୨⎯ Chapter 14⎯୧
"Prepare for War"

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"LIAIRSE!" Gimli's voice later called out, pulling my attention. I turned to see the dwarf striding toward me, his expression urgent.

"What's wrong, Gimli?" I inquired, noticing Aragorn and Legolas following closely behind him into the throne room.

"Aragorn has news for the king. He wants everyone present when he delivers it," Gimli explained between breaths.

I arched an eyebrow at his apparent exhaustion. "You didn't even run, Gimli, you strode. How are you out of breath?"

"Some of us lack the stamina of elves, Your Highness," Gimli quipped with a tight smile before heading towards the throne room.

I rolled my eyes at his retort, then turned to bid Eowyn farewell before making my way to join the others.

As I entered the throne room, my eyes fell upon Theoden, seated upon his throne, his expression etched with concern. Aragorn stood before him, delivering his report with solemn urgency.

"A great host, you say?" Theoden's voice held a note of disbelief as he sought confirmation from Aragorn.

"All Isengard is emptied," Aragorn confirmed, his words resonating with the severity of the situation.

"Ten thousand?" Theoden echoed, his tone filled with disbelief.

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

The enormity of the threat hung heavy in the air, and I instinctively reached for Legolas's hand. Though his reassuring squeeze offered no comfort.

As Theoden suggested to face the danger head-on, I felt the urge to speak out, but Legolas's firm hand on my arm held me back. His expression conveyed restraint, reminding me of the king's authority.

With a sigh, I stepped back, accepting Legolas's silent guidance, knowing that now was not the time for impulsive action.

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Later that day, amidst the activity of Rohan's preparations for defense, I found myself observing as Theoden issued orders to Gamling.

"I want every man and strong lad able to bear arms to be ready for battle by nightfall," Theoden's command rang out, his voice tinged with urgency and resolve.

We then made our way toward the main gate and causeway, as Theoden continued to outline his strategy. "We shall cover the causeway and the gate from above. No army has ever breached the Deeping Wall, or set foot inside the Hornberg," he declared firmly.

Gimli's concern was evident as he interjected. "This is no rabble of mindless orcs. These are Uruk-Hai. Their armor is thick and their shields broad."

But Theoden remained steadfast in his resolve. "I have fought many wars, master dwarf. I know how to defend my own keep."

Unable to hold back my voice this time, I stepped forward. "And Gimli has not? I think it would be wise to hear suggestions from the son of Gloin."

Theoden's response was sharp. "And why would a king take orders from a mere Fae?"

"I'm not a mere Fae, I am Princess Liairse of Caralis. And you shall hear what we all have to say. We are all part of this war, so act like it," I insisted, my voice ringing with defiance.

Theoden's reaction was swift, his tone laced with disdain. "You are no longer in Caralis; you're in Helm's Deep, men's land. So learn to hold your tongue, Princess. I do not take orders from a spare heir."

Legolas stepped forward, his demeanor protective. "Be careful with how you speak to my betrothed, king. Or we will have another problem on our hands," he cautioned.

Theoden's response was unexpected, his demeanor shifting to one of amusement. "Of course you are lovers," He paused. "We have no time for silliness; we must prepare. A war is coming. And we will continue our preparations with or without you."

Refusing to let his derogatory remarks define me, I steeled myself and followed the group again, determined to prove my worth.

As Theoden led us onto the upper walls, his voice carried with unwavering determination. "They will break upon this fortress like water on rock. Saruman's hoards will pillage and burn. We've seen it before. Crops can be resewn. Homes rebuilt. Within these walls, we will outlast them."

But Aragorn's response was firm. "They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages, they come to destroy its people, down to the last child."

Theoden turned, his expression a mixture of frustration and resignation. "And 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."

Aragorn's plea for aid fell upon bitter ears as Theoden voiced his despair. "And who will come? Elves? Faeries? Dwarves? We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead."

As Theoden departed, his command rang out over the preparations for war. "Get the women and children into the caves. There is no time! War is upon us!"

With Theoden's orders echoing in the air, the people of Rohan mobilized for battle. I exchanged a meaningful glance with Legolas, a silent communication passing between us.

With determination burning in my heart, I turned away, a plan forming in my mind. It was time to call upon allies of a different kind. The forests surrounding Helm's Deep may not be as ancient or sentient as those of my homeland, but perhaps they could still lend their strength to our cause. As the others continued their preparations, I slipped away, seeking a quiet corner where I could reach out to the natural world around us.

Closing my eyes, I focused on the energy of the earth beneath my feet and the whisper of the wind through the nearby trees. In my mind, I sent out a plea to any spirits of nature that might be listening. We would need every advantage we could get in the coming battle, and I hoped that my connection to the natural world might provide us with some allies.

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