(I'm going to respond to Amara first, and then have Legolas come along because I didn't know which order you guys wanted to have.)

Colin nodded at Amara, suppressing a sigh. "Yes, Lady Amara." he managed to say, wondering a bit why she cared that much about him. But it was probably because he was here, just standing here like a lost puppy. Not that he would want to get hurt, anyways. But he still wanted to do something, anything that would help.

His thoughts were interrupted as the other elf (Legolas? Was that his name?) yelled a question across to him. He nodded his head again, and then answered, "They both did. They went--"

Colin shifted his crutches to one shoulder, and then pointed to the right. "--that way." He turned away and went walking off in the opposite direction, wanting to find where everyone else was. The ones who weren't going to fight.

But he quickly got lost. Sighing and backing up, he accidentally walked into a stone column, falling down and taking a nasty knock on his head.

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(Aww, poor Colin! He's all alone and he's so adorable! I almost want to make another little OC that can be his friend. I shall think about it.)

Legolas smiled at the boy, though his smile was strained. The child limped off, and Legolas watched him leave, almost reluctant to continue his search for his friends. What would he say to them once he located them? Apologies would surely be in order, but he was not naive enough to think that they would erase his words from their ears. He would have to do much to make it up to them--if he could even find them.

He heard a loud thud, and rolled his eyes softly before running towards the source of the noise. He found Colin on the ground--the lad must have run into a nearby pillar. "Are you all right?" he asked, kneeling down and helping the boy to his feet. He kept one hand on Colin's shoulder as he handed him his crutches with the other. "You shouldn't wander alone. You should be in the caves, with the w--" He stopped himself before he said 'women and children', not wanting to offend the child or hurt his feelings by reminding him that he could not fight.

"Here," he said, "come with me. We shall find Amara together. She seems to have taking a liking towards you, and I think you may serve to brighten her spirits...come along, Colin." Walking a bit slower so the boy could keep up, Legolas strode in the direction Colin had indicated. When they finally found Amara, looking small and forlorn, Legolas rushed to her side, falling to his knees so he could look into her eyes. "Amara..." he whispered. "I am so, so sorry. I should not have said those things. You were right. Oh, my love, what have I done to you?"

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Amara let out a shaky breath, as she looked up and saw Legolas there beside her. She watched him tiredly and then shook her head, looking back down. "You don't have faith anymore, Legolas. I... I can't survive, if you don't believe." She said to him sadly and then looked over to Colin, who had come with Legolas in search of her. She smiled weakly to him and then clenched her fists a bit. She couldn't believe how much energy had been drained out of her. She knew that this was the works of Sauron and Saruman. But, she didn't know how to stop it.

Resting her hands on her legs, she looked into Legolas' eyes with her watery ones and bit her lower lip for a bit. "If I don't make it... Promise me that you'll make sure nothing happens to Arabella and Colin. Promise me." She whispered in Elvish to him and felt that she could barely keep her eyes open at this point. She knew that war was breaking lose into the keep. The Orcs were getting very close. She needed this promise from him to keep herself going for at least a little while.

While everyone was getting ready for war at the battlements, Aragorn sat on the steps that led up to the building. He looked over and saw a young lad in armor holding a sword, looking around nervously. "Give me your sword. What is your name?" He asked the young boy. The boy looked over to Aragorn, slightly taken aback. "Haleth, son of Háma, my lord. The men are saying that we will not live out the night. They say that it is hopeless.." The boy stammered a bit, before handing Aragorn his sword. Aragorn stood up and gave the battered sword a few swings. "This is a good sword, Haleth, son of Háma." He said softly, handing the sword back to Haleth and then leaned close to him, putting a hand on his shoulder. "There is always hope." He said to the boy softly, before standing up straight and heading back to the armory. Aragorn went inside and then donned his battle gear, staring straight ahead with silence.

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Colin awkwardly stood off to one side, not wanting to intrude. This was a moment for the two elves alone. Humming a bit to himself, he looked all around. Helm's Deep certainly was large. Huge, even. He hoped that it would hold against what was coming. Shuddering at the thoughts of Uruk-Hai coming here, he was brought back to the past.

Literally. That was the scary part.

He was reliving it. Running through the fields with his cousin, Maethor. Just exploring, trying to see what they could find. Colin crouched down, flipping over a rock. Underneath were the usual: bugs, worms, small stones. He jerked his head up as he heard Maethor yell, and then run over to him. Colin hurried up, seeing three massive Uruk-Hai. Laughing. Laughing at the two boys. Colin stood stark still, overcome with a gripping, paralyzing fear. But slowly, the laughing became deeper, more harsh. And still Colin couldn't move. Neither did anything else. It was like he was stuck, frozen in time with that horrible laughter echoing all around him. What was going on?

