A lame title for an even lamer pun. My apologies.
Chapter Fifteen
On the third day of travelling, a scout was attacked and killed by an orc riding a waurg. I watched all the men ready themselves for battle. I looked expectantly at Celebril, wondering if I was supposed to fight.
Hesitantly, reluctantly, I pulled it out of the sheath, wielding it in the brigfht sunlight. Aragorn passed me, and shook his head, "Help Eowyn lead the women and children to Helm's Deep."
I gratefully nodded, and directed Brego over to Eowyn, who was watching the men wistfully as they brought their swords to the sunlight, kicked their horses into a gallop, and went over a hill.
"Eowyn!" I hissed, "We have to help the others." Eowyn started, and then gave a despaired nod.
.
We reached Helm's Deep in the early afternoon. We rode up to the gates, and Eowyn and I watched the people enter. As the last old couple passed through the doors, I expected Eowyn to follow, but she didn't. She continued looking out to the horizon, from where we had come.
Fear gripped my heart. What if my friends were killed? I shook the thought off, persuading my doubt that they wouldn't die.
"When do you think they will arrive?" Eowyn asked softly.
"I don't know." I admitted.
I can only guess how long we both stood there in silence, watching the horizon with rapt attention. After awhile, however, Eowyn sighed, turned around, and entered into the stronghold.
I continued to gaze for a few minutes longer before following her, but I didn't go far. I climbed to the top of the tower right above the gates, and watched the sun begin to lower itself in the sky.
In the early evening, when twilight was near, and I was ready to give up for the night, I saw them approach. I ran down the ruinous steps to the gate, hurled it open, and waited.
Theoden came first. He was clutching his side, but was otherwise unhurt. I smiled at him in greeting. He didn't see me, and continued on through. Next came Legolas and Gimli atop Arod; Both wore lost expressions.
"Where is Aragorn?" I demanded, my heart sinking.
"He fell." Gimli croaked. I steadied myself against the stone wall, telling myself he didn't die. After all, that was just what happened in the movie- it didn't even occur in the book. He fell, but didn't die.
Legolas said nothing, but directed Arod to move on. I watched other men pass through, and when the last man crossed the threshhold, I followed.
I found Eowyn speaking with Theoden, and then I went to find Legolas. He was talking with a guard about something, and I waited until he was finished.
The guard nodded at his last words, and walked away. Legolas turned to me, "What is it, El?"
"I just wondered if when you had the time, if you could help me a bit more on reading Elvish."
I was incredibly bored. I needed something to keep me busy. Legolas shook his head, "Not now, Orthalion, a battle approaches, and there is much to do."
I nodded, trying not to look too disappointed, and wandered off. I found a small room with an equally small window in one corner. I went by the window, spread out my cloak, sat on it, and looked hard at the cover of my book.
I knew the title said 'Knowledge Concerning the Palantiri,' only because Legolas had told me so the first night he helped me. I turned to the first page, and started trying to read it.
It was very slow-going. It took me about half an hour to decipher and translate the first line. I struggled on, working intently and carefully. By the time the sun set, and I couldn't read further, I had translated the first eight lines. It read: Here lies the knowledge of the Palatiri collected by Galadrial of Lothlorien from Master Elrond Half-elven of Imladris, Elros Peredhel, Celebrimbor, and Anarion of Minas Anor.
Exhausted, I put the book down, and looked out the window. The stars shone faintly, as though veiled by a film of clouds. The window was facing the north, and in the far left side of the window, orange and gold still glowed, but faded to dark blue as it reached the right edge of the window.
I laid down on my back, staring up at the high stone ceiling. The sound of my stomach reminded me I hadn't eaten since sunrise, and that I was starving. I pulled out some dried meat and bread Galadriel had given us, and ate it quickly. Taking a swig from my water flask, I laid back down, and drifted into sleep.
.
