Intersecting Paths
A/N: What? This isn't yet on anyone's Favorites List? I'm so...so...NOT shocked! And there is a reward for all you good and faithful souls. When this is done posting, I have a new Elfwine Chronicle ready to go (and possibly another one not too far behind it).
Chapter 2
The sentinel on the tower at Helm's Deep was startled to see a lone horse with two riders approaching. He heard the King and Lord Aragorn approaching his position and called to them, "Riders coming in, my lord. Two of them." They hurried to join him at his post and stare at the two figures. Instinct, more than his eyes, told Aragorn it was Legolas, and he broke into a wide grin. "Let them in! Let them in!" He turned and raced down the steps to the inner court.
He was waiting on the steps when they rode in, his arms crossed sternly over his chest. They slid down from their mount and Legolas turned to face him, a barely perceptible smile on his face. "You're late!" Aragorn told him. He let his gaze wander over the slightly disheveled Elf and added, "And you look terrible." Now Legolas did break a grin and they grasped each other's shoulder in greeting.
Legolas winced slightly at the contact, "Gently, my friend. Although my healer was under strict instructions from Lord Aragorn to tend me and keep me safe, I am not entirely mended yet!" He turned to look at Módwyn who was standing nearby, "Nevertheless, I cannot complain about the care I have received. I am most grateful."
Aragorn let his gaze wander to Módwyn as well, "Thank you, my lady, for his safe return – though you did give me a fright by disappearing like that!"
She smiled sheepishly at him, "My apologies. It was necessary, to meet your request."
He nodded understandingly and caught Legolas' arm, "Come, I'll fill you in."
"A moment, sir," Módwyn called out. They turned to look at her. "I cannot release my charge just yet. I must examine him again before you take him."
Aragorn patiently explained, "There is no time. They will be upon us soon."
"I know that. And when they are, I trust you will want your friend as close to his peak ability as possible. I am only trying to make it so. I will not keep him long."
Legolas shrugged at Aragorn and smirked in amusement, "You WERE the one who entrusted me to her care, you know."
Aragorn let out a low laugh, "Very well, but make it quick."
Módwyn led the way to the main hall in the inner keep, explaining the layout to Legolas. She had been at Helm's Deep before and knew that this was the last bastion. The entrance to the caves was at the back of the hall, and she was certain that is where the women and children would be secured during the battle.
Moving over along the wall, out of the hustle and bustle of people dashing about on various business, she turned to Legolas. While he removed his tunic, she checked the leg wound, then rebound it. As she examined his shoulder, she told him, "As the battle is about to begin, I will prepare a water pouch of painkiller that you can carry with you. Take it as you need to during the battle. It will be cold, and taste more bitter, but it will still work." She noted the continued seepage on the bandage and sighed, "I wish we had more time for this to heal. Are you impaired in your motion by the bandage or the wound?"
"It did not interfere with shooting my arrows earlier, so I do not think it will be a problem. Once the battle begins, I am unlikely to notice any twinges of pain anyway."
She nodded and re-covered the wound, then let him redress. "I will set up a hospital here in the hall. Anyone who is injured and can make it in here can be treated. We may be able to save a few lives, and even return some to the battle."
"No!" Legolas told her. "The women and children will be sent into the caves where it is safer. You must go with them!" Without thinking he caught her by the shoulders and gave her a slight shake to emphasize his point.
She stared at the ground a few moments, then raised her eyes to his, "You fight for my home and my people alongside my kinsmen. How can I leave any of you in your hour of need? If they are willing to risk everything and die in this cause, then I am willing to risk everything to do all in my power to ease or prevent their passing!"
Legolas let his hands fall from her shoulders and stepped back. Finally, he nodded and gave her a look of understanding. Turning quickly, he went in search of Aragorn.
She watched him leave, then turned toward the caves. She knew several women who would gladly assist her, and she went to look for them, blankets and other needed supplies. Within a short while, she had organized a party of six women and they set about collecting firewood, blankets and pots for preparing medicines. They had been working for nearly an hour when King Theoden arrived and noticed their activity. "What goes on here?" he demanded.
