A/N: I know that you are all loving to hate me for the last chapter, but don't worry! You (and a certain elf) will be happy again at the end of this chapter! So without further adieu...

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings.

Chapter 12

Dark. Cold. Anariel had never been cold in her life. Did this mean she was dead? The darkness was overpowering…crushing her. She couldn't breathe. She couldn't see. All she knew was cold and dark. It would be so easy to just…

"No child," a voice told her. Grandmother? But it would be so much easier…

"Anariel!" her grandmother reprimanded. "Think of those who love you…what would they do if you abandon them?"

Friends…her friends…Merry and Pippin would be sad, Gimli too. Aragorn…wait…battle with the wargs…Helm's Deep…she had saved Aragorn. She had promised Arwen to watch out for him. They were in the river. Vaguely she realized that she still gripped his hand. They were sinking to the bottom of the river.

"Fight my child," her grandmother urged. "You are too stubborn to give in now…when people need you the most."

Legolas. Legolas. How could she leave Legolas? She couldn't. She wouldn't. With that thought, Anariel opened her eyes. She was so tired…and she was still freezing, but she was swimming to the surface. She swam and swam until finally she saw the light break through the water.

When she broke the surface she immediately gasped, breathing in lung fulls of air. Air. Oxygen. Breathe. That was key. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat. Anariel's strength was fading, her adrenaline spent. It was all she could do to keep herself and Aragorn above the water, so instead of swimming to shore, she let the current take them.

After floating for a while, out of the corner of her eye she saw land. Using strength she didn't know she had, she swam to the shore. She heaved Aragorn out of the water, and then collapsed. Her entire body was sore from the impact of hitting the water. She'd only dropped a few hundred feet. Yeah. That was nothing. Anariel sighed at her convoluted thoughts. Aragorn was still unconscious, but he was breathing...so she closed her eyes.

Someone was shaking her. Why was someone shaking her? She groaned and raised her head to look at the offending person. "Aragorn?" she asked wearily. If she thought that she was sore when she first pulled them to shore, it was nothing compared to what she felt now. Every single fiber of her being ached. It hurt to even blink.

"Come Anariel," Aragorn said tiredly. "We must go to Helm's Deep."

"We have no horse," Anariel argued, beginning to close her eyes, until she heard a snort. She opened her eyes and saw a hoof right in front of her face. "Nope. I was wrong. We do have a horse."

She sighed and got to her feet slowly, all of her muscles protesting against the movement. She looked over the horse, Brego, and saw that somehow Aragorn had managed to get in the saddle. "I would offer you a hand, but I fear I would fall," Aragorn chuckled tiredly.

"That," Anariel said as she hopped/climbed onto Brego's back. "That is completely understandable."

Without a command, Brego immediately began to take them to Helm's Deep. Good horse. As they rode, slowly Anariel felt some strength return to her. In the distance, Anariel saw a great dark mass moving with great speed.

"Aragorn, look there," she ordered pointing at the mass.

Aragorn steer Brego over to the mass and stopped at the edge of a cliff. They looked down to see a massive Uruk-hai army, marching steadily to Helm's Deep. After looking at the army for all of a few seconds, Aragorn urged Brego into a gallop. They had to get to Helm's Deep. They had to warn them. Anariel was worriedly though. The Uruk-hai army consisted of thousands upon thousands. They would be greatly outnumbered.

Finally, in the distance they could see Helm's Deep, their refuge. They galloped across the causeway and right up to the main doors of the hall, ignoring the shocked gasps and cries and pointing fingers. Yes. They were alive. People are so observant.

Anariel sort of half slid, half fell off the horse. The important thing was that she landed on her feet, like every elf should. She saw a movement in the crowd. It appeared that someone was pushing their way through. She smiled when she heard who it was.

"Where are they? Where are they?" Gimli grumbled. "Get out of the way. I'm going to kill them!" he said as he finally burst through the crowd to stare at Anariel and Aragorn. "You two are the luckiest, the canniest, and the most reckless beings I have ever known! Bless you laddie!" the dwarf said as he hugged Aragorn before turning to Anariel. "And you lassie!"

"Gimli, where is the King?" Aragorn asked and Gimli gestured to the hall. Aragorn set off in that direction and Anariel followed directly behind him, but stayed a few paces back. She saw him then. He was standing there by the door, waiting for Aragorn. He looked beautiful. He looked like an extremely sad elf that had just received great news…but there was a haunted look in his eye.

