Disclaimer: I own nothing. Well, I do own some things. But nothing
here. Sadly.
A/N: Well, what is this? A quick update? Have aliens taken over soulsearcher's body? NO! I really, really and truly am alive and well and updating! Well, with no further delay, I give you . . .HELMS DEEP! Part II. I think you'll like one particular thing I did here . . .
* * *
Legolas saw both Gimli and Aragorn leave the Deepening Wall for the swarming orcs below. He grabbed a discarded orcish shield and set it on the stairs. He stepped back, then leaped onto it, as it clattered down the steps, firing arrows as he went. When it came to a jerking halt at the bottom, he used the momentum to run forward, and drove the arrow in his hand into an orc's belly.
The battle grew more and more fierce as the warriors got warmed up. Uruk-hai fell at Legolas' feet, even as he dodged over and around already dead allies and foe alike.
He saw Gimli fiercely defending himself and dispatching orcs by the handful. But behind the Dwarf a foolish Uruk-hai was rushing towards him. Gimli appeared not to notice. Fast as lightening, Legolas strung an arrow to his bow and let it fly.
Gimli felt the wind as the elven arrow narrowly missed his ear. He shot Legolas a confused look. "Are you trying to kill me?" he shouted.
Legolas made his way to Gimli's side. "Master Dwarf, you have two sides, your front and your back. I suggest you defend both."
With that, the elven warrior leaped away and twirled off, firing his arrows and never missing. He was fully into the battle now, and the voice was silent. These uruk-hai, these beasts, were not his kin. Perhaps they had been a long time ago, but they were not so any longer. They had been blinded by evil, and they had accepted it. Legolas could not help but hate them for their deception, even if it was unfair. But he also felt a considerable amount of pity; for he knew partially what the first of them had gone through. But they had been weak, and this was their price.
Legolas ducked under a sword and flipped out his twin elven blades. He quickly spotted the unprotected area on the uruk-hai's neck. As it brought its sword back around, Legolas shuffled backwards, out of the way of the swing. He tossed one knife so that he held it by its tip. With one flick of his wrist, he sent the blade spinning through the air, and catching the uruk in the throat. Even as it fell to the ground, Legolas retrieved the blade, and dove further into the onslaught.
Through the jolting sea of weapons and armour, Legolas managed to catch Haldir's eye, who was still on the Deepening Wall. Haldir's eyes were concerned, as if inquiring how Legolas fared. Legolas grinned. He felt the hot breath of the uruk-hai at his back. He turned his knife in his hand and swept it behind him, driving it deep into the creature's middle. How's a dead orc for an answer? he thought.
A mock look of impression passed Haldir's face. He swung out his sword, pivoting in a full circle, and in doing so severing more than one enemy head.
Legolas laughed loudly, and looked for an orc to practice another move on. He brandished his knives on either side of his foe, and swept them each through the neck, crossing over each other as they went. The two elves competed fiercely, each successfully outdoing the other in a magnificent contest of seasoned skills. The elves moved with flowing grace, inspiring deadly awe in the enemy. Legolas admired Haldir's skill with the sword. Neither had seen the other fight for many, many years. But Legolas was being driven away by the tides of battle, and soon their light-hearted game came to an end.
As Legolas moved further and further through Helms Deep, he noticed that there were fewer men and elves around him, yet the numbers of the enemy did not dwindle. The elf prince found himself fending off more and more uruk-hai at a time.
More uruk-hai threw themselves at Legolas, and still more gathered. Soon he found himself surrounded on all sides by the beasts, their eyes hungry for the elf. Horrible memories began to reoccur to him as he battled, of the times the orcs had gathered around him, and beaten him until he could barely move. Places where the bruises had long since faded began to throb, limbs that had healed began to ache. Threads of panic weaved through Legolas' mind as the pain and terror resurfaced. His knives deflected blow after blow. The panic grew with every movement. He could not let these creatures ever touch him, ever hurt him again.
Yet suddenly an unexpected move made its way past Legolas' defences. A rough steel blade struck Legolas deep on his cheek. In horror he saw the blade pull away tainted with rich elven blood.
Legolas' panic skyrocketed. He began to move faster and faster, his movements a blur. The sight of his own blood spilt by an orc brought forth even more memories. Images flashed through his mind of the greedy orcs snapping their whips over his shoulders; he remembered the first time, when they had used the chain . . .he felt his chest begin to hurt. He remembered the sick laughter and the cruel delight, and they became all too real, as he whirled around desperately, terror dancing unveiled over his being. The blood from his slashed cheek trickled to the corner of his lips, the metallic taste exploding in his mouth.
