Elladan's flight

[Etaina]

(This snippet is whenthe elves start leaving Rivendell feel free to add new characters involving with my own! I'll be using my own name Etaina)

Elladan glided from his father's words seeking his bay through a desolate skyline; the elves were leaving.
Long he and his brother Elrohir had been in wait - in chase of their mother's oppresers and now a sodden grimness settled upon crisp elven air.Why could he not fight? It was not his battle so his father preened ,but then this was thier world so including everyone who lived upon it. Surely that was case enough....
" Mae Govannen Elladan; why the long face?" grinned Etaina prodding his shoulder from behind him.
" We should not leave"
" We have to" she smiled thinly breathing through rose tinted lips
" There is no other option..."
" Isn't there?" he demanded slanting his eyes to survey her
" Well.."
" We could run and make our names with glory and honour!"
" There is no glory is deceiving your father" she answered sharply lifting her eyes to his
" I know you Etaina!" he pleaded taking her palms in his hands
" I see the wildfire burrowing in your glare - you are not so immune to my proposal as you would like to think"
" Hold your tongue Elladan. This is not about what i want-"
" Of course it is! Fly with me elf maiden of Lorien visitor to Rivendell. Fly to your freedom"
Biting her lip thoughtfully angry flints forewarned of approaching anger when softly they simmered and she turned to frown at him
" So be the adventure"

[Melathwen]

'Did I hear someone mention 'adventure'?' asked Melathwen, a mischievous gleam in her clear blue eyes. A good friend of the twins, she was always ready for an adventure, and had an unnerving way of attracting them. Her thick, golden braid was pulled over one shoulder as usual, and hung almost to her waist. She approached Elladan and Etaina still finishing the task of cleaning her sword, but as she reached them she sheathed it, tucking the cloth away. 'I'll join you!' she declared brightly.

'I'm sure you will,' Elladan replied, laughing at her eagerness for adventure. 'But it is not certain that we will have one yet.' Melathwen's face fell, causing both her friends to laugh more.

'Do not worry, Melathwen. I am sure we will not lack adventure, not with you around!' All three smiled at Etaina's words; Melathwen's penchant for trouble was infamous, and a huge joke among the elves of Rivendell, and those of Lorien who visited often.

*OOC: you should make OOC and char profile threads for this RPG, Etaina*

[Etaina]

Sighing Etaina looked to her companions
" So if it is to be done then how? It's not as if we'll be flagged away now is it.."
" We could garb ourselves in our elven cloaks and sneak out before we are seen" suggested Ellandan thoughtfully when grinning to Melathwen he said
" But we'd need a diversion"
" Say no more!" she smiled with a brilliant flash of her eyes and it became clear then that these 3 elves at least would fight for the plight of Middle Earth. But for now as they exchanged wistful grins it was Melathwen's duty to plan their outset, and with her nack for adventureous journeys it was bound to be an exciting one.

[Melathwen]

An OOC is an Out Of Character thread where we can discuss things, and a Char Creation Thread is where people can post their character profiles, so that posts in this thread only contain the story, and nothing else :) Don't worry, everyone's new at some point :)

'When will we leave?' Melathwen asked, a calculating look already entering her eyes, as she thought about the kind of diversion she could create.

[Etaina]

Ellandan cast surrepticious glances about him before licking his lips thoughtfully he grinned at Melathwen.
" Tonight when all sleeps. Me and Etaina shall wait for your signal and meet you at the Ford. Good luck my friend"
" Yes - and have fun" giggled Etaina mischeviously tapping the side of her nose in agknowledged secrecy.
" Bring some reserves and of course your weapons. I daresay we'll need them"

[Melathwen]

'Make it a little ealier,' Melathwen said with a grin that boded ill for the peace of Imladris. Giving a mock bow, she vanished into the early afternoon light. She did not have much time to organise what she wanted, but it would have to do. She had wanted to do this trick for a long time, but had waited until it would be of most profit. She deemed that that time had now come. Grinning to herself, she hurried throught the woods, looking for the place where she had stored... Ah! There it was. Still folded as neatly as she had left it. She pulled it out of its hiding place and shook it out, checking for rips or tears. It was still in fine condition, if a little dirty. Well, a little dirt never hurt anyone. Putting it back now that she knew it was safe, Melathwen hurried back to Rivendell, ready to enlist Elrohir's help in her plan, and gather the things she would take with her.

[Etaina]

Etaina breathed deeply surverying the fountain as its pools reflected the suns erracitc rays. Feeling for her knife encased in the sheath by her side she clutched it carefully as it melted into her grip.
Ea , her horse clopped restlessly tethered close to the foliage before the bridge. Ellandan was close by hands clasped to his chinin siletn musings , dark hair casting a river of black down his back.
Melathwen suggested had an earlier start and so they prowled the corridors waiting for that tell tale sign of choas that marked Melathwen's diversion.
Smoothing the folds of blue velvet that shrouded her litheness in warmth she wondered what adventure awaited them after Rivendell was left to memory.
A faint image of Aragorn lingered before her eyes as Arwen followed soon after; how she hoped they would some day be as one.
Shifting her thoughts she felt the keen eyes of Ellandan bore into her own with a shadow of something lighting them to wildfire. Frowning in bemused silence she thought no more as raised cries met her ears; Melathwen's stint had begun.

[Melathwen]

Melathwen was proud of what she had accomplished that afternoon. The net lay ready, and the ropes were all fixed in place. She and Elrohir were up a tree close by, watching. The trap was laid close to Rivendell, but not too close that anyone had noticed the increased activity. Melathwen had picked in the perfect place; it should catch Elrond and Glorfindel on the walk they were in the habit of taking every night. She and Elrohir waited, hardly daring to breathe. A little way away, their horses were tied to a tree, ready to go.

