𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐘━︎━︎L. Greenleaf ✓︎

❝CHAPTER THIRTY❞

▌𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲 ━︎━︎ 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐦'𝐬 𝐃𝐞𝐞𝐩 ▌

━︎━︎━︎━︎𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐄 𝐈𝐓 to Helm's Deep where the townspeople were already waiting. Eowyn scurried to meet them, her face falling upon noticing how many of them had arrived. Theoden got down from his horse and Eowyn turned to her uncle. "So few. So few of you have returned."

     Theoden glanced at her, letting one of the guards take his horse. "Our people are safe. We have paid for it with many lives."

     Ellaria climbed off her horse, grabbing Gimli's shoulder to steady him as he jumped down from his own. She turned her head to Eowyn, pity filling her face. The girl had gained a crush on Aragorn, it was only fair of her to know. Ellaria softly sighed, making her way towards Eowen. "My Lady."

     Eowyn met her eyes. "Lord Aragorn. . . where is he?"

     "He fell," Ellaria whispered, her voice cracking. Ellaria placed a hand on her shoulder before walking away. She made her way to one of the castle walls, the only spot that wasn't being covered with guards. She looked ahead of her, closing her eyes as she let the grief consume her. She truly couldn't take anymore of her friends dying. Her heart could not handle it. But this was the life she chose. She chose to be a warrior, to go out and fight, instead of being a Princess that hid behind her castle walls. She knew the consequences of leaving again. She had hoped that maybe this time would be different, but it all felt the same.

     "One should not be alone in grief." Eowyn's gentle voice filled her ears, but she dared not turn to face her. She carefully made her way towards Ellaria, coming to a stand beside her. Ellaria met her eyes. "We don't have to talk, but at least let me stand with you so that you may not be alone."

     Ellaria wiped her teary eyes, letting out a watery chuckle. "You dare use my own words against me?"

     "Only repeating the words a friend said to me." Eowyn replied, placing a hand over Ellaria's. "Forgive me, I did not know how close you two were."

     Ellaria looked at her. "He is—was—my sister's love, Eowyn. He grew up in my home. We've known each other for many years."

     "You are from Rivendell?" Eowyn asked.

     Ellaria nodded. "My father is Lord Elrond." She took a breath, closing her eyes and letting the wind cool her face. "We should focus on helping the wounded. Not standing up here and waste our time mourning." She shook her head. "There is no time to mourn. There is no time at all." She turned and walked down the stairs and Eowyn paused for a moment before following after her.

     Ellaria helped pass out blankets and food, pausing to wrap the leg of one of the wounded. It was when Eowyn quickly grabbed her arm that pulled her from her own thoughts. Ellaria stood, looking at the woman with furrowed brows. Eowyn only smiled and nodded her head to something behind her. Ellaria turned and her eyes widened before her eyes narrowed. She stormed towards Aragorn and when Legolas saw her coming he quickly took a step back.