Title: Through The Fire And Flames [23/?]
Genre: Romance/Adventure/Fantasy/Angst
Rating/Warnings: PG-13 - For mild language, violence, abuse, slight crude humor, and uh...more violence.
Story So Far: The Fellowship has been broken, losing two of the members in its trek to Mordor. Merry and Pippin are taken hostage by a troop of Uruk-hai, Frodo and Sam continue on to the awaited destination in Mordor, and Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Aspen, and Damocles track the Uruk-hai for their two Hobbit comrades. Tári, Idril, and Linwë have their own plans. As the rigorous journey continues in pieces, Frodo and Sam stumble upon a familiar woman who should be in Rohan at the moment. While Aspen struggles with her feelings with a certain Elf, what would be his own thoughts on the girl? He hadn’t really experienced much emotions like these before, though it appears that she may have opened up his eyes to many things that he hadn’t seen before.
Disclaimer: I own none of these characters except for those who are unfamiliar to the LOTR books and/or movie. The rest belong to J.R.R. Tolkein. Tenthwalker fic.
Chapter Warnings: N/A.


This one is slightly short, but oh well. Enjoy it or die :D






Book Two - Scroll Ten: Battle In Helm’s Deep - The Arrival


With the announcement of war approaching Helm’s Deep, the Rohhirim were rushed out of the keep and into the caves, people scurrying around the doors into the caves as worried commotion went about them. Théoden was left to himself, to which Aspen was happy for because they hadn’t spoken since the girl’s explosion in front of him. She did, however, gain a few glances from the villagers. She knew they were shocked and yet curious about her behavior, but she didn’t give a damn. She was used to it. This was no different.

Aspen’s feet were killing her. She knew her headache would never leave unless she fell asleep or magically made a bottle of aspirin appear. And a shower? Aspen would kill for one right now. Though when she looked at Aragorn, she saw how he was somehow managing to ignore it. So she sighed and left it be. If he could do it, then Aspen could. She knew she could.

For now, they focused on getting the villagers into the caves and preparing the soldiers for battle and getting them to their battle stations.

“Come on people! Quickly, now!” A man shouted.

Striding through the horde of people, Aragorn made his way around looking at everyone and the areas against the wall, scanning the area. “We’ll place the reserves along the wall. They can support the archers from above the gate.” He said.

Catching up with him, Legolas attempted to stop him but failed in doing so. “Aragorn, you must rest. You’re no use to us half-alive.”

Aspen smirked at that statement, even though she agreed with it. Aragorn seemed to ignore him and continued on. Aspen rolled her eyes and slapped a hand on his shoulder, stopping him. “You’re tired. You feel heavy, your arm is killing you and your head is pounding just as much as mine is. You need your rest.” She said, able to feel his pains and aches once she touched him.

Aragorn turned to face her and tilted his head. “And who are you to talk?” He asked amusidly. “Your arm is hurting, your feet are feeling as if you’ve been walking on broken glass, and not only does your collarbone hurt, your heart hurts too.” He said.

Surprised, Aspen removed her hand and cocked a brow curiously. This guy could sense how she was feeling, too? “How did you--?”

“Aspen,” Aragorn began, more sternly but calmly this time, placing his own hand on her shoulder. “if anything, I think you need more rest than I do.” He said, not moving his head, but giving a glance to his side towards the Elf behind him, who was now sporting Aspen’s pendant around his neck. Aspen seemed taken aback by this, not knowing how he could have found out about her feelings...if he found out...but it certainly made her slightly uncomfortable.

“Having such abilities undoubtedly makes you weaker, and I would more than likely want you alive and awake for this battle...and after it.” He said softly.

She regarded his words for a minute. She certainly was tired, but she wasn’t sleepy. Should she rest and regain her strength so she wouldn’t be even worse later on? No...she wasn’t that tired. Maybe if she sat down for about an hour then she’d feel up to it, but that was it. She didn’t need sleep just yet.

Twisting her lip thoughtfully, Aspen placed her own hand on Aragorn’s shoulder and shook it lightly. “I’ll be fine...Ada.”

Aragorn seemed to be battling in his mind after he heard her call him that. He just sighed heavily through his nose and nodded reluctantly, giving her a kindly look. The two shook shoulders after sharing a couple of smiles, and Aragorn let her go.

“Ae anírach.” He said, receiving a smile from her.

“Aragorn!”

The group turned to find Èowyn rushing towards them and approaching Aragorn, looking slightly urgent as she looked up at him. “I’m to be sent with the women into the caves.” She said as if disappointed.

“That is an honorable charge.” Aragorn replied.

Èowyn seemed a bit disbelieving of his words, “To mind the children, to find food and bedding when the men return? What renown is there in that?”

