of his loving gestures. I wasn't joking about my waterworks. Of course, my diversion was a contradiction of my intention.
He looked flustered yet pleased. I could not contain a smug smile. Almira exited the tent at that moment. Taking in our expressions, she merely raised one eyebrow before smiling mischievously. "Get a room," she stated with a wink before walking away.
"Well, it appears we have the space to ourselves. Though we will most likely endure a bit of grief about it," I stated dryly.
"When did we ever not?" Legolas replied before guiding me into the tent. I sat in front of him on the bed and he unbound my hair without a word. My eyes slid closed as Legolas ran his hands through my hair.
After a few moments the hands stilled suddenly. "Would you marry me?" My eyes snapped open and my heart skipped a beat. Very slowly I turned to face Legolas. He was staring at me intently. Though it should not surprise me, the fear in his eyes did. Surely he knew I loved him, that I could never refuse him? But then again, I reasoned, when had I ever really reassured him? My choice still loomed over us. His eyes dropped from mine and he began to speak, seemingly filling in the silence, anxiety in his voice. "I know I said I did not need an answer, that I could wait, and I am not asking you to make your choice. But we may never have another moment like this, where we are completely alone. And as our journey is almost at an end, I would like to know what I stand to gain should we win and what I stand to lose if we are overcome, and to be able to die with certainty should it come to that. Not that I doubt your love or fidelity, simply..." He trailed off, raising and dropping his hand in a helpless gesture. Legolas drew in a deep breath then looked me in the eye and continued, "So what I am asking is in the event that you chose to stay, would you marry me?" I was stunned. I was being proposed to by Legolas Greenleaf, the Prince of Mirkwood was emblazoned in my mind. "Will you say? Can you?" Legolas pressed quietly, looking even more terrified than before.
"Yes," I whispered without hesitation. Then smiled because I knew it was right.
Now Legolas looked stunned. "Yes you can say or...?"
"Yes, I will marry you," I affirmed with quiet joy and saw it reflected in Legolas' eyes. His hands slid into my hair and drew me close. His lips brushed mine tenderly, once, twice. The third time was the charm because I could no longer stand his almost teasing touch. I claimed his lips hungrily. One hand left my hair to encircle my waist and draw me closer. My arms slid up his chest and around his neck. Time was running out but our embrace was tightening. Legolas' lips moved along my jaw line, across my cheekbone and alighted on my ear. He ran his lips lightly up to the tip of my ear, before nipping lightly. My whole body jerked leaving about a foot between us. Legolas was looking at me with a mixture of surprise and amusement clearly written on his face.
"Such a sensation was unexpected I take it?" he murmured huskily.
"As you might recall the pointy ears are a recent addition, and well you've never..." I trailed off. The knot in my stomach tightened. I fidgeted.
Legolas edged closer. "Did it please you?"
I began to blush. His gaze held me captive as he came still closer. I am pretty sure I stopped breathing as he once again placed his mouth near my ear. Legolas' hot breath scattered all thoughts I had to the wind.
"Kate? Legolas?" a gravelly voice called ruining the moment. I heard Almira's voice a second later then footsteps heading away from the tent.
"You have got to be kidding me," I grumbled.
"The dwarf has terrible timing," Legolas griped with a grimace.
"You're telling me," I muttered. "I suppose you should actually fix my hair." I cast him an almost apologetic glance.
"I should," he stated and paused. My brow furrowed as he seemed to be deliberating something. I opened my mouth to question him but was prevented from actually doing so because his lips descended on mine. Several moments later I was inhaling deeply as he rested his forehead on mine. "Your hair."
"My hair," I repeatedly dumbly.
As I went to turn Legolas stopped me. "I nearly forgot," he murmured. He reached under his tunic and pulled out a chain with two rings on it. This time I really did stop breathing. "Breathe," Legolas whispered with a lopsided grin. I nodded numbly and exhaled with an audible whoosh.
"How long have you been wearing those?" I asked, mesmerized by the shining silver bands he was removing from a matching sterling chain.
He took my hand and slipped a ring on my index finger. "Since Imladris," Legolas replied as he handed me his ring.
