Hi again! All righty folks, this baby is winding down. Kinda sad really.
It's my first fan-fic, and I love it! There's only one chapter and an
epilogue after this. So I hope it satisfies everyone whose read!
Disclaimer: As always, they don't belong to me. I wish they did, cause then I wouldn't have to worry about these pesky student loans.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 26: The Coming of Sorrow
Pandemonium broke out at the news of the army's approach. Men were running everywhere, grabbing swords, bows and arrows... Anything that could be used as a weapon. There was only one thing running around faster than the soldiers: rumors. The size of the army had started out at a hundred, and had quickly grown to several thousand. Saruman himself was leading the army! No, no. That's not right. It was lead by a fierce-eyed warrior who rode a giant black stallion that could breathe fire.
Aragorn shook his head as he and the others met with Liothiel. "By the time the army actually gets here, we shall be fighting a legion of fire- breathing dragons."
Legolas gave him a wolfish grin as he slung his bow over his shoulder. Aragorn recognized the light in his best friend's eyes. It was the same light that had been there just before they had fought the goblins.
Legolas was eager for battle.
"Do you have any idea how big this army really is?" Ylana asked from where she stood on the other side of Legolas. "Never mind the fire-breathing dragons. A few hundred Orcs might prove a problem. Terin's army isn't that large."
"It does not matter how large their army is," Gimli announced, waving his ax around and nearly taking off Boromir's arm. "Let them come. I will take care of them!"
The others shook their heads at the Dwarf's thirst for battle, but Legolas's eyes shown brighter.
Liothiel approached them then, dressed in his battle armor. He had not worn it since the death of his father, and had hoped to never wear it again. "I want the archers on top of the wall, on the balconies... Any high place. The rest of the soldiers need to take up places around the wall. We've done this drill before, so they should know where to go. And, from what I understand, they will do whatever their leaders tell them."
Aragorn gave him a bow. "We shall do our best, my lord."
The prince offered him a smile. "Then we have nothing to fear," he said softly. "I wish you all the best of luck, and that our paths may cross again."
The others expressed similar wishes according to their own customs, the Elves touching their hearts while bowing, then extending their hands in his direction. Ylana turned to begin placing the archers. Legolas started to follow, but was stopped by a hand that was placed on his shoulder. Turning, he found himself staring into a pair of grey eyes. The Elf felt his breath catch in his throat, the look was so intense.
"Legolas," the Ranger said softly. "Please be careful. I know the Healer said you are quite well, but I still want you to stay safe."
Legolas reached out to clasp his friends shoulder with a nod. He would be careful for Aragorn's sake.
The Ranger gazed deep into Legolas's eyes before nodding, sure that his friend was telling the truth. "May the Valar be with you," he murmured, the traditional Elvish wish for safety.
But he wanted to say so much more.
Legolas gave him a nod and a smile. He would be all right. Aragorn would see him again.
His heart was heavy as he watched his friend go. He knew that Legolas was more than capable of taking care of himself. He also knew that Legolas needed this to prove to himself---and everyone else---that he was not a weakness. Still, Aragorn was filled with a longing desire to fight beside Legolas, to protect him.
"Aragorn?" That was Boromir, looking at his companion in concern. He had finished saying goodbye to Merry and Pippin and was now ready to get the men into place. "Aragorn, hurry! Time is running short. Dawn approaches."
And he was right. The sky was no longer the color of pitch, but was tinged with just a faint hint of purple. The stars had begun to retreat. The army would be here soon.
Sending one last, silent plea to his friend to be careful, Aragorn turned and followed Boromir into the throng of Men.
------------------------------------------
As she made her way to the front of the assembled archers, Ylana felt a hand land on her shoulder. Turning, she was confronted by the hazel eyes of the young warrior she had befriended over the past few days.
She smiled. "Hello, Taolyn. What can I do for you?"
"Milady," he said as he dipped his head, causing her to frown. She had begged him to simply call her Ylana, for she was a warrior, not royalty. If he was going to bow and scrape to anyone, it should be to Legolas, who really was a prince. Yet he insisted, driving her to frustration. "Milady, I would be very pleased if you would allow me to fight alongside you and Lord Legolas."
An eyebrow was lifted. "This is no drill, Taolyn," she said softly. There will be no painted targets to shoot at. These are real Orcs, the kind that shoot back. You would be safer with the rest of your comrades."
"I am well aware of the danger," he said firmly, eyes locking with hers. "And I know that my skills are nothing compared to that of you and your companion. But you have become a dear friend to me. I was so rude to you, yet you took time out to help me learn. I have no other way of repaying you."
"I did not ask for you to repay me," she answered, her voice sharp. "Do you know what you are asking, boy? I'll not have you getting killed over some half-baked notion you've gotten into your head!"
He looked her strait in the eye and she saw no hesitancy or confusion. Just determination. "I know exactly what I am doing, milady. I am fighting alongside two of the greatest archers in Middle Earth to protect my home."
She offered him a nod and a smile. "It will be an honor to have you fight by my side, Taolyn. But I must ask a favor of you. If I give you an order, *any* order, you must obey. Can you do this for me?"
