Prequel to my version of The Lord of The Rings trilogy

The Battle for Middle Earth is About to Begin

At the top of the hill overlooking Helm's Deep, Gandalf sat tall on his white steed, Shadowfax. By his side rode Éomer, Théoden, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Liv, David, Haldir, and Gamling. The group was battle-weary but resolute, their eyes scanning the dark horizon beyond the mountains. Thunder rumbled ominously in the distance, and flashes of lightning lit up the blood-red sky. Far in the distance, Mordor loomed, its shadow casting an oppressive weight over the land.

"Sauron's wrath will be terrible," Gandalf said, his voice low and filled with foreboding. "His retribution swift."

The company followed his gaze, looking toward the gathering storm on the horizon. Dark clouds swirled violently over Mordor, as if the very earth was trembling beneath the Dark Lord's rising power. Red lightning streaked across the sky, and the distant roar of thunder seemed to echo with the sound of war drums.

"The battle for Helm's Deep is over," Gandalf continued, his voice now grim. "The battle for Middle-earth is about to begin."

Aragorn, sitting solemnly atop his horse, glanced back at Gandalf with a deep frown etched on his face. He knew the weight of the task that still lay ahead. "All our hopes now lie with two little hobbits," Gandalf added softly, as if the fate of the world rested in the hands of Frodo and Sam alone.

For a moment, the group was silent, each one reflecting on the enormity of what was to come. The brief victory at Helm's Deep seemed small in comparison to the larger battle they knew was inevitable.

Legolas shifted slightly in his saddle and nudged his horse toward his sister, Liv. She was seated nearby, with David, Lily, and their Pokémon companions by her side. Tyranitar, Saya, and Metagross stood quietly alongside the horses, towering figures that looked out of place in the grim, ancient land of Rohan but added a surreal power to the group.

"Liv," Legolas called softly as he rode closer, his voice filled with a mixture of regret and affection. "I wanted to say I'm sorry about earlier."

Liv turned her head to look at her brother, her expression softening. She had been quiet since the confrontation, but the battle had shifted the weight of their earlier argument. "I get it, Legolas," she said gently. "You were just looking out for me. You always do."

Legolas sighed, his eyes full of concern. "Will you stay?" he asked, almost pleading. He knew how dangerous the road ahead was, and part of him wanted his sister and her family far away from the chaos that was to come.

Liv glanced at David, who gave her a small nod. Then she turned back to her brother, her decision already made. "No, we have to go back," Liv said firmly. "David and I have school tomorrow, and I need to work. Gunnar's team can't win without their coach." She smiled slightly, trying to lighten the moment. "But if you need us again, you know where to find us."

Legolas didn't respond at first, his face conflicted. He knew she had her own life to lead, far from Middle-earth's endless wars, but he couldn't help the pang of worry gnawing at him. Without a word, he reached over and pulled Liv into a tight hug, his grip protective and loving.

"I'll miss you," Legolas whispered, his voice thick with emotion. "And take care of Lily."

Liv returned the hug, feeling the weight of her brother's concern. She smiled gently as she pulled away. "I'm only a phone call away, Legolas," she assured him. "And I will. If Lily's anything like me and David, she'll be unstoppable."

Legolas smiled at that, though it was bittersweet. He watched as Liv turned her horse and began to ride away with David, Lily, Saya, and their Pokémon companions following close behind.

Lily, sitting securely in the saddle in front of David, looked up at her mother with wide, curious eyes. "Mommy, will we ever see Uncle Legolas again?" she asked, her voice filled with a child's innocent hope.

Liv smiled down at her daughter, reaching over to smooth back a stray lock of Lily's hair. "Of course we will, sweetie," she replied. "Something tells me they'll need us again soon enough."

David glanced at Liv, his hand resting protectively on Lily's back as they rode. "We'll be ready when they do," he added quietly.

Aragorn, who had been listening to their conversation, rode up alongside them as they made their way down the hill. His face, though weary from battle, held a look of gratitude. "Thank you," Aragorn said, his voice sincere as he looked at Liv and David. "For all your help. Middle-earth owes you a great debt."

Liv gave him a warm smile, though her eyes still held the sadness of farewell. "Don't mention it, Aragorn. We're all in this together," she replied.

Aragorn nodded in appreciation, and with that, Liv and her family began their departure from Helm's Deep, their figures slowly becoming smaller against the vast horizon.

As they rode away, the winds picked up, carrying with them the weight of everything that had transpired. Liv looked back one last time, her heart heavy with the knowledge that this would not be the last battle. She knew that when the time came, she would return. But for now, the weight of the world was carried by others—by Legolas, Aragorn, Gandalf, and most of all, by two little hobbits trekking toward the heart of Mordor.

"Take care, Legolas," Liv whispered softly, even though she knew he couldn't hear her anymore.