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Ruth woke up with a start with his heart beating quickly in his chest and his breath coming out in gasps. He quickly got out of bed and walked over to the basin. He pulled off his sweat soaked shirt and flung it over his shoulder towards the bed, filling the basin with cold water and washing his face with it to try and chase away the remnants of the nightmare still haunting him.
"Ame gártha," (Such darkness) he whispered as he braced his weight on his arms, gazing at his reflection in the rippling water. A drop of water fell off of his nose and distorted the water. He closed his eyes as screams of pain and desperation filled his mind. "I cannot help but wonder if there is any hope at all." He opened his eyes and straightened when someone knocked on the door. "Enter!" he called out as he walked over to the bed and used his discarded shirt to wipe the remnants of water off of his face and chest.
The door opened and Eowyn entered, only to halt in her step and blush furiously.
"Good morning, Lady Eowyn. I apologize," Ruth said and with a wave of his hand he was dressed in dark brown leggings, knee high brown boots and an emerald Elven tunic that accented his enchanting eyes.
"It is alright," she said, smiling briefly. "My Uncle, King Théoden, wishes for you to join us for breakfast."
Ruth nodded and smiled. "Lead the way." The smile she gifted him with was so small he almost didn't notice it. She turned to walk away and he followed after her.
"I hope you've managed to get some rest," Eowyn inquired, leading the way to the main hall.
"I have. I must admit that I was so tired I forgot to change before I fell asleep. Have you rested somewhat?" Ruth asked.
"I've slept better than I have the day before yesterday that is for sure. I've already seen Theodred. He has yet to wake up, but he looks better. Thank you for saving him. If you did not come when you did, I am sure we would have lost him."
"I cannot save everyone," Ruth spoke gravely, "but at least I can try. I have come here to free King Théoden of Saruman's evil. I didn't know Theodred's life was in danger. Never the less, I am happy I could heal him. He is strong. My Magic would not have worked had he given up on life." They entered the hall and Ruth bowed his head when Théoden stood up to greet him.
"Master Ruthímiel. I am glad you agreed to join us."
"I see you feel better than yesterday, King Théoden." Théoden nodded and showed Ruth to sit at the table while Eowyn went to bring them food.
"I have you to thank for that. Had you not come, I would have remained under Saruman's rule. I would have been lost forever." Ruth hummed and took a seat on Théoden's right.
"Saruman's power has weaned. He grows weaker with each passing day. It is the army he has sent to Rohan we must worry about."
Théoden frowned at that. "How many?"
"Thousands," Ruth answered and Théoden paled.
"What hope do we have against such a great opponent?" he muttered. Eowyn came back with breakfast and they started to eat, although not one of them had much of an appetite.
"This city is not able to withstand such a force. That is true," Ruth said. "Maybe you should consider relocating to Helm's Deep?"
Théoden raised his head with an unreadable expression.
"We have many old people and children. I fear they would not be able to travel quickly," Eowyn spoke up instead of her Uncle.
"They do not need to travel quickly. They only need to travel quickly enough," Ruth countered and the two looked at him with almost matching frowns. "The Uruk-Hai move fast, but they will not catch up with you before you reach Helm's Deep. You have enough time to move your people there. What you should worry about are Orcs and Wargs prowling the lands."
Théoden and Eowyn exchanged a glance. "There are not enough soldiers to protect my people," Théoden spoke darkly and Ruth's eyes narrowed.
"You want to tell me how exactly? What about the Ridermark?" Ruth asked and Théoden frowned at him.
"I chased them away while I was under Saruman's rule. They are too far for us to reach them."
"Then what of Gondor? The old Alliances still stand!"
Both Ruth and Théoden stood up and the King started to pace the Hall. "Gondor will not answer," Théoden muttered darkly and Ruth barely held back from snapping at the King.
Ruth was saved from bursting with anger when the man that led him to Théoden, Gamling, entered the hall. "My lord. Four Visitors ask for admittance."
Théoden frowned while Ruth turned to face the entrance. Could it be? He thought hopefully.
"Allow them in," Théoden said and Gamling left.
"Who could it be?" Eowyn asked.
"I might have an idea," Ruth spoke and Théoden and Eowyn noticed the note of hope in his voice. The door opened and Ruth felt like he could cry. "Gandalf! You are indeed alive!" he cheered as he ran over to them and enveloped Gandalf into a warm hug.
The old wizard laughed merrily and hugged Ruth just as tightly. "Lam tun nósto luth piétho, merén. Lam tun nósto piétho."(I have missed you greatly, my friend. I have missed you greatly.)
Ruth pulled back from Gandalf in surprise when the old Wizard spoke in the Language of Magic and smirked at Ruth, winking in a conspiratorial way.
"Do we not deserve the same greeting?" Ruth's smile grew and he looked at Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli when the Dwarf spoke. He rushed over to them and hugged each of them tightly. Even Legolas returned the hug strongly.
"You have no idea how happy I am to see you; all of you," Ruth said. Théoden and Eowyn walked over to them and exchanged greetings. "Tell me," Ruth whispered to Aragorn. "Tell me how Marry and Pippin are? Are they safe?"
"They are with Radagast and the Ents," Gandalf was the one to answer, and Ruth breathed a sigh of relief.
"I am glad to hear that." Gandalf smiled at Ruth before he faced Théoden and the King of Rohan stood straighter. "I see that Ruth had already freed you from Saruman's hold."
Théoden nodded. "Yes. He came yesterday and chased Saruman away. He also healed my son, thus saving him from certain death."
Gandalf nodded and threw a small smile in Ruth's direction.
"Ruth, where is Boromir?" Aragorn asked quietly while Gandalf and Théoden spoke. Legolas and Gimli moved closer to them as well.
"Boromir nae e'Imladris. Galadriel tulte ho eller no' moot yassen atta quessir; Luinil ar' Viresse,"(Boromir is in Rivendell. Galadriel sent him there on a mission with two Elves; Luinil and Viresse.) Ruth whispered and Gimli grunted.
"Speak so all can understand you," he grumbled and Ruth smiled at him.
"I am sorry, my friend. But I do not wish for some to hear about him. I have a feeling he is not overly fond of our future Steward," Ruth spoke and glanced shortly at Théoden.
"He is prone to holding a grudge," Aragorn muttered, half amused.
"You know him?" Ruth asked.
"I fought alongside his grandfather once." Aragorn said. Ruth nodded and they parted to join Gandalf and Théoden at the table.
"What have you decided, Théoden King?" Ruth asked. Gandalf smirked when he heard the displeased undertone to Ruth's voice.
"I cannot lead my people on such a dangerous trip," Théoden answered gravely and Ruth snorted.
"So you would rather you all stay here and wait for an army you cannot hope to defeat here, hiding behind walls of wood," Ruth concluded dryly and Théoden frowned at him.
