Feren reached down and help Thranduil get to his feet. They both stared and were utterly speechless. All the elves that bore witness to the arrival of the Valar were silent and motionless. Tulkas was the first to dismount. He pat the neck of his meara and approached Thranduil and Feren. He was just massive yet when he lay his hand on Thranduil's shoulder it was gentle and Thranduil could barely tell he was being touched at all.
"Peace Thranduil I was only teasing." His voice held a deep bass tone and his face a cheerful expression. Thranduil could not feel any anger nor any need for violence coming from the champion of the Valar. "Your Adar is proud if the King you have become."
Thranduil looked up into Tulkas' eyes and felt his own lips begin to tremble. "You know my Adar?"
Tulkas began to chuckle and pat Thranduil's shoulder. "I do." He smiled then. " I think I know everything about you through his tales. If I seem a bit too familiar for you I am sorry. I just can't help it, I feel like I am meeting my long lost Nephew at last." Tulkas wrapped Thranduil in a massive hug then and laughed.
Feren and all the elves collectively gasp as Tulkas embraces Thranduil. Then as soon as it started the King was released from the hug and was left standing there a bit bewildered.
Eönwë finally dismounted his own magnificent meara and began to approach them. He was tall much taller than any of the elves present yet not as tall as Tulkas. His hair was long and a deep rich brown in color. His eyes like Tulkas' were of a golden hue.
"It was so strange Lord Thranduil." Eönwë addressed him as Lord which made Thranduil a little uncomfortable this was Eönwë after all. The lord of the Maiar Manwe's right hand. One who could wield any weapon expertly. "I was suddenly Summoned by my Lord and the next things I knew I was riding along side this big ox." He motioned towards Tulkas. Who was not offended in the least he seemed to find it a bit funny to be called an ox.
"You asked for my Lords help and it seems he has heard you." Eönwë said with a gentle smile. "Now show us what he has in store for you in this battle. It will give me no greater joy than to slap him in the face."
Haldir had at first been slightly annoyed that he had been left behind and the trouble making twins had been allowed to go. Yet his Lady calmed all that when she explained he would lead the defense of the northern realms however that meant he had to work with humans and Valar have mercy, the dwarves. Though he did find the humans refreshing, bright and eager to learn, It seemed their time with Glorfindel and Finnola had helped turned them around from their own prejudices against the elves.
The Dwarves on the other hand were a surly lot of curmudgeons. Hard headed and often plagued with a need to argue over the most petty of things. All save for Gimli, Legolas' friend was a liaison between them and helped quell any dissent.
Haldir sat upon one of the tallest walls of Dale and looked out into the distance. They had been getting reports now of a fell army that approaches from the east and the days had turned to constant preparation and drills. Gimli joined him and held a bottle of Haldirs own brew in his hand.
"You know Laddy, your wine is particularly delicious. I never thought I would say that about something an elf makes but You have my upmost appreciation." Gimli leaned against the wall and looked out through one of the low spots.
"I would like to apologize to you Gimli."
Gimli looked a bit confused. "For what?"
"When the fellowship first arrived in my home I said somethings about you I should not have. I was rude."
"Ahh you mean that whole 'The dwarf is so loud I could have shot him in the dark with my eyes closed' thing? Ah well I apologize too for what I said."
"What did you say? I never learned dwarvish."
"It doesn't matter now. Just know I am sorry for it."
Haldir scowled a bit then let it go.
A silence fell over the pair for a moment then off in the distance where the sky had grown darker with the near setting of the sun, they could see a dark cloud moving towards them.
"I have seen this before." Gimli uttered lowly.
"Crebain." Haldir said and felt his shoulders sink a bit.
"Well it looks like the crows have been ensnared into this again." Gimli sighed.
"It means they are near. Hurry Gimli we must make ready."
Haldir seemed to fly down the stairs, where it took Gimli a bit longer. He ran towards the Palace of Dale with Gimli not too far behind. He ran into the palace to find King Brand deep in conversation with his generals. "They are near Lord Brand. The Crebain herald their approach." Haldir spoke plainly.
