Chapter 23

Elanor opened her eyes, seeing the sun was sinking below the horizon through the window in her room. She took a deep breath and slowly pushed herself up into a seated position, her entire body aching slightly, though not nearly as bd as it had been just after the battle. She looked down, seeing her torso was wrapped tightly in bandages, though she was in comfortable leggings. She then took the rest of her body into stock, noting she had been cleaned and her hair was down and clear of the grime of the battle.

She heard a noise and looked over, seeing Legolas blinking his eyes and stretching in a chair near her bed. Realizing that she was practically unclothed, she pulled the blankets up to her chest, sure that her cheeks were flaming.

"How long have you been here?" she asked softly as he met her eyes.

"I have not left since the healer finished," he replied just as softly.

Gracefully, he stood and walked over to the bed, sitting on the edge next to her and taking her face gently in his hands, his eyes roaming over its planes. She had not looked in a mirror but was sure it was full of cuts and bruises just as the rest of her body. She still ached, but the gentle touch seemed to ease the pain slightly.

Joy flooded through her. He had said he loved her. That it had always been her. Elanor then frowned, thinking to all the years they wasted.

"What's this?" he asked, suddenly concerned.

"How long?" she asked. He needed no other hints to know what she was asking. Legolas looked away.

"Truthfully… I believe my affections began changing when we were around 500 years," he said, his hand falling to his sides. Elanor reached out and took his hand in hers, squeezing. He looked back at her. "I am so sorry, Elanor… I could have saved you so much grief if I had…"

"I am just to blame," Elanor replied. "I said nothing either…" They stared at each other before Elanor leaned forward and gently kissed him. "But I suppose it is good that we finally confessed…"

A soft smile filled his face as he nodded. Elanor then took in his state. Though he had changed and cleaned up, she could see the fatigue in his eyes.

"You should rest," Elanor said.

"I do not wish to leave you," he replied, instantly. Elanor smiled.

"I will be fine," she said. She then looked around the room, frowning slightly. "This does not look like the House of Healing."

"You are in the palace," Legolas said. "I thought you would prefer the quiet and solitude. Allain had finished with the others. I can send for him again." Elanor shook her head.

"I am sure he needs rest as well," she replied. "Do you know… how many?" Legolas frowned slightly and took a deep breath.

"From Lothlorien… 10 have fallen," he said. Elanor nodded, her face expressionless, though she blinked rapidly. Legolas reached out and pulled her to him, wrapping his arms around her. "It is just me… allow your tears to fall…"

She took a deep shuddery breath, her eyes closing as the tears began. Legolas said nothing, just continued to hold her as she cried softly. While he knew she was a strong and capable leader, she took each loss hard. These were men who had vowed to fight for her and in return she had vowed to protect them. Even if there was nothing she could have done, she would take each loss personally.

Finally, Elanor pushed back from him, wiping her cheeks. She looked at him and smiled, grateful for his presence.

"Go, I shall be fine. I likely need the rest as well," she said. He nodded and leaned forward, kissing her softly again. Elanor could not help but think she would never tire of his kisses. And then prayed that she would have until the end of time to experience them. She tried not to think of what would come next.

He then stood and walked to the door, stopping for a moment to smile at her once more, then left.

Now, alone, Elanor looked around her room. Her eyes fell on a clean, long tunic and dressing gown laying on a chair. Tenderly getting out of the bed, she made her over and pulled it on, then the dressing gown. Holding her side, she stiffly made her way to a mirror, studying herself. Her pale skin was littered with cuts and bruises. She knew with Allain's healing arts, she would soon not feel so stiff, though it would take longer for all her wounds to heal. She looked down to her side, wishing she knew the extent of the injury. She did not know just how long they would have before the next battle and did not wish to ride out at anything less than full strength.

"My lady?"

Elanor turned, seeing the elf in question stepping into the room with Braen.

"You did not need to waste your energy on me," she said, smiling warmly. "I am fine."

"The Prince said that you had awakened, and I wished to check on your progress," he said, stepping over to her and helping her back to the bed. "You should be resting."

"I am fine," Elanor said, already feeling the pain begin to lessen.

"You lost a lot of blood," Allain said, his expression concerned. Braen hovered just behind him as he began to check her over.