It was not long before Melathwen and Elrohir saw Elrond and Glorfindel round the corner, and it was an effort not to laugh. Glorfindel wore his usual garb of leggings, shirt and tunic, suitable to the job he had. Elrond, however, was wearing long, elegant robes that would not help him in the situation he was about to find himself in. Melathwen and Elrohir watched with glee as the two elf lords drew closer, not suspecting the trap that lay almost beneath their feet. The two had their heads together, talking about something that Melathwen could hear, but paid no attention to. As they drew nearer and nearer, Melathwen wondered for the hundredth time whether this was really sensible. Then it was too late; Elrond and Glorfindel stepped onto the net and were immediately hoisted several feet into the air. Bursts of laughter reached the elf lords' ears, but Melathwen and Elrohir had chosen their spot well, and although they could see, they could not be seen. As soon as the net came to a rest, hanging suspended about forty feet in the air, Melathwen and Elrohir took off, flying through the trees.

Reaching the tree their horses were tethered to, Melathwen and Elrohir shinnied down the trunk onto the horses backs, untied the tethers and heeled their horses away in the direction that Elladan and Etaina would be. They drew up gasping, barely able to contain their laughter.

'What did you do?' Elladan asked curiously. Elrohir was laughing too hard to say anything, so Melathwen answered.

'We just put Glorfindel and Elrond in a little net... forty feet above the ground!' she declared, breaking down into giggles all over again. Elladan and Etaina's faces only caused the two to laugh harder.

'Glorfindel??' Elladan almost squeaked. 'And Elrond?' He sounded admiring, and disbelieving.

'Yep!' Melathwen admitted cheerfully. 'Can you hear them? And no one will be able to rescue them for a while, because the net and trees are smothered in more traps. Elrond and Glorfindel won't be the only ones having flying lessons today!' That caused them all to laugh, but at the sound of running feet, they wheeled their horses.

'We ride!' Elladan called, and suited actions to words, making off through the valley, leaving Rivendell behind. Looking back just before they were lost to sight, Elrohir, at the back, saw Arwen watching them leave.

[Etaina]

Ellandan rode wildly at thier head as thier going was quick and furious. He seemed fuelled with tempestuous freedom as it brought a becoming flush to his cheeks; determination was never his weak point.
Etaina riding a length beside him shot a snigger back at Melathwen as her eyes shimmered. Class diversion!
The image of Elrond caught in such a ridiculous situation brought tears to her eyes - or was that perhaps the wind?
They were headed towards Edoras where instinct warned of urgent need yet the sky thickened with a dangerous rumble. Lifting a hand from the reins she drew the hood deeper about her face as she caught Elrohir galloping in line with his brother doing the same; what an image they made!
She had only ever met Theoden king of Rohan once and that perhaps was when he was a child - and yet sickening gloom sombred the memory; she knew as well as most of his demise at the hands of Saraman through Grima. How he'd changed to become barely recogniseable.
But still she reasoned they was something else - a battle perhaps in which Roahn would either rise and be crushed, but looking to Melathwen so keen upon her fiery steed and then the twins restless with eager desire she smiled. There were no better people she would rather fight alongside.

[Melathwen]

