Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings Trilogy. J.R.R. Tolkien is truly a genius. If you do not recognize some characters, they are most likely mine.

Reminders: Some scenes in this story come from a combination of scenes directly from the movie, the original story and my own imagination (Please REMEMBER this for there are things and events used specifically for this story!). Review People! Review! I want to become a better writer!

Author Notes:

Hi! I'm alive! (shock! how long has it been since I've updated?! 4 years? I feel so bad.)

It's so good to be back writing again.

I know I said that I would be posting everything at one go! But I don't think I will be doing that. So I will be posting this chapter by chapter.

Chapter 19: Without You

"I demand an explanation." Theoden raised his sword towards Aragorn.

The ranger was at a loss. A mixed emotion of confusion, grief and frustration dwelt inside him. Gimli shook his head and Legolas sat emotionless on the blood-stained battlefield.

His face hardened, "I demand an explanation Aragorn!" repeated the King, "What secrets have you kept from us?!"

"Nothing my Lord." Aragorn answered as his eyes shifted away from the furious Horse Lord.

The horse king huffed, "Do you not see this place?! No man can cause this type of destruction—only those blessed by devilry and by Sauron himself!"

"No!" Gimli protested, "The lass…the lass she is no enemy! She—she has the gift of foresight! She must have known that we were going to be ambushed and ran off to help us!" the dwarf's voice sounded like he was trying to convince himself with that reasoning.

There was a hard stare from Theoden, "What a convenient response."

Aragorn, determined to convince and formulate a proper reason to the situation, stepped forward, "It is the truth. Gandalf must have told you that Celeste was gifted."

"Gifted?" the King frowned, "Sorcery is what it is."

"My Lord! Please put your distrust against the elves to rest! You accepted us with open arms! Celeste helped you did she not? She has been a good friend and ally! Her gifts have helped us thus far! It is the very reason why she was allowed to accompany us." He motioned the Horse King to look around, "Look around you. If it was not for her you would have suffered more casualties."

"And yet you leave her in Edoras!" Theoden huffed as he lowered his sword. He thought for a while before speaking again, "I have been told that she would be able to help Eowyn when we leave." He closed his eyes.

There was an aching silence as the trio waited for the king's response. The man seemed to contemplate the situation—as if he too was trying to convince himself. "I cannot believe it." he said at last, "In my heart, cannot agree to such a reason. I refuse to believe in such a reason." The Horse King shook his head, "If it were not for your affiliation to Gandalf, I would have you executed and rid me of such frustration." The ranger looked away as the miner gripped his axe tighter in reaction to those words. The elf made no sign of comprehension to the situation. Theoden continued, "Due to my trust in Gandalf—Because I value his word, I WILL believe that what you say is the truth." He sighed in reluctance, "Foresight you say? It is a long way from Edoras to here. To choose to come after us in such a short amount of time—our situation must have been dire." There was no emotion to his voice when he ended, "I am sorry for your loss."

The trio's emotion fell into deep sorrow—yet they forced themselves to not shed a tear.

Hama rode towards his king, "My lord, casualties are low. How shall we proceed?"

"I worry for Edoras," stated the Horse Lord as he straightened himself, "send a rider and report the situation at home to me at once." He started to walk off, "Tell the men to get the wounded on horses. There is no more time to waste. The wolves of Isengard will return." Hama gazed at the three friends, "Leave the dead."

…

Haldir looked up at the night sky longingly. The star he had watched so closely and tenderly for many years had not surfaced for a long time now. The air was cold and he was tired. Dol Guldur was relentless for waves and waves of Sauron's forces came clawing their way into the wood of Lothlorien. The Galadhrim fought with much strength and courage. They had successfully pushed back the oncoming army and it is only now that they rested.

"You're not going to find it." Said Lafali plainly as she walked toward the elf.

The marchwarden looked at the elleth, "What do you want? If you want to toy with me, I not in the mood."

She laughed, "For one, you are never in the mood unless Menelwen is around. And two, I'm not here to play." her voice became serious, "She's dead."

"What?" he gave her a hard stare, "Who is dead?"

Lafali crossed her arms, "You know who I am talking about."

"I told you not to play with me Lafali. I do not take kindly the ill jokes you make. Most especially if it's about her."

