Part, the Eighth

Things Accepted

Elrohir studied the radiant being his sister-in-all-but-blood had somehow become. Her light filled every crevice of the tent, curling around the occupants protectively. A thread of red was ribboned through her light now, showcasing her as a member of Thranduil's family to those who knew what the Mark meant. It made him grit his teeth, even as she scowled and clasped the prince's hand.

A veritable explosion of light nearly blinded him when the two touched. Blinking rapidly, he exchanged looks with his brother. Kagome was dear to them, even before she'd saved their mother from Orc torment. After that, however, there was very little they wouldn't do for her. It'd taken both of their parents to keep them from taking Glorfindel to task when he hurt her.

Crossing his arms, the eldest twin arched a brow. "Why don't you tell us what's happened."

It wasn't a request.

Swallowing, Kagome raised her eyes to the Elf beside her, again making her brothers share a look. They'd never seen her defer to anyone else in matters of her own. Legolas seemed to understand what she meant as a silent conversation passed between them.

Focusing back on the twins, the prince smiled. "Over a thousand years ago, a rather unique aura ventured into Greenwood and drew my notice."

Blushing, Kagome poked him in his side and explained how she and the prince had become friends. Legolas' eyes sparkled at her halting tale, but a somber mien came over him as she faltered upon telling of his father's most recent actions.

"My father," he cut in, "changed her Mark early for reasons unknown to me."

Releasing his betrothed's hand, he swept into a deep bow. "No slight against your family was meant. Tirelen bears Mîrthilion now; nothing would have pleased me more, however, than to have been able to court her as she deserves and present the stone formally before her family. Alas, the quest has prevented me from such luxuries."

Elladan's eyes flicked to the miko. "Your seals are broken, sister."

Blue orbs were firm and unrelenting when they met his.

"I know," she answered, and there was a wealth of meaning for him in her words.

They watched each other a long moment, until his face hardened and he gestured sharply to the front of the tent. "Leave us, then; and do not think to hover at the entrance."

Glowering, Kagome clenched her fists and was just about to blast the two when her fiancé clasped her upper arm.

"It's fine," he murmured softly.

Shaking him off, she growled, "Don't try to manage me, Legolas." Glaring at her brothers, "And, I'm not a child to be bossed."

In a flurry of fury, she nevertheless whirled and stormed from the tent. "Jerks!"

Legolas sighed and fortified himself for what was to come; both from the twins and from his rather temperamental betrothed-if he survived.

….

Kirara trotted behind her mistress as the upset miko made her way through the camp. It was times like these that the miko missed Sango the most. None of her female friends in Arda were warriors and so they didn't fully understand the difficulties that sometimes arose because of that. She'd been in charge of her own life since she was fifteen years old and now three of the men closest to her were acting like she was too stupid to make her own decisions.

Pausing at the mouth of the Dimholt road, she blew out a harsh breath and sulked. Footsteps alerted her to Éomer's approach. He stopped beside her, studying her countenance as she calmed herself.

"Does it come as a shock that the one who protects-in turn-inspires protection in others?" he asked quietly.

Blue eyes narrowed. "Not when it is needed." Facing him, she caught Kirara and ran her fingers through the neko's fur. She wasn't surprised that he was aware of the situation. He'd always been keenly observant and it wasn't like her brothers had been subtle. The Marshall probably found out from Aragorn who the twins were to her.

"I know why, Éomer, and I even understand it, but I don't think you get how belittling it can be."

Humming in thought, he watched her pet her familiar. "My sister struggles with her desire for a path from which I would shield her," he began, "not from doubt of her abilities, but from my regard for her. Perhaps my actions claim otherwise to her, but it is a price I will willingly pay to keep her from the horror of war."

A small smile graced his face as Kirara allowed him to stroke her head. "However, your betrothed must accept that he cannot shield you from conflict. He must put aside his own yearning and allow you to fight without question. Not every male could do this, Lady Guardian. Allow him to protect your honor where he can."

