AN: This is a lot of words, sorry we went a little crazy while writing this chapter. It is pretty much canon but with extra bits added for Celandine and Bee. :)

hope you enjoy it because we enjoyed writing it :)

Spoiler: Legolas dies! Na i'm just joking we wouldn't do that (or would we?) mwhaha.

And just to make it clear when you read this Celandine calls Aragorn, Eragorn because of her accent. just so you know we aren't complete idiots :)

Chapter 10

Legolas soon rejoined the group, more subdued than previously. If he noticed Bee's absence he made no comment on it. The company decided not to wait for their 6th companion deciding to find her on the journey to Helm's Deep, they exited the Hall and headed down the hill to see the cities people hurrying to prepare for the trip and Hama shouting out instructions to everyone.

"By order of the king the city must empty. We make for the refuge of helms deep. Do not burden yourself with treasures. Take only what provisions you need." Without stopping the company headed down the hill towards the stables the people moving out of their way.

"Helm's deep. They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king?"

Aragorn sighed "he's only doing what he thinks is best for his people"

Gandalf motioned to Aragorn and he left the rest of the group and accompanied him to the stables, Bee stood off to one side near the end of the room running her hand carefully over the mane of her horse, seeming calmer than she had previously. "There is no way out of that ravine. Theoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety." Gandalf opened Shadow Fax's pen "what they will get is a massacre. Théoden has a strong will, but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses have to hold."

Aragorn gave him a solemn nod, assuring him he grasped the seriousness of the situation

"They will hold"

Gandalf turned to Shadow Fax and ran a hand over his mane. "The grey pilgrim. That's what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of men I've walked this earth, and now I have no time." Aragorn opens the pen door for him "with luck my search will not be in vain. Look to my coming at the first light on the fifth day."

He mounted his horse and positioned himself so he was comfortable.

"At dawn look to the east."
"Go" Aragorn all but whispered opening the pen door wider for him, without another word Gandalf kicked forward and he was off, passed the rest of the company in the stable.

Soon after the stable began to fill with solders preparing for the long journey to Helm's Deep, not long before had most of the company left the stable to prepare, leaving only Bee, Aragorn and Celandine. Bee still stood next to her horse beginning to prepare her, placing the saddle over the animals back with care and slowly doing it up. Celandine cautiously approached her friend, nervously not knowing how she would react after she had refused to follow.

"Come forth, Tithen pen. You not need fear me" the words were spoken with up most calm but Celandine thought she could hear a hint of anger in her friend's voice, obviously feeling betrayed by Celandine. Coming closer slowly Celandine finally reached the pen lifting herself up to sit upon the fencing facing the front.

The two were silent for a few moments.

"Re ya angry wif me?" Bee sighed heavily before answering.

"No, I am not angry with you. I am sorry if I frightened you Mellon (friend) it was not my intention"

Celandine nodded slowly, understanding it had not been her intention but was still unsure on whether this would be the only outburst she would witness from her friend. It had become obvious the entire party that Legolas brought something new out of the she-elf, some thing that Celandine had never seen.

The two sat quietly together for a while watching as Aragorn calmed a horse and spoke quietly to Eowyn, Celandine was amazed.

"Wow ded ya see whit eh did?" she questioned in amazement, Bee smiled and nodded.

"Elvish words have been known to calm beasts before" she informed the young hobbit, not letting it slip that she was impressed Aragorn had been able to do it, she had not known that he had grown up with the elves of Rivendell. Many a times she had visited and not once had she seen him there.

"He is a good man" bee commented watching Aragorn as he told a man near him to set the horse free, he gave the she-elf and hobbit a quick look before walking from the stable followed by Legolas and Gimli. "Do ye fink we will die?" the question took the she-elf off guard; she looked at the hobbit in shock. For the first time she really saw the fear behind all of Celandine's bravado, the truth of a very small hobbit in a very big world, a little one in over her head and afraid to admit it. Bee hooked her arm over her shoulder.

"I will never, ever let anything happen to you, tithen pen. You will be by my side the entire time"

The she-hobbit groaned theatrically but Bee heard the relief behind it and smiled. Bee swung up onto the horse and extended her arm to Celandine, lifting the little one behind her with ease. Celandine clutched tightly to her waist and Bee remembered her fear of horses.

