Chapter 23: The Last Debate... The Mouth and the Last Battle

*I decided to finish this book before the Thor one. I am still working on it though. Remember the following: Elvish is Underlined, Speaking to Mind is Bold, Black Speech is Bold and Italic. Also do not hate me for this chapter.... *

Gathered in the Great Hall of Minas Tirith; Aragorn, Legolas, Asteria, Gimli and Eomer were in different areas listening to Gandalf speak "Frodo has passed beyond my sight" he says walking across the hall "The darkness is deepening..." Asteria looks down deep in thought as she continued to listen "If Sauron had the Ring we would know it.." Aragorn chimed in as Gandalf looked at him "It's only a matter of time. He has suffered a defeat, yes, but behind the walls of Mordor our enemy is regrouping." Gandalf said.

"Let him stay there! Let him rot! Why should we care?" Gimli says as he took a puff from his pipe, Asteria turned to him finally speaking "Because 10,000 Orcs now stand between Frodo and Mount Doom" She said standing up placing a hand under her chin in deep thought "We've sent him to his death..." Aragorn and Gandalf turn to her as Aragorn approached her "No. There is still hope for Frodo. He needs time and safe passage across the plains of Gorgoroth. We can give him that." Aragorn said as she looked at him with a smile knowing what he had planned "How?" Gimli asked.

"He means to draw out Sauron's armies. Empty his lands." She said to Gimli as Aragorn finished "Then we gather our full strength and march on the Black Gate" Gimli who was smoking his pipe still started to choke on it. Eomer who has been quiet spoke up "We cannot achieve victory through the strength of arms" his voice laced with concern as Asteria turned to him "Not for ourselves.. But for Frodo.." she said softly as Aragorn stepped forward "We can give Frodo his chance if we keep Sauron's eye fixed upon us. Keep him blind to all else that moves."

"A diversion.." Legolas spoke with a small smile as Gimli looked at him before speaking "Certainty of death, small chance of success, what are we waiting for?" Gandalf sighs a bit "Sauron will suspect a trap... He will not take the bait.." Gandalf said as Aragorn turned to him with a confident smile "Oh I think he will." Gandalf nodded as he walked away to prepare with Eomer in tow. Aragorn turned to Asteria "I will need your help with something my friend.." He said to her placing a hand on her shoulder as she gave him a nod.

Aragorn walked away as Gimli followed leaving her and Legolas alone "I wish you would stay here... Where you are safe..." He said taking a few steps forward she turned to him "You know I cannot do that..." He stood in front of her taking her hands in his holding them; his face in deep thought and worry "If something happens to you..." before he could finish, she placed a hand on his cheek which caused him to look at her "We have through many trials together... Oh, my love... We will get through this... together..." her voice was soft and serene which put him at ease as he smiled at her placing his forehead on hers. "I must help Aragorn.. Get ready.. I will not be far behind you..." she said softly as he nodded.

As he watched her walk away, his heart lurched in pain as if something was going to happen to her. He quickly moved to follow Gandalf to get ready. Asteria followed to where Aragorn was "What did you need my help with?" she asked as he look towards where they kept the Palantir covered and she realized "You know what this will cause..." she said as he nodded "Stay close, in case something may pass..." She looked at him and nodded as she watched him walk towards the Palantir and uncovers it. He closes his eyes, picks it up in one hand and holds it up in front of his face. He opens his eyes and looks into it, facing the Eye of Sauron which is speaking in Black speech.

"Long have you hunted me. Long have I eluded you. No more!" He puts the sword of Elendil up in front of the Palantir "Behold, the Sword of Elendil!" Asteria closed her eyes; projecting herself to see what Aragorn sees in case he needs her help; he always referred her light as endearing and full of hope. Sauron appears in the pupil of the Eye. He shows Aragorn Arwen who is dying. Asteria took deep breaths as she struggle to believe the truth of what her and Aragorn saw. Aragorn is horrified and steps back from the Palantir. The Evenstar falls from his neck and shatters on the ground. He looked at the broken necklace then to Asteria "It..can't be true.." She walked towards him placing a hand on his cheek "I do not believe it.. Have hope in your love for Arwen.." He looked at her and nodded as he walked away. Asteria looked down at the necklace before picking the pieces up in her hands and heads to her room to get ready.

Time Skip to the Black Gate

As they rode to the Black Gate; Aragorn wearing the emblems of the White Tree and the Seven Stars with the crown above them as he leads them from Minas Tirith. Asteria rode on Ithilidin as Legolas and Gimli were on Arod not far from her. Gandalf carried Pippin on Shadowfax and Merry rode with Eomer. As they near the Black Gate, the horses began to become restless as they waited. Aragorn turns to look towards them and then rides forward towards the gate with Gandalf, Asteria Legolas, Gimli, and Eomer. They ride up close to the gate. "Let the Lord of the Black Land come forth!" He shouts at the Gate. "Let justice be done upon him!" Pippin, Merry and Gimli watch from behind their riders. The gates open and out comes Sauron's Lieutenant; the Mouth of Sauron. He rides towards them. He was dressed in completely black, the only visible of his skin was his mouth which was grotesque itself.

