A/N: I AM SO SORRY FOR UPLOADING LIKE 1 YEAR LATER. okay I've had these two chapters written for a while but I'm gonna upload one of them now. I have no abandoned this story yet I hope you guys will still read!
Thank you to everyone who faved and followed in the last year and I'm sorry I can't thank you all! And to the people who reviewed:
badwolffor3ver: I'm so glad you were enjoying it!
Ibeirtheball: As you wish!
Valen Goncalvez: haha well better later than never.
01Katie: okay it's super late but I'm glad you love this!
Enjoy!
Skulls. She did not need to look down to know the crunching of bone below her feet. To say she was afraid was an understatement, her fingers tightened in Gimli's hands as they walked through the irrevocable darkness.
A thick mist had developed from the ground up in the cave, leaving only the torso of Legolas and Aragorn visible.
"Ah," Gimli himself was lost in his own fears, his thick boots crushing the skulls.
Ghostly figures began emerging from the mist, green figures forming beside them. Their whispers close to their ears.
Thariya's senses were overwhelmed, the whispers began growing louder and louder. Soon her mind was consumed with the voices of a thousands of soldiers, ghostly moans and groans passing through her mind. She held her temple in pain, kneeling close to the ground. She scrunched her eyes close as tight as she could, wanting the pain to go away.
She placed the staff to the ground, concentrating on clearing her mind.
"Thariya? Thariya? It's okay. It's okay." She heard a faint voice and a large hand squeezing her own softly. She opened her eyes, head still ringing in pain as Legolas' face came into view.
Focus on my voice. You are not alone. Those voices are just a memory. I am real. Legolas placed his hands on the side of her cheeks, forcing her to make eye contact with the elf.
Legolas? She murmured hazily. She blinked a few times as his face focused fully.
"Yes. I am here." Legolas smiled in relief. He offered his arm for support as she leaned heavily, standing up.
"Thariya, what happened?" Aragorn placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes holding concern for her.
Voices. Voices of the dead soldiers were in my head. There's thousands of them here. Her eyes glanced to the darkness around them.
"Alright, everybody stay close." Aragorn instructed, before walking ahead.
Thariya removed her hand from Legolas' arm and took a few steps back from him, a firm look in her eyes.
Legolas nodded, giving her a weak smile before following Aragorn. They continued walking, the distinct sound of crunching coming from below their feet.
Thariya tried to ignore the knowledge of skulls beneath the mist, her attention was drawn to green figures rising out of the mist. One hand was placed firmly on Gimli's shoulder, for without his support she would've collapsed from the fear. A spidery green hand brushed her hair out of the way, as she shuddered.
"What is it? What do you see?" Gimli had come to a stop beside Legolas, whose eyes were fixed on the skulls.
"I see shapes of men and of horses." His startling blue eyes glanced through the mist.
"Where?" Gimli looked around in a flurry.
I see them too. They are all around us. Thariya let go of Gimli's shoulder, standing behind Legolas.
"Pale banners like shreds of cloud. Spears rise like winter thickets through a shroud of mist. The dead are following. They have been summoned." Legolas' eyes widened.
Well that is just delightful. She scoffed, rubbing her arms at the coldness that now enveloped the four companions. Her fingers gripped her staff tightly, whilst her other hand ghosted over the sword handle.
"The dead? Summoned? I knew that!" Gimli exclaimed and looked around him at the ethereal mist.
Ghostly hands and figures writhed through the four companions, threatening to become corporeal. Legolas and Aragorn looked in disgust at their hands as they continued wading through the skulls.
"Do not look down." Aragorn whispered frightfully. Thariya closed her eyes, fearful.
Her staff now in front of her, she closed her eyes to concentrate on blowing the figures away. Feeling the magic flow through the mountain and through her body into the staff she opened her eyes. A large bellowing sound echoed in the narrow mountain hallway, their hair whipped back against their faces as the wind blew the ghostly figures away.
The whispering stopped, the wind subsided and the three male companions looked towards Thariya in awe.
Your welcome. She grinned sheepishly. Legolas' mouth was curled in a wide smile at her, as Aragorn's eyes were just as wide.
They emerged around the rock tunnel and into a wide open space. There were the remains of a large building, the space expanded as far as the eye could see with ruinous structures; a vicious memory of an old kingdom.
"Who enters my domain?"
The four friends turned their heads at the menacing voice. Thariya unsheathed her sword and summoned the magic to her staff, ready to unleash at any point. She formed a shield around them, hoping it would stop the ghostly presence before her.
The King of the Dead turned his head towards her, giving her an unearthly smile.
"One who will have your allegiance." Aragorn muttered.
