Chapter 12: The battle for Helm's Deep

Only moments later and she, Legolas and Gimli were stationed along the wall. Alexandra stood holding onto her bow, her hands starting to shake as she watched the orc army approach. Her eyes widened in fear and she was having problems swallowing as cold chills ran down her spine. Already she could sense the death the was about to happen. She feared in her heart that someone close to her would be killed, and she truly feared for Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli's lives. Though her fear was rising, Gimli had such amazing timing, his comment was able to losen her nerves and allow her a laugh.

"You could have picked a better spot." he complained to the elf.

She looked over the Dwarf's head at Legolas, giggling softly. She wondered if it was slight hysteria that made her want to burst into laughter right then. She looked behind her as Aragorn came up behind them, and smiled as his eyes questioned whether she were holding up alright.

"Well lad, whatever luck you live by, let's hope it lasts the night." As Gimli spoke, a flash of lightning lit up the gorge, illuminating the on-coming army.

"Your friends are with you, Aragorn." Legolas said, sparing her a glance.

Gimli's voice sounded a little more down cast then before. "Let's hope they last the night."

Alexandra's fear rose as lightning continued to flash, and the army continued onward. Her spirit dampened as did her hair and clothes as rain started to fall at first slow, then quickly turning into a down pour, soaking her through. She was suddenly grateful she had pulled her hair back. Her eyes scanned the seemingly never ending army of Orcs as they came closer and closer still before they finally stopped fifty yards away from the wall. Legolas whispered the translation of Aragorn's commands to the elf army back to her so she would understand the force she was about to face. Her thoughts suddenly flew to the women and children in the caves behind and below them, and her anger toward the force in front of her grew, her resolve strengthening. She threw a hasty prayer to whatever deity she could to watch over those terrified in the caves. Quickly she chanted a protection spell over the caves, if their God would deem it worthy enough she hoped her magic would be able to protect those innocents as much as possible. She held a more determined air around her then, she needed to survive this or her spell would falter, and diminish, and if they were not able to hold back those forces, those babies and children would be killed mercilessly.

Her gaze moved to Legolas as she finished her chant , and his blue eyes met hers in understanding. "We will hold them back, Alexandra. I promise."

"I hope you're right." She whispered, suddenly wishing she could trade places with Gimli to pull on whatever strength he held to help her feel stronger.

The orcs before them grunted and growls, snarls filled the air as the standoff continued, raising her awareness further, her power starting to radiate from her, tingling in her fingers prickling down the back of her neck as Gimli started jumping in an attempt to see the army.

"What's happening out there?" He asked.

A smile came across Legolas' lips before he spoke, and Alexandra already knew he was planning to insult him. "Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?"

The pair were drastic opposites, but made the best partners for battle, exchanging insults to keep their spirits high before the fight, she thought as she burst into laughter as Gimli shared her amusement. The laughter was short lived as a command was snarled from the Orc standing atop a boulder and the army began to stomp their feat, pound their fists against their armor and slam their spears onto the ground. The noise grew deafening and she noticed the men notching their bows though the elves did not. Her expression became deadly serious as she reached behind her and grabbed an arrow, loosely notching it into the bow in preparation. She heard the shakiness of a bow, and turned her gaze back to the passage above the gate too late to catch the arrow that was released from an old man's bow. It flew through the air, and hit a target which fell forward onto it's front dead seconds later. Fear flooded her gaze then as the orcs snarled in protest, and the commander threw his fist forward, giving the signal to charge.

"Oh God." She whispered. She heard Legolas whisper to her the points for her to aim for, and notched his bow as Aragorn shouted a command.

"There is still time." The elf said, telling her she could still go to the caves if she was too scared.

"No. I have to do this." She said turning her gaze back to him as the Orcs ran forward.

He turned his gaze to her, emotion in his eyes, one she clearly read as the same emotion that filled Eowyn's eyes as she yelled at Aragorn earlier that day. She couldn't believe it. He cared for her, much more then he cared for Aragorn, he felt love toward her, wanted to protect her. He wanted her out of harm's way, did not want her on this wall with him. But at the same time, she saw admiration, perhaps for her strength and stubbornness that held her in place beside him and Gimli. She concentrated on the barrels of arrows lifting the arrows into the air around them making sure of careful clearance to the orcs below waiting for the command to fire, and pulled her own bow up, notching the arrow tightly, and pulled the string back. "I will come out of this. I have to."

