Haha, welcome back! Admit it, how many of you thought this would take another six months or something ridiculous like that? Well here it is, Striding Leaves Chapter 7 by yours truly, Sammael Silverpen.

Thanks a lot to everyone who's reviewed and faved so far, it means a lot to me.

Here's hoping you'll enjoy this chapter too and I'll try to get the next one up soon!


Chapter 7: In the deep places of the world

Slowly, quietly, the Fellowship made their way deeper into Moria with Gandalf at their head, guiding them through the maze of tunnels that burrowed through the earth. Aragorn looked around uneasily. He had been to Moria before and had disliked the idea of entering a second time. Once, he had thought, was enough for him.

He brought up the Company's rear, guarding his companions from anything that might try to sneak up on them. Once or twice he thought he caught a glimpse of the creature Gollum padding silently after them, but Aragorn had been unable to catch him.

Peering into the gloom ahead of him, he inspected his companions. Gandalf at the front with Gimli, quietly discussing the best way to proceed; then the four Hobbits, all walking close together for protection and comfort; and then Legolas and Boromir. Whatever had assailed the Elf as they had begun their descent into Moria had faded as they marched on; he was walking easily by himself again but he was easily startled and on high alert. Aragorn sighed, who wasn't on high alert here?

It was a relief to all when Gandalf finally halted their weary march. They moved to the tunnel side and hastily made a small camp before collapsing into weary bundles of strained eyes and stubbed toes. Not that this was anything new to them, nor did anyone complain but the aches and pains only made the dark oppressiveness of Moria all the worse.

"Perhaps…" Pippin ventured bravely, "We could maybe have a fire, Gandalf?" Everyone turned to look at Gandalf, secretly hoping for him to say yes and let them banish the darkness.

"No," said Gandalf after a moment of thought, effectively crushing that little hope. "We are too exposed here in the tunnels."

"Let them have their fire, Mithrandir," Legolas said, his voice still quiet. "I will keep watch and ensure nothing will be close enough to see it."

Aragorn studied Legolas's pale strained face, sensing his friend's weariness. He did not wonder if Gandalf had read the signs as well as he.

"No, Legolas. No fire." The Wizard was obstinate. "And you will rest. I will take first watch."

"I will take second," Aragorn announced.

"Third," Boromir said quickly, not wanting to be out-done by Aragorn and shooting him a quick glare. Aragorn rolled his eyes, exasperated by Boromir's attitude towards him. They were all here to protect the Fellowship and he'd agreed to come to Minas Tirith with Boromir, hadn't he? There was no need for such pointless hostilities; even Gimli and Legolas were starting to get along, if only a little.

*.*.*

The night wore on, slowly, with Aragorn following Gandalf in the succession of watches. He peered silently into the gloom, trying to watch for any sign that an enemy was drawing near. He swept his gaze over his sleeping companions, ensuring none had vanished or had been taken while he'd not been watching them. The Hobbits, as usual, slept in a huddle of pillows, blankets and cloaks in order to ensure everyone was warm and safe - something Aragorn sincerely approved of. He was unable to tell if Gandalf was awake or not; he had a habit of pretending to be asleep when he was actually awake and watching your every move. Gimli, for once, was not snoring and Aragorn wondered if that had something to do with being underground where the Dwarf was more comfortable. Boromir was thankfully asleep as well and Aragorn was pleased that the other Man was getting some rest before his own watch. Lastly his gaze fell upon Legolas.

Normally he slept still and peaceful, if he slept at all. But tonight the Elf was restless, tossing and turning and muttering. Quietly, Aragorn picked his way past the sleeping Fellowship and touched Legolas's shoulder lightly. That was enough to wake him. He sat bolt upright, looking around wildly at the world he could not see.

"Legolas," Aragorn whispered very softly. He did not want to wake the others and he was certain Legolas would hear him no matter how soft he spoke. "Mellon, you were restless."

"I am aware, Estel," Legolas whispered back. Aragorn's ears were keen and he did not strain to hear the Elf's whisper.

"Do you wish to talk about it?" Aragorn enquired. "I have rarely seen you so distressed."

"It is…this place." Legolas shuddered. "There is evil here that does not sleep. Older and darker than orcs or goblins."

Aragorn stared at his friend for a moment, thinking hard. He had heard rumours of an ancient evil that dwelled within Moria, but when he had travelled through before he had not seen the creature. But Elves and Dwarves were insistent that something dwelled deep in Khazad-dûm, something the Dwarves had woken by accident when they had delved too greedily and too deep. He swallowed.

"Do you mean-?" Aragorn broke off, unwilling to name it.

"One of the greatest of all elf-banes. I sensed it the moment we entered the mines. And when we became trapped within Moria, it became aware of us and sought out our minds. It met with…" Legolas touched his chest briefly. "It, and it hurt. That was why I was so drained before. Even now, the creature disturbs what little rest I have."

Aragorn put a comforting hand on Legolas's shoulder. He had no idea his friend was suffering so, and yet he had no way to aid him save with his presence.

"I am sorry, Legolas," Aragorn murmured. "I wish I could help." Legolas grasped his hand.

"You do help, Aragorn. You are my friend." He grinned tiredly. Aragorn could not help but grin back.

"You should get some rest," Legolas continued, climbing out of his pile of blankets. "I cannot sleep and you need rest as well. I will take the rest of your watch." Aragorn made to protest but Legolas cut him off. "There is no point in two of us being awake when one could rest."

Silently, Aragorn agreed with him but how could he let the exhausted Elf take his place? He thought quickly; there wasn't long left until Boromir's watch after all.

"Do you promise to wake Boromir for his watch?" he asked.

"Of course." The Elf sounded vaguely insulted.

Aragorn sighed; he was sure to regret this. "Alright then."

The last thing Aragorn saw as he climbed into his own blankets was Legolas, standing tall and thoughtful in the gloom, silent and still like a young tree on a windless night. Aragorn smiled softly to himself at the thought of a tree growing here in one of the deep places of the world.