AN: This is a slightly shorter chapter as I am readying for the events that are to unfold soon…

Legolas POV

The stars were veiled and it was utterly dark save for the flaming torches dispersed around as the ten thousand strong orc and uruk-hai army marched towards the stone fortress. Legolas could see the grim set of determination in the lines of men and elves standing shoulder to shoulder, flanking him on each side of the great wall of Helm's deep.

The men are afraid. Even with the reinforcements from Lothlorien, we are still too few. Without the riders of Rohan, I do not see how we can win this fight. We shall meet the Enemy in battle nonetheless for the free peoples of Arda are not so easily subdued.

Despite the grave situation Legolas felt pride blossom in his chest that his own people marched to honour the old alliances between the first and second born children of Illúvatar.

It is a true show of friendship considering that I suspect that war has already reached Lothlorien and…Mirkwood. Oh Tauriel, I hope that you stand beside my Father in the battle to come…if only I could protect you from the darkness.

Aragorn was further down for he had sort of become King Théoden's unofficial second in command and now led the elven archers with Captain Haldir that had come with a force from Lothlorien to aid the Rohirrim in their greatest need.

I do not know how Aragorn has the strength to fight after very nearly dying all but a few hours ago. He surely must have the blessings of the Valar to have cheated such certain death. I do not doubt that he also willed himself to live by the love of Arwen…

The Prince shifted his gaze and looked down at the battle-ready dwarf that stood at his side grumbling about not being able to see properly over the ledge. Over the days that the three of them had spent hunting for Merry and Pippin before finding the hobbits with a re-born Gandalf safe in Fangorn Forest, Legolas and Gimli had grown closer together. Legolas now realised that he admired the hardiness and straight-thinking nature of Gimli for the dwarf had demonstrated his courage and devotion to his friends. A deep affection for Gimli, similar to what he felt for Aragorn now resided within the Prince and he was glad to have such loyal friends.

I was wrong to judge him so harshly when we first met. I can now see how it was possible for Tauriel to befriend Kili. There may yet be hope for a reconciliation between our peoples.

'Never thought that I would die side by side with an elf.' Gimli looked up at Legolas with a frown, almost hidden by his great beard.

'How about side by side with a friend?' Legolas replied with a small smile.

Gimli raised a bushy eyebrow at the elf. 'Aye, that I could do.'

It was then that the first arrow was loosed and the Battle of the Hornburg began. Legolas aimed his own bow in sheer determination and remembered his promise to return to his auburn-haired Captain.

Tauriel POV

Lying restlessly in her soft feather bed, Tauriel clenched her hands around the silver hilts of her daggers and began twirling them repeatedly, trying to release some of her frustration through the familiar movements.

A few hours ago, King Thranduil had received word that a second attack upon the Golden Wood had begun, with a greater force of orcs attempting to obliterate the ancient land. A sombre atmosphere had descended upon the already fearful mood of the Kingdom for little could be done to aid their distant kin.

I hate this…elves are dying right at this moment in Lothlorien and there is nothing that I can do to help. If only we were not fenced in with the army massing at Dol Guldur then we could ride to their aid and smite the filth once and for all. Oh Elbereth, give them strength to survive this onslaught.

The next morning, as she inspected the Lothlorien companies before they started their routine training exercises, Tauriel tried to ignore the uneasiness she felt emanating from the soldiers' stares.

They are thinking of the loved ones that they had to leave in the Golden Wood. Nae, it is a sanctuary no more. Will the darkness manage to defile even our most sacred of places? They must keep their faith in the leadership of Lord Celeborn and Lady Galadriel for they are two of the greatest elves that I have ever met. I have utter confidence that Celeborn will not be easy to outmanoeuvre in matters of strategy and I sense that the Lady has her own great powers to defend her people.

The second siege of Lothlorien continued for an everlasting day and night before word reached Mirkwood that the Galadhrim had declared victory over their attackers. More of the forest had been burned in this latest siege and a greater number of elven warriors had fallen and yet the scouts reported that more forces from Mordor were arriving, likely for a third attack.

It is as if the filth spawns from the ground! It is not natural, none of this was meant to be.

As the sunset bloomed golden rays over the Kingdom after a brutal day of weapons drills with the Guard, Tauriel was inspecting that all the equipment in the armoury had been returned to its proper place.

Suddenly the tawny-haired messenger that had previously delivered messages to the Captain burst forth into the room, frantically scanning until his eyes rested upon Tauriel.

'Captain! The King commands you ready your forces to march to the East! The scouts report that the army approaches Mirkwood! We must make haste to meet them!'

'It will be done.' Tauriel sprinted to the barracks and within minutes her elite Guard combined with the soldiers of Lothlorien were alerted and donning their armour, forming ranks ready to march out into the night. In her heart, she knew that her deadly soldiers, including those from Lothlorien, would follow her lead without question.

Tauriel barely remembered donning her own light armour and repositioning her weapons, for her heart pounded in her chest and her fëa hummed with nervous energy.

Satisfied after having inspected her organised warriors assembling outside the gates, Tauriel was checking the arrows in her quiver for the fifteenth time in as many minutes when she felt herself be enveloped in long arms.

The Captain spun around to find her face buried in Ranadir's golden armour, his long brown hair tickling her nose. Tauriel reached up and fiercely embraced the elf, wrapping her own arms snuggly about his metal-plated chest.

'Stay safe, little Tauriel. I had to say goodbye before I go to the North with my company and alongside the other commanders. I will search for you when it is all over.'

'If you die Ranadir, I will kill you.' Tauriel's voice was muffled as she tucked her head under the chestnut-haired elf's chin. She felt a light kiss on her forehead before she was alone once again.

Tauriel hurried to the stables to mount Caladhwen, who had already been saddled and given protective yet flexible armour. Once in the stables, Tauriel met Thranduil astride his great elk Ortherion, donned in battle armour as she herself mounted her own grey mare. Thranduil looked beautifully lethal in his shining silver armour with his midnight cloak draped about his broad shoulders and a golden crown of spring leaves decorating his brow. The image of deadliness came from the two long curved silver swords that hung, glinting in the lamplight, by his sides.

When Thranduil's icy blue gaze registered her presence, Tauriel almost felt intimidated by the King's utter magnificence and she straightened her back proudly. Even mounted upon her steed, the King towered over her from where he was seated upon his elk.

'Hîr vuin, I am yours to command.' Tauriel inclined her head respectfully whilst fisting her hand over her heart and Caladhwen nickered, almost as in agreement.

Her King's voice was calm and full of unquestioned authority. 'Captain, you are to take your company East as we have planned. I will also accompany you with another greater company of the army for the orcs seek to plough straight through the trees. The Northern and Southern divisions have already moved out, it is now time for us to unite them.'

Tauriel felt a slight thrill at the prospect of fighting side by side with Thranduil. As the elven King and his Captain moved out to the head of the central army to lead the forces, the King's personal guard flanked them. The ten strong protectors were instantly recognisable from their royal blue mantle and bronze armour and Tauriel noted that they no longer cast suspicious glances in her direction.

By the endless training exercises and generally astute nature of the Eldar, the eight thousand strong army of Mirkwood assembled almost silently save for the rustle of armour. The elves were one with the wood; the trees would not hinder their passage but instead conceal them from unfriendly eyes.

As one deadly synchronous wave, the elves began to move out in formation from their heartland to meet the oncoming storm.

Elvish

Nae –Alas

Hîr vuin –My Lord

Pam and MJTCat –This chapter is for the both of you –thank you for sticking with this story, I hope that you are enjoying it.