{Chapter Nine}
Siladhiel closed her eyes sitting in the middle of a clearing after finally managing to lose those following her. She needed to do this alone and she knew that should she explain it to him that he would understand. She is drifting within herself allowing herself to search within seeing the healing parts of her soul and continued drifting into she reached her core. She molded into the part of her soul that was so distinctly provided by her mother, the one she walked away from when she failed to save her father and Glorfindel all those years ago.
She flinched feeling the tailspin of a vertex and images filled her mind. She saw dates and places being attacked by the enemy pushing harder to gather information she needed. It had been centuries since she had used this gift of hers and it hurt. She could see Lorien, Lindon, and Mirkwood under attack while they were fighting as well. She snapped her eyes open in realization knowing that no one else with foresight could see this happening.
She would try again later to gather more clarity on the Fellowship but now she needed to plan aid for the upcoming battles. She bolted back through the forest in search of Celeborn and Galadriel to write a notice. They looked at her worriedly as she stared at them motioning to the study.
"I cannot explain but I need to write orders to my Kingdom" She said seriously and without question Celeborn handed her paper and ink
She quickly wrote out her orders for her armies to move out and how much assistance to provide. Sauron wouldn't expect Lindon's great armies to move and assist in such dark times. She gave specific dates that each sector should move out and how much would remain to protect the kingdom. She knew that this planning would be having to be perfect to ensure that Sauron's forces were taken unaware of the assistance and have them arrive at the perfect moment to both Lorien and Mirkwood while ensuring Rivendell and her borders remain strong. She gave directions on what to watch for should more aid be needed. She sealed the letter with her aura and personal seal before handing it to Celeborn.
"It is of upmost importance that this letter makes it to my kingdom as quick as an eagle flies" She said seriously as Galadriel looked at her with wide eyes
"What have you seen?" She questioned seriously knowing that she hadn't used this power in some time
"Sauron's plan" She explained causing both them to look at her in awe "I saw enough to take him by surprise and that is all I will say for now"
"Lindon will march to aide" Celeborn stated knowingly
"Lindon will shine" She said with a smile of remembrance
"We are grateful for your help" Galadriel said honestly knowing "And prepare as well"
"It is the least that I could do" Siladhiel said softly looking at the two people that always supported her choices
"Go finish preparing, the fellowship prepares to depart" Galadriel explained knowingly
"I shall see when we depart" Siladhiel said with a smile before sighing and hugging the both of them "Thank you for providing shelter to us"
Siladhiel turned and walked from the room feeling their happiness over her actions. She quickly approached the camp and began packing her things feeling Legolas's eyes on hers the entire time. They would speak about it later, for now they had more important things to do. She smiled at him causing him to relax slightly before pulling over the bag around her shoulder. She was grateful that Celeborn and Galadriel had provided them all new traveling clothes getting rid of the old bloodied ones.
She approached the small elven boats seeing Celeborn and Galadriel waiting for them. Galadriel approached everyone giving them gifts for their journey. Lorien broaches to the hobbits, hair to Gimli, a new bow to Legolas with new arrows, she couldn't see what she gave Aragorn, and provided Frodo with Earendil. She was in shock seeing him get a star and smiled at Galadriel who smirk knowingly.
"Farewell, Frodo Baggins. I give you the light of Earendil, our most beloved star. May it be a light for you in dark places, when all other lights go out." Galadriel explained as Frodo looked at her with wide eyes
"Siladhiel" He whispered with a smile and looked at her grateful for the gift
"There is nothing I can provide that will assist you from here" Galadriel said with eyes sparking with wisdom stepping before her
"I leave you with this my dear one" Galadriel said softly "Thus the world still awaits the rising sun and longs for the all-consuming blaze. Long has the path been and shall the never-ending darkness gain, unless the light does not wain"
Siladhiel nodded sharply going over her warning knowing what it meant. The time for her to accept her destiny was upon her and should she fail to unleased it in time, Sauron will win, and nothing will stand in his way. She didn't truly know what she was meant to be or what she was able to do. She spent so much time running from who she was that she forgot who she was.
