Elanorièl bid Arod stop. He moves aside as the riders pass on. The King, along with Legolas and Gimli, followed the road into the sunken valley before the Deeping-comb. The path twists within the land, creating a river-like road. Upon a rocky peak, a gray stone wall met with gray mountain walls. Its ancient wall and high tower guarded the mouth to the mountain. They would guard Rohan's last hope as well.
The road to Helm's Deep was silent. The greeting within the walls was even quieter. A single shout echoes through the deep walls, bidding its people make way for the King that littered the narrow walkways The horses pass two-by-two through Théoden's quiet people as they watched from the stairs and walls. There were more empty saddles than full ones. When the wounded were carried off and the horses were gone, the crowd dispersed. Legolas and Gimli's forms became swallowed up within the crowd as Elanorièl turned her back. Each went their separate way as she would.
Her destination was quiet and far away from wandering eyes. Through archways and twisting stairs, she climbed the fortress paths into the mountain. A harsh wind greets her as she steps under the open sky. The rampart, built high on the mountain face, was deserted with only an occasional guard passing by.
The long step drop did nothing to halt her from sitting upon the wall. One leg dangled over the deep drop while the other stretches across the wall. Her hands sat in her lap. Her head rested back against the stone. The view from the rampart was far and wide. She could see from the mountains to the and into the fortress. Below her, people scurried like bugs. Soldiers hurried to ready the defenses while supplies moved about. Out into the valley, the sun was setting on this day, dipping low in the valley. The stone around her glowed, hoping to receive the last rays of warmth.
Any warmth the stone captured disappeared with the sun. The stone, seeking to bid away the cold, sought to seep its cold fingers deep into Elanorièl. The unrelenting wind whipped her hair about. The hair stung her cheeks. Still, Elanorièl did not move from her seat. She watched the land as twilight faded into the night sky and people bid goodnight. No one would bother her here as the night passed over. No one to wish her a peaceful slumber. Neither moon nor star to light the night she closed her eyes. Only the tiny flickers of torches glittered below the wall would be her light tonight.
"Rièl!"
A voice called out to me as I was looking about the garden. The flowers opened their vibrant petals to the sun. The water roared on the stones in the riverbed. Summer had warmed the very air I breathed. I thought Imladris was the most beautiful in the Summer.
"Rièl?" The voice called out again louder, distracting me from my thoughts. My name was drawn out in a long whine. Shifting my head, I looked through the garden but did not find anyone.
I smiled. "Estel, I am seeking you out. You will give yourself away should you call me again."
A giggle was my response and my ear twitched in its direction. A flash of brown disappeared behind a tree.
"Estel?" I said. Picking up my skirts, I crept through the flowers. Each foot carefully set on the ground to not disturb the flowerbeds. "Estel? Where have you gone?"
"There you are!" I crept up around the first tree. There was nothing behind it. Feigning my surprise, I called out in astonishment: "Oh no, he is not over here."
There was another giggle.
"Estel? Where are you?"
"You have to find me Rièl."
So, the game went one. I moved from tree to tree. I would creep around the trunk, pretending to seek him out. He would laugh and leap behind the neighboring tree. Estel always was easy to find. Not a light child on his feet, the leaves and the ground crunched when he ran. The kicked-up dirt left his trail. As if wasn't easy enough, his occasional burst of giggle made it all too easy to overhear him.
I, however, could make my feet move quietly on the forest floor. I moved fast and hid within the shadow of the trees. A pair of brown eyes would peer out from behind the tree to look for me. His hand rested on the bark to steady himself as he leaned out father.
My perfect opportunity. I left the tree's shadow. My foot landed on grassy patches to silent my movement. I rounded the tree as the puzzled boy peered out. Estel was unaware I stood right behind him.
"I found you," I whispered into his ear.
Estel whipped around, emitting a shriek of surprise. A toothy grin flashes at me before Estel kicks his feet into the dirt. His two little legs ran as fast as they could. I picked up my skirt and chase. The boy shot up the garden path, running past the fountain and into the west hall. My fellow elves moved out of our path. The irritation was evident on their faces at the peace of the morning being disrupted. I followed Estel through the training ground to the library. Erestor shouted as we ran by. The boy was determined to lose me, and I would not yield.
