Disclaimer: All the characters in this story belong to J.R.R Tolkien. I'm just borrowing them to write this fic.

Author's Notes: This story was intended to be a chapter in my story that I'm currently writing, Those You Love, but after reading through it I decided it could be a story that could stand on it's own. I couldn't decide whether or not to make it a one-chapter story or two, after giving it careful thought I have decided to make it two chapters. This is chapter one and I will publish chapter two in a couple of days. This story is based on the movie Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers. I want to thank Peter Jackson for turning my favorite story of all times, into a movie (even though I'm not thrilled that he killed Haldir -Haldir lives! but at least he got to be in two movies, so I shouldn't complain). Please review if you got the time. I love feedback. Feel free to email me at arwen_evenstar20@hotmail.com or visit my Haldir website at http://www.geocities.com/haldir_o_lorien now on with the story.....

Requiem

Helm's Deep

By Celebrian

It seemed like we marched to the fortress of Helm's Deep in mere minutes rather than days, and now here we were coming over the hill looking upon the stone stronghold. So this was the place were the great battle was to take place.

As we came down the hill, I turned and looked at my army of Elves. Their faces showed strength and willingness, if they were scared they did not show it. Some of the Elves in my troop had fought in great battles before. I had not. This was the first time I had ever donned armor in all my years. The closest I had ever got to fighting was taking down rogue orcs and wargs that tried to infiltrate the woods of Lórien, where I served as March Warden. This was unlike any of those types of battles; this was a war.

We were now a few hundred feet away from the gates. I removed the brass horn that hung at my side and placed it to my lips, blowing into it, wondering how King Theoden and his men would react to see an army of Elves at their command. I could faintly hear someone from up top the wall yelling 'open the gates'. It seemed to take a few moments, but then they began to slowly open. I motioned for my troop to move forth and then we began to proceed into fortress.

As we walked into the Helm's Deep, I noticed the faces of the men as we moved passed them. Some looked at us in awe with great smiles on their faces, there were those who watched us with large eyes-clearly they had never seen our kind before, and there were a few that gazed upon us with weary, untrusting eyes- probably wondering if we were here to help or if we were spies of Sauron. On their entire faces one thing held true-they were frightened. There was no mistaking that.

I stopped at the foot of the stairs, while my Elven troops stood perfectly still as they awaited their orders. King Theoden, of Rohan was standing in front of me. I bowed my head slightly to the King and explained that Lord Elrond from Rivendell sent me and am army of Elves to aid them in this war. Theoden seemed grateful; his worried look seemed to vanish upon seeing us. Then something quite unexpected happened. Aragorn of the Dúnedain ran down the stairs greeting me in Elvish. He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tightly. I was astonished and even a bit embarrassed but I returned the embrace as best as I could, even smiling a little. Never did I think that a mortal man, especially one that I gave such a hard time back in Lórien, would be so pleased to see me. Legolas, son of the King of the Mirkwood Elves, approached me. We placed our hands on each other's shoulders and I gave him a slight nod. He smiled gratefully, knowing that his kin were here to help.

Everything began to move quickly, men and boys took their places on the great wall. I wondered were the women and children were. I assumed that they were below in the Glittering Caves, as they called them, and I hoped that we could protect them. For a moment my thoughts traveled back to my owned belovéd back in Lórien. I had promised her that when I returned, we'd leave for the Grey Havens and take the ship to the Undying Lands, where we'd live out our days in peace and bliss. I intended to keep that promise, for I am an Elf of my word. I closed my eyes momentarily and when I opened them again a young boy caught my eye. He was dressed in armor three times to large for him, carrying a sword that was about his own height. Sadness washed over me, no one at that age should be out here but then I realized that this was all the Rohirrim had-young boys and old men. An elderly man passed by me and smiled. I nodded, taking notice to the hole where an eye once had been. He had seen war before and survived, but how long ago was that. Could he even fight anymore? He seemed so frail, like if a gust of wind blew he would crumble to dust and disappear into the air. I never had given any thought to what it would be like to grow old before now, because I did not have to worry about it.

The night went on slowly. I stood at my post keeping my keen eyes on watch. It was going to rain at any given second-I could feel it in my bones. Just as I looked up into the black sky, big water droplets began to fall, splashing on my face. You could hear the rain hitting the armor and blades of the soldiers, making it sound like clattering tin. Lightning flashed in the sky, making everything light up in an eerie blue. The heavens opened up and it began to downpour making visibility near zero, even for me. If tonight could get any worse.... And we haven't even seen battle yet...