Idrial's Quest
By Lady Annalease
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A/N: Thanks to stormshark for reviewing!
A/N 2: This is not a Lego-mance, nor will it be an Eleo-mance (gotta love that word) no matter how much it may look like it at times (sorry 'bout that).
A/N 3: I decided to split the Helm's Deep chapter into two, so this is what was written while following the game, and the next chapter is purely me (much like the Interlude in Lórien chapter). Thanks for being patient and understanding.
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Chapter Six - Helm's Deep:
Though it took us most of the rest of the day, it was a surprisingly uneventful trek to the gates of Helm's Deep. As we came upon the causeway, I looked over the battlements.
"Long have my people thought this the fortress of the people of Rohan," I spoke, "now I am not so sure." Morwen was doing similar to me.
"I shall welcome death here," she spoke, "and repay it, many-fold." The woman seemed filled with a cold new purpose since she had seen the death of her parents. Of course, the gates of the citadel were closed and we were challenged by the guard.
"What business do you have?" he cried. Fortunately, we had Eaoden with us and he knew the watch-words.
"This is the business of the king!" he called. That seemed to satisfy the guard, for he allowed us in. Morwen seemed impressed, though I knew not for what reason.
"You spoke true, you are of Theoden's court," she commented appreciatively. Eaoden gave a superior smile and inclined his head.
--
Helm's Deep was a maze of intersecting walk-ways that led to dead-ends and stairs that seemed to go nowhere. Eaoden suggested our first task be to find King Théoden and speak to him of what was planned and how we could help. So we went in search of the king, though the convoluted design of the fortress made finding our way difficult. When we found him, he was speaking to his men, speaking of strategies and of defence. He seemed confident that we would win the day, despite the numbers coming against us. He had little time to speak to us and one of his aides suggested we speak to Gamling, in the armoury, who was co-ordinating the details of the defence. While trying to find the armoury, we came upon an old chest and, as Elegost pried it open, we saw it contained a magnificent war-hammer. Hadhod cried out in delight:
"The hammer of Helm Hammerhand!" The Ranger admired it.
"Carry it now, to the ruin of our enemies," he spoke, handing it over.
"Aye, it shall ring out once more in the deep!" Hadhod proclaimed.
--
We finally found the armoury, hidden as it was under the great columned hall, and spoke with Gamling. He told us we could take what we would from the armoury and then that we needed to speak with Aragorn and his friends, for they knew more of what was happening than us. He asked us to return afterward, so he could find us a place on the walls. The armoury provided some interesting new equipment, not least of all, new axes for Morwen and a new bow for Elegost. We then set out to find Aragorn and his companions. We found Gimli, the Dwarf, in the great hall, happily chewing away on a leg of mutton and downing goblets of dark, thick ale. Apparently, Morwen and he knew each other, though I knew not from where. Gimli was much depressing when we asked him of our chances. Morwen was furious. She slammed her dagger into the table. Gimli just laughed.
"Remind me never to invite you into my home," he said, and then he belched and shrugged. "Let them come, I am more ready than ever!" he proclaimed. Morwen kissed his cheek in apology before we excused ourselves to go and seek out Aragorn himself.
--
We found Aragorn in the stables, tending to his horse, Brego. He certainly looked worse for wear. But he smiled, and greeted us properly, myself in Elvish, and gave Elegost a comradely clap on the shoulder. He was not optimistic about our chances either, though, for he knew the warriors we had with us were naught more than farmers, farriers and stable boys. He told us that the host would be there by nightfall. He also told us that Legolas was on the Deeping Wall, and that we ought to speak with him. He did not seem wishful of us staying or speaking to him further, so we left him alone.
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I confess I was a touch nervous to speak to the Prince of Mirkwood; it had been a long time since last we had met. I had got to know him well when he spent a century or so in Lórien, training, when he was an adolescent. I had thought him the most beautiful creature I had ever seen…me, and every other elleth. I had been a shy thing then, and had not pushed him and, so, he had taken a liking to me for just that reason. We had been good friends until he had had to leave and go back to his kingdom. A few decades later, I was assigned as a special envoy to Mirkwood, and spent over fifty years carrying important missives between our realms. Legolas and I had renewed our friendship then, and I had shared his bed on more than a few occasions. We both knew nothing could ever come of our relationship, he was a royal after all, but we had cared deeply for one another.
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We did indeed find Legolas on the Deeping Wall; he stood upon on of the crenulations, looking out over what was to be our battleground, his feet about the height of my shoulder. It would have been a precarious position, for anyone other than an Elf, but Legolas looked quite at home there. I approached him soundlessly.
"Hîr nín?" I called. He did not look back to me.
