To Whatever End: Chapter Five

-Kathryn-

I stuffed another bite of breakfast in my mouth, trying to finish as fast as I could while also paying attention to the discussion at hand in the main hall. This particular morning I'd woken up late, and the minute I'd stepped out of my room, Kaia had come running with news of something horrible involving Erin, Pippin, and the palantír that'd happened in the middle of the night. Figures, I thought, washing things down with a swig from a mug of tea. Everything goes to shit and I completely miss it. But even now, I was hesitant to joke about it all. The way Kaia had explained everything to me, and judging by the grave looks on people's faces now, I could tell it had been a serious incident.

"How do we know the secrecy of this has not been compromised?" Théoden was saying, taking a step forward to stoke the small fire in the hall's great hearth. "That our enemy has not been made aware of these greater plans to defeat him?"

"There was no lie in Pippin's eye," Gandalf answered, "A fool... but an honest fool he remains. He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring." I glanced to where the hobbit sat on a wooden stool with Kaia standing at his side. Then Gandalf's eyes flicked to not only Pippin, but Erin as well, standing off to the side with Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli. "We've been strangely fortunate," the wizard continued. "Pippin and Erin saw in the palantír glimpses of the Enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith. And with him, he brings a force greater than we are now prepared to defeat. The men of the East and South have answered Mordor's call." For a moment, I remembered Faramir and pitied him, completely unaware of the destruction set to befall his city.

Théoden's face fell slightly. "...How many?"

"At least two hundred thousand," Erin spoke up. "Maybe more. And others still will be sent to the north to attack those lands as well."

The king of Rohan stared at her in shock. "How could men ever hope to conquer such an enemy?" He looked back to Gandalf, as if expecting him to come up with some magical plan then and there.

The wizard's expression, however, remained grave. "We do not have the strength in our numbers alone to defeat Sauron's forces," he said plainly. "The armies of Gondor and Rohan will not be enough, even when combined to -"

"Rohan?" Théoden suddenly interrupted with a frown. "You would expect my people to fight as they still lick their wounds dealt to them by Saruman?" His eyes darkened, words turning sour and bitter. "Where was Gondor in our hour of need? Why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours?" It fell silent as all eyes turned to him, the king's own gaze settling on Aragorn in particular. "What do we owe Gondor?"

"This isn't about what's owed," Kaia cut in with a glare. "It's about survival. If you don't help Gondor, they'll be completely overrun, and then Sauron will come for you next." Théoden now rounded on Kaia with his dark stare, but she didn't back down, holding his gaze with the same stubbornness.

Erin spoke up again a moment later, breaking the tense standoff. "There must be something else we can do, though." I glanced up at her as I continued to clean my plate, noting the flash of fear across her face when she was met with momentary silence. "...Right? We must have other allies somewhere."

But Gandalf only let out a soft sigh of defeat, shaking his head. "The elves of Lórien and Rivendell are too far beyond our reach now, and too few in number. Their people are leaving these shores, never to return."

"What about the dwarves?" Erin suggested, glancing to Gimli beside her. "We're still on good terms with them, right?"

"Aye, send word to Dáin!" the redhead agreed, leaning on his axe. "My kin would come and stand against Sauron himself if I called them to it!"

"The dwarves of Erebor face their own threats of war in the north, my friend," Gandalf countered. "As do Brand's forces in Dale and Thranduil's in the forest. We cannot ask them to abandon defense of their homelands."

Erin paled, her expression fearful as she tried again. "Halbarad, then!" she threw out, now turning to Aragorn. "How many men does he have with him?"

"Not enough," the ranger shook his head. "And none that could reach us in time. They are too far north."

She paused, seeming panicked as she ran out of ideas. "But... that can't be it." Her shoulders slumped in defeat, and she looked back to Gandalf in desperation. "There must be someone else we can call on."

