Okay, another extremly short chapter, but I didn't finish it and I wanted to post today because I won't be able to post tomorrow. Thank you so very much for all of the reviews. I know this chapter isn't that great, but I hope you like it anyway. Let me know!

Disclaimer: I own nothing associated with Lord of the Rings. I only own Aria and her family.

Chapter 15

Helms Deep was about a mile away as Aria marched along next to Haldir. He had thought it best that she march along side him, but once they reached the gates she was to fall into the ranks of the other elves up front. "Do you think he will be angry with me for coming with you, for leaving Lothlorien?" she asked Haldir as they walked. Haldir had become like a brother to her. Lady Galadriel had given him time away from the border, during her time in Calas Galadhon and Haldir took it upon himself to teach her some of the history of the elves. Haldir's mouth curved into a small smile when he saw her subconsciously play with the ring that rested on her finger.

"I cannot say for certain," he replied. Aria just nodded her head, but never took her eyes off their destination. They continued on in silence until they were about to walk up the ramp. "Fall into the ranks," he whispered to her. Aria looked at him before she pulled the hood of her cloak up and fell into line. She moved towards the last row and marched along. Aria was dressed in a dark blue tunic and black leggings and boots with a dark blue cape wrapped around her. The only reason she stood out was that she did not carry a bow or wear the golden helmet on her head. Aria looked up at some of the men that watched on in amazement.

"Send for the king. Open the gate!" Aria heard a man yell and she smiled as they walked through the gate and around the keep to stop before a set of stairs. They slammed down their bows and turned to face the surprised king. Haldir stepped forward and smiled at the king.

"How is this possible?" King Theoden of Rohan asked. Aria looked on but secretly she wanted to see the others.

"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together," Haldir said but he paused when he looked up at the top of the stairs. Aria followed his gaze and couldn't help the smile that graced her face when she saw Gimli, Aragorn, and of course Legolas. "We've come to honor that allegiance." Aragorn ran down the stairs and stopped before Haldir.

"Mae govannen, Haldir (well met)! You are most welcome!" Aragorn exclaimed before he quickly hugged Haldir. Haldir was surprised but patted his back with a smile. Legolas stepped forward next and they held each other's shoulders. Legolas faltered slightly at the look Haldir gave him but he stepped aside and stood next to Aragorn. He looked at the king with a proud smile on his face, however, he felt as though a familiar pair of eyes were watching him.

"We are proud to fight alongside men once more," Haldir said. Theoden nodded with a grateful smile on his face. Haldir turned and looked at Aria he motioned her forward and she moved her way through the Elvin soldiers. Haldir turned and looked at Aragorn and Legolas. "The Lady of Light has sent a gift for the fellowship." Aragorn and Legolas furrowed their brows and Gimli quickly joined them.

"Who is this?" Gimli asked as he looked at the hooded figure. Aria couldn't help but smile. She raised her hands and lowered her hood to meet the surprised look of two of her friends and her love.

"It has been two months since I last seen you, Gimli, but yet you doubt me," Aria said. Gimli laughed and stepped over to her hugging her tight. She smiled down at the top of his head as she embraced him back. He stepped away and Aria looked up at Aragorn and Legolas. Aragorn smiled at her but Legolas looked on in disbelief. Aragorn and the others quickly stepped away and began to speak to Haldir about where to position the Elvin soldiers. Aria and Legolas just looked at each other. Finally, after a strained moment Aria broke the silence. "Are you angry with me?" she asked as several Rohirrim rushed past her. Legolas shook his head and stepped over to her so they were only inches apart. He raised his hand to her cheek. Aria cocked her head to the side in curiosity and Legolas just looked at her.

"Guren linna le cened (my heart sings to see you)," he whispered to her. Aria smiled.

"Gwannant lû ann (it has been too long)," she said back with a mysterious glint in her eyes. Legolas lowered his hand and smiled in surprise.

"Manen henial i lam edhellen (how do you know Elvish)?" Aria laughed and shook her head.

"I don't know it all, just enough to get by. You have Lady Galadriel and Haldir to thank for that." Aria could sense his body stiffen slightly at the mention of the marchwarden's name but she smiled at him. "Legolas," she said as she raised her left hand to rest over his heart where she knew her pendant rested. He looked down at her hand and the light green gem of the ring he had given her sparkled. His eyes quickly moved to hers. "You left Lothlorien without telling me what your parting words meant but I found out when I read to your letter, and I regretted never being able to tell you something."

"What is that?" he asked before he swallowed hard.

"That . . . I love you too," she whispered and Legolas smiled at her before he leaned in and kissed her. She smiled into his kiss and cupped his cheek. However, Legolas quickly pulled away when he remembered they stood in the middle of the keep surrounded by moving soldiers readying for a battle that was just a few hours away.

"Aria, we must get you to safety," he said before he began to pull her but she held her ground. Aria shook her head.

"I'm fighting Legolas." He frowned but let her finish speaking. "I can control my powers and even manipulate the elements. I'll be of help and I am to stand with the Lothlorien elves as Lady Galadriel instructed." Legolas nodded his head. If she was going to fight, he wanted her by his side, but she was given orders by Lady Galadriel and must obide by them. She looked around and frowned before she looked back at him. "Legolas, where are the others? Where are Boromir, Gandalf, and the hobbits?"

"Gandalf has rode to come with more aide, Sam and Frodo venture to Mordor alone, and Merry and Pippin are with the Ent, Treebeard." He paused at her confused expression and then explained what an Ent was. Aria nodded.

"Very well, but what of Boromir?" Legolas heart fell and he took her hands into his.

"He fell protecting Merry and Pippin from a band of Uruk-Hai. He fought bravely, Aria, and fell protecting those he cared for." Aria freed one of her hands from his before she hastily wiped a tear that fell from her eye and nodded.

"We will avenge him and all that have fallen at the hands of Saurman's Uruk-Hai tonight and in ever battle we fight from this moment on," she whispered. Legolas smiled at the determination and strength he saw within the light green depths.

"We will, meleth nîn (my love)." Aria smiled and nodded. She raised up and kissed his lips once more before she stepped away.

"Nan lû (until later)," she said before she rushed passed him and joined Haldir and Aragorn. Aragorn embraced her before she continued on with Haldir to their position on the wall. Legolas sighed and closed his eyes before he made a silent prayer to the Valar to protect her from the evil hands of Uruk-Hai and that he would once again look upon her beautiful soul.