Later, when I walk into the armory, I find the others who have gathered there. "A soldier just tries to usher me to the caves. Did he think these were for show?" I huff, motioning to my weapons. Legolas glances at me amused. "He might have thought you too fair a maiden. I can't blame him; he has probably never seen you covered in orc muck before." I raise a brow at him, not sure how to take his words. He only chuckles in response.
"Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers." Aragorn mutters, stepping up to us, heaving a deep sigh at the sight of the men gathered to collect weapons. "Most have seen too many winters." Gimli states. "Or too few. Look at them. They're frightened… I can see it in their eyes." Legolas adds just a tad too loud, making the men turn their attention to us.
"Boe a hûn: neled herain dan caer menig!" (And they should be... Three hundred against ten thousand!) Legolas continues in elvish, addressing Aragorn. I do not understand all his words, but I can tell their meaning. Legolas can't stand to see these people walking to their doom, but what choice do they have?
"Si beriathar hýn. Amar nâ ned Edoras." (They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras.) Aragorn counters. "Aragorn, men i ndagor. Hýn ú-ortheri. Natha daged aen!" (Aragorn, we are warriors. They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!) Legolas states harsly and as a matter of fact. Aragorn looks back at him angrily, not pleased by those words spoken out loud. "Then I shall die as one them!" he spits out in Westron for all to hear before marching off.
Shocked for a moment, Legolas tries to go after him, only to be held back by Gimli. "Let him go, lad. Let him be." I put my hand on his arm in an attempt to comfort him. I'm sure the last thing he wanted was a falling out with Aragorn. "Come Legolas, we must fill our quivers and sharpen our swords." I tell him, making him look down at me before nodding reluctantly.
Together we make our way to another room to prepare. I can tell he is still very much bothered as he briskly picks the best arrows. I observe him, feeling like there is something I should do about this matter. But what can I do?
"You only voiced your worries Legolas. They are not unjust. I know you only care for their well being, Aragorn knows that too." I finally say, making him halt for a moment. He sighs before turning to me. "What do you think will happen? You have seen their forces." he questions.
I look away, leaning against the wall. "Honestly I try to keep my thoughts from going there. Factually, many things could happen. I'm afraid that if I dwell on it for too long, I will lose my wit. I do not want to be filled with fright beforehand."
I smile softly up at him, realizing something. "I suppose Aragorn relies on us to keep a level head, to set an example and be his support. I guess it spooked him when his friend used such negative words that are so uncharacteristic of him." I say, making him look away ashamed. I do not mean to scold him, but I suppose he realizes now the effect of his words.
"And there is where I was in the wrong. I see now that I reminded them of their fear, reminded Aragorn of his. I should not have." he confesses.
Stepping up to him, I place my hand on his cheek, turning his face back my way. "You should go speak with him. It's not too late to strengthen his faith. We are still a company and we need each other to take away each other's fears, Aragorn is no exception. He needs you to have his back, no matter what, or he'll crumble. Be strong for him Legolas." I say, making him look at me thoughtful.
Getting to his feet, he takes my hand, seeming to have reached solace. "Thank you Therith, for guiding my thoughts in the right path. One would think that in my age I would know better. Luckily I have the right person around me to teach me better."
I blink in surprise when he leans forward; letting his lips brush the side of my forehead. I can feel blood rush to my head when he looks into my eyes, smiling calmly. "You know, I'm actually quite fearful sometimes, especially when it comes to the prospect of losing loved ones. I used to cope with that through avoidance of danger, but in that too you have already thought me much. I don't think I have ever felt more powerful before."
I'm left speechless when he turns around, leaving the room to find Aragorn no doubt. What did he mean exactly? What have I thought him? And why does my heart beat so erratically?
Shaking my head, I rid myself of the questions flooding my mind. I suppose I can only be glad that whatever it is that concerns my person, it's helping Legolas grow in some matter. It's humbling really, seeing as my time in Middle-Earth has been much shorter. I would almost deem it impossible for me to teach or help him with anything. With a smile, I return to my preparations.
After having finished, I make my way towards where the others are preparing, only to walk in while Gimli stands there with a chainmail vest on, reaching to the floor and beyond. I can't help but chuckle at the sight of him.