"Must I remind you that I am the King of Rohan?" he growled.
Ruth leaned forward and his strange eyes glimmered for a moment. "I have fought more battles than you can hope to fight," he spoke quietly through clenched teeth. "There were battles in which I have led thousands against millions, and wars in which a handful of brave people fought against much stronger forces." Ruth stood up and straightened to his full height. "You are a fool if you think you will protect your people by staying here."
"My men are leagues away from Rohan!" Théoden snapped angrily. "It is not possible to find them! How do you expect of me to protect my people if..."
"Lead them away." Aragorn interrupted Théoden. "Lead them to Helm's Deep. They have greater chances to survive there than here. You have 2000 good men riding north as we speak..."
"I already told Master Ruthímiel that they are too far. Eomer cannot help us," Théoden cut Aragorn off and the Dúnedain looked at Ruth who was glaring daggers at the King of Rohan.
"Then what hope is there indeed, when the King of Rohan has given up before the war has even begun. Will you stay here and wait for the army of Saruman and have your people slaughtered like cattle? Or will you move them somewhere where they would be safe while you make a stand?" Ruth drawled and Théoden fought hard to suppress a blush at Ruth's disapproving, disappointed expression.
"Helm's Deep may be a dead end," Gandalf spoke wisely. "But you would have a certain advantage there." He stood up and walked over to Théoden.
"Let someone ride out to find Eomer," Ruth spoke. "He will answer."
Théoden bowed his head and looked at the floor. "I know what it is you want of me," he said and looked at everyone, "but I will not bring further death to my people. I will not risk open war."
"Open war is upon you, whether you'd risk it or not," Aragorn answered bitingly, already getting tired of Théoden's moaning.
"Least I remember..."
"Father?"
All of them turned when someone called out and Théoden and Eowyn gasped when they saw Theodred standing weakly in the doorway.
"Theodred!" Eowyn cried out and ran over to him. She led him over to the table, but just as she was about to make him take a seat, he smiled at her and shook his head.
"You should be resting," Ruth spoke up and Theodred looked at him with a thoughtful countenance.
"I remember you somewhat," Theodred spoke slowly, as though trying to summon a memory he couldn't quite grasp. "I remember your voice."
Ruth's lips tilted upwards and his gaze warmed up considerably, and the Istar bowed his head at the young prince. "You are a strong man, Prince Theodred. I am glad to see you on your feet."
"Theodred..."
"I have heard some of your conversation, father," Theodred interrupted Théoden and the King frowned at him. "Why do you not listen to them? I do not perceive them as our enemies. Your stubbornness will not save our people."
"I cannot risk the lives of our people," Théoden insisted making Theodred glare at him angrily.
"They will all die if we stay here! Where is Eomer? He would have made you see sense in my absence!"
"Over 300 leagues north," Gimli muttered and Theodred's eyes widened in outrage.
"Then send someone for him!" he cried out, turning to his father. "We can spare one or two men!"
"There would be no need," Gandalf said. "I shall gladly ride out." Théoden frowned at that. "You have Ruthímiel with you. He is much more powerful than I am and just as wise if not more so."
"I cannot measure up to you in wisdom, Gandalf," Ruth countered and Gandalf laughed quietly.
"I do believe that you can," the Gray Wizard muttered into his chin before straightening. "Get ready. I shall ride out right away."
"I have not made a decision!" Théoden snapped angrily.
"Yes, you have, father!" Theodred returned in kind. "Our people will be safer at Helm's Deep. They will be safer in the caves under the mountain than in their houses of stone and wood. The Orcs would first need to go through us to reach them."
"Us? I am afraid you are nowhere near ready to fight, young Prince." Theodred blushed under Ruth's admonishing gaze.
"You may be right, but we need every able man out there," Theodred answered and Théoden sighed.
"Very well then," he said. "We ride for Helm's Deep."
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"This is a double edged sword," Gandalf spoke as they walked towards the stables. "Helm's Deep is as much of a safe place as it is a prison. There is no way out of there. If Théoden doesn't receive aid, all they will find there is a massacre."
"Haldir has left Lothlórien the morning after I did. They are marching for Rohan as we speak," Ruth reported and Gandalf let go of a breath of relief, while Legolas smiled, Gimli snorted and Aragorn smirked for himself.
"That is good news. Very good news," Gandalf mumbled as they reached Shadowfax. "Aragorn." The man walked over to the Istar and Gandalf placed a hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "Théoden has a strong will, but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan," he spoke and looked at the others, his eyes lingering on Ruth. "He will need you, both of you, before the end. The people of Rohan will need you. The defenses have to hold." Aragorn looked at Ruth first and then at Legolas and Gimli.
"They will hold," the Ranger promised and Gandalf smiled, licking his lips as he sighed and mounted Shadowfax before looking down at his friends. "With luck, my search will not be in vain. Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the East," he warned them, receiving nods of affirmation.
"Go," Aragorn urged and Gandalf galloped away.
They ran after him and watched from the gates as the Wizard disappeared beyond the horizon.
The people behind them were rushing around, getting ready to take off.
The air was heavy.
Everyone knew what was going on.
And everyone knew that there was little hope.
cut
The sun shone down upon them. They were moving slowly, but that was to be expected. There were many woman and children among them both old and young, and the members of the Fellowship had both their eyes and ears open.
Aragorn raised an eyebrow when Ruth looked up to the sky. A powerful cry made Aragorn look up and he smiled when he recognized the eagle that flew over to them only to land on Ruth's shoulder.
"I see she has grown fond of you," Legolas commented and Ruth laughed lightly.
"I had named her while I was still in Lothlórien," he said, raising a hand to gently caress the eagle's stomach. "Her name is Kyrd which means 'strength',"
"That is a good name," Aragorn said and Ruth smiled.
Ruth whispered something in Kyrd's ear and the eagle flew away. "Yes, it is," he answered Aragorn as Kyrd vanished in the clear blue sky.
"Lord Ruthímiel?"
Ruth looked to his left when Eowyn led her horse to his side.
"I had asked you on the day we left Edoras to call me Ruth. We have been traveling for two days now and you still refuse to do so."
Eowyn blushed and bowed her head, and Aragorn looked at Legolas with a light smirk, while Gimli, who was sitting behind Aragorn, snickered into his beard.
"I apologize, my L - I mean Ruth!" she blurted out and Ruth smiled at her.
"Now, that is better," he said. "What was it that you wanted?"
"I noticed that you have a strange sword," she said and looked pointedly at the handle of the sword that peaked from under the rest of Ruth's things.
Ruth's smile turned into one filled with longing. He grasped the handle strongly and unsheathed the sword. Its mercury blade shone and glimmered in the Sun.
