For disclaimer please view Chapter 1.
Author's Note: Thanks for all your reviews, I hope you enjoy this chapter…it's one that has been in my thoughts for a while. Hopefully I will not take as long with the next chapter as I don't want to leave you hanging. :o) thanks again, read and enjoy.
Kersi
Chapter 30: Only a Distant Memory
Weeks had passed by since Elrohir and Elladan had decided to watch over their sister and her mate, they had passed through the Paths of the dead together, and had been ever watchful in those moments, but as the weeks passed by, so did the fear of something happening to the pair. Elrohir and Elladan had become more lax, and where not as watchful as before and even Aragorn in his triumph at Pelennor fields did not seem so concerned.
It had been a grand moment when Aragorn had arrived with the ships, waving his black standard, bringing hope to a grim battle. Minas Tirith was destroyed, bodies lay everywhere, and Aurel often wondered if she would ever see her native home again, or if the fate of those she cast her eyes upon would be one she shared with them.
"Do not think such thoughts." said Legolas to her, as they walked through the narrow streets of Minas Tirith. "I sense that this perhaps may be the end of it all. There is still hope." He tried to encourage her thinking to other things.
Aurel looked at him, and then away, being careful not to tread on anyone.
"It is hard to see when you have to climb your way around hundreds of bodies." said Gimli, who had been walking behind them.
Legolas cast him a scornful glance and then directed his attention back to Aurel. He worried for her. Her mind was swarming with millions of different thoughts and an array of feelings he had never felt coming from her before. He knew that she was thinking of all the dead, of all whom she had known and were now dead, and it was causing her sorrow.
Her sorrow mostly came from the cries she had heard from Eomer, and the remembrance of the feelings that came from him, when he saw his uncle dying, and his sister gravely injured. She did not know where Eomer was now; she imagined that he would have rushed his sister to the houses of healing, for they were still fighting when they had come upon the sight of the fallen royals. That was where they were headed now. Aragorn had disappeared and so had her brothers but she was keen on reaching the houses of healing to see if there was anything she could do to ease the pain the city was in. Gimli followed diligently, and with great speed, considering the Elves were travelling quickly up the city. Aurel was surprised and pleased at the same time at how deep the bond of friendship was between Legolas and Gimli, and smiled inside herself when she would see Legolas help the dwarf, and the dwarf letting himself be helped.
At last when they had reached the houses of healing, Aurel was surprised to find Aragorn already there, at Eowyn's side. She did not wait for the others to enter with her and she walked briskly to Aragorn's side. But as she passed the injured bodies to walk towards him, she noticed a man that seemed familiar to her and it made her heart jump.
"Boromir?" She asked. She stooped by his bedside and her eyes filled with tears as she went to touch his face.
"That is not Boromir." said Aragorn. "That is Faramir, his younger brother."
"They are so alike!" said Aurel, looking at Faramir intently. She brushed away some hair that had fallen over his face. "You have done something." She looked up at Aragorn.
"He is healing."
"You have done well, Estel." She cast her gaze back onto Faramir. "So alike." She whispered. "And the others?" Aurel stood, looking for Eowyn.
"Darkness hung over them, but they should heal."
Aurel nodded in approval. "There must be something I can do to help here."
"I am sure there is, I am tired and wish to rest…do you not wish to do the same before you begin here?" He knew she would not go rest, but insisted anyway. He looked over her shoulder to see Legolas and Gimli entering quietly.
She shook her head. "I will stay here."
Aragorn nodded and walked past her.
She turned around. "Estel…"
He turned halfway to look at her.
"You have done well, Ada would be proud of you."
Aragorn gave a weak smile before leaving the houses of healing, and Aurel made her way to check on Eowyn. Eomer sat by her bedside. "Eomer." She said quietly; he stood. "No need to stand, I only come to see how she is faring."
"Aragorn has extraordinary skill. She will live."
Eowyn opened her eyes slightly. "Elf." She said distastefully, "What do you do here?"
Aurel smiled. "I come to gloat little human, did you think I would be concerned for you at all?" She tsked. "What have I told you about swords foolish girl, only those with experience should handle them."
Eowyn smirked. "I only followed your example."
Aurel leaned forward to get closer to her face. "You will be remembered for your courage."
Eowyn coughed. "And folly!"
"Those two usually come hand in hand." Responded Aurel with kindness and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"Thank you." said Eowyn, reaching out to touch Aurel's hand.
"I will come by to see you later on, rest fair-one." Said Aurel, and then she looked at Eomer. "If you need anything..."
Eomer nodded.
"And what shall I do here?" asked Gimli complaining after having followed Legolas around for quite some time.
"Stop grumbling Gimli." said Legolas.
"You can come with me." said Gandalf interrupting both of them.
Aurel cast her attention from where she had heard Gandalf's voice, "Mithrandir, it is good to see you."
Gandalf smiled, "We meet again, and under not much changed circumstances."