In his panic, his movements became more hurried, his attacks more clumsy. More than once his defences failed, and he obtained several more cuts. The men around him had either fled or been slain. The elves too were gone. Legolas was alone.
Suddenly, in a very uncharacteristic wish, Legolas wanted someone to come for him. For he had come to realize that no one was there. No one would help him. This would be his end. He would die here, alone.
{I cannot die here!}
Maybe, had he not been so terror-ridden, so desperate and panicked, maybe he would have noticed the whistle through the air. But he did not hear it sing, he did not see it fly. It hit him hard, but he hardly felt it.
* * *
Haldir had moved further down the wall. From the height, he could see well Legolas' dire plight. Hurriedly he sought a way down, so that he could aid Legolas. His quiver had run dry, and there were still orcs on the wall to be felled. Every chance he had, he was watching Legolas carefully.
Suddenly, one orc caught his eye. It had strung a long, black arrow to its cruel bow. Alarm struck Haldir. He looked frantically for a discarded arrow, but he was too slow. He heard the twang of the bowstring, and looked up just in time to see the dart burry itself deep in the back of Legolas' right shoulder. Legolas staggered a little, but faltered not other than that, his defence not slowing. He appeared not to even have felt it; no pain crossed his desperate face.
Haldir realized just how terrible these circumstances were for the elf prince. Again Legolas was at the mercy of evil, and again he was wounded by it.
He pulled an elven arrow from a dead orc, took down the archer who had shot Legolas, and looked even more desperately for a way down.
* * *
Gimli watched the elven captain shoot, and followed the missile's flight. It took down an orcish archer. But that wasn't the last of them. The dwarf spotted another archer, on the opposite side of the swarming sea. He saw it string its own arrow and fire.
The dwarf ran towards it, eager to add another few notches to his axe.
* * *
Legolas felt his chances fading. Adrenaline kept his muscles working, but he knew he couldn't keep it up forever.
{IcannotdiehereIcannotdiehereIcannothere}
Out of nowhere Legolas felt the second arrow of the night strike him. He staggered back, but did not slow. He hardly felt the pain of any of his wounds.
An orc lashed out at him, and Legolas jumped back, only to have to dance away again from a spear at his back. He kept up his elusive dance, feeling his tunic rip and flesh tear more than once.
A great battle cry suddenly pierced the air, and the rough voice could only belong to one. Gimli came crashing through the orcs, clearing a path. He saw Legolas in the centre, somewhat surprised, and made his way to the elf.
"Now, you listen here, Elf. There are four sides: your front and back, and your left and right," he chided, knocking away orcs at Legolas' back. Legolas was intensely thankful to see the dwarf, and he was glad that Gimli could not see the relief on his face. He was sure that Gimli hadn't noticed Legolas' wounds, and wanted it to stay that way.
Haldir watched the dwarf in bewilderment. It eluded him completely just what exactly went through the stunted creature's mind.
But he saw what Gimli did not. Legolas' movements were beginning to slow, no matter how slightly. Making one final decision, he stepped back from the edge of the wall. Drawing a deep breath, he sprinted forward, and leaped from the wall, plunging into the churning ocean of orcs below.
Legolas heard behind him the screams of dying orcs. The sound wasn't loud enough to come from Gimli's axe, but it was close enough to bring him hope.
Over time, the sea around them thinned, until they were free to move around, cutting down the last remaining orcs. Legolas thanked the Valar vigorously in his mind, for he surely would have been slain had it not been for Gimli.
. . .And Haldir!
He glimpsed the Lothlorien elf to his right, working his swordplay over some unfortunate Uruk-hai. Legolas grinned, and felled the orc before him.
At last came a time when Legolas could stop. He bent over, putting his hands on his thighs and breathed heavily. Panic left him as energy- loss and feeling returned. The arrow wound in his shoulder burned terribly, but he second one was worse. It had caught him in the upper right arm, and it hurt like it shouldn't have. The skin around it felt like it was crawling, and it seared with a sensation that mad him dizzy. It hadn't gone all the way through, but it nudged against the bone. Though that did add a considerable amount of pain, it was not what hurt him so.
Haldir raced over to his panting friend. "Legolas! Legolas, are you all right?"
"I'm fine," the prince gasped. But Haldir knew better than to heed those infamous words.
"Hold still . . ." He snapped the shaft of the first arrow shorter, resulting in a suppressed grunt of pain. When he snapped the shaft of the one in his arm, Legolas jerked away in a violent involuntary movement, cradling his arm tenderly.
