A/N: Hey all! I'm back with the next oh-so exciting chapter! Isn't that just great? Can you tell I'm a bit hyper?
I have found a new love in the music world-The Beatles! So be prepared!
Another thing, I should let you guys all know now, so you don't wonder later on, I am going to be out of town for a couple of weeks. Yes, you all know what this means. No updates for quite a while. But, as soon as I get home, I promise to hurry up and start moving with the next update. I hope this will make it up a bit, but we are finally going to be at the very beginning of the battle of Helm's Deep and I intend to include all those songs too. Just thought I should let you know, because the length of the chapter could be a bit misleading in that aspect.
Sorry again, but life rears its ugly head!
Here's the story!
*~*~*
'You know, I agree with them, you are mad.'
"I'm starting to agree with them myself."
Babes and I were sitting right outside the gates, collecting ourselves. Now that we were actually outside the relative safety of the fortress, that copse of trees looked to be quite a ways off.
I looked over in the direction the Orcs were coming from; it wouldn't be long now.
"C'mon Babes, we don't have much time!"
I didn't even get a snarky comment from her, she just took off in a dead run. I heard a faint noise and glanced back at the wall tops. The people were cheering us on. Oh yeah baby!
*~*~*
It really didn't take that long to make it to our destination; I was surprised. But then again, Babes did not want to be outside of the fortress; yeah that would hurry someone.
'Hurry up, we're here.'
I looked up from where I had been studying my hands and saw that we were just on this side of the bunch of trees.
"I think Ramir meant that we had to go into the trees to find the plants."
'Oh, great. Now we are getting technical.'
"Fine, I will go in and you can wait out here. Be a look-out or whatever, I really don't care."
'Look-out? As in being out here alone with a butt-load of Orcs coming our way? I think I will stay with you, moral support and all.'
"Thought you would see it my way."
'Just hurry up, will you?'
*~*~*
There were a lot more trees in that little copse then I originally thought. The plants that I was supposed to find were supposed to be in-between the roots of a specific kind of tree that Ramir told me was supposed to be here. I supposedly couldn't find it.
"See it Babes?"
'Not yet, but we had better hurry up. Other wise we are going to have those Orcs chewing on our butts pretty soon.'
"Thanks for that wonderful picture you just gave me."
'I think I found some!'
I let out a shriek of happiness and went running towards her. Needless to say, the search had taken much longer than I had thought.
I finally reached her and sure enough, there were the mint root! Right away I bent down and started chopping some of the plants off. Damn, am I glad that I remembered to ask Aragorn for his knife!
"Keep looking for those purple flowers!" I called to Babes over my shoulder.
'Already on it.'
I had just finished stuffing the leather bag to the brim with mint root, when I heard Babes's whinny of fright. I stood up, dropped the bag's cord around my neck, and started running towards her as fast as I could.
"Babes! Babes!" I shouted in her direction, but I wasn't getting an answering reply.
Suddenly I burst out of the trees and stopped dead in my tracks.
"Jesus Martha," I breathed.
There in front of me was a sight to behold. Babes was racing towards me with about a million Orcs firing arrows and in hot pursuit of her. What she was doing outside of the trees, I don't know. I would have to ask her later when our very lives were not in danger.
Finally it occurred to me to start running too; Babes was almost on top of me as it was. Almost instantly she was beside me, pulling ahead. I mean, duh! She does have four legs.
'Get on!'
"I'm trying!"
It was true. I was trying to get onto her back, but let me tell you, that is no easy feat to get onto a moving horse's back. Trust me on this.
"I can't do it!"
'You sure as hell better!'
I tried again and just succeeded in tripping and slowing us both down.
"I can't!"
I heard something that sounded like a cross between a sigh and a curse word.
'Get on my bloody back!'
I wasn't going to try again, I mean its not like I could have done it anyway, but the murderous look in her eyes had me leaping onto her back again. Just as I was going to start sliding off like I had previously been doing, I felt something shove hard against my butt and I was on! Sure, I was laying across her back on my stomach, but that is a small technical difficulty.
After an amazing amount of squirming by me and cussing by Babes, I was sitting correctly and we were flying across the plains. Since she was moving so quickly, we almost instantly were out of range of the Orcan arrows. Almost being the key word. Babes had managed to acquire a particularly nasty gash on her hind quarters; an arrow had just missed her. From her pace, I didn't think that she even noticed it, so I sure as hell wasn't going to mention it to her. She would find out soon enough.
I bent down over Babes's neck and tried to make myself as stream line as possible. Abruptly Babes came to a stop. Considering I was hanging over her neck like I was, its surprising that I didn't go ass over teakettle on that one. I wasn't thrown, but the bag full of mint root came up and slapped me across the face. For those who don't know this, leather hurts! I growled at it and shoved it inside of my tunic-like tee-shirt.
"Whatcha see?"
'You should tell me.'
I was just going to say something nasty when I actually focused on the objects in the distance. I had to keep pulling my hair out of my face, the wind was pushing it right across it. When I finally had a clear line of vision, I saw a whole, well, platoon of people entering Helm's Deep. They were in perfectly formed ranks; soldiers.
"Who the hell are those guys?"
Babes was just going to make a comment, when the wind shifted; it was now coming directly at us. She shifted slightly and then went still, she snorted and shook her head.
"What is it? Who are they? Don't leave me hanging here!"
She snorted again and said, 'Elves.'
"What? Explain yourself!"
'Those people going into Helm's Deep are Elves, from Lothlorien to be precise.'
"You have got to be kidding!"
'Nope-'
She was going to say more, but right then arrows started to rain down around us. The Orcs were in range again.
I glanced behind me just as Babes took off again and had to do a double take. The little copse of trees that we were in just a few moments before was no more now. The Orcs had completely destroyed it. Notta.
I just shook my head sadly and faced around again. I sighed and leaned over Babes's neck; I wasn't worried about being hit, Babes could easily outrun and out maneuver the Ors.
"Let's get back." I patted her on the neck and she increased her speed.
*~*~*
We finally reached Helm's Deep just as they were once again closing the gates in our faces. I sighed again and took in a deep breath to start shouting, but the gates sprung open before I could.
"That's more like it," I muttered.
