Disclaimer: I own the voice. It is chained to my bedpost. Other than
that, zilch.
RIGHT! This is part one of Helms Deep, next part coming soon. I decided to divide it into two chapters, lest I not be able to update again before I leave. So yes. Here it is! It's kind of awkward in some places, not my best, but whatever, at least it's a chapter.
* * *
Aragorn watched in amusement as Gimli struggled to get on the suit of chain mail. They were nearly the last in the armoury, gathering their weapons and choosing armour. Finally, the suit made its way over Gimli's head and fell over his body, only to gather in good amount at his feet. A wry grin etched itself over Aragorn's face.
"It's a little tight across the chest," Gimli said. Aragorn fought back his laughter.
Suddenly, there was the sound of a horn blowing, and both heads turned in its direction.
"That is no orc horn."
Aragorn raced up the stairs, leaving Gimli to struggle with his armour, praying, praying it was what he thought it was.
All of Helms Deep was roused then, and stared in awe at the spectacle laid before them. Through the gates, the force marched, banner held high and horn announcing their arrival. They were cloaked in a deep purpley- blue that matched a common night sky, unlike the stormy one that loomed presently overhead. Their hoods shadowed their faces, but Aragorn could see their fair complexion. He knew that these were elves. Racing over the battlements, he sought their leader.
Theoden watched in awe of the elves, marching into Helms Deep. "How is this possible?" he muttered to himself, knowing that none had called for aid.
A golden-haired elf stepped forward, clad in armour, with no hood to hide his face. "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell," he began. "An allegiance once existed between elves and men. Long ago, we fought and died together." He raised his eyes to see Aragorn racing towards him. He grinned. "We come to honour that allegiance."
"Mae govannen, Haldir!"
Many heads turned to watch Aragorn run forward, a look of such relief and joy on his face that the rest could not help but share in his happiness.
Aragorn put both his hands on Haldir's shoulders, an incurable smile dancing over his features. "You are most welcome." He pulled Haldir into an embrace, and Haldir stiffened, surprised by such an action. But he relaxed, and returned it.
From behind Haldir, one soldier grinned a bit. Then the whole army turned as one to face Theoden and his people, and Aragorn caught the soldier's grin. Haldir was saying something to Theoden, but Aragorn took no notice. He stepped closer to the elf soldier. He knew that grin. He knew those lips; he had known them all his life. As he came closer, he caught the glimmer of blue eyes from beneath the hood, and the shimmer of golden hair. It had to be him, it had to be! But it couldn't . . .but it had to . . .
"Legolas . . .?"
The elf pulled down his hood. The shadow cleared his face and he was left grinning like mad at his lifelong friend.
"A Elbereth, Legolas!" Aragorn cried, and wrapped his arms about his friend, pulling him towards him and squeezing him tight, afraid to let him go. Legolas in turn embraced his friend, finally finding the comfort he needed. It had been far too long since their last meeting. Speechless, they bothered not with tales and questions; those could wait. And so they remained there, tight in the arms of each other.
* * *
Gimli walked calmly about the battlements, wondering where Aragorn had run off to. Probably speaking with the elves, he thought with disdain. But then he stopped; stopped and stared.
There was Aragorn, standing in the middle of the fortress, tight in the desperate embrace of this slight, frail creature.
So the elf had survived . . .
Gimli stared in silence for a moment. He recalled the grief and the anger of the elves and of Aragorn when Legolas had been taken. It was true, he had no idea what that kind of darkness could do to an elf. But here he was, bow strung over his back, overflowing quiver, and twin elven blades. As Aragorn and Legolas released, and walked away to find a place on the battlements, Gimli caught a slight limp in Legolas' stride. He knew well the swift healing native to elves . . .and if Legolas still held a limp . . .
What evil could have befallen him at Isengard?
He found no desire to greet Legolas, but he found that he could not openly hate the prince either. Though he stubbornly would not admit it, in his heart he knew it: This elf deserved far more respect than Gimli owed him.
