~Chapter Nine~

The Battle of Helm's Deep

The sun rose bringing light to the mesh of campsites of the Rohirrim refugees. The journey to Helm's Deep continued on, the usual talkative two elves traveled strangely quiet on Arod. Medlinya sensed something off about the land there were marching through the rolling hills of West Emnet.

"Legolas?" she whispered, as the she-elf heedfully scanned her surroundings.

"Mani naa ta?" the Elf murmured, also feeling uneasy. [What is it?]

"I do not like this particular land. Something is wrong with it." she answered with a tinge of fear.

"A threat is at breaths range." Legolas agreed, inspecting the land with his keen blue eyes.

The two guards, Gamling and Hama, ride to the front to scout ahead. Legolas and Medlinya carefully watched the guards as they passed by. The guards disappeared up over the crest of the hill beside a higher cliff beside.

A few seconds later, a blood-curdling growl resounded from the hill. "Wargs!" Gamling cried. Legolas immediately sprung off Arod, sprinting to the guards with his bow and arrow at the ready. Medlinya hastily dropped to the ground and chased after the Elf.

Once she sprinted over the crest of the hill her eyes were meet with the sight of death. Hama had been viciously mauled torn to pieces laying beside his lifeless horse. A goblin had been killed by a dagger wound who was laying close by to a dead monstrous wolf-like creature with a arrow sticking out from its course hide. Legolas sharply turned to Aragorn, who standing beside Medlinya. "A scout!"

King Theoden called up to Aragorn from the bottom of the hill, "What is it? What do you see?"

Aragorn came into sight of Theoden as he began to sprint down the hill, "We are under attack!." Hearing the alarm, the villagers start to panic and cry in fear. "Get them out of here!" the Ranger warned breathlessly.

The composed King turned to his people, "All riders to the head of the column!"

Gimli struggled to mount onto Arod, "Come on, get me up here, I'm a rider! Argh!" Eventually, the Dwarf soon was helped onto the horse.

~

Legolas and Medlinya turned their attention to the landscape, in the distance many warg-riders were coming fast towards them, kicking up dust trails as they approached. The she-elf turned her attention to the Elf beside her, "I will help Eowyn lead the villagers." she stated unafraid. Medlinya wanted to stay and fight but the lives of the women and children were in grave danger. The men can handle themselves. Her hand gripped Legolas' shoulder, "Tira ten' rashwe." the she-elf whispered, before running off down the hill to the refugees. [Be careful]

The Elf left standing there, smiled warmly not only from her words but her concern for his well being. The warmness of her hand lingered on his shoulder making him beam even more, "Uuma dela, A'maelamin." he murmured into the wind. [Don't worry, my beloved.]

~

Theoden glances over to Eowyn, "You must lead the people to Helm's Deep. And make haste!"

The woman stood her ground, boldly staring at him, "I can fight!" she declared.

"No! You must do this... for me." Theoden pleaded to the woman with a tinge of distress.

They hold their gaze for a moment before Eowyn turned to attend to the villagers. Medlinya soon joins her with a bow of her head.

The riders gather around the King, "Follow me! Yah!" Theoden takes off on his trusty steed over the hill, followed by a long throng of his warriors.

Gimli tired to get Arod to move. "Forward. I mean, charge forward! March forward!?" Arod begans to move off with the Dwarf seated rather unstably. "That's it! Go on!"

Eowyn and Medlinya began to direct the villagers, the woman who knew the way to Helm's Deep began bid to them, "Make for the lower ground! Stick together!"

With team effort the two women safely guided the villagers away from the fight. But Medlinya momentously glances back worried. Deep down she knew Legolas and the company have amazing talent in battle and could hold their own. Though she could not help but fret over their welfare. Finding a safe pace for all the villagers, Eowyn spotted Medlinya in one of her glances back.

"Why did you leave the battle?" the woman asked the she-elf.

Medlinya's sapphire eyes met Eowyn's. "I felt that there should at least be more protectors of the villagers just in case. I knew the men can handle themselves, although I worry."

"What makes you worried?" she questioned.

The she-elf sighed, "Because a man that I adore is there. I care for all of my company of course but I care for that one the most." Medlinya admitted, finally coming to terms of her love for the Elf.

A smile etched across Eowyn's face, "You mean the blonde Elf... Legolas? Right?"

Medlinya bobbed her head silently as she faced forward, smiling. "We have only met only a month or so ago in Rivendell. We have traveled so far dealing with pain, suffering, and death of great men. My company and I have come miles that has brought us to Edoras."

Eowyn nodded silently, "He cares for you as well."

Medlinya snapped her attention back to the almost smirking woman beside her, "What?"

The woman smirked more, "The looks he gives you, full of compassion and awe. Last night I watched his eyes watch every movement you made, admiring you. I envy you." she remarked with a smile, "To have a man like him look at you, as if you were the only one in the entire world." the woman added as she dozed of into a daze. "Everything in a girl's dream."