"And I am telling you," the elf repeated, "I am not playing." Her facial expression was twisted, "Didn't you hear my dear Marchwarden? Lady Galadriel collapsed some time ago."

Haldir jumped up, "What?!" he was about to run when Lafali blocked him.

"Lord Celeborn tried to calm her." She continued as the marchwarden tried to evade her, "But all she could say was that she cannot see her anymore…that she is dead. She fell off a cliff and plunged into rapid waters. Chances of her surviving are slim."

"Move Lafali!"

"I heard she still does not know how to swim," There was a smile on her face, "Aren't you curious?"

"Move!"

The elleth continued to play with him until he finally got passed her, but she grabbed and tightly gripped his arm as she said, "What if I told you that Menelwen is not what she seems."

Haldir stopped in his tracks, "What do you mean?"

"The ability of foresight. The ability to manipulate surroundings. The insanity within her" Lafali listed, "She's not an elf. But neither is she a child of man, Haldir."

The Marchwarden's grim glare grew harder, "If she is not a Peredhil, then what is she?"

Lafali grinned, "She's like me. A Nobody."

…

The two had been riding hard and fast ever since they left Edoras in search of Eomer and his company. Though the wizard was content in following the horse lord as he paved the path, he was awry of his company. Gandalf stared intently at Aoerl as if the man's back contained the very answers he was looking for. Aragorn had cautioned the wizard and Legolas had concerns of the mysterious air that surrounded the man. As they continued to ride on, the old man became even more suspicious. He had always known there was something odd about the son of Aol. But every time he encountered the lad, there was always a more pressing matter at hand and the idea of the boy being anything other than an Eorlingas was pushed away. Now that Gandalf had thought about it, he grew uneasy. It wasn't because the boy had raven hair in a city filled with golden locks nor was it his sharp mind, quick wit and his seemingly profound wisdom. Gandalf had felt that Aoerl and himself were the same. To equate himself with the man—the thought itself was disturbing.

Aoerl knows Elvish. He repeated what Aragorn had told him. It was a thought that troubled the both of them. No ordinary Rohirrim could possibly speak elvish. They are too proud of their own tongue. Too cautious against Elves in general. So then, how?

"Gandalf!" Aoerl called out to the wizard, "Stop!"

The old man steered Shadowfax back to the man when he had realized that he was further from him. Horsa sprinted to the mearas and then slowed to a walk. Aoerl patted the horse, "There, there. You did good." He turned to Gandalf, "Forgive me. I know time is of essence, but I've pushed Horsa too much. Please, let him rest for a bit." The White Wizard was about to protest, but the horse master insisted, "Ten—Please. All I ask is ten minutes." The man jumped down and caressed his steed, "There, there Horsa. Forgive me. A bunch of apples will welcome you once this is over, so stay strong for me."

There was an uncomfortable breeze from the nearby forest as they let the horses rest. Gandalf sat and watched the Rohirrim in silence as the man started to investigate the ground. "These tracks are only a hours old. We're getting close. He must have thought Erkenbrand needed assistance and headed towards him." Aoerl looked at the wizard, "Gandalf? What is wrong? You've been staring intently at me for some time now."

Gandalf stood, "Aoerl, Son of Aol." He gripped his staff, "Who are you really?"

The man gave a confused laugh, "What are you saying? You know who I am Gan—"

"Do not mistake me for a fool." The wizard tightened his hold on his staff.

The horse lord was taken aback. His face was confused, but a grin slowly appeared, "Oh? And who do you think I—" Suddenly, the trees from the forest shook and the birds flew off. "What was that?!" Aoerl stared at the forest. The old man squinted at the same direction, but nothing. "What was that?" the Eorlingas cried out again. He ran to Horsa and mounted. There was another tree that shook. The Horse Lord bolted off towards the forest.

"Wait!" Gandalf called for Shadowfax and followed him.

No horse can out run a mearas, but somehow Horsa and his rider rode far ahead into the shadow of the forest. Deeper and deeper the two travelled until finally the White Wizard lost any sight of the Horse Lord. There was a heavy air to the forest—but it was not dark, rather the situation had an air of familiarity. Before the wizard was a small opening of land and a large boulder in the middle. Sitting upon the stone was an enchanting red fox.

