Chapter 23

Did you get my whole hope is like the wind and then the wind blowing Legolas? Yeah...haha.

Adette's POV

Pippin awoke me from my sleep when he shifted suddenly. We had slept in the same bed, my arm tucked comfortable around him. We had spent some of the night talking quietly about what we would do when all of this was over, and about fun memories. It had helped to keep our minds off of the light we had seen coming from Minas Morgul.

Unable to sleep any longer I slowly got out of the bed. Gandalf's bed was empty and so I assumed that he had already gotten up to formulate a plan to light the beacons. I quickly dressed in my burgundy tunic, tied my hair back with a ribbon, and equipped myself quietly. When I was ready I was about to go down the stairs when I saw Gandalf on the balcony, facing away from me. I saw that daylight hadn't even broken yet.

"Gandalf?" I asked softly, walking out to stand beside him.

"Awake already Adette?" He asked, still facing forward.

"Pippin woke me up, I couldn't sleep anymore anyways." I faced forward, resting my hands on the railing. "Have you thought of a plan?"

He sighed heavily.

"Yes I have, and I don't like it."

"And why is that?"

Another sigh.

"Because I don't get to do anything except play lookout." I chuckled, and I was amazed to see Gandalf smile. He then laughed out loud too, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and shaking me.

"So what is this plan in which you play lookout?"

"Pippin is going to secretly climb the beacon and light it while I stand watch to make sure that no one interferes."

I frowned, turning my head to look at Gandalf.

"But where do I come in on this?"

"You my dear," he turned his head to look at me as well, "are going to have to escape and ride to Edoras in case something happens and the beacons do not continue lighting. It is dangerous Adette."

"When do I leave?" I asked. He shook me again, smiling sadly.

"I was going to send you once you had awakened. You need to get out of here before Pippin lights the beacon because if he gets caught before it is lit, then we will be put under heavy surveillance. Then it will be impossible for you to escape."

"I will leave now then." I waited for Gandalf to release me but he didn't. He instead pulled me into a hug, which surprised me.

"Be careful my dear. Take Arod from the stables and sneak away as quietly as you can. It is still dark but the sun should rise soon, and then it will be more difficult to escape." He whispered. I pulled away and nodded.

"I won't let you down Gandalf." With that I turned and headed to the door without turning back to sneak another glance at my friends. I stopped outside the door to think and to ready myself. I had to go down this corridor, turn the corner and the stairs were right there. At that corner, however, was a window. Leading down from the window was a trellis that Aragorn and I used to use as children to get out unnoticed. If I could climb down that trellis I would end up in the garden right next to the courtyard, and the stables were right there.

With quiet footsteps, I headed down the corridor. I dared not breathe without cupping a hand over my mouth in the fear that I would be heard. As I reached the corner I saw that there was a shadow on the wall. Someone was coming. In a daring act, I unsheathed my sword and backed up against the wall, waiting. A guard rounded the corner and at first didn't see me, but when he did I quickly smashed the hilt of my sword against his head, and he began to fall. When his armor hit the floor, it would make a noise, and so I caught him and sat him up against the wall. He had blood trickling from his forehead, but I paid it no mind.

I looked towards the window, and peeked around the corner to make sure no one else was coming up the stairs. When I saw no shadows and heard no footsteps, I hurried to the window and looked down. The trellis was still there, and looked to be in good tact. I let out a sigh of relief and lowered my foot out the window, snagging it in the trellis. I then carefully lowered my other foot out, and began to climb down. The trellis shook a little under my foot, probably not used to as much weight, so I climbed slowly. Once I was halfway down I paused to take a breath, but only for a moment. Finally I reached the bottom with only one splinter in my hand.

From there I had to go through the archway that led into the courtyard and cross it to the stables. I went to the archway and looked out to see where the guards were. I saw two of them by the castle doors and I knew one circled the castle. I quickly tried to come up with a plan for getting past those two guards when I suddenly saw a familiar face distracting them for me – Gandalf.