"Sorry," Haldir apologized.
"Not your fault."
Next Gimli ran over. He looked overly proud of himself, and Legolas knew his count had risen drastically. He was about to say something, but stopped. His face fell when he looked at Legolas.
"Master Legolas! When did-"
"Don't know," Legolas gasped. Now it occurred to him, he couldn't quite recall his battle clearly. Just a jumble of terror and images.
He grimaced, and fell to his knees suddenly. Haldir ran to him grasping him gently by his shoulders. "Legolas, stay with me!"
But Legolas only fell forward. His hands went out to catch himself, but when the weight landed on his right arm, he cried out and collapsed. He moaned quietly, as if only to himself. He was tired, and didn't want to get up.
Haldir looped his hands under his friend's arms, hoisting him to his feet. "You're not leaving me now."
Legolas held up a hand in protest, but did not resist to Haldir's aid. "I'm alright . . .just . . .tired." But Legolas met Haldir's eyes. They were lit with a grave understanding.
Both knew the second arrow had been poisoned.
Legolas turned quickly away from that accusing gaze, only to meet Gimli's worried and confused face.
"Let us go and seek out Aragorn." He forced his voice to be stronger. His two companions nodded, and they turned to seek out the man.
"Wait . . ." Haldir stopped them. He walked over to Legolas, and put his hands on the arrow in his arm. Legolas shut his eyes tight and nodded. Haldir tugged out the arrow, and Legolas cried out, stumbling forward, his face twisted. Haldir put a hand on his shoulder, and Legolas stood upright again. Ripping off a long piece of material from his own tunic, Legolas bound the wound tightly. They would leave the other one, for fear of more bleeding. But that one had to have gone, lest the venom continue to come.
Legolas saw Gimli's startled expression, and grinned to reassure the dwarf. Gimli probably didn't know about the poison, and waved them forwards. "Let's get moving!" he said roughly, and they moved on.
Haldir said nothing, respecting Legolas' wish. Legolas would never let himself be held back by injuries; he would never sit idly by in battle, and Haldir knew it was useless to argue, for Legolas hated to receive sympathy, and even more so, pity. So Haldir was silent. But he never left Legolas' side.
When they rejoined the heat of the battle, Aragorn's voice could be clearly heard above the clatter. "Nan Barad! Nan Barad!" He cried, and men ran past him to the keep. He spotted Haldir. "Haldir! Nan Barad!"
Haldir nodded quickly, and began to fight his way towards it. But a swift blow caught his right side, and he staggered momentarily. Legolas saw another orc come up behind him and raise his weapon.
{That cannot happen.}
He dived at Haldir shoving him out of the way, and the blade hit stone. Haldir looked at him in silent thanks.
"Sorry if I hurt you," Legolas said, with a smile. But Haldir merely shook his head. Legolas lifted the captain to his feet. Haldir leaned heavily on Legolas, and they made their way to the keep.
* * *
Aragorn came up to Theoden, and glanced at the shaky gate and struggling men. Theoden gave the order to brace the gate. Aragorn looked to Theoden.
"How long do you need?"
"As long as you can give me."
Aragorn nodded and hurried off, snagging Gimli and dragging him in the opposite direction he had been going.
"Ach, what are you doing, there laddie?" he cried, struggling against Aragorn's hold.
Aragorn released him. "You are coming with me," he said, leaving no room for argument, and they carried on. Quickly enough they found a side gate that the orcs had not yet found. It was a long distance from where they stood to the attacking orcs. Gimli looked at them, and compared them to those Legolas had been fighting. "Oh, come on, we can take 'em!"
Aragorn looked curiously at the dwarf. He glanced to the gap between them and the enemy, and back at Gimli. "It's a long way."
He let Gimli think for a while. Quietly, and with great reluctance, the dwarf spoke. "Toss me."
"What?" Aragorn laughed, recalling the incident in Moria. He had heard the dwarf, but he wanted to hear it again.
"I cannot jump the distance so you'll have to toss me!" said Gimli angrily, knowing Aragorn had heard him the first time. Aragorn grabbed Gimli by the shoulders. "Ehhh . . ." Aragorn stopped. "Don't tell the elf," he pleaded.
Aragorn smiled. "Not a word." And he hurled Gimli into the swarming orcs, and leaped after him. They battled well, slaughtering many of the beasts. It wasn't long before Aragorn heard Theoden call through the gate, "Gimli! Aragorn! Get out of there!'
Both looked around them for a way out, but to no avail. Suddenly both were lifted up by an orc.
