A/N: Wow, thank you all for your wonderful reviews. They made me so happy : ) This next chapter is for you guys. : )

After three days we were all desperate to get out. Being underground made us worried and we were constantly afraid of being ambushed by goblins or orcs. Aragorn and I hadn't talked since our… night together and I began to wonder if he was regretting it. I was… a little. I walked through the hot mines with weary steps. It felt like I hadn't seen the sun in ten years.

"Come along." Gandalf ushered us.

"We will get through this, worry not. We will be on the other side in no time." Boromir said to the Hobbits. I snorted but tried not to look too doubtful. The Hobbits looked to me too for someone to talk to so I tried not to look like I'd lost hope. We walked on for days… the darkness only ate away at the light inside me and I felt my old habits return. I was less kind and less caring of the ranger and hobbits. Legolas would try to get me to walk beside Gandalf so that the light from the staff would rekindle some light in me but I did not want to. The darkness did not want to be near the light…

Gimli was silent and did not converse much since he was mourning the dwarves whom had been killed within the mines. I remained silent and as we walked on Gandalf finally reached two doorways, one leading up, and the other going down. He did not remember the way. So we sat down as we waited for Gandalf to remember.

"Here." Sam handed me a bowl of soup. I was sitting alone off away from the others and was deep in thought. Boromir sat with Aragorn and Gimli while Legolas sat with the Hobbits. Gandalf sat alone speculating the different paths. I sipped my soup quietly frowning. I wanted out of this place but the only way out was to follow Gandalf. I needed to see the sun light… I couldn't take this darkness anymore. It was reminding me of the old days- back in the cellar, in the dark. I cringed.

"Eva, are you alright? You seem to be very … distant…" Pippin said from beside me. I sighed and pulled my cloak tighter around myself.

"It is the darkness… this place… it is eating away at the light inside of me." I admitted. Pippin slowly sat beside me and he looked at me sadly. I looked out over the mines before us. We were up high and could look down into the lower levels of the mine. It was darker down there.

Gandalf had pointed out that we were being watched by a creature named Gollum. Which was… interesting. Yet he was not a threat so I did not care.

"Aragorn is worried about you. He watches you." Pippin said quietly. I nodded and sipped my soup again.

"I know… he need not worry." I whispered. Pippin stirred.

"Aragorn has taken a liking to you." He said.

"Hm." I grunted. Pippin remained silent. That night Aragorn was told to keep watch and I set up my bed a little further from the group. As I lay down and got ready to sleep, Aragorn approached me. I glanced around and noticed no one was paying attention or was already asleep.

"What do you want?" I asked as I sat on my make shift bed. Aragorn sat next to me and sighed.

"You are not well." Aragorn said. I rolled my eyes.

"Look around ranger, none of us are. This place is eating away the light within us." I said and didn't pull back when Aragorn took my right hand in his.

"You. It is eating away at the light within you. You must fight it." Aragorn whispered. I didn't pull away, instead I just nodded and shut my eyes. I was so tired of fighting it. Admittedly I was doing much better but my aggression and anger was more difficult to reel in.

"Yes. I will try." I said in a smaller voice than I intended to. Aragorn pushed himself forward so his lips were inches from mine.

"Stay near me. Draw light from me." He said, his eyes watching my lips.

"How do I do that?" I asked, but my mind was occupied with the ranger being so close... Something in me told me it wasn't a good idea.

"Do you not feel… Better around me?" Aragorn asked, his hot breath caressing my lips. I barely nodded- I was so tempted to push forward into his lips. Something dark churned in my stomach.

"I do." I whispered.

"Good. That is how you will draw light from me." He said and finally pushed his lips against mine. I responded instantly, my hands finding his hair, and my body pushing up into his. His arms circled around my waist and hold me against him.

Aragorn's sweet kiss ended with a soft peck on my cheek- and I pulled back wearily to look at him. His blue eyes watched me with warmth and consideration, while he moved me to lay against his chest while he leaned against a big black rock. However as he pulled me back I jerked free from his hands.