* * *
The army of elves was slowly filling in the battlement walls, inspecting their bows, sharpening their blades, and stocking their quivers. Aragorn led Legolas around, showing him the various entrances and exits, staircases and chambers. When again they had resumed their search for an appropriate station on the wall, Legolas found himself uncomfortably shooting quick, nervous glances at Aragorn.
"Why do you keep looking at me?"
Aragorn hastily turned away and felt colour come to his face. "Sorry, it's just . . .it's just when I left Lothlorien . . ." he stopped. He turned again and looked Legolas directly in the eyes, and spoke a little softer. "I thought I'd loose you."
Legolas looked back down, making sure to avoid the scattered items on the ground. He grinned. "You are going to have to try a lot harder to get rid of me than that, my old friend."
They both laughed. It sounded good in their ears, to hear their voices together again.
Suddenly Legolas saw Gimli walking absently towards them. It was dark out by now, but Legolas' sight could make out every detail: his tangled beard, his bright eyes, his many battle-axes. And, he noted quietly to himself, an elf could have heard his footsteps from twenty leagues away.
Gimli knew he was approaching the elf. Unconsciously he raised his chin and walked proudly up to them. Not quite sure what to say, they stood facing each other for a couple awkward seconds. Then he opened his mouth, the usual insults he would say to any elf floating on his tongue, but he stopped himself. This wasn't an ordinary elf. He shut his mouth and started again.
"It is well to have you back among us, Legolas Greenleaf."
And Legolas nearly started at the sincerity and the formality in the dwarf's words. Was this really the dwarf he had set out with from Rivendell? It took him a moment to recover and choose his words."
"It is good to be back, master dwarf."
Gimli and Aragorn talked shortly, mostly of the battle to come, and then they went their separate ways. Legolas leaned over to mutter into Aragorn's ear.
"Some things certainly have changed considerably since I left you."
Aragorn grinned. "He rides horses too." Aragorn nearly collapsed in laughter at the shock on Legolas' face. "We met with the Rohirrim, and they gave us two horses. I saw no use in wasting the second . . ."
Laughter lit up Legolas' features. He thumped Aragorn on the back. "Alas! you are so cruel, Aragorn, so cruel."
* * *
The warriors of Helms Deep were silent. The sky was darkening with every passing minute, and the heavy stomping of the enemy army approached in a sense of inevitable doom.
Legolas was standing next to Gimli, regrettably, and Aragorn had taken a position as commander for the elves. Haldir stood on the opposite end of the wall with still more elven warriors.
They could see the Uruk-Hai now. It was difficult not to see them, their numbers were so vast. Legolas could sense the fear in men and elves alike. He knew this was not the place for an elven army. This was Theoden's war. But here they were, facing the creatures that would surely eliminate them all.
He couldn't help but wonder, as the battle drew nearer, how he would fare. How would he look at an orc now, how could he kill one? Would he even be able to, or would he fail them all?
Suddenly lightening flashed, and Legolas saw clearly the endless, lurching sea of spears and shields, all painted with the white hand of Saruman.
Gimli looked up at Legolas when the lightening flashed and lit the scene. He saw the fear on the elf's face, and knew that he was desperately trying to hide it. He understood that Legolas was afraid. His tormentor was after him again, and what did Gimli know? Maybe some of these beasts would recognize the elf. Maybe they would pay extra attention to him.
Any other time, he would have shrugged off the matter and mocked it.
He leaned closer to the tall elf beside him, and muttered, not bothering to raise his voice with the knowledge of the keen elven hearing.
"It's alright to be afraid. But be strong and afraid."
Legolas looked down at the dwarf, unmistakable surprise written on his features. Gimli had to admit he surprised even himself by saying that. What was he doing here, offering encouragement to an elf? The son of one of his father's most hated foe, no less.