"Aragorn!" came a voice from above, and both looked up to see Legolas tossing a rope to them. Aragorn bashed the orc in the ribs, forcing it to let go. He and Gimli grabbed onto the rope, and with Haldir helping Legolas as much as he could, they were pulled to safely.
Aragorn noticed Legolas' wound. He glanced from the arrow to Legolas' face, in silent question. But Legolas said nothing, but smiled, and looped Haldir's arm over his shoulder, letting the elf lean on him. Then all four of them turned back to the battle. But suddenly a great cry went up among the enemy. They had finally broken through the gate. Shouts went up all around them to pull back, to retreat, to get into the keep.
The four looked at each other worriedly, but set off to the keep. Legolas ran along firing the last of his arrows, and keeping Haldir on his feet. Gimli swung at orcs that leered a little too close, and Aragorn covered their back.
When they reached Theoden and the others within, the resounding booms of a ram against the inner door was already threatening them. Aragorn went to Theoden.
"The fortress is taken. It is over."
Legolas picked up Theoden's despairing words as he let go of a dazed Haldir and propped him up against the wall. Aragorn's angry shouts came next.
"You said this would never fall while your men defend it. They still defend it! They have died defending it!"
Legolas found a table and ran it over to the door as a brace. Theoden didn't respond to Aragorn.
"Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves?" Aragorn asked. Gamling hesitated and no answer came. "Is there no other way?" Aragorn repeated, louder and more irate. Finally Gamling spoke of a passage into the mountains, and Aragorn sent the order for them to get moving, and also for them to barricade the entrance.
"So much death . . ." Theoden spoke suddenly. "What can men do against such reckless hate?"
Aragorn looked at the hopeless king. "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them."
The idea seemed to strike Theoden, and some life returned to his dazed manner. "For death and glory."
"For Rohan. For your people."
Legolas watched as vigour slowly returned to the King. He wondered how the man had lost hope so easily. He watched Gimli run up the tower, and listened as the earth-shaking sound of the Horn of Helm Hammerhand sounded in the Deep. Horses were brought to those remaining. Legolas pulled Haldir onto his horse, holding him in front.
Suddenly the orcs broke down the door, only to be met with the tiny army on horseback.
"FORTH EORLINGAS!" cried Theoden. The three of them rode out, clearing a path for those without horses to follow. Legolas spun his knives on either side of him, managing to balance Haldir amid the slaughter.
Suddenly, a bright light to the east shone in the corner of Legolas' vision. At first, he presumed it was the rising sun. But when he turned to face it, it proved far, far different.
There stood an older man, clothed in white robes, light streaming from his being and down the slope upon which he stood. At first, Legolas thought for a frightened moment that it was Saruman. But no, as he looked closer, the face was familiar, and the sparkle in the eyes was warm.
There was Gandalf.
Legolas nearly forgot where he was and what he was doing. How had Gandalf returned? He looked at Aragorn, but found no surprise in his face . . .merely joy. Suddenly, behind the wizard rode up many warriors, mounted upon horses. They held spears and swords, and their shields bore the mark of the Rohirrim.
They galloped down the impossibly steep slope, leaping over the spears of the orcs, clashing with the enemy. Legolas was brought back to reality, and fought on with renewed vigour. Haldir muttered something, but Legolas didn't hear it. He leaned closer to Haldir's face.
"Have I died?"
Legolas looked around. Haldir must have lost consciousness somewhere along the way. The newcomers were driving the orcs away. The enemy was retreating.
"No, Haldir!" Legolas cried in joy, almost laughing. "We have won!"
* * *
HAHA! HALDIR LIVES! How could I let him die, seriously?! I'm not THAT sadistic!
GGJ: More enough for you?
Lady of the Forest1: You can change your name if you go to settings on your login screen. Maybe just add on a word, or a lucky number. Capitalization works too.
Merrylyn: I think we're making Legolas jealous with our Tirdin- obsessivness. Hehe. Poor little elffies. You're a bit of a Haldir fan, aren't you? Well, HALDIR LIVES! HAHA!
Pirate-chicha: Interesting spelling of reunion. Heh.
Boromir: Alright, I hurried! Fast enough for you?
Coolio02: Thanks for reviewing!
Kaimelieamin: Oh my god, YOU'RE BACK! Wow, where'd you go? *hands SUHET bumpersticker and patch *
Sirithiliel: Gimli's a fun character to write. The comic-relief dwarf.
I'm going on vacation to Kelowna on Sunday for a week. I'll try to write a bit while I'm out there, but don't expect a fast update this time! Sorry, but vacations happen. ^.^
Namarie!