He gave her a low bow. "It shall be as you wish, milady."
"Good. Your first task is to address me as Ylana. I am no princess, not even a noble. Your second task is to round up all of our wandering archers. It is approaching dawn and, if the messenger was correct, we shall soon be in a battle."
"I shall do as you command, mi---Ylana." Here he blushed.
She laughed, and everyone around her stopped to marvel at the sound, for they had never heard anything like it. "See? It is not so difficult. You will get used to it in time. Now, I believe you had an errand to do?"
His blush deepening, Taolyn gave her another bow before hurrying off.
Ylana watched him go with a heavy heart, hoping that she had not just made a huge mistake in agreeing to let him fight on the front lines.
A hand landed on her shoulder, causing her to turn and face Legolas, who offered her an encouraging smile. He had witnessed the entire exchange and approved whole-heartedly. The boy had all the makings of a future leader. ~He reminds me of Aragorn when he was that age...~
She let out a long sigh and began walking towards the section of the city's protective wall where the archers were gathering. "Come. We must get these men prepared, and quickly. I feel the evil gathering by the second. They're almost here..."
-------------------
Aragorn could feel the energy crackle in the air, and it made him wince. These Men were as thirsty for battle as Legolas.
Speaking of the Elf... The Ranger shot yet another glance at the wall where he could just make out Legolas under the paling sky. ~Please don't do anything stupid. Please be careful. I couldn't bear to lose you again...~
The sound of Boromir's voice drew him back to the company of Men that stood before him. The future Steward of Gondor was rallying the soldiers with an encouraging pep talk, causing Aragorn to blush in shame. He should be the one giving the men hope. But there were too many other things on his mind.
"And Saruman will know that we will just not lay down and die!" A loud cheer arose from the soldiers as Boromir came to Aragorn's side, his face flushed with excitement.
The Ranger offered his companion a smile. "Your words have much strength in them, Boromir. They set the men's hearts aflame, which will be good in the fight."
"My own heart is pounding with anticipation," Boromir said breathlessly, eyes shinning. "My body is on fire!"
Aragorn lifted an eyebrow. "Are you so eager to spill blood?"
"Aye, if it be that of Orcs."
"Good," Aragorn replied grimly, gesturing to the great oak gate in front of them. His Elven-trained ears had picked out the faint sounds of heavy footsteps, and the restless movements of the archers on the wall told him that he wasn't imagining things. "Because they're here."
---------------
They were close. Aislyn could smell the stink of fear as acutely as the Orcs, and it made her smile. ~They are aware of our approach. Good.~ She had seen the messenger flee towards the human city, but had been unsure of the reception they would receive. There was the possibility that he wouldn't be believed, but she seriously doubted it. That cursed Elf and his friends were there, so the army was probably waiting.
This didn't concern her in the least bit. She would not be fighting. Besides, she enjoyed a battle over a massacre anyways. It was much more sporting.
The five hundred or so Uruk-hai that marched behind her growled and hissed at one another as they stomped their way towards Terin, but otherwise quiet. Not that stealth mattered. But they were full of anticipation. They too could smell the fear, and the sweet aroma of man-flesh.
Aisyln found it wasteful that they would probably all be killed.
They were not going to make war. If that had been the case, then Saruman would have sent thousands of Orcs to easily wipe them out. No, these Orcs were merely a distraction while Aislyn went to block the passages. But Saruman did not want the Men to have an easy victory. They would not escape without casualties.
The Orcs began growling louder and one or two let out a howl. The smell was getting stronger, and the creatures were nearly drooling with anticipation. They wanted to rush forward and take the town, but they knew better than to go against Aislyn's orders.
Saruman had been slightly concerned about allowing a girl to lead the Uruks, even if she was a powerful witch. They would more than likely attempt to use her for their own sport than follow her all the way to Terin. But after she had left two smoldering corpses after blasting them with fire from her fingertips, all of the wizard's doubts flew away. She ruled by fear, and so the Orcs would obey her.
Just up ahead, Aislyn could see the wall surrounding the city. ~Humans and their walls.~ If she looked a little closer, she could just make out the figures standing atop the wall. She had little doubt that more soldiers awaited behind it.
A cruel smile twisted her lips. ~This should be fun...~
-------------------
If Legolas had been human, he would have been shifting from foot to foot right about now. He was as impassive as always, but Ylana could feel the anticipation rolling off of him in waves.
\On her other side, Taolyn sucked in his breath and stiffened. The female Elf couldn't blame him. A person's first sight of the Uruk-hai was pretty awe-inspiring.
They flowed out of the woods and into the empty plain that lay before Terin's city gates. Ylana mentally counted them and couldn't suppress the sigh of relief that escaped her lips. ~No more than six hundred. Good. We are not as badly outnumbered as I had feared. It seems as if Saruman has underestimated us. She began to say something to Legolas, and then stopped as a flash of white caught her attention. Frowning, she searched for what it could be, and then blinked as she found it.
