The Strongest Bond [Middle-Earth Fanfic]

Saying Goodbye

After pulling out the blade and tossing it away, I cradled Shara's head in my lap as she gasped for breath. Her chest slowly rising and falling. Tears sliding down my cheeks, I gently brushed a strand of loose hair from Shara's head. Pain was etched across her fair features and it broke my heart.

"Hold on, Shara." I begged, holding her tighter, "Just...hold on. Please..." I cried.

Moments went by slowly as I held her, not knowing what to do. My sister was dying and I couldn't do a single thing about it.

She groaned again and I rubbed her forehead with the back of my hand, "Shara? Can you hear me?"

She didn't answer and I squeezed my eyes shut as I wept. I didn't want to lose her. Mother was gone and now Shara was leaving me. I couldn't bear it. It hurt so badly. My heart felt as if it was being wrenched from my chest forcefully.

Suddenly, I had an idea. Snapping my head up, I searched for the blade. Gently, I laid Shara on the grass and when I located where I had tossed it, I reached for it and pulled it close. I scanned the blade and let out a breath when I found the lingering remnants of poison across it.

I hoped beyond hope that my idea would work. If it didn't, then all this would have been for nothing. But I couldn't think through those possibilities. I had to do this. For Shara. For Mother. For Father. I missed the days when we were all together as a family. When Father would take me with him to barter for goods and tools we needed. I missed when Mother baked her pies for special occasions and Shara and I would scheme to steal them. We never succeeded, but it was fun to try.

All of these memories flooded into my mind as tears streamed down my cheeks. Memories of laughter and tears. Memories of games I played with Shara. Memories of my family, healthy and happy. I couldn't save Mother and I couldn't save Father, but I could still save Shara.

My hope was, if I died from the poison before Shara did, the stone would perish with me and Shara would live. I had no assurance that this would work, but it didn't matter. I was ready to try anything.

I gripped the blade tightly as I lifted it close to my chest. Shara had stabbed herself in the leg so the poison was taking longer to take effect. If I stabbed my heart, my death should come quicker. At least, that is what I hoped.

So, with one final, deep breath and a single glance at Shara, I plunged the blade deep into my chest.

ATENTION!

Okay, so I know this chapter was really short and had a cliffhanger, but here's the good news! There is one more chapter after this one! Yay!

And...here's the bad news: the last chapter is an epilogue. Yes...that means this was officially the last chapter of this story. Don't be mad! I loved writing this story and hope you enjoyed reading it!

I'll see you soon for the epilogue! Don't forget to vote please!

Ithildae