I was calculating the estimated chapters left and I think it is possible to
continue with 15 more chapters or as few as 5. but I don't know for
cartain, if you would like I will try to keep as much information in each
chapter as possible, keeping them between 2000 and 6000 words each.
Hopefully keeping moer to the 6000 ronge.
Aiko alima
Caitlin came up to a ridge, expecting to find an army of 200 elves. But instead she found orcs lying in wait against the rock face. They lay on their bellies with weapons draw, and from atop Caitlin's horse she could see the elves approaching from below. Caitlin realized, the orcs were going to attack the elves, the salvation of the Rohan people.
Caitlin clenched her fist and narrowed her gaze as she thought of the elves, she would not allow this to happen, she took hold of the reigns and galloped forward. "NOLDORIN, GALADHIRM. ELVES OF LORIEN, STAND AT YOUR GUARD YOU ARE UNDER ATTACK!!" she cried as she galloped toward them. While simultaneously the orcs who were lying in wait took this opportunity to attack.
Elves fight very differently than men, and certainly very differently than orcs, and this battle was like a dance of energy and grace as they elves drew their weapons more swiftly and more gracefully than anything she had ever seen. The fight was short and deadly as many of the orcs were killed by the accuracy of the elven arrows that flew by Caitlin as she lowered her head to ride into the frey. She caught glimpse of an orc ready to bring its blade down on an elf. She galloped past him, leaping from Asufeld and tackling the orc, tumbling over and over with him. She took a moment to stand as the orc came running at her but fell just as it reached her, an arrow in its back. Caitlin looked up to see Haldir standing there with his bow. His hair flowing in the wind as the battle ended.
"Your presence is unexpected, but apparently a great gift." He said as he came to her and sheathed his sword and bow.
"And it is good to see you as well, Haldir." She said.
"Haldir, come quickly." An elf lay on his side, a great gash in his ribs. Haldir and Caitlin came over to him.
"Will hw live?" asked Caitlin as she assisted the elves in looking at the wound.
Haldir looked at her with what Caitlin thought was anger at her question.
"He will heal, but not quickly enough, he cannot come with us." Said Haldir.
Caitlin turned to Asufeld, remembering her dream, this was what it meant, this was the message in her dream the night before. Her visions In the dreams had been so vague, so unclear, but his was clear and unquestionable and Caitlin found comfort in finally being able to do something she knew she was supposed to do, something she knew was a reason she was sent to middle earth.
"Let him take Asufeld, my horse. He will take great care." She said as the elf on the ground looked up at her. "You will not heal quickly enough to be ready for battle at helms deep." she said.
Haldir looked down at the elf and then at Asufeld. "Even with our accelerated healing, you are right," he said as he lifted the elf up to a sitting position. "You will take the horse and ride to the house of healing. I will see you again my friend." Said Haldir to the elf as others began to help him to the horse. But he stopped them.
"Wait," he said as he looked at Caitlin. "You saved my life." He said to her. "You have no armor, take mine, their will be much need for it in the coming age, I do not know you, but you are a fighter I can tell, and I feel you will wear it proudly." He said.
Later as the wounded elf was vanishing in the distance with Asufeld, Caitlin strapped on the last of the leather and metal armor.
"It will have to be repaired." Said Haldir as he ran his finger over the sliced leather from the orcs blade. "But it is a small malfunction, and should cause you no great difficulties," he said.
"It had been some time since I have seen you Haldir." She said, looking up at him.
"Yes it is good to see you are well." He responded. But his demeanor seemed cold and somewhat annoyed.
Haldir ordered the troops to move out, and Caitlin joined them in their march to helms deep, walking next to Haldir.
"Have I done anything to offend you?" asked Caitlin, curious at how rude he had been to her.
"No.' he said.
"Well it seems I must have done something. Because ever since I met you you have been nothing but rude and distant," they both stopped as the rest continued on. "I know you to be a valiant and courageous warrior, and you are also filled with a deep connection to middle earth, that is why you requested these troops, and practically begged the lady of light and Lord Elrond to allow you to come to the defense of its people." Haldir looked away from her, knowing she was right. "I know your sacrifice, how the sea calls to you, how you long to bask in the light of the trees of the valor, how you have given up paradise and peace that only the white trees of the gray havens may bring you. I know you act now, you go to battle and possible death out of love of this land. You have sacrificed everything to be here, that is the character of a being that would not unintentionally be mean and cold to one who has done nothing to you. So what is it Haldir, what is it that you don't like about me?" she said with a passion and intensity.
