A long line of people can be seen weaving its way down the hillside. Eowyn and I talk about things and soon become great friends. When we arrive to some lakes Legolas rides up beside us and I ignore him. "My lady would you be so kind as to lead my horse while I scout ahead?" He asks Eowyn and she gently nods. I grit my teeth as to not speak out of anger as he quickly turns and heads back off ahead of the group. 

"Do not take his words to heart princess." I hear Gimli say from the back of the grey mare and I sigh as I reply, "Gimli, if there is one thing I have realize about the line of Thranduil is that they never say anything they don't mean." Gimli open his mouth to reply but instead decides to lighten the mood.

"It's true, you don't see many Dwarf women. And in fact, they are so alike in voice and appearance......that they're often mistaken for Dwarf men." Eowyn smiles and looks back at Aragorn, riding his horse as Aragorn says, "It's the beards." He gestures to an imaginary beard on his chin. Eowyn grins and looks back to Gimli. 

"This, in turn, has given rise to the belief......that there are no Dwarf women......and that Dwarves just spring out of holes in the ground..." Eowyn and I laugh and Gimli laughs too as he continues, "...which is, of course, ridiculous." He throws his hands up and the horse suddenly gallops off, throwing Gimli to the ground. 

I burst out laughing as Eowyn smiles, and then quickly runs to help him. "It's all right. Nobody panic. That was deliberate. It was deliberate." I grab my sides as I walk up to him and holding my hand out say, "Of course it was," He gives me a look as he takes my hand and I quickly lift him up to his feet. 

As we continue to walk Hama and Gamling ride past us and my eyes follow them to see that Legolas is standing on top of a hillock looking out. I stare at him for a moment before the realization hit me and my face hardens. "Gimli get back on the horse." I say as I assist him back on the gray mare. 

"What is it _____?" I hear Eowyn ask and before I am able to reply I hear the howl of a wolf and Gamling cry out, "Wargs!" I watch as Aragorn rides over the hill toward Legolas.

"Eowyn you must lead the people to Helms Deep. Do not stop until you reach it." I say as I grab a bow and quiver from one of the wagons. I look up right as Aragorn hurries back down the hill toward us. Théoden rides up to him and I follow closely behind bow gripped tightly in my hand. "What is it? What do you see?" Theoden asks as he reaches Aragorn. 

"Warg! We're under attack!" He replies and the people of Rohan begin to panic. "Get them out of here!" Aragorn cries out to the guards and they quickly start ushering people along.

I run past them to the top of the hill and looking out see a whole herd of Wargs running toward us. I glance out the corner of my eye to see Legolas raising his bow and I grit my teeth as I follow suit. Legolas and I fire arrows from a long distance at the Wargs before we see the horses coming up behind us. Quickly he turns, and grabs the strapping round Arod, and swiftly swings himself up into the saddle. As Aragorn reaches me he holds out his hand and I take it the force of his speed pulling me up behind him.

I ready my bow and continue firing arrows as The Wargs and riders clash and a battle commences. As Legolas rides through the Wargs, firing arrows, Gimli slides from the horse. He picks up his axe and sees a Warg feeding on a dead man, "Bring your pretty face to my axe." He says as the Warg runs toward him, Just as it pounces Legolas rides up beside it and kills it. "That one counts as mine!" He cries out before he turns to face another Warg about to attack him. He swings his axe at it and kills it. It falls.... on top of him, "Stinking creature."

The fighting continues and I quickly slip off the back of the Horse and turn to see who I took for the lead Orc come racing toward me. Tossing my bow aside I reach for my swords and pulling them from their sheaths. 

All the sudden I hear a familiar song (Maneater – Nelly Furtado) start to play in my head and smiling I slay each Orc and Warg that attacks me. I am so focused that I don't notice my eyes start to glow bright orange until I see my reflection in one of the fallen soldier's shields. I stare at my reflection for a moment before I see a Warg slowly walk up behind me. I grit my teeth as I slowly turn toward him my eyes narrowing.