When it came time to check her side, Braen turned his back as Elanor lifted the tunic and Allain quickly undid the wrappings. Elanor wince slightly as Allain looked it over and then applied a salve. She glanced a look at the long, savage cut that ran down her side, noting it did not look as bad as she had been expecting. But it certainly would leave a scar.

Once finished, Allain helped her back into bed and Braen turned to her, his face full of concern.

"I am fine," Elanor said, assuredly. She glanced at Allain. "Or at least I will be?"

"You are healing rather well, all things considering," he said. "You should be in fighting form soon enough." Elanor nodded and looked to Braen. The healer then gathered up his supplies and made a quick exit as her second-in-command sat in the chair previously occupied by Legolas.

"Legolas informed me… we lost 10," she said, turning serious. He nodded.

"Ceris, Agis, Belanor, Darfin, Ehlark, Glarald, Filarion, Horith, Itham, and Jonas," he recited. Elanor looked at her lap, barely keeping her emotions in check.

"They fought well. Bravely," she murmured. She then looked to Braen. "What of the others?"

"The Grey Company sustained some losses, but not many. The Gondorians have had the most losses as well as the Rohirrim," he paused, looking down a moment before meeting her eyes. "King Theoden has fallen. Killed at the hands of the Witch King. Eomer now leads in his stead, though it was Eowyn who killed the Witch King."

Elanor frowned, her heart going out to Eomer and Eowyn. She knew they were both close to their uncle. Theoden had been a strong leader. Though just as quickly, pride soared through her at Eowyn's feat. She knew the woman had a warrior's heart.

"I should speak to them. Offer my condolences," she said.

"You should rest. We will speak tomorrow. Decide on the next course of action," he said, standing. "I have taken care of everyone. There is nothing for you to worry about other than healing." Elanor smiled at him.

"Thank you, Braen," she said. He offered her a small smile and started to leave but stopped. He then turned back to her.

"Haldir was right in choosing you," he said solemnly. He then bowed and left the room.

Elanor leaned back against the pillows, now suddenly alone. While she knew she should rest, she could find none. Sighing, she looked up at the ceiling and waited for sleep to finally claim her.

Elanor was settled at the table the next morning, feeling much more rested and full of energy. A servant had just put out food before her when there was a knock at the door.

"Come in!" she called out and watched as the door opened and a hesitant Pippin walked in. A smile broke out across her face as he walked towards her.

"It is good to see you up and about, my lady," he said.

"Please, join me," she said, motioning to the other chair.

Pippin quickly sat in the chair. He started filling his plate then stopped, looking up at her with worry.

"I feared for you. When I saw Legolas carry you in," he said. "You were so pale and covered in blood. I didn't know if it was yours or others." Elanor smiled softly.

"As you can see, I am well," she said, motioning for him to continue eating as she reached for her goblet. "It will take a lot more than a Southron blade to take me down."

"I am grateful for it," he said, smiling slightly before he frowned again.

"What is it, Pippin?" she asked. She then looked around, finally realizing he was alone. She had figured the others would come from camp once the battle had been won.

"It's Merry," he said, a woebegone look on his face. "He secretly rode in with the army of Rohan. He and Lady Eowyn. They fought as well." Elanor felt her heart clench in worry. "It was Lady Eowyn who felled the Witch King. They are in the House of Healing now, but they haven't woken yet."

Elanor reached over and took his hand in hers, squeezing.

"They are strong. They will survive," she said. Pippin mustered a smile.

"They will," he said, though the worry would not leave his eyes.

"Now, no more talk of sad things. Let us eat and then perhaps we can visit them," Elanor said. Pippin's eyes widened.

"Are you sure?" he asked. "You should be resting."

"I am well enough to enjoy a short walk," Elanor replied. "Rather, I welcome it. I am not one to enjoy being cooped up all the day." Pippin nodded and now grinned at her.

"Very well, let us do that, then."

Elanor frowned slightly as she took in the many bodies in the House of Healing. So many hurt and in pain. But she quickly followed Pippin through the beds, making their way to a small form lying in a bed about halfway down the room.

Elanor felt her heart go out to Merry and Pippin as the small creature plopped down on a stool at his side. The form on the bed stirred and then blinked his eyes open. Relief rushed through Elanor as she stepped closer.

"Pip? Lady Elanor?" he asked, his voice raspy.