Legolas wondered at Gimli for a moment. Where was the dwarf in him? Where was the mocking, taunting side, which would have shoved him off the battlements by now? Changes had indeed come over the dwarf. And Legolas felt changes come over him, then. For those had been wise words, and truly encouraging. He found he could no longer hate the dwarf directly.
They waited on in silence, until the Uruk-Hai came to a halt before the stone walls of Helms Deep. Aragorn's voice rang clear over the battlements.
"A Eruchin, u-dano i faelas a hyn, an uben tanatha le faelas!" Show them no mercy, for you shall receive none!
Legolas wondered just how much mercy he would show . . .and how much he would receive.
Silence descended on both armies. Rain tapped on armour and shields, and thunder crashed in the dark, dark sky.
"What's going on out there?" Gimli's frustrated voice broke through the thick air.
Legolas grinned to himself. Perhaps this dwarf was a blessing . . .a blessing in disguise-and a good one at that! "Would you like me to describe it to you," he started, and felt Gimli's annoyed eyes on him, "or would you like me to find you a box?"
Gimli looked at him for a moment. And then he laughed.
The Uruk-Hai began stamping their long shafted spears on the ground, and banging them against their armour and shields.
{This is it, elfling. Time to prove yourself.}
Legolas glanced down the wall, and saw Aragorn draw his sword. The elven warriors put their feathered arrows to their bows, and Legolas joined them.
{What am I trying to prove?}
The Uruk-Hai were growing more anxious for battle, and clattered their weapons louder and faster and faster.
Suddenly, an arrow, not an elven arrow, Legolas was glad to note, streaked through the rain and night air, and buried itself in one of the creatures' necks. Silence descended. The orc fell to the earth, dead.
"DARTHO!" Aragorn yelled out for them to hold their fire, obvious anger in his voice. But it was too late. The Uruk-Hai roared in rage, and charged forward.
{Prove that you are either a kin-slayer, or a traitor to your allies and friends.}
"Faeg I-varv . . .din na lanc a nu ranc," Legolas muttered, more to keep his mind away from the voice. This was it. He either fought, or he didn't.
"LEITHIO I PHILINN!" Despite the noise, Legolas heard Aragorn's order clearly enough, and only because everyone around him was, he loosed his arrow. He didn't watch to see it hit an uruk square in the chest.
"Anyone hit anything?" Gimli asked, fidgeting restlessly. Legolas didn't answer. Aragorn was giving the order to fire as they wished, and arrows streaked past him into the night, and Legolas had to watch as the creatures fell.
Gimli was practically running in circles now, waiting for the first of the enemy to reach his axe. "Send them to me! Come on!"
Legolas hadn't fired another arrow yet.
"PENDRAITH!" came the cry, as ladders knocked against the deepening wall.
Gimli's laughter might have sounded insane, but Legolas took no notice. "Good!" came the dwarf's gruff shout as the first orc showed its face. With one swipe of his axe, Gimli sent that face flying quite separate from its body.
Aragorn called for them to draw their swords. Legolas watched as the elves around him slew orc after orc. He winced as they fell at his feet. Unsheathing his twin white knives, he prowled about the wall, trying to avoid fights. But one uruk closed in on him, and Legolas merely backed away, until he was braced against the end of the wall. The uruk grinned a cruel, delighted grin, and he approached Legolas quickly, raised his sword over his head, and began to let it fall.
But Legolas' desire to live was stronger than anything else. Faster than anything the orc could have pulled off, Legolas lunged with his knife, and the uruk slumped forward, a shocked look on its dead face. No one heard the elf whimper. No one saw the pain on his face as he withdrew the knife from the creature's belly.
{That's one . . .}
{Not . . . . .now . . .}
Legolas was ducking blows and fending off orc after orc, and struggling against his mind all at once. He didn't slay another one. He merely shoved them away harshly enough that they did not return.
Gimli's voice made its way to Legolas' ears. "Two already!" he boasted loudly.
Legolas thought fast. If the dwarf wanted competition, competition he would have. "I'm on seventeen!" he lied quite convincingly.