"Welcome Mithrandir." Greeted the fox, "And to you as well Shadowfax."

From the shadows, a group of hooded figures appeared and surround the entire area. Gandalf dismounted and addressed the fox—who had then turned into a red robed woman, "I suppose that this is all your doing?" questioned the Wizard, "What are the Hehtanë Eäla doing here?"

"Ah," there was a smile on her face, "Then you do remember us. That is pleasing to hear. I had even thought that the Maiar had even forgotten us as well."

A smile was on Gandalf face, "We could never forget. Long ago, we acknowledged each other as family. You were once our brothers…once a Maia…" The wizard shifted his position, "Well? What do I owe the pleasure of the Hehtanë Eäla—?"

"I call myself Eva." She interrupted, "You know my sister, Anura, and her child, Menelwen."

A grey robed man stepped forward, "We have been watching my niece and the journey with those hooligans. She has made our lives even harder than it is. So we called you here and demand your participation."

"Kain!" an white owl flew down from a tree and landed in between them, "Watch your tongue!" the grey robed stepped back in apology. The bird turned his attention to the Maia before him, "Olórin, I am the eldest of these children. I named myself Talin and we are not your enemy. The situation with my niece has gotten out of hand. We humbly ask for your cooperation to save and retrieve Celeste."

Gandalf took out his pipe and lit it. "The Valar have been troubled. Among us, there have been rumours that the Hehtanë Eälar have been meddling in the affairs of Arda. I should have known sooner, but I refused to believe it. You of all beings should know—all of you were punished. You wouldn't risk defying the Valar again—not again." he shook his head, "I was blinded. I should have known…and I was mistaken. The truth was right in front of me. Celeste is a Hehtanë Eäla."

Talin bowed his head, "That is correct. My sister—Anura, in all her defiance, fell in love with the Elf Lord Turin. As Hehtanë Eälar, we are forbidden to make contact with any children of Eru, but she…she tried to save him from death."

"Hehtanë Eälar," Gandalf said softly, "you were once our brothers. But you choose to abandon Eru, Manwe, and Eönwë during the war. We called out to you, but you would not stand and fight. You would not go against Melkor." The old man's face grew in sorrow as he remembered, "Do you not know our agony that day? And as punishment, you became formless spirits. The silent watchers of the world—but to all of us—it was as if you did not exist."

"We violated Manwe's commandment." Talin cried out, "All of us, " Gandalf looked at those who had gathered. "We are formless, Gandalf... We are nothing like you. Nothing like the Maia we once was. All of us are cursed to live on borrowing the forms and life pool others—and to what end?" he shook his head, "The children of Eru have a place in this world and the next. But us? Once our pool expires there is nothing. No Valinor. No comfort from the Valar. No immortality. And we know this—now more than ever." Talin looked at the Maia, "But my niece is different. Unlike us, she has a permanent form and therefore she has an infinite amount of energy. You call her talents 'gifts'. But her gifts are nothing more than a power that is inherently Maiar."

Kain stepped forward, "And she is being targeted by Sauron. If she is claimed by him, it would not matter how many of his servants you kill! Arda will fall into ruin."

Gandalf stopped smoking. "You mean the 'black touch'? That illness belonged to Turin, not Celeste."

"That was unfortunately our fault as well." Eva responded, "Brother Annatar…" she bit her lip when she caught her mistake, "Sauron cursed the Elf Lord to lure my sister. And by luring her, we would be forced to ally with him."

"The 'black touch' is a curse. A disease." Explained Kain, "it damages the mind causing the infected to plunge into madness. There is discoloration in the skin and their eyes become red. Once the child is broken—she will merely a puppet for that devil." He shook his head, "But you have not realized it. Have you Gandalf? Sauron know of your plans because of her. She feeds information to him. Haven't you noticed the oddities in their attack pattern?" there was a small chuckle, "though, I must say, their separation in Amon Hen has worked to your advantage. For a while at least. He might not know where the ring bearer is—but he will use Isengard's reach to attack. Starting with Rohan."

The Maia stared at the boy, "That is why I do not have the time to talk to you."

"Olórin, Great Istar!", Talin fell to his knees and prostrated before the White Wizard. All Hehtanë Eälar were in shock with the action.

