Aerlinniel POV

Gandalf, Pippin and I are all sitting outside. I am listening to the thunder and thinking of Legolas. I miss him, but I'm glad I came. So I can be here to protect Pippin. I wish I could protect everybody. Maybe I could if I could figure out how to use my powers. I've tried a few times, with no luck.

"So I imagine this is just a ceremonial position. I mean, they don't actually expect me to do any fighting, do they?" Pippin asks, sounding nervous.

"You're in the service of the steward now. You'll have to do as you are told Peregrin Took." Gandalf tells him and then mutters to himself, "Ridiculous Hobbit! Guard of the Citadel!"

Gandalf keeps coughing. 

"Are you alright, Gandalf?" I question.

"I'm fine, Aerlinniel."

Pippin then exclaims, "There's no more stars! Is it time?" 

"Yes."

"It's so quiet." Pippin states.

"It's the deep breath before the plunge," Gandalf tells him.

"I don't want to be in a battle. But waiting on the edge of one I can't escape is even worse. Is there any hope Gandalf, for Frodo and Sam?" Pippin questions. 

Gandalf explains, "There never was much hope. Just a fool's hope. Our enemy is ready. His full strength's gathered. Not only orcs, but men as well Legions of Haradrim from the South, mercenaries from the coast. All will answer Mordor's call. This will be the end of Gondor as we know it. Here the hammer stroke will fall hardest. If the river is taken, if the garrison at Osgiliath falls, the last defence of this city will be gone."

"But we have the white wizard. That's got to count for something. Gandalf?"

"Sauron has yet to show his deadliest servant. The one who will lead Mordor's army in war. The one they say no living man can kill. The Witch King of Angmar. You've met him before. He stabbed Frodo on Weathertop. He is the lord of the Nazgul. The greatest of the nine."

All is silent for a while. I get up and go over to where Pippin is. 

"Pippin," I say.

"Yes, Aerlinniel?"

"I will do my best to protect you. I will stand by you during battle." I promise him.

"Thank you Aerlinniel, I am so lucky to have you here with me." 

"Don't worry, Pippin. There is always hope." 

~~~

"Peregrin Took my lad, there is a task now to be done. Another opportunity for one of the Shire-folk to prove their great worth. You must not fail me." Gandalf tells Pippin as we rush through the pathways of Minas Tirith. He is having Pippin climb up a cliff and light a beacon.

Gandalf and I wait below. There is silence between us. I can feel a sense of sadness surrounding him. He is worried about something. But what he is worried about...I have no idea what. It could be a few different things.

He could be worried that this might not work, or he could be worried about Frodo and Sam, or maybe it is something else. I am worried too. I have no idea if Frodo and Sam are even alive. But I must trust that they are still alive and getting closer to Mordor.

I am also worried about Legolas. I know he can handle himself. It's just...if something does happen and he does get killed, I don't know what I would do. I do not want to lose him, he means so much to me. Same goes for Aragorn, Gimli, Merry, Pippin, Frodo, Sam, and Gandalf. 

"Has Pippin made it to the beacon yet, Gandalf?" I ask him.

"Yes, he has. And he has lit the beacon! Amon Dun."

"The beacon! The beacon of Amon Dun is lit." I hear someone shout.

Gandalf laughs and exclaims, "Hope is kindled!"

~~~~~~

Hope you all liked this chapter. Sorry it took me so long to update, a lot has been going on. I hope you all have been doing well. Updates are every Sunday and Thursday! 

Love you my elves from the realm of llamas,

~Ellethwen <3