Bella and Legolas took turns scouting ahead, as Aragorn and Gimli ensured that the refugee's were safe, alongside the Rohirrim who rode in company with them. With most of the refugees on foot, the journey was hard going. They had only what they could carry, and they pushed carts with the old and infirm aboard beside rations and weapons that had been emptied from the armoury.
The Westfold, was uneven and hilly, open grassland with the White mountains on the southern edge creating a natural border with Gondor. It was trying and taxing to those on foot. Whilst those charged to protect them, often found themselves dismounting in order to lead their horses through patches of uneven rock.
Bella had ran on ahead to an outcrop when she spotted the first warg, she let out a shrill whistle to Legolas as she knocked an arrow in her bow and aimed for the beast in the front. Legolas hearing his sisters call, raised the alarm and Aragorn and Gimli rode forwards with the Rohirrim to meet with the band of Orc that were heading towards them.
"Took you long enough, thought I was going to have to gut them all alone," Bella smirked as Aragorn appeared beside her.
"I'm sure you would've managed it too, Mime hon," Aragorn grinned in response, leaping from his horse and racing to take out the orcs aiming for them. (My heart)
Bella laughed and continued to fire volleys at the wargs, knocking some of the beasts out of action and forcing the goblins and Orcs to take to their feet. As they got closer, she drew her twin short swords and spun and twisted as she stabbed and thrust at her enemies. Gimli and Legolas were once again racing to beat each other in how many they took out and the Rohirrim, galloped into the battle armed with spears, the king shouting orders as they burst into the fray.
Meanwhile Eowyn lead the refugees closer to the mountains, away from the fighting and onwards towards Helms Deep, a small contingent of soldiers guarded them as they walked. She huffed angrily, as she pushed the refugees onward, she wanted to fight, being with the women, children and infirm held no honour in her mind. She'd trained from a young age to wield a sword, like many young women of the Mark, but always, always she was turned down when she petitioned the king to join them. "War is no place for a woman," he would say as he'd clasp her cheek lightly and kiss her forehead, before sending her brother and cousin to fight. Eowyn felt somewhat unappreciated, she knew that she was skilled with a blade, and felt wasted in ladylike pursuits of keeping the hearth, or sewing. Being the lady of the house of Eorl felt like nothing but a cage and she longed to show her metal in battle.
The next time Bella saw Aragorn he was back on his horse and charging towards what appeared to be the leader of the Orc, his sword held aloft as he let loose a battle cry. Bella roared at an Orc attempting to blind side her and dashed to the side as it used a morning star to attempt to take her out. Twisting as it hit the ground, she jumped onto the orcs shoulders and crossed her swords at its neck and lopped off its head, letting out a battle-cry of her own as she jumped from the body. When she looked back to where Aragorn had been he was no longer there, but she didn't worry, he was a tried and tested fighter. She next came across Gimli who was stuck under the body of a warg and cursing up a storm. Bella was thankful, she couldn't speak Khuzdul, as she was sure she'd be blushing. Glancing around her, she deemed it safe enough to sheath her swords and push the warg from Gimli. The dwarf thanked her by burying his axe into a goblin that was sneaking up on them from behind. "Pen-ind!" she growled (Spineless!) These creatures had no honour!
As they stood they could see the Orcs had mostly been beaten, or they had run, so she joined Gimli as they returned to join Theoden and the Rohirrim. On arrival, they found Legolas holding Aragorns horse, Bella looked around thinking that he was dealing with something while Legolas waited for him. She moved passed him to see Gamling holding an Orc at spearpoint, it was spitting blood and cursing all and anyone. "Gamling, where is Aragorn?" she asked.
The orc laughed as Gamling kicked it, "He's dead!" it crowed, laughing spitefully at the stricken look upon her face, as Legolas and Gimli came to her side. "You lie, filth!" Bella spat, pulling her short swords from her back and leaning over the orc.
The orc laughed once more, opening its hand and dropping her Mallorn leaf pendant, "Took a dive, over the edge...over there, no getting up from that," the Orc laughed harder as Legolas shot an arrow into its head.
Bella grasped her pendant and walked away from them, looking over the outcrop, hoping that perhaps he'd snagged the side. Her heart seized to see part of his cloak hanging there, but no sign of him on the rocks or flowing river below. She glanced around the strewn bodies that littered the hilly land, Hasufel stood passively beside Gimli, unharmed and unharried by the carnage around him.
At that moment, the king rode up, "Come we must catch up in case they attack the refugees with us gone, leave the dead, for they cannot help us."
