cut
"Merry, over here!"
Said Hobbit raised his head and ran over to where Pippin was helping Eowyn fix a cart.
"Help me get this up," Pippin said and Merry grabbed one of the loose boards of the cart to help Pippin move it to the side.
Everyone that stayed behind in Edoras was working on fixing what needed to be fixed. Just because they weren't in Edoras when the army of Isengard passed through didn't mean the Uruk-Hai didn't leave everything desolated and destroyed.
They were doing their best to fix everything, wishing that once the war was done and their fathers, husbands and sons returned they would have something to return to.
Merry breathed a sigh of relief and wiped his brow with his forearm. He looked around and found Eowyn walking over to them.
"You two are working hard," she commented with a small smile and offered them both cups of refreshing water.
"Thank you, milady," Merry said.
"Just because we promised Ruth we would stay behind doesn't mean we will sit to the side and do nothing. We can still help," Pippin spoke happily making Eowyn smile.
"I am surprised that you have agreed to stay behind, Lady Eowyn," Merry admitted and Eowyn's smile faded slightly.
"I wish I went with them," she answered honestly. "But my brother and cousin were right. Someone needed to stay behind and lead these people until they come back." She tried to smile bravely at the Hobbits, but her eyes were still shadowed with fear and doubt.
"They will come back, milady," Merry said in full conviction and Eowyn smiled.
"I know, Merry."
The three looked towards the horizon. A dark storm was rising in the East. Their hearts were heavy but they still didn't give up hope.
They would see their friends and families again.
They would.
cut
Ruth, Haldir and Faramir were in the Throne room. The Lieutenants were out preparing for battle. Sauron's army was approaching Minas Tirith. They weren't ready. There was too few of them.
They knew the odds were against them.
And yet the only thing they could do was stand and fight.
"Do you think Théoden will answer the call?" Faramir asked and Ruth looked up from where he was leaning against a pillar with his arms crossed over his chest.
He was dressed in black leggings, knee high, brown boots and a body-following tunic that reached his mid thigh. It was such a dark green color it could be mistaken for black. His sword hung from the brown belt, loosely buckled around his waist and his sleeves were tucked into black gauntlets that went from his elbows to his wrists.
"He will," Ruth spoke certainly and offered Faramir a small smile, a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes making Haldir frown in concern.
Ruth has been acting strange ever since last night. There was something in his eyes that resembled fear, an emotion rarely seen in Ruth's enchanting orbs.
"Is there something wrong?" Faramir asked and both Ruth and Haldir looked at him in surprise.
"Why do you ask?" Ruth asked.
"Because there is something different about you. I do not know you, so I cannot pinpoint it, but you're different," Faramir remarked and Ruth looked to the side making Faramir turn to Haldir. "I will go and see how the preparations are going. You two talk. All of us will need a clear head if we want to bring this to an end," Faramir said and left the room without another word.
Ruth tensed when the door closed and he felt Haldir's eyes on him. He swallowed and shivered when Haldir approached him and squeezed his eyes tightly shut as to avoid looking at his lover.
Haldir took a firm, but gentle hold of Ruth's arms and turned him towards himself before he cupped Ruth's face within big, warm hands and made the Istar look up. "Ruthímiel?"
Ruth shivered at Haldir's warm, low tone and swallowed difficultly.
"Maa ie' amin." (Look at me.)
Ruth hesitatingly opened his eyes and let go of a wavering breath when Haldir caressed his cheekbones with his thumbs.
"Mani naa ta? Lle tyare n'ataya oio tella're ilmen. Mani naa raika?" (What is it? You have been acting strange ever since yesterday night. What is wrong?)
Ruth bowed his head and Haldir frowned when he realized Ruth was shivering.
"Ruth-..."
"Lle iltyava ta?" (Do you not feel it?) Ruth interrupted Haldir and looked in his eyes, and Haldir's eyebrows narrowed in confusion.
"Tyava mani?" (Feel what?) he asked and Ruth sighed. He moved away from Haldir and paced the room shortly. "Ruthímiel, mani naa ta? Amin naa dela." (Ruthímiel, what is it? I am worried.)
Ruth sighed and ran his fingers through his fringe, growling in annoyance at the tight braid which didn't allow him to relieve at least some of his frustration by combing his fingers through long raven tresses.
He didn't know how to say it.
He knew what would happen if he told Haldir and he wanted nothing more than to stay behind, but there was a war to fight. He was needed out there.
And yet he couldn't risk it.
He simply couldn't.
"Ruth..."
"I – I am-..." Ruth tried only to choke up. He sighed, rubbed his face and took a seat heavily on the stairs leading to the throne.
Haldir frowned and walked over to him. He kneeled in front of Ruth and placed his hands on Ruth's knees. "Ruth, tell me."
Ruth looked at him with sadness in multicolored eyes. "I can't. I don't know how," he said and Haldir frowned.
"Can you show me then?" he asked and Ruth chuckled mirthlessly.
He took a good look in Haldir's eyes. They were filled with worry and terror that there was something wrong with Ruth. The Istar's heart jumped in his chest and he cupped Haldir's face within his smaller, gentler, warmer hands. He leaned forward and stole a chaste, light kiss from Haldir's lips before he moved back and took Haldir's hands in his. "Do you not remember Mother's words?" Ruth asked and Haldir's frown came back as Ruth led Haldir's hands and placed them on his lower abdomen only to cover them with his own.
