Too much blood had been spilled and too much of it pooled around my feet as I walked through a moment of calm, the people retreating back for a precious rest as I carried the sword that I had picked up from the ground, looking to the bloodied blade before I then reverently rested it against the breast of one of my kin, brushing aside their hair to reveal their face and close their eyes. I felt heavy grief in my heart as it hammered at my internal walls, wishing there had been a way to save them all but in war, there was no guarantee that even you would survive. It fell upon the edge of a blade. "Eleni!" The moment I heard his voice I was whirling around, flecks of blood and dirt staining my face whilst Legolas appeared fresh faced and untouched.
"Legolas!" I ran to him, pushing through the people with utmost haste and I did not stop running until I had leaped towards him, my arms finding his neck as he easily lifted me off the ground and held me close, head turning into my neck as I thanked the Valar for returning him to me. With his hands anchored to my back our brows touched together, eyes closed as we revelled in one another's presence. "What news of Gundabad? What did you find?"
"Bolg is leading a second army from the north. We will soon be overrun." He informed me in tentative whisper, smoothing back my hair though it was unruffled and still remained neat despite all the fighting I had managed to survive. "Forgive me, I thought here you would be safe little starling."
"Ú-moe edaved, it is not your fault." I told him warmly before letting my hands fall to his chest, thinking of what he had just told me. "If they attack they will come through Ravenhill. Azog intends to overrun and kill Thorin and his kin and then…" My voice trailed off into silence as my vision clouded momentarily, bursting with rippling white until the vision I saw was a clear as crystal glass. Death surrounded me, blood upon blood and it would not stop, claiming the lives of so many whom I hold dear, including the sons of Durin. I desperately grasped Legolas's arm, looking to him imploringly the moment my milky eyes returned to pleading orbs. "Will you go with me? I must save them!"
"I will go with you Eleni anywhere, in peace and in war." He agreed, calming me gently however as we turned to run to the aid of Thorin and the others, our way was blocked by Thranduil and instantly I gripped onto Legolas's hand.
"I cannot allow you to go, it is folly." He said to us both though his keen eyes were fixed upon me, dipping to where I held onto Legolas's hand with my pale, slender fingers. "Eleniel, it is time for you to come home where we will make secure our borders. You will protected and safe under my care, and never again shall I give you cause to weep. You have my word."
"No." I answered firmly and confidently, refusing him immediately. His icy eyes widened intensely, anger sparking in their depths as I let go of Legolas and approached Thranduil who had already gathered his men and sounded the retreat. "I will not run from this fight, not when there is still much to be fought for. I will not run, I will not cower, I will not scurry away and hide behind the grand doors of your prison which you will place me within." With a flourish I drew my blade, laying the blade against my arm in preparation to fight against Thranduil himself in order to continue in my path, strangely feeling bright and fearless as if the sunlight was shining from within me. "I am Asta Eleniel, daughter of Elves and daughter of Men…I will not flee when my people still need me."
As if to iterate my point an orc came running at us, a fresh swarm having broken through the hastily made barricade but I swung my sword, gliding around in a fast circle to pierce its thick hide before then slicing down its back as it fell, returning my gaze to Thranduil. "Gerich veleth nîn, mal le ú-gân innas nîn." The words that I spoke were true. Thranduil had all my love, but he had no command over my heart. It was just as Legolas said and as I spoke, our fingers laced together instinctively as I then sheathed my sword and strode forwards, breezing past Thranduil who remained frozen in place, stupefied by my words as I revealed myself to no longer be the fearful child he had once consoled and protected. I was a woman grown, and I too had people I wished to protect and would gladly die for. He chief among them. "I cannot forsake one of my people for another, I will live to serve both until the ending of my breath, ada, as well as my friends. Tolo Legolas!"
Together we began to run, hands held tightly as we sprinted out of Dale and towards Ravenhill though we were not running fast enough. Visions began to flicker through my mind as I ran, eyes misty and white as Legolas guided me and I saw the bodies of the fallen. Fili, Kili, Thorin, they were to die unless I or anyone else could save them. As my sight returned to me I looked to see a group of wargs and their riders racing after us, braying. "Wargs!" I warned and immediately we both whirled around, our movements almost mirroring one another as we shot down the wargs first and then their riders except for one which I kept Legolas from shooting, lifting my hand before I then leaped to the side of the snapping jaw, grasping a hold of the harness upon its back and swung my leg up over its back before grasping hold of Legolas's arm.
