Ling: Oh my. Ohmy. I think I meant Gimli to snicker, and Aragorn to smile.
Sorry, I am so sorry for Aragorn's un-kingly behavior. Can I ask you when
your birthday is?
*K*: Thank You!
Luna: Ok, Luna it is then. And, err.when is your birthday?
Gloryalcarinque: Dun worry, this would be much longer...
Tap Dancing Hobbit: Haha.it will get better, I promise. When are you going to update your fic? And may I know when your birthday is?
CityofAngel: When are you going to update your fic? I want to read more.and when is your birthday? I am asking almost everyone else the same question. I know you didn't review the earlier chapter, but it matters not.
Bashir Xena: Thanks.glad you like it. I referred to the books most of the time.
Enelya: I won't keep you waiting! By the way, when is your birthday?
Snowmane: Thank you.
Jagwen: *gives you a hug* Thanks!
Chapter 17
Dusk arrived, but the stars appeared not, being veiled by heavy clouds.
"There would be rain soon enough." Remarked Gimli.
Seeing the cloudy sky, Legolas agreed.
The prospects looked bleak for Rohan. A Ten thousand strong army of Uruk Hai were fast approaching Helm's Deep.
An hour later, a blank darkness had settled all over the place. Torches illuminated the grim faces of the soldiers. All was prepared and ready, all eyes were fixed upon the approaching Uruk Hai. Isengard had been emptied.
"Ill the counsel of Gandalf seems to me, in this dark hour." Theoden said.
"Do not judge the counsel of Gandalf, until all is over, my lord." Said Aragorn.
The night grew, and the small army of Rohan was situated around the circuit.
And then the rain came. Torrents of it poured relentlessly upon the helm, dampening the spirit of those present further.
Below the Deeping Wall, the Uruk Hai came to halt. They started to chant, of the Black Speech. So uncouth and foul it seemed to the ears of all, and it was as if they were throwing words of despair to their foes. And it would have worked, had not Aragorn, Isildor's heir spoken.
"Listen not to the words of the Enemy. They are but meaningless, and let them not overcome the might and the valor of Rohan."
And all who listened hearkened to his words, and took on new hope.
"Mighty would be the Kingdom of Gondor, if the son of Arathorn were to take up kingship. Pity he has chosen exile, believing he would fall into the same evil as Isildor did." Legolas said.
"Yet now his mind is changing, and I see the future and glory of Gondor in his eyes, unless the Enemy wins the war." Replied Ariel.
"Nay! Trust more in the strength of Gondor and their new leader, but for now." He left the sentence unfinished, as Aragron sounded the battle cry.
Notching two arrows, a sharp twang sounded and Legolas slew two. Not wanting to be outdone, Ariel slayed another. But the Uruk Hai was like a black wave, coming towards the Wall.
"Ladders!"
Ariel looked over and to her dismay, saw black ladders being mounted and orcs climbing up. She desperately shot down a few, though to no avail, as more replaced the fallen.
Ariel ducked as an arrow came whizzing past, missing her head by a few inches. More orcs were clambering over the circuit and slaying many. The men of Rohan were being pushed further back into the fortress. In this hour of dread, hope was scarce.
Eomer and his men were busy withholding the Dike, but were pressed further and further back, and soon had to retreat.
Ariel stole a quick glance at Legolas, and nearly doubled up in relief when she saw him. But before she could do aught, four Uruk Hai were cornering her.
They advanced slowly towards her, grinning menacingly, as if playing an enjoyable game of prey and predator. Ariel was backing up into a corner, and desperately searching for a way out. No one was here to save her now, as everyone else was either locked in a deadly combat or were slain.
Their foul breadth was like wisps of despair expelled upon her. She clutched her blades, but dared not make a move.
Then, feeling ashamed that a daughter of Elrond would be backing away, Ariel stepped forward suddenly, pride bursting into her as she stared at the orcs, a daunting gleam in her silver eyes, challenging them silently.
For a moment the Uruk Hai quailed, but being driven by the will of their master, Saruman, they lifted their scimitars and maces to kill. Ariel thrust her blade without warning into one, and it fell, while the others, enraged, tried to strike her. Three times Ariel avoided their blows, but the fourth time she was pushed back, and she fell, disarmed and vulnerable.
He came then, in his wrath. No one had ever seen the Prince of the Woodland Realm look so furious with anger, or so wrought with fear.
It was a just a matter of seconds before the orcs who dared to threaten Ariel lay slain before his feet, and then he returned to his calm expression, hauling Ariel to her feet.
But none knew about the turmoil he was facing. Never in his life had he experienced such fear when he saw Ariel on the ground, the Uruk Hai closing in around her. He made up his mind to keep her by his side no matter what happens.
Ariel felt grateful, but at the same time embarrassed that she had to be rescued by another.
"RETREAT!"
The Rohirrim ran back to the main holdings, for it was too late to save the Deeping Coomb. The Enemy was on the winning side.
Legolas clamped an arm around Ariel's waist, lest she strays. He was going to do all he could to make certain she was safe.
Drawing her close, he drew strength from her faint scent of honey and cinnamon, now mixed with traces of blood and ash.
