Author's Notes: Please excuse the Elvish in this chapter. I had to use a mix of Sindarin and Quenya to get all of the conversation translated (word by word . . . O.O). I'm not positive the verbs and such are properly declined, but . . . oh, well. The Elvish is just a very rough translation this time around . . .

Thank you's: You guys are soooo wonderful. I don't know what I'd do without all of you . . .

To fanes: Thanks for your review! Hope you enjoy the chapter!!

To Espina Oscura: I hope the end of chapter 5 wasn't too sad . . . Either way, enjoy chapter 6!!

To Ultra Rodimus: Hehehehe, only twice . . . I WIN!!! Sorry. Hope this chapter was updated quickly enough for ya!!!

To CSI3: Thanks soooo much for your reviews. I'm so glad you like the story!!! And it's been great talking to you online!!!

To SteffiGirl: I'm so glad you liked chapter 5! Of course all will be well in the land of LotR slash!! I can't write anything other than happy endings . . . ::grumbles:: Damn me and my perky personality. Awwww, well, maybe we could think of someway for you to get the original . . . Enjoy the chapter!!!

To ForsakenOn3: I had to put Legolas swearing his life in. To me, it showed how deep his love for Aragorn was. Dunno if it did . . . but oh, well. Enjoy!!!

To BlackCat200: Was this chapter faster than the last?? Hope it was! Enjoy!

To DustBunnies: Thank you so much for your review!! Don't worry about not reviewing before; I do that all the time. ::ducks head in shame:: Anyway, thanks again for the wonderful review! Enjoy the chapter!!!

To empath89: Thanks so much for the great review! I'm glad you thought my fic was good enough to read the sequel . . .I feel squishy inside . . . Enjoy the chapter!!!

To madrabbit5: Thank you so much for the fantastic review!! I'm so glad you liked both fics. Hope this chapter is as good as the rest!!

To Dollface786: I'm glad I could do something to make your day better!! Enjoy the chapter!!

To Isdule07: Thanks for your review!! Hope you enjoy chapter 6!

To silver-sunn101: Sorry it took so long to update. I had to fix the Grelvish in this chapter. ::grumbles:: Damn Grey Company . . . Anyway, I'm so glad you liked the last chapter! You'll have to read on to see if there's hopeless!Legolas . . . ::sneaky smile:: Lol. Wow. All of the books in one volume?!? How big is it??? Mine are in three volumes, like the movies. Have you started reading them yet? And happy belated birthday!!! Oh, my goodness, I was sobbing at the end of RotK. Just . . . everything in the movie was heart-breaking. Normally I don't cry at movies either!! I don't know what happened, but I completely broke down!! Anyway, hope this chapter measures up to your expectations!!!

To Starlit Hope: Lol, Legolas deserves all the hugs he can get, poor baby . . .

To MoroTheWolfGod: Sorry it took so long! Enjoy the chapter!!

To Nienna Coamenel: Don't cry over my fics!!! It's not worth it!!! Be happy now; don't wait for chapter 6!! Good Lord!!

To SireenC: Sorry it took so long to update, but thanks so much for your review! I'm glad you liked the chapter! Hope this one measures up!!

To bradleigh: I'm glad you liked chapter 5. I tried to make the reunion as "something" as possible . . . Hope I achieved it!! Enjoy!

To VRENDA-SAN: Thanks for your review! Don't worry; Leggy isn't alone for long!!

To AngelofSoul: Ohhh, your review made me laugh, thanks!! Enjoy!!

To leralonde: I know, I know, I'm making all of you wait for much too long between chapters, but I'm also working on two other fics on this penname, three fics on another penname, and also an original fiction. Also, school starts this week for me, so I won't have as much time to write. I will, though, every spare moment!!! And don't waste tears on my fics!! It's not worth it!!

To Legolas19: Thanks for much for your review!!! I'm so glad you're enjoying the story!!

To Elf-Formally-Known-as-Legolas: See, that's the problem with using a movie plotline. Everybody already knows what happens!!! Lol, anyway, thank so much for your review. Enjoy chapter 6!!!

Chapter 6: A Renewal of Hope

Legolas rode slowly and miserably at the back of the company. He still couldn't believe Aragorn was . . . gone. Aragorn, heir of Isildur, Ranger of the Dúnedain, Elf-child, Estel . . . His Aragorn was gone, never to return. How could this happen? They promised to be together. Aragorn swore he would never leave him. Yet . . . he did. Legolas sat next to Gimli in an inexorable silence.