Disbelief shot its way through Gimli's rough face. "What? I'll have no pointy-ears outscoring me!"
Legolas knocked two uruks to the floor. They didn't die, but they didn't move. "Nineteen!"
But the ladders seemed to have no end of uruks ascending them, and as face after face appeared, Gimli had a good system working for him, as he beheaded orc after orc, his count ascending rapidly.
A spark of light below caught Legolas' eye. He looked down. An uruk was sprinting towards the wall with a sparkling torch in hand.
Aragorn saw it too. "Togo han dad, Legolas!"
Legolas strung an arrow to his bow and aimed fast.
{Are you going to kill him?}
Caught off-guard, the arrow missed and buried itself in the orcs shoulder. It continued its course.
Aragorn cried desperately at him. "DAGO HAN! DAGO HAN!"
{Are you going to kill him?}
The next arrow missed too. Legolas winced.
{Ai, what must he think of me now?}
The beast threw himself into the deepening wall. Legolas gasped as a great explosion shook the great fortress, and men, elves, and stone soared through the air.
{That was where Aragorn was standing . . .}
{You see that, elfling? You did that.}
Legolas winced again.
{Are you siding with your elf-kin now?}
Legolas looked around at the men and elves fighting their way through the uruk-hai.
{Are you betraying your friends?}
Legolas watched as Haldir moved past him, cutting down orc after orc after orc.
{Whom are you sided with now? Kin or friend?}
Then Legolas looked at the ugly, so un-elf-like creatures murdering valiant elves and brave men. He came to a decision then. He ran forward, brandished his knife, and drove it into the nearest ones belly.
{They are not my kin. They are orcs.}
And the voice was silent.
And that made Legolas even more frightened.
* * *
Part Two of Helms Deep Coming Soon
* * *
There we go. That's only part one! Part two will come soon. Already have some scenes planned out. SO. I'm not the greatest at fight scenes, but you can't exactly avoid Helms Deep, now, can you? Some things happened in this chapter I did not expect. And, of course, it is movie-verse, for purposes necessary to the fic. I may have moved too fast at some points in this chapter. Tell me if you think everything should have been more gradual. Remember, critiques endlessly appreciated! Reviews of any kind are my sustenance. I starve without them.
OO! And, I'm going on vacation in a week, so, if I don't get chapter 27 up by then, I am soooooooooo sorry in advance, and you will have to wait another week. So yes.
HalandLeg4ever: Sorry, no more romance! Perhaps later I will check in with Tirdin and Nifien every so often, but don't expect too much more of it.
Ankhesanamun: Guess what? I spelt your name for the first time without looking at it every second letter. HAHA! And I know very well how you feel. I have a normal upper-body, but OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO no, my legs just won't grow!
Lady of the Forest1: Enough surprise for you? And what was really strange, was I hadn't even planned Tirdin's past until I wrote it.
Merrylyn: Good that you adore Tirdin! But he is MINE! *draws Tirdin into protective bear-hug, leaving Legolas feeling quite left out and confused * I have an idea for a prequel to this, that will be Tirdin's story. So, when I'm done this, it will not be the last of him! And, I'm getting hungry for more physical angst. Perhaps battle-wounds, perhaps something more . . .supernatural, shall we say? Heh. Glad you liked it. And I LOVE long reviews! I find myself bored these days, and no matter what the level of rambling, long reviews are ALWAYS appreciated.
Irish QT: Heh, glad I have a devoted reader! More Uruk-Hai butt kicking to come!
Sirithiliel: Sorry it took me a while to get around to your fic. But I did get there, right? Heh.
Mrs. Isaacs: LONG REVIEWS RULE! No need to apologize, and side note: my time is not precious, it is meaningless and boring. Ergo, pleeeeeeeeeeeease review all you like and ramble all you wish.
Zelda: Wow, I am honoured you put my fic on your website! Ah yes, the killer pop-up ads. I think they're trying to kill us all.
That's all for now, kiddies! Until next time, TOODLES!
