Authors Note: None of Tolkien's creations belong to me, only Jen, Gyst and
various Mary Sues who may appear do.
-----------
It was hard to judge time, since Helms Deep didn't have any clocks around (in fact, I wasn't even sure if clocks were invented at this time.) But I managed to work my way to a spot close to the main entrance armed with a bottle of water and some old cloths.) Had to get Aragorn looking vaguely spruce when talking to the King.
I had coached Gimli and Legolas in what they had to say and do, and was majorly impressed with their acting abilities. If they were ever brought to my world, a part in Hollywood could beckon, which would be interesting if they ever bumped into Orlando Bloom or Jonathan Rhyss-Davis.
I sat quietly in a corner, teaching some of the younger Rohirric children counting games and rhymes. We were in the middle of a spirited game of "Fizz Buzz" when I noticed a ragged, tired and familiar figure making his way up the steps.
"Back in a tick." I whispered to the child next to me, who nodded before yelling out an enthusiastic "Fizz!"
I dashed over, catching the end of Legolas's words and giggling, before grinning at Aragorn.
"Now hold still." I instructed him as I quickly poured water onto the cloths and started cleaning some of the muck and dirt off him. Aragorn stood, putting up with my ministrations, a faint smile on his face for my fussing. Then with me finished, he stepped forward, heading for the doors.
I giggled again, before heading back to my game with a joyful "Buzz!"
------------
The bad news was delivered, ten thousand Uruk-Hai were marching on Helms Deep, Isengard unleashed. An organized chaos swept the Deep, with the soldiers of the eored rounding up men and boys of the right age to issue them with arms. The women were instructed to take our belongings and take shelter in the caves.
I had a discussion with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli about the upcoming battle and made it clear to them that I would not be fighting, but I would also be one of the last to enter the caves. I didn't give them all of the details (because I was keeping a close rein on my tongue) but they picked up that something was going to happen that I wanted to see.
So while I waited for Haldir to arrive (even though he really shouldn't be there, and it was slightly annoying that he was, but I digress), I busied myself with strapping on armor, handing out swords, and handing out what words of comfort I could.
Then a single trumpet blast rang out, silver echoes ringing in the dark air. I grinned at the startled reactions that all around gave, and with a final pat to the bindings that I had just tied, I hurried to the main gates. I stared as the elves of Lothlorien and Rivendell marched up, moving in perfect step with each other, their faces expressionless. It was though they were reading each other's minds for their positions. In this grey light, their ethereal glow was more obvious, and more awe inspiring. Haldir led the way, red cloak flowing from his shoulders.
And now that I had seen the Elves arrive, I could make my way to join the others in the Caves.
Words cannot do justice to the sight of them. Every direction you looked in brought something new to see, and light brought out new dimensions. I could see why Gimli would go mad over them. I could see why dwarves went mad over stones and caves.
I was asked for an explanation of the trumpet that had been heard, and so that everyone could hear, I clambered onto a boulder and called out the news of the Elves arrival, and the fact that they had come to honor the old alliances that many had thought dead. I described the scene as best I could, drawing on my experience of a writer to tell the tale. Then I descended from my rock and went to find my baggage, which Hanild had carefully kept with her. It would be a long night.
Only faintest hints of the battle above reached us as it began, the occasional roar or scream, a yelled command.
"You seen edgy." Hanild noticed, before adding "But its different somehow." I jumped slightly, drawing my eyes down from the ceiling where I had been picturing the battle.
"I'm just worried, as we all are." I replied. "But how do you mean, different?"
"You seem to be focused on something." Hanild tried to explain.
"My friends." I tried for the simplest explanation that I thought that Hanild would accept, but something in her face showed me that she didn't believe me.
But them something stopped me from having the answer. The earth under us seemed to shake as a roar echoed tremendously. I sighed. I knew very well what that was. Nervous whispers and rumors spread around, speculations about what it could be.
Hanild regarded me. "You knew that was going to happen." She said, and it was a statement, not a question.
I slowly nodded. "That is part of the troubles that I carry." I said. Hanilds hand reached and gripped mine, squeezing gently in understanding.
"Is there.... is there anything that you can tell me?" she asked, and I could read the emotion in her eyes.