Features softening, Kagome wet her lips. She'd never really thought about how Legolas felt about her lifestyle. Sure, she knew that he wished she didn't have to fight-just like she wished he didn't have to fight-but she'd never considered how it made him feel as a male. He'd always supported her, but her friend's words forced her to realize that maybe she should be a bit more considerate towards him. She knew that, though there were occasionally female Elven warriors, it was highly unusual. Legolas had been reared in a station that would have the norm being a queen ruling while the king was at war. She seriously doubted he'd envisioned a queen in the midst of battle with him.

His role in their relationship suddenly blurred, making her wonder if he felt unsure of it himself. She and Glorfindel had been lovers, but never pledged, and so their roles were no where near needing to be defined. It was quite a bit different being betrothed, and now she suddenly understood Legolas' need to prove himself to her only family.

Heart twisting, the miko grinned at Éomer and squeezed his fingers gently. "Thanks, Éomer. You're going to make some lady very happy one of these days."

He shifted awkwardly at her display, prompting her to giggle and pull him into a tight hug. "Very happy, indeed!"

Stiffly returning the embrace, he quickly pulled away, looking adorable with his embarrassment. Seeing her happy face, however, he relaxed and nodded-his lips quirking in the corners.

"You are welcome, Lady Guardian," he said with sincerity. "I should count myself fortunate to find a woman even half so compassionate as you."

Seeing something over her shoulder, a mischievous glint entered his eyes, but he merely gave her a short bow and took his leave. Glancing back, Kagome saw that Legolas was leaning on one of the posts, watching her steadily. It was actually pretty mortifying how her True Self brightened and began reaching for him immediately. Red suffused her cheeks as he pushed away and moved to stand before her. She totally appreciated him in motion.

"You survived," she drawled, letting Kirara down.

Wincing, the Elf inclined his head. "Your brothers are…ferocious in guarding what they hold dear."

Kagome huffed, slipping her fingers underneath one of the straps crossing his chest. "Just wait until they bring home somebody. I'm going to give them so much Hell."

Some of the tension went out of his frame at her words. Covering her hand on his chest, he brought her attention up to his face. "I had thought you unhappy with me as well."

Biting her lip, the miko mulled over how to say what she wanted. "I was, but I got over it."

Raising her free hand, she rested it beside its mate as her fiancé dropped his to her waist. She almost smiled at how big he was compared to her own short self.

"I think that you put up with a lot because of me being a fighter; knowing that I don't really have a choice in the matter. I think that maybe I should just let you be the guy in the relationship when I can, you know?"

A tender emotion leaked into his grey gaze as he comprehended her words. Stroking her face, he slid his hand around to cup her neck. With a gentle tug, he pulled her close to press a kiss to her forehead.

"Come, then. Your brothers would like a word with you and Aragorn," he said with an affectionate tint to his words, telling her everything she needed to know.

Wrinkling her nose, she reluctantly allowed him to lead her back to the two jerks she was crazy enough to claim as kin.

Celebrían was still going to hear about this.

….

Aragorn entered the tent when he was summoned, unsurprised at Kagome's glare. Amused, he looked back to Elrohir, who was unable to hide his own mirth.

"It's good to see you yet live," the Ranger told Legolas, who rolled his eyes.

Elladan cleared his throat. "Yes, and that you claim him as friend is noted, Elessar. But, we have other matters to discuss besides ruffling pretty princes."

Legolas arched a brow at that, dropping his eyes to see Kagome covering her face with her hand. "Oh no. That means they like you," she moaned.

The twins' smirks were those that had often inspired trepidation and downright fear in people who were acquainted with them. Legolas wondered if he should tell his miko he rather thought he and the twins would get along quite well. Seeing her frown, he decided to keep that information to himself, inwardly smiling at her and the situation.

"Right, on to ruffian, exiled kings," Elrohir quipped, reaching for the furled banner he'd liberated from Halbarad. "Long was the making, but Arwen sent this to you."

The breath left his body as he stared at the staff. "Ah, and now I know what it is. Will Halbarad mind bearing it for me a while longer?"