"The dead do not suffer the living to pass." The King responded.
"You will suffer me!" Aragorn exclaimed.
His intentions were true and his demeanour was brave, but Thariya could feel the fear radiating off him. They were right to be wary. A whole Kingdom of green pale buildings emerged around them. Thousands of dead soldiers appeared out of thin air, surrounding them.
Be strong Aragorn. I won't let anything happen to you. She spoke to him privately, as he turned his head slightly gesturing to her. Her own fear was clouding her hope, she did not see how they would escape this.
She found her mind subconsciously reaching for the elf beside her. For Legolas. She could hold her own, she was a powerful sorcerer but she found herself relying on the Prince far too much. He mind willed her to be strong and independent, but her heart craved his comfort. His touch.
You may not be speaking to me, or happy with me. But I am here, I will protect and fight beside you my love. She sighed in relief, his words were all she needed to hear.
"The way is shut. It was made by those who are dead. And the dead keep it. The way is shut, now you must die!" The King snarled. The ghostly army encircled them, closing around them.
Legolas notched an arrow into the bow and with lightening fast reflexes fired it straight into the King's head, clattering to the ground.
Thariya's face contorted in pain as she tried to maintain the magic shield around them. But the army of Dead were too many. Aragorn looked at the Nauth Herdir in pain and walked towards him.
"I summon you to fulfil your oath!"
"None but the King of Gondor may command me!" The King shouted, unsheathing his sword to kill Aragorn.
Aragorn took out the broken blade of Anduril, defending himself with the sword.
"The blade was broken!" The King exclaimed in horror.
"It has been remade." Aragorn whispered, pulling the King by his throat and pushing him several feet backwards.
Thariya released the shield, seeing the army retreating from them and looked upon her friend with newfound awe.
"Fight for us and regain your honour. What say you?" Aragorn walked through the army, looking at each one of them.
"What say you?"
"Don't waste your time Aragorn. They had no honour in life and they have none now in death." Gimli spoke.
"I am Isildur's heir. Fight for me and I will hold your oaths fulfilled. What say you?" Aragorn spoke more urgently.
The King of the Dead laughed mockingly at him as the army disappeared like the pale shrouds they were.
"You have my word! Fight and I will release you from this living death! What say you?" Aragorn desperately questioned them.
"Stand you traitors!" Gimli scolded.
Stay. Thariya looked into the eyes of the King. She tried to reach his mind, but painful shards invaded her own head. She gasped, clutching it in pain.
You coward. She spat towards the ghost, as Legolas was by her side immediately.
"Thariya?" His blue eyes searched hers desperately. She opened them, coming face to face with the elf, nodding.
The army were gone, emptiness and darkness encircled them once more.
So that's it? They are gone? She checked, her tone devoid of any hope. But before an answer could be given, the mountain groaned and rocks began tumbling downwards. From the crevices, endless skulls began to pour through, quickly covering the ground and their feet.
"Run!" Aragorn shouted as they hastily began to run towards the opposite tunnel. The skulls cracked over the ground and towards the cavern below. The four companions struggled in their efforts to reach the tunnel, as the skulls piled up to their shoulders.
Barely escaping, they stumbled out of the cave on the other side of the mountain.
Is everyone alright? Thariya looked at Legoland and Gimli who nodded. Thariya looked at Aragorn who slumped down onto his knees.
Orc ships had overrun Osgiliath from where they could see. And further in the distance stood Minas Tirith. The white city. Thariya marvelled at its beauty, impossible to miss even in the blackened clouds that engulfed it. Or the deathly creatures that flew below it.
Pelennor fields was covered in soldiers of the enemies. Orcs, trolls, mumakil alike were descending upon the city. They had no chance unless the Rohan army reached in time.
Legolas walked towards Aragorn, placing a hand on his shoulder. Thariya looked at her friend, feeling the same despair as she knelt down and rested her head on his shoulder, having no words to comfort him.
Suddenly, as if out of nowhere the King of Dead appeared and strode towards Aragorn, uttering two words.
"We fight."
...
The hike down the mountain was indeed a treacherous one, but with renewed sense of purpose they clambered down the jagged rocks. The river for the secret arrival of Corsair ships was just ahead. It was their help that could turn the tide of the battle.
Thariya had been watching Aragorn and the King of Dead conversing on how to intercept the Corsair ships of Umbar. She was perched on a rock, the army were standing silently around her. Their unmoving presence unnerved her, she was glad for sure that they were on their side.
"Lass," Thariya looked to see Gimli approach her.
What do you think of all this my friend? Thariya asked, sensing his awkwardness regarding the situation with Legolas.
