A/n: Alas! It is finally time for another update! You will be happy to know
that I have finished typing the next chapter as well and that concludes The
Two Towers. I am still debating whether or not to write from the book or
wait until Return of the King is released. We'll see ^_^. Many thanks to
those who have stuck with this story. You're awesome. And now for reviewer
notes to you wonderful people!
R/n:
Noa9: Aww! You are such an awesome person. Thanks so much for staying with this and reading it and reviewing it. You're the best! Thanks hunni *hugz*
Mojo: *gasp* I want to go to Australia but not by a slap. *feints* that is one hell of a long flight! Lol! I loved how enthusiastic you were. It makes it more enjoyable. Thanks hun!
Vorserkein: Hehe. Sorry I didn't update the day after. What can I say? Lol. That madlib thing was pretty interesting and crazy. Lol!
Oil Pastel: WOW. That was sure a nice review. I should give you the hall of fame for the nicest review. Except for the end. Lol! Your review had me cracking up. Thanks hunni! You're so funny. Hehe! That was one hell of a long space. . .I kept scrolling down and down and down. But then I finally saw the words! Hehe. Thanks hun *hugz*
Knowinsight: HEHE! =D Thanks! Lol! I think that means good. ^_^
Tears of Jade: *jaw drops* wow! That was an AWESOME review. You're too kind *blushes*. I'm really not a very good writer, but thanks for saying I am! And please, by all means, keep with the long winded reviews. I love them. Your reviews tend to put a smile on my face. ^_^ Thanks hun. I hope this chapter is alright and thanks so much for reviewing. I'm really very grateful. Hehe. I was mad there for a minute. I was like. . . "Where is Lord of the Rings coming out in a week? NO FAIR!"
Alida Fruit: Awww! You are so sweet. I'm very glad that you liked this chapter. I hope this next one reaches your expectations. *crosses fingers* Thanks so much for all your wonderful reviews. You have helped my writing and me a great deal. Thanks!
LOTRFreak: Thanks! Awwww. . .I hope you write a fic. I imagine you'd be very good.
--
Aurora groaned groggily as she forced open her eyes. It was very difficult as it felt like there were ten pound weights pushing them down. Her vision was blurred and she couldn't hear anything. Slowly things became clearer and more defined and after a couple of minutes had passed the volume seemed to turn up. She could hear cries of pain, screaming, and the grunting of Orcs in the distance. The next sense that came was immense pain. Her head was throbbing and every muscle and bone in her body was screaming in agony. She could feel piles of rocks all over and under her body and blood trickled from her forehead into her eye. She slowly moved a hand up and wiped it away, wincing.
She groaned again and with some unknown source of energy managed to sit up. She was surrounded by rock and the air was dusty from the explosion. She pushed some rocks off her legs, coughing from the dust. Her eyes were burning and there was blood everywhere but she was sure that everything still worked.
"Scott?" she called weakly, coughing again.
There was no answer.
"Scott!" she called a little louder, pushing herself up from the ground. She swayed as she stood and she feared she might fall over, but after closing her eyes and taking a few deep breath's, she was okay. To the right of her there was a huge hole where the wall had exploded. Aurora was lucky that she hadn't been any closer. The men that she had seen standing there for what seemed like moments before (for Aurora had no indication of how much time had passed) were gone. She could see the battle resuming in the gap and from the looks of it, things were not looking good.
"SCOTT!" she screamed now, becoming frantic. Still, there was no answer.
"Goddamnit Scott, answer me!" This time there was a response. It was a faint moan coming from a little distance away.
Aurora quickly moved through rubble, pushing rocks away. She found several dead bodies, some Orcs, some men, and some elves. Soon she came into view of Scott who was covered in rock. His eyes were shut and he was moaning slightly, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
Aurora fell down next to him looking very frightened. "Scott, wake up. Wake up Scott."
Slowly his eyes fluttered open and he gazed unblinkingly and unseeingly.