"No," Elladan answered as his brother set it aside. "However, she also says to you, 'The days now are short. Either our hope cometh, or all hope's end. Therefore, I send you what I have made for you. Fare well, Elfstone!'" Seeing the words sink into the Dúnadan, the Elf continued, "And from our father, 'The Shadow is upon us, Aragorn. The end has come.'"

Jerking his head, Aragorn clenched his jaw. "It will not be our end, but his."

A somber Elrohir spoke then, "You know that Sauron's armies march on Minas Tirith. But, in secret, he sends another force which will attack from the river. A fleet of Corsair ships sails from the south."

Kagome's whole body tensed. Some of the worst wars she'd fought in Middle-earth were against Umbar and the Haradrim. They were barbaric; brutal in their bloodlust and need for revenge against the Men of Gondor. Black Númenóreans' descendants, and their depravity had only perpetuated with each generation.

"They'll be in the city in two days. You're outnumbered, Aragorn. Even with the Dúnedain, you need more men."

And just like that, Kagome's vision went black. War rose around her in a fury, but there was something pulsing through her. Opening her eyes, she Saw the Black Gates of Mordor. Pink overtook everything as she said a prayer and rose to embrace her true potential. The ages of her life passed before her eyes as she fought for Frodo to have just a little more time. But, then her Sight rushed to the present and she Saw Frodo lying prone at the mercy of a great spider-Ungoliant's last known descendant.

Coming back to herself with a wrench, Kagome collapsed, unaware of Legolas catching her.

"Tirelen!" he cried as blood trickled from her nose.

She found herself unable to answer him as everything in her felt absolutely drained. Gasping, she focused on his face, trying to prod her brain into working correctly. Water was forced down her throat and a cloth washed her face as Legolas' True Self clung to her fiercely. Lighting green powers in his fingers, he pressed them to her face, jump starting her own scrambled power. Calming down as her body and mind were righted, she wheezed and fairly buried herself in her fiancé's arms.

"Oh, sweet Father of Light," she breathed, shaking from the intensity of the vision.

Stroking her hair and back, the prince held her as she regained her composure, feeling her confusion dissipate.

"That was not typical of when you See," Elladan pointed out, a worried crease between his brows.

Leaning back, she shook her head, but stayed pressed against Legolas. "No. Since the seals were broken, my visions have gotten increasingly stronger. This time, it felt like I was actually living it rather than just witnessing the event." Blowing out a breath, she shuddered. "And, I don't usually See anything of myself."

Elrohir frowned from where he knelt in front of her, holding a skein of water. "What did you See this time?"

"I Saw," wetting her lips, she hoarsely forced out the words, "I Saw Shelob-the last descendent of Ungoliant."

The males stiffened at that announcement.

Kagome closed her eyes. "Sam has the Ring. He doesn't know Frodo is still alive." Sniffling, she pressed her forehead to Legolas' neck. "But, I also Saw a great battle before the Gates of Mordor. We were trying to buy Frodo a bit more time."

Legolas helped her stand and shuffled her over to a chair. "Then your vision is a relief, regardless of the peril the hobbits now face. We know that Sam lives as well."

He didn't mention that he was aware that she'd withheld something else. If he needed to know, she would tell him, as too much knowledge of the future could alter it in a less favorable way.

Smiling, Kagome nodded and held his hand, leaning her head against his forearm as he stood beside her.

"Yep, there is that," she stated, cheered by the notion as Legolas' True Self held her-bolstering her healing. "However, what I Saw only adds fuel to our rather fiery situation. We're out of time, Aragorn."

Face set like granite, he recoiled. "Murders, traitors. These are who you would have me call to fight?" Spinning, he ran a hand through his hair. "They believe in nothing. They answer to no one."

"They will answer to the King of Gondor," Elladan proclaimed severely, tossing back his cloak to withdraw a long sword. "Andúril, the flame of the west, forged from the shards of Narsil."

Aragorn had faced him and reverently-almost without leave-his hands rose to accept the blade. A feeling of rightness and power shivered through him as he drew the sword, his being shining with the glory of Eärendil, bearing Hope across the seas.

"Sauron," he whispered, "will not have forgotten the Sword of Elendil. The blade that was broken shall return to Minas Tirith."