"We're here, Merry," Pippin said, obviously relieved that his friend was now awake. The hobbit smiled and sat up, grimacing slightly. "Just what were you thinking? Going to war?"

"Everyone else was going. Why not I?" Merry asked, frowning slightly. "Even you, Pip." Pippin looked down as Elanor stepped up to him, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Just how did you manage to ride out with no one noticing?" she asked. Merry turned his to her, his eyes widening slightly. He then smiled sheepishly.

"Lady Eowyn hid herself as a soldier. Picked me up on the way out," he said. He then looked over to the figure in the next bed, Elanor following him. Eowyn was laid out, beautiful even in slumber. "She has not woken yet."

"But she will," Elanor said, her voice strong. The two hobbits looked over at her as she stepped over to Eowyn and dropped to the stool next to her. Humming softly, she closed her eyes, placing her hands over her. She then began to softly murmur a few words. It was not much and would work better if she had a mixture of herbs that Elanor doubted the mortal healers would have. But it would be enough for now.

When she finished, she opened her eyes and looked down. Eowyn's eyes began to flutter before opening and meeting those of Elanor.

"It is good to see you awake, Eowyn," she said softly. The woman smiled up at her.

"Thank you," she said. Elanor took her hand, grasping it tightly.

"I heard of your great deeds," Elanor said. "Such bravery, Eowyn." The human woman looked down at her lap, her pale cheeks flushed.

"It is what anyone would have done," she replied.

"You are awake."

Both women looked up, seeing a man standing there, awe on his face. He then looked to Elanor and bowed slightly.

"Forgive me, I am Faramir, son of the steward of Gondor," he said.

"Elanor, captain of the elves from Lothlorien," she said. She glanced down at Eowyn, smiling slightly. "And this is Eowyn, niece of King Theoden, may he rest in peace."

"I have been told," he murmured, his eyes back on Eowyn. Elanor glanced down at her, noting the flush seemed to deepen. Smiling to herself, she stood and then stepped away from the bed.

"I should be off," she said, though she stopped when she saw Legolas moving through the room towards her.

A sudden rush of affection ran through her and she could not help but smile. Just being in his presence now held far more healing than anything Allain could do. He reached her side, taking both her hands in his and leaving a chaste kiss on her cheek. She noted the looks of happy surprise on both Pippin and Merry's faces out of the corner of her eye.

"They said that you would be here," he replied. "Come, we have been summoned."

"So soon in the day," Elanor said, frowning slightly.

"It would seem that Aragorn is eager to start planning," he said softly. Elanor nodded.

"Then we should go now," she said. She turned to the others. "I will come visit again."

The hobbits nodded eagerly, as did Eowyn. She then turned, walking out with Legolas.

Elanor stood in between Braen and Legolas, the latter holding her hand, as Eomer spoke, informing them of the state of their armies. While there were more than enough soldiers to protect Gondor and she still worried how they were to continue fighting against Sauron in this state. Or just how they were to do so.

Elladan and Elrohir stood on the other side of Braen, the two of them silent as they watched Aragorn, though they glanced towards Elanor.

"What do you think?" she heard Elrohir whisper to his brother.

"I am not sure," Elladan admitted.

Everyone looked to Aragorn, silently deferring to him as the next king of Gondor. He remained silent a few moments, looking to the ground, before he finally met Mithrandir's eyes.

"Our hope lies in the hobbits," Mithrandir said. "That they will reach Mt. Doom and destroy the ring."

"But how are we to know their progress? And we cannot go into Mordor to aid them," Eomer said. Aragorn's eyes flicked over to the Lord of the Mark, now King of Rohan. "We will never make it past the Black Gate."

"Perhaps we do not need to go past it," Aragorn replied softly.

The room was silent, taking in his words. Elanor gripped Legolas' hand tighter, understanding just what he was saying. Her heart plummeted, for she knew it would be a most impossible battle. But they had stood at his side thus far and she knew there was no turning back.

Though she knew that they could turn away. Ride for Lothlorien. Be safe. Make for the Grey Havens. But that was not an option. She looked to Legolas, meeting his eyes. She saw the same resolutions in his.

"We make for the Black Gate and turn Sauron's eyes from Frodo and Sam. Give them a chance to complete their task," Aragorn said finally. "Draw out their forces and clear the way."

"You must be mad," Eomer said softly.

