Feä Bond (Legolas x OC)

Facing death

Rain was pouring down so hard that the sky himself seemed to be falling unto them. The long wait was excruciating, the tension affecting everyone, be them seasoned warrior or young lad. Fortunately, Frances was lucky enough to have Gimli by her side. His antics at not seing was was beyond the wall lessened her worry for a while. Because nor Aragorn, leading the Lorién battalion, nor Legolas, standing stiff a few feet away from her, were cheering her up.

The elf had not spoken a word to her since Aragorn had assigned her a position. His blond brows, darkened by the rain, were set in a resolute frown. No matter how much she usually enjoyed his presence, Frances was unsettled by his mood. Never before had she felt him so tense. Not even when the Balrog had appeared in the depth of Moria. Somehow, she wondered if her very presence was the reason of his aloofness. Little did she know that the elf was sick with worry.

Eventually, the Uruks lined up in front of them; a sea of darkness waiting to assault their fortress. Their numbers were so great that Frances felt like a rock lost into an evil ocean. But the worst was to come. When the beasts started chanting their horrid war cries, crashing their spears unto the ground like a macabre dance, she nearly lost it. More than the drums of Khazad-dûm, it filled her heart with dread. And she regretted, how badly she regretted not to be in the caves in this instant!

Was there anything else than death waiting for her, at the end of this path she had chosen? Had the prince of Mirkwood been right? Frances' features were set in fear, and she closed her eyes for a moment. This strange chant reminded her of the "all black" rugby team, at home. It was a lifetime ago, but how she loved hearing their Haka before every single match. The aim was the same, intimidation. And it worked like hell. No matter how strong and determined the adverse team was, their faith always faltered as they faced the tribal dance.

Frances exhaled slowly, and opened her eyes to stare at the Uruks. They were, after all, only a set of stupid beast with very poor musical talents. She also knew a few songs that could rival theirs, with much better lyrics and nicer rhythm than a stupid pound pound aaaargh. There was no turning back now. So be it.

From where she stood, she could see the youngsters were crowded at the top of the fort where they would be able to throw rocks. At least, they had not been placed in harm's way. Well, not directly. She, on the other hand, was standing on the wall. But Aragorn would have it no other way. He had taken hold of her arm, and lead her amongst them with determination.

"If fight you must, it should at least be by our side."

So there she was, standing beside them, waiting for a slaughter to begin. Her gaze lingered a little longer on the elf towering over her, a mere two feet away from her position. She was determined not to let her fear show, and to put all those skills she had learnt to use. But for a moment, only a little moment, she wanted to remember what ethereal beauty was like.

Despite the heavy droplets assaulting his face, Legolas' skin still shone from his soft internal light. He seemed impervious to the element, ready to wage a bloody war on his enemies, no matter what. His jaw was set, his gaze unwavering. But then, his eyes left the darkened sea for an instant, turning to her. Grey clouds passed over his blue pool, like a testimony of the turmoil raging inside of him. Yet, his countenance did not change.

"Stay as close to me, lady Frances", he shouted.

It was a request, much more so than an order. His deep gaze fixed her until she nodded. Frances couldn't smile, her face simply refused to grant her the energy to do so. But she hoped that her thanks travelled to the elf nonetheless. If the whole prospect of battle was terrifying, she was at least happy to have them by their side.

And so, accepting that she could only go forward, Frances nodded. She wanted to cry, wanted to shout her distress, but her anguish refused to leave her constricted chest. Yet... a few words came to her mind.