The she-elf watched as Eowyn became starry-eyed in a dreamlike state. That is one thing the immortal lives of Elves must endure. The darkness of every being, every knowledge, every event, and etc. Seeing that darkness for so many Man lifetimes can drive anyone mad. At least Mankind have that sweet release of death normally rather than an Elf. The she-elf wished to be that innocent in love with everything once again. Although Medlinya wished for this, she knew there was light shining at the end of the path for her. That light will be a life with Legolas, forever.

Medlinya snapped out of her thoughts as Eowyn had began to speak again, "That must be nice for a man to adore you in such a way."

The she-elf slightly shrugged her shoulders, "I never had attention from a man before so I can say yes it does spark happiness." The elf turned her sapphire eyes to Eowyn, " You adore Aragorn."

The eyes of the woman grew large startled to hear the she-elf say such, "H-h-ho-how did you know?"

Medlinya beamed at Eowyn, "The same way you say Legolas cares for me." The she-elf simply replied as she leaned towards the woman. "I will not tell a soul." Medlinya whispered with a cheeky grin.

As the she-elf rose her head, to see fortress built deep into a valley with a great mountain piercing the sky above. A long stone road raised on an embankment leading to the giant gates of Helm's Deep. Surrounding the fortress are massive walls of solid stone. Her eyes spot on particular characteristic of the massive fortress, the drain on the wall.

"Helm's Deep! At last! There it is!" the refugees cry in relief.

A old woman approached Eowyn, "We're safe, my Lady! Thank you!" Eowyn embraced the woman, with a smile on her face.

The villagers continue to march on towards the refuge. The gate creaked open, letting the villagers inside. Already living in the fortress was many others who have taken shelter and rest along the passage. The two children who Gandalf had brought in walked by Medlinya's side. Watching the children, they go running towards a exhausted woman, "Mama!" the little girl cried.

The woman turned around and her face lit up, "Eothain! Freda!" Quickly the mother lowered to the ground and the children tackle her into a hug. Embracing her children again, the family of three cry tears of joy.

"Make way for Theoden!" a familiar voice yelled. Medlinya circled around to see the riders returning from battle.

A large crowd separated Medlinya from the riders. "Excuse me!" she repeated politely as she made her way around people. "Sire!" soldiers gasped hearing the name.

"Make way for the King!" Gamling repeated again. Eowyn stood beside the she-elf looking up to the King. Medlinya's eyes glanced at the company that has returned.

"So few. So few of you have returned." The woman beside her commented, seeing the same.

Dismounting his horse, King Theoden spoke, "Our people are safe. We have paid for it with many lives."

Gimli sadly approaches the two women, "My lady..."

Eowyn gazes around looking for the man she cared about, "Lord Aragorn, where is he?"

"He fell..." Gimli heart-brokenly muttered, holding to his helmet tightly.

Both women were shaken to the core at the news. Medlinya hung her head in regret, shaking her head at herself with tears in her eyes. "I should have been there. I could have saved him. It is all my fault." the she-elf repeated over and over as tears run down her cheeks.

Arms gently wrapped themselves around her holding her safely, a scent of forest reached her nose. Legolas. Medlinya slowly wrapped her arms enclosed the Elf into an embrace. The she-elf could feel that he was doing no better than she was. Legolas had lost a friend he had known a whole lot longer than Medlinya, yet their sorrow was the same. To both of them they had lost a brother, a dear brother.

After embracing for so long, the two Elves without a glance at one another ascended up the stone steps to the outside of the King's chamber. Medlinya sat quietly on the steps as Legolas stood beside the doors a few ways behind the she-elf. The she-elf numbly stares off into the depths of her mind, finding no relief for her unbearable pain. No words were even whispered from their mouths as they stared in grief.

Long-lasting two days soon pass after Aragorn had fell. A period of silence dawned once again between Legolas and Medlinya nor a glance to each other. Gimli kept a distance away in his own solitude of sorrow. Medlinya stood in a sea of people tucked in a hidden corner, never making any eye contact. Her goal was plain and simple: avoid the Dwarf and the Elf. Over the course of the two days, she had a handle of her sadness but just wanted to be alone. Legolas, a soldier who had seen many great friends fall before his eyes, started to recuperate from his grief. Neither of the two men of the Fellowship had seen Medlinya for sometime and have spent hours trying to find her. Though to their greatest fear, she was not found.

Voices of the peasants were crestfallen and miserable. Wives, mothers, children had lost their family members two days ago just as Aragorn had been taken from the world. How could Theoden defend his people when great warriors like the Ranger have fallen to the Dark Forces.

As she grieved, voices suddenly became more excited, "He's alive!"

