The Princes Shadow

Chapter 21

A/N

I can't believe that I'm almost done! When I finish, I am definitely going to go back to my earlier chapters and add more details to them, because I was reading it over and I could tell that some of my writing was kinda rushed. Enjoy this chapter!

Legolas POV~

Battle was upon us. As I stood amongst the men and boys, I could feel the weight of despair clinging onto me. Old men, far past their fighting days, and young boys, barely able to hold a sword. They waited to receive weapons and armor. Emerin had barely spoken. I looked at her horror stricken eyes. She looked at the children that surrounded her, her pity focused more so on the young ones, whom had barely gotten the chance to live. Tears could be seen in the corners of her eyes,

"Farmers, farriers, stable boys." Aragorn walked towards me, "These are no soldiers."

"Most have seen too many winters." Gimli observed,

"Or too few," Emerin flinched at my words, "Look at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes." I looked at a man that was passing by, "And they should be. 300... against 10,000?" I switched to elvish so that the eavesdroppers would not understand,

"They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras." Aragorn said meekly,

"Aragorn, They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!" I could not bring myself to look at the solitary tear that fell down Emerin's cheek as she looked downwards,

"Then I shall die as one of them!" Aragorn was angered with me. I did not understand why. He walked away. As I went to follow him, I was held back,

"Let him go lad. Let him be." Gimli sighed. I went to comfort Emerin, but noticed that she had disappeared. I left the armory. 

Emerin POV~

I was now outside. I could not stand being in that cramped space. I was gazing out into nowhere, when I felt a tap on my arm. I turned around to see a small boy. As soon as he saw my face, he looked at me in awe,

"Are you an angel?" He whispered to me. His words brought a smile to my face, "I beg your pardon, but I didn't know that angels could cry. Why are you upset?" He pointed to my tearstained face,

"What is your name little one?" I asked,

"Edorim, my lady, son of Faharim." He replied shyly. I looked at the sword in his hand.

"How old are you?" My voice nearly cracked,

"I just recently turned 10! Mum says that soon I'll be as big as father!" He said with a tint of happiness in his voice. He was so young,

"That sword..." I gestured towards the large sword he grasped, "Do you know how to weld it?" His face seemed to darken a little,

"A little. Although it's a bit heavy." He went to lift it, and nearly dropped the sword. It was far too large for a child his size.

"here." I handed him my sword, "Is this better?"

The boy gazed at my elegant sword in wonder, before reluctantly grasping the handle of it. I removed the other sword from his hand, to allow him to hold mine. I could see how much easier it was for him to hold my sword. His arm no longer seemed to be weighed down, "It's much better!" He wore a large grin, but then frowned, "But it's yours isn't it. Shouldn't you use it?" I looked at the elegant sword which had been bestowed upon me by Galadriel herself. Fashioned specifically for me,

"It is mine. However, I would like for you to borrow it for this battle. When the battle is over, you will return it to me." I smiled,

"My lady, I do not know if I will survive. If I don't, then I-" 

"But you will." I promised, and walked up closer to him. I put my hand on his, "Hold it like this..." I demonstrated how to hold the sword, "If an orc comes at you from the front, swing like this." I motioned how to stab through an orc. "Watch, these are different ways to parry attacks." For nearly a few hours, I showed the bow how to use my sword. He caught on quickly. I had to leave, "Alright now. I need to leave. Keep this sword with you and don't lose it. It will keep you safe. You will make it through the battle, and you will be able to see me afterwards, when you return the sword." I tried to help boost his confidence, "However, if you do require my assistance during battle, simply call out my name, 'Emerin' and I will come and assist you."

"What if you can't hear me?"

"I will be nearby, and elves have superior hearing. I assure you I will hear you." I hugged him tightly, and bid him farewell. I walked back to a small room in the building, where I found Legolas and Gimli. Short after I entered, Aragorn followed. We all prepared in silence,

"Where is your sword?" Legolas asked,

"I gave it to a young boy. His sword was much to heavy for him. I showed him how to use mine." I responded while dressing myself in armor,

"Emerin..." He hesitated, but I knew what he was going to say,

"I promised to look after him during the battle." I was confident that I could protect him. Legolas sighed, and turned to Aragorn to hand him his sword,

"We have trusted you this far, you have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair." He apologized,

"There is nothing to forgive, Legolas." He wrapped an arm around Legolas. I noticed Gimli struggling with his armor,

"We had time, I'd get this adjusted." he cried and dropped the chain mail that reached to below his feet. I chuckled, "It's a little tight across the chest!"

All of a sudden, I heard an Elvish horn blow,

"That is no orc horn!" Legolas stated. We all ran outside. I looked out and saw Haldir speaking with Theoden. I felt exhilarated. We had aid. Then I felt my stomach twist at the way Legolas looked at him. Grateful but weary,

"We come to honor that allegiance." Haldir continued to speak. 

"Mae govannen!"(Well met) Aragorn jogged up to Haldir, pulling him into a hug. "You are most welcome."

"We are proud to fight alongside men once more." Everyone began to disperse, and I felt a hand on my shoulder, "Emerin..." Haldir spoke my name softly,

"Haldir, thank you for coming to our aid!" I said.

"Emerin." He said again, more worriedly, "You are not fighting, are you." The question threw me off guard,

"Of course I am! I will not leave my friends to fight alone." I said proudly,

"Yes, of course. You are a renowned warrior. But... I would hate to see you hurt."

I sighed, "Haldir, do not worry for me, please." I smiled. Before I could turn away, Haldir leaned forward and kissed me. I was frozen in shock. I couldn't move. When Haldir fell back, I blinked,

"Haldir-" I tried,

"Emerin?" I heard my name whispered. Legolas!

"I'm sorry, Lady Emerin. It was not my place." Haldir bowed his head and left. I stood there for a moment. I felt someone shaking me,

"Emerin! Are you alright." It was Legolas, "I'll kill him!"

"No, Legolas. Leave him be." I quickly grabbed his hand, "Melleth nin, do not worry. My love for you does not falter."

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Just saying, I have nothing against Haldir. I just thought it would be interesting for someone else to like Emerin. Hope you guys liked this chapter! PLEASE don't forget to VOTE!!! COMMENT!!! and FOLLOW!!!

-Jackie