Run It Back Again (Part 2)

Chapter 35

*Era's Pov-

For the rest of the trip, I thought about what Father said. While it didn't feel right having to tell one no, it was the right thing to do. The only problem was figuring out which one to tell no...

*Boromir's Pov-

"Human..." I turned and saw Era's father, King Thorin, coming towards me. I stopped and waited for him. When he arrived, I spoke.

"If this is about what happened in Rivendell, I can explain..." He crossed his arms and looked up at me.

"Alright then... Tell me why you tried to kill my daughter in Rivendell, and, now, you're willing to fight with and for her." I sighed and nodded.

"Your wife, Skyrena..." He nodded. "If you thought she was a threat before you got to know her, would you have killed her to protect Middle Earth?" He was silent for awhile before answering.

"Only if I truly thought she was a danger that needed rid of." I nodded.

"In Gondor, we've been facing all sorts of dangers, from Orcs and goblins to any and all sorts of dragons and other nasties. Any more, if it seems to be dangerous or powerful, my father insists that we kill it." I looked down at him. "I was afraid that she and her mother would be a threat to Middle Earth, not knowing that they'd risk their lives to defend those they care about." He raised an eyebrow at me.

"What brought this change of opinion?" I smiled a little.

"When she beat me in Rivendell..." He frowned. "I went after her with a knife, and she defended herself. Instead of attempting to kill me like a threatened creature I thought she was would, she knocked me away and avoided me the best she could. That's when I realized how wrong I had been." He nodded.

"She's like her mother... Kind, gentle, independent..." I frowned slightly as he looked up at me. "She means more to me than anything, second only to her mother. I want what's best for her, and I'm willing to help arrange anything in order for her to be happy." I understood what he meant and nodded.

"I love her, sir... I'd do anything for her, whether to protect her or make her happy." He smiled and nodded as I continued. "You think that, if she'll have me, I could have her...?" He sighed and looked away.

"The last time I answered that question, I made her miserable. Does she know your intentions?" I nodded.

"Yes, sir..." He nodded.

"Then I can only advise you to, if you really think this is what's best for Era, to pursue her. But, I will warn you now that it may take her a while to figure out what she thinks is right." I nodded.

"I know..." He nodded and rested a hand on my arm.

"Then, if it's what she wants, you'll have my blessing." I smiled and nodded as he walked off.

*Era's Pov-

"Here we are... Helm's Deep." I took a deep whiff of the air and frowned.

"Something doesn't smell right here... It's like..." I froze and looked towards the sky and saw a raven flying overhead. "I don't think this is a safe place to take refuge." King Theoden frowned at me.

"This is the only other place we can go besides Eldoras." I looked between Gandalf and Aragorn, looking for any support, and received none. Finally, I shook my head.

"Very well." With that, I took off and scouted out, hoping that I was just being jumpy.

"There's Orcs coming this way!" I raced into the halls where King Theoden and Aragorn were, breathing heavily. Gandalf caught me before I collapsed. "Lots of Orcs..." Aragorn frowned as he looked at me.

"Are you sure...?" I nodded.

"5 leagues from here... They'll be here within an hour or so." King Theoden rose.

"We must retreat now while we can." Aragorn shook his head.

"We'll never get everyone out in time... We must fight." I rose to my feet and shook my head.

"We'll all be massacred!" I thought for a bit, trying to figure out what we could do. "King Theoden's right. We must leave..." Aragorn shook his head.

"If we did manage to make it out in time, we'd be overrun before we could find safety again. We must fight..." I sighed and nodded.

"Then we must hide the women and children. If we're to die tonight, we can at least make sure they make it." Aragorn shook his head.

"You'll need to go with the women." My jaw dropped as I stared him down.

"No... We need every last fighting soul we can get." He started to protest, but I shook my head. "There's no discussing it, Aragorn. You need me, and you know it." He nodded.

"Yes, we need you, but we need you to stay safe. And, the best choice is to make sure you're as far from the fighting as possible." I started to speak, but someone cut me off.

"Let her fight." I turned and saw Father, Fili, and Kili at the doorway. "She's right. How can we keep her safe if we all go and get slaughtered?" He nodded at me. "I trust that she can handle herself in a fight, and, should she need help, I'll be there." Aragorn frowned slightly.

"But, my king... How can you protect her if you get overwhelmed yourself?" Father chuckled a little.

"The odds of her even needing help are extremely thin. I'd give my life to ensure she'll live..." I found myself shaking my head.

"I can handle myself. I'll be fine..." Fili raised an eyebrow at me.

"Are you sure? We can't lose you, Era. Not you, too..." I looked around and realized everyone was looking at me expectantly. Nodding, I smiled for their sake.

"Yes... I'm sure."