"Uuma dela, tithen pen. (don't worry little one) all is well"

The death grip on Bee's waist loosened a little but the hobbit refused to let go. Bee smiled to herself and spurred the horse forward.

As she made her way out of the gates of the stables, Bee spotted the line of people, trudging out of Rohan. Bringing the horse up to a trot she made her way up the line. Frightened by the increased speed, the hobbit's grip on Bee's waist tightened. Bee smiled. "You're okay tithen pen"

"I durn't feel okay!"

They trotted on for a while until Bee spotted Aragorn. She drew up beside him and nodded a greeting. He returned it but his focus was the proceedings ahead of him. It seemed the dwarf and Eowyn were conversing.

"It's true, you don't see many dwarf women. And in fact, they are so alike in voice and appearance that they're often mistaken for dwarf men." Gimli was saying.

Bee and Aragorn laughed quietly to themselves. Eowyn heard this and turned to throw Aragorn a look of confusion.

"It's the beards" he whispered, motioning towards his own hairy face.

Eowyn smiled and turned back to the dwarf, who had not finished his ramblings.

"This in turn, has given rise to the belief that there are no dwarf women and that dwarves just spring out of holes in the ground" Gimli laughed to himself and the other's joined him. "Which of course is ridiculous." He added in a loud voice, swept away by the thought of a captive audience. His voice spooked his horse, which started forward and lurched, whinnying in fright. Gimli was sent tumbling to the ground. Eowyn ran to his side, but allowed herself an amused smile when she saw the dwarf was not hurt and still whittering away about it being deliberate. Eowyn looked back at Aragorn, the light of merriment in her eyes. Theoden saw it also and affection stirred in his heart. "I have not seen my niece smile in a long time." He said to Aragorn. Bee and Celandine overheard and looked to the king. "She was a girl when they brought her father back dead. Cut down by Orcs."

Bee bent her head, suddenly overwhelmed. Celandine heard her mutter something bitter, but could not discern the words. She watched her mother succumb to grief. And she was left alone to tend her king in growing fear. Doomed to wait upon an old man who should have loved her as a father."

Bee again bent her head. Something about the king's words had awakened feelings and memories she would rather have kept buried. Eowyn turned to Aragorn, seeking a companion in her mirth. But Aragorn was looking to Bee, seeing her grief.

"Beriadanwen"

"Hmm?"

"I think it is best if you go and assist Legolas with his scouting. This company could use another pair of elven eyes"

Bee scoffed at the mention of Legolas, wrinkling her nose in disgust. "The only thing I wish to assist that pompous prince with is the shoving of his own knives up his…"

"Whoa!" Aragorn interrupted; frightened by the turn this conversation had taken. He hastened to steer it back into safe territory "Please Bee. I would feel terrible if any harm befell these people and your elvish sight would be very helpful. I promised I'd do my utmost in ensuring their safety and if you were to help…"

"Fine!" Bee groaned, seeing Aragorn was determined to get her and Legolas together. "But I cannot ensure his safety" she swiftly dismounted and stomped away from the line.

"N'ndengina ho (don't kill him)" Aragorn yelled after her angry form.

"Bee!" Celandine shrieked, finding herself alone on a beast more than three times her size. The horse was spooked by this sudden shriek and threw its head back. The hobbit screamed even louder as the horse nearly threw her to the ground, keeping her seat only by the death grip she had on the horse's mane. Aragorn alerted by the ruckus, abruptly turned away from his conversation and ran to her side. Grabbing the reins, he took control of the horse's head and forced it to look at him. He spoke calming elvish words and the horse became still. He lifted a shivering Celandine of the horse and put her on the ground. She sat there for a moment shivering in fear. After a moment she got to her feet and ran to Gimli's side. He turned to her, eyes wide in surprise but he did not question her presence there.