I waited, watching as he walked up from the steps towards the castle doors, and the guards turned to face him. With a grin I quickly ran from my place under the archway and darted towards the stables. I didn't know which stall Arod was in and I had to get moving. I opened the door and stepped inside, smelling the familiar scent of horses and sawdust.

I walked quickly down the row of stalls and found Arod's at the end. He snorted when he saw me, but I opened the door and leaned in close.

"You must be quiet Arod until we get out of the castle." I whispered. "You must be quiet."

I quickly led him to the front of the stables so that I had enough room to saddle him and put in his bridle. I worked fast and had it done in moments, smirking to myself. Gandalf couldn't have done it better. From there I led Arod out of the stables by the reigns, leading him towards the two statues that led down the stairs and down to the lower levels. I dared not move too fast but I couldn't move too slow either.

At one point one of the guards must have heard something, for he nearly turned but I saw Gandalf grab his shoulder and begin to speak to him. I quickly mounted Arod once I reached the statues and carefully steered him down the stairs.

Once I was far enough away, I willed Arod to trot. The streets were empty, the shops as well. Everyone was still sleeping while I was riding all the way back to Edoras. Daylight was beginning to break as I reached the lowest level of Minas Tirith. Beyond there, Arod galloped.

I worried just a bit that when the guard woke up, Lord Denethor would send someone after me. I tried not to dwell on that thought, and instead focused on staying awake and steering Arod. He seemed happy enough to be heading back, for he rode hard.

Legolas's POV

When dinner came I went to my room. I couldn't eat, I was too consumed with worry. I was worried about Gandalf, Pippin, and Adette. I hoped that they were being treated well, I hoped that they were all safe. I was worried about Frodo and Sam, wondering if they were alive or not.

A knock at the door brought me from my pool of worries, and I turned to see Èowyn standing in the doorway. She smiled at me.

"May I come in?"

"Of course Èowyn." I went to the door as she walked in, and shut the door behind her. I turned and saw that she had seated herself on the bed, looking at me. I went to the corner and brought the chair over, sitting across from her. "What is it?"

"Dinner is being served, did you know that?"

"I did."

"Oh." She bit her lip, still smiling. "Are you not hungry?"

I really didn't want to tell her how worried I was about everyone. I wasn't really the kind of person to just randomly bring up my worries and concerns to people, the only people I talked to were Aragorn and Adette. But something about Èowyn made me feel safe talking to her.

"I'm too worried to eat actually." I admitted sheepishly.

"About your friends and Adette?"

"Yes, very much so. It just seems like I can't do anything for any of them, and I don't like feeling that way. Aragorn told me yesterday to wait three days for the beacons, and if they weren't lit then we would ride to Minas Tirith, but what if we're too late?"

"Too late for what exactly?" She cocked her head to the side. I lowered my eyes and looked into my lap.

"What if something happens to them and we're too late to help?"

"Legolas," she leaned forward, "you have to have faith in them. Gandalf and Pippin seem like two, strong men and I know that Adette is a strong woman."

"She promised that she'd come back."

"Does Adette keep her promises?" She smiled. I smiled too, and looked up to meet her eyes.

"Always."

"Then have faith that she'll return." Èowyn stood up, straightening her dress as she did. "Now will you come to dinner?"

Still smiling I stood.

"I think I will."

Adette's POV

I rode all through the night, growing weary. It had been awhile since I had last drank or eaten, and I was sleepy. But I continued on, urging Arod to continue whenever I felt him slacking. He was getting frustrated with me, I could tell.

The sun had been up for a few hours, and we were nearing Edoras. In only a few more hours I would be able to drink, to eat, and to sleep. Not to mention I would be with Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli.

"Just hang on Arod." I whispered hoarsely. I cleared my throat, trying to wet it so that I could speak normally. "There, that's better."

Suddenly I became very aware of the sound of more hoof beats – coming from behind me. I shut my eyes tightly and said a quick prayer, praying that it was just someone out for a ride. Finally I got up enough courage to turn around and I saw something I had feared I would see.

