Disclaimer: I don't own it.
I know Legolas acted like a moron...I have a reason...*beams*
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Dawn came quickly.
Legolas paused, and looked around. "A red sun rises. Blood has been spilled this night."
A snort came from Antonia, who caught up, and leaned on his strong frame panting. "You mean the blisters on my feet?" She sighed, tied her greasy hair roughly back. More and more, she looked like one of the men, tangled, longish hair, dirt, her body was slowly, and painfully becoming fitter.
"I'm going to look like a she-man with all the damm mucusles soon..." Antonia mumbled and with a groan, she followed them down the hill.
A heavy vibrating that shook the earth, made by many hoofbeats, startled them, sending them behind large boulders.
As the riders passed, Aragorn, who had been gripping onto Antonia's arm, relaxed, and came out, followed by Antonia, Legolas and Gimli.
"Riders of Rohan!" Aragorn called to the passing group. "What news from the mark?"
Antonia gulped, as the group imedantly turned on them, and like birds in flight, and soon surrounded them. The riders, sent spears pointing closer into the four, as they circled around.
Legolas, pushed Antonia in the centre, as one of the riders dismounted.
With a quick glance over the tired, dirty four, he snapped. "What business does an elf, a man, a woman and a dwarf have in the Riddermark? Speak quickly!"
Gimli gave him a smug look, and replied. "Give me your name, horsemaster, and I shall give you mine."
The man, was obviously not happy with that answer, and replied. "I would cut off your head, Dwarf, if it stood but a little higher from the ground."
Legolas pulled out a arrow, and fit it into his bow, before anyone could even move to stop him. He pointed it at the rider. "You would die before your stroke fell!"
The spears got closer, as the riders moved in.
Antonia looked pointedly at Aragorn, who pushed Legola's hand down.
Aragorn held out his empty hands. "I'm Aragorn, son of Arathorn. This is the Lady Antonia, of a faraway land, this is Gimli, son of Gloin, and Legolas, from the Woodland realm. We are friends of Rohan and of Théoden, its King."
The rider, with a strong hint of sadness and bitterness in his voice replied. "Théoden no longer recognizes friend from foe." He took off his helmet. "Not even his own kin. Saruman has poisoned the mind of the king and claim lordship over this land. My company are those loyal to Rohan. And for that, we are banished. The White Wizard is cunning. He walks here and there they say, as an old man, hooded and cloaked. And everywhere his spies slip past our nets." His eyes fell onto Legolas. Antonia stepped next to him, and gave Èomer a glare.
Aragorn answered quickly, while shooting her a look. "We are not spies. We track a band of Uruk-Hai westward across the plains. They have taken two of our friends captive."
Èomer looked down at the ground. "The Uruks are destroyed. We slaughtered them during the night."
Gimli spoke up, quickly, with despaeration in his voice. "But there were two Hobbits, do you see two Hobbits with them?"
Aragorn added. "They will be small, only children to your eyes."
"Like little men. Halflings. Gimli's height, less stocky...although they are chubby...cute chubby...curls..." Antonia added, and trailed off. She pondered telling him that they would have been last seen running into Faragorn where a tree would pick them up, but left it at that.
Èomer looked a little regretfull at that. "We left none alive. We piled the carcasses and burned them."
The four noticed the great smoke rising, over the hill then, and Gimli asked glumly.
"They are dead?"
Èomer answered. "I am sorry." He called out to some riderless horses. "Hasufel! Arod! Arol! May these horses bear you to better fortune than the former masters. Farewell. Look for your friends, but do not trust to hope. It has forsaken these lands." He looked to the riders around. "We ride north!"
Antonia mounted her horse, who gave a snort, and shook his head. "Thank god I can ride."
"We thank your god as well, Antonia." Aragorn answered, and they started towards the burning carcasses.
To Antonia's discust, Gimli started to sort through the bits and pieces of the dead orcs, throwning them aside. One of the heads rolled towards her, and she concidered telling him that a tree had picked them up, when he picked up something out of the rubble.
Gimli held it up. "It's one of their little belts."
Legolas looked down, and muttered. "Hiro îth ab 'wanath." //May they find peace after death.//
Aragorn yelled, and kicked the orc pile angrly. "AAAHHH!!!"
Gimli sighed. "We failed them."
Aragorn looked to the side and his face relaxed a little. He ran his fingers over the dirt next to him "A Hobbit lay here, and the other." Aragorn half-crawled along. "They crawled. Their hands were bound."
Aragorn picked up a rope. "Their bonds were cut. They ran over here and were followed."
Aragorn stood up a little more, and looked at the dark forest. "Tracks lead away from the battle, into..."
Gimli gaped at the dark place. "Fangorn! What madness drew them there?"
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The four went into the dark woods, the men despertly looking for traces of hobbits.
Gimli went and touched a black, slimy leaf. "Orc blood!"
Aragorn looked down at something nearby. "These are strange tracks."
Antonia looked down, and gagged. "Ewww! A sqashed Orc! Yuck!"
Gimli looked around. "The air is so close here."
Legolas peered around, obviously much more at peace in the woods than the others. "This forest is old. Very old. Full of memories...and anger. The trees are speaking to each other."
Gimli tensed, as he heard whispers, and threatnly held up his axe. At once, the trees grew louder, and Aragorn looked back at the tense Dwarf.
"Gimli!"
Gimli jumped. "Huh?"
Aragorn guestered with his hand. "Lower your axe."
Gimli gave them a sheepish look, and quickly lowered his axe. "Oh!"
Legolas stepped foward, to stand next to Antonia. His ears twitched, and he muttered to Aragorn. "Aragorn, nad nâ ennas!" //Something is out there!//
Aragorn muttered back. "Man cenich?" //What do you see//
Leglas answered sofly. "The White Wizard approaches. "
Antonia nodded. "Yep. It's the white wizerd..."
Aragorn hissed. "Do not let him speak. He will out a spell on us! We must be quick."
Antonia rolled her eyes, and looked around imedantly, as the three men prepared their weapons. With a yell, they swung around, only to be met with a bright white light, hiding the white wizerd.
Legolas, and Gimli's weapons fell, and Aragorn dropped his sword, as it begain to glow red hot.
The bright figure studied them. "You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits."
Aragorn called. "Where are they?"
The wizerd calmly answered. "They passed this way the day before yesterday. They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?"
Antonia muttered. "It dosn't comfort them, and you know it..."
Aragorn called out again. "Who are you? Show yourself!"
The bright light dimmed, and a whiter, more powerful Gandalf watched them with amusement glinting in his eyes.
Aragorn stared at him. "It cannot be! You fell!"