We were just going to enter when I looked behind us again. The Orcs were moving incredibly quickly, give them ten minutes and they were going to be all over us. I glanced at the sky and finally noticed that the sun had long since dipped behind the horizon and some nasty storm clouds. I had no idea when those popped up, but they were there and they looked like they meant business. When I realized what this meant, I gulped; the fight would be at night in the rain. Goody.
"Let's move it, Babes. We don't have much time anymore!"
She didn't even bother to reply, she just started running into the gates.
"Whoa!"
Just inside of the gates, was the platoon that we had seen earlier. I was going to tell Babes to slow down, but she just shoved her way through them. I just held on; what more could I do?
We finally reached the steps for the Hornburg just as Legolas clasped shoulders with the lead Elf and went to stand behind them. I was a bit curious as to whom the Elf was, but at the moment I was trying to get Babes to slow down. Don't get me wrong, she was trying to slow down, but she couldn't find purchase on the stones-in the process of trying to regain her footing, she almost threw me.
Everyone saw us coming at last and flung themselves out of the way. It was a near-miss, believe me. When I finally was sitting securely upon her back again, I nodded at the king, Gimli, and Aragorn. I was just looking around for where Legolas ran off to, when I saw him murmuring something to the leader-Elf. I took a closer look and almost dropped my teeth.
"Haldir!"
He looked up when he heard his name called and broke into a grin, "Lady Emily! It is a pleasant surprise to see you once again."
"Likewise, believe me. How is Maydenia doing?"
At this his grin became a true smile, "We were wed not four weeks ago, we are expecting out first young one come spring."
"Congratulations! Cigars all around!" Everyone just looked at me. "Uh, never mind. Oh! I forgot! Where's Ramir? I got the stuff that he needed; but the Orcs were munching on my butt the whole way." I glanced at Babes's hind quarters, "They did get a nice bite of Babes here."
Théoden just shook hi head at my jabbering, "Ramir is in the caves, preparing I believe he said. I am truly amazed at all that you have done, Emily. The women are ready for the worst and have all that they need. I am very pleased with all that you have accomplished."
"Ah, 'twas nothing." I blushed slightly. "Well, I think I had better head down to the caves. I gotta get everyone ready and give Ramir the herbs he wanted. By the way, you guys had better get ready too. I would guess we have about ten minutes and the Orcs are going to be all over us." With that I nodded once to everyone again and Babes took off up the stairs. Talk about a dramatic exit.
*~*~*
I hopped off Babes's back and ran into the caves' entrance. Immediately I had to stop and move to the side to make room for all the bustling people that were streaming in and out of the doorway. Ramir sure knew how to handle a group of people; everyone was working quickly and efficiently. We had some hope left!
I got up onto my tip-toes, thinking that I might be able to spot him over everyone else's heads-it didn't work. I sighed in frustration and did the only thing that I could think of.
I cupped my hands around my mouth and shouted with all my strength, "RAMIR!"
Instantly there was silence. Finally I spotted him standing off the side in the back of the cave trying to get my attention. I then noticed that everyone was staring at me, so I tried to resurrect the situation.
Still shouting, I said, "UM, THANKS! YA'LL CAN GO BACK TO WHATEVER YOU WERE DOING!"
There were quite a few mutters and chuckles, but for the most part everyone took my advice and got back to their tasks. We had precious little time as it was, not nearly enough for my stupidity. Damn...
I started to push my way through to him. I heard quite a few people start cussing me out until they actually saw it was me, then it was 'Sorry I am in your way milady.' Ah, I love power.
Finally I got to him and threw him the little leather bag that had been hanging around my neck.
"Here's the mint root that you wanted. I was unable to get the little purple flowers though. Was attacked by the Uruk-Hai and all. That kinda took my mind of the search."
'Emily! Where are you damn it!'
I chuckled at this; obviously Babes didn't like the close quarters with all the people.
'I'm down in the caves,' I mind-sent back. I didn't want to take the chance that these people thought I was crazy. The whole fact of talking out loud to my non-present horse, wouldn't exactly inspire them to follow me.
Suddenly loud cries of alarm came from the people that were by the doors of the caves. I whipped around and unsheathed my sword, if not rather clumsily, and ran towards the doors. My first thought was that something of the Uruk-Hai nature had gotten in. How wrong I was...
There, shoving her way through the gathering people, was none other than Babes herself.
I stopped in my tracks and pretty much had to pick up my jaw from the floor. I know how much she hates being around a lot of people and being indoors; what the hell was she doing in here?
"What the hell are you doing in here!" I shouted. Can't saw that I don't speak my thoughts...
She walked over to Ramir, opened her mouth, and spit something into his outstreatched hand. I totally grossed out. Here was poor Ramir, holding a handful of soggy, green stuff. He just looked horrified.
"What the hell is that?"
'Your missing little purple flowers. Why else do you think I wandered out of the trees? I have told you before that I hate the idea of dying young and you damn well know I am not suicidal.'
"Wow."
Ramir was just about to drop that bunch of stuff on the floor when I shouted out, "Don't! Those are the purple flowers! I assume that you have been keeping them in your mouth until you found them before the Orc attack?" I directed this last question at Babes.
'You know it.'
I nodded and turned back to Ramir, "Sorry they are so soggy though. I don't think Babes could do anything about that. Will they still work at all, or was it all for nothing?"
Ramir looked at the mush again, but with a completely different expression this time. Now he looked overjoyed. Strange man...
"No, this is perfect. I have to steep the plant in water, it matters not that they are already damp. Thank you, Lady Babes."
With that he nodded and walked away from both of us. Almost instantly when he turned to leave Babes turned tail and was headed towards the door at a fast clip. Ha! I knew it wouldn't last long. I tried to follow in her wake, but I was too slow. The crowd swallowed her up before I even got moving.
I tried to walk through to the doors, but it was a futile effort. There were just too many people that had that same idea. Also, with the Orcs, Uruk-Hai, whatever the hell they call them, just outside, we did not have the time to be messing around in here.
I looked around me and spotted exactly what I needed-a barrel! No, I'm still sane, stay with me here. I walked over and clambered up onto the barrel and re-cupped my hands around my mouth.
"LEND ME YOUR EARS, PEOPLE! LADIES! OH, SORRY! AND GENTLEMEN!" There were men in the caves too at the moment. Oops, didn't really see them there. Sorry 'bout that!