"We win through." I said simply, deciding that now that we were engaged, it was not worth concealing the facts. "But it is a difficult struggle. No others should know this fact though."
"I understand." Hanild smiles as she squeezed my hand once more. "Rest now if you can now child." She advised. "Time will go slowly here in the Caves."
-------------
I must have slept, though how I'm not sure. The noise from inside had increased as the tension rose, worry was etched on every face. How long I had been asleep for was hard to tell, but I doubted very much that I had been calm enough to sleep through the whole nights fighting.
But my body surprised me, when a thunderous boom was heard.
"They're breaking in!" cried one of the women, voice filled with fear. The tension in the room increased dramatically, tears streamed down faces and children were clasped tight as the women gave into their fear. Hanild, even though she knew what the outcome would be, still looked terrified. I could have screamed with the pressure in the air, but I did not. Instead I rose to my feet, like a person in a dream Eowyn said later, and clambered back onto my rock, cupping my hands around my mouth.
"Hearken unto me people of Rohan!" I called as loudly as I could. "Hearken unto a tale, a tale of valour, bravery, and the courage of the people of the Mark, who stood where others would have fled or fallen."
All eyes were on me now. Normally I would have quailed at the sea of humanity before me, but adrenaline raced through my veins and conquered all of my fears. I stood there, arms at my sides and drew on all my knowledge of story telling to weave a tale of the present.
"Dark were the days in Rohan. Storm clouds gathered to the North and the East. Ill counsel guided the Sons of Eorl in their ruling of the Mark. But unlooked for, hope came out of the West, gleaming in the rays of the blood red setting son. And ill counsel was cast aside as once more the swords of the Sons of Eorl were brought forth from their sheaths and raised skywards in defiance of the ones who would be ruler of all Free Peoples.
But the forces arrayed against them were too great, ten thousand strong, and caution had to be used. The Sons of Eorl took refuge in an old fortress, built many years ago by a hero of their people. No enemy had ever breached its sturdy gate, and the hearts of the Sons of Eorl were filled with courage.
But the enemy came. In the rain, a field of tossing fire advanced towards the dike as they moved to attack. But the Sons of Eorl did not stand alone. Elves from the woods of legend stood beside them, honouring ancient allegiances.
And the scene was set for a mighty battle, to secure the freedom of the Mark from all who would oppress it and grind it under heel.
Blood flowed from swords and coated the stones, of intruder and defender. Many fell, Elves, children of Eorl and the enemy. But still the advance continued.
Through foul sorceries brewed in a far distant tower, the Wall was breached. A black swarm invaded the Deep, where no enemy had set foot before.
All seemed lost as the defenders fell back against the seemingly invincible horde. Until at last, only one last bastion held out. The Tower. All seemed lost and the people despaired as the enemy drew closer. Then hope turned to the King, who despaired for his people.
"Let us ride out together." Quoth Hope, and the King's eyes lit with a fiery light. The King commanded steeds to be brought, for if their lives were to end, he would have them make such an end as to be remembered for all time.
And steeds were brought, valiant horses of the Mark, swift and sure-footed, beyond compare. And then, as the horn of the long remembered hero rang out once more in the Deep, striking echoes from the rock, the King stood in his stirrups and cried out.
"Forth Eorlingas!"
In a clatter of hooves and the jingle of bright mail they rode, and none could stand before their advance. The enemy fled in disarray at the ferocity of the riders and any who remained were crushed under hoof and the bright sword.
Through the gate and down the causeway they thundered, dealing death to every side. And then, to the East, the first rays of the rising sun gilded a white figure on a white horse.
"The King stands alone." Quoth he.
Another voice spoke now, grim, but a fell joy was in his eyes.
"Not alone. Rohirrim!"
And an eored appeared, called by the White Rider from plains far distant, lead by the Kings sister-son.
Together they charged, pennants flying and bright spears aimed at the black infection which stained the land.
Up rose the sun, sending pure fear into the hearts of the enemy. And as a wave meets the shoreline in a glittering crash, the two forces met. And the cry rose up from the throat of the King, as he held his sword aloft. "Victory!""
I fell silent, emotionally drained by the present that I had recounted and shaking as every eye was on me.
"The day was concluded, and the Sons of Eorl were triumphant" I concluded in a shaky voice, stepping down from my rock. The tale was told, the battle was won.