Eowyn's eyes widened at the dangerous beauty of the sword. "It is beautiful," she breathed out almost reverently.
"And familiar," Legolas added and everyone looked at him but Ruth who was gazing at the sword with longing.
"Of course it would be familiar to you, Legolas," Ruth answered. "This is Ithiltincya, the Chain that Enslaves the Moon."
"A powerful name," Eowyn said, while realization shone in Aragorn's and Legolas' eyes and Gimli snorted.
"And it is a powerful sword," Ruth agreed and sheathed it again. "I only pray I will not have to test that strength before we reach Helm's Deep."
"You did not carry that sword before, Ruth," Gimli drawled and Ruth looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "Might I inquire as to where you have acquired it?"
Ruth glared at Gimli, Aragorn and Legolas smirked at the Istar, while Eowyn frowned in confusion.
"I would take a guess and say that he received it from Haldir, since that sword has been in his family since the beginning of time," Legolas commented lightly, although a slight smirk tilted his thin lips.
"And what if I did?" Ruth drawled, failing to fight off the blush that covered his cheeks. His eyes darkened and a shiver shook his body at the memory of Haldir.
"Well, I'd say our little Ruth is not so little anymore," Gimli teased.
"I am over 700 years your senior, Gimli," Ruth growled. "I can hardly be called little."
"700 years?" Eowyn whispered in wonder and Ruth looked at her to avoid the teasing smirks on his friends' faces.
"Yes," he said and Eowyn tilted her head to the side in contemplation.
"You are immortal," she concluded and Ruth nodded, eyes shadowing with sadness and lips stretching into a thin line.
"In a way I am. I can still die, just like Elves can, but unlike them I cannot hope to find peace in the West," he said, turning the sad gaze towards the horizon. "There is no ship that can carry me waiting in the Gray Harbor. No ship to take me away from this life."
Heavy silence settled between them as Ruth's friends sunk into worry-filled thoughts.
Eowyn was about to say something when a horn sounded at the front. "What is it? What is going on?!" she cried out in terror.
"Wargs! Wargs are coming!"
They heard fear filled cries coming from the front.
"Gimli, hold on!" Aragorn snapped and he and Legolas galloped forward.
"Riders at the front! Hurry! Hurry!"
Théoden and Theodred rode over to them.
"Eowyn! You and Theodred must lead the people to Helm's Deep!" Théoden ordered.
"I can fight!" Eowyn insisted and looked at Ruth for aid.
"They will follow you," Ruth said and looked at Theodred. "Look out for her." He nudged Orion into a gallop not waiting for either of the three to answer.
Just as Ruth climbed over the small hill, a Warg jumped at him with an Orc on its back. With little more than a thought, Ruth killed both of them with a swing of his sword. He joined the fight, immediately locating Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli.
So much for not using his sword before they reached Helm's Deep.
An Orc charged at him and Ruth jumped off of Orion's back.
"Hate, Orion! Hate!" (Leave, Orion! Leave!) He shouted as he killed the Orc. Soon enough he lost all thought beside that of survival. He killed Orcs and Wargs alike, either cutting them down or cursing them with his Magic.
He caught sight of the dead and his heart ached, but he kept on fighting. Just as he thought it was coming to an end, he caught sight of something that made his heart stop beating.
"ARAGORN!"
Legolas and Gimli were broken out of their own thoughts when they heard Ruth's frantic cry. Almost immediately, they spotted the Wizard shifting into a black panther and running towards a Warg and its rider as the insane animal ran towards a cliff.
To their horror, Aragorn seemed to be stuck to the harness around the Warg's neck.
Everything seemed to slow down as Ruth caught up with Aragorn. He jumped, shifted mid flight and cut off the Orc's head, taking its place. "Aragorn!"
"I cannot get free of this!" Aragorn shouted and Ruth's guts sunk when he saw that Aragorn's hand was stuck in the harness.
"Get ready!" Ruth snapped and a knife appeared in his hand. His eyes met Aragorn's and he cut the harness, and Aragorn fell rolling away with a pained shout.
Ruth's heart stopped for a second when he raised his head, seeing the approaching edge of a cliff.
"Ruth, jump!" Aragorn cried out and just as Ruth turned to jump off of the insane Warg another one jumped him from behind. "RUTHÍMIEL!" Aragorn could only watch as his friend and brother fell over the cliff. His heart stopped for a second and then he was on his feet, running towards the cliff.
"Aragorn!"
He did not listen to Legolas' call. He reached the edge of the cliff and would have jumped had Legolas not caught and stopped him.
"Tampa, Aragorn! Tampa! Ta naa telwanin!" (Stop, Aragorn! Stop! It is too late!) Legolas shouted, although his voice was laced with pain and sorrow.
Gimli ran over in and once he looked over the edge, he let go of a pained wail and fell to his knees.
Aragorn's eyes filled with tears as his knees betrayed him.
Legolas let go of the Ranger and bowed his head.
All three of them were overtaken by sorrow and pain.
"Ta il deanim," (It cannot be.) Aragorn whispered painfully, bowing his head as tears trailed down his face. "Ta il deanim."
Ruth was gone.
Just as soon as they have been reunited, they have lost Ruth forever.
"Tula, Aragorn," (Come, Aragorn.) Legolas spoke and placed his hand on Aragorn's shoulder. "Lye anta antuva." (We must go.)
Aragorn opened his eyes and looked into the distance. Ever so slowly he stood up, closely followed by Gimli. "Namaarie, toror'amin," (Farewell, my brother.) the Heir of Isildur whispered and turned to walk away. His gaze fell on a sword embedded in the ground a few feet away. His heart ached as he walked over to it. He took it into his hand and another tear trailed down his cheek as he wiped the glimmering blade on his cloak to remove the blood off of it.
To Aragorn it seemed as though the sword was crying. He looked up and his eyes met Théoden's. A second later the King bowed his head and walked away.
Aragorn looked at Legolas when the Elf placed his hand on Aragorn's shoulder and then at Gimli when the Dwarf stopped by his side.
"The Elf will be broken when he finds out," Gimli spoke in a broken voice and Aragorn forced a swallow.
"We must go," he spoke. "His death will not be in vain. It will not be in vain."
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Aragorn raised his head when they entered Helm's Deep and the door closed behind them. He spotted Eowyn running towards Théoden with Theodred not far behind and Aragorn's heart ached. He gripped Ithiltincya tightly in his hand and nodded at Legolas when the Elf placed his hand on his shoulder. In that moment Aragorn's eyes met Eowyn's desperate gaze and he could do nothing else but nod.
Théoden had already told her.
They had no time to grieve, though. They needed to prepare. The Uruk-Hai were getting closer and they had to get ready.
Although for some reason, Aragorn could not find any more hope in his heart.
