The Price of Pride

70: Resurgence of the Woodland Kin

ActVI

The Shadows

Chapter 70: Resurgence of the Woodland Kin

South of Imladris, October 4th - 9th 3018 T.A

The battle raged with unyielding ferocity, a merciless tide of orcs crashing against the company of four like a dark, stormy sea. Legolas, Xena, Elladan, and Elrohir fought back to back, every swing of their swords and every step a calculated movement in the desperate dance for survival. The orcs seemed endless, pouring from every corner of the ravine, their guttural roars blending with the clash of steel and the labored breaths of the warriors. Though each held their ground, fatigue was a creeping shadow, and the overwhelming numbers began to press upon them like a tightening noose.

Legolas had exhausted his arrows, now relying on his knives, which moved in a deadly rhythm, each strike a precise counter to the incoming orcish blades. Beside him, Xena wielded the sword they had recovered from the Hidden Forge, its ancient metal singing as it cut through orc after orc. She fought with a fierce resolve, yet the orcs pressed on, an endless tide that showed no mercy, no hesitation.

Then came the critical moment, a collision of fates poised on the edge of destruction. Two orcs charged at Legolas, their weapons raised high, poised to strike at his unguarded back. Simultaneously, another pair lunged at Xena's side, their claws reaching to catch her off guard. Across the battlefield, Elladan and Elrohir faced similar peril, orcs closing in on both sides, their blades descending with lethal intent. The end seemed inevitable, a crushing blow from all sides.

But the final strikes never landed.

Out of the chaos came the sharp ring of steel against steel. Legolas turned and met the gaze of Elros, who had intercepted the orc's blade just inches from his back. Shock flared in Legolas's eyes as he registered the impossible—Elros, standing before him, fierce determination gleaming in his eyes as he blocked the orc's strike with practiced ease. The flood of relief and disbelief momentarily cracked Legolas's battle-hardened composure, but Elros's presence was an anchor, pulling him back to the fray.

And the reinforcements did not end there. Thalion appeared beside Elladan, his sword cleaving through the orc advancing on his friend with fluid, brutal grace. He fought with a grin, a spark of confidence in his movements. Mírdan intercepted the orcs converging on Xena, his shield raised as he slammed into them, forcing them back with sheer power. And then, like a beacon amidst the turmoil, Glorfindel entered the battle, his presence radiant and fierce. His golden hair caught the dim light, and with a powerful swing, he struck down the orcs threatening Elrohir, granting the elf a brief respite to regain his stance.

The rescuers fought with a precision born of countless battles, each strike driving back the orcs and creating ripples of disorder in their ranks. Legolas quickly regained his composure, nodding to Elros in silent gratitude before they fell into step together, their blades moving in unison, a deadly pair slicing through the orcish horde.

Xena found herself reinvigorated by Mírdan's powerful strikes as he carved a path beside her. She met his gaze with a respectful nod, silently acknowledging his timely intervention. The ancient sword in her hand seemed to pulse with renewed energy, as if recognizing the gravity of the moment. With a battle cry, she surged forward, driving the orcs back, her strikes swift and unyielding, carrying the weight of all the trials she had endured in the Hidden Forge.

Elladan and Thalion became an impenetrable wall of blades, moving with synchronized efficiency. The orcs recoiled, their numbers thinning as the elven warriors cut them down with relentless precision. Glorfindel, a whirlwind of golden light, was both graceful and ferocious, his every move a testament to his centuries of combat. With a final, sweeping blow, he obliterated the last cluster of orcs that dared to challenge him, their bodies falling before him like shadows dispelled by dawn.