Author's Note: Thanks to all my devoted fans! I love you guys so, so, so
much! At the moment, this is the only story I'm working on. Portraits of a
Lady is a Star Wars Story, and I finished it awhile ago. Farewell, My
Friends is a Harry Potter fic, and a one-shot deal. And Harry Potter and
the Sign of the Serpent has me utterly bored, so this will be all you're
seeing of me, for the time being. Check out the others, besides Sign of the
Serpent. They're pretty good.
To all my loyal reviewers, I love you all so much! There are too many to name, but maybe at the end of this chapter, if I have time!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot! All the rest is Tolkien's. I do not make any claim to it!
Words in are Elvish! (Use our imaginations, people!)
Words in //\\ are thoughts!
Oh yes, I have some real Elvish in here people! I have the Two Towers movie script, and so I was able to get Legolas and Aragorn's Elvish lines when they are watching the Rohan men be fitted with armor! I know, it's strange that I have that and not other lines, but bear with me! I hope it's right!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Later that day, Eowyn set out to speak to the heroic king, who had shocked everyone and returned from the dead.
Eowyn roamed the corridors of the Rohan fortress, knowing it might be impossible to find him. Since his return, Aragorn had been in deep conference with her uncle, King Theoden. She already knew what it was they were discussing. The war had come to Helms Deep.
Lady of Rohan, called out a familiar and musical voice from behind her.
Smiling slightly, Eowyn turned to face the one who sought her. Hello, Legolas, she responded.
The fair features of the Mirkwood Elf broke into a smile. Searching for Aragorn, are you?
A wash of guilt swept over her like an ocean. You have caught me, she confessed woefully.
Legolas' expression did not change. "I do not fault you for looking for him, mellamin," he said in Common, "For when one's friend has been considered dead for days past, the friends usually seek him out, to hear his heroic tale."
Eowyn accepted this gratefully. "Was he happy to see his jewel returned to him?"
Legolas looked at her appraisingly. "It is much more than a jewel, shield maiden. It is the Evenstar, and within it is the light of Arwen Undomiel, the Evenstar of Rivendell, the most beautiful elf of all, some say."
Eowyn looked puzzled. "I do not understand."
"Arwen is willing to give up her immortality for Aragorn. She is willing to forsake the immortal life of our people, and become mortal like you. She will be faced with sickness and old age, as all of your kind are. She will die, and thus the only daughter of Elrond Half-Elven, ruler of Rivendell, will cease to exist."
//Who was I to think that I could ever be considered a suitable match for Lord Aragorn,\\ thought Eowyn bitterly, //He is loved by someone so strongly that she will forsake the immortal life of her people to spend a mortal life with him.\\
Legolas tenderly stroked her face. Do not trouble yourself, Eowyn. The heart of Aragorn may belong to another, but you have my heart.
Eowyn smiled slightly. Your heart is more than I ever could have asked for, Legolas, son of Thranduil. Your love is more than I ever could have dreamed of.
Legolas covered her hands in his own smooth, ageless ones. Once I believed I would never love, Eowyn, but now I see that I was a fool to ever think like that. I see why Arwen would so willingly give her love to a mortal.
Eowyn knew those were words meant to be precious, but they still offended her. Were elves really so above others that they could not bear to love a mortal? Still she stroked his cheek, and smiled. Thank you for your words, son of Thranduil..
"Legolas!" came a call from further down the hall.
Both whirled around to see who it was, instantly separating. Eowyn smiled a bit when she realized it was Lord Aragorn. Legolas nodded once towards his friend, "What is it, mellon?"
Aragorn quickly came to a halt beside the pair. "I wish for you and Gimli to accompany myself and Lord Theoden, for we will be discussing the defense of Helms Deep. Uruk Hai are on the move, and will be here by nightfall."
Eowyn was alarmed. "How many?" she asked breathlessly.
"Tens of thousands," Aragorn said grimly, "I fear that the fortress will not withstand the night."