Haldir looked for a moment at the ground, trying to decide the right words.
"My troops have long defended Lothlorien, even now, parts of both Rivendell and Lothlorien burn, the elves take great care in mounting defenses against the enemy, you seem so unaware of the gravity of the situation, I think you an unworthy warrior, you are not fit to where that armor, nor should you wield the white sword of light Gomathis, were it up to me I would take every opportunity from you to influence the battles for this world, I think your knowledge makes you arrogant, you have not the sufficient years to wisely use these visions, you will ruin the hope of this land." He spat out at her.
Caitlin stood silent for a moment, she knew that haldir had not seen her fight, he had not seen how far she had come, how much she had grown. She collected herself, making certain she was calm and cool with her words. "You may feel that way, and I understand why you do, I will not tell you I am worthy, all my words will not convince you, but I will fight at Helms deep, and I will not do so to prove anything to you, I fight because I am going to do everything I can to help save this world. You may come to whatever conclusion you will but do not EVER assume you can stand in my way, do not ever try to stop me from being who I know I am." She said with a stern voice.
Caitlin respected Haldir, and hoped he would one day respect her, but now it did not matter and their only job was to make it to Helms deep. Caitlin continued to walk with the troops, following the precise movements they made in unison. She knew the elves would not sleep for the night, and would continue marching. They would reach Helms Deep in two days, just before the battle, Caitlin had to conserve her energy, because as soon as she reached the fortress, the war would begin.
Legolas stood at the top of the keep at Helms deep, peering out across the barren open land beyond the outer wall. Down stairs the people were organizing the supplies and mounting defenses at the walls of the keep. They had arrived just hours ago and no sight of movement out beyond the walls. Legolas moved the Evenstar from one hand to the other, shifting and moving it around in his hands. "What's that?" said a guard on the lower level. Legolas looked up, peering out, A small from moved off in the distance.
"It is Aragorn." Said Legolas quietly, he ran down through the lower halls, through stairs and rooms and then finally reaching the outer rim just as the doors opened and Aragorn rode in. Legolas felt that Caitlin would be all right but he was not certain, and to see Aragorn gave him hope. He was so happy his long time friend Aragorn was alive and well, and Aragorn would surely know something of Caitlin, perhaps she was with him.
Legolas finally reached the outer area of the keep just as Aragorn came up, Legolas placed a friendly hand on his shoulder. "You are late." He said as he handed Aragorn the Evenstar. But as he took the pendent, Aragorn did not smile, his expression was as that of a man who had been defeated.
"I am sorry my friend." Said Aragorn. As he placed a hand on Legolas's shoulder. He lowered his gaze. "I, I could not save her, I...." he said. Legolas tore away from him, even before Aragorn had finished his sentence. "Legolas, wait." Said Aragorn as Legolas swiftly moved away.
He ran down to the lower level, finding himself in a state of confusion, something told him she was alive, but he did not know for certain. Legolas leaned against the wall, searching his heart. What was the truth? Did she live? Was she-could she be...dead? NO, Caitlin could not be dead. He felt her, he knew her, he was sad when she was sad, he felt it when she was afraid, he felt her joy, her strength, flowing through his soul. He felt her still, she must be alive.
Legolas refused to give up hope, that he would see her again, hold her again, hope for these people, hope, even for middle earth. So many times he had found himself without strength, without hope, and then he would think of her, and she was hope, she was strength, for him. He pounded his fist against the wall, as a last assurance to himself that she was alive, he had to be strong, he had to keep calm. He stood and breathed in and out for a moment before heading out to help the people.
