While everyone at the castle was in deep sadness due to the brief attack, Aragorn had been floating on the river for many miles. Once he was washed ashore the thought of Arwen leaning above him gently grazing her lips over his.
"May the grace of the Valar protect you." Her voice was sweet and comforting to his senses. He didn't want to wake up from the dream. But he knew that the lives of many people were at stake and that he needed to stop dreaming and wake up to the harsh reality. He didn't hear the noise of Brego's hooves. Aragorn didn't even realize it was standing beside him until he nudged him causing him to turn over. After he let out a moan of tire and pain, he turned and grabbed onto the horses mane then pulled himself up knowing he needed to go to Helm's Deep.
Aragorn rode towards Helm's Deep for many long miles. He hadn't realized he was so far away from everyone when he awoke. He frowned when he came to a stop looking over at a vast green field that couldn't be seen for the dark warriors matching. Enormous Uruk-hai armies were marching with great speed obviously towards Helm's Deep. With one quick jolt, Aragorn turned his horse and quickly made his way to the city. Once he saw the refuge he patted his horse's neck.
"Mae carnen, Brego, mellon nîn. (Well done, Brego, my friend)" As he continued to ride forth the eyes of many people looked with surprise and joy to see that the great warrior and heir of the throne in Gondor.
"He's alive!" May refugee's gloriously spoke feeling joy overwhelm their tired bodies. Gimli looked up and began to push his way through the crowd of people.
"Where is he? Where is he? Get out of the way. I'm gonna kill him!" He looked up to see Aragorn and with a frown he spoke in loud words. "You are the luckiest, the canniest and the most reckless man I ever knew!" Before he could do or say anything else he quickly hugged him. "Bless you, laddie!"
"Where is the king?" Aragorn quickly asked after sharing a brief moment. Gimli gestured towards the hall. Aragorn nodded and quickly made his way don the hall. He stopped when he looked to see Legolas who waited for him.
"Le ab-dollen." 'You're late.'. The two smiled at one another. Legolas paused and looked at his body that contained many bloody wounds and signs of a struggle. "You look terrible." At the other end of the wall Éowyn saw Aragorn. She smiled joyously at him with obvious relief that he was still alive. Legolas took notice to this and took the pendant and held it out for him. With one hand Legolas took Aragorn's and laid the jewel in his palm lightly. Aragorn looked at the Evenstar with deep thought and happiness that he had gotten it back for him. Aragorn sighed and pat his friend on the shoulder.
"Hannon le." 'Thank you.' Éowyn looked onward with a smile even as tears filled her eyes.
"We will cover the causeway and the gate from above. No army has ever breached the deeping wall or set foot inside the Hornburg." King Théoden spoke as he, along with the rest of the company, stood at the gate of Helm's Deep speaking to them. After Aragorn told Théoden of what he had seen he had no choice but to tell Aragorn to let the beasts come. He even knew that all of Isengard was emptied and that there were more Orcs than there were men in all of Helm's Deep. He had ordered that every man and strong boy to bear arms and be ready for nightfall when they would be under attack.
"This is no rabble of mindless orcs. These are uruk-hai. Their armor is thick and their shields broad."
"I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf. I know how to defend my own keep." Théoden ignored the kind and serious warning from Gimli. He actually thought he heard wrong for a moment but when he became offended Legolas tapped him on the shoulder calming his rattlesnake rage down. King Théoden continued speaking.
"They will break upon this fortress like water on rock. Saruman's hordes will pillage and burn, we've seen it before. Crops can be resown; homes rebuilt. Within these walls, we will outlast them.
"They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages. They come to destroy its people. Down to the last child." Aragorn gave it a final try as to make the King understand of what was about to happen, but as he usually did he ignored it and defended his choice.
"What would you have me do? Look at my men. Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance."
"Send out riders, my lord. You must call for aid." Gimli and Legolas couldn't have agreed more but they kept their opinions to themselves since King Théoden was mainly talking to Aragorn.
"And who will come? Elves? Dwarves? We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead."
"Gondor will answer." Théoden frowned looking at Aragorn in disbelief. He knew what Gondor was like, the way they were during a war.
"Gondor? Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell? Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us? Where was Gon… – No, my lord Aragorn, we are alone." With that being said he turned on his hell and walked away continuing to give his orders. "Get the women and children into the caves."
"We need more time to lay provisions for a siege, lord –" King Théoden cut off one of his gamlings.
"There is no time. War is upon us!"