He shook his head. Now he had to deal with two women at the same time; first trying to get Aspen to rest, even though she said she wouldn, and now Èowyn? He hoped she would listen, at least... “My lady, a time may come for valor without renown. Who, then, will your people look to in the last defense?”

Èowyn still looked on, begging. “Let me stand at your side.”

Aragorn shook his head again, not wanting the woman to have her life end here. But what was the difference between her and Aspen...? “It is not in my power to command it.”

Aragorn felt that was all, so he began to turn and leave, leaving Aspen to look at the woman sadly, wishing she could help. “You do not command the others to stay!” Èowyn called out, causing him to stop and turn back around. “They fight beside you because they would not be parted from you. Because they love you.”

The two made eye contact, leaving Aragorn to look at her thoughtfully. Èowyn blinked, shaking her head a bit as if to knock herself from her own thoughts.

“I’m sorry.” Was all she said before she walked past them and up the stairs, everyone seeming to notice Damocles following her as she went.


Some time had passed, the villagers were moved into the caves...though as Aspen watched sadly, sons and husbands were drafted from their wives and mothers, even some that looked to be only the age of eleven or thirteen. Aspen watched only a few be taken away, and she couldn’t bear the sight any more. It was heartbreaking...and angering. Some were only children, kids! And they were being taken away to fight when they had no idea how to fight.

Everyone was gathered in the armory, weapons being handed out here and there. Aspen watched as a man gave a little boy an axe, who looked at it oddly as if it would chop his head off on its own. She just sighed. There was nothing she could do, now.

“Farmers, farriers, stable boys.” Aragorn spoke, approaching the three as he examined the others in the room, shaking his head. “These are no soldiers.”

“Most have seen too many winters!” Gimli spoke, his deep voice louder than all theirs put together.

“Or too few.” Legolas nodded, looking at each and every one of the men. “Look at them. They’re frightened. I can see it in their eyes.”

Almost as if his words could kill, the room fell uncomfortably silent as all eyes turned to the Elf, including Aspen’s and Aragorn’s. She seemed a little taken aback by his words more than the others.

Legolas gave them a look before turning and walking away a bit. “Boe a hyn neled herain...dan caer menig!”

Legolas’ words were somewhat true, though Aspen didn’t like the tone and the feeling it was giving her. “Lye a’ narn Théoden tanya ta gurth.” She said, trying to keep things calm.

Aragorn seemed to agree with Aspen. “Si beriathar hyn ammaeg na ned Edoras.” He said, attempting to change the Elf’s outlook on this situation.

Legolas’ expression went into a state of grief and bluntness. “Aragorn,” He spoke quickly. “nedin dagor hen ú-'erir ortheri. Natha daged dhaer!”

“Then I shall die as one them!” Aragorn snapped, approaching Legolas angrily.

This startled the girl quite a bit, causing her to jump at the contact. The two men stared at each other, Aragorn looking quite peeved, and Legolas seeming a bit regretful. Aspen remained silent like the rest of the room was, though it thoroughly upset her to see another argument erupting, especially between Legolas and Aragorn, who seemed to be such good friends to her eyes.

Unable to see this continue any longer, Aspen stepped forward and pushed the two away from each other softly, Aragorn still seeming angered. “Daro i! Faarea!”

The room went silent again, though Aragorn turned sharply and walked away from the Elf, leaving them alone. Seeing this, Legolas attempted to run after him until Gimli stopped him, patting his arm. “Let him go, lad. Let him be.” He said.

Slowly, the room began to go back to the way it was, weapons still being handed out to the other men in the room while Aspen tried to console the Elf, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder. “Legolas.” She said, trying to gain his attention.

Slowly, the prince turned his head to look up at her and make eye contact, his blue orbs holding too many emotions, so many that Aspen almost felt like an empath. She didn’t like this. This war would eventually get to them...but she tried her best to imagine otherwise.

After a minute of staring, the girl finally spoke, “Lye ilye n’at e’ sina mori coiasira.” She said to him, his eyes never leaving her own. “Sina lau coiasira ten’ gor, lye olwen alye’ imya tiuka ar’ pinque.”

It took a moment for her words to sink in, but the Elf nodded at her, understanding her words. “Hannon le.” He replied softly, earning another pat from her as she smiled up at him. He loved seeing her smile, even in such drastic situations.

“Lye le cenich i’-ento anoron. Le hebo estel ar’-dur e’ ta.” She said, this time, earning a smile from him and another nod.


Outside, night soon falling upon them, Aragorn sat atop some steps to collect his thoughts and cool down. He rubbed at his temples, wiping the sweat off, feeling tired. Damn it, the Elf was right: he should have rested while he could, but it was too late now. Night had fallen, and the army would be here at any moment. He had to keep his head on straight.