"Legolas . . . lad, are you all right?" the Dwarf spoke up.

"No, Gimli, I'm not," Legolas replied quietly, staring at the ground. "Aragorn is . . . was my best friend. We've known each other for longer than you've walked this earth."

The column of soldiers rode up the Causeway to the gates.

"Make way for the king!" Gamling shouted, announcing their arrival. "Make way for Théoden! Make way for the king!"

Legolas saw Éowyn rush through the crowds to meet the returning soldiers.

"So few," she noticed breathlessly, looking around. "So few of you have returned."

"Our people are safe," Théoden told her, dismounting. "We have paid for it with many lives."

Gimli slipped off his horse with minimal help and walked slowly over to Éowyn.

"My lady . . ." he started, then hesitated.

"Lord Aragorn . . . where is he?" Éowyn asked. Legolas gripped his horse's saddle tightly, waiting for the inevitable answer.

"He fell . . ." Gimli replied, choking on his words. Legolas buried his face in the horse's coat, willing his tears to stay hidden until he was alone.

"Aragorn . . ." the Elf whispered.

Legolas stood at a window, tears once again coursing down his pale features. He didn't know how long he had been standing there, nor did he care.

"We always promised we would leave this world together," he sighed. "Why did he leave me here?"

A cry floated up to him from the courtyard.

"He's alive!"

Legolas's blue eyes snapped down to the crowd below him. The people of Rohan were gathered around someone. Who was it? He saw Gimli shoving his way through the crowd, his gruff voice clear to Legolas.

"Where is he? Where is he?! Get out of the way; I'm gonna kill him!" Gimli ordered. He stopped short. "You are the luckiest, the canniest, and the most reckless man I ever knew!"

Legolas' heart leapt. He darted from his window spot to the door and wrenched it open. He streaked through the halls and down several staircases, dashing away his tears as he ran. He spotted Aragorn hurrying up the steps. Legolas ran to stand in front of the door into the hall, fingering the pendant in his pocket, knowing what he had to do. Aragorn didn't see him and as a result, nearly ran into him. He looked up.

"Le abdollen," (You're late) Legolas said, his eyes shining. Aragorn smiled, an expression of love on his face. Legolas wanted to throw his arms around the future King and shower him with kisses and love, but knew he couldn't as a result of the people watching them. He paused and looked over Aragorn, noting his numerous wounds. "You look terrible."

Aragorn grinned. Legolas slid the Evenstar pendant from his pocket and took Aragorn's hand, caressing it softly. He placed the necklace in Aragorn's hand and closed it over the jewel, keeping his hand over Aragorn's for a split second longer than needed. Aragorn looked down at it and then back up at Legolas, a sad smile on his face. He clapped a hand on Legolas' shoulder, stroking gently.

"Hannon le," (Thank you) he said softly. They stood staring into each other's eyes for a moment before Legolas stepped aside and gestured towards the hall. Aragorn sighed, placed the necklace in his pocket, and walked forward.

"A great host, you say?" Théoden asked. They were standing in the hall.

"All Isengard is emptied," Aragorn confirmed.

"How many?" Théoden asked quietly.

"Ten thousand strong at least."

Théoden looked at him in horror.

"Ten thousand?!" he gasped.

"It is an army bred for a single purpose," Aragorn told him solemnly. "To destroy the world of men." He let that sink in before continuing. "They will be here by nightfall."

Théoden looked back at him.

"Let them come," he hissed before walking away resolutely. Legolas made sure there was no one around before he stepped forward. He threw his arms around Aragorn and buried his face in the crook of his neck.

"Im osánannen le lénenneg nîn tennoio," (I thought you left me forever) Legolas whispered. Aragorn lifted his face and smiled softly.

"Úmë carennem vanda círo si-coile godref?" (Did we not make a promise to leave this life together?) the Dúnedain ranger replied. Legolas blinked away few tears and nodded.

"Uma . . ." (Yes . . .) he replied, gazing at the floor. "Nán im rucennen! Im osánannen le autannen ar lénenneg nîn síno. Im gwestannen im hilyannen le ve rato ve hosse Sarumanéva nuquernannen." (But I was afraid! I thought you had gone away and left me here. I swore I would follow you as soon as Saruman's army was defeated.)

