°∴,*⋅✲✦ ( ♕ ) ✦✲⋅*,∴°

━━━━»•» act three. age of anguish

41. honour and allegiance «•« ━━━━

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ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ third age ━━ year 3019

𓇻 rohan; helm's deep

*.                            ✦                             °.

ELGARAIN HELD ARAGORN'S HAND FIRMLY IN HER OWN, AS IF NEEDING TO TOUCH HIM TO CONVINCE HERSELF HE TRULY HAD RETURNED. But even through her immeasurable happiness she couldn't forget years of training as a healer. Her skilled eyes made a quick study of his bruised and battered body. He looked exactly like one might expect from a man who'd taken a tumble off a cliff. His clothes were torn, revealing bloody gashes and bruises beneath.

Before she could make a comment on it though, her eyes were drawn to someone entering the hall behind them. Gyda walked in, followed closely by Legolas and Gimli. Her guard stared at the sight before her with wide eyes. It was only then Elgarain noticed the sword Aragorn carried at his belt. Gyda's sword, the one that had belonged to her father. Even when facing death, Aragorn had held on to it. They all knew the sword was Gyda's most treasured possession.

"You've returned." Gyda moved closer, stopping when she was right in front of him. "How?" Her eyes observed his tired frame and bloodied clothes before they rested on the sword at his side.

"Brego found me at the riverbank." Aragorn said, smiling at the barely visible smile that graced Gyda's face. Even at the return of her friend, she masked her emotions well.

"Never thought I'd be grateful to a horse," Gimli muttered.

Elgarain laughed, catching Gyda's gaze with a smile.

"I'm glad you've come back to us, mellon nin," Gyda said.

Taking a hold of the sword at his side, Aragorn held it out for Gyda.

Tears gathered in her eyes. Her fingers ghosted over the pommel, before firmly grabbing the sword. She held it close to her chest, relief clear on her face and the glistening of longing in her eyes were like shining stars in the night. Before anyone could react, Gyda sprung forward and threw her arms around Aragorn's towering frame. "Thank you. Thank you," she murmured.

Elgarain felt herself smile at the sight, grateful that her friend had learned to open herself up and accept closeness to other people in her life. Her eyes flickered to Legolas, who was watching the Elleth with a fond smile on his face. He, too, saw how far she'd come.

A moment passed and Gyda grew rigid before she suddenly sprang backwards, eyes drawn to the floor as her uncharacteristic response caught up to her. She swallowed, before looking up to meet his eyes once more. "Truly. Thank you for returning it to me."

Aragorn placed his right hand against his heart and bowed, perhaps hoping to make Gyda feel more comfortable by using the formal gesture of the Elves.

Gyda dipped her own head in response.

From behind her, Legolas approached with a broad smile, his blue eyes even lighter as if new life had been found in them at the sight of their returned friend. He placed a gentle hand on his shoulder and spoke, "Welcome back, mellon nin."

Gimli stepped forward, a grin on his bearded face that made his eyes wrinkle. "You've taken quite the beating lad."

Though having watched the four of them with a smile on her face, Elgarain felt it fade at the mention of his injuries. "Let me take a look at your injuries."

But Aragorn shook his head. "There are more important matters, anarinya. I have to speak with the King."

Elgarain pursed her lips. By his tone she knew it was serious, but she was also well familiar with his tendency to refuse to take care of himself. Especially before everyone else was taken care of. "All right," she said with a small sigh. "But I'm taking you to the infirmary immediately after."

A smile appeared on his tired face, and he stepped forward to gently place a kiss on her forehead.

She closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment of simply standing there with him before the rest of the world would catch up with them. Then he stepped away and the spell was broken. Though she refused to let go of his hand and together they walked further into the hall where King Théoden and his generals were standing gathered at the table. Their friends followed them inside.

"Lord Aragorn," the king greeted him. "I'm glad to see you alive."