They rode until dawn coloured the sky, crashing through forest and running over fields, barely checking their headlong flight. The twins were sure that Elrond would send out riders to search for them, and none wanted to be caught. When the sun finally rose, they agreed to stop and make camp, though only for half the morning, before riding on. It was not hard to choose a spot, they traveled the land this close to Imladris often and knew it well, old camping spots and places of past frivolity dotted the landscape they were passing through, and it was one of these they made for. A small bowl, smooth sided and grassy, in the middle of a lush meadow. It was deep enough to hide them and the horses - just - but allowed them to see any persuit from a way away, and move if they had to. Tree cover was not far off, in the opposite driection from Imladris.

~~~~~

'Glorfindel, are we in a net floating forty feet above the ground, or is it my imagination?' Elrond asked, dry humour in his voice barely masking the fury he felt. Melathwen had been right - his long robes were not helping. In fact, they made matters about ten times as bad as they would have been were he clad as Glrofindel - and that was bad enough. Their yells of surprise at being hoisted into the air had died some minutes ago, and the two elf lords could hear answering yells from the dirction of the halls of Imladris.

'I am afraid, my Lord,' Glorfindel said, struggling to keep his face straight at the sight of Elrond fighting a losing battle with his clothes, 'that it is not your imagination. Or else I am imagining the same thing.'

'I rather feared that that was the case. When I get my hands on my sons...' the threat in Elrond's voice made Glorfindel shake with suppressed laughter; Elrond's expression was the picture of ruffled dignity, but his position clearly showed that he was not in charge of anything, and the likelihood of him getting his hands on his sons anytime soon looked rather slim to say the least.

Calls of concern and bewilderment met the elf lords' ears, and they looked down to see most of the elves of Rivendell gathering. Without a thought, Glorfindel's captains rushed in to try and get them down - and were promptly given flying lessons of their own by Melathwen and Elrohir's other traps. The calls of surprised and furious elves shook the trees, and the remaining elves were no help, just looking at the dangling elves and laughing. Eventually, they gathered enough sense to try and rescue the fuming elves, but not without a few more flying through the treetops by their ankle.

[Etaina]

They had left thier cover hours before as darkness shrouded the horizon with errie shadows. Faintly coarse scrawks echoed off themselves as the travellers pricked thier way through the wooden debris of past trees on the forest floor.
The air rang with stagnant death as if someone , something had taken all the life from it and replaced it with hollow fear.
Looking this way then that Ellandan paused as the others did so behind him echanging hurried whispers with his brother.
" Are we not to be included in this conversation?" asked Etaina wryly
" Yes for if we're attacked I'm sure we might at least be bothered..." shrugged Melathwen lightly as Etaina grinned beside her.
" Ssh" urged Elorhir
" Something stirs - the shadows have wings"
Before Ellandan could move his horse forward several waves of stubby orc flesh reared from the foliage ,circling around them in gurlging victory.
Swiftly Melathwen removed her weapons as the twins follwed suite but Etaina knowing her own strenght upon a wild horse decided on another course of action.
" Never tempt a surly bull - particularly when its on a horse!" she shouted grimly to a near by orc and with no more then a word plunged her mount towards the blubbering orcs , crashing through thier ranks and swiping a few heads along the way (for good measure of course)
Turning her ehad she looked to she what became of the others...

[Melathwen]

The orcs had been too close for the elves to make use of their bows, so all three had drawn knives or swords. Melathwen had her two knives in her hands, though they were a little short for use on horseback. Making the best of them, she slashed at the orcs closest to her, and Malhiria kicked out with her hooves, felling more creatures. Seeing one at Elladan's back, Melathwen threw her knife without thinking, and the orc fell with it through his neck. The twins fought fiercely, spinning and slashing, and before long all the orcs lay dead except the few who were fleeing. Whipping her bow off her back, Melathwen shot them down, then sat back and reviewed the scene. The bodies of the orcs lay scattered about, her and the twins sat their horses in the middle, and Etaina sat her horse outside the ring of battle, calmly cleaning her blade.

'I didn't think you would have anything other than knives, Melathwen,' Elrohir said. 'So, I brought this sword for you. More use than knives, when you're on a horse,' he finished with a grin. Melathwen blushed; she had not thought that they would be fighting on horseback, otherwise she would have found a sword herself. She favoured knives, but they were not the most practical weapon while astride a horse. Accepting the blade thankfully, she buckled it around her waist and settled it on her hip.

'I suppose we should pile these carcasses and burn them,' Melathwen said, and the others agreed. Swiftly, for they still feared pursuit from Rivendell, they made a bonfire of the orcs. Riding on, Melathwen retrieved her arrows from the others she had shot, and they made their way out of the valley.

[Etaina]

The rugged hillside of Rohan greeted the travellers after week of long hual travelling in which the weather flayed with consistant rumbles of shattering evil; the eye was moving.
Faint specks of drizzle sent stints of vague sight as Etaina brought a hand to tighten the clasp of her cloak. Melathwen shifted restlessly in the saddle as the hazy pinprick of Edoras seated itself upon a rocky bed far into the horizon.
" We must not be tactless" called Elrohir from the front exchanging glances with his brother
" It would do best for those who can hold thier tongue to introduce us. It is Eomer with whom we wish to speak"
" You wish us to join forces with Eomer?" blinked Etaina thinly as Ellandan's mouth twitched
" Is is not as if our father will send aid" he said starkly as Melathwen pushed her horse before his.
" Let us see whether a horse lord will accept out offer first - i have heard they are too proud for thier own good"
" We shall soon see" sighed Elrohir charged forwards as the rest followed suite and Edoras rose predominantly to greet them. Melathwen was first to the gate.

[Melathwen]

Entering the city of the horse lords, Melathwen looked around curiously. She had never been to a human city before, and rarely traveled anywhere apart from Lorien. Approaching the guards in the gate, Melathwen inquired as to where she might find Eomer as the others rode through the gates behind her.

'I am sorry, mistress, but he is gone. Banished by the King,' the guard answered, apparently not realising she was an elf. He looked uneasy about the situation; looking at the rest of the people, they all looked uneasy. Uneasy and afraid. Nodding her thanks, Melathwen turned and told the others.

'I think we'd better leave Edoras,' Elladan said when he was told. No one disagreed.

[Lady Melanie]