"You will." Legolas spoke, his voice full of determination, and the same emotion that filled his eyes. There was something left unsaid as the force below them captured their full attention as Aragorn called out once more, and she understood as the elves released their arrows. She sent hers flying, and lashed out with the arrows she held aloft in the air, sending hers streaming out to the orcs, everyone finding their target to kill. Five arrows in her bow gone, and at least five hundred more through the air orcs fell as they were killed, but more kept coming. Then she saw a sight that terrified her. Ladders. Large ladders that were bringing the orcs over the wall. Her anger flared, and she lashed out once more with her power, throwing the ladders back down giving their force more time to take more orcs out. It wasn't something that could be kept down, however as they kept raising them right back up.

"Allow them to come lassie!" Gimli called. "I want to see some action in this battle! Bring them to me!"

She turned her gaze to Aragorn down the wall, and he nodded to her. She stored away her bow as Aragorn called out another command, the elves put away their bows, and took out their swords. Gimli killed the first orc that was raised above the wall, bringing his ax up into the orc's chest. She then pulled her sword as move came over the wall.

"Legolas!" Gimli's call turned her attention, as she cut down another. "two already!"

"I'm on seventeen!" he called back, a smug look on his face.

She rolled her eyes as she heard Gimli's call of out rage. "AH! I won't have no pointy ear outscoring me!"

"Then how about a woman?! I'm on one hundred!" She called back, both of them stopped for a brief moment as she took out another, throwing him back over the wall onto another's pike. "One hundred and one."

Both turned wordlessly, and threw themselves into the battle further and harder then before. She turned as she heard Aragorn call her name and kicked a ladder down, she nodded and threw the rest back off the wall giving them more time to catch up to kill the ones still pouring over the wall. She turned and swung her sword once more when she heard Aragorn's call again. "Causeway! Alexandra!" she spun, and moved to the wall, looking at the ramp as she saw the orcs marching up, and started throwing her arm out pushing her telekinesis out to the enemies trying to breach their holding. Elves assisted her in shooting their arrows into the enemy, but with every orc that was killed another seemed to take it's place. She heard Aragorn yelling again, this time for Legolas, the same command over and over again, when she turned and saw an orc, a sparking torch in his hand throw himself at the wall below her, she barely registered hands grabbing her, her name being called until her feet weren't touching the ground any longer, and the ground was quickly coming for her, she flailed, trying to find the best way to land so there would be minimal damage when she felt arms crushing her to an armored body she met familiar blue eyes before she felt the impact of the ground both of them groaning she crying out as her head cracked against the floor of the wall. Agonizing pain ripped through her spine, but she could still move her feet, thank the goddess she wasn't paralyzed. She turned, and saw Legolas already pushing himself to his feet, fear in his eyes as he stared at the gaping hole that now was where they had been standing only seconds before.

"Alexandra? Are you alright?" His worried gaze turned back onto her, and he held his hand out to her.

She nodded softly, ignoring the pain the action caused, and grasped his hand, pulling herself to her feet. "I'm not dead?"

He chuckled softly, and brushed his fingers against her cheek. "No."

She smiled back at him even though she heard the splashing of Orcs piling into the holding. "Good. Battle."

He nodded, and turned moving back into the fight as Gimli rushed past her throwing himself onto the orcs as they pushed against their forces, calling out for Aragorn. She turned her gaze to the Ranger who was gaining his feet, calling out for Gimli as he was pushed under water. The elves behind him fired their arrows, and then charged, drawing their swords as she heard a shield clattering, her attention was drawn to the stairs as she saw Legolas throw the shield under his feet and ride it down the stairs as he fired arrow after arrow before throwing the shield out from under his feet and she gave it an extra push throwing it into the chest of another orc. Using her telekinesis she picked up swords and arrows of the dead, and threw them into the oncoming horde.

Then she heard Theoden calling for Aragorn to fall back to the keep, and she started pushing back toward Haldir, who was already being alerted by Aragorn. He nodded, and she watched Aragorn fighting his way back to the keep, Haldir turned after meeting her gaze, making sure she was safe before turning, right into the sword of an orc. She screamed and brought her sword up over Haldir's head as he fell, taking the orc's head off and throwing it back over the wall, her anger surged in her, and she pushed out with her power, orcs that were around her were thrown back away from her as she fell to her knees beside the elf. "NO! Haldir, no!" She gripped onto his body even as she was breifly aware of Aragorn pulling her to her feet.