Beriadanwen stormed across the Rohirrian plains, pushing past people with little heed for etiquette. She was deaf to the grumbles and protestations of others; glower fixed on the horizon, in particular the elvish form that stood alone on a hill. Though he too was looking into the distance and showed no signs of sensing her approach he greeted her before she drew along side him. His voice was stiff and controlled, almost condescending. This grated on Bee enormously but she refused to allow him the satisfaction of seeing her annoyance. Feigning indifference, she ignored his greeting and strode ahead of him, making a big show of looking into the distance. Legolas raised his delicate eyebrow at the she-elf; he had been surprised when she had taken the opportunity to snap at him.

"Mani naa lle umien? (What are you doing)" he questioned speeding up slightly to catch up with her faster pace, Bee continued on as if she had not heard him speak.

"Mani naa lle umien?" he asked again this time hoping for a reply, he knew that she was still extremely angry at him, and would probably strike at him.

"What does it look like?" she demanded, purposely being rude, refusing to meet his eyes or even look at him.

Legolas fell silent. He felt it would be better not to answer that question. He looked away for a moment, not knowing what to do. On one hand he felt that his earlier actions had been completely justified. But he'd seen a completely new side to the she-elf, one that had scared him deeply. Her sudden change from dry and sarcastic to cold blooded she-beast fully intent on murdering him where he stood. He sensed he'd triggered something in her that he did not fully understand, ignorant and irreverent in what should have been a sacred place. The death of a relative. He remembered her brother, remembered being at the funeral. He remembered how much his death had shaken the young princess. And he'd blamed her. Guilt churned in his stomach and he found himself experiencing shame for the first time in his entire 7000 years walking on this earth.

Bee was finding it hard to feel complete anger towards the older elf, as she had provoked him. But remembering the way he had insulted the death of her brother, her anger returned. The death of her brother Galdor had come as a great shock to her. Not thinking their daughter could handle her parents chose not to tell her for several months. Those months she had spent waiting for a brother that would never return to her. Anger swept across her once more but not out of anger for Legolas but for her family, and herself. She had felt so stupid when she had found out, she should have seen the signs that something was wrong by the way the people closest to her were acting. It had seemed that the whole of Mirkwood was in a sense of mourning and she'd not known the reason. Even those closest to her kept the information to themselves. Not even Arbellason had thought to tell her, though he was one of the first to know. The anger inside her grew again as her mind wheeled back….

(Flashback)

Sitting in her mother's chamber, bored out of her mind Arquenniel stabbed her needle into the square of cloth. Her inattention caused her to slip and stab her finger. She sucked air through her teeth, hissing in pain and annoyance. Just then she was distracted from her pain and boredom by a clatter at the door. Her tutor, Lady Erulassë looked up from her own needle-work in surprise, rising to open the door.

"My lady!" she exclaimed.

Arquenniel turned in surprise to see who was at the door. She'd expected it to be a messenger or servant but Erulassë didn't call them "my lady". The only person she called "my lady" was her mother. What would her mother be doing interrupting her lesson in such a way. But sure enough it was her mother! She threw herself through the doors, eyes red and bloodshot, tear tracks marking her face like scars. She opened her mouth, ready to blurt something out but then her eyes fell on her daughter, sat paralysed with shock, eyes wide, mouth ajar. Nimthîriel paused for a moment, took a breath and hurriedly wiped her eyes.

"Forgive me Lady Erulassë, for this sudden interruption but I much desire to speak with you" she looked pointedly at her daughter "privately please"

"Of course Arwen amin" (my Lady) Lady Erulassë got to her feet and accompanied Lady Nimthîriel out of the door. Before she departed Arquenniel's tutor looked back and said

"Continue with your work Arquenniel"

Arquenniel scowled and took her seat once more. Her tutor was clever. She knew that Arquenniel would not be able to do needle-work and listen through the key hole at the same time. Both women left and began to speak. Their voices were tantalizing close to being clear enough for Arquenniel to hear. She leaned in her chair attempting to get closer to the door, desperately curious. She leaned so far she tipped over and landed with a thud. The two women did not return like she had expected them to after hearing the thud, instead they stayed outside of the room, Arquenniel could hear their voices as they spoke quietly together.

A few minutes later the door to her mother's chambers opened and Erulassë stepped inside, there were barley visible tears running down her face as she took her seat once again across from Arquenniel.

