୨⎯ Chapter 25⎯୧
"A Dwarf, Elf and Faerie"

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BACK AT the battle, I catch sight of Legolas calmly counting his kills. "Thirty-three, thirty-four," he murmurs, his voice steady despite the surrounding tumult.

"Are you truly keeping count?" I inquire, unable to suppress a smile as I glance towards him.

Legolas meets my gaze with a knowing look. "Perhaps," he begins, his tone playful, before swiftly dispatching another enemy with an expertly aimed arrow. "Thirty-five."

"Show-off," I mutter, turning my attention back to the fray.

As I focus on an approaching orc, I call out, "Legolas, watch your left!"

He ducks just in time, avoiding a swinging blade. "My thanks, Liairse," he calls back. "That would have been unfortunate for my hair."

I roll my eyes, summoning the power of the earth to impale the orc with jagged stone spikes. "Priorities, my prince. Priorities."

Suddenly, I'm knocked to the ground by another orc. Before I can regain my footing, Khellan rushes to my aid, using his earth magic to fell my attacker.

"Liairse!" he shouts, concern evident in his voice. "Are you alright?"

Without pause, I rise and charge back into battle, my mind solely focused on the task at hand.

Khellan calls after me, his voice tinged with frustration, "Not even a word of gratitude?!"

"Thank you, dear brother," I call over my shoulder, not breaking stride. "Now, less talking, more fighting!"

Amidst the fighting, I catch a glimpse of Aine alongside the spectral army. "Aine!" I shout. "Interesting company you're keeping!"

She turns, dispatching an orc with a gust of wind. "They're actually quite pleasant once you get to know them," she quips back, a hint of a smile on her face despite the chaos.

As the battle subsides, we find ourselves confronted by the King of the Dead, pleading for release.

"Release us," the spectral king demands.

Gimli grumbles, "Bad idea. Very handy in a tight spot, these lads, despite the fact they're dead."

I elbow him sharply. "Gimli," I hiss, "not the time."

Aragorn steps forward, his voice firm. "I hold your oath fulfilled. Go, be at peace."

As the spectral army fades away, Gandalf turns to Aragorn, bowing respectfully. "The age of men begins anew, Aragorn," he says solemnly.

Later, in the throne room of Minas Tirith, we gather to discuss our situation.

Gandalf's voice is heavy as he speaks, "Frodo has passed beyond my sight. The darkness is deepening."

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

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

Gimli, puffing on his pipe, grumbles, "Let him stay there. Let him rot! Why should we care?"

I step forward, my voice sharp. "Because ten thousand Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom, Gimli. That's why we should care."

Aragorn outlines his plan to draw out Sauron's armies. Khellan expresses doubt, "We cannot achieve victory through strength of arms."

"Not for ourselves," Aragorn agrees, "but we can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's Eye fixed upon us."

As we journey towards the Black Gate, I ride alongside Legolas. "Ready for another impossible task?" I ask him.

He smiles softly. "With you by my side? Always."

Upon reaching the Black Gate, we're confronted by the Mouth of Sauron. His taunts about Frodo's fate are cut short by Aragorn's swift action.

As we find ourselves surrounded by Sauron's forces, Gimli's gruff voice breaks the tense silence. "Never thought I'd die fighting side by side with an elf and Faeries."

Legolas responds with a hint of a smile, "What about side by side with friends?"

I can't resist adding, "Or even better, side by side with a beautiful princess and her trusty sidekick elf?"

Gimli chuckles despite the dire situation. "Aye, I could do that."

As we prepare for what may be our final stand, I look around at my companions. "Whatever happens," I say, my voice steady, "it's been an honor fighting alongside all of you."

Aragorn nods, his voice ringing with determination. "For Frodo."

And with that, we charge into battle, united in our purpose and strengthened by our bonds of friendship.

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