Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings, nor any of the affiliated characters. I only own Cerin (my OC). Any references to the books or movie are acknowledged. Any infringement on my part is purely accidental and unintended.
*.*.*.*.*
Chapter 12:
Battles Big and Small
*.*.*.*.*
Cerin could not help but feel as though Aragorn was slightly at fault for such a course of events. Were it not for his stopping Theoden's hand in the death of Grima, they would not have had to worry about the traitor sharing his knowledge with Saruman. Grima knew everything of the capital; the weaknesses, the strategies, the exit routes. Should Saruman gain Grima's knowledge, Edoras was doomed. Had Aragorn let things be and not meddled, Grima would be a rotting pile somewhere and not riding to join the Enemy.
Theoden's voice still rang loudly in Cerin's ears. His decision was made on his people's behalf, for their safety, yet it could be their damnation. They were placing their hopes in a fortress surrounded by mountainsides. They would be cornered and cut off from aid should any come for them. The Enemy could be the one to see Helms Deep fall, whether by frontal assault or by stalling the battle long enough that they all starved. Neither of Theoden's options, to stay or to go, were appealing, but he had chosen the one that was the least. The man would not be swayed, no matter who beseeched him to reconsider.
She considered all of this in a contemplative silence while seated besides the children. She vaguely registered Eowyn doling out second helpings into their now empty bowls. The quiet that had filled the Hall after Theoden's declaration and prompt exit was neither oppressive nor comforting. Cerin appreciated its ambiguity and was loathed to break it.
"Where is Mama? She promised she would find us," the little girl asked again suddenly. Her question broke through the strange silence in the room.
"Hush, child," Cerin whispered. Her hand reached to smooth the messy curls from the girl's face. She met the child's gaze for a long while. Oh, how Cerin wished to hide the hard truth from this little girl, but she could not hide the sadness from her eyes. Showing understanding beyond her years, the child read the look in the woman's gaze and the meaning behind it. Tears began to run down her flushed cheeks and she fell into Cerin's comforting arms with a strangled sob.
"She's not coming back is she?" her wet voice asked.
"No, your mother is not coming back, my sweet child," Cerin whispered back. She tightened her embrace and looked up to meet the gaze of the older boy. The resigned expression upon his face disturbed the woman. Lifting one arm, she gestured for him to join their embrace. He did not hesitate in moving towards them and almost immediately his shoulders started shaking in quiet sobs. They quieted after a time and slumped tiredly against her.
"Come children, you need your rest," Eowyn said kindly and escorted them away to a room to sleep. Cerin's sad gaze watched as they disappeared from the room.
"Lass!"
Cerin's shoulders slumped marginally at the boisterous call. She was in no mood to confront that particular situation in that moment, but she really had no say when it came to the dwarf.
"That was quite kind of you, Cerin," Legolas intoned before Gimli chanced to speak again.
"I only acted in a way that I wish someone had for me," she said matter of factly, brushing aside the comment.
"I offered a small balm to ease their grief," she continued softly.
"Hmm, how are you healing, Cerin?" Aragorn asked after taking a puff from his pipe.
"That is no wee scratch, Lass," Gimli said gruffly, masking his concern with brusqueness, and pointed to her bandaged arm.
"I have had worse injuries," she said simply, choosing not to give further explanation, "Pardon me, but I must pack."
With that, she stood from the table and turned to leave, her skirts swishing behind her.
"Are you curious for news of the rest of the fellowship?" Aragorn asked from behind her.
Cerin paused and turned to face him. "I had wondered but did not think to ask. I figured you would think that information too dangerous for my ears considering the circumstances. As it is such, the fellowship is no longer my business," she said bluntly with a tinge of bitterness coloring her words.
The three across from her seemed to almost flinch at her words and the truth in them.
"You should know that we have seen that we were too hasty in our judgment of you and regret your leaving our company," Legolas said truthfully, his striking blue eyes gazing at her imploringly.
Cerin's mind was silent at the elf's words. She simply stared at him, meeting his gaze, until the words were comprehended. Her soft chuckle rang throughout the Hall. When she noticed the bewildered faces of those around her, she saw fit to explain her reaction.
"Ah, Legolas, your reaction was nothing more than what I had always expected of anyone who discovered that news. But, I had hoped that the fellowship would see beyond the fear and anger and realize that I am just a normal woman," she said sadly, a bitter smile adorning her pale face.