I expect him to attack me but instead he cowers in fear causing me to tilt my head in confusion. I slowly walk up to him and holding out my hand gently lay it on his head. He nestles against it and a sudden fear fills my body. What am I becoming? I say to myself but am instantly drawn from my thoughts as I turn to see Aragorn grab the saddle of a passing Warg and pulls himself up behind an Orc. I quickly climb upon the back of the Warg in front of me and rein him toward where Aragorn was fighting. As my Warg closes in on Aragorn I watch as he loses his seating, but holds on to the Warg, reaching up and stabbing the Orc. The Orc falls off the Warg, but Aragorn finds his hand caught in the Warg's strapping. The Warg is racing towards a cliff top, and shows no signs of slowing. "Aragorn!" I cry out as I mentally usher my Warg forward.

But I am too late; the Warg falls over the cliff taking Aragorn with him. I growl as I turn back to the fallen Orc knowing full well he was not dead yet. I feel an unknown force come over me as I slowly climb off my Warg and sword in hand walk up to the Orc. "Aragorn!" I hear Legolas call out and my anger intensifies. The Orc starts to laugh and I ready my sword for the kill as Gimli walk up beside me and says to the Orc, "Tell me what happened and I will ease your passing." 

"He's......dead. He took a little tumble off the cliff." 

Legolas kneels down beside the Orc and grabbing him by the collar says, "You lie," But before the Orc can reply he dies.

Legolas looks down at the Orc's hands to find the Evenstar in them. He looks worried, and runs to the edge of the cliff, where Théoden is already standing looking over the edge. They see a fast flowing river below and no sign of any bodies. I stare at the Orc anger and rage coursing through my body. I knew Aragorn wasn't dead but I couldn't tell anyone and the fear of what I was trying to become was starting to scare me. "Get the wounded on horses. The wolves of Isengard will return. Leave the dead." I hear Théoden say and I bite my lip as Legolas looks at him disbelievingly. Théoden places a hand on his shoulder as he says, "Come." Then as he walks over to me he says, "Do not forget this beast as well."

A soldier walks up to my Warg and raises his sword only to be sent flying by a bright flash of light as I say, "You will not touch him." Théoden stares at me for a moment confusion filling his face. "This Warg belongs to me, and if anyone wishes to harm him they shall go through me first." 

The soldiers stare at me in disbelief before Théoden walks over to me and says, "Can you assure me he will not harm a single one of my people?" I glance over at him and as his eyes meet mine I nod, "He will not be a threat." Théoden nods as he walks away, leaving Legolas, grasping the Evenstar, and Gimli, staring into the river. While I walk back over to my Warg and gently touching his rough fur say, "You have been used for evil for far too long my friend."

I suddenly feel warm and fuzzy and my eyes gently close and my fingers start to tingle against my Warg. I open my eyes to see that my Warg was no longer a menacing looking creature for evil but instead a beautiful giant white wolf. Pulling my hand away I glance at it to see a glowing silver light emanating from within my skin like little vines wrapping up my arm. I look back at the wolf to see his icy eyes peering back at me lovingly. I smile as I gently reach down and scratch his ear making him rub his head against my belly. "You need a name don't you?" I ask and he tilts his head at me. I smile brightly as I say, "I shall name you Fili after a son of Durin."

The wolf perks his ears and turns toward the cliff where Legolas and Gimli were staring in disbelief. As my eyes meet Legolas's my heart clenches and taking a deep breath I say, "Come along Fili." The white wolf quickly bounds off behind me as I walk toward the rest of the soldiers who were mounting their horses not sure how to react as Fili and I walk buy. I glance back to see Legolas and Gimli had now mounted his grey mare and as his eyes meet mine I see an unknown look feel his eyes and I sigh as I walk over and climbing into Fili's saddle follow behind Théoden as we ride to Helms Deep.

When we arrive I hear Gamling call out, "Make way for the king. Make way for Théoden. Make way for the king." Théoden, Legolas, Gimli, I and the other Rohan soldiers ride into Helms Deep. Eowyn runs to us, her eyes searching as she says to her uncle as he dismounts his horse, "So few. So few of you have returned." When arrive through the gate the people stare at me, some in awe and others in fear. Fili whimpers in fear and I gently pat his neck as I say, "It's okay, you'll be safe here."

Climbing off Fili's back I glance over to see Gimli walking up to Eowyn a sad look on his face as he says, "My lady." 