And a fierce joy flooded me. We had survived!
-----------
It was hard to judge time, since Helms Deep didn't have any clocks around (in fact, I wasn't even sure if clocks were invented at this time.) But I managed to work my way to a spot close to the main entrance armed with a bottle of water and some old cloths.) Had to get Aragorn looking vaguely spruce when talking to the King.
I had coached Gimli and Legolas in what they had to say and do, and was majorly impressed with their acting abilities. If they were ever brought to my world, a part in Hollywood could beckon, which would be interesting if they ever bumped into Orlando Bloom or Jonathan Rhyss-Davis.
I sat quietly in a corner, teaching some of the younger Rohirric children counting games and rhymes. We were in the middle of a spirited game of "Fizz Buzz" when I noticed a ragged, tired and familiar figure making his way up the steps.
"Back in a tick." I whispered to the child next to me, who nodded before yelling out an enthusiastic "Fizz!"
I dashed over, catching the end of Legolas's words and giggling, before grinning at Aragorn.
"Now hold still." I instructed him as I quickly poured water onto the cloths and started cleaning some of the muck and dirt off him. Aragorn stood, putting up with my ministrations, a faint smile on his face for my fussing. Then with me finished, he stepped forward, heading for the doors.
I giggled again, before heading back to my game with a joyful "Buzz!"
------------
The bad news was delivered, ten thousand Uruk-Hai were marching on Helms Deep, Isengard unleashed. An organized chaos swept the Deep, with the soldiers of the eored rounding up men and boys of the right age to issue them with arms. The women were instructed to take our belongings and take shelter in the caves.
I had a discussion with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli about the upcoming battle and made it clear to them that I would not be fighting, but I would also be one of the last to enter the caves. I didn't give them all of the details (because I was keeping a close rein on my tongue) but they picked up that something was going to happen that I wanted to see.
So while I waited for Haldir to arrive (even though he really shouldn't be there, and it was slightly annoying that he was, but I digress), I busied myself with strapping on armor, handing out swords, and handing out what words of comfort I could.
Then a single trumpet blast rang out, silver echoes ringing in the dark air. I grinned at the startled reactions that all around gave, and with a final pat to the bindings that I had just tied, I hurried to the main gates. I stared as the elves of Lothlorien and Rivendell marched up, moving in perfect step with each other, their faces expressionless. It was though they were reading each other's minds for their positions. In this grey light, their ethereal glow was more obvious, and more awe inspiring. Haldir led the way, red cloak flowing from his shoulders.
And now that I had seen the Elves arrive, I could make my way to join the others in the Caves.
Words cannot do justice to the sight of them. Every direction you looked in brought something new to see, and light brought out new dimensions. I could see why Gimli would go mad over them. I could see why dwarves went mad over stones and caves.
I was asked for an explanation of the trumpet that had been heard, and so that everyone could hear, I clambered onto a boulder and called out the news of the Elves arrival, and the fact that they had come to honor the old alliances that many had thought dead. I described the scene as best I could, drawing on my experience of a writer to tell the tale. Then I descended from my rock and went to find my baggage, which Hanild had carefully kept with her. It would be a long night.
Only faintest hints of the battle above reached us as it began, the occasional roar or scream, a yelled command.
"You seen edgy." Hanild noticed, before adding "But its different somehow." I jumped slightly, drawing my eyes down from the ceiling where I had been picturing the battle.
"I'm just worried, as we all are." I replied. "But how do you mean, different?"
"You seem to be focused on something." Hanild tried to explain.
"My friends." I tried for the simplest explanation that I thought that Hanild would accept, but something in her face showed me that she didn't believe me.
But them something stopped me from having the answer. The earth under us seemed to shake as a roar echoed tremendously. I sighed. I knew very well what that was. Nervous whispers and rumors spread around, speculations about what it could be.
Hanild regarded me. "You knew that was going to happen." She said, and it was a statement, not a question.
I slowly nodded. "That is part of the troubles that I carry." I said. Hanilds hand reached and gripped mine, squeezing gently in understanding.
"Is there.... is there anything that you can tell me?" she asked, and I could read the emotion in her eyes.
"We win through." I said simply, deciding that now that we were engaged, it was not worth concealing the facts. "But it is a difficult struggle. No others should know this fact though."