"Melethnîn, im ilautannen ar círonnen le síno," (My love, I would never go away and leave you here) Aragorn promised, looking deep into Legolas' eyes. "Hanannen le?" (Do you understand?)

"Im hanannen," (I understand) Legolas whispered, leaning forward and pressing his lips to Aragorn's. It was a sweet kiss, full of longing and devotion.

"Tyárant ta-vanda le carenneg nîn mí Rohan sal termára?" (Does that promise you made me in Rohan still stand?) Aragorn asked impishly when they broke, his eyes glittering. Legolas burst out laughing.

"Hu tie sa tyára!" (Of course it does!) he replied, kissing Aragorn again.

"Mána, ten ir ilya sina ná telennen im celan boe sa," (Good, because when all this is finished, I'm going to need it) Aragorn murmured, nuzzling Legolas' neck.

Later, Gamling brought Legolas, Gimli, and Aragorn out to the causeway to meet Théoden.

"We will cover the causeway and the gate from above," the king told them, looking up. "No army has ever breached the Deeping Wall or set foot inside the Hornburg."

"This is no rabble of mindless Orcs," Gimli disagreed disparagingly. "These are Uruk-hai. Their armor is thick and their shields broad."

"I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf," Théoden replied scathingly. "I know how to defend my own keep."

Gimli gaped after him, miffed. Legolas smirked to himself and clapped a hand on Gimli's shoulder as he followed Aragorn and Théoden back into the keep.

"They will break upon this fortress like water on rock," Théoden was saying. "Saruman's hordes will pillage and burn; we've seen it before. Crops can be resown; homes rebuilt. Within these walls, we will outlast them," he finished.

"They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages," Aragorn told him, glancing at Legolas in amazement. "They come to destroy its people. Down to the last child."

Théoden's eyes narrowed and he took a step closer to Aragorn.

"What would you have me do?" the king hissed. Look at my men. Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance."

"Send out riders, my lord," Aragorn pleaded. "You must call for aid."

"And who will come?" Théoden glanced witheringly at Legolas. "Elves? Dwarves? We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead."

"Gondor will answer," Aragorn replied stubbornly.

"Gondor?!" Théoden said furiously. "Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell? Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us? Where was Gon—" He stopped and took a moment to compose himself. "No, my lord Aragorn, we are alone." He turned and walked away calling out orders as he went. "Get the women and children into the caves."

"We need more time to lay provisions for a siege, lord—" Gamling began.

"There is no time," Théoden interrupted harshly. "War is upon us!"

"Secure the gate!" a captain shouted. Men rushed around, preparing for battle. Legolas heard the flap of wings. Both he and Aragorn looked up to see flocks of Crebain, from Dunland, circled overhead. They glanced at each other, worry showing clear in their eyes.

Soldiers all around them were shouting orders as Aragorn and Legolas helped to usher the women and children into the caves.

"Move back! Move to the caves!"

"Come on, people!"

"Quickly now!"

The people of Rohan hurried past Legolas and Aragorn as they walked in the opposite direction.

"We'll place the reserves along the wall," Aragorn said thoughtfully, looking up. Legolas fought to stay near the Dúnedain ranger. "They can support the archers from above the gate."

"Aragorn, you must rest!" Legolas told him forcefully. You're no use to us half alive."

Aragorn turned and opened his mouth to reply. He was interrupted by a shout from behind them.

"My lord! Aragorn!"

Legolas and Aragorn turned towards the call to see the Lady Éowyn hurrying to them. Legolas backed away a few steps to help usher the Rohan refugees into the caves, but still close enough to hear the exchange.

"I'm to be sent with the women into the caves," she complained distastefully.

"That is an honorable charge," Aragorn disagreed quietly, quickly glancing over Éowyn's shoulder at Legolas.

"To mind the children, to find food and bedding when the men return," the woman went on. "What renown is there in that?"

"My lady, a time may come for valor without renown," Aragorn replied sternly. "Who then will your people look to in the last defense?"

"Let me stand at your side," Éowyn pleaded. Legolas felt bad for her; he really did. However, he also wanted her to keep her hands off Aragorn.

"It is not in my power to command it," Aragorn told her, a note of finality in his voice. He turned away, taking a step towards Legolas.

