The Return of the King and Queen

Chapter 23: The Battle of Helms Deep Part 1

They went down to the armory to get ready. They went down and found some chainmail they were able to use, luckily they were alone after a guard left them with their weapons after he quickly sharpened their weapons for him. They had their weapons laid out on a large table. Amdiriel had taken off her vest, still covered by her shirt and threw her chainmail on and then buttoned up her vest. She quickly put her hair up in a high ponytail and checked the buckles and dagger in her boot. It wasn't until she reached for her armbraces that she realized that Aragorn was staring at her. "What?" she asked. "Did I ever tell you how attractive you look getting ready for battle?" he asked with a smirk and walked around the table, placing his hands on her hips and Amdiriel placed her hands on his chest. "If you think that is impressive you should see when I undress after a battle." she teased him, turning in his arms to grab her belt but Aragorn pulled her against his chest, his lips traveling to her ear. "Don't tempt me." he whispered. "Because one day, my love, one day." he told her, blush coming upon her cheeks as he then left to finished getting ready.

Amdiriel attached her belt, dagger, and sword and then reached for her bow and arrow when she saw Legolas enter the room, she nodded to him, him nodding back then picking up Aragorn's sword and holding out to him. Aragorn looked over at Legolas slightly stunned but then smiled and took his sword from the Elf. "We have trusted you this far, you have not led us astray. Forgive me, I was wrong to despair." Legolas told him. Aragorn placed his hand over his heart as did Legolas "There is nothing to forgive." he said and clasped his hand over Legolas' shoulder as Legolas did the same to him.

Just then Gimli walked in, struggling with his chain mail. "If we had time, I'd get this adjusted." he said and let the chain shirt fall to show how long it was that ended up reaching the floor. "It's a little tight across the chest." he states. Aragorn and Legolas smirk slightly at him while Amdiriel tried not to chuckle.

Just then a horn sounded from outside the keep, a horn that very familiar to Amdiriel. "That is no Orc horn." Legolas stated. "No it surely is not." ran out followed by Amdiriel and Aragorn, leaving poor Gimli to finish getting dressed.

All the soldiers are looking over the wall to see what was coming. "Send for the King." A captain commanded to a guard and yelled out "Open the gate!" the command was echoed by others.

An army of Lothlórien Elves march up the Causeway into the Hornburg, led by Haldir. The Rohirrim soldiers look upon them in wonderment and delight as they pass by. Théoden met Haldir at the stair, the king shared at them in amazement as Haldir bowed in respect. "How is this possible?" Théoden questioned. Haldir straightened himself and said. "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together."

He looks up to see Aragorn, Amdiriel, Legolas, and Gimli making their way through the crowd and then run down the steps with smiles. "We come to honor that allegiance." Haldir said with a smile.

"Welcome, Haldir." Aragorn says as he walks down the stairs. The two bowed to each other for a moment before Aragorn hugged the elf. Haldir was stunned for a moment but hugged back. "You are most welcomed." Aragorn told him and moved to the side to let the others greet him. Legolas and Haldir clasp each other on the shoulder. Gimli stood off to the side and nodded to the elf in acknowledgment while Amdiriel stepped forward. She smiled at her friend and bowed her head to his as he did to her. He then pulled her in for a hug. "Thank the Valar you are alright." he said as she pulled away. "They saw didn't they?" she asked referring to her Uncle and grandparents. Haldir nodded "They knew there was no way we could get to you in time so we were sent for aid and vengeance." he said with a wicked smile. Amdiriel mirrored his smile, "Vengence still needs to be served." She replied. Haldir nodded. "My deepest condolences, he loved you very much." he told her. "Thank you."