Bella bit into her fist, fighting back a sob, as Legolas caught her as her knees buckled his arms clasping her tightly. "I would feel it, I know I would," she cried. Legolas held her tighter, fear gripping his heart. "It hurts, the not knowing hurts, I can feel my heart tear, if this is what it feels like, how will I go on if it is true?" she cried out, clutching at her heart as if to hold it in. Legolas felt helpless as he clung to his sister, he couldn't believe that Aragorn was gone.
"Aaaw lass, that man has gotten out of more scrapes than I can count, if anyone has a chance it is him," Gimli offered patting her arm gently, the dwarf looked at her sadly, he had come to like the she-elf immensely.
"Come, there is nothing we can do here, he would want us to go on," Legolas whispered into her ear, fear gripping his heart that if Aragorn was truly gone, his sister would soon fade.
"Lotesse so hir us, a' senda," he said quietly to the wind. (may he find us, or have peace) Before leading Bella to Aragorns horse and helping her mount. He questioned whether he should join her on her horse, her face had paled considerably and her eyes had taken on a hollow, empty look, she raised her head to look at him with unseeing eyes and Legolas gulped with worry before nodding and turning to his own mount. He then mounted Arod and pulled Gimli up behind him, "Come sister, we made a promise." he said taking a lead rope and fixing it between the bridles of Hasufel and Arod. At least this way he knew she'd ride at his side.
The three galloped behind the Rohirrim as they spied the Hornburg of Helms Deep in the distance. Shaking their heads at the thought of willingly going into a dead end, they continued onwards, guiding refugees as they went. They dismounted as they entered the lower Deeping wall and handed off the horses to be stabled. Refugees continued to pour through the gates and the King watched from above on the battlements of the keep. Eowyn found them in order to lead them to meet with him and was aggrieved to hear of the loss of Aragorn. She did inform them that they had been joined by Erkenbrand, lord of the Westfold, and a thousand warriors who had survived a fateful battle at the Fords of Isen.
Theoden was saddened to see Aragorn missing and offered his condolences before turning to Erkenbrand and his men to continue planning. Bella turned and moved to the side to check her weapons, her movements controlled and automatic, while Legolas remained at the table and listened as Theoden planned their defence. Gimli joined her and took out his favourite two sided battle axe and began to sharpen the blade. A silent agreement was made by the two, that Aragorn would not go unavenged.
It wasn't long before the men at the table parted, each going to complete their orders for the coming battle. Bella had no doubt that there would be one. Theoden gestured for the three of them to join him.
"I would ask that Lady Ránëwén, remains in the Glimmer caves with the women and children, this is no place for women." He declared.
Bella growled under her breathe, "Ni indome vaetho, mime sinome na- simen," She spat, turning and walking away (I will fight, my place is here), the first real emotion they had seen since arriving at the keep.
"I'm sorry my lord, but my sister will not be held back, she will fight, I will not force her otherwise," Legolas replied to the king.
"The lass is deadly, she has fought in every skirmish that we have had, it would be foolish to prevent her from doing so now, she is no mewling kitten," Gimli offered as reasoning.
Theoden did not look happy, but in this, he had no say. Theoden nodded to them and walked away, Gimli and Legolas shook their heads, the foolishness of kings. They found Bella in the makeshift armoury, helping a group of young boys and old men arm themselves. She was talking in quiet calming tones, trying to fortify them for what was to come. Yet had no hope for herself.
"They are nothing but farmers, it'll be a slaughter," Legolas grumbled to Gimli, Bella shot him a look that said, Shut up.
Gimli moved to her side and began hunting through a chest for some chainmail, "If only we were in Erabor, I'd give you mail of the finest Mithril, this is so old, I doubt it'll hold up against anything." He growled.
"We have to make the best of what is here," Bella said, "We cannot lose hope."
One young boy sat beside Bella, he was barely 14 years old, "I am scared," he said as if ashamed.
Bella took his hand and looked at the sword he held, "So am I, but there is no shame in being afraid. Will you still fight, though you hold fear?" she asked.
"Yes," he replied.
"Then you honour your father, your mother, your ancestors, for the greatest courage is found in your fear. This is a good sword it will serve you well..." She stated as the other men and boys listened, gaining their own courage from her.
"Eothain, miss." The young boy answered shyly.
"Then you shall fight beside me," Bella stated twirling her short swords and sheathing them. She stood and those gathered stood with her, "Maetho na lû n'i maethorath dengin," she yelled raising her bow in the air. (fight to the last man)
The men and boys around her cheered their own battle-cries.