Hours passed and Caitlin marched with the Galahirm, the elven guard from Lothlorien, they were straight and tall in their strides, covering a much greater distance per stride than she. The pace was quick for her and she struggled to carry the heavy armor and keep up with them. They marched all through the day, without stopping. Caitlin wondered what kind of bladders the elves had; they could really hold it in. Caitlin had to pee once during the day, dashing behind a boulder and as quickly as she could she removed the heavy armor. By the time she had put all the metal and leather back on, the elves were far ahead of her and she had to run to catch up with them. They continued to march through the night, and the cold wind caused her to shiver as she moved. The temperatures must have dropped to the low forties, very cold for her, especially her legs, as they were only covered by the boots she had been given and the dress. They marched as the sun rose, and as it passed overhead of them and then still as it began its dip into the mountains once more.
In the distance, as the sunset, against the colors of red and yellow in the sky, Caitlin saw the strong hold of Helms deep, across the land. But she could see it.
They marched further, until they could see the distant figures of soldiers who stood on the walls. The elven soldiers who held the banner of the lady of light lifted their horns announcing their arrival.
Caitlin thought of Legolas, and how he would know the sound of his elven kin as clearly as if it were his own voice.
Caitlin stood as tall as she could, and as they began to climb the ramp that led them to the open doorway she felt a pride in her elven garb. For many years, she had though of what it would be like to be an elf, to have the grace and poise and dignity to fight alongside creatures of such beauty and talent. Now as she entered the keep, Caitlin could feel a kinship to them, and she carried herself as they did, trying to mimic their graceful gestures, down to the finest detail. She did (as the elf who owned it had said) wear this armor with pride. She was proud to be so honored with being a warrior worthy of this garb.
The elves entered the keep and the doors were closed behind them. Aragorn came down the steps, a huge smile on his face. Caitlin was happy to see he was all right but she remained in the back with the other elves as they talked.
"We are proud to fight along side elves once more." Said Haldir.
Legolas came forth. "It is good to see you." He said.
"And you," said Haldir with a bow.
Caitlin thought of stepping forward, through the ranks of the elves, but something held her back. She was tired and feared she would sleep or pass out if she moved.
Haldir turned to her. "I believe you will find someone you all know among our warriors." He said.
Legolas looked out at the faces of the warriors, recognizing Caitlin's immediately. Even under the helmet he could see, her features her form, her hair.
"Legolas," she said as he stepped toward her,
"It is good to see you." He said. He felt he could not hold back his delight but it overwhelmed him to the point that all he could do was remain silent and patient as she took his hand.
The others took their leave and took themselves to the perches at the top of the walls leaving them very much alone.
Caitlin lifted his hand to her face, caressing her cheek. She removed her helmet as Legolas came closer and closer to her. Wrapping her up in him. Holding her firmly in his embrace, "Don't ever leave again." He said, as the emotion seemed to bubble up and release as he tightly held her, kissing the top of her head and closing his eyes in this embrace. "Don't ever leave." He said again softly.
"LASS," yelled Gimli as he ran to her. Legolas released her as Gimli came to her and hugged her so tightly; he lifted her from the ground and spun her around. "Oh, it is so good to see ye." He said putting her back down. "Look at ya, you look great," he said admiring the armor. "Hopefully you will kill many orcs with it, not as many as me of course." He said
"It is good to see you." She said.
He took her sword and belt with the dagger on it and handed them both back to her. He held her hands in his as the items were handed to her and a serious look came over his face. "may they serve you well, I will see you in battle." He said. As he left her and went up the stairs and out to the wall.
She strapped it to her waist, the leather band hanging heavily on her hips. She took the hilt in her hand feeling the familiar texture of the sword as it graced her fingers.
Outside she heard the orcs, with their horns as they came closer to the fortress. The ground began to rumble beneath their feet. Caitlin gripped her sword now, closing her eyes, thinking of the brutality and bloodshed this battle would bring, the utter defeat and pounding they would endure through the night ahead. She knew the night would come soon, only moments now, and all would be darkness. Awaiting ten thousand demons whose only thought was your slaughter, her fingers trembled. Legolas stood just behind her. His tall shadow just over her shoulder. She felt the fear rise through her, constricting her breathing, she let out a breath as tears forced themselves out of her, "oh, god." She said she covered her mouth with her hand and backed into legolas slowly. "Hold me." She whispered as the ground shook even further to the beat of the orcs footsteps and his arms came about her. She leaned against him, tilting her face so her cheek touched his own as he bent his head to hers and his arms encircled her.
She brought her hands around his as he stood there with her and held her close to the terrible beat of the enemy that lay just beyond the walls.