Immediately standing up, she made her way through the crowd of villagers in her way. On the second level her eyes lowered to the ground below until her eyes were met with a brilliant sight. "Aragorn!" she shrieked as she quickly descended down the stairs. The Ranger was tackled with a giant hug with a teary eyed she-elf. As they released from their hug, a quick hand slaps him across the face. A hand belonging to Medlinya. Aragorn's shocked eyes met with angry sapphire ones, "Do not ever scare me like that again!"

Slowly Medlinya smiled and laughed causing Aragorn to smile as well.

Gimli and Medlinya follow Aragorn up the stairs where Legolas stood waiting. The elf was smiling brilliantly at his friend with his arms crossed on his chest. "Le ab-dollen." [You're late]. The two friends smile at each other. Legolas paused and took a good look at Aragorn's condition, "You look terrible."

Legolas takes Aragorn's hand and sets the Evenstar necklace on his palm. Aragorn sees the necklace and claps the Elf on his shoulder, "Hannon le." [Thank you]

The reunited four enter the keep, containing the King and Gamling.

~~~~~~~

"A great host, you say?" Theoden questioned for clarification.

"All Isengard is emptied." Aragorn answered honestly.

"How many?" The king asked.

"Ten thousand strong at least." Aragorn responded. Medlinya nearly choked on the air she breathed.

"Ten thousand?!" Theoden gasped in horror.

"It is an army bred for a single purpose: to destroy the world of men. They will be here by nightfall."

"Let them come!" Theoden shouted as he walked away resolutely.

~~~~~~

The four and Gamling follow after the King along the passage behind the Deeping Wall. Many solders were jogging frantically every which way preparing for war. The sound clanking of armor echoed throughout the fortress. The villagers around them gaze up at the soldiers uneasily. They knew something is not right, though they will never be face to face seeing the mere vast number of Uruk-hai staring them in the face. Never feel the tension as two sides stare at each other, trying to get into their heads. Medlinya took in a soothing breath quietly.

Theoden turned to Gamling, "I want every man and strong lad able to bear arms to be ready for battle by nightfall."

Gamling nods obeying and runs off. Theoden stands at the gate of Helm's Deep, speaking to the four. "We will cover the causeway and the gate from above. No army has ever breached the Deeping Wall or set foot inside the Hormburg."

"This is no rabble of mindless Orcs. These are Uruk-hai. Their armor is thick and their shields broad." the Dwarf advised the King.

Theoden flicked his head towards Gimli, "I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf. I know how to defend my own keep." the King bluntly declared with a soft glare. The King turned back into Helm's Deep with Aragorn following after him. Medlinya gazed back to the Dwarf, with eyes of compassion. Gimli was just warning the unsuspecting King of what truly was coming, though Theoden is very strong-willed.

Gimli huffed angrily at the King's retort. Legolas mutely clapped a hand on Gimli's shoulder as the Elf began to follow after Theoden and Aragorn back in. Medlinya and Gimli trailed behind Legolas.

The King of Rohan continued to brag about the fortress as they ascended the wall-stairs to the allure, the walkway along the top of the walls. "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." the King proudly and confidently.

Aragorn shook his head at this, "They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages. They come to destroy its people. Down to the last child."

Theoden drew close to the Ranger, "What would you have me do? Look at my men. Their courage hangs by a thread. If this is to be our end, then I would have them make such an end as to be worthy of remembrance." The King whispered harshly.

Although how bitter the King was, Aragorn kept his calm composure, "Send out riders, my Lord. You must call for aid."

Theoden scoffed, "And who will come? Elves? Dwarves?" The King shook his head, "We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead."

"Gondor will answer." Aragorn remarked calmly.

"Gondor?" The King hissed, Theoden stepped closer to Aragorn ferociously, "Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell? Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us? Where was Gon-" The King paused as he took a step back as he again shook his head. "No, my Lord Aragorn, we are alone." He walks away, calling out orders, "Get the women and children into the caves!"

Gamling rushes to him wide-eyed, "We need more time to lay provisions for a siege, lord-"

"There is no time. War is upon us!" Theoden asserted, cutting off Gamling.

Hearing the King's orders, soldiers hastily started to secure the gates. Medlinya gazed up to see a familiar flock of Crebain crows circling overhead.

"Aragorn! The sky!" she yelled.

The Ranger, followed by Legolas and Gimli, gazed up seeing the birds. "Saruman." Gimli spat.

Medlinya shook her head, aggravated at the powers of the evil wizard. Flicking her fingers, one by one the crows plummet to the ground, dead. The three men snap their heads to the she-elf. "My lady- ?!"

Her stormy sapphire eyes met Aragorn's confused ones, "A cowardly dog would sit up in it's pen, while others do the work for him. If he wants to do such as spying. He better do it for himself, so I can kill him instead." Medlinya retorted sharply, emphasizing the 'him'. The she-elf wheeled around and marched angrily off to the armory, leaving three stunned men.

