Gandalf walks through the people gathering their belongings followed by Aragorn, Elizabeth, Legolas and Gimli. They can hear Háma speaking to the people about the location they are traveling to and to only take provisions they need and not to burden themselves with treasure.
"Helm's Deep." Gandalf scoffs knowing that will lead them to their death.
"They flee to the mountains when they should stand and fight. Who will defend them if not their king." Gimli said.
"He's only doing what he thinks is best for his people. Helm's Deep has saved them in the past." Aragorn tries to make them see the reason for why the king believes the keep is a safe choice for his people.
They walk into the stables. "There is no way out of that ravine. Théoden is walking into a trap. He thinks he's leading them to safety. What they will get is a massacre. Théoden has a strong will, but I fear for him. I fear for the survival of Rohan." Gandalf turns to face Aragorn. "He will need you before the end, Aragorn. The people of Rohan will need you." Aragorn takes a deep breath, "The defenses have to hold."
Aragorn holds his gaze to show his resolve, "They will hold."
Gandalf nods proudly at the man and turns to the sole female of their small group and holds his chuckled because he knows she will surprise everyone, "Elizabeth my dear, please keep close to Aragorn and don't challenge the king every step of the way, if you can help it."
"I'll do my best."
Gandalf stroking Shadowfax, "The Grey Pilgrim. That's what they used to call me. Three hundred lives of Men I've walked this earth, and now I have no time. With luck, my search will not be in vain." He mounts Shadowfax and Aragorn stands aside, "Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east."
Aragorn nods, "Go."
Gandalf rides off out of the stables.
"This is going to be a shit show."
Aragorn enters the stables carrying his saddle with Elizabeth by his side and watches two soldiers attempt to subdue a mighty brown stallion, holding the horse on either side with ropes with little success. The horse is rearing and clearly upset. Éowyn is tending to her gray horse. Aragorn gives Elizabeth his saddle as he walks up to the distressed horse.
A soldier nearby notices Aragorn walking towards the wild horse and tries to warn him, "That horse is half mad, my lord. There's nothing you can do. Leave him."
"That man is stubborn, let him be." Elizabeth told the man, he scruffs and tends to his horse. Elizabeth watches Aragorn as he calms the beautiful beast down.
The horse rears and whinnies as Aragorn comes closer. "Fæste, stille nú...fæste…" He signals one of the soldiers to go, "...stille nú. Lac is drefed, gefrægon." The horse calms a bit. Aragorn slowly reaches to him as he caresses the beast's coat... carefully, he removes the ropes detaining the horse… Aragorn hands them to the other soldier. "Hwæt nemnað ðe? Hm? Hwæt nemnað ðe?"
Éowyn turns to Aragorn, "His name is Brego. He was my cousin's horse." She walks towards them.
"Brego. Ðin nama is cynglic." Aragorn continues to talk to the horse and calms him down, "Man le trasta, Brego? Man cenich?"
"I have heard of the magic of Elves… but I did not look for it in a Ranger from the North. You speak as one of their own."
"I was raised in Rivendell… for a time. Turn this fellow free. He's seen enough of war."
He takes his saddle back from Elizabeth and leaves Éowyn with Brego.
The Rohirrim begin to pour out of their city by the hundreds, carrying what they can… A solid line of people stretches across the Plains of Rohan. Elizabeth watches them from the Meduseld Throne Room, she walks away and spots the two children from earlier, Éothain and Freda. Elizabeth sillenly debates with herself and sighs. Jack did say she has quite the soft spot for children.
Elizabeth walks up to them slowly and calmly where they can see her without getting nervous or frightened. She kneels on one knee and in a soft tone she speaks, "Hello, again."
"M-Milady." Éothain stuttered as he nodded his head politely and held his sister closer.
Elizabeth smiles for a second before neutralizing her face, "Please, just call me Liz."
"O-Ok…" Éothain saw the smile and thought she was pretty, same with Freda but she still wanted her mother.
"How are you two holding up?"
"I want mama." Freda cries out.
Elizabeth slowly moved her hand to touch the small girl's hair and gently smoothed it down. "Soon little one, you will see her again." She can see in their eyes that they don't believe her just yet. In a matter of seconds she goes through many emotions before settling and looks them in the eye like a mother calming down her young, "I have a little boy as well, who I dearly miss. And I know, once you are in your mother's arms you will feel so much better."
"Really?" Freda asks and feels hope swelling in her little body.
Elizabeth lets out a smile and nods because the two kids are precious and so innocent despite the journey they had to go through to warn Rohan about the dangers coming their way. "Now, what are you two doing here?"
The little boy answered, "Waiting for Lady Éowyn, she told us to wait here for her."
Elizabeth tilted her head and asked, "Would you like some company?" The children nodded shyly as she sat down with them.
Éothain is a curious boy and loves stories about the Horselords, Knights, and history but his favorite are the Rangers from the North, the Dúnedain. A descendant of Númenor. The pretty lady in front of him looks like one of the old drawings of Rangers. He had to know, "Miss Liz, why do you look like a ranger?"
Elizabeth gave him a secret smile, hidden from anyone who isn't the child in front of her, "That's because I am one."
Éothain's eyes widened with shock, awe and wonder, "Whoa! And they let you! You must be very strong!"
"Only sometimes, I have others who help me grow stronger…" She remembers each man and woman who had helped her grow into the woman she is today, from all the good and all the bad.
"Miss can I- we see your… Never mind!"
Elizabeth raised an eyebrow knowing exactly what he wanted to say, "My swords?"
The boy blushed and nodded shyly.
"Very well, a quick lesson then. Sometimes warriors will name their weapons, not everyone practices this, but the ones who do it's because of a significant time in their life where their weapon saved their life. But my swords were passed down from processor to successor. At a time in my life I was chosen to lead, while I wasn't most liked or familiar… I was loyal to the ones who followed me. That's how I received these swords. This one is Shuǐlóng, it means Water Dragon. It looks different from other swords because it was made that way." Elizabeth showed off a little, doing a few practice swings and forms. The children were mesmerized by her movements, the way it flowed as if the sword was an extension of her body. Elizabeth hid her smile and quickly shielded her katana to present her original cutlass shielded, "And this one is Liberty, how I truly received this beauty is a very long story."
"Can you tell us one day?" Freda asked, completely starstruck, that a woman as beautiful as Elizabeth has done so much to get those swords and she wanted to know more, same with her brother.
"Of course, perhaps on the road to Helm's Deep I will." Elizabeth puts her swords away as more soldiers grab a few things to take to Helm's Deep and notice Éowyn. Éowyn opens a chest and pulls out a sheathed sword... she unsheathes it and holds it before her, running her hand down the flat side of the blade, smiling… deliberately, she practices her swing.
Elizabeth watches on as Aragorn comes closer to the Lady but the young boy holds her attention once more, "I like your style."
Elizabeth ruffled his hair a little and whispered, "I had many years of practice. You should be glad a woman like her is strong enough to protect her people from evil."