Gandalf's eyes went glazed, as he nodded. "Through fire and water. From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought him, the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside. Darkness took me. And I strayed out of thought and time. Stars wheeled overhead and each day was as long as a life age of the earth. But it was not the end. I felt life in me again. I've been sent back until my task is done."
Aragorn stared at the elderly man in wonder. "Gandalf."
Gandalf gave them a small smile. "Gandalf? Oh yes. That's what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey. That was my name."
Gimli cried out, "Gandalf!", having finally getting his name back.
Gandalf smiled at that. "I am Gandalf the White now. And I come back to you now at the turn of the tide."
They followed him out of the dark Faragorn, as he kept talking.
"One stage of the journey is over another begins. War has come to Rohan. We must ride to Edoras with all speed." Gandalf let out a high, loud whistle, and after a few moments, a large, snow white horse came over the plains to meet them.
Legolas stared in wonder. "That is one of the mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell."
"I expected Shadowfax to be a bigger horse..." Antonia muttered, as the horse came, and rested it's head on Gandlaf's sholders. Legolas lightly punched her shoulder, as he mounted his horse.
Gandalf smiled warmly. "Shadowfax. He's the lord of all horses and he's been my friend through many dangers."
They mounted, and rode off.
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Gandalf, Aragorn, Antonia and Gimli with Legolas approached Rohan
Gandalf called to the others, as they aprouched. "Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown and Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong. " Gandalf added, as they grew close. "Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here."
Gimli looked around, as they rode up to the Hall Of Men. People looked back, without much hope on their faces. "This place is as cheerful as a graveyard."
Antonia pointed at mounds covered with white flowers. "Those are graves. Of kings, right Aragorn?"
Aragorn blinked. "Yes...how did you know?"
"I didn't come for the fighting Aragorn..."
Guards approched them, as they walked towards the hall.
Gandalf reconised one of them. "Ah."
Hama nodded. "I cannot allow you before Théoden-king so armed, Gandalf Grayhame." He added the next part as an explamation. "By order of Grima Wormtongue."
The four reluctantly gave over the weapons. (A.N: if you read my other TTT you'll know they chucked a fit really...hehe)
Hama looked at Gandlaf's white staff. "Your staff."
Antonia smirked, as Gandalf practily battered his eyelids at the guard, as he leaned on it. "Hmm? Oh. No, you would not part an old man from his walking stick."
They entered the room, slowly, letting Gandalf play out his little 'Elderly man' acting role. Wormtounge looked down at them, and whispered into the pale, elderly man in the throne.
Gandalf looked up, at the King, and his adviser, and loudly called. "The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden-King."
Grime looked down at them, and hissed. "He is not welcome."
Theoden looked down at them, tiredly, and croaked. "Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?"
Grima nodded, and smirked, and walked down as he spoke. "A just question my lord. Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell spell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest."
Gandalf stood up then, and snapped at Grima. "Silence! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not come here to bandy words with a witless worm."
Grima stepped back, as Gandalf begain to show off his power. "Your staff. I told you to take the wizard's staff!"
Guards came forward, half-heartly, letting Legolas and Gimli show off their fighting skills. Grima was hit down.
Gandalf walked towards Theoden. "Théoden, Son of Thengel. Too long have you sat in shadows."
Grima went to stand, but found a angry, cranky, tired and dirty Dwarf pointing a axe at him. "I would stay still if I were you."
Gandalf held the staff up. "I will release you from the spell."
Theoden gave a cackle. "Hahaha! You have no powers here Gandalf the Grey. Haha! Ah!!"
Gandalf wasn't fazed. "I shall draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound."
Èowyn rushed, and was stopped by Aragorn.
Aragorn muttered to her. "Wait."
Antonia moved to Èowyn's other side, and whispered in her ear.
Theoden spoke up, in a forien voice. "If I go, Théoden dies."
Gandalf answered, stepping foward, and roughly pushed him back, raising his voice. "You did not kill me you will not kill him."
Theoden did his freaky voice again. "Rohan is mine!"
Ganalf snapped, and threw Theoden back into the throne. "Be gone!"
Theoden's face relaxed, and the age and wearyness seemed to melt away, as his true age begain to shine through again. Eowyn rushed to his side.
Theoden peered at her. "I know your face. Èowyn... Èowyn."
Eowyn's face broke into smiles, as he reconised her.
Gandalf smiled. "Breathe the free air again, my friend."
Theoden looked over the hall. "Dark my dreams have been of late."
Gandalf guestered to Hama. "Your fingers would remember their old strength better... if they grasped your sword."
Hama ran up with a sword. Théoden drew it out, then his gaze turned to Grima. Grima whimpered, as the guards roughly throw him down stairs.
Grima whipered again, as the angry king approuched him. "Ah! I've only ever served you my lord."
Theoden growled. "Your witchcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!"
Grima curled up. "Send me not from your side!"
Theoden raised his sword, but was stopped by Aragorn.
"No my lord! Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account."
Grima had gotten up, and was running. "Get out of my way!" He rode off quickly.
Aragorn kneeled. "Hail, Théoden, King!"
Theoden looked pleased, as his people kneeled. He looked around. "Where is Théodred? Where is my son?"
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While Theoden went with Gandalf to his son's grave, Eowyn took Antonia to clean up.
"Get undressed, Lady Antonia." Eowyn guestered to servents, who were pouring oils into a bath. "Let's clean you up."
"Undressed...." Antonia raised her eyebrow. "I'll never get used to this..." The servents pulled off her tattered, smelly and dirty clothing, and she hurridly got in the bath. One started to wash her hair, which had turned into several big oily dreadlocks.
Eowyn came, and sat next to the side of the bath. "I almost thought you were also a man, with hair like that."
"Oi!" Antonia snapped, and Eowyn smiled.
"Must be a good life, being competly free like that."
"Oh sure...running slower than a Dwarf with pint-sized legs...non stop running...no rest..." Antonia jumped, as a knot was tugged on, and a servent apoligised. "Sticks in back at night...or stones, if your lucky."
After a few moments, Antonia's last knot slipped out, with the help of oil. Antonia stood, blushed feriousaly, as she was dried, and dressed in a blue and green riding dress, with buildt in trowsers. Eowyn left then, to get dressed herself, as a Servent heated waves into Antonia's straight hair, and tied it back, in a long medievil plait.
Eowyn smiled, as she came back in, in her red dress.
"Much better."
A servent came rushing in, and muttered something to Eowyn, who grabbed Antonia's arm, and led her into the Hall.
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Inside the golden hall, Eowyn and Antonia together fed the children, who dispite their exaction couldn't stop eating. Theoden looked troubled on his throne, and Eowyn looked up to him.
"They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the wildmen are moving through westfold, burning as they go, every rick and cot."
Freya asked. "Where's momma?"