"Lord Aragorn is right. There is no other way," Elladan said, coming to the future king's aid.

"But there is no way that we can win this battle," Eomer's captain said from his side, his brow furrowed. "Not with the losses we've sustained. Not to mention, there is no way to know just how large a force Sauron commands within Mordor."

Elanor glanced at Legolas, seeing his brow furrowed before she glanced over at Gimli, wishing she was as relaxed as the dwarf down appeared, puffing on his pipe.

"Certainty of death. Small chance of success," Gimli said. "What are we waiting for?" Elanor looked to Aragorn, seeing the relief on his face to have more support for his campaign. She knew that she did not need to speak with Braen. They had spoken enough that she knew he would follow her lead.

"We will ride with you," she said, her voice clear and strong. Aragorn inclined his head towards her. Just after she spoke, the rest did as well, and they began planning. They would not leave for a few days more, allowing their fighters a chance to rest and recover, but they would need to move soon as it would take a week to reach the Black Gate.

As soon as they finished, Legolas turned to Elanor, his face full of worry.

"You are not yet healed," he said.

"But I will be by the time we leave," she said in reply. "It is the right path to take. You know this." He nodded but squeezed her hands.

"I worry that I will lose you just as I have found you," he murmured. Elanor smiled softly.

"Do not think of that," she said. "We must focus on doing our part." He nodded.

"Lady Elanor."

The two turned, watching as Allain walked up to them, a letter in his hand.

"This just arrived for you," he said, holding it out. She took it and looked down, recognizing Haldir's writing. Her breath caught in her throat a moment as she looked over at Legolas.

"Come, I will escort you back to your room," he said softly, pulling her with him. She was yet again grateful that he knew her so well.

As soon as they arrived, she ripped it open, her eyes devouring his words as relief filled her.

"He is well," she said, her eyes still on the letter. "Sauron's forces have attacked Lothlorien, but they fought them off…" A frown appeared as she continued reading, though it softened as she chuckled. "He, once again, reminds me of my promise." She looked up at Legolas. He quirked an eyebrow at her. "That I would tell you of my affections."

"He knew?" Legolas asked. She nodded as she looked back down at the letter and set it on the table.

"Ever since I discovered I was in love with you. Constantly pushing me to tell you," she said.

"I thought that… that day just before we left Lothlorien… I had seen you together and I thought perhaps you had promised yourself to him. That he was the one who held your heart," he said softly. Elanor looked over at him in confusion, but then, realization flooded through her as she remembered his words that day she had first attempted to tell him.

"You thought that I was to tell you that I was in love with Haldir," she said softly. He looked away from her, embarrassment filling his features as he nodded.

"It was only after he was injured… when you spoke of him as a brother… that I realized how wrong I was," he said.

Elanor walked over to him, taking his face in her hands and guiding him to look at her.

"I thought you were in love with Tauriel," she said. "That that was the reason you pulled away from me." He frowned in confusion.

"I was only asking for her aid in telling you the truth… at that time I thought perhaps you and Fenris…" he looked away again.

Elanor stared at him in shock a few moments before she began laughing softly. Legolas looked at her in confusion.

"We were both wrong," she said. "Though now I understand just how it was we got in each other's way." She took a deep breath and slowly let it out.

All those years wasted by assumptions. Assumptions they could have easily explained away if they had just spoken to each other. How foolish they had both been.

"I love you," Legolas said, the emotion pouring through his eyes. "I know not how much time we have left, but I will spend every last moment assuring you of the depth of my affections."

She smiled softly, stepping towards him as she gently pressed her lips against his. She then rested her forehead against his as his arms came around her waist, pulling her closer.

"We must not think of that," she said. "But be grateful for this time. For now."

Legolas stared at her a few moments before a smile came across his face.

"When this is over… Gimli wishes to travel the land, as do I. Perhaps you can join us," he said softly.

"I should like that," she replied. "Though… I feel it has been far too long since I have been home."

Legolas' smile broadened at hearing her call Mirkwood home. He pressed a kiss to her forehead.

"I am sure that your father would be happy to see you. As would my own," he said. "We will go to Mirkwood and then travel. Though… " He lifted an eyebrow to her. "You know that our fathers will expect something more."

Elanor's eyes widened as her breath caught again, heating coursing through her. She then grinned.