Haldir looked into Ruth's eyes in confusion and found that same love and adoration in them he had seen last night. Magic's words repeated themselves in Haldir's mind and his heart skipped a beat, breath hitching in his throat as realization finally hit him. "You are..."
"With child," Ruth finished for him with a wavering smile. He chuckled weakly when Haldir looked at him doing a pretty good imitation of a fish with his eyes impossibly wide.
"You mean..."
"Háe," (yes) Ruth gasped out as tears filled his eyes.
In the next moment Haldir grabbed him, laughing in a way Ruth had never heard him laugh and spun them around in joy. "Lye naa nauva ontaror!" (We are going to be parents!) Haldir cheered as he put Ruth down and the Istar laughed, only for Haldir to kiss him and pull him as close as he could. Ruth entwined his fingers in Haldir's hair and kissed him back with just as much love and adoration. "Lye naa nauva ontaror..." Haldir whispered against Ruth's lips and the Istar nodded.
"Ná," (Yes.) he murmured breathlessly.
"Why did you not tell me immediately? How far along are you?" Haldir whispered in confusion and Ruth squeezed his eyes tightly shut.
"A little over a month," Ruth answered, struggling to calm his quickly beating heart. "And I only found out yesterday."
Haldir frowned. "But that would mean..."
"The first time I was yours," Ruth finished for Haldir and the Elf shivered.
"But why didn't you tell me last night?" Haldir asked and Ruth pulled back a little, bowing his head.
"Because you would have me locked inside the citadel. I do not wish to risk our child either, but I know I am needed out there."
Haldir straightened at that and bowed his head a little. "You are correct," he pressed out tightly. "I do not wish you out there."
"Haldir..."
"But I do know that we need you."
Relief colored Ruth's face and he smiled at his lover weakly. "I could take your place with the archers at the top of the citadel," he whispered, approaching Haldir and taking the Elf's forearms into trembling hands. "I would have a better view over the whole battlefield. I could perform attacks from a distance and stay as far away from the actual battle as possible."
Haldir frowned and nodded reluctantly. "Sino ildula amin sera ta," (This doesn't mean that I like it.) Haldir said and Ruth smiled at him lovingly.
He hugged Haldir tightly and rested his head on Haldir's strong shoulder. "It has been over a month, Haldir," Ruth said. "Do you not remember everything that has happened?"
Haldir frowned. Ruth kissed him lovingly, smiling at the Elf with all the reassurance he could muster. He spun in Haldir's arms, flattened back against the Elf, leaned his head back to rest it on Haldir's shoulder and entwined their fingers on his lower abdomen. "Tyava ta," (Feel it.) he whispered and closed his eyes.
Haldir rested his cheek against Ruth's, closed his eyes and concentrated completely on Ruth. Wave upon wave of warmth and power washed over him and his breath was almost kicked out of him when he felt a lesser power pulsating under their joint hands.
"Our child is strong. It is strong and healthy."
A small smile pulled on Haldir's lips and he kissed Ruth cheek before he spun him around again and pulled him into another kiss, deeper kiss. "I shall pray to the Valar it remains so," Haldir said and Ruth nodded.
In that moment they heard horns sound in the distance and they tensed up. They exchanged a glance and as one ran out of the Throne room. They ran to the edge of the patio and their hearts stopped for a second. The Army of Mordor was on the horizon.
"Master Ruthímiel! Lord Haldir!" The two turned and saw Faramir running towards them. "They will reach us before nightfall! Théoden will not be here in time," the young captain spoke breathlessly and Haldir and Ruth exchanged a glance.
"Then we must hold on until he does," Haldir spoke and Ruth nodded.
Faramir looked in their eyes and raised an eyebrow when he saw new determination in them. Whatever it was they had talked about obviously gave them enough strength to decide to live through this.
"Faramir, gather your infantry and station them on the first level," Ruthímiel was first to speak up. "Haldir will be at the gates with them while you will be above them commanding the first row of archers. Send half of the archers and a third of the infantry to me on the second level. Station one lieutenant on each tower." Faramir nodded and Ruth looked at Haldir. "They will no doubt use similar tactics to the ones they had used at Helm's Deep. The Uruk-Hai will keep the soldiers occupied while the Orcs try to bring down the gates. This is Sauron's army though and he doesn't have just Orcs and Uruk-Hai at his disposal."
Ruth turned on his heel and walked over to the edge of the patio. He pointed at the river and Faramir felt like he could curse up a storm.
"With this wind those pirate ships will not be here before nightfall. They must be the backup squadron. Sauron isn't foolish and he has many allies."
"We have seen squadrons of mercenaries approaching Gondor while on scouting duties," Faramir pressed out through clenched teeth and Ruth nodded.
"They have Oliphants and the mercenaries are crafty men with no honor. If I am not mistaken, they are the second line of offense," the Istar concluded.
"We cannot forget the Nazgul," Haldir warned and Ruth snorted.
"I do not doubt that the Witch-King of Angmar will be the one leading the Armies of Sauron. You will have to leave him to me."
"Ruth..."
"No mere man can kill the Witch-King of Angmar," Ruth interrupted Haldir and looked him in the eyes. "Caeladur amin coiuva. Caeladur amin chebuva lye hin varna."(Trust me to survive. Trust me to keep our child safe.)