"There's a *girl* leading them," she breathed. "Legolas, do you see that? She has white hair and...gold eyes? She's from Angmar?!"
A pit of fear settled in Legolas's stomach as he shaded his eyes and looked around. ~Could it be?~ His eyes settled on the girl and he felt his heart sink. ~It is.~
Unconsciously he went back to one of his many torture sessions at the hands of Saruman. His body had been consumed by pain, but he had stubbornly clung to consciousness, not wanting to give the wizard any kind of pleasure. His voice had not yet been taken then, and he was still strong.
Footsteps had echoed in the room and Legolas had tensed, thinking it was Annolir. But he couldn't help but gawk as a girl had sauntered into the room, looking very much as though she belonged.
Saruman had smiled in glee. "So good of you to visit, my dear. This is Legolas, our Prince Lightbringer's younger brother. Legolas, this is Aislyn, my assistant."
That same girl now stood on the ground below him.
Ylana was watching in confusion as the girl looked up and smiled at them--- no, at Legolas---then walked away.
The female Elf wanted to call out, to stop her, but never got the chance as the first arrow soared through the air.
The battle had begun.
----------------
Aragorn was gripping the hilt of Anduril so tight that his knuckles were as white as bone. He kept his eyes glued to the archers on the wall. Ylana's voice drifted to him on the wind, and over a hundred arrows were put to bow.
A deadly quiet had fallen over the human settlement, and the Ranger could clearly hear the growling and snarling coming from the other side of the wall. His body was tense and ready. A quick look to his left told him that Boromir was just as ready.
He sent out a silent prayer that not too many Men would lose their lives today, and that he would not be burying any close friends come evening.
Then his mind returned to the matter at hand as a loud *twang* rang out in the near silence. Someone had launched an arrow.
Aragorn held his breath as his eyes went to Ylana, his heart pounding in his ears. ~This is it. There's no turning back...~
"*Fire!*"
The Elven girl's cry rang through the town, and the air was suddenly filled with singing arrows.
Aragorn shared a look with Boromir, and then with a loud cry, both Men rushed out of the gates, the other soldiers following with their own war cries.
The Ranger took a moment to assess their numbers---~they are not so many~--- but a moment was all he had, because an Orc was suddenly charging at him.
---------------
~One. Two. Three. Four. Five...~
The arrows were flying from Legolas's bow at an unnatural rate, each one finding their mark. A few of the archers, seeming to forget what they were supposed to be doing, gawked at him in awe.
He couldn't deny the feeling of glee that surged through him as each Uruk- hai fell. ~If only Annolir could see me now. Ha! I'm far from the weak creature he thought I would be.~
Below him, the oak gates rumbled open and the rest of the soldiers poured out, rushing into the horde of Uruk-hai. Looking closely, Legolas could make out Aragorn at the head of the group and was filled with the sudden desire to be fighting at his friend's side where he belonged.
He reached over and touched Ylana on the shoulder. Once he had her attention, he pointed down to the ground before leaping over the edge of the wall.
Many of the men gasped, expecting the fool Elf to break his neck. But Legolas landed as nimbly as a cat and rushed into battle, slinging his bow over his shoulder and reaching for his knives. He arrived at Aragorn's side just in time to slide a blade into an Orc about to raise a scimitar against the human.
The Ranger turned and gawked at his friend. "Legolas!" he cried in surprise and joy.
The Elf grinned wildly and saluted his friend with one of his knives before turning to decapitate another Orc.
This was where he was meant to be.
-------------------------
Aislyn had easily made it into the mountains, undetected. Sure those Elves had seen her, but there was nothing they could do. The sounds of clanging steel assured her that the battle was well under way, and that she wouldn't have to worry about being bothered.
She studied the large tunnel in front of her, wondering how best to collapse it. She wanted to make sure that it would take them quite awhile to clear it. It would do her no good to block them only to have them passable in another day or two.
~I need to find a weak spot that I can add some pressure to. That would cause it to crack and cave in perhaps half this tunnel.~
Aislyn closed her eyes and sent out small tendrils of magick to probe the rock around the tunnel, searching, searching...
~Ah. Exactly what I was looking for.~
A smile twisted her lips. ~This will be a piece of cake.~
--------------------
Liothiel stood at the corner of the wall, directly above the gate, eyes sweeping out over the scene below him. Many dead Orcs lay scattered about the field, but every once in awhile his eyes fell upon and unmoving body dressed in the armor of Terin, causing his heart to sink.
But he could not mourn, not yet. The battle was still raging fiercely, and he could even spot a few of the foul creatures upon the wall. He had to fight, save his home. Then he could grieve for the fallen.
He turned to the wizard at his side. "My father once spoke of a time when the two of you drew your swords together," the prince said softly. "I would be honored to do the same."
Gandalf smiled and was about to reply when the ground rumbled beneath them, nearly knocking them both over.
The wizard frowned. "What on earth was that?"
"I am not sure," Liothiel answered. "But it came from the mountains."
"The mountains?" Gandalf's face paled. He suddenly had a very good idea as to why Saruman had waited until now to attack them...