"Brother!" Eva ran to him.

"Oy! Brother!" Kain shook his brother in disbelief, "What are you doing?! Don't kneel to him!"

Talin kept his position, "We have no right to ask you of this. But I plead of you—beg of you—I grovel at your feet. Please we ask for your cooperation."

"Brother Please!" Kain beg him, "Have some pride!"

"I WILL NOT LOSE MY SISTER AGAIN!" he screamed at his brother, "I was not able to save Anura. But I will save Celeste! That is the stance that I will take." In a soft voice, "I will not idly stand by and watch that bastard abuse my family again. Long have we watched in silence. Even if we are not acknowledge by those children—we are still part of this world." Kain was taken aback by those words—suddenly regretful.

After a moment he too prostrated before Gandalf. "Our involvement in the lives of the children has caused events to become twisted. We will take responsibility and make right the wrongs. Formless Nobodies we are, so we ask you to please lend us your strength Mithrandir!"

The other Hehtanë Eälar looked at each other. Slowly, they fell and pleaded as well.

"If you knew that she was dangerous, why did you not claim her earlier?" demanded the Old man.

"We tried." said the white robed softly, "but she was always surrounded by the children. If we took her, they would have sent out a search party. she...she was become popular with them...it was impossible. So we decided to watch over her. To wait for our chance."

The White Wizard stepped forward and took Talin's hand. He made him stand. There was an unknown warmth in the being's hand. "If I do this, will you fight against him? Against Sauron?" He asked.

"We will do what we can as Hehtanë Eälar," was Talin's response, "But as we have said, our main goal is for Celeste to return with us. The child's presence warps reality and changes the supposed ending to this war."

"Supposed Ending?" Gandalf questioned.

Eva tapped the side of her forehead, "It is not only the elves that have the gift of foresight—though some are more talented than others. We are spectators for a reason Mithrandir." Her gazed travelled from her brother, then back at the old man. "Many things that were supposed to happen, did not happen. And many thing that were never supposed to happen, happened. This will cycle with continue on if Menelwen continues to communicate with those children."

The Maia frowned and responded, "However, the child's illness cannot be cured. Even if you were to retrieve her, she would continue to bring danger to you as well."

The fox chuckled, "We have found a way. The method, though tested, isn't pleasant. But it will enable to cure Menelwen and allow her to return with us. She's still in Edoras, correct?"

Gandalf was about to say something when another voice interrupted him. "Aphado ven, Olórin. Avo drasto. Boe i 'waedh." (You should just follow us, Gandalf. Don't worry so much. Then again, you need to go. You're wasting time.)Horsa entered the area riderless, but the voice seemed to be everywhere as it spoke, "Agorel i dass? Den ichiren Eomer. Erkenbrand C' ichiren." (Are you finished? Eomer has been found. But, you need to find Erkenbrand.)

…

Captured is the correct term to describe the situation Frodo and Sam were in. To their joy, they were not tied nor beaten to the pulp. They could roam around if they wished, but they didn't. Faramir, the captain of the Rangers of Ithilien, was civil, but the two hobbits dare not wish to face his wrath.

Frodo could feel the cool night breeze that flowed gently in from outside the cave. Sam snored peacefully beside him. But the ring bearer could not sleep. It was only a few hours ago that he was told that the man, Boromir, had fallen. The hobbit tried to remember happier moments in their journey together—emotion would build up, but he had to remain strong. The ring hanging from his neck felt heavier.

He closed his eyes for a moment and tried to focus on his breathing. He had to go to sleep for he needed the strength to journey on. The silence helped. Slowly. Slowly. Slowly. He was lulled to a dreamless sleep.

Clank.

Quickly, Frodo sat up and looked around. Nothing seemed to have changed, though he had noted that the Captain was nowhere to be seen and the guards who were supposed to watch them were fast asleep. The hobbit was about to lay down when in the corner of his eye he saw something move from the shadow. Frodo's hand shot to his side—but he had completely forgotten that his sword was taken from him. He was about to wake Sam when the figure revealed itself to be a familiar woman.

"Celeste!" the hobbit exclaimed in disbelief. She moved forward towards him with a smile on her lips. "Celeste! What are you doing here?"