Faramir choked up and the two looked at him in surprise. "Child?" he piped out in shock and Ruth raised an eyebrow.
"You speak Elvish?" he answered and Faramir nodded, still gaping at them.
"Are you – are you with child?" he asked and Ruth nodded. "But – But how can that be?" Ruth chuckled and patted Faramir's shoulder.
"I am a being of Magic, Faramir. Nothing is impossible to Magic," Ruth said and Faramir turned to Haldir, looking at the Elf incredulously.
"And you will allow him to fight?"
Ruth broke into laughter at that, while Haldir just sighed in exasperation.
"Neither one of us is happy with this, Faramir, but this must be done," Ruth spoke, and although his lips were upturned, Faramir could see in those out-worldly eyes that Ruthímiel would much rather hide to keep his unborn child safe that fight. "I am needed in this fight. I will do everything in my power to protect myself and our child. I am afraid there is no other way."
"Believe me," Haldir drawled, shooting the Istar a mock glare making Ruth smile at his lover sheepishly. "There is no chamber we could lock him in that would keep him away from the battle."
Faramir frowned and pursed his lips. He looked in Ruth's eyes and Ruth gifted him with a small smile. "Worry not for me, Faramir," Ruth assured him. "I will be alright. Right now we must prepare for battle."
Faramir nodded and Ruth's smile grew a bit. "I shall summon my men," Faramir said and Ruth nodded.
"Gather all the old and injured, all the women and children. Send them up into the citadel and into the Houses of Healing. They will only get in the way on the streets and there they will be safe." Faramir nodded and Ruth looked at Haldir. "I will make my own preparations."
Haldir nodded and the three of them looked at the approaching Dark Army. The skies were gray with heavy clouds and the wind was cold an ominous. It was as though they could already hear the threatening beating of drums of war.
"We come to it at last," Ruth whispered, a shiver of excitement traveling over his body, and Haldir took a step to stand by his lover's side.
"The great battle of our time," Haldir spoke tightly and Ruth nodded.
"The battle that will decide the fate of all free folk of Middle-Earth," the Istar murmured, hands fisting by his sides.
"Let's hope it decides in our favor," Faramir muttered and Ruth chuckled.
"Yes. Let's hope it does."
cut
Aragorn swallowed heavily and looked behind. Théoden and the army of Men and Elves, joined by Gandalf, Radagast, Viresse and Luinil were disappearing in the distance. He looked at Boromir, Legolas and Gimli and nodded at them.
"Let's do this," he said and the three nodded.
"We are right behind you," Boromir said and Aragorn gifted him with a small smile.
He gripped the handle of Anduril and faced the path that would lead them to Dimholt, the door under the mountain. Aragorn took a deep breath and nodded.
Now or never, he thought to himself, taking a step forward and then another and then another.
As they entered the canyon that would lead them to Dimholt a cold wind blew behind them.
An evil cackle echoed in the wind.
A see-through, green, deathly form appeared in the darkness.
A gleeful, evil smile tilted a pair of chapped lips.
The way is shut.
The wind picked up speed as Aragorn and his company disappeared down the canyon.
The Dead do not suffer the living.
The form cackled again and disappeared.
The way is shut.
cut
Ruthímiel frowned as he looked around. The night was falling and the Army of Mordor was marching towards them. There were Orcs and Uruk-Hai and just like he feared there were Trolls as well. Some were beating a steady, ominous beat into the drums hanging around their necks and others were pushing high towers filled with Orcs towards the walls of Minas Tirith.
The Army of Mordor stilled and all sounds stopped. Ruth looked around with his magic enhanced sight and located Faramir standing on the wall above the gates.
Haldir was down at the gates. The men of Gondor were standing at their posts. Fear was a heavy smell in the air and Ruth thanked the Heavens that they have had enough time to send those unable to fight into the citadel and into the Houses of Healing.
The board is set, he thought to himself, taking a deep breath, the pieces are moving.
He took a few steps forward and took his place between two men. By his estimation neither was older than 17 summers. Far too young to stand on the battlefield, he thought and his heart ached.
And yet you were much younger when you first fought for your life, a voice whispered in the back of his mind. He looked to the side when he heard one of the boys take a deep breath only to let go of it slowly. "Courage is your only defense now," Ruth said and everyone in hearing range looked at him.
"Do you not know fear, Master Istar?" asked one of them and Ruth snorted.
"Oh, I do know fear," he said and confusion spread among them. "But I do not consider courage an absence of fear rather I see it as judgment that something is more important than fear. You fight for the lives of your families, your loved ones. You fight for your freedom. In the face of danger, that is the only thing you must think of."
"What if the fear is bigger than the courage?" asked another soldier and Ruth hummed lowly.
He looked at the Dark Army again, took a deep breath and squared his shoulders. "I will not fear," he spoke, so that all close to him could hear him. "I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
The soldiers around him exchanged confused glances.
The Trolls started hitting their drums again and Ruth unsheathed his sword. The archers around him raised their bows, although they were still glancing at him in confusion.
"I will not fear," Ruth spoke again as they watched the Orcs push forward the catapults. "I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain." Ruth's magic started manifesting around him and his eyes turned completely silver. "I will. Not. Fear," he growled and his magic spread from him. The men of Gondor shivered as a wave of warm, reassuring power spread down their bodies.