I looked up at him in shock. "Imladris?"
Legolas shrugged and smiled sheepishly. "I know it seems a little presumptuous. But you awakened something in me that had lain dormant for so long. I figured if I was wrong or failed to win you no one would ever know."
Try as I might to prevent it, tears were leaking out of my eyes. "I love you," I stated before kissing him again. I lingered over his lips for a moment, savoring it. He drew back and just held my gaze for a moment as he swiped the tears off my cheeks.
"Shall I finally braid your hair?" Legolas asked with a rueful grin.
I nodded and turned. Though I was worried about the future and my choice, I was strangely relieved Legolas had initiated this. And it struck me that I wanted the certainty too. Our lives were on the line, what did we really have to lose? And if we lived...well we would cross that bridge when we came to it. Caution seemed rather uncalled for at this point anyway. Part of me was still reeling though. I did not doubt my decision, but it was a lot to take in all things considered.
Legolas finished braiding my hair all too quickly. He leaned in close and pressed a kiss to the side of my neck right under my ear. "I do not want to die," I admitted quietly, surprising myself at the admission. It just sort of slipped out.
"Please do not. I'd rather like to keep my future wife," Legolas quipped wearing a genuine smile, and I shoved him lightly with my shoulder, a small grin gracing my lips. He sighed and ran a hand over my hair. "There are no guarantees. Very shortly we could both be walking the Halls of Mandos. But I promise that I will do everything in my power to keep you from harm. And should the worst befall us, and our death come to pass, then at least we will die together."
I looked at him for a long moment. "That'll do," I murmured. Legolas pressed one last kiss to my lips before rising and extending a hand to me. I took it and we exited the tent.
The camp was quite a bit busier at this point as our time of departure was drawing nearer. "I will ready the horses," Legolas informed me softly before heading off to find them. I followed him with my eyes. He certainly cut a fine figure. And he was going to be mine, I reminded myself. Lady Luck seemed to be smiling down on me, for once, I added grudgingly.
Barely a moment later Almira sidled up to me with a leer. "Good morning," I stated demurely.
"Obviously it is for you," she replied. I blushed, shaking my head slightly and directing my gaze over her shoulder to the twins who were fast approaching us. "Well...?"
"Well what?"
"Oh come on, you cannot honestly expect me to believe you two were just chatting about the weather. It was awfully quiet in that tent."
My blush deepened. "I suppose I do owe you since you ran interference." She smiled triumphantly. "Let's just say, some things only improve with age."
"I knew it," Almira cried. "Anything in particular?" She leaned in closer.
"Well, there was this one thing with my ear," I began absentmindedly raising my right hand, index finger extended in emphasis. My revelation was cut short when Almira grabbed my hand.
"What's this?" she asked with a raise of one eyebrow as she grabbed my hand. "An engagement ring?"
"That it is," Elladan said with a wide smile which was reflected on Elrohir's handsome face.
"So your choice is made then?" Elrohir asked eagerly.
"Maybe?" I said uneasily watching the surprise register on their faces.
"What is this I hear about you agreeing to marry the elf?" Gimli demanded, a burgeoning smile on his face, as he and Legolas joined our circle.
"The truth," I stated sharing a smile with Legolas.
"So you will stay?" he supplied.
"Possibly," Legolas replied while shrugging one shoulder and sharing a bemused look with me at their confused expressions.
It was at that moment that Aragorn joined our group. "I missed something, did I not?" he surmised, crossing his arms in a kingly way that meant I want to know what's up right now.
"Kate and Legolas are betrothed...sort of," explained Almira more amused than confused at this point. She could probably understand better than the rest of them anyway.
Aragron looked a bit stunned for a minute then pulled himself together admirably. "Well then, I suppose congratulations are in order...sort of." He shook Legolas' hand with a genuine smile and a rakish wink before giving me a bit of an awkward pat on the shoulder. "I wish we could truly celebrate, but there is a bit of a war on you know. Come, you are all to ride with me at the head of the vanguard."
"Here we go," Almira said with a happy-go-lucky swing of her arm.
