Ch. 1
The sun was starting to set against the once brilliant blue sky. A combination of colors: red, orange, pink, and light purple, blended together to form an inspiring sun set which made Frodo stop in his tracks to look. The evening paints provided a much needed difference from the gray, cold skies that loomed over the mountain they were previously on.
Frodo sighed deeply and once again tried to convince himself that he had made the best choice for him and the rest of the Fellowship. Although Gandalf didn't seem too pleased with his selection and that's what bothered Frodo most. He wished Gandalf would tell him what troubles he thought laid in the bottomless mines but Gandalf remained distant and lead the group silently towards the caverns.
The quite opposite of Gandalf, Gimli was overjoyed by Frodo's pick. He rambled on and on about what the mines were like and he more than once ragged on Legolas about his 'way of living.' However, Frodo suspected that not everything Gimli said was true.
"Mr. Frodo!"
Frodo glanced away from the setting sun and smiled as his gardener and close friend, Sam, walked hurried towards. "Are you alright, Mr. Frodo? Is It alright?" Sam implied the ring.
Frodo nodded and continued to trudge on once more. "Yes, Sam. Everything is fine." He wished terribly he could believe himself.
Sam nodded. "Gandalf…well, he says we're almost there. By nightfall, we'll be sure to reach the mines."
Frodo nodded once more, and started going over in his mind of whether he made the right choice again. Sam continued a small stream of chatter but Frodo remained quiet and only put in a word or two.
Slowly but surely, as the time ticked away, the sun sank down completely and the stars started to gleam out from under the darkening sky. Gandalf suddenly drew to a stop and Frodo snapped out of his reverie to look around.
A couple of trees dotted the area nicely and a medium sized lake lapped almost soundlessly against the rocks that covered the edge. Gandalf was standing in front an enormous rock face and Frodo quickly realized he was staring at the entrance to the mines.
Pippin and Merry plopped themselves on the ground, obviously tired. Sam moved to take care of Bill, his pony that had traveled with them, and Gimli stood there looking impatient. The rest of the Fellowship, Gandalf, Legolas, Boromir, and Aragorn, had gathered in a small group and seemed to be discussing secretly amongst themselves. Frodo softly walked up to them and listened carefully.
"There's someone…I'm sure of it." Legolas sounded anxious and he looked around nervously.
Aragorn nodded in agreement. "I noticed also. We need to get in the mines...and quick."
Gandalf continued listening and Boromir soon put his thoughts in. "The hobbits are tired. We need to rest."
"We can rest inside the mines!" Aragorn insisted.
At that statement, Gandalf shifted apprehensively. "We can rest for awhile here." He decided. "The news of our Fellowship has yet to be spread throughout Middle Earth. We'll be safe…for one night."
Boromir nodded in agreement and Legolas presently approved also. Aragorn remained doubtful. "And the person that's following us?" he asked.
"We'll keep watch."