I was walking through a bright yellow cave, that had pieces of bright cloth strewn about the floor, but that didn't seem out of place. I began picking up the scarves, and looking for something, but I wasn't sure what. Then Frodo jumped out of a stalagmite, which wasn't strange, and accused me of larceny, which was odd, because I knew I hadn't eaten eggs for days. The next thing I knew the scarves had turned into chain mail, and Frodo had turned into my Uncle Vern. He grinned at me, and told me that Elrond was waiting for me. He told me to follow my insticts, which would bring me to the Lord of Rivendell, and wished me good luck in my next battle.
I opened my eyes, and found myself twisted uncomfortably around my cloak and blanket. I disentangled myself, and sat up. Looking out the window, I saw the whole sky smothered in grey clouds, and a cold wind was blowing into my small room.
Thinking of my dream made me feel as though some things will never change. No matter what world I am in, dreams never make sense, and can't be interpretted into wisdom. Seeing Uncle Vern made me grin, until a pang of homesickness overwhelmed me. In an attempt to think of other things, I ate a piece of bread, and puzzled over the next few lines of my book.
After awhile, however, I grew impatient, and went out to find someone to talk to. I wandered the interior of Helm's Deep all morning, and finally rested by the outmost gates, watching the horizon out of a tall thin window.
The vast expanse of land before me seemed endless, and I wondered how the size of all of Middle Earth would compare to my world. For this I thought about for a long time, until I realized that what I had been gazing at was moving. It was a speck of black moving across the ground a long ways off.
I looked to see if anyone else noticed it, but I was alone. Not thinking about consequences, I rushed to where we had stabled the horses, untied Brego, mounted him, and nudged him into a a fast walk to the gates. I hopped down to open one of the heavy doors, lead Brego through, and I mounted him again, kicking him into a run down the bridge.
The wind slapped my face bitterly, but I ignored it. The object was growing near. I saw now that it was a person. Without even considering other possibilities, I knew it was Aragorn.
In a few more minutes, I was even with him. He had collapsed on the ground, and his right shoulder was bare and bloody. I slipped off Brego, and knelt by Aragorn, shaking him gently.
"Aragorn! Are you alright?" I asked worriedly. His eyes flickered, and he mumbled something in Elvish.
I pulled him into a sitting position, and looked at him more closely. His face was bruised, and a few cuts diappeared into his hairline. His shoulder was the worst, though. It looked like it had been chewed on. I grimaced, and wished I would have brought some water, and some cloth to clean his wounds.
I stood up, and heaved him to his feet. He was conscious, but very weak. I helped him onto Brego, and then got on the horse myself, with Aragorn slumped on my back.
I urged the horse into a run, wanting to get Aragorn back to safety as soon as possible. As we neared the gates, I felt Aragorn sit up behind me. Either he was regaining his strength, or didn't want to arrive completely dependent on someone else.
As I rode through the door, I called for Legolas and Gimli. My voice didn't travel far, but they must have been nearby, because both arrived quickly.
"Elessar!" Legolas cried, hurrying forward. Aragorn slid off the horse, stumbled a bit, but then stood up straight.
He turned to me, and gave a small smile, "Thank you, Orthalion. I am indebted to you."
I forced a laugh, "No, if anything, I've paid you off now for your help to me." Aragorn nodded, smiling wider. He turned to Legolas, "Uruks march here. The battle will be tonight."
"Tonight?" Gimli growled.
"Yes. There are thousands upon thousands on their way." Aragorn continued softly.
"How can we win?" Legolas demanded
It was silent for a long time. Then- "We can't." Aragorn's words sent a shudder down my spine. He finished, "But we must warn Theoden. The men must ready themselves for battle. The women and children must go into the caverns of Helm's Deep."
"We are cornered." Gimli exclaimed. Aragorn looked frustrated, "This idea was never mine, but I will not counter Theoden King's words."
Legolas turned to me, "Tell all the women to take their children and go to the the caverns."
Nodding, I led Brego back to the makeshift stables, and went to find Eowyn; I needed her help.
.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
.
chibi-mariri: Nifty, points for you. I was wondering if anyone would catch the stolen quote. Actually, I haven't seen it for awhile, but that line is so frabjous sounding, I'll stick it anywhere.