----------------------
Ylana was reaching for an arrow when the ground quaked, causing her to lose her balance and fall to the ground. Her head smacked into the stone, and her vision began to swim.
She shook her head, trying to clear it so that she could get back on her feet and continue fighting.
But she was not quick enough.
"Ylana!"
She was aware of her name being called, but it was not until she heard the wet gurgle that she was able to focus on what was happening and scream.
"*Taolyn*!"
The young archer looked down, seeming surprised by the scimitar that was now sticking out of his chest. Almost without thinking, he took one of his won arrows, stabbed the Orc in the neck, and then pushed him over the wall before crumpling to the ground.
Ylana quickly crawled to his side, her heart pounding. ~No. By the Valar, this can't be happening!~
Taolyn managed to smile at her, regardless of the blood pouring from his mouth. "Well, it was fun while it lasted," he managed to say weakly.
Ylana brushed some of his hair away from his eyes, holding back the tears that were threatening to spill. "Stay with me, Taolyn," she whispered. "That's an order."
He chuckled, causing more blood to spill from his mouth. "I'm afraid that's one order I won't be able to obey." He managed a weak smile. "It was a privilege to fight alongside you, to protect my home. Promise---promise me you won't let it fall."
She lifted up a hand---~it's stained with his blood~---and placed it over her heart. "I promise to do my best."
He nodded, hearing the truth in her words. "Goodbye, Ylana," he whispered. Then he closed his eyes, and with a final sigh, went still.
He was gone.
Ylana bowed her head, allowing her tears to fall. Then she leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Namarie, mellon-nin. Hir hidh ab wanath."(1)
She then got to her feet, her grief quickly turning into anger. With a loud cry of rage, she leapt over the wall, Dolinril out and flaming.
These creatures would pay.
------------
Legolas had become slightly separated from Aragorn when a loud roar filled the air, followed by a trembling in the ground.
Aragorn teetered backwards, wind milling his arms to keep his balance. But it didn't work, and he hit the ground with a grunt.
The Orcs howled in glee at their good fortune and rushed at the Ranger, swords held high.
Legolas, who had managed to keep standing, saw this, panic quickly filling his heart. He rushed towards his friend, but was blocked by a leering Uruk- hai.
*Aragorn!* the Elf tried to shout as he battled the Uruk-hai, quickly taking off its head. A quick look showed him that the Ranger was still on the ground and unaware of the danger that was quickly closing in on him.
Another Orc rushed the prince before he could take a step. *Aragorn!* he tried again, frustration welling up within him. If he didn't do something soon, he was going to watch his best friend die!
He made short work of the second Orc and felt his heart stop when he realized how close the Uruk-hai were to the Ranger.
"*Aragorn*!"
Neither of them had the time to marvel at the fact that the cry had been ripped from Legolas's throat, for the Uruk-hai were upon them. Aragorn had heard his friend's warning, and managed to get his sword up between him and the scimitar that was falling towards his head. Legolas joined him, and the Orcs were soon rotting corpses.
Aragorn turned to Legolas, eyes full of wonder. "You spoke," he murmured.
"Not now," Legolas answered, his voice a harsh whisper after having gone so long without use. He gestured to the area around him. "It's not over yet."
The Ranger nodded and quickly ran in the direction of the nearest fighting, Legolas right beside him. But his heart was filled with joy.
Legolas could speak again!
-------------------
Most of the Uruk-hai were already dead, and it did not take the Men long to finish those who were left. Once he was sure all the foul creatures were gone, Aragorn quickly moved to Legolas's side. The battle light had died in the Elf's eyes, but he still looked disappointed that there were no more Orcs left to kill.
"Legolas..." Aragorn trailed off, not sure what to say.
The Elf offered him a smile. "Hello, Estel," he said. It hurt to talk, but oh! It was so nice to hear his own voice again!
Aragorn reached out to gently touch Legolas's throat. "But how can this be? Gandalf said that there was a spell...You broke it!"
Still smiling, Legolas shook his head. "Nay, dear friend. 'Twas not I who broke Saruman's spell, but you."
Aragorn blinked at him in surprise. "Me? But how could I have possibly broken it?"
"It was while I was trying to call out to you, to warn you, that I found my voice again." He reached out to place a hand on the stunned human's shoulder. "You are my best friend, Aragorn. I care for you as I care for no one else. When I saw that you were in danger... It must have been the care and devotion I have for you that broke the spell."
Aragorn blinked at him, and then pulled him into an embrace. "Oh, Legolas," he whispered, holding him tight.
Legolas closed his eyes and hugged his friend in return, somehow knowing that everything was going to be all right.
---------------------
Standing just a few feet away from the friends, Gandalf couldn't help but smile. ~It seems as though the fates have made their choice...~
The wizard knew that, in that instance, the two friends had set in motion a chain of events that would shape the future of Middle-Earth. Something that neither of them would understand for a very long time.
With a sigh, Gandalf turned from the pair to stare at the rising sun. ~And so it begins.~
(1)Namarie, mellon-nin. Hir hidh ab wanath.-----Farewell, my friend. May you find peace
after death.