"I will face my fear." Ruth spared a glance to his side when the young man beside him spoke with him.
"I will permit it to pass over me and through me." Ruth looked around as those closest to him started to chant.
"And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
Ruth felt strength blossom in his heart and the runes he earlier cut into the stone on top of each tower came to life.
"I will not fear! I will face my fear! I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain!"
The air around them shone as a huge, silvery, see through shield rose above them.
"I will not fear!" Hundreds of voices echoed through the air and Ruth tilted his head back as the shield connected itself above them.
"I will not fear!"
Ruth head snapped down and he looked at the Army of Mordor.
"I will not fear!"
"HOLD POSITIONS!" Ruth roared and everyone raised their arrows. His order was echoed by the Lieutenants, positioned among men. Ruth looked at the nearby catapult and nodded minutely when he saw that the four men who were in charge of that catapult were ready.
"I will not fear!"
The Orc horns sounded in the falling night and a roar of pure hatred and rage shook the very foundations of the White City.
"I will not fear!"
Ruth's heart clenched when the Orcs launched their attacks.
I will. Not. Fear, he thought fiercely, watching as the huge rocks the Dark Army launched at them broke upon the shield above them.
"I WILL NOT FEAR!"
Ruth's eyes glowed and as one, Faramir, Haldir, Ruth and the Lieutenants roared.
"FIRE AT WILL!"
cut
"Curses!" Gimli snapped when he tripped over something. The ground beneath their feet could not be seen due to thick greenish mist lingering above the ground.
"Easy, Gimli," Boromir said, only to turn quickly when a breath of cold air made a shiver run down his spine. "On the other hand why don't we hurry it up a bit?"
Gimli snorted, while Aragorn and Legolas chuckled. The cave they were in started to grow bigger until they found themselves on top of a staircase looking into a desolated underground city. Human skulls were lying everywhere, the walls seemed to me made out of them and the air reeked of death and decay.
"What did you say about hurrying it up a bit?" Gimli muttered and the two Men and one Elf chuckled.
"Come on," Aragorn spoke and they started their way down the stairs. They all drew their weapons as they walked down many levels. Their muscles were twitching at the smallest of sounds and the hairs on the back of their necks stood with the shivers that wrecked their bodies.
Legolas frowned as he looked around. He could see shadows of forms and faces; ever moving, never defined. "Aragorn..."
"I know," Aragorn interrupted Legolas.
They reached the lowest level and looked around. Whispers filled the air as the four made a tight circle ready to defend at a moment's notice. Foul cackling filled the air and strong gusts of wind started to blow around them.
"Heavens…" Legolas breathed out as thousands of faces started to appear around them.
Ghostly, green forms of dead men started to form a circle and with a gust of powerful wind the one they supposed was the leader appeared standing at the bottom of the stairs that seemed to lead to what was once the citadel of the underground city.
"The way is shut," the man spoke as he approached them slowly. "It was made by those who are dead and the dead keep it."
The ranks of the dead army thickened and the four warriors tightened the circle they were standing in, brandishing their weapons and torches.
The leader of the Dead Army cackled again. "The way is shut." he rasped out as the Army closed in on them. "Now you must die."
Legolas fired an arrow straight into the Leader's head only for it to pass right through it
"Aragorn now would be the right time," Boromir blurted out as he raised his sword and Aragorn swallowed difficultly.
He took a step forward and gripped Anduril tightly in his hand. "I summon you to fulfill your oath," Aragorn spoke as he walked straight towards the Leader.
"None but the King of Gondor may command me."
Aragorn steeled his stance and raised his sword in front of himself. For Gondor. For the Fellowship. For Arwen. For Middle-Earth, Aragorn counted in his mind, forcing a swallow down his dry throat and licking chapped lips.
The Leader roared and swung his blade. Aragorn cried out as he raised his sword and the others gasped when the Leader's blade hit Aragorn's and didn't pass through it. Aragorn growled and deflected the Leader's blade.
"That blade was broken!" hissed the Leader and Aragorn sneered at him.
He grabbed the Leader's neck and aimed the tip of his sword at the Leader's neck.
"It has been remade," Aragorn spat out and pushed the Leader of the Dead Army back.
Boromir, Legolas and Gimli lost their breaths as Aragorn straightened to his full height and even though his back was turned to them, even though he was still dressed in his dirty and time-worn robes, for the first time ever the three felt as though they were standing in the presence of their King.
Aragorn looked around holding his head high and he raised his blade facing the Army fearless and strong. "Fight for us," Aragorn said and looked at the Leader of the Dead Army, "and regain your honor." He took a step forward and the Dead moved from his path. "What say you?" he asked as he walked forward. He looked at their faces, their decayed, rotten, see-through flesh and empty eye-sockets. He walked through their ranks, always keeping the Leader in sight. "What say you?"
"Ah, leave it, Aragorn!" Gimli said. "They had no honor in life, they have none now in death."
"I am Isildur's Heir!" Aragorn spoke sharply and aimed his sword at the Leader, who was smirking at Aragorn darkly. "Fight for me and I will hold your oaths fulfilled."
The Leader started chuckling.
"Aragorn!" Boromir and Legolas snapped when they noticed the Dead disappearing one by one.