The elleth said nothing as she knelt down in front of him. Her hand patted him on the head, then slowly touched his face. "Frodo." She mumbled.

"How did you get here? Where are the others?" he asked, "What happened to Boromir?!"

Celeste bowed her head in grief as she place both her hands on his shoulders. "Boromir..." she started, "Boromir…is dead." She lifted her head and gazed in his eyes. Slowly, an eerie smile appeared on her lips as she grasped the hobbit's neck. Frodo gasped for air. "He's dead. He's dead! Just like you!" She laughed, "It should be mine! Give it to me! GIVE ME THE RING!"

"AHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"Frodo! Mister Frodo!" Sam called out. The ring bearer opened his eyes. Sam was beside him—worry in his eyes.

"S—Sam." Frodo choked out.

His gardener sighed in relief as he tried to swipe away the sweat falling on Frodo's face. "It's okay Mister Frodo. It was just a bad dream!"

"A dream…" he mumbled. Frodo placed a hand on his head and then to his chest. The ring still hung from his neck. The hobbit looked at his companion, "Sam, how do you think they are doing?"

"The others?" Sam though for a while, "I am sure they are well. And Strider is with them…so there is no need to worry."

The ring bearer sighed. "I hope so Sam. I hope so."

…

An eruption of arguing came from the War Room as the Theoden King tried plan a battle strategy. The company had arrived in Helm's Deep early in the morning, but they found it filled with refugees. Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas—despite Theoden's waning trust in them, allowed them to follow him.

"My Lord!" called out a scout as he entered the room, "Things have gone evilly. There are reports that all of Isengard has been emptied and Saruman has armed the wild hillmen and herd-folk of Dunland beyond the rivers."

"How many?" the King asked.

The man had to think about it quickly, "I do not know…Ten thousand at least. They will most likely be here by night fall." He paused again, "there are also rumours spreading…Isengard and Mordor have gained a new power—a power so strong that could crush the armies both Rohan and Gondor…My lord, what do we do?"

Theoden's face hardened, "Let them come." Swiftly, he walked past the scout and into the halls. The Trio followed him until the man started to bark orders to his guards, "I want every man and strong lad able to bear arms, to be ready for battle by nightfall." The guard nodded. The Lord turned to another and ordered, "We will cover the causeway and the gate from above. No army has ever breached the deeping wall or set foot inside the Hornburg."

"This is no rabble of mindless orcs. These are Uruk-hai." Gimli pointed out, "Their armor is thick and their shields broad."

The King walked passed him, "I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf. I know how to defend my own keep." He continued to address several men in preparation for the coming storm. "They will break upon this fortress like water on rock. 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."

Aragorn shook his head, "They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages. They come to destroy its people. Down to the last child!"

Irritated, Theoden stopped and came toward the ranger. His face merely inches away from his. "What would you have me do? 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!"

"Send out riders, my lord. You must call for aid." Aragorn argued.

The horse lord huffed, "And who will come. Elves? Dwarves? We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead."

"Gondor will answer."

"Gondor?" Theoden repeated. The words seemed like poison. "Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell?" his voice raised higher and higher, "Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us!? Where was Gon—" The king noticed that others were looking at him—fear in their eyes. His voice lowered as he tried to compose himself again, "No, my Lord Aragorn, we are alone." The man turned and walked away from the three friends.

Gimli moved closer to Isildulr's Heir and patted him at the back, "Don't take it too badly laddie. There is just an overwhelming amount of pressure for him ya know? He's a King." He turned around, "Right Elf?"

There was no response from the beautiful statue which they called friend. His blue eyes were void of emotion. If left to his own devices, the prince would probably not move from that spot for a lifetime.

"Oy. Elf," the dwarf waved his hands in front of the Prince's face. "Oy. Legolas." He started to snap his fingers.

Out from trance, the elf straightened himself, "Huh? What is it?"

The miner sighed. "Laddie. You can't keep doing this to yourself. It is not your fault."

Legolas closed his eyes and shook his head in response. Aragorn walked towards him and laid his hands on his shoulders, "Gi chenion. C'a mellyn. Lasto nin. Tôl auth. Hen ab-gerinc Nínion an Elleth gwannad lîn a mellyn gwannad lîn. Garo chûr an dagor. Daro a vaetho. Gurth ani chyth 'wîn. Boe din eithad i meriad." (I understand how you feel. You are with friends. But listen to me. War comes. After we are finished, we will mourn for her passing and for our friends' passing. But for now, be ready for battle. Stay and Fight. Let there be death to our enemies for these people need our help and protection.)