"What are you, Peppy the eighth dwarf?" I asked sarcastically and a tad incredulously.
She shrugged sheepishly while the others exchanged confused but resigned glances at my sarcastic remark. "I'm overwhelmed. It's nervous energy...makes me all bubbly," she finished, bouncing up on the balls of her feet.
"O-kay" I replied slowly, then suddenly grinned. "Why the hell not? Let's fucking rock this bitch," I cried totally amped up. Then shared an epic jumping hi-five with Almira, who was alternately emitting "woo-hoos" and "oh yeahs." I think we even bumped chests.
"Your parents will never have expected this," Elladan murmured. "I cannot wait until they meet," he finished giddily.
"Jerkface," I stated then punched him in the arm, in that oh-so-manly fashion.
"Ow," he stated rubbing his arm. "You are beginning to frighten me."
"That is why she is my future wife," Legolas stated smugly.
"Is it wrong that I want red meat and cigarette?" I asked.
"No," Almira said succinctly. "It's go time."
"Alright! Let's go kill stuff!" I cried, complete with fist pump.
"Woo-hoo!" exclaimed Aragorn, causing everyone to turn to him in surprise. He cleared his throat. "I, too, am under a great deal of pressure. Such fervor is contagious."
"Humans," Elrohir muttered lowly, and the other non-humans present murmured their agreement.
"Non-humans," Almira countered with a snort, taking the thought right out of my mind. Four pairs of brows rose in surprise, although it was kind of hard to tell on Gimli given the excess amount of facial hair to begin with.
"Right, well, no need to start another war," Aragorn stated quickly. "It is time," he asserted quietly.
We all sobered quickly, well, almost all of us. "Bump it?" Almira asked hesitantly.
I rolled my eyes and bumped my fist to hers. "Only because you are my friend and this is way too surreal to take seriously. It's not every day you get engaged to a super hot prince and prepare to face-off with a dark lord, or at least his minions."
"On that note," Aragorn interrupted with a wry smile, "mount up."
No more words were said as we headed for our horses. Seeing Aragorn mounting up let the rest of the army know it was time to go. There was great rustling and clanging as thousands of men climbed upon their noble steeds, or some such nonsense that goes into fairytales. Frankly, I had no idea why children were allowed to read them. It just filled you with grand dreams and delusions that were going to be cruelly shattered if you ever got mixed up in the real stuff they were based on. But I was on the verge of panic and/or manically amused so I might have been a bit biased. It occurred to me I really might have snapped. And then it occurred to me, fuck it. I had the right to be a little crazy. "Is this the part where I scream "Live free or die?"" I whispered to Almira as we urged our horses forward to the head of the vanguard.
"Freedom!" Almira cried in a hushed whisper, a la Mel Gibson as William Wallace.
And thus it was we set off with a smile. We reached Osgiliath around noon. "Thank god," I said when we halted. "I am starving."
"I do not believe we shall be stopping," Legolas leaned over to whisper.
"Damn," I muttered disappointedly as he handed me a bit of lembas. Our army left many craftsmen hard at work, trying to repair the defenses of the ruined outpost and once-glorious city. We crossed through Old Gondor, and as we passed through long-abandoned streets I realized this could be the landscape of the future; burned out streets and empty doorways. It was a sobering thought, one of too many lately. Our journey continued five miles more along a straight road before we ended our march for the day. Actually, only some people got a break. Those on horseback kept going, which in fairness, wasn't too bad since we hadn't been walking all day. By evening we had reached the Cross-roads, as it was called, and a great ring of trees. It had been a while since I had read the books, so names of places were hard to remember. Thankfully I had elves around and, like elephants, they never forget. "Geez, the air is way thick with tension," Almira murmured.
"Almost like you could cut it with a knife," I agreed.
"Another interesting turn of phrase to store away," Elrohir stated softly.