Módwyn stepped forward as the other women looked uncertain, "My lord, we are preparing to tend to the wounded..."
He cut her off, "Impossible! Into the tunnels with all of you. It is too dangerous!"
Just then Lady Eowyn stepped out of the cave and rushed toward them, "My lord, it is necessary! Allow us to do this much to help our people. We are close to the caves. If retreat is necessary, we can easily make it into them and escape. Please, my lord!"
Theoden reconsidered the matter, thanks to his niece's entreaty, and then relented, "Very well. Proceed."
Módwyn flashed Eowyn a look of gratitude and turned back to her work, but Eowyn stepped forward, "I would help also, Módwyn. Tell me what I can do." Módwyn considered a moment, then caught sight of a small serving table, set off to the side. Recruiting a couple of soldiers standing idly nearby, they moved it over to the makeshift healing area and then Módwyn whistled Leander over to her. She pulled down the supplies they had collected and emptied the various plants onto the table.
"Do you know your plants and herbs, my lady?"
Eowyn nodded, "Yes, and please call me Eowyn. While we work side by side, we are merely sisters of Rohan."
Módwyn gave her a smile, "Sort the plants into various piles. They were collected quickly and so are jumbled together. We will need to be able to easily find what we want as we go along."
Eowyn set to work and Módwyn finished pulling her belongings from Leander's back, along with his riding pad and bridle, setting them out of the way nearby. She patted him on the shoulder, "Go stand over there in case you are needed, my friend." The horse nickered softly and nudged her with his nose, before turning and doing as she directed.
Once the healing area was organized, Módwyn prepared a vat of the painkiller and filled a water pouch. She also took a cup of it and then set out in search of Legolas. Outside, the air had become thick with tension and fear. Old men and boys were strewn among the soldiers, their eyes glazed with despair. She forced her attention away from them and searched the battlements. The Elf's blond hair should have been easy to spot, but he was nowhere in sight. She turned toward the armory and saw him in a small chamber off the main room, talking to Aragorn who was dressing for battle.
Before she could move toward him, a horn sounded from outside the walls and all eyes turned in that direction. "That is no orc horn," she heard Legolas exclaim, as he and Aragorn darted past her, excitement in their eyes. She followed them out and watched from a distance as an Elven army of archers marched into the fortress and their leader declared their intent to stand alongside Men in the coming battle.
A sense of hope seemed to be washing over everyone within earshot. This was an unexpected, but morale-boosting, turn of events. They might still lose, but their chances just got infinitely better.
As they began to station themselves along the wall, Módwyn again searched for Legolas, and this time spotted him taking up position on the outer wall, next to a dwarf. She made her way slowly through the crowd toward them. As she approached, Aragorn had moved in behind the Elf and the dwarf and she overheard Legolas telling him, "Your friends are with you, Aragorn." The dwarf muttered something too low for her to catch.
With a smile of appreciation to his companions, Aragorn turned and almost ran into Módwyn. "What are you doing out here?" he asked with concern. "You should be in the caves where it is safe!"
Legolas had turned at the sound of his words, "It is alright, Aragorn. She is just bringing me a painkiller for my shoulder. She will go back inside right away." He looked meaningfully at Módwyn as if to say 'won't you'.
She nodded, holding out the cup and the pouch. While Legolas drained the cup, she glanced out over the wall and froze at what she saw when lightning lit up the landscape – there were thousands of them! Her face reflected her horror at what they were up against. Gently, Legolas placed the cup into her hand and took the pouch, "Go back inside. Do not think about it. There is always hope." His eyes flicked in the direction Aragorn had gone and then returned to hers.
She nodded hesitantly, and then slowly moved away as a light rain began to fall.
It wasn't too long after she returned to the hall that she heard the battle begin. With a heavy sigh, she sat back to wait. It was difficult sitting there, wondering what was happening. Only once or twice did someone stumble in for treatment; the battle was apparently too intense for wounded to be moved from where they lay.
After some time, there was a tremendous explosion that shook the entire castle. The women working with Módwyn looked nervously around, then turned to her for guidance. Eowyn caught her eye and an unspoken understanding passed between them. "I think it is time you six return to the caves," she told them. "Until this ends, I do not think we will be overwhelmed with wounded." The six women hesitated only a moment, but at a confirming nod from Eowyn, they moved to the cave entrance.