The warg snarled in confusion but with a fierce rap of my heels against its furred flanks it bolted forwards, Legolas also sticking its rump with a blade to make it run faster to escape the pain. His arm held onto me as I directed the creature, its speed far outmatching both of us so I used it to ride to Ravenhill, climbing up the rocky ascent with my eyes searching carefully for motion but as we came to the bridge, an entire flock of large bats screeched and descended, clawing for our faces but I used Gilestel to keep them at bay until suddenly I felt Legolas rise up from behind me. "Legolas!" Alarmed I saw as he gripped onto the spindly feet of one of the were-bats, soaring up into the air as the warg snarled, running blindly so I pulled its head up and stood upon the saddle, balancing carefully as my eyes turned back towards Ravenhill.
Up upon the tower held by the grip of Azog the Defiler, was Fili. My soul screamed as the vision unfurled in my mind again, seeing him perish but I refused to allow my visions to hold sway, drawing an arrow as the warg ran and did not even wait to aim properly, I had to shoot quickly. The arrow flew through the air, spinning as the wind carried it slightly and I was so occupied by watching it fly that I did not see that the warg had recovered its senses. It howled and suddenly threw me from his back, hind legs collapsing and I fell to the ground scraping my face and drawing blood but I was already up on my knee and quickly drew my blade to thrust it into the beast's mouth, slicing through the back of its neck with the sword tip before I then turned.
In a dark swell of alarm, both Azog and Fili were gone. "Valar save them. Save us all." I pleaded before beginning to run. Now on foot I ran for the watchtower, scrambling up the rocks and ignoring the stinging pain of my face from where stone had scraped away the skin. My hand dove for my boot and drew forth one of my two daggers, throwing it instantly at the first orc that crossed my path as it launched itself towards Dwalin who only just managed to turn in time but the dagger struck the neck, killing it almost instantly. Sword ringing I cut down the next orc, carving my path forwards as they continually swarmed from the north, marching with deep drums that caused my heart to clench tightly as I searched, looking for Fili, Kili and Thorin. "Dwalin, where are they?" I called out to him, tossing myself forwards and glided over the snow with my back dipped down towards it, sliding on my legs before I rose up from passing underneath an orc to kill it from behind before kicking out a leg with a wide swing before then cutting down my enemy.
"Don't know lass, go find them!" He yelled back, teeth bared in a warring snarl as his weapon hammered down upon the orcs. "I'll hold them off here!"
"There are too many for you alone." I argued, refusing to simply abandon him. My eyes caught the movement of an archer, aiming its bow upon Dwalin so I cried out in warning, flying to slice my sword and cut through the arrow before it reached Dwalin then threw my final dagger, killing the archer though more were coming.
"Go, go now! Don't worry about me lass, I'll be alright." He said, swinging his hammer and I ducked as he took out an entire hoard of them with a full circled swing before he dropped a hand upon my shoulder as our eyes met. "I was wrong to ever doubt you, so go prove me wrong about your pointy eared kind. Hurry!" With a quick elvish blessing for his health I departed from him, carefully descending the steps with Gilestel resting upon my arm, ready to block and defend as I sought Kili, Fili and Thorin. The sounds of metal clashing brought me into a quicker pace, moving through the watchtower before I then saw Fili and Kili fighting back to back, handling their own throng of orcs that had come from Gundabad and Bolg oversaw their fighting, smirking and waiting until they tired before he would then move in to finish them.
Taking a step back I flung myself from the window, soaring into the open air before then descending with the song of Gilestel's metal ringing clear and Bolg started backwards, not expecting the princes to receive new support as they both called out my name upon seeing me suddenly join their battle. "I am here, hurry! Dwalin needs our aid." I informed them as several orcs fell by my blade. With a deep snarl that echoed around the three of us as we naturally stepped into formation, felling the last of the orcs and now faced Bolg who lifted up his spiked mace and approached us with huge, lumbering steps. "Both of you, leave Azog's spawn to me, you must go help Dwalin."