Disclaimer: As always, they don't belong to me. I wish they did, cause then I wouldn't have to worry about these pesky student loans.
The Silent Prince
Chapter 26: The Coming of Sorrow
Pandemonium broke out at the news of the army's approach. Men were running everywhere, grabbing swords, bows and arrows... Anything that could be used as a weapon. There was only one thing running around faster than the soldiers: rumors. The size of the army had started out at a hundred, and had quickly grown to several thousand. Saruman himself was leading the army! No, no. That's not right. It was lead by a fierce-eyed warrior who rode a giant black stallion that could breathe fire.
Aragorn shook his head as he and the others met with Liothiel. "By the time the army actually gets here, we shall be fighting a legion of fire- breathing dragons."
Legolas gave him a wolfish grin as he slung his bow over his shoulder. Aragorn recognized the light in his best friend's eyes. It was the same light that had been there just before they had fought the goblins.
Legolas was eager for battle.
"Do you have any idea how big this army really is?" Ylana asked from where she stood on the other side of Legolas. "Never mind the fire-breathing dragons. A few hundred Orcs might prove a problem. Terin's army isn't that large."
"It does not matter how large their army is," Gimli announced, waving his ax around and nearly taking off Boromir's arm. "Let them come. I will take care of them!"
The others shook their heads at the Dwarf's thirst for battle, but Legolas's eyes shown brighter.
Liothiel approached them then, dressed in his battle armor. He had not worn it since the death of his father, and had hoped to never wear it again. "I want the archers on top of the wall, on the balconies... Any high place. The rest of the soldiers need to take up places around the wall. We've done this drill before, so they should know where to go. And, from what I understand, they will do whatever their leaders tell them."
Aragorn gave him a bow. "We shall do our best, my lord."
The prince offered him a smile. "Then we have nothing to fear," he said softly. "I wish you all the best of luck, and that our paths may cross again."
The others expressed similar wishes according to their own customs, the Elves touching their hearts while bowing, then extending their hands in his direction. Ylana turned to begin placing the archers. Legolas started to follow, but was stopped by a hand that was placed on his shoulder. Turning, he found himself staring into a pair of grey eyes. The Elf felt his breath catch in his throat, the look was so intense.
"Legolas," the Ranger said softly. "Please be careful. I know the Healer said you are quite well, but I still want you to stay safe."
Legolas reached out to clasp his friends shoulder with a nod. He would be careful for Aragorn's sake.
The Ranger gazed deep into Legolas's eyes before nodding, sure that his friend was telling the truth. "May the Valar be with you," he murmured, the traditional Elvish wish for safety.
But he wanted to say so much more.
Legolas gave him a nod and a smile. He would be all right. Aragorn would see him again.
His heart was heavy as he watched his friend go. He knew that Legolas was more than capable of taking care of himself. He also knew that Legolas needed this to prove to himself---and everyone else---that he was not a weakness. Still, Aragorn was filled with a longing desire to fight beside Legolas, to protect him.
"Aragorn?" That was Boromir, looking at his companion in concern. He had finished saying goodbye to Merry and Pippin and was now ready to get the men into place. "Aragorn, hurry! Time is running short. Dawn approaches."
And he was right. The sky was no longer the color of pitch, but was tinged with just a faint hint of purple. The stars had begun to retreat. The army would be here soon.
Sending one last, silent plea to his friend to be careful, Aragorn turned and followed Boromir into the throng of Men.
------------------------------------------
As she made her way to the front of the assembled archers, Ylana felt a hand land on her shoulder. Turning, she was confronted by the hazel eyes of the young warrior she had befriended over the past few days.
She smiled. "Hello, Taolyn. What can I do for you?"
"Milady," he said as he dipped his head, causing her to frown. She had begged him to simply call her Ylana, for she was a warrior, not royalty. If he was going to bow and scrape to anyone, it should be to Legolas, who really was a prince. Yet he insisted, driving her to frustration. "Milady, I would be very pleased if you would allow me to fight alongside you and Lord Legolas."
An eyebrow was lifted. "This is no drill, Taolyn," she said softly. There will be no painted targets to shoot at. These are real Orcs, the kind that shoot back. You would be safer with the rest of your comrades."
"I am well aware of the danger," he said firmly, eyes locking with hers. "And I know that my skills are nothing compared to that of you and your companion. But you have become a dear friend to me. I was so rude to you, yet you took time out to help me learn. I have no other way of repaying you."
"I did not ask for you to repay me," she answered, her voice sharp. "Do you know what you are asking, boy? I'll not have you getting killed over some half-baked notion you've gotten into your head!"
He looked her strait in the eye and she saw no hesitancy or confusion. Just determination. "I know exactly what I am doing, milady. I am fighting alongside two of the greatest archers in Middle Earth to protect my home."
She offered him a nod and a smile. "It will be an honor to have you fight by my side, Taolyn. But I must ask a favor of you. If I give you an order, *any* order, you must obey. Can you do this for me?"