Aurel scurried past him spotting someone who was in need of care.
Gandalf took no notice and turned to face the other elf by his side, "And how are you Master Legolas?"
Legolas carried fresh dressings in his hands and averted the gaze of Gandalf, "As well as can be."
"Will you come along as well? I go to find Elladan and Elrohir."
Legolas shook his head and glanced over to Aurel, "I think I would be of more use here."
"Very well then. Take care to rest." Gandalf patted him on the shoulder before leaving with Gimli.
Legolas gave a half smile, and looked to see what Aurel was doing.
"I heard you were very brave Merry." said Aurel, smiling as she caressed his little hand.
"Who would go and tell you a thing like that?" He asked.
"Rumour spreads fast."
His smile disappeared. "How is Lady Eowyn?"
"Recovering, same as yourself."
"You know…she was the brave one."
"Yes."
He quickly changed the subject, "Where is Pippin?"
Aurel playfully looked around. "That I do not know. I suspect he will come along to join you soon. Is there anything I can get for you?"
"Is there anything that could heal me quicker?"
"You were saved by the hands of Aragorn from a very dark and ill poison, you are lucky to be awake."
"So, no?"
Aurel laughed, "No, if you want to heal quickly, rest."
Merry sighed, "I don't have much choice, do I?"
Legolas briskly walked up to where Aurel was. "Aurel."
She stood up to face Legolas. When she looked at him, he had a look of horror on his face. "What is it?" She asked worried.
"I have remembered something."
"A memory?"
He quickly nodded his head.
She held on to his arm, and quickly led him out of the houses of healing, he looked as if he was short of breath, "Sit down Legolas, you look unwell."
He did as she asked and only stared down at the ground.
"Do you wish to speak of it?"
His hands where at his knees and he looked as if he was about to cry.
She knelt down to be closer to him, to be able to look at his face. "Legolas…what have you remembered?"
"I used to have dreams about you…horrible dreams."
Aurel remained silent.
"I have remembered one that was reoccurring." He lifted his head up to look at her. "I cannot bear the thought of you in pain, and the dream, it is filled with it. Orcs, and blood...and…"
"That is in the past…"
He shook his head. "No…I have also been plagued with a new dream Aurel, I had feared telling you about it for it seems to me to be a bad omen…"
"What is it about?"
"I..." He hesitated to tell her, "I cannot reach you in the dream…I run so quickly, but you are in pain once more, I cannot...I cannot reach...you..." He covered his face with his hands to stop his quivering voice.
"Tis'only a dream beloved, do not let it affect you so."
He grabbed hold of her hands, "I do not want you to go into any more battle."
"Do not ask that of me. I have pledged that same oath as you."
"I ask it of you." His tone of voice changed to a sterner one.
"No Legolas. You would not stay if I asked it of you. My brothers fight, and so shall I."
He stood up in anger. "I will not let you!"
She stood up and scoffed at him, "You cannot be serious; you do not command what I do."
"I will speak to Estel."
"Legolas. They are only dreams."
"And that is why I am cautious…if something were to happen, if I were not able to reach you…"
"That is a risk I am willing to take."
"It is not one I am willing to take." said Legolas.
"That is not your choice."
His face turned a slight shade of pink, "We will see about that!"
"There is nothing that will stop me Legolas, not you, nor any other person."
"Why are you so defiant?"
"For the same reason that you do not see reason, it is just the way I am, I have made my decision, you have no claim over it." She knew in her heart that it was a bad omen to dream of such things, but kept quiet trying to dissuade Legolas from going to Aragorn.
Legolas began to pace back and forth.
"Legolas." She said.
He stopped his pacing.
"I am here now." She stepped closer to him and reached for his hands, she could feel that he was tense. She lifted his hands to her face. "Your hands hold me now, it does not matter what tomorrow brings." He would not calm with her words. She moved one hand and placed it over her heart. "My heart beats for yours, all the pain you have remembered, it is in the past, you can let go of that now…do not carry it in your mind…I am right before you…I will always be right here." She looked up at him and saw his eyes fill with tears that would not fall. "Oh...Melethril." She sighed as she caressed one side of his face.
He closed his eyes and pulled her almost violently into him, and embraced her, holding her tightly.
As if all had been a dream, now they stood before the black gates of Mordor, with fewer than 6,000 men. In order to give Frodo any chance of fulfilling his quest, they had decided to avert Sauron's attention to them. Aurel was afraid, she cared not to admit it, and she had been very carefully watched every moment of the day under Legolas's watchful eye. She rode alone on her horse and watched the black gates slowly open, a single messenger came riding out. Aragorn went to meet him as did the others by his side. At first it was not understood what was said between them, but the messenger unveiled something that shined brightly.
"We will spare the Halfling's life is you will retreat!" said the messenger holding up Frodo's mithril chain.