~Searcher of Souls~
RIGHT! This is part one of Helms Deep, next part coming soon. I decided to divide it into two chapters, lest I not be able to update again before I leave. So yes. Here it is! It's kind of awkward in some places, not my best, but whatever, at least it's a chapter.
* * *
Aragorn watched in amusement as Gimli struggled to get on the suit of chain mail. They were nearly the last in the armoury, gathering their weapons and choosing armour. Finally, the suit made its way over Gimli's head and fell over his body, only to gather in good amount at his feet. A wry grin etched itself over Aragorn's face.
"It's a little tight across the chest," Gimli said. Aragorn fought back his laughter.
Suddenly, there was the sound of a horn blowing, and both heads turned in its direction.
"That is no orc horn."
Aragorn raced up the stairs, leaving Gimli to struggle with his armour, praying, praying it was what he thought it was.
All of Helms Deep was roused then, and stared in awe at the spectacle laid before them. Through the gates, the force marched, banner held high and horn announcing their arrival. They were cloaked in a deep purpley- blue that matched a common night sky, unlike the stormy one that loomed presently overhead. Their hoods shadowed their faces, but Aragorn could see their fair complexion. He knew that these were elves. Racing over the battlements, he sought their leader.
Theoden watched in awe of the elves, marching into Helms Deep. "How is this possible?" he muttered to himself, knowing that none had called for aid.
A golden-haired elf stepped forward, clad in armour, with no hood to hide his face. "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell," he began. "An allegiance once existed between elves and men. Long ago, we fought and died together." He raised his eyes to see Aragorn racing towards him. He grinned. "We come to honour that allegiance."
"Mae govannen, Haldir!"
Many heads turned to watch Aragorn run forward, a look of such relief and joy on his face that the rest could not help but share in his happiness.
Aragorn put both his hands on Haldir's shoulders, an incurable smile dancing over his features. "You are most welcome." He pulled Haldir into an embrace, and Haldir stiffened, surprised by such an action. But he relaxed, and returned it.
From behind Haldir, one soldier grinned a bit. Then the whole army turned as one to face Theoden and his people, and Aragorn caught the soldier's grin. Haldir was saying something to Theoden, but Aragorn took no notice. He stepped closer to the elf soldier. He knew that grin. He knew those lips; he had known them all his life. As he came closer, he caught the glimmer of blue eyes from beneath the hood, and the shimmer of golden hair. It had to be him, it had to be! But it couldn't . . .but it had to . . .
"Legolas . . .?"
The elf pulled down his hood. The shadow cleared his face and he was left grinning like mad at his lifelong friend.
"A Elbereth, Legolas!" Aragorn cried, and wrapped his arms about his friend, pulling him towards him and squeezing him tight, afraid to let him go. Legolas in turn embraced his friend, finally finding the comfort he needed. It had been far too long since their last meeting. Speechless, they bothered not with tales and questions; those could wait. And so they remained there, tight in the arms of each other.
* * *
Gimli walked calmly about the battlements, wondering where Aragorn had run off to. Probably speaking with the elves, he thought with disdain. But then he stopped; stopped and stared.
There was Aragorn, standing in the middle of the fortress, tight in the desperate embrace of this slight, frail creature.
So the elf had survived . . .
Gimli stared in silence for a moment. He recalled the grief and the anger of the elves and of Aragorn when Legolas had been taken. It was true, he had no idea what that kind of darkness could do to an elf. But here he was, bow strung over his back, overflowing quiver, and twin elven blades. As Aragorn and Legolas released, and walked away to find a place on the battlements, Gimli caught a slight limp in Legolas' stride. He knew well the swift healing native to elves . . .and if Legolas still held a limp . . .
What evil could have befallen him at Isengard?
He found no desire to greet Legolas, but he found that he could not openly hate the prince either. Though he stubbornly would not admit it, in his heart he knew it: This elf deserved far more respect than Gimli owed him.