This wasn't what I needed… Was it? A man to make me feel better? A man to build up the light within my soul, chasing away the darkness? No I needed to build my own light- coming from within me…

"Eva…?" Aragorn whispered, his voice quiet- not wanting to wake the others. I turned and frowned at him.

"Why should I draw light from you? So I am forced to depend upon you? Like I was forced to depend upon my care-taker? Are you men all the same? Wanting women and vulnerable people to depend on you?" I growled, the darkness within me pushing out- grinning, enjoying the look of hurt and surprise that crossed Aragorn's sun kissed face- the way his blue eyes widened and his mouth opened slightly.

The anger felt right. The darkness was familiar- it was home. And I loved the feel of wielding it against Aragorn- the man that sat before me. The man that promised me he would show me the light- and yet here I was, being told he wanted me to 'draw light from him'. Like some dependent fool.

"You know that is not what I meant… Or who I am. You are not well, this place is undoing the progress you have made towards the light." Aragorn said, his voice tight with worry and unease. He was worried about me and the others.

I snorted and shifted on my bed mat.

"I'm not able to be saved. Give up ranger." I muttered. Aragorn sighed and pushed himself forward, his right hand gently cupping my chin and forcing it up so I would look at him.

"You are able to be saved and I shall never give up on you." He whispered, his blue eyes watching me warmly. He pushed his lips against mine again- his facial hair tickling my chin and cheeks and he kissed me.

I let out a disappointed sigh as he pulled away. He grinned.

"Sleep. We are almost out of this darkness. From now on walk beside Gandalf and his staff. I will walk with you also." Aragorn whispered, while he gently moved me so he could tuck me in. The gesture made me feel vulnerable and helpless- but I knew that wasn't his intention. He wanted me to feel taken care of and nurtured. So, in a small part of me, I felt just that.

Aragorn kissed my forehead gently and I couldn't help a shy smile. He half-smiled and then walked back to a rock where he could smoke and watch over us all. I moved a little so I was facing the camp fire and felt something heavy on my chest. I reached up and felt for the small heavy item- my eyes widened.

The pendant! The pendant Elrond had given me!

I closed my eyes while holding the pendant in my right hand- I concentrated on the light and immediately the pendant grew warmer- and I could feel cool grass beneath my body- smell the scent of the ocean, and the fresh breeze of the cool winds.

I opened my eyes in surprise and looked around. I was still inside the damp cool underground labyrinth of Moria… But the pendant had given me a taste- a feeling of happiness and goodness of the outside world. I smiled- feeling better and lighter.

I shut my eyes and tried not to cry- Elrond had given me an incredible gift and it had saved me. I opened my eyes again and looked over at Aragorn. He was staring into the camp fire while smoking on his dark pipe. Well… Elrond and Aragorn saved me.

I slept better that I had in a long time that night.

The next morning Gandalf had remembered which way to go and we were on our way. I kept beside Gandalf and smiled more- Aragorn had caught on to my good mood and I quickly reminded him of my pendant. I offered to let the others draw light from it but Aragorn and Legolas refused telling me that the pendant was made specifically for me and that it would only work on me. So I walked beside Aragorn and Gandalf, trying to smile and give the Hobbits hope that I couldn't before.

"I am glad you are enduring the darkness." Gandalf said, his warm eyes twinkling down at me. I smiled up at him and nodded.

"Thank you." I whispered.

Two hours passed when we reached a very open hall- the space incredible and intricate. I wondered how the dwarves could reach so high and carve the designs into the stone walls and door-ways. I walked with my head up- admiring the architecture of the dwarves.

I jumped when I heard Gimli let out a moan of despair- and whirled to see him running for two thick double set doors- a giant room inside, with a single beam of daylight shining down on a thick stoned coffin. We all took off after Gimli- inside the large room and saw more corpses of dwarves- bones, and weapons strayed throughout the room. Pillars supported what was supposed to be a room above but the floor but had collapsed so there were large rocks strewn around the room too.

Everything was dark besides the sharp ray of light shining upon the coffin of what Gandalf said belonged to Balin. Gimli wept, his axe at his side, his hands holding onto the coffin tightly as if it would sink into the ground below and be forgotten forever.

