୨⎯ Chapter 16⎯୧
"Uruk Charge"

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I SOARED through the night sky, my wings cutting through the cool air with practiced ease. Aine and Khellan flew beside me, our eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the approaching army. Despite the imminent danger, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia, remembering the countless times we had flown together in more peaceful times.

A sharp whistle drew my attention earthward, where I spotted Legolas signaling to me. With a mixture of amusement and affection, I descended, my wings dissipating as I landed gracefully beside him.

"Your wings... they're beautiful," Legolas said, his eyes alight with admiration. "Just like you."

His words sent a warmth through me, and I felt a blush creep across my cheeks. "Thank you," I replied, attempting to maintain my composure. "Legolas, there's something I need to say, in case-"

"No," he interrupted, his expression turning serious. "Don't speak of such things. We will survive this."

I sighed, recognizing his stubborn nature. "Please, let me finish," I insisted. "If I don't make it, I need you to promise to take care of Aine. Get her away from Caralis, away from my mother's influence. Take her to Mirkwood or Rivendell - anywhere safe. Will you promise me this?"

Surprise flickered across Legolas's face, but he nodded solemnly. "You have my word."

"There's one more thing," I added, my heart racing. "I... I care for you deeply. If we both survive this, I want to formalize our relationship. I want to marry you, Legolas."

For a moment, Legolas stood silent, and I feared I had overstepped. Then his face broke into a radiant smile. "Nothing would bring me greater joy," he said, pulling me into a tight embrace.

Our lips met in a kiss that seemed to make the world around us disappear. For that brief, precious moment, there was no impending battle, no looming threat - just us.

A shout from nearby broke the spell, reminding us of the grim reality we faced. With a final, meaningful glance at Legolas, I summoned my wings and took to the air once more.

From my vantage point, I could see the Uruk-hai army approaching - a vast, dark mass that stretched to the horizon. The sight sent a chill down my spine.

I landed beside Gimli, who was straining to see over the wall. "What news from above?" he asked gruffly.

Legolas, unable to resist lightening the mood, quipped, "Shall I describe it to you, or would you like me to find you a box?"

Despite the gravity of our situation, I couldn't suppress a chuckle, and even Gimli managed a laugh.

Suddenly, the Uruk captain's roar split the air, and the army began its advance. Aragorn drew his sword, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the chaos about to unfold.

"Show them no mercy," he called out in Elvish, "for you shall receive none."

I observed my fellow Faeries preparing their powers, and I followed suit. As I readied a spell, an arrow whistled past, striking an Uruk in the neck. I turned to see an elderly man looking aghast, his bow still raised.

"An unfortunate start," I muttered, shaking my head at the premature attack.

A tense silence fell, only to be shattered as the battle erupted in full force. The Uruks charged forward, their battle cries filling the air.

"So it begins," Theoden intoned, his voice grim.

Arrows flew from our ranks, felling Uruks by the dozens. My brother's commands rang out, and Faeries swooped down, using their magic to create sand barriers. However, the Uruks quickly breached these defenses with their crossbows.

"Ladders!" Aragorn's warning came as massive siege ladders rose against the wall.

Gimli, to my surprise, seemed almost gleeful. "Good!" he exclaimed, readying his axe.

There was no time to ponder his enthusiasm as Uruks swarmed over the walls. I used my wind magic to repel one, giving Legolas an opening to shoot it down. Another approached, and I barely managed to summon a rock to dispatch it.

"Legolas! Two already!" Gimli's proud shout came from nearby.

"I'm on nineteen!" Legolas called back, a hint of competitive pride in his voice.

I shook my head at their ill-timed contest, focusing instead on the relentless onslaught before us.

As another Uruk charged towards me, I steeled myself for the long night ahead. Though the odds seemed insurmountable, the presence of my friends and family bolstered my resolve. We were as ready as we could be for whatever may come.

Let them come, I thought. We would face this threat together.

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