"I need to pack," she said again, shaking her head, and walked from the room.
*.*.*.*.*
"You will not be able to avoid the fellowship forever, my dear," Gandalf's voice rang out in the silence.
Startled, Cerin turned to see the Istari standing in the doorway of her room. As he moved further into the room, she turned back to the small table and resumed placing items into her pack.
"I am aware of that, Gandalf," she said lowly. The wizard remained quiet, recognizing that she had more on her mind.
"When I saw them again," she said slowly, contemplatively, "I still felt anger and bitterness. All negative emotions, you see. I had dared to hope that the fellowship would be accepting of me, but truly I had always expected them to react the way they did. I never really considered any other reactions for anyone who might become privy to that knowledge. And as I spoke to them just now, I realized I could not truly fault them for how they felt because I had expected it."
She paused, staring at her hands as they held her pack. "Yet, I still feel hurt because a small part of me had hoped they wouldn't feel that way," she softly intoned to the silent wizard, her voice choking with emotion, "I am Sauron's heir, but I do not want to be. No one seems to realize that."
"My girl, I believe that in times of war like these we can easily forget ourselves, get lost in the darkness as it were. It is easy to see a threat in nothing nowadays, and I think the fellowship has finally seen that there is no threat in you," Gandalf reasoned gently.
"Even if they have recanted their feelings towards me, Gandalf, they cannot possibly expect me to act as though nothing has changed between us, can they?" she asked incredulously.
"I do not know their thoughts on this matter, but regardless of the current status of your friendship, we are still at war," he said seriously, "You still have a purpose in this fight no matter who your allies are, Cerin."
"That is true," Cerin conceded. She paused and shoved another shirt into her pack, "On another note, I wanted to say that I do not think I was very effective in my purpose for coming here. It was only my second day when I was thrown in the dungeons. I hope I did not ruin too much of your plan."
Gandalf chuckled, "Nay, we could not have known but anything you may have had a hand in happened before your arrival. Theoden's nephew, Eomer, and anyone loyal to him had already been banished and Theodred was at death's door. But, you were successful in swaying Wormtongue's eye from Lady Eowyn. I hope that was not at the expense of yourself?"
"No, but it was not for his lack of trying. He did not like that I fought back."
"Then I am glad. I had worried after hearing your words to Theoden," he said with relief, "Now enough talk, gather your things and meet me at the stables when you are done."
She nodded in understanding and watched as he exited her room, his white robes swishing behind him.
*.*.*.*.*
The orders to evacuate the city had been given and a growing feeling of fear had already taken hold. The inhabitants were rushing about, busy deciding what to take with them and to leave of their home and possessions. Soldiers were scattered about Edoras assisting the people in preparations. Cerin took all of this in as she waded through the throng to the stables.
The stables were empty of people when Cerin arrived, so she set about tacking up Greatheart and attaching her pack behind his saddle. Once done, she merely waited for Gandalf so they could speak and she could finally leave Rohan. Softly stroking Greatheart's face, she considered where she would travel next and listened to the commotion occurring outside all about the city. Sounds of shouting and distant crying permeated the stillness in the stables.
After a while, she vaguely registered familiar voices amongst the chaos. Shortly, Gandalf, Aragorn, Gimli, and Legolas entered and looked to be in a serious discussion. So deep were they in their discussion, they did not see Cerin in her place within the far stall. They stopped outside Shadowfax's stall and continued speaking.
"Helms Deep! They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight!" Gimli said hotly, "Who will defend them if not their King?"
"He is only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helms Deep has saved them in the past," Aragorn said reasonably.
"There is no way out of that ravine. Theoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he is leading them to safety. What they will get is a massacre," Gandalf said gravely, "Theoden has a strong will, but I fear for him and the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end. The people of Rohan will need you, Aragorn. Their defenses have to hold."
"They will hold," Aragorn promised, his voice just as grave. The wizard entered the stall and patted the great horse's muzzle.
"See that they do. Now, I ride for Lord Eomer and his men. We will need them before this fight is over."
"You wished to see me, Gandalf?" Cerin called out when it became clear Gandalf was about to leave without speaking with her.