"Gimli…" I whispered, putting a hand on his shoulder. He did not acknowledge me- he kept weeping, and Boromir was soon at my other side, consoling Gimli. Gandalf walked quietly around the coffin, and towards a skeleton body of a dwarf clutching a thick dark brown journal. Gandalf pulled the book from the skeleton's hands and opened it- dust and dirt falling from it. I noticed a well in the right corner of the room, where a skeleton was perched- an arrow in its chest. A fatal injury- it must have struck the dwarf's heart…

Gandalf read aloud from the chilling journal, describing the last moments of the dwarves within the very room we stood, "… we cannot get out." Gandalf finished, his wrinkled face pulling up to look at us all- his eyes showing that we were in a bad, bad place.

CRACK

CLANG

I jumped and turned towards the well- Pippin had a look of horror and guilt on his face- the skeleton dwarf that had been perched on the edge of the well was gone. A chain being dragged across stone floors sounded and a loud thud and crack of a wooden pail followed the skeleton dwarf, down into the well's darkness.

Everything was silent- we all held our breaths... Listening… straining to hear anything…

Nothing.

"Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!" Gandalf snapped, shutting the book with a thud, and tossing it to the ground with anger. I looked at Pippin annoyed- sure I cared for the Hobbit, but his mistake could have ended us all.

I let out a deep breath and looked at Aragorn who had the same look of weariness. Legolas looked relieved while the other Hobbits watched Pippin with sympathetic looks.

A noise was heard- then drums… and shrieks…

"Oh no." Frodo gasped.

"Bar the doors!" Gandalf ordered, and I lept into action alongside Boromir, Aragorn, and Legolas. We went for the double doors and immediately saw the scrambling and sprinting of Goblins racing towards us- there must have been hundreds. The ground vibrated and I jumped in shock upon seeing the cave troll- arrows were fired at us. Boromir and I snapped our heads back, avoiding the arrows.

"They have a cave troll." Boromir gasped- a smile of nerves and excitement on his face. I grinned- letting the adrenaline pump through me.

"So they do." I said, propping spears and weapons up against the door with Legolas and Aragorn- the goblins shrieked and we all jumped back- whipping out our weapons- Aragorn and Legolas had their bows and arrows while I had some disposable daggers ready. Boromir had his sword out. The door vibrated and shook as the goblins tried to get in.

"Get ready!" Gandalf ordered. I bent my knees and twirled the daggers in my hands- getting ready to throw. Part of the door broke way- an ugly face of a Goblin snarling behind it. Legolas let an arrow fly- killing the creature.

More of the door gave way. Legolas and Aragorn fired freely now, while I threw my disposable daggers quickly.

The door gave away- Goblins swarming inside the big room- their short swords swinging at us and their shrieks filled with blood lust.

I quickly pulled out my sword and began to fight them.

"Eva!" Pippin called and I turned to see him and Merry be backed up into a corner. I slashed my way towards them- my anger flaring at the two Goblins planning to kill them. I ducked under a swing from a rather tall Goblin and kept running towards my current targets. I smashed both the Goblin's heads together and watched them collapse. Pippin and Merry fled to stay behind Gandalf. I turned in time to block a swing from the Goblin I had ignored. The two that had tried to attack Pippin and Merry got up slowly, and snarled at me.

Damn it! I wasn't used to watching someone else's ass!

I stabbed the taller Gobling in the throat and turned- the end of my sword still in the Goblin's throat- and hurled the Goblin over me and into the two that had just risen. I panted heavily with the energy I had to use and turned around in time to get hit by a metal shield- right in the face. I fell back and panted- gasping- holding my mouth. I felt something crack in my mouth as I ground my teeth together and realized I'd gotten a tooth knocked out- I spat the tooth from my mouth angrily and stood.

With my tongue I felt around my mouth, and shrugged carelessly upon finding it was a back tooth. The Goblin snickered- but it was a wet gargled laugh. I smirked.

"Just wait until you see what I will do to you…" I said darkly, the Goblin grinned again. I pulled out my non-disposable daggers- aware I would have to retreat them. In one fluid movement I threw it carefully into its eye. The Goblin shrieked and ducked back- dropping its shield. I smiled- knowing the attack wouldn't kill the Goblin for a good three minutes. He would die slowly and painfully.