I finally had their attention, so I stopped shouting. It wasn't doing anything or anyone any good, so what's the point, right? I know this wasn't getting me out of the caves just yet, but I was hoping if I could organize these guys a bit more I would be able to.
"Okay people, this is it. They are just outside, so this is what we have been preparing for. But, before I start with my long-winded pep talk, I think I am going to give everyone a chance to say good-bye, good luck, and hope that you don't get eaten. Go ahead, I'll wait."
At last it had dawned on me what the men were down here for. Besides, they had to get up onto the walls, we were fighting a war here!
The whole parting bit took a while longer than I had initially thought. By the time the last guy left for the walls, almost everyone was all teary eyed and sniffling, me included.
I sniffed and rubbed my nose on my arm. Yes, disgusting, but also very economical.
"Ladies, I have watched you all today, and let me tell you what I have seen has amazed me. Each and everyone of you has risen above this occasion with grace and efficiency. This is so much more than I had ever hoped to achieve. I just want to say that if this thing turns for the worse tonight, it has been an honor to know each and every one of you."
I had to break off here for a moment, while everyone gathered herself and finished clapping at my words. It really was a heartwarming moment, if not a bit corny.
"Now, there is not much more time for sentimentality. We have to go kick some Orc ass!" Insert very loud, and very enthusiastic cheers here. Geez... "All right, here we go! All of the children and elderly need to get back as far into the caves as humanly possible. It is both for the safety of them and also to keep them out of our workspace. The women that are in charge of the medicines, you are all going to sit tight here and wait. You are not to go out of these caves under any circumstances. You are way too important to lose. The younger girls need to stick close to the women and get anything they ask for. I don't want to hear any complaints. If they ask, you get! Now, I would like to have a word with the young women here. The rest of you can move off to your stations. And by all means people, good luck and God-speed!"
I jumped off the barrel and faced the small group of women that were waiting for me. There couldn't have been more than fifteen of them altogether. This was going to be the tough part.
"Okay girls, I need to ask you guys some questions. Hopefully you will be up to the task at hand, because God knows I cannot do this on my own."
They nodded and looked a bit anxious. Good.
"Do any of you have any good sewing skills?"
All of them nodded their heads. Damn it, I keep forgetting that this is one of those times in history where all women know how to sew. Stupid!
"Right. Just checking. Anyway, this is going to sound strange, but do any of you have any skills with a weapon? Step forward if you do."
At this, only three of the girls did. Two quickly and the other one rather timidly, this wasn't going to work.
"All right, thank you for your time, I need to talk privately with these three." The group of girls walked off, whispering and glancing over their shoulders.
I turned to face the three young women before me, "Would each of you be so kind as to tell me your names?"
The first one stepped forward again and said, "Rassä, milady."
I looked her over with approval. She was medium height, so as not to stick out too much. Rather average build and mousy brown hair. Perfect, she was also rather confident about herself.
"Next," I nodded towards the blonde.
"My name is Sienna," she dipped a slight curtsy.
Hmm, interesting. She was about the same height as Rassä, but she was much more slender. But, like her predecessor, she was eager to please. That I could certainly work with.
"Now you, dear," I softened my words toward the last girl, because, well, frankly, she looked terrified.
"I am called Nria, milady."
She said this with a slight tremor in her voice. This was not good, I need someone that was strong and willing to face some danger, not a mouse. But, maybe I could work with this.
I studied her. There wasn't much to look at, but she was a pretty little thing. She was both short and slender, with long brown hair and terrified brown eyes. Hmm...
"Okay, Rassä, Sienna, Nria, why I wanted to know that is because what is the point of having a hospital without a medic?
Rassä then asked, "Milady, what is a 'medic'?"
Damn, I keep forgetting these people don't know anything!
"A medic is someone that will go out onto the battlefield and bring the wounded to the hospital. I need some helpers out there tonight. There cannot only be one medic, I need you all to help me. But, keep in mind that you may see someone you know or love out there die. I need you to keep going no matter what. Once out there, there is absolutely no stopping. Stopping means death to you and many more men. Do you all understand?"
All three nodded, but Nria a bit more hesitantly.
"Now, who will help me bear this responsibility?"
"I would be honored, milady," Rassä stated with the air or a queen.
"As would I, dear lady," Sienna stated with as much grace.
I looked to Nria and saw that she was visibly shaken. Thinking quickly, I said the next thing that popped into my head.
"You are not suited for this, are you Nria?" I was a smooth one.
She sighed and said, "I am not milady. I am sorry that I cannot serve you, but I have not a brave heart."
"That is all right. But what you could do, since you do have some training with a sword, is you could guard the door to the caves. I don't think you will be needed, but that extra precaution bit is a good idea all the same. What do you say?
As I said this, I saw her face visibly brighten. I smiled before she could say anything and started to talk again, "I know this may not seem the greatest of use for one of our swords-women, but if the Uruk-Hai manage to breach the wall, well as you know we are screwed. So if that does happen, it will be better to have someone guarding the wounded and defenseless. You have a great responsibility, even if it is a menial task. Will you take it?"
"Aye, with relish, milady." With that, she curtsied and ran over to where her mother was. I just shook my head and smiled at her turned back.
I once again faced the two that would be my fellow medics, I hoped.
"I want both of you to know what you are about to take upon yourselves. You will be going out into the battle by yourself. There will be no one to cover your back, no one to watch out of you, no one to rely on other than your own self. We carry no shields, as they would get in the way of us tending the wounded. We wear no armor since it is so heavy and we need to move quickly. We are utterly alone. Will you still accept this task that I have laid before you?"
Aragorn would be proud of that little speech there. In the back of my mind I felt Babes's presence and I could tell that she was tickled pink. Weird horse...
Rassä stepped forward and looked directly into my eyes as she stated, "I shall stand by you, Lady Emily." She bowed her head and then backed away a few steps.
Good, one down, one to go.
I looked at Sienna and saw there was a large amount of doubt in her eyes, but also, just inside that shadow of a doubt, I saw determination and a large portion of courage. She visibly straightened herself, cleared her throat and in a ringing voice said, "I shall follow your very orders and by my life or death I shall assist these brave men that fight tonight."
I smiled widely at the two young women, that tonight with me, shall risk their lives for a cause that they believe in. Man, was I good with a speech or what? I think at this point, I was feeling so good about myself I could have talked a bear out of its skin.