Please be kind and leave a review!
~Searcher of Souls~
A/N: Well, what is this? A quick update? Have aliens taken over soulsearcher's body? NO! I really, really and truly am alive and well and updating! Well, with no further delay, I give you . . .HELMS DEEP! Part II. I think you'll like one particular thing I did here . . .
* * *
Legolas saw both Gimli and Aragorn leave the Deepening Wall for the swarming orcs below. He grabbed a discarded orcish shield and set it on the stairs. He stepped back, then leaped onto it, as it clattered down the steps, firing arrows as he went. When it came to a jerking halt at the bottom, he used the momentum to run forward, and drove the arrow in his hand into an orc's belly.
The battle grew more and more fierce as the warriors got warmed up. Uruk-hai fell at Legolas' feet, even as he dodged over and around already dead allies and foe alike.
He saw Gimli fiercely defending himself and dispatching orcs by the handful. But behind the Dwarf a foolish Uruk-hai was rushing towards him. Gimli appeared not to notice. Fast as lightening, Legolas strung an arrow to his bow and let it fly.
Gimli felt the wind as the elven arrow narrowly missed his ear. He shot Legolas a confused look. "Are you trying to kill me?" he shouted.
Legolas made his way to Gimli's side. "Master Dwarf, you have two sides, your front and your back. I suggest you defend both."
With that, the elven warrior leaped away and twirled off, firing his arrows and never missing. He was fully into the battle now, and the voice was silent. These uruk-hai, these beasts, were not his kin. Perhaps they had been a long time ago, but they were not so any longer. They had been blinded by evil, and they had accepted it. Legolas could not help but hate them for their deception, even if it was unfair. But he also felt a considerable amount of pity; for he knew partially what the first of them had gone through. But they had been weak, and this was their price.
Legolas ducked under a sword and flipped out his twin elven blades. He quickly spotted the unprotected area on the uruk-hai's neck. As it brought its sword back around, Legolas shuffled backwards, out of the way of the swing. He tossed one knife so that he held it by its tip. With one flick of his wrist, he sent the blade spinning through the air, and catching the uruk in the throat. Even as it fell to the ground, Legolas retrieved the blade, and dove further into the onslaught.
Through the jolting sea of weapons and armour, Legolas managed to catch Haldir's eye, who was still on the Deepening Wall. Haldir's eyes were concerned, as if inquiring how Legolas fared. Legolas grinned. He felt the hot breath of the uruk-hai at his back. He turned his knife in his hand and swept it behind him, driving it deep into the creature's middle. How's a dead orc for an answer? he thought.
A mock look of impression passed Haldir's face. He swung out his sword, pivoting in a full circle, and in doing so severing more than one enemy head.
Legolas laughed loudly, and looked for an orc to practice another move on. He brandished his knives on either side of his foe, and swept them each through the neck, crossing over each other as they went. The two elves competed fiercely, each successfully outdoing the other in a magnificent contest of seasoned skills. The elves moved with flowing grace, inspiring deadly awe in the enemy. Legolas admired Haldir's skill with the sword. Neither had seen the other fight for many, many years. But Legolas was being driven away by the tides of battle, and soon their light-hearted game came to an end.
As Legolas moved further and further through Helms Deep, he noticed that there were fewer men and elves around him, yet the numbers of the enemy did not dwindle. The elf prince found himself fending off more and more uruk-hai at a time.
More uruk-hai threw themselves at Legolas, and still more gathered. Soon he found himself surrounded on all sides by the beasts, their eyes hungry for the elf. Horrible memories began to reoccur to him as he battled, of the times the orcs had gathered around him, and beaten him until he could barely move. Places where the bruises had long since faded began to throb, limbs that had healed began to ache. Threads of panic weaved through Legolas' mind as the pain and terror resurfaced. His knives deflected blow after blow. The panic grew with every movement. He could not let these creatures ever touch him, ever hurt him again.
Yet suddenly an unexpected move made its way past Legolas' defences. A rough steel blade struck Legolas deep on his cheek. In horror he saw the blade pull away tainted with rich elven blood.
Legolas' panic skyrocketed. He began to move faster and faster, his movements a blur. The sight of his own blood spilt by an orc brought forth even more memories. Images flashed through his mind of the greedy orcs snapping their whips over his shoulders; he remembered the first time, when they had used the chain . . .he felt his chest begin to hurt. He remembered the sick laughter and the cruel delight, and they became all too real, as he whirled around desperately, terror dancing unveiled over his being. The blood from his slashed cheek trickled to the corner of his lips, the metallic taste exploding in his mouth.