Gimli coughed a little, "Note to self: Do not stir anger in the lass." Aragorn and Legolas broke out into uneasy smiles.

Aragorn flicked his head to Legolas and patted the shoulder of the Elf, "Good luck." the Man teased. With an exchange of grins, the three head to the armory after the she-elf.

~~~

The soldiers began to guide he women and children into the the caves.

"Move back! Move to the caves!"

"Keep moving!"

"Quickly now!"

The soldiers pressed them as the women and children fill up the caves, making room for more refugees. Old men and young lads were being drafted into war. The women and children say their tearful and reluctant farewells as their fathers, husbands, sons, and brothers are lead away by soldiers.

In the armoury, weapons are being distributed to the soldiers. Aragorn picked up a battered sword, examining it closely before throwing it back. "Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers."

"Most have seen too many winters." Gimli added, agreeing with Aragorn.

"Or too few." Legolas remarked seriously. "Look at them. They're frightened, I can see it in their eyes."

The four study the contents of the room. The men around them fall silent. Boys no younger than eight years of age stared at the swords and armor confused and frightened. Old men's face had a shade of doubt, they knew their death is nearing to this night.

Legolas approached Aragorn with a unsettling furious eyes. "Boe a hun: neled herain dan caer menig!" [And they should be... Three hundred against ten thousand!]

"Si beriathar hyn. Amar na ned Edoras." Aragorn calmly replied. [They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras.]

"Aragorn, men i ndagor. Hyn u- .... oretheri. Natha daged aen!" Legolas snapped back. [Aragorn, we are warriors. They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!]

The Ranger stepped closer to the Elf, "Then I shall die as one of them!" His echo bounced off every wall of the armory. Silence. All men lowered their head, knowing their doom even more clearly. Aragorn paused and quickly made his way out of the armoury.

Legolas took a step to go after him, when Gimli set a hand on the Elf. "Let him go, lad. Let him be."

The Elf wore a look of sorrow and regret, Medlinya knew he was only trying to say the truth. Though so horrible the truth was.

The she-elf placed a hand on the Elf gently, "Even so dark the truth, there is always a small shimmer of hope." she voiced gently. Her eyes eyed the door out of the armoury where Aragorn had escape through, "He always finds the hope, though he never experienced the vast of darkness through lifetimes as us, Legolas." Sapphire eyes gazed back to the Elf, who stared at the door. "We lost our way to see that light. I know you speak truth, this battle will be paid by many lives. Though we may still have a chance."

Medlinya bowed her head quietly, than headed gracefully made her way through the armoury to find armor. Legolas watched the she-elf carefully as she left his side. The Elf knew she was right, after nearly 3,000 years of living one will only see darkness. He nodded absentmindedly than began to prepare for war.

~~~

The villagers are than handed their weapons. An oversized helmet is placed on a wide-eyed boy. Another stares at the axe that he was handed with frightened eyes. Another smaller child is wearing oversized chain mail. Medlinya watched shaking her head sadly at the sight, clad in her regular armor with broad leather pauldrons strapped to her shoulders and vambraces on her arms.

As the villagers disperse out of the armoury, Aragorn dressed himself into his battlegear. His sword is handed to him as he reaches for it. The Ranger nods and accepts the sword from Legolas. "We have trusted you this far. You have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."

"U-moe edhored, Legolas." Aragorn replied gently. [There is nothing to forgive, Legolas]

The two smile and clap one another on the shoulders. The she-elf strode beside them with a brilliant smile. Aragorn, Legolas, and Medlinya turned to Gimli as he walks up to them, struggling with his chain mail. "If we had more time I'd get this adjusted." The Dwarf drops the bundle and the chain mail lands with its length right to the floor. "It's a little tight across the chest."

The three friends look on, biting back smiles. Suddenly a horn sounds just outside. "That's no Orc horn." Legolas stated, as the four ran out of the armoury to see what it was.

"Open the gate!" a soldier cried. An army of Lothlorien Elves march up the causeway into the Hornburg, leading them is Haldir. The Rohirrim soldiers look upon them in wonderment and delight as the Elves pass.

Theoden slowly walks down the steps, with wide eyes. "How is this possible?"

Haldir gazed at the King, "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together." Haldir spots Aragorn, Legolas, Medlinya, and Gimli running down the steps and smiles. "We come to honor that allegiance."

Aragorn smiled back at the Elven captain and bowed respectfully, "Mae govannen, Haldir." [Welcome, Haldir]. The Ranger embraces the Elf in a huge hug. Primarly stunned, the Elf hugs the Man back lightly. Letting go of Haldir, "You are most welcome!"