They all turned to see who had spoken. They spotted her approaching from the back of the stables and leading a fully tacked Greatheart behind her. She had changed from her dress into a royal blue fitted tunic and brown leggings which were both slightly worn looking but new to her ownership. Her blade hung from her hip and her bow and quiver lay across her shoulders over her cloak. Her hair hung down her back in a long plait with the elvish customary braids at her temples. Her appearance was not a strange sight for those who knew her, but it was a large contrast to the gowns they had recently seen her in. Her expression was questioning as she waited for an answer.
"Ah, Cerin, I would like for you to accompany the caravan to the fortress. I have reason to believe someone of your skills will be needed," Gandalf told her. She was slightly surprised that he wanted her to continue on with them.
"Are you sure that is wise, Gandalf? Your last task for me did not end very well," she asked with uncertainty and pointed to the fading bruise on her cheek.
"I had not counted on your injury, which is unfortunate, but you will travel to Helms Deep, Cerin. You will be more useful there than in whatever backwater town you planned to visit," the wizard said sternly.
Cerin lightly flushed in embarrassment and nodded, "I will go."
"Good," Gandalf mounted Shadowfax, "Look for my coming on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east."
"Go," Aragorn ordered and quickly moved away as Shadowfax jolted forward to run past and out of the stables. A tense silence fell over them after Gandalf's departure.
Gimli huffed lightly, "Well, it will be just like old times, Lass."
Cerin looked at the dwarf across from her, not returning the happy expression. "No, I do not think it will be, Gimli."
She watched guiltily as his face fell at her words but she did not show it outwardly. She tugged Greatheart's reins and started walking towards the exit.
"This will mean you are a member of the fellowship again, Cerin," Aragorn stated from his place behind her.
Cerin paused in her stride and turned to look at him with some uncertainty, "Aye, I guess that is true."
"I am glad you are with us once again, Cerin. You were missed," Legolas said with sincerity in his musical voice.
"Hmph," Gimli huffed, nodding towards Legolas, "What he said, Lass."
"And I have to… apologize for my words in the Wood," Gimli continued in embarrassment.
"As do I," Aragorn added quietly.
She stared intensely into each of their faces for a long while, judging the truth of their words. Eventually, a small smile crept onto her face, which received answering grins from the men.
"Now, would you like to hear news of your companions?" Aragorn asked her.
"I would," she nodded, "But let us talk as we travel. We must pass the time somehow."
*.*.*.*.*
Atop Greatheart's back, Cerin was afforded a view of the long line of people both ahead of her and behind. Horses pulled carts full of food and possessions. Others carried all that they could from their homes. Soldiers rode scattered along the procession as guards. The chatter around her was light, but there was still an oppressive weight of worry hanging over them all. They had been on the move for only a few hours, but she could see some beginning to tire. Cerin felt sorry for these people of Rohan. The elderly and the young could hardly be expected to physically handle this trip, yet they had no choice.
Beside her rode Aragorn. Legolas had Gimli behind him on his mount and had gone further up the line. Finally, Cerin could wait no longer and asked Aragorn the question that had not left her mind since she first spotted the fellowship again.
"Aragorn, what has become of everyone?" she asked hesitantly, her brow creased in worry.
Aragorn was quiet for a few moments before looking towards her with a solemn expression. "Boromir," he paused, "was killed, Cerin, by uruk hai near the Falls of Rauros."
She stared straight ahead with a blank gaze for a couple minutes. "And what of the hobbits?" she breathed, still shocked.
"Merry and Pippin were captured by the uruks and were almost to Isengard before soldiers of the Riddermark disposed of them. They are safe now with the ents in Fangorn forest," he paused, "Frodo and Sam are making their way to Mordor alone."
"Alone? How could they possibly…?" she trailed off, stunned.
"I let them go," Aragorn said simply and looked into her face for understanding.
"Then I…I can only hope for their safe passage and success," she said quietly and gazed about forlornly.
"Cerin, I promised Frodo I would give you a message should I ever meet you again," he watched as she turned to him looking somewhat lost, "He said that he is sorry for his harsh words against you and that you are a sister to him in his heart."
He watched as she slowly nodded and looked forward again. He politely ignored the welling of tears in her eyes that she refused to let fall.
*.*.*.*.*
Aragorn had ridden for hours beside his female companion. He tried to offer support and understanding through his silent and constant presence beside her. He had not tried to engage her in conversation since he had told her of their friends, just as she had not tried to speak with anyone.