Aragorn nodded his head. "As am I, though I'm afraid I come bearing bad news."

King Théoden stood up straight, as if having to prepare himself for the words spoken next.

"A great host is heading this way. It appears as though all Isengard has emptied."

"How many?"

"Ten thousand strong at least."

Elgarain felt her heart skip a startled beat in her chest. They'd known war was coming, but this was far worse than any of them could have imagined.

"Ten thousand?" the king breathed. The years that had been taken away from him when Saruman's hold on his soul had been broken, seemed to return.

"It is an army bred for a single purpose," Aragorn said, "to destroy the world of men."

A thick silence fell upon the room. Elgarain looked at Gyda, seeing a look of determination in her eyes. It wasn't much, but it was enough to fuel her own courage.

"They will be here by nightfall," Aragorn said.

King Théoden nodded. "Let them come." He turned to look at Erkenbrand. "I want every man and strong lad able to bear arms to be ready for battle by nightfall." Then he walked back to the table on which a map of the keep was placed. He pointed at 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!"

"This is no rabble of mindless Orcs," Gimli said, leaning on his axe as he stared at the king. "These are Uruk-Hai. Their armour is thick and their shields broad."

Théoden narrowed his eyes. "I have fought many wars, Master Dwarf. I know how to defend my own keep."

"You have not fought a war such as this," Gyda said. "The magnitude of this has only ever been seen during the Second Age, when Sauron still walked among his disciples. What comes for us, should not be underestimated, even behind the walls of Helm's Deep."

"They will break upon this fortress like water on a rock," Théoden replied firmly, refusing to listen to both dwarf and elf. "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."

Aragorn stepped forward, letting go of her hand as he approached the king. "They do not come to destroy Rohan's crops or villages. They've come to destroy its people, down to the last child."

Finally, the king's resolve broke. "What would you have me do? Take a look at the men outside. 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."

In a flash she remembered the desperate hope on Alys' face when she asked her if Elgarain had come to reunite men and elf once more. She knew there wasn't much she could do, but in that moment, she would've done anything to prevent the people of Rohan from this despair. "Send out riders, my Lord," she said, stepping forward. "It's not too late to call for aid."

Théoden's gaze turned to her. "And who will come? Elves? Dwarves? Rohan is not so lucky in our friends. The old alliances are dead."

Her eyes hardened. She refused to watch all her father had given his life to build be destroyed because of one man's pride. She refused to give up on old alliances.

"Gondor will answer," Aragorn said.

At his words, her gaze was drawn to him, and she couldn't help but smile. A spark of hope came alive within her chest. She wasn't the only one who would not give up on old alliances...

"Gondor?" Théoden spat. "Where was Gondor when the Westfold fell? Where was Gondor when our enemies were closing in around us? Where was Gon-" He cut himself off and took a deep breath to calm himself. "No, my lord Aragorn, we are alone."

Aragorn looked at him, but the despair in the king's eyes silenced him. Elgarain knew there was nothing they could say that would convince the king of Rohan to change his mind.

"Erkenbrand, get the women and children into the caves," Théoden said as he began to walk towards the door."

"We need more time to lay provisions-"

"There is no time! War is upon us!"

Erkenbrand bowed his head and with those words, the king left the hall. His generals quickly followed to carry out their orders, leaving only the members of the broken fellowship behind.

"Elgarain..." Gyda called out softly and by the tone of her voice, she already knew what her guard would ask of her.

"I will not stay behind."

Gyda moved closer to her, "Elgarain, it is dangerous, and I know your capabilities have grown immensely over the years, but this... this is bigger than most of us have ever faced before."

"I know and I appreciate your concern, nesa, but it is my duty as both healer and queen to help these people. I will not hide in caves while men die on the battlefield."

"And what of you? What if you perish during the fight? What of your people, what of Lindon?" Gyda argued firmly.