"I understand." Hanild smiles as she squeezed my hand once more. "Rest now if you can now child." She advised. "Time will go slowly here in the Caves."
-------------
I must have slept, though how I'm not sure. The noise from inside had increased as the tension rose, worry was etched on every face. How long I had been asleep for was hard to tell, but I doubted very much that I had been calm enough to sleep through the whole nights fighting.
But my body surprised me, when a thunderous boom was heard.
"They're breaking in!" cried one of the women, voice filled with fear. The tension in the room increased dramatically, tears streamed down faces and children were clasped tight as the women gave into their fear. Hanild, even though she knew what the outcome would be, still looked terrified. I could have screamed with the pressure in the air, but I did not. Instead I rose to my feet, like a person in a dream Eowyn said later, and clambered back onto my rock, cupping my hands around my mouth.
"Hearken unto me people of Rohan!" I called as loudly as I could. "Hearken unto a tale, a tale of valour, bravery, and the courage of the people of the Mark, who stood where others would have fled or fallen."
All eyes were on me now. Normally I would have quailed at the sea of humanity before me, but adrenaline raced through my veins and conquered all of my fears. I stood there, arms at my sides and drew on all my knowledge of story telling to weave a tale of the present.
"Dark were the days in Rohan. Storm clouds gathered to the North and the East. Ill counsel guided the Sons of Eorl in their ruling of the Mark. But unlooked for, hope came out of the West, gleaming in the rays of the blood red setting son. And ill counsel was cast aside as once more the swords of the Sons of Eorl were brought forth from their sheaths and raised skywards in defiance of the ones who would be ruler of all Free Peoples.
But the forces arrayed against them were too great, ten thousand strong, and caution had to be used. The Sons of Eorl took refuge in an old fortress, built many years ago by a hero of their people. No enemy had ever breached its sturdy gate, and the hearts of the Sons of Eorl were filled with courage.
But the enemy came. In the rain, a field of tossing fire advanced towards the dike as they moved to attack. But the Sons of Eorl did not stand alone. Elves from the woods of legend stood beside them, honouring ancient allegiances.
And the scene was set for a mighty battle, to secure the freedom of the Mark from all who would oppress it and grind it under heel.
Blood flowed from swords and coated the stones, of intruder and defender. Many fell, Elves, children of Eorl and the enemy. But still the advance continued.
Through foul sorceries brewed in a far distant tower, the Wall was breached. A black swarm invaded the Deep, where no enemy had set foot before.
All seemed lost as the defenders fell back against the seemingly invincible horde. Until at last, only one last bastion held out. The Tower. All seemed lost and the people despaired as the enemy drew closer. Then hope turned to the King, who despaired for his people.
"Let us ride out together." Quoth Hope, and the King's eyes lit with a fiery light. The King commanded steeds to be brought, for if their lives were to end, he would have them make such an end as to be remembered for all time.
And steeds were brought, valiant horses of the Mark, swift and sure-footed, beyond compare. And then, as the horn of the long remembered hero rang out once more in the Deep, striking echoes from the rock, the King stood in his stirrups and cried out.
"Forth Eorlingas!"
In a clatter of hooves and the jingle of bright mail they rode, and none could stand before their advance. The enemy fled in disarray at the ferocity of the riders and any who remained were crushed under hoof and the bright sword.
Through the gate and down the causeway they thundered, dealing death to every side. And then, to the East, the first rays of the rising sun gilded a white figure on a white horse.
"The King stands alone." Quoth he.
Another voice spoke now, grim, but a fell joy was in his eyes.
"Not alone. Rohirrim!"
And an eored appeared, called by the White Rider from plains far distant, lead by the Kings sister-son.
Together they charged, pennants flying and bright spears aimed at the black infection which stained the land.
Up rose the sun, sending pure fear into the hearts of the enemy. And as a wave meets the shoreline in a glittering crash, the two forces met. And the cry rose up from the throat of the King, as he held his sword aloft. "Victory!""
I fell silent, emotionally drained by the present that I had recounted and shaking as every eye was on me.
"The day was concluded, and the Sons of Eorl were triumphant" I concluded in a shaky voice, stepping down from my rock. The tale was told, the battle was won.
And a fierce joy flooded me. We had survived!