"I do not like the looks of this," he said softly. "They come. This is fight we cannot win. It will be become a massacre." I was not sure he even knew anyone was there.
"Legolas," I tried again. His given-name got a reaction; he startled and, as only an Elf can do, spun around and landed in a crouch atop the rock, making our eyes almost even. Shock first registered on his face, but it quickly gave way to a disbelieving smile.
"Rial?" he breathed. He leapt down easily from the wall so he stood toe to toe with me. Then, before I had guessed what he was about, he swept me up in his arms, as if I weighed no more than a leaf, with a cry of: "Rial!" We two laughed in delight as he spun me about, my feet never touching the ground. I had been a fool to think he would not remember me. He finally set me back down and cupped my face in his hands.
"This is the last place I expected to see you, lissë pen," he breathed. He leaned forward and touched his lips to mine and it was as if the last century of my life had not happened, like I had just returned to Mirkwood with an important missive and he was happily greeting me. "But I am glad of it," he continued, and we were once again back at Helm's Deep, facing almost-certain death. Elegost cleared his throat then. I blushed.Legolas chuckled musically as he released me. "Forgive me for being so rude, mellyn ó Idrial," he spoke easily to the rest of the group, not bashful in the least. "I am Legolas of Mirkwood. Rial and I are old friends and I was," he searched for a word, "…distracted by her presence." I introduced each of the party to him; he spoke of stonework and axes to Hadhod, obviously a sign of his growing friendship with Gimli, and he braced shoulders with Elegost, along with a quick exchange of Elvish greetings as was warranted to one of the Dúnedain. To Morwen and Eaoden he seemed quite indifferent, though he greeted them politely enough; he might have been the same to Berethor, however, after shaking his hand he blinked twice and glanced between us. I realised our scents must still linger on each other, I did not notice it anymore but to any other Elf it would have been obvious, as it had been to Rúmil and Orophin. He gave a quick laugh and a shrug, then turned and jumped back up onto the wall to retrieve his quiver, which he had left there. I came to stand next to him, leaning out between one of the gaps in the wall and squinting into the distance. Even with Elven eyes, it was difficult to make out anything.
"What do you see?" I asked. "An archer's eyes are better than a bureaucrat's." He gave a thin laugh.
"Bureaucrats us both," he replied. "Do you wish to look?" he asked, offering me a hand. I took it and he swung me up, as easily as he had picked me up before, to stand in front of him atop the rocky perch, an arm looped about my middle so we could both stand securely. I looked out into the distance, but I could see nothing other than darkness covering the land. I shook my head.
"I see nothing," I said.
"As did I at first," he replied, "but keep watching." I looked once more at the black landscape and, as I stared, I realised the ground moved as if there were thousands of ants crawling over it…or thousands of soldiers!
"By the Valar!" I gasped. "How many?" Legolas put his hands around my waist and lifted me back down and then jumped down after me.
"Over ten thousand," he replied grimly. "Saruman has emptied Isenguard and is determined to end the race of Men forever. You understand now the words I spoke before and the grimness of everyone herewithin." The others had moved to the battlements and were staring over them, trying to see what Legolas and I had seen. "You cannot see them," he said, "they are still too far off for any but Elves to see but, mark me, they shall be here by nightfall."
"We need to go back and speak with Gamling," I said, "he shall tell us where we are most needed."
"Yes," Berethor agreed, "every sword shall be needed here tonight."
"I will come with you," Legolas spoke, "I have need to speak to Gamling myself about where he shall put me and my fellows, and then to find Aragorn and Gimli and tell them such."
--
We walked back along the Deeping Wall, Legolas and I at the rear of the party.
"Forgive me for earlier," he spoke softly to me. "Are you with him?" he asked, nodding toward Berethor. I sighed.
"It is…complicated." Legolas smiled sardonically.
"Is it not always?" he replied. Elegost dropped back level with us.
"Are you two…together?" he spoke. I laughed softly and shook my head.
"Once," I explained, "but that was many decades ago. I do not think…." The Elf at my side nodded.
"Yes, I would not wish to make your life more…complex, Rial," he replied. I realised he had quite skilfully left me an open offer - he would not be offended if I wished nothing, but he would happily accept what I did offer. I slipped my hand into his and squeezed gently as we made our way back to the armoury. Gamling wanted to put us, both our group and Legolas' group, on the Deeping Wall, for that is where the defence was weakest. Berethor and Legolas agreed. The Rohirric warrior then informed us that there were pallets set up for the warriors in one of the big barracks and that we should get some rest while we could, for it would be scarce enough this night. We thanked him and went to fetch Aragorn and Gimli to tell them the news.