They reached the hall in time. The great doors were barricaded, they were ancient defenses, strong and could stand under great pressure. But now it seems unlikely that they could hold the enemy out any longer, already, the doors were bending inwards from the battering ram.
Aragron took counsel with the King.
"The end will not be long." Said Theoden. "But when dawn comes, I will bid men sound the Horn, and I will ride forth. Will you ride with me then, son of Arathron?"
"I will ride with you." Came Aragorn's reply.
"As will I." Said Legolas.
"And I! My ax is not content, it has hewed only twenty heads!" claimed Gimli.
"I will come forth too." Ariel announced. At this Legolas wanted to protest, but said naught.
Preparations were made. On the sides of Theoden rode Eomer and Aragorn. Behind on Arod rode Legolas and Gimli.
Summoning all her will, Ariel called out in her mind for Phillifax.
The cheiftess of Mearas came soon enough, trotting over and nudging Ariel fondly. Leaping up lightly, Ariel joined the host.
Dawn was near.
~~~~~~~~~~
The Horn sounded. All who heard it trembled. Orcs cast themselves upon the ground and covered their ears in fright. It was too much for them. For the sounding of the horn was like the coming of Orome, one of the Valar, on his steed.
Blast upon blast came, and echoed on the Deep. Even after no one was blowing it, the sound was reflected back upon the White Mountains, and it did not stop.
"Helm for the Theoden King!" The Riders shouted.
With that the King came forth upon Snowmane, on his right was Aragorn, Elendil's heir. Behind them, was Legolas with Gimli and Ariel, daughter of Elrond.
"Forth Eorlingas!" with that cry they charged out.
The orcs were taken aback, and before they had time to recover many fell under Theoden's wrath.
And were she not in the midst of battle Ariel would have laughed. For a stout figure was proudly wielding his ax, hewing orcs, at the same time growling fiercely. Gimli certainly was comical to watch.
And suddenly upon a ridge appeared a white rider, shining brighter againsnt the rising sun. Behind him were a thousand men, and their leader tall and strong, His raiment and shield red.
"Erkenbrand!" The riders shouted.
"Behold the White Rider!" said Aragorn. "Gandalf is come again!"
Down leapt the hosts of Riders and Erkenbrand. Down leaped Shadowfax and Phillifax.
Ariel busied herself in knifework, driving her sharp blades into orcs.
Ever and anon Legolas would glance at Ariel, and he kept close to her side throughout the battle. Try as she may, Ariel could not shake him off, and soon gave up trying.
The White Rider filled the orcs with terror, and they screamed before casting aside both sword and spear. They covered their eyes with their claws, for the light from the White Rider pierced their eyes.
Victory was in their hands that day.
*K*: Thank You!
Luna: Ok, Luna it is then. And, err.when is your birthday?
Gloryalcarinque: Dun worry, this would be much longer...
Tap Dancing Hobbit: Haha.it will get better, I promise. When are you going to update your fic? And may I know when your birthday is?
CityofAngel: When are you going to update your fic? I want to read more.and when is your birthday? I am asking almost everyone else the same question. I know you didn't review the earlier chapter, but it matters not.
Bashir Xena: Thanks.glad you like it. I referred to the books most of the time.
Enelya: I won't keep you waiting! By the way, when is your birthday?
Snowmane: Thank you.
Jagwen: *gives you a hug* Thanks!
Chapter 17
Dusk arrived, but the stars appeared not, being veiled by heavy clouds.
"There would be rain soon enough." Remarked Gimli.
Seeing the cloudy sky, Legolas agreed.
The prospects looked bleak for Rohan. A Ten thousand strong army of Uruk Hai were fast approaching Helm's Deep.
An hour later, a blank darkness had settled all over the place. Torches illuminated the grim faces of the soldiers. All was prepared and ready, all eyes were fixed upon the approaching Uruk Hai. Isengard had been emptied.
"Ill the counsel of Gandalf seems to me, in this dark hour." Theoden said.
"Do not judge the counsel of Gandalf, until all is over, my lord." Said Aragorn.
The night grew, and the small army of Rohan was situated around the circuit.
And then the rain came. Torrents of it poured relentlessly upon the helm, dampening the spirit of those present further.
Below the Deeping Wall, the Uruk Hai came to halt. They started to chant, of the Black Speech. So uncouth and foul it seemed to the ears of all, and it was as if they were throwing words of despair to their foes. And it would have worked, had not Aragorn, Isildor's heir spoken.
"Listen not to the words of the Enemy. They are but meaningless, and let them not overcome the might and the valor of Rohan."
And all who listened hearkened to his words, and took on new hope.
"Mighty would be the Kingdom of Gondor, if the son of Arathorn were to take up kingship. Pity he has chosen exile, believing he would fall into the same evil as Isildor did." Legolas said.
"Yet now his mind is changing, and I see the future and glory of Gondor in his eyes, unless the Enemy wins the war." Replied Ariel.
"Nay! Trust more in the strength of Gondor and their new leader, but for now." He left the sentence unfinished, as Aragron sounded the battle cry.
