A/N: Okay, I'm going to make this really short and to the point...this is one of my favorite chapters, as it ends in an epic cliffy...YAY!

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings.

Chapter 10

Anariel stood outside on the top of the steps looking over the vast plains of Rohan. In the distance, she could see Théoden with Gandalf at Theodred's grave. Anariel sighed as she felt arms wrap around her waist from behind.

What are you thinking? Legolas asked.

That you are too handsome for your own good. Anariel joked smiling.

Really? Legolas chuckled.

No. Anariel admitted. I was thinking of how awful it is to bury your child.

Legolas sighed. That is one thing I hope to never experience.

I agree. Anariel said quietly as she looked out over the plains again. Something caught her eye and she found herself straining to see it clearly.

Legolas, what is that? She asked pointing to where she could just make out a black spot, however it was coming closer.

I do not know. Legolas answered. It could be a horse and rider, he mused as he studied the steadily looming figure.

No, Anariel argued softly. It is a horse and two riders. They are children. As Anariel spoke she saw the one in front slip off the horse. Anariel began to move down the stairs, but she stopped when she saw Gandalf running to them.

Gandalf will see to them, Legolas assured softly, taking her hand and leading her back into the hall.

As they entered the hall, she noticed that Gimli was already eating. She shook her head. Dwarves ate just about as much as hobbits. Aragorn was sitting in a chair smoking his pipe, and Anariel and Legolas took seats beside him.

"Where is Gandalf?" Aragorn asked once they were seated.

"He is still with Théoden at Theodred's grave…though I think they will come back with two little visitors," Anariel replied and as she spoke the doors opened.

The guards came in carrying the two children that Anariel and Legolas had seen. Immediately upon seeing them, Eowyn rushed forward. "What happened?" she asked.

"The little one will not say," Gandalf said sadly and Anariel rose from her chair and walked over to them.

"Right now, I think they both just need to sleep," Anariel said softly and she smiled at the little girl who smiled tentatively back.

Anariel turned to Eowyn, "I will take the girl, and the guard can take the boy, if you can lead us to a room," she said softly.

Eowyn nodded and quickly led them out of the hall. Once they were gone Aragorn and Legolas, who had watched the entire exchange, looked at each other. "She will be a good mother," Aragorn said smiling.

Legolas returned it and nodded. "Yes she will be."

"The lass have no choice," Gimli said from the other table. "With you two as parents, I can't even think of the trouble your children will find."

Anariel laid the girl on the bed beside her brother, and the girl finally spoke. "What's your name?"

Anariel smiled gently, "My name is Anariel."

"That's a pretty name," the little girl smiled and Anariel laughed lightly.

"What is your name?" she asked softly.

"Freda," she answered before she yawned.

"Sleep Freda," Anariel coaxed. "When you wake, call for me or Eowyn," she said as she gestured to the blonde beside her.

Freda nodded before she closed her eyes, and slipped into the slow breathing patterns of sleep. Anariel stood and stretched, ignoring the pull in her back as she did so. Actually, the stitches were starting to itch, a sign that usually meant that they should be taken out. However, she simply didn't have time; or rather Aragorn didn't have time. She wondered what Legolas' reaction would be though. How would he react to Aragorn seeing her bare back? Anariel giggled at the thought.

"May I ask what is funny?" Eowyn asked and Anariel noticed her tone was a little clipped. Did the maiden have something against her?

"I was merely thinking of what Legolas' reaction would be to Aragorn seeing my bare back," Anariel explained and upon seeing Eowyn's confused expression, she elaborated. "You see, I got a rather ghastly cut on my back when we traveled through Moria. It had to be sewn, and I think the stitches are about ready to come out."

If Anariel didn't know better, she would say that Eowyn was rather displeased with this news. Why? "I could remove them, if you wish," Eowyn offered. "Theodred and Eomer have had enough wounds that needed to be sewn. I have a lot of practice," she explained.