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"Haldir! Haldir, tula sinome!" (Haldir, come here!)
Haldir stopped and looked in the direction of one of his comrades, seeing Anoron kneeling by the riverbank, holding something in his hand and Haldir ran over to Anoron while the rest of their company stopped to wait.
"Caelamin utue! Ta naa er en'lye!" (I have found this! It is one of ours!) Anoron spoke. He sounded worried and Haldir's eyes widened when he took a closer look at the cloak Anoron had found.
"N'uma!"(No!) Haldir gasped out and took the cloak from Anoron's hands. It was Ruthímiel's cloak, the one he had worn on the day he had departed from Lothlórien.
"Haldir?"
"Paluva n'e!" (Spread out!) Haldir cried out in panic. "Sina naa Ruthímiele!" (This is Ruthímiel's!)
Almost immediately everyone spread out to search for the Istar. Their torches shone light upon the riverbank, helping them in their search.
Haldir lost track of how long they were looking for the Istar. His heart was beating quickly in his chest and his mind was clouded with fear. He stopped breathing for a second when someone called out to him.
"Haldir! Haldir, amin lye utue!" (Haldir, I found him!)
Haldir's heart stopped as he ran towards Fathiel. He fell on his knees beside the prone body of Ruthímiel, gathering him into his arms and gently cupping Ruth's cheek in his shaking hand. "Ruth? Ruth, open your eyes!" he begged frantically, feeling as though someone was tearing his heart out of his chest.
Images from the first time he had held Ruth in his arms, all bloody and dying overlapped with that moment and Haldir felt as though he would go insane.
"Please. Please, wake up."
In that moment Ruth started to cough and water started to come out of his mouth.
"Yallume!" (At last!) Haldir breathed out as he held Ruth on his side while the Wizard coughed and convulsed in the Elf's arms. Haldir could hear his lieutenants order everyone to set up camp, but he had eyes only for Ruth, who was slowly calming down. "That is it, a'mael," (beloved) he whispered as Ruth calmed and came to rest against Haldir, catching his breath.
He opened his eyes slowly and looked up at Haldir, only to frown. "Haldir?" Ruth choked out weakly.
"It is alright, Ruth. You are safe," Haldir whispered, not really knowing for whom the words were meant.
"What happened?" Ruth asked and looked around in confusion.
"I found your cloak on the riverbank," Anoron spoke when he walked over and Ruth frowned at him.
Ruth then recognized Anoron as one of the Elves from Haldir's group and smiled gratefully. "Thank you," he said and tried to sit up.
"Do not move. You are weak," Haldir ordered and Ruth rested against him, letting go of a weary breath.
"We are setting up camp," Anoron said. "Haldir, your tent is already waiting for you. Fathiel already started a fire in it."
Haldir nodded gratefully and gently gathered Ruth into his arms. Ruth closed his eyes and leaned his head against Haldir's strong chest.
"Thank you. We shall move out at dawn," Haldir said and walked over to the tent that was already waiting for him.
A sleeping bag had already been laid beside the fire and once Haldir laid Ruth on it, the Wizard sighed and curled towards the fire.
"Your robes are wet," Haldir said as he took a seat beside him.
Ruth nodded and within a second his clothes were gone. Almost immediately he started to shiver from the cold.
Haldir quickly took off his own robes, lied down beside Ruth and wrapped them both in the warm covers. He pulled Ruth into his embrace and buried his face in Ruth's neck. "Mani marte, a'mael?"(What happened, beloved?) Haldir asked in a whisper and Ruth nuzzled back into him, seeking his warmth.
"We were moving towards Helm's Deep," Ruth spoke in a broken, wavering voice. He was still shaking from the cold. "We were attacked by Wargs and Orcs. We fought. I saw Aragorn being pulled towards a cliff and rushed to save him. I managed to set him free and I was about to save myself from falling over the cliff, but – I do not remember what happened then. I remember you waking me up." His voice grew steadier as he warmed up.
Haldir took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He held Ruth tightly as he reassured himself that he was well.
"Haldir?"
"We have arrived at Edoras earlier yesterday and found it empty," the Elf spoke quietly. "We concluded Théoden decided to lead his people to Helm's Deep and decided to take the quickest way over. Had we chosen any other way…"
"Hush…" Ruth whispered soothingly as he turned in Haldir's embrace to be able to face him. "I am well. I am with you. I only fear for Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli. They must think that I am gone."
Haldir looked in those beautiful eyes and pulled Ruth close. They entwined their legs together under the covers and Ruth hid his face in Haldir's strong chest. "You shall be reunited by tomorrow night. We have less than a day's walk to Helm's Deep." At Haldir's reassuring words Ruth sighed and finally relaxed completely in Haldir's hold.
"That is good," Ruth whispered and wrapped his arms around Haldir to the best of his abilities.
"I couldn't stop thinking about you ever since we had parted ways, a'mael," (beloved) Haldir murmured in Ruth's still damp hair.
"I thought of you just as much," Ruth muttered sleepily. Haldir's warmth enveloped him completely, his strength reassured him and the closeness of his body reminded Ruth that he had not felt Haldir's touch in a while. "I missed you greatly."
Haldir swallowed with slight difficulties, eyes sliding closed. The closeness of Ruth's body did many things to him and not one of them was proper for this moment. Haldir had to remind himself constantly that they had saved Ruth from the river less than a candle mark ago and that the Wizard was probably weak and wished nothing else but to rest.
"Haldir?" The Elf looked down when Ruth called for him. Ruth's eyes were smoldering with passion and when the Wizard moved against Haldir, the Elf felt that Ruth desired him just as much.
"Il mernamin lle cronuva," (I do not wish to harm you.) Haldir spoke in a tight voice and Ruth smiled lovingly at him.
He raised his left hand to cup Haldir's face and pushed himself up to kiss the proud Elf. "You could never harm me."
A wave of magic spread from Ruth, making sure they could not be heard or disturbed until dawn. Within moments Ruth found himself on his back, with Haldir adoring his body as though it was the most sacred thing in the world.
Ruth opened his eyes and a small smirk tugged on his lips.
Haldir raised an eyebrow when he found himself on his back with Ruth straddling his waist. The Elf let go of a guttural moan when his dark haired nymph rubbed his straining need with his behind.
"It has been a while since I've felt you, yásumar," (beloved) Ruth whispered and leaned over Haldir with hands on each side of Haldir's head.
Haldir placed his hands on Ruth's waist and pulled him down, moaning when that delicious friction sent waves of pleasure over his body.
"We shall have time for slow love making and sweet, long nights," Ruth whispered in Haldir's ear as the Elf's hands lowered to grope Ruth's ass, and the Wizard moaned when he felt the tip of Haldir's member rub against his entrance.