She watched as he smiled at Aragorn. You're late. Legolas chided and Aragorn grinned ruefully. Legolas looked him over and frowned, "You look terrible," he commented in the Western tongue.

Aragorn chuckled and Legolas took his hand and placed something silver in it…Arwen's Evenstar necklace. Aragorn's hand closed around it tightly and he clapped Legolas on the shoulder. Anariel saw Aragorn look pointedly over his shoulder at her. Legolas followed his gaze and when he saw her he froze.

She knew that she was a mess. She probably looked like a drying drowned rat. But that didn't matter. In the back of her mind she noted that everyone was silent as they watched the elves. Everyone was waiting for something to happen, but that didn't matter. Anariel didn't care that it was inappropriate. It didn't matter. She ran towards Legolas and he met her halfway, scooped her up into his arms and kissed her. And the Valar knows that she kissed him back. Her arms were locked around his neck like a vice, and he held her just as tightly. It was as if they were both afraid that if they let go in the slightest, the other would disappear. Finally, they broke away and Anariel only moved to bury her face in the crook of his neck. They didn't speak. They didn't need too.

Legolas couldn't let go. He didn't know if he would ever be able to. He was afraid she'd vanish. He was afraid it was all a dream. She was alive. She was alive. She was most definitely not dead, and she was right where she was supposed to be…in his arms. He didn't know how long they just stood there, but he figured they would need to move sometime soon. Gently, he set her back on her feet, but kept a firm arm around her waist, and led her inside the hall. Legolas leaned against a pillar and Anariel immediately leaned back against him, as he wrapped both arms around her waist. He wasn't about to let her go.

Anariel leaned back against Legolas and looked about them. She knew he wasn't going to let her go anytime soon, and that idea didn't bother her in the slightest. She hadn't realized just how muscular he was, but this was no time to think about that. Later, though. She focused her attention on Aragorn and Théoden.

"A great host you say?" Théoden questioned.

"All Isengard is empty," Aragorn answered.

"How many?" Théoden inquired.

Aragorn sighed. "Ten thousand strong at least."

Anariel felt Legolas tense for a moment, before he held her tighter and relaxed.

"Ten thousand?" Théoden exclaimed shocked.

"It is an army bred for a single purpose: to destroy the world of men. They will be here by nightfall," Aragorn said seriously.

"Let them come!" Théoden said defiantly, as he walked away resolutely.

They were standing with Théoden at the gates of Helm's Deep. Legolas held Anariel's hand, as he looked about. There were too few. They could not win. They needed help…but only Aragorn would be able to convince Théoden.

"We will cover the causeway and gates from above. No army has ever breeched the Deeping Wall or set foot in the Hornburg," Théoden said confidently.

"This is no rabble of mindless orcs," Gimli argued, not liking how much confidence the King had. "These are fighting Uruk-hai. Their armor is thick, and their shields broad."

"I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf," Théoden replied curtly. "I know how to defend my keep."

Gimli seemed a little miffed and Legolas clapped him on the shoulder as he and Anariel followed Théoden and Aragorn back into the keep.

"They will break upon this fortress like water on rock. Saruman's hordes will pillage and burn, we've seen it before. Crops can be resown; homes rebuilt. Within these walls, we will outlast them," Théoden said confidently.

"They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages. They come to destroy its people. Down to the last child," Aragorn argued.

Théoden spun and drew close to Aragorn. "What would you have me do? Look at my men. Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance."

"Send out riders my lord," Aragorn continued, refusing to back down. "You must call for aid."

"And who will come? Elves? Dwarves?" Théoden asked bitterly, glancing at Legolas, Anariel, and Gimli. "We are not all so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead."

"Gondor will answer," Aragorn argued calmly.

"Gondor? Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell? Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us? Where was Gon…no, my lord Aragorn, we are alone," Théoden said as he walked away towards his men, barking orders.

Anariel watched as Aragorn picked up a battered sword before tossing it back onto the table. They were in the armory, and they were surrounded by 'warriors.' Anariel looked around and sighed.

"Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers," Aragorn said quietly.

"Most have seen too many winters," Gimli said looking around.

"Or too few," Anariel said as she watched a young boy try to hold a sword aloft.

"Look at them," Legolas said. "They are frightened. I can see it in their eyes," he said and noticed how everyone had stopped to listen. Anariel was glad when he switched to their native tongue, And they should be. Three hundred against ten thousand!

They have more hope at defending themselves here than at Edoras, Aragorn argued.