"My master Sauron the Great bids thee welcome" he said as Aragorn, Legolas and Asteria look at him aghast. He was horrific to look at. "Is there any in this rout with authority to treat with me?" he said as he looked around. Asteria felt invaded when its gaze landed on her. Gandalf spoke up "We do not come to treat with Sauron, faithless and accursed. Tell your master this. The armies of Mordor must disband. He is to depart these lands, never to return." The Mouth turned to Gandalf "Aha! Old Greybeard! I have a token I was bidden to show thee." He holds up Frodo's mithril shirt in front of Gandalf. "Frodo!" Pippin shouted as Asteria turned to him "Hush dear one.." she said in a whisper for him to hear as the Mouth threw the shirt at Gandalf.

"The Halfling was dear to thee I see. Know that he suffered greatly at the hands of his host. Who would've thought one so small could endure so much pain? And he did Gandalf, he did." He continued at Gandalf's eyes started to water. Asteria brought her horse up and spoke "If he was truly dead, you would have more than just a shirt.." her voice laced with anger as the Mouth turned to her "Ah, the Lady of Starlight... What a fool you are to come here. My master has special plans for you. Your death is inevitable she elf" he continued as Aragorn then moves his horse forward past Asteria placing a hand on her shoulder and then moves forward "And who is this? Isildur's heir? It takes more to make a King than a broken Elvish blade." Aragorn sweeps out his sword and beheads the Mouth of Sauron in one movement. Gimli chimed in "I guess that concludes negotiations.." Aragorn shook his head "I do not believe it... I will not" he said as he looks at Asteria who gave him a smile as she nodded; as if telling him to have hope like she always has. Her eyes showed a slight fear from what the Mouth said.

Legolas looked towards Asteria who looked back at him with a sad smile "Do not fear for me Legolas... I do not believe the Mouth of Sauron.." his eyes widened as he nodded at her. After a few moments, the gates began to open as orcs began to march through "Fall back! Fall back!" they all ride back towards the army with the orcs marching behind them. The Eye of Sauron could be seen directed towards them as the orc army started to surround the army. Aragorn could see the men waver as the orcs encircled them, some men backing away losing their nerve. Asteria looked at Aragorn as he looked around then gallops in front of the army "Hold your ground - hold your ground! Sons of Gondor - of Rohan ... my brothers!" he shouts as he intently looks at all the men "I see it in your eyes, the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day! An hour of wolves and shattered shields when the age of men comes crashing down, but it is not this day! This day we fight!" The men continued to listen as they started to feel encouraged "By all that you hold dear on this good earth, I bid you stand! Men of the West!" he says raising the Sword of Elendil in the air. The soldiers all unsheathe their weapons and stand ready.

Asteria and the others that were on horseback; got off their horses and made them ride off. Ithildin refusing to leave Asteria's side started to get upset; neighing and stomping his foot "Ithildin, this is not a place for you my friend." She said softly as she petted his snout softly with her eyes watering "We have been through many journeys my friend. I will see you again.. But for not you must go. Go with Shadowfax and take the other horses to safety. For me.." Ithilidin started to calm down as his eyes met hers as he nodded slightly and started to follow Shadowfax and the other horses running pass the orcs that began to enclose the army. She watched the horse run fast and far as she shuddered a little as she held back her tears.

Asteria then made her way near Legolas and Gimli, sword in hand as she took a deep breath. Gimli spoke "Never thought I'd die fighting side by side with an elf. Let alone two" This made Asteria and Legolas look at each other smiling as he replied to Gimli "What about side by side with a friend?" he said quietly looking at Gimli. Gimli looks up at Legolas and then Asteria who was giving him a smile of her own "Aye... I could do that... It's been my honor to fight with you both..."

Asteria smiled brightly nodding at him as she looked forward again. Legolas drops his hand on Gimli's shoulder as they slowly turn to face the enemy together. Legolas's hand then finds Asteria's which caused her to look at him. His eyes a beautiful bright blue meeting her own now blue eyes "I love you Asteria... and by the Valar we will be together in the end..." he said softly as she smiled at him squeezing his hand back "I love you Legolas..." they both turned back to the army letting go of each other's hands.

Aragorn stands in readiness in front of the army as the Eye of Sauron whispers to him "Aragorn...." He moved forward seeming to be mesmerized "Elessar..." Aragorn's sword arm drops to his side. He turns to look at Gandalf and the others as his eyes landed on Asteria who gave him a small smile and Aragorn returns the smile" For Frodo..." He raises his sword and runs forward towards the Orc army. Pippin and Merry shout and run after him, their swords raised. The rest of the army start to run towards the Orcs. They quickly overtake the Hobbits. Aragorn reaches the Orcs and smashes into them slashing with his sword. The two armies collide in a fierce battle.