"You do not command the others to stay!" Éowyn cried. Aragorn slowly turned to face her. "They fight beside you because they would not be parted from you." She paused before continuing. "Because they love you."

A flame of jealousy flared up inside Legolas. Éowyn appeared surprised and embarrassed. She dropped her head to stare at the ground. Aragorn glanced over at Legolas.

"I'm sorry," she whispered before turning and hurrying away. She sped past Legolas and Gimli, her cheeks burning. Aragorn made his way over to them.

"Well . . ." Legolas began, then realized he had no idea what else to say.

"So . . ." Gimli faltered as well.

"That makes things all the more difficult, doesn't it?" Aragorn murmured, looking at his friends. They looked back.

They began walking in silence, making their way to the armoury. Once there, they saw how few men they really had. Legolas' heart sank. How were they going to get out of this alive? They began walking through the large room, glancing here and there. Aragorn picked up a rusty, battered sword. He examined at it distastefully, then threw it back.

"Farmer, farriers, stable boys," he remarked to Legolas. He looked directly at Legolas, shaking his head. "These are no soldiers."

"Most have seen too many winters," Gimli spoke up.

"Or too few," Legolas added, anger and fear boiling inside him. "Look at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes." The men around them fell silent as Legolas turned from his friends and took a few steps. He stopped and wheeled around to face Aragorn. "Boe a hyn . . . neled herain dan caer menig!" (And they should be . . . Three hundred against ten thousand!)

Aragorn looked around, trying to subtly send a message to his angry lover.

"Si beriathar hyn ammaeg na ned Edoras," (They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras) he replied quietly.

"Aragorn, nedin dagor hen ú-'erir . . . ortheri. Natha daged dhaer!" (Aragorn, they cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!) Legolas cried, ignoring the refugee warriors staring at them.

"Then I shall die as one them!" Aragorn shouted back in the Common Tongue. Legolas' heart dropped to his toes. His face fell and he knew Aragorn saw it. The Dúnedain paused, then turned and walked away. Legolas' features molded into an expression of worry. He started after him, meaning to speak with him.

"Let him go, lad," Gimli advised him. Legolas looked at him. "Let him be."

Legolas sighed and looked longingly after Aragorn. He pushed Gimli's hand off his shoulder and shoved his way irritably out of the hall. He stepped through the door and looked around, searching for Aragorn. After a few moments, he finally found him. His hand was resting on a young boy's shoulder. The lad looked about as frightened as everyone felt. Legolas crept closer to hear their conversation.

"There is always hope," Aragorn was telling him earnestly. The boy smiled and turned away. Legolas leaned against the wall, a wave of shame washing over him. Even in the direst situations, Aragorn still somehow managed to retain his unshakable optimism. Legolas made up his mind and hurried back into the armoury. He pushed his way through the crowd to a small back room where he, Aragorn, and Gimli had been storing their armour. He knew Aragorn would be there, preparing. He peeked into the room and, sure enough, Aragorn was strapping his battle gear to himself. Legolas snatched away his sword and waited until Aragorn turned to belt it to his waist. Legolas stepped out of the shadows, holding the sword out to his love. Aragorn looked up and saw Legolas. He nodded slightly, accepting the sword.

"We have trusted you this far," Legolas told him, hearing Gimli wrestling with his armour. "You have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."

Aragorn smiled.

"Ú-moe edaved, Legolas," (There is nothing to forgive, Legolas) Aragorn replied softly. He smiled again, Legolas joining him. They both reached out and clapped each other on the shoulder, both wanting to do more, but both knowing Gimli was in the room. Said dwarf then walked into the center of the room, struggling with his chain mail.

"We had time, I'd get this adjusted," he growled. He finally managed to get the mail past his torso and it dropped to the floor. He looked up at Legolas and Aragorn. "It's a little tight across the chest."

Legolas and Aragorn exchanged smirks, trying not to smile. Just then, they heard a horn sounding from outside. Legolas looked behind him, wonder flooding his face.

"That is no Orc horn," he noted, dashing up the steps, Aragorn close behind him. They reached the battlements in time to hear the soldier's shouting orders.

"Send for the king!" one man shouted. "Open the gate!"