"Great, you guys are life savers. Truly you are and going to be. But, I gotta head out to the walls, so be up there in just a few minutes. Take a few minutes to see to the people you care for, just in case mind you."
They nodded and took off right away.
*~*~*
I was just walking out of the caves and ran smack into Nria.
"Whoa there! Sorry 'bout that."
She right away curtsied, "No, milady. That was my fault. I just wanted to talk to you before you leave for the walls."
"That's where I am headed right now. You just caught me. What did you want to speak with me about?"
She reached into her pocket and pulled out four strips of vibrant yellow fabric. She handed them to me and I took them, though a bit puzzled as to what they were for. I raise a questioning brow and she immediately started to explain.
"I thought that since you are going to be on the battlefield, that you should have some kind of identification. I know a lady of your standards will not need it, but I would never forgive myself if some ill befell you and I did not mention my suggestion."
"Hell no! That is the best damn idea that I have heard in a very long time! Here, tie it to my upper arm." I handed her the four strips back.
She did as I asked and then stepped back, beaming, "I shall wait for Rassä and Sienna and give them these. Take this other one."
I was once again puzzled, "What's it for? There are only three of us."
'I beg your pardon! If you are going out for blood and glory I sure as hell am going with you!'
'Sorry Babes.'
'You are forgiven, I think.'
I snapped back to reality just in time to catch Nria's last words, "Hmm, can you repeat that?"
"I said the other is for your horse, the Lady Babes. I thought she would like to accompany you. Was I wrong in that assumption?"
"Nope, if I didn't take her with she would chew me up and spit me out."
'Damn straight.'
*~*~*
I finally made it out of the Hornburg only to be amazed at the amount of rain that was pouring down. It was pitch black, which made visibility zero, but with the rain, it was more like at negative one. All one could see in the distance was the torches of the advancing Orc army. They were very, very close.
I raced up the steps onto the wall and just about passed Legolas and Gimli. I just caught the end of what Gimli said before I started laughing at Legolas's response.
"Would you like me to describe it to you? Or would you like me to get you a box?"
I walked over and slapped Legolas on the shoulder, "Legolas, buddy, Gimli here would need a hell of a lot more than a box." I winked at Gimli to show no hard feelings and he grinned back.
Suddenly the Uruk-Hai stopped advancing and started to bang their spears against the ground. They had a pretty steady rhythm and there were just so many of them. I could see that quite a few of the men were being intimidated. In fact, the young boy that was beside me was shaking so bad I thought he would shake down his portion of the wall.
I bent down and spoke in his ear, "If you start to feel intimidated by an enemy, try shouting at them. It helps you feel better."
"Truly, milady?"
"Yup."
"But, what should I shout?"
I leaned down and whispered into his ear.
He stopped shaking a bit and smiled timidly, "Thank you, milady. You do not know the extent that you have comforted me."
"Not a problem."
Now, what should I do about the rest of the men. God, I wish they would stop that infernal pounding! It was kinda familiar, though. Suddenly it dawned on me! It was the beat of a song!
I started to sing at the top of my lungs.
"Buddy you're a boy make a big noise
Playin' in the streets gonna' be a big man some day
You got mud on yo' face
You big disgrace
Kickin' your can all over the place
Singin'
We will, we will rock you
We will, we will rock you
Buddy you're a young man hard man
Shoutin' in the street gonna' take on the world some day
You got blood on yo' face
You big disgrace
Wavin' your banner all over the place
We will, we will rock you
Singin'
We will, we will rock you
Buddy you're an old man poor man
Pleadin' with your eyes gonna' make you some peace some day
You got mud on yo' face
You big disgrace
Somebody better put you back into your place
We will, we will rock you
Singin'
We will, we will rock you
Everybody
We will, we will rock you
We will, we will rock you
Alright"
I could still see that the guys were unsure of themselves, even though quite a few of them had joined in the chorus of the song. I just started to belt out bits of whatever song I could remember; they were all just running together.
"Well I won't back down, no I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down
Gonna stand my ground, won't be turned around (1)
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground and I won't back down
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won't back down!
Because...
Here I am, rock you like a hurricane! (2)
Here I am, rock you like a hurricane!
And...
I see your motives inside
decisions to hide
Back off I'll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong (3)
Headstrong we're Headstrong
Back off I'll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
This is not where you belong!
Because...
We are the champions - my friends
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end (4)
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions - of the world!
So...
Stand up and Cheer
Stand up and Cheer
For Dear old Rohan
For Today We Raise
The Red and White (5)
Above the Rest
RAH-RAH-RAH!
Our Men Are Fighting
And We're Bound To Win the Fray
We've Got The Team
We've Got the Steam
For This is Dear Old
Rohan's Day!"
As I had been singing, I had also been walking along the walls. Partly because I wanted all the men to hear me, partly because I wanted to just move around. I am not a stationary person. Suddenly a small, but strong voice rang out.
"WHO'S YOUR DADDY!?!"
Immediately all of the men turned to look at the small and very red faced boy that I had talked to earlier. Although he was blushing horribly, he was also beaming.
Ah, that's my boy.
*~*~*
A/N: See, it was long! This is probably the longest chapter I have ever written. I have sacrificed a lot to get this out before I leave town. You guys owe me!
I numbered the little snippets of song so I can thank everyone easier. I don't know if it is going to format or not, but I do know the numbers will be in the songs.
The full and first song: 'We Will Rock You'-Queen. Suggested by: ANNOYING BRAT, Kady Rilla Wholi, and Jen
(1): 'I Won't Back Down'-Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Suggested by: Amwise Gamgee
(2): 'Rock You Like A Hurricane-The Scorpions. Suggested by:
(3): 'Headstrong'-Trapt. Suggested by: julie
(4): 'We Are the Champions'-Queen. Suggested by: StarryStarryNight
(5): Fight song for Western Kentucky, a photography college. Suggested by: StarryStarryNight gave me the lyrics, but Wraith also suggested a college fight song.
You guys have no idea how much I appreciate how you have helped me. I know I could not use every song everyone suggested, but I read each and every one. Also, each of these was one I was already thinking of, these people just cemented my thoughts.
I will post again as soon as possible,
~A~
I have found a new love in the music world-The Beatles! So be prepared!
