Chapter 51

Always Last Resort

Legolas' POV

I woke up next to my beautiful wife and smiled. I stroked her cheek and then sat up. I got dressed and then made sure she was covered. That was when Nerine burst into the room.

"Ada!"

"Shhh!"

She stopped and looked at her mother.

"Okasan is tired." she said.

I smiled and picked her up.

"Yes, and we must let her rest. Come, we shall get you some breakfast."

She nodded and I carried her away.

Nerine's POV

I liked Edoras. It was much different from home or Imladris. Ada and okasan told me not to wander far, but I wanted to see more. I pushed open the doors of the Golden Hall and looked outside. It was still very early but I saw uncle Aragorn down the road smoking. I smiled and ran down to him.

"Uncle!"

He smiled at me and I sat down next to him.

"Good morning Nerine. Did you have good dreams."

I nodded and looked at the mountains.

"Uncle what is that?"

His eyes widened and he stood up very suddenly.

"Come Nerine! We must return to the Golden Hall."

I got up and ran back with him.

"The beacons of Minas Tirith! The beacons are lit!"

I did not understand.

"Gondor calls for aid!"

I looked around and took my uncle's hand. He looked at me.

"What is wrong?"

He looked at the king.

"Rohan will answer."

Uncle smiled and knelt down in front of me.

"It means we are going to save people who need help."

"Can I go and help too?"

"No, no! It is far too dangerous and you are too young."

"But I am small and easily able to conceal myself. I can fight too!"

"Nerine!"

I looked at okasan.

"What have I always told you? From the day I started to train you?"

I walked over and looked at her.

"Fighting is always a last resort."

"That is correct. Now apologize to your uncle for arguing, please."

I nodded and bowed to my uncle.

"I am sorry uncle Aragorn."

"U-moe edaved my dear one. I understand."

I smiled and hugged him tightly. I did not care what my parents or my uncle said. I wanted to help and so I would.

Kasumi's POV

Everyone was preparing to leave immediately.

"Has anyone seen my map?" Eomer asked.

I frowned and looked around.

"I saw a map on the table. Nerine was looking at it earlier I think."

He nodded and went to check. I turned and looked at Legolas.

"Please be careful." I said.

"I always am." he told me.

I kissed him passionately and he wrapped his arms around me. When we separated I laid my head against his chest.

"I still wish I could go with you."

"I know. I will miss you and I will see you again soon, I promise."

I nodded and he kissed me again.

"Where is Nerine?"

"She said goodbye to me earlier. She said she made a new friend."

I smiled and nodded.

"Then perhaps we shall stay a little longer. Be safe, Legolas." I said.

He smiled and stroked my cheek. He then put his hand on my belly.

"Keep healthy my son. Keep mother on her feet." he said.

I laughed and he smiled at me.

"Amin mela lle." he told me.

I kissed him before saying,

"Daisukidesu."

He got on his horse with Gimli and I watched him ride away. I hated seeing him leave, but I knew he had to go.

As it got dark I called for Nerine, but she did not come back. I searched all of Edroas for her but she was gone!

"NERINE!"

"My lady is everything alright?"

I looked at the guard.

"My daughter is gone. My husband told me she was playing with another child her age before he left."

"How old is she?"

"She is almost six."

I told him what she looked like and he and some other guards helped me look for her. It was the middle of the night and there was still no sign of her. I was starting to panic.

"Perhaps she is not in the city. We shall check outside at once." said the guard.

I nodded and went with them.

Legolas' POV

We made it to Dunharrow in two days. We were now three days away from Minas Tirith and Aragorn was very anxious. The horses were very restless and no one was talking.

"The horses are restless, and the men are quiet." I said.

Eomer nodded and looked at me.

"They grow nervous in the shadow of the mountain." he said.

Gimli and I looked at the passage.

"That road there…where does that lead?"

"It is the door to the Dimhold, the door unto the mountain."

Eomer nodded.

"None who venture there ever return. That mountain is evil."

Gimli seemed to shiver and I thought I saw someone standing there. Aragorn seemed to have seen it as well. He continued to stare until Gimli asked him to find food with him. I smirked and shook my head. Even in these times, Gimli could be counted on to make someone smile. As I turned away I had a strange feeling. After a few seconds I shook my head and kept walking.

Kasumi's POV

She was gone! She had vanished! I was crying so hard I was beyond reason.

"My lady we are doing all we can to find her. Is there anything I can do to make you more comfortable?"

I shook my head.

"My daughter. That is all I need."

He nodded.

"We will keep searching."

I nodded and he left.

"Anata wa doko ni ikimashita ka?" (Where did you go?)

I put my hand over my belly and tried to calm down.

"Kasumi, do you think that maybe….she followed Legolas?"

I frowned and went outside to Emerald.

"What do you mean?"

"She might have followed Legolas."

I thought about it for a moment.

"No, she knows better than that."

Emerald gave me a look and I knew I was lying to myself.

"Oh my god….."

I ran back inside to grab my things.

"My lady?"

"I need to know where the king went."

He told me where and how to get there and I thanked him. I ran back outside to Emerald and jumped on her back.