Brand looked to his men and nodded. "Send word to the King Under the Mountain that it is time."
Celeborn stood beside Thranduil with wide eyes. Elladan and Elrohir as well. Eomer and Elessar could do little more than just smile in the first moments of meeting the Valar in their presence. Yarth on the other hand recognized them as special but was not overwhelmed by them.
Thranduil explained to them what they had been fighting. How the attacks had been followed by retreats and advances by the the Alliance army to this point. There with the ridge in the distance. How they were being drawn in. Tulkas seemed unimpressed yet Eönwë was deep in thought.
"Bah just point me in the direction you wish me to fight and I will destroy all in my path." Tulkas finally blurted out.
"Please forgive him. He has no mind for the details." Eönwë said to those gathered. "Tulkas I am sure you would rather be drinking and telling stories with the troops. " This made Tulkas raise his brows in interest. "Why not just go and mingle with them. I will point you in the direction you need to fight in later one."
"You don't have to tell me twice." He had to bend over to move through the tent and out of it.
"I can see why he and Glorfindel were close." Celeborn chuckled.
"The eastern army experienced some of these bugs not too long ago. They also faced these chimera as you call them." Eönwë spoke softly.
"Eastern army?" Elladan asked.
"Well yes that was where Orome met the Queen. He had much to say about her. All good things I assure you." Eönwë trailed off and realized they most had no idea.
"I had been given a vision of Orome." Thranduil spoke up. "She sent it to me. "
"Well there is more than a Vala out there. There is a whole army coming. Lead by King Thingol."
There were shocked gasps and wide eyed looks from all but Yarth.
"You do not fight this war alone." Eönwë said with a smile.
"How is that possible? Thingol passed into Mandos when I was but a child." Thranduil said in disbelief.
"None the less He leads an army towards you Thranduil. For he has restored Cuivienen to its former glory and amassed a large army just for this task." Eönwë smiled then.
After several moments of shocked silence Yarth broke the spell. "I have no idea what the deeper meaning of this is. I need to know about this battle."
Thranduil smiled and looked to his friend. " I am sorry Yarth. We are finding out that Kings and warriors from our history have returned to fight the dark lord."
Yarth nodded. "That is wonderful but there is still a horde out there with something up their sleeves."
Eönwë regarded the orc with a gentle smile. He saw him for what he really was. He was an elf that had been changed but his fea was pure and not tainted.
"Indeed Yarth of the First Orc. They do have something up their sleeves. Thranduil can feel it in his bones what it is. Feren knows as well but hopes that it is not that. All of you gathered truly know deep down what it is. Those waiting outside to fight know what it is but fear runs deep. "
Thranduil blanched and closed his eyes. He fell back into his chair and his hands gripped the arms of it so tightly his knuckles turned while and his hands trembled. "I think I would rather battle a Balrog." He said lowly.
"Young King, It is a testament to your strength that you survived and thrived after you were bathed in dragons fire. Now you will need to find that strength once more. This time you will not face the dragon alone. Tulkas is just itching to get into this. The one thing we have in our favor is that this is not a winged dragon but a worm from the bowels of Angband." Eönwë spoke gentle to Thranduil.
When they left the war tent having made their plans and revelations Eönwë walked with Thranduil through the camp. All they passed be it Elf, Human or otherwise bowed their heads in reverence to the Maia that now walked among them and they found Tulkas sitting with the men of Rohan. His laugh was joyous and loud as he drank with them and listened to bawdy tales.
Eönwë shook his head and sighed. "He is the happiest of all of us. Not the brightest but truly happy." He looked down to Thranduil for a moment before continuing on. "There is a fae here is there not? I ask that you take me to her. "
Thranduil nodded in his silence and lead the Maia back towards where the elves part of the camp sat. "I heard that Tulkas rode no mount." He finally found his voice as they walked past where the horses were being tended and he looked at the huge meara that had bore Tulkas.