"Secure the gate!" Soldier's ordered. Many men rushed to prepare for battle acting as if they had done such things before.
Éowyn and Paddamill freely volunteered to help suit up many men who had never fought before. While the sounds of soldiers echoed throughout the room telling women and children to move into the caves away from the doors. Many men, old and young, were being drafted into a war while their families prayed for their safety. Many had cried while saying goodbye's not truly knowing whether or not they would ever see their husbands, children, and friends again.
"This isn't fair!" Éowyn whispered to Paddamill as they both went and grabbed some armory for a young boy. "Why my uncle isn't calling for help is ridiculous! These aren't soldiers! But barely men!" Paddamill sighed as she took a heavy plated chest and walked over to a young boy who stood patiently. Paddamill raised it high and placed it over his head and onto his small shoulders.
"We can't do anything, Éowyn. Just...help." Paddamill looked at the young blonde haired boy and smiled at him. "This okay?" She asked. Without speaking he nodded. Éowyn pointed at a rack where men were getting their battle weapons. The smile she had on her face was barely admissible.
"Farmer, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers." Aragorn spoke as he looked around the room at all the young faces he saw.
"Most have seen too many winters." Paddamill glanced over at the men and sighed.
"Or too few. Look at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes." Legolas spoke sadly. The men around them fell silent obviously hearing what he had said.. Paddamill looked around and raised her left eyebrow and quickly glanced back at Legolas who spoke to Aragorn. "Boe a hûn: neled herain dan caer menig!" 'And they should be... Three hundred against ten thousand!'
"Si beriathar hýn. Amar nâ ned Edoras." 'They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras.'
"Aragorn, men i ndagor. Hýn ú-... ortheri. Natha daged aen!" 'Aragorn, We are warriors. They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!'
"Then I shall die as one them!" He paused for a moment then walked away leaving Legolas. Paddamill frowned turning her full attention to the arguing friends. Paddamill watched Legolas turn to walk after him but Gimli grabbed his arm to stop him.
"Let him go, lad. Let him be." Gimli sighed and walked away. Legolas softly frowned feeling upset by saying such things to Aragorn. He had told Paddamill to always have hope and to never be in doubt. Paddamill walked over to Legolas and rubbed his shoulder.
"We are all scared, Legolas. Whether we admit it or not." Legolas looked down at her and inhaled deeply. "His true task is beginning to show. He has yet to become a king, but I feel he is on the right path. We must trust him. He has been our leader and he never faltered nor strayed on a task. He is our friend too." Legolas nodded and watched Paddamill speak. She smiled at him and rubbed his cheek. "Come, we must get these men ready."
King Théoden stood inside the main hall of the keep, with his back turned to the entrance where a bright white light was streaming through. He had been watching the villagers being handed their weapons. He had seen an oversized helmet on a wide-eyed boy who could barely wear the thing. Another had stared at an axe that he held, his eyes filled with fright. Another child wore an oversized chain mail that took up a huge shield.
"To whatever end… Where is the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? They have passed like rain on the mountains. Like wind in the meadow. The days have gone down in the west. Behind the hills, into shadow. How did it come to this?" He asked himself as he watched it all with sadness. He didn't know what was going to happen, in a way he didn't even want to.
Paddamill and Éowyn frowned with tears in their eyes as they watched the last man leave to go stand out in the large group of men who were about to begin the battle. A few people were left in the room where they held their armory. Paddamill had seen Aragorn walk back in after talking to a little boy. Paddamill could only hope he'd make it through this horrible thing. She turned and walked into the armory room where she spotted Legolas handing Aragorn his sword.
"We have trusted you this far and you have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair." Legolas said making amends with Aragorn. Paddamill frowned feeling sick to her stomach. If they did win this battle, what would happen when the war for Middle Earth began? How would she make it through such events.
"Ú-moe edhored, Legolas." 'There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.'. The two smiled at one another then clapped one another on the shoulders. When they saw Gimli walking over to them holding his chain mail they looked down at him. Paddamill walked in making her presence known. All three of them watched her stride in. Gimli sighed loudly as he looked at them.
"If I have time I'll get this adjusted." Just as he said that he dropped the bundle he held and the chain fell to the floor with a loud clank and with its length. "It's a little tight across the chest." Aragorn and Legolas had to bite back their smiles, while Paddamill jut gave a slight laugh. Gimli waddled back over to a mirror to see how long it was. Paddamill frowned sadly and looked at the two.