Elrohir motioned to it, stating categorically, "The man who can wield the power of this sword can summon to him an army more deadly than any that walks this earth. Become who you were born to be, my friend."

Kagome tugged on Legolas until he relented and assisted her to her feet. Conflicted, Aragorn met her eyes, watching her smile.

"Your mother was a courageous woman," she said. "I give hope to Men."

Recognizing something his mother had spoken so long ago, Aragorn put aside the Ranger…

"I keep none for myself," he finished the quote, sheathing the sword.

…and took up the King.

….

Emerging from the tent, Aragorn stepped aside as Elrohir and Elladan joined the Rangers. The group sat silent upon their horses, with dark grey cloaks cast over their head. Each of these were pinned on the left shoulder by a brooch of silver shaped like a rayed star. Having eaten and rested, the men felt it time to remount just before the tent flap had lifted.

Aragorn brightened when he saw that Roheryn, his horse from the North, was with the group. Striding to the animal, he murmured greetings to him until his attention was drawn by movement to his side. Glancing down, he saw Merry peering at him intently.

"You're going, aren't you? Kagome said you would."

Smiling, he inclined his head. "Yes, but you're a squire of Rohan now, Meriadoc. Your path is with the Rohirrim and I daresay I leave you in good hands-better than we hoped when we hunted the Orcs to Fangorn." Kneeling, he shook the hobbits hand. "I shall not forget you, my friend."

Feeling torn between wanting desperately to go with his friends and his loyalty to the lord he'd sworn an oath, the hobbit nodded tearfully. "Goodbye, Aragorn." He couldn't seem to get out more than that, choking on the feelings that surged within him. He didn't understand everything that was going on, but he knew that there was a good chance he'd never see his friends again. So, he squeezed Aragorn's hand tightly before turning to the other three.

He shook Gimli's hand, thanking him quietly for the orcs he'd killed during his chase. When he looked to Legolas and Kagome, his face seemed to almost crumple. Legolas smiled in understanding and placed his hand on the hobbit's shoulder. A feeling of peace washed over Merry then, making him smile gratefully before stopping in front of Kagome.

Recovered from her vision, the miko swept him into a boisterous hug, giggling. "Oh, Merry! Say you'll come to the wedding!"

Grinning at her enthusiasm and subtle insistence that they'd all be together at the end of this adventure, he nodded. "Of course, Kagome. I'll even keep Pip away from the fireworks," he promised.

Setting him back on his feet, she stayed at eye level with him. "You'd better. The Elvenking would be pretty upset if you set off something like that in his halls." Sobering, she kissed his cheeks. "And, you have an important task before you. Don't give into fear; it is the Enemy's most potent weapon."

Swallowing, he nodded before moving aside for them. Éowyn drifted through the crowd as Aragorn made arrangements with the group accompanying him. Fairly marching up to him when he had a moment to himself, she drew his attention.

"Why are you doing this? The war lies to the east. You cannot leave on the eve of battle," she pleaded, her eyes dewy with emotion. "You cannot abandon the men."

Sighing, the Ranger patted his horse as he stowed his sword. "Éowyn…"

"We need you here," she cut in.

"Why have you come?" he asked gruffly, beginning to lead Roheryn to where Kagome sat on Kirara beside Arod bearing Legolas and Gimli. The rest of the Rangers followed behind.

Nearly stumbling in mortification, the woman met his eyes nevertheless. "Do you not know?"

Shaking his head, he tried to gentle his words, but knew that a touch of impatience had entered them. "It is but a shadow and a thought that you love. Though I have wished you nothing but joy, I cannot give you what you seek. I am pledged to Arwen Evenstar."

Turning aside her head, she hugged herself. "I thought you had said she'd sailed."

"She yet waits for me. Goodbye, Lady Éowyn," he told her with a firm finality.

Choking, she inclined her head in a jerky fashion before spinning and almost sprinting away.

Kagome watched him with an arched brow when he reached her. "Serves you right, you know. If you'd set her straight to begin with, this wouldn't have happened."