"You will be my pawn, little one. You will do my bidding, and you will turn everyone against you, more than you already have. Mark my words, you will work for me."

Colin took a step forward. . .and fell down. Helm's Deep came into focus around him, with his crutches and the two elves staring at him with concern. Pushing himself up, he refused to meet their eyes. "Sorry." he mumbled. "What--what did I do?"

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(Amara is totally reminding me of Tinkerbell right now, when she starts dying because people don't believe in fairies! *claps her hands* Clap if you believe! XD)

Legolas felt tears sting his eyes at Amara's words, but he blinked them away stubbornly. He wasn't sure how to fulfil the promise she had requested of him. How could he protect Arabella when he had no idea where the Hobbit mage was, or even if she and Frodo and Sam were alive? But still, he had to make that promise, and try his best to keep it, even if it killed him. He knew it was the only way.

"I promise," he breathed. "I promise. But you must promise me you'll try to get better. I don't know what's happening to you right now, but I know you're strong enough to fight it. Please, Amara. You must fight. And I will protect Colin and Arabella to the death, I promise you, my beloved." He let out a shaky breath. "I'm so sorry," he said. "I shouldn't have said those things. I'm sorry."

When the lad fell, Legolas hurried to help him up, looking into the boy's green eyes. "You fell," he said simply. "You looked..." he frowned. "You looked as if you were in a trance. What did you see, Colin? What happened?"

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"Nothing." Colin looked away. "It was nothing. Sorry." He shuddered at the memory of that deep, grating laugh. It scared him to death. "Are--are you all right, Amara?" he asked carefully, but his mind was elsewhere. He had just asked about her to avoid Legolas's concern. Colin just couldn't get that horrible laughter out of his mind. "He said I was his pawn!" he blurted, and then immediately shut up.

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(Haha not nice, Arabella! D: I didn't mean for her to sound like Tinkerbell! xD BTW... My post is going to be a little short this time, because I can't really do anything else with Aragorn, until Legolas goes to see him.)

Amara swallowed hard and nodded to what Legolas said to her. "I promise." She whispered to him and then looked over to Colin, seeing him fall. She bit her lower lip hard and watched as Legolas hurried over to the poor boy. She sighed deeply and then wrapped her arms around herself, shivering a bit. War was close and she had to keep whatever strength that she had left within her, so that she could fight.

Hearing Colin ask about her, she was about to answer and then stopped herself when she heard him blurt out what he did. She raised an eyebrow and watched the boy closely. "Who said that, Colin?" She asked him softly and seemed a little mad that someone would say that to the poor thing. She wasn't sure how he had gotten a crippled leg, but she knew that she would do anything in her power to keep him safe.

She didn't know what it was, but she felt a deep connection to him. Obviously not as deep of a connection as her and Legolas had, but it was deep, nonetheless.

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Legolas watched the boy closely, his facial expression all too familiar. He had seen it first on Amara, then on Arabella, and now on the helpless boy in front of him. These identical looks were the product of having made direct contact--unwanted, of course--with Sauron. But how could Sauron be speaking to this boy, this nobody? At least with Amara and Arabella there was a reason Sauron had tried to take over their minds--Arabella's family had their long connection to the elves, and both girls were members of the Fellowship of the Ring. But how did Colin fit in to it all? How was he significant?

He gave a sigh. "Whatever it was, it's over now, Colin. You should go into the caves with the others. I need to find Aragorn..." he trailed off, looking at Amara. "Are you going to be all right? Are you going to go into the caves or..." he paused a moment before finishing, "will you fight alongside me?"

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Colin looked down, chastised. He shouldn't have blurted that out like that. "Sorry." he mumbled, for about the fourth time that day. He nodded at Legolas's words about going into the caves, and then started to limp away. Why had Sauron come to him, anyways? He wasn't that important, he knew it himself. Colin was just a regular boy from Rohan, no distinguishing talents or anything. Not like the two elves, or the man or the dwarf that was with them. Still, Colin was troubled. What did Sauron possibly want with him? But it couldn't have been Sauron--no, of course not. Why would it be? He was probably just imagining things, immersed as he had been with his past. Sauron was gone, and what would he possibly want with Colin?