"Whatever Aragorn said, I say it too." Grinned the dwarf.

"Henion mellyn" (I understand, my friend.) The elf nodded with a faint smile, "Gi channon" (Thank you.)

The man patted his brother again. He was about to find Theoden once more, but there was a sudden commotion down below. The men were scrambling about and whispering loudly about fairytales when they heard an echoing boom. A familiar cry of a horn blew. Men started to peer over the walls.

"That's impossible." Leoglas mumbled as he looked out into the distance. His face showed an mixed image of disbelief and joy, "Why are they here?"

Gimli jumped up and down, but still could not see. He cried out, "What? What is going on?! Who is here?"

Another horn bellowed.

Down below, the guards scrambled and readied themselves. "Send for the King!"

"Open the gates!" one shouted.

"What?!" exclaimed one of the guards, "Are we really letting them in?!"

Aragorn rush off from his position and followed the winding path down to look for the Horse King. The two followed him. Many thoughts were running through his mind as he travelled towards the war room. Realizing that the man wasn't there, he strode swiftly down another flight of steps and found the King near the entrance of the upper gates of Hornburg. Many of the guards and horse lords in the area straightened themselves. The gates slowly open and they waited for their unexpected visitor.

"My Lord," started the ranger as he came to the side of Theoden, "did you—"

The Eorlingas raised his hand to stop him, "No. I did not send for anyone." He looked at Aragorn, "How is this possible?" there was a bit of relief in his face, "Eorl must have been watching over us." A horn echoed louder and louder as the blue cladded army marched up the steps. Many people watching were in awe at the sight.

Before the army entered through the final gate, the Horse King took out a folded piece of paper and showed it to Aragorn. The man looked to the king in confusion. Theoden answered, "Moments ago, this letter arrived. Sent by a bird from Edoras." There was a soft smile on his face, "They are well. Edoras is well. Stunned, maybe. Your friend left in a hurry—without any explanation." The smile faded, "I was wrong." Short grief escaped his voice, "I am sorry for your loss."

Haldir stood in front of his men. He was greeted at the sight of the Horse King and the company of three. A large smile was on the Dunedain's face. "Theoden King." Hs voice was clear as he addressed the man, "I bring word from the Lady of Light— my Lady Galadriel of Lothlorien and from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together. We come to honor that allegiance."

Aragorn rushed towards the marchwarden and pulled him to a tight hug, "Mae govannen, Haldir!" (Welcome, Haldir!) the elf was stunned, but slowly he returned the gesture. "You are most welcome here!"

The marchwarden locked eyes with the Prince as he came down to greet him. "Haldir." he says and hugged him in welcome. Haldir returned the hug and nodded as they separated, "Legolas."

"Oh?" a high pitched voice exclaims. Popping from out of formation—behind Haldir, a golden haired elf grinned. "All of you are here." She laughed, "Even the Prince is here."

"Lafali." Her commanding officer scowled. "Formation." The elleth tried to conceal her smile as she straightened herself and returned to her line.

...

Morning waned to the afternoon. In preparation for battle, the women and children were sent into the caves. Any abled-bodied man were taken, fitted with armor and given weaponry. The rangers of Lorien readied themselves in a fashion only elves could understand. Half of the female elves that had accompanied their marchwarden were tasked to protect those in the caves. The other half were healers and they were given charge of caring for any wounded.

"One Hundred." repeated Aragorn. The three friends sat in an empty room after another war meeting. Theoden King and all his advisors had left them to their own devices. Haldir sat across from them and nodded the man's count. "The Lady actually sent one hundred of Lorien's finest to aid Rohan?" he laughed a bit, "I do not wish to sound ungrateful to this help, but how? Why? What of Lorien?"

The marchwarden eyed his companion, Lafali—who was toying around with the furnishings of the room, then returned his attention to the man, "I understand your confusion. It was only days ago that we were being attacked by the evil flowing from Dol Guldur."