He gave her a low bow. "It shall be as you wish, milady."
"Good. Your first task is to address me as Ylana. I am no princess, not even a noble. Your second task is to round up all of our wandering archers. It is approaching dawn and, if the messenger was correct, we shall soon be in a battle."
"I shall do as you command, mi---Ylana." Here he blushed.
She laughed, and everyone around her stopped to marvel at the sound, for they had never heard anything like it. "See? It is not so difficult. You will get used to it in time. Now, I believe you had an errand to do?"
His blush deepening, Taolyn gave her another bow before hurrying off.
Ylana watched him go with a heavy heart, hoping that she had not just made a huge mistake in agreeing to let him fight on the front lines.
A hand landed on her shoulder, causing her to turn and face Legolas, who offered her an encouraging smile. He had witnessed the entire exchange and approved whole-heartedly. The boy had all the makings of a future leader. ~He reminds me of Aragorn when he was that age...~
She let out a long sigh and began walking towards the section of the city's protective wall where the archers were gathering. "Come. We must get these men prepared, and quickly. I feel the evil gathering by the second. They're almost here..."
-------------------
Aragorn could feel the energy crackle in the air, and it made him wince. These Men were as thirsty for battle as Legolas.
Speaking of the Elf... The Ranger shot yet another glance at the wall where he could just make out Legolas under the paling sky. ~Please don't do anything stupid. Please be careful. I couldn't bear to lose you again...~
The sound of Boromir's voice drew him back to the company of Men that stood before him. The future Steward of Gondor was rallying the soldiers with an encouraging pep talk, causing Aragorn to blush in shame. He should be the one giving the men hope. But there were too many other things on his mind.
"And Saruman will know that we will just not lay down and die!" A loud cheer arose from the soldiers as Boromir came to Aragorn's side, his face flushed with excitement.
The Ranger offered his companion a smile. "Your words have much strength in them, Boromir. They set the men's hearts aflame, which will be good in the fight."
"My own heart is pounding with anticipation," Boromir said breathlessly, eyes shinning. "My body is on fire!"
Aragorn lifted an eyebrow. "Are you so eager to spill blood?"
"Aye, if it be that of Orcs."
"Good," Aragorn replied grimly, gesturing to the great oak gate in front of them. His Elven-trained ears had picked out the faint sounds of heavy footsteps, and the restless movements of the archers on the wall told him that he wasn't imagining things. "Because they're here."
---------------
They were close. Aislyn could smell the stink of fear as acutely as the Orcs, and it made her smile. ~They are aware of our approach. Good.~ She had seen the messenger flee towards the human city, but had been unsure of the reception they would receive. There was the possibility that he wouldn't be believed, but she seriously doubted it. That cursed Elf and his friends were there, so the army was probably waiting.
This didn't concern her in the least bit. She would not be fighting. Besides, she enjoyed a battle over a massacre anyways. It was much more sporting.
The five hundred or so Uruk-hai that marched behind her growled and hissed at one another as they stomped their way towards Terin, but otherwise quiet. Not that stealth mattered. But they were full of anticipation. They too could smell the fear, and the sweet aroma of man-flesh.
Aisyln found it wasteful that they would probably all be killed.
They were not going to make war. If that had been the case, then Saruman would have sent thousands of Orcs to easily wipe them out. No, these Orcs were merely a distraction while Aislyn went to block the passages. But Saruman did not want the Men to have an easy victory. They would not escape without casualties.
The Orcs began growling louder and one or two let out a howl. The smell was getting stronger, and the creatures were nearly drooling with anticipation. They wanted to rush forward and take the town, but they knew better than to go against Aislyn's orders.
Saruman had been slightly concerned about allowing a girl to lead the Uruks, even if she was a powerful witch. They would more than likely attempt to use her for their own sport than follow her all the way to Terin. But after she had left two smoldering corpses after blasting them with fire from her fingertips, all of the wizard's doubts flew away. She ruled by fear, and so the Orcs would obey her.
Just up ahead, Aislyn could see the wall surrounding the city. ~Humans and their walls.~ If she looked a little closer, she could just make out the figures standing atop the wall. She had little doubt that more soldiers awaited behind it.
A cruel smile twisted her lips. ~This should be fun...~
-------------------
If Legolas had been human, he would have been shifting from foot to foot right about now. He was as impassive as always, but Ylana could feel the anticipation rolling off of him in waves.
\On her other side, Taolyn sucked in his breath and stiffened. The female Elf couldn't blame him. A person's first sight of the Uruk-hai was pretty awe-inspiring.
They flowed out of the woods and into the empty plain that lay before Terin's city gates. Ylana mentally counted them and couldn't suppress the sigh of relief that escaped her lips. ~No more than six hundred. Good. We are not as badly outnumbered as I had feared. It seems as if Saruman has underestimated us. She began to say something to Legolas, and then stopped as a flash of white caught her attention. Frowning, she searched for what it could be, and then blinked as she found it.
"There's a *girl* leading them," she breathed. "Legolas, do you see that? She has white hair and...gold eyes? She's from Angmar?!"