Eowyn's hand flew to her mouth. "Lord Aragorn, I beg you, tell my father to allow me to fight! I fear neither death nor pain, I can destroy the Uruks! You will need my help!"
Aragorn turned towards her. "Lady of Rohan," he said softly, "While I have no doubt of your skills as a warrior, your skills as a leader and a peacemaker will be needed. You are a beacon of hope to your people. The women and children who will be boarded up in the caverns will need your calming influence more than we will need your skills defending this fortress."
Eowyn glared at him. "There are not many fighters here, Aragorn. You will need every person you can get. Why not allow me to fight? Is it because I am a woman? Well, if that is the case, I assure you, I am a better fighter than half the men here, and not bad at the bow as well."
Aragorn glared right back at her. "I apologize, Eowyn, but I have no time. The Uruks are moving quickly, and we must assemble an army to meet them! I need to speak to your father." He motioned to Legolas, "Come, Legolas. I need your counsel."
Legolas glanced after Aragorn's retreating figure, then turned back to Eowyn. "I'm sorry Eowyn. I would have you fight by my side till the end, but it is up to the King and Lord Aragorn. Plus, at least I know you will be waiting for me when the night is over," added the elf with a mischievous smile.
Eowyn blushed, "And you shall have your reward for a job well done, for I feel in my heart you shall defeat the Uruks." She kissed him gently on the lips, by now fairly used to the electrifying shock that traveled through her body.
Legolas broke apart quickly however, and turned to follow Aragorn. He smiled in farewell at the Lady of Rohan, and then disappeared.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas caught up with Gimli, who was shuffling along several paces behind Aragorn and King Theoden. The two men looked as if they were in the middle of a quite heated conversation, and Legolas could sense Aragorn's anger. The two men came to a stop at one point on top of the wall.
"And who will come to our aid?" Theoden bit out furiously, "Elves? Dwarves?" he gestured towards Gimli and Legolas, "We are all not so lucky in our friends as you."
Aragorn stared at him. "Gondor will answer."
"Gondor?!" King Theoden exploded, "Where was Gondor when the cities fell? Where was Gondor when we were forced into this corner? Where was Gondor when." He seemed to regain control. "No, my Lord Aragorn. We are alone."
The King turned on his heel and left Aragorn standing there.
Legolas strode up to where his friend stood. "What should I do, Aragorn?"
Aragorn stared at him. "There's nothing we can do, but wait. Wait and pray that salvation will come."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that day, the entire fortress was in an uproar. Soldiers of Rohan went around, picking all men who could wield a sword and sending them to be fitted with armor and to be given a sword.
Those who were barely able to walk, they were so old, were sent. Those who had barely reached their teens, and a few who hadn't, were sent.
In Legolas' eyes, it was pointless. They would not be able to live out the night. And with them would go Aragorn, and Gimli, and perhaps even himself. And when they were dead, Eowyn of Rohan would be left to defend her people.
At least she might get her wish. For, Legolas felt, by the end of the night, everyone would be fighting for their lives.
The sun was setting, and Legolas was standing with Aragorn and Gimli, watching the men fit themselves for the battle. The fear was evident in their eyes, in the way they moved. They did not think that they would live.
Aragorn picked up a battered sword. His eyes appraised it, then his faced twisted into a disgusted look, and tossed it back on the pile. "Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers."
Gimli huffed, "Most have seen too many winters."
"Or too few," Legolas added quietly, his eyes narrowing angrily, "Look at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes." Legolas did not stop as all grew silent. Boe a hun, neled herain dan caer menig! (And they should be. Three hundred, against ten thousand!)
Aragorn turned back towards him, responding in Elvish. Si beriathar hyn. Amar na ned Edoras! (They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras.)
Legolas glared at him, Aragorn, men i ndagor. Hyn u-.ortheri! Natha daged aen! (Aragorn, we are warriors. They cannot win this fight. They're all going to die!)
