Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

The Glittering Caves

In the dark, damp recesses of Helm's Deep, the atmosphere crackled with urgency and fear. The distant sounds of horns and the tremor of marching feet reverberated through the stone walls. A soldier's voice cut through the chaos: "Move back! Move to the caves!" He gestured emphatically, his face set with determination. "Come on, people! Quickly now!"

Amid the hurried crowd, Aragorn, Legolas, Liv, David, and Saya pressed forward, determination etched into their faces. The air was thick with the scent of sweat and anxiety as women clutched their children, herding them toward the safety of the caves.

"We'll place the reserves along the wall," Aragorn instructed, his voice steady but tinged with urgency. "They can support the archers from above the gate." His eyes darted around, taking in the chaotic scene, the weight of leadership heavy on his shoulders.

Legolas, with his keen elven senses, caught sight of Liv limping. "Aragorn, you must rest. You're no use to us half alive. And you as well, Liv," he said, concern lacing his voice. "I can see you're hurt."

"I'm not a kid anymore, Legolas!" Liv snapped, her frustration boiling over. "I don't need you to protect me! It's just a sprain, I can easily heal it." She turned away, trying to brush off his concern, but the pain was evident in her eyes.

"I'm your older brother. It's my job to protect you," Legolas insisted, his voice softening.

"Ya adopted older brother," Liv retorted, crossing her arms defiantly.

"I may be adopted, but that doesn't make me any less responsible for you," Legolas replied, his tone gentle yet firm.

"Just shut up! I don't want to hear it!" Liv exclaimed, frustration mingling with worry.

Just then, Éowyn rushed toward Aragorn, her expression fierce and resolute. "Aragorn, I'm to be sent with the women into the caves," she declared, her voice unwavering.

"That is an honorable charge," Aragorn replied, trying to sound supportive, but he could see the fire in her eyes.

"To mind the children, to find food and bedding when the men return. What renown is there in that?" Éowyn questioned, her voice rising with indignation.

"My lady, a time may come for valor without renown. Who then will your people look to in the last defense?" Aragorn countered, stepping closer, his voice softening as he tried to convey his understanding.

"Let me stand at your side," Éowyn urged, desperation creeping into her tone.

"It is not in my power to command it," Aragorn said, turning to walk away, the weight of the situation pressing on him.

"You do not command the others to stay!" Éowyn called out, her frustration boiling over.

Aragorn halted and turned back, his gaze steady. "They fight beside you because they would not be parted from you. Because they love you," he replied, his voice firm yet laced with an underlying sorrow. "And why do Liv and Saya get to fight?"

"Eowyn, me and Saya are trained shinobi," Liv interjected, her voice strong. "We're trained to fight in situations like this."

"I'm sorry," Eowyn said quietly, the fight leaving her voice as she turned to join the others heading into the caves, her heart heavy.

Inside the caves, the atmosphere was a mix of somberness and quiet resolve. People wandered around, searching for a place to settle. Tearful farewells filled the air as mothers embraced their sons, and children clung tightly to their fathers, uncertain of what awaited them. The men and older boys were led away by the soldiers, their faces set with grim determination. The women comforted each other, their shared fears manifesting in whispered prayers.

In the armory, the clang of metal echoed as weapons were handed out. Aragorn approached a sword, grasping its hilt but quickly placing it down again, his heart heavy with doubt. He moved through the gathering of men, eyes searching for his friend, Gimli. He found the dwarf sitting heavily, a grim expression on his face.

"Farmers, farriers, stable boys. These are no soldiers," Aragorn lamented, glancing around at the frightened faces before him.

"Most have seen too many winters," Gimli replied, his voice thick with concern.

"Or too few," Legolas added, his tone somber as he surveyed the assembled men and boys. Silence fell over the group as they looked to the trio.

"Look at them. They're frightened. I can see it in their eyes," Legolas observed, his voice barely above a whisper, revealing the depth of his worry.

"And they should be. Three hundred against ten thousand," Gimli said, shaking his head.

"They have more hope of defending themselves here than at Edoras," Aragorn countered, trying to instill some courage into the group.

"Aragorn, they cannot win this fight. They are all going to die," Legolas pressed, the weight of the truth hanging heavily in the air.

"Then I shall die as one of them," Aragorn declared resolutely, turning to walk away, his heart set on his choice.

"Now you've done it," Liv muttered as she walked away, her heart aching for Aragorn's burden. David and Saya trailed behind her, concern etched on their faces.

"Let them go, lad. Let them be," Gimli said, gripping Legolas's arm gently, trying to offer comfort.

In the midst of the turmoil, David pulled Legolas aside, urgency in his voice. "We need to talk," he said, glancing around to ensure they wouldn't be overheard.

"About what?" Legolas asked, brow furrowed in concern.

"It's about Liv," David replied, his tone serious.

"What about her?" Legolas questioned, worry creeping into his voice.

"You may not know this, but Liv is more than just a skilled fighter. She is also a medical and sensory type ninja," David explained, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "She trained under the Fifth Hokage, Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yuhi, her cousin Itachi Uchiha, Guren, and Zakuro Uchiha for two and a half years. She's not just a fighter; she's a healer and a strategist."

Legolas's eyes widened with realization, his protective instincts clashing with newfound respect. "Why didn't she tell me?" he muttered, his mind racing.

"Because she doesn't want to burden you, or for you to see her as anything but your sister," David replied, his tone softening. "But you should know that she's capable of handling herself in this fight. We all need to trust each other now."

Legolas sighed, his mind torn between pride and fear for Liv. "I'll talk to her," he finally said, determination flooding his voice. "She needs to understand that we're in this together."

As the sounds of battle drew nearer, a sense of impending doom loomed over Helm's Deep. Each character stood at the precipice of their fate, united by courage but divided by their fears. With the stakes higher than ever, they prepared for the battle that would determine the fate of their world.6