Chapter 2: Many Meetings
Vanya could see the struggle going on at Helm's Deep, but she could not do anything about it. If she rode to help she might get killed, not to mention she would be coming up behind the army, and way away from protection. However, if she rode away, that would be cowardly, and Elves were not cowards.
Then Vanya remembered something that she had heard once in a meeting that she served at. There was a back entrance to Helm's Deep. A tunnel that went into the mountain. It would be used for emergencies.
Vanya rode as fast as she could in that direction. A half hour had passed before she even came close. Her elf eyes helped her see the hidden entrance. She rode up to it and tried to open it. After some pulling and shoving, and some help from Silme, she got the door open.
She mounted again and took off down the tunnel. The tunnel was dark and there was just enough space for her to ride Silme through it. A ways down the tunnel she noticed some people coming down the tunnel, and slowed.
When she reached them she realized that they were women and children escaping from Helm's Deep. 'The battle is going ill," Vanya thought afraid that she was again too late.
Vanya was just able to squeeze through the people and start off again quickly. She reached the door in just a few minutes. She realized that the door was barricaded. She banged on the door in hopes that someone would hear her and open it. This time she was lucky.
A soldier on the other side heard the banging, and, confused, moved the barricade and let her through. Vanya, not wasting anytime, barged through, Silme behind her, and showered the soldier with questions.
"What is going on? Is the battle ill? Can I help? Where is King Théoden? I had a message, but I am too late, so I am here to help in any way I can," Vanya said.
"Lady, the King in the high chamber. Through that door there," the soldier said pointing.
"Hannon le. Silme, tolo," Vanya said running to the door, Silme following after her. Vanya ran into the room and saw the remaining soldiers preparing to ride out. King Théoden was preparing to mount his on horse, Snowmane. "King Théoden, I came to warn you of a danger that already occurred. Now, I am here to help." Vanya said walking quickly towards him.
"Maiden, who are you and where do you come from?" Théoden asked looking at her with a puzzled look.
"I come from Mirkwood, and my name is Vanya Arnatuilë," she said with a polite bow.
"Any arm in greatly accepted. Mount your horse and take up your sword; we are to ride out and meet them," King Théoden said mounting his horse.
"But my lord, I do not have a sword or dagger, just bow and arrow," Vanya said.
"Then go to a window and shoot, we ride now," King Théoden said preparing to go. The great horn of Helm rang out. "Forth Eorlingas!"
They rode past Vanya and out into the rising sun. Vanya ran up the steps and to a window. She was not the best shot, but, like every Elf, she wasn't bad. She took her bow and shot, picking her targets with care. Once her quiver was empty she had killed a fair number of Uruk-hai. Mithrandir had come with Erkenbrand, and battle was won. In the gathering afterward, Vanya was formally introduced.
"My lords, I came here to warn you of the blasting fire that the orcs brought from Orthanc, but my arrival was late. I have ridden many days from Mirkwood. My name is Vanya Arnatuilë; I am but a servant of the house. My friend foresaw the tragic happening, and bid me to come," Vanya explained to the group of tired leaders.
"Mirkwood? You are of my home?" Legolas asked. Vanya nodded. "I have never seen you there."
"I would not expect you to, few do," Vanya said. At that moment Eowyn walked in, having returned with the women and children whom had been sent for by horseback.
"My lords, what great news it is to hear of this victory. However, I do not recall your face, maiden," Eowyn said noticing Vanya.
"Yes, this is Vanya Arnatuilë of Mirkwood, she came to help the end of the battle. She came with a warning that was too late," King Théoden explained to her. "Right now, however, we shall rest. We will talk more at dinner. Meanwhile, Eowyn, see to it that she is given new clothes and a place to wash."
"Thank you, King," Vanya said looking at her battered and dirty clothes that were worn from the journey. She followed Eowyn out of the room and was taken to a small room that was obviously Eowyn's.
"I have a few dresses that might fit you, but there are not many, since we had to leave in such a rush. In the meantime, there is a bath with water behind there. The water will be cold though, as there is no means of heating it right now," Eowyn said.
"That is quite alright, and I thank you for letting me use your clothes. I would have brought some, but I left in a rush," Vanya said going behind the cloth that put up to hide the bath. Before she got in, Eowyn brought her a dress that she presumed would fit her all right. They were about the same build and height. Then Eowyn left to help clean up the keep.
Vanya got in the bath and shivered at the cold, but her body adjusted to the temperature quickly. She let her long blonde hair soak in the water, and she scrubbed herself with her hands. Once she was clean, Vanya got out and dried herself with a cloth that Eowyn left for her.
She dressed and tied her hair back. She dusted her shoes before putting them back on her feet. Then she walked out and searched for Silme, who had been brushed and fed and was now with the other horses. Silme cared for, Vanya now searched for something to help with.
As dinnertime came, Vanya went to the dinning hall, which had been prepared in a hurry and was not very formal. King Théoden, Gandalf, Aragorn, Legolas, Erkenbrand, Gimli, éomer, Gamling, and Eowyn dinned with her. Vanya sat between Eowyn and Gamling; she didn't say much because Eowyn was asking her brother all about the battle, and Gamling was talking with Erkenbrand across from him.
Later that night the group set out for Isengard. Vanya went with them for she was not weary, and she much desired to see the dark white wizard with her own eyes. Under the shadow of the evening they rode, Vanya on Silme, following the other quietly.