*back at Rivendell one week earlier*
Luinil looked down at the peaceful valley where Rivendell lay. It had been so long since she had been back here. Over a 1000 years. It seemed older to her now, as if at any moment it might fade away into the distance and be forgotten forever.
She made her way on her horse down into the actual city herself. She was suprised to see someone waiting for her on the steps up to the city. As she drew closer she saw it was an elf. But not just any elf. Lord Elrond himself.
*she quickly dismounted Dark Star and lowered her head in respect*
Lord Elrond chuckled.
"We havent seen you for a while, my child." Luinil quickly nodded. "And though you have returned I must ask you a favour" Luinil looked at him curiosity in her eyes. "what is it you ask of me, my lord?" Elrond sighed. "My sons, Ellandan and Elrohir and some other elves which you have never met, have gone to fight a war without my permission." "I do not fear for them for they are capable warriors but I have a message which I wish for you to deliver to them." "I am sorry to send you off just as soon as you have arrived but this is of the upmost importance." "I would send one of my own messangers but I know that you deliver this message much quicker than any of them."
Luinil raised her head.
"I will gladly do this for you, my lord. I just need to get some provisions and then I can be off."
Elrond looked at her, "I think you should stay for dinner and then leave." "That will give you time to get refreshed and ready for your journey"
Luinil nodded.
"certainly my lord."

*present day*
Luinil looked across the plains of Rohan, seeing Edoras in the distance. She had successfully tracked the runaway party for a week.
She quickly mounted up again.
"Come Dark Star, show me the meaning of haste."

[Etaina]

Wheeling his horse to face the newcomer Ellandan had sensed before he saw. They had been a mere flint of black but now as they approached a thick golden braid swung into eye sight as Etaina reigned in on his right , Melathwen alongside and Erohir on Ellandan's left.
Setting her face to a blank frown Etaina surveyed the lithe rider as she halted upon her horse masterfully ,keen eyes staring vividly back.
" What message has my father forced you to bring?" drawled Ellandan sternly before the rider even spoke >

[Lady Melanie]

Luinil surveyed the group. There were 2 elves and two she-elves. She presumed the elves to be Ellandan and Elrohir, Elrond's runaway sons.
As she approached them, she slowed down Dark Star.
Suddenly Ellandan's voice cut through the air.
"What message has my father forced you to bring?"
She turned to face him.
"No one forced me to bring this message to you, I did it of my own free will."
"You must be Ellandan, pleased to meet you."
"Luinil stuck out her hand, which Ellandan reluctantly shook"
Ellandan looked at her.
"Who are you?" he asked with anger in his voice.
"I am Luinil, you need not know more than my name."
She reached into her pack and pulled out a scroll.
"This is for you, My Lord," she said, saying the last two words in a sarcastic tone.
Ellandan snatched the message out of her hand.
"Now that I have finished what I came here to do, I will leave you, but I expect we will meet again....soon."

Luinil turned her horse around and galloped off.
She had a feeling she was needed somewhere else.

[Etaina]

" Well that was a strange port of call" chimed Melathwen as Ellandan keened over the scroll , brow furrowed in concentration. Offering it to his brother the same process played upon his face until turning to Etaina and Melathwen he lifted his lips to a tight smile
" It seems we have a reluctant blessing - and something else besides"
" Meaning.."
" Lady Galadriel is pressuring my father to send an advance to Helm's Deep with Lord Halidir at their head. What say you all that we intercept thier process - Etaina?"
" Intresting!"
" Melathwen?" >

[Lady Melanie]

Luinil galloped along the plains of Rohan towards Helms Deep. She sensed danger in the air. Elrond had told her that if the people of Rohan thought they were going to be attacked they would flee to the fortress of Helms Deep. The problem was that they could be attacked on the way to Helms Deep. Elrond had also told her of the council and the evil that had been growing. He had also instructed her to return to Rivendell after she delivered the message. But she knew she couldnt return there. She knew she had to help out in any way possible.

She stopped Dark Star and scanned the horizon. she saw a large group ahead. She urged Dark Star towards them. Suddenly she felt a sense of evil overcome her and she stopped once more. She looked to the right and in the distance she could just make out some shapes. Wargs. She thought in digust. Servants of Saruman. Judging from the distance she would get there just in enough time before they attacked.

She galloped over the plains. As she came closer to the wargs she pulled out her bow and arrows. She aimed and let the first arrow go. It hit the first warg in the neck causing his rider to fall off. She quickly then fired 2 more arrows bringing down 2 more wargs. Then she heard another bow singing beside her own. She turned and saw an elf on the hill ahead of her. She was too close to the wargs now to use her bow. She pulled out her sword and guided Dark Star into battle.

She stabbed as many orcs as she could. Suddenly she heard horses coming over the hill. She glanced up and saw some of Rohans riders joining her in battle. Then she was thrown from Dark Star. Standing up quickly she silently cursed. "Never let your eyes leave the battle, you idiot!!!." She had looking at the riders so she never saw the stray warg ram into dark star. She quickly found her sword on the ground next to her and picked it up. She saw Dark Star gallop to saftey. She knew he would only do that if he was hurt. She quickly located the warg which had thrown her from her horse and killed him with a flick of her sword. She turned around and faced the next warg. He growled at her. She lunged forward and stabbed him in the neck before he could do anything. The warg fell to the ground dead. She looked around. It seemed that all the wargs and orcs were dead.

She sheathed her sword and walked over to the remaining riders. The king looked at her.
"Who are you and why did you help us?"
Luinil looked at him, she presumed this to be the king.
"Hail, King Theoden of Rohan. I am Luinil. I helped you because I believe that we cannot allow evil to overrun this earth. I helped you because I believe there is still hope that this world."
Theoden looked at her. "You have saved many of my men and for that I thank you." "You must come with us to Helms Deep."
The elf she had seen on the hill stepped up beside him. He embraced her. Then he looked in her eyes.
"It is a pleasure to see one of my kindred here, even though I do not know you and we were not expecting you."
Luinil quickly lowered her head in respect. "The pleasure is all mine, Legolas, prince of Mirkwood." She saw the look of suprise in Legolas's eyes. You may not know me but I know of you. Lord Elrond informed me. She then turned to the dwarf standing next to the elf. "You must be Master Gimli, son of Gloin." "It is a pleasure to meet you." Gimli nodded.
Theoden looked up. "We can tarry here no longer, we ride for Helms Deep!!!"
Luinil looked at her horse.
"I need to tend to my horse first. I will not be long and will soon catch up with you."