"Lord Aragorn......where is he?" She asks worry filling her words. 

"He fell." Gimli replies and my heart clenches as I want to tell her that he was in fact still alive and would return soon. Eowyn looks at him shocked. She turns to Théoden who is walking up the steps, with a tear in her eye. He looks back at her, and walks away. She stands stunned.

Not being able to take it anymore I walk up to her and say, "My Lady do not be sad, Aragorn is not gone." 

Her eyes widen as she says, "How do you?" 

"I have faith that he will return to us soon." I say and before she is able to reply I glance over at Legolas who is looking at me with a confused look but I turn away from him and head back to Fili. I gently pet his head as a group of children run up to me and say, "What is it? Will it hurt us?" 

I smile as I say, "This is Fili, and no he will not hurt you. If you want you can climb all over him. He may even take you for rides through the city." They all smile brightly and rushing toward him throw their arms around him hugging him tightly. Fili glances at me and I smile and he turns back to the children and starts playfully licking their face as he carries them off through the fortress, them laughing hysterically. I smile brightly as I watch them go not aware that Legolas was staring at me. 

"Princess," I hear Gimli say and turning toward him I see his eyes filled with questions. "I know what you are thinking Gimli but I'm not even sure how I turned a Warg into such a kind and loving creature." 

"If you don't mind me asking, why did you name him Fili?" 

I smile brightly as I say, "His eyes, they reminded me of the young dwarf prince. So bright and full of loyalty." 

Gimli nods as he says, "I was just a boy when my father set off with the sons of Durin to reclaim Erebor but I remember Fili as if I had just seen him yesterday. He would have been proud to have such a marvelous creature named after him."

My smile grows as I say, "Thank you for always believing in me Gimli, it means a lot." He nudges my arm as he gives me a reassuring smile. 

Turning from him I walk up to a balcony overlooking the entire fortress and the vast valley in front of us and wait for Aragorn to return. The wind blows my hair away from my face and I instantly feel as if someone is wrapping their arms around me. "My child you have learned yet another glorious gift you have. The ability to turn dark and evil things back to light is one of the greatest gifts in the world. I wish I could be there with you but alas I cannot. But I will send you help. Haldir will be there the night after next with a gift from me. Farewell my daughter." I hear Galadriel say into my head and tears fill my eyes.

As I wait patiently for Aragorn to return I reach into my bag and pulling out my sketchbook set down and dangling my feet over the edge start to draw. I remained there for a night and a day before I feel Fili walk up and lay down beside me obviously tuckered out by the children. Leaning against him I finally pull my sketchbook up to see that I had been in fact drawing Legolas from different angles. I groan in annoyance I close my book and then glancing out over the vastness see Aragorn riding Brego toward the Fortress.

I smile brightly as I climb to my feet and wave at him. He waves back to me and I turn to one of the guards and say, "Tell King Théoden that Aragorn has returned." I look to Fili who is sleeping peacefully and decide against waking him as I run down the stairs toward the front gate. Right as he rides into Helms Deep I meet him and smiling up at him say, "I knew I would see you again." He smiles as he dismounts and wraps his arms around me holding me tightly to his chest.

"Where is he? Where is he? Get out of the way! I'm going to kill him!" I hear Gimli and I smile as I pull away from Aragorn to see Gimli shaking his fist at his friend, "You are the luckiest, the canniest, and the most reckless man I ever knew. Bless you, laddie." He says as he wraps his arms around Aragorn. 

"Gimli, where is the king?" Aragorn asks and Gimli nods in the direction of the hall. I smile at Gimli giving him a quick wink before following off after Aragorn. When he reaches the top of the stairs he turns to see Fili sleeping on the balcony and I smile as I say, "I'll explain later."

He nods as he walks towards the hall, fastening his belt, when Legolas suddenly appears in front of him. "Le abdollen."(You're late.) Legolas says causing Aragorn to raise his eyebrows. Legolas looks over Aragorn before he continues saying, "You look terrible." I smile as they grin at each other. Legolas hands the Evenstar to Aragorn. He holds it up in his hand as he says, "Hannon le." (Thank you.) I follow closely behind as Aragorn pushes open the great doors to see a hoard of surprised looks including that of the King.