Anariel thought for a moment, before she nodded and Eowyn led her into another empty room. Anariel removed her tunic and lay down on her stomach on the bed. "That is ghastly," Eowyn commented as she set down and set to work on removing the stitches.

Anariel laughed, but she stopped as she realized that her laughter was not helping Eowyn. Anariel was quiet for a moment before she spoke next, "Eowyn?"

"Yes?" Eowyn asked quietly.

"Forgive me, but I do not get the impression that you like me very much," Anariel stated in what she thought was a very diplomatic way.

Eowyn paused in her work briefly, before she started again. "It is not that I do not like you," Eowyn explained. "Rather it is the fact that I envy you."

"Why?" Anariel asked confusedly. That was an answer she wasn't expecting.

"You get to fight," Eowyn said simply. "You get to fight for those you love and for what you believe in."

Anariel thought about that. Indeed, it was true. "You are right, I do. Though, you must know that this is the first quest my Ada has ever let me go on," Anariel said before she smiled, "With his permission that is."

Eowyn laughed. "My uncle made sure that I was taught to handle a blade…though he never lets me use it," she said and Anariel could tell that she was trying not to sound bitter.

It was quiet again for a few moments before Eowyn spoke again. "I envy you for another reason, Anariel," she admitted softly.

"Oh?" Anariel questioned surprised.

Anariel heard Eowyn sigh before she spoke, "You get to fight by the side of the man you love."

Anariel laughed lightly, but it was not humorous. "It is both a gift and a curse."

"A curse?" Eowyn questioned dubiously. "How so?"

Anariel sighed, "It is a relief for me to fight beside Legolas, so I can know that he is still with me. But it also puts you into a terrible position. You are easily distracted because both of you are always watching the other. But that is not the worst of it," Anariel said sadly.

"Then what is?" Eowyn asked quietly and Anariel was glad that the maiden appeared to be taking what she was saying to heart.

"If you were to ask me who I would choose to save in battle, for example, Legolas or Aragorn…" Anariel trailed off, but swallowed and finished. "I do not know who I would choose. I could save one, but ultimately kill the other. Or I could not make a decision at all and lose both of them," Anariel whispered.

"You are wise," Eowyn said after a moment and Anariel felt the last of the stitches pulled. Eowyn handed over her tunic, and Anariel put it on before answering.

As she tied her belt around her waist she finally spoke, "That question has plagued my mind from the moment I realized that I loved him. I know that he has probably already thought of it, long before I did. This is a situation I would never advise you to put yourself in."

Eowyn nodded and smiled. "I am sure that Legolas is wondering where you are," she smiled and Anariel was glad that it was genuine, and not the forced politeness of a hostess.

"I'm sure that is true," Anariel began to walk down the hall, but stopped as she thought of something. She put a restraining hand on Eowyn's shoulder.

"Yes?" Eowyn asked.

"When you spoke earlier, about envying me for being able to fight beside the man I love, you were not envious because you are in that position?" Anariel asked.

Eowyn smiled sadly, "No. It was just something that I've always wanted to do."

Anariel nodded and smiled. "Well, let's get back to the hall. I can only wonder at what the men could have done in our absence."

Eowyn nodded but stopped, "I should check on the children. You go on."

"Are you sure?" Anariel asked.

"Yes, I can take care of them," Eowyn said reassuringly and Anariel nodded and proceeded into the throne room.

Legolas immediately looked up and smiled when he saw her. She went and took her place beside him. What kept you, my love? He asked and Anariel smiled at the 'my love.' She didn't think she would ever grow accustomed to it. It would always make her stomach flutter, and put a smile on her face.

I had Eowyn pull my stitches, Anariel explained, but she stopped as she heard the doors open and the children come into the room with Eowyn. Freda looked up at her and waved. Anariel smiled and waved back while Eowyn led them to a table where they began to eat.