Legolas approaches the Elven captain and both clasp each other on the shoulder. Turning to Theoden, Haldir returns to his soldier stature, "We are proud to fight alongside men, once more."

~~~~

Men and Elves stand at their positions along the battlements of Helm's Deep. The sounds of a marching army move closer and closer. Medlinya gazed out into the darkness, lit by the thousands of torches carried by the advancing Uruk-hai army and the light bounced off their armor. With a row of Elf archers, Gimli stood beside Legolas and Medlinya behind a wall, only the top of his helmet is visible to the Uruk-hai.

The Dwarf grumbled and strained to look above the wall. "You could have picked a better spot." Gimli complained.

Medlinya catches Legolas, smirking at the Dwarf's whine. She shook her head at the Elf also smiling, as Aragorn approaches and stands beside them.

"Well, lad, whatever luck you live by, let's hope it lasts the night." The dwarf vocalized.

A clash of thunder resounds above them and lightning flashes. A storm above a storm. The flashes of lightning revealed the rolling sea of approaching Uruk-hai. "Your friends are with you, Aragorn." Legolas added gently, as he stared at the horde of Orcs.

"Let's hope they last the night." Gimli rejoined very quietly, though the other three could hear.

The marching and thumping of ten thousand pairs of feet grew louder and louder, like a drum of death. Lightning licks the dark sky once again, as rain pelted down to the Earth. Medlinya gazed upwards, the gods were crying from the heavens above. She blinked a few times before grinning. No. The gods were giving the she-elf more ammunition to fight. At her disposal, she has earth, fire, and wind. Now completing the four elements, the rain: water.

Her sapphire eyes glowed brightly as she absorbed the energy of the elements within her. Legolas glanced over, catching a soft blue haze and was stunned to see her eyes glowing luminously. It was a beautiful sight for the Elf to witness, but for the Uruk-hai a haunting one. His blue eyes glance back to the enemy below, observing the armor.

As the horde of Orcs continue to march at the fortress, the Uruk-hai leader steps on a rock outcrop.

Aragorn strode along the battements of the Elf archers, "A Eruchin, u-dano i faelas a hyn an uben tanatha le faelas!" The Ranger commanded. [Show them no mercy! For you shall receive none!]

The Uruk-hai leader rose his swords and commands his army to stop with a terrifying animal cry. The Uruks stop in place and growl in anticipation of the upcoming battle and slaughter.

The Dwarf jumped up, straining to see over the wall. "What's happening out there?"

"Shall I describe it to you?" Legolas pauses as he slopes his gaze to Gimli with a grin, "Or would you like me to find you a box?" Medlinya and Gimli glance up to Elf. The Dwarf laughed good-naturally at the Elf's comment, just as the she-elf giggled as well.

The Uruk Leader cried out once more, encouraging the Uruk-hai to start roaring and thumping their spears furiously. All Men had their bow and arrows at the ready, pointing to the enemy. Suddenly, Aldor, the old man next to Haleth, son of Hama, loses his grip and releases his arrow prematurely, shooting an Uruk-hai in the neck.

"Dartho!" Aragorn shouted to the Elves. [Hold!]

The Uruk-hai army grew silent. With a hollow groan, the Uruk that was shot collapsed to the ground. The other Uruk-hai bare their teeth and roar with anger. With a cry, the Uruk-hai Leader thrusts his weapon into the air and the Uruks start charging to the wall.

"Tangado halad!" Aragorn ordered. [Prepare to fire!]

All the Elves simultaneously notch their arrow and aim. "Faeg i-varv din na lanc a nu ranc." Legolas adviced to the Elves surrounding him as he steadily aimed. [Their armor is weak at the neck and beneath their arms.]

"Leithio i phillion!" Aragorn commanded loudly. Arrows rain down on the advancing Uruks, killing many.

"Did they hit anything?" Gimli asked going to his tiptoes to see the beginning of the war.

"They certainly did not miss, Gimli." she replied staring at the army below.

Across the battlements on the Men's side, "Fire!" More arrows from both Men and Elves are released. But the vast amount of Uruk-hai army keep advancing, with more replacing those fallen.

"Fire!" Aragorn shouted into the darkness.

Gimli gripped his axe getting impatient, "Send them to me! C'mon!"

Medlinya's eyes scour over the army. "Legolas! Aragorn!" she shouted. "Ladders!" The Uruk-hai start to load ladders onto the walls, pushing them up with their long spears. Medlinya slid her brightly glowing swords out from their scabbards.

Hearing the warning and seeing the ladders, "Pendraid!" [Ladders!] The Elves drew their blades in preparation for combat. The first ladders are almost reaching the walls with big nasty Uruk Berserkers on top of them, snarling. "Swords! Swords!" Aragorn ordered.

"Good!" Gimli voiced in delight.