A pit of fear settled in Legolas's stomach as he shaded his eyes and looked around. ~Could it be?~ His eyes settled on the girl and he felt his heart sink. ~It is.~
Unconsciously he went back to one of his many torture sessions at the hands of Saruman. His body had been consumed by pain, but he had stubbornly clung to consciousness, not wanting to give the wizard any kind of pleasure. His voice had not yet been taken then, and he was still strong.
Footsteps had echoed in the room and Legolas had tensed, thinking it was Annolir. But he couldn't help but gawk as a girl had sauntered into the room, looking very much as though she belonged.
Saruman had smiled in glee. "So good of you to visit, my dear. This is Legolas, our Prince Lightbringer's younger brother. Legolas, this is Aislyn, my assistant."
That same girl now stood on the ground below him.
Ylana was watching in confusion as the girl looked up and smiled at them--- no, at Legolas---then walked away.
The female Elf wanted to call out, to stop her, but never got the chance as the first arrow soared through the air.
The battle had begun.
----------------
Aragorn was gripping the hilt of Anduril so tight that his knuckles were as white as bone. He kept his eyes glued to the archers on the wall. Ylana's voice drifted to him on the wind, and over a hundred arrows were put to bow.
A deadly quiet had fallen over the human settlement, and the Ranger could clearly hear the growling and snarling coming from the other side of the wall. His body was tense and ready. A quick look to his left told him that Boromir was just as ready.
He sent out a silent prayer that not too many Men would lose their lives today, and that he would not be burying any close friends come evening.
Then his mind returned to the matter at hand as a loud *twang* rang out in the near silence. Someone had launched an arrow.
Aragorn held his breath as his eyes went to Ylana, his heart pounding in his ears. ~This is it. There's no turning back...~
"*Fire!*"
The Elven girl's cry rang through the town, and the air was suddenly filled with singing arrows.
Aragorn shared a look with Boromir, and then with a loud cry, both Men rushed out of the gates, the other soldiers following with their own war cries.
The Ranger took a moment to assess their numbers---~they are not so many~--- but a moment was all he had, because an Orc was suddenly charging at him.
---------------
~One. Two. Three. Four. Five...~
The arrows were flying from Legolas's bow at an unnatural rate, each one finding their mark. A few of the archers, seeming to forget what they were supposed to be doing, gawked at him in awe.
He couldn't deny the feeling of glee that surged through him as each Uruk- hai fell. ~If only Annolir could see me now. Ha! I'm far from the weak creature he thought I would be.~
Below him, the oak gates rumbled open and the rest of the soldiers poured out, rushing into the horde of Uruk-hai. Looking closely, Legolas could make out Aragorn at the head of the group and was filled with the sudden desire to be fighting at his friend's side where he belonged.
He reached over and touched Ylana on the shoulder. Once he had her attention, he pointed down to the ground before leaping over the edge of the wall.
Many of the men gasped, expecting the fool Elf to break his neck. But Legolas landed as nimbly as a cat and rushed into battle, slinging his bow over his shoulder and reaching for his knives. He arrived at Aragorn's side just in time to slide a blade into an Orc about to raise a scimitar against the human.
The Ranger turned and gawked at his friend. "Legolas!" he cried in surprise and joy.
The Elf grinned wildly and saluted his friend with one of his knives before turning to decapitate another Orc.
This was where he was meant to be.
-------------------------
Aislyn had easily made it into the mountains, undetected. Sure those Elves had seen her, but there was nothing they could do. The sounds of clanging steel assured her that the battle was well under way, and that she wouldn't have to worry about being bothered.
She studied the large tunnel in front of her, wondering how best to collapse it. She wanted to make sure that it would take them quite awhile to clear it. It would do her no good to block them only to have them passable in another day or two.
~I need to find a weak spot that I can add some pressure to. That would cause it to crack and cave in perhaps half this tunnel.~
Aislyn closed her eyes and sent out small tendrils of magick to probe the rock around the tunnel, searching, searching...
~Ah. Exactly what I was looking for.~
A smile twisted her lips. ~This will be a piece of cake.~
--------------------
Liothiel stood at the corner of the wall, directly above the gate, eyes sweeping out over the scene below him. Many dead Orcs lay scattered about the field, but every once in awhile his eyes fell upon and unmoving body dressed in the armor of Terin, causing his heart to sink.
But he could not mourn, not yet. The battle was still raging fiercely, and he could even spot a few of the foul creatures upon the wall. He had to fight, save his home. Then he could grieve for the fallen.
He turned to the wizard at his side. "My father once spoke of a time when the two of you drew your swords together," the prince said softly. "I would be honored to do the same."
Gandalf smiled and was about to reply when the ground rumbled beneath them, nearly knocking them both over.
The wizard frowned. "What on earth was that?"
"I am not sure," Liothiel answered. "But it came from the mountains."
"The mountains?" Gandalf's face paled. He suddenly had a very good idea as to why Saruman had waited until now to attack them...