"What's the matter?" Arquenniel asked now really concerned that both women had been crying.

Her tutor simply shook her head and pointed down at Arquenniel needle work instructing her to continue with her work, and without saying anything ignored the young princess until the lesson ended. As the pair parted ways in the hall Arquenniel noticed a look of pity cross her tutor face before she disappeared. Arquenniel stared after her, feeling suddenly lost. She stood there in the hall way for a moment, wondering what to do. After a while she decided to go to her father and ask him about it. She hurried down the palace corridors, pausing as she remembered her father's rule about knocking. She tapped politely on his door.

"Ya naa ta?" (Who is it?) Came her father's familiar voice, oddly wobbly and broken

"Arquenniel, Ada" (dad)

Shuffling ensued, accompanied by frantic footsteps before a long pause and the final call to enter. Arquenniel gingerly pushed his door open to find him at his desk. It was a sight she saw almost everyday but something about this time made her pause. Something… just wasn't right. Her father wasn't sitting straight and tall in his usual proud manner. He was hunched, drooped forward. He turned to greet her and his eyes had an odd watery sheen to them.

"'Quel re (good day) Arquenniel. What brings you to my quarters?" his voice was thick and slow, like he had to be careful of every word.

"I'm sorry for the interruption Ada but I am worried about Naneth" she said, hoping her politeness would curry his favour and get her a more honest answer.

"That is very kind of you Arquenniel, but you have no need to worry. Naneth is fine" The way that her father said it left the young elf unconvinced, she knew there was something the matter with her mother and her father for that matter.

"Both Naneth and Erulassë were unusually upset, only moments before I came to see you, Ada" she told him hoping to get something out of him this time. Her father wiped his eyes briefly as if there were a new set of tears coming on; he tried his best to smile at his daughter.

"It is nothing you need to worry yourself with Arquenniel" he assured her sounding slightly more believable this time, Arquenniel seemed convinced and nodded her head slowly. She stood there for a moment unsure as what to do now.

"Is there anything else you needed Arquenniel?" he questioned looking back down at his desk, and beginning to fiddle through his papers which were scattered over it.

"No Ada, sorry for disturbing you" with that she took her leave, not waiting for her father to reply. She knew there was something important going on, if it had made both her parents and her tutor upset, and she was determined to find out what was truly going on.

Arquenniel sat up from her writing and went to the window. Strange sounds were trickling in, getting louder and louder as footsteps approached. Soon she saw its source, a small elvish lad dressed in black walked slowly through the palace gates, followed closely behind by male elves carrying what appeared to be an elvish burial slab. Expecting to see mourners, Arquenniel was surprised to see both of her parents walking closely behind them, her mother leant against her father as if taking comfort. Following them were the mourning people of Mirkwood, clothed also in black. A row of girls at the front of the line of mourners sang an elvish mourning song. A drum was beaten, horns sounded long deep notes. Arquenniel grew rapidly more anxious and confused. This was a royal funeral procession! But if the one who had died was royal then… she looked again at the body on the slab. Through the thin silk of the burial pall she saw… Galdor. Shock smacked into her like she'd been slapped. Without even stopping to think, she tore out of the room, careening down the palace steps, screaming out for her brother. He couldn't be dead, it just couldn't be real, it had to be some sick dream. She sprinted across the grass of the palace plain, rushing to her brother, hoping against all hope that what she was seeing before her wasn't true. The mourners turned towards her, startled out of their grief.

Her parents watched in horror as she darted towards those who bore her brother's body. They had just laid it down when she reached them. Unceremoniously she tore of the covering, screaming hysterically.

"Galdor! No!" she pulled at him, like a child does when they want their parent to awake. Many of the mourners were transfixed by this display, paralyzed in their shock. Legolas Greenleaf, one of the sons of Mirkwood's nobles, who had fought in the army also, watched open mouthed at this scene, watching as the honor of the royal family was torn down by this indecorous display. He lurched forward, grabbing the princess's arm and trying to pull her off her brother. He was determined that his fallen companion would be respected in his death.