When the ladders make it up to the wall, the Uruks climbed over attacking. Medlinya charged after the Uruks. With a growl, an Uruk crazily swung it's mace at the she-elf. Blocking the blow with her sword, Medlinya drove her other sword into the chest with a slash. The warm breath of the Orc gasped. The she-elf pulled her sword out of the Orc, immediately the orc collapsed dead. Two Uruks rushed over, with a swing of her left sword, a fire ball hammered a Uruk off it's feet over the wall. The Uruk thrust his blood red sword towards the she-elf's stomach, as she parries with both swords. At the speed of lightning, Medlinya punted the Orc down to the ground forcefully, slashing the Uruk dead.

"Legolas, two already!" Gimli yelled, holding two fingers.

The Elf snapped his head over to the Dwarf with a brilliant smirk, "I'm on seventeen!"

"Argh! I'll have no pointy-ear outscoring me!" Gimli asserted outraged at his losing. The Dwarf turns to a Uruk just climbing over the wall, whacking it in the groin with his axe and swung his axe again as it fell, killing it.

Legolas releases two arrows killing two more Orcs, "Nineteen!"

An Uruk sprung after the she-elf, snarling with its teeth. Medlinya ducked from the thrust of the Uruk's sword, swinging her leg out she trips the Orc to the ground, killing it as it fell. From her brow dripped rainwater mixed with salty sweat. Medlinya glanced up to see Gimli standing on the wall between two ladders, hacking away at Uruk-hai as they come up. "Seventeen! Eighteen! Nineteen! Twenty! Twenty-one! Twenty-two!"

The she-elf bounded to her feet and sprinted over to one of the ladders. With a mighty boot, the ladder descended backwards towards the horde below, crushing thirty Uruks. "Thirty-three!" Medlinya announced to the Dwarf with a smirk, joining in with the competition.

Gimli groans, "Outnumbered by pointy-eared folk! Argh!"

With a chuckle, Medlinya plunged her sword into the gut of her next Uruk. The she-elf as she fought began to stray away from the Dwarf slaughtering Uruks as she advanced towards the wall-stairs. Over the rain, the yells, the dying grunts, the battle cries, the raging storm above, and the pounding of her heart; Aragorn's voice rang out from the darkness. "Togo hon dad, Legolas!" [Bring him down, Legolas!]

Slowly turning towards the battle below from behind the wall. No Uruks were around her just yet, just the ones at her feet lifelessly. Her sapphire eyes saw an Uruk-hai carrying a torch sprinting down a path opened by other Uruks on each side. Legolas shoots the orc in the shoulder but the Uruk continues to run. "Dago hon! Dago hon!" Aragorn shouted desperately, to the Elf a long ways from him. [Kill him! Kill him!]

Legolas shoots the Uruk again. It stumbles and then throws it self and the torch at the bombs. An enormous explosion flared up, ripping through a large chunk of the wall. The shock waves quaked the wall Medlinya stood on. The she-elf in reaction, crouched down low to maintain her balance. Rock, debris, and bodies are thrown up from the eruption from the bombs.

Four Uruks plowed their way towards Medlinya with their blood-dripping blades. Immediately standing erect, the she-elf barreled into them with her swords slashing and thrusting and parrying their attempts to bring her down. Flicking her wrist, wind swirled around her rapidly, pushing back the Uruks from breathing down her back. Swinging around in a full circle, her sword tips gashed the four Uruks with her red flaming swords. Instantly, the Uruks collapsed to the ground.

"Brace the gate!" Gamling's voice echoed. Medlinya's eyes flickered over to the gate to see Uruks ramming against the Great Gate to Helm's Deep.

Taking the time given, her eyes scanned around taking in everything around her. Elves, Men, and Orcs alike lay dead along the battlement at her feet. Noticing a ladder being raised, she flickered her swords at the far away strings, a whip of solid water emerged and slashed the rope. The ladder plunged down, killing only twenty Uruks. Medlinya raced down the wall-stairs, towards the horde of Uruks racing into Helm's Deep. Slashing and thrusting her swords killing the Uruks left and right, she found herself surrounded by twenty Uruks. The Uruks were closing in around her, inching to drive the she-elf mad. "Medlinya!" a familiar voice hollered. She spun around towards the wall-stairs.

At the top of the battlements, Legolas grabbed a shield and sends it sliding down across the ground. Hopping onto the shield, the Elf surfed down the steps releasing three arrows as he goes. "Duck!" he ordered quickly, as he swiftly approached the ground. The she-elf stooped down to the ground as the Elf kicked the shield to stab an Uruk-hai behind Medlinya as he lands at the bottom.

Bouncing back to her feet, her swords sunk into two Uruks, behind her. Puling them out, Medlinya pounced after another Uruk, slaughtering him instantly. Hearing a swipe behind her she caught the blow, pivoting herself around. Sapphire blue met cerulean blue. Their eyes were locked, rugged breaths from battling filled their ears as their chest heaved, dagger and sword connected by the strength of their arms... The world suddenly disappeared, as sounds drowned out into useless babble. A faint warm sensation flourished into an overwhelming rush of heart-tingling fieriness developed in both Elves. Legolas stared at her in awe, than warm smile grew on his face. Seeing the smile caused heat to wiggle its way into her heart and Medlinya smiled sweetly in return.