"Yes, Milady." The children nodded in agreement.
Elizabeth gave them one more smile and saw the sun and knew she should go meet with her companions to leave for Helm's Deep, "Ah, I should be off. I need to go find my other companions and see to my brother. Goodbye little ones."
Freda waves goodbye but Éothain wanted to remind the pretty ranger about the stories, "M-Miss! Don't forget about the story! The one about the sword!"
"I won't. See you soon." Elizabeth passed Aragorn with a tilt in her head, he nodded to the unspoken question as they continued to help packing up. Elizabeth spots silver in the corner of her eye and sighs because she now knows the Prince saw her exchange with the children. A soldier walks to the box she was packing, with a nod he grabs the box as she walks up to Elven Prince and warns him, "Not a word out of you."
"I'm only going to say this Lady Swa-" She glared at the title. Legolas smirks just a little at her and corrects himself, "Elizabeth. I'm glad you are lowering your shields down."
Elizabeth shrugs as if that is not the case or disinterest but they know the truth, Elizabeth is healing while others are hurting and she doesn't know how to feel about that. Why should she heal while others suffer? It doesn't make sense to the lady. "And how long will it be before my shield goes back… Let us hope for a good outcome where kids don't have to be near a battlefield."
"Once Frodo destroys it, we will all be safe." Legolas nodded in agreement.
"I pray for his travels to be swift, for it is not safe."
Legolas pulls her away from the people and lightly holds her hand if she needs to pull away from him, but he has to let her know, "Elizabeth… You are kind, compassionate, courageous, loyal, intelligent, honest and charismatic. Also clever, powerful, dangerous and fearless."
Her mouth opens a little from shock but turns into a tiny smirk, "Is this a compliment and an insult?" But he knows the truth as her hand tightens his.
He looks her in the eyes, "No, these are the core qualities in a King and everyday you show them. Those kids are scared and alone without their mother but you gave them hope with a conversion and now they know they'll be ok because of you. They trust you and believe in you."
Elizabeth looks away from the intense blue eyes, "Perhaps they shouldn't. I'm not exactly a good role model to look up to."
Legolas, with his free hand lightly tilts her chin up and leans in, "Too late for that My Lady. The young girl now knows a woman can fight and lead, and the boy has a deeper respect for shield-maidens because of your forms with your swords. You have already changed their lives."
She feels his hand remove from her chin to gently finger tip her cheek and follows her hair line to hold her neck. It's a touch one can barely feel but Elizabeth feels it intensely, as if her whole body woke just for him. She leans in to where her forehead hits his and doesn't look away.
"I'm a pirate. We are known to change things if it doesn't work in our favor."
"True but you are more than just a pirate, a ranger or a lady. You are a leader, a King."
"Exile-King if you want to be politically correct."
"Captain Sparrow explained that to me, your people still see you as their leader no more the code. They are waiting for you, Elizabeth. They want to be by your side."
"...Not yet, I still need to survive Helm's Deep and there will be trouble for us."
"I do believe trouble is a friend of yours."
Elizabeth pulls away to cover up a snort but still holds his hand, "No more than Aragorn's or Jack's! They get into trouble far more than I. And they're the ones bring me along for the ride or to fix whatever they-"
Aragorn watches them from the side, to anyone else it looks to be lovers trying to tell one another to be safe but that is not the case. While it is obvious they have feelings for one another, nothing can truly happen until the ring is destroyed.
Plus, he agrees with Legolas's statement that Elizabeth is starting to show more of her true colors and becoming more alive with each day. The sight of her smile and bantering with the Elven Prince swells his heart that his sister-in-arms means she is healing and will embrace who she truly is.
He can't wait to see that day as she can't wait to see him in Gondor's colors. Also, he does not look for trouble, it finds him and it started when he met Elizabeth, so it's her fault.
The road to Helm's Deep is a day's trip; they should make it before nightfall tomorrow. The people of Edoras are seen leaving through the city gates led by King Théoden and his guards, with Legolas, Gimli, Elizabeth and Aragorn. King Théoden pauses to look back at Edoras, then rides off. A long line of people can be seen weaving its way down the hillside from their distances. The Rohirrim make their way towards the mountains where Helm's Deep lies...some falter...some ride in carts...ever so slowly, they draw closer to their destination.
It's been a few hours, the Rohan people are still walking around the lakes. Gimli rides on a horse led by Éowyn, he was entertaining her by talking about Dwarf women and how there aren't many left or they simply couldn't find them.
Legolas was ahead scouting around the area and left his horse to Elizabeth. He can be a bit awkward around humans who he doesn't know nor is familiar with, like Aragorn or Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is riding Ador and the two children, Éothain and Freda, are riding their horse next to her. She is telling a similar version of how she became a pirate and got her swords without telling too much. She has them leaning in to hear more of the story that she was afraid one of them might fall. Elizabeth saw Freda leaning in a little too close for comfort; she quickly pulled the little girl onto her lap sideways and continued on telling them about Brethren Court and Captain Jack Sparrow. Somehow she got other riders and people to also listen in to her stories as well, Elizabeth didn't realize she was smiling the whole time.
Aragorn and Théoden, riding side by side, grin widely. For different reasons.
"I haven't seen my niece smile for a long time. She was a girl when they brought her father back dead. Cut down by Orcs. She watched her mother succumb to grief." Théoden watched as Éowyn looked dreamily while smiling and laughing with the wind in her hair. "Then she was left alone, to tend her king in growing fear. Doomed to wait upon an old man who should have loved her as a father."
Aragorn nodded as he continued to look at Elizabeth, her hair filled with braids tight to the scalp but flowing beautifully down her back, "I can understand that. Elizabeth has been my partner for over a year now but this is the most I have seen her smile."
"May I ask how a woman became your partner?"
"I was the one who found her. She was about to drown in a river, with what she was wearing at the time plus all her weapons, it's not a surprise now. I healed her and helped her understand our culture because she lived in a different world…" Aragorn saw the eyebrow raise and shrugged it off, "Magic… She will surprise you time and time again. She's a fighter, a leader, someone I trust full heartedly. To the point if something were to happen to me, she can and will take over."
Théoden shakes his head in disagreement thinking they will get in the way, even though he has seen her take down some of his best men while they were in armor, "But she is a woman, that is not her place."
Aragorn snorts softly, each memory of some man trying to prove her wrong always ends up hurt while she walks away without a scratch. "You tried telling her that. I will gladly stand by the side and watch. Do not underestimate her, for she has nothing to prove to you."
It's ridiculous that many of those men think she is a challenge they must conquer but never will. After all someone is already near her heart, they only wait for her to hand over freely for it her choice.
As the two men were talking they didn't pay attention and the woman in question managed to sneak up on them, "Should I even ask what you are talking about now, Aragorn? King Théoden."
Aragorn took a deep breath as it had been awhile since she has snuck up on him, "Nothing you would be interested in. Manage to get away from your little crowd?"