I turned and killed another Goblin as it charged me.

Well, I sort of needed my dagger… so my fun would be cut short…

I approached the wailing Goblin and in one swift move- I decapitated it. I quickly retrieved my dagger and almost screamed when I saw the cave troll staring down at me. It lifted its massive fist and I jumped out of the way as it tried to hit me. I panted- looking up at the creature, making sure I knew what its next move was. It turned to me and screamed- its voice deep and sending vibrations across the floor.

I tried ducking out of the way by flipping backwards, but I underestimated its intelligence. It was faster than I thought too. It lunged forward grabbing me around my torso with its massive fist. I let out a startled yelp and tried prying its hand open.

The creature lifted me high up to its face and seemed to look at me with a smirk. I groaned and tried to wiggle free. The creature's hold tightened and I screamed loudly- the pressure around my ribs unbearable- and due to the constriction around my chest too- I couldn't extend my chest to breathe.

"A-Aragorn!" I gasped- searching the room wildly for him. I realized then that he was already attacking the cave troll- as was Legolas, and Merry and Pippin. Pippin and Merry were both screaming my name while Aragorn picked up a large metal spear to stab the giant with. Legolas shot arrow after arrow into the beast's head.

The hold tightened again and I gasped for air- my ribs burning- they were going to break!

The creature suddenly seemed distracted and the hold loosened but I still couldn't breathe. I felt my vision tunnel- my eyes finding Aragorn's. His wide blue eyes were watching me with horror, concern, and… helplessness.

"No!" Aragorn yelled, his voice loud in my ears and he stabbed the creature again- earning its attention. The creature's hold was suddenly gone and I was falling. I grunted as I felt into strong arms. It was Boromir…

"Maidens falling from the sky? Well! Today is my lucky day!" Boromir joked, while smirking at me. I coughed and gasped, though I did appreciate his joke. He knew it would annoy me- now I owed him… and I had to make him look as helpless as I did.

I winced and held my ribs while Boromir watched me concerned- a Goblin behind him flung back its sword-

I tackled Boromir and jumped up quickly- killing the Goblin. Boromir looked annoyed.

"I just cannot win…" He mumbled, getting up. I heard another cry of pain but this time it wasn't from the enemy. Boromir and I whirled to see the cave troll- its arm extended- holding a long black spear, which was probably something else at an earlier point- and Frodo. The cave troll had stabbed him… Boromir and I raced to attack the creature- blinded with rage, and I saw Merry and Pippin do the same.

In a matter of minutes, the troll fell over dead, and we all gathered around Frodo's limp form. Aragorn pulled Frodo's body to him- and gasped when Frodo suddenly began coughing.

"Frodo!" Sam exclaimed, at Frodo's side instantly. My heart raced and I felt hope throb in my chest. Was Frodo alive? He had to be- he couldn't die…

Frodo's incredibly blue eyes opened and he looked around at us all slowly- then smiled as if he was relieved and then unbuttoned his bottom shirt. A shiny vest- made of Mithril clothed his chest- having blocked the spear from skewering him.

We all sighed with relief and I immediately held my ribs. I had a bad feeling I had bruised or maybe broke one or two…

"Thank Valar…" Legolas sighed and smiled at me. I smiled back though it was forced. I didn't want to alarm the others- but the pain.

Endure it, snapped a voice in my mind. I grit my teeth determined- still tasting blood from losing a tooth. I would endure it.

More drums were hard.

"Hurry! We must run!" Gandalf yelled, and we all ran out of the large room- following behind Gandalf and his staff emitting light. We ran down the great halls- the shrieks of the Goblins growing louder and the bug like way they moved as they appeared above us and behind us. I grit my teeth as I ran- the movement of panting and running sending hot spikes of pain through my rib cage.

