As the people of Rohan descend the hill, they catch their first glimpse of Helm's Deep in the distance. A collective sigh of relief ripples through the crowd. "At last, Helm's Deep! There it is!" one woman exclaims, her voice breaking with emotion. "We're safe!"

A sense of hope rises among them, echoed by another voice, "We're safe, my lady. Thank you," a young soldier says, turning to Eowyn, gratitude shining in his eyes.

The gates of Helm's Deep loom closer, guarded and imposing, yet they feel like a sanctuary. As they walk through the towering entrance, the sounds of chaos fade, replaced by the murmurs of soldiers and the cries of children. The castle is bustling with activity; Rohan's defenders are preparing for the impending battle, their faces grim yet determined.

Suddenly, Eothain and Freda break free from the crowd, sprinting toward their mother, Morwen. "Mama!" they call in unison, their voices a sweet sound amid the tension.

"Eothain! Freda!" Morwen responds, her arms enveloping them in a protective embrace. The warmth of their reunion is palpable, but Eowyn's brow furrows with concern.

"Where is the rest?" Eowyn asks a nearby soldier, her heart heavy with worry.

"This is all we could save, my lady," he replies, his voice thick with sorrow. The weight of loss hangs in the air, heavy like the storm clouds gathering above.

Eowyn nods, steeling herself. She turns as Lily, the daughter of Liv and David, tugs on her sleeve. "What troubles you, child?" Eowyn asks, kneeling down to meet the girl's wide eyes.

"Where are my parents?" Lily asks, a tremor in her voice.

"They will be here soon, don't worry," Eowyn reassures her, giving a gentle smile that masks her own fears.

The sound of galloping hooves draws their attention, and a call rings out, "Make way for the king! Make way for Theoden!"

Gamling rides at the forefront, leading Theoden, Legolas, Gimli, Liv, David, Saya, and other Rohan soldiers into Helm's Deep. Dust rises behind them, a testament to their swift journey.

Eowyn rushes forward, her heart pounding. "So few. So few of you have returned," she murmurs, scanning their weary faces for the familiar features of her beloved Aragorn.

"Our people are safe. We have paid for it with many lives," Theoden says, his voice low and laden with grief.

"My lady," Gimli calls, stepping closer to Eowyn, his expression somber.

"Where is Lord Aragorn?" Eowyn asks, dread pooling in her stomach.

"He fell," Gimli replies, and Eowyn's breath catches in her throat. She looks to Theoden, who is climbing the steps, his back turned to her. A tear slips down her cheek, but she quickly wipes it away, determination replacing despair.

At that moment, Lily spots her parents approaching through the throng. "Mommy! Daddy!" she cries, her face lighting up with joy.

"Lily! Thank the stars you're okay!" Liv exclaims, bending down to envelop her daughter in a fierce embrace. David wraps his arms around them both, relief flooding through him. "Babe, are you sure you're okay after that fight?" he asks, resting a cautious hand on Liv's still-flat stomach.

"Honey, me and the baby are fine, and besides, my ankle will heal," Liv assures him, placing her hand over his, unaware of Legolas watching from a distance, concern etched on his features.

Theoden stands with Gamling, Hama, and his guards at the edge of the Deeping Wall, surveying the landscape ahead. "Draw all our forces behind the wall. Bar the gate, and set a watch on the surroundings," he commands, his tone authoritative.

"What of those who cannot fight, my lord? The women and children?" Gamling inquires, worry lacing his words.

"Lady Liv, will you fight?" Theoden asks, turning to her.

"I will. David and I are trained in the ways of the ninja," Liv responds, her resolve unwavering.

"And what about your cousin?" Theoden questions, gesturing toward Saya.

"Saya will fight as well," Liv replies, pride in her voice.

"And what of your daughter?" Theoden presses, concern shadowing his features.

"She will go into the caves with the other children," Liv insists, her heart aching but resolute.

"Get them into the cave," Theoden commands, his gaze hardening. "Saruman's arm will have grown long indeed if he thinks he can reach us here."

As the tension rises, the people of Rohan hurry to follow his orders, some casting glances back at their loved ones, uncertainty creeping into their hearts. Liv watches as Lily is led away, her small figure disappearing into the shadows of the cave, a mixture of fear and pride surging within her.

She turns back to the others, her heart steeled for the fight to come, ready to stand with her friends and family against the encroaching darkness.