"I just came to say good bye." She looked down so they wouldn't see the tears building up in her eyes. "And...to wish you good luck." Aragorn swallowed the sickening feeling down in his stomach and patted her shoulder.
"We will be fine." He said in a rough voice. He then moved and walked out into the hall where he met with King Théoden. Legolas looked down at her and rubbed her cheek.
"This is not good bye, Paddamill."
"Do you have something to give me so you can come fetch afterwards?" Paddamill joked as she sniffed back her tears. She looked up and sighed trying to let out the stress. Legolas smiled and rubbed her head.
"You have something greater than a brooch or any object that I wish not to take back." Paddamill looked at him and grinned.
"What?"
"Meleth lìn." 'My love.'. Paddamill frowned and slit her eyes. Before she could do or say anything, a horn sounded in the background causing them to turn their attention elsewhere.
"That is no orc horn." After exchanging a glance they quickly ran out to the battlements. As they looked out they could see the guards looking down at the scene with wonderment.
"Send for the king. Open the gate!" A soldier screamed out. For there was an army of Lothlorien Elves marching up the Causeway into the Hornburg. They were being led by Haldir. The Rohirrim soldiers looked upon to them in amazement and delight as they passed by them.
"How is this possible?" King Théoden asked as he watched Haldir stand in front of him.
"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together." He looked up to see Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Paddamill running down the steps, he smiled as he watched them. "We come to honor that allegiance."
"Mae govannen, Haldir." 'Welcome, Haldir' With a bow he looked back up and grabbed Haldir in a huge embrace. Initially stunned, Haldir hugged him back lightly.
"You are most welcome!" Aragorn said with happiness at their coming. Legolas smiled at Haldir and gave one another a pat on the shoulder. He grabbed Paddamill's hand and kissed it.
"Great niece of Galadriel." Haldir said leaning up slowly to look back at Théoden. "We are proud to fight alongside men, once more."
Quickly and with no time to lose many men and elves got into their initial positions on the battlements of Helm's Deep. The sounds of the marching army moving closer and closer echoed loudly in the caves where the women and children were stunned and frightened as to what was going outside. Mothers drew their children close and tried to sooth the crying babies. But all seemed in a vain attempt. The men and Elves looked out into the darkness, lit by the thousands of torches carried by the huge advancing Uruk-hai army The bright light was bouncing off their armor. It was a site Paddamill wished to have never witnessed. Her eyes grew wide when she felt a drop of rain and a loud rumble of thunder. She frowned looking over her shoulder where the doors were about to close. Aragorn had quickly noticed before rushing to the front to lead the army.
"Paddamill!" He called out to her. He grabbed her right arm and looked straight into her hazel eyes. "You must get inside. This is too much for a woman to handle." Paddamill frowned and looked around. Even she wouldn't argue with that. She was scared and terrified at the possible outcome of this battle. She didn't think they'd win. "You need to go now!" Aragorn repeated as he heard the armies come closer.
"Aragorn! We need you!" Haldir called out loudly. Paddamill bit her lower lip as Aragorn turned his attention back to Paddamill's eyes. Telling her to go he began to turn. Paddamill's heart jumped and her hysteria was beginning to kick in. She couldn't handle seeing Aragorn go nor could she take the pain of leaving Gimli and Legolas on another side of a wall.
"Aragorn!" She called out with adrenaline. He turned quickly with wide eyes. She was crying but there were no tears. As if she had told him everything she was feeling Aragorn rubbed his knuckles on her cheek. His perplexed frown was soft and gentle. It were as if she were a little kitten out in the cold wet night. Which she felt like at the moment. Aragorn put her cheeks into his large hands and leaned in and gave her a kiss on the forehead with all the love he had. Paddamill frowned causing her eyes to close. The two stared at each other for a very brief moment.
"Go! Stay inside and don't look out here no matter what!"
"ARAGORN!" Haldir called out once more in annoyance. Paddamill sighed and looked at Aragorn.
"Boe bedich go." 'You must go.'
"Le na mellon nîn, a han lìn le. Be careful." 'You are my friend, and I love you.' Paddamill nodded and gave him a final hug. He turned and ran off into the crowd. Paddamill wanted to run to him and give him another hug along with Gimli and Legolas but she had to get inside. Quickly she turned and ran up the steps and into the keep of the castle. Éowyn met her with her sword in hand.
"How bad is it?" Paddamill looked over her shoulder and then back to the worried Éowyn.