Èowyn muttered to her. "Shh."
Antonia went, to stand next to Legolas, who wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her exposed neck.
Gandalf spoke up. "This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven mad by the fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from the women and children. You must fight."
Aragorn was smoking again, and as he took it out, Antonia grabbed it. "You have 2000 good men riding north as we speak. Èomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king." He glared at Antonia, who was trying to smoke, and grabbed it back.
Theoden shook his head. "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Èomer cannot help us. I know what is that you want of me. But I would not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."
Aragorn took another puff. "Open war is upon you, whether would risk it or not."
Theodin brissled. "When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan."
Gandalf calmly asked. "Then what is the king's decision?"
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Hama called out to the panicing town. "By order of the king, The city must empty. We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep. Do not burden yourself with treasures. Take only what provisions you need."
Gimli, Aragorn, Antonia and Legolas followed Ganfalf to the stables.
Gimli grumbled. "Helm's Deep! They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king?"
Aragorn answered. "He is only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past."
Gandalf answered them. "There is no way out of that of ravine. Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he is leading them to safety but what he'll get is a massacre. Théoden has a strong hold but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end there, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses have to hold."
Aragorn nodded grimly. "They will hold."
Gandalf mounted "The Grey Pilgrim. That is what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of men have walked this earth and now, I have no time. Good luck. My search will not be in vain. Look to my coming. At first light of the fifth day at dawn, look to the East."
Aragorn nodded. "Go."
Gandanf galloped off, with much noise.
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They gathered in the hall again, and Legolas started to teach Antonia better sword fighting tecniques.
Eowyn sat with Gimli, watching them.
"They're quite cute together." She smiled, as she watched Antonia hit Legolas over the head, as he acidently nicked her.
Gimli nodded, and watched the younger girl proudly. Antonia had growned tanned, her hair had been sun-bleached, and grown longer than Legolas's by at least a hand's length. And, she had gotten stronger, as poor Legolas was discovering at that moment. "They are, arn't they?" His chest puffed out at that, as he noticed how simlar Legolas and Antonia had grown. "She's like a daughter to me."
Antonia playfully punched Legolas again, as he play punched her. Soon, she was tackling him to the ground.
Nearby, Eowyn took out her sword, and started to slowly go through her paces. Aragorn came from behind, and she spun, catching his dagger.
Aragorn kept a smirk barely visable as he muttered to her. "You have some skill with a blade."
Èowyn glared, and shethed the sword again. "Women of this country learned long ago that those without swords may still die upon them. I fear neither death nor pain."
Aragorn gently probed her. "What do you fear my lady?"
Èowyn answered without hesitation. "A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them. And all chance of valor has gone beyond recall or desire."
Aragorn answered her gently, knowing all too well that feeling. "You are a daughter of kings. A shieldmaiden of Rohan. I do not think that will be your fate."
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Antonia rode alongside Eoywn, who kept sneaking glances at Aragorn behind. Finally, after Antonia counted the sixteenth glance, she dismounted, and walked alongside Eoywn and Gimli on the horse.
"You make it very obvious, Eoywn." Antonia grinned, and nudged Eoywn, who gave her a innocent look, and shrugged.
"And what is wrong with that?" She smiled back.
Antonia raised a eyebrow. "You don't wonder who gave him that necklace?"
Eoywn's smile vanished, and she looked down. "Of course I have. But I cannot ask him, it would be impolite."
"Nonsense. He wouldn't mind, I'm sure." Antonia answered, and looked forward to where her lover rode. She smirked as she saw his head twitch, and calmly spoke; "Legolas, if you listened any harder, your ears would twitch, and turn backwards."
Eoywn chuckled, as the elf's visible parts of his ears turned red, and he turned forward fully. "Elves. Are you and he..."
"Well..." Antonia smiled, as his head twitched. "He's pushing the 'lover' status, with all this eavesdropping..."
With that, Legolas turned, gave her a glare, and rode to Aragorn behind them.
"Lover?" Eoywn gave her a amazed look. "You two haven't..."
"We have."
"But how do you not become with-child? Are you married?"
"We have a way of stopping any children being made...and we're married in body and soul. The rest will come later, in his home." Antonia smiled, as Eoywn's eyes widened.
"Romantic." She half-whispered, and Gimli snorted.
"Romance is fairy-tales." Gimli called from beside them.
"Some needs to get laid...." Antonia muttered, and Legolas snorted from behind.
"Laid?"
"Legolas knows what I mean." Antonia gave Legolas a evil grin, and Eoywn looked at them curiously. "And, if he doesn't stop listening, he will not get 'laid' either, tonight..." A gulp from Legolas, who went further to the front, to keep watch over the front. Aragorn shook his head, and went behind the women.
Antonia saw Eoywn's puzzled look, and explained. "It's a term from my lands."
"What does it mean?"
Antonia whispered in Eoywn's ear, and she laughed.
"Go." Antonia pushed her to Aragorn.
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The refugees of Rohan stopped for the night on a long, sheltered ledge, and over ten fires were lit, amungst the many people.
Eowyn stayned with Antonia, as they huddled around a smaller fire, at the very back, beneath a cliff.
"So, what is...it...like?" Eowyn asked, and laughed at Antonia's face.
"Huhhh...good. It feels good...and...?" Antonia blushed, as she saw Legolas wink at her, from another fire. "Legolas. Stop listing, or else!"
He winked again, and went back to his conversation with Gimli.
"I wonder if Elves are better lovers, than men..." Eowyn thought out loud, and chuckled as Antonia imedantly answered.
"No doubt about it." Antonia glared, as Legolas gave her another wink. "But, they tend to have short memorys...very short..."
"How so?"
Antonia smirked and uttered a short sentance, directed at Legolas. "They forget threats...serious ones at that."
Eowyn nodded, as she noticed the elf nearby, his head cocked in their direction. "Laid..."
Legolas narrowed his eyes, and complety ignored them from that moment.
"Do elves always listen? Is their hearing that good?" Eowyn asked, and sipped at the broth.
"Their hearing, and eyesight, is very advanced. Too advanced, sometimes. There is nothing I say now days, that Legolas, or one of his friends hears." Antonia causiously tested the soup, but smiled, as she tasted Potato and onion, with a hint of pepper, and chives.
"Well, love should never hide things." Eowyn smiled, as she caught Aragorn's eye.
"Have you talked to him yet?"
"Yes."
"What did he say?" Antonia prodded.
"He said she was sailing away with the rest of her kind."
~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~~*~~~~~~
The march the next day was long, hard, dusty and increadbly boring. Legolas couldn't understand why Antonia kept gripping her sword, and patting it.
"I will not let anyone harm you, melamin." He kissed her hand, walking beside her. "Why grip the sword so?"