"Farewell for now my friends" She whispered to both of them "Let this offer protection until the sun rises once more"
Siladhiel stepped back as her true self pulsed sending out a wave of purity more powerful than anything anyone had ever felt. It was getting a little too easy to use her minor abilities from her true self. Galadriel chuckled and nodded as she entered the boat with Legolas and Gimli knowing that it was a matter of time before she was unsealed and ready to accept her fate. Celeborn smiled as he turned knowing she just pushed the darkness back from their border to assist them for now. It wouldn't stop the darkness, but it would slow it down.
"Does she hold foreboding in her statement?" Legolas questioned softly, and she nodded gently
"The time is coming where I must choose" She explained causing him to frown "There is much that is still unknown Legolas, do not let it weigh much on your heart. I have not failed my task yet"
"But it is possible lass?" Gimli questioned in concern worried over her wellbeing
"Yes" She said honestly "But I shall not it happen easily"
"I think not" Gimli said with a booming laugh "I think not"
Siladhiel smiled at him in relief and turned her eyes to scanning their surrounding surprised at how easy her aura reached out searching for darkness in the distance. She still had so much to learn and so much to discover but it was unusual how free it was as it was. She looked at Legolas seeing him and could see the worry causing him distress. She reached out to him placing a hand on his sending her aura into him taking him by surprise as it soothed him. It was instinct to sooth him in such a way.
He swiftly and gently kissed her cheek giving her a small smile before looking at shoreline again. She smiled at him before turning her eyes to the water of the River of Anduin. She felt hypnotized by the movement and like it was calling her. The water remainder her of her mother, Nienna, and her tears. She blinked taking a breath wondering why she was pulling pulled as if into the water and shook off the daze.
She takes notice of the concern look on Aragorn's face and looks up noticing the flock of birds circling above. She flinched remember that Saruman was also after them to please his lord. She swallows as the approach a steep rocky gorge as they approach the Argonath.
"Frodo" Aragorn whispers catching the hobbit's attention
She smiled at Aragorn as Frodo looks with wide eyes in amazement at the sight. Two enormous statues on each side of the river. She knew they were the carved images of the Gondorian Kings of old. She smiled at the statues towering with power and majesty as if they could move to defend at any moment.
"The Argonath" Aragorn whispers as she looks at him seeing the awe in his eyes "Long have I desired to look upon the kings of old, my kin"
Siladhiel understand that he was moved by such, she understood that he never learned of his kingdom. He never learned that his line was once strong and even held the respect of her father. She wondered if she should talk to him about what she thought and felt for his ancestors as she watched the boats move through the gap passing the statues to enter the lake.
Siladhiel assist as they approached the Nen Hithoel shore line. She leaped out leading the boat to the shore. She looked at Aragorn as he was looking at her in question and she knew that he was waiting for her. She nodded sternly knowing that he wanted to continue at night, it was hard to travel across the lake during daylight with little protection.
"We cross the lake at nightfall, hide the boats and continue on foot. We approach Mordor from the North." Aragorn explained seriously to the rest as Siladhiel provided the support he needed
"Oh, yes, just a simple matter of finding our way through Emyn Muil, an impassable labyrinth of razor-sharp rocks. And after that gets even better, a festering, stinking marshland, far as the eye can see." Gimli commented gloomy at the idea causing Siladhiel to smirk at Aragorn
"That is our Road, I suggest you take some rest and recover your strength, Master Dwarf." Aragorn commented in amusement causing Siladhiel to fight a laugh before she stared off into the distance pushing out her aura
"Recover my..." Gimli huffed from behind her as she feels darkness closing in on them
She hears Legolas's warning tone as he talks with Aragorn as she walks off following Frodo and Boromir seeing them disappear. Feeling darkness closing in she fastens her steps closing in on the Slopes of Amon Hen. She is relaxing seeing Frodo before taking in his cautious expression becoming worried. She pauses on the stairs as Boromir begins to speak.