"YESSS thats our girl!" Gimli bellowed.
As Bella left the armoury, she didn't notice the disturbance at the causeway, nor the lone rider that entered the keep. She continued on to the wall, where she set up her bow and arranged for Eothain to refill arrows for the archers. Meanwhile Legolas had come out to the Postern gate to see Aragorn almost falling from the horse he had freed at Edoras. He approached him swiftly, pulling him into a tight embrace as Gimli appeared at his side.
"Where is he! Where is he! Get out of the way! I'm gonna kill him! You are the luckiest, cunningest and most reckless man I ever knew! Tis good to see you laddie, the lass is lost without you," Gimli said grasping his arm. Aragorn nodded tiredly in thanks looking around for Bella.
"Le abdollen." Legolas said holding him at arms length, "You look terrible." (You are late)With a slight smirk he sniffed as he grasped the rangers arm, "You don't smell so great either."
Aragorn laughed tiredly as he looked around for Bella, "Where is she?"
"On the wall, she's leading the archers," Legolas said, "Theoden tried to make her sit out with the women and children… that went well," he finished with a laugh.
"The king?"
"Inside, you have news?" Gimli asked.
Aragorn nodded exhaustion coating his features, and gestured for them to lead the way. Legolas and Gimli went ahead of him into the keep, the king was sat with his captains. They looked up shocked at his entry, all had feared that he had fallen on the field on the way.
"Isengard has emptied, a great host heads this way," Aragorn said.
"How many?" Theoden asked.
"Ten thousand at least." he replied.
"Ten thousand?" The king asked turning to face him.
"They will be here by nightfall, it is an army bred for a single purpose: destroy the world of men." Aragorn stated.
"Let them come." Theoden growled, before walking from the keep directing his captains to ready the fighters.
Gimli, Legolas and Aragorn stood behind and watched in disbelief, it would be a massacre. They were about to suggest sending for help, when Bella's voice was heard yelling.
"And I told you, I will fight and no man will stop me!" She yelled in rage.
The three looked at each other as if to say 'Oh no' and ran to where the argument was coming from. They found Bella facing off against a large Rohirrim, at least 6 ft 5 and towered over her slight form. The man was demanding she take her place with the women and children in the safety of the Glimmering caves.
They watched with unmasked amusement as she bristled. Poking the large Rohirrim in the chest, she growled with gritted teeth and her face screwed up in determined anger.
"You have no command over me, I am over 2000 years old and have fought longer than you have lived, if my destiny is to die on that wall..." she growled pointing behind her, "Then no man, King or other is going to make me sit out like some mewling helpless babe, so you tell your king, this Lady will be the archer on his wall that fears no Orc or Goblin, I have no fear of death! you tell him that if he wants me removed, then he should remove me with his own sword and not send a lackey to do so...Pen-channas!" (idiot)
Bella then turned her back on him, effectively dismissing him from her side, much to the amusement of the men and boys along the wall.
"Ni ósanwe tye would úr- him ve so stood!" Aragorn laughed as he came up behind her. (I thought she would burn him as he stood)
Bella turned, not believing her ears, "Aragorn! Mime hon, no osanwe tye aut-" (my heart, I thought you lost) she said as she jumped into his arms and crashed her lips to his.
"Ve did ni," he replied as he gasped for air. (As did I)
"You are never to part from me again, if I have to I will tie you to my back," she joked.
"I will be your willing hostage," he said huskily.
"I have something of yours," she retorted, pulling the pendant from inside her tunic, she removed it and replaced it around his neck. "Back where it belongs."
"I hear you've been having a few disagreements with the king," Aragorn grinned.
"He expects me to be like the other women, and sit out in the caves, I cannot, I will not, if it is our time, then it will be together." She stated.
"Then that's as it shall be, come tell me of your preparations," he said guiding her from the wall.
The four companions walked along the wall together, Bella and Gimli and Legolas filling Aragorn in on the plans. They had tried to get the King to send riders for help, but he had sent none, they were on there own. They were stopped on their inspection by Eowyn, "Lord Aragorn! You live! The king sends me to the caves to sit with the old women and children, allow me to fight with you and your party! Allow me a shred of honour!" she begged.
"Your king has given you a noble duty, you are his last defence, you hold the safety of his subjects in your hands should we fail to beat our enemy, no, I shall not go against your kings orders. There is more to honour and valour than wielding a weapon in direct combat, knowing when to shield rather than attack is a harder decision than running into the fray for a short lived chance of glory, you must take your lords council and protect those who are unable to do so themselves, there is no disgrace in being in those caves, he is ensuring the line of Eorl survives, be honoured that he values you so," Aragorn stated patting her shoulder.