She turns her head a little, nodding to the group in front of them, "I send them off to go ask Gimli for some stories about the Thirteen Dwarves and the Lonely Mountain."
"Elizabeth."
Just the look in her eye is pure mischief, "What? It's an interesting story that children love. Although, a certain hobbit tells it better. Now what was the topic I would have no interest in, be?"
Théoden answered her question with an absolute tone, "That the battlefield is no place for a woman."
Elizabeth didn't even bother to look back at the King, and sharply exhale from her nose. No matter where she travels to there will always be people who believe women should not fight. That their place is at home taking care of a house and children. Once upon a time as a child she thought the same thing but then she grew up and realized if all the men are gone who will protect everyone else left behind. At the age eighteen she was kidnapped by pirates and had to protect the man she loved and quickly learn how to lie, cheat, steal and fight. After that she never went back to her old self because being a pirate was very addicting.
"... I had my fair share of wars, not just on land mind you but I do have blood on my hands just like you." Elizabeth looked at the king, "Just because I am a woman doesn't mean I don't know how to use a sword or fight. Plus, I have a pretty thing I call a gun, sir."
Théoden glared at her as if that would make her submit to him but no such thing will ever happen, "I have yet to believe such a thing."
Elizabeth glared back at the king, and to his words Aragorn stood out of it biting his lip from grinning, "Did you not see me throw your soldier to the ground when we first met? You do what is best for your people and I shall do the same because at the end of the day the only people who I listen to are Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli and Gandalf. I stand by them." She guided her horse back to the crowd before Théoden had anything else to say, but he just rode his horse in silence and stared at the woman's back as his people crowded her like she was their leader.
The Rohan people have stopped for a break. Helm's Deep is about a little more than half a day away and they needed to rest for the night.
"Must you challenge the king?"
"He asked, I answered. Not my fault he didn't like what I had to say. I will not explain my worth or reasons. I'm too old for such childish thinking." She answered while taking apart one of her smaller guns to give it a quick clean. She stays silent looking into the distance, blonde hair enters at the corner of her eye. Embarrassingly she thinks of Legolas but he is out and about but instead it's Éowyn walking through the makeshift Rohirrim camp, carrying a pot of stew up and bowl in her hand.
Elizabeth and Aragorn watch as Gimli walks towards Éowyn and with a quick peek at the pot, Elizabeth can tell instantly whatever is that that pot didn't look good to the dwarf.
"Gimli?" Éowyn offers him some.
"No, I couldn't, I really couldn't." He declines and walks away.
She continues walking until she comes upon Aragorn, who is cleaning his sword and Elizabeth, checking one of her guns. They looked up at her approach.
"I made some stew. It isn't much, but it's hot." She fills a bowl and passes it to Aragorn and hands him a spoon.
"Thank you." He tastes it and immediately upon putting the morsel into his mouth, he freezes...his face registers the distaste of this morsel… meekly, he looks up to Éowyn...he swallows hard, and nods with the word 'Yuck' written all over his face and tries to hide a grimace. Éowyn looks concerned, "It's good."
"Really?" She turns and starts to walk away.
Aragorn quickly and subtly, tips the bowl to pour out the distasteful mixture stew on the ground, with Elizabeth smirking at the man but Éowyn turns back causing him to try to catch himself but ends up soaking his hands, arms and legs in the steaming Brew.
"My uncle told me a strange thing. He said that you rode to war with Thengel, my grandfather. But he must be mistaken."
"King Théoden has a good memory. He was only a small child at the time."
Éowyn kneels down to him, shocked. "Then you must be at least sixty." Aragorn chuckles uncomfortably, and looks away. Elizabeth stays quiet next to him while biting down a smirk, "Seventy?" Aragorn looks down a bit embarrassed and still doesn't respond. "But you cannot be eighty!"
Aragorn calmly looks up from the ground and smiles at her, "Eighty-seven."
Éowyn's jaw drops as she realizes...she stands, momentarily speechless, "You are one of the Dúnedain." He nods, humbly. "A descendant of Númenor, blessed with long life. It was said that your race had passed into legend."
"There are few of us left. The Northern Kingdom was destroyed long ago." He looks down sadly. Elizabeth bumps his shoulder as if telling him she's there for him, which she is.
"I'm sorry. Please, eat." He reluctantly continues his meal as she continues to stand by him, giving him little choice but to eat the distasteful mess he was given. "Lady Elizabeth, would you like some as well?"
"I'm fine, thank you." She pulls out some lembas bread and hands a piece to Aragorn who takes it gratefully. She takes a small bite and watches as Éowyn twists her fingers around the pot handle.
Éowyn finally got the words out after struggling for a few minutes, "If… If you don't mind me asking… How? How did you two meet? It's not heard of a woman joining in the ranks of rangers."
Elizabeth can tell she is curious about her being a ranger but that's not what she wanted to ask, "Aragorn found me about to drown in a river, he brought me back to their site to heal but luckily I recovered quickly. He and another tried to escort me to a nearby village but we got into some trouble. Orges. And that was the day they found out I could fight very well but still sent me to the village. It wasn't even a day later when trouble popped up again. We saved the village and they were thankful I was there and called me a ranger in front of them and so I went back to camp and we have been partners ever since."
"That must have been hard for you."
"Not really, I've been fighting for as long as I can remember, never truly resting or taking time for myself."
"But you must be twenty-eight, at least."
"Try again… I'm actually older than him." Elizabeth gave a lazy wave towards Aragorn, "I guess you can say I was cursed at the age of twenty-three and have been alive for over a century now."
Éowyn was speechless once again but once she found her voice, her mind was running through a million thoughts but all she could say was… "H-how?"
Elizabeth can taste copper in her mouth from biting lip to keep from laughing, "Magic I guess."
Éowyn nodded, "I'll leave you to your meal. Thank you for telling me." She turned away and asked the villagers if they wanted some stew.
Elizabeth stared blankly at her gun in her lap, she thought about it for a long time why she was still alive and knew someone else was at play, "Or a sick twisted mind game from a certain sea goddess." She whispers quietly to Aragorn. He looks at her and wonders how faith can be so dark and cruel to a woman like her but he has to believe it for a perhaps and there will be a bright light at the end. After all, a certain prince is amore by her and makes her smile almost everyday. He covers her hand and she knows everything will be fine but only for this moment.
It was finally night time and they made camp. Gilmi is snoring away while Legolas keeps watch nearby but so far everything was quiet… perhaps a little too quiet for his comfort. Aragorn sits smoking his pipe, thinking of Arwen. Elizabeth is next to him humming a familiar tune, one that sends the message of war and must have unity to survive. She thinks about her son and how he would question everything and anything. Her eyes stare off into the distance ... her mind elsewhere. While lost in thought she didn't see the small shadows walking towards her.
" Milady."
Elizabeth's eyes snapped to the boys and sighed, "Éothain. Freda. What are you two doing up at this time?"
"Can't sleep. Bad dreams." The children whispered.