"Arrggghh!" a curdling growl interrupted the Elves. Both glancing towards the Uruk rushing towards them, simultaneously the two elves thrusts their weapons into the Uruk. Their surprised eyes flickered to each other. With a borderline between a smirk and a smile, Legolas pulled his dagger out. Following in pursuit, Medlinya yanked her swords from the Uruk.

"Get up to the battlement!" Legolas instructed her. With a bob of her head, she darted up the wall-stairs with Legolas close behind, releasing arrows as he climbed up the wall-stairs backwards.

Facing herself towards the broken wall, she saw a group of Men about forty feet away. Medlinya sprinted across the battlement towards them, slashing Uruks as she went with Legolas at her side.

As Medlinya made her way, Legolas flung himself against the wall, looking down. "Aragorn!" The Elf throws down a rope down to the Ranger and Gimli.

Aragorn grabs Gimli in one hand and the rope with the other as they are pulled up the wall. Legolas, Medlinya, and several men pulled Aragorn and Gimli onto the battlement safely. Aragorn lead Gimli and the other Men down the wall-stairs towards the Uruks below. Her sapphire eyes than spot a super-ladder creeping forward towards the keep of Helm's Deep. Legolas took aim as another ladder is being pulled up and shoots away one of the ropes. The ladder falls back onto the Uruk army.

"Fall back!" Gamling shouted from the Keep.

"Retreat!" Theoden ordered thunderously.

"Into the Keep!" Gamling howled down to the warriors of Rohan and Lorien. The she-elf slid on of her swords back into it's scarbard at her side.

As he ran, Legolas fired two more arrows at the Uruk Medlinya followed behind heading towards the Keep. Their hearts thumped in their ears as they inched closer and closer to the stairwell. Quickly placing his bow on his back, his hand grabbed the she-elf's free hand as they ascended the stone stairs to the keep. Rounding the corner they were back under the rain reached the final steps to the keep. Hand in hand the two Elves crossed the threshold just as guards were closing the doors. They were met with the sight of the troubled King, Aragorn, Gimli, Gamling, and a few soldiers.

Banners of the White Hand are flying from the battlements of Helm's Deep. The Hornburg is crawling with Uruk-hai. Theoden and company are in the hall of the Keep. "The fortress is taken. It is over." the voice of the King's defeated voice echoed.

Aragorn and Legolas carried a table to clog the door closed. "You said this fortress would never fall while your men defend it!" The raging Ranger shouted at the baffled Theoden. Aragorn approached the King, "They still defend it! They have died defending it!" His gaze turned to the door to the Glittering Caves that held the harmless villagers. "Is there no other way for the women and children to get out of the caves?" The Ranger glanced between the King of Rohan and Gamling as silence brew between them. "Is there no other way?"

A ram echoed throughout the Hall as the Uruks try to break in. Gamling slowly looked from down casting, "There is one passage. It leads into the mountains. But they will not get far. The Uruk-hai are too many."

Aragorn considered, but his eyes were firm. "Send message for the women and children to make for the mountain pass. And barricade the entrance."

"So much death. What can men do against such reckless hate?" Theoden spoke out, completely absorbed in his own thoughts.

Aragorn paused. "Ride out with me." Theoden's eyes slowly met the Ranger's. "Ride out and meet them."

A light of determination shined in his eyes as a smile appeared on his face, "For death and glory." The King of Rohan agreed.

The Ranger nodded his head, "For Rohan. For your people."

"The sun is rising." Gimli observed. Aragorn whisked his attention to the window to see faint light streaming through. He remembers Gandalf's words, 'Look to my coming at first light on the fifth day. At dawn, look to the east.'

"Yes. Yes!" Theoden hollered with a bright smile, "the horn of Helm Hammerhand shall sound in the deep one last time!"

"Yes!" Gimli vocalized with a grin. The Dwarf runs up the steps to the horn of Helm Hammerhand. Hasufel, Arod, and a few other horses had escaped the fury of the Uruks to retreating to the Hall. Legolas mounted onto Arod and Medlinya sat on a caramel horse beside him. Aragorn jumped onto Hasufel just as Gamling and a two more other guards mounted their own horses.

Theoden turns to all his company, "Let this be the hour when we draw swords together. Fell deeds awake. Now for wraith! Now for ruin! And a red dawn!" The King mounts his horse and places his helmet on his head. Drawing her other sword out, Medlinya gripped them, anticipating the battle for the lives of the villagers. The sound of the horn rumbles through Helm's Deep as Gimli blows with gusto.