Another thing, I should let you guys all know now, so you don't wonder later on, I am going to be out of town for a couple of weeks. Yes, you all know what this means. No updates for quite a while. But, as soon as I get home, I promise to hurry up and start moving with the next update. I hope this will make it up a bit, but we are finally going to be at the very beginning of the battle of Helm's Deep and I intend to include all those songs too. Just thought I should let you know, because the length of the chapter could be a bit misleading in that aspect.
Sorry again, but life rears its ugly head!
Here's the story!
*~*~*
'You know, I agree with them, you are mad.'
"I'm starting to agree with them myself."
Babes and I were sitting right outside the gates, collecting ourselves. Now that we were actually outside the relative safety of the fortress, that copse of trees looked to be quite a ways off.
I looked over in the direction the Orcs were coming from; it wouldn't be long now.
"C'mon Babes, we don't have much time!"
I didn't even get a snarky comment from her, she just took off in a dead run. I heard a faint noise and glanced back at the wall tops. The people were cheering us on. Oh yeah baby!
*~*~*
It really didn't take that long to make it to our destination; I was surprised. But then again, Babes did not want to be outside of the fortress; yeah that would hurry someone.
'Hurry up, we're here.'
I looked up from where I had been studying my hands and saw that we were just on this side of the bunch of trees.
"I think Ramir meant that we had to go into the trees to find the plants."
'Oh, great. Now we are getting technical.'
"Fine, I will go in and you can wait out here. Be a look-out or whatever, I really don't care."
'Look-out? As in being out here alone with a butt-load of Orcs coming our way? I think I will stay with you, moral support and all.'
"Thought you would see it my way."
'Just hurry up, will you?'
*~*~*
There were a lot more trees in that little copse then I originally thought. The plants that I was supposed to find were supposed to be in-between the roots of a specific kind of tree that Ramir told me was supposed to be here. I supposedly couldn't find it.
"See it Babes?"
'Not yet, but we had better hurry up. Other wise we are going to have those Orcs chewing on our butts pretty soon.'
"Thanks for that wonderful picture you just gave me."
'I think I found some!'
I let out a shriek of happiness and went running towards her. Needless to say, the search had taken much longer than I had thought.
I finally reached her and sure enough, there were the mint root! Right away I bent down and started chopping some of the plants off. Damn, am I glad that I remembered to ask Aragorn for his knife!
"Keep looking for those purple flowers!" I called to Babes over my shoulder.
'Already on it.'
I had just finished stuffing the leather bag to the brim with mint root, when I heard Babes's whinny of fright. I stood up, dropped the bag's cord around my neck, and started running towards her as fast as I could.
"Babes! Babes!" I shouted in her direction, but I wasn't getting an answering reply.
Suddenly I burst out of the trees and stopped dead in my tracks.
"Jesus Martha," I breathed.
There in front of me was a sight to behold. Babes was racing towards me with about a million Orcs firing arrows and in hot pursuit of her. What she was doing outside of the trees, I don't know. I would have to ask her later when our very lives were not in danger.
Finally it occurred to me to start running too; Babes was almost on top of me as it was. Almost instantly she was beside me, pulling ahead. I mean, duh! She does have four legs.
'Get on!'
"I'm trying!"
It was true. I was trying to get onto her back, but let me tell you, that is no easy feat to get onto a moving horse's back. Trust me on this.
"I can't do it!"
'You sure as hell better!'
I tried again and just succeeded in tripping and slowing us both down.
"I can't!"
I heard something that sounded like a cross between a sigh and a curse word.
'Get on my bloody back!'
I wasn't going to try again, I mean its not like I could have done it anyway, but the murderous look in her eyes had me leaping onto her back again. Just as I was going to start sliding off like I had previously been doing, I felt something shove hard against my butt and I was on! Sure, I was laying across her back on my stomach, but that is a small technical difficulty.
After an amazing amount of squirming by me and cussing by Babes, I was sitting correctly and we were flying across the plains. Since she was moving so quickly, we almost instantly were out of range of the Orcan arrows. Almost being the key word. Babes had managed to acquire a particularly nasty gash on her hind quarters; an arrow had just missed her. From her pace, I didn't think that she even noticed it, so I sure as hell wasn't going to mention it to her. She would find out soon enough.
I bent down over Babes's neck and tried to make myself as stream line as possible. Abruptly Babes came to a stop. Considering I was hanging over her neck like I was, its surprising that I didn't go ass over teakettle on that one. I wasn't thrown, but the bag full of mint root came up and slapped me across the face. For those who don't know this, leather hurts! I growled at it and shoved it inside of my tunic-like tee-shirt.
"Whatcha see?"
'You should tell me.'
I was just going to say something nasty when I actually focused on the objects in the distance. I had to keep pulling my hair out of my face, the wind was pushing it right across it. When I finally had a clear line of vision, I saw a whole, well, platoon of people entering Helm's Deep. They were in perfectly formed ranks; soldiers.
"Who the hell are those guys?"
Babes was just going to make a comment, when the wind shifted; it was now coming directly at us. She shifted slightly and then went still, she snorted and shook her head.
"What is it? Who are they? Don't leave me hanging here!"
She snorted again and said, 'Elves.'
"What? Explain yourself!"
'Those people going into Helm's Deep are Elves, from Lothlorien to be precise.'
"You have got to be kidding!"
'Nope-'
She was going to say more, but right then arrows started to rain down around us. The Orcs were in range again.
I glanced behind me just as Babes took off again and had to do a double take. The little copse of trees that we were in just a few moments before was no more now. The Orcs had completely destroyed it. Notta.
I just shook my head sadly and faced around again. I sighed and leaned over Babes's neck; I wasn't worried about being hit, Babes could easily outrun and out maneuver the Ors.
"Let's get back." I patted her on the neck and she increased her speed.
*~*~*
We finally reached Helm's Deep just as they were once again closing the gates in our faces. I sighed again and took in a deep breath to start shouting, but the gates sprung open before I could.
"That's more like it," I muttered.
We were just going to enter when I looked behind us again. The Orcs were moving incredibly quickly, give them ten minutes and they were going to be all over us. I glanced at the sky and finally noticed that the sun had long since dipped behind the horizon and some nasty storm clouds. I had no idea when those popped up, but they were there and they looked like they meant business. When I realized what this meant, I gulped; the fight would be at night in the rain. Goody.