Eowyn huffed, but nodded sadly before turning to return to the caves, her sword grasped in her hand, her face steadfast in her duty to her people. She may not be on the wall with the other Rohirrim, but she would protect that entry to the sanctuary with everything that she had.
As they rounded the keep, darkness began to draw in, it would soon be dusk and the enemy would be upon them. An elven horn drew their attention to the gate, where they were met with Haldir and a detachment of Elves from Lothlorien. Aragorn approached him and embraced the stoic March-warden.
"You are a blessing!" he said quietly, guiding him to the king. "My lord Theoden, Haldir, March-warden of the Galadhrim of Lothlorien."
"Long ago, Elves and men had an alliance, we fought and we died together, I am here to honour that alliance," Haldir stated with a bow.
"I thank you and welcome you," Theoden replied surprised.
"Come Haldir, you can join Ránëwén on the wall," Aragorn said patting his back.
"We are not alone, King Thranduil sent some help, they are not elves and I am unsure how she will take their appearance here," Haldir stated holding Aragorn back.
"Show me," he said, allowing Haldir to lead him to the four Vampires, each in leather armour of the Woodland realm, all with bows and swords.
Jasper stepped forwards, "I am Jasper Whitlock, my brother Peter and my adoptive siblings Rosalie and Emmett, we've come to help," he said offering his hand and a short nod.
"I have heard of you, but not Peter, Ránëwén said that she holds no blame to you, as you were honourable, we shall see if we survive this." Aragorn responded clasping his arm.
The detachment of elves moved gracefully to the Deeping wall, spacing themselves amongst the men and boys. Bella stood central to them all, so that she could take commands from the keep, Haldir at her side.
"Mae govannen, Haldir," she said as she direct men along the wall. (Well met)
Haldir offered a rare smile and a fast embrace, before turning to send his elves to strategic positions. Aragorn came then and kissed her one last time before he moved to the keep where he could see everything from above. "N-varna!" he said on parting. (Be safe)
Bella turned back to the wall and called Eothain to her, "This is Eothain, Haldir, he will be responsible for refilling quivers," she said to them both. The boy looked in awe at the March-warden, sure he'd never seen armour so gold. Haldir nodded to the boy in greeting, before taking up his position.
"Your father sends greetings, he also sent help," Haldir stated pointing to the end of the wall.
Bella glanced at the March-warden before following his gaze down the length of the wall, she looked back to him with an incredulous look upon her face, she was sure she had just seen four vampires in elven armour at the end of the column of elves, but that couldn't be right.
The vampires looked down the line of Elves and men and spied the moment that Bella spotted them. Now was not the time to get into the why's and wherefores for their appearance. Jasper could see plainly on her face that she was shocked to seem them, if not a little incredulous with disbelief that they were actually there. He chuckled quietly as he felt those very emotions flitter towards him, offering her a brief nod letting Bella know that he had too seen her.
"She's looking well," Emmett noted quietly as they looked over the wall towards the long dark mass that approached.
"Fierce, she's looking fierce," Rose said, hints of respect colouring her tone.
The darkness had fully drawn in and it was difficult to see far past the wall, black shapes moved in the dark, yet they couldn't make out what they all were. That is until torches were lit on the field in front of the Hornburg, revealing an enormous host of Uruk-hai, Orcs and goblins. Cave trolls were spread out amongst them as they stood in an endless formation of rows.
"You could've picked a better spot," Gimli grumbled barely able to see over the top of the wall.
"It matters not," Legolas grinned down at the dwarf. "I'd still out shoot you!"
"Well lad, the luck you and Aragorn live by, lets hope it lasts the night." Gimli added.
Aragorn looked to Legolas and Gimli, "Your friends are with you, Aragorn."
"Let's hope they last the night," Gimli bantered.
The three laughed, turning to look down to the Deeping wall and Bella. Aragorn stood above them and shouted down in Sinderin, "A Eruchîn, ú-dano i faelas a hyn an uben tanatha le faelas!" (Show them no mercy! For you shall receive none!)
Bella repeated it in westron for the men and boys. Out on the battle field, Sarumans army beat their shields and roared to the sky, as thunder clashed and lightening forked, the sky opened and the rain fell in sheets.
Jasper, Emmett, Rose and Peter stood on the far end of the wall, the host of Uruks before them, when they had pledged to Thranduil they never realised that they would be going into war such as this, small disputes perhaps, clearing spider webs from the Mirkwood, but this they knew would be brutal.