Notching two arrows, a sharp twang sounded and Legolas slew two. Not wanting to be outdone, Ariel slayed another. But the Uruk Hai was like a black wave, coming towards the Wall.
"Ladders!"
Ariel looked over and to her dismay, saw black ladders being mounted and orcs climbing up. She desperately shot down a few, though to no avail, as more replaced the fallen.
Ariel ducked as an arrow came whizzing past, missing her head by a few inches. More orcs were clambering over the circuit and slaying many. The men of Rohan were being pushed further back into the fortress. In this hour of dread, hope was scarce.
Eomer and his men were busy withholding the Dike, but were pressed further and further back, and soon had to retreat.
Ariel stole a quick glance at Legolas, and nearly doubled up in relief when she saw him. But before she could do aught, four Uruk Hai were cornering her.
They advanced slowly towards her, grinning menacingly, as if playing an enjoyable game of prey and predator. Ariel was backing up into a corner, and desperately searching for a way out. No one was here to save her now, as everyone else was either locked in a deadly combat or were slain.
Their foul breadth was like wisps of despair expelled upon her. She clutched her blades, but dared not make a move.
Then, feeling ashamed that a daughter of Elrond would be backing away, Ariel stepped forward suddenly, pride bursting into her as she stared at the orcs, a daunting gleam in her silver eyes, challenging them silently.
For a moment the Uruk Hai quailed, but being driven by the will of their master, Saruman, they lifted their scimitars and maces to kill. Ariel thrust her blade without warning into one, and it fell, while the others, enraged, tried to strike her. Three times Ariel avoided their blows, but the fourth time she was pushed back, and she fell, disarmed and vulnerable.
He came then, in his wrath. No one had ever seen the Prince of the Woodland Realm look so furious with anger, or so wrought with fear.
It was a just a matter of seconds before the orcs who dared to threaten Ariel lay slain before his feet, and then he returned to his calm expression, hauling Ariel to her feet.
But none knew about the turmoil he was facing. Never in his life had he experienced such fear when he saw Ariel on the ground, the Uruk Hai closing in around her. He made up his mind to keep her by his side no matter what happens.
Ariel felt grateful, but at the same time embarrassed that she had to be rescued by another.
"RETREAT!"
The Rohirrim ran back to the main holdings, for it was too late to save the Deeping Coomb. The Enemy was on the winning side.
Legolas clamped an arm around Ariel's waist, lest she strays. He was going to do all he could to make certain she was safe.
Drawing her close, he drew strength from her faint scent of honey and cinnamon, now mixed with traces of blood and ash.
They reached the hall in time. The great doors were barricaded, they were ancient defenses, strong and could stand under great pressure. But now it seems unlikely that they could hold the enemy out any longer, already, the doors were bending inwards from the battering ram.
Aragron took counsel with the King.
"The end will not be long." Said Theoden. "But when dawn comes, I will bid men sound the Horn, and I will ride forth. Will you ride with me then, son of Arathron?"
"I will ride with you." Came Aragorn's reply.
"As will I." Said Legolas.
"And I! My ax is not content, it has hewed only twenty heads!" claimed Gimli.
"I will come forth too." Ariel announced. At this Legolas wanted to protest, but said naught.
Preparations were made. On the sides of Theoden rode Eomer and Aragorn. Behind on Arod rode Legolas and Gimli.
Summoning all her will, Ariel called out in her mind for Phillifax.
The cheiftess of Mearas came soon enough, trotting over and nudging Ariel fondly. Leaping up lightly, Ariel joined the host.
Dawn was near.
~~~~~~~~~~
The Horn sounded. All who heard it trembled. Orcs cast themselves upon the ground and covered their ears in fright. It was too much for them. For the sounding of the horn was like the coming of Orome, one of the Valar, on his steed.
Blast upon blast came, and echoed on the Deep. Even after no one was blowing it, the sound was reflected back upon the White Mountains, and it did not stop.
"Helm for the Theoden King!" The Riders shouted.
With that the King came forth upon Snowmane, on his right was Aragorn, Elendil's heir. Behind them, was Legolas with Gimli and Ariel, daughter of Elrond.
"Forth Eorlingas!" with that cry they charged out.
The orcs were taken aback, and before they had time to recover many fell under Theoden's wrath.
And were she not in the midst of battle Ariel would have laughed. For a stout figure was proudly wielding his ax, hewing orcs, at the same time growling fiercely. Gimli certainly was comical to watch.
And suddenly upon a ridge appeared a white rider, shining brighter againsnt the rising sun. Behind him were a thousand men, and their leader tall and strong, His raiment and shield red.
"Erkenbrand!" The riders shouted.
"Behold the White Rider!" said Aragorn. "Gandalf is come again!"
Down leapt the hosts of Riders and Erkenbrand. Down leaped Shadowfax and Phillifax.
Ariel busied herself in knifework, driving her sharp blades into orcs.
Ever and anon Legolas would glance at Ariel, and he kept close to her side throughout the battle. Try as she may, Ariel could not shake him off, and soon gave up trying.
The White Rider filled the orcs with terror, and they screamed before casting aside both sword and spear. They covered their eyes with their claws, for the light from the White Rider pierced their eyes.
Victory was in their hands that day.