* * *
The army of elves was slowly filling in the battlement walls, inspecting their bows, sharpening their blades, and stocking their quivers. Aragorn led Legolas around, showing him the various entrances and exits, staircases and chambers. When again they had resumed their search for an appropriate station on the wall, Legolas found himself uncomfortably shooting quick, nervous glances at Aragorn.
"Why do you keep looking at me?"
Aragorn hastily turned away and felt colour come to his face. "Sorry, it's just . . .it's just when I left Lothlorien . . ." he stopped. He turned again and looked Legolas directly in the eyes, and spoke a little softer. "I thought I'd loose you."
Legolas looked back down, making sure to avoid the scattered items on the ground. He grinned. "You are going to have to try a lot harder to get rid of me than that, my old friend."
They both laughed. It sounded good in their ears, to hear their voices together again.
Suddenly Legolas saw Gimli walking absently towards them. It was dark out by now, but Legolas' sight could make out every detail: his tangled beard, his bright eyes, his many battle-axes. And, he noted quietly to himself, an elf could have heard his footsteps from twenty leagues away.
Gimli knew he was approaching the elf. Unconsciously he raised his chin and walked proudly up to them. Not quite sure what to say, they stood facing each other for a couple awkward seconds. Then he opened his mouth, the usual insults he would say to any elf floating on his tongue, but he stopped himself. This wasn't an ordinary elf. He shut his mouth and started again.
"It is well to have you back among us, Legolas Greenleaf."
And Legolas nearly started at the sincerity and the formality in the dwarf's words. Was this really the dwarf he had set out with from Rivendell? It took him a moment to recover and choose his words."
"It is good to be back, master dwarf."
Gimli and Aragorn talked shortly, mostly of the battle to come, and then they went their separate ways. Legolas leaned over to mutter into Aragorn's ear.
"Some things certainly have changed considerably since I left you."
Aragorn grinned. "He rides horses too." Aragorn nearly collapsed in laughter at the shock on Legolas' face. "We met with the Rohirrim, and they gave us two horses. I saw no use in wasting the second . . ."
Laughter lit up Legolas' features. He thumped Aragorn on the back. "Alas! you are so cruel, Aragorn, so cruel."
* * *
The warriors of Helms Deep were silent. The sky was darkening with every passing minute, and the heavy stomping of the enemy army approached in a sense of inevitable doom.
Legolas was standing next to Gimli, regrettably, and Aragorn had taken a position as commander for the elves. Haldir stood on the opposite end of the wall with still more elven warriors.
They could see the Uruk-Hai now. It was difficult not to see them, their numbers were so vast. Legolas could sense the fear in men and elves alike. He knew this was not the place for an elven army. This was Theoden's war. But here they were, facing the creatures that would surely eliminate them all.
He couldn't help but wonder, as the battle drew nearer, how he would fare. How would he look at an orc now, how could he kill one? Would he even be able to, or would he fail them all?
Suddenly lightening flashed, and Legolas saw clearly the endless, lurching sea of spears and shields, all painted with the white hand of Saruman.
Gimli looked up at Legolas when the lightening flashed and lit the scene. He saw the fear on the elf's face, and knew that he was desperately trying to hide it. He understood that Legolas was afraid. His tormentor was after him again, and what did Gimli know? Maybe some of these beasts would recognize the elf. Maybe they would pay extra attention to him.
Any other time, he would have shrugged off the matter and mocked it.
He leaned closer to the tall elf beside him, and muttered, not bothering to raise his voice with the knowledge of the keen elven hearing.
"It's alright to be afraid. But be strong and afraid."
Legolas looked down at the dwarf, unmistakable surprise written on his features. Gimli had to admit he surprised even himself by saying that. What was he doing here, offering encouragement to an elf? The son of one of his father's most hated foe, no less.
Legolas wondered at Gimli for a moment. Where was the dwarf in him? Where was the mocking, taunting side, which would have shoved him off the battlements by now? Changes had indeed come over the dwarf. And Legolas felt changes come over him, then. For those had been wise words, and truly encouraging. He found he could no longer hate the dwarf directly.