"Bad. Three hundred...against ten thousand."
"May the grace of the Valar protect you." Her voice was sweet and comforting to his senses. He didn't want to wake up from the dream. But he knew that the lives of many people were at stake and that he needed to stop dreaming and wake up to the harsh reality. He didn't hear the noise of Brego's hooves. Aragorn didn't even realize it was standing beside him until he nudged him causing him to turn over. After he let out a moan of tire and pain, he turned and grabbed onto the horses mane then pulled himself up knowing he needed to go to Helm's Deep.
Aragorn rode towards Helm's Deep for many long miles. He hadn't realized he was so far away from everyone when he awoke. He frowned when he came to a stop looking over at a vast green field that couldn't be seen for the dark warriors matching. Enormous Uruk-hai armies were marching with great speed obviously towards Helm's Deep. With one quick jolt, Aragorn turned his horse and quickly made his way to the city. Once he saw the refuge he patted his horse's neck.
"Mae carnen, Brego, mellon nîn. (Well done, Brego, my friend)" As he continued to ride forth the eyes of many people looked with surprise and joy to see that the great warrior and heir of the throne in Gondor.
"He's alive!" May refugee's gloriously spoke feeling joy overwhelm their tired bodies. Gimli looked up and began to push his way through the crowd of people.
"Where is he? Where is he? Get out of the way. I'm gonna kill him!" He looked up to see Aragorn and with a frown he spoke in loud words. "You are the luckiest, the canniest and the most reckless man I ever knew!" Before he could do or say anything else he quickly hugged him. "Bless you, laddie!"
"Where is the king?" Aragorn quickly asked after sharing a brief moment. Gimli gestured towards the hall. Aragorn nodded and quickly made his way don the hall. He stopped when he looked to see Legolas who waited for him.
"Le ab-dollen." 'You're late.'. The two smiled at one another. Legolas paused and looked at his body that contained many bloody wounds and signs of a struggle. "You look terrible." At the other end of the wall Éowyn saw Aragorn. She smiled joyously at him with obvious relief that he was still alive. Legolas took notice to this and took the pendant and held it out for him. With one hand Legolas took Aragorn's and laid the jewel in his palm lightly. Aragorn looked at the Evenstar with deep thought and happiness that he had gotten it back for him. Aragorn sighed and pat his friend on the shoulder.
"Hannon le." 'Thank you.' Éowyn looked onward with a smile even as tears filled her eyes.
"We will cover the causeway and the gate from above. No army has ever breached the deeping wall or set foot inside the Hornburg." King Théoden spoke as he, along with the rest of the company, stood at the gate of Helm's Deep speaking to them. After Aragorn told Théoden of what he had seen he had no choice but to tell Aragorn to let the beasts come. He even knew that all of Isengard was emptied and that there were more Orcs than there were men in all of Helm's Deep. He had ordered that every man and strong boy to bear arms and be ready for nightfall when they would be under attack.
"This is no rabble of mindless orcs. These are uruk-hai. Their armor is thick and their shields broad."
"I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf. I know how to defend my own keep." Théoden ignored the kind and serious warning from Gimli. He actually thought he heard wrong for a moment but when he became offended Legolas tapped him on the shoulder calming his rattlesnake rage down. King Théoden continued speaking.
"They will break upon this fortress like water on rock. Saruman's hordes will pillage and burn, we've seen it before. Crops can be resown; homes rebuilt. Within these walls, we will outlast them.
"They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages. They come to destroy its people. Down to the last child." Aragorn gave it a final try as to make the King understand of what was about to happen, but as he usually did he ignored it and defended his choice.
"What would you have me do? Look at my men. Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance."
"Send out riders, my lord. You must call for aid." Gimli and Legolas couldn't have agreed more but they kept their opinions to themselves since King Théoden was mainly talking to Aragorn.
"And who will come? Elves? Dwarves? We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead."
"Gondor will answer." Théoden frowned looking at Aragorn in disbelief. He knew what Gondor was like, the way they were during a war.
"Gondor? Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell? Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us? Where was Gon… – No, my lord Aragorn, we are alone." With that being said he turned on his hell and walked away continuing to give his orders. "Get the women and children into the caves."
"We need more time to lay provisions for a siege, lord –" King Théoden cut off one of his gamlings.
"There is no time. War is upon us!"
"Secure the gate!" Soldier's ordered. Many men rushed to prepare for battle acting as if they had done such things before.
