Surviving The Storm (Evergreen #3)

A Favor

"I want to thank you all for volunteering to fight with us." Thranduil said, to the army of elven soldiers before him. "Today we are here because we need a leader, someone that we know wont back down." Thranduil continued. "Now is there anyone you want to nominate? This is your decision." He said to the crowd. 

You stood at his side, and watched the crowd. Thousands of soldiers had shown up. Galadriel really has connections, You thought.

"What about the one that started this? Who is she? We have all heard the Elf Lords talk about her, even the Lady Galadriel has spoken of her." A soldier spoke out, and your cheeks flushed. 

"The Lady of which you speak, is standing right here at my side. She is the one that said she would fight no matter what." Thranduil nodded towards you, and you froze. 

"We want to follow her!" exclaimed a female elf. 

Others chimed in with yeahs! 

"Is this what you all want?" Thranduil asked, a small smiled on his lips. 

There was a chorus of yes, and they all watched you expectantly. 

"Will you lead them?" Thranduil asked, looking to you. 

You thought for a moment. If you said yes, you would be responsible for their lives. 

"I will, if it is truly what they want." You say after a long pause. 

You looked out at the crowed and as if on que, they all bowed. You turned and noticed that Thranduil had bowed his head as well, and you felt vomit rising in your throat. You could only imagine how terrified you must look to them. 

When they straightened back out, You spoke, "I cannot promise that you will survive this war, but you have chosen to fight for the same reasons that I have. This is our home and I will not let anyone take it from me. I will not back down and hide, leaving the rest of Middle Earth to succumb to the darkness from Mordor. I promised the dwarfs a while ago that I would fight with them, regardless of the Lords decision, and I hope that you will fight alongside them with me. You are all very brave." You finished, not knowing what else to say, you could feel tears filling your eyes and you quickly blinked them away. 

************************

"You knew that they were going to pick me, didn't you?" you ask Thranduil, when you were back in your chambers. 

"I had a feeling." He smiled, "They look up to you. You had the courage to defy the elders when no one else did." 

"I don't know anything about leading an army of this size!" you exclaimed. 

"I will help you, but you will be a great leader for these people." Thranduil put his hands on your shoulders, looking you deep in the eyes, "You can do this." 

"I hope." You say, leaning into him, resting your head on his solid chest. 

"Can I ask you for a favor before we leave for war?" Thranduil said after a long moment of silence. 

"Of course." You say, looking at him. There was a strange look upon his face. 

"Will you marry me?"