Arquenniel cradled her brother close, begging him to get up, begging him to end this nightmare. But he did not move. He was cold and limp, empty and lifeless. The nightmare was real. Fingers closed around her arm, hauling her up, off the burial slab. She turned her head, frantically searching for harbor in this sea of chaos. Instead she found herself looking into the stern, condescending face of a person she had no desire to see. Legolas Greenleaf. He was practically a stranger, offering no comfort.

"My lady! Calm yourself! You think this is an appropriate way to grieve a fallen warrior?"

She pushed out at him, wrenching free from his grip. Thick, choking sobs wrenched at her throat. She couldn't breath; her chest seemed to be collapsing.

"Arquenniel! Stop this display at once!" her mother demanded finally finding it in herself to wipe the tears from her eyes and yell at her daughter. Legolas took a step back letting the Queen deal with her own family matters.

The Princess turned to look upon her mother, she took her in seeing the tears stains streaked down her face, her father behind her was much in the same state but he seemed too distraught to do anything.

"Why was I not told?" she shrieked. "My own brother has been dead for a month at least and no one told me!" she could remember not to long ago everyone in the palace crying and she had no idea why but now she knew. Her mother seemed taken aback by her daughter's outburst she had not expected her to make a scene at such a tragic event. Her father stepped forward.

"We did not think you would be able to cope with the news. Judging by this display it is obvious we were correct!"

"My own brother!" Arquenniel screamed. She wrenched her headpiece from her head and threw it to the ground. "Amin feuya ten' lle! Amin delotha lle" (you disgust me! I hate you!)

Ignoring the gasps from the on looking mourners she suddenly had a thought. "Arbellason! Where are you?"

Her old friend stepped slowly out from his place, lifting his black hood from his face. "I'm here Arquenniel" his voice shook in fear.

"How long have you known?"

He dropped his head in shame. "I brought the word back"

Silence reigned over the clearing. Arquenniel seemed to be boiling up inside until she finally exploded. She spat at his feet, a display of utter contempt and hatred.

"You never told me, you were too scared of losing your job! My brother died and you didn't have the gits to tell me! Is that all my friendship meant to you, the price of the status of an army messenger! Nadorhuan!" (Cowardly dog) a look of hurt spread across her friends face, Arquenniel turned away from the other elf and back to her brothers body, kneeling down before him she kissed his forehead

"Amin mela lle (I love you)" she whispered. Mustering up the last shred of dignity she had, she straightened and strode away from the funeral, trying desperately to hold back the tidal wave of tears.

Once she got out of sight of the others she allowed herself another breakdown, throwing herself through her door and flinging herself onto her bed. Once she was too tired to cry, she sat up, leaning against the head board. She felt like she'd been torn open, eaten from the inside out. One thing she was certain of, she couldn't stay here for much longer. Not with these people, these cold unfeeling monsters. She thought of her brother, thought of the life he could have had. The life he should have had. The people he would never met, the things he would never celebrate, the wife he would never marry, the children he would never have.

Why did things have to happen this way? Why did he have to die? He had been a good elf, brave and noble, what did his death accomplish in the long run?

Arquenniel ran a hand over her face, she could not believe that her own family had not told her, and to find out the elf who was supposed to be her best friend had kept this from her angered the young princess greatly.

She seemed to sit in the same spot upon her bed for hours, thinking of the times she and her brother had spent together, and the plans they had both made for the future.
Galdor had been the one to teach her to shoot and had been her partner in crime until he stared to take his duties to the Mirkwood throne seriously. The pair had always been close, and now it seemed that he had been the only one she knew that she could of trusted, and now he was gone she had nobody. The faint knock on her door, brought her back to the present, she had not realised she had been crying until she blinked and a tear fell making a track down her pale face.

There was another knock and the door opened, Arquenniel glanced over at the elf that dared to invade her personal space. There in the doorway stood her father, stiff and awkward. She turned away from him, refusing to face him. He slowly approached her bed. Her hackles rose as she sensed his approach. He finally reached her, slowly lowering himself onto the side of her bed, carefully watching for her reaction. To his surprise she sat completely still, not even acknowledging his presence.