Éowyn and Paddamill freely volunteered to help suit up many men who had never fought before. While the sounds of soldiers echoed throughout the room telling women and children to move into the caves away from the doors. Many men, old and young, were being drafted into a war while their families prayed for their safety. Many had cried while saying goodbye's not truly knowing whether or not they would ever see their husbands, children, and friends again.
"This isn't fair!" Éowyn whispered to Paddamill as they both went and grabbed some armory for a young boy. "Why my uncle isn't calling for help is ridiculous! These aren't soldiers! But barely men!" Paddamill sighed as she took a heavy plated chest and walked over to a young boy who stood patiently. Paddamill raised it high and placed it over his head and onto his small shoulders.
"We can't do anything, Éowyn. Just...help." Paddamill looked at the young blonde haired boy and smiled at him. "This okay?" She asked. Without speaking he nodded. Éowyn pointed at a rack where men were getting their battle weapons. The smile she had on her face was barely admissible.
"Farmer, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers." Aragorn spoke as he looked around the room at all the young faces he saw.
"Most have seen too many winters." Paddamill glanced over at the men and sighed.
"Or too few. Look at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes." Legolas spoke sadly. The men around them fell silent obviously hearing what he had said.. Paddamill looked around and raised her left eyebrow and quickly glanced back at Legolas who spoke to Aragorn. "Boe a hûn: neled herain dan caer menig!" 'And they should be... Three hundred against ten thousand!'
"Si beriathar hýn. Amar nâ ned Edoras." 'They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras.'
"Aragorn, men i ndagor. Hýn ú-... ortheri. Natha daged aen!" 'Aragorn, We are warriors. They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!'
"Then I shall die as one them!" He paused for a moment then walked away leaving Legolas. Paddamill frowned turning her full attention to the arguing friends. Paddamill watched Legolas turn to walk after him but Gimli grabbed his arm to stop him.
"Let him go, lad. Let him be." Gimli sighed and walked away. Legolas softly frowned feeling upset by saying such things to Aragorn. He had told Paddamill to always have hope and to never be in doubt. Paddamill walked over to Legolas and rubbed his shoulder.
"We are all scared, Legolas. Whether we admit it or not." Legolas looked down at her and inhaled deeply. "His true task is beginning to show. He has yet to become a king, but I feel he is on the right path. We must trust him. He has been our leader and he never faltered nor strayed on a task. He is our friend too." Legolas nodded and watched Paddamill speak. She smiled at him and rubbed his cheek. "Come, we must get these men ready."
King Théoden stood inside the main hall of the keep, with his back turned to the entrance where a bright white light was streaming through. He had been watching the villagers being handed their weapons. He had seen an oversized helmet on a wide-eyed boy who could barely wear the thing. Another had stared at an axe that he held, his eyes filled with fright. Another child wore an oversized chain mail that took up a huge shield.
"To whatever end… Where is the horse and the rider? Where is the horn that was blowing? They have passed like rain on the mountains. Like wind in the meadow. The days have gone down in the west. Behind the hills, into shadow. How did it come to this?" He asked himself as he watched it all with sadness. He didn't know what was going to happen, in a way he didn't even want to.
Paddamill and Éowyn frowned with tears in their eyes as they watched the last man leave to go stand out in the large group of men who were about to begin the battle. A few people were left in the room where they held their armory. Paddamill had seen Aragorn walk back in after talking to a little boy. Paddamill could only hope he'd make it through this horrible thing. She turned and walked into the armory room where she spotted Legolas handing Aragorn his sword.
"We have trusted you this far and you have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair." Legolas said making amends with Aragorn. Paddamill frowned feeling sick to her stomach. If they did win this battle, what would happen when the war for Middle Earth began? How would she make it through such events.
"Ú-moe edhored, Legolas." 'There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.'. The two smiled at one another then clapped one another on the shoulders. When they saw Gimli walking over to them holding his chain mail they looked down at him. Paddamill walked in making her presence known. All three of them watched her stride in. Gimli sighed loudly as he looked at them.
"If I have time I'll get this adjusted." Just as he said that he dropped the bundle he held and the chain fell to the floor with a loud clank and with its length. "It's a little tight across the chest." Aragorn and Legolas had to bite back their smiles, while Paddamill jut gave a slight laugh. Gimli waddled back over to a mirror to see how long it was. Paddamill frowned sadly and looked at the two.
