Review responses:
Swift Tales: Thanks for your review! As for your two questions, you'll just have to wait to find out.
Lindahoyland: Glad you find it exciting. This chapter has slightly less action, as it is building up the atmosphere and the characters a little more, so it may be a bit less exciting. I hope you'll enjoy it anyway!
Dark Borg Drone: Thanks for your review. Hope everyone in the Mummies Alive fandom is enjoying your storyand that I didn't miss anything while I was beta-ing it (or have you not posted it yet?) Anyway, enjoy this chapter
Here comes the hockey puck: Weird how some dreams can seem real! Anyway, enjoy this chapter!
Crazycatluver: Sorry I haven't updated for ages; I was working on another fic. However, I am now giving this one my undivided attention! Hope you enjoy this chapter!
Lotrfreak: Thanks! Hope you like this chapter as much as the others!
Rhys: Thank you so much for all your reviews. You wrote so much in all your reviews I can only really say thanks. Oh, and Even Elves Need Friends is now complete; you haven't reviewed either of the last two chapters yet, that's all. Please keep up the brilliant reviews, they make my day!
Firehottie: I know this is not soon enough for an update, but please forgive me. I was working on another fic, and am now giving my undivided attention to this one.
Elros Tar-Minyatur: Thanks for continuing to R&R this story, even though it's not your favourite kind of plot! I'm the one who should be flattered.
AnimeSiren: Either you want me to finish because you like the story or because you don't! I hope you liked it and you like this chapter.
OK, sorry everyone for being ages updating. I previously had been working on all my fics at once. As I am now doing them one by one, the writing should hopefully benefit. Please forgive me for leaving you for ages on a cliff-hanger.
The Galadhrim and Rangers struggled down the slippery slope that would bring them into the courtyard behind the lowest front wall of Helm's Deep. Surprisingly, they were unnoticed; all the guards were looking outwards towards where the Orcs would approach from. The elves and Rangers were silent when they moved and the frantic orders being given by the Rohirrim were enough to mask out the sound of hooves on stone.
Arentèl sounded a large horn, announcing their arrival. All the Rohirrim spun round on the wall, and another man, most probably the King of Rohan, walked towards Haldir.
"How is this possible?" He whispered in amazement.
Haldir bowed. "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell." The elf paused slightly before continuing. "An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought, and died, together."
Aragorn and Legolas came racing towards them, halting when they saw Haldir.
Haldir looked at them and smiled. "We come to honour that allegiance."
Aragorn walked towards Haldir. "Mae Govannen."
After performing the formal Elven greeting, Aragorn leant forwards and hugged Haldir. After a slight pause, Haldir returned the hug.
Pulling back, Aragorn said: "You are most welcome."
The Elven army turned round in one movement as Legolas came to join them.
"We are proud to fight alongside Men once more."
"Théoden King," Aragorn called after another slight hesitation. Théoden turned towards him.
"These are my kinsmen from the North," said Aragorn, indicating the Dunedain with one hand.
"If they are all such warriors as yourself we shall be blessed indeed," replied Théoden, though his voice sounded slightly insincere.
"Where may we leave our horses, my lord?" Asked Nimwen.
"Wait a second, we're leaving our horses? Why aren't we riding them in battle?" Asked a certain girl.
"Rochwen, hold your tongue!" Snapped an embarrassed Aragorn.
"But why?"
"Because it is not the best way to fight in this situation," Nimwen explained.
"Why not?"
Arwen was beginning to have second thoughts about ever having children.
"Rochwen, save your questions for later," ordered Aragorn.
Rochwen bowed her head slightly and was silent. She knew when enough was enough, and respected her cousin too much to continue disobeying him.
'Well,' Arwen thought, 'maybe it wouldn't be too bad with Aragorn around.'
The men and elves began to arrange themselves for battle.
"Lord Aragorn, could you take the front wall with the Elves and your kinsmen?" Asked Théoden.
"Of course, my lord."
They marched up onto the front wall. Arwen was pleased to note that she was very near to Aragorn, who was standing with Legolas and Gimli between the Elves and the Rangers. Arwen felt a shiver go down her spine as she watched the love of her life. He was different, somehow. His warrior side was a part of him she had never seen before; but she loved him like this just as much as she loved Estel, the shy young man who had first greeted her in the woods of Imladris many years ago.
Arwen was behind Aragorn, stood next to Miriel where the armies of Elves and Rangers joined. Miriel turned towards her and gave her an encouraging smile.
"Do not fear, lady. I will protect you," whispered Miriel when she felt Arwen shake slightly, seeing the Orcs on the horizon.
"I feel so weary, yet still I have a battle to fight," returned Arwen under her breath.
Aragorn turned, hearing something. "What was that, Miriel?"
"Good luck, Strider," Miriel said with a grin. "Not that you need it."
Aragorn smiled slightly and turned around, as if satisfied. Arwen breathed a slight sigh of relief.
"Estel?" Rochwen piped up. "This is later, and I ask you again, why can't we fight on horseback?"
"Because it would be very difficult when space is so tight. Horses are best to use when we are on an open plain and have plenty or room to charge at the enemy. We can't use them up here, whether you like it or not, little one."
"I am not little!"
"You are to me."
"How would you like it if I called you ugly one, because you are to me?"
"Ah, but ugly is an insult. 'Little one' is an affectionate term."
Rochwen made a face, but said no more, and Aragorn turned back towards the advancing army of Orcs.
I realise Rochwen seems young for 13, but I think the Dunedain would mature slightly more slowly because they live longer, so Rochwen is probably between eight and ten in our terms.
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