Asteria's sword struck in all directions, but her path ahead was straight; fight long enough for Frodo to destroy the ring and it would be all over. She did not realize that the orcs around her were scarce as she saw arrows fly; no doubt Legolas attempt to protect her from a distance as she kept fighting. A deep bellowing caught her attention as she saw a cave troll approach towards Aragorn; she quickly ran and interceded the troll slashing at it.  Aragorn saw this and joined in the fight as they attempted to take down the troll. In one quick motion; the cave troll then swings its mace back-handed Asteria hard. Her body began to roll and tumble on the ground. She was not moving; a large would on her side began to seep blood. Legolas watching from a distance shouting as he attempted to make his way to her but struggled with the amount of orcs.

Gandalf continue to fight the Orcs. There is a scream from the Ringwraiths and Gandalf stops to look up at one who is closing in on him. Gandalf sees a moth flitting around him and looks up again to see a huge eagle intercept the fell beast and drag it off. Pippin could be heard "The eagles! The eagles are coming!" Asteria laying on the ground with her vision blurred by blood and dirt; could see the shadows of the eagles fly over, she was weak.. she could feel it. Could this be what was meant to happen? "Mother... be with me..."she whispered softly as her eyes closed; she was motionless almost dead like as a large figure swooped down picking her up and flying off. Legolas watched his beloved be carried away by an eagle as he continued to fight.

Aragorn is fighting on the battle field, he hears a road and turns around, a Cave troll is there and it attacks Aragorn. Aragorn fights the Cave troll desperately. Aragorn falls down and turns around and the Cave troll is striding towards him. The troll puts its foot on top of Aragorn. He takes out his knife and stabs the foot. The cave troll, with Aragorn at his mercy, is distracted by the sounds emanating from Mordor, it turns in terror and runs off. In the distance they turned and watch as the massive dark tower of Sauron shakes itself to pieces. Towers fall and walls crumble as vast spires of smoke and spouting steam billow up. The company watches as Mount Doom explodes and the reason for misery is clear... it's plain that Frodo and Sam can never survive the cataclysm. Gandalf turns towards the Eye which is screeching and groaning with a terrible sound. Legolas and Aragorn turn to look too. The tower of Barad Dor begins to collapse. Gandalf has tears in his eyes. They watch as the tower collapses to the ground. The Eye of Sauron explodes sending a huge shock wave outwards.

Merry watching starts shouting "Frodo! Frodo!" Gimli shaking his hands in joy as The Black gate begins to collapse. Orcs try to run away, but the ground below them gives way. They are all destroyed. Mount Doom erupts. Merry looks shocked. Gandalf begins to cry. The Ringwraiths fizzle and disappear. Aragorn watches with concern and tears. The company all had tears in their eyes as now they fear for Asteria, Sam and Frodo's lives.

Time Skip

Frodo is still lying back with his eyes closed but he is in a bed. We can hear birds singing. Frodo wakes up and sits up in the bed. He looks and sees Gandalf sitting at the bottom of his bed. "Gandalf?" he asked as Gandalf smiled at him, a twinkle in his eyes as he began to laugh. Frodo in disbelief that his fried was actually alive starting to laugh himself along with Gandalf. Merry and Pippin come to the door and were ecstatic to see their friend awake "Frodo!" Merry shouted as they ran towards him and leap on the bed. Gandalf laughs at them as they are hugging and laughing.

Gimli then through as he spread his arms and smiles big, cheering. Frodo's smile grew more "Gimli!" Gimli smiles as he claps his hands and strides towards him. Legolas comes through the door as he smiles at Frodo giving him a slight nod and Frodo smiles back. Behind him, came Aragorn who wore a smile himself "Aragorn!" Frodo exclaimed happily as then he saw Sam come through who smiled at him. Frodo's smile went away as he noticed the one he wished to see the most did not appear. Gandalf noticed this "Frodo?" Frodo then looked at Gandalf "Where's Asteria?"

The name they wished to not hear, the smiles all depleted as some of them looked down before Gandalf spoke "We do not know. She fell at the Black Gate, one of the eagles took her when she fell" Gandalf's voice was laced with pain as Legolas sighed and moved to leave. Frodo saw the pain on his face as he looked down "She's gone?" he questioned as Aragorn smiled putting a hand on his shoulder "I do not believe she is. Have hope Frodo. You will see her again" his voice was full of hope as Frodo looked at him and nodded. It's as if the light of the Fellowship had faded away with Asteria missing. Legolas found himself on a balcony looking out towards the fields. His mind racing as he place a hand on Asteria's necklace that still hung from his neck; its glow was gone. He could not feel her fëa, he did not want to believe his beloved was gone. He refused to.

Aragorn found him as he approached his friend "She is alive Legolas. I believe she is." He said as he watched the scenery with Legolas who took a deep breath "I pray to the Valar she is... I do not... feel her anymore..." his voice full of pain as he placed a hand on his heart "Her fëa... it's as if its weak or gone.." Legolas looked at him with tears in his eyes. Aragorn's eyes widened themselves as he's never seen his friend like this; he places a hand on his shoulder giving him a small smile "Do not lose hope..."

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*Long chapter sorry! Is Asteria truly dead?! Find out next chapter!*