----------------------
Ylana was reaching for an arrow when the ground quaked, causing her to lose her balance and fall to the ground. Her head smacked into the stone, and her vision began to swim.
She shook her head, trying to clear it so that she could get back on her feet and continue fighting.
But she was not quick enough.
"Ylana!"
She was aware of her name being called, but it was not until she heard the wet gurgle that she was able to focus on what was happening and scream.
"*Taolyn*!"
The young archer looked down, seeming surprised by the scimitar that was now sticking out of his chest. Almost without thinking, he took one of his won arrows, stabbed the Orc in the neck, and then pushed him over the wall before crumpling to the ground.
Ylana quickly crawled to his side, her heart pounding. ~No. By the Valar, this can't be happening!~
Taolyn managed to smile at her, regardless of the blood pouring from his mouth. "Well, it was fun while it lasted," he managed to say weakly.
Ylana brushed some of his hair away from his eyes, holding back the tears that were threatening to spill. "Stay with me, Taolyn," she whispered. "That's an order."
He chuckled, causing more blood to spill from his mouth. "I'm afraid that's one order I won't be able to obey." He managed a weak smile. "It was a privilege to fight alongside you, to protect my home. Promise---promise me you won't let it fall."
She lifted up a hand---~it's stained with his blood~---and placed it over her heart. "I promise to do my best."
He nodded, hearing the truth in her words. "Goodbye, Ylana," he whispered. Then he closed his eyes, and with a final sigh, went still.
He was gone.
Ylana bowed her head, allowing her tears to fall. Then she leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on his forehead. "Namarie, mellon-nin. Hir hidh ab wanath."(1)
She then got to her feet, her grief quickly turning into anger. With a loud cry of rage, she leapt over the wall, Dolinril out and flaming.
These creatures would pay.
------------
Legolas had become slightly separated from Aragorn when a loud roar filled the air, followed by a trembling in the ground.
Aragorn teetered backwards, wind milling his arms to keep his balance. But it didn't work, and he hit the ground with a grunt.
The Orcs howled in glee at their good fortune and rushed at the Ranger, swords held high.
Legolas, who had managed to keep standing, saw this, panic quickly filling his heart. He rushed towards his friend, but was blocked by a leering Uruk- hai.
*Aragorn!* the Elf tried to shout as he battled the Uruk-hai, quickly taking off its head. A quick look showed him that the Ranger was still on the ground and unaware of the danger that was quickly closing in on him.
Another Orc rushed the prince before he could take a step. *Aragorn!* he tried again, frustration welling up within him. If he didn't do something soon, he was going to watch his best friend die!
He made short work of the second Orc and felt his heart stop when he realized how close the Uruk-hai were to the Ranger.
"*Aragorn*!"
Neither of them had the time to marvel at the fact that the cry had been ripped from Legolas's throat, for the Uruk-hai were upon them. Aragorn had heard his friend's warning, and managed to get his sword up between him and the scimitar that was falling towards his head. Legolas joined him, and the Orcs were soon rotting corpses.
Aragorn turned to Legolas, eyes full of wonder. "You spoke," he murmured.
"Not now," Legolas answered, his voice a harsh whisper after having gone so long without use. He gestured to the area around him. "It's not over yet."
The Ranger nodded and quickly ran in the direction of the nearest fighting, Legolas right beside him. But his heart was filled with joy.
Legolas could speak again!
-------------------
Most of the Uruk-hai were already dead, and it did not take the Men long to finish those who were left. Once he was sure all the foul creatures were gone, Aragorn quickly moved to Legolas's side. The battle light had died in the Elf's eyes, but he still looked disappointed that there were no more Orcs left to kill.
"Legolas..." Aragorn trailed off, not sure what to say.
The Elf offered him a smile. "Hello, Estel," he said. It hurt to talk, but oh! It was so nice to hear his own voice again!
Aragorn reached out to gently touch Legolas's throat. "But how can this be? Gandalf said that there was a spell...You broke it!"
Still smiling, Legolas shook his head. "Nay, dear friend. 'Twas not I who broke Saruman's spell, but you."
Aragorn blinked at him in surprise. "Me? But how could I have possibly broken it?"
"It was while I was trying to call out to you, to warn you, that I found my voice again." He reached out to place a hand on the stunned human's shoulder. "You are my best friend, Aragorn. I care for you as I care for no one else. When I saw that you were in danger... It must have been the care and devotion I have for you that broke the spell."
Aragorn blinked at him, and then pulled him into an embrace. "Oh, Legolas," he whispered, holding him tight.
Legolas closed his eyes and hugged his friend in return, somehow knowing that everything was going to be all right.
---------------------
Standing just a few feet away from the friends, Gandalf couldn't help but smile. ~It seems as though the fates have made their choice...~
The wizard knew that, in that instance, the two friends had set in motion a chain of events that would shape the future of Middle-Earth. Something that neither of them would understand for a very long time.
With a sigh, Gandalf turned from the pair to stare at the rising sun. ~And so it begins.~
(1)Namarie, mellon-nin. Hir hidh ab wanath.-----Farewell, my friend. May you find peace
after death.