Theoden looked at her. "No, one of my men will look after your horse until we reach the Deep, there he can be healed."
Legolas rode up to her with another horse. This was one of the fellowship's horse. You can ride him to Helms Deep. Luinil quickly nodded and mounted up.
The party then took off for Helms Deep.

[Etaina]

The speckled grey snaking line of Lorien's might marched in ordered rows as the soft clomp of theri feet hit the parched ground stealthily.
Ellandan kicked his bay to a trot before breaking at Halidir's frown he grinned
" Lord Halidir of Lorien Mae Govannen"
" The tearaways" he replied coldly with a curt inclanation of the head
" Well i told your father and now i will tell you - you are not needed here"
" Really?" he breathed looking down the lines of elves
" I was under the impression that Middle earth needed everyone-"
" Save your breath Lord Ellandan. You should be in Rivendell with your people and taking the ship that will save you"
" So you permit only Lorien's intervention?" he bartered looking back to Etaina and calling her over.
" This is Etaina elf miaden of Lorien - now what do you say?"
" Do not use me for a bargaining Ellandan" warned Etaina scornfully as Halidir's eyes britghened curiously
" That voice - i have heard its like before; in song"
" I daresay you have" she smiled evenly
" Lord Halidir we will not beg. In our midst our 3 formidable hunters - please will you not consider it?". Eyeing her speculatively he sighed with tense regret
" I am sorry but no"
" So be it" she nodded icily swivelling on her heel and leaving Ellandan with no more then a backward glance.

[Melathwen]

Shooting Haldir a hateful glance, Melathwen turned Malhiria and flew after the others, catching up easily. Riding for several mintues until they were out of sight, they gathered together to discuss what they should do.

'I think we should trail them. Not too far behind, but far enough not to be seen. Then we sneak into their camp at night and cause mayhem,' was Melathwen's suggestion. Glee shone in her eyes as she thought of all the havoc she could cause. Dismounting, she left Malhiria to wander while taking out her sword. It was awhile since she had handled one, and she decided to get a little practice in while the others chose what they would do. Moving into a clear space, she began with a simple warm up exercise that only took her a few minutes. With that done and done well, she tried the most complex exercise she knew. It was only when she finished that she realised the others had gathered around her and watched. Seeing their looks, she blushed.

[Etaina]

" Melathwen you are gifted" grinned Etaina warmly as Ellandan clapped appreciatively
" We are each come to our own decision" sighed Elrohir chancing a coy glance at Etaina who met it grimly. Melathwen looking from one to the other blinked in question.
" Etaina will go with Halidir officailly"
" But he said-"
" He said elves of Rivendell - and so elves of Rivendell it should be"
" Halidir is not easily duped" she interceded tilting her head
" No doubt he will expect a ruse such as we plan. Allow me to create my own diversion"
" But won't we be easily seperated? - he will send an advance. He will send you" she obserevd eagerly as Etaina shrugged submissively evading the pleading eyes of Ellandan.
" It must be done - I will find you again my friends. Trust in that if nothing else".

[Melathwen]

Melathwen and the twins watched Etaina ride back to Haldir, then turned to their own horses. Before Melathwen could mount, she noticed an elf coming their way. She also recognised the elf. She was not tall, for an elf, but still taller than most humans. Her long brown hair fluttered in the slight breeze, and her grey eyes glittered brightly. Melathwen walked over to her, greeting her warmly.

'Laissriel! It is long since I have seen you. How are you?' she asked, leading Laissriel towards the twins. 'This is Elladan, and this Elrohir. Elladan and Elrohir, this is Laissriel, and long-time friend of mine.'

[Etaina]

'Laissriel any friend of Melathwen's is an honour." smiled Elrohir looking to his brother who merely inclined his head
" Excuse my brother for being ignorant - he's sulking"
" Be quiet" snapped Ellandan who looked to the new comer with a weak smile
" You are most welcome to join us on our travels if you wish - but i should warn yoy; we're not exactly - traditional in our methods..">

[Lady Melanie]

Luinil saw a fortress drawing closer. That must be helms deep she thought. She looked at the surrounding land and realized one thing. There is no way out. She followed the riders into the city.

[Etaina]

Halidir was wary as he welcomed Etaina surveying her with sombre rememberance.
" It is long since i saw you last - you were barely a child" he whispered as she lowered her lashes
" Those were troubled times Halidir. We all deal with it as we must"
" Lorien needed you; you could still go back?" he urged as she shook her head
" For what? The elves are leaving and Lorien will become nothing more then a shell for all its past beauty"
" Why do you talk so bluntly Etain?" he asked forcefully pressing his hands to her shoulders
"I was charged to protect you-"
" I do not need protecting" she evaded fiercely shurgging his grip from her shoulders and swinging herself into the saddle.
" We are to head for Helm's Deep are we not?"

* Later that night"
They were nearing Helm's Deep more every minute and several times there had been commotions in which Etaina had carefully took Halidirs attention away inwardly smiling at what she was sure was Melathwen's doing. Tonight she would go - with Halidir- in an advance to forworn Lord Aragorn of thier arrival and it was during thier absence that Ellandan and the others would do what they would. Sighing lenghtily harsh reality waded to settle upon her shoulders; she might perhaps never see them again... never see Ellandan again..

[Melathwen]

Melathwen rode back quickly through the night, reaching their camp near dawn.

'They've moved again. It probably had something to do with me,' Melathwen admitted with a sheepish grin. Elladan and Elrohir smiled at her; they knew what she had been doing. 'I got them all in an uproar, there was chaos. It was beautiful...' she said wistfully.

'Well, if they've moved, we can't be far behind them. We should reach Helm's Deep before nightfall, that is when the orcs will attack, I think,' Elladan said. The others agreed, and camp was quickly packed up and they were on their way, still trailing the elves from Lorien.

'We're going to have to plan how we slip into Helm's Deep,' Melathwen said as they cantered away. A gleeful smile showed she had thought of a way that included more mischief.

[Evenstar]

'You have an idea, don't you?' Laissriel said. 'I can tell it.'

'It's not the safest of plans,' Melathwen admitted, 'but it's the only way I can think of. The only way that may not get us all killed, anyway.' As they rode on she began to tell it to the rest of the elves.

[Etaina]

Etaina flushed angrilly surveying the dilapidated ruins of Helms Deep which they had entered only hours before. Men and elves alike passed in hurried blurs as armoured child soliders gazed forlornly at thier elders.
The sky rumbled menacingly as the shadow on the horizon grew deeper , enveloping them in malice and dread.
Halidir had proved difficult to contrain with his incessant wondering but somehow some way she managed it.
