Ithildin - Legolas x OC

Chapter 37: Impending doom

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Hundreds of injured people line the streets of Minas Tirith, and hundreds more lay dead.

Theoden did not survive the battle, but Eomer and Eowyn—who snuck into the fields amongst the Men with Merry—did. They were both gravely injured, but Aragorn and Gandalf managed to heal them back to health.

I couldn't bring myself to watch, knowing that they may be alive, but I have no idea what becomes of my sister.

I sit on the steps of the throne in Minas Tirith, Gimli seated in the Steward's chair beside me whilst Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas and Eomer stand around us.

"Frodo has passed beyond my sight." Gandalf says sombrely. "The darkness is deepening."

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

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

"Let him stay there," Gimli says through the smoke of his pipe. "Let him rot! Why should we care?"

Gandalf turns to him, "Because ten thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom."

Gimli looks away in realisation, whilst I continue to stare at the floor before me.

"I've sent him to his death..." Gandalf says quietly as he turns away.

"No." Aragorn turns to him. "There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that."

I look up at Aragorn then, as Gimli asks, "How?"

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

Gimli coughs on his pipe as Eomer steps forward. I raise an eyebrow at Aragorn, hardly believing his suggestion.

"We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms." Eomer says.

"Not for ourselves...but we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's Eye fixed upon us." Aragorn looks to Gandalf. "Keep him blind to all else that moves."

"A diversion." Legolas realises.

"A slaughter." I correct, watching Gandalf step closer to Aragorn.

"Sauron will suspect a trap. He will not take the bait."

"Certainty of death," Gimli says from beside me, waving his hand around, "small chance of success...what are we waiting for?"

"The Men of Gondor and Rohan are depleted," I stand with a small frown. "You expect them to follow you into battle again so soon? You expect them to follow you to certain death? We have been lucky so far but there is only so much of it left."

Aragorn turns to me, "What happened to hope? This is our chance—our one chance for Frodo to succeed."

I huff, stalking out of the hall. Legolas turns his head, watching me leave but Aragorn pats his arm before quickly following me out.

"Amariel!" He calls, grabbing my arm.

"What?" I turn to him sharply.

He sighs, "Stay here if you are worried—"

"Do not insult me, Aragorn—I am not worried for myself!" I growl. He tilts his head at me in confusion, so I look away from him and say quietly, "Nin tultien na nedhuva i thel." I look back to him.
(I promised my sister to bring you home.)