It had been before the main gate's courtyard did he begin to slow down. The tired boy laughed despite his laboring lungs. With a swoop of my arms, I pulled him in close.
"Spin me!" Estel asked.
I obeyed. His legs sailed through the air. His laughter echoed through the courtyard. Amid our merriment, a streak of dark blue blur appeared. I ceased spinning Estel when someone cleared their throat. I stopped before my father and mustered my most beaming smile: "Morning Ada."
"Morning?" He arched his brow. "It is the only morning and I have at present received several noise complaints. Erestor particularly was upset over someone having disturbed his work."
I shrugged my shoulders.
The frown on his face only lasted a second. Despite this begin a common event, Ada would never fail to frown but it melted away into his soft and gentle smile. "If you are done, perhaps you could escort Erestor's student to him? He is waiting for Estel in the library."
Estel puffed his plump cheeks out in protest. Days with Erestor can long and boring. His endless, monotone voice still echoed within my head years after my education had ended. I could agree with the 5-year old's ideas of fun. Erestor was unincluded.
I sighed. "Come, Estel, You heard- "
The horn echoes throughout the valley, cutting me off. The sound of horses bounced up the path and was approaching quickly. Estel kicked his legs to signal me to lower him back to the ground. A patrol or a hunting party was returning to the valley.
The riders in their bright armor rode gleamed under the sun, passing under the arch and across the narrow bridge. Glorfindel was at the head of the patrol. His riders followed in and gathered in the courtyard. Estel jumped up and down in excitement as the riders dismounted. His gaze was weaving through the crowd until he spotted tall heads of dark hair. They were weaving through the crowd, making their way towards Lord Elrond.
"Elladan! Elrohir!" Estel yelled. He pushed his way straight for the twin faces of my brothers. His arms are wide open.
"Estel!'' Elladan and Elrohir said simultaneously.
Elrohir lifted Estel high and supported him on his arm. Elladan ruffed the boy's hair. Estel would not grant them a word before he began a long-wind spiel. He babbled on about the adventures he enjoyed in their absences. Estel asked question after question of their adventures in the north. "-can I go with you next time?"
The question had caught my brothers off guard and me.
Elladan was quick to laugh as Elladan spoke: "When you are taller but for now, you are much too short."
"But I grew," Estel said. His hand rose to indicate the top of his head. "Rièl said I grew 2 inches this summer."
Elrohir said, "You are having too much fun with Rièl it sounds like!''
I stepped down the stairs towards my brothers. "Yes, but the fun had ended for now. Erestor is waiting for him in the library."
"I don't want to go!" Estel whined. Once more, he puffed out his cheeks.
"You heard Rièl. Time for your studies." When Elrohir moved to set him down, he refused to let go. "How about after your lessons, we take a horse for a ride in the valley?"
In an instant, Estel lights up. He released Elrohir's collar, clapping together his hands. Elrohir hoisted him up onto his shoulder. The two waved bye before they walked down the corridor.
"The horse ride never fails," I smile at my brother.
"It always worked on you," Elladan said. He glances down at me before returning his attention to the two walking away. "Already he wants to fight with us."
"The very thought scares me. El?" I asked my brother. "Can you and Ro keep him away from the battlefield as long as possible?"
Elladan spoke: "Rièl, someday he will have to depart from us. It would if better he learns to defend himself from what evils hunt him."
"We know what hunts him. You were there that day…" I said. My arms became locked across my chest "I am merely mean to say… permit him to know peace for a while longer. Let him have a happier life than those before him."
I meant what I said. Yet, I have failed to keep my word. Estel… Aragorn, I am sorry.
The morning had come but the sun did not when Elanorièl opens her eyes. Gathering darkness had covered the sun as they slept. A storm crept out of the East. Its dark, fuming clouds stretched across the sky. As the morning stretched into the afternoon, Elanorièl observes the dark clouds enter the valley.
