Disclaimer: I don't own the Lord of the Rings!

To Flamers: It's hilarious how stupid some of you are. Seems like you've never touched the books or seen the movies. What some of you don't seem to understand is that this is FANFICTION. If you don't change the characters and plot a bit, then you might as well rewrite Tolkien word for word and post it on Fanfiction.net. I don't really see what is wrong about Mary Sues. I mean, I know it's stupid, but if it makes the author happy, who cares? Authors write for their pleasure, not yours. Even Jane Austen was a Mary Sue and she became one of the most famous authors in the world. She, however, was an indiscreet Mary Sue as she named the most beautiful and kind character Jane in Pride and Prejudice. A smart author will NOT stop writing or change his or her plot to suit Flamers. I write my fics the way I want, get over it! By the way, if you are going to Flame, at least sign in! Cowards.

Love is More Powerful than the Ring

Chapter 3: Helm's Deep

The next morning, the two were off again. They kept a lookout for any strange creatures…mainly Uruk-hai. One never knew anymore. No one was safe. That night, Arwen and Alclainiel finally made it to Helm's Deep. It was such a relief to be there at long last. Arwen and Alclainiel dismounted their horses and were greeted by Legolas, son of King Thranduil, and Gimli, son of Glóin. Both had solemn expressions upon their faces. Arwen brushed off Gimli's expression. She was sure that he had made that face because he was angry at the fact that two more Elves would be around.

"Legolas, son of King Thranduil, and Gimli, son of Glóin, Alclainiel, daughter of Eglagaer." Arwen said, presenting them to one another. Legolas looked at Alclainiel with such hatred and disgust that it shocked Arwen. She had never seen him act this way. Alclainiel's expression didn't differ much from Legolas' but there was anger in it as well. Gimli seemed to notice this and gave Arwen a knowing look to tell her he was aware of the tension between the two Elves.

"I will find room for your horses. Alclainiel, would you please accompany me? We need to find water and food to feed these fine beasts." Gimli said, as he took the reins of Arwen's horse. Alclainiel took her own horse by the reins and followed Gimli as he went out of sight. Arwen looked to make sure that Alclainiel was out of view and ear-shot.

"One would say that you are very rude, if they had met you for the first time. Legolas, what is wrong?" Arwen asked in an almost whisper.

"Alclainiel. Why did you bring her here?" He said, disgust in his voice every time he said Alclainiel's name.
         

"I do not understand."

"I did not go on this quest just to destroy the Ring, Arwen, I had other intentions."

"Legolas, you make no sense. What intentions?"
         

"Escaping marriage." And with that Arwen understood. Neither one wanted to marry the other and they used the Fellowship as an excuse. Suddenly, something caught Arwen's attention. (A/N: Starting now the fic is based on the movie-version because I've not finished book two!)

"Where is Aragorn?" She asked, excitement building up in her. Arwen looked at Legolas, whose eyes were turned full of sadness. He sighed and held Arwen's hand. When he let go, she felt something in it. Arwen opened her hand. The Evenstar. Tears welled up in her eyes.

"I am sorry, Arwen." Legolas said. Arwen felt faint. She had no strength left and collapsed. Legolas caught her. She was pale and weak. Arwen clutched the pendant with all her might. Alclainiel and Gimli came back from the stables and when they saw what had happened, ran over to help Legolas.

"Arwen!" Alclainiel exclaimed as she slapped her hands over her mouth, horror-struck. She helped her friend up and walked her to a bench. The two sat down and Arwen cried in her friend's shoulder. Gimli looked at Legolas, who felt Arwen's pain. The two decided upon leaving Arwen to mourn. They would ask Alclainiel why she and Arwen had come all the way to Helm's Deep later. Right now, they would let Arwen cry.

That night, Legolas went to check on Arwen. He sat down beside her as she looked at the Evenstar. Then she turned to Legolas and handed it to him.

"I have no use for it now that he isn't part of this world anymore." Legolas looked at the jewel in his hand.

"Aragorn gave it to you. You will remember him by it."

"He's dead, I won't bear to look at it again, and it will remind me of him." Tears flowed down her cheeks once again. Legolas nodded as he took the pendent and got up and left to give her some space.

The next morning, Alclainiel went to get some water for Arwen. Crying can leave one dry. As she walked over to the well, Gimli and Legolas caught up with her. Alclainiel wasn't surprised at all. Gimli was so loud that she heard him coming. As she pumped the water, Gimli asked her, indiscreetly:

"Why are you here?"

"Arwen wanted to see Aragorn." She answered plainly as she bent down to pick up the bucket.

"But why are you here?" Legolas added, as she started to walk back to Arwen.

"None of your business." Alclainiel snapped. Legolas shrugged and walked away. Gimli, uncertain what he was meant to do, gave a look of apology to Alclainiel for Legolas' rudeness, and struggled to catch up with Legolas. Alclainiel could hear Gimli mumble something about how rude Elves were.

As Alclainiel was walking back to Arwen, the great doors of Helm's Deep opened and in walked a tall, weather-beaten man with a cut on his left arm. His hair was hiding his eyes. He was covered in blood. Alclainiel dropped her bucket of water and ran to Arwen. There was no mistaking who he was…Aragorn, son of Arathorn.

End of Chapter 3

Please R&R!