Chapter Fifteen
On the third day of travelling, a scout was attacked and killed by an orc riding a waurg. I watched all the men ready themselves for battle. I looked expectantly at Celebril, wondering if I was supposed to fight.
Hesitantly, reluctantly, I pulled it out of the sheath, wielding it in the brigfht sunlight. Aragorn passed me, and shook his head, "Help Eowyn lead the women and children to Helm's Deep."
I gratefully nodded, and directed Brego over to Eowyn, who was watching the men wistfully as they brought their swords to the sunlight, kicked their horses into a gallop, and went over a hill.
"Eowyn!" I hissed, "We have to help the others." Eowyn started, and then gave a despaired nod.
.
We reached Helm's Deep in the early afternoon. We rode up to the gates, and Eowyn and I watched the people enter. As the last old couple passed through the doors, I expected Eowyn to follow, but she didn't. She continued looking out to the horizon, from where we had come.
Fear gripped my heart. What if my friends were killed? I shook the thought off, persuading my doubt that they wouldn't die.
"When do you think they will arrive?" Eowyn asked softly.
"I don't know." I admitted.
I can only guess how long we both stood there in silence, watching the horizon with rapt attention. After awhile, however, Eowyn sighed, turned around, and entered into the stronghold.
I continued to gaze for a few minutes longer before following her, but I didn't go far. I climbed to the top of the tower right above the gates, and watched the sun begin to lower itself in the sky.
In the early evening, when twilight was near, and I was ready to give up for the night, I saw them approach. I ran down the ruinous steps to the gate, hurled it open, and waited.
Theoden came first. He was clutching his side, but was otherwise unhurt. I smiled at him in greeting. He didn't see me, and continued on through. Next came Legolas and Gimli atop Arod; Both wore lost expressions.
"Where is Aragorn?" I demanded, my heart sinking.
"He fell." Gimli croaked. I steadied myself against the stone wall, telling myself he didn't die. After all, that was just what happened in the movie- it didn't even occur in the book. He fell, but didn't die.
Legolas said nothing, but directed Arod to move on. I watched other men pass through, and when the last man crossed the threshhold, I followed.
I found Eowyn speaking with Theoden, and then I went to find Legolas. He was talking with a guard about something, and I waited until he was finished.
The guard nodded at his last words, and walked away. Legolas turned to me, "What is it, El?"
"I just wondered if when you had the time, if you could help me a bit more on reading Elvish."
I was incredibly bored. I needed something to keep me busy. Legolas shook his head, "Not now, Orthalion, a battle approaches, and there is much to do."
I nodded, trying not to look too disappointed, and wandered off. I found a small room with an equally small window in one corner. I went by the window, spread out my cloak, sat on it, and looked hard at the cover of my book.
I knew the title said 'Knowledge Concerning the Palantiri,' only because Legolas had told me so the first night he helped me. I turned to the first page, and started trying to read it.
It was very slow-going. It took me about half an hour to decipher and translate the first line. I struggled on, working intently and carefully. By the time the sun set, and I couldn't read further, I had translated the first eight lines. It read: Here lies the knowledge of the Palatiri collected by Galadrial of Lothlorien from Master Elrond Half-elven of Imladris, Elros Peredhel, Celebrimbor, and Anarion of Minas Anor.
Exhausted, I put the book down, and looked out the window. The stars shone faintly, as though veiled by a film of clouds. The window was facing the north, and in the far left side of the window, orange and gold still glowed, but faded to dark blue as it reached the right edge of the window.
I laid down on my back, staring up at the high stone ceiling. The sound of my stomach reminded me I hadn't eaten since sunrise, and that I was starving. I pulled out some dried meat and bread Galadriel had given us, and ate it quickly. Taking a swig from my water flask, I laid back down, and drifted into sleep.
.