"It's me Scott." Aurora whispered, wiping blood off his lips.
"Fuck." Scott said softly, groaning.
Aurora smiled feebly. "What a nice way to put it."
"I feel like shit."
"You and me both."
Scott suddenly looked concerned. He sat up quickly but fell back down clutching his head, cursing. "Are you alright?"
"Yes. A little beat up but I'll be okay. How about you?"
"I can't tell but I think I may have broken a rib."
Aurora bit her lip. "I need to get you into the caves." Aurora looked around her. She was thankful that there were no Orcs around. It looked as if they had all been buried by the explosion. They weren't too far from the inner wall where the King was. There was a door in the keep that led to the caves. She could put Scott there and then search for her brother.
"What happened?"
"They must have bombs in Middle Earth. I thought we got away from all that."
"Mmm. . ."
"I need you to try to stand up, alright?" Aurora said, shifting herself into a crouching position.
Scott nodded, biting his lip to keep from crying out. Aurora gripped both of his upper arms and slowly she helped pull him up. With a gasp she wrapped his arm around her neck and she held onto his waist. He clutched the part where he thought his rib was broken in pain, drawing blood where he had bitten his lip too hard.
Aurora was very glad that she knew how to fight with a sword. It required a lot of arm work and over the period of time she had been here, the muscles in her arms had become a lot stronger. If she had been how she was back at home, there would have been no way she would have been able to carry Scott.
"My hero," he whispered as they edged their way among the debris.
"Someone has to do it," Aurora smiled. She was sore all over and her muscles and body screamed at her to stop. But she knew that she couldn't. They had to get to safety.
It was very slow work as they hobbled through the rubble and made their way into the inner wall. Scott was gasping with exertion as was Aurora but they didn't stop. They soon passed Théoden who hardly gave them the slightest glance as he ran down to the gate. Aurora stole a quick glance and realized that it was being forced open. She immediately quickened her pace.
Aurora and Scott hobbled through the door, through the hall, and finally down the passage that led to the caves. All was silent but as Aurora neared the bottom she could hear children crying and the thumping of people above the cave.
"What happened?" Hanalee cried, dashing over, her blonde hair streaming behind her. She looked worried and Aurora took note that she looked around for Dan before focusing her attention on Scott.
"They blew away the wall. He was hurt."
Hanalee helped ease Scott on the ground who groaned, resting his head on a stalagmite. Hanalee then turned to Aurora and frowned.
"You've got blood everywhere."
"Yes, I noticed it."
"Is it all yours?" she asked tentatively. Aurora knew that she was probably awed. Women didn't fight in this world.
"Most of it." she paused, wiping sweat off her forehead. "I need you to take care of him, alright? I need to find my brother."
Hanalee paled. "You don't know where he is?"
"I will."
Hanalee nodded her head quickly before grabbing her hand. "Be careful."
Aurora glanced down at it, a little shocked. Did all women in Middle Earth become friendly with their boyfriends sisters? She nodded her head seriously before kneeling down to Scott. He opened his eyes, looking concerned.
"I'm going to find Dan."
"No you're not!" Scott said angrily, sitting up.
"Yes I am." Aurora leaned forward and kissed him softly. "I'll be back."
She heard Scott's protestations for a long time on the winding path back to the surface. Finally they died away and were replaced by the sound of battle cries and running. When Aurora reached ground level she was amazed to see many men standing in the room of the keep. There was loud shouting and Aurora realized with a horrible drop of her stomach that they were all retreating to the keep.
She immediately caught sight of Dan who definitely looked worse for wear. He had a large black eye, blood all over his clothes and matted in his hair, and more cuts and scratches then Aurora could count. When he saw her he sighed in relief and dashed over to her, hugging her tightly. Aurora hugged him back, sighing into his shoulder. It was amazing how much more closer they had become on this journey.
"Oh God," Dan whispered into her hair. "I thought you were-you were. . ."
"I had to take Scott into the caves."