"I have my reasons..." Antonia answered, and mounted her horse. "You should scout ahead, mela. My poor fellow humens don't have eyes like yours."
Legolas nodded, and mounted on Arod. "I shall see you later?"
"You'll probally get sick of me, you'll see me so much." Antonia answered, and before he could go, she shifted, so she sat side-saddle, in front of him. Grinning, she gave him a passionate kiss, and shifted back onto her horse.
Cheers from behind, made Legolas blush, as she shrugged. He smiled, and moved foward.
It was literly seconds before he came back yelling.
"A scout!"
Theoden called back, as Legolas galloped back. "What is it? What do you see?"
Aragorn galloped to Legolas, and stared at the ugly things. "Wargs! We are under attack!"
Theoden imedantly rode foward calling. "All riders to the head of the column!"
Gimli was pushed onto a horse. "C'mon get me up here, I'm a rider. Agh!"
Theoden stopped at Eowyn and Antonia. "You must lead the people to Helm's Deep and make haste."
Èowyn protested. "I can fight!"
Theoden shook his head. "No! You must do this. For me."
Antonia found herself being pushed to go with the women and children.
"I am not going!" She yelled at one of the guards, who looked her up and down. Theoden heard her, and came over.
"Antonia, go with my sister-daughter...help her defend them, if needed!"
"But..."
Legolas, who as usual, was listing, yelled at Antonia. "Go!"
Theoden called "Follow me!"And galloped off.
Èowyn called to the villagers. "Make for the lower ground. Stick together!"
Antonia growled, and turned her horse around, to join Eowyn. Obviously, the horse objected too, it reared, and tried to follow the other charging horses.
"Damm it! I know!" Antonia growled, and followed the group.
After a few minites, Eowyn paused and looked back. Antonia joined her.
"I should go back." Antonia muttered lowly. "Damm men, going to battle while helpless females run."
Eowyn smirked. "Then go."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course. Go, show those men. I'll keep the refugees going." Eowyn slapped Antonia's horses flank.
Antonia grinned, and galloped towards the fighting, her sword gripped in her hand.
"Don't get killed, and prove them right!" Eowyn called after her.
By the time Antonia got there, Gimli was stuck under two wolfs grumling.
"Argh! Stinking creature!"
Smirking, she pulled him out, and gave him his axe.
"I knew you men would need me."
"Bah." Gimli growled, but smiled proudly, as she charged at a wolf, who had seen them. The wolf growled, and went to attack her, but she just poistioned the sword so it entered the wolf's head, just as he leapt, and with a great thrust, she dove underneath, as it skidded, impailed on her sword.
"Good job!" He called.
Antonia started to get up, but was attacked by another wolf. She ducked, her sword still in the first wolf's throat, and ducked as the wolf pounced, and collapsed dead, a arrow in his neck.
"I will kill you." Leglas glared, as she got up, dusted herself off, and pulled the sword out of the wolf's head. He was seriously angry. "You should have run! You could have been hurt!"
Antonia poked her tounge out...and noticed Aragorn. "Oh no."
Aragorn's hand was caught in a harness of a warg, fell off the cliff.
Legolas who was still telling off Antonia, hadnt seen it.
Gimli ran up to where he'd seen Aragorn. "Where is Aragorn?"
Legolas ran up the slope, followed by Antonia. "Aragorn?"
Nearby a orc cackled on the ground.
Legolas went to him, and snaped. "Where is he? Speak up!"
The orc chuckled. "Ghehehe, seems like your friend took a little thumble off the cliff."
Leoglas snapped, angry. "You lie!"
The orc died, and Legolas pulled the silver Evenstar out of his bloody hand.
Theoden rested his hand on Legolas's shoulder. "Come."
They rode into Helm's deep, and Antonia found Legolas's coldness a little...scarey....
He hadn't uttered a word to her since...or listened in.
A guard called. "Make way for Théoden! Make way for the King!"
Èowyn rushed out, and her face dimed. "So few. So few of you have returned."
Theoden sighed sadly. "Our people are safe. We have paid for it with my many lives."
Gimli paused as he saw her. "My lady..."
Èowyn barley contained her worry. "Lord Aragorn, where is he?"
Gimli grimly answered. "He fell..."
Antonia took Eowyn's arm and led her inside.
Legolas hissed in her ear. "Antonia, follow me."
Antonia followed Legolas into their makeshift tent, in the yard beneath.
"Leggy?"
"Don't talk to me."
"Excuse me?!" Antonia narrowed her eyes.
Legolas turned to her, obviously angry. "I could have saved him!"
"Legs..." Antonia went to take his hand, but he jerked away, and glared at her.
"But then, you had to decide to come, and play heroine." Legolas growled, as she frowned. "But, surprise, surprise, you need resucing, and we loose Aragorn."
"Legolas! Stop it!"
"I...I saved you...and not him. I could have saved him, if you had have just listened to me!..You could have killed him! Yourself! Where would I..." Legolas took her arm, and pushed her outside. "Go. It is your fault he's gone. I cannot stand seeing you...it only reminds me of what I could have done, if you wern't there. What would have happened, if I had have saved Aragorn..."
Antonia's eyes filled with tears, as she was pushed roughy outside. "Leggy..."
"Go!" Legolas snapped, and shut the tent flap.
Antonia stood there, her eyes leaking tears, but he didn't come back out.
Eowyn, who had come to find Antonia, came at a slight run.
"Antonia?" She whispered, and gently pulled her away, into the keep. "What is wrong?"
"He blamed me for Aragorn." Antonia's dam broke, and she started sobbing noisly.
"It wasn't your fault..."
"I should have probally read the second book!" Antonia cried, and Eowyn's face grew confused, as Antonia started to list of things she remembered.
"Ringwraith...no...third book..or is it second?! Uhhh...damm it! I don't remember! Where is my violin!" Antonia stood up, and started to kick the seat.
Eowyn made her sit down. "It will be alright."
Antonia shook her head, and curled up, into a ball. "I killed him, and it's my fault....and poor Arwen...she won't marry him!"
"He was going to marry her?"
"Not if she's leaving!" Antonia wailed, and started to beat the floor with her fists. "I want to go home! I'm ruining their world!"
I know Legolas acted like a moron...I have a reason...*beams*
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Dawn came quickly.
Legolas paused, and looked around. "A red sun rises. Blood has been spilled this night."
A snort came from Antonia, who caught up, and leaned on his strong frame panting. "You mean the blisters on my feet?" She sighed, tied her greasy hair roughly back. More and more, she looked like one of the men, tangled, longish hair, dirt, her body was slowly, and painfully becoming fitter.
"I'm going to look like a she-man with all the damm mucusles soon..." Antonia mumbled and with a groan, she followed them down the hill.