Aragorn frowned as the Leader cackled loudly, growling and taking a step forward. "What say you?!"
cut
"To the wall!" Ruth shouted as he ran down the streets of Minas Tirith. "Stick to your posts!" He cursed at the sight of a rock falling towards him. "MA HAT!" he roared and swung his arm in a wide arch, sending the rock back towards the Dark Army. He broke into a run again, trying to reach the first catapult he could. The shield he summoned fell some time ago and now they were fighting with everything they had. "AIM FOR THE TROLLS! TAKE THEM DOWN!" he thundered as he ran up the stairs. "DON'T ALLOW THEM TO PUSH THE TOWERS CLOSE ENOUGH TO CLIMB THE WALLS!" He ducked under an alcove when a rock fell from the air taking down a part of the stairs. He rushed up and reached the catapult.
"Master Ruthímiel!" a soldier cried out in relief. Ruth pulled him up and out of the way of another rock.
"Help me!" Ruth snapped and together they pushed a rock into the bag of the catapult. Two more soldiers ran over to them to help them. "On my mark!" They got ready. Ruth placed his hand on the catapult and took a deep breath. "Lehe riv cer ísini,"(Fly straight and true.) he whispered and took a step back. "MARK!"
A soldier pulled the lever.
They waited with bated breath.
A tower fell and the men cheered.
"Leave cheering for later!" Ruth shouted. "Keep firing!"
The soldiers jumped into action. Ruth looked around and located another catapult. He broke into a run again only to realize his way was cut. He quickly found a different route.
His heart was beating loudly in his chest, his lungs couldn't get enough air and every single muscle in his body ached. He didn't know how much time has passed. It could have been an hour or six, but most of all he didn't care.
They were losing.
They were failing.
He ducked under an archway when another rock hit the wall and ran onto a balcony. He saw the catapult he was trying to reach and would have run over to it, but in that moment his whole body froze up.
"Oh, no..." he breathed out and looked into the sky. Nine bone chilling screams broke the night and Ruth's heart skipped a beat.
"Ruthímiel!"
He looked to the side only to be tackled on the ground by Haldir. The Elf twisted around Ruth to soften his landing and they managed to escape the avalanche of rocks by a hair.
"Haldir!" Ruth cried out in relief and quickly stood up pulling Haldir up to his legs as well. "Are you injured? Are you well?" Ruth asked, checking the Elf over.
"I am, Ruth. You?" Ruth nodded frantically and Haldir frowned at him.
"Fuck!" Ruth screamed when Haldir grabbed him and pulled him further into the alcove. "Haldir, why are you not at the gates?!"
"Faramir took over! I have been trying to find you ever since the shield fell!"
Ruth looked around frantically. "The Nazgul have arrived sooner than I thought they would," he said. Haldir pulled him close and shielded him with his own body when the stone walls around them shook.
"We managed to take down the towers. At least they cannot climb our walls." Haldir said and Ruth nodded. Another screech made him wince and Haldir cursed under his breath. "We must return to battle." Their eyes met and Haldir pulled Ruth into a heart wrenching kiss. "Do not die on me," Haldir growled out and Ruth chuckled.
"Right back at you." The walls around them shook and they jumped apart, each running in one direction.
Ruth spared a glance backwards and saw Haldir disappear down a street towards the gates. He ducked and rolled and jumped back on his feet. He was so close to reaching the catapult when a wave of ice cold power washed over him and froze him in his place. He turned on his heel and looked up and the blood in his veins froze when he saw the Witch-King of Angmar on his fell-beast.
I will not fear! he thought and summoned the sword Haldir gave him into his hand. A shield materialized around him and he raised his sword.
"Foolish wizard!" the Witch-King hissed as the fell-beast landed in front of Ruth and screeched at him. "Do you not know death when you see it? This is my hour!"
Ruth growled and his eyes glowed green and silver, his magic dancing wildly around him. "Go back to the abyss," he growled.
The fell-beast tried to grab him with its sharp jaws, but Ruth danced out of its way. With a war cry he swung his sword and cut the beast's head clean off. The huge body of the beast twitched and its limbs flailed as it fell and Ruth took a few steps back. His breath hitched in his throat when his shield fell and he watched as the Witch-King stood, sword in one hand and a huge spiky flail in the other.
Ruth looked around quickly and found a metal shield lying discarded a little away. He summoned it into his hand and crouched low.
"Foolish child," The Witch-King spoke as he advanced towards Ruth and the Istar sneered at him. "You stand no chance!" He swung his flail and sword at Ruth and the Istar avoided and defended himself to the best of his ability.
But he was at a disadvantage.
He was already tired.
His body ached.
His magic was failing him.
He was risking too much.
He was risking not only his life, but the life of his unborn child and his heart ached at the very thought of that.
"No!" Ruth lost his footing and the Witch-King laughed at him.
He swung his flail at him and Ruth raised his shield. He screamed when the shield broke together with his arm after the third hit and Ruth fell on his back. He pulled his broken left arm to his chest as he crawled backwards away from the Nazgul.
"No mere man can kill me, Shatraug," (Wizard) hissed the Witch-King and raised his sword.
In that moment Ruth's breath hitched in his throat as images flashed through his mind. He saw his new family and friends. He saw Haldir's loving eyes gazing down at him, and his heart burst when he saw a small boy with ice-blue eyes, wild, raven colored hair and fair skin smile at him.
'Ada!'
The Witch-King screeched in shock when his sword was flung from his hand and Ruthímiel stood slowly, his magic dancing around him.