"Legolas… are you…"

He nodded, then went down on one knee, holding her hands.

"Will you be my wife, Elanor?" he asked softly. She did not reply at first, her words caught on her tongue.

It was something she had dreamed about many times over the centuries. That someday he would confess his love to her. Ask her to be his wife. Spend the rest of their long eternities at each other's side. But even with the happiness of the moment, it was bittersweet. They were once again coming up to the eve of battle with no guarantee that either of them would survive. She gulped, the tears forming in her eyes as she tried to blink them back.

"Speak, Elanor. What is on your mind?" Legolas said, rising to his feet as he drew her close. "Do you not wish to wed me?"

"It is not that," she said softly, holding onto him as though he might fly away if she let go. "It is just… it is hard to take happiness in this moment when we do not know how much longer we have." Legolas sighed, but did not speak as he held her tightly.

"It is true. We may die in a few days' time at the Black Gate, but we will die at each other's sides. And I will take whatever time it is we have left," he said. He stepped back from her, looking deep into her eyes. "Again, I am forever sorry for all those wasted years, but I will do whatever I can to make up for it."

Elanor stared into his eyes, seeing all his love and devotion for her in their blue depths. It gave her strength. She pressed her lips against his, though this kiss was hungrier, more desperate than before. She poured all her love into it.

"Yes… I will marry you," she said, the two of them gasping for air. He smiled broadly and kissed her again. Elanor felt her body come alive at his touch.

Finally, he stopped, pulling away from her though everything in Elanor begged him to stay. To press his lips to hers again. To continue until they had both given in to the heat of their passion for each other. They were to be wed after all, surely others could not fault them for this one slight.

They did not have long.

But instead, he pressed one last, chaste kiss upon her lips.

"We must focus on the battle. On surviving. And then we can be together… forever," he said softly. Elanor nodded, looking away from him as she wished that he would put his princely chivalry aside.

It was as though a storm was bursting inside her and only he could calm it.

"Look at me," he ordered. Elanor looked back, meeting his eyes. She gasped as she saw the same passion, the same storm, coursing through his expression. "I wish more than anything to stay, but… you need your rest. To heal so that you are full strength when we meet the enemy." Elanor nodded. He then smiled. "Soon, my dear Elanor."

He then lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to it before turning and leaving. As soon as the door closed, Elanor let out the breath she had been holding, bringing her hand to her head, feeling slightly lightheaded.

She then looked over to the letter and walked over, picking it up. She should write back to Haldir. She gathered paper and a quill and set about to informing him of all that had passed. Once she finished, she stared at it a moment, frowning. Looking towards the window, she sighed.

They did not know what would happen. If they would win or fail. She then looked at the other parchments there. With shaking hands, she reached out for another and began to write. Once she had finished, she called for a servant, handing over three letters.

"This, please give to the elf that arrived today from Lothlorien to take back," she explained. "These two… if I do not return, make sure that they are sent to Mirkwood and Lothlorien."

"Yes, my lady," the servant said, ducking into a quick curtsey before leaving.

Elanor walked over to the window, her eyes settling on Mt. Doom in the far distance. She did not know what would come, but she was going to fight for her future. A future that she longed to have with Legolas.

Apologies! I meant to post this yesterday, but work was crazy so when I got home, I basically ate and then passed out. But we're about two chapters away from the end! I hope that you've enjoyed this – and the original version, which is now posted in full. At least, everything that I had written on it.

But yea, I definitely think that I'm going to take a break from fanfiction after this story. I have several others in the pipeline, but I'm not really drawn to writing on any of them at the moment. Not to mention, my original fiction has been sorely neglected and if I want to self-publish another book by the end of this year, I need to get to work.

x3sunnydaay – So sorry about that! I didn't mean to make it so dramatic, but obviously Elanor was going to be fine. She's gotta fight at the Black Gate and all.

Guest – Thanks! I actually wrote that scene – where she is searching for Legolas after the battle – and then built up to it. And then, of course, edited and tweaked it after I had the rest of the chapter written. And yes, as you can see, she's just fine.

Guest – Most of the time, I put M rating just to be safe, even if there isn't lot in the story that might be considered mature. I figure it's better to be safe than sorry. As for more stories having more mature content, just the mood I've been in with writing lately, I guess.

As always, thanks for reading and following!