A heavy vibrating that shook the earth, made by many hoofbeats, startled them, sending them behind large boulders.
As the riders passed, Aragorn, who had been gripping onto Antonia's arm, relaxed, and came out, followed by Antonia, Legolas and Gimli.
"Riders of Rohan!" Aragorn called to the passing group. "What news from the mark?"
Antonia gulped, as the group imedantly turned on them, and like birds in flight, and soon surrounded them. The riders, sent spears pointing closer into the four, as they circled around.
Legolas, pushed Antonia in the centre, as one of the riders dismounted.
With a quick glance over the tired, dirty four, he snapped. "What business does an elf, a man, a woman and a dwarf have in the Riddermark? Speak quickly!"
Gimli gave him a smug look, and replied. "Give me your name, horsemaster, and I shall give you mine."
The man, was obviously not happy with that answer, and replied. "I would cut off your head, Dwarf, if it stood but a little higher from the ground."
Legolas pulled out a arrow, and fit it into his bow, before anyone could even move to stop him. He pointed it at the rider. "You would die before your stroke fell!"
The spears got closer, as the riders moved in.
Antonia looked pointedly at Aragorn, who pushed Legola's hand down.
Aragorn held out his empty hands. "I'm Aragorn, son of Arathorn. This is the Lady Antonia, of a faraway land, this is Gimli, son of Gloin, and Legolas, from the Woodland realm. We are friends of Rohan and of Théoden, its King."
The rider, with a strong hint of sadness and bitterness in his voice replied. "Théoden no longer recognizes friend from foe." He took off his helmet. "Not even his own kin. Saruman has poisoned the mind of the king and claim lordship over this land. My company are those loyal to Rohan. And for that, we are banished. The White Wizard is cunning. He walks here and there they say, as an old man, hooded and cloaked. And everywhere his spies slip past our nets." His eyes fell onto Legolas. Antonia stepped next to him, and gave Èomer a glare.
Aragorn answered quickly, while shooting her a look. "We are not spies. We track a band of Uruk-Hai westward across the plains. They have taken two of our friends captive."
Èomer looked down at the ground. "The Uruks are destroyed. We slaughtered them during the night."
Gimli spoke up, quickly, with despaeration in his voice. "But there were two Hobbits, do you see two Hobbits with them?"
Aragorn added. "They will be small, only children to your eyes."
"Like little men. Halflings. Gimli's height, less stocky...although they are chubby...cute chubby...curls..." Antonia added, and trailed off. She pondered telling him that they would have been last seen running into Faragorn where a tree would pick them up, but left it at that.
Èomer looked a little regretfull at that. "We left none alive. We piled the carcasses and burned them."
The four noticed the great smoke rising, over the hill then, and Gimli asked glumly.
"They are dead?"
Èomer answered. "I am sorry." He called out to some riderless horses. "Hasufel! Arod! Arol! May these horses bear you to better fortune than the former masters. Farewell. Look for your friends, but do not trust to hope. It has forsaken these lands." He looked to the riders around. "We ride north!"
Antonia mounted her horse, who gave a snort, and shook his head. "Thank god I can ride."
"We thank your god as well, Antonia." Aragorn answered, and they started towards the burning carcasses.
To Antonia's discust, Gimli started to sort through the bits and pieces of the dead orcs, throwning them aside. One of the heads rolled towards her, and she concidered telling him that a tree had picked them up, when he picked up something out of the rubble.
Gimli held it up. "It's one of their little belts."
Legolas looked down, and muttered. "Hiro îth ab 'wanath." //May they find peace after death.//
Aragorn yelled, and kicked the orc pile angrly. "AAAHHH!!!"
Gimli sighed. "We failed them."
Aragorn looked to the side and his face relaxed a little. He ran his fingers over the dirt next to him "A Hobbit lay here, and the other." Aragorn half-crawled along. "They crawled. Their hands were bound."
Aragorn picked up a rope. "Their bonds were cut. They ran over here and were followed."
Aragorn stood up a little more, and looked at the dark forest. "Tracks lead away from the battle, into..."
Gimli gaped at the dark place. "Fangorn! What madness drew them there?"
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
The four went into the dark woods, the men despertly looking for traces of hobbits.
Gimli went and touched a black, slimy leaf. "Orc blood!"
Aragorn looked down at something nearby. "These are strange tracks."
Antonia looked down, and gagged. "Ewww! A sqashed Orc! Yuck!"
Gimli looked around. "The air is so close here."
Legolas peered around, obviously much more at peace in the woods than the others. "This forest is old. Very old. Full of memories...and anger. The trees are speaking to each other."
Gimli tensed, as he heard whispers, and threatnly held up his axe. At once, the trees grew louder, and Aragorn looked back at the tense Dwarf.
"Gimli!"
Gimli jumped. "Huh?"
Aragorn guestered with his hand. "Lower your axe."
Gimli gave them a sheepish look, and quickly lowered his axe. "Oh!"
Legolas stepped foward, to stand next to Antonia. His ears twitched, and he muttered to Aragorn. "Aragorn, nad nâ ennas!" //Something is out there!//
Aragorn muttered back. "Man cenich?" //What do you see//
Leglas answered sofly. "The White Wizard approaches. "
Antonia nodded. "Yep. It's the white wizerd..."
Aragorn hissed. "Do not let him speak. He will out a spell on us! We must be quick."
Antonia rolled her eyes, and looked around imedantly, as the three men prepared their weapons. With a yell, they swung around, only to be met with a bright white light, hiding the white wizerd.
Legolas, and Gimli's weapons fell, and Aragorn dropped his sword, as it begain to glow red hot.
The bright figure studied them. "You are tracking the footsteps of two young hobbits."
Aragorn called. "Where are they?"
The wizerd calmly answered. "They passed this way the day before yesterday. They met someone they did not expect. Does that comfort you?"
Antonia muttered. "It dosn't comfort them, and you know it..."
Aragorn called out again. "Who are you? Show yourself!"
The bright light dimmed, and a whiter, more powerful Gandalf watched them with amusement glinting in his eyes.
Aragorn stared at him. "It cannot be! You fell!"
Gandalf's eyes went glazed, as he nodded. "Through fire and water. From the lowest dungeon to the highest peak, I fought him, the Balrog of Morgoth. Until at last, I threw down my enemy and smote his ruin upon the mountainside. Darkness took me. And I strayed out of thought and time. Stars wheeled overhead and each day was as long as a life age of the earth. But it was not the end. I felt life in me again. I've been sent back until my task is done."
Aragorn stared at the elderly man in wonder. "Gandalf."
Gandalf gave them a small smile. "Gandalf? Oh yes. That's what they used to call me. Gandalf the Grey. That was my name."
