Aragorn's little sister

23

Diana stood outside, the celebration long over. Legolas joined her, wrapping his body around her small frame.

She smiled up at him as he leaned down, kissing her on her forehead before they continued looking towards the East.

Aragorn soon joined them, smiling down at his sister. "I am happy for you both." he said to them as his sister smiled back.

"You're okay with it?"

"I'm your brother, I'm not as happy, but if you're happy, then I have no say in anything."

"The stars are veiled. Something stirs in the East. A sleepless malice. The eye of the enemy is moving." Legolas states.

As seconds go by, the three could feel the shadow grow. "He is here!" Legolas said, turning to Aragorn.

The three quickly ran through the Hall to where the men were staying, Aragorn leading the way. 

He wrestled with the Palantir, Legolas grabbing his shoulders to try to steady him before the ball rolled out of his hands, Gandalf throwing a blanket over it.

Aragorn lay on the floor, breathing hard, covered in sweat. Although Pippin was in a worse condition, laying frozen on the floor, pale and terrified, Diana went straight to her sibling, putting his head on her lap.

She grabbed his hand, all her love for her brother flowing to him, all her energy.

Aragorn's eyes widened as the color returned to him. As Diana continued to give him energy, not being able to stop, she grew weaker. The cuts from the previous battle healed, leaving no scars.

Fear began to set in, Aragorn seeing it in his sister's eyes as he ripped his hand from her grip. Both he and Legolas catching her as she fell backwards, weak from the energy loss.

"And what did you tell him about Frodo and the Ring?" Gandalf was asking.

"Nothing. I couldn't move. I couldn't speak."

Diana felt the ground move, and was lifted into Aragorn's arms, bridal style. Her vision was blurred and the sounds were fading in and out.

As soon as Gandalf was done with Pippin, he turned to the rest of the Fellowship, looking over Diana.

"Arathorn's bond." Gandalf murmured, which was the last thing Diana heard before everything went black.

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The Fellowship stood in the hall, the events of the night before still on their minds. Diana stood, her hand in Legolas's, still a bit pale at helping Aragorn regain his strength.

"There was no lie in Pippin's eyes. A fool...but an honest fool he remains. He told Sauron nothing of Frodo and the Ring. We've been strangely fortunate. Pippin saw in the palantir a glimpse of the enemy's plan. Sauron moves to strike the city of Minas Tirith. His defeat at Helm's Deep showed our enemy one thing. He knows the heir of Elendil has come forth. Men are not as weak as he supposed. There is courage still, strength enough perhaps to challenge him. Sauron fears this. He will not risk the peoples of Middle-earth uniting under one banner. He will raze Minas Tirith to the ground before he sees a king return to the throne of Men. If the beacons of Gondor are lit, Rohan must be ready for war." Gandalf explained. 

"Tell me...why should we ride to the aid of those who did not come to ours." Theoden asks, making Aragorn look up. "What do we owe Gondor."

"I will go." Aragorn speaks up.

"No!" Gandalf and Diana speak simultaneously.

"They must be warned." Aragorn starts to argue.

"Aragorn..." Diana starts, placing her hand on her brother's shoulder.

"They will be." Gandalf says, before walking up to him. "You must come to Minas Tirith by another road. Follow the river. Look to the black ships."

He turns to the rest of the people in the hall. "Understand this: Things are now in motion that cannot be undone. I ride for Minas Tirith....and I won't be going alone." as he says this, he turns to look at Pippin. "Are your things ready, Diana?"

"Yes. I'm ready to go." she answers as Aragorn and Legolas turn to look at her.

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Aragorn and Legolas argue with Diana the whole way to the stables, Pippin and Merry having their own conversation behind them.

"You can't go!"

"I know that, as you keep telling me that, but Gandalf needs me with him for this." As she reaches Moonlight's stall, she stops. "Look, I know you both are worried about me, but I'll be alright, I promise. You don't need to worry about me."

She squeezed Legolas's hand before he pulled her into a kiss, Diana immediately wrapping her arms around his neck. "I love you." he whispers.

"I love you too. I'll see you on the battlefield, okay?"  She then turned to her brother, stepping into his hug.

"I don't want to lose you. You better be on that battlefield safe and sound."

"I promise." She let go, turning to Gimli who had followed them. "Keep an eye on these two for me."

"Ay. You stay safe, lassie."

Diana smiled. "Safe is my middle name." she told him, climbing onto Moonlight's back and galloping away behind Gandalf and Merry.

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"Morning, Pippin!" Diana smiled, her hood up as they galloped, side by side.

"We've just passed into the realm of Gondor." Gandalf shouted as the reached the top of the hill, finally seeing Gondor. "Minas Tirith. City of kings."

They finally reached the top floor, where they passed by the White Tree of Gondor.

"It's the tree. Gandalf. Gandalf." Pippin breathed, running to keep up with him and Diana.

"Yes, the White Tree of Gondor. The tree of the king. Lord Denethor, however, is not king. He is steward only, a caretaker of the throne. Now listen carefully. Lord Denenthor is Boromir's father. To give him news of his beloved son's death would be most unwise. And do not mention Frodo or the Ring. And say nothing of Aragorn or Diana either. In fact, it's better if you don't speak at all, Peregrin Took. Diana, stay outside, keep your hood drawn."

Diana nodded as she watched the two enter the hall, the guards closing the door behind them.

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I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Feel free to vote and comment and remember to take care of yourself. Have a great rest of your day!