Aragorn looked at him furiously, "Then I shall die as one of them!" he raged in Common.
Legolas stared at him, ignoring the glances of all the other men in the room. Aragorn stopped talking, then walked away. Legolas felt a wash of guilt, and moved to go after him, but felt Gimli's hand on his arm.
"Let him go, lad. Let him be."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas roamed the corridors with no real purpose. He hadn't seen Aragorn since he had lost his temper with him. He felt guilty at yelling at his best friend, but in his mind, the words rang true. They could not possibly survive the night.
"Legolas," came Eowyn's soft voice from behind him.
He turned and saw the Lady of Rohan, illuminated in the soft light, which added more grace and beauty to her already gorgeous features. "Yes, Eowyn?"
She took his hand in hers. "Good luck, Legolas. I pray you survive the night." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him lightly. "I shall be waiting for you."
He kissed her back, "And I shall wait for you, Lady of Rohan. But, if you excuse me, I must find Aragorn. I need to speak with him, for I feel that I have terribly damaged our friendship."
Eowyn shook her head. "No, Legolas, your friendship can never be damaged, not by time, by death, or even by something so silly as hurried words. I feel you shall remain friends till the end of time." She stroked his cheek. "Go find him, love, for alone you two are great warriors, but together, you are invincible."
Legolas kissed her one last time. "Wait for me, Eowyn. I promise you, whatever my fate, I shall come to you one last time."
He turned on his heel, and padded away, looking for Aragorn.
Eowyn watched him leave, then turned back towards the women and children who were filing into the caves. She hoped that she too, would live out the night.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aragorn turned to pick up his sword, but found it already hovering in mid air, suspended there by Legolas. He nodded solemnly, and accepted the sword.
Legolas looked at him, straight in the eyes. "We have trusted you this far, and you have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."
Aragorn smiled slightly at him, U-moe edhored, Legolas. (There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.)
They clapped each other on the shoulders, then turned to watch Gimli huff in. "If I have time, I'll get this adjusted." He dropped his chain of mail, so it fell about him like a dress. "It's a little tight around the chest."
The Elf and Man fought back smiles. Just then, a horn sounded through the deep. They froze in their tracks. "That's no Orc horn," Legolas exclaimed, hurrying out of the room, and towards the gate.
Aragorn and Gimli quickly followed him, Gimli tripping over his long hem.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas skid to a stop at the top of the long flight of stairs, and broke into an amazed smile. There, stood an army of Elven archers, from Lothlorien. And Haldir was at the lead.
Theoden stared at the elves, clearly amazed. His men were staring at them in awe. "How is this possible?" the King demanded.
Haldir half-smiled. "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between elves and men. Long ago, we fought, and died, together." He stopped speaking as he caught sight of Aragorn and Legolas staring at him, and even Gimli smiling. "We've come to honor that alliance."
Aragorn lost his composure, and bolted down the steps. He smiled at Haldir, Mae govannen, Haldir. (Welcome, Haldir.) He hugged him, drawing a surprised glance from the formal Elf. Legolas smiled from his spot. Aragorn smiled, then repeated himself in Common. "You are most welcome."
Legolas ran lightly down the stairs, and clasped Haldir on the arms, the Lothlorien elf doing the same. Legolas grinned as the Elven army snapped to attention, drawing gasps from the Rohan men, and whispers of their uniformity.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Deep beneath Helms Deep, Eowyn stood listening to the sounds of the approaching army. She shivered slightly, as drops of water dripped onto her white skin. The women and children around her were quivering in fear, hanging onto themselves for safety.
An old woman rushed up and embraced Eowyn. She was a bit shocked, but Eowyn hugged back. She recognized the woman as one who's husband had been made to go and fight the Uruks.
"Calm," Eowyn whispered into the lady's ear, "Our men will return victorious. For as long as the Elf, Man, and Dwarf are with us, I have hope."