"Arquenniel, Ta nae ten' I'quelin (it was for the best)" he spoke strongly, believing fully in the decision to keep her brothers death from her, in hopes of protecting her from the harsh truths of lives. She finally realised what he thought of her. He thought she was a weak little maiden, too pathetic to endure reality, an immature child who should be wrapped in cotton wool. He didn't see her intelligence, her quick skill with the bow, her dexterous ability when scaling trees or manipulating a blade. He truly didn't see who his daughter really was. He saw only what he wanted to see. He'd never thought once that she deserved to know that the person she'd cherished the most in the entire world was never coming back. While he'd had months to grieve and recover her grief was made all the worse by those who were supposed to be there through it.

She turned her head to look at him; her father was shocked to see the angry fire burning within them. Never before had he seen his daughter look so angry in her long life.

"You betrayed me!" she spat, rolling gracefully from her bed and, walked towards the balcony, finding lanterns burning in the place where he brother mound would be located. She stood there on the balcony, hands clenched into fists, staring out at the small blinking lights in the distance. Her father was still speaking but she refused to acknowledge him, forcing herself to tune him out. Seeing his efforts were futile he took his leave, saddened and angry.

(End flashback)

"Bee?"

Bee was jarred out of her own head and back into reality. Somewhere during her reminiscing she'd wandered away from him and sat down alone. She was deep in her mind she hadn't even realized. She looked up into his eyes and saw worry and confusion.

"Are you alright?"

She sighed and turned back to the horizon. "It's not your fault Legolas, that you make me feel the way you do. I just have so much anger connected with my past and you embody all of it. You're like the personification of everything I ran away from."

Legolas knew there was no point in discussing it. So he simply sat down beside her and there they stayed, watching the night go past as the others slept.

They were not the only ones who spent the night sleeplessly. Aragorn sat awake also, drawing once again on his pipe. His thoughts were bent on Rivendell, more specifically it's Evenstar, it's Tinúviel. Arwen.

Celandine stirred in her sleep, waking for a brief moment. She looked to Aragorn; saw the faraway look in his eyes. She knew he wasn't grounded here in the present, at least not his mind. She turned over and left him to his wanderings. Whilst Gimli could be found curled up fast asleep, with nothing to trouble his mind.

The next day they set off again, extinguishing the fires, packing up the sleeping gear, saddling the horses and setting off. Eowyn stuck close to Aragorn, Celandine stuck close to Gimli and Bee and Legolas were left together by default. Moving away from the main group, the elves moved to higher ground, springing up the craggy land like mountain goats, spying out the lay of the land. The atmosphere was different to yesterday, more anxious, more tense. Hama was also scanning the horizon and was scowling.

"What is it? Háma?" one of the Rohirrim asked. Their horses were skittish, pattering nervously and whinnying.

"I'm not sure."

Suddenly the reason for the tension made itself known. Overhead, on a rocky outcrop, a monstrous beast ridden by an orc scout appeared. The warg, built like a hulking wolf began charging down the cliff face, launching itself onto Hama and his horse. The air rang out with the sounds of horse and man screaming. Gamling rushed forward and attempted to defend Hama but it was to no avail. The elves, alerted by the sound, rushed forward, bows at the ready. Bee let loose a wicked shot that brought the rider down from his warg.

"A scout!" Legolas cried before he too shot an arrow. Between the two of them the elves quickly finished off both warg and rider.

"What is it? What do you see?" Theoden cried to Aragorn, who had turned at Legolas's cry.

"Wargs! We are under attack!" he cried, spurring his horse forward. At his words panic and disorder took hold of the village people. "All riders to the head of the column!"

Gimli looked around, searching for his horse. Not seeing it, he called for another. One was hurriedly brought to him. He tried to scramble up but was too small. Seeing this, others came to his aid, though not quickly enough for his liking. "C'mon get me up here, I'm a fighter." He growled. Celandine, eager for a fight, swallowed her fear of the horse and ordered she be helped onto one also. She got some questioning looks from the Rohirrim, some who suggested she go with the women and children and got a fist in the nose for their trouble. They did not question her thereafter. Theoden also got hurried prepared, calling for Eowyn. "You must lead the people to Helm's Deep and make haste." He ordered.

"I can fight!" she said, desperation evident in her voice. You could hear the desire for honour in her voice.