"Dol Guldur?" Legolas stepped forward in concern, "Then why are you here? You should be protecting the forest!"

The elleth in the room shook her head, "The attack from Dol Guldur was strange. It was a full assault, but all of a sudden they stopped. Retreated to a place far away. Afterward , it became very quiet." She looked at her commanding officer as if she was waiting for an input.

"My Lady..." the elf struggled, "She had a vision of the upcoming battle here. She was afraid of the outcome and had sent us..." he looked away for bit, "and perhaps to report back to her an error in her vision...That she is still among you."

The trio's eyes widened at his words. "Haldir...I" started the ranger, but he was interrupted by him, "Please do not speak her name." He forced a smile, "It is painful for you. And for me. So please. Do not give me the time to grieve now for there is much to be done."

A painful silence filled the room.

All of them knew that they had to prepare—to keep themselves busy or else their thoughts would linger to unnecessary sorrow. The marchwarden peeked a bit towards the elleth. She was standing by the window. Her hands covering her mouth as she looked at the scenery below. Haldir could not tell whether she was mourning or laughing at the situation.

What broke the stillness of the room was a large cry of commotion from the courtyard below.

"The King!" someone shouted, "Send for the King!"

"Lord Eomer and Lord Aoerl have arrived!"

…

There was an odd mix of faces and emotions in the crowd as Eomer and Aoerl walked up the steps of the Hornburg.

"I am glad to be back with my people… But," Eomer tugged his friend's arm, "Why are the Elves here?"

His friend laughed softly as they had entered the inner part of the deep, "Your guess is as good as mine—but look at this! With so many people it there is no doubt in my mind that we can win!"

"It is not strength in numbers in which we can achieve victory…But it helps." Eomer laughed.

"Eomer!" Theoden cried out as he hugged his nephew. The courtyard was full—over a hundred riders. "I thought I would never see you again!" he turned to Aoerl. A Visible smile was on his face, "Aoerl! Aoerl! You have my deepest gratitude." But the horse king looked around, "But where is my councillor? Where is Gandalf?"

Aoerl and Eomer looked at each other. The King's nephew answered, "Gandalf said that he must leave our company. The way he went, it is as if he goes towards Isengard. But he says to await for his return."

The Horse King frowned, "That is troublesome for the battle will soon come upon us." He sighed, "I miss both my counsellors, the old and the new. But in this need we have no better choice than to go as Gandalf said."

"Though, I am quite curious My Lord," started the son of Aol with a smile, "Why are there elves here?"

Theoden smiled as he looked at the Aragorn and his friends as they came towards him. "Apparently, the old Alliance has been reborn today." He motioned the Eleven commander to step forward, "Haldir, this is my sister-son, Eomer." the king's nephew bowed his head in greeting, " and his is Aoerl, son of Aol—and my most trusted rider."

Aoerl gave out a small smile of grateful acknowledgement towards those words. However, could feel a cold stare towards him from Aragorn, Gimli and Legolas. The Elven Marchwarden smiled as he gave out his greeting. But he had noticed Aoerl and Lafali lock eyes with each other.

But then, the son of Aol felt his gazed. He turned and gave him his hand, "It will be an honor to fight alongside you." The marchwarden shook his hand in return, "But your name…Haldir?...Haldir?...Haldir? Why does that name sound familiar." The man thought for awhile as he still held the elf's hand, "Ah! Your Celeste's—" Haldir's grip tightened and the man yelped.

"What do you know about Menelwen?" said Haldir darkly.

Aoerl found himself at the center of everyone's attention. Meekly he asked, "Why does everyone look at me as if I stepped on shit."

Author Notes:

Hi again! I missed you all.

I am doing my thesis now. So I beg for your patience again. I am really serious to finish this story.

Oh yea, unlike the last chapter, this chapter is very short. I don't think i will do a 10k worded chapter anymore. so at best Ill keep it at 5 - 6k words per chapter.

Please review.

There is still more surprises in the next chapter! You want to know more of Hehtanë Eälar right? hihi. I have a hint. Hehtanë Eälar is Quenya Elvish word and they are (were) involved in during the making of Arda.

Bwahaha! Please be excited for that one. Or not. It's up to you.

On a random note, I had a fun time making an audio book version for this story. Are you guys interested in something like that?