Gimli cried out, "Gandalf!", having finally getting his name back.
Gandalf smiled at that. "I am Gandalf the White now. And I come back to you now at the turn of the tide."
They followed him out of the dark Faragorn, as he kept talking.
"One stage of the journey is over another begins. War has come to Rohan. We must ride to Edoras with all speed." Gandalf let out a high, loud whistle, and after a few moments, a large, snow white horse came over the plains to meet them.
Legolas stared in wonder. "That is one of the mearas, unless my eyes are cheated by some spell."
"I expected Shadowfax to be a bigger horse..." Antonia muttered, as the horse came, and rested it's head on Gandlaf's sholders. Legolas lightly punched her shoulder, as he mounted his horse.
Gandalf smiled warmly. "Shadowfax. He's the lord of all horses and he's been my friend through many dangers."
They mounted, and rode off.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Gandalf, Aragorn, Antonia and Gimli with Legolas approached Rohan
Gandalf called to the others, as they aprouched. "Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld, King of Rohan, whose mind is overthrown and Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong. " Gandalf added, as they grew close. "Be careful what you say. Do not look for welcome here."
Gimli looked around, as they rode up to the Hall Of Men. People looked back, without much hope on their faces. "This place is as cheerful as a graveyard."
Antonia pointed at mounds covered with white flowers. "Those are graves. Of kings, right Aragorn?"
Aragorn blinked. "Yes...how did you know?"
"I didn't come for the fighting Aragorn..."
Guards approched them, as they walked towards the hall.
Gandalf reconised one of them. "Ah."
Hama nodded. "I cannot allow you before Théoden-king so armed, Gandalf Grayhame." He added the next part as an explamation. "By order of Grima Wormtongue."
The four reluctantly gave over the weapons. (A.N: if you read my other TTT you'll know they chucked a fit really...hehe)
Hama looked at Gandlaf's white staff. "Your staff."
Antonia smirked, as Gandalf practily battered his eyelids at the guard, as he leaned on it. "Hmm? Oh. No, you would not part an old man from his walking stick."
They entered the room, slowly, letting Gandalf play out his little 'Elderly man' acting role. Wormtounge looked down at them, and whispered into the pale, elderly man in the throne.
Gandalf looked up, at the King, and his adviser, and loudly called. "The courtesy of your hall is somewhat lessened of late, Théoden-King."
Grime looked down at them, and hissed. "He is not welcome."
Theoden looked down at them, tiredly, and croaked. "Why should I welcome you, Gandalf Stormcrow?"
Grima nodded, and smirked, and walked down as he spoke. "A just question my lord. Late is the hour in which this conjurer chooses to appear. Lathspell spell I name him. Ill news is an ill guest."
Gandalf stood up then, and snapped at Grima. "Silence! Keep your forked tongue behind your teeth. I have not come here to bandy words with a witless worm."
Grima stepped back, as Gandalf begain to show off his power. "Your staff. I told you to take the wizard's staff!"
Guards came forward, half-heartly, letting Legolas and Gimli show off their fighting skills. Grima was hit down.
Gandalf walked towards Theoden. "Théoden, Son of Thengel. Too long have you sat in shadows."
Grima went to stand, but found a angry, cranky, tired and dirty Dwarf pointing a axe at him. "I would stay still if I were you."
Gandalf held the staff up. "I will release you from the spell."
Theoden gave a cackle. "Hahaha! You have no powers here Gandalf the Grey. Haha! Ah!!"
Gandalf wasn't fazed. "I shall draw you, Saruman, as poison is drawn from a wound."
Èowyn rushed, and was stopped by Aragorn.
Aragorn muttered to her. "Wait."
Antonia moved to Èowyn's other side, and whispered in her ear.
Theoden spoke up, in a forien voice. "If I go, Théoden dies."
Gandalf answered, stepping foward, and roughly pushed him back, raising his voice. "You did not kill me you will not kill him."
Theoden did his freaky voice again. "Rohan is mine!"
Ganalf snapped, and threw Theoden back into the throne. "Be gone!"
Theoden's face relaxed, and the age and wearyness seemed to melt away, as his true age begain to shine through again. Eowyn rushed to his side.
Theoden peered at her. "I know your face. Èowyn... Èowyn."
Eowyn's face broke into smiles, as he reconised her.
Gandalf smiled. "Breathe the free air again, my friend."
Theoden looked over the hall. "Dark my dreams have been of late."
Gandalf guestered to Hama. "Your fingers would remember their old strength better... if they grasped your sword."
Hama ran up with a sword. Théoden drew it out, then his gaze turned to Grima. Grima whimpered, as the guards roughly throw him down stairs.
Grima whipered again, as the angry king approuched him. "Ah! I've only ever served you my lord."
Theoden growled. "Your witchcraft would have had me crawling on all fours like a beast!"
Grima curled up. "Send me not from your side!"
Theoden raised his sword, but was stopped by Aragorn.
"No my lord! Let him go. Enough blood has been spilled on his account."
Grima had gotten up, and was running. "Get out of my way!" He rode off quickly.
Aragorn kneeled. "Hail, Théoden, King!"
Theoden looked pleased, as his people kneeled. He looked around. "Where is Théodred? Where is my son?"
________________________________________________________________________________________________
While Theoden went with Gandalf to his son's grave, Eowyn took Antonia to clean up.
"Get undressed, Lady Antonia." Eowyn guestered to servents, who were pouring oils into a bath. "Let's clean you up."
"Undressed...." Antonia raised her eyebrow. "I'll never get used to this..." The servents pulled off her tattered, smelly and dirty clothing, and she hurridly got in the bath. One started to wash her hair, which had turned into several big oily dreadlocks.
Eowyn came, and sat next to the side of the bath. "I almost thought you were also a man, with hair like that."
"Oi!" Antonia snapped, and Eowyn smiled.
"Must be a good life, being competly free like that."
"Oh sure...running slower than a Dwarf with pint-sized legs...non stop running...no rest..." Antonia jumped, as a knot was tugged on, and a servent apoligised. "Sticks in back at night...or stones, if your lucky."
After a few moments, Antonia's last knot slipped out, with the help of oil. Antonia stood, blushed feriousaly, as she was dried, and dressed in a blue and green riding dress, with buildt in trowsers. Eowyn left then, to get dressed herself, as a Servent heated waves into Antonia's straight hair, and tied it back, in a long medievil plait.
Eowyn smiled, as she came back in, in her red dress.
"Much better."
A servent came rushing in, and muttered something to Eowyn, who grabbed Antonia's arm, and led her into the Hall.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Inside the golden hall, Eowyn and Antonia together fed the children, who dispite their exaction couldn't stop eating. Theoden looked troubled on his throne, and Eowyn looked up to him.