"Legolas, I am not ready, my hand is to unsteady with a blade, my heart is to filled with troublesome thoughts, I do not have the focus to be a warrior." She said, grasping his hand tightly. "I am afraid." She said as she turned to face him
"There is no shame in fear." He said holding her. "You told me to have faith in you, and I do. Yet now I have faith not only because of what I know you to be capable of, but because of what I have seen you capable of, you have shown more strength than many of my elven kind. You cannot falter now." He said.
"LEGOLAS, YOU ARE NEEDED AT THE WALL!!!" yelled Gimli from above.
Legolas searched Caitlin's eyes. "I will be by your side. We will look after eachother." he said. As he began to run up the stairs to the wall. "Come on. Come with me, fight by my side." He said as he stretched his hand out to her. Standing there with his eyes wide, fixed on her, his hand outstretched.
"I- I have to go to the front on the north, with the Galadhirm." She said. "I must, I am needed there."
Legolas's eyes sank with fear and despair as she spoke, and he came toward her with swiftness and a grace of movement she had previously never seen. He took her in his arms with silence lifting her up against him and passionately kissing her, feeling her hair fall around him, Her arms around his neck, his fingers pressing against the fabric of the linen in the spaces between the armor. As though this was the last embrace they would ever share.
"LEGOLAS!!" they heard from above.
"You have to go." She said as he still held her up to him, close, passionate, firm. The sky was dark now, black and lightless, her cheek caressed his face and she closed her eyes smelling his scent, as a tear fell to his face. "They call to you." She whispered. "You must go." She said As she lifted her head to face him and tears fell from her eyes.
"You call to me." He said as he slowly lowered her to the ground. "You will always call to me." He said as he left her to go to the stair.
Caitlin turned to go in the other direction, to the wall with haldir and his men. "Caitlin." Said Legolas. And she turned to look at him. "You will be in my sight," he said. As a last tear rolled down caitlins face, "Remember that I am still fighting with you." He said.
And with that last word of encouragement, and one final glance, they both took their leave and ran up the stairs. To meet ten thousand demons in battle.
Ok, this chapter is long and I hope dramatic. Because that was what I was going for. Aiko Alima
Oh also, yes, the attack from the wargs was at night, and that is why it was so unexpected.
Caitlin came up to a ridge, expecting to find an army of 200 elves. But instead she found orcs lying in wait against the rock face. They lay on their bellies with weapons draw, and from atop Caitlin's horse she could see the elves approaching from below. Caitlin realized, the orcs were going to attack the elves, the salvation of the Rohan people.
Caitlin clenched her fist and narrowed her gaze as she thought of the elves, she would not allow this to happen, she took hold of the reigns and galloped forward. "NOLDORIN, GALADHIRM. ELVES OF LORIEN, STAND AT YOUR GUARD YOU ARE UNDER ATTACK!!" she cried as she galloped toward them. While simultaneously the orcs who were lying in wait took this opportunity to attack.
Elves fight very differently than men, and certainly very differently than orcs, and this battle was like a dance of energy and grace as they elves drew their weapons more swiftly and more gracefully than anything she had ever seen. The fight was short and deadly as many of the orcs were killed by the accuracy of the elven arrows that flew by Caitlin as she lowered her head to ride into the frey. She caught glimpse of an orc ready to bring its blade down on an elf. She galloped past him, leaping from Asufeld and tackling the orc, tumbling over and over with him. She took a moment to stand as the orc came running at her but fell just as it reached her, an arrow in its back. Caitlin looked up to see Haldir standing there with his bow. His hair flowing in the wind as the battle ended.
"Your presence is unexpected, but apparently a great gift." He said as he came to her and sheathed his sword and bow.
"And it is good to see you as well, Haldir." She said.
"Haldir, come quickly." An elf lay on his side, a great gash in his ribs. Haldir and Caitlin came over to him.
"Will hw live?" asked Caitlin as she assisted the elves in looking at the wound.
Haldir looked at her with what Caitlin thought was anger at her question.
"He will heal, but not quickly enough, he cannot come with us." Said Haldir.