"None of us should wander alone; you least of all. So much depends on you, Frodo?" Boromir says quietly "I know why you seek solitude. You suffer; I see it day by day. Are you sure you do not suffer needlessly? Let me help you. There are other ways, Frodo. Other paths that we might take."
Frodo looks behind her as the fear washing from his face knowing she is there as well. He takes strength from her watchful and calmly gaze before turning towards Boromir once more.
"I know what you would say, and it would seem like wisdom but for the warning of my heart" Frodo whispers and Siladhiel is again proud to call him a friend
"Warning? Against what? We are all afraid, Frodo. But to let that fear drive us to destroy what hope we have; don't you see that is madness?" Boromir states seriously and she could see the ring has consumed him
"There is no other way" Frodo said seriously
"I ask only for the strength to defend my people" Boromir says in anger dropping the wood he collected "If you would but lend me the ring"
"No" Frodo said seriously stepping back closer to her and she decided she heard enough stepping next to him
"Boromir" She said sternly as he blinks away the daze "The ring stays with Frodo, do not ask such for your path would end in death for you to bear it"
She never takes her eyes off Boromir as she places a hand on Frodo's shoulder feeling him relax under her touch. She sees Boromir shake off the daze stumbling and fall to his knees. She is still as guard as he shakes his head before looking at them with clear eyes.
"Frodo! Frodo! What have I done. Please, Frodo" Boromir pleads in distress "I'm sorry, Frodo"
"Worry not" Siladhiel said seriously as she pears off in the distance "Frodo, I need you to run"
"Quenya?" Frodo said in confusion as she investigates the woods swiftly taking out her bow
"No time for questions, they come for you Frodo. Run, I will hold them off" She said seriously shoving him
"But" Frodo mutters in fear and panic looking at between her and Boromir
She kneels before him looking him in the eyes "The time for your path had come" She whispers touching his chest softly "Remember that you need only hold to hope, and we will win dear one, I will be with you dear one"
Siladhiel rips off something and shoves in his hand. Frodo is in shock as he opens his hand to see a necklace with the symbol of Lindon on it. She presses a kiss on his forehead whispering a silent prayer cleansing his spirit of the darkness.
"Let that be enough to see you through" She whispers brokenly before shoving him "Swiftly Frodo"
Frodo stumbles back and takes off towards the Summit of Amon Hen where she knows she will meet with Aragorn. Siladhiel looks at Boromir seriously and he nods showing he is ready for what awaits them. She gives him a smirk before taking off towards the woods where Uruk-Hai and Orcs come running out of the tree towards them.
"We should try to get to the rest" She whispers looking in the direction and he nods
She takes a breath and begins firing the arrows quickly taking down the ranks as she hits her mark. She sees Boromir begin slicing through the enemy as she flips to higher ground continuing shooting down the enemy. She jumps swiftly grabbing Boromir dragging him closely to the camp as quickly as she could. She blinks in surprise seeing Merry and Pippin
"Find the Halflings" One of the Uruk-hai orders causing her to flinch
Boromir bolts forward using his sword attempting to shield the hobbits as they are noticed. Siladhiel drops her bow and picks up her twin blades. She begins swiftly slicing those closest to her trying to fight her way to Boromir. She jumps forward stabbing her blades into the back of the one closest to him.
"The horn" She says urgently before using her elbow to force an orc away stabbing it through the face
Boromir nods and sounds the horn while she provides protection from the enemy. She growls out lowly feeling a sword hit her side causing her to stumble. She watches with wide eyes as a black arrow suddenly thuds into Boromir's chest. She struggles towards him fighting as she continues to be pushed back.
"No" She screams as another arrow hits his chest as he falls to his knees. She bolts towards him killing those closest to him and kneels before him worried.
"Boromir! Quenya!" Merry and Pippin yell grabbing her attention
She watches in horror as they are carried away and an Uruk-hai is aiming an arrow at Boromir's heart. She charges forward smashing the bow with her sword. She grunts at the weight of a hit before he holds her to a tree. She grasps for breath as he struggles her as she shoves her blade through her chest the same moment an arrow finds its way through his head. As he drops to the ground dead she looks at Legolas.