The wizard held her gaze for a moment, not wanting to give her the answer she already knew. "We will have more time to gather our armies, and a better knowledge of what we must be prepared for. But I'm afraid beyond that, there is nothing more to be done. We must face this fight on our own." Erin stared at him for a second before her gaze fell to the floor, still processing everything with a deep-set worry marring her features.

I saw Kaia glance in her direction briefly before she reentered the conversation. "Gondor should be warned," she said. "It might buy them some time to prepare their defenses, at least."

Almost immediately, Aragorn looked up from where he stood. "I will go."

"No!" Gandalf replied sharply.

"They must be warned!"

"They will be." Gandalf turned his gaze to the future king, walking over to then quietly whisper something in Aragorn's ear to which he only responded with an uncertain look. I cleared the last crumbs from my plate, reaching to finish off my tea as the white wizard turned back to the center of the group. "Understand this. Things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith." He turned again, now towards Pippin as I stood from my seat at the table. "And I won't be going alone." Again, the room fell silent as everyone's gaze fell to the young hobbit in understanding. But seconds later, Gandalf spoke again. "I trust you've both made your preparations to leave." Pippin nodded, but I frowned, looking up just as the wizard's gaze shifted to another. "Erin?"

The plate I had just picked up slipped from my fingers and landed on the table with a loud clatter. "What?!" I shrieked, whipping around.

"The hell?!" Kaia echoed, staring at the other woman with a horrified expression. We exchanged stunned glances as I stepped forward into the circle, both of us utterly shocked by the news. Why didn't she tell us?

Erin closed her eyes for a moment and let out a breath, looking up to meet Gandalf's expectant stare as she stepped forward. "Yes, Gandalf. I'm ready." She continued to stare straight at the wizard, refusing to meet anyone else's gaze.

"Then we will depart at once, and quickly," Gandalf answered. Seeing Kaia and I still shellshocked off to the side, he paused. "I will allow you a moment to say your farewells." He then turned and walked briskly out of the hall, dragging Pippin along with him and leaving the rest of us to our business.

Before he'd even made it out the door, I was right in front of her, staring at my friend in disbelief. "Why are you doing this?" I asked. "What... Why didn't you tell us?"

"I'm sorry," she said quietly, meeting my gaze. "It's not safe for me here, after..." She shook her head, clearly just as upset by this as we were. "Don't think for a second I'm doing this because I want to." She looked up at me again, eyes shining with unshed tears. "I don't."

I swallowed past the lump in my throat, pulling her into a tight hug which she immediately returned. "I know," I whispered back. "I wish you could stay." We were both quiet for another minute until I finally let her go, stepping back with a watery smile. "Be careful out there. And tell Faramir I said hi, if you see him."

She managed to smile back. "I will. You be careful, too."

I nodded, stepping back. "Good luck, Erin." We stood there for a moment longer before she turned to the others, and I took it as my cue to leave, returning to the table to collect my dishes. I cast one last glance over my shoulder as Erin said her goodbyes to Aragorn and Gimli, feeling fear in my heart despite knowing we'd see each other again eventually. But then I paused, hand hovering over the ceramic mug as it struck me. But I don't know, I realized, swallowing as I tried to push past my quickening pulse and turn to hurry off towards the kitchens. Maybe that's why I'm so afraid.

-Erin-

As Kathryn walked away, I took a deep breath, turning to Aragorn and Gimli nearby. "I guess you two will have to live without me for awhile."

The dwarf's eyes crinkled as he smiled from underneath his bushy red beard. "We'll miss ya, lass. Don't do anything too reckless, you hear?"

I cracked a smile. "Got it. No more crazy stunts."

"Right," he said, smiling sadly. "No more of that."

I reached to clasp his shoulder, looking up to Aragorn who stood behind him. For a moment, I paused, still feeling a pang of guilt. "...See you, Aragorn."

He offered a respectful nod. "Farewell, Erin."

