Chapter 9 Sacrifice.

As they rode the air got more oppressive and they all missed the trees and they rode with caution.

"How much further?" Gimli asked.

"At least two days," Gandalf replied.

"And its all like this?" Gandalf nodded.

"If not worse," Gimli sighed and hunkered down behind the bigger man.

Miawynn felt the danger before she could see it. Looking forward she saw that Aragorn would not be able to reach Legolas on time and Gandalf and Gimli rode behind them, running forward she placed herself between her husband and the danger that threatened him. Legolas found himself thrown of balance by the weight of his wife against him and it took him a moment to regain it and place his arms around his wife to stop her from falling, it was then that his hands came into contact with the arrow shaft embedded in her back. Gandalf saw the arrow hit and with an oath he turned the horse he rode with Gimli in the direction of the attacker.

Miawynn's eyes held her husbands until her drooped forward onto his shoulder. Aragorn rushed back towards them, Legolas slowly lowered her to the rocky ground, his arms supporting her. Aragorn reached them and placed his hand on the arrow shaft, he could feel the life blood racing out around the arrow head and knew there was nothing that he could do, he looked up eyes locking with his friends, Legolas knew that from the look on his face there was nothing to be done. With a cry of despair he held her tightly against him, sobs racked through his body.

"Legolas, my love," Her voice came to him weakly. Legolas pulled back slightly so he could see her face, she gave a small weary smile, her hand came up and wiped away some of the tears he was crying. "Please do not let this be in vain, you must destroy Knoi,"

"Miawynn," He sobbed. "I can not, not without you,"

"You have to," She said to him, a trickle of blood ran down the side of her mouth. "Mithrandir was right only you can do it," She gave a smile. "He was waiting for you to come. Why else would Aragorn be here," Her hand reached out to former ranger, he lightly clasped it and took to his mouth and lightly kissed her fingers. Miawynn's gaze shifted a bit and Aragorn followed it and saw walking slowly towards them the figure of his wife. Miawynn gave a slight nod of her head. "You must save the others," Her gaze returned to her husband. "Promise me, my love, please,"

"I promise, I will try, or die in the attempt," Miawynn nodded to him.

"Then let your lips be the last thing that I feel in this life," Legolas bent down and kissed her lightly. When he raised his head again she was dead. Aragorn looked up and saw her with Arwen.

"look after him and give him strength," The breeze said to him, he nodded, then the two figures vanished.