"How can this be?!" roared the Nazgul and Ruth swallowed difficultly.
"I am no mere man," he growled lowly. "I am Calenim'othar; the Green Paladin! I am Ruthímiel; the Green Istar! I am the Guardian of Life!"
The Witch-King screeched and attacked Ruth with his flail, but Ruth danced out of its way, swung his sword and cut off the Nazgul's arm. He shifted his stance quickly and his blade bit into Witch-King's leg, making the Wright fall to his knees with an earsplitting scream.
Ruth was breathing difficultly and his sight was slowly fading, but he held on. "Fall into the nothingness that awaits you and your master," Ruth hissed and with a mighty cry plunged the Elven blade in the Witch-King's face. A wave of dark power spread from the Nazgul and his scream overlapped with Ruth's.
"Master Ruthímiel!" Someone shouted and when he was flung back, Ruth felt two arms catch him and wrap themselves around his chest.
The man who caught him pulled him into cover as the Witch-King of Angmar exploded. The air was filled with earsplitting screams as the other Nazgul fell.
"Master Ruthímiel? Master Ruthímiel?!"
Ruth raised his head weakly. His sight was blurring but he recognized the face of the young soldier who stood beside him earlier.
"Haldir…" he murmured, pain clouding his mind, "you need to – you need to take me to him."
"Sir, the great door fell! Lord Faramir and Lord Haldir are doing what they can with the men, but they are vastly overpowered! I cannot..."
"Take me to, Haldir. Please..." Ruth pleaded weakly. "Please."
The young soldier swallowed difficultly, nodded and picked Ruth up. Ruth groaned in pain when his broken arm was jostled. He looked down and found his right arm hanging by his side limply. There was something black on his fingers and his heart was beating loudly in his ears. His magic was fighting against something in his body and he had to try hard to stay awake.
His knees betrayed him and the young soldier yelped when Ruth fell. He pulled him along and sat Ruth down in a corner beneath an alcove.
"I shall bring Lord Haldir to you," he said and Ruth nodded at him. "Hold on, Master Ruthímiel. Hold on."
Ruth's lips tilted into a small smile as the young man disappeared. He looked weakly at his right hand and swallowed difficultly. The darkness already spread up his fingers and towards his wrist. His left arm was broken and he was too weak to heal himself.
He sighed and rested his head against the cold, stone wall.
He did his part.
The Nazgul were gone.
Others would have to continue for he couldn't fight anymore.
I am sorry, Mother, he thought. I know I have broken many rules, but I couldn't – I couldn't…
A warm breeze caressed his face and warmth enveloped him.
"Vaiaré, leam yathár." (Sleep, my child.)
A loving voice filled Ruth's mind and he saw light break on the horizon. The sound of familiar horns echoed through the night and Ruth realized that dawn was breaking. A small smile tilted his lips as he recognized the horns of the Rohirrim, the Numenóreans, and Lothlórien and Rivendell Elves.
"Vaiaré, leam órtho." (Sleep, my son.)
Ruth's breathing slowed down and the light in his eyes dimmed, but the corners of his lips turned up when a warm wind danced around him, caressing his pale cheeks.
"Luth rúmathu athé." (You have done well.)
"Ruthímiel!"
Ruth heard a familiar voice in the distance, but he had no strength to breathe, let alone answer. Warmth filled his body and he allowed his eyes to slip closed.
"Vaiaré sim, cer oth omi lithe rém luth férnuth ximáthomen." (Sleep now and let others go where you can't follow)
And just as darkness took over his mind, Ruth felt a pair of gentle hands cup his face.
Everything would be alright.
"Vaiaré."
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The Army of Mordor tensed up when many horns sounded at the break of dawn.
"They have fared better than I thought they would," Gandalf muttered. A shiver ran down his spine at the sight of the Nazgul falling, and his heart ached.
"How can that be?" Eomer asked, confused by the sight of the mighty Beasts falling from the sky.
"Ruthímiel defeated the Witch-King of Angmar," Radagast spoke and Luinil and Viresse snorted.
"Of course he did," they spoke together, but while others carried fond smirks on their faces, Gandalf and Radagast looked worried.
"PREPARE TO ATTACK!" Théoden shouted. Everyone pushed their horses together and waited for instructions. "Eomer! Take your Èored down the left flank! Gamling, follow the King's banner down the center. Grimbold! Take your company right, after you pass the wall!" Gandalf looked around and saw the Numenóreans join Eomer's company. The Rivendell Elves joined Gamilng's ranks while the Lothlórien Elves joined Grimbold's ranks. He looked at Theodred and Eomer before he spared a glance for Radagast, Luinil and Viresse.
Hold on, Ruthímiel. We come to aid, Gandalf sent a silent prayer to his fellow Istar.
"Forth!" Théoden called out and stopped his horse in front of Gandalf. "Forth and fear no darkness!"
Gandalf's heart played in his chest as a wave of warmth spread over them.
Mother? Gandalf thought and a warm wind ruffled his hair. The air filled with the scent of lilies and rain and the sun started to rise behind them.
"Arise, free folk of Middle-Earth!" Théoden faced the army of Free Men. "Spears shall be shaken! Shields shall be splintered! A sword day! A red day; ere the sun rises!"
A war cry unlike any other ever heard echoed through Middle Earth.