"She looks different than before, more confident," Rose observed as she watched Bella move about with ease.
"She's where she belongs," Peter stated with surety.
"Yeah, she looks formidable," Emmett offered.
Jasper said nothing just observed it all, he'd never been one for chatter on the eve of battle, this was no different. He watched the enemy, he watched his allies and he watched Bella as she directed the young boy to fill quivers. "You're not in Galveston no more Whitlock," he sighed to himself.
"What are they doing down there?" Gimli asked.
"Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?" Legolas joked.
Gimli laughed a loud belly laugh, that would've shook the walls. "Aye, yer not bad for an elf, although I like your sister better," he answered.
Legolas laughed and responded, "Everyone does. You'll do in a pinch."
"Bilin!" Aragorn shouted to the archers, "Dartho!" (Arrows...Hold!)
The Uruks roared at them and charged. The elves and men knocked their arrows and awaited Bella and Aragorns calls.
"Faeg, i-varv din na lanc a nu rnc," Legolas shouted (Their armour is weak at the neck and under the arms.)
"Leitho I philinn!" Aragorn shouted, as Bella yelled "FIRE!"
Volley's of arrows showered the Uruks as they ran towards the wall, the elves and the men continued to fire upon them, wave after wave falling to be ran over by the next.
"Anybody hit anything?" Gimli asked, grasping his axe.
"Ránëwén, her aim is as true as ever," Legolas crowed.
The Uruks continued to run towards the great wall of the Hornburg, their scimitars raised in readiness. From the middle of the field their own archers shot volleys at the wall. Some hit and Bella's archers continued to fire whilst dodging arrows as best they could. Goblins with grappling hooks and ladders ran forwards, whilst protected by the Uruk archers.
"Pendraid!" Aragorn yelled. (Ladders)
Bella tossed her bow over her shoulder and drew her twin short swords, in readiness, calling out for her archers to look below and to keep firing. Haldir followed her lead and drew his own sword, calling to his elves to prepare for the coming attack.
The vampires followed their lead and drew their own swords, this would be their first foray against Uruk hai, they'd helped in the Mirkwood when the king sent Beren out to clear spiders, but this had no comparison.
"I've never seen anything like them," Rose observed as she clutched her sword in readiness, "I can even smell their foulness, it's enough to turn my stomach!"
"It's them or us Rose, them or us," Jasper offered as he observed the formation of Uruk that charged towards the wall.
"Let's hope they've made their peace then, because I plan to still be here at the end of this fight!" Rose growled as a hook flew over the battlement in front of her and was pulled tight. She cursed loudly and jumped towards it, bringing her sword down upon the rope that was pulled taught to an approaching ladder. "I don't think so, assholes!"
Legolas looked to the eastern end of the wall, where the culvert for the small stream that dropped into the deep flowed, he could see Uruk battering the culvert and another placing barrels around the weak spot. He soon spied a runner with a torch heading forwards.
"Mab- hon ed Ránëwén!" he shouted knocking his own bow and firing towards the runner. (Take him out)
Bella looked to where Legolas had fired and ordered her archers to fire on the runner, whilst taking aim herself, their shots were on target but the Uruk tossed the torch as it fell and a huge explosion blew the culvert open, sending Elves and men flying. Bella was tossed from the wall and landed heavily in thick mud and knee high water. She groaned as she looked blearily through stunned eyes at the horde as they breached the wall.
"Ránëwén!" Haldir called as he appeared at her side, "are cin eithel?" he asked. (are you well)
"Triw," Bella replied taking his arm to get to her feet. (Fine)
She checked herself to see that other than a few bruises she was fine, pulling her short swords out once more, she looked to Haldir and together they ran towards the horde as it stormed the Deeping wall intent on the Hornburg.
"Dago din!" she called as she spun and sliced her way through the Uruks. (kill them)
Haldir remained to her side, their moves like an intricate dance as they spun and twisted, thrusting and slicing through the horde. The bodies piled up as they made their way through the throng and soon they could hear the sound of Gimli, shouting and laughing as he lay waste to their enemies, whilst counting his kills to beat her brother. Next she saw Legolas ride a shield down the steps whilst firing his bow in multiple volleys. She laughed as she spun, dodging an attack from a goblin, whilst she was not paying attention.
"Cockui!" she shouted across to him (Cocky/show off)
Legolas grinned as he removed the head of an Uruk, before running into the melee. The throng seemed never ending and they had no peace from it. As fast as they took out a wave, another replaced it and they soon found they were being forced back towards the Keep.