I nodded back, and the two of them walked off as well. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught a familiar flash of green, but just as I turned to face him Kaia nearly tackled me in a hug. "I think I've waited long enough."

The familiar tightness in my chest returned, and I hugged her back tightly. "I'm sorry, Kaia," I said. "I hate to leave you guys now, but... I don't have a choice."

"No, no, it's fine, it's..." She trailed off, letting me go. "I know what that thing does to you," she said quietly. But then something in her expression shifted - still sadness, but mixed with another emotion I didn't understand. A distant look overcame her for a moment before her dark eyes met mine again. "...Why did you do it?"

I hadn't expected such a question, but gave her an honest answer all the same. "I had to warn them about the armies somehow," I explained. "No one would've believed me otherwise."

She was silent for a moment, as if my response meant something to her, but before I could ask about it she nodded. "I understand." A faint smile appeared on her face as she reached out to grasp my arm. "Give 'em hell out there, Erin."

"Same to you," I said, returning her smile. "But not too much hell. I expect see you alive and well again before this is all over."

Kaia nodded. "I'll do my best." For a moment, we stood in silence, and I noticed her smile waver as she slowly drew her hand away. Her gaze fell, and she suddenly looked lost in thought, almost as if she'd forgotten I was there.

I frowned. "Kaia?"

She blinked, eyes snapping back to mine. "Sorry, I just..." A pause. "...I'll miss you."

The lump returned to my throat, and I pulled her into one last hug. "I'll miss you, too," I said, voice wavering.

I would've said more, but suddenly Pippin's shout echoed through the room as I saw him appear through the great double doors at the front of the hall. "Erin! Gandalf says we have to go now; come on!"

Kaia and I split apart once again, and I turned to address the hobbit. "Coming!" I glanced back to my lifelong friend, offering her one last smile. "See you later, Kaia."

She smiled back, though it still felt sad. "Goodbye, Erin."

As Pippin scurried off, I started after him, but paused when I realized I hadn't finished all my goodbyes. I turned, looking back at the elf who still stood there, patiently waiting. "Walk with me," I said, quickly, heading for the doors. He obediently followed close behind as I reached them, matching my pace as we stepped outside and begin making our way down to the royal stables.

Before we'd even reached the bottom of the stairs, though, he was on me. "Why do you have to do this? You ride to sit at the enemy's doorstep; where he means to strike next! You could go anywhere else in Arda-"

"It was Gandalf's decision, not mine," I cut him off.

"But you knew the choice he would make!" Suddenly, he clamped a hand on my shoulder, forcing me to stop and look at him. "You know what waits for you in Minas Tirith." Urgency laced his words, a deep concern filling his blue eyes.

I stared back at him, calm and unwavering. "Yes, I do," I said. "And the same evil waits for everyone else within the walls of Minas Tirith right now, who have no idea what's coming for them." I paused, allowing myself a small moment of vulnerability. "We have no other allies to help us, Legolas. I thought just telling them I saw it in the palantír would be enough, but..." My gaze fell to my feet, a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, and I shook my head. "I have to do something to help them. I can't just stand by and do nothing. Not again." I pulled myself from his grasp, forcing myself to step back.

"What are you going to do?" he asked, a hint of disbelief in his voice.

I frowned, still staring at the dirt. "...I don't know." The conversation fell silent then, and I turned, continuing on toward the stables. Just go, I told myself, hating how much it hurt to walk away from him. Go and get it over with. It'll make everything easier.

But I didn't get more than ten steps forward before I heard Legolas call my name again. Against my better judgement, I stopped in the middle of the dirt road and turned around as he chased after me, dodging carts and other people moving past. He came to an abrupt stop just as he reached me, hesitating and then drawing back slightly as an uncertain looked crossed his face. "...We will see each other again?"