"They're not very lively are they?" Gimli asked as Thariya let out a snigger.
"I knew that'd get a smile out of you lass." Gimli chortled, clapping her on the back.
"The lad's miserable without ya, you know." Gimli gestured to Legolas who's eyebrows were furrowed as he stood beside Aragorn. But every now and then, his gaze would wonder over to the Nauth Herdir.
Thariya nodded. I know.
And as angry as she was at him, she couldn't help but wanting to be close to him, especially in these precious moments before a big battle. But then she remembered how he did not trust her powers and her frustration returned.
But he should've trusted me. She jumped off the rock and walked towards the companions.
I see the Corsair ships approaching. She spoke to Legolas and Aragorn who nodded.
"Be ready." Aragorn gestured to the King, who faded away into the wind.
They took their positions along the riverbed. The gentle stream beneath their feet began to pick up, the clouds grew darker and the wind grew more fearsome.
Thariya pulled out her now and arrows, notching one in the string and holding it to be ready. The ships sailed up to the river and the mercenaries came into view.
"You may go no further." Aragorn's hand ghosted over the sword handle.
The boson of the ship stood up in response. Many Corsair ships with soldiers as far as could be seen were waiting.
"You will not enter Gondor." Aragorn spoke.
"Who are you to deny us passage?" The boson gestured with a smirk.
"Legolas, fire a warning shot past the boson's ear." Aragorn whispered.
"Mind your aim." Gimli muttered.
Thariya held her bow up, aiming for one of the soldiers who were becoming restless on the ships.
Legolas prepared his bow, but just as the arrow had been released, Gimli had nudged his arm as the arrow embedded itself inttoa solider's head. He fell to the ground with a sickening thud, causing silence to overcome the mercenaries.
Thariya glanced in shock at the elf who shook his head and glared at the dwarf.
"That's right we warned ya! Prepare to be boarded." Gimli waved his axe threateningly. Thariya rolled her eyes, drawing her sword and staff instead. She took the stance, ready to fight.
"Boarded? By you and whose army?" The mercenaries laughed and scoffed.
"This army."
The army of Dead appeared out of thin air, taking the mercenaries by surprise. Their ghostly forms flowed through the ground and onto the Corsair ships, killing and decapitating as they went.
The four companions boarded the Corsair ship, Thariya sliced her sword into the mercenaries and a minute later, it was done.
"Well that was easy." Gimli looked over the water as the ships sailed towards Osgiliath.
Now the hard part comes. Thariya leaned over the edge, feeling the same bout of sickness as on Anduin.
"Yer lookin' pale lass, will ya be alright?" Gimli looked at her in concern.
I will be. Once we get off this wretched boat. She joked as Gimli walked off.
She came back from the edge and walked towards the centre of the boat, where the army were standing, unmoving.
By, the valar they are unnerving. She shivered involuntarily.
"I know, I do not think I will quite get used to it." Legolas had joined her, eyeing her cautiously.
Legolas. She nodded formally to him. The elf's patience wore out and he could not suppress his feelings anymore.
"Thariya I know what I did was wrong. I was wrong to leave you, but you would not have missed out on any fighting-"
You believe I am angry because I will miss fighting? She asked incredulously.
Then you do not know me at all. She scoffed.
I wanted to be with you Legolas. Into danger, into the fire. I thought that it what our courtship was. Whatever we did, we did together. You treated me like an equal before. She said calmly, running a hand through her hair.
"I-I believed I thought, I was doing what was right by you. I know you are strong but I was worried about the darkness in the mountain. Worried it would-"
Tempt me? Of course it will tempt me. The temptations are everywhere Legolas, I face of all the time. It is the thought of you that helps me. She said softly, daring to meet his startled sapphire eyes.
"I am sorry. I have done wrong by you. But if anything happened to you, I could not forgive myself." Legolas took a step towards her. Thariya placed a hand on his chest, feeling his heartbeat quickened.
"Can you forgive me?"
I-I do not know. She stuttered, turning away from him and walking towards the port side of the ship.
"We approach Osgiliath, stay low." Aragorn announced to the ships. The army of Dead disappeared once more.
The ships drew close to the river shore. From their crouching position, Thariya could just make out the ruins of Osgiliath, thick dark smoke heavy in the air around them.
"Late as usual, pirate scum!" The unmistakable sound of an orc voice spat out.
"There's knife work here that needs doing. Come on you sea rats, get off your ships." The sound of several orcs marching towards the ships could be heard.
Now. Thariya whispered to her three companions.
The four of them jumped over the side of the ship. They summoned all their courage, bravery and fearsome attitudes they charged straight towards the orc army. The King of the Dead and the entire army reappeared to fight the orcs.
