Queen Naehlara (LOTR, Legolas love story)

Chapter 40

Naehlara stood at the edge of the courtyard, the tree of Gondor behind her. Looking down over the city, not much damage had been done to it, however the Pelenor Fields were covered with bodies, both human and orcs. If Thranduil really did stick to his word, the Greenwood elves would be arriving later today or over the night. Hundreds of people were down in the pelenor fields sifting through the bodies, searching for loved ones.

The soldiers left of Rohan and Gondor were piling the orc bodies and the wild men next to the Oliphants to set on fire. While others started digging to bury the lost. Naehlara watched wanting to help but not knowing what to do. Since the battle was one Aragorn, Gandalf, Legolas, Gimli and Eomer have all been in the throne room, turned battle planning room. So, Naehlara watched making sure everyone was safe and making sure no more threats were approaching Minas Tirith.

Stepping out of the main hall, Legolas glances around the courtyard not surprised to see Naehlara still standing at the edge of it looking down to the Pelenor Fields. He wasn't surprised that after the rush of the battle she crashed, emotionally. From the paintings done of the battle against Morgoth, the kingdom they fought at looked eerily like Minas Tirith. And from the stories she told that battle is the one she fought against a Balrog and nearly died. "How long have you been out here, love?" Legolas questioned softly, slowly walking up to her.

Turning around, Naehlara tried to smile as she looked to Legolas. "Probably as long as you've been with the others planning the next move." Naehlara answered. Legolas came to stand before her, looking down to her. Her eyes always bringing him comfort, the green so dark reminding him of home while the gold reminded him of the light even in the dark.

"Why don't you come in and help us after we go get some food. You have been in wars like this you would know better than us." Legolas suggested, hoping to get her to leave the edge of the courtyard and get her to move about. Hoping it will help her from letting her think too much and get stuck in the past.

"I- yes, I will be more helpful there." Naehlara whispered softly, almost sounding unsure if she wanted to come help or not.

"Come let us go get some food." Legolas took her hand leading her down from the courtyard to a lower area of Minas Tirith that had been set up to serve food for the survivors and the soldiers.

Together they quietly walked, her mind seeming to clear the more she walked and could no longer see the carnage in the fields outside the walls. "Thank you Legolas." She whispered, he really knew her well. Over the months, he's figured out how to read her and what could be going on in her mind. And it didn't bother her, she was quite thankful to have him, especially in times where she gets stuck in her own thoughts.

"There is no need to thank me, Lara." Legolas softly took her hand, walking hand in hand into the large building in the middle of Minas Tirith. The smell of food hitting her senses, causing her to realize just how hungry she was. Naehlara couldn't even remember the last time she ate.

Together they walked up to the large table at the back grabbing plates and letting the cooks dish them their food. Rationing the food so everyone may eat. Sitting down at a table towards the back they ate quietly, drinking some tea with their food. "What have you boys come up with? The next move against Sauron?" Naehlara questioned, as she finished off her salad and moved to her main plate of food.

"Nothing much. Gandalf and Aragorn can't seem to agree on a plan." Legolas explained, a small frown crossing his face.

"What are they unable to agree about?"

"Aragorn believes we should march to the black gates. Gandalf believes Sauron would know it's a trap and Frodo and Sam are doomed. The battles, the deaths, they are getting to him and he feels that he has failed."