"I understand." Once again she debates with herself. Aragorn continues to look out but has a small smirk around his pipe. She sighs once more, "Well, come here." The kids looked at one another and quickly stepped into the woman's embrace. Once they got comfortable she started humming again. Freda fell into the lands of dream but her brother still had questions.
"Why do you hum that song but never sing it?" Éothain whispered, leading closer into her chest to hear her heartbeat.
"It's a warning for my people that war is coming, once someone sings it everyone will know and has to prepare for what's to come."
"Like in your story about At World's End? With Davy Jones and The Flying Dutchmen?" He can feel her nodding as her hand brushes his hair. "So, you are a king? Is that why all those people come to you because you know what to do?"
Elizabeth lets out a small huff of laughter because this boy is just like her son, Henry, filled with wonder and curiosity. He asked the same question as her son, so she will humor the boy with the same answer, "Ha! We all need one another to survive, don't ever rely on just one person but help and advise everyone and they will do the same. Sometimes it won't make sense but in time it will."
The boy's eyes lit up, "... Oh. Just like Capt. Jack!"
Elizabeth gave a silent laugh with tears building up, "Yes, just like him. An interesting mix of madness and brilliance."
Éothain can hear her heartbeat speeding up, he wrapped his arms around her waist and gave her a tight hug, "...Thank you, Miss. Liz. I know we can be a bit much."
She rolled her eyes, "Please, I had a son too. And I'm definitely weak for kids, especially little boys who ask a lot of questions."
The boy giggled a little but somberly asked her about her kid, "What happened to him?"
Elizabeth let out a shaky breath, "He got sick… And now he's with his father." A single tear fell down her cheek onto Éothain's hair.
"...I'm sorry."
Elizabeth tightly hugged him, "Don't be. You weren't even alive when it happened. I will always miss them but I know they'll want me to move forward even though I don't want to."
Éothain looked up and saw something shiny peaking out of her shirt and he tilted his head a little and saw it, "Pretty necklace…"
Elizabeth pet his head, "A story for another time… Go to sleep, child."
"One more question…" He yaws heavily, "If we are attacked and war starts again…? You'll protect us? The people here; you'll protect them as your own? Right? Because you are a king, a leader of the people?"
"Yes, I'll protect you all." Elizabeth takes a deep breath, allows the air to clean her lungs as she holds her breath and slowly releases, "Go to sleep…"
Elizabeth watched the two young children in her lap and let a few tears out. Slowly her heart is healing from the cut Henry left on her, when he passed away, is finally healing. She will always miss her child but now she feels she can let go and smile at children, only a little one. No need to scare the locals.
Elizabeth can tell when her partner is distracted. It has been said they are more alike than they'll ever admit. Sometimes they need to escape reality and daydream about their loved ones. To remember why they fight. Aragorn leads his horse to Helm's Deep, distracted by the memory of Arwen. Or rather the last time they have spoken to one another. It's a bittersweet memory.
Éowyn walked alongside him, "Where is she? The woman who gave you that jewel."
Aragorn looks thoughtful. He says nothing and continues walking with Éowyn, Aragorn looks distant.
"My lord?" Éowyn asked.
"She is sailing to the Undying Lands with all that is left of her kin."
As they continue to walk as Háma and Gamling ride past them to scout ahead. Legolas is standing on top of a hillock looking out. They ride over the ridge, distracting Legolas, who is watching the horizon as they pass. They reach a tall formation of rocks...their horses become uneasy. The horsemen suddenly pause. "What is it? Háma?"
"I'm not sure."
High atop the rocks, an orc warg rider watches them...Suddenly, the warg rider charges down the rock face and attacks Háma! Háma is knocked from his steed to the ground. He rolls over as the warg bears down upon him. Attacks and kills him.
Aragorn and Éowyn look up to hear Háma's cries from a distance.
Gamling draws his sword shouting, "Wargs!"
The warg throws Háma away, and turns to Gamling. Gamling fights the Warg rider… Quickly Legolas leaps from his lookout point on the hillside and fires an arrow, killing the warg, and throwing his rider to the ground. Aragorn appears as Legolas bears down on the orc and slices his throat. "A scout!"
Aragorn runs atop the ridge… hurries back down the hill to the people.
Théoden rides up to him and asks, "What is it? What do you see?"
Aragorn ran to Elizabeth and his horse, "Wargs! We're under attack!"
The people of Rohan begin to panic. The crowd is instantly reduced to a blind panic… the people scream and turn back to Edoras.
Aragorn makes his way through the crowd to Elizabeth and his horse… "Get them out of here!"
Théoden turns back to the troops, "All riders to the head of the column!"
Gimli tries to mount Arod. "Come on. Get me up here. I'm a rider. Come on!" With some help, Gimli succeeds. "Come on!" He spurs the horse onward, and almost falls off!
Legolas runs across the plain to the top of another ridge, overlooking a vast plain...over the next hill come a large number of warg riders, barking and kicking up dust as they ride.
Elizabeth quickly mounts Hasufel to get to Aragorn faster but stops by the king.
"What do you think you're doing?!"
"I'm going to fight."
"Stop!" Elizabeth ingores Théoden by spurs Hasufel onward as she helps Aragorn mount behind her.
"Uncle!" Éowyn calls out wanting to fight as well but Théoden tells her she needs to lead the people to safety.
"Follow me!" Théoden charges forward and his warriors follow…
Arod, Gimli on his back, walks backward. "Forward. I mean, charge forward."
Éowyn leads the people away from the battle. "Make for the lower ground!"
Gimli finally succeeds in moving Arod forward...he holds on unsteadily as the horse gallops. "That's it! Go on!"
Éowyn manages to get everyone moving in the same direction...she continues to rally them to her. "Stay together!"
The Rohirrim horsemen ride together under their standard up the hill to confront the warg riders.
Aragorn turns for a final glance to Éowyn and the villagers… Éowyn turns for a final glance to Aragorn and the horsemen… their eyes lock for a moment before Elizabeth turns and heads for the battle.
The horsemen ride up the hill into battle… Atop the ridge, Legolas fires arrows into the ranks of the warg riders, hitting his mark each time… the Rohirrim ride over the hill… Legolas turns and joins Gimli on Arod.
The two armies ride towards each other… Théoden and the warg commander give their armies the signal… the two armies clash on the field of battle… riders are knocked from their mounts… spears, arrows, teeth, and swords make contact… The blood-thirsty wargs maul fallen men and horses.
Gimli falls from Arod… he stands, facing off against a hungry warg… Gimli readies himself. "Bring your pretty face to my axe!" The warg charges… Gimli prepares to make contact.
Suddenly, Legolas rides by and kills the warg with a well-placed arrow!
"That one counts as mine!"
Elizabeth quickly hands Aragorn the rains and jumps off the saddle into a warg and its rider. She stabs the orc and throws it off and stabbing the warg on its side to make it crash into another warg killing them both. She watches for a second before getting into another fight.