Looking around at the men stationed, he found his eyes trailing towards a confused looking child with a sword, examining it curiously. Unbelieveable. He thought. The boy looked like he was only ten.

“Give me your sword.” Aragorn spoke, gaining the boy’s attention. Hesitantly, he approached the Man, handing him the sword as he took it. “What is your name?”

“Háleth, son of Háma, my lord.” The boy replied, his small voice sounding so innocent. Aragorn glanced at him, examining the sword. “The men are saying that we will not live out the night. They say that it is hopeless.” Háleth said, sounding defeated already.

Aragorn heaved a sigh and stood, holding the sword steady in his hand. He swung it around once, then twice, then a numerous amount of times before holding it still again and gripping it, examining the blade. “This is a good sword, Háleth, son of Háma.” He said, turning and handing the blade back to the boy. He then laid a hand on Háleth’s shoulder, looking him in the eye. “There is always hope.”



Returning inside, Aragorn prepared himself and began to put on his armor, sliding chainmail over his chest, then his vest, strapping his belt on, attaching another belt for his sword, and then his vambraces. This alerted him though...Aspen had no armor. She would be bare and without a proper shirt. He thought a moment, though went back to preparing himself, realizing he’d forgotten. She’ll have armor soon enough... He thought.

Moving his hand to reach for his sword, he found it wasn’t where he placed it. Seeing it lifted to his sight, he looked up to see Legolas handing him the sword, his expression seeming apologetic. Aragorn took it, nodding his thanks. A short silence stretched between them before Legolas looked up and spoke.

“We have trusted you this far and you have not led us astray.” Aragorn tilted his head, seeming as if he needed no apology. “Forgive me. I was wrong to despair.” Legolas said.

Aragorn shook his head and smiled, placing his hand on his chest and then on the Elf’s shoulder, the prince doing exactly as he did. “Ú-moe edamed, Legolas.” He said as they gripped each others’ shoulders and shook them. This was becoming a usual gesture...

Soon, Aragorn’s gaze averted towards the Celtic pendant Legolas wore, reminding him of his own of Arwen’s. Remembering this, his hand unconsciously raised to touch the Evenstar pendant, his eyes becoming distant. Legolas didn’t have to ask to know what he was thinking.

“Le he avo le?” Legolas asked.

Aragorn pondered for a minute, blinking. “Tancave.”

It was Legolas’ turn to think, now. He couldn’t imagine how Aragorn felt; Arwen was thousands of miles away, whereas Aspen was right there with him. It definitely had to be difficult to see, though Aragorn seemed not to pay any mind to it. He thought of her as his own daughter, so he couldn’t be mad at her for wanting to stay with them. Even so, a part of Legolas was glad that she stayed.

Every time he saw her, every time she turned to look at him, every time they fought together, he felt almost even stronger than before. Legolas knew what was happening here...but he didn’t care. He cared about her in a way he thought he never would, but the proof was there, dangling around his neck. He had to admit, he was a little worried about her heading into a battle as fierce as the one headed for them...but he believed in her with all his heart, and he knew, just as she said, they would see the next dawn.

“Aspen cares a lot about you.” Aragorn spoke quietly, staring at the pendant before looking at Legolas, breaking the silence.

Legolas seemed to ponder his own words before speaking. “I care for her too.” Was his reply. Then he became serious. “It would break me, Aragorn, if anything were to happen to her.” He said, shaking his head gravely.

He had to admit that he was a little surprised to hear Legolas speaking this, but he understood completely what the Elf was going through. “Do me a favor, Legolas.” He spoke, Legolas tilting his head up to show he was listening. “Protect Aspen when I cannot.” He said, making a similar expression as Legolas’. “It would break me too if she were to die.”

Legolas nodded, patting his collarbone where the necklace lay. “Nîn quenat he tinechor.”

Aragorn smiled and nodded. “Hannon le.”

Then, hearing faint footsteps behind them, they turned to see Aspen standing sheepishly in the doorway, fidgeting with her fingers. “Hope I’m not disturbing anything.” She asked, walking in. “Everyone is stationed.” She reported, earning another nod from Aragorn.

“Are you alright?” The Man asked.

Aspen looked up at him, still seeming hesitant. “Oh, yes, I’m fine. Just a little...nervous.”

“We all are.” Aragorn spoke. “We’ll get through this together, Aspen. Do not worry.” She smiled at him and gave an appreciative look.

Interrupting the moment, Gimli soon came bellowing in with a shirt of chainmail across his chest, struggling with it. “If we had time, I’d get this adjusted!” Shifting it on, the chainmail dropped noisily to the ground, causing the three to look at him with amusement. “...It’s a little tight across the chest.”