Elgarain smiled wistfully. "My father told me once that to lead is to sacrifice, even your life if necessary. Tell me, would you bow to a ruler who refuses to join his people in battle?"

A proud grin rose on Gyda's face. "You've grown much, Tarinya."

Elgarain placed a hand on Gyda's arm. "I've had many great examples to follow." Then she smiled. "If it eases your worry, I won't be standing on the front line. Me and the other healers will provide the best care we can to those unable to make it to the infirmary. I promise I will only fight to protect myself and others, not to attack."

"Then I shall make sure no enemies shall come near you." Her own hand wraps around her arm.

"Ni 'lassui," Elgarain said with a bow of her head. Then she turned to Aragorn. "Now, you're coming with me to the infirmary."

His eyes sparked at her tone. "As you wish, Tarinya."

Something about him using her title made a warmth blossom within her chest. Quickly she turned her gaze away and with burning cheeks she marched from the hallway, Aragorn following closely behind. She led him through the fortress and into the makeshift healing rooms.

The infirmary was empty when they entered. Fridwyn and her healers would be taking the wounded soldiers from the Warg attack into the caves. They couldn't afford to waste any room on those who had already received their treatment.

Aragorn walked over to where Elgarain had already started preparing thread and needle. She'd spotted a large gash on his upper arm that would need stitching.

"Sit," she instructed him, gesturing to the bed. "And take your jerkin and shirt off."

He did as he was told, grey eyes following her every movement, as if he was still convincing himself he truly was alive.

She took a seat next to him, trying to keep her eyes focused on her work instead of being drawn to his bare chest, and gestured to his arm. "I'm going to have to stitch this up. I'll have to inspect the other wounds to see if they need any treatment."

"Save your medicine for those who need it," he said softly. "I can survive a few bruises."

A sigh left her lips. "I guess it's true what they say, healers are the worst at taking care of themselves."

He took her hand in his own. "Agreed."

It was just one word but as soon as her eyes met his gaze, she knew what he meant. Of course, he'd noticed her failing strength and aching limbs. She'd known he wanted to ask her about it several times. She'd simply let herself live with the illusion that she would heal with time and a conversation would be unnecessary. But the worry she saw lingering within the depth of his gaze at that moment, made her realise it was time to break that illusion.

She looked away from him and gently started working on cleaning the wound on his arm. "I don't know what's wrong with me," she finally admitted as she worked. "Ever since Vilya healed me in Fangorn Forest I've felt my strength fade." She put the cloth away and started cleaning the needle. "At first, I believed I simply needed time to recover but, well, I'm beginning to think there's something more going on."

As gently as she could she started stitching the gash on his arm. "Gyda told me you know of the dream we shared," she said.

He nodded, waiting patiently for her to say the words that weighed so heavy on her soul.

"I-" her hands started trembling and she paused, not wanting to mess up the stitches. "During the fight, when I was leading the people to Helm's Deep, I felt this awful pain. Right here-" she held her hand against her side "-and for this one second, I believed I had been pierced by an arrow but then I looked down and I couldn't see anything. No blood, no bruises, no inflammation."

With steady hands she resumed stitching his broken skin. It was far easier to talk when she had something to do, something to focus on. She was scared to say the words out loud, to make them real, but she was also well aware that this needed to be said.

"Then, upon Gyda's return, I saw she'd been injured at that exact same spot."

She tied off the thread and put the needle down, finally meeting his gaze. Her heart broke upon seeing his worry had not lessened. How could it?

"Does she know of this?" he asked quietly while putting his shirt back on.

Elgarain shook her head. "She already worries about me so much. I can't add this to her burdens. Especially on the eve of battle."

He took her hand, gently caressing her skin. "She deserves to know. This concerns her just as much as it does you."

"You're right," she sighed, "of course, but I... later all right?"

"There might not be a later, my love."

"Then let us not talk about these things anymore," she whispered, feeling her eyes burn with unshed tears. "Let's just sit here for a while."