The woman nodded slightly, and released the Shield Maiden of Rohan. She stepped back respectively, and curtsied low, then hurried off.
Eowyn wrapped her arms around herself, and sat down on a dry stone. She couldn't help but feel unconfident, as the sounds war drew ever nearer.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas stood next to Gimli, and heard Aragorn come up behind him. He fingered his bow, anxious to get this battle over and done with. His confidence was raised ever since Haldir and the Lorien Elves appeared.
Gimli was grumbling beside him, trying to see over the edge of the wall. "You could have picked a better spot," he said to Legolas, who smiled easily.
Gimli turned towards Aragorn, "Well lad, this luck you live by, let's hope it lasts the night."
Legolas looked at his friend. "Your friends are with you Aragorn."
Gimli huffed, "Let's hope they last the night."
They watched as the Uruk-Hai drew nearer, their spears and swords and shields thumping against the ground. One leader climbed up to an outcropping of rocks, and stood above all the rest. Aragorn resumed his pacing.
Show them no mercy, for you shall receive none! called out Aragorn in Elvish.
The Elves began to fumble with their bows and arrows. Gimli was still trying to see over the ledge, "What's happening out there?"
Feeling somewhat light-hearted, Legolas responded merrily, "Would you like me to describe it for you? Or would you like me to find you a box?"
Gimli stared at the Elf for a long moment, then began to laugh heartily.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Uruks were continuing their battle chants. An old man, Aldor, had an arrow to his string. His hands were quivering, and all of a sudden, he released the arrow.
It went whizzing through the air, and embedded itself in an Orc neck.
The whole Deep went silent. Aragorn screamed out hastily, "HOLD!"
But the Uruks had something else in mind. They began to charge.
"So it begins," said Theoden from his perch in the Deep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Down below, Eowyn listened intently to the sounds from above. She heard the clashing and yelling of the Uruks stop, and be replaced by a lengthy silence. Then, she heard them start to charge.
//So,\\ she thought, //The battle has begun.\\
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Well, that's it for now! This is the longest chapter yet! *Does victory dance!* Well, more might be up later, today's Friday and it's a snow day, so who knows?!
Anyway, please review!
~Coco
To all my loyal reviewers, I love you all so much! There are too many to name, but maybe at the end of this chapter, if I have time!
Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot! All the rest is Tolkien's. I do not make any claim to it!
Words in are Elvish! (Use our imaginations, people!)
Words in //\\ are thoughts!
Oh yes, I have some real Elvish in here people! I have the Two Towers movie script, and so I was able to get Legolas and Aragorn's Elvish lines when they are watching the Rohan men be fitted with armor! I know, it's strange that I have that and not other lines, but bear with me! I hope it's right!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Later that day, Eowyn set out to speak to the heroic king, who had shocked everyone and returned from the dead.
Eowyn roamed the corridors of the Rohan fortress, knowing it might be impossible to find him. Since his return, Aragorn had been in deep conference with her uncle, King Theoden. She already knew what it was they were discussing. The war had come to Helms Deep.
Lady of Rohan, called out a familiar and musical voice from behind her.
Smiling slightly, Eowyn turned to face the one who sought her. Hello, Legolas, she responded.
The fair features of the Mirkwood Elf broke into a smile. Searching for Aragorn, are you?
A wash of guilt swept over her like an ocean. You have caught me, she confessed woefully.
Legolas' expression did not change. "I do not fault you for looking for him, mellamin," he said in Common, "For when one's friend has been considered dead for days past, the friends usually seek him out, to hear his heroic tale."
Eowyn accepted this gratefully. "Was he happy to see his jewel returned to him?"
Legolas looked at her appraisingly. "It is much more than a jewel, shield maiden. It is the Evenstar, and within it is the light of Arwen Undomiel, the Evenstar of Rivendell, the most beautiful elf of all, some say."
Eowyn looked puzzled. "I do not understand."