"They had no warning," Eowyn explained to Theoden as the children ate. "They were unarmed. Now the wildmen are moving through the Westfold, burning as they go. Rick, cot, and tree," she said as she glanced back at the two.

"Where's mama?" Freda asked.

"Shh," Eowyn consoled, placing a hand on the girl's shoulder.

"This is but a taste of the terror Saruman will unleash," Gandalf said gesturing to the children. "All the more potent now that he is fueled by fear of Sauron. Ride out and meet him head on. Draw him away from your women and children," Gandalf advised as he placed a hand on Theoden's chair. "You must fight."

Anariel watched as Théoden looked at Gandalf's hand warily. Aragorn saw this too and spoke, "You have two thousand good men riding north as we speak. Eomer is still loyal to you. His men will return and fight for their King."

"They will be three hundred leagues from here by now," Théoden said dismissively. "Eomer cannot help us. I know what it is you want of me. But I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."

Anariel anxiously waited for Aragorn's response. Only Aragorn or Gandalf would be able to persuade Théoden. "Open war is upon you, whether you would risk it or not."

Théoden's eyes narrowed slightly. "When last I looked, Théoden, not Aragorn was King of Rohan."

"Then what is the king's decision?" Gandalf asked and Anariel waited anxiously for his answer.

Anariel walked with Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, and Gandalf to the stables. She had to admit that she was not keen on the idea of fleeing to Helm's Deep. They were backed into a corner with no chance to escape.

"Helm's Deep!" Gimli scoffed. "They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them, if not their king?"

"He is only doing what he thinks is best for is people," Anariel sighed.

"And Helm's Deep has saved them in the past," Aragorn added, as they entered the stables.

"There is no way out of that ravine," Gandalf said warily. "Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety. What he will get is a massacre," he continued as he reached the stable that contained Shadowfax before he turned back to Aragorn. "Théoden has a strong will, but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan. He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses have to hold," Gandalf said seriously.

"They will hold," Aragorn answered determinedly.

Gandalf stroked Shadowfax's thick neck and smiled faintly. "The Grey Pilgrim…that's what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of men I've walked this earth, and now I have no time. With luck, my search will not be in vain. Look for my coming on the first light of the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east," he said as he mounted Shadowfax.

"Go," Aragorn ordered quietly as he opened the stable door and off Gandalf went.

Anariel sat behind Legolas as they rode to Helm's Deep. They had been given another horse so, Gimli rode Arod, while Anariel rode with Legolas on the other horse. She had to admit…she was glad for it. It didn't bother her in the slightest that this forced her to wrap her arms around Legolas. She didn't care that they weren't even at a gallop where she would actually need to hold on to him.

Legolas had noticed this too and smiled slightly. Anariel was one of the most mischievous elves he'd ever met. "Are you sure you need to hold on to me?" he asked quietly. "I don't think you're going to fall off."

"Probably not," Anariel acknowledged with a smile. "But why take the chance?"

Legolas laughed and Anariel caught Eowyn watching them for a moment before she turned back to Gimli. "It's true you don't see many Dwarf women," the dwarf said. "And in fact, they are so alike in voice and appearance, that they are often mistaken for Dwarf men," Gimli laughed.

Eowyn looked back at Aragorn who gestured to his face, "It's the beards," he whispered and Eowyn smiled.

"And this, in turn, has given rise to the thought that there are no Dwarf women!" Gimli said laughing. "And the Dwarves just spring up from holes in the ground!"

Eowyn laughed as Gimli continued, "Which of course is ridiculous…whoa!" Suddenly, Gimli's horse started forward and Gimli slipped off the side and fell to the ground with a thud.

Anariel and Legolas both laughed as Eowyn rushed to help Gimli. "It's alright, it's alright, nobody panic," he muttered. "That was deliberate," he said seeing the Elves laughing. "It was deliberate!"

"I'm sure it was my friend," Legolas said grinning.

Gimli huffed, but said nothing.