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The barracks was nowhere near private, it was just rows and rows of pallets laid out on the ground, but it was warm and reasonably comfortable. Rohirric warriors sat about, some slept, some prayed, some wept softly and some tended to their armour. Our two groups claimed a corner that was not being used and sat down upon the pallets. Eaoden, Hadhod, Gimli, Morwen and Berethor decided they would take the opportunity to get as much rest as they could and, despite the situation, they were quickly asleep.
"I envy them," Aragorn murmured, "I am exhausted, but there is no way I could bring myself to sleep."
"I also," Elegost replied. "This is luxury, compared to some of the places I have had to sleep, yet I cannot enjoy it." I thought for a few moments.
"I can give you something to help you sleep, if you wish it," I offered. Aragorn raised an eyebrow toward me.
"I did not know you were a healer," he said. I nodded. "Hmmm," he hummed, "I, too, know of healing and have herbs that would do similar, but I think drugged is worse than simply exhausted."
"Yes," I replied, blushing, "of course." He touched my knee.
"I did not mean to sound so harsh," he apologised, "I am…not in the best of spirits. I think I shall try to sleep, even if it eludes me." He moved away a little and stretched out on a pallet.
"Will you be well if I do so also?" Elegost asked me. I laughed bemusedly.
"You sound like my brother; of course I shall be fine!" The Ranger smiled.
"Then I am in high company indeed," he replied and left us to stretch out a little way away. That left only Legolas and I awake, sitting in the corner. The ellon glanced over at Berethor, lying next to Morwen. He frowned in confusion.
"I do not understand," he finally said. "Unless all three of y-."
"No!" I protested, stopping his line of thinking right there, "Valar no, not that. I…it is…oh, Las, I do not understand either," I finally sighed. "Can we change the topic? I do not truly wish to talk about this, not right now." We talked for most of the afternoon, of trivial things really, things that had happened in our lives since last we had met. Legolas expressed his sympathy for me when I told him that Aron and Niphredil had sailed. To his credit, he did not ask me why I had not joined them nor did he ask if I was intended to or not. At some point the two of us must have fallen asleep, my head resting again his chest, my hand entwined with his, for that is how we awoke several hours later.
--
Gamling woke everyone in the barracks up and I was not surprised to see that, while we had been sleeping, the barracks had been almost filled. I wished Gamling himself had managed to get some rest, for he looked completely worn out. He warned us to be up on the walls within half of an hour. Our group quickly busied ourselves in checking armour and weapons, making sure we were ready. We were offered canteens of water and ration packs by the quarter-master who was standing near the door. It was a good idea, for dehydration was almost as deadly an enemy in a long battle as a foe's blade. Very few words passed between us and though we knew our lives may all end that night, there seemed little enough to say. We were startled out of our introspection by the sound of a horn. Legolas, Aragorn, Elegost and I frowned.
"That is no Orc-horn," the ellon spoke, voicing all our thoughts, and suddenly we were all running toward the gate. I could not believe it when first I saw it - a column of at least a hundred Lórien archers, led by none other than Haldir! I could have wept with delight. Aragorn actually went up and embraced Haldir. Legolas and I just grinned stupidly at each other. Théoden ordered the archers placed along the Deeping Wall, but left the exact details to Aragorn and Legolas. I found myself standing behind Legolas and Haldir, who were armed with their bows, of course. Night slowly crept up on us, and with it came the pounding of drums and feet as the army of ten thousand Uruk-hai approached. The picture was completed when it began to pour rain, soaking us through to the skin in a matter of moments; whichever person said it could not have gotten any worse, ought to have been put out their misery that moment. The tension on the wall was so thick it could have been cut with a knife. I remember those moments clearly, as we stood looking out over the vast tide, and then it all becomes a blur in my mind, the first shot, the orders for the archers to fire, the ladders being put up and thrust down, all of us drawing our blades. The next thing I knew we stood before Uruk-hai, trying to fight them off so we could put their ladders down before more of them swarmed up onto the wall and overwhelmed us. The battles seemed never-ending, as soon as we had felled one group of Uruk-hai and their ladders, we were needed to help with another. My skills were in constant use, both my sword and my healing prowess, and I lost count of how many times people were downed and how many enemies we vanquished.
--
At some point, I remember Aragorn shouting at Legolas to kill something. At the time I could not see why killing any one Uruk-hai would be of better purpose than killing another. Then the wall exploded. Miraculously, none of us were badly hurt when we fell into the stinking water amongst the rubble. We had left Legolas and Aragorn on the wall above though, only Gimli remained with us in the breech. The Uruk-hai poured in through the breech twenty or thirty at a time, some of them even carried the explosive powder upon their backs. Those, in particular, I made sure did not live to light themselves for, although black powder was foreign to the Rohirrim, the Elves had known of its existence and the danger it posed to masonry. The call for retreat came some time during the night and well fell back to the Keep. Orophin and Rúmil waited for us, a badly wounded Haldir in their arms. It took almost all my strength to give him back the will to live, but I did. Legolas caught me as I staggered and offered me his canteen; I was pleasantly surprised to find Elven spiced fruit-juice inside it, rather than water or Elven liquor.