Caitlin turned to Asufeld, remembering her dream, this was what it meant, this was the message in her dream the night before. Her visions In the dreams had been so vague, so unclear, but his was clear and unquestionable and Caitlin found comfort in finally being able to do something she knew she was supposed to do, something she knew was a reason she was sent to middle earth.
"Let him take Asufeld, my horse. He will take great care." She said as the elf on the ground looked up at her. "You will not heal quickly enough to be ready for battle at helms deep." she said.
Haldir looked down at the elf and then at Asufeld. "Even with our accelerated healing, you are right," he said as he lifted the elf up to a sitting position. "You will take the horse and ride to the house of healing. I will see you again my friend." Said Haldir to the elf as others began to help him to the horse. But he stopped them.
"Wait," he said as he looked at Caitlin. "You saved my life." He said to her. "You have no armor, take mine, their will be much need for it in the coming age, I do not know you, but you are a fighter I can tell, and I feel you will wear it proudly." He said.
Later as the wounded elf was vanishing in the distance with Asufeld, Caitlin strapped on the last of the leather and metal armor.
"It will have to be repaired." Said Haldir as he ran his finger over the sliced leather from the orcs blade. "But it is a small malfunction, and should cause you no great difficulties," he said.
"It had been some time since I have seen you Haldir." She said, looking up at him.
"Yes it is good to see you are well." He responded. But his demeanor seemed cold and somewhat annoyed.
Haldir ordered the troops to move out, and Caitlin joined them in their march to helms deep, walking next to Haldir.
"Have I done anything to offend you?" asked Caitlin, curious at how rude he had been to her.
"No.' he said.
"Well it seems I must have done something. Because ever since I met you you have been nothing but rude and distant," they both stopped as the rest continued on. "I know you to be a valiant and courageous warrior, and you are also filled with a deep connection to middle earth, that is why you requested these troops, and practically begged the lady of light and Lord Elrond to allow you to come to the defense of its people." Haldir looked away from her, knowing she was right. "I know your sacrifice, how the sea calls to you, how you long to bask in the light of the trees of the valor, how you have given up paradise and peace that only the white trees of the gray havens may bring you. I know you act now, you go to battle and possible death out of love of this land. You have sacrificed everything to be here, that is the character of a being that would not unintentionally be mean and cold to one who has done nothing to you. So what is it Haldir, what is it that you don't like about me?" she said with a passion and intensity.
Haldir looked for a moment at the ground, trying to decide the right words.
"My troops have long defended Lothlorien, even now, parts of both Rivendell and Lothlorien burn, the elves take great care in mounting defenses against the enemy, you seem so unaware of the gravity of the situation, I think you an unworthy warrior, you are not fit to where that armor, nor should you wield the white sword of light Gomathis, were it up to me I would take every opportunity from you to influence the battles for this world, I think your knowledge makes you arrogant, you have not the sufficient years to wisely use these visions, you will ruin the hope of this land." He spat out at her.
Caitlin stood silent for a moment, she knew that haldir had not seen her fight, he had not seen how far she had come, how much she had grown. She collected herself, making certain she was calm and cool with her words. "You may feel that way, and I understand why you do, I will not tell you I am worthy, all my words will not convince you, but I will fight at Helms deep, and I will not do so to prove anything to you, I fight because I am going to do everything I can to help save this world. You may come to whatever conclusion you will but do not EVER assume you can stand in my way, do not ever try to stop me from being who I know I am." She said with a stern voice.
Caitlin respected Haldir, and hoped he would one day respect her, but now it did not matter and their only job was to make it to Helms deep. Caitlin continued to walk with the troops, following the precise movements they made in unison. She knew the elves would not sleep for the night, and would continue marching. They would reach Helms Deep in two days, just before the battle, Caitlin had to conserve her energy, because as soon as she reached the fortress, the war would begin.
Legolas stood at the top of the keep at Helms deep, peering out across the barren open land beyond the outer wall. Down stairs the people were organizing the supplies and mounting defenses at the walls of the keep. They had arrived just hours ago and no sight of movement out beyond the walls. Legolas moved the Evenstar from one hand to the other, shifting and moving it around in his hands. "What's that?" said a guard on the lower level. Legolas looked up, peering out, A small from moved off in the distance.