They waited on in silence, until the Uruk-Hai came to a halt before the stone walls of Helms Deep. Aragorn's voice rang clear over the battlements.
"A Eruchin, u-dano i faelas a hyn, an uben tanatha le faelas!" Show them no mercy, for you shall receive none!
Legolas wondered just how much mercy he would show . . .and how much he would receive.
Silence descended on both armies. Rain tapped on armour and shields, and thunder crashed in the dark, dark sky.
"What's going on out there?" Gimli's frustrated voice broke through the thick air.
Legolas grinned to himself. Perhaps this dwarf was a blessing . . .a blessing in disguise-and a good one at that! "Would you like me to describe it to you," he started, and felt Gimli's annoyed eyes on him, "or would you like me to find you a box?"
Gimli looked at him for a moment. And then he laughed.
The Uruk-Hai began stamping their long shafted spears on the ground, and banging them against their armour and shields.
{This is it, elfling. Time to prove yourself.}
Legolas glanced down the wall, and saw Aragorn draw his sword. The elven warriors put their feathered arrows to their bows, and Legolas joined them.
{What am I trying to prove?}
The Uruk-Hai were growing more anxious for battle, and clattered their weapons louder and faster and faster.
Suddenly, an arrow, not an elven arrow, Legolas was glad to note, streaked through the rain and night air, and buried itself in one of the creatures' necks. Silence descended. The orc fell to the earth, dead.
"DARTHO!" Aragorn yelled out for them to hold their fire, obvious anger in his voice. But it was too late. The Uruk-Hai roared in rage, and charged forward.
{Prove that you are either a kin-slayer, or a traitor to your allies and friends.}
"Faeg I-varv . . .din na lanc a nu ranc," Legolas muttered, more to keep his mind away from the voice. This was it. He either fought, or he didn't.
"LEITHIO I PHILINN!" Despite the noise, Legolas heard Aragorn's order clearly enough, and only because everyone around him was, he loosed his arrow. He didn't watch to see it hit an uruk square in the chest.
"Anyone hit anything?" Gimli asked, fidgeting restlessly. Legolas didn't answer. Aragorn was giving the order to fire as they wished, and arrows streaked past him into the night, and Legolas had to watch as the creatures fell.
Gimli was practically running in circles now, waiting for the first of the enemy to reach his axe. "Send them to me! Come on!"
Legolas hadn't fired another arrow yet.
"PENDRAITH!" came the cry, as ladders knocked against the deepening wall.
Gimli's laughter might have sounded insane, but Legolas took no notice. "Good!" came the dwarf's gruff shout as the first orc showed its face. With one swipe of his axe, Gimli sent that face flying quite separate from its body.
Aragorn called for them to draw their swords. Legolas watched as the elves around him slew orc after orc. He winced as they fell at his feet. Unsheathing his twin white knives, he prowled about the wall, trying to avoid fights. But one uruk closed in on him, and Legolas merely backed away, until he was braced against the end of the wall. The uruk grinned a cruel, delighted grin, and he approached Legolas quickly, raised his sword over his head, and began to let it fall.
But Legolas' desire to live was stronger than anything else. Faster than anything the orc could have pulled off, Legolas lunged with his knife, and the uruk slumped forward, a shocked look on its dead face. No one heard the elf whimper. No one saw the pain on his face as he withdrew the knife from the creature's belly.
{That's one . . .}
{Not . . . . .now . . .}
Legolas was ducking blows and fending off orc after orc, and struggling against his mind all at once. He didn't slay another one. He merely shoved them away harshly enough that they did not return.
Gimli's voice made its way to Legolas' ears. "Two already!" he boasted loudly.
Legolas thought fast. If the dwarf wanted competition, competition he would have. "I'm on seventeen!" he lied quite convincingly.
Disbelief shot its way through Gimli's rough face. "What? I'll have no pointy-ears outscoring me!"