In his panic, his movements became more hurried, his attacks more clumsy. More than once his defences failed, and he obtained several more cuts. The men around him had either fled or been slain. The elves too were gone. Legolas was alone.
Suddenly, in a very uncharacteristic wish, Legolas wanted someone to come for him. For he had come to realize that no one was there. No one would help him. This would be his end. He would die here, alone.
{I cannot die here!}
Maybe, had he not been so terror-ridden, so desperate and panicked, maybe he would have noticed the whistle through the air. But he did not hear it sing, he did not see it fly. It hit him hard, but he hardly felt it.
* * *
Haldir had moved further down the wall. From the height, he could see well Legolas' dire plight. Hurriedly he sought a way down, so that he could aid Legolas. His quiver had run dry, and there were still orcs on the wall to be felled. Every chance he had, he was watching Legolas carefully.
Suddenly, one orc caught his eye. It had strung a long, black arrow to its cruel bow. Alarm struck Haldir. He looked frantically for a discarded arrow, but he was too slow. He heard the twang of the bowstring, and looked up just in time to see the dart burry itself deep in the back of Legolas' right shoulder. Legolas staggered a little, but faltered not other than that, his defence not slowing. He appeared not to even have felt it; no pain crossed his desperate face.
Haldir realized just how terrible these circumstances were for the elf prince. Again Legolas was at the mercy of evil, and again he was wounded by it.
He pulled an elven arrow from a dead orc, took down the archer who had shot Legolas, and looked even more desperately for a way down.
* * *
Gimli watched the elven captain shoot, and followed the missile's flight. It took down an orcish archer. But that wasn't the last of them. The dwarf spotted another archer, on the opposite side of the swarming sea. He saw it string its own arrow and fire.
The dwarf ran towards it, eager to add another few notches to his axe.
* * *
Legolas felt his chances fading. Adrenaline kept his muscles working, but he knew he couldn't keep it up forever.
{IcannotdiehereIcannotdiehereIcannothere}
Out of nowhere Legolas felt the second arrow of the night strike him. He staggered back, but did not slow. He hardly felt the pain of any of his wounds.
An orc lashed out at him, and Legolas jumped back, only to have to dance away again from a spear at his back. He kept up his elusive dance, feeling his tunic rip and flesh tear more than once.
A great battle cry suddenly pierced the air, and the rough voice could only belong to one. Gimli came crashing through the orcs, clearing a path. He saw Legolas in the centre, somewhat surprised, and made his way to the elf.
"Now, you listen here, Elf. There are four sides: your front and back, and your left and right," he chided, knocking away orcs at Legolas' back. Legolas was intensely thankful to see the dwarf, and he was glad that Gimli could not see the relief on his face. He was sure that Gimli hadn't noticed Legolas' wounds, and wanted it to stay that way.
Haldir watched the dwarf in bewilderment. It eluded him completely just what exactly went through the stunted creature's mind.
But he saw what Gimli did not. Legolas' movements were beginning to slow, no matter how slightly. Making one final decision, he stepped back from the edge of the wall. Drawing a deep breath, he sprinted forward, and leaped from the wall, plunging into the churning ocean of orcs below.
Legolas heard behind him the screams of dying orcs. The sound wasn't loud enough to come from Gimli's axe, but it was close enough to bring him hope.
Over time, the sea around them thinned, until they were free to move around, cutting down the last remaining orcs. Legolas thanked the Valar vigorously in his mind, for he surely would have been slain had it not been for Gimli.
. . .And Haldir!
He glimpsed the Lothlorien elf to his right, working his swordplay over some unfortunate Uruk-hai. Legolas grinned, and felled the orc before him.
At last came a time when Legolas could stop. He bent over, putting his hands on his thighs and breathed heavily. Panic left him as energy- loss and feeling returned. The arrow wound in his shoulder burned terribly, but he second one was worse. It had caught him in the upper right arm, and it hurt like it shouldn't have. The skin around it felt like it was crawling, and it seared with a sensation that mad him dizzy. It hadn't gone all the way through, but it nudged against the bone. Though that did add a considerable amount of pain, it was not what hurt him so.
Haldir raced over to his panting friend. "Legolas! Legolas, are you all right?"
"I'm fine," the prince gasped. But Haldir knew better than to heed those infamous words.
"Hold still . . ." He snapped the shaft of the first arrow shorter, resulting in a suppressed grunt of pain. When he snapped the shaft of the one in his arm, Legolas jerked away in a violent involuntary movement, cradling his arm tenderly.
"Sorry," Haldir apologized.
"Not your fault."