"I just came to say good bye." She looked down so they wouldn't see the tears building up in her eyes. "And...to wish you good luck." Aragorn swallowed the sickening feeling down in his stomach and patted her shoulder.
"We will be fine." He said in a rough voice. He then moved and walked out into the hall where he met with King Théoden. Legolas looked down at her and rubbed her cheek.
"This is not good bye, Paddamill."
"Do you have something to give me so you can come fetch afterwards?" Paddamill joked as she sniffed back her tears. She looked up and sighed trying to let out the stress. Legolas smiled and rubbed her head.
"You have something greater than a brooch or any object that I wish not to take back." Paddamill looked at him and grinned.
"What?"
"Meleth lìn." 'My love.'. Paddamill frowned and slit her eyes. Before she could do or say anything, a horn sounded in the background causing them to turn their attention elsewhere.
"That is no orc horn." After exchanging a glance they quickly ran out to the battlements. As they looked out they could see the guards looking down at the scene with wonderment.
"Send for the king. Open the gate!" A soldier screamed out. For there was an army of Lothlorien Elves marching up the Causeway into the Hornburg. They were being led by Haldir. The Rohirrim soldiers looked upon to them in amazement and delight as they passed by them.
"How is this possible?" King Théoden asked as he watched Haldir stand in front of him.
"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together." He looked up to see Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Paddamill running down the steps, he smiled as he watched them. "We come to honor that allegiance."
"Mae govannen, Haldir." 'Welcome, Haldir' With a bow he looked back up and grabbed Haldir in a huge embrace. Initially stunned, Haldir hugged him back lightly.
"You are most welcome!" Aragorn said with happiness at their coming. Legolas smiled at Haldir and gave one another a pat on the shoulder. He grabbed Paddamill's hand and kissed it.
"Great niece of Galadriel." Haldir said leaning up slowly to look back at Théoden. "We are proud to fight alongside men, once more."
Quickly and with no time to lose many men and elves got into their initial positions on the battlements of Helm's Deep. The sounds of the marching army moving closer and closer echoed loudly in the caves where the women and children were stunned and frightened as to what was going outside. Mothers drew their children close and tried to sooth the crying babies. But all seemed in a vain attempt. The men and Elves looked out into the darkness, lit by the thousands of torches carried by the huge advancing Uruk-hai army The bright light was bouncing off their armor. It was a site Paddamill wished to have never witnessed. Her eyes grew wide when she felt a drop of rain and a loud rumble of thunder. She frowned looking over her shoulder where the doors were about to close. Aragorn had quickly noticed before rushing to the front to lead the army.
"Paddamill!" He called out to her. He grabbed her right arm and looked straight into her hazel eyes. "You must get inside. This is too much for a woman to handle." Paddamill frowned and looked around. Even she wouldn't argue with that. She was scared and terrified at the possible outcome of this battle. She didn't think they'd win. "You need to go now!" Aragorn repeated as he heard the armies come closer.
"Aragorn! We need you!" Haldir called out loudly. Paddamill bit her lower lip as Aragorn turned his attention back to Paddamill's eyes. Telling her to go he began to turn. Paddamill's heart jumped and her hysteria was beginning to kick in. She couldn't handle seeing Aragorn go nor could she take the pain of leaving Gimli and Legolas on another side of a wall.
"Aragorn!" She called out with adrenaline. He turned quickly with wide eyes. She was crying but there were no tears. As if she had told him everything she was feeling Aragorn rubbed his knuckles on her cheek. His perplexed frown was soft and gentle. It were as if she were a little kitten out in the cold wet night. Which she felt like at the moment. Aragorn put her cheeks into his large hands and leaned in and gave her a kiss on the forehead with all the love he had. Paddamill frowned causing her eyes to close. The two stared at each other for a very brief moment.
"Go! Stay inside and don't look out here no matter what!"
"ARAGORN!" Haldir called out once more in annoyance. Paddamill sighed and looked at Aragorn.
"Boe bedich go." 'You must go.'
"Le na mellon nîn, a han lìn le. Be careful." 'You are my friend, and I love you.' Paddamill nodded and gave him a final hug. He turned and ran off into the crowd. Paddamill wanted to run to him and give him another hug along with Gimli and Legolas but she had to get inside. Quickly she turned and ran up the steps and into the keep of the castle. Éowyn met her with her sword in hand.
"How bad is it?" Paddamill looked over her shoulder and then back to the worried Éowyn.
"Bad. Three hundred...against ten thousand."