"Open up the gate!" another yelled. Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli watched in amazement as an army of Lothlórien Elves marched up the Causeway into the Hornburg, led by none other than Haldir of Lórien. The Rohirrim soldiers looked upon the newcomers with wonder and delight in their eyes as they passed. They stopped in front of Théoden, Haldir walking over to the king.

"How is this possible?" Théoden asked in shock. Haldir smiled.

"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell," he replied. "And alliance once existed between Elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together." He paused and looked up to see Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli running down the steps. He smiled again. "We come to honor that allegiance."

Aragorn stopped in front of him and bowed.

"Mae govannen, Haldir," (Welcome, Haldir) Aragorn said, grinning broadly. He then reached out and swept Haldir into a huge embrace. Stunned, Haldir patted his back lightly. "You are most welcome!" Aragorn told him, pulling away. Legolas stepped forward to clasp Haldir's shoulder in a greeting. They let go and stood proudly just behind and off to the side of Haldir as the Elvish leader turned back to Théoden.

"We are proud to fight alongside men once more," Haldir added.

By nightfall, all the warriors were in place on the battlements. The sounds of the marching Uruk-hai army drew closer, causing everyone's heart to quicken. The Rohirrim and Elves stared out into the darkness, seeing thousands of torches held by the Uruks, the light bouncing off their armour. Legolas and Gimli stood side by side on the battlements, Gimli unable to see over the wall.

"You could have picked a better spot," Gimli grumbled, straining to peer at the oncoming army. Legolas smirked at his antics. Aragorn stopped his pacing then and stood beside them, his fingers lightly brushing Legolas' thigh.

"Well, lad, whatever luck you live by, let's hope it lasts the night," Gimli tells him. Thunder boomed and lightning streaked across the soon-to-be-battlefield, revealing the sea of approaching Uruk-hai.

"Your friends are with you, Aragorn," Legolas told his lover, his eyes wide at the sheer amount of their enemy.

"Let's hope they last the night," Gimli murmured pessimistically.

"Be careful, melethnîn," Aragorn whispered into Legolas' ear before continuing on down the troops. The marching and strange thumping sound grew louder. Lightning flashed again, raining making its way to the soldiers, slowly at first but quickening before long. The army soon came within clear eyesight of the Men and Elves in Helm's Deep. An Uruk leader stepped up onto a large rock while his army continued matching on the fortress. Legolas could hear Aragorn giving commands to the Elves in their native tongue.

"A Eruchîn, ú-dano i faelas a hyn an uben tanatha le faelas!" (Show them no mercy, for you shall receive none!) he shouted. The Uruk leader raised his swords and commanded his army to halt with a terrifying, animalic cry. The Uruk-hai stopped and growled in anticipation of the upcoming slaughter. Beside Legolas Gimli was getting restless.

"What's happening out there?" he asked anxiously, jumping and straining to see.

"Shall I describe it to you?" Legolas asked lightly, looking to Gimli with a grin. "Or would you like me to find you a box?"

Gimli stared at him for a moment before breaking into laughter. The brutish Uruk leader cried out twice, seemingly a signal for the rest of the army to begin roaring and thumbing their spears furiously on the ground. Suddenly, Legolas saw an arrow shoot down to the Uruks, buying itself in a thick neck. Legolas whipped his head around and found a frightened-looking old man with an empty bow. The army below halted in their noise.

"Dartho!" (Hold!) Aragorn shouted, his eyes also searching out the premature archer.

With a hollow groan, the Uruk collapsed to the ground. The rest of the Uruk-hai bared their mangled teeth at the Elves and Men on the battlements as they roared with anger. With another terrifying cry, the Uruk leader thrust his spear into the air, his army leaping into action. They charged Helm's Deep.

"Le melon, Aragorn," Legolas whispered, almost inaudibly as fear clenched his heart in an iron cold grip.

Author's Notes: There you have it. Chapter 6. Ummm, what did I want to say??? Oh, yes. Those of you that emailed me and requested the original version of the final chapter have been added to my list, as well as those that asked for it in their review. I can't believe you guys are asking for it already!!! You're all wonderful . . . Also, I've started up a LiveJournal to use as a sort of update journal kind of thing. It will give information about updates for new chapters and all that and also, if the wait between chapters is getting too long, it will pass out little cookies for you guys to enjoy . . . Check it out every so often for more news:

Until next time . . . REVIEW, MY DARLINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!