I listen patiently as Aragorn tells Théoden of what was coming. "A great host, you say?" Théoden asks and Aragorn nods as he replies, "All Isengard is emptied." 

"How many?" 

"Ten thousand strong at least." 

Théoden turns to face Aragorn and speaks in disbelief, "Ten thousand?" 

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

 Théoden turns and walking away says, "Let them come!" 

 Outside Théoden walks with Gamling and Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and I to the gate. "I want every man and strong lad able to bear arms......to be ready for battle by nightfall." Theoden says to Gamling and I watch as he nods and walks off. The rest of us make our way to the ramp outside the gate."We will cover the causeway and the gate from above. No army has ever breached the Deeping Wall......or set foot inside the Hornburg!" 

I clench my jaw as Gimli says, "This is no rabble of mindless Orcs. These are Uruk-hai. Their armour is thick and their shields broad." 

"I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf. I know how to defend my own keep." Theoden says and I open my mouth to say something but instantly close it again as I look over at Gimli as he looks disgruntled and as they walk past him, Aragorn puts a hand on his shoulder.

"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." Theoden says and instantly crave the courage to tell him the truth. 

"They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages. They come to destroy its people......down to the last child." Aragorn says and I feel my heart clench as I think of the children who were just moment before playing and laughing. 

Theoden walks back towards Aragorn and takes his arm as he says, "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."

"Send out riders, my lord. You must call for aid."  Aragorn says and Theoden replies, "And who will come? Elves? Dwarves? We are not so lucky in our friends as you. The old alliances are dead." 

"Gondor will answer." Aragorn says and I roll my eyes. 

"Gondor?! Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell?! Where was Gondor when our enemies closed in around us?! Where was Gon--?" Theoden says before he pauses stopping himself and speaks calmer, "No, my Lord Aragorn......we are alone. Get the women and children into the caves." He says to Gamling as he walks away from us. I follow closely as Aragorn walks out of the hall and out into the fortress as flocks of crows circle above calling out.

In Helm's Deep the women and children are being taken into the caves at the back of Helm's Deep as soldiers yell out, "Move back! Move to the caves! Come on, people! Quickly, now!" I walk up to the balcony and tapping Fili motion for him to follow me. I walk back do the armory followed closely behind by Fili. In the armoury weapons are being handed out. I find Gimli and walking over I sit down beside him followed by Fili who sits like a silver statue next to me. I glance up to see Aragorn walk through the men towards us.

When he reaches us he says, "Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers." 

"Most have seen too many winters." Gimli replies and I nestle against Fili as flashes of the battle to come fills my mind. 

"Or too few." Legolas says as the three of them look around at the men and boys. "Look at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes." Legolas says and I narrow my eyes at him as everyone stops and turns to look at him, Aragorn included. "Boe a hyn: neled herain dan caer menig!" (And they should be... Three hundred against ten thousand!) Legolas continues in elvish.

"Si beriathar hyn ammaeg na ned Edoras." (They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras.) Aragorn says and I nod in agreement. 

"Aragorn, nedin dagor hen ú-'erir... ortheri. Natha daged dhaer!" (Aragorn, they cannot win this fight. They are all going to die!) 

Aragorn raises his voice as he replies, "Then I shall die as one of them!" He glares at Legolas who glares back, and then walks off. Legolas goes to follow him but Gimli grabs his arms and says, "Let him go, lad. Let him be." Legolas glances at me and I shake my head at him my eyes still narrowed. "Come Fili," I say and the white wolf shakes his head at Legolas before following after me.

The men are walking around the battlements of Helms Deep. I see Aragorn sitting on the steps outside the great hall and I walk over to him. Sitting beside him I say, "Don't let Legolas get to you, he'll come around." 

He nods and then glances over at Fili before he says, "And this is?" I smile as I gently pat Fili's head. 

"This is Fili, I don't know how I did it but I turned him into this from a Warg." 

Aragorn stares at me in shock for a moment before he says, "I guess being the daughter of both an elf and a wizard you have unlimited powers." 

"I guess but I don't think I could ever do that again to save my life." He smiles and then turning from me looks over to a boy who is talking to another standing by a fire.

"Give me your sword." He says to the boy who walks over to us and hands it to him. "What is your name?" Aragorn asks as he examines the sword. 