"It is Aragorn." Said Legolas quietly, he ran down through the lower halls, through stairs and rooms and then finally reaching the outer rim just as the doors opened and Aragorn rode in. Legolas felt that Caitlin would be all right but he was not certain, and to see Aragorn gave him hope. He was so happy his long time friend Aragorn was alive and well, and Aragorn would surely know something of Caitlin, perhaps she was with him.
Legolas finally reached the outer area of the keep just as Aragorn came up, Legolas placed a friendly hand on his shoulder. "You are late." He said as he handed Aragorn the Evenstar. But as he took the pendent, Aragorn did not smile, his expression was as that of a man who had been defeated.
"I am sorry my friend." Said Aragorn. As he placed a hand on Legolas's shoulder. He lowered his gaze. "I, I could not save her, I...." he said. Legolas tore away from him, even before Aragorn had finished his sentence. "Legolas, wait." Said Aragorn as Legolas swiftly moved away.
He ran down to the lower level, finding himself in a state of confusion, something told him she was alive, but he did not know for certain. Legolas leaned against the wall, searching his heart. What was the truth? Did she live? Was she-could she be...dead? NO, Caitlin could not be dead. He felt her, he knew her, he was sad when she was sad, he felt it when she was afraid, he felt her joy, her strength, flowing through his soul. He felt her still, she must be alive.
Legolas refused to give up hope, that he would see her again, hold her again, hope for these people, hope, even for middle earth. So many times he had found himself without strength, without hope, and then he would think of her, and she was hope, she was strength, for him. He pounded his fist against the wall, as a last assurance to himself that she was alive, he had to be strong, he had to keep calm. He stood and breathed in and out for a moment before heading out to help the people.
Hours passed and Caitlin marched with the Galahirm, the elven guard from Lothlorien, they were straight and tall in their strides, covering a much greater distance per stride than she. The pace was quick for her and she struggled to carry the heavy armor and keep up with them. They marched all through the day, without stopping. Caitlin wondered what kind of bladders the elves had; they could really hold it in. Caitlin had to pee once during the day, dashing behind a boulder and as quickly as she could she removed the heavy armor. By the time she had put all the metal and leather back on, the elves were far ahead of her and she had to run to catch up with them. They continued to march through the night, and the cold wind caused her to shiver as she moved. The temperatures must have dropped to the low forties, very cold for her, especially her legs, as they were only covered by the boots she had been given and the dress. They marched as the sun rose, and as it passed overhead of them and then still as it began its dip into the mountains once more.
In the distance, as the sunset, against the colors of red and yellow in the sky, Caitlin saw the strong hold of Helms deep, across the land. But she could see it.
They marched further, until they could see the distant figures of soldiers who stood on the walls. The elven soldiers who held the banner of the lady of light lifted their horns announcing their arrival.
Caitlin thought of Legolas, and how he would know the sound of his elven kin as clearly as if it were his own voice.
Caitlin stood as tall as she could, and as they began to climb the ramp that led them to the open doorway she felt a pride in her elven garb. For many years, she had though of what it would be like to be an elf, to have the grace and poise and dignity to fight alongside creatures of such beauty and talent. Now as she entered the keep, Caitlin could feel a kinship to them, and she carried herself as they did, trying to mimic their graceful gestures, down to the finest detail. She did (as the elf who owned it had said) wear this armor with pride. She was proud to be so honored with being a warrior worthy of this garb.
The elves entered the keep and the doors were closed behind them. Aragorn came down the steps, a huge smile on his face. Caitlin was happy to see he was all right but she remained in the back with the other elves as they talked.
"We are proud to fight along side elves once more." Said Haldir.
Legolas came forth. "It is good to see you." He said.
"And you," said Haldir with a bow.
Caitlin thought of stepping forward, through the ranks of the elves, but something held her back. She was tired and feared she would sleep or pass out if she moved.
Haldir turned to her. "I believe you will find someone you all know among our warriors." He said.
Legolas looked out at the faces of the warriors, recognizing Caitlin's immediately. Even under the helmet he could see, her features her form, her hair.
"Legolas," she said as he stepped toward her,
"It is good to see you." He said. He felt he could not hold back his delight but it overwhelmed him to the point that all he could do was remain silent and patient as she took his hand.
The others took their leave and took themselves to the perches at the top of the walls leaving them very much alone.