"Forth Eorlingas!" Theoden shouted, as two guards slam the doors open. Theoden leads the charge out of the keep into the Hornburg, slashing away the Uruk-hai as they go. Without pausing, they storm out of the gate and down the causeway, right into the column of waiting Uruk-hai. The Uruks continue to stream up the causeway after Theoden and company. In the midst of the battle, Aragorn looks to the east. "Gandalf." he whispered. Medlinya snapped her attention to the east seeing a white rider against the rising sun.

"Rohirrim!" a voice echoed.

King Theoden also looks east with a bright smile, "Eomer!"

"To the King!" the same voice ordered.

At the order, the Rohirrim and the White Rider charge down the slope towards the plank of the Uruk army. Half of the Uruk-hai army turn to face the challenge, bearing their spears down towards the riders. As the riders draw closer, the sun rises behind them, momentarily blinding the Uruk-hai who raise their hands holding the spears to shield their eyes. The riders crash right into the Uruk-hai and engaged them in battle. Theoden and the company joined in with the attack of the rest of the Uruk pouring out of Helm's Deep to them. The riders were winning the battle against the Uruk-hai.

As the Uruk-hai began to retreat, Theoden rose his sword in the air as he cried loudly, "Victory! We have victory!"

The frightened Uruks run from Helm's Deep toward a line of trees. Riders of Rohan began to follow, "Stay out of the forest! Keep away from the trees!" Eomer hollered.

Silently the warriors watch the Uruks run into the forest. The woods groans and sways. Horrible sounds emerge from the dark forest, creating shivers down Medlinya's spine.

Tears of relief run down the dirty, sweaty face of Medlinya. Placing her forehead against the mane of the horse she was riding, the she-elf relaxed her muscles. Hooves softly approached the she-elf as an arm wrapped around her waist. Medlinya rose her head to see the dirty face of Legolas smiling. The she-elf smiled back to the Elf. Sheathing her swords into their scabbard, Medlinya skillfully moves from her horse to behind Legolas on Arod.

Gimli ran down the causeway towards them, with glorious grin. "Yes! Ha-ha!" The two elves laughed at their friend.

The Rohirrim began clearing the Uruk bodies littering the muddy ground. Gimli sits on one, smoking his pipe.

A smug smile spread on the smile of Legolas dismounting Arod to the Dwarf, "Final count: fourty-two."

Gimli let out a scoff, "Fourty-two?! That's not bad for a pointy-eared Elvish princeling." Gesturing to the dead Uruk beneath him, "I myself am sitting pretty on fourty-three."

Legolas frowns at this, drawing his bow and shoots Gimli's Uruk. "Fourty-three."

The Dwarf gives the Elf a sneering look, "He was already dead."

"He was twitching." Legolas remarked.

Gimli shook his head at the blonde hair, "He was twitching because he's got my axe embedded in his nervous system!" Gimli wiggles the axe handle, making the Uruk twitch.

She stared at them, biting her lip. With her fingers she counted the orcs she slaughtered and it was well over eighty. Perhaps even more.

Did she want to sever their pride like that Orc's back with Gimli's axe?

No, she didn't. Medlinya had a feeling that she wouldn't hear the end of it.

With a giggle at the two, she told them the fabled truth. "The final score: fourty-five. Ladies win."

Both men turned towards Medlinya dumbfounded. Aragorn chuckled at the scene as the Ranger directed Hasufel to next to the shocked Dwarf. "Come Gimli." The Ranger reached down and grabbed the Dwarf. Gimli sat behind Aragorn still staring at the she-elf in shock. The Elf Prince gracefully mounted Arod glancing around to the woman behind him. Legolas' gape turned to a proud smirk, when she was making funny faces at Gimli. The Elf softly kissed the top of Medlinya's head.

Her sapphire eyes quickly glanced over to Legolas, who just smiled and faced forward. Medlinya's cheeks turn bright red as she realized Gimli was watching who in return made funny faces at her. Wrapping her arms softly around Legolas as the Fellowship had rejoined Gandalf.

Gandalf, Theoden, and company ride to the top of the slope, looking towards the Mountain of Fire in the distance. Mount Doom even by the long distance between the company and the volcano, the red tongues of lava spit into the dark sky above Mordor. "Saruon's wrath will be terrible, his retribution swift. The battle for Helm's Deep is over. The battle for Middle-Earth is about to begin. All our hopes now lie with two little hobbits. Somewhere in the wilderness." Gandalf spoke gravely.

The sands of time continue to wane.

(End of Chapter Nine)

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AUTHOR'S NOTE: The end of the second movie! AND Legolas & Medlinya are somewhat together now! Oh happy day!!!!! ONWARD! To the third and last movie!!!!!!!!