Disclaimer: see chapter 1

Authors Notes:

Writing in Bold is taken from the film

Writing in Italic is taken for the books

Chapter 2 - Eye of the Storm

Haldir watched as the elven boats boar their passengers away from the safety of LothLorien. A slight frown appeared on his brow, as he thought of the danger that lay ahead of them. He felt the other elves leave, but he did not move. His thoughts drifted back to the short time he spent with the Golden Prince. Ever since the first night that the Fellowship came to Lorien, Haldir was drawn to him. Yes, he found the elf highly attractive; he thought that since the moment he laid eyes upon the prince. But since that conversation on that first night, Haldir found he was losing himself, something that he had not felt in many a year. The Prince was intelligence, prideful, good hearted and a warrior, all qualities Haldir admired. But was the attraction returned, he was unsure. Legolas had not protested to any of Haldir touches but neither did he initiate any of them. However that did not mean anything, he could be unsure of the Marchwarden.

Time passed, yet Haldir remained by the flowing river. His eyes never left the path of the boat that carried Legolas in. His heart grew heavy with the thought that the fair elf could be travelling to his death, but they were a spark of hope deep down that he would lay his eyes on Legolas once more. A slight smile appeared on his handsome face, he turned and left the river, his grey cloak bellowing behind him.

It was a day after the fellowship left that Gandalf arrived in LothLorien. He arrived upon the Eagle Lord Gwaihir, but now was no longer Gandalf the Grey, he was Gandalf the White. The Lady Galadriel dressed him in elvish robes of white and long did he speak with the Lord and the Lady of the Wood. When his strength returned to him from fighting the Balroq he left the Golden Wood to seek out his companions.

It was Haldir that came to Gandalf to take him to the Lord and the Lady before he left. The walked in silent till they reached Galadriel and Celeborn's talan. Gandalf looked deep in Haldir's eyes. Haldir was confused but did not look away. After a few moments, Gandalf smiled and said,

"A descion of great importance may lie before if events continue on their path. But worry and fear not. Your heart will guide you. Remain true to it."

Gandalf smiled and left Haldir to ponder his words.

The Fellowship was broken. Boromir lay dead, pierced by black arrows. The brave hobbits Frodo and Sam were on the road to Mount. Doom. Merry and Pippin where taken captive by Orcs. However, Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli were on their trail, until they met up Éomer, the King of Rohan and his men. It was there, they received bad news. Éomer had informed them that they had come across the Orcs and had killed them all. Afterwards, burned their bodies. More importantly, they saw none but orcs. Éomer was kind enough to give them lend them two horses.

They travelled in the direction of the smoking carcases, where they discovered the Hobbits trail. It leads into Fangorn Forest. The same forest that Lord Celeborn had warned them against entering. 1

Night was falling, so the decision was made that they would camp a short distance from the battlefield. The night was a cold one. Gimli lit a small fire. The three companions sat around in silence. Each lost in his own thoughts.

Legolas' mind drifted back to a just over two weeks ago when the company was in the fair land of LothLorien and in particularly its Marchwarden.

He could still feel his touch upon his skin. His soft lips upon his finger tips. Even now he continued to rub his thumb along the tips of his fingers. Haldir was obviously attracted to him and was not afraid to act on this feeling. But what of his feelings towards Haldir? They were no denying he was very attractive. He was tall and muscular for an elf. He was a fierce warrior and a musician. He was noble, strong, prideful and arrogant.

Legolas could not deny how he felt when Haldir touched him or when he bent his head to kiss. He felt excitement, nervous and scared at the same time. He had never felt like that before but he had never met anyone like Haldir before. He did something to him, something he could not explain and it was not something he wanted to explain. He just wanted time to explore these feelings, but circumstances were against him. He could only hope that they would be time after the war had ended, if they win this war that is.

It was the next night the Mithrandir was returned to them. Gandalf the White, more powerful than before. It was in Fangorn Forest that the three hunters had discovered Gandalf and it was he that assured them the Merry and Pippin was in very safe hands.

So it now that the tree hunters and Gandalf were riding to Edoras, to aid King Théoden of Rohan.

"Edoras and the Golden Hall of Meduseld. There dwells Théoden, King of Rohan, whose mind is over thrown for Saruman's hold over King Théoden is now very strong." Gandalf explained to his three companions, once Edoras was in their sight.

They continued on to the Rohan city. They were permitted entrance in the city and they rode unaided to the Hall of Meduseld, where the King sat. They climbed the stairs that led to the entrance to the Hall. It was there that they met with three Rohan guards.

"I cannot allow you before Théoden King so armed, Gandalf Grayhame by order of Grima Wormtongue." One of the guards, Háma, spoke.

At Gandalf nod, they started to disarm and passed their weapons over to the guards.

"Your staff."

"Oh, no. You would not part an old man from his walking stick? "Gandalf replied.

By look that Háma gives in reply, left no doubt that the Rohan warrior did not believe him. But he still let them gain enter the Hall.

It was a few hours later, the occupants of Edoras and the three hunters found themselves travelling to Helms Deep, a Rohan fortress made of stone. Mithrandir had left, directly after the King had made this announcement, seeking Éomer and his men help. It was on the march to Helms Deep that they were attacked by orcs and wargs of Isenguard. The battle was short, but many were slain, including Aragorn, who had fallen of a cliff into a river below. However, his death was short lived. He arrived at Helms Deep with the news that 10,000 orcs and Uruk-hai were headed to this stone fortress.

This news did not encouraged the men, who themselves were old men and boys. The people of Rohan knew that there was no hope for this battle. They were not enough men to keep the enemy at bay. But they were at least one small hope for this battle. The Fortress of Helms Deep had never been breached. But despite this the men knew that they would not see morning.

The men took their positions along the stone wall. Now it was the waiting, waiting for the enemy to come.

However, a horn was heard. But it was no horn of the Dark Lord. A large group of soldiers were marching up the walkway and they were clearly not orcs.

A Rohan soldier called out "Send for the King. Open the gates!"

The gates opened, and the warriors kept on marching. It was at the stairs were Théoden stood that one of the warriors broke off. He was clad in gold armour and a deep red cloak. From his long silver hair and by the shape of his ears it was clear the he was an Elf. When he saw the King, he raised a closed fist to his chest and gave a slight bow.

Théoden stared in awe at the scene before him "How is this possible?"

"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together." He paused for a short moment his eyes catching the entrance of Aragorn "We come to honour that allegiance."

On seeing Haldir, Aragorn and Legolas descended the stairs.

"Mae govannen, Haldir! (Welcome Haldir!)" Aragorn exclaimed, embracing a shocked Haldir.

"You are most welcome."

Then Legolas greets Haldir in a warriors embrace and moves to stand behind the Marchwarden. The small Elven Army turn as one and faces the King of Rohan.
"We are proud to fight along side men once more."

Authors Notes

1 - 'Yet they should no go too far up that stream, nor risk becoming entangled in the Forest of Fangorn. This is a strange land, and is now little known.' Page 491 The Fellowship of the Ring, HarperCollins edition 2001

Sorry for the long update but this was difficult to write, I was having major problems. This chapter was just a build up for Chapter 3 (which hopefully be posted in a couple of weeks) where helms deep will take place.

Thanks to everyone who received, please do so again