Eowyn had approached a while ago and was walking beside the two quiet figures. Aragorn had once noticed she was about to attempt to speak with Cerin, but he warned her against it. It would be best to let the woman work through this. Eowyn had taken to talking with him to pass the time. He answered her questions of places he had been and things he had witnessed. She had a great curiosity for the world, that woman did. It was her next question that took him aback.
"Who is she, the woman who gave you that jewel?" Eowyn asked curiously and gestured to the beautiful silver pendant that hung around his neck.
He paused at this and remembered the giver of that particular gift.
*.*.*.*.*
Flashback
"You must go with your people and sail to the Undying Lands. You will have a chance at a life without grief and despair," he told the beautiful and caring elf maiden before him.
"Why are you saying this, Aragorn?" Arwen gasped as her eyes filled with hurt.
"I am mortal, and you are elf-kind. It would only end in pain. It was a dream and nothing more," he told her with great pain in his eyes. He extended his hand to her in which he held her necklace.
She stared at him for a long while, her face falling further with every second passing. Finally, she understood that it was the end for them and their betrothal.
"It was a gift. Keep it," she told him softly and closed his fist around the necklace. She stepped forward and placed a parting kiss upon his lips. Arwen withdrew and turned swiftly from him. Aragorn could only watch as she left, knowing he was the reason for it.
End Flashback
*.*.*.*.*
"Aragorn, are you quite alright?" Eowyn asked concernedly, shaking him from his reverie.
"I am fine… She is sailing to the Undying Lands with her people. She is leaving these dark times and will be no more than a memory I look upon fondly," he said lowly.
Eowyn might have read his expression for a growing dark mood and reigned in her curious questions. She took to walking silently beside them before she left to assist elsewhere. Aragorn relished the silence and remained pensive alongside Cerin for the rest of the day.
*.*.*.*.*
After many tiresome hours, the sun finally fell below the horizon and camp was established. Fires were lit for warmth. The orange lights could be seen scattered amongst the darkness up and down the plain. Sounds of people settling in for the night filled the air. Cerin settled before a fire after rubbing Greatheart down from the long journey. Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn soon joined her. Weariness from the long day could be seen on all of their faces except on Legolas'. They were engaged in light conversation when Eowyn approached carrying a large pot and ladle.
"I have made some stew if you are hungry," she offered, and lifted the pot in her hands as if for proof.
"I would love some. Thank you, Eowyn," Cerin said and retrieved her small bowl. Eowyn doled some of her stew into Cerin's bowl and looked to the others for their decisions.
"Bring that over here, Lass. This growin' dwarf never turns down the offer of food," he chortled.
"Growing in which direction, Gimli?" Legolas asked with a false innocence.
Everyone broke into soft laughter at the elf's comment. Gimli simply snorted and turned away from them. Aragorn also accepted some of the food, but Legolas politely declined. Eowyn watched as Gimli dug straight into his portion before offering wishes of enjoyment and moving onto the next fire. Cerin and Aragorn began eating and almost immediately put their spoons down with matching grimaces on their faces.
"How can you eat that, Gimli?" Cerin asked incredulously.
Gimli paused in his eating and looked up at the woman with an extremely perplexed look. "Wha' are you talkin' about, girl? There's nothin' wrong with this," he asked as though she were slow in the head.
"Pardon me," she murmured sarcastically and pushed her bowl further away.
"I would rather go hungry, I think," Aragorn said lowly. Cerin nodded in agreement.
Shortly after Gimli finished his meal, he slumped on the ground near the fire and fell asleep. His snores filled the night with their sound. Legolas left soon afterwards saying he would scout the area. Cerin and Aragorn were left alone, both staring into the intense orange glow of the fire. They were both silent, leaving the other alone to their thoughts.
"You should get some rest," Aragorn suddenly said in his deep voice.
"I think you say that to me too often," Cerin chuckled, then quieted, "It matters not for I have too much on my mind to rest."
She broke the silence some minutes later, "Aragorn, tell me Boromir fought bravely."
"To the death," Aragorn responded lowly and met her gaze, "He tried to take the Ring from Frodo, but he was himself when he met his end."
"That is a small comfort," she said breathily, "I had always feared he would try to take the Ring, but I am glad that he came to his senses before his death." She was silent for several moments.
"I think I will rest now. Thank you, Aragorn, you have soothed my worries. Should you ever need to share yours, I will be there to listen."