"They had no warning. They were unarmed. Now the wildmen are moving through westfold, burning as they go, every rick and cot."
Freya asked. "Where's momma?"
Èowyn muttered to her. "Shh."
Antonia went, to stand next to Legolas, who wrapped his arms around her, and kissed her exposed neck.
Gandalf spoke up. "This is but a taste of the terror that Saruman will unleash. All the more potent for he is driven mad by the fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from the women and children. You must fight."
Aragorn was smoking again, and as he took it out, Antonia grabbed it. "You have 2000 good men riding north as we speak. Èomer is loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their king." He glared at Antonia, who was trying to smoke, and grabbed it back.
Theoden shook his head. "They will be three hundred leagues from here by now. Èomer cannot help us. I know what is that you want of me. But I would not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."
Aragorn took another puff. "Open war is upon you, whether would risk it or not."
Theodin brissled. "When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn, was king of Rohan."
Gandalf calmly asked. "Then what is the king's decision?"
________________________________________________________________________________________________
Hama called out to the panicing town. "By order of the king, The city must empty. We make for the refuge of Helm's Deep. Do not burden yourself with treasures. Take only what provisions you need."
Gimli, Aragorn, Antonia and Legolas followed Ganfalf to the stables.
Gimli grumbled. "Helm's Deep! They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king?"
Aragorn answered. "He is only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past."
Gandalf answered them. "There is no way out of that of ravine. Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he is leading them to safety but what he'll get is a massacre. Théoden has a strong hold but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end there, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses have to hold."
Aragorn nodded grimly. "They will hold."
Gandalf mounted "The Grey Pilgrim. That is what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of men have walked this earth and now, I have no time. Good luck. My search will not be in vain. Look to my coming. At first light of the fifth day at dawn, look to the East."
Aragorn nodded. "Go."
Gandanf galloped off, with much noise.
________________________________________________________________________________________________
They gathered in the hall again, and Legolas started to teach Antonia better sword fighting tecniques.
Eowyn sat with Gimli, watching them.
"They're quite cute together." She smiled, as she watched Antonia hit Legolas over the head, as he acidently nicked her.
Gimli nodded, and watched the younger girl proudly. Antonia had growned tanned, her hair had been sun-bleached, and grown longer than Legolas's by at least a hand's length. And, she had gotten stronger, as poor Legolas was discovering at that moment. "They are, arn't they?" His chest puffed out at that, as he noticed how simlar Legolas and Antonia had grown. "She's like a daughter to me."
Antonia playfully punched Legolas again, as he play punched her. Soon, she was tackling him to the ground.
Nearby, Eowyn took out her sword, and started to slowly go through her paces. Aragorn came from behind, and she spun, catching his dagger.
Aragorn kept a smirk barely visable as he muttered to her. "You have some skill with a blade."
Èowyn glared, and shethed the sword again. "Women of this country learned long ago that those without swords may still die upon them. I fear neither death nor pain."
Aragorn gently probed her. "What do you fear my lady?"
Èowyn answered without hesitation. "A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them. And all chance of valor has gone beyond recall or desire."
Aragorn answered her gently, knowing all too well that feeling. "You are a daughter of kings. A shieldmaiden of Rohan. I do not think that will be your fate."
____________________________________________________________________________
Antonia rode alongside Eoywn, who kept sneaking glances at Aragorn behind. Finally, after Antonia counted the sixteenth glance, she dismounted, and walked alongside Eoywn and Gimli on the horse.
"You make it very obvious, Eoywn." Antonia grinned, and nudged Eoywn, who gave her a innocent look, and shrugged.
"And what is wrong with that?" She smiled back.
Antonia raised a eyebrow. "You don't wonder who gave him that necklace?"
Eoywn's smile vanished, and she looked down. "Of course I have. But I cannot ask him, it would be impolite."
"Nonsense. He wouldn't mind, I'm sure." Antonia answered, and looked forward to where her lover rode. She smirked as she saw his head twitch, and calmly spoke; "Legolas, if you listened any harder, your ears would twitch, and turn backwards."
Eoywn chuckled, as the elf's visible parts of his ears turned red, and he turned forward fully. "Elves. Are you and he..."
"Well..." Antonia smiled, as his head twitched. "He's pushing the 'lover' status, with all this eavesdropping..."
With that, Legolas turned, gave her a glare, and rode to Aragorn behind them.
"Lover?" Eoywn gave her a amazed look. "You two haven't..."
"We have."
"But how do you not become with-child? Are you married?"
"We have a way of stopping any children being made...and we're married in body and soul. The rest will come later, in his home." Antonia smiled, as Eoywn's eyes widened.
"Romantic." She half-whispered, and Gimli snorted.
"Romance is fairy-tales." Gimli called from beside them.
"Some needs to get laid...." Antonia muttered, and Legolas snorted from behind.
"Laid?"
"Legolas knows what I mean." Antonia gave Legolas a evil grin, and Eoywn looked at them curiously. "And, if he doesn't stop listening, he will not get 'laid' either, tonight..." A gulp from Legolas, who went further to the front, to keep watch over the front. Aragorn shook his head, and went behind the women.
Antonia saw Eoywn's puzzled look, and explained. "It's a term from my lands."
"What does it mean?"
Antonia whispered in Eoywn's ear, and she laughed.
"Go." Antonia pushed her to Aragorn.
________________________________________________
The refugees of Rohan stopped for the night on a long, sheltered ledge, and over ten fires were lit, amungst the many people.
Eowyn stayned with Antonia, as they huddled around a smaller fire, at the very back, beneath a cliff.
"So, what is...it...like?" Eowyn asked, and laughed at Antonia's face.
"Huhhh...good. It feels good...and...?" Antonia blushed, as she saw Legolas wink at her, from another fire. "Legolas. Stop listing, or else!"
He winked again, and went back to his conversation with Gimli.
"I wonder if Elves are better lovers, than men..." Eowyn thought out loud, and chuckled as Antonia imedantly answered.
"No doubt about it." Antonia glared, as Legolas gave her another wink. "But, they tend to have short memorys...very short..."
"How so?"
Antonia smirked and uttered a short sentance, directed at Legolas. "They forget threats...serious ones at that."
Eowyn nodded, as she noticed the elf nearby, his head cocked in their direction. "Laid..."
Legolas narrowed his eyes, and complety ignored them from that moment.
"Do elves always listen? Is their hearing that good?" Eowyn asked, and sipped at the broth.
"Their hearing, and eyesight, is very advanced. Too advanced, sometimes. There is nothing I say now days, that Legolas, or one of his friends hears." Antonia causiously tested the soup, but smiled, as she tasted Potato and onion, with a hint of pepper, and chives.