He gathered her in his arms, and she leaned her head against his chest, feeling his strong heartbeat. She would do anything within her power to make sure it would stay that way. No matter what was happening to her, no matter how weak her body would become, she would always make sure he was safe and alive.

"When I fell off that cliff, I thought I was dead," Aragorn murmured into her hair. "Then I saw you and you asked me to come back, to not give up."

She held him even tighter, her own heartbeat in a perfect rhythm with his own.

"You are the reason I'm alive, Elgarain," he said, looking at her with those grey eyes that saw into her very soul. "I love you, anarinya."

Warmth blossomed within her chest, and she kissed him softly. "I love you too."

They remained seated like that for a while, in a peaceful silence, tangled in each other's embrace. He granted her wish to simply sit there and, for a moment, let their fears and worries rest. And even if there was no later waiting for them, she had enough with right now.

It was only when the sun was starting to set, they both knew their blissful silence had to be broken. Aragorn moved first, gently putting her back on her feet. He followed, taking her hand in his.

"You should visit the armoury," Elgarain said, "you're going to need some chainmail."

He nodded. "So do you."

As soon as she stepped outside the impending war rushed back to her in full force. Men and young boys were hurrying to their posts, torches were lit, and defences inspected one last time. Fear and anticipation filled the fortress like a poisonous fog. She could feel it infecting her own heart as they headed towards the armoury.

The room was packed with men as they searched for the best weapons available. Gyda, Legolas and Gimli stood to the side, inspecting the weapons before they were handed out. They approached their friends and Elgarain saw the fear of battle was starting to weigh on them as well.

"Farmers, farriers, stable boys," Aragorn said quietly as he looked around the room. "These are no soldiers."

"Most have seen too many winters," Gimli said.

"Or too few," Legolas added.

"No matter their age, even experience and youth cannot be certain of triumph with the evil we face tonight," Gyda muttered softly.

Legolas shook his head. "Look at them, they're frightened. I can see it in their eyes."

The room fell silent, and Aragorn looked at his friend with a questioning frown.

This time, Legolas was smart enough to voice his worries in Sindarin. "Boe a hûn: neled herain dan caer menig!"

Elgarain felt her stomach twist with dread upon hearing him talk with so much despair. But he was right. How could they possibly hope to fight such an army?

"Si beriathar hýn. Amar nâ ned Edoras," Aragorn tried to reason, using the same words she'd tried to convince Gyda with.

"Aragorn, men i ndagor. Hýn ú-... ortheri. Natha daged aen!"

"Then I shall die as one of them!" Aragorn shouted.

She winced, watching the two friends stare at each other. Then, Aragorn turned around and left the room. Legolas stepped forward but Gyda reached out to hold him back.

"Let him go, lad," Gimli said, "let him be."

Elgarain watched the door he'd just disappeared through but remained standing where she was. She knew him well enough to realise he needed a moment alone. For his words held more weight than just the spirit of battle. It had been the declaration of a king...

"Elgarain?" Gyda drew her attention as she spoke softly from behind her. "May I speak with you for a moment?"

She blinked and shoved her thoughts of Aragorn aside. "What's going on?"

Gently Gyda pulled her along toward a more clear area and stopped. "I wanted you to have this." Moving to remove her glaive from her back, she held it out in front of her.

Her eyes widened, hesitant to reach for the weapon. "Your glaive? Are you sure?"

Gyda placed the weapon in her hands. "Yes. No sword will serve you as well as this will. The weapon of our people belongs with their Queen."

Her fingers curled around the weapon. The oak wood felt strong and secure in her hands. The bronze fire flowers engraved upon the spear seemed to shine in the light of the torches. "I-" all words of protest died on her lips. She smiled. "Thank you."

"In the chaos of battle, find solace in your training Elgarain," she urged, "Know your limits and don't overreach. Remain aware of your surroundings. Vigilance can be your strongest armour."