Eowyn stepped over beside her and commented, "We should pack up whatever we do not expect to need immediately. It may be necessary to make a hasty retreat." Módwyn moved to pack the plants and herbs laid out on the table and get her belongings into their carrying bags. Eowyn located some empty water pouches and they filled them with brews of painkiller and the infection-fighting potion, then packed the pots as well. Módwyn bridled Leander, then fastened the packs so they could leave instantly.
To their dismay, their assessment proved correct. Within a short time, they could hear the men falling back and they began flooding into the castle in retreat. Módwyn looked at Eowyn, "Is there another way out of the caves?"
"Yes. There is a path through the caves that comes out in the mountains."
Módwyn thought for a moment, then told her, "I think perhaps it may be necessary for the women and children to attempt to flee along that route. Perhaps you should go tell them and take your place at their head. I will bring up the rear. I will send word to the front if you need to start the journey."
Eowyn nodded gravely and glanced briefly at their kinsman, then made for the caves and her task. Moments later, Aragorn and Legolas made their way into the hall and began aiding the men in barricading the door. Aragorn was attempting to persuade the king to ride out to meet the enemy, and as he did, Legolas approached her, "You must go to the caves, at once."
Módwyn raised a hand, "Do not worry – I am going." He started to turn away, but she stopped him, "Legolas, take Leander. He will keep you safe."
He paused a moment, then nodded and gave her a slight smile, "I would be honored. Are you certain?"
"Yes. He would have difficulty in the caves, and he will be of more use to you." After a moment, she added with a grin, "But I want him back, safe and sound!" She moved to the horse and began pulling the packs from his back. As she turned, Legolas came up behind her.
Stepping closer, he looked at her with an inscrutable expression and said, "I have been wanting to do something all day. May I?"
Her brow wrinkled in confusion. Not knowing to what he might be referring, she was not sure how to answer, "Well, I suppose..." And then to her surprise, he bent and kissed her. Although she had not expected this, she couldn't feel any displeasure about it and leaned into the embrace. The kiss was sweet and gentle, and in her view, all too brief. But an instant later he pulled back and swung himself up on Leander, then moved to join the other riders.
As she watched him move away, she was jolted back to the present circumstances by Gamling rushing to her side. "Módwyn, get to the caves. Hurry!" He caught her by the arm and began pulling her with him.
Finally regaining her senses, she stopped and broke away from his hold to collect her packs. Then she dashed after him through the cave mouth, and he began boarding it up. "Go join the others and make for the path to the mountains!" he directed.
Moving deeper into the caves, she came to the last ones in and told them, "Make for the mountains. Pass word along to Lady Eowyn to lead the way." Hurriedly the women did as instructed.
Módwyn hid her packs behind some rocks and pulled out her bow and quiver of arrows, then returned to the cave mouth. She took up a protected position with a clear view of the entrance. As he finished securing the entryway, Gamling turned and spotted her. "What are you doing? Go with the others! Now!"
She stood her ground. "You will need help if they break through. Lady Eowyn is leading the others on," she told him firmly.
He had known her his entire life and knew how stubborn she could be, so he tried to reason with her, "Módwyn, please. If they break through, you could be killed."
Softly she reminded him, "Gam, if they break through, we are all probably dead. But maybe – just maybe – between the two of us they will not get to the others."
With a sigh he relented and moved to take up position, and she resumed her spot.
Time wore on, with no indication of what was taking place outside. There was nothing to tell them how much time had passed, but it had surely been a couple of hours. Then suddenly there came a pounding on the blocked entrance and both stood, preparing for what might come.
After several minutes, Módwyn lowered her bow, "Gam – that does not sound like someone trying to break in. Could we have won?" He stared at her a moment, then moved closer to the entry and listened closely. Slowly a grin broke his face and he began pulling apart the barricade.
It was with great relief that Gamling saw his fellow soldiers through the hole he cleared. They began assisting him in removing the barricade, and Módwyn disappeared after the women to call them back now that it was known it was safe to do so.