"Normally he doesn't. However this was a great distance to travel so Poldórëa offered his services."
Thranduil paused and felt himself smiling as he looked to the awe inspiring beast. "Poldórëa you say. Valiant appears to be a wonderful name for him. "
After a few moments they continued on towards the tent of Legolas. He emerged no sooner than they had arrived and bowed his head to Eönwë. "My Lord." He said in greeting.
Eönwë placed his hand on Legolas' shoulder when he spoke to him. "I have come to see the one that will be your wife. I know she struggles and my desire is to help her."
Legolas looked up into the eyes of Eönwë and nodded. Before stepping out of the way. He stood with his father and watched as the Maia ducked his head and entered the tent.
The tent filled with a warm light which made Ryu stir a bit and open her eyes. She turned over and looked on the being before her she gasped and tried to push herself up but he was quick to kneel down and shake his head. "No need little fae. I am here to help you. He lifted her from the cot and held her closely in his arms. She was so small and fragile and he was very gentle "Sleep little fae and regain your strength. You will need it."
Shadow and Shade suddenly appeared along side Thranduil and Legolas. They seemed scared and Legolas had to stop them from entering. "She is in no danger." He told them in a whisper.
"Please oh please my lord please go inside with them." Shadow said with a trembling voice. "We do not understand what is there. It is powerful and terrifying." Shade said.
Legolas sighed and moved to the tents entrance and paused before pulling it back just enough for him to speak. "May I come in?" He asked.
"Of course."
He entered and looked over to see The Maia sitting on the ground with Ryu cradled in his arms. She was aglow with the light that radiated from him.
The ground shook with the thousands of feet that marched upon it. Dale was a ghost town. The women, children, the elderly and those unable to fight had been granted refuge in Erebor.
The army of the dark Lord would not directly attack Erebor. It was far too well defended. Erebor was well supplied for a siege as well. If it came down to it Erebor might become one of the last hold outs. Haldir had no intentions on allowing a siege anywhere. Not on his watch.
The thunder of a thousand drums echoed off the walls of Dale. Before those walls was the massive army of Dwarves, Men and Elves that watched as a sea of black rolled slowly towards them. The sky becoming darker the closer the army approached.
Haldir stood upon that wall. A frown on his lips and a determined look in his grey eyes. Behind him row upon row of archers ready to fire the first volley. His jaw set as the pace of the approaching army picked up. The dwarves moved into position. 1000's of them lined up forming a deadly looking wall. All manner of spike jutted out before them. The dwarves were strong. Incredible strong when they did battle and they were always in the front.
" leithio I philin" He called to the archers who loosed their arrows, The hum from them filled the air and many orc fell yet they continued to advance. " leithio I philin" He called again and another volley of arrows was fired. Many orc advanced and the dwarves continued to bark orders and answer in unison. "Baruk Khazâd, Khazâd ai-mênu"
There was a mighty thunderous sound that hit Haldir. The force of the blow of orc body against metal. The Dwarves yelled louder. "Baruk Khazâd, Khazâd ai-mênu" and took a step forward, pushing the orc back. Then again "Baruk Khazâd, Khazâd ai-mênu" Another step is taken.
Haldir stared in awe at the strength of these dwarves. "leithio I philin" He screamed and another volley of arrows hummed across the sky. King Brand soon joined him. The man was smiling and covered in sweat and grime. "we are ready old friend." He looked out to the battle field. "This is turning into a proper war isn't it . Well just give the word when you are ready."
Haldir looked to Brand then turned to Look high up into the bell towers of the city. on top of all of them were flag bearers. Ready to signal to the warriors further out. A trick they learned many many years ago. With a grin he turned to the first runner. "Fire the trebuchet." A flag went up within a few moments of the runners departure and a volley of large boulders was suddenly hurdled at the orc. At the right and the left of them the mighty arms of the war machines bounced back and forth.
The weight the dwarves pushed became lighter and they were now stepping on the bodies of dead orc. The elves flooded the battle then . Lances sliced through the orc line, followed by the axes and hammers of the dwarves.