"Haleth, son of Hama, my lord. The men are saying we will not live out the night. They say that it is hopeless." Aragorn sighs and stands up. 

 He holds the sword out and swings it around before he says, "This is a good sword." He hands the sword back to him and putting a hand on his shoulder says, "Haleth, son of Hama; there is always hope." 

I smile as I stand and say, "Haleth, the era of men will not be so easily diminished, so be strong and have faith."

I follow Aragorn back to the armoury and help him put on chain mail and redress himself. Suddenly I notice Legolas appear next to him holding out his sword. "We have trusted you this far. You have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair." Legolas says and I smile softly at the two of them.

 "Ú-moe edaved, Legolas." (There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.) They smile and pat each other on the shoulder as Gimli appears struggling with his chainmail shirt. 

"We had time, I'd get this adjusted." He lets the shirt drop and it falls to the ground obviously far too long, "It's a little tight across the chest." He says and I giggle as Aragorn and Legolas grin at each other. Suddenly they hear a horn sounding.

"That is no Orc horn." Legolas says as he runs out of the room, followed by me and Aragorn. 

 Outside men are looking down over the wall. "Send for the king. Open the gate!" A soldier yells out and I reach the gate as a large elven army march through the gates, passing the men who smile happily. Théoden walks down the steps towards them, and sees that Haldir is leading them in bright golden armour.

"How is this possible?" Theoden asks and Haldir walks up to him and bowing says, "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together." He notices Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and I running down the steps towards them and smiles. "We come to honor that allegiance."

Aragorn runs down and hugs Haldir. "You are most welcome." Aragorn says as he pulls away from him. As Legolas hugs Haldir the elves swiftly turn towards him and stand to attention. Haldir turn and says with Legolas standing behind him smiling, "We are proud to fight alongside Men once more."

I smile as I walk forward and wrap my arms around the soldier. "My Lady," He says as he pulls away and as he kneels down in front of me continues saying, "I bring a message and gifts from the Lady Galadriel." 

Smiling I reach down and pulling him to his feet say, "I know, and I thank you." 

He smiles as he takes a leather wrapped object from one of his subordinates and hands it to me as he says, "She wishes that you will use these in your upcoming battles." I open the leather object and opening it see a new pair of dual swords. The handles gleamed like silver against the moonlight. I gaze in admiration at their intricate vine designs and smiling reach over and once again pull him into my arms holding him tight.

"Thank you Haldir," He stands stiff for a moment before relaxing and allowing his hands to wrap around your body holding you tight. 

"Oh I almost forgot," He says as he pulls away and says, "Your mother also wishes to know how your engagement to Legolas is going?" 

My face flushes and I stutter as I say, "Um... I.. Uh..." 

"It is still undecided," I hear Legolas say and I turn to see him gazing at me lovingly and I tilt my head in confusion. 

"I swear your mood swings are giving me whiplash!" I say as I turn back to Haldir and say, "You can tell her I won't be getting married, now or ever. Thank you again Haldir." I glance back to see Legolas giving me a confused look and I give a loud whistle making Fili appear out of nowhere causing the elves to jump in shock. "Geez calm down he's not going to hurt you." I say as I walk over and patting his head follow him off toward the caves. 

When we reach the caves I turn to Fili and say, "Stay here and no matter what happens I want you to protect the women and children. can you do that for me?" He lets out a loud bark in agreement and I smile as it resonates off the walls. I quickly switch my blades before I turn from him and giving a quick smile head back upstairs. Men stand ready and armed on the battlements of Helms Deep and along the top of the Deeping Wall elves are lined up. They watch as the Uruk-hai armies advance with lit torches.

I walk up beside Legolas and Gimli who stand next to each other on the Deeping Wall. "You could have picked a better spot." I hear Gimli say and I smile. Aragorn walks through the elves and stops behind Legolas and Gimli. "Well, lad, whatever luck you live by, let's hope it lasts the night." Gimli says and I smile knowing full well it will. 

"Your friends are with you, Aragorn." Legolas says and I giggle as Gimli says, "Let's hope they last the night." 

Aragorn turns toward me and I smile as I say, "We will survive this my brother." He smiles as he walks away.