"No! We won't leave you here alone Asta, we both owe you our lives now, it would be wrong of us to run!" I smiled to them, glad to find Fili alive though he was limping upon one leg and his brother was helping him to stand partially, both of them battered, bruised and bloody. I will hear no argument.
"Dwalin needs you more than I at this moment, will you forsake him? He is your kin." I reminded them as Bolg bared his teeth, beginning to run towards us. "Now hurry, please go! Return to Dwalin and leave this abomination to me." Although I was not certain whether my skill would match that of this creature, I had to get both Kili and Fili away from him. Bolg was the son of Azog, therefore it would also be his intent to end the line of Durin which meant Fili and Kili were in mortal danger. They knew that I spoke reason but they still looked reluctant to leave, so as Bolg lifted up his weapon I pushed them aside and swung Gilestel, the bright flash of its sharpened blade flaring as I deflected the blow. "Run!"
"Fili, she's right, hurry!" Kili ushered, pulling his brother away and together they staggered back up the steps as I fought Bolg in the broken down ruin of the watchtower, a steep drop behind us both as I fought against the much stronger orc. I struck with Gilestel but the embedded armour that had been mutilated into his flesh protected his torso and each time I aimed for the chest or his neck, he blocked and with a powerful push I went stumbling backwards. My heels peaked over the edge of the ledge, my eyes looking backwards fearfully before I ducked down and went behind Bolg, using his large movements to slip underneath him before then lashing out with my foot with a yell, placing all my strength into sending him over the edge. Bolg roared furiously, staggering before his bulking mass drew him over the side and he fell, disappearing from sight within a heartbeat and I breathed, taking a few moments to catch my breath before slowly moving forwards, sword in hand.
As I reached the edge I gradually looked over the edge, going to see whether Bolg had perished however with a rush he suddenly lashed out with a hand, raging with rippling voice and I cried out as he caught my ankle and with superior strength dragged me from the watchtower and Gilestel fell from my hand, clattering to the ground as I fell into open space. My piercing yell echoed throughout the tower, rippling into the distance as I hit the rocks and tumbled uncontrollably, Bolg losing his grip on the jutting rock he had managed to grasp and came rushing after me as I hit a flatter surface, a staircase, which then made me roll onto my back whilst gasping, feeling my entire body ache with pain.
Bolg landed with a heavy thud, finding his footing before then drawing a long and jagged blade from behind his belt with a gleaming intent in his eyes as I shifted, trying to get up but my body refused to move. With no weapon save for my bow and a single arrow, I watched as he approached with a daring sneer, hand reaching back and drawing the arrow slowly. The moment he came too close I rolled, plunging the arrow into the fleshy thigh and instantly Bolg howled, grasping the wound which poured with blood as the sound of crumbling stone sounded to my right and when I turned my head, I saw the tall tower collapse onto its side with a troll having pushed it over. The noise of it crashing was enough to deafen me as I exclaimed in pain, wincing as I struggled to regain my breath but as I looked, Legolas dropped down onto the new bridge that he had created, facing Bolg who turned towards this new threat.
"Legolas, meleth nîn." The fool, trying to save me by risking his own life, it only made me fall all the more in love with him as I gave a weak smile, struggling to pull myself up. I needed Gilestel. With no arrows left I need my sword. So with a grit of my teeth I dragged myself back up the rocks, overcoming the aching of my body to climb the last few metres. Every few moments I stopped and looked over my shoulder, seeing how Legolas fared with fretful glances, worried for his safety as Bolg proved to be more formidable than either of us had anticipated.
Springing upwards I swung myself back up to the ledge then lunged for my sword, hand closing around the hilt however before I could rise up a heavy booted foot slammed against the blade, trapping it underfoot and the orc that had appeared bellowed, lifting its weapon and I quickly rolled with a quick cry of alarm, spinning out of the way to avoid being struck though the mace smashed rock as I darted out of reach. Quickly I sprung from the steps and arched over my head, landing with my knees upon the orc's shoulders before with a violent twist I snapped its neck, letting it drop to the ground so that I could then reclaimed my sword. I intended to rush back to Legolas's aid, however before I could even take a step more orcs poured over the side, swarming from all directions and I snarled, running up the steps to hold them back as I jumped, avoiding the swing of a sword then balanced on the flat side of the blade, using it as a spring to vault through the air and draw them up higher so that I could kill them off more swiftly. Twisting my body I grasped an arrow from the quiver of an orc and speared it through its throat before then throwing it like a blade, hitting another through the leg which made it stumble with a yell of pain before I kicked it back into its fellows, beginning to lose ground in which I could escape to.