Haldir whispered another order to the fresh faced runner at his side. The young human nodded and smiled before running off to tell the flag bearers the order. Haldir was taken aback by the human demeanor. He seemed happy to be doing his job. A different flag was now lifted. This one green with a yellow stripe.
The Calvary rode out from the sides. Having been hidden away in the rocky hills. Teams of goat riders from the dwarves and men and elf alike mounted on well trained horses from Rohan and from Haldir's point of view this battle would be a victory for them. Yet this would not be the first.
Then as he looked off into the distance his heart began to sink. He could see the thick dark line and the familiar movements of trolls. He had hoped to not have to give this order so soon in this war. This was something he wished to hold back yet looking at the numbers on the ground and those coming for him he saw no other way. His secret weapon would need to be deployed.
The next runner was a girl. Nearly at adult hood and simply beautiful. Her golden hair tied back with a leather strap. On her hips was a dagger in a leather sheathe. "red flag black X." he told her and she looked to him with wide hazel eyes. " Yes My Lord." She said then exhaled a deep breath. She turned and ran quickly. Her manner of dress was not as a female. She wore leather leggings and a tunic. She was quick and nimble and gone from his view in a manner of moments. Yet he wished to see more of her.
The reality of the moment was back on him and he turned and looked to Brand. "I did not wish to do this so quickly."
Brand sighed and looked at Haldir's profile. He saw nothing of what he had just witnessed on his expression. "Her name is Hilda. She is my niece." Haldir looked to him and nodded once then looked back to the battle the corners of his lips did twitch.
The line of troll drew closer and closer the sound of their drums pounding louder and louder and that sound could drive fear into the hearts of many. The tension on the wall and behind them could be felt. The line was broken and now there were orc making a run for the walls. The next line was prepared. Elves and men with shield and spear. They moved forward and lined up forming a wall of shields. Their spears ready to be bathed in the dark blood of the enemy. There was another thunderous clap as orc flesh met the shields of elves and men.
In the back of the orc line the trolls began to advance faster and faster. The carried club and flail and wear the open space met the narrowest point between the rocks of the rolling hills the First Orc came. Lead by Rugen the brother of Yarth. A mighty orc with a keen mind. His brothers and family fought with him. Forming their own regiment. 100's of them spilled out over the trolled. Nimble and fast. They could dodge many swings of Club and flail. They could avoid the heavy step of their feet and fight the orc that were there among them.
This strength was not anticipated by the General of this dark army. He was Mox the mighty. An Uruk Hai of the newest generation. His own personal regiment of Uruk Hai ready to enter the fray. They were more like these first orc and while these trolls of common orc died He advanced unit was preparing to charge in. Then from a distance from far behind Dale and approaching fast was a bright light. A pure light that blinded the orc on the field before the walls of Dale and even from where Mox was positioned he felt pain from this light and it did frighten him and with fear in his heart he ordered the retreat of the army. Saving his Uruk Hai regiment for the next battle.
The allied army slaughtered more and more of the retreating army. The bodies upon that filed did pile up. The fighting happening over their mangled corpses and within the hour the battlefield was still but for the wails of the injured. Elf, Dwarf, Man, Orc and animal. Teams came out to resue them. Orc were killed on discovery.
The source of this light approached the wall the light growing dim as it got closer to the wall. Brand and Haldir looked down to see within the center of this light a cloak of rich blue hemmed in gold and a staff made of a greyish blue wood. On his head was a pointed hat of blue and gold and when Haldir looked at the wrinkled face and the smile he knew this being to be Radagast.
"I am Radagast the Blue. It seems my purpose has changed in the Arda." He said and both Haldir and Brand felt their jaws just drop in shock.
That night was filled with business of treating the wounded and calming those that just survived a hard battle. Haldir looked on this mingling of all the races and felt the strange sense of correctness. How this all felt right to him. Behind him Radagast spoke with Brand and Felagon the commander of the elves of Greenwood.
