The Silver Flame (LOTR)

Return to Helm's Deep

The sun had begun its slow descent toward the horizon, casting a golden light over the battlefield. The smoke from the fires of battle still lingered in the air, mingling with the scent of blood and dirt, but the sounds of clashing steel had faded to a distant memory. Helm's Deep, though scarred, still stood. The fortress had held, and now, there was peace—if only for a brief moment.

Visenya and Eomer rode at the head of the column, her silver hair catching the light of the setting sun as they made their way back to Helm's Deep. The ride had been quiet, each warrior lost in their own thoughts, reflecting on the battle and the lives lost. But now, as the towering stone walls of Helm's Deep came into view, the sense of victory began to settle into their bones. They had survived. They had won.

As they passed through the great gates, the tension that had gripped Visenya's heart since the battle began eased. The sight of the keep's familiar walls brought with it a sense of relief, but there was more to it than that. She had fought alongside friends, bled for them, and now, they returned as victors. That bond—one forged in battle and fire—was something she would never forget.

The courtyard of Helm's Deep was a frenzy of activity. Soldiers tended to their wounded comrades, the dead were being carried away with honor, and the women and children who had taken refuge in the caves were slowly emerging, their eyes wide with relief and grief in equal measure.

Visenya dismounted, her muscles aching from the intensity of the fight and the long ride back. She had barely touched the ground when a familiar voice called out to her.

"Lady Visenya!"

She turned to see Legolas and Gimli approaching, their faces grim but lightened by the sight of her, she crossed the courtyard to meet them.

"Legolas!" she exclaimed, moving toward him. The Elf's eyes softened as he stepped forward, embracing her in a quick, firm hug.

"I'm glad to see you made it through, Lady," he said, his voice low but sincere.

Visenya pulled back and grinned up at him. "I could say the same to you, my friend."

"Bah! I wasn't worried," Gimli grumbled, though there was an undeniable warmth in his eyes. "I knew you'd be fine. Still, it's good to see you alive and well."

With that, the dwarf gave her a quick hug, squeezing her tightly for a moment before stepping back. "You gave those Uruk-hai what for, eh?"

Visenya laughed, her heart lifting for the first time since the battle. "I like to think I left an impression."

"I have no doubt of that," Legolas said with a small smile.

Before she could respond, another familiar presence approached. She turned, her breath catching slightly as Aragorn made his way toward her, his stride strong but weary. His face was marked with exhaustion, but his eyes were warm as they met hers.

"Aragorn," she said softly, stepping forward.

He didn't hesitate. He pulled her into a tight embrace, one that spoke of relief and gratitude. Visenya closed her eyes, resting her head against his chest as she returned the embrace. They had always been close, their bond forged long before the truth of her origins had been revealed. But now, as they stood in the aftermath of battle, that bond felt even stronger. Aragorn was no longer just her protector, the one who helped keep her secret. He was her brother in every way that mattered.

"I thought I might have lost you out there," he murmured into her hair, his voice gruff with emotion.

She smiled against his chest. "It'll take more than a horde of Uruks to get rid of me."