Next Gimli ran over. He looked overly proud of himself, and Legolas knew his count had risen drastically. He was about to say something, but stopped. His face fell when he looked at Legolas.
"Master Legolas! When did-"
"Don't know," Legolas gasped. Now it occurred to him, he couldn't quite recall his battle clearly. Just a jumble of terror and images.
He grimaced, and fell to his knees suddenly. Haldir ran to him grasping him gently by his shoulders. "Legolas, stay with me!"
But Legolas only fell forward. His hands went out to catch himself, but when the weight landed on his right arm, he cried out and collapsed. He moaned quietly, as if only to himself. He was tired, and didn't want to get up.
Haldir looped his hands under his friend's arms, hoisting him to his feet. "You're not leaving me now."
Legolas held up a hand in protest, but did not resist to Haldir's aid. "I'm alright . . .just . . .tired." But Legolas met Haldir's eyes. They were lit with a grave understanding.
Both knew the second arrow had been poisoned.
Legolas turned quickly away from that accusing gaze, only to meet Gimli's worried and confused face.
"Let us go and seek out Aragorn." He forced his voice to be stronger. His two companions nodded, and they turned to seek out the man.
"Wait . . ." Haldir stopped them. He walked over to Legolas, and put his hands on the arrow in his arm. Legolas shut his eyes tight and nodded. Haldir tugged out the arrow, and Legolas cried out, stumbling forward, his face twisted. Haldir put a hand on his shoulder, and Legolas stood upright again. Ripping off a long piece of material from his own tunic, Legolas bound the wound tightly. They would leave the other one, for fear of more bleeding. But that one had to have gone, lest the venom continue to come.
Legolas saw Gimli's startled expression, and grinned to reassure the dwarf. Gimli probably didn't know about the poison, and waved them forwards. "Let's get moving!" he said roughly, and they moved on.
Haldir said nothing, respecting Legolas' wish. Legolas would never let himself be held back by injuries; he would never sit idly by in battle, and Haldir knew it was useless to argue, for Legolas hated to receive sympathy, and even more so, pity. So Haldir was silent. But he never left Legolas' side.
When they rejoined the heat of the battle, Aragorn's voice could be clearly heard above the clatter. "Nan Barad! Nan Barad!" He cried, and men ran past him to the keep. He spotted Haldir. "Haldir! Nan Barad!"
Haldir nodded quickly, and began to fight his way towards it. But a swift blow caught his right side, and he staggered momentarily. Legolas saw another orc come up behind him and raise his weapon.
{That cannot happen.}
He dived at Haldir shoving him out of the way, and the blade hit stone. Haldir looked at him in silent thanks.
"Sorry if I hurt you," Legolas said, with a smile. But Haldir merely shook his head. Legolas lifted the captain to his feet. Haldir leaned heavily on Legolas, and they made their way to the keep.
* * *
Aragorn came up to Theoden, and glanced at the shaky gate and struggling men. Theoden gave the order to brace the gate. Aragorn looked to Theoden.
"How long do you need?"
"As long as you can give me."
Aragorn nodded and hurried off, snagging Gimli and dragging him in the opposite direction he had been going.
"Ach, what are you doing, there laddie?" he cried, struggling against Aragorn's hold.
Aragorn released him. "You are coming with me," he said, leaving no room for argument, and they carried on. Quickly enough they found a side gate that the orcs had not yet found. It was a long distance from where they stood to the attacking orcs. Gimli looked at them, and compared them to those Legolas had been fighting. "Oh, come on, we can take 'em!"
Aragorn looked curiously at the dwarf. He glanced to the gap between them and the enemy, and back at Gimli. "It's a long way."
He let Gimli think for a while. Quietly, and with great reluctance, the dwarf spoke. "Toss me."
"What?" Aragorn laughed, recalling the incident in Moria. He had heard the dwarf, but he wanted to hear it again.
"I cannot jump the distance so you'll have to toss me!" said Gimli angrily, knowing Aragorn had heard him the first time. Aragorn grabbed Gimli by the shoulders. "Ehhh . . ." Aragorn stopped. "Don't tell the elf," he pleaded.
Aragorn smiled. "Not a word." And he hurled Gimli into the swarming orcs, and leaped after him. They battled well, slaughtering many of the beasts. It wasn't long before Aragorn heard Theoden call through the gate, "Gimli! Aragorn! Get out of there!'
Both looked around them for a way out, but to no avail. Suddenly both were lifted up by an orc.