Swords, spears and shields rose in the air in time with Théoden's sword.
"Ride now!" the King of Rohan summoned, raising his sword into to sky. "Ride! Ride to ruin and THE WORLD'S ENDING!"
The army roared and Théoden turned his horse around with his sword held high. "DEATH!" Théoden called out, and sun rose behind them, bathing them in light.
"DEATH!" Thousands of voice called as the army of Free Men marched forward.
The war cry of the Free Folk brought fear into the hearts of the Dark Army.
A new day shone.
A new hope was born.
"FORTH EORLINGAS!"
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"They are here! Rohan has come to aid!"
Faramir's heart played in his chest and he slashed his way up the stairs, trying to reach the top. Haldir was not far away from him and half the Orcs that swarmed the city when the door fell rushed out when they were called out to their posts again, believing those who remained could defeat the fighters of Gondor.
New hope shone in the hearts of men when the Nazgul fell, but Faramir saw the look of terror on Haldir's face and he feared he knew why, for his heart grew heavy as well.
Faramir's breath hitched in his throat when he finally climbed the wall and saw an army of 7000 strong at least charging at what was left of the Army of Mordor.
"Lord Haldir! Lord Haldir!"
Faramir turned on his heel in time to avoid an attack and kill the Orc. He looked around and found the Elf killing a few more Orcs. "Haldir!" he shouted and the Elf's head turned in his direction.
In that moment the soldier that was looking for Haldir came into sight. "Lord Haldir, you must come with me!"
Faramir had to concentrate on his own fight for a moment, so he didn't hear what happened, but his heart told him it was nothing good. "Faramir!" He killed another Orc and looked down at Haldir.
The Elf was suddenly pale and his eyes were filled with fear. "Gather your men! Protect the gates!"
Faramir nodded and Haldir ran off after the soldier. "TO THE GATES!" Faramir shouted. "PUSH THEM TOWARDS THE GATES! CHASE THEM OUT OF OUR CITY! TO THE GATES!"
Haldir and the young soldier fought their way through Orcs as the soldier led him to where he left Ruth. The only thought in Haldir's mind was a prayer. He prayed Ruth was alright. He prayed Ruth wasn't injured. He prayed both the Istar and their unborn child were alright.
"There!" the young soldier shouted and Haldir ran in the direction where he showed.
"Ruthímiel!" Haldir cried out when he came upon the prone form of his beloved. "Ruth?" He ran to the Istar's side and cupped his pale, dirty face in his hands. A sigh of relief left Haldir's lips when he found Ruth's heart still beating, the Istar's breath tickling Haldir's hands.
"Is he well?" the soldier asked and Haldir nodded.
"He is merely unconscious," he said and looked around. "What is your name?"
"Derum, my lord."
"Derum, I need you to carry him into the Houses of Healing. Can you do that for me?" Derum nodded and Haldir smiled at him gratefully.
"But wouldn't it be better if..."
"He would want me to continue the fight. He did his part. Now I must to mine." Derum nodded and Haldir smiled again. He looked at Ruth, caressed his sleeping lover's face and leaned in to steal a kiss from pale, dry lips. "Agoreg vae," (You did well.) he whispered against Ruth's lips and rested his forehead against Ruth's for a moment. "Gurn niniathat n'i lu a-govenitham." (My heart shall weep until I see you again.) He kissed Ruth's forehead, moved away and nodded at Derum. "See to it that he is brought to safety."
"Yes, my lord," Derum said and Haldir ran off.
The Elf looked around, trying to find a way that would lead him on top of a wall. He ran forward and climbed a wall, only for his heart to stop at what he was seeing.
The mercenaries have arrived and they had Oliphants, just as they assumed.
He cursed under his breath and jumped off of the wall. He ran down the streets hurrying towards the gates, assured that Ruth was safe with the young soldier.
"Haldir!"
He took a sharp turn and ran into Faramir, and together the two ran for the main gates.
"I've seen the pirate ships arrive!" Faramir shouted as they killed Orcs one after another, fighting their way towards the gates.
Haldir cursed under his breath again as they finally reached the main entrance. He looked around frantically only to run up a set of torn down stairs.
"Haldir!" Faramir shouted, but followed after him.
They looked at the battle in front of them and then at Osgiliath only to lose their breaths.
"What is that new devilry?" Faramir asked breathlessly.
"Reinforcements," Haldir spoke in clear relief and Faramir looked at him with wide eyes. "Aragorn has arrived and if I am not mistaken, your brother should be with him."
Faramir's breath caught in his throat as hope sparked to life in his heart.
Haldir spun his blade expertly and placed his hand on Faramir's shoulder. "Let's go," he said and Faramir nodded.
"Yes."
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The Free Men could only stand and stare while the Dead Army wreaked havoc upon the Army of Mordor. The Orcs and Mercenaries suddenly turned tail and ran, while those who weren't fast enough were slayed ruthlessly and without remorse.
One could almost say that the Battle of the Pelennor fields (as it would later be called) ended quite anticlimactically.
Faramir and Haldir, followed by the Men of Gondor ran out of the city, just as the Dead Army flooded over the gates killing what was left of the Orcs.
And as the sun rose in the sky, it finally dawned on them.
As the sunrays warmed their skin they finally realized.
They've won.
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"Brother!"
"Faramir!"
The two brothers met in a fierce hug.