"NO!" the king said hurriedly. He refused to lose another child. "You must do this — for me."

She nodded in understanding and headed off to round up the villagers. The fighters charged forward. The two elves stood side by side, loosing arrows at the approaching orc horde. The she-elf found herself quite relaxed as she replaced her bow with her sword; taking on in a run she met her first opponent within seconds. Celandine finally managed to make it to the battle field, the call of her battle cry echoing through the field. Legolas turned, saw Gimli's horse and swung up into the saddle behind him. Bee did the same, swinging up behind Celandine who threw her a cheeky smile as they thundered forward. The sounds of battle echoed across the plain.

In the midst of the fighting, Gimli tumbled from his horse but sprang up instantly, wildly swinging his axe.

He went to kill a rider-less warg but Legolas brought it down before he could.

"That one counts as mine!" Gimli shouted indignantly. The battle raged on, many Rohirrim and warg riders falling. Celandine roared in a mix of terror, delight and excitement as she wildly swung her blade. Bee grinned at her as she finished off what her hobbit friend started. Celandine looked round, taking in the scene around her. She saw Aragorn hurl a spear, Theoden drive his blade into an orcs chest, Legolas swiftly shooting arrows. It was complete and utter chaos, a primitive struggle to cling to life.

Eventually the fighting dissipated. The enemy was routed. The fighters stopped, leaning on their swords, taking weary breaths. The wounded cried out for help and others hurried to provide it. Bee dismounted and helped Celandine down. As she did she noticed something.

"Tithen pen you're wounded!"

Celandine looked herself over. Her arm sported a cut that was dripping blood. Though it was savage it did not appear deep. "Huh. So I am. Isn't dat sumthin?"

Bee looked at her in confusion. "How could you not notice?"

"I wis kunda buzy"

Bee shook her head and called for help.

"Oh pipe durn Bee. Dere's no need fur all dat hollerin. It's jurst a little cut"

Bee ignored her and kept calling. Eventually someone came over and proceeded to clean the cut, lay balm over it and wrapped it in gauze.

"Noow wha ya have ta go ind do dat fur, Bee?" dat man was busy hilpin other piple ind ya call him awiy to deal wit me?"

"You need tending to just like everyone else"

Celandine scoffed. "C'min. Let's go find Eragorn, Gamli ind yur pointy eared frand"

They saw Gimli and Legolas advancing on a fallen warg rider and hurried over to them. As they got closer they could hear the rider was laughing, a chilling malevolent cackle. Gimli loomed over him with his axe "Tell me what happened and I will ease your passing!" he said viciously.

"He's… (Cough)… dead. He took a little tumble off the cliff" the filthy runt laughed again. Bee and Celandine felt their blood run cold. He couldn't mean Aragorn? Aragorn couldn't be dead? Legolas lurched forward and seized the orc by his clothing.

"You lie!"

The orc laughed again, blood bubbling in his mouth so it came out as a wet choked gargle. He fell back dead, eyes vacant. Legolas stood, grimacing in disgust but his eyes caught on something in the orc's hand. A flash of light, something shimmering in the sun. Bee and he leant forward, curious. Celandine stepped back, disgusted by the sight and stench of the dead orc. Legolas pried open his hand and took something from it. A necklace bearing a brilliant white jewel, the pendant fashioned to resemble an angel holding a flower.

"The Evenstar" Bee breathed in awe. Celandine did not know its name but its significance was not lost on her. It was the necklace she had often seen Aragorn wearing. And now it was in the hands of a dead orc… the cold in her blood grew stronger and she felt her heart sink into her gut. Bee, Legolas and Gimli hurried to the cliff edge and peered cautiously into the river below. Theoden and Celandine came up behind them. After a moment Theoden turned to the remaining Rohirrim and called "Get the wounded on horses. The wolves of Isengard will return." Gamling looked up, acknowledged that he'd heard and hurried to comply.

"Leave the dead." Theoden added. The company turned to stare at him in shock.

"Come" he said simply, indicating them to leave the cliff face and continue on their journey. He turned away, going to assist his men. But the company remained, staring down the cliff face, overwhelmed and disbelieving.

yay finally finished this chapter :)