Okay, here is more for everyone. Welcome to my new reviewers--Enjoy the tale!! I am…
Chapter 61--Rising Stakes
At dawn Rian's reinforcements began to arrive and Aragorn watched with growing concern. Many were wearing heavy armor and some looked like they might be rangers of some sort. More siege weapons had been brought as well.
"This is not good," Boromir said.
"No, it is not. Those men will know how to fight in the forest if they are rangers and arrows cannot pierce that thick armor. Obviously Rian is done fooling around. He plans to overrun us by numbers," Aragorn said.
Legolas woke from reverie with a tingling feeling on the back of his neck. He felt like unfriendly eyes were watching him. He stood and moved towards Boromir and Aragorn, glancing over his shoulder occasionally. He reached Aragorn's side and gasped.
Aragorn looked over at him. "Easy, we have not lost this fight yet," he said.
"Valor protect us," Legolas breathed.
Aragorn gave Legolas' left shoulder a friendly squeeze to offer support while Qui did the same on the right shoulder. "We are still not defeated. Do not lose hope, Legolas," he said.
"I will try not too," Legolas agreed. "I think I should return to the healers and help them prepare everything. We will need those things soon." He walked away and Qui followed him after giving Aragorn a meaningful look over his shoulder.
Boromir looked at him. "We are in serious danger and we both know it," he said.
"Yes, all we can do is hope that the Dwarves do not ignore our request for aid," Aragorn said. He looked around at the grimly determined Elves. "I fear what the survivors' fates will be if Rian is victorious."
"He will not win. You must not lose hope either. We all must be strong to win," Boromir said.
"You are right, my friend and I will not despair," Aragorn said. He strode away to help arrange their defenses.
Elrond looked up from where he was rolling bandages as Legolas sat down next to him. "Hello, Legolas," he said.
"Can I help?" Legolas asked.
"Certainly, but this is not the most interesting task," Elrond said.
"That is all right. I will go mad if I do not do something," Legolas said and went to work. It didn't take long for them to finish then Elrond went to help gather herbs.
Legolas knew nothing about that so he stayed where he was. Glancing around, it seemed there was nothing more he could do. "You should sleep too, Qui. I will not wander, I promise," he said. "I know you have not slept much."
Qui considered then nodded and laid down right where he was. He was asleep in minutes. It was obvious that he had been exhausted.
Legolas closed his eyes silently begging the Valor for aid and an end to the killing.
*Dawn the Next Day*
The Dwarves began their journey, moving with amazing speed despite the heavy loads they were carrying. The hawk was sent back, carrying a response to the Elves' message. The Dwarves would travel hard to arrive as soon as possible.
At noon the hawk landed on the wrist of Lady Galadriel and a hasty meeting was called. Galadriel read the note and smiled. "They have agreed top aid us and are making haste to Mirkwood even as we speak. Relief was obvious on everyone at the meetings face. The powerful Dwarven warriors would be welcome reinforcements; perhaps things were not so bleak after all.
"I never thought I would actually look forward to the arrival of Dwarves," Thranduil joked weakly.
"They will help anchor our forces, sire," Boromir offered.
"You are right, Boromir. All we must do is hold of Rian's army until they arrive. That must be our goal and that alone. Spread the word among my folk, Aragorn. Tell them to stand firm," Thranduil said. "Please, watch my Greenleaf," he added softly.
"I will, sire, with my life," Aragorn said and the meeting broke up…
So how am I doing? R/R please (See told ya I'd get it up by Friday) Good kitty! *Pats self on head*