"How did this happen Radagast?" He asked in curiosity.
"I was called back to Valinor and I spoke with Ilmarë, She told me that my purpose had changed. I was now tasked with protecting the Arda from the evil from the east. She told me that the north must not fall."
"No and it will not fall," Haldir said with a smile. "I am curious Ishtari, what do you have up your sleeve?"
"The Arda will fight with you." Radagast said with a knowing grin.
Gimli dropped his tankard on the table with a loud thunk. "Oy what does that mean? The Arda will fight with us?"
Haldir shook his head. He having a drink with the Dwarf he has grown to like. "He is worse than Mithrandir at this time."
"Don't worry Laddy. I have a respect for wizards after what I witnessed in Moria. That whole thing changed my perspective. When you fight along side one. When you see what they can really do. You learn to trust them. We may not know what they mean but it all makes sense soon enough." Gimli said and lifted his tankard again. "Tonight we celebrate and give thanks to Aule and to Manwe to all of them." He took a deep drink and Haldir smiled to himself. Yes indeed he did like this Dwarf and understood Legolas a bit more.
Then his eyes shifted and he began to look at all those gathered in this Tavern in Dale. The men and the elves actually talking among themselves. The dwarves joining in merrily and singing songs which just added to the celebratory feel of everything. He was changing. Then slowly his eyes drifted a bit more to see that golden hair he had seen earlier that day. She was standing with a tankard and laughing with some of her friends.
Her head tilted back in laughter and then her eyes drifted towards his and they met. This mortal girl this firieth (human female) was getting under his skin in the most delightful way. She looked away and said something to her friends that he could not pick up easily with all the noise around him. She then turned and left.
"Excuse me mellon nin (my friend) I having something to attend." Haldir smiled and tilted back his tankard and downed the rest of the brew before rising and walking off. Gimli had a good idea what it was all about. The girl with the golden hair. At least he had good taste but that golden hair paled in comparison to those 3 precious strands of the most golden hair hehad been blessed with. They now sealed in a clear crystal and sat upon his mantle in his house. "Aye Laddy very good taste." He drank to that.
He hurried through the tavern and to the door. He could smell her scent faintly on the air and he followed it outside. He looked to his left and saw her silhouette moving down the cobbled street. His heart skipped a beat and he followed after her. "Excuse me." He said softly hoping she would not ignore him.
She turned and looked at him and he approached slowly. He forget his words and just stared like a love sick ellon before his majority and just really discovering females. It was she who spoke first with a hand on her hip and a tilt of her golden head. She lifted a hand and chuckled. "What is wrong? Cat got your tongue my Lord?" She said it with a smile and the humor she was sharing with him made her laugh and broke the tension.
"You were my runner today. Your uncle told me your name. Hilda," He smiled ever more then. "I am Haldir and I just wanted to meet you properly"
"Lord Haldir I knew your name but I am impressed you came to tell me just that." She grinned a bit wider.
"May I walk you home?" He asked and prayed a little to Manwe.
"Sure Lord Haldir, I would like that." She offered him her arm and He took it and wrapped it around his own.
"Just Haldir my Lady, their is no need to be formal."
"Fine then you can just call me Hilda."
They walked at a very slow pace. Haldir was glad of that and he found her to not be a bit shy. The streets were rather dark. Their not being anyone to light the lamps. The only light they had was the stars, the moon and the occasional fire light from one of the many fire pits where men gathered to relax and talk.
"You seem to know how to protect yourself yet you allowed me to walk with you. Do you know how to use that?" He asked and motioned towards her hip and the daggar upon it with his free hand.
"I do, I do not think you would wish to get into a knife fight with me."
Her words made his brows lift and he now bore a bit of a mischievous grin.
"That so? Is there some place we could go to spar? Where no one would find us. I would love to spar a bit. I have been stuck in The General frame of mind and not in the battle. I think I might get rusty like this."
She laughed and let go of his arm. "I know a place but you best be sure you wish to to do this." Haldir nodded eagerly and she sighed a bit before slapping at his arm with her dainty hand. "Fine but you have to keep up."
