𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐃𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐍𝐘━︎━︎L. Greenleaf ✓︎

❝CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN❞

▌𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲-𝐒𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 ━︎━︎ 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 ▌

━︎━︎━︎━︎𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐍𝐄𝐗𝐓 day rose, Ellaria stood in the hall of Gondor with Legolas at her side. Eomer stood on the other side of Legolas, Gimli sat on the stairs, and Aragorn stood a little farther away with his back turned. Gandalf stood before them all. "Frodo has passed my sight," Gandalf told them. "The darkness is deepening."

"If Sauron had the Ring, we would know it." Aragorn dismissed.

Gandalf shook his head. "It's only a matter of time. He has suffered a defeat, yes, but behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping."

"Let him stay there," Gimli mumbled. "Let him rot! Why should we care?"

Gandalf turned to him. "Because 10,000 Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom. I've sent him to his death."

Aragorn turned around, uncrossing his arms. "No. There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that."

Gimli narrowed his eyes. "How?"

"Draw out Sauron's armies. Empty his lands. Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate."

Gimli, who was smoking a pipe, choked and coughed. Eomer stepped forwards. "We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms. Not for ourselves."

Aragorn glanced at him. "But we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's Eye fixed upon us." He looked at Gandalf. "Keep him blind to all else that moves."

"A diversion," Legolas realized.

"Certainty of death. . . small chance of success. . . what are we waiting for?" Gimli asked.

Gandalf grew closer to Aragorn. "Sauron will suspect a trap. He will not take the bait."

Aragorn's lip lifted up slightly. "Oh, I think he will."

Ellaria ran a finger over her brow. "If we are to head out to battle once more, then I need a moment's rest. Someone tell me when we're to leave." She walked out of the room before anyone could say anything.

She entered her designated room, changing out of her clothes and into a night gown. Even if the sun was still up, she would get as much rest as she could. She pulled back the covers, laying on the too-soft mattress. As soon as her head hit the pillow, a knock came to her door. She only sighed in response, not bothering to open her eyes as Legolas entered. He took a seat on the edge of the bed right beside her, running a gentle hand down her arm.

"What is it, my love?" Ellaria mumbled.

Legolas shook his head, though she didn't see it. "Nothing. Just rest." He continued to run a hand up and down her arm, the warmth of it sending Ellaria into a slumber. He laid beside her, keeping her company and letting himself get a little rest. Elves could withstand a lot, but even they began to tire out.