Most were speechless at first, but Aragorn reacted violently, unsheathing his sword and striking the messenger dead. Cries could be heard from behind the gates and without further warning a grand host of all evil creatures ran out, surrounding them, beginning a fierce battle. Aragorn, Legolas, Aurel, Elladan, and Elrohir had been close to one another, but the surprising imminent attack did not give them time to stay that way, and all were separated from the other, save Aragorn and Aurel, and even they were still a great deal apart from one another.
Aurel could not remember the last time she had fought so brutally and she was disgusted by what was happening around her. She tried to find others whom she would recognize, but all were strange horrid faces to her. When she turned to find Aragorn, she found him fighting a giant foe, a great cave troll, and it had knocked him to the ground. She fought her way through Orc and Uruk-Hai, until at last she let out a piercing cry and jumped up in the air, slicing the troll's head off in one graceful move. The troll fell backwards, headless, and Aurel rushed to help Aragorn up from the ground. He was still dazed from the blow the troll had dealt him, but he could see Aurel's image as she extended her hand out to help him. As his vision cleared, he became confused. Aurel was still standing there, but her extended hand trembled and the expression on her face was one he had never seen before. Blood slowly trickled from the side of her mouth and the front of her vest quickly stained red with blood as a black sword came piercing through her. The orc who had stabbed her in the back pulled his sword back out and she gave a small whimper before dropping her sword and falling on her knees face first onto Aragorn. At first he could not believe what had happened, but the feeling of warm blood spilling onto him woke him from his daydream. He gasped as Aurel struggled to find breath; the sword had punctured her lung. From afar Legolas watched the events unravel before him; he had struggled to get to her, but had not been able to reach her on time. He pushed and fought his way towards them. Aragorn rolled Aurel to the ground and stood up fiercely, clutching onto his sword and slashing at the large Orc who had stabbed Aurel, killing it. He rushed to her; she was trying to stand on her own. She grabbed onto the ground with one hand, and the other hand was clutching at her wound, trying to somehow stop the bleeding.
"Aurel." He said desperately, he did not know what to do, but he turned her around, her eyes were wide.
"My sword….you—cann—cannot…"
Aragorn looked around him, but if he did not do something soon, more orcs were going to take notice and he would surely perish, he tried to calm her, but she was trying to speak, and it was only making things worse.
"Do not speak…I…I am sorry Aurel..." He reached for her sword and brought it to her side, "I have to continue fighting…" Aragorn's heart was breaking. "Please, try and stay alive…" He began to cry as he looked at her for one last time before running into battle.
Aurel closed her eyes and coughed. "Es-tel…please…I am so afraid…" she whispered. Aragorn had not heard what she had said, and she understood why he had left, and did not curse him for it, but she was so deathly afraid. She was in so much pain she could not cry. All of a sudden she felt as if she was being dragged, and she was, by a pair of orcs. Why they were dragging her she did not know, but they only dragged her for a little while before dumping her aside. She opened her eyes and they were standing in front of her, they were curious, and looked as if they were contemplating something.
"We should drag her away from here, relish the few moments she has of life, and torture her." said one Orc
"No, no…too risky, we should finish her off and be done with it here." said the other.
"Look, she still holds on to her sword!"
The first Orc went to touch it, but Aurel moved and it surprised the orc.
"Go on, she can't do anything to you in her state." said the other orc.
There was a loud rumbling and the whole of mount doom seemed to roar. For a few seconds it captured the attention of the orcs and it gave Aurel enough time to hold on to her sword more tightly. They will not take it from me she thought. Aurel could feel she was slipping, the warmth she had felt before when she was attacked at Red Horn Pass was coming back to her, and she wanted to do nothing more than to fall into it, she thought of Legolas and it made her cry out. The orcs cast their attention back on her.
"Let's finish her off!"
They came very close to her, but never reached her, Legolas had arrived. He killed them with a great thirst for blood, anything that was near Aurel had been killed by him. When he caught sight of her, he nearly cried. "Melethril!" he threw himself on the ground beside her and she cried out in pain as he tried to lift her up into his arms. "You should not have come, you should not have come…" he cried. Another great explosion came forth from Mount Doom and the great tower where Sauron's eye could be seen, began to crumble.
I am so sorry. She thought.
Do not leave me!
I do not do it by choice, it is too difficult….too painful… She looked up at his tear-stained face, and tears began to fall from her eyes as well.
Your brothers will come, they will help.
She shook her head slowly, and coughed weakly.
You must have hope…please!
She looked away from him and towards the battle which had now almost come to an end, at last she could see that they had been victorious, the black army dispersed. She gave a half smile, and her sight became distant. "I – have been true to m—my oath…" She looked up at him once more, "I am lu--cky that I—I am able to look upon yo—your face bel--oved…even if now… it...is only a distant me—me-mory."
Eagle's cries could be heard over the victorious shouts, but Legolas wailed as he held Aurel in his arms and felt her spirit go.