Aragorn ran beside me while Legolas took up my other side. We all noticed the Goblins ahead of us and slowed- then in a matter of minutes, we were surrounded by hundreds of them. The nasty creatures licked their lips and grinned at us- banging their swords against their shields. Aragorn pushed me behind him- and I would have pushed my way forward again if it weren't for my ribs. Aragorn however knew me- and knew I wouldn't stand to be protected, so his eyes darted back at me immediately. I avoided his scrutiny-

The heat came first. It was so thick I felt like I couldn't breathe… Then the silence of the Goblins- and then the light. The light was from the end of another hall- a red dangerous glow, and the vibrating thuds of something big approaching. The Goblins immediately scattered- disappearing into the holes they came from.

In a matter of seconds we stood alone under the glow of Gandalf's staff. I faced the red glow- and then looked at Gandalf. Gandalf immediately turned to us.

"It is a Balrog… it is beyond any of you- RUN!" He yelled, and we immediately took off- following behind Gandalf, our fear driving us. A balrog?

Where the Hell is Glorfindel when you need him? I mused darkly, but sprinted along just on the heels of Boromir. We reached another lit up opening- in which it was lit up due to lava far below us. There were thick stoned bridges throughout the large grotto like space, and to the far right- was daylight, leading out of the mines. We descended the first unstable looking stony stair case- and I felt my ribs protest. I winced.

As we moved across the second staircase- the middle of it broke off. Boromir jumped across easily with Legolas at his heels. Gandalf and Sam went- Boromir catching Sam while Legolas caught Gandalf. Aragorn threw Merry and Pippin across and then ordered me to jump with Gimli (Gimli refused to be thrown). I was caught by Boromir and cried out in pain when he caught me with his arms. He stiffened and let me go- his eyes searching mine. I shook my head holding my ribs and shoved his shoulder back towards the current situation. Now wasn't the time. I then noticed black arrows fizzing through the air at us.

"Damn it!" I hissed, moving my body in front of Merry and Pippin, so if an arrow came close to us- I would be hit instead of them. More of the bridge collapsed- and I watched with silent horror as Aragorn and Frodo were stuck- the piece behind them breaking off-

"Lean forward!" Aragorn ordered- his hand on Frodo's cloak- steadying the Hobbit. The middle section they were balancing on collided with the part of the bridge the rest of the Fellowship was on and Aragorn practically flew into Legolas's arms while Boromir caught Frodo. We then sprinted on- the exit so close-

The final bridge was before us and as we raced across I realized Aragorn was leading us. I looked back and saw Gandalf standing in the center of the bridge- not following. I stopped and held my ribs- tears stinging my eyes now. I didn't know if I could make it any further.

"Gandalf!" Frodo cried out- upon realizing Gandalf was not even remotely close to us. The Balrog emerged from a large hole in the stony wall- the heat choking me and the fire so big and bright my eyes stung. The Balrog itself was so big and fierce looking I felt myself freeze with surprise and horror. The charcoal skin of the creature was burning with flames- its eyes a bright white of pure heat, and its thick black horns curling menacingly from its head- it wielded a massive flaming whip, which curled and crackled with fire.

"You shall not pass!" Gandalf cried out- his arms raised above his head- clasping his staff and sword together. The Hobbits were being held back by Aragorn and Boromir while I stared dumbly. Legolas was staring too- but he looked so very sad…

"You shall not PASS!" Gandalf yelled loudly, bringing down his staff upon the stone bridge. A yellow brightness sparked. The Balrog sniffed and came towards Gandalf- its arm raised to lash at him with its whip. Then- the bridge collapsed- taking with it the Balrog…

Relief passed through me and I sighed-

"Ah!" Gandalf gasped- the flaming whip had wrapped around Gandalf's ankle yanking him down over the edge of the bridge. My eyes widened as I heard the Hobbits scream. Gandalf clung to the edge of the bridge and I felt my feet move before I registered it- I wanted to save him. I had to-

"Eva, no." Legolas whispered- his hand firm on my arm. I stared at Legolas shocked- what did he mean? How could he-? I turned back to see Gandalf watching us- his face barely visible over the edge of the bridge.

"Fly you fools." He gasped- then let go.

I only heard Frodo scream Gandal's name- his voice carrying sorrow- horror- and despair. Legolas yanked me with him as we left- and I saw Aragorn following behind us- his eyes grave with sadness and his lips in a tight line.