More were coming, entire legions marching from the north over the rise and my strength was beginning to fail me. The only reason I was still alive was because Haldir, Elrond and his sons had trained me so well but as my reactions began to slow, a blade clipped my arm and blood ran down to my hand in trailing red beads which made my grip sticky and wet. I was lucky it was only light, barely a scrape. Hearing them before anything else I was able to mark their positions and I drew them towards a more open space, watching as they surrounded me before all at once I rotated on my knees, slicing Gilestel through their legs and either sliced or severed them completely so that I could then rise back up and deal with them more easily.
Sucking in a deep breath I lifted my head, looking towards the sun as it began to gleam low in the sky with a pale and almost waning light. Had we been fighting all day? I had not even realised so much time had passed. Even so, as I wondered at the passing of time I noticed shadows flickering within the sunlight before slowly the great wings of eagles came into view. "Eagles…" I murmured in awe, watching as they suddenly flew overhead with a rush of their feathered wings, carrying Radagast the Brown upon their backs as well as Beorn. They had come to our aid. With sweeping power they ploughed through the first regiment of orcs, scattering them upon the ground and breaking through the first wave of their forces, Beorn falling from the sky and dropping upon the next in the form of a great bear to rip his enemies to pieces with his claws and teeth. Exhaling with relief I touched a hand to my heart and faltered against a stone, momentarily relaxing as no more orcs came to attack me so I breathed, recovering a little of my strength before I then went in search of Legolas, calling out his name. My eyes roamed Ravenhill, climbing higher however when I looked down upon the frozen river and waterfall, my eyes beheld a sight which caused my eyes to stare as with a flash of whiteness, my vision foretold Thorin's demise.
He fought alone with Azog, the ice breaking around their feet and the dwarf king continually ducked under the heavy stone which made the glassy eyes crack and break further. Rushing into movement I flew down the stairs and through the dilapidated corridors of Ravenhill, hearing an orc around the corner so with a fast slice I cleaved its head from its shoulders before it even saw me, never once stopping as I fought my way through the remainder of the advanced forces to get to the ice, yelling in fury and frustration as I was delayed longer and longer. Pouring my raw determination and desperation into my movements, my sword found itself flying forwards to embed itself into the chest of one of the last orcs as I climbed up the broken wall, using it as a foothold before leaping through the air, avoiding the sweep of a blade as I landed upon the orc to draw my blade forth from its body before then cutting down the last opponent, breathing heavily as finally, there was a surreal silence. The quiet loomed over me, almost dulling all of my senses as I sheathed my sword and hurried back to the frozen waterfall where Thorin had collapsed upon the rocks, Bilbo lingering over him in despair. "Thorin wake up, wake up." He pleaded with tear stained face as I rushed, clearing the stairs in one leap as Thorin began to draw his last. "Thorin…"
"Bilbo move!" With a tight voice I circled around Bilbo to grip Thorin's jacket and tore it open, pulling aside his clothing and ripping the shirt to fully expose the wound as I listened carefully for the faint heartbeat, Thorin's eyes beginning to close. "No i Melain na le a edraith le gurth, cuio an i calad en elenath an beria le. No i Melain na le a edraith le gurth, cuio an i calad en elenath an beria le." With my voice gradually rising with echoing power the glowing light began to shine forth as I used all of my strength to heal him, summoning back his breath and healing his wound as much as I could as the whispering words blazed like the rising sun, gleaming purely as Bilbo shielded his eyes and shuffled backwards whilst staring in awe. "No i Melain na le a edraith le gurth, cuio an i calad en elenath an beria le…May the Valar be with you and keep you from death, live with the light of all the host of the stars in heaven to protect you…" It was a blessing from my heart and as Thorin's eyes stayed from closing, the stormy depths gradually turned towards me. "No i Melain na le…a edraith le gurth…"
Under my hand I felt the flesh beginning to grow warm, colour returning a little to Thorin's face and with a deep breath, I felt his chest rise under my hands. The light faded away as the distant echo of my spell ceased and I pulled back my hands to reveal a jagged and prominent scar still fresh and a little raw, but he was alive. Thorin's gaze wandered around him, frowning in a dazed confusion as he remained faint from the loss of blood. "I saw light shining around me…and I thought I was passing into the next realm…" He murmured so I hushed him, smiling warmly as my hand went to his head and brushed aside his hair as Bilbo rushed back to his side, gripping his shoulder tightly. "Bilbo, you are here."