Dan immediately stepped back. "Is he alright?"
"Broken rib. We got hurt in the explosion." Aurora stopped, staring around her. Men were filing into the keep and the sound of Orcs were growing closer. "What's going on?"
Dan frowned grimly. "They broke through the gate. Théoden ordered us to flee to the keep."
Aragorn was the last to run in and immediately men ran forward with huge pieces of wood, blocking the door and pushing against it from outward attack. Aurora knew it was only a matter of time before they broke in. And then what would they do?
There was about a dozen horses in the room and Théoden, King of Rohan, was upon one of them. Aurora had never seen him look so sad and depressed.
"The Fortress is taken. It is over." Théoden muttered.
"It isn't over until we are all dead," Aurora whispered to her brother defiantly. Théoden spun around and looked at her sadly but chose not to comment.
Aragorn was helping Legolas move a table to put in front of the wall, to delay the Orc entrance. "You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it! They still defend it! They have died defending it!"
Aurora walked forward and helped move another object in front of the door. Dan soon followed suit, both of them glaring at Théoden who still stared into nothingness.
While Aragorn was talking to Gamling about moving the women and children away from the caves, Aurora and Dan helped barricade the entrance. They knew it would not do much but it would buy them time and both of them had quickly realized that time was a very valuable thing in war.
"So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?" Théoden's monotonous voice said from the center of the room.
Aurora and Dan stopped what they were doing and watched as Aragorn stopped talking to Gamling to look at the King. A sudden inspiration seemed to come over Aragorn and he stepped forward. "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them."
Aurora and Dan looked at each other, slowly grinning. They weren't going to hide in here after all.
A new light seemed to glow in Théoden's eyes as he looked at Aragorn, "For death and glory."
Aragorn shook his head. "For Rohan. For your people."
"The sun is rising," Gimli said quietly. Aurora turned and looked out the window and found that, sure enough, the sun was peeking its head upon the battle.
"Yes. Yes! The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep one last time!" Théoden said defiantly, determination returning to him in full measure. Aurora had no idea what the Horn of Helm Hammerhand was but she could already feel the determination, strength, and desire course through her veins.
"Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deeds awake. Now for wrath! Now for ruin! And a red dawn!" Théoden drew his sword and pointed it to the door. Aurora and Dan quickly found a horse for themselves, grasped each others hand tightly, let go, and took their places behind Théoden. They were terrified as their hearts thumped painfully against their chests. But the fear did not overpower their resolve.
A great horn bellowed throughout the night air and the sound alone gave Aurora courage. Gimli was no where to be seen so she guessed it was he who was blowing the resonating wave of hope and strength.
"FORTH EORLINGAS!!" Théoden cried. The doors were opened and the remnants of the resistance rode forward.
Aurora was screaming as they emerged into the Hornburg. There were thousands of Orcs and Uruk-hai who were still streaming up the causeway. Aurora and the others rode upon their horses knocking the monsters away from their path. She hacked left and right, stabbing viciously at every Orc she could reach. She knew she would fall off her horse because the Orcs, though initially stunned, would soon gain their knowledge and would attack the horses. And so she yelled for all the world to hear her anger. She screamed so they would realize her hate.
And as she was still riding down the causeway she saw a bright white light and with a thrill of elation she realized it was Gandalf. She had entirely forgotten his promise to return to them on this morning at dawn. His presence filled her with more hope and more energy and when she saw Éomer and all his men, she cried out in victory like everyone else. For the Uruk's and Orcs were thrown into confusion and didn't know which way to run. Half of them went to Éomer while the rest dealt with the men on horses. Then the sun rose even higher and by the grace of any God it reflected off the Uruk's metal and blinded them.
It didn't take long at all for the resistance and their newly found allies to meet in the middle of the once defensive army. Aurora was among them, still on her horse (though with many knew cuts and bruises), and she was among the many who raised her sword in victory. Dan stood next to her and he released his sense of pride and power as well.
