A/N: The last chap, hope you like it. See below for thanks.
Helms Deep - The End
Aragorn always spoke of what he called 'those moments,' I imagine that this was one of those. I had made the jump, which itself surprised me, though I knew I could not watch one of my kin die, not like that. Gimli's face as I handed him by bow was almost enough for me to reconsider, he knew I would not hand that over unless I was about to attempt something huge, something stupid, something I might not survive. But with Aragorn's cry I made up my mind and began to climb. I stumbled briefly and heard Gimli shout out from below. I did not look down, avoiding his gaze, and that of my husband. I braced myself, ready to leap. Pressing all my weight onto my back foot, I began a short run up, throwing all my weight forward again as I left the stone. I almost closed my eyes, and would have done if I had not fixed my gaze on the uruk-hai and the waiting axe.
I landed heavily on bended knee and threw myself forward just as the axe came down. The beast distracted, his blow glanced off what little armour I was wearing yet still buried itself deep in my shoulder. I heard Aragorn swear loudly below as I, like Haldir, dropped to my knees.
Discussing this with my love later, I realised what it must of looked like from where he stood. From below his view was already hampered, but he also watched the action side-on. To him the blow landed squarely in the chest. If it had done, I surely would not have survived. However, my mind wanders, back to the tale.
I remember watching the rain land on the sodden ground below, watching for the beast to strike again, the axe still buried in my shoulder. As gnarled hands clamped around the handle to pull the weapon away, the clasp suddenly tightened and then stilled. Still facing downwards I knew not what was happening. With a sudden flash of gold, the shade of my own hair, I was moving. And I wasn't alone. My tormentor flew with me as solid stone dissolved into nothing but air.
We've gone over, I thought. The last view I had seen of this side of the wall was a mesh of orc spears. I prayed to Valar for a swift and merciful death. However the fall lasted longer than I had expected. A lance of pain shot through my shoulder before everything went black.
*************************
When I came round the world was still black. I thought for one horrible moment I had once again gone blind, but then I thrust my arms out and hit flesh. Black flesh. I was completely smothered by the beast I had fallen with. I reached over to my shoulder and finally pulled the rusting metal from it. Underneath the huge creature, I doubted I could be seen, despite any complaints, I suspect this had saved my life. Few would have seen me fall; if they had my inactivity suggested I was already dead. Then my thoughts flew to Aragorn, Gimli, the hobbits and those who would not give up on me. I lifted an arm daring to look out over the battlefield, the light dazzling at first. I was shocked to see most of the black mass retreating, all shielding themselves from a white light that approached from one of the surrounding mountains.
Gandalf.
The battle was almost won, but I could not simply lie here and watch. Pulling a small knife from my boot I pressed hard against the body above me, rolling it slowly off and springing to my feet with practised ease. I was immediately spotted by some of the remaining beasts who angry at their loss, charged with venom. Although my shoulder was bleeding again and stiff, I fought with much of my customary grace. Focussed completely on seeing Aragorn again, knowing how worried he would be, I worked swiftly, making my way back upwards towards the deep again. With Gandalf and the riders dealing with those on the ground, the battle was still underway on the walls. I spotted a wounded Haldir, thankful of his safety I crept through the chaos, just another elf fighting his way through. Then I spotted Gimli.
He fought, devoid of energy, his face carved in stone. My bow and quiver slung protectively over his back. I smiled as the bow scraped along the ground; it was as tall as he. What worried me most was the dwarf's lack of focus. His gaze settled on a higher point fleeting back between that and the battle ahead. No matter how hard I tried, I could not pinpoint what he watched. I edged closer, still holding on to the element of surprise. Still he looked upwards, not until I was directly behind did our gaze settle on the same scene.
Aragorn fought bravely but was surrounded, he could not hold out much longer. I looked at his beautiful face, gasping as I saw silver track run down his cheeks. The future King of Men was crying. Suddenly Anduril was knocked from his hands while he blocked a blow. He was then caught from behind and an orc, seeing his chance rushed him from ahead.
Thinking as fast as I moved I reached for the dwarf I stalked and snatched at the bow he carried.
"Do you mind if I borrow this?" Before Gimli could protest I grabbed an arrow from the quiver and notched it faster than the eye could follow. Taking careful aim I loosed the arrow.