A warg attacks Gimli from behind...he kills the creature with his axe, but as it falls, Gimli is pinned under it.
The battle rages on… Aragorn and Théoden deftly dispatch orcs with their swords… an archer fires arrow after arrow at the attackers before a warg mauls him… Riders are knocked from their mounts…
Gimli tries to lift the warg off of him. "Stinking creature." An orc leans over the dead warg… Gimli's eyes widen… the orc raises a short sword… Gimli grabs the orc's head and breaks his neck...the orc collapses on the growing heap… Gimli sniffs and grimaces with disgust… A warg looks over his fallen brethren and finds Gimli… Gimli's eyes widen again as he realizes he is at the creature's mercy.
Elizabeth looks over and spots Gimli's predicament. She quickly scans the area and calls out for her partner. "Aragorn!" He looks out and sees it too. The warg closes in for the kill on Gimli.
Aragorn rides towards Gimli… He snatches a spear from the ground and skewers the warg… it falls, adding to the weight Gimli is currently carrying… Gimli moans in pain.
The battle rages on...
A warg takes Aragorn off guard and knocks him from Hasufel. One of the riders, Sharku, charges Aragorn and attempts to take him out… Aragorn grabs the orc's arm and pulls himself to the back of the warg, behind Sharku! They charge across the plains… Sharku butts Aragorn off the warg, but Aragorn holds on to the warg's coarse hair… dragged across the field, Aragorn draws his dagger and swings at Sharku… Sharku kicks him back down! Finally, Aragorn stabs Sharku… The two grasp at each other… Aragorn throws Sharku from the warg, but Aragorn is unable to let go… His hand is wrapped in the creature's saddle!
Elizabeth just finishes killing a few more orcs and wargs when a warg charges across the field of battle. She noticed something strange on its saddle and saw Aragorn trying to disentangle his hand. She looks at the direction it's heading towards.
"Aragorn!" Elizabeth ran as fast as she could to stop the warg but the drop-off approached quickly!
Aragorn desperately tries to disentangle himself. The warg charges over the edge… Aragorn falls with him! Elizabeth quickly jumps the ledge and manages to grab his hand. "Aragorn! I got you! Oh, of course, it's a bloody cliff!"
"Elizabeth!" Aragorn felt a relief when he saw her, then dread when an orc was behind her, "Lead well… I'm sorry…"
She heard him whisper but it didn't make sense, they were going to Helm's Deep together with their friends. Why is he saying that? "Aragorn?" He gave her one last smile before pushing off the cliff. Their hands slip but Elizabeth tries to hold on to him but she can only catch his fingers but they still slip from their hold and he falls into the water. Elizabeth froze but once she heard the swish of a blade, she quickly pulled out one of her guns killing the orc. She turns back to find him hoping he's climbing up but Aragorn is nowhere to be found… for he had sacrificed himself to save her.
"No… ARAGORN!"
Gimli axes a fallen warg. He looks about hearing Elizabeth scream. All over the plains the warg riders are retreating, still being removed from this life by Rohirrim Horsemen.
Legolas walks across the field, looking for Elizabeth for he had heard her too. "Elizabeth! Aragorn!" He watched as she fell to her knees near the cliff.
Gimli seems to notice Aragorn missing as well… he looks around, worried. "Aragorn?"
Théoden also looks around amongst the men near him… Legolas and Gimli approach Elizabeth as she continues to look at the drop-off. They look over the ground… Legolas looks up to an orc, who is laughing raspy… it is Sharku… Legolas and Gimli approach him…
Gimli holds his axe threateningly over Sharku's head. "Tell me what happened and I will ease your passing."
"He's ... dead." Sharku laughs. "Took a little tumble off the cliff." Théoden turns to the cliff…
Legolas bends down and grabs Sharku by the shirt. "You lie."
Sharku chortles and dies with a smile… Legolas roughly releases him… Something in the orc's hand catches his eye… he takes the item.
Legolas holds the Evenstar Pendant… his expression changes to worry. He quickly joins Elizabeth and Théoden at the drop-off with Gimli close behind. Down the sheer cliff to the rushing water below, there is no sign of either the warg or Aragorn. Legolas and Gimli desperately scan the ravine for Aragorn. Elizabeth stares blankly at the water clutching something in her hand tightly.
"Elizabeth?"
"My fault… I could have saved him." Elizabeth whispers, she slowly gets off her knees and puts away her gun. Only Legolas noticed her putting a ring on her finger. She looks at him with despair in her eyes hoping their friend is still alive but then anger shadows it and Legolas knows whatever enemy comes forth will not be safe from her wrath. Isengard just started a war with the Pirate King.
Gamling runs up behind Théoden. Théoden turns to him. "Get the wounded on horses. The wolves of Isengard will return. Leave the dead." Gamling acknowledges and runs back to the ranks.
Legolas looks at Théoden with an expression of perplexed anger… Théoden puts a comforting hand on Legolas' shoulder.
"Come."
Théoden leaves Elizabeth, Legolas and Gimli staring at the river… Legolas looks at the Evanstar, not wanting to believe the truth. "Elizabeth?" he waits for her to give a nod, "Shall we continue?"
Elizabeth looked into his eyes and with determination to not break down she told them, "Gandalf made plans to meet on the fifth day. I promise a child to protect the people. And Aragorn told me to lead on. We go to Helm's Deep."
"Make way for the king!"
The horsemen ride into Helm's Deep and up the roads.
"Make way for Théoden! Make way for the king!"
Éowyn runs through the city to meet them. She surveys their numbers quickly. "So few. So few of you have returned."
Théoden turns to her, finding his words. He averts his gaze as much as possible. "Our people are safe." He turns to assist a wounded soldier who was riding with him. "We have paid for it with many lives."
Gimli solemnly approaches Éowyn. "My lady."
She turns to him, worried. "Lord Aragorn ... where is he?"
"He fell." Elizabeth told her as she walked by with Legolas nearby watching her.
Éowyn's eyes grow wide… her mouth drops open, speechless… she turns to look at Théoden… Théoden catches her glance, and turns away, confirming Elizabeth's statement… visibly shaken, Éowyn sits to recover herself.
Théoden stands, overlooking the land outside of Helm's Deep. He addresses the soldiers and men accompanying him. "Draw all our forces behind the wall. Bar the gate. And set a watch on the surroundings." Théoden turns to leave the battlements. The men follow.
"What of those who cannot fight, my lord? The women and children?"
"Get them into the caves."
Théoden leads his men down from the battlements and past the deeping stream, which flows through it via a grate in the wall. "Saruman's arm will have grown long indeed if he thinks he can reach us here."
Elizabeth watches the King and his men but the drain has her interest. Legolas can see she is observing the wall but the water has her attention. While her own walls did build up again around her heart, her mind is still working, still planning making sure everyone will be safe.
"What do you see?"
She glares at the bottom of the wall with the drain, "A weakness. Helm's Deep outer wall is solid rock but the drain there has a small culvert at its base. If Saruman is clever as I think he is, he might have found a way to get in."