Issuing a whispered blessing to her lost companions thier faces stirred in her mind until throwing back the grey elven cloak to reveal her own lithe armour she felt a sharp prod in the back. Turning it was a familiar face that met her gaze....

[Melathwen]

Elladan laughed at the look on Etaina's face. She tried to ask a question, but couldn't decide which to ask first and what came out was an uninteligible blur.

'How did we get in? Ask Melathwen. I'm still not sure exactly what she did-' Elladan said, still laughing at the look on Etaina's face.

'What are you doing here? I told you to return to Imladris!' Haldir's raised voice brought a crowd, but he didn't notice. Neither did Elladan, intent on Haldir. Melathwen and Elrohir came up behind Elladan, Melathwen with a very satisfied grin on her face.

'Haldir, when you told us to return to Imladris, you forgot one very important thing.' Haldir looked at her, plainly as confused as everyone else. Apart from playing mischief, Melathwen also loved to play with words. 'Since when have Elladan and Elrohir done what they're told? And since when would I miss a good battle? And Laissriel... well, she's Laissriel.' Haldir looked stunned, but thinking about it, he had to agree.

'Fine. But tell me one thing. How did you get in?' Everyone looked at Melathwen expectantly, even those who had entered with her. No one had any idea how she had done it.

'Well, it was simple,' she began. Every face held a look of flat disbelief. 'All I did was climb up the wall. Then I tossed a rope down and hauled Elladan, Elrohir and Laissriel up. With a few... choice... diversions. My speciality, of course.' That caused all the elves but Haldir to laugh, and even he felt a begrudging grin spread across his face. Laughing to herself, Melathwen went off, leaving the others to talk.

[Etaina]

The wind blew steadily about their faces as the soft thrush of orc feet stomped ever closer. The 5 travellers were perched infront of row upron row of mail clad elf , Halidir prowled calmly gazing at the horizon with decided stillness.
Fingering the bow firmly in her grasp Etain felt the warm stare of Elladan bore into her face and yet despite herself , she smiled back. Turning her gaze from him it rested on the people about her , Lord Aragorn , Legolas of Mirkwood and King Theoden.

[Lady Melanie]

Luinil stared out at the lights of the urak-hai. They were slowly approaching. She stood next to Legolas and Gimli. She thought back to earlier that day.

After they had arrived in Helms Deep, the king thanked her for her help again and told her that Eowyn would take care of her. She thanked him and then questioned him about the coming battle. He told her that she would be in the caves with the women and children. Luinil had disagreed and after much fighting, the king had relented to let her fight. It wasnt like she couldnt take care of herself after all. She had then prepared herself for the coming battle with Legolas, Aragorn and Gimli. Aragorn had reappeared earlier, supposedly from the dead and Luinil had been introduced to him. He seemed like he would make a great king if it ever came to that. Later Haldir and a host of elves had come to aid in the fight. Luinil knew Haldir. She had travelled to Lorien once to seek the lady to find out if she knew anything of her past. The lady had not been able to help her. She kept saying that all would be revealed in time. The lady had introduced Luinil to Haldir and while she stayed in Lorien they had become friends. She also knew many of the other elves that had arrived. She was glad to see Haldir here, and he she. He knew that she could handle herself in battle so he didnt protest at her fighting.

The urak-hai drew closer and closer by the second. Luinil looked around at her fellow warriors. Then she noticed something strange. The elves she had delivered the message to where here. She caught the eye of the one she knew to be Ellandan. He nodded at her. She nodded back. "Well, it seems I am not the only one who is not supposed to be here. I hope I get to meet their party after this is all over."

Luinil drew her bow out. The urak hai had enclosed the surrounding lands. There was only one way out. To Fight.

[Etaina]

The initial onslaught consisted of ladders being thrust up the side as orcs clamoured up, elven arrows slicing the bonds from thier hold to crash back down upon thier own kind.
Rearing from her post Etain gripped her bow tightly springing no less then 3 arrows to punch into an approaching orc as it shuddered and fell to lay upon the stone floor.
Her hair was bound in a single sheening braid swinging with her movements in a banner like calling. The men about her shot wonderous glances: they had never seen a she-elf before ,and never one who fougt at that.
Feeling a grip on her arm she swung round to face it bearer...

[Melathwen]

Melathwen watched as the Uruks came closer, the fires of their torches lihe fireflies in the night with the height of the wall between them. They stopped in an incredibly orderly line for orcs, and all began to stamp their spears on the ground. Melathwen wondered fleetingly what that sounded like in the caves, but before she could think more, the orcs charged forwards and the elves were given the command to loose their first arrows. Watching hers fly along with the rest even as she drew a second, Melathwen saw with satisfaction that it brought down a particularly large Uruk. One less among the thousands. She sighed and continued to fire, alongside Elladan, Elrohir and Laissriel, whose aims were no less true than hers.

The battle continued well into the night, as Uruks came to the wall, raised ladders and were shot or stabbed, depending on whether they reached the top of the wall or not. Melathwen saw a blond elf with a dwarf next to him, and it looked as if the dwarf was even having fun killing the orcs. Melathwen thought that killing them was a good thing; after all, they had been elves, once, before they were twisted and mutilated, and she felt a little sympathy for what they had become, but to have fun killing them? That was not something Melathwen ever thought she'd understand.

About an hour before the dawn, the Uruks brought some huge spiked balls up and put them into the tiny culvert Melathwen could see a little further along the wall. Frowning, she watched a big Uruk bring a sparkling torch near, and the blond elf tried to kill the Uruk, but did not manage it. With a last breath, he launched himself into the culvert, and not ten seconds later it exploded, a huge shower of stone and debris flung outwards. Quickly, Melathwen slung her bow on her back and drew her knives, racing down the stairs to help stem the tide of Uruks that washed through the newly opened gap. As archers continued to fire up on the walls, the fighting was fierce where Uruks rushed through the breach.

Before they had been fighting in the breach long, Aragorn received the order to pull back into the keep, and he began yelling to the elves to pull back. So Melathwen went, fighting all the way, and turning to fire more arrows as she got too far away for her knives. Melathwen was almost the last one through the doors, and she watched the argument between the King and Aragorn with interest.

[Lady Melanie]