At each of the four roads Aragorn set trumpeters who blew a great fanfare while the heralds cried aloud: "The Lords of Gondor have returned and all this land that is theirs they take back." The king's head was reinstated on the defaced carved figure, replacing a ghastly orc one which was promptly destroyed. Men were set to work cleaning it and erasing the graffiti left by Sauron's minions. We camped there that night. I laid out my bedroll like always, Legolas on one side and Almira on the other. But it took at least an hour for me to quiet my mind enough to sleep. Once again the nameless man awaited me. I awoke with a gasp. Legolas sat up next to me. "You saw him again?"
I turned to him wordlessly and my expression must have been enough to answer his question. Legolas gently pushed me backwards. "'Tis only a dream. Rest now," he murmured, stroking my hair. And I did. The man had fled...for now.
The next day a guard, comprised mostly of archers from Ithilien, was left behind to watch over the Crossroads. The vanguard rode with Aragorn and Gandalf to look down upon the Morgul Vale. It was cloaked in darkness and entirely empty. What had lived there had just died recently, except for the Nazgûl who were out and about unfortunately. Our company did not tarry for long but broke the bridge and set fire to the surrounding fields. The next day passed in a blur as we continued. And it was on the third day that we began our journey northward. It was about a hundred miles from the Crossroads to the Morannon. And what we would encounter along the way was anyone's guess. Aragorn had ramped up the security. Mounted scouts went before us and soldiers on foot were placed on the edges of the file. I am sure there was a little more to it than that, but just because I knew how to use a sword did not make me a military mastermind. Every now and again, Gandalf would let the trumpets sound and the heralds would cry: "The Lords of Gondor are come! Let all leave this land or yield them up!" (1) But Imrahil said: "Say not The Lords of Gondor. Say The King Elessar. For that is true, even though he has not yet sat upon the throne; and it will give the Enemy more thought, if the heralds use that name." (1) And from then on, that's exactly what happened three times a day. Aragorn affected a noble pose, emphasis on affected. It was easy for those who knew him to see that he was distinctly uncomfortable because his posture and expressions were perfect, too perfect.
"I swear if I have to hear that call one more time..." Almira grumbled lowly as we stopped for that night. Like most marches I had been on to date, the days were beginning to run together. And like most nights, when I finally fell asleep the man was there beckoning me forward. The next day was awful. The fact that my subconscious seemed hell-bent on haunting me had me worn out and downcast. Everyone was just as disheartened as far as I could tell. The atmosphere was really bringing us down. It's hard to stay cheerful in a place infested by evil. Simple but true. But at least we had the opportunity to take out some of our aggression, whether or not it was in a healthy matter, well that's up for debate. Our scouts had informed us there was an ambush up ahead. As we set-up our own ambush, I turned to Almira. "Is it lame that I find it amusing that I can say "Forewarned is forearmed" and mean it literally?"
"At this point we are so badass we can say just about anything," she replied matter-of-factly.
"That's true. Just look at Bruce Willis," I mused.
The battle, if it could even be called that, is barely worth mentioning. We completely decimated the enemy. Though it did nothing to lift our spirits or inspire confidence. It was painfully obvious that this was more of a stunt to tempt us into doing something rash which was disconcerting because it meant the enemy just had troops to throw away. And to add insult to injury we had the Nazgûl tagging us from that evening onward. They made no cry nor came close, so only the elves could truly see them, but everyone could feel their presence. Talk about psychological warfare.
It was not until the sixth day after this nightmare trek had began that we finally reached the end of the living lands and entered the wastelands that lay before the gates of the Pass of the Cirith Ungor. Now we could also see the desert and marshes that stretched away to the Emyn Muil. Upon seeing the desolation and feeling the deep-seated horror within this place, many of our company were unnerved and unable to continue.
Aragorn looked at them with pity in his eyes, not anger, further evidence of the great man he is. "Go!" said Aragorn. "But keep what honor you may, and do not run! And there is a task which you may attempt and so be not wholly shamed. Take your way south-west till you come to Cair Andros, and if that is still held by enemies, as I think, then re-take it, if you can; and hold to the last in defense of Gondor and Rohan!" (1) Some shamed by his mercy, decided to stay. Some left. So now there would now be even less of us to face Sauron. This did nothing to help my disheartened state.
"What's he doing?" Almira hissed.