"Arwen is willing to give up her immortality for Aragorn. She is willing to forsake the immortal life of our people, and become mortal like you. She will be faced with sickness and old age, as all of your kind are. She will die, and thus the only daughter of Elrond Half-Elven, ruler of Rivendell, will cease to exist."
//Who was I to think that I could ever be considered a suitable match for Lord Aragorn,\\ thought Eowyn bitterly, //He is loved by someone so strongly that she will forsake the immortal life of her people to spend a mortal life with him.\\
Legolas tenderly stroked her face. Do not trouble yourself, Eowyn. The heart of Aragorn may belong to another, but you have my heart.
Eowyn smiled slightly. Your heart is more than I ever could have asked for, Legolas, son of Thranduil. Your love is more than I ever could have dreamed of.
Legolas covered her hands in his own smooth, ageless ones. Once I believed I would never love, Eowyn, but now I see that I was a fool to ever think like that. I see why Arwen would so willingly give her love to a mortal.
Eowyn knew those were words meant to be precious, but they still offended her. Were elves really so above others that they could not bear to love a mortal? Still she stroked his cheek, and smiled. Thank you for your words, son of Thranduil..
"Legolas!" came a call from further down the hall.
Both whirled around to see who it was, instantly separating. Eowyn smiled a bit when she realized it was Lord Aragorn. Legolas nodded once towards his friend, "What is it, mellon?"
Aragorn quickly came to a halt beside the pair. "I wish for you and Gimli to accompany myself and Lord Theoden, for we will be discussing the defense of Helms Deep. Uruk Hai are on the move, and will be here by nightfall."
Eowyn was alarmed. "How many?" she asked breathlessly.
"Tens of thousands," Aragorn said grimly, "I fear that the fortress will not withstand the night."
Eowyn's hand flew to her mouth. "Lord Aragorn, I beg you, tell my father to allow me to fight! I fear neither death nor pain, I can destroy the Uruks! You will need my help!"
Aragorn turned towards her. "Lady of Rohan," he said softly, "While I have no doubt of your skills as a warrior, your skills as a leader and a peacemaker will be needed. You are a beacon of hope to your people. The women and children who will be boarded up in the caverns will need your calming influence more than we will need your skills defending this fortress."
Eowyn glared at him. "There are not many fighters here, Aragorn. You will need every person you can get. Why not allow me to fight? Is it because I am a woman? Well, if that is the case, I assure you, I am a better fighter than half the men here, and not bad at the bow as well."
Aragorn glared right back at her. "I apologize, Eowyn, but I have no time. The Uruks are moving quickly, and we must assemble an army to meet them! I need to speak to your father." He motioned to Legolas, "Come, Legolas. I need your counsel."
Legolas glanced after Aragorn's retreating figure, then turned back to Eowyn. "I'm sorry Eowyn. I would have you fight by my side till the end, but it is up to the King and Lord Aragorn. Plus, at least I know you will be waiting for me when the night is over," added the elf with a mischievous smile.
Eowyn blushed, "And you shall have your reward for a job well done, for I feel in my heart you shall defeat the Uruks." She kissed him gently on the lips, by now fairly used to the electrifying shock that traveled through her body.
Legolas broke apart quickly however, and turned to follow Aragorn. He smiled in farewell at the Lady of Rohan, and then disappeared.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas caught up with Gimli, who was shuffling along several paces behind Aragorn and King Theoden. The two men looked as if they were in the middle of a quite heated conversation, and Legolas could sense Aragorn's anger. The two men came to a stop at one point on top of the wall.
"And who will come to our aid?" Theoden bit out furiously, "Elves? Dwarves?" he gestured towards Gimli and Legolas, "We are all not so lucky in our friends as you."
Aragorn stared at him. "Gondor will answer."
"Gondor?!" King Theoden exploded, "Where was Gondor when the cities fell? Where was Gondor when we were forced into this corner? Where was Gondor when." He seemed to regain control. "No, my Lord Aragorn. We are alone."