Emmett was having a great time, he was even singing to himself as he cut and slashed his way through the Uruk. Rose remained at his side. Jasper and Peter were like a well oiled machine, carving their way through, while trying to keep an eye on Bella and Haldir.
Aragorn charged into the fight, joining Legolas and Gimli, cutting their way through a wave of Uruks heading towards the keep.
"Aragorn, pull back to the gate!" Theoden called from atop the keep.
Aragorn waved to say he heard and bellowed to those around him. "Am Marad! To the keep, fall back!"
The Uruks kept coming as the three companions fought their way back, pulling anyone they found with them.
"Haldir! Nan barad!" Bella yelled as an Orc came up behind her and threw her to the wall. She hit with a crunch as she felt her shoulder hit then her head. Darkness descended swiftly as she landed in the dark mud, her swords flying from her hands.
Haldir had pulled back to the keep not seeing Bella thrown by the Uruk, so was unaware that she was laying unconscious against the wall. He ran for the stairs that lead to the gate, elves and men following behind. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli met him as they made it through and the gates were closed.
"Ránëwén?" he called as he looked behind himself.
"I thought she was with you," Aragorn said turning to look at the elf.
"We were separated after the wall was breeched. I heard her call to pull back, but never saw her," he responded.
The three companions looked around worried, none of them had seen her come back to the keep. They all took to the upper walls, hoping to see over them, hoping beyond hope that she had made it through. Aragorn clasped her pendant, and sent prayers that she would be okay.
The vampires had lost sight of Bella a while ago, they'd heard her call to fall back and had done so swiftly, but that was the last they had heard of her. Now they were upon the wall of the keep looking over as the Uruk army spilled through the Deeping wall. They'd heard Haldir and Aragorn talking and now they were looking all over to see if they could find her.
The wall was full of Orc, pushing towards the keep, a few hapless men were fighting in small pockets, having been too far forwards to pull back. Aragorn knew that their fight would be fruitless and felt a sense of helplessness fill him. Bodies lay everywhere, and they could only hope that Bella's wasn't one of them.
As they watched more Orc poured up towards the gate, it shook and shuddered as they pounded it with swords and fists.
"Brace the gate!" Gamling shouted, running forwards with a group of guard.
Aragorn could see a contingent of Uruk making for the causeway with a battering ram, he knew that if they made it to them, the gate would fall.
"My lord, I have an idea..." Aragorn stated, looking back to the gate.
"Can you hold them back?" Theoden asked.
"How long do you need?" Aragorn asked as Haldir and Legolas joined he and Gimli.
"As long as you can give me, we just need to brace it," Theoden responded.
"Then it will be, Gimli!, Haldir!" he called. The two joined him and looked over the side, Legolas stood up on the battlement with his Bow, "I will cover you till I have no more arrows," he said.
Aragorn nodded in response and he, Gimli and Haldir headed to the other side of the gate to small doorway.
"How many?" Gimli asked.
"Too many, but we need to keep them from the gate," Aragorn said.
"We can take 'em', but you'll have to toss me over, for I'd never make the jump, just don't tell ol' pointy ears," Gimli replied as Aragorn grabbed him and threw him at the causeway.
"Not a word, I promise," Aragorn stated as he jumped over with Haldir, they charged at the approaching Uruk forcing them to drop the ram. The causeway was narrow, so many dropped off the sides as they miss-stepped in the fight. Gimli swung his axe and roared as he charged into them. From above Legolas fired on any that looked to be making ground, whilst Haldir and Aragorn slashed their way through the throng.
"Shore up the door!" Theoden called as he watched the three brave warriors slice through their enemies with abandon. Emmett and Peter pushed to the front with a large table held aloft, forcing it against the damaged door.
Once the causeway was clear and the ram rolled off and smashed, they returned to the keep, where Legolas dropped a rope for them to climb back up. Still there was no sign of Bella and Aragorn was getting more concerned by the minute.
Down on the wall, the Orcs had made it to the stairs and were pounding on the large door to the keep. If they breached here all would be lost. They pulled back to the inner keep, where Theoden stood, feeling defeated.
"Is there another way out of the caves my lord?" Aragorn asked.
"It is a long and winding route but yes," Theoden responded.
"Then tell the women and children to take it, we cannot guarantee their safety if the keep is over run," Aragorn advised.
"You are right, we must give them every chance." Theoden responded calling to Gamling to send word to the Glimmer caves.
"Never before has this keep fallen," Theoden said.