"What is right," I replied resigned. "Whether we like it or not."
"I do not understand," she stated in a small voice. "They knew where we were going, what had to happen."
"Yes, but even then it was not real for them," I explained slowly. "It would be like us looking under the bed and finding a boogie monster. For them, this was always a far-off darkness, something they had grown up hearing about but never seeing. You and I have known from the start this evil was real, seen its work. Some of these men probably never left the farm they grew up on, at least not for more than a day or two and then they probably only went to the neighboring village."
"It's a different world," she murmured lowly and I nodded in agreement. I could feel our companions in the vanguard looking at us closely, those that did not know much about us anyway, like Prince Imrahil.
We went forward more slowly now, wary, waiting. But still nothing challenged our progress. The next day was much the same. Until we made camp for the final time that night. Fires were lit around the perimeter and no one slept. Dim shapes could be seen circling the camp. The howls of wolves echoed in the night, causing goosebumps to rise on my skin. No wind could be felt and the moon was shrouded in the smoke and mists of Mordor. As the night wore on it grew colder. Near morning the wind picked up again, but it now came from the North. As the landscape lightened, it appeared to be empty. The Black Gate was in sight. We had arrived.
They were shut and barred, yet no enemy could be seen upon its ramparts except for the Nazgûl hovering above the Towers of the Teeth, like vultures. But I could feel the weight of hidden eyes. There was no mistake that the Enemy was ready. We did not stand a chance. But we had no choice. There was no turning back now. Aragorn arrayed our forces as best as could be contrived. We were positioned upon two great hills of blasted stone and earth the orcs had discarded during years of labor.
Once Aragorn got everything sorted, the Captains rode forward toward the Black Gate accompanied by their trumpeters and heralds. Legolas, Gimli, Pippin, Almira and I got to go so that all the enemies of Mordor had a representative present. And it occurred to me that if we failed, then even my time would not be the same if the theory that Middle Earth was a pre-Earth was correct. Lovely, I thought, so everything I held dear really was at stake. Part of me had always thought that if the worst happened maybe somehow I would end up back in my time. I had always kept it apart. This revelation shattered that security.
As soon as we were deemed close enough for our cries to be heard, the banner was unfurled and the trumpets were sounded. The heralds stood out. "Come forth!" they cried. "Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth! Justice shall be done upon him. For wrongfully he has made war upon Gondor and wrested its lands. Therefore the King of Gondor demands that he should atone for his evils, and depart then forever. Come forth!" (1)
We waited for what seemed like forever but nothing happened. Just as we were about to turn away, there were several drumrolls that nearly shook the ground and echoed loudly in the mountains around us. The braying of horns soon joined the din, ringing harshly in our ears. The door of the Black Gate was thrown open with a great clang causing both Almira and I to flinch. From there came an embassy of the Dark Tower, led by the Lieutenant of the Tower of Barad-dûr. He was clothed entirely in black, a not so subtle way of saying I'm evil. And his steed, very loosely defined, had flaming eyes and a skeletal frame. With him was a small band of soldiers who held aloft one banner that was black (big surprise) with the Evil Eye in red. He stopped a few paces from us, looked us up and down then laughed. As obnoxious as it was, I couldn't exactly blame him. Our numbers were pathetic at best.
"Is there anyone in this rout with authority to treat with me?" he asked. "Or indeed with wit to understand me? Not thou at least!" he mocked, turning to Aragorn with scorn. "It needs more to make a king than a piece of elvish glass, or a rabble such as this. Why, any brigand of the hills can show as good a following!" (1)
Aragorn didn't say anything, just met the other's gaze and held it in a silent contest of wills. After just s few moments, the other reeled back as if he had been struck although Aragorn had not moved an inch. "I am a herald and ambassador, and may not be assailed!" he cried. (1)
Well, he can dish it out but he just can't take it, I thought, embracing the adrenaline coursing through my veins trying to overcome my absolute terror.
