Sacrifice (Lotr Fanfic)

Pelargir

Eredhel gazed out over the lush, green lands below. In the starlight it was peaceful, it was hard to believe they were only leagues away from the greatest war of their time. Her brow furrowed, she could not foresee the outcome of the coming days. Countless lives would be lost, of that she was sure. Who would be left once the final battle had been decided? Legolas, Aragorn, Gimli, her brothers, it was unlikely that all of them would make it out alive. Trying to protect all of them was like trying to keep river water in her cupped hands. Varyor, the name given to her by her parents, a guardian, one who would watch over others. Her father had foreseen she would save many people, defending them against evil. The first person she had saved had been Elladan, he had nearly drowned in a river when they were younglings. Eredhel doubted he remembered it now, it had been so long ago. She had seen him slip below the surface of the water, and immediately went in after him. She had nearly suffered the same fate, but luckily managed to drag him to shore.

Elladan, Aragorn, the Rangers of the South, Glorfindel, even Gandalf once. Eredhel recited their names and many others, trying to make herself remember why she fought so hard, why she had to continue to fight so hard. But there was another list, one that was always on the forefront of her mind, the one which threatened to consume her. Ivoron, Celebrian, Boromir, many of her companions at the Battle of Fornost, the Rangers killed by the Wraiths, countless others that she had been unable to save. Eredhel inwardly groaned, cursing her thoughts for being so difficult to control. Looking around she realized that it had been quite a while since she left her friends and most of the camp was asleep.

"Legolas," she said, guessing that he was keeping watch.

"Yes melethin?" The name made her smile.

"Is Aragorn still awake?"

"Yes, he took rest a short while ago after you left us and I offered to take the watch. I thought you were simply retrieving a wineskin, where are you?"

"I am beneath the tree that faces east, away from where the men are resting." Less than a minute later he was standing above her, his pale skin contrasting the darkness around them. Legolas took a seat beside her, unsure of what to say. It frustrated him that he could not help her, could not understand the burden she carried, the responsibility she felt for those around her. Then it hit him, he could understand. The need to protect those around her was the same need he felt for her. Legolas had always put her safety before his own, it was instinctual. During the Battle of Five Armies he had always had his eyes on her, ready to send an arrow into the heart of an enemy she did not see. When his father had been angry with her, he had immediately went to her defense. When they had fled into the depths of Moria he had thrown himself over her to protect her from the rocks falling from above. But what if an orc had claimed her? What if she had faded? Now Legolas understood. To protect someone with everything you had, to fight so hard to keep them alive and then for them to die anyways. The feeling of loss of control and regret would be crippling.

Legolas shuddered, his hands clenching. "Are you afraid?" he asked quietly.

"No," she murmured. "Not for myself. I fear for others, and also for what will happen after the battle ends. If we are victorious it will be joyous, and yet, if we are not then surviving will be the greatest grievance of all."

"I know. Do you wish you had sailed?"

"Not at all, if I had then I would not be with you." Legolas couldn't help but smile at her simple response.

"And as selfish as it is, I am glad you did not sail as well. I have something to ask of you," he said hesitantly.

"Anything."

"Stay with me, when we reach Pelargir and Pelennor Fields. Please." Eredhel hesitated, fearing what he may do in a moment of desperation in battle.