"It still has not, all is not lost while we still hold hope. Ride out, Ride out and meet them on your terms, we cannot fall back indefinitely," Aragorn stated.
"Yes!" Theoden responded. "The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound once more this day!"
Gimli looked to Aragorn, then to the window, where they could see the day dawning. Aragorn smiled to himself, 'Look to the east at dawn on the fifth day" he hoped Gandalf held true.
"Yes!" Gimli roared running up the steps and blowing the great horn.
"Cometh the man! Cometh the hour! For we shall all meet again either in this life or the next!" Theoden roared as he mounted his horse and the men burst from the keep and down the causeway. The Orcs and Uruks taken by surprise fell from the sides or ran, as in the East a rider in White appeared over the hill.
"Look to the east my lord!" Aragorn called, as more riders appeared on the hill.
"Eomer!" Theoden called as he slashed his way through the horde.
"Rohirrim! To the king! Chaaaarge!" Eomer called as he and his Eored charged down the hill. The Sun casting a bright light on them as they rode, making it even more difficult for the Uruk-hai to see them.
Many of the Uruk fled as they were faced with Riders coming from two sides, those that remained were slain with extreme prejudice. Gandalf roared as he charged forth astride Shadowfax, his long white hair billowing behind him like a banner, his staff held aloft emitting a blinding white light as he crossed the field of battle. The remaining Uruk-hai ran from the white wizard and his cohorts, back towards the trees, that seemed to have appeared overnight.
"Do not follow them in to the trees!" Eomer shouted as they raced after fleeing Uruk.
The Uruk-hai ran into the forest and the Rohirrim halted and watched as the trees shook and screams and shouts could be heard from within.
"I do not remember those ever being there before," Eomer said as Gandalf rode up beside him.
"They weren't, they are the Hourns of Fanghorn, living trees, tree guardians, do not drift into this forest, for I doubt they will tell friend from foe," Gandalf replied turning his horse back towards the fortress.
Finally all fell quiet and the Rohirrim surrounded their king a roar of victory sounded as they realised they had against unbeatable odds won. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli soon found each other and returned to the Hornburg, and split up to find Bella, who was still out cold against the wall.
Jasper, Emmett, Rose and Peter joined them, the scents of the Uruk and dead or dying overwhelming their senses. Jasper hoped that she was ok, he had apologies to make.
Haldir joined them with the survivors of his detachment, he offered to help, but would need to return to Lothlorien soon as they couldn't leave their borders unguarded. Aragorn thanked him and bid him farewell for now, before returning to his search.
Bella came to slowly, sound was the first of her senses to return, and she could swear she heard her name called. A short while later her sight came as she opened her eyes to the blurred sight of the Hornburg and the mass dead around her. She groaned as her head throbbed, lifting her arm to hold it lightly she groaned again as she felt the pain in her shoulder from where she hit the wall. She then realised it was daylight, yet her last memory it was still dark, did that mean the battle was over, had they won?
"Ugh," she moaned as she moved once more, before pulling herself to her feet with the help of the wall. She staggered a little as the world tipped, before righting herself as a wave of dizziness departed.
Aragorn heard the movement behind them and saw the figure rise unsteadily aided by the wall, although they were covered in so much dirt and blood it was difficult to distinguish if they were friend of foe. It was only when he heard the pained moan, that he realised who it was and quickly ran to her side.
"Ránëwén! Emme o'sanwe tye aeg," he said as he moved to catch her as she staggered. (Bella, we thought you fell)
"Falling would've hurt less," she mumbled dazed.
Aragorn wrapped her gently in his arms and helped her step from the wall and out into the courtyard. Legolas seeing Aragorn had her ran to their side.
"Sister! Man ago'rer achin? He asked. (what happened to you)
"Gwanur, Im negr-" Bella responded drooping against Aragorn who looked on in concern. (Brother, I hurt)
Aragorn lifted her then and carried her into the keep, where the lady Eowyn was organising help for the wounded. Gimli ran ahead and prepared a pallet for them to lay Bella on, whilst Legolas went to their packs and found Bella's healing parcel. Eowyn came to them then and saw the Elven woman laying unconscious.
"She lives, but is hurt, we'll need to clean her before we can see how badly," Aragorn offered.
Eowyn nodded and left, quickly to return with a bowl of warm water and cloth. "Does she have clean tunics to change into?" she asked.