"Let's move it, Babes. We don't have much time anymore!"
She didn't even bother to reply, she just started running into the gates.
"Whoa!"
Just inside of the gates, was the platoon that we had seen earlier. I was going to tell Babes to slow down, but she just shoved her way through them. I just held on; what more could I do?
We finally reached the steps for the Hornburg just as Legolas clasped shoulders with the lead Elf and went to stand behind them. I was a bit curious as to whom the Elf was, but at the moment I was trying to get Babes to slow down. Don't get me wrong, she was trying to slow down, but she couldn't find purchase on the stones-in the process of trying to regain her footing, she almost threw me.
Everyone saw us coming at last and flung themselves out of the way. It was a near-miss, believe me. When I finally was sitting securely upon her back again, I nodded at the king, Gimli, and Aragorn. I was just looking around for where Legolas ran off to, when I saw him murmuring something to the leader-Elf. I took a closer look and almost dropped my teeth.
"Haldir!"
He looked up when he heard his name called and broke into a grin, "Lady Emily! It is a pleasant surprise to see you once again."
"Likewise, believe me. How is Maydenia doing?"
At this his grin became a true smile, "We were wed not four weeks ago, we are expecting out first young one come spring."
"Congratulations! Cigars all around!" Everyone just looked at me. "Uh, never mind. Oh! I forgot! Where's Ramir? I got the stuff that he needed; but the Orcs were munching on my butt the whole way." I glanced at Babes's hind quarters, "They did get a nice bite of Babes here."
Théoden just shook hi head at my jabbering, "Ramir is in the caves, preparing I believe he said. I am truly amazed at all that you have done, Emily. The women are ready for the worst and have all that they need. I am very pleased with all that you have accomplished."
"Ah, 'twas nothing." I blushed slightly. "Well, I think I had better head down to the caves. I gotta get everyone ready and give Ramir the herbs he wanted. By the way, you guys had better get ready too. I would guess we have about ten minutes and the Orcs are going to be all over us." With that I nodded once to everyone again and Babes took off up the stairs. Talk about a dramatic exit.
*~*~*
I hopped off Babes's back and ran into the caves' entrance. Immediately I had to stop and move to the side to make room for all the bustling people that were streaming in and out of the doorway. Ramir sure knew how to handle a group of people; everyone was working quickly and efficiently. We had some hope left!
I got up onto my tip-toes, thinking that I might be able to spot him over everyone else's heads-it didn't work. I sighed in frustration and did the only thing that I could think of.
I cupped my hands around my mouth and shouted with all my strength, "RAMIR!"
Instantly there was silence. Finally I spotted him standing off the side in the back of the cave trying to get my attention. I then noticed that everyone was staring at me, so I tried to resurrect the situation.
Still shouting, I said, "UM, THANKS! YA'LL CAN GO BACK TO WHATEVER YOU WERE DOING!"
There were quite a few mutters and chuckles, but for the most part everyone took my advice and got back to their tasks. We had precious little time as it was, not nearly enough for my stupidity. Damn...
I started to push my way through to him. I heard quite a few people start cussing me out until they actually saw it was me, then it was 'Sorry I am in your way milady.' Ah, I love power.
Finally I got to him and threw him the little leather bag that had been hanging around my neck.
"Here's the mint root that you wanted. I was unable to get the little purple flowers though. Was attacked by the Uruk-Hai and all. That kinda took my mind of the search."
'Emily! Where are you damn it!'
I chuckled at this; obviously Babes didn't like the close quarters with all the people.
'I'm down in the caves,' I mind-sent back. I didn't want to take the chance that these people thought I was crazy. The whole fact of talking out loud to my non-present horse, wouldn't exactly inspire them to follow me.
Suddenly loud cries of alarm came from the people that were by the doors of the caves. I whipped around and unsheathed my sword, if not rather clumsily, and ran towards the doors. My first thought was that something of the Uruk-Hai nature had gotten in. How wrong I was...
There, shoving her way through the gathering people, was none other than Babes herself.
I stopped in my tracks and pretty much had to pick up my jaw from the floor. I know how much she hates being around a lot of people and being indoors; what the hell was she doing in here?
"What the hell are you doing in here!" I shouted. Can't saw that I don't speak my thoughts...
She walked over to Ramir, opened her mouth, and spit something into his outstreatched hand. I totally grossed out. Here was poor Ramir, holding a handful of soggy, green stuff. He just looked horrified.
"What the hell is that?"
'Your missing little purple flowers. Why else do you think I wandered out of the trees? I have told you before that I hate the idea of dying young and you damn well know I am not suicidal.'
"Wow."
Ramir was just about to drop that bunch of stuff on the floor when I shouted out, "Don't! Those are the purple flowers! I assume that you have been keeping them in your mouth until you found them before the Orc attack?" I directed this last question at Babes.
'You know it.'
I nodded and turned back to Ramir, "Sorry they are so soggy though. I don't think Babes could do anything about that. Will they still work at all, or was it all for nothing?"
Ramir looked at the mush again, but with a completely different expression this time. Now he looked overjoyed. Strange man...
"No, this is perfect. I have to steep the plant in water, it matters not that they are already damp. Thank you, Lady Babes."
With that he nodded and walked away from both of us. Almost instantly when he turned to leave Babes turned tail and was headed towards the door at a fast clip. Ha! I knew it wouldn't last long. I tried to follow in her wake, but I was too slow. The crowd swallowed her up before I even got moving.
I tried to walk through to the doors, but it was a futile effort. There were just too many people that had that same idea. Also, with the Orcs, Uruk-Hai, whatever the hell they call them, just outside, we did not have the time to be messing around in here.
I looked around me and spotted exactly what I needed-a barrel! No, I'm still sane, stay with me here. I walked over and clambered up onto the barrel and re-cupped my hands around my mouth.
"LEND ME YOUR EARS, PEOPLE! LADIES! OH, SORRY! AND GENTLEMEN!" There were men in the caves too at the moment. Oops, didn't really see them there. Sorry 'bout that!
I finally had their attention, so I stopped shouting. It wasn't doing anything or anyone any good, so what's the point, right? I know this wasn't getting me out of the caves just yet, but I was hoping if I could organize these guys a bit more I would be able to.