It took several hours to bring all the women and children from the tunnel. Because the women who had been helping Módwyn prepare for the wounded were at the back of the fleeing column, they were the first to exit the caves and they again began setting up a treatment area as there were now many injured men that need tending.
Although she had seen no sign of Legolas and Leander, or even Aragorn, Módwyn tried not to worry too much about their safety.
Since King Theoden was also not around at the moment, she hoped that meant they were off strategizing somewhere rather than dead or dying.
The search for wounded continued on throughout the new day and well into the night and as quickly as someone was treated who was not injured too badly, they were moved to another area where they would get less attention and the more critically injured brought in to replace them. And more than once, someone who had died was removed for burial along with the many others lying dead on the field of battle.
Around midday, Módwyn was startled by a quiet voice in her ear, "Have you eaten at all?" She jumped slightly and turned to gaze into Legolas' penetrating blue eyes. Her face broke into a warm smile that reflected her pleasure at his safe return, then she glanced around and asked, "Where is Leander?"
"I stabled him with the other horses. I did not think he would be useful in here. He has been fed and watered – and I am returning him unharmed."
"And yourself, as well?" she questioned, a twinkle in her eyes.
He nodded with a faint smile, "Yes. Only the injuries you already know about plague me."
"I am very glad to hear it. And to answer your question, no, I have not eaten anything. I have not had time."
"I will find something for you and then you have only to take time to eat it," he volunteered and she nodded her appreciation.
A moment later, Fetige called to her anxiously and she hurried over to the Elven archer the woman was tending. As Módwyn looked at him, she knew he was dying and there was nothing she could do to prevent it. His eyes had taken on a panicked look and he seemed to be wrestling with fear. Módwyn caught hold of his hand and gazed into his eyes, "Try to relax. It will be over soon. Just let it happen." Her other hand stroked his head and his tension eased a bit, but his eyes still revealed his fear at what was happening. She moved around so she could rest his head in her lap and began softly singing an Elvish lullaby she had learned as a child. The music finally did what her words could not; his muscles slowly unbunched and soon he lay drowsily, the fear draining from his face. Gradually his eyes closed and he slipped into the slumber of death.
When finally his hand went limp in hers, Módwyn reached up to wipe the tears from her face and slowly climbed to her feet. She was brought up short at coming face to face with Legolas, who also had tears shining on his face. He gestured with his head and they moved away from the dead Elf to a somewhat secluded spot along the nearby wall. Sitting down on the stone floor, he handed her the food he had for her and sat silently while she ate. Even though it proved tasteless in her mouth, she forced herself to eat it all, knowing she would need her strength. When she finished, she made to stand and Legolas rose with her. She thanked him but before she could move back to her work, he caught her shoulder, "Thank you, for being with him and easing his passing. Someday you must tell me how it is that you know an Elvish lullaby." She smiled faintly and nodded, slipping from his grip and going resolutely back to the wounded.
The stream of injured men seemed endless, and much as Módwyn was tempted to crawl off and sleep for a few hours, she knew that doing so might mean the difference between life and death for someone. If they could go to the brink of death defending her, the least she could do was stay awake and care for them.
By dawn everyone was exhausted. They worked and ate in silence, moving past one another like wraiths. At some point in the early morning hours, Aragorn had put in appearance and offered his assistance. He had been trained somewhat in healing, and his skill was appreciated. Gradually all the wounds were bound and most of the men slept, even if fitfully. At last, Módwyn felt she could take time to rest and clean up before starting again in checking to see her patients' condition. She pulled her blankets from her belongings and slipped into the caves to find a quiet spot.
xxxxx
When she awoke several hours later, she was surprised at how warm she was. During her slumber she had been aware of the chilliness of the cave, but somehow it had disappeared. When she opened her eyes, it became clear why – there was a fire blazing nearby and an extra blanket had been thrown over her. Slowly she rubbed her eyes and rose to a sitting position. Someone stirred nearby and she turned to see Legolas watching her, "Did you sleep well?"
"Yes, though not long enough, I am sure. Thank you for the fire, and the blanket."