Legolas knocked two uruks to the floor. They didn't die, but they didn't move. "Nineteen!"
But the ladders seemed to have no end of uruks ascending them, and as face after face appeared, Gimli had a good system working for him, as he beheaded orc after orc, his count ascending rapidly.
A spark of light below caught Legolas' eye. He looked down. An uruk was sprinting towards the wall with a sparkling torch in hand.
Aragorn saw it too. "Togo han dad, Legolas!"
Legolas strung an arrow to his bow and aimed fast.
{Are you going to kill him?}
Caught off-guard, the arrow missed and buried itself in the orcs shoulder. It continued its course.
Aragorn cried desperately at him. "DAGO HAN! DAGO HAN!"
{Are you going to kill him?}
The next arrow missed too. Legolas winced.
{Ai, what must he think of me now?}
The beast threw himself into the deepening wall. Legolas gasped as a great explosion shook the great fortress, and men, elves, and stone soared through the air.
{That was where Aragorn was standing . . .}
{You see that, elfling? You did that.}
Legolas winced again.
{Are you siding with your elf-kin now?}
Legolas looked around at the men and elves fighting their way through the uruk-hai.
{Are you betraying your friends?}
Legolas watched as Haldir moved past him, cutting down orc after orc after orc.
{Whom are you sided with now? Kin or friend?}
Then Legolas looked at the ugly, so un-elf-like creatures murdering valiant elves and brave men. He came to a decision then. He ran forward, brandished his knife, and drove it into the nearest ones belly.
{They are not my kin. They are orcs.}
And the voice was silent.
And that made Legolas even more frightened.
* * *
Part Two of Helms Deep Coming Soon
* * *
There we go. That's only part one! Part two will come soon. Already have some scenes planned out. SO. I'm not the greatest at fight scenes, but you can't exactly avoid Helms Deep, now, can you? Some things happened in this chapter I did not expect. And, of course, it is movie-verse, for purposes necessary to the fic. I may have moved too fast at some points in this chapter. Tell me if you think everything should have been more gradual. Remember, critiques endlessly appreciated! Reviews of any kind are my sustenance. I starve without them.
OO! And, I'm going on vacation in a week, so, if I don't get chapter 27 up by then, I am soooooooooo sorry in advance, and you will have to wait another week. So yes.
HalandLeg4ever: Sorry, no more romance! Perhaps later I will check in with Tirdin and Nifien every so often, but don't expect too much more of it.
Ankhesanamun: Guess what? I spelt your name for the first time without looking at it every second letter. HAHA! And I know very well how you feel. I have a normal upper-body, but OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO no, my legs just won't grow!
Lady of the Forest1: Enough surprise for you? And what was really strange, was I hadn't even planned Tirdin's past until I wrote it.
Merrylyn: Good that you adore Tirdin! But he is MINE! *draws Tirdin into protective bear-hug, leaving Legolas feeling quite left out and confused * I have an idea for a prequel to this, that will be Tirdin's story. So, when I'm done this, it will not be the last of him! And, I'm getting hungry for more physical angst. Perhaps battle-wounds, perhaps something more . . .supernatural, shall we say? Heh. Glad you liked it. And I LOVE long reviews! I find myself bored these days, and no matter what the level of rambling, long reviews are ALWAYS appreciated.
Irish QT: Heh, glad I have a devoted reader! More Uruk-Hai butt kicking to come!
Sirithiliel: Sorry it took me a while to get around to your fic. But I did get there, right? Heh.
Mrs. Isaacs: LONG REVIEWS RULE! No need to apologize, and side note: my time is not precious, it is meaningless and boring. Ergo, pleeeeeeeeeeeease review all you like and ramble all you wish.
Zelda: Wow, I am honoured you put my fic on your website! Ah yes, the killer pop-up ads. I think they're trying to kill us all.
That's all for now, kiddies! Until next time, TOODLES!
~Searcher of Souls~