He looked down at Haldir and smiled lovingly, reaching behind himself with his right hand and pushing two of his fingers into his entrance. He shivered and moaned as a wave of magic washed over him, relaxing his muscles and lubing his tight heat.
Haldir could hardly breathe as he gazed up at his lover. He rubbed Ruth's thighs with his hands as the Istar moved backwards, before reaching under himself, making Haldir grunt and the feel of Ruth's sleek fingers pumping his rock hard member.
Ruth rose up on his knees as he aligned his entrance with Haldir's cock, and both moaned when he took the hard member in all at once with no hesitation or thought.
Haldir swore he could come just from the sight of the Istar. Perfect, creamy skin shone in the fire, the veins decorating the velvety plains glimmering like starlight, damp raven locks sticking to the soft skin and prideful head thrown back in pleasure.
Ruth looked down at him with dilated eyes and slowly started to move.
It didn't take long for them to find the perfect rhythm and soon enough the air was filled with moans and grunts, heavy with the smell of sex and sweat.
"Heavens!" Haldir gasped and Ruth suddenly found himself on his back. He moaned loudly when Haldir moved faster, hitting that sweet, sweet spot inside Ruth with every thrust.
Ruth entwined his fingers in Haldir's shoulder long hair and pulled him into a passion filled kiss. "Please – Haldir – please – faster!"
Haldir grunted, pulled out and flipped Ruth over. The Istar screamed when Haldir filled him again, with his hands gripping Ruth's waist with a bruising force. "Anin," (too long) Haldir growled lowly as he leaned over Ruth. The Wizard's hands weakened and he leaned on his elbows, biting into his forearm as pleasure surged through his body. "Anin tella coiasira amine lle tyave." (Too long since I last touched you.)
The thrusts became frantic and Haldir reached under Ruth to grip his weeping member. Ruth came, gasping Haldir's name, and not a moment later Haldir joined him in completion. They collapsed on the sleeping bag, sweaty, breathless and sated. Haldir was about to move, but Ruth grabbed his hand and stopped him.
"Um il beluva," (Don't move.) Ruth whispered and Haldir frowned, worrying that he had hurt his beloved. "I wish to feel you for as long as it is possible."
Haldir let go of the breath he was unconsciously holding. He pulled the cover of the sleeping bag over the both of them and wrapped Ruth into his arms, pulling him to his chest. "As you wish," he whispered and soon both of them fell asleep, joined in the most intimate of ways.
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"Ellesar…"
A voice whispered in the deep darkness surrounding him. A glimmer of something green appeared in the corner of his sight, but it disappeared as soon as he turned to try and see what it was.
"Your destiny awaits you, King of Men…"
"Who is this?!" he called out, struggling to recognize the voice whispering in the darkness over the maddening beating of his heart. "Who are you?!"
Pain burst in his head and he fell to his knees, images of fire and earsplitting screams all but blinding him.
"All that is gold does not glitter…"
"Where are you?!" he cried out, his heart breaking at the sight of Ruthímiel lying bloody and broken in front of a grand white staircase. "Ruth!" he roared, but the vision faded away, quickly changing into one of a white tree burning in the darkness of the night.
"All that is long does not last…"
He climbed to his feet, looking around frantically as the images of his friends, his brothers in all but blood flittered in front of him.
"All that is old does not wither…"
His heart broke when the beauty of an Elven Maiden with long brown locks filled his vision, and the light in her beautiful, ocean blue orbs dulled. "Arwen…"
"Not all that is over is past."
Aragorn turned on his heel when a loud screech broke the deafening whispers and he froze in his place at the sight of the White City - Minas Tirith - enveloped in flames. A terrifying sight made worse by the fell-beasts flying over the burning city.
"Not all that have fallen are vanquished…"
The image vanished and he found himself standing in front of Ruthímiel, the wizard smiling at him lovingly and handing Aragorn a long sword wrapped in the flag of the King.
"A king may yet be without crown…"
"Ruth…" He breathed out, reaching for the Wizard as his heart burst with pain and eyes filled with tears.
"A blade that was broken be brandished…"
Light burst to life behind Ruth, and he had to shield his eyes in an attempt to see the fallen Istar.
"And towers that were strong may fall down…" (1)
"Ruthímiel!" Aragorn cried out, startling awake, only to find himself staring at Legolas.
"Calm, my friend," the Elf murmured soothingly. "You have fallen asleep."
Aragorn frowned and looked around. Indeed he had fallen asleep in the meeting room. He looked at the table and his heart grew heavy again when his eyes landed on Ithiltincya. He sighed and straightened in his seat. "Is everyone ready?" he asked and Legolas nodded.
"Yes."
Aragorn sighed and stood up. He walked out of the room and onto the overcrowded streets of Helm's Deep, looking around with eyes shadowed with pain.
"Farmers, furriers, stable boys…" Gimli counted as he walked over to them. "These are no soldiers."
"Most have seen too many winters," Legolas commented when an old mad walked beside him, "or too few," he added and pointedly looked at a young boy. Aragorn snorted and fastened his forearm protector. "Look at them, Aragorn." Legolas muttered and Aragorn looked at the Elf with a frown. "They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes."
"Legolas…"
"Boe a hyn! Neled herain dan caer menig!" (And they should be! Three hundred against ten thousand!) Legolas snapped and Aragorn sighed.
"Si beriathar hyn ammaeg na ned Edoras." (They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras.) Aragorn reasoned and Legolas sneered. Aragorn didn't know what has gotten into the usually calm and collected Elf. This was not the Legolas he knew. "Legolas…"
"Aragorn!" the Elf interrupted him and looked at Aragorn with darkened eyes. "Nedin dagor hen u-erir ortheri. Natha daged dhaer!" (They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!)
"Then I shall die as one of them!" Aragorn snapped and everything stilled. With a single glare pointed at Legolas, Aragorn turned his back on the Elf and walked away.
In that moment it was as though Legolas woke up. He moved to follow after Aragorn, but Gimli grabbed his right forearm and shook his head at the Elf.
"Let him go, lad," he said. "Let him be."
"I do not know what came over me," Legolas muttered, still breathing deeply. "I do not know..."
"It is good to know that even you can get angry and feel despair," Gimli grumbled and Legolas looked at him with a confused frown.
"What do you mean by that?"
Gimli snorted and leaned on his axe. "We have lost Ruth less than a day ago," he said, "and even though you act strong and untouched by anything, I can see that you suffer just as much as Aragorn suffers. Just as much as I suffer. It may even be that he feels worse than either one of us, because for some reason he feels responsible."
"Why should he?" Legolas asked. "We have all seen what happened..."
"Tell that to him and see how well it goes," Gimli cut him off, and Legolas snorted with a smile tilting thin lips.