"How?"
"With the same minerals I use. Gunpowder."
"You should inform the King."
"Please, that man will not listen to me because I am a woman but I'll never know if I don't try."
It's been two days since they took refuge at Helm's Deep, two long days of Elizabeth and Théoden arguing with one another. Never seeing eye to eye. Théoden hates it when she challenges him or has ideas that can definitely work in the long run.
"What? Afraid that a woman will beat you at your own game?"
Luckily Elizabeth had the insight to argue with Théoden away from prining eyes, only Legolas, Gimli, Éowyn and Gamling have heard the two argue.
When Elizabeth isn't with the king, she is with Legolas teaching him how to use a gun. She taught him the basics, and showed him how to take it apart, clean it and put it back together. Needless he is a natural, enough to proclaim he is a pro. The perfect sniper she would say to him. Gimli doesn't like the loud noise it produces and would rather stick to his axe. Elizabeth offered to teach Éowyn but the woman was busy taking care of her people. Luckily they did spar against one another which was a big turn out as little girls did ask if they can fight with swords as well.
Éothain and Freda found her practicing her forms and quickly introduced her to their mother, who hugged and thanked her for watching her kids and making sure they were safe. And quickly introduced her their new friend, Haleth, son of Háma. That got a quiet reaction out of her for she knew Háma was a good man and showed him a few things as well. The kids were her little shadows who follow her around and mimic her forms as they watch her. It wasn't long before other children would follow her around as well. They would ask for stories about her time as a pirate, Captain Jack Sparrow and the Black Pearl, Captain Will Turner and the Flying Dutchman, The Sea Goddess Calypso, the Breathe Court and now their new favorite, the Nine Pieces of Eight and the Pirate Lords. She would humor them and tell the stories while acting out a few scenes with her swords and guns.
Once again Théoden didn't like how Elizabeth was changing everything and how his people seem to look up to her like she is their king. Although he grudgingly accepts that she is honest and tells him straight up when he is wrong. While others look away and back down, she looks straight into his eyes and doesn't back down, always staying true to her decision. There have been a few times they had threatened one another with a gun to the head, Elizabeth, and getting locked up in a cell, Théoden. The only one who can tell her to calm down without getting a sword or a gun pointed at him is the silver elf.
"I'm sorry but in what way shows that I look bloody- Hey!"
Legolas makes sure Elizabeth and Théoden stay away to cool down after tempers have flared, threats had been made and shouting matches that have no end. Dragging the two rulers away from one another isn't easy but luckily Elizabeth had practice of walking away from unnecessary conversion from the Brethren Court. Everyone had something to say, blame or shout from whoever was across from them. But this isn't that Court, the one where she can walk in and say her piece and almost everyone agrees.
"Challenging the King isn't helping your case." Legolas and Elizabeth walk on the battlement where people avoid and they are mostly alone other than the guards who are at their post.
"You know what… I'm done, if that stubborn ass man does not want my help, fine."
"Elizabeth, please."
Elizabeth stops walking to turn to him, "Legolas, I can see how they all look at me. I've already changed things in the matter of three days. Tomorrow is the fifth when Gandalf is supposed to arrive once he is here I want nothing to-" She cuts herself off as she notices a lone rider.
"Elizabeth?"
"Look." Legolas and Elizabeth watch a rider gallop to the wall from where they stand they can see clearly who it is.
"Aragorn…" Elizabeth runs back towards the hall as Aragorn gallops up the walk into Helm's Deep. Aragorn rides past the people to get deeper into the Keep. The people are amazed to see him alive… a soldier takes charge of Brego as Aragorn dismounts the beautiful beast…
Gimli fights his way through the crowd. "Where is he? Where is he? Get out of the way! I'm gonna kill him!" Gimli looks upon Aragorn in amazement. He smiles broadly. "You are the luckiest, the canniest and the most reckless man I ever knew!" Gimli embraces Aragorn. "Bless you laddie!"
Aragorn accepts his friend's affection. "Gimli, where is the king?"
Gimli nods in the direction of the Hall.
As Aragorn walks through the people, fastening his belt, Elizabeth appears in front of him blocking his path.
"You certainly took your sweet time to get here."
"I-" Aragorn was cut off by Elizabeth's slapping him across the face, "I deserve that." She nodded in agreement before pulling him into a tight hug that he reciprocated, "Hopefully you didn't drive anyone insane."
Elizabeth scruffed as she pushed him a little, "Only the King." The two shared a chuckle.
Legolas looks at them, amused. "Le ab-dollen." Aragorn raised an eyebrow as they smiled. Legolas gives Aragorn a once-over and frowns. "You look terrible." Legolas grin as Aragorn laughs and Elizabeth shakes her head at the two.
"Where did you end up?" Elizabeth asked.
"At the bottom of a cliff."
"Of course. Ah…" Elizabeth pulls out her necklace that holds three different charms; her piece of eight as a Pirate Lord, a sword and crown charm Will made, and finally Aragorn's ring which she is now returning to its rightful owner. "Here. I believe you need this back." She steps away so Legolas can walk to him. Legolas hands Aragorn a necklace… Aragorn hands up his hand to reveal the Evenstar has been returned to him. Aragorn looks at Elizabeth and Legolas in reverent happiness. He nods with appreciation.
"Hannon le."
"Come, I'm sure Théoden would love to see you."
Théoden sits on his throne with Gamling at his side. The door sounds and they turn to it. Aragorn throws open the doors and stands before them.
Théoden, taking in Aragorn's story. "A great host, you say?"
"All Isengard is emptied."
"How many?"
"Ten thousand strong at least."
Théoden turns to Aragorn, incredulous. "Ten thousand?"
"It is an army bred for a single purpose… to destroy the world of Men." Théoden attempts to fathom Aragorn's bombshell. He shows real fear. Aragorn grimly completes the bad news. "They will be here by nightfall."
Théoden turns away slowly, considering. Finally, he walks resolutely from the hall. "Let them come!"
Outside Théoden and Gamling walk down the stairs followed by Aragorn, Elizabeth, Legolas and Gimli to the gate.
"I want every man and strong lad able to bear arms to be ready for battle by nightfall." He dismisses Gamling once he nods and walks off. He, Aragorn, Elizabeth, Legolas, and Gimli continue on to stand just outside the main gate.
Théoden stands outside the gate on the stone pathway leading into Helm's Deep. He addresses his plan. "We will cover the causeway and the gate from above. No army has ever breached the Deeping Wall or set foot inside the Hornburg!"
Gimli stands bored against the gate. "This is no rabble of mindless Orcs." Théoden turns to Gimli, almost surprised to hear from him. "These are Uruk-Hai. Their armor is thick and their shields broad."
Théoden stands tall before Gimli. "I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf. I know how to defend my own Keep." Théoden walks back into the Keep.
Legolas gently held Elizabeth's wrist so she didn't listen to her intrusive thoughts. Like killing someone or doing something unexpected like throwing a man off a stone pathway or shooting them with one of her many guns. After all, she is very protective of those she calls her friends and family.
