[Notes] This will be a 10th walker, but most definitely not from an OC of perfect character or overwhelming character. The insert, Laethe, is not going to be from a world that knows of Lord of the Rings, but rather from a different fantasy world with pre-established power levels and limits – Tyria. I will base her combat, personality, appearance, everything off of what is already given by GW2 lore. I originally put this story in the crossover section but it is moreso of the LOTR-only type, because one does not need to know much of anything about Guild Wars 2 to read the story. (And no one reads crossovers as much ._.)
[Disclaimer] Lord of the Rings is a work of Professor J.R.R. Tolkein, as is the world of Middle Earth. The original languages of Middle Earth are also Tolkein's, but the continued development of the languages for common use is the fandom's. The Sylvari and Guild Wars-esque concepts are the property of ArenaNet and NCSoft. Laethe, however, is my own created character within the work of Guild Wars 2. I do not, in any way, own anything except the composite customization of Laethe.
To Never Dream Again
Laethe shadowstepped in circles around Riannoc and his human squire, impatient at their slow walking pace. It would make sense, she pondered, to go slowly if it was your last battle, but she believed they could triumph. After all, Mother had given Riannoc a great magical sword that could blast fire, cast winds beyond that of an elementalist, and shield the wielder better than any guardian.
The trembling of the ground grew as they trudged on, culminating in one large shake that threw Riannoc and the squire off their feet. Laethe nearly lodged herself into the earth with a misplaced shadowstep before turning around and laughing at the disgruntled pair. Her laughter was cut short, however, as she saw what the two on the ground could not - the lich was coming towards them. Her earlier confidence shattered at the sight of the foul once-human, corrupted by Zhaitan. "Riannoc!" Laethe screamed "behind you! King Mazdak the Accursed is behi-!"
The lich waved his arm and suddenly a legion of Risen appeared. Laethe knew she had to buy time for Riannoc to steady himself, so she shadowstepped forward into the Risen group, somersaulting and throwing daggers once amongst the undead. Mazdak obviously did not expect another fighter to be in the group, so when Riannoc charged in as well the group of undead were quickly vanquished.
Laethe looked around. The squire had disappeared - coward probably ran into the forest back towards town, she thought in disgust. But then her eyes fell upon Riannoc's sword and despair replaced disgust. Caladbolg, the sword gifted by the Pale Tree, was not there. Her eyes widened. The squire probably stole it after seeing its power! She looked to Riannoc, who seemed to be holding off the lich stably. She had to get the sword back to Riannoc before he tired! She signaled a 'sword' to Riannoc and he nodded, understanding her intent. Laethe began to run and shadowstep in the direction she knew the town was in, but just as she had started one step Mazdak summoned a portal to carry more undead. The next thing she knew, she had stepped through the portal and landed on forested ground...but the sound of battle behind her was replaced by silence.