Haldir, who stood to the side, smiled only to almost lose his footing when Aragorn ran over and pulled him into a hug. Behind him Haldir saw Legolas, Gimli, Gandalf, Radagast, Viresse and Luinil. They all looked worried more than relieved.
Aragorn pulled back and looked in Haldir's eyes. "Where is Ruth?" he asked.
"In the Houses of Healing," Haldir answered, hardly managing to conceal his fear and worry, even though he knew there was no need to. He couldn't allow himself to succumb to the dread threatening to overwhelm him. He needed to be strong for both Ruthímiel and their child, because if he allowed himself to break now, he would not be able to help Ruth if the need arose. "He fought against the Witch-King of Angmar and it weakened him."
"Is he injured?" Boromir asked when he and Faramir parted.
"As far as I could see his left arm is broken and there was something wrong with his right arm as well," Haldir reported.
"He must have been infected by the Morgul breath!" Radagast cried out frantically, his words throwing everyone into a worried frenzy.
"You must take me to him," Aragorn blurted out, suddenly breathing heavily, and Haldir nodded with a frown.
"Come. We must hurry."
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They ran into the Houses of Healing frightening the people that were already there with their sheer numbers.
"Halt! You cannot simply..."
"I must see the man that was brought here earlier." Aragorn spoke quickly, interrupting one of the matrons of the Houses of Healing. "The Istar."
The woman's eyes widened and she nodded. "Come. Young master Derum is with him. I tried everything, but I cannot wake him up."
The Fellowship followed after her as she led them to the last room in the long hallway.
"I need you to bring me some Athelas. It doesn't matter if it is fresh or not. And I'll need warm water," Aragorn said as he took off his gauntlets and rolled up his sleeves. He looked at the Fellowship and nodded at them. "Haldir, you may come with me."
Haldir nodded and followed Aragorn into the room. Their breaths hitched in their throats when they saw Ruth in the bed. His tunic was taken off and his left arm was tended to, but his right arm was not. His fingers were almost completely black and the darkness had already climbed to his elbow.
"Lord Haldir!" Derum cried out in relief and stood up from where he was sitting in a chair to the right of Ruth's bed.
"Thank you for watching over him, young Derum. We shall take over from here," Haldir said and he and Aragorn quickly approached the bed.
Derum moved back quickly and got out of the room only to stop in his tracks and gape when he faced the crowd in front of Ruth's room.
"You must be Derum," Gandalf spoke kindly and the young soldier nodded, his mouth snapping shut.
"And you – you are..."
"We are Ruthímiel's friends," Boromir said and Derum's eyes opened impossibly wide.
"Lord – Lord Boromir! Lord Faramir!" Derum was suddenly on his knees and the two brothers exchanged a confused frown, while others raised eyebrows in amusement.
"You shouldn't bow to us," Boromir said and walked over to pull Derum to his feet.
"Imagine what he'll do when he finds out who is in that room," Gimli drawled dryly in amusement and Derum looked at him with raised eyebrows.
Derum was about to ask when the matron of the Houses of Healing pushed between them with a bowl of fuming water and a small brown satchel. "Coming through!" she snapped and everyone moved out of her way.
She disappeared in the room and silence settled over everyone in the hallway.
"Are all matrons this pushy?" Luinil broke the strained silence. "Because I remember Madam Pomphrey." He shivered completely ignoring the looks of confusion on the faces of everyone but Radagast and Boromir. "If she is half as bad as she was, Ruth will run out of here before nightfall."
"Oh, Merlin!" Viresse sighed and rubbed her forehead. "I truly hope he grew out of that."
"Would you be so kind and tell us what you are talking about?" Gandalf asked.
"I think we should leave that for when Ruth is with us again," Radagast suggested.
In that moment a scent unlike any other drifted through the air. They moved as one and approached the door that led into the room.
They came upon a strange scene.
Haldir was sitting behind Ruth, cradling the sleeping man to his chest. Aragorn was sitting to Ruth's right, murmuring something under his breath as he washed Ruth's blackened arm with a small cloth he dipped in the bowl sat upon his knees.
The matron was standing to the side with wide eyes. She fisted her hands in her apron trying to stop them from shaking.
"Matron Rosemary?" Derum called out.
"It is happening exactly as it was foretold," she spoke up weakly. "When the black breath blows and death's shadow grows and all lights pass; come athelas! Come athelas! Life to the dying, in the King's hand lying." Tears came to her eyes and her lips tilted into a wavering smile.
Aragorn looked at her shortly only to have his eyes widen and lips part when the elderly woman kneeled on the ground with tears streaming down her cheeks. Aragorn looked at his friends gathered in the doorway and at Derum's confused expression.
"I did not think I would live to see this," Matron Rosemary spoke with bliss on her aged face. "I have always prayed for this, but I did not think I would be among the first ones to witness it."
"Witness what?" Derum asked and looked at Aragorn.
The man bowed his head, took a bandage he dipped into the water and started wrapping Ruth's right arm in it.
"The turn of the Age, child," Rosemary said and bowed her head. "The Return of the King."
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The Litany Against Fear belongs to Frank Herbert and co. I claim no rights to it.
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I thought about splitting this chapter in two, but the flow was just too good to break, and in all honesty, I wouldn't know where to break it.
I hope you liked it!
I always shiver at the scene of Théoden leading the Army.