The group reaches Helm's Deep. The people around them rejoice.
"That does look pretty secure," Tsunade said to Gimli and Legolas. "I think Saruman's army just might have a difficult time breaking in there . . . Difficult, not impossible." As she fixes them with a grim stare.
She takes note of their dejected expressions.
"Hey, we thought Gandalf-sama was dead too," she added.
"But Gandalf is a Maia while Aragorn is only a Man," Legolas said morosely.
It is as they are walking up the causeway toward the open gates that Tsunade notices a culvert in the center of the wall at its bottom. She hurries up to Théoden.
"Théoden-sama, that grate in the wall could be a problem." As she points it out to him. "Maybe you should have it bricked up so that the Orcs won't be able to take advantage of that."
"But without it, we would've ended up with a pond inside the wall," Théoden explained. "And besides, it was never a problem for us in the past. So don't you worry about a thing, Lady Tsunade, this fortress will defeat the Orcs just as it had defeated all past invasions."
"Then let's hope that it's because Saruman hasn't figured out how to break through," Tsunade said with uncertainty, "or that his Orcs are unable to learn how to follow his instructions properly."
They enter through the gates and there are people and soldiers everywhere. Hama shouts for people to make way for Theoden. Tsunade smiles as she witnesses the children that they picked up and fed back at the Golden Hall being reunited with their mother. Eowyn runs up to them glancing about them as Theoden dismounts.
"So few," Eowyn gasped. "So few have you returned."
"Our people are safe," Theoden said. "We have paid for it with many lives."
"Eowyn-chan," Tsunade said morosely to her.
"Lord Aragorn," she said. "Where is he?"
"He fell over a cliff and into a river," Tsunade gasped.
Eowyn looks shocked and turns around to look back at her uncle, who looks back at her for a moment then turns and walks away. Eowyn continues to stand there stunned. Tsunade walks up to her and clasps her shoulder.
"We didn't see his body. We thought Gandalf-sama had died as well. Though as you saw, he came back to us . . . So maybe there is a chance that Aragorn-sama survived and will find his way back to us."
Eowyn turns to her with a tear streaming down her face.
Great, she's starting to develop feelings for him. Tsunade thought wryly.
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Saruman and Grima watch as the ten thousand Uruk-Hai depart from Isengard on their way to Helm's Deep. They continue to watch for a moment longer and Saruman returns inside, followed by Grima.
"Now that the issue of Helm's Deep is handled," Saruman said as he continues walking and enters another room, "it's on to something else."
"And what would that be, my lord?" Grima asked him.
"Asking Lord Sauron what he knows about that Woman you mentioned." As Saruman removes a sheet from a pedestal to reveal the Palantiri once more and extends his hand over it.
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Preparations are still being made at Helm's Deep, even unto the next day. Tsunade had taken the time to look about the place, noting the defenses and is impressed with them. Yet her attention would always fall back upon that drainage basin in the wall. She does understand that they have need of it, due to the brook that flows down from the mountain and pools up against it, noting that this is their source of fresh water.
"Somebody's coming!" One of the soldiers shouted from up on the wall.
Tsunade hurries up to the top of the wall and looks out to see a man approaching on horseback. She watches for awhile until the rider gets closer and her heart skips a beat. She rushes down the stairs through the crowd to find Gimli and Legolas, and does so.
"He's alive!" She exclaimed to them. "Aragorn-sama is alive!"
"He's alive?!" Gimli roared with delight.
Tsunade rushes to the gates, skillfully weaving her way past the people, leaving Gimli far behind. Once near the gates, she manages to get in the front to greet him as the horse rounds the corner with Aragorn mounted upon it. He stops before Tsunade, who smirks up at him.
"Where is he?" Gimli is heard growling through the crowd. "Where is he? Get out of the way! I'm going to kill him!"
He finally emerges before them.
"You are the luckiest, the canniest, and most reckless Man I ever knew," Gimli said happily. "Bless you, laddie." And hugs Aragorn, prompting Tsunade to chuckle as she stares at them with folded arms.
"Gimli, Tsunade, where is the king?"
"He's in the throne room," Tsunade thumbed as she glances toward it.
They follow Aragorn. Legolas greets him and says something in Elvish to Aragorn.
"You look terrible," Legolas next said with casual sarcasm, prompting a grin all around.
Legolas hands Aragorn the Evenstar. Tsunade looks around and her gaze falls upon Eowyn, who looks somewhat despondent as she notes the tears in her eyes.