"Go, Alexandra! He's gone! You must go now!" Anger shone in his eyes as it did hers, and he turned punching an orc in the face before gripping onto a ladder, and pushing himself off of the wall. She screamed out for him, but turned, and ran for the keep trusting Aragorn not to die on her. She raced to the gate, pushing the orcs back, fighting hard until she felt Aragorn's hand come down on her shoulder. "Come, Alexandra, I need your help." His hand moved to Gimli, pulling him along with him.

They crept of out a side door Aragorn first, Gimli next, and her bringing up the rear. He turned and looked back at the two of them.

"Oh come on, we can take them!" Gimli said.

"It's a long way." Aragorn cautioned.

Gimli paused for a moment before looking back at her then Aragorn. "Toss me."

Alexandra couldn't help the smile. "What?"

"He's gonna have ta toss me, I cannot jump the distance!" Gimli was obviously irritated at the thought of admitting the weakness.

But as Aragorn placed his hand on Gimli's back, gripping his armor to throw him, he stopped Aragorn. "Don't tell the elf?" He asked, looking pointedly back at her.

"Not a word." They both promised him. Aragorn looked back at her. "A little push?"

She nodded and Aragorn braced himself as he gripped Gimli harder and threw him the distance separating them as Alexandra gave a little nudge to help him clear the gap, did the same for Aragorn as he jumped, then pushed herself onto the ramp throwing orcs out of her way, putting her back to the door as she fought. It wasn't long before she heard Theoden's voice calling to them to get out of there.

"Alexandra! Take those ladders down!" Aragorn called. She heard Legolas' voice calling out to them, and felt Aragorn's hands on her back pushing her to the rope. "you first!"

"What about you?!" She screamed back as she took hold of the rope.

"Don't worry about us! Gimli wants more of the battle! You get up there and get those ladders down!" he pushed her, and within seconds, she was meeting the elf's blue eyes, they were filled with worry.

"Don't do that again." He said to her, very seriously.

"I was fine, get them!" She called, her eyes conveying her gratitude to him as she turned, and lashed out with her power, pushing against the ladders, smiling in success as they fell, and she took her sword, and cut the ropes holding the ladders to ensure the orcs couldn't continue to pile into the keep. A crunching drew her attention to the gate, and whimpers softly as she sees it being busted through. "NO!"

"Alexandra, fall back! Into the hall, GO!" Legolas called to her, pushing her back to the keep as he shot arrows off on the army that had broken through. Through the night, and into the coming dawn of the morning, they braced the door, despite Theoden's diminishing feelings. He felt defeated by the loss of the holding. Aragorn couldn't believe that Theoden was giving up so easily.

Her thoughts returned to Eowyn and the women and children, and couldn't help confronting the king. "Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves?" She glared at the king who seemed to ignore her and turned her attention to Aragorn who had turned to hear the answer.

When none was given, he turned to Hama. "Is there no other way?" he persisted.

"There is one passage it leads into the mountains." the first in command answered, looking between the both of them. "But they will not get far, the Uruk-Hai are too many."

Aragorn turned to her then. "Go! Tell Eowyn to take the women and children to the mountain pass! And barricade the entrance. Go with them!"

"NO! Aragorn, whether you'd like it or not, I'm not leaving!" she stubbornly stood up to him, but any response was cut off by Theoden finally speaking as the captain took off taking over the duty Aragorn had given her.

"So much death." The king spoke. "What can men do against such reckless hate?"

Aragorn's eyes seemed far away before he spoke again. "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them."

Theoden turned, and his resolve had returned. "For death and glory."

"For Rohan, for your people." Aragorn returned.

"The sun is rising." Gimli spoke softly.

Alexandra turned her gaze to the window, where she saw the sun peaking through the window. "Gandalf."

"Yes." Theoden said, though he wasn't speaking to Alexandra. "Yes, the horn of Helm Hammerhand will sound in the Deep one last time."

Gimli grinned and took off. "YES!"

Horses were brought into the hall, and the men and Legolas mounted them, swords drawn. She approached Legolas' horse, anger blazing in her eyes. "don't leave me behind! I can help!"

He leaned down, and brushed his fingers against her cheek. "take the word to the women and children to be ready. Keep this hall clear. Some may try to get in behind us. Please, Alexandra. For me."

