48. The Host of the Eldar
[Aragorn is sitting alone on stairs.]
[He sees a confused looking child with a sword.]
Aragorn: "Give me your sword."
Aragorn: "What is your name?"
Háleth: "Háleth, son of Háma, my lord."
Háleth: "The men are saying that we will not live out the night. They say that it is hopeless."
[Aragorn stands up and swings the sword.]
Aragorn: "This is a good sword, Háleth, son of Háma."
[He lays his hand on the boys shoulder.]
Aragorn: "There is always hope."
[Inside, Aragorn puts on his armor.]
[Legolas hands him his sword.]
Legolas: "We have trusted you this far and you have not led us astray. Forgive me. I was wrong to despair."
[Aragorn smiles at the elf.]
Aragorn: Ú-moe edamed, Legolas." (There is nothing to forgive, Legolas.)
[They look at each other and smile. Gimli enters the room, wearing armor that is far too long for him.]
Gimli: "If we had time, I'd get this adjusted."
[The armor falls to the ground.]
Gimli: "It's a little tight across the chest."
[Legolas and Aragorn smile at the dwarf.]
[The sound of a horn is heard from outside.]
Legolas: "That is no orc horn!"
[They rush out. Men peer over the wall.]
Man: "Send for the king. Open the gate!"
[The gates are opened, and an army of elves march in. Men stare in awe.]
[Théoden walks down the stairs and meets the Elf Captain.]
Théoden: "How is this possible?"
Haldir: "I bring word from Elrond of Rivendell. An alliance once existed between elves and men. Long ago we fought and died together."
[Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli rush down the stairs.]
Haldir: "We come to honor that allegiance."
Aragorn: "Mae govannen, Haldir!" (Welcome, Haldir!)
[Aragorn stands before the elf and then hugs him. Haldir, a little surprised, returns the gesture.]
Aragorn: "You are most welcome."
[Legolas comes down the stairs and embraces Haldir. The army of elves turn and lower their bows and shields in unison.]
Haldir: "We are proud to fight alongside men, once more."
|