Cerin stood and walked to her bedroll, passing just behind the Ranger. She clasped the Ranger's shoulder in camaraderie and understanding before moving to lie in her bed. She fell asleep to the beautiful mosaic of stars above her and to the sounds of crackling logs on the fire and Gimli's snores.
*.*.*.*.*
The caravan set out just after dawn and made slow progress towards its goal. This day saw Gimli riding alone next to Cerin and Aragorn. Hours after leaving camp, Eowyn again fell back to walk beside the fellowship. Aragorn was thankful that this time she turned her curiosity onto Gimli instead of himself.
"May I ask you a question, Master Dwarf?" Eowyn asked as she walked beside him while he rode.
"Of course, my Lady! Ask me any question you wish," Gimli said good-spiritedly.
"Well, I have wondered why dwarf women are never mentioned," she said questioningly.
"It's true you don't see too many dwarf women. In fact, they are so alike in voice and appearance that are often mistaken for dwarf men. Nowadays, people seem to think we just pop out of the ground!" he said loudly and incredulously, "Which is ridiculous!"
Cerin and Eowyn laughed merrily at his words. Eowyn looked back towards Aragorn with a questioning look at the dwarf's answer while still chuckling. Cerin spotted Aragorn mime a long beard on his face with his hand and mouth back to her, "It's the beards."
Eowyn laughed loudly again, and Cerin joined her in chuckling at the absurdity of it. Just then Gimli's mount reared and took off. The dwarf's lack of riding skills was seen as he promptly fell from the saddle with a loud thump.
"Oh my!" Eowyn exclaimed and ran after the stalwart dwarf. She reached him quickly and helped him sit up.
"I'm alright. No one panic! It was deliberate! It was deliberate," Gimli shouted to everyone around him. Eowyn giggled at his exclamation and looked back towards Aragorn and Cerin with a wide grin.
"He purposely fell from the horse?" Cerin sarcastically asked Aragorn. He turned to her with an amused smile and caught her twinkling gaze. They shared another laugh before halting next to the grounded figure and the Lady.
"Come now, Gimli, time to get back in the saddle as they say," Cerin said amusedly.
"Hmph, dwarves aren't meant to ride horses! We're meant to be low to the ground. That's why we're so short," Gimli protested.
"So you're walking then?" Cerin asked while fighting a smile. Gimli just snorted and started walking away, leaving Eowyn holding his horse's lead. Cerin shared an amused look with Eowyn and began moving forward again.
Things were peaceful for a good while after Gimli's fall until there were shouts at the front of the procession. Cerin and Aragorn immediately spurred their horses into a gallop. Cerin halted at the front of the line while Aragorn continued on past. They both spied Legolas' figure running back towards them.
"Legolas, what is the matter?" Aragorn shouted to the elf.
"A scout! The wargs are coming!" He shouted back. Aragorn turned his horse around sharply and ran back to the caravan.
"What is it?" Theoden yelled to him.
"Wargs! We're under attack!" he shouted back.
His words ignited a panic. Screams and cries filled the air as people fell out of formation to run away. Theoden took action by shouting orders for all riders to stay behind and for everyone else to make their way to Helms Deep. Cerin saw Gimli attempting to mount his horse with little success and Eowyn was trying to rally the people.
"Eowyn, lead the people to Helms Deep and make haste!" Theoden yelled to her.
"But I can fight, Uncle!" She yelled back.
"No, you must do this, for me," he pleaded, now closer to her. Eowyn turned pleading eyes onto Cerin who could do naught but shake her head sadly.
"They need you more at this moment. You will do Rohan no good should you die, my friend," Cerin reasoned.
"I will not speak of the stupidity of your statement nor on how it applies to you as well," she said angrily and strode away quickly while yelling for everyone to get to lower ground and to stay together.
Theoden looked at Cerin gratefully, but she could not bring herself to hold his gaze because of the guilt she felt at denying Eowyn. Soon riders surrounded Theoden and he called for them to go forth. At once, those gathered kicked their horses into motion. They galloped over the rolling green hill to the party of wargs they knew were coming.