The monsters were forced to flee and many men and Elves chased after them, not about to let any last one of them survive. Aurora sighed deeply. The battle of Helm's Deep was finally over.
R/n:
Noa9: Aww! You are such an awesome person. Thanks so much for staying with this and reading it and reviewing it. You're the best! Thanks hunni *hugz*
Mojo: *gasp* I want to go to Australia but not by a slap. *feints* that is one hell of a long flight! Lol! I loved how enthusiastic you were. It makes it more enjoyable. Thanks hun!
Vorserkein: Hehe. Sorry I didn't update the day after. What can I say? Lol. That madlib thing was pretty interesting and crazy. Lol!
Oil Pastel: WOW. That was sure a nice review. I should give you the hall of fame for the nicest review. Except for the end. Lol! Your review had me cracking up. Thanks hunni! You're so funny. Hehe! That was one hell of a long space. . .I kept scrolling down and down and down. But then I finally saw the words! Hehe. Thanks hun *hugz*
Knowinsight: HEHE! =D Thanks! Lol! I think that means good. ^_^
Tears of Jade: *jaw drops* wow! That was an AWESOME review. You're too kind *blushes*. I'm really not a very good writer, but thanks for saying I am! And please, by all means, keep with the long winded reviews. I love them. Your reviews tend to put a smile on my face. ^_^ Thanks hun. I hope this chapter is alright and thanks so much for reviewing. I'm really very grateful. Hehe. I was mad there for a minute. I was like. . . "Where is Lord of the Rings coming out in a week? NO FAIR!"
Alida Fruit: Awww! You are so sweet. I'm very glad that you liked this chapter. I hope this next one reaches your expectations. *crosses fingers* Thanks so much for all your wonderful reviews. You have helped my writing and me a great deal. Thanks!
LOTRFreak: Thanks! Awwww. . .I hope you write a fic. I imagine you'd be very good.
--
Aurora groaned groggily as she forced open her eyes. It was very difficult as it felt like there were ten pound weights pushing them down. Her vision was blurred and she couldn't hear anything. Slowly things became clearer and more defined and after a couple of minutes had passed the volume seemed to turn up. She could hear cries of pain, screaming, and the grunting of Orcs in the distance. The next sense that came was immense pain. Her head was throbbing and every muscle and bone in her body was screaming in agony. She could feel piles of rocks all over and under her body and blood trickled from her forehead into her eye. She slowly moved a hand up and wiped it away, wincing.
She groaned again and with some unknown source of energy managed to sit up. She was surrounded by rock and the air was dusty from the explosion. She pushed some rocks off her legs, coughing from the dust. Her eyes were burning and there was blood everywhere but she was sure that everything still worked.
"Scott?" she called weakly, coughing again.
There was no answer.
"Scott!" she called a little louder, pushing herself up from the ground. She swayed as she stood and she feared she might fall over, but after closing her eyes and taking a few deep breath's, she was okay. To the right of her there was a huge hole where the wall had exploded. Aurora was lucky that she hadn't been any closer. The men that she had seen standing there for what seemed like moments before (for Aurora had no indication of how much time had passed) were gone. She could see the battle resuming in the gap and from the looks of it, things were not looking good.
"SCOTT!" she screamed now, becoming frantic. Still, there was no answer.
"Goddamnit Scott, answer me!" This time there was a response. It was a faint moan coming from a little distance away.
Aurora quickly moved through rubble, pushing rocks away. She found several dead bodies, some Orcs, some men, and some elves. Soon she came into view of Scott who was covered in rock. His eyes were shut and he was moaning slightly, his chest rising and falling rapidly.
Aurora fell down next to him looking very frightened. "Scott, wake up. Wake up Scott."
Slowly his eyes fluttered open and he gazed unblinkingly and unseeingly.
"It's me Scott." Aurora whispered, wiping blood off his lips.
"Fuck." Scott said softly, groaning.
Aurora smiled feebly. "What a nice way to put it."
"I feel like shit."
