Tauriel ran after the orcs carrying the hobbits, slicing through the creatures as she overtook them, but there were too many, and she had to stop several times to defend herself as four or five would attack her at once. She was collecting wounds as she went, but they did not slow her down, until she stuck out her arm to stab an orc, and another managed to slice at it. She hissed in pain, dropping her dagger on the ground as the pain shot up her arm. She stood for a second, before stabbing the orc angrily in the chest, running after the rest of them. But the pain was distracting, and she was losing blood quickly.
Her head started to spin, and she looked down at her arm, soaked in her blood. She looked up, and she realised she could no longer see the two hobbits on the backs of the orcs. But the last of the orcs were still passing her, and she tried to end as many as she could, but with her arm bleeding heavily and only one dagger to defend herself with, she wasn't up to her usual standard of combat. Still, she managed to kill off a good number of the orcs as they passed her.
Legolas let go of the bow string and the arrow went flying into the back of the orc that was gripping Aragorn, the body slumping to the ground. No sooner than the orcs body hit the ground, the forest was filled with the sound of a horn. His ears recognised the sound, "The horn of Gondor," he called.
"Boromir." Aragorn shouted, racing past him. Legolas drew another arrow, and began pursuing, shooting down Orcs near Aragorn to clear the path for him. But he knew Aragorn was a capable fighter so he kept behind, seeking out Gimli and the two fought side by side, trying to stop as many orcs continuing into the forest as they could. Although he kept his mind on the fight, she was never completely far from his mind, he would wonder where she was, and if she was alright.
The orcs became fewer and fewer as they kept fighting, until at last there were no more left coming. He looked to Gimli and he knew what the elf was thinking. They ran in the direction Aragorn had run, hoping to find the two men alive and safe. But that was not to be.
Aragorn knelt beside Boromir, looking over the wounds. He instantly knew the man had little time left and there was nothing he could do to save him.
"They took the little ones." Boromir panted. "Tauriel went after them."
"Be still." Aragorn replied, he knew moving around would only cause more pain.
He stayed with Boromir until he passed, reassuring him his honour was still intact. "Be at peace, son of Gondor." he whispered, bending to kiss him on the brow, a final show of respect.
Legolas and Gimli entered the small clearing and Legolas immediatly saw the man had moved on from this world. He looked at Aragorn, not missing the trickle of a tear on his cheek, and Gimli bowed his head sadly.
The elf and the dwarf walked forward to Aragorn's side. "He was a noble warrior." Aragorn said. "He should be put to rest as such. Will you help me carry him?"
Gimli nodded, moving forward, but Legolas did not answer. A sudden thought had struck him. "Where is she?" he demanded.
Aragorn turned back to him from where he had knelt by Boromir again.
"Boromir said the Uruk-hai took Merry and Pippin." He said. "Tauriel..." Legolas tensed, unsure of what his next words would be, praying he would not speak of death.
"Boromir said Tauriel was pursuing them. " Aragorn finished. Legolas sighed, would she never learn?
"I have to go after her." he said. Aragorn tilted his head, "Help us with Boromir first. He will sail down the river."
Legolas paused, "I cannot leave her to chase the orcs by herself." he replied.
Aragorn paused, before nodding. "Go, we will say our goodbyes to Boromir then follow you and her."
"What about Frodo and Sam, and the ring?" Gimli asked.
"Frodo's fate is no longer in our hands." Aragorn told the dwarf, speaking softly.
"Then it has all been in vain." Gimli questioned. "The Fellowship has failed."
Aragorn smiled, "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. Soon, we will hunt some orc!" he said. Legolas and Gimli smiled, nodding to each other before the three parted ways, Legolas looking down at the ground to follow the footprints of the orcs, and Gimli and Aragorn gently lifing Boromir's body and heading back towards the river.
OK so, I know this was a short chapter but the good news is the next chapter is already partially done so should be up soon. BUT... I want your opinions. Would you guys rather Aragorn and Gimli catch up to Legolas and the three chase the orcs with Tauriel in front of them separately, or would you rather Legolas and Tauriel reunite then they, Aragorn and Gimli all give chase together?
Leave your opinion/suggestion and I'll see what most of you think. Other than that - YAY! One movie down two more to go! Thanks for all the incredible support so far, and I hope you are enjoying and will continue to enjoy in the future.