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Amara watched as Colin and Legolas finished speaking to one another and then as Colin left for the caves; where Lady Eowyn was located with the villagers. She took a deep breath and heard what Legolas said, before standing up from her spot. She shook her head to him and rested her hand on her hip almost feeling disbelief in him. "You know the answer to that, Legolas." She said a bit upset still and then slowly walked past him.

The whole situation was bad and it hurt her. Literally. She was feeling exhausted and weak. But, she wasn't going to let that stop her from fighting. She needed to keep her head in the fight and make sure that she took care of the Fellowship. She stared ahead with eyes filled with pain and sadness.

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"I do know the answer to that," he said softly. "But I want to hear it from your lips."

He was making the entire situation worse, he knew that. He had caused this to happen to her and now he didn't even know how to fix it for her! But Legolas knew one thing for sure--he could not let himself despair like that again. Somehow, he was realizing Amara's strength was connected to his. Somewhere in the back of his mind, he wondered if Estel shared the same emotional connection with Arwen.

Amara moved away from him, but he pulled her back, placing his hands on her shoulders firmly but not strong enough to hurt. "Amara," he whispered, making her look into his eyes. "Please believe me. I will never lose faith in you." And then, not knowing what else to do, he kissed her for the thousandth time, desperately.

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Amara felt her body being turned around and she stared at Legolas, but before she could even think, his lips were on hers. She kissed him back softly and rested her hands on his chest. She then looked down to her feet, after pulling away, then started crying. "I love you, Legolas... I always will." She sobbed and then looked up to him, with wet eyes. She was miserable.

As soon as he had said the words he did in the armory, they hit her like an stampede of Oliophaunts. She swallowed hard and closed her eyes tightly, letting her head hang down low. She hoped to the Valar that she would make it through the battle, but more for the sake of saving the Fellowship.

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He had thought that his kiss and words would help, but as Amara dissolved into tears before him, Legolas couldn't help but feel as though he had just made things worse tenfold. "I will always love you, too," he whispered, not knowing what else to say. "My heart will always be yours." He pulled her close to him, holding her quietly for a moment, not saying anything as he wondered how to comfort her now. He was doing everything that he could think of, yet it still was not enough! It was almost enough to make him want to give up hope again, but he knew now that he could not, for Amara's sake. I wish Arabella were here, he thought suddenly. Maybe she needs her dearest friend right now, instead of me.

He shook his head slightly, as if trying to banish this thought. Don't think like that. Arabella isn't here right now, and you need to be what Amara needs right now. You have to help her.

"Come on," he said, pulling away. "I must find Aragorn and Gimli and apologize for my actions...and we must get ready for battle." He caressed her cheek with his hand, giving her a small smile.

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After a bit of crying, Amara nodded to what Legolas said and took a shaky breath. "Okay..." She said softly and then wiped her tears away. She swallowed hard and stayed close to him, before starting to walk into the armory with him again. She looked down a bit and then took his hand in her own, lacing their fingers together. "I'm sorry, that I got upset..." She said softly to him in their native tongue and then swallowed hard.

After a bit of walking, they made it back inside and then she looked up, seeing Aragorn put on his armor. She stopped walking and then decided to let Legolas apologize to the men on his own. She needed to stay back and put on her own. She walked over to one of the wall hangings for the armor and started grabbing things that she needed. The Orcs were getting even closer. She could smell their filth.

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"You have nothing to apologize for," Legolas said sincerely as they walked. "This is on me, and for that I hope you can forgive me." He gave her a curious look when Amara chose to not acompany him to speak to their friends, but did not push it. She still seemed so fragile, even beneath all her strength--as if she might break. He wanted to help her, not hurt her more. He gave her a nod and a smile before going into the armory himself.

He found Aragorn right away, and handed him his sword as his old friend reached for it. "We have trusted you this far," Legolas began, trying to figure out how to form his apology. "You have not led us astray. Forgive me," he lowered his voice, feeling more guilty than ever, though he tried not to let it show. "I was wrong to despair." Aragorn gave him a faint smile, which Legolas returned, finding it a bit easier to do so. "There is nothing to forgive, Legolas," he said as they clapped each other on the shoulder.

"If we had more time I’d get this adjusted," came Gimli's voice as the Dwarf approached, struggling to put on his chainmail vest. They watched in amusement as the mail hit the floor with a clang, so comically large for a Dwarf to be wearing that it trailed on the floor. Gimli looked at them, trying to save face. "It’s a little tight across the chest," he tried to explain. They bit back smiles as they tried not to laugh at their friend, the mood lightening.