"Hannad," I murmured. He nodded, not wanting to waste energy on speech, for we were all, even those of us who had managed some sleep, exhausted.
"The gate!" someone suddenly screamed. "They are breaking through the gates!" We did not even stop to think, we simply ran. The gate was torn open the moment we arrived and we found ourselves facing yet another seemingly endless battle. I seemed to remember being attacked by armoured trolls in the end, but that was quiet impossible…we never would have survived such a battle.
--
We were ordered once again to fall back, but Berethor refused and he fought against us as we tried to pull him back. I feared this was the doing of Saruman. He was adamant that we must keep fighting and he kicked and hit at me to get free. I was crying at this point, sure if I gave even a little that he would run off and get himself skewered. On impulse I pressed my lips against his.
"Saes, daro," I begged him, "I could bare it if you were killed. Amin mela lle." I doubted he knew what I had said, or even understood it if he had, but his body lost all its tension and he allowed me to finally pull him away. However, as we had tarried too long, we were met with Uruk-hai baring our way. When we had killed them, I pulled Berethor toward the keep, but he began to pull against me again and spoke in a voice I knew to be Saruman's about how he was strong and how he must fight. I was so very weary and though I tried my hardest to hold him, I could not, for the strength of the White Wizard flowed through him. All I could do was run after him and into certain danger. I am not at all sure how we survived the battle he dragged us into; for I know we were certainly not supposed to. My companions spent more of the fight on the ground than with their blades in their hands, and I used more magic in that one battle than I had in the previous month, I think. During our battle, the sun crested the horizon.
--
Upon the fifth day, we saw the dawn light; I knew that was the day the Ents were to attack Isenguard and also the day Mithrandir had said to look for him. I turned to Berethor who was suddenly on his knees, gripping his head in pain.
"Do you remember now?" I asked, almost begged, as I knelt by him. "Do you remember Saruman's power laid upon you? This is the thing I could not tell you for so many weeks, this is the thing we could not force you to remember because it may have driven you mad. This is what Mithrandir and my Lady saw, this is why they sent me to watch over you." I gathered him against me and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Saruman's power over you is now broken, you are free." I slid my hands under his arms and helped him to his feet. He blinked slowly, as if awakening from a deep sleep.
"I remember," he breathed. I could not help myself; I pulled him to me and pressed my lips against his. He caught me up in his arms and returned my kiss wholeheartedly. He panted as he released me. "What of us," he finally asked, "are we finished now?" I suddenly realised the foolishness of what I had done and I paused - in my mind, we were through some time ago.
"We must now descend into the war beyond. If we survive it, the threads of our lives might yet continue to entwine," I replied, retreating into my Elven elusiveness, though I do not know why I could not bring myself to refuse altogether. Suddenly, we heard people yelling, cheering, and we staggered toward them and the wall. Théoden, Aragorn and Legolas had ridden out on the causeway in command of a small band of elite riders. I knew not what they thought they were doing, for although they devastated the force on the causeway, they could not hope to match the hundreds of Uruk-hai still below.
"They will die," Elegost came up next to me and spoke. I nodded once, there was naught else to say. Rúmil and Orophin and a somewhat-recovered Haldir joined us on the balcony.
"It is dawn upon the fifth day," Haldir murmured. For a few minutes, as the sun cleared the horizon, I knew not what he spoke of, but then I heard another of the Elves give a cry.
"Tiro! Tiro!" he cried, pointing to the horizon.
"At light upon the fifth day, look to the east!" Haldir proclaimed. Surely enough, upon the eastern skyline, could be seen a white horse with a white rider.
"Mithrandir!" Orophin exclaimed. Other riders filed out along the horizon, flanking the white apparition.
"Éomer!" one of the Rohirrim called. "It's Lord Éomer!" Gandalf and Éomer's forces surged down the hill with a cry and decimated the remaining Uruk-hai. We had won the day.
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Translations:
Elleth - female Elf
Hîr nín - my lord
Lissë pen - sweet one
Mellyn ó Idrial - friends of Idrial
Dúnedain - Rangers, lit. Men of the West
Ellon - male Elf
Hannad - thanks
Saes - please
Daro - stop
Amin mela lle - I love you
Mithrandir - Gandalf, lit. Grey Pilgrim
Tiro - look/watch