Legolas huffed in frustration. Aragorn, we are warriors. They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!

"Then I shall die as one of them!" Aragorn exclaimed. Anariel thought he wanted to say more, but decided against it and walked away. Legolas made the move to follow him, but Anariel pulled him back. Partly, it was because of her own selfish reasons. She didn't want him out of her sight yet…but she also knew Aragorn well enough to know that he just needed to be alone.

"Let him go lad," Gimli said. "Let him be."

Legolas looked back at Anariel and she nodded. Legolas sighed and he and Anariel parted ways with Gimli and walked up to where the archers would be on top of the wall. They looked out and just barely could they see the blurry, black spot on the horizon that were the Uruk-hai.

You should not despair, Legolas. Anariel said after a moment.

Legolas sighed and turned to her, pulling her into his arms. I do not want to lose you…not again.

You won't, and besides, you never lost me in the first place. Anariel said as she smiled up at him.

But I thought I had. Legolas said softly.

Anariel put a loving hand on his cheek. Legolas, I will never leave you. I would like to think that I will always be in your heart, but maybe I'm just flattering myself. Anariel grinned.

Legolas chuckled and nodded. My heart is yours forever.

Good. Anariel said winding her arms around his neck as she looked up at him. I love you Legolas. Anariel whispered. Always.

Legolas smiled. That is a very good thing. He said before his lips met hers. Legolas kissed her tenderly, yet with all the passion in the world. He pulled away, but laid his forehead against hers.

Anariel smiled. We should go and get ready.

That would be wise. Legolas admitted, but he didn't move.

I know that we have forever, but everyone else doesn't. Anariel giggled and Legolas huffed put backed away.

Anariel rolled her eyes, but she took his hand and led him back to the armory. They walked in and saw that Aragorn was donning his battle gear. Aragorn reached for his sword, but Legolas was already handing it to him. Aragorn nodded as he accepted the sword from Legolas.

"We have trusted you this far. You have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair," Legolas apologized.

There was nothing to forgive, my friend. Aragorn said as he clapped Legolas on the shoulder.

That's my boys, Anariel said smiling, but she turned when she heard Gimli come in.

Gimli walked up to them, struggling with is chain mail. "If we had more time, I'd get this adjusted," he said as the chain mail clattered down to the floor. "It's a little tight across the chest."

Legolas and Aragorn bit back smiles, but Anariel giggled. Gimli looked like he was about to retort, but a horn blast rang out. Anariel looked up sharply, and then looked to Legolas. "That is no Orc horn," he said and they all ran out to the battlements.

Anariel smiled widely when she saw the Lothlorien elves, led by Haldir. "How is this possible?" Théoden asked.

"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together," Haldir paused and looked up to see Anariel, Legolas, Aragorn, and Gimli. He smiled before continuing, "We come to honor that allegiance."

Aragorn rushed down the steps and bowed. Welcome, Haldir. Aragorn said before embracing the elf in a huge hug. Anariel smiled at the initial shock on Haldir's face, before he relaxed and returned the embrace.

"You are most welcome!" Aragorn said smiling.

Haldir and Legolas looked at each other for a moment before they each clasped each other on the shoulder. Anariel smiled and Haldir turned to her. "My lady, I also bring a message from Elrond to you," he smiled before continuing. "He said to tell you that, 'He has never been so proud, and that he wishes you all the happiness in the world."

Anariel smiled, but inside she was puzzled. She was estatic to hear that Elrond was proud of her, but what was this about happiness? Sure, she was happy, but why would he send her that message now?

Haldir turned to Legolas and led him away from Anariel. Legolas raised an eyebrow, and Haldir lowered his voice. "Elrond has also asked me to deliver a message to you. He said to tell you that, 'Prince Legolas of Mirkwood has my blessing to marry my daughter. I can think of no one better have her heart.'"

Legolas' eyes widened, but he nodded, a wry smile appearing on his face. Haldir nodded, and left him there. Anariel came up to him, and he could see the suspicion in his eyes. He'd forgotten for a moment that Lord Elrond had the gift of foresight, and Legolas had decided a long time ago that he would marry Anariel. Legolas shook his head, and Anariel raised an eyebrow.

"What?" she asked smiling slightly.

Legolas chuckled. "I'll tell you one day," he answered and Anariel rolled her eyes.

Yay! Everyone's happy again! Woo! I always like writing emotional reunions! I also had to add the messages from Elrond...couldn't resist.

Please review,

ArthursCamelot