The next day as they were riding, Gimli rode Arod, but Legolas and Anariel were walking. Anariel had given the horse to someone who needed it more. Besides, she and Legolas had ridden all day yesterday and were content in walking. They walked on the left side of Aragorn, while Eowyn walked on the other.

"Where is she?" Anariel heard Eowyn ask, and Anariel's eyes darted to Eowyn who was staring at the Evenstar necklace that Arwen had given Aragorn. "The woman who gave you that jewel?"

Anariel watched as Aragorn simply smiled but said nothing. Anariel knew he was remembering Arwen. "My lord?" Eowyn questioned.

"She is sailing to the Undying Lands with all that is left of her kin," Aragorn replied quietly.

Anariel smiled but she noticed that Legolas was watching as Gamling and Hama rode to the front. Anariel frowned and she and Legolas made their way to the front. They got to the front just in time to see a warg attack Hama and kill him.

Legolas and Anariel rushed over and before the warg could turn on Gamling, Legolas shot an arrow and killed it. Anariel took the liberty of killing the orc.

"A scout!" Legolas shouted back to Aragorn.

Legolas and Anariel hurried back to the group and heard Aragorn say, "Get them out of here!"

"All riders to the head of the column!" Théoden ordered.

Anariel glanced out onto the plain and saw many warg riders heading towards them, kicking up dust. She glanced back to see Théoden talking to Eowyn. "You must lead them on to Helm's Deep. And make haste!"

Anariel saw Eowyn's eyes flicker over in her direction. "I can fight!" she argued.

"No! You must do this…for me," Théoden asked and Anariel watched as Eowyn held his gaze for a moment before she turned back to the villagers.

Anariel nodded relieved. She did not want Eowyn in this battle. It was sure to be ugly. She noticed how Eowyn looked back over her shoulder to Aragorn and Anariel saw the look in her eye…but she couldn't worry about that now. Aragorn spurred Hasufel into a gallop and as he rode by he swung her up behind him.

Anariel looked ahead to see Legolas firing an arrow at one of the distant warg riders, and she couldn't help the proud feeling she had when she saw the rider fall. She saw him turn and notice the approaching company, and watched as he swung himself up onto Arod. Anariel tore her eyes away from him and focused on the battle ahead of her.

They met the oncoming wargs head on and Anariel took her chance and jumped from Hasufel onto the back of a warg. She punched the orc in the face and he fell off the side, only to be trampled by the other riders. Anariel grinned, and she unsheathed her sword and slit the warg's throat. It fell to the ground and Anariel jumped off it, looking about her for a threat.

Soon enough one came…in the form of a warg and its rider charging straight at her. Joy. Gripping her sword tightly, she stood her ground and waited until the last minute to raise her sword up and stab the beast in the heart. The force of the impact caused the warg to flip over her, and it's rider to be crushed underneath it. She glanced over and her eyes widened when she saw Gimli trapped beneath a warg, while another hovered over him snarling. She moved towards that direction, but Aragorn was swifter. He grabbed a spear and threw it at the beast.

Anariel let out a relieved sigh before she cried, "Aragorn! Watch out!"

However her warning came too late. Just as Aragorn turned, a warg rider knocked him from Hasufel, though the horror didn't stop there. The orc grabbed Aragorn by the throat and began to drag him along the side of the warg. Anariel sprang into action. She jumped onto a passing riderless horse and quickly steered him towards Aragorn who had managed to throw off the orc. However he appeared to be caught in the saddle straps. Anariel pulled up beside the warg and jumped onto the beast, unsheathing her dagger as she did so. She quickly worked to sever the straps, but the warg was jumping around and she wasn't able to get a good cut. This didn't stop her though, she had promised Arwen. Finally she cut through the straps and grabbed Aragorn's hand so he wouldn't fall and get trampled. However it was too late…and they tumbled over the side of the cliff.

Evil laugh! Muahahah! I love cliffies!

Please review,

ArthursCamelot