On a black horse, riding fast towards me, was a very big man wearing armor. I knew from the way he was riding and from the way he was equipped that Lord Denethor had sent him after me to kill me. When he saw that I saw him, he pulled out a bow. I turned back around instantly, knowing what to do.

I steered Arod fast and began to move him in different directions, hoping to screw up the man's aim. An arrow whizzed past my head, dangerously close to my face. I turned Arod sharply to the right as another arrow flew past. I had to keep jerking Arod around until the man ran out of arrows. Another one nearly caught me but I turned Arod just in time to miss it. In the distance I could see Edoras, just across the fields. That was when suddenly Arod reared up, snorting in pain. I fell back from the saddle, landing on my butt just in time to see the wounded horse gallop away, heading for Edoras.

I got to my feet and turned to see the man throw his bow to the ground. He still had a horse, and I couldn't outrun him. I raised my hand and called out to him.

"Rider from Minas Tirith! Are you really that much of a coward that you would slay me while I have no horse!"

The man stopped his horse almost immediately. I could hear his laughter although he was quite a ways back. He then dismounted, and I looked at him, horrified. He looked to be over six foot tall with such large muscles that I could make them out even from underneath his armor. As he walked in my direction, he took off his armor and threw it to the ground.

"I'll even take off my armor!" He shouted, still laughing at me. He then unsheathed his sword, as did I. I stood my ground, watching him until he stopped a few feet back. He turned his neck to the side and I heard it crack. He then motioned for me to come at him.

I took a deep breath and ran at him, my sword ready. As I reached him he stepped to the side, but I didn't falter. I turned just in time and our blades met with a loud clang. He grinned evilly down at me, the height difference frightening.

"Another good thing about being a giant," he said as if he read my mind, "is that I can see down that tunic of yours."

I spat right in his face as he leaned down close to my face, and summoned up enough strength to push him off of me with my sword. He stepped back, wiping off the spit on his face, laughing.

"You certainly are admirable." I said sarcastically, circling him cautiously. He watched me carefully, still amused. He then lunged at me but I rolled between his legs and turned to stab him while his back was turned but he turned and grabbed my sword with his hand. I took it back, slicing open his palm. Blood stained the tip of my sword. He merely laughed again as our swords met once more.

"This is getting interesting." He surprised me by slapping me hard across the face. The blow was so hard that I got dizzy for a second and tumbled backwards. I swiped my sword out as he stepped closer, and I got him right across the abdomen. Blood soaked through the ripped tunic in a line curving from one side of his waist to the other. I felt a throbbing pain in my ankle and knew I had sprained it. "That's going to cost you."

He reached for me, picking me up by the throat. My sword was still on the ground, but he still had his. I began kicking my legs wildly, trying to make contact with his body to knock myself loose. I was about to give up when I saw an arrow imbedded in his shoulder. He looked surprised, and released me. I dropped on my feet, coughing from being strangled. I turned my head and saw a figure running towards us, pretty far away.

Suddenly, the man grabbed me by the shoulders and smashed his forehead against mine, and I could have sword that I heard someone screaming my name.

Legolas's POV

I was sitting, watching Èothain and Freda swordfight with two sticks. Èothain was showing his sister the proper techniques, taking it easy on her because she was smaller than he was. That was when I saw in the distance, a white horse riding into Edoras. I stopped breathing when I realized it was Arod, and jumped to my feet. Although the children called to me, I continued running towards the horse. To my horror, it collapsed to the ground.

"Arod?" I kneeled by its head and looked him over, spying an arrow that had pierced his leg. Blood was running down his leg. I heard Èothain and Freda run up behind me as I tried to steady my breathing. If Arod was here, where was Adette?

"What happened?" Freda asked.

"Èothain, go and tell Aragorn that Arod is here." I got to my feet and without another word, ran faster than I ever had before through the village. I ignored the stares I received from people watching me run like a madman, my thoughts only of Adette. There was an arrow in Arod's leg, and so I knew someone had ambushed her. If she was harmed I would slaughter whoever dared to touch her. I began to frighten myself and my heart was beating so fast against my chest that I thought it would pop out.