"Yes, yes I'm here, I'm not going anywhere yet." Bilbo assured him, helping to lift his head and finally Thorin looked to me as he winced, other hand going to his torso where the deep and long wound had almost killed him in order to feel the deep scar that would forever remain upon his flesh.
"You." Our eyes met and I waited, wondering what he might say. "It was your voice that called me back from the beckoning darkness." Then to my surprise, Thorin lifted a weak hand to curl around my head and draw me to him so that our brows could meet, sharing in a partial embrace as he murmured his heartfelt thanks. "You truly are the most remarkable of your people, Asta Eleniel."
"Be at peace now, the battle is almost won. We are victorious this day, Thorin son of Thrain. Listen. Listen to the call of your people. They are celebrating." I whispered to him, however an unearthly and spine tingling cluster of shrieks and bellows overshadowed the victorious bellows of the dwarves below, immediately making me draw back from Bilbo and Thorin, hand flying to Gilestel to draw it forth. "The remains of Bolg's army are coming this way, the eagles and Beorn have not managed to destroy them all yet for their sheer number."
"What do we do? Asta? Do we run?" Bilbo fretted, still supporting Thorin who tried to stand however I hastened to push him back down, forcing him to lie still.
"Moving may yet cost you your life, my lord king, I have closed your wound the best I can but there is still considerable damage to your body. I dare not even lift you for fear that I may not have healed you enough." Looking about I saw that we had bare moments before the first wave would be upon us. "Run Bilbo, find Fili and the others, call for Gandalf and Legolas, call for everyone. This is where the last stand shall be made and time is run short." With a quick push of his shoulder I hurried Bilbo away, rising up as I focused upon the enemy though I too was at my limit. "Lie still, Thorin Oakenshield, and I shall ensure that not one of these filthy creatures takes a single step past me. I shall be your shield and your sword, so rest peacefully and recover your strength."
"Asta do not do this, this is madness. You cannot fight them all on your own!" He said to me fiercely, struggling to rise but his body would not obey him. I walked away from him, hardening my focus as I briefly passed Azog's fallen body and withdrew Orcrist, crossing the blade over my own as I then sliced both outwards with a chilling evening breeze blowing from the north, lifting back my hair as I awaited the first onslaught. They came like a hammer upon the anvil, thundering straight towards me so I pushed off upon the ice and glided, using it to my advantage as they immediately slipped and fell, some crashing into the water and the weight of their armour dragged them down to the dark depths.
With two blades in hand I was able to fight more effectively, slicing and piercing in fast movements whilst keeping the orcs away from Thorin who remained wounded and unarmed. Behind the first lowlifes came a marching hoard, all of them standing in a straight line and I sought a way to stall them. An arrow flit across my face and I jerked backwards with alarm, barely able to lift the swords as another came flitting over my shoulder. The next I blocked, lifting Gilestel before then sheathing it, holding Orcrist with two hands so that I could better lift it. Before me I faced scores of orcs, all of them baring their fangs and brandishing their weapons. With a quick decision I slammed the blade tip down into the ice, wrenching it free to create a broad crack before running making another, splitting the ice and as the hammering feet of the orcs drummed into the weakened layer of ice, it split and groaned, creaked and moaned until all at once it shattered like glass, water churning underneath as I dropped slightly, managing to keep upon a chunk of the ice but quickly jumped forwards as huge sprays burst from the cracks upon the waterfall, the water pushing the broken pieces of ice over the edge and separating Thorin from the reach of the orcs though I now faced them alone.
