A/N: I have over fifty reviews! You guys do not know HOW much that means to me. I have been waiting for this day since I first became of a member of FF.Net. I would like to extend even more love to those of you who read my other stories and review. You are all amazingly wonderful!
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Dedication: This is for Raisse of Gondor, who has reviewed so many times with such great reviews. She has also reviewed a number of my other stories, and for that I really love her! Thanks so much, Raisse!
Chapter Nine
The White City
Aragorn instructed Legolas and Gimli to take on the smallest ship with him. It rested far away from the others, probably as just a scout ship. But it was an important piece of their victory nonetheless. While their army was busy overcoming the crews of the huge battleships, the three of them would sneak to the other ship and take it on by themselves.
Legolas was eager to fight. It would take his mind off of the yearning in his heart and soul. Fighting gave him purpose, and it was something he was good at. He did not have to think when he fought. He just had to act.
The three companions snuck behind a pile of boxed goods. From their angle, they could see the Men of the South working on their ship. There were few of them, compared to the other ships. Legolas kept low to the ground, awaiting a signal from Aragorn. His friend was staring at the ship, analyzing the best time to strike. He was paying little attention to all else around him.
Legolas' keen ears detected a noise from behind them. He sunk lower to the ground, motioning for Gimli to do the same. The assassin moved into position and placed his arrow towards Aragorn. He pulled back his string.
At the last possible second, Legolas leapt forward and shoved Aragorn unceremoniously out of the way. The arrow flung harmlessly into a pile of barrels. Aragorn flipped back onto his feet after the immediate danger had passed, and nodded his thanks to Legolas. An unspoken message was spoken between the two.
The Men of the South heard the commotion, and prepared for battle with grunts and war cries equal to the horror of the Uruks. Gimli guffawed under his breath, and clapped Legolas on the shoulder. "It is good to see that your head is out of the clouds, laddie."
Legolas fit an arrow to his bowstring and replied coolly, "In the eyes of you, my dwarf friend, everyone's head is in the clouds."
Beside him, Aragorn shook with suppressed laughter and Gimli let out a cry of outrage. "Let's take these ships," Legolas said determinedly. With an Elvish cry, he leapt from behind his place and fired off several rapid shots towards the enemy. Aragorn and Gimli grinned at each other before running off to join the fight. For this battle at least, their friend was back.
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A cry arose through the men, and Eowyn knew that that could only mean one thing. They had reached the White City of Gondor.
Shielding her eyes against the sun, she strained to see the famed city. Although Eowyn had never visited Gondor herself, many tales had been told of the land's prowess and its beautiful White City. She was pleased to be defending something so famed.
Just then, a huge crash shook the earth. Her horse moved unsteadily beneath her, sidestepping and coming dangerously near to another rider. Eowyn murmured some soothing words to the horse, trying to calm it down before she lost complete control.
Eowyn looked up, and was immediately greeted with an amazing sight. The White City was more than she ever could have dreamed. The towers of the city shot straight into the sky, and the city itself seemed to go towards the heavenly bodies. White flags had unfurled in the breeze and were flapping magnificently.
But there was a huge mass of the dark army before them, just outside of the gates. Eowyn could not tell exactly what was going on, as she could not see above the helmets of most of the men.
"Are we here?" asked Merry apprehensively. Eowyn jumped. In her excitement about their arrival, she had almost forgotten the little hobbit sitting in front of her.
"Aye, we are, young Merry. Soon we will be upon the walls of the White City, called to defend our brothers and sisters in Gondor. They shall welcome our help with open arms, and together we shall make a plan to defeat the enemy." Eowyn tried to sound much more confidant than she actually felt.
Another crash shook the ground, and Eowyn grabbed onto her reins with all of her strength. The horses in front of her had come to a direct stop, and she had to pull hard to avoid running into anyone. Breathing heavily, Eowyn swore to keep her mind focused on the task at hand.
There was a nervous murmur among the men. Merry leaned over to the warrior nearest him, and asked what was going on.
"The Enemy has already begun their attack on the City. We are late. But we might still have a chance of saving our friends." The Rider's gruff voice was rich with unshed emotion.
Eowyn bit her lower lip. She had not expected to go into battle quite so quickly. Still, she had gotten herself into this mess and was going to get herself out as well. Eowyn pulled her beautiful and cared for sword out of its sheath, watching all of the other men brandish their own weapons. Her Uncle the King was in the front, speaking to the warriors, but she could not hear him.
She heard the melody of her Uncle's voice stop abruptly, and for a few moments, it was dead silent in her company, but for the heaving breathing of the men and the sound of the crashing buildings ahead of her. Then, a huge roar emerged from the throats of the men. Eowyn found herself echoing a battle call she had never learned, driven forward by pure adrenaline.
Eowyn murmured a prayer under her breath as they raced towards the masses of evil creatures. "Protect us, heavenly beings, and let me be delivered to the arms of the one I love once again." With that, she twirled her sword in one hand, and pointed it at the enemy. She cried out in anger and determination. Little Merry brandished his own weapon and echoed the same call. Soon, the rest of the company had joined in the cry as they swept down the hillside and onto the waiting enemy.
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I know, they're getting shorter. But I find that I can say everything I want to say in fewer words, and it will be more poignant. Please leave some feedback!