Thariya summoned all her energy, all of her hatred for Sauron and his army and charged into the fray. She was a skilled warrior for someone who trained so little, she wielded the sword like an extension of her arm. One nasty orc snarled and threw his axe for her, she ducked hastily and narrowed her eyes at the creature. She aimed her sword and plunged it deep into the chest.
With no time to waste, a cluster of orcs ran towards her snarling. She held out her staff and summoned her magic from deep within her, all her rage and anger pouring out into the single blow causing dozens of orcs to drop to the ground dead.
She looked in horror at the scene, not even realising the carnage she caused. Yes they were enemies and were fighting for Sauron, but to think she had obliterated them with just the flick of her wrist? Well she revelled in that power.
A satisfied smile made its way onto her face. Aragorn and Legolas paused their fighting and glanced at the Nauth Herdir in worry. Legolas saw the smile on her face as his fears were realised.
Thariya turned her attention to more orcs which came pouring in. She ducked down behind the ruins, Legolas joining her. His worried blue eyes searched her for any injuries.
"Are you alright?" He held her gaze.
I have never been better. She grinned at him. Her hand pulled the front of his tunic towards her as she pressed her lips viciously against the elf's. He responded, his hand snaking into her hair before pulling away with a surprised look.
She jumped out from the ruins and began her attack. Blocking and defending from orcs, she slashed and decapitated her opponents effortlessly.
Legolas' fingers ghosted over his lips, looking at Thariya with even more concern than before. Of course he missed that, but that was not her. That was not his Thariya.
Kill. Kill them. A voice hissed in her mind. She obliged. A dark energy was emitted from her staff, reducing the orcs to mere dust that blew away in the wind. She had one sole aim. To kill anything that was living. The orcs seemed to cower away in fear from her, their eyes focusing on her own black orbs.
"Aragorn, we must do something!" Legolas caught up with the ranger, who watched the events unfold.
"I am not sure what it is we can so." Aragorn replied calmly, fearful of her power.
"Lad you've got to snap her out of it!" Gimli replied, embedding the axe into an orc.
"I never should have let her come!" Legolas released his arrows into the orcs surrounding them.
"Only the Valar could have stopped her." Aragorn shouted.
"I will try. I love her. I have to." Legolas' tone was solemn as he walked towards the Nauth Herdir.
Many of the orcs at Osgiliath were destroyed, due to the army of the Dead. But the few that were left, were under the torture of the Nauth Herdir's magic.
The goblin writhed in pain on the ground, as she aimed the energy for it's head. The delicious dark power flowed into her staff as she tilted her head back in ecstasy. A niggling thought in the back of her mind, told her this was wrong. The way she was using her power.
But healing and blocking had become so exhausting. She was tired of fighting who she was, what her true nature was. No longer. Now she would-
"Thariya?"
She twisted her head back at the sound of her name being whispered.
"Thariya, love."
She lowered her staff and turned around, coming face to face with the Prince. Her eyes were black, the look of surprise was imperceptible on Legolas' face and went as soon as it came.
"You do not need to do this. You do not need to use your power this way. This is not you. You are stronger than this." Legolas took steps towards her.
Thariya tilted her head. She knew him. He was important to her. She could feel her heartbeat quicken at the sight of him. No. The voice hissed.
He was leaving you. The soft look was replaced by one of anger.
You left me. She said accusingly, pointing her staff towards Legolas.
"I am not afraid of you." Legolas smiled at her, coming to a stop inches away from her.
"I am sorry for leaving you the way I did, but I do not regret my intentions. They were only one of love, I only wanted to protect you. But I know it was wrong." He said softly, his hand reaching for her wrist.
"You were right. We need to face this together." Legolas' hand clasped her wrist, a warm feeling going through her.
"Let me be your anchor."
Together? She asked, the dark energy subsiding within her.
Her eyes returned to that golden brown colour, she lowered her staff hand slowly.
Legolas. Her heart swelled at the sight of him.
But before she could say anything further, an arrow had embedded itself into Legolas' chest, the elf fell to the ground with his startled blue eyes.
"Legolas!" Aragorn and Gimli rushed around him as Thariya regained full control, snapping out of the haze she witnessed the elf on the ground in front of her.
No, no, no, no. Thariya's eyes watered as her hands were on Legolas' chest. His tunic began to colour red as blood seeped through the fabric. Aragorn began tearing strips of fabric and pulled athelas from his pouch, giving it to Legolas to chew.
No, no. This is all my fault. Legolas I am so sorry. Thariya sobbed clutching his hand, her hair draped over his body. He grunted in pain and shifted to get a better look at her.