"Okay people, this is it. They are just outside, so this is what we have been preparing for. But, before I start with my long-winded pep talk, I think I am going to give everyone a chance to say good-bye, good luck, and hope that you don't get eaten. Go ahead, I'll wait."
At last it had dawned on me what the men were down here for. Besides, they had to get up onto the walls, we were fighting a war here!
The whole parting bit took a while longer than I had initially thought. By the time the last guy left for the walls, almost everyone was all teary eyed and sniffling, me included.
I sniffed and rubbed my nose on my arm. Yes, disgusting, but also very economical.
"Ladies, I have watched you all today, and let me tell you what I have seen has amazed me. Each and everyone of you has risen above this occasion with grace and efficiency. This is so much more than I had ever hoped to achieve. I just want to say that if this thing turns for the worse tonight, it has been an honor to know each and every one of you."
I had to break off here for a moment, while everyone gathered herself and finished clapping at my words. It really was a heartwarming moment, if not a bit corny.
"Now, there is not much more time for sentimentality. We have to go kick some Orc ass!" Insert very loud, and very enthusiastic cheers here. Geez... "All right, here we go! All of the children and elderly need to get back as far into the caves as humanly possible. It is both for the safety of them and also to keep them out of our workspace. The women that are in charge of the medicines, you are all going to sit tight here and wait. You are not to go out of these caves under any circumstances. You are way too important to lose. The younger girls need to stick close to the women and get anything they ask for. I don't want to hear any complaints. If they ask, you get! Now, I would like to have a word with the young women here. The rest of you can move off to your stations. And by all means people, good luck and God-speed!"
I jumped off the barrel and faced the small group of women that were waiting for me. There couldn't have been more than fifteen of them altogether. This was going to be the tough part.
"Okay girls, I need to ask you guys some questions. Hopefully you will be up to the task at hand, because God knows I cannot do this on my own."
They nodded and looked a bit anxious. Good.
"Do any of you have any good sewing skills?"
All of them nodded their heads. Damn it, I keep forgetting that this is one of those times in history where all women know how to sew. Stupid!
"Right. Just checking. Anyway, this is going to sound strange, but do any of you have any skills with a weapon? Step forward if you do."
At this, only three of the girls did. Two quickly and the other one rather timidly, this wasn't going to work.
"All right, thank you for your time, I need to talk privately with these three." The group of girls walked off, whispering and glancing over their shoulders.
I turned to face the three young women before me, "Would each of you be so kind as to tell me your names?"
The first one stepped forward again and said, "Rassä, milady."
I looked her over with approval. She was medium height, so as not to stick out too much. Rather average build and mousy brown hair. Perfect, she was also rather confident about herself.
"Next," I nodded towards the blonde.
"My name is Sienna," she dipped a slight curtsy.
Hmm, interesting. She was about the same height as Rassä, but she was much more slender. But, like her predecessor, she was eager to please. That I could certainly work with.
"Now you, dear," I softened my words toward the last girl, because, well, frankly, she looked terrified.
"I am called Nria, milady."
She said this with a slight tremor in her voice. This was not good, I need someone that was strong and willing to face some danger, not a mouse. But, maybe I could work with this.
I studied her. There wasn't much to look at, but she was a pretty little thing. She was both short and slender, with long brown hair and terrified brown eyes. Hmm...
"Okay, Rassä, Sienna, Nria, why I wanted to know that is because what is the point of having a hospital without a medic?
Rassä then asked, "Milady, what is a 'medic'?"
Damn, I keep forgetting these people don't know anything!
"A medic is someone that will go out onto the battlefield and bring the wounded to the hospital. I need some helpers out there tonight. There cannot only be one medic, I need you all to help me. But, keep in mind that you may see someone you know or love out there die. I need you to keep going no matter what. Once out there, there is absolutely no stopping. Stopping means death to you and many more men. Do you all understand?"
All three nodded, but Nria a bit more hesitantly.
"Now, who will help me bear this responsibility?"
"I would be honored, milady," Rassä stated with the air or a queen.
"As would I, dear lady," Sienna stated with as much grace.
I looked to Nria and saw that she was visibly shaken. Thinking quickly, I said the next thing that popped into my head.
"You are not suited for this, are you Nria?" I was a smooth one.
She sighed and said, "I am not milady. I am sorry that I cannot serve you, but I have not a brave heart."
"That is all right. But what you could do, since you do have some training with a sword, is you could guard the door to the caves. I don't think you will be needed, but that extra precaution bit is a good idea all the same. What do you say?
As I said this, I saw her face visibly brighten. I smiled before she could say anything and started to talk again, "I know this may not seem the greatest of use for one of our swords-women, but if the Uruk-Hai manage to breach the wall, well as you know we are screwed. So if that does happen, it will be better to have someone guarding the wounded and defenseless. You have a great responsibility, even if it is a menial task. Will you take it?"
"Aye, with relish, milady." With that, she curtsied and ran over to where her mother was. I just shook my head and smiled at her turned back.
I once again faced the two that would be my fellow medics, I hoped.
"I want both of you to know what you are about to take upon yourselves. You will be going out into the battle by yourself. There will be no one to cover your back, no one to watch out of you, no one to rely on other than your own self. We carry no shields, as they would get in the way of us tending the wounded. We wear no armor since it is so heavy and we need to move quickly. We are utterly alone. Will you still accept this task that I have laid before you?"
Aragorn would be proud of that little speech there. In the back of my mind I felt Babes's presence and I could tell that she was tickled pink. Weird horse...
Rassä stepped forward and looked directly into my eyes as she stated, "I shall stand by you, Lady Emily." She bowed her head and then backed away a few steps.
Good, one down, one to go.
I looked at Sienna and saw there was a large amount of doubt in her eyes, but also, just inside that shadow of a doubt, I saw determination and a large portion of courage. She visibly straightened herself, cleared her throat and in a ringing voice said, "I shall follow your very orders and by my life or death I shall assist these brave men that fight tonight."
I smiled widely at the two young women, that tonight with me, shall risk their lives for a cause that they believe in. Man, was I good with a speech or what? I think at this point, I was feeling so good about myself I could have talked a bear out of its skin.
"Great, you guys are life savers. Truly you are and going to be. But, I gotta head out to the walls, so be up there in just a few minutes. Take a few minutes to see to the people you care for, just in case mind you."