Glancing at the other two, I see they have mended their differences. I'm glad they have done so. My thoughts are distracted however when the sound of a horn reaches our ears. "That is no Orc-horn." Legolas states before rushing out, Aragorn and I closely following behind.
Reaching the inside of the battlement, I hardly believe what my eyes are seeing. Marching through the gate is a legion of Elves, lead on by none other than the marchwarden of Lothloriën. Not that I do not feel glad for their presence, but how come they are here? My question is answered when they come to a halt and Haldir addresses the King, who looks to be astonished from the sight before him.
"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell: An alliance once existed between Elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together. We come to honor that allegiance." he explains as his eyes traveling towards us.
Aragorn rushes down to meet the elf, bowing slightly. "Mae govannen, Haldir." he says respectfully before changing his mind and pulling the surprised elf into a brotherly embrace. "You are most welcome." Aragorn emphasizes, releasing Haldir. Legolas is next to greet him and I bow and express my gratitude.
Haldir finally turns back to King Théoden. "We are proud to fight alongside men, once more." he expresses, looking genuine about the sentiment.
After making the final preparations, I find myself on top of the battlement, weaving through the host of Elves standing at the ready. The sky has gotten dark and through the darkness and moistened air, I can hear the first signs of the enemy approaching. I can feel my muscles tense with each beat of the drum and flicker of a torch.
I smile however, when I come across Legolas and Gimli, the two unlikely friends standing beside each other, ready to slay each enemy that comes within reach of their weapons. It's funny how things worked out between the two.
"A fine evening gentlemen." I dare joke, watching the clouds pack together more and more. I can smell the rain in the air. It will quickly be washing away the blood that will be shed.
"Ah lass!" Gimli laughs, looking quite excited. "I hope you are ready to show that filth whose boss!" I bow mockingly. "I would not dare to disappoint you master dwarf." I say, making him grin in reply.
Taking a stand beside them, my eyes roam over the approaching mass and things start to grow eerily silent. Only the sound of marching footsteps can be heard. Taking in a deep breath, my grip on my bow tightens, my knuckles turning white. "We shall not die today. Today, we'll be more alive than ever. We shall not die today." I chant to myself in a whisper, though I'm sure the surrounding Elves can hear.
I glance up as I feel a body brush up against me. Beside me Legolas stands, looking down at me confidently before nodding meaningfully. I give him a slight smile before turning back to the army ahead with a heavy release of breath. I know I can count on Legolas to guard my back.
Gimli groans, straining to look over the wall. "You could have picked a better spot." he complains at Legolas, who I can imagine looking very amused. Aragorn then joins us. "Well lad, whatever luck you live by, let's hope it lasts the night." Gimli says, glancing up at him.
My eyes widen when at that moment lighting streaks across the dark sky, revealing the full extent of the army of Uruk-hai ahead of us. They have nearly reached us.
"Your friends are with you, Aragorn." Legolas speaks up in assurance, sensing the worry radiating off of his friend. "Let's hope they last the night." Gimli adds, painting a very bleak outcome. I softly slap the dwarf on his arm. "He needn't worry about such." I scold him.
Nodding at us in a silent 'good luck', Aragorn returns to his post. Only a moment after, lighting and thunder strike once more before the sound of raindrops clattering on armor fills my senses. It fits the mood of this night. Very soon, we are soaked to the bone.
The grand army halts a mere stone's throw away from the wall and instantly, tension rises. In the back I can hear Aragorn call out commands in Elvish tongue. We are at a standoff.
Gimli tries to jump to see over the wall, frustrated by his inability to see anything. "What's happening out there?" he questions, making Legolas glance at him amused once more. "Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?" he jests. Gimli looks up at him, taken aback before laughing good-naturedly. I can't help but snort, amused at the behavior of the two of them.
I look down upon the enemy as they start to pound their weapons on the ground and smash their fists into their armor in an attempt of intimidation. In reaction, bows are drawn. I bite my lip in anticipation as one arrow goes flying, smiting the first Uruk-hai. The effect is nearly instant as the order is given and the army starts to rush forward. The battle has begun.