I was walking through a bright yellow cave, that had pieces of bright cloth strewn about the floor, but that didn't seem out of place. I began picking up the scarves, and looking for something, but I wasn't sure what. Then Frodo jumped out of a stalagmite, which wasn't strange, and accused me of larceny, which was odd, because I knew I hadn't eaten eggs for days. The next thing I knew the scarves had turned into chain mail, and Frodo had turned into my Uncle Vern. He grinned at me, and told me that Elrond was waiting for me. He told me to follow my insticts, which would bring me to the Lord of Rivendell, and wished me good luck in my next battle.
I opened my eyes, and found myself twisted uncomfortably around my cloak and blanket. I disentangled myself, and sat up. Looking out the window, I saw the whole sky smothered in grey clouds, and a cold wind was blowing into my small room.
Thinking of my dream made me feel as though some things will never change. No matter what world I am in, dreams never make sense, and can't be interpretted into wisdom. Seeing Uncle Vern made me grin, until a pang of homesickness overwhelmed me. In an attempt to think of other things, I ate a piece of bread, and puzzled over the next few lines of my book.
After awhile, however, I grew impatient, and went out to find someone to talk to. I wandered the interior of Helm's Deep all morning, and finally rested by the outmost gates, watching the horizon out of a tall thin window.
The vast expanse of land before me seemed endless, and I wondered how the size of all of Middle Earth would compare to my world. For this I thought about for a long time, until I realized that what I had been gazing at was moving. It was a speck of black moving across the ground a long ways off.
I looked to see if anyone else noticed it, but I was alone. Not thinking about consequences, I rushed to where we had stabled the horses, untied Brego, mounted him, and nudged him into a a fast walk to the gates. I hopped down to open one of the heavy doors, lead Brego through, and I mounted him again, kicking him into a run down the bridge.
The wind slapped my face bitterly, but I ignored it. The object was growing near. I saw now that it was a person. Without even considering other possibilities, I knew it was Aragorn.
In a few more minutes, I was even with him. He had collapsed on the ground, and his right shoulder was bare and bloody. I slipped off Brego, and knelt by Aragorn, shaking him gently.
"Aragorn! Are you alright?" I asked worriedly. His eyes flickered, and he mumbled something in Elvish.
I pulled him into a sitting position, and looked at him more closely. His face was bruised, and a few cuts diappeared into his hairline. His shoulder was the worst, though. It looked like it had been chewed on. I grimaced, and wished I would have brought some water, and some cloth to clean his wounds.
I stood up, and heaved him to his feet. He was conscious, but very weak. I helped him onto Brego, and then got on the horse myself, with Aragorn slumped on my back.
I urged the horse into a run, wanting to get Aragorn back to safety as soon as possible. As we neared the gates, I felt Aragorn sit up behind me. Either he was regaining his strength, or didn't want to arrive completely dependent on someone else.
As I rode through the door, I called for Legolas and Gimli. My voice didn't travel far, but they must have been nearby, because both arrived quickly.
"Elessar!" Legolas cried, hurrying forward. Aragorn slid off the horse, stumbled a bit, but then stood up straight.
He turned to me, and gave a small smile, "Thank you, Orthalion. I am indebted to you."
I forced a laugh, "No, if anything, I've paid you off now for your help to me." Aragorn nodded, smiling wider. He turned to Legolas, "Uruks march here. The battle will be tonight."
"Tonight?" Gimli growled.
"Yes. There are thousands upon thousands on their way." Aragorn continued softly.
"How can we win?" Legolas demanded
It was silent for a long time. Then- "We can't." Aragorn's words sent a shudder down my spine. He finished, "But we must warn Theoden. The men must ready themselves for battle. The women and children must go into the caverns of Helm's Deep."
"We are cornered." Gimli exclaimed. Aragorn looked frustrated, "This idea was never mine, but I will not counter Theoden King's words."
Legolas turned to me, "Tell all the women to take their children and go to the the caverns."
Nodding, I led Brego back to the makeshift stables, and went to find Eowyn; I needed her help.
.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
.
chibi-mariri: Nifty, points for you. I was wondering if anyone would catch the stolen quote. Actually, I haven't seen it for awhile, but that line is so frabjous sounding, I'll stick it anywhere.