Gandalf rode across the mark, Shadowfax heading northwards from Edoras, he turned towards Lorien and the Fields of Celebrandt. It took 2 days before he reached Fanghorn, he slowed hearing the tell tale sound of a thousand hoof beats.
In his mind, he heard the dulcet tones of the beloved lady of Lorien.
"I know what it is you seek Mithrandir, hope blooms where once darkness encroached. 4 shall come from the Great Greenwood, strangers to this land, yet honour bound to help. Haldir will guide them to the Deep, they could be the very thing that changes the tide in readiness for your return. Go now friend the young Horse-lord awaits..."
Gandalf sighed in relief, the fate of the fellowship whilst still in the balance was beginning to look brighter. He slowed Shadowfax to a stop on the crest of a large hill and watched patiently as Eomers eored galloped towards him, the young marshal leading from the front a long spear in his hand as they sped across the lush grasslands.
"Well met Eomer, son of Eomund, Marshal of the Mark!" Gandalf called as the horsemen neared him.
"Well met friend, what reason does the Grey Pilgrim ride in the mark?" Eomer replied as he drew his horse alongside Gandalf.
"I've come for aide Eomer, Theoden is free of the will of Saruman, but is now in need of help from those most loyal to him. The White wizard has attacked the west fold, Edoras has evacuated to Helms Deep and all of Isengard now sets its sights on destroying them. We have very little time to turn the tide!" Gandalf replied.
Eomer blanched, before sitting upright on his mount and nodding to the wizard, "Then we shall make haste and journey to the king!"
"Good, good, we already have help being sent by the elves…" Gandalf stated.
"The elves?" Eomer asked.
"Indeed, the Lady of Lorien, Elrond of Rivendell and King Thranduil of Mirkwood have sent what help they can spare, let us hope that they arrive in good time." Gandalf replied.
Eomer looked at him surprised, he'd met only two elves and that was recently, he'd heard them to be a predominantly peaceful race, one that very rarely intervened in the world of men. "That is most unexpected, but no less appreciated," Eomer answered tactfully.
The Rohirrim rode into the night, pausing briefly to water horses in the entwash and snowbourne rivers, the plains of Rohan were unnaturally silent, the winds sweeping the grasses and giving a push to the Eored from behind as they galloped towards Helms Deep.
Days earlier in Mirkwood, Thranduil had received a messenger from Lorien, informing him of the plight of Rohan and the presence of his son and daughter. Lord Elrond of Rivendell and Lady Galadriel had both used their powers of foresight to follow the journey of the fellowship, they now used the opportunity to provide aide where they could.
Jasper had just returned to his shared quarters when Charlie appeared at the door, "The King wishes to see you," he said turning around, expecting Jasper to follow him, he didn't wait but continued towards Thranduils royal quarters.
Jasper placed the scroll he had been preparing to read back on the small side table and turned to follow the elder Elf. He bowed on entry to Thranduils study.
"You called for me my lord?" Jasper asked.
"Word has come, the call to arms, the Lady of Lorien is sending a host of archers to aide the king of Rohan, I am asking you to join them. My Son and Daughter are also there, I would have you offer what protection you can," Thranduil stated.
"Of course my lord, where shall we meet them?" Jasper asked.
"Follow the Old Forest Road West, cross the Anduin at the old ford and head south, if you follow the river, you'll meet them. Haldir the March-warden of Lorien will be expecting you." Thranduil replied.
"As you wish my lord," Jasper said before bowing and leaving to collect his weapons and the others. They would leave immediately.
"Rose! Em! Peter! Come, we must make haste, the king has asked us to offer aide to Bella and Legolas, we're joining the Elves of Lorien and heading for war!" Jasper called as he assembled his bow and sword.
Peter ambled into their shared common room, his bow already strapped to his back with a full quiver. Rose and Emmett, strapped their leather armour on, tightening buckles and grasping their own weapons.
"Where are we going?" Rose asked.
"Rohan, at least once we've met up with the Elves of Lorien," Jasper replied as he buckled his cloak over his shoulder.
The four vampires looked each other over, these last few months spent in Mirkwood had been filled with training, patrols and familiarising themselves with the geography of Middle earth. They each glanced over the weapons and armour that they now bore, they'd come a long way since Jacksonville, they'd barely thought of the remaining Cullen's since they'd arrived. Up until now, it had been almost like playing out a fantasy, now things were getting real, the orcs and spiders of Mirkwood, would seem a minor blip, after Helms Deep. Mutually they seemed to come a silent agreement of readiness and moved to the door of their shared quarters. They cast a fine display as they walked through the halls in their leather armour, Rose adorned in a fine green battledress, twin blades at her shoulders, her glaive attached to her quiver with her bow strapped beside it. Her long golden hair now braided away from her face. Jasper, Peter and Emmett all in matching leather Jerkins and cloaks.
The king stood at the main doors of the Palace cavern and nodded to them as they prepared to leave.