"It is okay." He smiled weakly.
Why are you smiling? She cried, cupping his cheek.
"Because you are yourself. You regained control over your powers." He replied, lifting his hand to wipe the tears from her cheeks.
Thariya paled and glanced on the battlefield around them. Hundreds of orc bodies were scattered, their black blood marring the land. She did that.
She turned back to Legolas, ashamed of what she had done.
Aragorn? She asked the ranger who inspected the wound.
"It has missed his heart, it was a clean shot." The ranger replied, his eyes looking grim. He clasped his hand around the arrow, ready to pull as Thariya held his hand.
"Stop." Legolas muttered.
"It is too late." He groaned, sharing an intense gaze with Gimli and Aragorn.
What does he mean? Answer me! Thariya demanded.
"The poison lass, it is already in his blood." A single tear fell from Gimli's eyes.
No I will not lose him. She looked at Gimli fiercely.
I will not lose you. Her tears fell freely onto Legolas.
"I love you, never forget that." Legolas stroked her cheek lovingly before his eyes shut.
No. She whispered hoarsely, allowing her head to drop onto his chest. His heartbeat was faint, but it was still there.
I can save him. She looked at the ranger and dwarf firmly.
Take the arrow out. She instructed Aragorn.
"If I take it out, the poison will reach his heart quicker." Aragorn explained, a sorrowful expression on his face.
Trust me. I can do this. I have to. I love him. Her eyes looked at Legolas' closed eyes.
And I never got to tell him. Her voice shook at she spoke.
Aragorn. He cannot die without knowing how much I love him. Her tear-stained face pleaded with the ranger.
Aragorn stared at Thariya for a moment, making sure it was her. Her request from the heart. He had endured much loss in his life, but just because he could not be with his love. That did not mean he would suffer his best friends to the same fate.
"Do it lad." Gimli encouraged.
"I believe in you." Aragorn's eyes met Thariya's determined face.
"What do you need from us lass?"
Aragorn remove the arrowhead when I say. I will remove all the poison out of his body. As soon as his blood runs red and not black, place the athelas strips on.
Ready? She checked as Aragorn placed both hands around the arrow.
Now!
In one swift movement, the arrow was removed from the elf's chest. Black blood began oozing out if his body, the three companions looked in horror. A split second later, Thariya placed both hands over his chest and summoned all her energy.
She sucked the poison out of his body, the black energy flowing back into her own hands. The pain was excruciating, but she was determined to save him. The black energy flowed into her as Legolas began convulsing. A minute later his body lay still, and the blood turned red.
Thariya stopped the energy, falling backwards from the sheer force. She was spent. Gimli helped her up, back towards Legolas. She picked up the staff and held it over his body, she willed the tissue to repair itself, the blood clotted and the tissue began to heal until there was a thin line of blood.
Now Aragorn. She whispered hoarsely, exhausted. The ranger abided, placing the athelas on his chest.
The companions held their breath, looking at the elf waiting for him to return to them. His eyes suddenly snapped open, blue and alert as he sat up, gasping for air.
"Laddie!" Gimli cried tears of happiness as he engulfed the elf in a large hug. Legolas places an arm around him, smiling as he did so.
"It is good to have you back Mellon." Aragorn was next, clapping both hands around his shoulders, smiling at the elf.
Legolas' eyes found the one he wanted to talk to most.
"Come Gimli, let us give them privacy." Aragorn understood as he dragged the dwarf away.
Thariya shifted closer on the ground to the elf who was sitting up, looking at her intently.
I-I do not even know what, what to say. Thariya stuttered, too ashamed of what she had done, too riddled with guilt. Her power-hungry, recklessness had placed him in danger.
"You saved me Thariya. You brought me back." Legolas laced his fingers in her own, his thumb stroking the skin.
He glanced up at her with such a tender look that she could not feel the ground beneath her anymore.
I put you in danger. I did this. Thariya argued, feeling her eyes well up once more.
Legolas felt his heart break at the sight of her. No matter what she had done, he loved her. And he would be there for her.
"I promised I would be there for you. No matter what, through good and bad. You want to do it together. So we will." Legolas hand rested on her waist, pulling her towards him.
I am so sorry. She looked down. His fingers tilted her head upwards to meet his gaze.
"Please have faith in yourself. Like I have faith in you. You regained control of your powers, you are strong." Legolas reassured.
I almost lost you. You are the person I care for the most. She said softly inching closer to him.
"What are you saying?" Legolas pushed his forehead against hers.
I am saying, I love you.
A/N: I possibly don't deserve reviews but I would appreciate it so much!