"Damn you." He had her, and he knew it. She hated that all he had to say was 'for me' and she couldn't resist it. He had to know of his appeal to her, and must have used it against her. Damn him to hell.

They rode out, and she followed behind, on foot, killing any strays that got past them. The sun started to rise over the hill, and then she saw a white figure on white horseback. Gandalf had arrived. A smile spread on her lips as she saw another ride up beside him, the rider that had given them the horses. The orcs looked on in disbelief, and turned to meet the Rohirrim that crested over the hill, and started down, putting the orcs on the defense. As the riders neared the line of orcs, the sun fully rose over the hill, creating a magnificent sight, the riders seemed like angels, graced by whatever deity she had prayed to, it had answered her prayer for help.

Gimli joined her soon a moment later, laughing as the orcs had decided to flee. "Laugh all you want, Gimli, but it's not over yet."

He frowned up at her. "what do you mean?"

"That forest was not there yesterday." She nodded to the line of trees that had seemingly grown overnight, then to the riders who had stopped warning the others to stay away from the forest. The orcs ran inside, and a few moment later, shrieks could be heard as the trees started to move, their branches swaying as if caught in an invisible wind.

"A very nice end, lass." He said approvingly.

"I didn't do that." She said smiling. "Your forest of Fangorn seems to have overgrown." She grinned down at Gimli as a light of understanding lit up in his eyes.

"So, what is your total then?" he asked.

"You don't want to know." She said grinning, as she moved to the causeway.

"But I do!" He chased after her.

"One hundred and ninety seven." She said, looking at him over her shoulder. "Far beyond you and Legolas put together."

he glared at her as she turned and moved past him, going back to the hall to alert Eowyn to the return of her brother, and the end of the battle. She quickly moved up, smiling as she saw her. "I am glad you are okay."

"Be glad more that you were not part of the battle." the sadness for the loss of life was evident in her eyes.

"Alexandra, I am sorry." She said embracing her.

She nodded. "it's okay. Let's go greet our men." Alexandra turned and started back for the causeway, getting only to the stairs when Aragorn was in front of her, she smiled to Eowyn who moved forward to greet him, and she pushed past, going to Legolas. "You came back."

He smiled up at her. "of course. I always will." His eyes moved behind her and she turned, seeing Eowyn embracing Aragorn. A touch of envy was in his gaze as he looked back at her, he was holding himself back. He nodded, then turned, heading for the wall.

She looked between Eowyn, and Legolas then back again when she met the woman's eyes, she clearly read the 'you idiot, go get him!' look she gave. Alexandra smiled softly, and chased after him. "Legolas!" he stopped, and turned, his eyes widening as she threw herself into his arms. "I'm glad you came back." she said, hugging him tightly.

He sighed, and wrapped his arms around her just as feircely. "Seems we have much to talk about."

"Later, I promise." She said against his neck. How could he smell so good after a battle? She wasn't sure, but she also didn't care. She pulled back from him, staring into his eyes for a moment. "I..." She searched his eyes and was unable to finish her thought.

He nodded. "Me too."

She smiled, she didn't need to finish, he already knew. "where were you going?"

"To boast." he grinned, and took her hand, leading her back to where Gimli sat atop a dead orc. He let go of her hand as they reached the dwarf. "Final count. Forty two."

"Fourty two?" Gimli asked, feigning being impressed. "Well that's not bad for a pointy eared elvish princeling. I myself am sitting pretty on forty three."

Legolas' face fell as Alexandra rolled her eyes. He frowned, then pulled an arrow, and shot the orc between Gimli's legs, causing her to jump. "Forty three."

"He was already dead!" Gimli protested.

Legolas' frown deepened. "He was twitching!"

Gimli glared and grabbed the handle of his ax, and jerked. "He was twitching because he's got my ax embedded in it's nervous system!"

They didn't wait long before they rode out of Helm's Deep, she riding in front of Legolas, his arms wrapped around her, Gimli behind Aragorn, with Gandalf, Theoden, Hama, and Eomer. They looked out over the horizon where a storm seemed to be brewing over a horrible fire.

"Sauron's wrath will be terrible, his retribution swift." Gandalf spoke. "The battle for Helm's Deep is over. The battle for Middle Earth is about to begin." He spared a glance at Aragorn for a moment. "All our hopes now lie with two little hobbits, somewhere in the wilderness."

Alexandra leaned back against Legolas, she was definitely scared for Frodo and Sam, and prayed once again to which ever deity that would listen to keep them safe.