Luinil killed as many urak-hai as she could that were climbing over the walls. She found that she had moved away from Legolas and Gimil and was now fighting side by side with Haldir. By now she was covered with the blood from the urak-hai and she doubted if he could recognize her. Suddenly she faced a particularly big urak hai. He was so big she wondered how the hell he had climbed the ladder up here. Their swords clashed and they seemed equally matched. She tried to overmanover him but he met her sword blow for blow. Since he was much stronger than her he slowly backed her into a corner. She stumbled and fell to the ground. The urak-hai looked down on her for a second and then raised his sword.Then he suddenly fell down, having been struck from behind. Luinil looked up and saw Haldir standing there. He reached out and quickly pulled her to her feet. As soon as she was on her feet there was a great explosion and both her and Haldir fell to the ground. Luinil looked up to see that part of the wall had been blown away.
"oh, this is not good, not good at all!" she thought.

She and Haldir quickly got back on their feet and began fighting back to back.
She heard Aragorn call to retreat. She and Haldir turned around and began fighting their way to the doors. They reached them just in time. There was just time for a she-elf to race through the door before they were shut tight.
Luinil checked herself over to make sure that she had no dangerous injuries. Then she walked over to Haldir
"Thank you for saving my life." Haldir looked up. "No thanks is needed, I know you would have done the same for me." Luinil smiled at him and walked away.
She then headed for the she-elf and started to speak to her.
"I am glad to see that I am not the only she-elf who had a chance to fight."
Luinil stuck out her hand.
"I am Luinil"

[Etaina]

" Luinil - but then we have met before" replied Etaina as her lips twitched into a smile.
" Yes i think we're doing rather well representing our kind in the female form: i think the humans were quite stunned to see such violence coming from an elf maid.."
" Well are you not supposed to be all gentle with grace?" intervended Prince Legolas coming to stand by Luinil with wry grin
" Gentle and grace - nonsence!" breathed Etaina mithfully fingering the bow by her side when quite suddenly her face fell.
" The sons of Elrond and Melathwen were here in my company - have you not seen them?" she asked aloud ,bright strands of hair falling infront of her face.>

[Melathwen]

'We are here, but I do not know where Melathwen is. Probably up to mischief, if I know her, even now,' Elladan said, coming up behind Etaina. He gave her a large grin as she spun in surprise, and hugged her briefly. Everyone turned, startled, as a large thump sounded from the door. Someone shrieked 'They're breaking in!' and soldiers rushed to fling benches and tables against the gates. The elves swung to face the King, but their hearts fell at the despair and resignation that shone on his face. He couldn't give up... could he?

[Etaina]

" Come Lord Theoden!" cried Etaina breezing to where he stood
" What is your resolution?"
" Resolution?" he repeated in a bland daze lifting his gaze to her eyes.
" There is no hope-"
" No , no you must not speak like that!" she pleaded urging Luinil and Elladan closer, when the King raising his head barked harsh carrying orders.
" Barricade the door! Barricade the door!"
Watching as he stalked away Elladan was not immune to the flints of mirth breaking with the grey waves of Etaina's eyes.
" No"
" I mus-"
" You will not!"
" Elladan!" she scolded passionately resting her hands to his chest
" I will go with what remains of the Lorien elves and fight on the far flank, find Melathwen and keep your brother close. Luinil-" she called as the elf looked attentively
" If i should fall - take my place"
" As you wish - good luck" she added tilting her head in respect.
" Melamin" he whispered pleadingly as she tore herself away one single tear gliding down her face.
" I will find you!" called Elladan to her retreating her back but Etaina leaping over a fallen boulder closed her heart to all but orc flesh and calling to the remaining elves led them into a full and vicious wave where a cascade of vulgar orcs met them>....

[Lady Melanie]

Luinil called Dark Star to her. He had been healed while she had been preparing for battle.
She turned to the king. "You cannot give up!!!" "You must fight to defend your people."
Aragorn took over from her and managed to convince Theoden to ride out. The women and children were taken to the back of the caves and told to make for the exit.
Theoden: "FOR DEATH AND GLORY!"
ARAGORN: "FOR ROHAN!"
Luinil quickly mounted Dark Star. She rode over to Elladan who was horseless. She grasped his hand and pulled him onto her horse behind her.
"dont worry my friend, we will find her!"
Luinil and Elladan drew their swords. Gimli blew the horn and the doors broke open.
"FOR ROHAN!!!!" Luinil cried as Dark Star galloped out the door, knocking over urak- hai as she rode.

[Etaina]

Flinging a glance behind her she saw Luinil charge at the rushing ors with Elladan shooting arrows from behind her. The tide is turning! she thought hopefully drawing 2 arrows in her bow as they stuck in an oncoming orcs nose.
" Etaina" roared a fell voice but she preoccupied with slaughtering what she coudl ignored it.
" Etaina!" it shouted again on this time on turning she saw and heard the danger that led behind it. A stray Uruk lurched behind and on her turning planted a rusty axe tip ruggedly at her waist.
Suddering with its impact the heat seemed to leak from her body as her lids fluttered snatching vague glimpses of elf on orc or human on Uruk. But Etaina was never one to yeild. Drawing every shred of remaing strenght she held a discarded elf blade in her hand and with one clean determined swoop swung it to shave the grinning Uruks head clean from it body.
Wincing the seething pain spread upwards when as her knees gave way and her head dropped only a black votex and the distant haze of growls met her ears....

[Melathwen]

Running back from where she had been, Melathwen saw Etaina fall. She had no time to do anything, so she simply stood over her friend and defended her from the orcs that swarmed through the doors as the Riders of Rohan streamed out to meet the dawn. When the last of the Riders had left, Melathwen saw that Elrohir was still in the hall. She quickly asked him to take care of Etaina while she gathered Malhiria to her and mounted, following the Riders out of the gate. Malhiria flowed down the ramp and into the masses of orcs, and just as the rising sun tipped the mountain, Melathwen looked up and saw a familiar sight. Mithrandir, sitting atop Shadowfax, looking down on the battle. Seconds later, as cries of 'Gandalf!' began to fill the air, a second rider appeared next to him. Melathwen's sharp eyes easily made out the figure of Eomer, though she had only met him once. As they charged down the steep slope to meet the massing orcs, hundreds of Rohirrim riders followed. The tide had turned, and they would win this seemingly hopeless battle. A grim smile on her face, Melathwen sent orcs running from her whirling blade as she rode on to join the elves and Riders.

[Evenstar]

Laissriel was alone on the wall, all her companions were fighting elsewhere or dead. The rain echoed on the stone around her as she fought for her life. Only a handful of Rohirrim soldiers were left with her, and she felt their fight was hopeless and doomed to defeat, but she could not give up now.

