Ithildin - Legolas x OC

Chapter 5.

~*~

Readying for our departure, I have dressed in my usual training attire and have braided all of my hair back to keep it out of my face. Despite trying my best, a few smaller strands fall out and down over my shoulders.

I begin to strap my weapons to my body, knowing I will need all that I can carry—and then some. I place two throwing knives in my boots, another two around my thighs and two at my waist, and one of my swords across my back. I look for the other, when a voice calls out,

"Your sword." I turn and see my father holding it, his eyes flickering up to meet mine. "It will serve you well on your journey to death."

"Ada," I sigh, "You must understand, I need to go."

He hands me my sword, and says simply, "Nin úva nauriel."
(I understand perfectly.)

I place my sword across my back and stand before him. "Frodo gaerien nedhu i vîr na nórie."
(Frodo needs all of our help if he is to succeed.)

"War stirs in the East. A war we are not expected to partake in."

"Partake?" I repeat with a frown. "You may not wish to partake in this forthcoming war, Ada, but you cannot speak for me. My journey in this world has only just begun, I cannot sail West with you, not yet."

His eyes darken, "And if you die on this journey? You expect me to send you to your death?"

I try to smile, "Have faith in me...please. You know I am a strong fighter, and I will have Aragorn beside me." I pause, "He needs me."

He frowns, "I know you care for him deeply, but he is more than capable of leading this quest."

"Yes," I nod. "And I need to be at his side to ensure he survives it. You know how hot-headed he can get." I try to joke.

Father sighs then. "What did I do to deserve not one, but two defiant daughters?" I give a small smile. "You remind me so much of your mother." He says quietly, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead before turning. "Ar vië heni, ni maerë lin."
(And with her, I will mourn you.)

I look down as he leaves, sadness overcoming me at his words, before shaking my head and following him to the front courtyard, where the Fellowship gather to leave.

"Amariel," Arwen whispers.

I turn and see my sister lingering in the shadows, watching as Aragorn prepares himself. I walk over to her, and she hugs me tightly.

"You need not worry about Aragorn." I say quietly to her as we pull away from each other, "I will keep him from trouble."

"I believe he must be the one to keep you from trouble." She chuckles but it doesn't quite reach her eyes.

"We will return, Arwen." I say strongly. "I will bring him back to you. I promise."

"I know." Arwen strokes my hair. "I know you will watch over him."

I feel the honesty in her words, she has every ounce of faith in us, and that is all I need.

"Ada—"

"He cares not for me now." I tell her.

"That isn't true." She says in shock.

"It is." I shake my head, "He feels I have betrayed him...and I have."

"You have betrayed no one, Amariel. The only time you would, is if you stay here and do nothing, then you will be betraying yourself."

I nod, unable to form words as the thought of never seeing my sister again fills my mind. Sensing my sudden discomfort, Arwen glances behind me and gives me knowing smile.