I wanted to say yes more than anything. I wanted to be able to look him in the eye and tell him with confidence we would... but I couldn't. There was no way of knowing now. "I hope so," I said quietly. For a split second, I saw a flash of panic in his eyes. He opened his mouth to respond, but was cut off by nearby shouts as we both turned to see a horse-drawn wagon heading our way. I quickly pulled him aside, dragging us both out of the road and over to the outside wall of the stables as one last thought came to mind. "Legolas, I want you to promise me something."

His brow furrowed slightly, but he gave an encouraging nod. "Of course."

I took half a step closer, lowering my voice and meeting his gaze. "...Swear to me you'll keep Kathryn and Kaia safe. You know how much they mean to me, and with everything that's going to happen..." I trailed off, afraid to voice my darkest fears. "Don't let either one of them get hurt," I whispered. "Please."

Legolas nodded, softly echoing my own sincerity. "I swear on the stars themselves they shall not be harmed."

"Thank you." At first, neither of us moved, standing there just outside of the stables in silence. In that moment, I wanted nothing more than to kiss him, and I felt my chest grow tight as I began to regret everything I'd said at Helm's Deep, wishing I could take it all back and just -

"Erin!" I blinked, startled by the sudden shout, and quickly turned to see Gandalf stepping out from inside the stables. He started to search, but then stopped when he noticed me standing just off to the side. "Ah, there you are. Come quickly, my dear. Your horse has been readied for you."

I glanced back at Legolas again, forcing myself to turn away and follow after Gandalf as he slipped back inside. I have to do this, I reminded myself as I approached Fréa and quickly pulled myself up into her saddle. I can't stay here. It's not safe, and I need to go to Minas Tirith to try and help them somehow. I'm doing the right thing. As I successfully mounted my horse and trotted up beside Shadowfax, I caught sight of the prince hovering just outside the doorway, still watching me. I quickly averted my gaze, swallowing past the lump in my throat. I'm doing the right thing.

"How far is Minas Tirith?" I heard Pippin ask as he was lifted onto Shadowfax's back.

"Three days' ride, as the Nazgûl flies," Gandalf answered from his position behind him. "And you'd better hope we don't have one of those on our tail."

I exhaled, reaching down to rub Fréa's neck. "You ready to ride, girl?" She whinnied softly in response, and I took the reins in my hands, looking to Gandalf and awaiting his command.

The wizard's old blue eyes met mine for a second before he turned to face the open doors before us, his expression grim as he gripped his staff. "Run, Shadowfax. Show us the meaning of haste." With a loud neigh, the white horse sprung forward into a full gallop, and I kicked Fréa into action a second later, following closely behind. I kept my eyes trained on the back of Gandalf's head as we burst out of the stables, refusing to look elsewhere despite feeling eyes fixed on my back. We tore through Edoras and blew straight through the main gate, and still I kept my gaze forward, only forward, refusing to turn. Only when we'd far surpassed the city limits did I dare look back, and when I did, I easily spotted Kaia, Kathryn, and Aragorn standing together at the top of the guard's tower as they watched us go. I swallowed hard, feeling tears sting my eyes as I gave them one last wave. It was done. Edoras was behind me now, and I had new priorities in front of me that'd require my full attention, no matter how much I already regretted leaving my friends behind. And so I turned my back on the great city of Rohan, facing forward in my saddle to turn my focus to the journey ahead and a gleaming white city far to the south.

-Kaia-

The three of us watched as the two horses sped across the plains of Rohan, water splashing up around them and sparkling in the sunlight as they crossed a stream. I felt myself smile despite my heavy heart as Erin turned around and waved to us as she rode off, growing smaller and smaller with each passing second. Everything had happened so fast, I'd barely had time to process it... but now I stood here, watching her as she rode off to Minas Tirith without us. The smile fell from my face, and I felt my heart sink.

Kathryn stood by my side, also upset by Erin's sudden departure. "It feels like the three of us were just reunited yesterday," she sighed. "So much for sticking together as a trio."

"She does not abandon you willingly," Aragorn said quietly from his place at my right. "Erin has grown more weathered to this world over time; she will fight to return to you both."