All she got was a rude gesture for her concern. Smirking, she waited until he took the lead before following after him.

Gimli was visibly disturbed by mountains as they began down the Dimholt road.

"What kind of army would linger in such a place?"

Legolas and Kagome exchanged looks before the Elf answered. "One that is cursed. Long ago, the Men of the Mountains swore an oath to the last king of Gondor to come to his aid, to fight. But, when the time came-when Gondor's need was dire-they fled; vanishing into the darkness of the mountain."

Kagome added, "Because, they had once worshipped Sauron and would not stand against him, even after their oath. They thought they could hide and avoid choosing sides."

Unheeding of the gloom spreading through most of the Company, Elrohir came up beside the three friends. "So, Isildur cursed them never to rest until they had fulfilled their pledge."

"Who shall call them from the grey twilight," Legolas quoted Malbeth, the Seer, "the forgotten people? The heir of him to whom the oath they swore. From the North shall he come; need shall drive him. He shall pass the door to the Path of the Dead."

Watching Aragorn as they approached the end of the road, Kagome smiled faintly. "Yeah, more than one person Saw this day happening."

The heir didn't answer, but Gimli muttered, "Well, I hope the forgotten people will not have forgotten how to fight. Otherwise, I see not why we should trouble them." Spying the Dark Door before them like the mouth of night, he felt a chill come over him. "The very warmth of my blood seems stolen away," he stated, dismounting after Legolas.

There were signs and figures carved above the Door's wide arch, but they were beyond the Dwarf's ability to decipher. Legolas placed a calming hand on Arod's neck as he studied the symbols.

"The way is shut," he read. "It was made by those who are dead. And the Dead keep it. The way is shut."

Their eyes swung to Kagome, who shrugged as Kirara perched on her shoulder. "Told you."

A foul burst of wind rushed from the mountain, frightening the horses so much that their eyes rolled white in their heads.

"That is an evil door," Halbarad told them, trying to sooth his mount, "and my death lies beyond it. I dare to pass it nonetheless, but the horses will not enter."

Aragorn stroked Roheryn as he frowned. "But, we must go in and so the horses must as well. It is many leagues to the river, even on the other side of the mountain. A single hour may mean the difference in Sauron's defeat."

Turning back to the gaping entrance, he griped Andúril in one hand and Roheryn's leads in the other. "I do not fear death."

Then, he plunged into the darkness of the mountain. Kagome followed closely on his heels and such was the strength of his will in that hour that all the Dúnedain and their horses followed him. The horses' love for their Rangers was so great that they were willing to face even the terror of the Door, if their masters were beside them as they did. Arod broke into a sweat, however and trembled in fear until Legolas sang soft words to him and gently led the stead across the threshold. Soon, Gimli stood alone.

His armor knocked against him as his knees shook. "Here is a thing unheard of! An Elf will go underground where a Dwarf dare not? Oh. Oh, I'd never hear the end of it!"

Throwing himself after the group, he clasped his axe fiercely as a blindness came over him. He, who had walked in many dark places of the world! His heart quailed in his chest, as did the rest of the group's; though perhaps not the Elves' or Kagome's. Unknown to the Dwarf, Kagome had been to the Realm of the Dead and dead Men held no fright for the female archer. She could, however, still appreciate those that the deceased terrified and so she pushed her powers to light the darkness for them.

Aragorn had brought torches from Dunharrow and so Elladan at the rear and Elrohir in the middle bore that light in addition to their sister's. Whispers rose endlessly around them in no language Gimli had ever heard. Despair and fear clawed at his insides so much that had Kagome's warming light not been dancing protectively around the Company, the Dwarf would have been crawling like a beast after them.

Time stretched beyond his reckoning until at last they came to a place Gimli ever after would loath to recall. A great chasm opened in the road where the walls disappeared entirely. Still, Gimli pressed on, having no choice as a dark host had coalesced behind him.

"What is it?" He shakily asked Legolas. "What do you see?"

The Elf's eyes were bright in the dark as he studied the other realm. "I see shapes of Men and horses. Pale banners like shreds of cloud and spears like winter-thickets on a misty night." He paused, listening, and then quickened his pace. "The Dead are following."

