Chapter XVII: Acceptance

Aragorn stood in the throne room and watched as his friends fervently planned the attack on the Black Gate. He knew he should be involved in the discussion, but he was distracted, his mind pondering other matters. Would they be successful in diverting Sauron's gaze from Frodo and Sam? Would Frodo be able to destroy the ring, or had they already perished in the perilous land of Mordor? He sighed. His mind then wandered to the matter that weighed heaviest upon his heart. Will I be the leader that these people need? Will I be a king that is worthy of this noble crown? He sighed heavily.

Aragorn's eyes began absently wandering the room, but he started slightly as he saw someone standing in the shadows of the pillars. His eyes narrowed as he studied the figure. The person's hood was drawn up so he was unable to determine a race, but he was able to discern that the being was female. She moved slightly, and he caught a glimpse of her eyes. His own widened as he stared into those wild blue eyes that he knew so well.

He glanced over at his comrades. He knew that they had not seen her, for they were too involved in their discussion. He returned his gaze to her, and could feel her staring at him intensely. He sighed. He knew she wanted to speak with him alone.

"My friends," Aragorn said, capturing their attention. "I ask for a few moments of solitude, so that I may gather my thoughts and prepare for the battle ahead."

They stared at him for a moment, but nodded and began to depart, except for Legolas, who continued to stare at him, his eyes filled with concern.

"Is anything the matter, Aragorn?" he asked.

Aragorn shook his head. "No, mellon nin. I just need a few moments to prepare."

Legolas studied him for a moment longer, but then gave a small nod and left the room. Aragorn sighed and turned back to her.

"You can come out now, Alexa," he told her.

She stepped from the shadows and walked slowly towards him. His eyes widened as she neared him. She was covered in earth and orc blood, and in her own as well. He could see the blood seeping through her tunic from a wound at her side. Blood trickled down the side of her face, and he could see that she had taken a harsh blow to the head. He looked at her, his eyes filled with concern.

"You need to go to the healers, Alexa," he told her.

She glared at him. "I am well, Aragorn!" she said coldly.

He winced slightly at her tone, but he looked past the bitterness in her eyes, and could see the pain that she was in. He reached out in an attempt to comfort her, but she withdrew from him. He sighed heavily. His heart ached for her, for she was his dear friend and he hated to see her in so much pain.

"I am sorry, Alexa," he said softly. "I tried to save him, but I could not. I know how you must be feeling."

She scowled fiercely at him. "How do you know what I am feeling?" she asked, her tone acrid.

"I know how it feels to lose someone you love," he said gently.

She stared at him in silence for a moment. He searched her eyes, but her expression was veiled, and he could not determine what she was feeling. After a long moment, she finally spoke.

"I have come to offer my sword in the upcoming battle," she said firmly.

He stared at her in surprise for a moment, but then nodded. "And I am honored to accept it, Alexa."

He began to continue, but she gave a small nod and left the room before he could say another word. He watched her as she walked away, his heart heavy and sympathetic to his friend's pain. He could not have refused her request even if he had wanted to. He knew she would fight in the battle no matter what his answer had been, for she wanted revenge upon Sauron and his evil minions for what they had done to Haldir.

He sighed and slowly began to don the armor of the king. He left the room and began to head for the army. The battle was at hand.

The small army of Rohirrim and Gondorians marched towards the Black Gate of Mordor. They marched in silence, all pondering the impending death that they were facing. Their fear was evident, yet none ran from the upcoming battle.

Alexa traveled near the front of the army, closer to Aragorn and his companions. Aragorn was clad in the armor of the king, and rode at the head of the army, showing that he had accepted his role as leader and King of Gondor. She glanced at Gimli and Legolas. They rode together, their close friendship now evident. How this war has changed them, she thought.

The army stopped as they neared Mordor. Aragorn, the members of the Fellowship, Eomer of Rohan, and a herald rode towards the Black Gate, while the rest of the army waited behind. Aragorn called for Sauron to show himself, and the Gate slowly began to open. Aragorn and the others retreated to the army as thousands of orcs began to empty into the land, surrounding the small battalion of soldiers. The fear of the Men was evident as they stared at the growing number of orcs in horror. Aragorn could see their fear and gave a speech that seemed to solidify the courage of the Men.

Alexa could feel the battle rage began to rise within her like a black flame. Her blood lust became so thick that she could scarcely breathe, and she longed to charge into the orcs at this very moment. She stared at Aragorn intensely, waiting for the command to attack, until he turned to the army and said the two fateful words that began the battle.

"For Frodo," he said, and charged towards the orcs.

For Haldir, she thought and joined the army as they attacked the vile creatures. Alexa attacked the first orc that she saw, gutting it with her sword. The creature screamed and fell back, but more advanced upon her. She fought fiercely, but the number of orcs continued to grow. She looked around the battlefield and saw the soldiers falling. She knew that she would die here, and she welcomed it.

The battle raged on, and another terror soon entered the fray: the Nazgul. The Nazgul and their Fell Beasts began to slaughter the soldiers, but slight hope was restored as the Eagles arrived and attacked the Nazgul.

Alexa continued to fight, her blood lust blinding her from nearly all else. A sudden noise, however, managed to break through her haze. She glanced up sharply as Aragorn was knocked to the ground by a large cave troll. Her battle haze began to fade as she saw the creature attempting to crush Aragorn. Visions of the small boy she had once played with flooded her mind. She no longer saw Aragorn, King of Gondor, in danger, but rather, Estel, her beloved friend.

"Estel," she whispered, and began running towards him.

She pushed past numerous orcs, trying to get to Estel before the troll could finish him. She could not let that foul creature hurt her friend. She glanced to her left, and saw Legolas trying to reach him as well. Orcs surrounded her, and she was knocked to the ground. She leapt to her feet and prepared to fight the creatures, but there were too many. They were everywhere. Death loomed before her, but before it could take its hold, the tower of Barad-dur began to crumble, and the Eye of Sauron was destroyed. The Black Gate and the land of Mordor were swallowed by the earth, and many of the orcs fell as well. Those orcs that survived fled the battlefield in terror for their lives.

The Fellowship and the soldiers began to cry Frodo's name in joy. Alexa, however, could not share in their happiness. Sauron was defeated and Middle-Earth was now safe, but she had never felt so alone. Her beloved was gone, and she was left behind. Why do I remain? she thought in despair. Why am I still here instead of with Haldir where I wish to be?

She turned and slowly began to walk from the battlefield. She was unsure of where she was heading; all she knew was that she needed to be alone. Alone with her pain and her grief.

Author's Note: Thank you for all of your reviews! I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Only four more chapters to go!