"Yeah, I know," Kathryn replied. "I just hope the world plans to bring us together again before it's too late."

I said nothing, continuing to stare out at the two small blurs of color in the distance even as Kathryn turned and walked away, with Aragorn following soon after. My gaze remained rooted to the smear of teal and grey, wishing I could call her back and tell her everything... but it was too late now. I'd had my chance, and for a moment, I'd almost done it when I'd been saying goodbye to Erin in the hall. I'd come so close to telling her about my mission, and the things I'd seen... all of it. I'd wanted her to know. But in the end, I couldn't bring myself to say a word. No one could know. I knew that was the reality, as loathe as I was to accept it. If I'd told her... she would've panicked. They all would. I have to keep it a secret, I tried to reassure myself. I did the right thing. But it felt wrong. It always felt wrong.

I watched as the two small dots finally crested the last hill and disappeared over the horizon, a deep grief blooming in my chest as the last glimpse of my lifelong friend vanished. "...Goodbye, Erin," I whispered to the wind, feeling an emptiness in the pit of my stomach as I finally turned and started back down the tower.

...I'm sorry.

-Legolas-

My eyes swept across the clearing with interest as I observed many try their hand in the archery range just outside of Meduseld at the height of the afternoon. The sun shone high across a brilliant blue sky, with only the occasional cloud passing by as a light breeze blew just enough to stir the straw strewn in a thin layer over the ground. A few days had already passed since the departure of Mithrandir, Erin, and Pippin, and many had begun to relish the peace that had seemed to descend on Edoras since then. On this particular day, I had chosen to visit the training grounds to occupy myself for a time. Although I had originally come with the intent to make use of my own bow, so far I had found it thoroughly more entertaining to simply watch as others attempted to hit their own targets. A few boys at the end of the range had begun a competition amongst themselves, betting petty wages on who they guessed could hit the target's center with his eyes closed. I watched as the tallest was blindfolded by one of his companions, then raised his bow and fit an arrow to the string. Drawing back as far as he could, he paused for a moment to take aim, and then released the arrow to let it fly - only for it to entirely miss the target. I smiled, laughing to myself as his friends teased him over the failed attempt.

As the next boy stepped up to try and best his predecessor, I felt familiar footsteps approach and fall into place beside me. "You surprise me. I'd expected to see you out there showing off to impress them all."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. "I am sorry to disappoint you, mellon. Today I have found it far more interesting to play the part of an observer."

Aragorn hummed, his gaze also falling to the children across the field as we watched another try to shoot blind and failed spectacularly. We both smothered our laughter, though a fond smile remained on his face afterward. "I can remember a time when I was no different from them."

"As can I," I agreed, recalling memories from over a thousand years ago. "I would often sneak away after dusk to the deserted range when my father thought I was asleep. He would never let me skip my lessons to practice, so I devised another way that I thought might outsmart him." I smiled as I remembered the many nights spent stealthily attempting to evade guards with a contraband bow and quiver smuggled beneath my cloak. "Then one day every guard within the palace was thrown into a frenzy because I had missed the morning meal and was nowhere to be found within my chambers. Within an hour they found me asleep in the middle of the archery range, in a heap on the ground, still cradling my bow." I chuckled.

Aragorn's brow lifted in curiosity. "I imagine you faced Thranduil's wrath that afternoon."

"Indeed I did," I admitted. "He gave me quite a long, furious lecture on how very un-princelike it was to go sneaking about the palace grounds at night."

"Did he take your bow from you?"

"He threatened to," I said. "But I ran off and hid it from him before he could find it."

Aragorn laughed again, shaking his head. "You always were stubborn."