"You and me both."
Scott suddenly looked concerned. He sat up quickly but fell back down clutching his head, cursing. "Are you alright?"
"Yes. A little beat up but I'll be okay. How about you?"
"I can't tell but I think I may have broken a rib."
Aurora bit her lip. "I need to get you into the caves." Aurora looked around her. She was thankful that there were no Orcs around. It looked as if they had all been buried by the explosion. They weren't too far from the inner wall where the King was. There was a door in the keep that led to the caves. She could put Scott there and then search for her brother.
"What happened?"
"They must have bombs in Middle Earth. I thought we got away from all that."
"Mmm. . ."
"I need you to try to stand up, alright?" Aurora said, shifting herself into a crouching position.
Scott nodded, biting his lip to keep from crying out. Aurora gripped both of his upper arms and slowly she helped pull him up. With a gasp she wrapped his arm around her neck and she held onto his waist. He clutched the part where he thought his rib was broken in pain, drawing blood where he had bitten his lip too hard.
Aurora was very glad that she knew how to fight with a sword. It required a lot of arm work and over the period of time she had been here, the muscles in her arms had become a lot stronger. If she had been how she was back at home, there would have been no way she would have been able to carry Scott.
"My hero," he whispered as they edged their way among the debris.
"Someone has to do it," Aurora smiled. She was sore all over and her muscles and body screamed at her to stop. But she knew that she couldn't. They had to get to safety.
It was very slow work as they hobbled through the rubble and made their way into the inner wall. Scott was gasping with exertion as was Aurora but they didn't stop. They soon passed Théoden who hardly gave them the slightest glance as he ran down to the gate. Aurora stole a quick glance and realized that it was being forced open. She immediately quickened her pace.
Aurora and Scott hobbled through the door, through the hall, and finally down the passage that led to the caves. All was silent but as Aurora neared the bottom she could hear children crying and the thumping of people above the cave.
"What happened?" Hanalee cried, dashing over, her blonde hair streaming behind her. She looked worried and Aurora took note that she looked around for Dan before focusing her attention on Scott.
"They blew away the wall. He was hurt."
Hanalee helped ease Scott on the ground who groaned, resting his head on a stalagmite. Hanalee then turned to Aurora and frowned.
"You've got blood everywhere."
"Yes, I noticed it."
"Is it all yours?" she asked tentatively. Aurora knew that she was probably awed. Women didn't fight in this world.
"Most of it." she paused, wiping sweat off her forehead. "I need you to take care of him, alright? I need to find my brother."
Hanalee paled. "You don't know where he is?"
"I will."
Hanalee nodded her head quickly before grabbing her hand. "Be careful."
Aurora glanced down at it, a little shocked. Did all women in Middle Earth become friendly with their boyfriends sisters? She nodded her head seriously before kneeling down to Scott. He opened his eyes, looking concerned.
"I'm going to find Dan."
"No you're not!" Scott said angrily, sitting up.
"Yes I am." Aurora leaned forward and kissed him softly. "I'll be back."
She heard Scott's protestations for a long time on the winding path back to the surface. Finally they died away and were replaced by the sound of battle cries and running. When Aurora reached ground level she was amazed to see many men standing in the room of the keep. There was loud shouting and Aurora realized with a horrible drop of her stomach that they were all retreating to the keep.
She immediately caught sight of Dan who definitely looked worse for wear. He had a large black eye, blood all over his clothes and matted in his hair, and more cuts and scratches then Aurora could count. When he saw her he sighed in relief and dashed over to her, hugging her tightly. Aurora hugged him back, sighing into his shoulder. It was amazing how much more closer they had become on this journey.
"Oh God," Dan whispered into her hair. "I thought you were-you were. . ."
"I had to take Scott into the caves."
Dan immediately stepped back. "Is he alright?"
"Broken rib. We got hurt in the explosion." Aurora stopped, staring around her. Men were filing into the keep and the sound of Orcs were growing closer. "What's going on?"