"You have come a long way since you arrived, but have proven your loyalty and honour, I ask you now to continue in that same vein and offer your services to my son and daughter. Be safe and may your endeavours be successful. May the light of the stars be ever at your back and your journey without pitfall!"
The four vampires bowed to the king before leaving through the large cavern doors and out onto the forest road through Mirkwood. Once across the bridge, they set a fast pace as they broke into a run.
Running at Vampire speed, meant that they could make great grounds in much less time and it was barely a day later they they found themselves approaching the northern edge of Lorien. They slowed to a steady jog, before stopping at a statue that marked the entry to the forest path. It wasn't long before they each heard a voice in their heads. Jasper sighed as the voice of the Lady spoke to him. Her tone filling him with peace and longing.
"Jasper Whitlock, -o malthen fin, trí nin lands im'll see cin lelya.
Bo hi lend, taer naud.
At i meth cín emel na- tov.
Alatulya sercë yulmo, edhel plural edhil-mellon, gwanur
(of golden hair,
through my lands I'll see you fare.
On this journey, honour bound.
At the end your heart is found.
Welcome vampire, elf-friend, brother.)
The four vampires stepped onto the path and found themselves surrounded.
"Mae govannen, Im am Jasper Whitlock of Mirkwood, Sidh Mellon," Jasper said lightly, encouraging the others to keep their bows down. (Well met, I am Jasper Whitlock of Mirkwood, peace friend.)
"Mae govannen Jasper, Im am Haldir, you are welcome," Haldir said directing the patrol to lower their bows.
"Thank you Haldir, we came as soon as word reached us, King Thranduil sends his blessings to your lady." Jasper replied.
Haldir nodded and gestured for the vampires to follow as they took to the trees and continued southwards. "Word from Rivendell says Rohan has emptied into Helms deep, Isengard will attack them there, we are to offer whatever aide that we can," Haldir stated as the Elves continued to move at a swift pace southwards.
"We shall do all that we can," Jasper replied.
They cut through the Fanghorn forest, the ancient tree's groaning although not unkindly to the passage of the elves. Jasper could feel the souls of the trees and was awed.
"They live?" he asked Haldir.
"Yes, the Elves woke tree guardians back in the first age, taught the tree's to talk. How did you know?" he asked.
"I can feel their emotions, Its like their souls talk to me," Jasper replied a smile filling his face as he spread the feelings around.
"That is quite a skill," Haldir said surprised.
"Before I became vampire, it is said that I was charismatic as a human/mortal man, the gift carried over to this life and I can feel and share emotions." Jasper offered.
Haldir offered a rare smile, "Herenya!" he stated. (Blessed/fortunate)
"Náquet!" Jasper offered. (Yes it is)
It didn't take long for the two to become firm friends, sharing their history as soldiers and a love of learning. They soon passed over the Entwash and continued southwards towards Edoras, where they turned to the west and travelled through the Westfold towards Helms Deep.
"This place we are going, how is it set up?" Jasper asked.
"Its a fortress in the mountain, Helms Deep, a large keep with a surrounding Deeping wall. Entry is via a causeway. The Deeping wall has never been breached, the only weakness is culvert drain for the Deeping stream. Behind the main fortress there are said to be caves that lead to the other side of the mountain." Haldir said.
"So the culvert will need to be guarded, but the wall would be perfect for archers?" Jasper offered.
"I expect those who we go to aide will have that as a plan," Haldir responded.
A day later they were in sight of the fortress, Jasper looked at it in awe, he'd seen many castles over the years during his travels, but this felt like more.
"We have many fortresses such as this from my realm, but none are used any-more, other than as Inns for travellers and such," Jasper said to the stoic elf beside him. "This to me is a marvel to see in use," he finished.
"Much I expect seems marvellous in this realm," Haldir replied.
"Indeed, but evil, is evil where ever you go," Jasper offered.
As they moved within a mile of the Keep they announced their arrival with a fanfare of horns, hoping that someone inside would recognise them for what they are. They marched in formation up the causeway and arrived in the lower courtyard of the keep. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were there to greet them along with King Theoden of Rohan.
Aragorn embraced the March-Warden of Lorien.
"You are a blessing!" he stated introducing Haldir to the king. "My lord, Theoden, Haldir, March-Warden of the Galadhrim of Lothlorien."
Haldir bowed and pressed one fist to his chest, "Long ago, Elves and men had an alliance, I am here to honour that!"
"I thank you for that and welcome you," Theoden replied.
Aragorn patted Haldir on the back and directed him and the archers to the wall, stating that he could join Ránëwén there. Haldir informed him of the extras from Mirkwood, they were easy to see in their green and gold armour.
Jasper chose then to approach Aragorn, "I am Jasper Whitlock, my brother Peter and my adoptive siblings Rosalie and Emmett, we've come to help."
Aragorn accepted their nods and greetings before directing them down to the far end of the wall, whilst Bella remained in the centre calling out directions. There they would remain for the coming battle.