"I'll try," she said. "I wish Galion was here to fight with us."

"I do too," she whispered. "It would make me feel better, knowing he was there to watch our backs."

The sound of a door being opened made her turn around. Aragorn entered the room and headed towards where the chainmail shirts were kept. As he started putting the armour on, Legolas hesitantly approached his friend. He took his sword and once Aragorn finished with the knots of his jerkin the Ellon handed him the blade.

Aragorn paused, then took the sword with a grateful smile.

"We have trusted you this far and you have not let us astray," Legolas said. "Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."

With a shake of his head, Aragorn placed a hand on his shoulder. "Ú-moe edhored, Legolas."

Legolas nodded, a smile appearing on his features.

She looked around the room. If she was to face an army of thousands, she could not imagine anyone else she would have rather by her side. If she was to die, she would die amongst her friends.

A horn blew in the distance.

"That is no Orc horn," Legolas breathed with sudden excitement. He dashed towards the door and Gyda was quick to follow.

She shared a look with Aragorn and Gimli before hurrying after their friends. They ran through the hallway of the fortress towards the gate. The horn blew again, echoing through the valley. Her heart started racing as she recognised the sound. Only a horn of elven make could produce such a harmonious and yet foreboding sound.

"Open the gate!" the guard atop the wall shouted.

His call only ignited her hope. She rounded the corner and paused in her step. An entire army of Lothlórien Elves marched in perfect formation through the gates. They wore blue and grey uniforms and each of them carried a sword and a bow. She blinked, wondering if she was dreaming.

A familiar figure stepped forward, wearing armour and a red cloak. Haldir walked up to face King Théoden, who was staring at the army with wide eyes.

"How is this possible?" he asked.

"I bring word from Lord Elrond of Rivendell and Lady Galadriel of Lothlórien," he said. "An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago we fought and died together. We come to honour that allegiance."

She couldn't stop a smile from appearing on her face. Even now, all these long years later, her father's legacy still echoed through the world.

Aragorn walked down the stairs, a grin on his face. "Mae govannen, Haldir."

Haldir bowed but Aragorn pulled him into a hug. Elgarain almost giggled at the sight of Haldir's stunned expression. Then the Elf allowed himself to relax and returned the embrace.

"You are most welcome," Aragorn said as he stepped back.

"We are proud to fight alongside Men once more."

Elgarain shook her head and stepped toward the Elf. "I-I don't understand. How did you know you were needed here?"

"Lady Galadriel heard your call for help, Tari Elgarain," Haldir said, and as his eyes flickered to where Vilya rested on her finger, his face said what his words did not: somehow Vilya had reached out to her sister ring Nenya and asked for help.

The elven ring might just have saved her life again.

°∴,*⋅✲✦ ( ♕ ) ✦✲⋅*,∴°

𝕬𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝕹𝐎𝐓𝐄 . . .

Another chapter has arrived! The inspiration for this story has been very high lately so we thought we'd spoil you guys with another chapter! I adore the Elgarain and Aragorn moments in this one. I'd love to hear your thoughts on it, so please leave some comments!

Also, make sure to check out Gyda's pov in Ballad of Broken Swords. It's worth reading for sure ;)

xx Nelly

TRANSLATIONS:

Mellon nin ― My friend

Tarinya ― My Queen

Ni 'lassui ― Thank you

Anarinya ― My sun

Boe a hûn: neled herain dan caer menig! ― And they should be. Three hundred against ten thousand!

Si beriathar hýn. Amar nâ ned Edoras. ― They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras.

Aragorn, men i ndagor. Hýn ú-... ortheri. Natha daged aen! ― Aragorn, for us is the battle. They cannot withstand. They are going to die!

Ú-moe edhored, Legolas ― There is nothing to forgive, Legolas

Mae govannen, Haldir ― Welcome, Haldir