Poor woman. Tsunade thought empathetically. And she seems right for him too.
The Fellowship follows after Aragorn.
"Don't you think you should rest first?" Tsunade asked.
"No time, the king needs to hear this."
Aragorn pushes open the doors where Theoden is sitting on his throne speaking with Hama.
"Aragorn?!" Theoden gasped with disbelief as he hurriedly gets up off his throne and runs up to him. "I didn't believe you survived!" He and embraces him momentarily. "You should rest, and get some food in you!"
"You must hear of what I have seen," Aragorn said. "A great host is coming this way."
Theoden walks away from him. "A great host, you say?" He finally said without looking back.
"All of Isengard is empty," Aragorn answered.
"How many?" Theoden asked.
"Ten thousand strong at least," Aragorn answered.
Tsunade's pupils shrink as she grits her teeth slightly from the shock.
"Ten thousand?!" Théoden gasped as he looks back at Aragorn.
"It is an army bred for a single purpose," Aragorn stated simply. "To destroy the world of Men . . . They will be here by nightfall."
Théoden looks to be pondering that, then turns and walks toward the doors. "Let them come." His tone defiant.
Tsunade follows after Aragorn, along with Gimli and Legolas. She finds herself respecting Théoden's defiance but cannot help but to be concerned at the same time. She had been in this same position before.
"I want every man and strong lad able to bear arms to be ready for battle by nightfall," Théoden ordered Hama, who nods and walks off.
Théoden goes outside through the open gates with the Fellowship behind him and stands upon the causeway from where he looks around.
"We will cover the causeway and the gate from above," Théoden said as he gestures between them. "No army has ever breached the Deeping Wall, or set foot inside the Hornburg!"
"This is no rabble of mindless Orcs," Gimli said. "These are Uruk-hai. Their armour is thick and their shields broad."
"I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf," Théoden answered in a dismissive manner. "I know how to defend my own keep."
"I too have fought many wars, Théoden-sama," Tsunade stated, "and have had to defend my village. I've learned never to underestimate enemies."
"But Orcs do not wield powers that rip up the land," Theoden answered in a dismissive manner.
Tsunade glowers at Théoden as he returns inside. Aragorn clasps her shoulder momentarily as he walks past her. The Fellowship follow Théoden up onto the ramparts.
"They will break upon this fortress like water on rock," Théoden droned proudly. "Saruman's hordes will pillage and burn. We've seen it before . . . Crops can be resown . . . Homes rebuilt. Within these walls, we will outlast them."
"They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages, they come to destroy its people," Aragorn stated impatiently, "down to the last child."
Théoden turns to Aragorn with a grim expression, then steps forward and grabs him.
"What would you have me do?" He growled as he gets into Aragorn's face. "Look at my men. Their courage hangs by a thread . . . If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance."
Théoden releases Aragorn and walks away
"Send out riders, my lord," Aragorn urged. "You must call for aid."
Théoden returns to get into Aragorn's face once more. "And who will come . . . ? Elves . . . ? Dwarves . . . ? Ninja . . . ? We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead."
"Gondor will answer," Aragorn stated.
"Gondor?!" Théoden snarled. "Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell?! Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us?! Where was Gon-".
Théoden restrains himself before continuing calmly, yet coldly. "No, my Lord Aragorn. We are alone."
He turns and walks away, then issues orders for the women and children to be taken into the Glittering Caves. Cawing gets Tsunade's attention and she looks up to see a flock of crows flying away. She can feel a malice in them.
She follows Aragorn and Legolas as the soldiers around them state orders.
"We'll place the reserves along the wall," Aragorn said tiredly. "They can support the archers from above the gate."
"Aragorn-sama, you must rest," Tsunade said with concern. "You're no use half alive."
"Aragorn!" Eowyn shouted as she runs over to him. "I'm to be sent with the women into the caves."
"That is an honorable charge," Aragorn said.
"To mind the children, to find food and bedding when the men return," Eowyn lamented. "What renown is there in that?"
Definitely like myself. Tsunade thought.
"My lady, a time may come for valor without renown," Aragorn countered. "Who then will your people look to in the last defense?"
"Let me stand at your side," Eowyn pleaded.
"lt is not in my power to command it," Aragorn said, then turns and walks away, along with Tsunade.
"You do not command Tsunade to stay!" Eowyn stated defiantly.