Legolas smirked whilst the rest grinned at him, Aragorn shaking his head. Then, the sound of a horn was heard blaring in the distance, immediately catching Legolas’ and Aragorn’s attention. Aspen didn’t know what this meant, but it must have been what they were waiting for since morning, making her heart race with excitement.

“That is no Orc horn!” Legolas said, the three of them bolting from the room.


“Send for the king. Open the gate!”

Reaching outside, a vast line of Elven warriors could be seen entering Helm’s Deep, bearing the flag of Lothlórien. The Men inside the keep stared in awe at the army marching into the keep; was this their aid? Approaching a stairway, Théoden walked down the steps to meet the captain, his eyes unbelieving of what he was seeing.

“How is this possible?” He questioned no one in particular.

The soldiers soon stopped marching and halted, a very familiar Elf leading as their captain addressed the king. “I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell.” He said. “An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together.”

Théoden’s brows furrowed, still stunned at the amount of Elf warriors there were. Appearing at the top of the steps in a rush, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, and Aspen stood staring at their friend Haldir, who grinned faintly up at them. “We come to honor that allegiance.”

Aspen’s eyes searched desperately, though she had to do so no more when she saw Tári, Idril, and Linwë pushing through the warriors and appearing beside Haldir. The four made eye contact and simultaneous squeals were heard throughout the citadel as Aspen sprinted down the stairs, arms open, and leaped roughly into Idril’s arms as they group-hugged, giggling loudly.

Aragorn seemed excited as well as he, too, rushed down the steps. “Mae govannen, Haldir!” He said, standing before the Elf and then engulfing him in a hug. Haldir, a little surprised, smirked and returned the gesture, patting his back once. “You are most welcome.”

Aspen was released then from their hugging session, looking at her friends. The she-elves were dressed in elegant armor that plated their shoulders, wrists, chest, and legs, making them stick out like a sore thumb among their own kind just as Aspen did.

“God, I missed you!” Aspen exclaimed.

“There is no time, we’ve got something for you that you need to get into!” Tári said excitedly, turning around and taking an item from one of the Elves behind them and holding it up.

Unbeknownst to Aspen that Aragorn had asked to make her armor, they held up a brand new fancy shirt, a breastplate, shoulder-plates, and stomach armor. Buckles would go around her stomach while buckled upper-arm vambraces went in their places as well. This armor was a light brown color and added goth to medieval to Aspen’s eyes. Her she-elf friends were getting the hang of what she liked...

“Why do you do all this for me? Haldir, why didn’t you control them!?” Aspen squeaked, earning a smirk from the captain.

Legolas then came forth and greeted Haldir as well, stepping behind him and joining his kind. Then, the army turned and lowered their bows and shields in unison, making quite a glorious racket. While the three she-elves stepped from the crowd, Aspen saw her one and only father appear from the mass of Elves, smiling sincerely at her.

“Papa!” She said excitedly, lunging forth and hugging him.

“You’re lucky these three got to me in time.” Amrod said, grinning. After the two had their little reunion, the three she-elves dragged the girl off so she could change her shirt and get into her armor.

“We are proud to fight alongside men, once more.” Haldir said.


----

ok, so i'm like, fucking excited as all get out about writing the epic battle in Helm's Deep, so i'm wanting to write it and get it over with. so i'm thinking, once that's done, i'll be able to write about the Hobbits and it'll end the way it's supposed to. this chapter is too short for my liking, but i didn't want to make it like...encyclopedia long, so here you have it.


(you can tell i missed writing elvish, yes? :D)

TRANSLATIONS:

Ada: Father
Ae anírach: If you wish.
Boe a hyn neled herain...dan caer menig!: And they should be. Three hundred...against ten thousand!
Si beriathar hyn ammaeg na ned Edoras: They have a better chance defending themselves here than in Edoras.
Nedin dagor hen ú-'erir ortheri. Natha daged dhaer!: They cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!
Daro i! Faarea!: Stop it! Enough!
Lye ilye n’at e’ sina mori coiasira. Sina lau coiasira ten’ gor, lye olwen alye’ imya tiuka ar’ pinque: We need each other in this dark time. This is no time for dread, we must stick together through thick and thin.
Lye le cenich i’-ento anoron. Le hebo estel ar’-dur e’ ta: We will see the next dawn. You just have to have hope and believe in it.
Nîn quenat he tinechor: My body will be her shield.
Ú-moe edamed, Legolas: There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.
Le he avo le?: You miss her don't you?
Tancave: Yes.
Mae govannen, Haldir!: Well met, Haldir!