The orc took it directly through the throat, the arrow embedding in the wall behind. I watched as Aragorn picked up his weapon before the arrow caught his eye. Unlike the other arrows from Lothlorien, this arrow was clearly marked, carved with the emblem of the Mirkwood Monarchy. I watched as his eyes followed the line of flight, attempting to identify the archer.
Alas, I had not the time to alert him to my presence, as I continued to fight I was once again just another blond elf, lost in the sea of gold.
The battle wound down, Gandalf hitting the evil forces hard. The fell beasts plunged over the walls, or died by the blade or arrow.
After overseeing the retreat, Aragorn crumbled, falling onto the stone, physically and mentally exhausted, his blood stained face in his hands.
I stepped over, reaching out for him. I ran a solitary hand through his hair, allowing my own to fall over his face.
"Haldir?" He asked with a sob.
"Try again." I whispered.
He rose slowly turning to face me in disbelief. Breathing my name he gathered me in his arms.
*************************
So that was our story. Reunited once again after more near deaths than I care to remember. A love that outlasted all. And to think it all started with that moment. . . . .
A/N: That's it! Over! Please review and let me know what you think. Now my thanks.
Hugs and kisses to all who helped, Dorothy, Mike and Clare, hell, even Greg helped once.
VANESSA: Thanks for everything, your support. Keep writing, about time you told me about your new story. Something about Orli being pregnant? XXXX.
ITHILDIN: Thank you for all your kind reviews and letting me borrow lusty Rumil. Now pick one of your stories and update!
HESTER DAEMIA BYRDE: Thank you for all reviews, hope your nerves held out.
MISTRESSOFTERROR: Again, my thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
BLAYSE: My dear beta, I'll need you soon.
ORLIBLOOMEDME: Great name, thanks for your dedication, look for more soon.
VUARYN & MAWGY: Hope you appreciated the longer end chaps just for you!
HATHOR: Hope your chemistry teacher never caught you.
GOLDENROSE: Such a lovely reviewer cheers!
A huge thanks to ALL reviewers some of which I haven't mentioned. It was a joy to write.
Helms Deep - The End
Aragorn always spoke of what he called 'those moments,' I imagine that this was one of those. I had made the jump, which itself surprised me, though I knew I could not watch one of my kin die, not like that. Gimli's face as I handed him by bow was almost enough for me to reconsider, he knew I would not hand that over unless I was about to attempt something huge, something stupid, something I might not survive. But with Aragorn's cry I made up my mind and began to climb. I stumbled briefly and heard Gimli shout out from below. I did not look down, avoiding his gaze, and that of my husband. I braced myself, ready to leap. Pressing all my weight onto my back foot, I began a short run up, throwing all my weight forward again as I left the stone. I almost closed my eyes, and would have done if I had not fixed my gaze on the uruk-hai and the waiting axe.
I landed heavily on bended knee and threw myself forward just as the axe came down. The beast distracted, his blow glanced off what little armour I was wearing yet still buried itself deep in my shoulder. I heard Aragorn swear loudly below as I, like Haldir, dropped to my knees.
Discussing this with my love later, I realised what it must of looked like from where he stood. From below his view was already hampered, but he also watched the action side-on. To him the blow landed squarely in the chest. If it had done, I surely would not have survived. However, my mind wanders, back to the tale.
I remember watching the rain land on the sodden ground below, watching for the beast to strike again, the axe still buried in my shoulder. As gnarled hands clamped around the handle to pull the weapon away, the clasp suddenly tightened and then stilled. Still facing downwards I knew not what was happening. With a sudden flash of gold, the shade of my own hair, I was moving. And I wasn't alone. My tormentor flew with me as solid stone dissolved into nothing but air.
We've gone over, I thought. The last view I had seen of this side of the wall was a mesh of orc spears. I prayed to Valar for a swift and merciful death. However the fall lasted longer than I had expected. A lance of pain shot through my shoulder before everything went black.
*************************
When I came round the world was still black. I thought for one horrible moment I had once again gone blind, but then I thrust my arms out and hit flesh. Black flesh. I was completely smothered by the beast I had fallen with. I reached over to my shoulder and finally pulled the rusting metal from it. Underneath the huge creature, I doubted I could be seen, despite any complaints, I suspect this had saved my life. Few would have seen me fall; if they had my inactivity suggested I was already dead. Then my thoughts flew to Aragorn, Gimli, the hobbits and those who would not give up on me. I lifted an arm daring to look out over the battlefield, the light dazzling at first. I was shocked to see most of the black mass retreating, all shielding themselves from a white light that approached from one of the surrounding mountains.
Gandalf.
The battle was almost won, but I could not simply lie here and watch. Pulling a small knife from my boot I pressed hard against the body above me, rolling it slowly off and springing to my feet with practised ease. I was immediately spotted by some of the remaining beasts who angry at their loss, charged with venom. Although my shoulder was bleeding again and stiff, I fought with much of my customary grace. Focussed completely on seeing Aragorn again, knowing how worried he would be, I worked swiftly, making my way back upwards towards the deep again. With Gandalf and the riders dealing with those on the ground, the battle was still underway on the walls. I spotted a wounded Haldir, thankful of his safety I crept through the chaos, just another elf fighting his way through. Then I spotted Gimli.
He fought, devoid of energy, his face carved in stone. My bow and quiver slung protectively over his back. I smiled as the bow scraped along the ground; it was as tall as he. What worried me most was the dwarf's lack of focus. His gaze settled on a higher point fleeting back between that and the battle ahead. No matter how hard I tried, I could not pinpoint what he watched. I edged closer, still holding on to the element of surprise. Still he looked upwards, not until I was directly behind did our gaze settle on the same scene.
Aragorn fought bravely but was surrounded, he could not hold out much longer. I looked at his beautiful face, gasping as I saw silver track run down his cheeks. The future King of Men was crying. Suddenly Anduril was knocked from his hands while he blocked a blow. He was then caught from behind and an orc, seeing his chance rushed him from ahead.
Thinking as fast as I moved I reached for the dwarf I stalked and snatched at the bow he carried.
"Do you mind if I borrow this?" Before Gimli could protest I grabbed an arrow from the quiver and notched it faster than the eye could follow. Taking careful aim I loosed the arrow.
The orc took it directly through the throat, the arrow embedding in the wall behind. I watched as Aragorn picked up his weapon before the arrow caught his eye. Unlike the other arrows from Lothlorien, this arrow was clearly marked, carved with the emblem of the Mirkwood Monarchy. I watched as his eyes followed the line of flight, attempting to identify the archer.
Alas, I had not the time to alert him to my presence, as I continued to fight I was once again just another blond elf, lost in the sea of gold.
The battle wound down, Gandalf hitting the evil forces hard. The fell beasts plunged over the walls, or died by the blade or arrow.
After overseeing the retreat, Aragorn crumbled, falling onto the stone, physically and mentally exhausted, his blood stained face in his hands.
I stepped over, reaching out for him. I ran a solitary hand through his hair, allowing my own to fall over his face.
"Haldir?" He asked with a sob.
"Try again." I whispered.
He rose slowly turning to face me in disbelief. Breathing my name he gathered me in his arms.
*************************
So that was our story. Reunited once again after more near deaths than I care to remember. A love that outlasted all. And to think it all started with that moment. . . . .
A/N: That's it! Over! Please review and let me know what you think. Now my thanks.
Hugs and kisses to all who helped, Dorothy, Mike and Clare, hell, even Greg helped once.
VANESSA: Thanks for everything, your support. Keep writing, about time you told me about your new story. Something about Orli being pregnant? XXXX.
ITHILDIN: Thank you for all your kind reviews and letting me borrow lusty Rumil. Now pick one of your stories and update!
HESTER DAEMIA BYRDE: Thank you for all reviews, hope your nerves held out.
MISTRESSOFTERROR: Again, my thanks, glad you enjoyed it.
BLAYSE: My dear beta, I'll need you soon.
ORLIBLOOMEDME: Great name, thanks for your dedication, look for more soon.
VUARYN & MAWGY: Hope you appreciated the longer end chaps just for you!
HATHOR: Hope your chemistry teacher never caught you.
GOLDENROSE: Such a lovely reviewer cheers!
A huge thanks to ALL reviewers some of which I haven't mentioned. It was a joy to write.