"Where such laws hold," said Gandalf, "it is also the custom for ambassadors to use less insolence. But no one has threatened you. You have naught to fear from us, until your errand is done. But unless your master has come to new wisdom, then with all his servants you will be in great peril." (1)
"So!" said the Messenger. "Then thou art the spokesman, old greybeard? have we not heard of thee at whiles, and of thy wanderings, ever hatching plots and mischief at a safe distance? But this time thou hast stuck out thy nose too far, Master Gandalf; and thou shalt see what comes to him who sets his foolish webs before the feet of Sauron the Great. I have tokens that I was bidden to show thee - to thee in especial, if thou shouldst dare to come." (1) He motioned one of his men forward and unwrapped a dark bundle, revealing the effects of Frodo and Sam. My throat constricted and I felt lightheaded. The what-ifs started swirling in my mind. I heard Pippin's cry of dismay and Gandalf's cry for him to be silent. But I could not focus on the words now being exchanged between Gandalf and the Mouth of Sauron. My palms were sweating and my heart was beating hard. "Kate," Almira was whispering frantically over and over in a pleading tone. I shushed her. "It's alright," I said then repeated myself. It had to be. I could not believe anything else. I tried desperately to regain my calm while the Mouth of Sauron and Gandalf discussed the terms. And when Gandalf rejected them and seized the tokens Sauron had sought to break us with, I drew a deep breath. This was it.
As the Messenger of Mordor sped away, the Black Gates flew open and hordes of the enemy poured out. We turned our horses and fled back to the ranks of men now staring in horror behind us. An army of Easterlings appeared and orcs streamed down the mountains to encircle us. We were well and truly trapped. Aragorn stood upon one hill with the banner of the Tree and Stars flapping proudly in the breeze and Gandalf beside him. On the other, the banners of Rohan and Dol Amroth stood. Men circled both hills. And I stood in the front, with my friends about me, as well as the Dúnedain, Prince Imrahil and others from Dol Amroth. For it was here that the first bitter assault would come. While the first charge lined up, Legolas kissed me hard. He held my gaze for a moment, one hand still fisted in my hair, which I gripped. "I love you," he whispered fiercely.
"And I you," I answered just as softly. One moment more, then he released me and I drew my first of few arrows, loosely fitting it to my bow.
"Never thought I'd die fighting side by side with an Elf," I heard Gimli say.
"What about side by side with a friend?" Legolas replied sincerely.
"Aye. I could do that," Gimli amended softly.
Almira shared a grin with me upon hearing the exchange. "You know, I really wanted that inspiring speech from Aragorn," she murmured as she also drew an arrow from her quiver.
"Me too. I never thought I'd die fighting side by side with a Sue," I mimicked, smiling for the first time in what felt like years.
"What about side by side with a friend?" she asked with a genuine grin.
"That I can do. See you on the other side," I replied, trying for lightness.
"Here's hoping," Almira said dryly.
"Come on Frodo," I murmured and Almira gave a short laugh, which was cut short as the enemy began to charge.
With a cry of "Imladris!" the twins rushed to meet them. Legolas and Gimli followed, also shouting the names of their homeland. Almira and I shared a glance. "What the hell?" she said. With wild smiles, we dashed forward screaming, "America!" I slammed into the first row of orcs and barely flinched as I was sprayed with blood. Battle had been joined.
The orcs that were hindered by the mires in front of the hills let loose their arrows. Thankfully they were all pretty poor shots. I ducked and weaved while plowing through the enemy, mainly aiming to mortally wound and move on. Almira was slowly being separated from me as more and more orcs descended upon us. I was thrown off my feet when a body flew into me. Shoving the dead orc off of me, I was knocked back down when a cave troll went barreling by me. I had barely made it back to my feet when the next orc attacked me. It managed to slice my arm before I rushed it, slamming the hilt of my sword into its face. With a cry of rage it grabbed me by the throat and squeezed. Struggling I managed to slide a hand down to my left boot and pull free one of my daggers. Stabbing upward, I pierced the orc's armor and ended its life, but lost the dagger in the process.
