Disclaimer: I do not own LotRs, only my character.

probs one of the shortest chapters, but this part is driving my crazy. Anyway, here it is, please review. I will love you forever and a day.

Faith and Hope

We all turned to the sound of the horn. For a moment I thought that Saruman's army had arrived, but Legolas suddenly said, "That is no orc horn," and took off up the stairs, followed closely by Aragorn, then me, leaving poor Gimli standing there in his over sized chainmail.

Both men stopped at the top of the stairs and I bumped into Aragorn. "What is it?"

Neither of them answered me, and just looked out at the walkway below. I wasn't tall enough to look over their shoulders, so I had to squeeze between the two, careful to avoid touch Legolas too much. Once through, I saw an army of at least seven hundred of so gathered in four lines walking up into the keep. I squinted to make out the flag they bared, spotting the gold circle and light blue edgings. I had seen that symbol before I just couldn't place where.

Unsure, I turned to Aragorn. "Are they allies Aragorn?"

His growing eyes and parted mouth showed that he was indeed surprised, but in a good way, "They most certainly are."

He took off again and left me still confused.

"It's Lothlorien." Legolas said, "They have come."

So that's where I had seen it, only for a brief moment during our time there, but still, it was the elves. And they had come to help us.

We followed after Aragorn to the steps of the Hornburg, which was already crowded with the other men and boys. Theoden and Gamling were there too, watching in disbelief as the elves matched passed them and stopped, dressed in long cloaks of midnight blue and long bows ready in hand. One elf stood out from the rest, wearing a red cloak and adorn with silver armour. He must have been the commander. On closer inspection, I realised that it was in fact Haldir, the marchwarden of Lothlorien. I had not seen him since the day we left Caras Galadhon.

He was currently speaking to the king, but even with his smooth and quiet tone, I could hear everything, "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together, we've come to honour that allegiance." He gave a small knowing smile to Legolas and Aragorn.

"Mae govannen, Haldir" Aragorn said and gave him the same greeting I had seen several times o this journey, but he surprised ever Haldir but hugging him. The elf sighed and gave in. "You are most welcome." Aragorn said happily. While Legolas and Haldir greeted one another, the elfin army swiftly stepped round to face us with inhuman precision.

"We are proud to fight alongside men once more."

The men of Rohan erupted into a thunderous roar, cheering and yelling praise at the top of their lungs.

There was a chance for us. I knew there was all along. Since the elves arrived, the men were defiantly more confident to face the battle. Even the young boys with their oversize helmets and weapons looked hopeful.

But the pleasantries were short lived, for as the night wore on the dark army of Saruman drew evermore closer. A plan was quickly formulated between Aragorn, Haldir and Theoden. The elves would cover the wall and act as the main offence force while the men of Rohan defended the gate and the Helm. I would fight with the elves since my skills would be of greater use on the wall, and of course Gimli, though feeling slightly unnerved by the large presence of the elves, wouldn't go anywhere without us.

On my way to the wall, I was stopped but Haldir surprisingly enough. He stared down at me with a look of such scrutiny, like goods being inspected before being purchased.

"My my. I never expected to see you in battle." He said. With just that one sentence I felt like a small child again on the verge of a tantrum. I swallowed my anger and responded calmly. "Lord Haldir, it's good to see you again. And I know it is late but I would like to thank you for helping me back in Lothlorien."

He seemed caught off guard but nodded politely, "You are most welcome. Are you well now?"

"Yes never better." I lied and nodded eagerly, "I will be joining you on the wall tonight."

"Really?" His sceptical gaze returned, "Are you sure that you are capable of handling a battle such as this? From what I witnessed in the woods, you are incapable of travelling without falling weak."

Was he purposely making fun of me?

"I'm stronger now, and just as skilled as any other man here." I half growled

"I can vouch for her." Legolas said, coming up alongside me, "She is skilled my friend, let her prove it to you."

I tried not to grin as Legolas' words seem to hit home and Haldir's expression change, but only a little. "You are confident that she ..."

"My friend, I trust Deorwynn with my life."

I looked at him, then to Haldir, then back to Legolas. I really had no words to explain how, but the marchwarden just suddenly gave up and sighed. "Very well, I will trust the child as well." He leaned in close to Legolas and muttered to him "En ale' lda ai edan"

As Haldir walked away I let out a big sigh placed my hands on my hips, "Why is it that only you, Aragorn and a little girl have any faith in my abilities?"I glanced over at the elf waiting for a response, but he didn't say anything. Instead he just glared at the stone ground while his pale cheeks grew bright pink.

"What did he say to you?" I asked.

"Nothing. It is of no concern." He got all flustered and defensive, and his cheeks became pinker.

"Are you blushing?"

"No!"

I could not believe my eyes. "Yes you are. What did he say?"

We bantered for a good five minutes, which was just me teasing and provoking Legolas and him denying everything, until Gimli interrupted us.

"Alright Mr and Mrs Pointy-Eared Elf, move along before the Uruks kill you both where you stand." He grunted as he pushed past us.

That made me clamp my lips together tightly. Now it was my turn to blush like a love struck fool and look away embarrassed. Legolas walked away quicky to our position on the wall while I plodded along after him.

"How are you feeling lass?" Gimli asked me as we pushed our way along.

"Well ... steady I guess." I pondered, "But before I did feel slightly nauseas before." I looked down at him, "Is that normal."

Gimli chuckled, "Perfectly. Once you win your first battle, you'll feel on top of the world."

I looked out into the distance, a long dark void of nothing, "I hope so."