"Aragorn!" came a voice from above, and both looked up to see Legolas tossing a rope to them. Aragorn bashed the orc in the ribs, forcing it to let go. He and Gimli grabbed onto the rope, and with Haldir helping Legolas as much as he could, they were pulled to safely.
Aragorn noticed Legolas' wound. He glanced from the arrow to Legolas' face, in silent question. But Legolas said nothing, but smiled, and looped Haldir's arm over his shoulder, letting the elf lean on him. Then all four of them turned back to the battle. But suddenly a great cry went up among the enemy. They had finally broken through the gate. Shouts went up all around them to pull back, to retreat, to get into the keep.
The four looked at each other worriedly, but set off to the keep. Legolas ran along firing the last of his arrows, and keeping Haldir on his feet. Gimli swung at orcs that leered a little too close, and Aragorn covered their back.
When they reached Theoden and the others within, the resounding booms of a ram against the inner door was already threatening them. Aragorn went to Theoden.
"The fortress is taken. It is over."
Legolas picked up Theoden's despairing words as he let go of a dazed Haldir and propped him up against the wall. Aragorn's angry shouts came next.
"You said this would never fall while your men defend it. They still defend it! They have died defending it!"
Legolas found a table and ran it over to the door as a brace. Theoden didn't respond to Aragorn.
"Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves?" Aragorn asked. Gamling hesitated and no answer came. "Is there no other way?" Aragorn repeated, louder and more irate. Finally Gamling spoke of a passage into the mountains, and Aragorn sent the order for them to get moving, and also for them to barricade the entrance.
"So much death . . ." Theoden spoke suddenly. "What can men do against such reckless hate?"
Aragorn looked at the hopeless king. "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them."
The idea seemed to strike Theoden, and some life returned to his dazed manner. "For death and glory."
"For Rohan. For your people."
Legolas watched as vigour slowly returned to the King. He wondered how the man had lost hope so easily. He watched Gimli run up the tower, and listened as the earth-shaking sound of the Horn of Helm Hammerhand sounded in the Deep. Horses were brought to those remaining. Legolas pulled Haldir onto his horse, holding him in front.
Suddenly the orcs broke down the door, only to be met with the tiny army on horseback.
"FORTH EORLINGAS!" cried Theoden. The three of them rode out, clearing a path for those without horses to follow. Legolas spun his knives on either side of him, managing to balance Haldir amid the slaughter.
Suddenly, a bright light to the east shone in the corner of Legolas' vision. At first, he presumed it was the rising sun. But when he turned to face it, it proved far, far different.
There stood an older man, clothed in white robes, light streaming from his being and down the slope upon which he stood. At first, Legolas thought for a frightened moment that it was Saruman. But no, as he looked closer, the face was familiar, and the sparkle in the eyes was warm.
There was Gandalf.
Legolas nearly forgot where he was and what he was doing. How had Gandalf returned? He looked at Aragorn, but found no surprise in his face . . .merely joy. Suddenly, behind the wizard rode up many warriors, mounted upon horses. They held spears and swords, and their shields bore the mark of the Rohirrim.
They galloped down the impossibly steep slope, leaping over the spears of the orcs, clashing with the enemy. Legolas was brought back to reality, and fought on with renewed vigour. Haldir muttered something, but Legolas didn't hear it. He leaned closer to Haldir's face.
"Have I died?"
Legolas looked around. Haldir must have lost consciousness somewhere along the way. The newcomers were driving the orcs away. The enemy was retreating.
"No, Haldir!" Legolas cried in joy, almost laughing. "We have won!"
* * *
HAHA! HALDIR LIVES! How could I let him die, seriously?! I'm not THAT sadistic!
GGJ: More enough for you?
Lady of the Forest1: You can change your name if you go to settings on your login screen. Maybe just add on a word, or a lucky number. Capitalization works too.
Merrylyn: I think we're making Legolas jealous with our Tirdin- obsessivness. Hehe. Poor little elffies. You're a bit of a Haldir fan, aren't you? Well, HALDIR LIVES! HAHA!
Pirate-chicha: Interesting spelling of reunion. Heh.
Boromir: Alright, I hurried! Fast enough for you?
Coolio02: Thanks for reviewing!
Kaimelieamin: Oh my god, YOU'RE BACK! Wow, where'd you go? *hands SUHET bumpersticker and patch *
Sirithiliel: Gimli's a fun character to write. The comic-relief dwarf.
I'm going on vacation to Kelowna on Sunday for a week. I'll try to write a bit while I'm out there, but don't expect a fast update this time! Sorry, but vacations happen. ^.^
Namarie!
Please be kind and leave a review!
~Searcher of Souls~