Aragorn, Elizabeth and Legolas walk past Gimli, who appears to have been put off or rather disgruntled. Aragorn puts a hand on his shoulder and continues on.
Théoden leads Aragorn, Elizabeth, Legolas, and Gimli across the battlements of Helm's Deep, overlooking the expansive plains. "They will break upon this fortress like water on rock. Saruman's hordes will pillage and burn. We've seen it before. Crops can be resown; homes rebuilt. Within these walls, we will outlast them."
Elizabeth rolled her eyes and glared at the king, "I highly doubt they'll destroy Rohan's crops or villages. That's what the wild men will do."
Aragorn follows Théoden closely, "She's right. They come to destroy Rohan's people… down to the last child."
Théoden turns quickly to Aragorn and draws him close by the arm. "What would you have me do? Look at my Men. Their courage hangs by a thread." Aragorn looks away ashamed. "If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance."
"Then make them believe, to have courage to fight for their home. For their freedom. Or you could have listened when I advised you to send for help."
Théoden walks away as if not listening. Aragorn pleads with Théoden. "Send out riders, my lord. You must call for aid."
Théoden turns back Aragorn, drawing close again. "And who will come? Elves? Dwarves? Pirates? We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead."
"Gondor will answer."
Théoden puts his face up to Aragorn's in anger. Legolas had to stop Elizabeth once more before she cut Théoden down with her swords. "Gondor?! Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell? Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us?! Where was Gon-?" Théoden pauses to recollect himself. He looks into Aragorn's eyes and speaks calmer. "No, my Lord Aragorn...we are alone." Théoden turns away again… Aragorn looks after him, nodding… Théoden walks up the steps to the Hall, followed closely by Gamling and his other guards.
"I swear, I better not be in the fuckin caves."
"Will you please let go of me?"
Elizabeth grabbed hold of Aragorn before he started getting ready for war. He needs rest or he won't be of any use half alive. Also Elizabeth is worried he'll burn himself out before the fighting even starts. "No. One, I thought you died. Two, you are about to drop. And three, I will knock your ass to the ground so you can get some sleep. We all need to be in top shape or at least as much as we can. Understand? Fifthteen minutes is all I ask for."
Aragorn sighed with a smile, "Very well, only fifteen minutes."
In a mass organized movement, the people gather their belongings and trudge together into hiding. Soldiers assist the elderly and infirm in getting themselves into the caves.
"That was longer than fifthteen minutes."
"Please, you needed it."
"What plans have you made?" Aragorn got straight to the point and wanted the information as he works his way through the throng and wants Elizabeth to explain the plan to him.
Elizabeth points to the top of the wall, "We'll place the reserves along the wall. They can support the archers from above the gate. But there is one sight that I worry for if the right minerals are use, the wall can-"
"Aragorn! Aragorn!" They both turned and saw Éowyn run through the crowds towards him. She looks at him angrily.
Elizabeth walks away with Legolas by her side to give them a little privacy, "I need a drink to deal with… all that."
Legolas raised an eyebrow, "That's a bit harsh."
She rolled her eyes and was about to say something but another voice cut through the crowd, "Miss Elizabeth!"
"Haleth, Éothain, Freda. What are you all doing here? Shouldn't you all be helping your mothers getting into the caves?"
"We heard from the men that a great army is marching towards Helm's Deep."
"I want to help!"
"Listen to me, more than likely Haleth is going to fight but do not be afraid-"
"I'm not."
"Yes you are because everyone is afraid. Even the King for he told me himself but he wants to keep you all safe. Éothain, Freda. You both are too young. And Lady Éowyn will be there to protect you. Because if something were to happen to us, she will be the first one to grab a sword and every mother in there will do the same. Just because they are women doesn't mean they don't know how to fight or get their hands dirty… After all, don't I fight?" All three kids nodded. "No one can survive a mother's wrath if their child is in danger. Also have courage for there is always hope… Ok?"
The kids went back to their mothers to help and Legolas placed a hand on her shoulder and nodded for she calmed their hearts just a little and gave them hope that they will survive the night. She turn back to Aragorn and caught the end of their conversion.
"Because they love you!" Aragorn stands before her, looking at her silently. They look meaningfully at each other. She averts her gaze. "I'm sorry." She pushes past him and follows the people into the caves.
Elizabeth had to blink a few times and with a slight smirk gracing her face, she couldn't help but to tease just a little, "That was most definitely a love confession if I ever heard one." Aragorn shot her a glare before walking towards the armory.
"Be nice." Legolas told her as they followed Aragorn and Gimli.
"I am nice."
"I mean genuinely nice, not bitchy nice."
"Now who taught you I wonder."
In the armory weapons are being handed out before the group can walk in, a soldier stops them but he has orders for one person in particular.
"L-Lady Elizabeth…"
"Yes?"
"Um, please come this way."
"Why?"
"The King-"
Elizabeth nodded as she understood just exactly what the king wanted from her, "The King, I see. Gentleman, if you excuse me I appear to have business with the king."
"See you out there." Aragorn nodded to her because he knows she won't miss this fight and if somehow she is thrown to the caves she'll be out of there in no time shooting down the enemy like it's nobody's business.
"Yep. And you. Well, you can tell him I am disinclined to acquiesce to his request. It means no."
"P-please just follow me. To the King I mean." The poor guard is shaking in his armor because he has never met a woman so intimidating it's not natural.
"Mm-hm. Lead on."
The guard brings her the king in the Hall, so he can put his foot down and make her listen to him. But once again, all she does is give him a headache and disobeys him, again.
"You must stay in the caves."
"And why is that? In what way shows that I'm incapable of fighting. I'm quite positive that I can kill Uruk-Hai. For I have done so before! You know what, I don't listen to you." She glared at the King.
"It's for protection!"
"Please. Protection? I 'll put it this way: you are not my king or the one I follow."
"You can't just up and leave!"
"Yes I can, it's quite easy."
"Go to the caves! You'll be protected there!"
Elizabeth steps closer to him, not in his face or touching but enough to feel her breath, to hear the determination in her voice for she has no need to shout, "I have told you multiple times before I've seen my fair share of wars. I have blood on my hands and I will not sit around and wait like some damsel in distress. I'm leaving so I can fight for your people."
"I command you to stay in the caves!"
"Well it's a good thing you are not my King! For I am my own King. I dare you to stop me." They have challenged one another to see who will break eye contact first so far Elizabeht is the reigning champion, for she will not be bullied into waiting around when she can get the job done.
Théoden looks away first and sighs because he knew that she will not listen to him but he can try, "Fine, don't come running to me from danger."
"We have an accord. See you on the front lines."
Théoden watches her walk away most likely going to the armory where her companies are and sighs once more because this will be a long night, "That woman is a pain in the ass."