They nodded and took off right away.
*~*~*
I was just walking out of the caves and ran smack into Nria.
"Whoa there! Sorry 'bout that."
She right away curtsied, "No, milady. That was my fault. I just wanted to talk to you before you leave for the walls."
"That's where I am headed right now. You just caught me. What did you want to speak with me about?"
She reached into her pocket and pulled out four strips of vibrant yellow fabric. She handed them to me and I took them, though a bit puzzled as to what they were for. I raise a questioning brow and she immediately started to explain.
"I thought that since you are going to be on the battlefield, that you should have some kind of identification. I know a lady of your standards will not need it, but I would never forgive myself if some ill befell you and I did not mention my suggestion."
"Hell no! That is the best damn idea that I have heard in a very long time! Here, tie it to my upper arm." I handed her the four strips back.
She did as I asked and then stepped back, beaming, "I shall wait for Rassä and Sienna and give them these. Take this other one."
I was once again puzzled, "What's it for? There are only three of us."
'I beg your pardon! If you are going out for blood and glory I sure as hell am going with you!'
'Sorry Babes.'
'You are forgiven, I think.'
I snapped back to reality just in time to catch Nria's last words, "Hmm, can you repeat that?"
"I said the other is for your horse, the Lady Babes. I thought she would like to accompany you. Was I wrong in that assumption?"
"Nope, if I didn't take her with she would chew me up and spit me out."
'Damn straight.'
*~*~*
I finally made it out of the Hornburg only to be amazed at the amount of rain that was pouring down. It was pitch black, which made visibility zero, but with the rain, it was more like at negative one. All one could see in the distance was the torches of the advancing Orc army. They were very, very close.
I raced up the steps onto the wall and just about passed Legolas and Gimli. I just caught the end of what Gimli said before I started laughing at Legolas's response.
"Would you like me to describe it to you? Or would you like me to get you a box?"
I walked over and slapped Legolas on the shoulder, "Legolas, buddy, Gimli here would need a hell of a lot more than a box." I winked at Gimli to show no hard feelings and he grinned back.
Suddenly the Uruk-Hai stopped advancing and started to bang their spears against the ground. They had a pretty steady rhythm and there were just so many of them. I could see that quite a few of the men were being intimidated. In fact, the young boy that was beside me was shaking so bad I thought he would shake down his portion of the wall.
I bent down and spoke in his ear, "If you start to feel intimidated by an enemy, try shouting at them. It helps you feel better."
"Truly, milady?"
"Yup."
"But, what should I shout?"
I leaned down and whispered into his ear.
He stopped shaking a bit and smiled timidly, "Thank you, milady. You do not know the extent that you have comforted me."
"Not a problem."
Now, what should I do about the rest of the men. God, I wish they would stop that infernal pounding! It was kinda familiar, though. Suddenly it dawned on me! It was the beat of a song!
I started to sing at the top of my lungs.
"Buddy you're a boy make a big noise
Playin' in the streets gonna' be a big man some day
You got mud on yo' face
You big disgrace
Kickin' your can all over the place
Singin'
We will, we will rock you
We will, we will rock you
Buddy you're a young man hard man
Shoutin' in the street gonna' take on the world some day
You got blood on yo' face
You big disgrace
Wavin' your banner all over the place
We will, we will rock you
Singin'
We will, we will rock you
Buddy you're an old man poor man
Pleadin' with your eyes gonna' make you some peace some day
You got mud on yo' face
You big disgrace
Somebody better put you back into your place
We will, we will rock you
Singin'
We will, we will rock you
Everybody
We will, we will rock you
We will, we will rock you
Alright"
I could still see that the guys were unsure of themselves, even though quite a few of them had joined in the chorus of the song. I just started to belt out bits of whatever song I could remember; they were all just running together.
"Well I won't back down, no I won't back down
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won't back down
Gonna stand my ground, won't be turned around (1)
And I'll keep this world from draggin' me down
Gonna stand my ground and I won't back down
Hey baby, there ain't no easy way out
Hey I will stand my ground
And I won't back down!
Because...
Here I am, rock you like a hurricane! (2)
Here I am, rock you like a hurricane!
And...
I see your motives inside
decisions to hide
Back off I'll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong (3)
Headstrong we're Headstrong
Back off I'll take you on
Headstrong to take on anyone
I know that you are wrong
This is not where you belong!
Because...
We are the champions - my friends
And we'll keep on fighting - till the end (4)
We are the champions
We are the champions
No time for losers
'Cause we are the champions - of the world!
So...
Stand up and Cheer
Stand up and Cheer
For Dear old Rohan
For Today We Raise
The Red and White (5)
Above the Rest
RAH-RAH-RAH!
Our Men Are Fighting
And We're Bound To Win the Fray
We've Got The Team
We've Got the Steam
For This is Dear Old
Rohan's Day!"
As I had been singing, I had also been walking along the walls. Partly because I wanted all the men to hear me, partly because I wanted to just move around. I am not a stationary person. Suddenly a small, but strong voice rang out.
"WHO'S YOUR DADDY!?!"
Immediately all of the men turned to look at the small and very red faced boy that I had talked to earlier. Although he was blushing horribly, he was also beaming.
Ah, that's my boy.
*~*~*
A/N: See, it was long! This is probably the longest chapter I have ever written. I have sacrificed a lot to get this out before I leave town. You guys owe me!
I numbered the little snippets of song so I can thank everyone easier. I don't know if it is going to format or not, but I do know the numbers will be in the songs.
The full and first song: 'We Will Rock You'-Queen. Suggested by: ANNOYING BRAT, Kady Rilla Wholi, and Jen
(1): 'I Won't Back Down'-Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers. Suggested by: Amwise Gamgee
(2): 'Rock You Like A Hurricane-The Scorpions. Suggested by:
(3): 'Headstrong'-Trapt. Suggested by: julie
(4): 'We Are the Champions'-Queen. Suggested by: StarryStarryNight
(5): Fight song for Western Kentucky, a photography college. Suggested by: StarryStarryNight gave me the lyrics, but Wraith also suggested a college fight song.
You guys have no idea how much I appreciate how you have helped me. I know I could not use every song everyone suggested, but I read each and every one. Also, each of these was one I was already thinking of, these people just cemented my thoughts.
I will post again as soon as possible,
~A~