Dan frowned grimly. "They broke through the gate. Théoden ordered us to flee to the keep."
Aragorn was the last to run in and immediately men ran forward with huge pieces of wood, blocking the door and pushing against it from outward attack. Aurora knew it was only a matter of time before they broke in. And then what would they do?
There was about a dozen horses in the room and Théoden, King of Rohan, was upon one of them. Aurora had never seen him look so sad and depressed.
"The Fortress is taken. It is over." Théoden muttered.
"It isn't over until we are all dead," Aurora whispered to her brother defiantly. Théoden spun around and looked at her sadly but chose not to comment.
Aragorn was helping Legolas move a table to put in front of the wall, to delay the Orc entrance. "You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it! They still defend it! They have died defending it!"
Aurora walked forward and helped move another object in front of the door. Dan soon followed suit, both of them glaring at Théoden who still stared into nothingness.
While Aragorn was talking to Gamling about moving the women and children away from the caves, Aurora and Dan helped barricade the entrance. They knew it would not do much but it would buy them time and both of them had quickly realized that time was a very valuable thing in war.
"So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?" Théoden's monotonous voice said from the center of the room.
Aurora and Dan stopped what they were doing and watched as Aragorn stopped talking to Gamling to look at the King. A sudden inspiration seemed to come over Aragorn and he stepped forward. "Ride out with me. Ride out and meet them."
Aurora and Dan looked at each other, slowly grinning. They weren't going to hide in here after all.
A new light seemed to glow in Théoden's eyes as he looked at Aragorn, "For death and glory."
Aragorn shook his head. "For Rohan. For your people."
"The sun is rising," Gimli said quietly. Aurora turned and looked out the window and found that, sure enough, the sun was peeking its head upon the battle.
"Yes. Yes! The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep one last time!" Théoden said defiantly, determination returning to him in full measure. Aurora had no idea what the Horn of Helm Hammerhand was but she could already feel the determination, strength, and desire course through her veins.
"Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deeds awake. Now for wrath! Now for ruin! And a red dawn!" Théoden drew his sword and pointed it to the door. Aurora and Dan quickly found a horse for themselves, grasped each others hand tightly, let go, and took their places behind Théoden. They were terrified as their hearts thumped painfully against their chests. But the fear did not overpower their resolve.
A great horn bellowed throughout the night air and the sound alone gave Aurora courage. Gimli was no where to be seen so she guessed it was he who was blowing the resonating wave of hope and strength.
"FORTH EORLINGAS!!" Théoden cried. The doors were opened and the remnants of the resistance rode forward.
Aurora was screaming as they emerged into the Hornburg. There were thousands of Orcs and Uruk-hai who were still streaming up the causeway. Aurora and the others rode upon their horses knocking the monsters away from their path. She hacked left and right, stabbing viciously at every Orc she could reach. She knew she would fall off her horse because the Orcs, though initially stunned, would soon gain their knowledge and would attack the horses. And so she yelled for all the world to hear her anger. She screamed so they would realize her hate.
And as she was still riding down the causeway she saw a bright white light and with a thrill of elation she realized it was Gandalf. She had entirely forgotten his promise to return to them on this morning at dawn. His presence filled her with more hope and more energy and when she saw Éomer and all his men, she cried out in victory like everyone else. For the Uruk's and Orcs were thrown into confusion and didn't know which way to run. Half of them went to Éomer while the rest dealt with the men on horses. Then the sun rose even higher and by the grace of any God it reflected off the Uruk's metal and blinded them.
It didn't take long at all for the resistance and their newly found allies to meet in the middle of the once defensive army. Aurora was among them, still on her horse (though with many knew cuts and bruises), and she was among the many who raised her sword in victory. Dan stood next to her and he released his sense of pride and power as well.
The monsters were forced to flee and many men and Elves chased after them, not about to let any last one of them survive. Aurora sighed deeply. The battle of Helm's Deep was finally over.