[Himaran]

Bali had fought hard. Blood was streaming from multiple wounds, and the dwarf was exhausted both physically and mentally. He had watched brave warriors fall in combat with a ruthless foe. Soon his small army had retreated to the last keep.

The sounds of Uruk Hai outside the door suddenly silenced. From the light steps, Bali knew a man was approaching. A voice rang out the every member of his company knew and loathed. It was that of Kaldon Finnlo.

"Fighters of Erebor, you have fought bravely. But you are now surrounded, and nearly destroyed. I will give you no chance for surrender, for you have already refused the offer before. I will utterly destroy you."

But even as he spoke, the sound of clear ringing trumpets rang out from outside the fortress. To the defenders it was like a fresh breath of air after having been locked in a closet for a year. Gondor had come at last.

Their pennets ran high, and the warriors charged into the Uruks. Two-thousand experienced fighters met the surprised enemy, crashing through their ranks. The Uruk Hai were mowed to the ground. Swarms of arrows poured into them.

Having destroyed the force that was on the open field, the army entered the gate, slaying any Uruk within the courtyard. A second group entered the mountain, scattering the enemy as it charged up the stairwells and spread out through the mountain.

The doors of the keep were flung open. Bali and his warriors charged at the Uruks one last time, wreaking havoc on their ranks. The dwarf made for Galdon, who was running towards a far stairwell. Bali's well-thrown hatchet ended the man's reign. During the fighting, Kaldon disappeared.

The entire force of Uruk Hai, mostly lost in the strange passages of Erebor, was slaughtered; and the threat was ended. The Gondorians, however, refused to stay at the mountain. The general had orders to march north, and destroy the fortress of Galdon Finnlo; now left unprotected.

The elves that had been at Erebor left for their homes the following morning, but the members of Bali's company stayed. It took a week to clear away the carcasses of the slain Uruks, and purge the mountain of their blood. The bodies of Einin, Arlome, Belegond and Gromfelt were found crushed to the floor amid swarms of dead Uruks. Their end was cruel, but none-the-less a heroic one.

Bali then held a grand feast in mountain, and a long celebration for its deliverance. At the banquet, Bali organized for a ceremony, and the rewarding of the company for the journey they made. His speech was thus.

"Warriors, companions, friends; all are titles of which you are worthy. All of you have come here from far away, risking your lives to save Erebor. You are brave, selfless, and honorable in the highest standard."

Here the dwarf had trouble continuing, being soft at heart. "I... regret the loss of several members of our company. But they did what was needed of them, giving us the time to collect what we needed to fight. Without their great sacrifice, the outcome would have been far different. May the Valar look graciously upon them.

And now, I will give you the repayment which you deserve. I have a special gift for each member of the company.

Burzol, I have for you a ring. It is made of mithril, with a blue gem set in the center.

Astarielle, I have for you and Hathalas new bows. They are all fasioned with gold around the handle. May they serve you well in battle.

For the dwarves, Dain, Durin, and Kili, I have new axes. All are single edged, but with jewels set on the top. They, too, have a golden hilt.

Ani Dao, I have for you a knife. It has a long slender blade, and a simple handle of wood. However, it has a mithril gem on the bottem of the handle. May it fly straight and true into the necks of your enemies!

Eruantalon, I know you are a great musician. I have for you a special instrument; a flute with ruby buttens."

The man took the flute, looked it over and began to play a song. It was not a sad song, or one of mourning, nor one of joy or great happiness. The song was one simply of peace. And what a wonderful thing it was!

When the song was over, and the round of loud applause, Bali finished what he was saying. "And, for all of you, I have a large amount of gold and jewels for each person. The amounts are strictly equal.

You may stay here as long as you like. We at Erebor would love to have you stay. But, if you wish to leave, so be it. May all your works in middle-earth go well." Bali then shook the hand of each member; and cheers rang throughout the hall.

Arien's Post

The Enemy was getting less and less now but so were the defenders. Just a few were left standing. He searched around for the other but they were not standing. A few more came but now everything was earily silent. And then the horns came.

"The Gondorians are here!" he heard an elfs voice cry out. His heart leaped for joy, they had won the mountian and now all was safe. He searched the carnage for his companions and found them dead strewn across the floor. The elves left and went out side and he was the only one there. Then he heard a voice cry out.

"Belegond!" he looked to the top of the stairs, it was Yanithe. She ran down to him but before she could get to him a half dead uruk thatlaid on the floor pulled her down. Belegond saw it but could not stop it. She cried ot for help but before she knew it a knife was being held to her throat. The uruk snarled at him and kissed Yanithes head. Belegond was filled with rage and tried to fire an arrow but his left arm he could use no longer. She was struggling hard but it seemed as though this uruk still wanted to kill no matter what. Belegond ran to the two and the uruk drew his sword closer to her neck.

The Belegond picked up a dagger from the floor and aimed it a the uruk. It hit him in the centre of the forehead and he roared out loud. Belegond then smiled at Yanithe and walked back to his bow. But he never reached it.

"No" screamed Yanithe as the uruk with one last dying breath plunged his sword into Belegonds back. At first he did not know what was happening but then he placed his hands on his stomach and felt the blood and blade. The uruk fell behind him and so Belegond fell against the wall. He could feel life rushing away from him. He could hear a soft voice.

"Belegond, please open your eyes, Belegond!" he opened them and Yanithe beside him. Tears filled her eyes.

"I...I am sorry..."

"What for?" she asked tears streaming down her face.

"For.." he could taste blood in his mouth and it was haed to speak"....for not being here now, not being able tobe with you, I have caused you another great pain.."

"No, no you havnt..."

Belegond reached into his pocket and pulled out her brooch then pointed at his chain.

"here"he said giving the horse to her, "and give this to Kili..."

She lent forward and embraced him and he did so back.

"I love you"she wispered.

"I..l..love you to" he said. And with that his last dying breath he passed away.

[ April 20, 2003: Message edited by: Himaran ]