Suddenly, they heard the unmistakaeable sound of a horn ring through the keep, reverberating off the stone walls. Legolas looked around, hardly believing what he had just heard. "That is no Orc horn..." he said before making his way out of the armory at a run, taking Amara gently by the arm and bringing her with him. "Follow me!" he cried, an impossible hope flaring within him for just one brief moment. Could it be?

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Hearing the horn from below, Amara knew that it wasn't an Orc horn as well. She looked to Legolas and then followed him out of the building. The guards looked down in wonderment, as they waited for the gate to be opened. Bereg looked to another guard and shouted, "Send for the King. Open the gate!" Then another yell was heard. "Open the gate!" An army of Lothlórien Elves marched up the Causeway into the Hornburg, once the gates were opened. They were being led by Haldir. The Rohirrim soldiers looked upon them in wonderment and delight as they passed.

Theoden hurried down to Haldir. "How is this possible?" He asked, dumbfounded. "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between Elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together." Haldir spoke softly and then he looked up to see Aragorn, Legolas, Amara and Gimli running down the steps, and smiled. "We come to honor that allegiance." Haldir added. Aragorn bowed to Haldir respectfully. "Mae govannen, Haldir." He then grabbed Haldir in a huge embrace. Initially stunned, Haldir hugged him back lightly. "You are most welcome!" Aragorn finished. Amara watched as Haldir clasped his hand onto Legolas' shoulder. He then bowed to her, before turning to King Théoden. "We are proud to fight alongside men, once more." He spoke softly to his new alliance.

A bit later, Men and Elves were in their positions on the battlements of Helm’s Deep. The sounds of a marching army moved closer and closer. The women and children in the caves heard the sounds overhead and were frightened. Mothers drew their children close and tried to sooth crying babies. The men and Elves looked out into the darkness, lit by the thousands of torches carried by the huge advancing Uruk-hai army and the light bounced off their armor. With a row of Elf archers, Gimli was standing beside Legolas and Amara behind a wall, only the top of his helmet visible. Gimli was grumbling and straining to look above the wall. "You could have picked a better spot." He said to the two Elves. Amara smirked to him a bit and then focused on what was ahead, while holding onto her bow tightly. Aragorn then approached and stood beside them. Gimli looked to him and then sighed. "Well lad, whatever luck you live by, let’s hope it lasts the night." He said to his friend.

Thunder sounded and lightning flashed, revealing the sea of approaching Uruk-hai. "Your friends are with you, Aragorn." Amara said to him softly and swallowed hard, feeling a bit nervous. "Let’s hope they last the night." Gimli spoke to Amara and then she felt disheartened for a moment. The marching and thumping grew louder and louder. Lightning flashed and it began to rain. While the Uruk-hai army continued to march at the fortress, an Uruk-hai leader stepped on a rock outcrop. Aragorn started to give commands to the Elf warriors. "A Eruchîn, ú-dano i faelas a hyn an uben tanatha le faelas!" He yelled. The Uruk-hai leader raised his swords and commanded his army to stop with a terrifying animalistic cry. The Uruks stopped and growled in anticipation of the upcoming battle and slaughter. Gimli, at this point, was jumping and straining to see what was going on. "What’s happening out there?" He shouted, getting even more aggravated. Amara then heard Legolas say to their small friend, "Shall I describe it to you? Or would you like me to find you a box?" Amara tried her hardest to hold in a laugh. Gimli stared at Legolas and then started laughing good-naturedly.

The Uruk Leader cried out once, encouraging the Uruk-hai to start roaring and thumping their spears furiously. The women and children in the caves huddled together in fear. Suddenly, Aldor, the old man next to Haleth, lost his grip and released his arrow prematurely, shooting an Uruk-hai in the neck. Aragorn's eyes widened a bit, before he yelled, "Dartho!" The Uruk-hai army stopped their roaring and thumping almost immediately. With a hollow groan, the Uruk that had been shot collapsed to the ground. The other Uruk-hai bared their teeth and roared with anger. With a cry, the Uruk-hai leader thrust his weapon in the air and the Uruk-hai army started charging. Theoden narrowed his eyes and stared at the oncoming enemy. "So it begins." He spoke softly.

(Sorry, it took so long guys! I had a LOT to do!)

(Mae govannen - Welcome)

(A Eruchîn, ú-dano i faelas a hyn an uben tanatha le faelas! - Show them no mercy! For you shall receive none!)

(Dartho! - Hold!)

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