He smiled and handed her a plate that was sitting near the fire to keep warm, "Eat. You will need your strength."
Between bites, she asked, "Did you get any rest?"
"Some. I do not require so much sleep as Men. Also, I checked on Leander for you so you would not have to worry about him."
"Thank you. If you are feeling up to travelling, perhaps I will send you out for more plants and herbs later."
He nodded, "I am up to it."
She finished the last of her food and stretched. Sleeping on the ground had never been a favorite of hers – it always left her stiff. Slowly she stood and Legolas rose as well. "How is your shoulder doing?" she asked him. "Let me see it."
He pulled his tunic off and shivered a bit in the chill of the cave. She motioned him closer to the fire, "Come where I can see better. Does it still hurt? Are you taking the painkiller?" As she spoke, she was removing the bandaging and examining the wound.
"It still aches a bit, but not much. I stopped taking the painkiller as soon as I could tolerate the discomfort. I do not like my mind clouded, especially in battle."
"It is healing well. Now that you can better avoid using it, it should make good progress."
She moved to replace the bandages but, as she did so, his arm reached and caught her by the waist. Pulling her toward him, he smiled down at her. "I very much enjoyed kissing you yesterday. I thought it would be nice to do it again."
Her breathing quickened as she gazed up at him, and when she made no objection to his proposal, he lowered his head until their lips met. At first she was stiff in his arms, but as the kiss continued she relaxed into him and her hand slipped up his arm to his shoulder and then into his silken hair. When finally he broke the embrace, she felt unsteady on her feet and was unable to speak. She gave him a shaky smile. His eyes reflected amusement at the reaction he could so clearly see, but he stroked her hair in a gentle manner, to reassure her he was not laughing at her.
When finally her head cleared enough for rational thought, she reluctantly returned to bandaging his shoulder and told him softly, "I must get back to work." She finished binding his wound and stepped away. He pulled his tunic on and extinguished the fire as she collected her belongings, and they made their way back to the hall.
While things were calmer than when she had left hours earlier, it still was clearly a place of pain and death. She took a deep breath and moved to her task. With Legolas following, she got a bit of each plant she needed more of and then said, "If you are ready, I will go with you to get Leander. He will know where to find these plants."
He motioned for her to accompany him as he set off for where he had stabled her horse. Once they were on their way, she returned to the hall and there found Gamling, glaring off in the direction of the stables. "Gam, what is wrong?" she asked.
"I notice the Elf has been following you around a great deal. If he is bothering you, just tell me and I will see to it that he leaves you alone!" he told her earnestly.
She ducked her head so he wouldn't see the grin that tugged at her mouth; no, she really couldn't say the Elf was 'bothering' her! At least not in the way Gam meant! When she regained control of her countenance, she laid a hand on his arm and told him gently, "Do not worry, Gam. He is not bothering me. He was wounded on the way to Helm's Deep and I am still tending his injury." While not the entire truth, it was enough to satisfy him and he moved away. She restrained another smile as she went inside the hall. Gamling had been like a big brother to her most of her life, but it was still amusing to see him being so overly protective of her.
The day wore on and Módwyn was pleased that no more deaths occurred. With a little luck, maybe the rest of the men would survive. The Elves were a resiliant lot and seemed to recover more quickly than the Men. By midday, only one still remained as a patient. When Aragorn put in appearance a short time later, she asked him what the intention was for the people of Rohan. He told her King Theoden was planning their return to Edoras as soon as the company was well enough to travel. Surveying the men still being treated, he asked, "How long do you think before they are able to make the journey?"
She considered the matter and answered, "If wagons can be found it would be sooner rather than later. Many would not be up to travelling on foot, or even on horseback, for some time. Depending on how many it is, we could perhaps fashion litters for the horses to pull them on."
He nodded his understanding and glanced around, "Have you seen Legolas?"
"He has gone to bring me more plants and herbs. I should think he would be back soon. He has been gone several hours."
Aragorn thought for a moment, then said, "When you see him, would you have him find me? We will need to discuss the Elven archers. As they lost their leader, he can speak to King Theoden on their behalf."
"I will tell him, my lord." Aragorn moved away and she returned to preparing a poultice.