"So, you are saying that I have said those things because I have given in to my own sorrow and despair?" Gimli shrugged and looked at Legolas from under his helmet.
"Could be. I have been wondering when you would lose your cool."
Legolas snorted and looked at the ground. "I was wrong," he said and looked down the street.
"Give him a few minutes to collect his thoughts. Then go talk to him. He will understand."
Legolas nodded before he smirked and looked at Gimli. "Who would have thought; a Dwarf giving advice to an Elf."
"Stranger things have happened," Gimli muttered.
For some strange reason, neither could think of one.
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Aragorn looked up when Legolas walked into the armory where Aragorn was getting ready. The Elf held out Aragorn's sword and smiled at him.
"We have trusted you this far. You have not led us astray," Legolas said as Aragorn took the sword and fastened it to his belt. He looked up at Legolas and gifted him with a small smile. "Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."
"U-moe edaved, Legolas," (There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.) Aragorn said and patted Legolas' shoulder. Both turned to look at the doorway when heavy huffing and puffing reached their ears.
Gimli appeared there struggling with his chain mail shirt. "If we had time I would get this fixed," he muttered and Aragorn and Legolas chuckled at him when Gimli let go of the chain mail and it gathered around his feet. "It's a little tight across the chest!" he snapped.
A moment later they tensed up when they heard a horn sound in the night.
"That is no Orc horn," Legolas muttered, exchanging a glance with Aragorn.
Within minutes they were out of the armory, with Gimli quickly pulling the chain mail off. They ran out on the streets, hearing the bewildered exclamations of men gathered out there. They met up with Théoden only to stop in their tracks when an Elven army marched down the street. They were moving as one and Aragorn gasped when Haldir stepped forward and their eyes met.
"How is this possible?" Théoden wondered out loud and Haldir looked at him.
"We bring word from Elrond of Rivendell and Galadriel of Lórien," Haldir spoke proudly. "An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together." He looked at Aragorn again and the Elf's story eyes glowed. "We come to honor that allegiance."
Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli took a few steps forward, all three of them looking broken and sad. Aragorn took off the second sword fastened his belt and offered it to Haldir.
"Ta naa lle," (This belongs to you) Aragorn spoke in a pain filled voice. Legolas and Gimli bowed their heads in sorrow. "I am sorry."
Haldir looked down at the sword, his stormy eyes gazing at it with an unreadable glow. "Maybe…" he looked in Aragorn's confusion filled eyes, "maybe you should give it to whom it truly belongs," he said and before Aragorn could voice his confusion, Haldir took a step to the side to reveal a cloaked figure behind him. The three stopped breathing when an elegant hand reached up and pushed the hood back to reveal the smiling face of Ruthímiel the Green.
"Ruth!"
"Thank you for keeping it safe for me, Aragorn. I thought it has been lost to me forever."
The sword met the ground with a 'clang' and Ruth found himself enveloped in three pairs of arms.
"We thought you were lost to us," Aragorn whispered against Ruth's neck, holding on to the Istar for dear life.
"You and your dumb luck! Bless ya, laddy! Bless ya!" Gimli cried out wrapping his arms tightly around Ruth's waist.
"It is good to see you, brother," Legolas spoke in an uncharacteristic show of emotion, his arms wrapped around Ruth and Aragorn.
Ruth laughed and returned their hugs, not having any words to say, for whatever he thought of could never be enough to erase the sorrow his friends must have felt for the past day. Once they let go of him Ruth looked at Théoden and bowed his head at the King. He looked at Haldir and the Elf smiled lovingly at him. "See, King Théoden?" Ruth asked and looked back at the King. "You are not as alone as you might think you are."
Ruth moved over to stand beside Haldir, and the Elf wrapped his arm around Ruth's waist to the surprise of everyone present. In that moment Eowyn and Theodred ran out and gaped in wonder seeing Haldir bow down to lay a chaste kiss on Ruth's lips making Eowyn pale drastically.
"Do not worry, cousin," Theodred comforted and Eowyn looked at him. "He was not meant for you either way. You shall find someone one day." Eowyn swallowed bitterly and nodded sharply. Without another word, she ran away while Theodred sighed and shook his head. He smiled when he heard Ruth call out to him and went to join them. "I am glad to see you well, Master Ruthímiel," he said and accepted a hug from the Istar.
"And I am glad to see you in good health as well, young Theodred," Ruth said before leaning closer to the young prince. "I have seen Eowyn. I worry for her," he whispered and Theodred sighed.
"Worry not, Master Istar. Sooner or later she had to learn. You are far beyond her in everything. Both she and I are young. She will find love when the time is right." Ruth smiled at Theodred and nodded.
"Ruth, we must prepare," Haldir spoke up and Ruth looked at him. "The Uruk-Hai are getting closer as we speak. We must hurry."
"Very well. Let us move," the Istar said gravely. "Time is not on our side."
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Ruth swallowed difficultly and took a deep breath. He looked into the distance at the approaching army of Uruk-Hai. Their torches shone ominously in the night and Ruth's heart danced in his chest. He stood beside Haldir, drawing strength from the proud Elf. "This fort has only one weakness," he whispered.
"We know that, a'mael," (beloved) Haldir answered. "You have taken care of it. Nothing can breach that gap."
Ruth let go of a breath and nodded. "Look at me. It is as though I have never fought in a war before," he muttered and Haldir smirked.
"Calm. We shall make it through this."
Ruth smiled and glanced at his lover. "Right. We shall." He climbed on his tiptoes, kissed Haldir's cheek and winked at him. "I am off to do my part. See you later," he said and jogged away.
"You have a strong husband." Haldir looked at Anoron who stood to his right.
"You have no idea, my good friend," Haldir said and glared at the oncoming army. "You have no idea."
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"Remember, I will be able to do this only once. It requires a great deal of power and after that, I shall be forced to fight just like any of you. Don't interrupt me and make sure no one touches me."
"It shall be done," Aragorn promised and Ruth stopped in his tracks and looked at his friend.
"It is an honor to fight with you, Aragorn. I hope that come morning we shall look back at this night and stand victorious."
"I pray your hopes come true," Aragorn answered placing a reassuring hand on Ruth's shoulder, and the Istar nodded at him and looked at the army that stopped some 50 meters in front of the great wall of Helm's Deep.
The enemy stopped hitting their drums and heavy silence settled among them.
Ruth took a deep breath and closed his eyes. He and Aragorn were alone on the wall directly above the gate.
"Tangado haid!" (Hold positions!)
Ruth heard Haldir's order in the distance, followed by the Lieutenants repeating it. He took a deep breath and felt his magic gather at the tips of his fingers.
He was ready.
He resisted the urge to hop in his place and instead started to hum, to Aragorn's surprise. The man chuckled when Ruth threw him a small smirk.