Once I reached the field beyond Edoras, I saw two people fighting. With my elven eyesight I could see that it was Adette and one of the tallest men I'd ever seen before in my life. I watched as she cut him across the waist, only for him to reach out and pick her up off of the ground by the throat. Without a moment's hesitation I got an arrow ready and released it quickly. It hit the man's shoulder and he released Adette instantly. He looked unfazed by it as he grabbed her shoulders and smashed his head against hers.

"Adette!" I screamed, watching as she stumbled backwards holding her head. I got another arrow ready just as she tried to punch him, but he grabbed her fist and instead connected his own punch with the side of her head. "Adette!"

I nearly released the arrow when the man caught my eyes and grabbed Adette, holding her against him. I finally reached them, standing a few feet back. I kept the arrow aimed although the man held his sword, which he had picked up again, against her throat.

"Lower the bow or I'll cut her throat." He warned. My eyes felt like they were on fire now that I could see Adette up close. He held a hand to her forehead, pulling it upwards against his shoulder while the other held the sword to her exposed throat. Her eyes kept rolling back in her head, probably from all the blows to her head. "Unless you want her dead."

"Legolas." She gasped, her eyes rolling back again. She waited to focus her eyes on me again before speaking again. "Don't. He'll kill me anyways."

I had to do something or else he was going to kill her. If I lowered my bow he would probably kill her anyways, and I had my shot now. I said a prayer and released the arrow aimed at the man's head. As it slammed into the middle of his forehead, the blade nicked Adette's throat, but she was able to get out of his grasp before it cut her too badly. I watched the man fall back, unable to move. Only when Adette began staggering towards me did I run to her, quickly catching her as she fell forward.

"Oh my sweet dúlinn." I murmured, holding her close. She fisted my tunic, her head buried in my chest.

"I love you so much." Her voice was muffled by the material of my tunic. "I love you Legolas."

"I love you too Adette, more than anything." I gently pulled her back, looking into her tired eyes. She then stood shakily, wincing when her left foot touched the ground. She caught my concerned gaze.

"I sprained my ankle." She said quietly. "I have to see the king right away, it's important."

"You're in no condition to walk." I reached for her but she stumbled backwards.

"I'm fine Legolas, I need to go see the…" Her eyes rolled back into her head again and she collapsed forward but I caught her quickly.

"You need help." I said worriedly, lifting her into my arms. "Can you hear me?"

"Yes." Her eyes were glazed over, and I knew she had a concussion from both the punch to her head and the force of that man's head smashing into hers. I held her close to me and ran to the man's abandoned horse. I slid her onto the front, hopping on behind her quickly as she began to slide off.

"You have to stay awake Adette." I told her before sending the horse galloping towards Edoras. "Talk to me okay?"

"I have to talk to Théoden. The beacons, Pippin…"

"Hey, hey stay with me Adette. What about Pippin?"

"He was supposed to light the beacons. Gandalf sent me back to tell Théoden in case they didn't get lit."

The horse had proved fast, and gotten us quickly into the village. The people stared at me again as I rode the horse up to the castle where Aragorn was already waiting. His eyes widened when he saw me, and he rushed towards me.

"Is she alright?" He asked, holding the horse's reigns while I dismounted.

"Keep talking to me Adette. Tell me about the man back there." I carried her up the steps to the castle, Aragorn rushing ahead to open the doors. He then led me to our room where I laid Adette down on the bed.

"He was sent by the steward…he was angry…"

"Hey! Adette, why was he angry?" I turned to Aragorn. "She has a concussion."

"I'll be right back, keep her awake and talking." He ordered, rushing from the room. I turned back to Adette and smoothed back her hair.

"He doesn't like me…or Aragorn." She reached for my hand and I held it in mine, sitting carefully beside her head.

"Why not?"

"He…Legolas…" Her eyelids slowly closed over her glazed eyes. I jumped off of the bed and held her face in my hands.

"Hey! Adette, stay with me. Adette!"