Soldiers stand at the Battlements. The plains before the Keep are quiet… Like the calm before a storm. Some other soldiers move to and fro preparing Helm's Deep for the imminent attack. Elizabeth spots Aragorn on a small staircase in deep thought. She has known him long enough to see the signs that he had a fight or argument with someone he cares about.
"What happened?"
"Nothing." She gave him a stare that said, I don't believe you, try again. He sighs, "Legolas and I got into a disagreement and I left to get some air and away from the armory. Then, I met a young lad, Haleth, son of Háma…" Aragorn has quite the reaction on his face almost like guilt and sadness but most definitely hope and determination is shown the best. "I told him there is alway hope."
"Haleth… Yes, I met him as well. Éothain is very fond of him."
Aragorn reacts to the name. "Hm, didn't know they knew one another."
"They met on the road and became fast friends or that's what I was told at least."
Aragorn let out a few chuckles, "It amazes me how you can come into a village, town or even a kingdom and the people flock you and tell you everything about their life."
She just shrugs, stands up and gives him a hand so they can make their way to the armory to get ready.
Aragorn quickly dons his chain mail, leather vest, and elven dagger. Elizabeth does the same while checking every weapon she has and putting them in the right spot. Someone hands Aragorn his sword… Aragorn looks up… Legolas stands before Aragorn, Aragorn's sword in hand. Aragorn takes it and nods in thanks.
"We have trusted you this far. You have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."
Aragorn shakes his head. "Ú-moe edhored, Legolas."
They smile at each other, their friendship renewed.
Gimli wrestles with a shirt of chain mail. "We had time, I'd get this adjusted." He gets the shirt on, and drops the bundle to the floor. It lands in a heap. Elizabeth bites her lip from laughing while Aragorn and Legolas smile… Gimli is unphased. "It's a little tight across the chest." Aragorn and Legolas nod in feigned agreement.
A horn sounds from outside. Legolas turns in curiosity. "That is no Orc horn." Legolas, Elizabeth and Aragorn run out of the armory. Gimli waddles to catch luckily Elizabeth helps him and they follow the other two out.
The guards look over the edge of the Battlements.
"Send for the king." The second guard nods and runs off. "Open the gate!" The order passes down the Wall.
An army of Lothlórien Elven Archers march up the Causeway into the Hornburg… the soldiers look upon them in wonder and excitement… Théoden walks down the steps of the Hall. His mouth drops open in surprise.
Haldir leads the Elves to Théoden. He bows with respect.
"How is this possible?" Théoden asked.
"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together." Aragorn, Legolas, Elizabeth and Gimli appear at the head of the stairs. Haldir looks up to them and smiles. "We come to honor that allegiance."
Aragorn, Elizabeth, Legolas, and Gimli descend the steps to greet Haldir.
"Mae govannen, Haldir." Haldir extends in hand in the traditional Elvish welcome. Aragorn begins to, but then grabs Haldir in a huge embrace. Haldir is momentarily stunned, but hugs back lightly. "You are most welcome."
"Just in time for the party." Elizabeth and Haldir nod to each in greeting.
Legolas and Haldir clasp each other on the shoulder in greeting.
The Army of Elves performs a left face and stands before Théoden for his review. Haldir bows before him. "We are proud to fight alongside Men once more."
The men and elves stand ready and watchful on the Battlements of Helm's Deep. Every inch of space overlooking the sides of the wall is covered. across the plains before Helm's Deep, an enormous army, lit by torches, approaches the heavily manned Battlements. Legolas watches before a complement of archers.
The top of a helmet is just visible over the edge of the wall. "You could have picked a better spot." Gimli complains. Legolas smirks. Aragorn approaches and stands beside them. "Well lad, whatever luck you live by, let's hope it lasts the night."
"Where is Elizabeth?" Legolas asked Aragorn.
"She's at an eagle eye spot on top of a tower."
"I see. She will definitely cause damage up there." The two shared a smile but it got wiped off from the image in front of them. Lightning flashes… thunder rolls… as the lightning illuminates the night, it reveals the sheer size of the sea of approaching Uruk-Hai. Legolas' eyes grow wide at the very sight. "Your friends are with you, Aragorn."
"Let's hope they last the night." Gimli said as he took in their expression.
The steady approach of the Uruk-Hai grows louder.
Elizabeth is on top of a flat tower, the perfect view of the Battlementand and their enemy marching towards the Keep. She can see Théoden stands ready with his men. Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli stand at the Battlement ready for the fight to protect the people of Rohan.
"Tia, I know you can hear me, so if you please… Hoist your colors."
Lightning peels across the sky accompanied by more thunder. Elizabeth looks up as it begins to rain. The men on the Battlements are unmoved by the sudden downpour.
"Perfect. Thank you."
Elizabeth gets to work and puts together a sniper rifle, no one really knows how she can hide so many weapons on her person or how she manages to walk around with such big guns. Elizabeth will never tell her secrets, after all, it's a pirate's trade and trick. She looks through her scope and there she sees an orc commander standing atop a rock. She puts her finger near the trigger but something catches her attention. Four Uruk-Hai appear to be holding two spike balls. She looks at their line of sight and sees they're going for the drain.
"Oh hell no. Not on my watch." Elizabeth knows she will do everything in her power to keep those weapons away from the Wall. "I better be wrong on what kind of weapons those are." She hopes those are not bombs because if they are it will change everything. Also hopes the men won't challenge fate.
She can hear Aragorn through the ranks of the Elven Archers. "A Eruchîn, ú-dano i faelas a hyn... an uben tanatha le faelas!" With a smirk creeping on her lips she knows she'll show them no mercy.
It was intense waiting for the signal to kill the orcs and it didn't help as the Uruk-Hai commander roared. The entire Uruk-Hai army begins pounding their spears on the ground. Just as Elizabeth was about to fire… Aldor, an old man standing ready with his bow, loses his grip… the arrows sails to the front line of Uruk-Hai and hits its mark.
"Dartho!"
The Uruk-Hai groans and collapses to the ground, dead… the commander roars and thrusts his sword forward… the Uruk-Hai roar in response and run towards the Battlements.
"So it begins." Elizabeth said, finally pulling the trigger on the rifle.
Aragorn to Brego:
Fæste, stille nú… fæste… stille nú. Lac is drefed, gefrægon. Fast, be quiet now… fast… be quiet now. A battle is stirred up, they heard.
Hwæt nemnað ðe? Hm? Hwæt nemnað ðe? What is your name? 'Hm? What is your name?
Brego. Ðin nama is cynglic. Brego? Your name is kingly.
Man le trasta, Brego? Man cenich? What troubles you, Brego? What did you see?
Aragorn and Legolas:
Le ab-dollen. You're late.
Hannon le. Thank you.
Ú-moe edhored, Legolas. There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.
Aragorn to Haldir,and the Elven Soldiers:
Mae govannen, Haldir. Welcome, Haldir,
A Eruchîn, ú-dano i faelas a hyn... an uben tanatha le faelas! Show them no mercy… for you shall receive none!
Dartho! Hold!