The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can.
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say. (2)
Ruth sung, with Aragorn humming beside him. Once the little song was done, the two exchanged a smile. "May we live to see where the Road shall lead us," Ruth whispered and Aragorn nodded.
The Uruk-Hai started to beat their drums again.
"Dartho!" (Hold!) Haldir's order echoed through the night.
In the next moment Ruth's breath hitched in his throat. An arrow hit an Uruk-Hai and silence fell among them again.
Now! he thought when the Uruk-Hai roared.
Aragorn pulled back as far as he could go when a wave of powerful magic burst from Ruth. It gathered in front of the Istar and then spread to the sides, quicker than an eye can see.
Confusion settled among the Uruk-Hai when from nowhere two walls of water started to close in on them from behind.
Aragorn could only watch as Ruth started to glow emerald green. Ruth slowly raised his arms, hands turned palms up, and Aragorn looked at the Uruk-Hai army and his breath hitched in his throat.
Rain stopped falling as every single drop of water obeyed Ruth's will and built a wall that threatened to collapse upon the Dark Army any second.
"Qwi!"(Now!) Ruth's power laced voice echoed through the night and he fisted his hands. The wall came tumbling down upon the Dark Army, turning into deadly ice as it fell.
Ruth gasped in a breath and stumbled backwards into Aragorn's awaiting arms.
"Leithio i philinn!" (Fire arrows!)
Aragorn pulled Ruth down as the Elves and Men fired their arrows while the Uruk-Hai army charged at the fort.
"It wasn't enough! I didn't even get half of them!" Ruth spoke between gasps.
"You have done more than enough!" Aragorn said as they descended down the stairs.
"Go," Ruth urged Aragorn when they stopped under an arch. "They need you up there. I'll join you in a minute."
Aragorn nodded and ran off. Once he was gone Ruth cursed and hit the wall with his fist. He should have waited just a moment longer. He should have gathered more water. He should have done more!
"Fire at will!"
Ruth looked up when he heard Haldir's voice.
Now was not the time to despair. They had a battle to win.
Ruth unsheathed his sword and ran out of his cover. He hurried up the stairs ignoring the weariness that threatened to overtake him because of the Spell he had used mere moments ago. Time for rest would come later; much later.
He climbed the stairs just as the Uruk-Hai managed to attach heavy metal ladders to the wall. "Try to push the ladders off! Don't let them climb!" he shouted. He pulled on what little magical reserves he had left and blew up two ladders as Men and Elves worked together to detach the other ladders.
Sadly they failed and now the sounds of swords and shields meeting filled the air. Ruth did his very best to keep track of everything, but his earlier magic escapade made it difficult.
"Ruth!"
He looked up and a small relieved smile tilted his lips when he saw Haldir running towards him, cutting down Uruk-Hai left, right and center. They met up half way and fought back to back, as though they'd done this a thousand times before.
Ruth caught sight of Aragorn, who was holding his ground bravely. Sometime later he saw Gimli who was happily cutting down one enemy after another, counting each one as they fell. Legolas was also giving his all, fighting with both arrows and knives.
"Duck!" Haldir shouted and Ruth rolled to the side as Haldir decapitated an Uruk-Hai with his long sword.
Ruth was about to say something when his heart stopped and his words hitched in his throat. Images overlapped in front of his eyes, but this time he could not count on magic.
"Haldir!"
The Elf was too slow to react. He gasped when Ruth grabbed his shoulder and spun them around.
Haldir's heart stopped beating when his Wizard, his Bond-mate, his beloved let go of a grunt of pain and fell into his arms with an arrow sticking out of his left shoulder.
An arrow that was meant to strike Haldir's heart.
"Ruthímiel!" Aragorn cried out, just as Haldir lowered Ruth to the ground. Aragorn killed the Uruk-Hai that had wounded Ruth and rushed over to them.
"Pull it out," Rush hissed and Haldir looked at the arrow. "Pull it out, or I'll pull it out myself!" Ruth snapped and Haldir tore the arrow out of Ruth's shoulder and threw it away before he placed his hand on the wound and pressed down.
"Take him to the citadel! We'll take over from here!" Aragorn shouted as Legolas joined his side.
"Don't be an idiot!" Ruth snapped and pulling on the last bits of magic he still had left, he closed the wound to the best of his abilities. Haldir was about to protest, but Ruth stopped him when he grabbed the Elf's sword and impaled an Uruk-Hai that wanted to attack Haldir from the back on it. "We have a war to fight!" Ruth pressed out through clenched teeth and Haldir nodded. He only noted that later, once this whole ordeal was over, he would have to have a talk with Ruth about priorities.
The Uruk-Hai army seemed endless.
They all lost count of how long they have already been fighting. They didn't know how long they would last.
They had suffered many losses and they seemed greater than those of the Dark Army.
Just as they thought things couldn't get worse, an explosion shook them all and they all met the floor.
The main entrance has fallen.
"Pull back! Pull back to the citadel! We've lost the main wall! Pull back!"
Ruth could only feel Haldir grab his arm and pull him along as they ran towards the upper parts of the city. He didn't know how they made it. He only knew that once he saw Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli join him and Haldir in the citadel he finally surrendered to the call of darkness.
cut
Ruth opened his eyes what seemed moments later when a sharp sting of pain spread from his shoulder.
"Calm. Your wound reopened when I was pulling you towards the citadel," Haldir told him and Ruth realized that the Elf and Aragorn were tending to the wound in his shoulder.
"At least it wasn't poisoned," Ruth murmured tiredly, earning an angry scowl from Haldir while Aragorn smirked and shook his head, sparks of amusement and relief appearing in the Ranger's gray eyes.
"How are you feeling, lad?" Gimli asked and Ruth looked at him.
"Like I could sleep for the next decade or so," Ruth answered honestly.
"I have never seen such Magic. I am honestly surprised you held on for so long." Ruth smiled at Legolas and winced when Aragorn finished stitching his wound.
"I would tell you not to use that arm for at least a few days, but that would be a moot point," Aragorn muttered and Ruth tried to rotate his shoulder.
"Never mind that," he said and straightened to the obvious displeasure of his lover and friends. "How are we standing? How many did we lose?"
"Surprisingly, not as many as we had thought," Haldir said, knowing he would get nowhere if he chose to argue with Ruth. "We have more wounded and unable to fight than dead."
Ruth breathed a sigh of relief. "Where is Théoden?"
"Feeling sorry for himself," Gimli grumbled and nodded in the direction of the neighboring room. Ruth sighed and tried to stand up. Haldir grabbed his lover's arm and just as Ruth thought he would stop him Haldir wound an arm around his waist and helped him stand. He raised an eyebrow at Haldir and the Elf snorted.