"Well, love should never hide things." Eowyn smiled, as she caught Aragorn's eye.
"Have you talked to him yet?"
"Yes."
"What did he say?" Antonia prodded.
"He said she was sailing away with the rest of her kind."
~~~~~*~~~~~*~~~~~~*~~~~~~
The march the next day was long, hard, dusty and increadbly boring. Legolas couldn't understand why Antonia kept gripping her sword, and patting it.
"I will not let anyone harm you, melamin." He kissed her hand, walking beside her. "Why grip the sword so?"
"I have my reasons..." Antonia answered, and mounted her horse. "You should scout ahead, mela. My poor fellow humens don't have eyes like yours."
Legolas nodded, and mounted on Arod. "I shall see you later?"
"You'll probally get sick of me, you'll see me so much." Antonia answered, and before he could go, she shifted, so she sat side-saddle, in front of him. Grinning, she gave him a passionate kiss, and shifted back onto her horse.
Cheers from behind, made Legolas blush, as she shrugged. He smiled, and moved foward.
It was literly seconds before he came back yelling.
"A scout!"
Theoden called back, as Legolas galloped back. "What is it? What do you see?"
Aragorn galloped to Legolas, and stared at the ugly things. "Wargs! We are under attack!"
Theoden imedantly rode foward calling. "All riders to the head of the column!"
Gimli was pushed onto a horse. "C'mon get me up here, I'm a rider. Agh!"
Theoden stopped at Eowyn and Antonia. "You must lead the people to Helm's Deep and make haste."
Èowyn protested. "I can fight!"
Theoden shook his head. "No! You must do this. For me."
Antonia found herself being pushed to go with the women and children.
"I am not going!" She yelled at one of the guards, who looked her up and down. Theoden heard her, and came over.
"Antonia, go with my sister-daughter...help her defend them, if needed!"
"But..."
Legolas, who as usual, was listing, yelled at Antonia. "Go!"
Theoden called "Follow me!"And galloped off.
Èowyn called to the villagers. "Make for the lower ground. Stick together!"
Antonia growled, and turned her horse around, to join Eowyn. Obviously, the horse objected too, it reared, and tried to follow the other charging horses.
"Damm it! I know!" Antonia growled, and followed the group.
After a few minites, Eowyn paused and looked back. Antonia joined her.
"I should go back." Antonia muttered lowly. "Damm men, going to battle while helpless females run."
Eowyn smirked. "Then go."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course. Go, show those men. I'll keep the refugees going." Eowyn slapped Antonia's horses flank.
Antonia grinned, and galloped towards the fighting, her sword gripped in her hand.
"Don't get killed, and prove them right!" Eowyn called after her.
By the time Antonia got there, Gimli was stuck under two wolfs grumling.
"Argh! Stinking creature!"
Smirking, she pulled him out, and gave him his axe.
"I knew you men would need me."
"Bah." Gimli growled, but smiled proudly, as she charged at a wolf, who had seen them. The wolf growled, and went to attack her, but she just poistioned the sword so it entered the wolf's head, just as he leapt, and with a great thrust, she dove underneath, as it skidded, impailed on her sword.
"Good job!" He called.
Antonia started to get up, but was attacked by another wolf. She ducked, her sword still in the first wolf's throat, and ducked as the wolf pounced, and collapsed dead, a arrow in his neck.
"I will kill you." Leglas glared, as she got up, dusted herself off, and pulled the sword out of the wolf's head. He was seriously angry. "You should have run! You could have been hurt!"
Antonia poked her tounge out...and noticed Aragorn. "Oh no."
Aragorn's hand was caught in a harness of a warg, fell off the cliff.
Legolas who was still telling off Antonia, hadnt seen it.
Gimli ran up to where he'd seen Aragorn. "Where is Aragorn?"
Legolas ran up the slope, followed by Antonia. "Aragorn?"
Nearby a orc cackled on the ground.
Legolas went to him, and snaped. "Where is he? Speak up!"
The orc chuckled. "Ghehehe, seems like your friend took a little thumble off the cliff."
Leoglas snapped, angry. "You lie!"
The orc died, and Legolas pulled the silver Evenstar out of his bloody hand.
Theoden rested his hand on Legolas's shoulder. "Come."
They rode into Helm's deep, and Antonia found Legolas's coldness a little...scarey....
He hadn't uttered a word to her since...or listened in.
A guard called. "Make way for Théoden! Make way for the King!"
Èowyn rushed out, and her face dimed. "So few. So few of you have returned."
Theoden sighed sadly. "Our people are safe. We have paid for it with my many lives."
Gimli paused as he saw her. "My lady..."
Èowyn barley contained her worry. "Lord Aragorn, where is he?"
Gimli grimly answered. "He fell..."
Antonia took Eowyn's arm and led her inside.
Legolas hissed in her ear. "Antonia, follow me."
Antonia followed Legolas into their makeshift tent, in the yard beneath.
"Leggy?"
"Don't talk to me."
"Excuse me?!" Antonia narrowed her eyes.
Legolas turned to her, obviously angry. "I could have saved him!"
"Legs..." Antonia went to take his hand, but he jerked away, and glared at her.
"But then, you had to decide to come, and play heroine." Legolas growled, as she frowned. "But, surprise, surprise, you need resucing, and we loose Aragorn."
"Legolas! Stop it!"
"I...I saved you...and not him. I could have saved him, if you had have just listened to me!..You could have killed him! Yourself! Where would I..." Legolas took her arm, and pushed her outside. "Go. It is your fault he's gone. I cannot stand seeing you...it only reminds me of what I could have done, if you wern't there. What would have happened, if I had have saved Aragorn..."
Antonia's eyes filled with tears, as she was pushed roughy outside. "Leggy..."
"Go!" Legolas snapped, and shut the tent flap.
Antonia stood there, her eyes leaking tears, but he didn't come back out.
Eowyn, who had come to find Antonia, came at a slight run.
"Antonia?" She whispered, and gently pulled her away, into the keep. "What is wrong?"
"He blamed me for Aragorn." Antonia's dam broke, and she started sobbing noisly.
"It wasn't your fault..."
"I should have probally read the second book!" Antonia cried, and Eowyn's face grew confused, as Antonia started to list of things she remembered.
"Ringwraith...no...third book..or is it second?! Uhhh...damm it! I don't remember! Where is my violin!" Antonia stood up, and started to kick the seat.
Eowyn made her sit down. "It will be alright."
Antonia shook her head, and curled up, into a ball. "I killed him, and it's my fault....and poor Arwen...she won't marry him!"
"He was going to marry her?"
"Not if she's leaving!" Antonia wailed, and started to beat the floor with her fists. "I want to go home! I'm ruining their world!"