Legolas quickly returned with the pack and pulled out a fresh tunic, before turning and dragging Gimli with him. Aragorn and Eowyn worked to remove Bella's tunic, finding no open wounds but heavy bruising on her back. At the back of her head, they found a large cut that had bled quite heavily. She winced as they washed the blood and muck from her hair, and Aragorn stitched the wound closed. They used a healing salve on her back after washing away the grime of battle then redressed her in a new tunic. Laying her back to sleep off the hurt. Once finished Eowyn moved on to the other wounded around them. Aragorn settled beside the pallet to wait.
The vampires came in then, Rose moving to help Eowyn with the injured. Jasper held them back from approaching, he didn't want to disturb Aragorn while he held vigil over the young elleth.
"Is she ok?" he asked as Eowyn passed them.
"She'll live, she's had a few injuries, but if anyone can survive it is her," Eowyn responded moving through the room.
"She'll not thank you for neglecting yourself, Aragorn," Gandalf stated as he strode into the hall.
"I had thought her lost, now I cannot bear to be from her sight," Aragorn replied not looking up.
"She is resilient, she will overcome, you however shall not if you don't tend to those wounds before she wakes," Gandalf said as Legolas and Gimli returned.
Aragorn sighed and nodded, moving to his own pack and pulling out a clean tunic, he stepped out of the room to get cleaned up. Returning a short while later looking refreshed, if not a little weary. Legolas and Gimli had taken up station beside Bella's pallet and were talking quietly. Whilst Gandalf looked over the young elleth.
"Major Whitlock, I am Gandalf, your help is much appreciated," Gandalf said catching Jasper by surprise.
"I am only doing what is right, and I owe her..." Jasper replied, nodding to Bella.
"None the less, thank you, many in her company know of your former families actions, your being here proves your honour," Gandalf continued.
The next time Bella woke, she was surrounded by her friends and brother, "Did I miss much?" she asked wiping the sleep from her eyes as she moved to sit.
"Oh you know, me beating your brother in battle, the return of Eomer and Gandalf and the outright slaughter of the Uruks, so no not much," Gimli laughed.
"You beat Legolas? How many?" she asked
Gimli laughed as Legolas scowled at him, "43!"
"The dwarf exaggerates sister," Legolas joked.
"No doubt brother, I'm glad you're okay," she countered.
"We're better now that you are awake," Aragorn interjected kissing her forehead.
Bella sighed in contentment, gazing about the room, she did a double take when she first saw Jasper, then Emmett and Rose and finally a golden eyed Peter.
"I must've hit my head harder than I thought," she muttered, "I could swear I saw Jasper," she continued with a shake. "I thought I saw him before the battle, Haldir said something about father sending help, but no, I left the vampires in the other realm."
"You did Bella, Emmett, Rose and I are no longer Cullen's, Renee sent us here and ummm your father sent us to you," Jasper replied looking sheepish.
"I never blamed you, you and Rose were the most honest and I appreciated it," she offered. "You treated me as if having a 'human' around was normal, you made me feel respected, not some china doll that needed to be coddled."
"You always felt like a sister to me, I respected you because you never treated me like a caged animal, not like the others often did. If they could see you now, they would' perhaps regret the coddling," Jasper replied, If he could blush, Jasper would've been, instead he bowed low and took his leave.
They spent a short while filling her in on what had happened, and she told them what she remembered before she was thrown at the wall. The vampires wandered the keep, offering aide to any that needed it and removing the dead orcs to be burned outside of the Hornburg. They thought that landing in the Mirkwood had been an experience, but this battle was something beyond what they could imagine. Jasper and Peter who had both served in wars in both their human and vampire lives were at least prepared for the brutality, but these Orcs and Uruk were something they could never have imagined. They had thought newborn vampires were the worst thing they could ever encounter, this battle had proved them wrong.
They stood outside the Hornburg with Eomer and members of his Eored, piles of Orc bodies lay on top of one another, the fallen Rohirrim and Elves had been moved back to the keep, they would be buried later with honour.
"We burn the dead of our enemies, so that they cannot taint our land," Eomer said as he stood next to Jasper. "I hear that you know Lady Ránëwén, she is a formidable warrior and holds honour amongst the Rohirrim, treat her kindly for there are many here who would stand for her in her defence," he added.
"She knew of us, whilst hidden in another realm, our family was close to her for a while, before they abandoned her, we are here in spite of them to honour the friendship that she offered us and atone for wrongs we ourselves did, you have no fear that we would harm her, she is loved by many, including us," Jasper replied.
Eomer grunted his agreement, but gave them a look that would chill the bones, the four vampires could see, that in this realm, Bella and those who loved her held all of the cards. "Come there is much to do," Eomer said turning and walking away.