When we came outside- into the hills- the rocky ground beneath us tripped us and the sun light stung our eyes. I rubbed my eyes and when I removed my hands I saw despair all around me. Merry held Pippin as they both cried- Gimli watched the Hobbits with tears rolling down his round cheeks- Sam sobbed into his arms while Frodo stumbled off- away from us, his jerking movements telling me he was sobbing. Legolas was not facing me- his head was lowered and Boromir's eyes held tears as well.

I felt… nothing. I would be afraid of this if I hadn't known the reason. I was used to grief. Horror. Despair. It was another thing that made this world the dark force it was. It made me a monster.

I walked silently to a large boulder, in the center of a patch of grass and walked around it to access my wounds. However as I walked around the large rock and my boots softly pressed into the grass- the sounds of the Hobbits weeping churned a horrible pain in my chest and I felt a large lump in my throat build. I grit my teeth- I wouldn't cry.

Their weeping was so hopeless and full of despair… I wanted to take it away and hold them until they stopped crying… A tear slid down my right cheek and I wiped angrily at it. I let out a small gasp, the movement sending hot pain through my ribs and immediately the urge to cry vanished. I undid my fastened cloak and let it drop to the grass- then I unbuckled the sheath that carried my sword and placed it against the boulder.

Next, I carefully lifted my tunic to try and assess the damage. I couldn't really see it- and decided to feel along the flesh- over the ribs. I prodded carefully and cursed myself for being too prideful to tell the others. I prodded over an extremely sensitive area and immediately bit into my right hand so I wouldn't yell out in pain. I almost broke skin with my teeth and then took deep gulping breaths.

I breathed shakily and jumped when I saw Aragorn beside me. The movement made my ribs throb and nausea took the place of pain. I held my ribs tightly and Aragorn moved quickly in front of me.

"Your ribs… here, let me see." Aragorn whispered. I shook my head, sweat beading my forehead.

"N-no, I'm fine." I whispered back. The sobs continued, and I felt the lump return. Along with the light came sadness… in darkness you didn't feel pain. I suppose there would be a downside to being a person of the light…

"Nay, let me see." Aragorn insisted, his eyes red with post tears. I felt tears sting my eyes upon seeing this strong man in front of me- hurt and sad… I grit my teeth again.

"Strider…" I started to insist when Aragorn slammed his fist into the boulder beside me in anger- a crack sounding and I immediately stiffened. Aragorn didn't pull back his fist- instead he used the small space between us to step closer and lean his lowered head atop my left shoulder. His broad shoulders slumped as if he had been defeated and his left hand went to my hip.

"Aragorn…" I whispered, pulling my arms around him. Aragorn's strong body didn't budge, instead- as if it never happened, he lifted his head and stepped back, his eyes in a silent glare. He nodded down at my ribs.

"Let me see." He repeated. This time I didn't refuse and lifted my tunic with shaky hands. What just happened? Had Aragorn suddenly broken down? Even if it was just for a second? Why did he let me see his weakness? Why did he not seek comfort from his oldest of friends?

As I thought of Aragorn's peculiar actions, Aragorn studied my ribs and knelt down to get a better look.

"They are not broken… Thank Valar, however they are severely hurt. We must make haste for the Golden Woods… If this goes untreated it will get worse." Aragorn said, standing again. He shouldered off his pack and knelt once more- rooting through it for something. He pulled out some wraps and nodded at me to lift my tunic. I did as told. He stepped closer and wrapped the cloth around my ribs tightly and I hissed in pain.

"I do not wish to cause you pain, but it must be done like this- your ribs must be supported." He said, his blue eyes weary and holding grief still. I nodded.

After Aragorn patched me up he ordered the others to get up. We had to leave since by night fall the hills would be infested with orcs. Boromir pleaded for more time but Aragorn denied it. It was torture watching the Hobbits stagger to their feet- watching them wipe their tears, their lower lips still quivering… and Frodo was the worst of them all- he did not speak or gasp with sadness… Tears just flowed from his eyes as if a waterfall had begun to flow behind his eyes.

The silence was unbearable as we followed Aragorn into a forest that I did not recognize- for hours we walked quickly, quietly, and dead-like.