Coughing wildly, I squinted at my next attacker and unfortunately did not move quickly enough to avoid being backhanded. The Easterling laughing. I got the gist he was going to try and make me suffer first. Obviously he did not know who he was dealing with, I reassured myself grimly, trying to shut out of the other man that haunted my dreams. I swung wildly at first to force him back because I was still out of breath. He backed off a bit, but the smile remained on his face. Blocking his next attack, my blade reverberated with the force of his swing. I knew momentary panic. He was strong. As we continued to spar I was slowly losing ground. Suddenly, I tripped over a body. Shit, I should have seen that coming, I berated myself mentally. Mentally taking stock, I realized the situation was pretty grim as I was down three weapons. I had run out of arrows towards the beginning of the battle because they had been severely depleted from the skirmish en route. My sword had been jarred from my hand when I hit the ground and I had already lost one of my daggers to the orc's armor. Funny how your mind works, I thought, almost amused by my dispassionate inventory. I should have been panicking. But I did not have time to, nor did I have time to grab the other dagger from my other boot because the Easterling jumped forward. I managed to twist far enough out of the way to avoid being skewered, but not far enough to avoid having my side sliced. I cried out and the Easterling's grin grew. I kicked him hard in the knee. He stumbled slightly and I rolled to my feet, but I could not stand straight. The Easterling turned and our eyes locked. If possible, his smile got even wider. Of course, it could be that I did not have a weapon and he had a huge sword, my mind supplied. Telling myself to shut up, I tried to come up with a gameplan. I thought I heard Legolas scream my name, but I could not turn as the man rushed me. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Legolas struggling to reach me. As often happens in a life-threatening situation my mind shut-down and focused on the one piece of information I needed; a moment from one of Glorfindel's lessons came flashing back. I sidestepped slightly and turning into the man, grabbed his sword hand and guided his sword into the ground. Then I slammed the back of my head into his nose. He slumped to the ground unconscious. I sent a silent prayer of thanks heavenward.
"I cannot believe that worked," I muttered, looking around frantically for my sword, I noticed an orc taking aim. I froze like a deer caught in headlights, then realized it was not aiming at me, it was aiming at something slightly to my right. Legolas. And I just knew he would not be able to dodge it in time because it was unlikely he noticed as the orc was out of his line of sight. I was moving before I even realized what I was doing. Seconds later the wind was knocked out of me as my body slammed into his. Pale hair brushed my face. I watched in horror as Legolas was knocked away from me. My eyes raked Legolas' frame for an arrow. I hit the ground and rolled, unable to stop my momentum. Pain blossomed in my shoulder and I heard a loud crack. As I lay panting on the ground, I realized that I had succeeded when I fingered the broken shaft sticking out of my body. The world had slowed down. A large orc was bearing down upon me, but I could barely lift my sword. Pain was radiating throughout my torso and my side was burning. My vision narrowed and my hearing dimmed: adrenaline had kicked in. I yanked my remaining dagger from my boot with my right hand, managing to dispatch the offending orc. But more were surrounding me. It looked pretty bleak as I tried to struggle to my feet. Then the orc in front of me sprouted feathers from his eye socket. Legolas had reached me, as had Gimli and Almira. They encircled me and Legolas quickly leaned over me, but I pushed him away. I was down for the count mostly, as the arrow had pierced my upper chest. But the look in Legolas' eye terrified me, and with a surge of adrenaline I struggled to my feet. There were simply too many. It was only a matter of time. And I could not take that lying down; more like hunched over, one arm desperately grasping my dagger in a death grip, the other wrapped around my middle, my mind supplied rudely.
Hurry, Frodo, please, I prayed. What felt like a lifetime later, I heard the cry, "The Eagles! The Eagles are coming!" Almira caught my eye and her gaze was full of hope. "The British are coming!" she cried with a near hysterical laugh. "The British are coming!" Seconds later, our foes paused, trembling, staring in disbelief back at the Black Gate. The Nazgûl had turned tail and fled back towards Mordor. And I knew Frodo had succeeded. I lowered my sword as everyone paused in surprise and burgeoning hope. The earth shook. I stumbled and dropped to my knees, as much from weariness as the surfeit of emotions welling inside me. The men around me attacked their enemies with renewed fervor until Gandalf called: "Stand, Men of the West! Stand and wait! This is the hour of doom!" (2) The earth shook as he spoke. We were all rendered immobile in shock and amazement as The Towers of the Teeth and the Black Gate fell to ruin before our eyes. And far away in the Land of Mordor, a huge shadow expanded skyward and forward menacingly. But it was born away on a great wind. A hush fell about us.