I nodded. "I was. And he knew it. I hid it beneath my pillows and locked the door, never moving from my bed all day and night until he came knocking after I'd missed the evening meal." I could still picture my younger self, cowering beneath the blankets in fear. "I was sure I had made him even angrier; that he might break down my door and not only take my bow away, but break it in two." I paused. "But he did not." The memory was clear, but felt so foreign, as if it was not truly mine. "He was gentle and quiet, asking me to let him in so he might speak with me. After a moment, I did, and my father came and sat at my side to apologize for his anger. He told me he believed I would make a fine warrior; the greatest in all the Woodland Realm if I practiced diligently enough."

For a moment, I became quiet, lost in thought until Aragorn glanced to me expectantly. "...And?"

A smile. "He arranged for me to begin proper training lessons the next day."

The man's smile also returned, and he laughed to himself. But then it fell silent again, and I found myself no longer focused on the childish competition across the clearing. I could remember the endless days and nights spent aiming at lifeless targets. Working myself to near exhaustion when I could, practicing ruthlessly with whatever time I had. I remembered the night I first approached my father in his study with a request to join the Woodland Guard; how he had flatly refused the idea. You are a prince, Legolas. I had argued with him, stormed out in anger, and returned to the range, training for years more until I'd surpassed even the most respected archers within our ranks and it became foolish to keep me from a place within the Guard any longer. Regularly beginning to accompany forest patrols, consulting in strategy and battle tactics with other commanders, seeking out Orcs and spiders within our lands and driving them back day after day. It became much of my daily life so quickly. And somehow, I had felt more at use there, out in the wild, than I ever had through studies of diplomacy and kingship.

Suddenly, Aragorn spoke again, pulling me from my reverie. "Will you ever go back?"

For a moment, a slight frown pulled at my face, my mind tracing back years ago. "I had planned to," I confessed, "at one time. But one thing or another has always seemed to prevent me from doing so." I cast a wry smile in the man's direction, but soon enough it vanished as my thoughts grew fearful and dark. "...Sauron will send the Easterlings to attack my father's realm," I said softly, staring forward as I envisioned the great forest stretching across Rhovanion. "There will be a great battle beneath the trees, and no doubt thousands of my people will be slain." I paused, my heart burdened with a great pain. "And I can do nothing. In their darkest hour of need, I cannot come to their aid."

"Thranduil has always led his people valiantly in battle," Aragorn replied. "He will triumph against this enemy as he has with every other."

"Perhaps," I muttered, my gaze still distant. After another pause, I sighed. "Even if I would return after the war is over... I do not know if I would stay."

The ranger frowned, glancing to me curiously. "Where would you go?"

"I do not know," I answered truthfully. "The forest has always been my home, and I do wish to see my father and my kin again, but... in my heart, I am drawn elsewhere." I turned to look at him. "I have seen so much more of Arda now. To return to a life within my father's halls for the rest of my days... it is not what I feel called to." My gaze fell away. "I know it is my birthright to inherit my father's throne someday, but now I do not know that I want it."

Aragorn's face softened as I spoke, and I knew he understood such a struggle all too well. "You will make the right choice when the time comes, Legolas. I have no doubt of that."

I looked back to him with a chuckle. "I am glad to see you have faith in me, at least."

He smiled, laughing to himself as well. "In truth, I do not feel I am the best one to seek for advice on this matter."

I shook my head. "Then we are both doomed, it would seem."

"I suppose we are," he agreed. We laughed again, briefly returning our attention to the competition between the young boys as a cheer went up among them. The tallest one had succeeded in firing a perfect shot while blindfolded after all. "But never could I ask for a better companion to share such doomed days with."

I glanced back to Aragorn, my smile lingering at the sentiment. "Nor could I, mellon-nîn. Nor could I."

A/N: This chapter's a bit shorter than the last few have been, but I hope you all enjoyed it anyway! I really love writing Aragorn/Legolas dialogue tbh... broz 4 lyfe B) Also for once a chapter of Changing Destinies isn't ending on a really emo/sad note? wowza

Anyway, thanks for reading guys. Next update will come soon, hopefully!