The King turned on his heel and left Aragorn standing there.
Legolas strode up to where his friend stood. "What should I do, Aragorn?"
Aragorn stared at him. "There's nothing we can do, but wait. Wait and pray that salvation will come."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Later that day, the entire fortress was in an uproar. Soldiers of Rohan went around, picking all men who could wield a sword and sending them to be fitted with armor and to be given a sword.
Those who were barely able to walk, they were so old, were sent. Those who had barely reached their teens, and a few who hadn't, were sent.
In Legolas' eyes, it was pointless. They would not be able to live out the night. And with them would go Aragorn, and Gimli, and perhaps even himself. And when they were dead, Eowyn of Rohan would be left to defend her people.
At least she might get her wish. For, Legolas felt, by the end of the night, everyone would be fighting for their lives.
The sun was setting, and Legolas was standing with Aragorn and Gimli, watching the men fit themselves for the battle. The fear was evident in their eyes, in the way they moved. They did not think that they would live.
Aragorn picked up a battered sword. His eyes appraised it, then his faced twisted into a disgusted look, and tossed it back on the pile. "Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers."
Gimli huffed, "Most have seen too many winters."
"Or too few," Legolas added quietly, his eyes narrowing angrily, "Look at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes." Legolas did not stop as all grew silent. Boe a hun, neled herain dan caer menig! (And they should be. Three hundred, against ten thousand!)
Aragorn turned back towards him, responding in Elvish. Si beriathar hyn. Amar na ned Edoras! (They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras.)
Legolas glared at him, Aragorn, men i ndagor. Hyn u-.ortheri! Natha daged aen! (Aragorn, we are warriors. They cannot win this fight. They're all going to die!)
Aragorn looked at him furiously, "Then I shall die as one of them!" he raged in Common.
Legolas stared at him, ignoring the glances of all the other men in the room. Aragorn stopped talking, then walked away. Legolas felt a wash of guilt, and moved to go after him, but felt Gimli's hand on his arm.
"Let him go, lad. Let him be."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas roamed the corridors with no real purpose. He hadn't seen Aragorn since he had lost his temper with him. He felt guilty at yelling at his best friend, but in his mind, the words rang true. They could not possibly survive the night.
"Legolas," came Eowyn's soft voice from behind him.
He turned and saw the Lady of Rohan, illuminated in the soft light, which added more grace and beauty to her already gorgeous features. "Yes, Eowyn?"
She took his hand in hers. "Good luck, Legolas. I pray you survive the night." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed him lightly. "I shall be waiting for you."
He kissed her back, "And I shall wait for you, Lady of Rohan. But, if you excuse me, I must find Aragorn. I need to speak with him, for I feel that I have terribly damaged our friendship."
Eowyn shook her head. "No, Legolas, your friendship can never be damaged, not by time, by death, or even by something so silly as hurried words. I feel you shall remain friends till the end of time." She stroked his cheek. "Go find him, love, for alone you two are great warriors, but together, you are invincible."
Legolas kissed her one last time. "Wait for me, Eowyn. I promise you, whatever my fate, I shall come to you one last time."
He turned on his heel, and padded away, looking for Aragorn.
Eowyn watched him leave, then turned back towards the women and children who were filing into the caves. She hoped that she too, would live out the night.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Aragorn turned to pick up his sword, but found it already hovering in mid air, suspended there by Legolas. He nodded solemnly, and accepted the sword.
Legolas looked at him, straight in the eyes. "We have trusted you this far, and you have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."
Aragorn smiled slightly at him, U-moe edhored, Legolas. (There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.)
They clapped each other on the shoulders, then turned to watch Gimli huff in. "If I have time, I'll get this adjusted." He dropped his chain of mail, so it fell about him like a dress. "It's a little tight around the chest."