"Let me handle this," Tsunade said softly as she briefly touches Aragorn's shoulder, then walks up to Eowyn. "I have told you about my world and the powers that we wield. I have even used those powers on our way here . . . Do you possess such power, Eowyn-chan . . . ? Can you kill Orcs and wargs with just your fists and feet? Can you shrug off serious injuries as if they were mere cuts and scrapes?"
Eowyn stares silently back.
"I understand what is going on in your mind," Tsunade continued softly with a sad smile. "I suppose that's the reason why I like you: it's like looking into a mirror . . . But even if you can't kill Orcs with your bare hands, the women and children are going to be looking to the niece of their king," as she clasps Eowyn's shoulder, "otherwise how can they remain calm?"
"Tsunade is right, my lady," Aragorn said. "The women and children need to see their king's niece amongst them . . . Comforting them."
Eowyn gulps then nods slowly and turns. Aragorn, Legolas, and Tsunade watch her retreat with the women and children.
"I was just like her back when I graduated from the Academy," Tsunade sighed. "A hothead ready and eager to prove myself. To show just how strong I was."
"And yet you have done very well for yourself, Tsunade," Legolas said. "Given that you are the leader of your ninja village."
"Yes, but it was a long and painful road. The only reason I made it this far in life is due more to luck than anything else."
"Let's check out the armory," Aragorn said.
They go into the place and look around at the old men and boys being paraded in and fitted with weapons and armor.
"Farmers, farriers, stable boys," Aragorn noted. "These are no soldiers."
"Most have seen too many winters!" Gimli exclaimed.
"Or too few," Legolas added grimly.
"But I was only six years old when I graduated from the Academy," Tsunade said. "Then again, we have chakra. These people don't."
"Look at them," Legolas stated angrily. "They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes."
This causes everyone to stop and look, and the room to fall silent. Tsunade next listens to Legolas ranting in Elvish at Aragorn, since she heard his name mentioned. She can hear the rising frustration in his tone.
"Then I shall die as one of them!" Aragorn hollered as he got into Legolas' face.
"If it were me they were coming for and I was all alone here, I would still fight them," Tsunade then said. "Even knowing that I won't be able to kill them all without finally dying, I would still fight until my last breath. I was cast into this world, alone and forsaken, but I found friends who I can count on. I was given a glimpse of hope by Galadriel-sama and I fight all the harder now. You say they are afraid, Legolas-sama, well so am I. But I fear for them. I'm afraid that they will lose what hope they still have. For when all we have are our lives and a hope, we will fight. I know little about the history of this world, but the people of this world persevered when all hope seemed to have forsaken them. Today, they still persevere because they want that better tomorrow. Hope can make you hold on. Hope can keep you fighting when the darkness threatens to swallow you up. Hope will make you fight against overwhelming odds, even if you don't believe that you can win. Hope will make you fight until you're dead. Gandalf-sama is out there and told us to await the dawn and look to the East. Aragorn-sama will fight. Gimli-san will fight. I will fight . . . Will you fight, Legolas-sama?"
Legolas is silent.
"Yes," he finally answered in a quiet, but firm tone.
"We will fight because we have hope," Tsunade said.
There were murmurs arising from the crowd. Murmurs of approval. They look around and now see a light kindled in the eyes of those men and boys.
"Great speech, lass," Gimli said proudly. "Let's kill the Orcs when they show up."
It is later on when Aragorn is finishing dressing that Legolas walks up to him holding out his sword for him to take. Tsunade is nearby as she is neatly folding her cloak and green haori to put aside, knowing that a huge battle is coming their way.
"We have trusted you this far, you have not led us astray," the Elf said. "Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."
Tsunade listens as Aragorn says something to Legolas in a reassuring tone. Gimli appears wearing chainmail.
"We had time, I'd get this adjusted," Gimli said and lets the chainmail shirt drop to the ground, showing that it is too long for him. "It's a little tight across the chest."
The Fellowship chuckle. That is when a horn interrupts their moment of humor.
"That is no Orc horn," Legolas said with a touch of bewilderment.
They run outside to the center square where Theoden is.
Haldir-san! Tsunade gasped inwardly as he has an army of Elves with him.
Aragorn runs up to Haldir and hugs him.
"You are most welcome," Aragorn next said as he releases him, then it is Legolas turn. Tsunade feels tempted to hug him, yet decides not to so she merely smiles looking pleased as she stands arms akimbo.
"We are proud to fight alongside Men once more," Haldir said.
"And a Woman," Tsunade quipped.
"And a Woman," Haldir chuckled.