When our attention returned to the enemy at hand, we found them in varying stages of disarray. Some, like the Men of Rhûn and Harad either surrendered or prepared to make a last stand. The orcs and other dark creatures were getting the hell out of dodge. They could see the writing on the wall. There would be no place for them in this next age.
A great gust of wind drew my gaze upwards. I saw the great eagle, Gwaihir, descending towards Gandalf. "I pray they find them alive," Legolas murmured wearily, following my gaze. I nodded in agreement. Now that I was not in mortal danger, my brain had sent the signal to knock it off with the adrenaline, and my pain level had ratcheted up several notches. A detached part of my mind noted that it all happened rather quickly. I heard Legolas intone my name frantically as I slumped to my side. Suddenly someone squeezed my shoulder and I opened my eyes blearily. "We have to remove this immediately," Elladan murmured, leaning down to look me in the eye. "'Tis most likely poisoned." Great, I thought ironically, that would explain why I was beginning to feel extremely lethargic. My eyes slid shut again. Hands began stripping me of my tunics and prodding the area around the wound. I flinched away instinctively and instantly Legolas' voice was telling me not to struggle, trying to soothe me. He took my hand and I opened my eyes. His mouth set in a grim line. "I'm fine," I managed to gasp out and he gave me such a harassed look I had to smile.
Movement out of the corner of my eye caught my attention and I gulped as Elrohir gingerly touched the shaft of the arrow. I grasped Legolas' hand tightly. "We will have to force it through," Elrohir stated lowly. I started sweating. "No way," I stated in a panicky voice. "That sort of shit only happens on "Dr. Quinn: Medicine Woman." Legolas squeezed my hand and drew my gaze back to him. There was a plea there. I shook my head once, but he pretty much stared me down. Gripping his hand tightly, I shut my eyes and drew a deep breath. I was a Stoic, I repeated over and over in my mind. But to no avail. The first push and I was screaming through clenched teeth. Legolas stroked my hand as Elrohir worked, crooning sweet nothings as tears of pain coursed down my cheeks. I shivered when I felt the arrow break the skin of my back. It was a distinctly unpleasant feeling. And each twinge as they tried to work it free without leaving too many splinters in my body caused a similar reaction, and a wave of nausea. I released a deep, shuddering breath when they finally worked the arrow free from my flesh. Collapsing forward, my head came to rest on Legolas' shoulder while his arms circled my waist loosely. Legolas' gathered me gently into his arms, running his hands over my hair and pressing soft kisses to the side of my face and neck.
"We still need to bind the wound," Elrohir interrupted gently. Legolas pulled back slightly and helped me sit up. I looked at Elrohir steadily and nodded. He wrapped it tightly and I winced when he slid my arm into a makeshift sling. "Now for your favorite part: the foul beverage," Elladan announced once finished, trying to infuse lightness in his tone and failing. I could see them exchange worried glances when I did not protest. Legolas helped me down the medicine, and within a few short moments I passed out.
The men I killed stood before me side by side, arms reaching for me. "No," I whispered with an unwilling step forward, then another. I heard Legolas voice as if from a great distance and I stopped one foot mid-air. "No," I repeated firmly this time, planting both feet. The men beckoned me forward more insistently. Out of nowhere I was holding a sword, brandishing it menacingly. "No, I am alive and it is done. I will not come. I will not come!" I declared forcefully. They took a step towards me and with a cry of rage, I ran forward, charging them and they did the same. When I reached them, sword swinging, it slid through them and they vanished like smoke. It was done. Darkness reigned.
Citations
(1) LOTR: The Return of the King, Book V: Chapter X - The Black Gate Opens
(2) LOTR: The Return of the King, Book VI: Chapter IV - The Field of Cormallen