Legolas bolts forward looking her over as she tries to catch her breath. She flinches and remembers Boromir looking over to where Aragorn is kneeling at his side. She pushes off Legolas and bolts to his side. He is gasping for breath
"They took the little ones" Boromir whispers causing her to choke a sob back as they try to stop the flow of blood "Frodo, here is Frodo?"
"I let Frodo go" Aragorn whispers as Siladhiel blinks back tears
"Then you did what I could not. I tried to take the ring from him." Boromir says brokenly looking at Siladhiel "Fore you had not stopped me"
"The ring is beyond our reach now." Aragorn whispers and Siladhiel placing a hand on his head brushing away so hair
"Forgive me, I did not see. I have failed you all." Boromir said brokenly looking at her and she shakes her head
"No, Boromir. You fought bravely. You have kept your honor" Siladhiel whispers as they try to bind the bleeding wounds
'leave it! It is over, the world of Men will fall, and all will come to darkness and my city to ruin" He whispers brokenly blood coming from his mouth breaking Siladhiel inside
"I do not know what strength is in my blood, but I swear to you. I will not let the White City fall, nor your people fail" Aragorn whispers a promise
"Our people" Boromir said with pride as he holds his sword tightly "I would have followed you, my brother, my captain, my King"
"Be at peace, son of Gondor" Aragorn whispers kissing Boromir's forehead as his breath leaves him "They will look for his coming from the white tower, but he will not return."
Siladhiel stands suddenly turning away from the scene looking into the sky with her hands clenched tightly. She feels the familiar burn of rage sinking into her heart as she throws her head back and screams. The others watched in shock as her true self flickered wildly. She screamed again in silent promise her aura pulsing through the air carrying the promise out as she punched a tree shattering it under the force.
She turned towards them with eyes burning in rage and sadness before approaching Boromir picking the broken horn from the ground and placing it on his chest. Aragorn knowing what she was doing assisting in preparing the ceremony. They carried his body gently to the shore and placed it in a boat. She led over and kissed his forehead whispering her sorrow in her heart. They send the boat into the water watching in silence as it disappears out of sight off the Falls of Rauros.
"If we are quick, we will catch Frodo and Sam before nightfall" Legolas says gathering a boat seeing them in the distance but Aragorn and Siladhiel look at each other "You mean not to follow them"
"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands." Aragorn said seriously as Siladhiel nodded in confirmation
"Then it has all been in vain, the fellowship has failed" Gimli said in anger kicking the ground in anger
"Not if we hold true to each other. We will not abandon Merry and Pippin to torment and death, not while we have strength left" Aragorn commands as Siladhiel places a hand on his shoulder
"Leave all that can be spared behind, we travel light. Let's hunt some Orc." Siladhiel commanded seriously
"Yes! Ha!" Gimli says seriously following after Siladhiel as they quickly grab the items they need
Siladhiel glanced across the shore sending a prayer their way wishing she could have seen Sam before he left as well. She knew they would be okay, that this path would give them the chance to defeat their enemy. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned slightly to look into Legolas's eyes
"Let me dress your wound" Legolas whispered, and she flinched having forgot about the wound to her side
"Very well" She said letting him lead her to a fallen tree to sit
"Are you well?" Legolas questioned worriedly seeing the faraway look on her face
"I will be" She said honestly flinching as he cleaned the wound "It doesn't look bad"
"No, it will heal quickly" He confirmed gently placing her shirt down before touching her face gently "I worried for you"
"I know" She said softly leaning forward to kiss his cheek "I am well despite all we have faced, I have faith that we will see the end of this war"
"I shall take relief in your belief" Legolas whispered as her aura seeped into him
"We need to set out" Aragorn commanded hating to interrupt their moment after seeing his friend's panic when the horn sounded and thought Siladhiel was injured as well
"Ready" Siladhiel said seriously looking over everyone "Let's go get our friends back"
"Of course, Lass" Gimli said taking strength from hers
Siladhiel turned and investigated the woods taking Legolas's hand squeezing it gently before releasing it. She began running with Aragorn at her side using her sharp eyes to track along with him.