The Elf and Man fought back smiles. Just then, a horn sounded through the deep. They froze in their tracks. "That's no Orc horn," Legolas exclaimed, hurrying out of the room, and towards the gate.
Aragorn and Gimli quickly followed him, Gimli tripping over his long hem.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Legolas skid to a stop at the top of the long flight of stairs, and broke into an amazed smile. There, stood an army of Elven archers, from Lothlorien. And Haldir was at the lead.
Theoden stared at the elves, clearly amazed. His men were staring at them in awe. "How is this possible?" the King demanded.
Haldir half-smiled. "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between elves and men. Long ago, we fought, and died, together." He stopped speaking as he caught sight of Aragorn and Legolas staring at him, and even Gimli smiling. "We've come to honor that alliance."
Aragorn lost his composure, and bolted down the steps. He smiled at Haldir, Mae govannen, Haldir. (Welcome, Haldir.) He hugged him, drawing a surprised glance from the formal Elf. Legolas smiled from his spot. Aragorn smiled, then repeated himself in Common. "You are most welcome."
Legolas ran lightly down the stairs, and clasped Haldir on the arms, the Lothlorien elf doing the same. Legolas grinned as the Elven army snapped to attention, drawing gasps from the Rohan men, and whispers of their uniformity.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Deep beneath Helms Deep, Eowyn stood listening to the sounds of the approaching army. She shivered slightly, as drops of water dripped onto her white skin. The women and children around her were quivering in fear, hanging onto themselves for safety.
An old woman rushed up and embraced Eowyn. She was a bit shocked, but Eowyn hugged back. She recognized the woman as one who's husband had been made to go and fight the Uruks.
"Calm," Eowyn whispered into the lady's ear, "Our men will return victorious. For as long as the Elf, Man, and Dwarf are with us, I have hope."
The woman nodded slightly, and released the Shield Maiden of Rohan. She stepped back respectively, and curtsied low, then hurried off.
Eowyn wrapped her arms around herself, and sat down on a dry stone. She couldn't help but feel unconfident, as the sounds war drew ever nearer.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Legolas stood next to Gimli, and heard Aragorn come up behind him. He fingered his bow, anxious to get this battle over and done with. His confidence was raised ever since Haldir and the Lorien Elves appeared.
Gimli was grumbling beside him, trying to see over the edge of the wall. "You could have picked a better spot," he said to Legolas, who smiled easily.
Gimli turned towards Aragorn, "Well lad, this luck you live by, let's hope it lasts the night."
Legolas looked at his friend. "Your friends are with you Aragorn."
Gimli huffed, "Let's hope they last the night."
They watched as the Uruk-Hai drew nearer, their spears and swords and shields thumping against the ground. One leader climbed up to an outcropping of rocks, and stood above all the rest. Aragorn resumed his pacing.
Show them no mercy, for you shall receive none! called out Aragorn in Elvish.
The Elves began to fumble with their bows and arrows. Gimli was still trying to see over the ledge, "What's happening out there?"
Feeling somewhat light-hearted, Legolas responded merrily, "Would you like me to describe it for you? Or would you like me to find you a box?"
Gimli stared at the Elf for a long moment, then began to laugh heartily.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
The Uruks were continuing their battle chants. An old man, Aldor, had an arrow to his string. His hands were quivering, and all of a sudden, he released the arrow.
It went whizzing through the air, and embedded itself in an Orc neck.
The whole Deep went silent. Aragorn screamed out hastily, "HOLD!"
But the Uruks had something else in mind. They began to charge.
"So it begins," said Theoden from his perch in the Deep.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Down below, Eowyn listened intently to the sounds from above. She heard the clashing and yelling of the Uruks stop, and be replaced by a lengthy silence. Then, she heard them start to charge.
//So,\\ she thought, //The battle has begun.\\
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Well, that's it for now! This is the longest chapter yet! *Does victory dance!* Well, more might be up later, today's Friday and it's a snow day, so who knows?!
Anyway, please review!
~Coco