Aragorn scowled into the blackness. "Keep your secrets and hoards hidden in the Accursed Years! Let us pass and then come! I summon you to the Stone of Erech!"

Another wind bellowed from deep within the pit and killed the torches so that they could not be rekindled. Kagome arched a brow, raising her hand and splitting the gale until it bypassed the Company behind her. Only Aragorn bore it, his face hard with his determination to overcome the task set to him.

A glowing specter of a rotting, decrepit king appeared to their eyes, hovering over the chasm. "The Dead do not suffer the living to pass." His eyes flicked to Kagome, "Even a Realm-Walker, Little Star."

Blue eyes narrowed, but Kagome held her tongue as Aragorn unsheathed Andúril.

"You will suffer me," he spat.

Chuckling, the king summoned a ghostly blade and brought it to bear on Aragorn faster than a mortal could see. However, Aragorn was no ordinary mortal and Andúril blocked the dead sword with ease. Shock pulsed around the ghost as he stared into the Man before him.

"I summon you to the Stone of Erech," Aragorn growled once more.

A loud rumbling distracted him and the ghost vanished in an instant. With a motion, Aragorn asked for light, which Kagome gave. A doorway-deep as the chasm had seemed and twice as dark-had fallen open for them. Head tilted in defiance, Aragorn sheathed his sword and strode through it. Glancing back, the miko smiled in encouragement and followed after her friend. The Company went as well-Gimli hurrying to remain in Kagome's light.

Another immeasurable span of time passed until they burst from the mountain. Night had fallen heavily upon the earth and water could be heard rushing nearby. Once more astride their mounts, the group continued on. Fear pursued them even as a hill rose up in their path-the Hill of Erech. Upon it lay a large dark globe as tall as a man and half buried in the ground. A great foreboding fell upon all who dared to approach it, but that was their destination and so they pushed aside their weariness and disquiet.

Elrohir gave Aragorn a silver horn when they'd reached the unearthly stone. Dismounting, the heir moved to stand beside the rock, Halbarad a ways behind him. Bringing the horn to his mouth, Aragorn blew it sharply; seeming to send the note echoing into the far recesses of the mountains' caverns and then receiving an otherworldly answer. A frozen wind like the breath of ghosts whirled down from the mountain to once more break upon Kagome's barrier. She glanced sharply behind her, seeing the Dead spilling toward the hill.

"Oathbreakers!" Aragorn addressed them, "Why have you come?"

The King of the Dead drifted up to stand across the stone from him. "To fulfill our oath and have peace."

"I go to Pelargir by way of the Anduin and you shall come with me. When all of this land is free of Sauron's servants, I will hold the oath fulfilled and you shall have peace and depart forever."

"Who are you to promise this?" a cold voice asked, as if from far away.

Aragorn's gaze sharpened. "I am Elessar, Isildur's heir of Gondor."

Then, Halbarad released the standard he'd brought-a testament to the heir's words. A White Tree flowered upon the black cloth with Seven Stars about it and a high crown above it. The signs were for Gondor and Elendil that no one had borne for years beyond count. Arwen had crafted the banner herself of the finest materials, even mithril and gold. A hush fell over all who had gathered until the former Ranger spoke once more.

"What say you?" he demanded.

The leader of the Dead crossed his sword over his chest and disappeared with a bow.

Kagome nudged Kirara until she came level with Arod. Raising her eyes to Legolas, she saw him wink as they both witnessed the midnight moon shine down like a benediction-highlighting the return of the King.

AN: I think I state this every chapter, but I'll do it again. I don't have a beta anymore for this story. I hope that everything is up to snuff with my own proof-reading.

Also, should I do a disclaimer? You all know I don't own either the books, mangas, anime, or movies, right? The fact that I have to slap that on a work posted on a fanfiction site is kinda ridiculous, but there ya go.

Sooo...like it? Hate it? Wish there had been a bigger fight? Please let me know. Ooooh...and Luna did a pic for the fic! It's gorgeous! If you want the link, let me know. You guys are fantastic!