"It would be useless to try and reason with you now."
Ruth smiled and shook his head. "Why do I have a feeling that later I shall suffer for this moment of peace?" he murmured and Haldir snorted. They entered the room where Théoden sat with his commanders. Theodred was also there to Ruth's surprise. The younger man winked at him, signaling that he escaped the caves after they heard that the wall has been breached and that he was at least trying to reason with his father.
"The fortress is taken. It is over." Théoden said and Ruth rolled his eyes as Haldir helped him take a seat.
"Do you not know anything else but to bemoan your fate?" Ruth drawled and Théoden glared at him.
"Is there no other way for the women and children to get out?" Aragorn asked and Théoden bowed his head. "Is there no other way?!"
"There is one passage. It leads into the mountains. But they will not get far. The Uruk-Hai are too many," Theodred spoke, drawing everyone's attention from his father.
"Tell the women and children to make for the mountain pass," Haldir said to Gamling and the man looked at his King, asking for orders.
Théoden sighed and shook his head. "So much death," he said. "What can Men do against such reckless hate?" he asked and looked at everyone.
"You can fight," Ruth said and everyone looked at him. His eyes darkened to almost black, his lips were pale and raised a hand to his wounded shoulder. "You can give up, of course, but for what? Whether you live or die does not matter at this point. We are far beyond the point of no return, Théoden King. What will you do? Will you sit here and quietly wait for your death or will you stand and fight, and if today is the day you should meet your end, should you not try and make it worth something? Should you not die with your sword in your hand and your head held high?" Ruth looked in Théoden's eyes. "What will you do?"
Heavy silence settled over them.
"Ride out with me." Théoden looked at Aragorn and their eyes met. "Ride out with me. Meet them head on. Show them that there is still some fight left in Men," Aragorn spoke proudly, and everyone felt as though something ignited in their hearts.
Ruth exchanged a smirk with Haldir, and the Elf resisted the urge to roll his eyes, lips twitching into a hit of a smile.
"Yes…" Théoden spoke and slowly stood up. "For death and glory."
"For Rohan," Theodred added and pushed away from the wall he has been leaning on. "For our people."
"You are not yet..."
"If Master Ruth can fight, so can I!" Theodred interrupted his father and Ruth snorted.
Théoden's lips tilted into a small smile and he nodded, eyes filling with pride. "Very well," he growled and grinned. "So be it." Everything shook when the Uruk-Hai charged at the front gate. "We shall ride out."
"The sun is rising," Gimli muttered and Legolas, Aragorn and Ruth looked at a small window.
Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east.
Heads rose up with pride and the air suddenly filled with something no one could explain. It felt as though new strength surged through them. Their bodies ached and their minds were weary, but somewhere deep inside all of them, a new strength blossomed.
"Bring the horses!" Théoden ordered and everyone scurried around. "The horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the Deep; one last time!"
"Yes!" Gimli cheered and ran off somewhere while two horses that no longer had riders were brought over to Ruth and Haldir. The two exchanged almost matching smirks and mounted their stallions.
The first door fell.
It was only a matter of time until the second door fell as well.
"Fell deeds, awake…" Théoden raised his sword, men gathering at his sides.
Ruth, Haldir, Aragorn and Legolas gathered behind Théoden, exchanging glances full of warnings, and yet all four of them could feel adrenaline pumping through their veins.
"Now for wrath!" Théoden called out, glancing at his son who stood to the King's right, and the Ruler of Rohan raised his sword. "Now for ruin! AND A RED DAWN!"
The door fell at the moment when the sound of an old horn broke the air.
With a mighty war cry swords were raised into the air. Hoofs hit the ground in a mad rhythm. Neighs matched the cries of the riders as they charged at the Uruk-Hai.
They fell one by one and the riders marched through their enemy's ranks with renewed vigor.
Ruth raised his head when sunrays hit his face and he felt as though a cloak of warmth and strength enveloped him. His heartbeat stuttered when a bright light shone on the horizon.
A merry laugh left his lips and he felt as though he could fly, and joy and strength burst in his heart as he raised his sword and cheered.
"Gandalf!"
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The old Istar chuckled dryly, gazing at the two clashing armies. "Théoden King stands alone," he muttered. A low snort made him look to the side at the young warrior riding a brown steed.
"Not alone." Eomer of Rohan raised his spear. "ROHIRRIM!" he roared and no less than 2000 men on horses gathered on the horizon, casting shadows on the depleted Dark Army.
And then a mighty roar echoed through the valley.
"FORTH EORLINGAS!"
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Haldir sighed as he looked at his sleeping lover.
Ruth had practically collapsed the moment it was all over. It's been over 12 hours and yet Haldir had not the heart to wake him up. Most of the people who have found refuge in Helm's Deep have now made their way towards Edoras. Only Théoden's personal guard and a few of Eomer's men, together with Theodred, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf, Ruth, Haldir and the Elven Army remained at Helm's Deep.
They would spend the night there and then move for Isengard in the morning. They had one last thing to handle. Saruman himself.
Haldir was woken from his thoughts when Ruth sighed and shifted in his improvised bed. He smiled lovingly and lied down beside Ruth. The Istar moved closer to the Elf almost instinctively and Haldir's heart warmed.
"Mankoi?" (Why?) he whispered and Ruth yawned.
"Mankoi mani?" (Why what?) he mumbled, reflexively answering in Elvish.
"Why did you do that?" Haldir whispered and buried his face in Ruth's neck. "Why did you protect me? You could have died? What if..."
"Haldir?" Ruth called out his name and ever so slowly, careful of his injured shoulder, turned to face his beloved. "Would you not do the same for me?"
Haldir frowned at that. "Of course I would. I would die for you."
"I do not need for you to die for me, Haldir," Ruth whispered, eyes glimmering with sadness. "I need you to live for me. I need you to survive. I know that if the situation was reverse, I would think what you are thinking right now. I know that you would have done the same were you in my place. Yes, this time I was lucky. I wasn't killed. But you survived as well and that is all that matters."
Haldir sighed, closed his eyes and leaned his forehead against Ruth's. "You are right about that," Haldir spoke, although he hesitated.
"Of course I am," Ruth grumbled and nuzzled closer to Haldir. "How long do we have until we must move out?"
Haldir laughed quietly and kissed the crown of Ruth's head. "Sleep," he said. "I shall wake you up when the time is right."
"You should rest as well," Ruth muttered, already half asleep.
"I will." And with those words they both settled into comfortable silence. Soon enough Haldir joined Ruth in the land of dreams.
One battle was over.
They have won the Battle for Rohan.
But another battle lay ahead.
The battle that would decide the future of Middle Earth.
And hopefully, they would be ready.
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(1) Belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien
(2) Belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien