*。☆。
★。＼｜／。★
˚ ₊ ♡ ❰ BALLAD OF BROKEN SWORDS ❱
*✧ ─── ❝ ❪ THROUGH THE EYES OF ANOTHER ❫ ❞
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˚₊· ͟͟͞͞➳❥ ACT THREE ── face et spera 🏹 ⁺⑅

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CHILDREN OF ARDA DUOLOGY ⋆ ☄.
♯ ❝ THIS IS TOO DANGEROUS ❞
CHAPTER FORTY THREE ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*
˚ ₊ ♡ the third age ─── year 3019
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━━ ˚ ₊ ♡ 🏹
❝ 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘢 𝙨𝙥𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙩, 𝘢𝘴 𝘪𝘧 𝘴𝘩𝘦
𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝙣𝙤 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 ❞

IT WAS LIKE THERE WERE TWO HEARTS BEATING INSIDE HER CHEST. HER OWN CALM EVEN WHEN FACED WITH FRIGHTENING SIGHTS, and another, racing like crackling thunder through her bones. For a moment, all Gyda sees is darkness, pitch black and soundless. As if she deep within the ocean and all sounds faded away. Yet strangely, it felt comforting and familiar.

A sudden warmth envelops her body, like a candle the flames rises with each breath of air until light floods all her senses. Gyda forces her eyes shut against the brightness. A presence grows stronger, a spirit besides her own beckoning her closer, welcoming her inside.

As her eyes flutter open and a soothing yellow glow greets her. The color of sunsets and sunshine combined. Something so...

It reminds her of Elgarain.

As if the thought alone triggers something, with a blast the aura explodes, and Gyda raises her hand to shield her eyes.

When she blinks a new sight greets her, for the eyes she sees through are not her own.

A shiver of fear can be felt, drifting like a loose thread. Gyda recognizes it easily as Elgarain's, though she does not know how. Perhaps because she too, knows that whatever is happening is not normal. Not natural.

Like a live wire, Gyda senses tuned in with her new surrounding... with Elgarain's surroundings. The smoke, the flames and broken rocks. The caved in wall and jagged pieces digging underneath the sole of her feet. She felt is all, heard it all, sees it all.

Gyda could feel Elgarain's fear grow, like a heartbeat pulsing through the thread between her fingers. She could sense the fatigue and lurking pains that still seemed to not have healed. Her fingers tighten, her own determination leaking through.

"Stand, now." She commands unwavering, her own strength bleeding through. Feeding her, encouraging her.

Gyda can feel it, as Elgarain pushes herself up, their shared willpower bursting.

Slowly, but strongly Gyda speaks again. "Take your spear."

The short but clear instructions seem to clear Elgarain's head, and Gyda feels Elgarain regain her focus once more.

Elgarain's fingers curl around the hilt of her spear while her body stands on trembling legs.

"Duck!" Gyda shouts in Elgarain's head and the Elleth moves instinctively.

Gyda's fighter's instinct had become her own. Elgarain can feel her guard wanted to go right, and she follows without hesitation. She throws her body to the right and just in time. The sword barely missed her head.

Gyda watches through Elgarain's eyes as the Elleth rolls over the ground before pushing herself upright, heaving in a deep breath.

Gyda wills Elgarain arm to move as if she herself was gripping the spear more firm before charging forward. Elgarain twirls around the foul creature in a likeness of Gyda's own hard earned skills. Hair dancing with the motion before she lashes out.

The spear went straight through its shoulder, right where the armor was weakest. The beast snarls and Gyda's gaze through her queen's eyes narrow as she encourages Elgarain to twist her weapon deeper into the wound.

Taking a hold of the spear with both hands, Elgarain lets Gyda's spirit guide her as she jumped upward, using her hold on her weapon as leverage she set off against the Uruk-Hai's chest and kicks him away.

Elgarain gracefully lands on the ground, head snapping up as her enemy tumbles backward. "Finish it."

Elgarain's arm moves without conscious thought and the glaive flew through the air, straight through her enemy's chest. She stood breathing heavily, eyes wide.

"What in Elbereth's name just happened?" Instinctively she knew thinking the words was enough for Gyda to hear her, yet it felt strange to know it. As if that knowledge was something forbidden, something she should never have been allowed to touch upon.

"I do not know..." Gyda whispers, but it was as if she stood right next to her shouting, "I-I can no longer see through my own eyes. I do not know where I am."

Upon hearing those words, the fear she'd so carefully tucked away with her guard's help, broke loose. "Are you hurt?"

As if the words triggered her memory, Gyda gasped out; "I was on the wall, Elgarain. I was unharmed but..." A hiss escapes her and Elgarain could feel an immense pain burning in her head. "It was as if my head was on fire."

"This is too dangerous," Elgarain gasps through the pain. "We have to stop."

"I cannot think clearly, the pain—El I don't know how." Gyda can feel panic rise in her chest, the warm glow that had reminded her of Elgarain was slowly dwindling, shadows dancing like a ravaging wind.

Where was she? Her body? Did the crumbling wall take her down? Before she could think more, a sharp pain in her cheek... no Elgarain's cheek broke through. The sudden shock of pain blasts her away, like the ripples of a stone touching water.

In the aftermath of the fierce struggle, Gyda feels the residual echoes of the shared experience with Elgarain. It was as if they had become intertwined, their spirits dancing in tandem.

Gyda, now once more anchored in her own body, senses Elgarain's relief and gratitude. It was a strange dance of emotions, a silent exchange of strength and support. As the glow fades, Gyda finds herself back on the rain-soaked battlefield, her own heartbeat echoing in her ears

With a gasp, Gyda shoots up.

"Gyda!?" Her eyes snap up to meet the blue sky in Legolas' eyes.

"Gyda what has happened?" The Ellon continues when she remains silent.

She can't form a coherent thought, mind still swirling with the lingering effects of her out-of-body experience. She coughs, and Legolas pulls her closer to his chest. Hand resting on her back, the other cradling the top of her head closer.

"I don't know." She whispers softly, "but we cannot linger here." She struggling to sit up in his arms, exhaustion taking her prisoner.

As Gyda struggles to make sense of the disorienting experience, Legolas holds her close, concern etched on his face like the lines of an ancient tree.

Legolas scans their surroundings, his keen eyes assessing the situation. "We must find shelter," he urges as the battle around them continues, helping Gyda to her feet. "We can't stay exposed like this."

Gyda nods weakly, her senses gradually returning. The warmth and safety of Legolas' presence comforts her, but the memory of the intense pain and disconnection lingers like a bad taste on her tongue. She leans against him as they move away from the crumbling wall, the once-sturdy defense now but a broken symbol of the might of Helm's Deep.

Gyda can't shake the feeling that she and Elgarain had stumbled upon something beyond their understanding, beyond the realm of possibilities.

The rain continues to pour, turning the battlefield in a muddy quagmire, as Legolas and Gyda brace themselves for the impending onslaught of Uruk-Hai. The thunder above them seems to echo the chaos below as the victorious cries of their enemies grew louder with each passing moment.

Gyda's hand tightens around the hilt of her sword, her resolve firm. She takes in a deep breath, feeling the cool rain on her face and places a reassuring hand on Legolas' shoulder. "I can stand my ground, Legolas. You need both hands for your bow. Let me fight by your side."

Legolas nods without hesitation, trusting her strength and determination. He releases his grip on her, allowing her to stand on her own.

As Uruk-Hai close in, the two warriors face the approaching group with a shared determination.

With a swift motion, Gyda unsheathes her sword, the blade gleaming in the dim light. Legolas notches an arrow, his eyes focusing on the approaching enemy. The rain intensifies, making it difficult to see even for their keen Elven eyes, but the duo moves in harmony. Legolas, his bowstring singing, sends arrows flying into the mass of oncoming foes, the clash of steel and thuds of arrows hitting their marks creating a cacophony of chaos.

Gyda fights with a determination, fueled by the recent mysterious events. She moves with fluidity and grace, parrying attacks and delivering calculated strikes. Legolas, agile and deadly, picks of Uruk-Hai from a distance, each arrow finding it's mark with deadly accuracy.

They fight side by side, their bond evident in the seamless way they complement each other's skill.

In the midst of the chaos, Gyda can't help but wonder if the strange connection she had shared with Elgarain would resurface. Was Elgarain still experiencing the aftermath of their shared experience? The questions haunted her, but she pushed them aside, focusing on the immediate threats surrounding her. Standing firm against the encroaching darkness and fighting back against the forces that sought to consume them.

Above the sounds of battle, Gyda can hear Aragorn calling for their return to the keep, to pull back and regroup. His commanding voice cut through the din of battle, reaching Gyda's ears like a beacon of reason in the chaos.

She turns to Legolas, exchanging a glance. "We need to fall back." She shouts to all who might hear.

With seemingly practice coordination, they fight their way to the rallying point where Aragorn still fights in the thick of it all. Higher above on the bridge a familiar blonde Ellon stands proud.

The red of his cape like a sea of blood in the rain.

Haldir. Gyda realizes, heartbreat stuttering against her ribcage. A foreboding feeling falls over her as she looks up, the rain cascading down her face and her senses heightening. The atmosphere around them shifts, the air thickening with tension.

Haildir...a seasoned warrior of Lothlorién, standing tall and resolute, his piercing gaze surveying as if he already knows what awaits him. Uruk-Hair swarm him, teeth baring and snarls on their misshapen faces.

"Haldir!" Gyda's cry cuts through the clamor of battle as she witnesses the first strike slicing through his armor. The clash of steel against steel echoing like a mournful dirge, and the air became thick with a sense of impending loss.

Gyda, fueled by a surge of desperation, fights her way toward Haldir, her sword flashing in the rain. Legolas, ever nimble, follows close behind, his bow now a weapon of close-quarter combat.

The Uruk-hai, relentless in their assault, seemed to multiply, each strike aimed at bringing down the valiant Elf. Haldir, though outnumbered, fought with a grace His movements were fluid, his blade an extension of his will, but the sheer number of adversaries proved overwhelming.

As the rain continued to fall, a piercing cry echoed, and Gyda's heart sank.

The last strike to his back, was the one to take him.

"We must leave." Legolas' hand grips her shoulder and pulls her back when he notices Gyda looking for a way to get to her fallen comrade. "We cannot stay."

Gyda swallows down a sob that threatens to escape her and nods.

The rain continues to fall, washing away the crimson stain of sacrifice, but the memory of Haldir's valiant stand would linger as a somber reminder of the high cost of their struggle against the forces of darkness.

Legolas and Gyda, along with their fellow Lothlorién elves hurriedly make their way towards the stairs leading to the keep. The urgency in their movements was palpable, a silent acknowledgement that their enemy was still dangerously close behind.

The sight of the wounded, bloodied and limping were a sorrowful sight to witness, and without meaning to, made her think of her High-Queen. Where was Elgarain?

The distant sounds of Uruk-Hai relentlessly bashing against the front gate reverberate through the air.

Legolas' keen eyes scan their surroundings as the make their way up the stairs, maintaining a vigilant watch over the retreating warriors. His bow, still at the ready, showcasing his unwavering commitment to keeping the people of Helm's Deep safe.

Gyda, with her sword in hand, matches his quick pace, her gaze shifting between the wounded and the ongoing assault on the front gate.

Maneuvering through the thickness of, Gyda watches carefully as more people rush inside, healers beckoning them to safety and it's just a short moment, barely a flash, but Gyda sees her.

Elgarain leads a familiar Ellon by the arm, his solemn face a stark reminder of her fallen friend.

Their eyes meet, a moment of tranquility fills her and everything moves slowly for a single second. And then everything moves once more. She pushes herself forward, the sight of Aragorn a relief.

The front gate quivers under the attack, the wood splintering.

"We can't hold much longer."

Gyda's gaze is drawn to King Theoden, as he rests against a wall, blood coating his once pristine armor.

Gyda and Aragorn share a quick glance, before rushing together towards the front lines where the Uruk-Hai have almost breached the gate. "How'll long do you need?!" Aragorn shouts above the chaos.

Theoden grips his sword tighter, determination flashing in his eyes. "As long as you can give me."

"Gimli, Gyda." Aragorn nods towards the side, where a single door is located.

Sharing a quick look with the dwarf, Gyda and Gimli rush after the man whilst the soldier of Rohan close in on the gate, spears high and ready, their spirit still unbroken.

With Aragorn in the lead, Gimli behind him and Gyda closing the rear, they stealthily make their way outside. The cliff's edge a small but safe pathway. The growls of Uruk-Hai grow louder as they creep closer and closer.

Gyda watches as Aragorn peeks around the corner, Gimli following his example. "Oh come on, we can take them." He grumbles surely, fingers curling around the hilt of his axe.

"It's a long way." Aragorn glances downward at the dwarf.

Gimli peeks around the corner once more, eyes shifting around as he mutters something under his breath.

"What?"

He grumbles, biting his cheek before spitting out: "I cannot jump the distance! You'll have to toss me."

Aragorn nods, and Gimli quickly looks at Gyda. "Do not tell the other elves!" he stammers out.

Gyda grins, winking at the dwarf. "I shall never tell a single soul."

With a mighty swing, Aragorn throws Gimli across the cliffside, and he lands between the pack of Uruk-Hai on the bridge, swinging his sword with a loud battle cry.

A single moment passes before Aragorn jumps too.

Gyda takes in a deep breath, tightening the grip on her sword before following her friends.

The Uruk-hai horde approaches relentlessly, a dark tide threatening to breach the defenses of Helm's Deep. The trio, resolute and battle-worn, take their positions, determined to hold the line and keep the enemy away from the wooden gate.

Aragorn, his sword drawn and eyes ablaze with determination, faces the approaching horde head-on. Gyda, with her trusty sword in hand, moves with a dancer's grace, her every movement calculated to fend off the encroaching foes. Gimli, the stout dwarf, stands beside them, his axe ready to hew through any Uruk-hai that dares to cross his path.

Aragorn's commanding presence inspires those around him. With a fierce roar, he charges into the front lines of the Uruk-hai, his sword a whirlwind of deadly strikes. Gyda, ever agile, moves with precision, her sword dancing through the air as she parries and counterattacks.

Gimli, not one to be underestimated, swings his mighty axe with a strength that belied his stature. Each strike cleaves through Uruk-hai, creating a path of resistance against the approaching horde.

Through a gap in the wall, King Theoden appears, "Aragorn, Gyda, Gimili! Get out of there!" He shouts.

Gyda's eyes widen as Gimli becomes surrounded by the Uruk-Hai.

From above a familiar voice shouts: "Aragorn!"

Legolas appears, feet firmly placed on the outer wall as he throws a rope down. Together they quickly make way for it. As Aragorn grabs ahold of Gimli, Gyda takes the space on his other side. They jump, swinging high above the ravine as slowly but surely they get dragged upwards.

"Fall back!"

"Retreat!"

"Hurry! Get them inside!"

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AUTHOR'S NOTE;
AHHHH happy new year everyone! The holidays have been crazy busy and Unlock-Your-Mind and I barely had time to get together to write this chapter! But we finally managed and started 2024 with a bang! Please leave some comments and love to share your thoughts on the story so far! They're always nice to read! The Two Towers is almost done and then it's just one last act! Whoooo! Let's hope we'll get to finish it before 2025 haha wish us luck 🍀