When she looked from the Misty Mountains, another long shadow was upon them but This shadow bore no bad will. A lone man sat upon a horse on a far-off hill. Elanorièl leaped from her seat. Leaning over the wall, her eyes straining for a better look upon the figure. A hard pound banged hit her ribs. With a swift turn, she bounded down the steps.
Gimli was the easiest to find. The Dwarf sat at a table with food and ale set upon it. The mug in his hand was full. His plate was full. When she told him the news, Gimli looked at her for a moment as if in disbelief. He clamped his mouth and ran from the table.
Elanorièl found Legolas sitting on the wall's parapet. He peered out to gloomy clouds as he plucks his bowstring. His gaze did not move from the clouds nor did they acknowledge her presence.
"Aragorn…" Elanorièl mumbled.
Her words jerked his head. His cold gaze softened when he looked upon Her shoulders slumped and her once proud gaze did not meet him; a shocking sight before him. A silence overtook his ears. What Elanorièl had said, he did not hear. She repeats herself once more and walks away. He shook his head as the weight of her words hit: Aragorn was alive and riding for them.
Gimli was crying as he shouted his vague threats at Aragorn. Elanorièl knew Gimli joyful at the sight of his friend's return.
"Where is the King?" Aragorn asked.
Gimli became quiet and toss back his head to the Hall. Aragorn took a single step before Elanorièl cut off his path. Her eyes examined him up and down: bruises; cuts with fresh blood; and torn clothes. The ranger was a sight for sore eyes. Elanorièl flung her arms around his neck.
"Rièl," Aragorn said as he was quick to return the gesture.
Elanorièl's arms shook in the quiet hold. When she heard light footsteps were coming up behind her, she let go. She smiled as Aragorn patted her shoulder as he moved up the stairs. Shortly before the door of the Hall, Legolas obstructed Aragorn's path. Aragorn stopped on his toes, leaning back to steady himself.
"You're late," Legolas looked Aragorn up and down. "You look terrible."
Together, they laughed and placed a hand on the other's shoulder. Legolas' hand moved back. Pulling an object out of his pocket, he places it into Aragorn's hand. The brilliant gems of starlight glistened. He slowly rose his head to Legolas, who smiled back at him, to say a soft thank you.
"A great host you say?" Theoden had his back turned to them. In the main hall, a war council took place. His marshals were present as was Aragorn's party.
"All Isengard is emptied."
"How many?"
"Ten thousand strong at least."
"Ten thousand?!" Theoden revealed his face, a look of disbelief.
"It is an army bred for a single purpose," Aragorn warned. Theoden drew in closer. "To destroy the world of Men. They will be here before nightfall."
The King's eyes shifted as they dell to the floor. He processed Aragorn's words. He pivoted and turned his back to them.
"Let them come."
King Theoden combed through the fortress. Orders were given to begin any preparations needed for the approaching battle. Supplies and livestock were carted way into the caves. Women, children, and the old followed behind. The soft sound of crying echoed back from the caves into Elanorièl's ears. Young boys and old men followed the soldiers out. Any man or child able to bear a sword was sent to the armory. As the four stood with the King on the ramp, the gate behind her shook as planks were nailed into the wood.
"We will cover the causeway and the gate from above. No army has ever breached the Deeping Wall or set foot inside the Hornburg!" the King said to Aragorn next to him. Legolas remained close by quietly.
"This is no rabble of mindless Orcs," Gimli said, "These are Uruk-hai. Their armor is thick and their shields broad."
Theoden moved to stand in front of Gimli. He looked down as he spoke: "I have fought many wars Master Dwarf. I know how to defend my own keep."
The King said no more. Elanorièl stepped out his way and walked back inside the gate. The King escorted them up onto the Hornberg's wall. Men ran past them carrying spears and arrows. Piles of them tucked away in corners.
"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 resewn… homes rebuilt. Within these walls...we will outlast them," Theoden spoke as he walked upon the walls overlooking the fortress.
"They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages. They come to destroy its people, down to the last child," Aragorn said.
Theoden reached a hand for Aragorn's jacket, pulling him closer. His voice barely a whisper: "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."