Caitlin lifted his hand to her face, caressing her cheek. She removed her helmet as Legolas came closer and closer to her. Wrapping her up in him. Holding her firmly in his embrace, "Don't ever leave again." He said, as the emotion seemed to bubble up and release as he tightly held her, kissing the top of her head and closing his eyes in this embrace. "Don't ever leave." He said again softly.
"LASS," yelled Gimli as he ran to her. Legolas released her as Gimli came to her and hugged her so tightly; he lifted her from the ground and spun her around. "Oh, it is so good to see ye." He said putting her back down. "Look at ya, you look great," he said admiring the armor. "Hopefully you will kill many orcs with it, not as many as me of course." He said
"It is good to see you." She said.
He took her sword and belt with the dagger on it and handed them both back to her. He held her hands in his as the items were handed to her and a serious look came over his face. "may they serve you well, I will see you in battle." He said. As he left her and went up the stairs and out to the wall.
She strapped it to her waist, the leather band hanging heavily on her hips. She took the hilt in her hand feeling the familiar texture of the sword as it graced her fingers.
Outside she heard the orcs, with their horns as they came closer to the fortress. The ground began to rumble beneath their feet. Caitlin gripped her sword now, closing her eyes, thinking of the brutality and bloodshed this battle would bring, the utter defeat and pounding they would endure through the night ahead. She knew the night would come soon, only moments now, and all would be darkness. Awaiting ten thousand demons whose only thought was your slaughter, her fingers trembled. Legolas stood just behind her. His tall shadow just over her shoulder. She felt the fear rise through her, constricting her breathing, she let out a breath as tears forced themselves out of her, "oh, god." She said she covered her mouth with her hand and backed into legolas slowly. "Hold me." She whispered as the ground shook even further to the beat of the orcs footsteps and his arms came about her. She leaned against him, tilting her face so her cheek touched his own as he bent his head to hers and his arms encircled her.
She brought her hands around his as he stood there with her and held her close to the terrible beat of the enemy that lay just beyond the walls.
"Legolas, I am not ready, my hand is to unsteady with a blade, my heart is to filled with troublesome thoughts, I do not have the focus to be a warrior." She said, grasping his hand tightly. "I am afraid." She said as she turned to face him
"There is no shame in fear." He said holding her. "You told me to have faith in you, and I do. Yet now I have faith not only because of what I know you to be capable of, but because of what I have seen you capable of, you have shown more strength than many of my elven kind. You cannot falter now." He said.
"LEGOLAS, YOU ARE NEEDED AT THE WALL!!!" yelled Gimli from above.
Legolas searched Caitlin's eyes. "I will be by your side. We will look after eachother." he said. As he began to run up the stairs to the wall. "Come on. Come with me, fight by my side." He said as he stretched his hand out to her. Standing there with his eyes wide, fixed on her, his hand outstretched.
"I- I have to go to the front on the north, with the Galadhirm." She said. "I must, I am needed there."
Legolas's eyes sank with fear and despair as she spoke, and he came toward her with swiftness and a grace of movement she had previously never seen. He took her in his arms with silence lifting her up against him and passionately kissing her, feeling her hair fall around him, Her arms around his neck, his fingers pressing against the fabric of the linen in the spaces between the armor. As though this was the last embrace they would ever share.
"LEGOLAS!!" they heard from above.
"You have to go." She said as he still held her up to him, close, passionate, firm. The sky was dark now, black and lightless, her cheek caressed his face and she closed her eyes smelling his scent, as a tear fell to his face. "They call to you." She whispered. "You must go." She said As she lifted her head to face him and tears fell from her eyes.
"You call to me." He said as he slowly lowered her to the ground. "You will always call to me." He said as he left her to go to the stair.
Caitlin turned to go in the other direction, to the wall with haldir and his men. "Caitlin." Said Legolas. And she turned to look at him. "You will be in my sight," he said. As a last tear rolled down caitlins face, "Remember that I am still fighting with you." He said.
And with that last word of encouragement, and one final glance, they both took their leave and ran up the stairs. To meet ten thousand demons in battle.
Ok, this chapter is long and I hope dramatic. Because that was what I was going for. Aiko Alima
Oh also, yes, the attack from the wargs was at night, and that is why it was so unexpected.