Orcrist cleaved through them with the sharpened blade ringing but as my movements grew weaker, the sword began to pierce them less effectively until I was barely even scratching them. They toyed with me, jeering and sneering with coarse laughter as they trapped me within their ranks, speaking their insults and jabbing their weapons which I could do little more than deflect. The blood of Man in me was now overtaking my Elvish endurance, making me begin to succumb to my exhaustion as I fell upon one knee and rasped for air, feeling it burn my dry throat. I would have gone into the water to escape them if I could but they had cut me off. I would rather die at the hand of these waters than allow these orcs the satisfaction of claiming my life. One final push to break through their cage then perhaps I will at least be able to save myself from falling to their blade.
A sudden bellow caused me to snatch at my breath, a figure leaping onto the back of an orc and snapping their neck with powerful arms, dropping them to the ground in an instant. "Foolish dwarf!" Finding my voice once more I quickly whirled my body around to slice Gilestel at the orcs who were now turning their attention to the stubborn Dwarf King who had come to my aid. "No!" He was breathing erratically and barely able to stand, grasping at his wound tightly as I fought my way to him, sheathing one sword in order to grasp him by the arm and haul him back onto a broken slab of ice and pushed the both of us away from the mad rabble of orcs as they continued to surround us. They had now formed a ring around the two of us, trapping us within as they crowed and spat, not daring to tempt the ice as we floated upon our small raft, our only lifeline.
My arms were now wrapped around the stubborn king, holding him to me as tightly as I were able as his eyes fluttered in a daze. The water lapped against the ice raft where we lay, keeping us afloat as swords and spears were thrust towards us, however we were too far away for any to reach. My heart was frantically pulsing with fear, uncertain of what else to do as our sealed fate appeared to be swiftly falling upon us. "Eleniel…" Thorin's soft whisper drew my gaze to him, swallowing back the knotted fear which bound my throat and brought tears to my eyes as I attempted a brave smile.
"Lord King, it is alright. I am here." Hushing him gently as he lay across my lap, I lifted one hand to tenderly brush aside the locks of his hair and smoothed my palm against his face. Around us the orcs continued to howl for our blood, the ice cracking further under the weight of their armour and size which forced them to retreat back further, but it would not stop them for long. Soon their archers will come, and then it will be our doom. "Can you see me, my lord?" Taking a slow breath, Thorin slowly turned his head in order to focus his beautiful stormy grey blue eyes upon me, returning to his senses a little further. For a moment we simply looked at one another, though I was ashamed to admit that I was freely weeping in despair.
"My kin…Fili and Kili…are they alive?"
"I believe so. You do not have to worry for them. They will be with Dwalin and he shall see to their safety." I answered softly in a hoarse whisper, time seemingly ebbing to a near standstill as my heart began to also lessen its constant thundering. "The Line of Durin shall endure beyond this night."
"And the hobbit?"
"Bilbo is safe. They are all safe, my lord king." Peace settled into his weary features, an expression which made Thorin, in my opinion, timelessly handsome. My kin would often remark upon the ugliness of dwarves, for their stout largeness and hairiness, however I could not bring myself to find any fault with them. They were a remarkable people, and they had my everlasting respect and affection. Feeling misery and fear strike me again, another quiet sob escaped me as I pressed my eyes shut. "I am sorry…I wish I could save us, save you, but I am powerless…forgive me, Thorin Oakenshield…" His warm hush soothed me, hand rising to my face in order to touch my cheek and smooth away the trails of silver tears.
"Do not weep for what is not the end." The low rumble of his voice caused each string of my body to thrum in harmony, finding myself strengthened by his courage and calmness. "If we are to die here, then I can think of no greater honour than to perish by your side, for my death will come in the company of a friend, and I shall not feel alone." He continually removed each tear with kind and tender motions, eyes gazing into mine as I continued to hold him in my arms. "I shall sing your praises in the Halls of Mahal, Asta Eleniel, and when the times come that we venture to the Halls of Mandos, I will find you there once more."
"My lord…" There was so much that my heart wished to say, overflowing with words and feelings which felt necessary to express in order for him to understand, but our time had seemed to run out. The orc archers were here, returned from their futile attempts to shoot down the Eagles, and were now drawing back their strings in order to shoot both Thorin and I. Immediately he attempted to sit up, grasping desperately at my neck as a means to pull me down and shield me, however I had no intention of allowing him to perish. My body covered his vital organs and my arms clutched him tightly to my chest as he grunted in pain, my voice thrumming with magical power as I began to speak an ancient prayer, asking for his healing and attempting to sow discord into our surroundings to waylay our enemies. The echoes of my rising lament carried outwards and the ice began to tremble, water quaking underneath us as the little power I had left began to shake the foundations of the orc army's grounding. They shrieked and hissed, hurling insults at us both as the archers struggled to keep a steady balance and aim at us properly. Several arrows missed their mark, embedding the shafts into one of their own as my voice continued to swell and cause all to tremble before it.