Theoden was right. He could not keep the secret of the numbers they faced. Nor could he stop his men from thinking of the odds they faced. Little hope remained in their eyes as Elanorièl could see. The soldiers kept their head low and eyes on the ground. They threw themselves into their work with vigor, likely a distraction from thinking.
Aragorn was quick to reply, stopping the King mid-step. "Send out riders my Lord. You must call for aid."
"And who will come? Elves? Dwarves? We are not so lucky in our friends as you." the King motioned to Aragorn's companions. "The old alliances are dead."
"Gondor will answer."
"Gondor?! Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell?! Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us?! Where was Gond-!" the King interrupted himself. "No, my Lord Aragorn… we are alone."
Their business with the King had concluded. After the King left them, Aragorn rushed about to help with the needed preparations. Blood, fresh and dry, still covered his exposed wounds. His clothes needed mending. Dark circles would not stop him as he thought out battle positions and strategy. He pushed out through the crowd. People moving past them as they funneled into the cave's entrance.
"Aragorn, please wait!" Elanorièl said, forcing her way through the crowd. In her hands sat bandages she had found for Aragorn.
"We'll place the reserves along the wall. They can support the archers from above the gates," Aragorn said.
"Aragorn, you must rest," Legolas said. He directed a shadowed glance to Elanorièl. "Elanorièl is right. You're no use to use half alive."
"Estel! Stop this instance!" Elanorièl lowered her voice. The crowd cleared a path and stared as she hurried to Aragorn. "Do not move."
Aragorn did not move. The crowd instead moved around them, careful not to disrupt the two. Elanorièl moved quickly to address his wounds. Once the bandages were in place, she moved aside.
"Aragorn!" another voice demanded his attention. Éowyn's blonde hair bobbed through the crowd, she bounced down each step until she reached him: "I'm to be sent into the caves with the women."
"That is an honorable charge," Aragorn said.
"To mind the children, to find food and bedding when the men return. What renown is there in that?" Éowyn raised her voice.
Elanorièl and Legolas turned away. This conversation was not theirs. Legolas stole a glance at Elanorièl as she moved away. She was quick to move, aiding an old man when a basket slipped from his hands. Elanorièl clutched hold of the handles and placed it within the man's hands.
"You do not command the others to stay! They fight beside you because they would not be parted from you," Éowyn cried out, "Because they love you!"
Legolas froze mid-movement on the way to his neck. His hand hung frozen mid-air. A second passed before his hand moved again, waving the traffic to go around him. The word she said burned in his ears. The word she said etched inside his head. The word was unsettling for both Elves.
"I'm sorry," Éowyn whispered after being met with silence. She walked away.
The armory was packed as Aragorn and his group entered. Any man or boy capable enough to bear a sword was sent here. Men shuffled with shadowed faced to collect their gear. The armor was ill-fitted. The helmets too big. The sword grip seemed foreign in some's grip, fidgeting to find the right grasp of the handle. Any man or boy strong enough to bear a sword was sent to the armory. Aragorn paced about the room and inspecting weapons.
"Farmers, farriers, stable boys," Aragorn said, "These are no soldiers."
Aragorn threw the sword on the table in front of Elanorièl and Gimli. They leaned against the wall of shields. Legolas stood close with his hands tucked under his arms.
"Most have seen too many winters," Gimli said.
"Or too few," Legolas added, "Look at them. They're frightened. You can see it in their eyes."
When the words left Legolas' mouth, the room became silent. Heads of the men turned in his direction.
"And they should be. Three hundred-" Legolas paced away then turned back. "-Against ten thousand!"
"They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras…" Aragorn said on the Rohirrim's defense.
"Aragorn! They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!" Legolas amplified his voice.
"Then I shall die as one of them!" Aragorn yelled back. He steps close to Legolas' face. The muscles in his jaw tightened as his teeth clenched tight. Aragorn looked elsewhere and left. Legolas took a step after him.
"Let him go, lad. Let him be," Gimli said.
Legolas stepped back. His brows were furrowed, and his mouth parted when he looked to Gimli. Elanorièl was gone; presences next to Gimli had vanished. Legolas scanned the room. A flash of red scampered in a dark staircase. Need drove his feet as he followed.