Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

The Host of the Eldar

The men of Helm's Deep moved purposefully along the battlements, their faces grim yet resolute. A soldier called out, "Move! Move to the outer wall!" The echo of his command reverberated in the cool evening air.

Aragorn sat on the stone steps outside the great hall, his gaze distant as he surveyed the horizon. A flickering fire nearby illuminated the faces of young soldiers gathered around it. He noticed a boy speaking earnestly to another, his youthful features betraying the fear that gripped the hearts of many.

"Give me your sword," Aragorn commanded, his voice steady. The boy, startled yet obedient, approached and handed over his weapon, the metal gleaming even in the dim light.

"What is your name?" Aragorn asked, his tone softening.

"Haleth, son of Hama, my lord," the boy replied, anxiety lacing his voice. "The men are saying we will not live out the night. They say that it is hopeless."

Aragorn sighed, rising to his full height. He took the sword and swung it gently through the air, feeling its balance. "This is a good sword," he said, handing it back. He placed a reassuring hand on Haleth's shoulder. "Haleth, son of Hama, there is always hope."

Meanwhile, in the armory, Aragorn donned his chain mail, the cold metal a familiar weight against his skin. He was focused when he felt a presence beside him. Legolas stood there, his own sword extended.

"Forgive me, my friend," Legolas said, his voice low but earnest. "I was wrong to despair. We have trusted you this far, and you have not led us astray."

"There is nothing to forgive, Legolas," Aragorn replied, a smile breaking through his concern as they clasped each other's shoulders in solidarity.

Legolas turned to Liv, who had just entered the armory with David and Saya, all donned in mission gear, their hidden leaf headbands shining like badges of honor. "Liv, I'm sorry about earlier. I didn't know about your ability to heal."

"Let me guess, David told you?" Liv shot back, raising an eyebrow.

"He did, and the fact that you said you would heal your ankle kind of gave it away," Legolas smirked, crossing his arms.

"And she's damn good at it too," Saya chimed in, grinning.

Liv rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "I get it; you were just looking out for me."

"Of course, I was looking out for you; you're my younger sister," Legolas replied, pulling her into a warm embrace.

Just then, Gimli lumbered in, struggling with a chain mail shirt that seemed far too large for his frame. "If we had time, I'd get this adjusted!" he grumbled, letting the shirt fall with a loud thud. "It's a little tight across the chest," he added, trying to adjust it but only managing to make it worse.

Aragorn and Legolas exchanged amused glances while Liv, David, and Saya burst into laughter at the sight. The camaraderie, however, was short-lived as a deep horn sounded through the fortress, its notes echoing ominously.

"That is no Orc horn," Legolas said, his expression shifting to one of urgency. Without a moment's hesitation, he dashed out of the room, followed closely by Aragorn and Saya.

David seized Liv's arm, his voice low but intense. "Babe, you promised we would find a way to protect the baby," he urged, concern etched in his features.

"I know," Liv replied, determination filling her eyes. "We can create a chakra shield around her by combining our chakra together."

"How do we do that?" David asked, resting his hand gently on her still-flat stomach.

Liv covered his hand with hers, a soothing gesture. "Just focus your chakra and visualize it combining with mine," she instructed, her voice steady.

They stood in silence, breathing in unison as they concentrated. After a few moments, a shimmering shield of energy enveloped them, pulsating gently.

"Are you sure this will help?" David asked, his voice laced with worry.

"Lady Tsunade was the one who told me about it. Come on, let's catch up to the others," Liv replied, her resolve stronger than ever.

Outside, the men lined the walls, their eyes fixed on the approaching sounds of a marching army. "Send for the king! Open the gate!" a soldier commanded, his voice rising above the tension in the air.

As the massive gates swung open, a dazzling elven army poured through, their golden armor gleaming in the fading light. The men smiled, a renewed sense of hope washing over them.

Theoden stepped forward, his brow furrowed in disbelief as he recognized Haldir leading the charge. "How is this possible?" he asked, incredulity coloring his tone.

"I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell," Haldir announced, his voice clear and strong. "An alliance once existed between Elves and Men. Long ago, we fought and died together. We come to honor that allegiance."

Aragorn and the others rushed down the steps, their hearts lifted. Aragorn embraced Haldir tightly. "You are most welcome," he said, the bond of friendship evident in his voice.

As Legolas stepped forward, he hugged Haldir, the elves snapping to attention, proud and poised. "We are proud to fight alongside men once more," Haldir proclaimed, his gaze sweeping over the assembled warriors.

Suddenly, Haldir's eyes landed on Liv, who stood nearby. "Lady Liv, you're here," he said, a note of surprise in his voice.

"Well, I couldn't let you guys have all the fun," Liv replied with a cheeky smile.

"You've changed since the last time I saw you. You were but a child," Haldir observed, a hint of nostalgia in his tone.

"Well, I am a teenager after all," Liv shot back playfully.

Haldir's gaze shifted to David and Saya. "And who are they?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.

"My boyfriend David and my cousin Saya," Liv introduced them. "Don't let them fool you; they are both skilled fighters."

"We'll see how skilled they are in a real fight," Legolas said, a teasing grin on his face.

Liv promptly slapped him upside the head, her expression a mix of annoyance and affection. "Don't start," she warned, trying to suppress a laugh.

As the elven warriors settled into formation and the men of Helm's Deep gathered their courage, the weight of the night settled heavily upon them. But in that moment, amidst the laughter and camaraderie, hope flickered brightly in their hearts.