A splinter of light pierced the morning. Dawn had come. As she hurridly wiped her elven knife clean before turning to face her next opponent, Laissriel saw riders emerging from the broken gate of Helm's Deep. She felt cold when she realised it was the last stand of the defenders of the Deep, and colder yet when she saw that elves were among them. Too many elves had died already that night.

[Etaina]

Elladan sliping from the saddle of Luinil felt his face drain in colour as he saw Elrohir stooped over the flaking body of Etaina.
" Amin hiraetha Etaina!" he cried scooping her limp head in his palms
" Feel the light - Mithrandir has come; our battle is won!"
" Elladan?" she questioned meakly bringing a shaking hand to his cheek
" It hurts - Son of Elrond!" she winced jaggedly drawing scant painful breaths
" Melathwen, your brother - Luinil? They are safe?"
" Everyone is safe" he nodded glumly tracing a hand to her shaking lips.
" You are cold"
" No - not now" she breathed clutching at his shoulder when Elladan seeing that her lids began to flicker flung his head back shouting heartwrenching pleas
" Healers will you not come! In saving her life you would save mine!"
" Hush Melamin she soothed stroking his chin when lifting her head ever so slightly higher and drawing his ear to her lips she added
" I will come to you in this life or the next"
She said no more then as her beauiful face became stricken with tightening agony and Elladan feeling the flsuh of his cheeks and the roar of his heart fought the hands as they tore him away.
" Etaina!" he sighed derogatively stretching a hand to touch for what he thought was the last time at her creamy flawless skin.
" Come away" assured his brother calmy as a figure clouded by his sorrow swung to keel over his her body.
" All will make well" he contined placidly
" Alll will make well"

[Lady Melanie]

Luinil was standing behind Elladan and Elrohir. She couldnt believe it.
"She cant be dead, not like this!"
She quickly pushed past the two brothers and knelt at Etaina's side. Her eyes were closed. Elrohir tried to pull Luinil away but she would not budge. Luinil quickly felt for a pulse. At first she could not find one but then she felt a very faint beat. She quickly stood up and picked up Etaina.
"She is still alive!!!" She turned to Elladan and place Etaina in his arms.
"Take my horse, you must take her to the healers!" "I will search for Aragorn for I fear that only the hands of a king can save her now!"
Elladan quickly mounted up and raced to the healers. Etaina watched them disappear. She turned to Elrohir. I need you to help me search for Aragorn. His skill is greatly needed if Etaina is to survive! He is probably searching for survivors among the bodies or fighting off the last of the urak-hai.
Elrohir nodded and the two of them began to search for Aragorn.

[Lohirrim]

Lohirrim stood high up on a wall with his bow poised, he loaded two arrows from his quiver on the string of his bow, he pulled the string back with shear strength, aiming at an uruk hai running up the steps towards him. He released the string and the two arrows flew from his bow towards the uruk hai. The two arrows hit, but they only hit his armour so they were useless.

Lohirrim had no time to draw more arrows he quickly sheathed his bow on his back and pulled out his two elvish daggers from his belt. He ran towards the uruk hai, just metres away from him. He ducked the uruk hai's attack. He moved so fast. as he was crouched he saw the uruk hai's weakness at his sides. He pulled his daggers around and hit the uruk hai in both of his sides. The uruk hai stopped in his motion and Lohirrim pulled out his daggers dripping in black blood from his enemy. he then kicked off it's helmet and raisded his daggers up high and pl;unged them down into the uruk hai's head. It fell to the floor. Dead.

Lohirrim pulled out the daggers and wiped them on his tunic. The sun now rising above the horizon shone on Lohirrim's face.

"Morning, we have won this battle!" he shouted on the tops of his voice, but however he looked down over the wall edge and saw many uruk hai, still penertrating the wall's defences.

He heard hooves galloping against the concrete floor, he thought he was hearing things, but he looked up and he saw the last riders of Helms Deep. They were our salvation.

[Melathwen]

They rode swiftly down the ramp, knocking orcs left and right. Melathwen could see the King at their head, Aragorn, the blond elf and Haldir close behind him. She herself was about halfway down the column, so on the ramp there was not much for her to do, most of the orcs were killed by the riders before her. On the battlefield at the bottom of it, was a different story. Her blade found a feast of orc flesh, unusually, most of the time in their backs. The orcs were fleeing, as they could see that the battle was hopeless. Faced with the King's fury, many swift riding and deadly elves and two thousand Rohirrim on horses, they turned tail and fled.

What had not been noticed, however, was the forest that seemed to have mysteriously grown at the other end of the gorge. Blocking the way out of Helm's Deep, Melathwen had noticed with disgust that there was only one way out, unless you wanted to climb sheer rock faces, the orcs ran straight from their blades into the forest. When every last Uruk Hai had disappeared, save those that lay dead or dying, the trees began to move and sway, as elves and men watched in horror and unease. After a time, it stopped, and the riders drew up abreast on a slight ridge, looking at the forest. Mithrandir spoke, though Melathwen was too far away for her ears to catch what he said, even though her hearing was much better than that of those around her.

When he finished speaking, they turned and made back for the fortress. Looking longingly at the trees, Melathwen reluctantly followed. Riding over the plains of Rohan, it had been a long time since they had seen more than ten trees grouped together, and to one who grew up in Imladris in the middle of a forest, it was beginning to get lonely.

[Etaina]

Elladan stalked glumly about the corpses of both orc and elf and wallowed tersely in his greif as the healers gathered about Etain's body obscuring her from his sight despite the numerous attempts he tried to get nearer. All had proved as fruitless as the next as they whispered terse comments into his ears and pushed him absently away until his anger, welled unresponsively. Melathwen rode back with Mitrandir from thier pursual of the orcs and Elladan breathing deeply caught sight of his brother, Elrohir not far behind.
Wandering aimlessly about the degredation of corpses it was a while when finally, his name was echoed across the battle feild by none other then Aragorn Elessar whom kneeling over her body rose to wave a hand in greeting. The son of Elrond pelted to where she lay lids fluttering slightly to reveal those captivating green eyes beneathe glimmering with earnest plea: and yet what was it?

" She is a fighter my friend and should heal in time. Now she wil be placed in the care of the women of the Rohirrim: the best" he observed warmly as the lithe limp body of Etaina was lifted to the air and carried to where the women were already waiting at the rampart of Helm's Deep, Lady Eowyn at thier head.

" Aye she is" he answered breathlessly following his beloved's process with his sharp unwavering gaze until hearing some light footsteps behind him , he swung round to meet thier posseser.