#esteldin

“And? There’s not much more that man can do to me, Saeradan.” Their faint smile twitches upwards slightly then disappears. Leaving behind a worn looking barely 24 year old. Commander of Esteldin in practically all but title at that moment. A tired sigh escapes into the peaceful night sky as they lean against the wall. “Not anymore.”

Truth. That’s very true. But they deserve more than what was happening. More than the ever present pain that the other hid behind blank masks, sharp smiles and sarcastic pointed words. Rarely ever did someone notice what his friend’s freezing cold exterior hid. The rock solid strength that most, if not all, of the North Downs, including those in Esteldin, depended upon to keep them safe. “Hal, you need to get some sle-“

A head tilt. Just enough of a movement to make the slightly older Dúnedan immediately shut up. Words aren’t necessary, not when the long whistle sounds from near the back of the ruins. They all know the signal. Hal better then any of anyone else. It took just a split second for three more short and sharp whistles to follow the first. A moment later, both Rangers are standing near the 18 year old who first sounded the warnings.

“Landir, report.”

“Asikko wants to speak to you, Hal. Something about a worrying discovery one of their scouts found.”

Hal gives the younger man a sharp glance, confusion hidden deep inside. “He should be speaking to Thalaron in that case. I’m not in charge.” It’s hard to find anything good about the old Ranger. Not with the way that they could barely fucking BREATHE half the time now. But it’s just a minor issue. Nothing for anyone to concern themselves with It’s not the first time that someone has wrapped metaphorical chains around them after all.

“You might as well be. He won’t speak to our esteemed ‘leader’ ” Landir shrugs, starting to head back to his post and the Earth-kin waiting there. He hears the huff of laughter from behind him and grins. Knowing that he has followers by the faint sound of footsteps.

“Hal.”

“Asikko. What brings you to Esteldin’s backdoor?”

Direct and to the point. One of the qualities that makes the Earth-kin leader and his people actually like the quiet gender-fluid Man. Asikko hands over a note, recognising the grimness as it’s read. “A lot of activity near the entrances. Too much for a tiny group.”

Black Speech. Dark eyes focuses on the Orcish words that jump out at them. “They’ve been watching and preparing. Hoping to overwhelm by sheer numbers and strength.” They run a hand through long hair with a slow exhale of air. Considering options. But there isn’t really any to choose from. Not when Esteldin is the first line of defence against Angmar.

That cold gaze swings back up to meet the calm look of the much taller non-human. “Thank-you for letting us know.” Thoughts are already spinning in their mind on how in Arda’s name they are going to survive this. When over half of those in the ruins aren’t even full Rangers yet.

“Not letting you fight alone, Ranger.” Asikko speaks slowly, before someone else catches his attention.

“Ye helped our kin durin’ their fight fer Erebor. King Thorin would not be best pleased if he finds out we left ye an’ yer kin tae fend fer themselves now.”

There’s a long pause as those words from both the Earth-kin and Dwarf are taken in. Then a tiny half smile appeared briefly, the knot in their chest loosing slightly. Hal still isn’t sure if they’ll make it. If any of them will survive the coming onslaught but they have a better chance with their two allies fighting alongside them. “Your assistance will be much appreciated.”

“Warg rider approaching the middle of the plain.”

Hal turns at Saeradan’s warning, stepping out from the safety of Esteldin’s shadow. Eyes razor sharp and wild. There could only be one reason why a lone Rider would approach without any kind of backup. And they find it just mildly amusing in the thought. To parley. But they weren’t Thalaron and their true Chieftain was still growing up. To let the orcs take the North Downs without a fight would be failing the Oath they gave to to Arathorn.

And other lives depends on what happens here. Those who live in Bree and the Shire. Folk who couldn’t protect themselves properly. All down to one question. Hal knows what Thalaron if he could. Hal… isn’t that man. Isn’t the man who has given up all hope.

“Ranger. We’re giving you a choice. Stand down and we’ll let your people leave without harm.”