Stubborn refusal to die strengthened my resolve, my entire body going numb as I curled my fingers into Thorin's shirt and around the back of his head, bowing low over him as our eyes remained utterly fixed upon one another, choosing to die in one another's embrace than in fear of the evil scourge that surrounded us. My voice lulled the senses as I sang with a full heart, keeping his body protected by using my own as a shield until his exhaustion and wound brought him into the black oblivion and his eyes closed upon me. I could not sustain this for long and even now my enchantment was becoming weak, dulling like an overused blade until slowly, it was all I could do to gasp for air. The horrific shrieks of the orcs bled into my ears as I ducked my head a final time, holding my breath and bracing for the pain of arrows burrowing into my flesh, wanting nothing more than for everything to simply end so that I no longer had to suffer this sickening sensation of dread.
I was not ready to leave, to disappear from this world and go to the next, however as I heard the creak of wooden bows being drawn taught, a voice cut through the air with a raging fury which set alight a brightness in my heart which chased away all fear and sickness to instead replace it with something else. Hope. "Leitho!" The shouted order made me tear my head upwards, staring as Legolas leaped over the rocks and down onto the ice with a company of elves, Thranduil leading another regiment down the hill from the north and shooting a rain of arrows which fell from the sky and into our enemies. I almost cried out for relief. My arms went lax and Thorin slid slightly from my grasp as I heard the war cries of Fili, Kili and Dwalin sound from my other side, crashing directly into the fray with their weapons hammering whilst I almost sobbed for relief on my knees. I was saved. Thank Valar, thank Valar to the highest heaven. It was over. With the orcs now successfully distracted, I gathered up Thorin as carefully as I was able and quickly leaped towards sturdier ground, my light footsteps not even causing a ripple in the water's surface. His eyes were tightly locked shut and his breathing was shallow, however he was alive and that was all that mattered in that moment.
A snarl warned me of the approach from one of the disgusting creatures, serrated blade lifted high as it leaped from above in order to cut through us both. Without wasting a single moment my fingers closed around Gilestel and drew it forth, one clean slice cutting the orc in half before it could bring its weapon down upon my head. "Odious creature." Shivering in disgust, I returned my attention to Thorin, my other hand never having once left the back of his head. I supported him, slowly letting him down in order to rest before drawing back. I left Orcrist in his hand and rested the blade over his chest, crouching down for a moment longer before turning back to the battle at hand. The orcs were being slaughtered, the rage of the Elves having rallied under Thranduil's wrath at my being in such danger. Never had I seen him in such a state, practically drowning himself in the blood of his foes until slowly, they began to dwindle to the last. Not wanting to simply stand there idle I grasped Gilestel once more and picked off those that strayed out of the battle and attempted to flee, staying always within a few feet of Thorin whilst the archers continued to fire, squeals of beastly anguish sounding around us until finally all was quiet.
With the last of my energy spent I allowed myself to drop, wanting nothing more to rest however as my body dipped backwards and my sword clattered to the ground with a clear ring, Thranduil caught me in his arms having already rushed directly to my side. "Eleniel, Eleniel my child, answer me." He was alarmed by the blood that overflowed down my right arm and by the amount I carried upon my clothes, however as the crook of his arm supported my head my eyes opened blearily, seeing his moonlight hair and eyes so full of emotion and expression. I smiled to him as I curled my fingers into his hand which was pressed against my face, feeling nothing but love and peace in my heart.
"I am alright ada, I am just exhausted." With a sleepy gaze I looked at him, seeing his expression relax before he then lifted me closer so that I could rest my head upon his shoulder.
"Losto mae henig, dream pleasant dreams." In the distance I heard Legolas call my name and he ran to us both so that just as I slipped into the exhaustion that claimed my mind and body I felt his hand rest over mine and Thranduil's, making a smile rise to my lips as I finally fell asleep.