She just took off running through the streets. He could see the soft glow of her light colored tunic as she leaps over one of the many barricades that had been erected just in case they get over run . It would slow the advance through the lesser streets. He quickly began to follower her and was amazed at how quickly she could move. How dexterous she was and how she moved like liquid. Was this firieth perehedel?
It took him using all of the skills he learned in the trees of the forest to keep up with her. She was sure footed and did not stumble and soon he was having one of the best times he had, had in what felt like an age.
They ran for a good 20 minutes and finally they came upon the arena of Dale. Smaller than the one in the Greenwood and the one in his home but it would work . She took his hand then . His long fingers curled around her small palm. Her skin was warm but rough from using her hands a lot. A shame he thought that such small hands should be so calloused but it did not deter him from wanting to hold that hand for forever it seemed.
She lead him through a darkened door way. He could see but he wondered about her. She knew where every small obstacle was and managed to not trip. "Can you see in this dim light?" He asked softly.
"No, I can not but I know this way well. I have been running these halls all of my life."
He could see the light at the end of a narrow hallway and out into the arena they went. She released his hand and spun around with her arms out. "This is my home. Now my dear elf, " she began and stopped to look at him in the moon light and how he seemed to have a gentle glow about him. "do not damage me and I shall not damage you."
This made him smile. " I would never dare to dream of such a thing Hilda." He bowed a bit then drew his own dagger from his sheath. He was wearing leggings and soft boots of leather. His tunic was more fitted than hers and made of thick silk. He spun the dagger in his hand and held it backwards. His stance changed as well as her crouched a bit with his right foot back.
Her hand lowered to the hilt of her dragger and she drew it slowly. The black metal of it did not glow in the dim light. but he could see the shape of it and he had only heard of such weapons in story. She took no stance but as soon as the weapon was in her hand she spring forth so quickly it was almost a blur to him. He lifted his arm and blocked her first attack with his dagger then jumped back and sweeps his right hand out with an attack of his own but his dagger met nothing as she turned to the left and came wound his side forcing him to pull his attack to defend again.
She kicked at his legs to push him of balance which it did but he recovered immediately. She was back into attack mode. Staying low and attacking his legs. She was good . Really good and she kept him defending constantly.
They steps and attacks moving them through the wide open arena. Haldir saw her leave an opening as she attacked. He blocked but she did the same thing again when she made the second attack. On the third he made his move. In the seconds her arm was sweeping back she left her mid section open . He shifted and kicked out at the opening . His boot meeting her middle. She felt her breath leave her but she did not panic. She came in again with grit teeth.
She controlled her breathing and maintained her composer even as she felt like she would suffocate. He was in awe of her skill. Her attacks adjusted to the lack of oxygen she was taking in but soon she was beginning to recover and he could feel it into force of her blows. He was seeing an opening again as she built up her strength again and he took the chance and went for a punch to her mid section this time but, she had already lowered and swept at his leg kicking it out from under him and He fell backwards to the dirty of the arena floor. Before he could get up she was on his her black dagger to his throat.
"I yield." He said to her then smiled as he breathed heavily and looked up into her Hazel eyes that sparkled in the moon light. "You are very skilled with a dagger. You and your weapon are amazing. I would like to know more about your training. "
"I would be happy to tell you and teach you is you like" she said and with drew her dagger. She sat back but still straddled him. Her own breathing was heavy now as she sheathed her dagger and Haldir just lay there prone and watching every move she made. "Why do you look at me that way Haldir?"
" I do not think I have seen a more beautiful women in my long life." He said softly. making her gasp. She swept loose tendril of her golden hair back from her face and tucked the ringlets back under leather strap. "Is that so?" She laughed and he sat up and wrapped his arms around her slender form. His lips mere inches from hers. She did now move for a moment and let the shock of the moment fade into something else. Her arms lowered to drape over his shoulders and gently, slowly and sweetly her lips met his.