As they came over the top of the hill, they passed Legolas who was firing preemptive arrows at the great running beasts headed towards them. Legolas jumped up behind Gimli as he rode past. Cerin took in the images of the Enemy as they rode. The wolves of Isengard were large beasts, standing the height of a man with shaggy fur of a dirty brown color. They bared teeth the size of small daggers every time they growled. The orcs were just like all those she had encountered before that moment. Their greasy, inky black skin glistened in the sun. They had elf-like ears and gruesome smiles with sharp pointed teeth. She noticed all of this in an instant, which was the amount of time before their opposing forces were to meet. With swords and spears raised, they ran straight into the line of wargs and their riders. A great clash sounded at their meeting. Arrows, spears, and blades flew true as they skewered wargs and orcs alike. The orcs were easiest to reach with a blade from horseback. The wargs continued attacking despite being without riders.
Gimli fell off his mount soon after the battle started, again landing on the ground with a loud thump. Legolas continued on with only a glance behind him at the dwarf. A warg soon spotted the short figure of Gimli, who raised his axe in preparation.
"Hah, bring your pretty face to my axe!" he shouted to the beast. The warg began to lope forward at his words. It was almost before Gimli, who was ready to swing, when it fell over with a groan. Legolas then rode past while loading another arrow into his bow.
"That one counts as mine!" Gimli shouted after the elf before turning to find his next foe.
Cerin stayed atop Greatheart as long as she could. She swung and stabbed her blade, killing both orcs and wargs. She gave a brutal thrust to the chest of a screeching orc and turned, pulling her blade from the body and spraying black blood behind her. With another strong stab, she killed the snarling wolf of Isengard. She swung Greatheart around and spotted a warg leap nearly the height of a man and knock Aragorn from his saddle. She turned her eyes away as she, too, was knocked from the saddle. She groaned as her body forcefully impacted the ground. Looking up, she swung her leg around and floored the orc approaching her. She quickly gained her feet and ran it through. Her gaze roamed the battle looking for the fellowship. She saw Legolas and Gimli holding their own a good distance from her. But Aragorn, he was dueling an orc atop a warg! She started running towards him once she saw him fall and hang from the crude saddle. He swung his arm upwards and imbedded his dagger into the orc's chest. The creature fell sideways off the warg, but Aragorn did not let go. Cerin watched as the warg kept running with the Ranger hanging from its side.
"Let go, Aragorn!" Cerin shouted, running to intercept the wolf.
"I'm stuck!" he yelled back in frustration.
Cerin stopped right in the path of the running warg and raised her blade. Aragorn looked up and yelled her name. Cerin swung and struck the hound, which gave a loud whine, but its momentum was too great. The warg fell forward into Cerin, knocking her backwards towards the nearby cliff. The beast continued over the edge, bringing Cerin and Aragorn with it.
*.*.*.*.*
The battle soon ended, but not without casualties. Men walked around looking for wounded and counting the dead. Others checked for any of the enemy that may still be alive. Gimli relished in this task. He swung his heavy axe at creatures that were both barely alive and long dead, offering insults at their passing. Once done, he looked around him for his companions.
"Aragorn?" Legolas yelled from behind the dwarf.
Not seeing his friends he became worried, "Aragorn? Cerin?"
There was a loud whinny to the side of those gathered. They both turned and spotted Greatheart nervously stamping his feet and tossing his head. Legolas approached the animal and grabbed the limp reins.
Running a soothing hand down the horse's neck, he looked to Gimli, "She would not leave him like this, Gimli."
A gargled cackle soon reached their ears, alerting them to a dying orc near the cliff side. Dwarf and elf both moved to the ugly creature. Gimli promptly shoved his axe near its face.
"Tell me what you know, and I may ease your passing!" he ordered angrily.
"They're dead," it cackled wetly, blood dribbling from its lips, "Took a nice tumble over the cliff, they did!"
"You lie!" Legolas shouted and landed a good kick to its ribs. The thing merely laughed loudly before it abruptly went silent and slumped over dead.
Legolas ran to the edge of the cliff and gazed downwards. The sight of a jagged rock face and a raging river met his eyes. It was an impossible situation to survive, but he could not accept that they were gone. He felt someone approach, and watched as Theoden stopped beside him and looked over the edge. After a moment, he turned around and spoke to his subordinate.
"Get the wounded on horses. The wolves of Isengard will soon return. Leave the dead."
Legolas looked at the King in disbelief. Theoden looked back at him with a sad gaze and grasped the elf's shoulder in comfort.
"Come, we must leave," Theoden said quietly. With that, he walked away from the cliff's edge. Legolas and Gimli remained motionless and stared at the quick-running river below them with forlorn expressions.
*.*.*.*.*
TBC