Nightfall is falling quickly. Soldiers usher women and children into the caves. Legolas is walking beside me, worrying about me because my wounds are not completely healed and I haven't been rested as much as he would like, but I can't sleep, not while war is coming.
,,War. They can spot the archers from above the gate." I tell Legolas as he follows me through the keep.
,,Neuma, you must rest. You're no use to us half alive." I look at Legolas when I hear Éowyn call out my name.
,,Milady, Neuma." She walks up to me, just as I send Legolas to help the men get the women and children in the cave. ,,I'm sent with the women into the caves."
,,That's an honorable charge."
,,To mind the children, to find food and bedding when the men return. What renown is there in that?"
,,Milady, a time may come for valor without renown. Who then will your people look to in the last defense?"
,,Let me stand at your side." She says, looking into my eyes.
,,It is not in my power to command it." I turn around to go and help Legolas but Éowyn is not satisfied with my answer as she raises her voice.
,,You do not command the others to stay!" She says. Legolas and Gimli turn their gazes towards us. I turn my gaze at Éowyn. ,,They fight beside you because they would not be separated from you." She pauses for a small moment before continuing. ,,Because they love you." She says as she keeps her eyes on me. Éowyn seems startled by what she just said and looks towards the ground. ,,I'm sorry." And then she walks into the caves with the rest of the women. I watch her walk away, not knowing what to say.
Women and children weep and say their goodbyes as their husbands, fathers and sons are drafted to the army. Many are too young, too old or too sick. Most of the able bodied men are with Éomer. I'm hoping Gandalf will get here in time with them. If he doesn't, I fear the people won't last long against Saruman's army of Uruk-Hai.
The woman and children are led into the caves. The soldiers pass around swords and other things to the men.
,,Farmers, farriers, stable boys." I say, looking at the soldiers now. ,,These are no soldiers."
,,Most have seen too many winters." Gimli says, agreeing with me.
,,Or too few." Legolas says. ,,Look at them, they're frightened. You can see it in their eyes." Now the men turn around and look at him. ,,Boe a hyn neled herain dan caer menig ( And they should be, three hundred against ten thousand )!"
,,Si, beriathar hyn ammaeg na ned Edoras ( They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras )."
,,Neuma, nadin dagor hen ú-'erir ortheri. Natha daged dhaer ( Neuma, they cannot win this fight. They are all going to die )!"
,,Then I shall die as one of them!" I yell back at Legolas, not understanding why Legolas is in so much despair. I shake my head and then just walk away.
An hour later, I walked towards the armory, turning my head whenever a soldier passed by. Inside I see Gimli fitting his armor. I smile at him before I go to the wall of armor to grab a chain mail tunic for myself. I make work with my own armor and only have to grab my sword but when I look at the table where I left it, my sword is gone. I look around, see Théoden walk out of the room again, before my eyes see Legolas holding my sword.
,,We have trusted you this far. You have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair." Legolas tells me, apologizing. I put my hand on his shoulder.
,,Ú-moe edaved, Legolas ( There is nothing to forgive, Legolas )." Legolas smiles and puts his hand on my shoulder now too. Gimli appears in full gear now too, even though he doesn't seem happy with is. Suddenly we get interrupted by a horn sounded from outside. We look up at the sound.
,,That is no orc horn." Legolas says as we hurry outside. Théoden follows us and we see an army of Elves march into the open gates. Haldir leading them.
,,How is this possible?" Théoden asks in amazement.
,,I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together." Now Haldir sees us on top of the stairs. ,,We have come to honor that allegiance." Haldir says. I walk down the stairs right away.
,,Mae govannen, Haldir ( Welcome, Haldir )." I says, as I hug him. Haldir is surprised at the huge embrace, but returns it lightly. ,,You are most welcome." Haldir clasps Legolas by the shoulder, then turns to Théoden once again. Legolas stand beside Haldir proudly.
,,We are proud to fight alongside men, once more." Haldir says. I smile at him. ,,Come, let us assemble." Haldir waves a hand and his Elven army follows us to the wall.