AN: So I know it has been almost 13 years since I updated this story and I still very much want to finish what I started although years ago. The story has been locked in my head and I am finally going to make myself sit down to hopefully finish it at some point. Now, out of all my fics I am doing, this still the hardest because I try to stay true to the books and movies while adding in Serena and the scouts that makes sense in the plot. Therefore, updating this story will take the longest for me because I am also updating my other fics, going back to school, and have my own family, but I will do what I can when I can. Please enjoy and let me know what you think! I want reviews!
It took some time, but the fellowship was able to get out of the cold mountains, to to make there way towards Moria. As they walked came across of a small clearing, for them to rest, but still covered by trees from above.
"I think it is best if we rest here tonight. Night is almost upon us." Amarie suggested as she stood looking to the others. She could see the little hobbits were very weary, as well as Gimli, Serenity, Aragorn, Boromir and Gandalf. Although she knew none of them would not admit.
"Good idea, my dear. I think we could all use some rest." Gandalf agreed. Everyone sighed happily at hearing Gandalf not tell them to keep moving forward for the time being. The young hobbits all went underneath a tree that by it's trunk that was big enough to hold them all to lean up against. Gandalf found a big rock that was near a tree, sitting down on it, laying his staff and hat next to him. He then pulled his pipe out to smoke in relaxation. Boromir sat to the right of the hobbits against a tree, while Aragorn put his things down to the left of them.
Serenity put her things down to the left of the wizard near her brother. She then went of into the woods just a little into the woods. Legolas found a spot between the two heirs of Gondor. He watched the blonde princess venture off into the woods for a bit. Curious he followed her to see what she was up too. He found her picking up some small twigs of wood in a pile.
"Serenity, may I help you collect wood?" he asked her quietly. Serenity turned to see the elf prince before her. She graced him with a warm smile, but it did not fool him. He could see how tired she was by gazing into them, but decided best to say nothing.
"Of course Legolas. The more help I get the sooner I can start a fire to warm us all from the bitter cold of the mountain." she replied to him. He nodded his head in agreement, before he started collecting fire wood for her as well. Once the two had enough wood to last the night, they made there way back to the small clearing. There they found the four hobbits sound asleep upon there return. While Amarie sat on a small rock in between Boromir and Gimli keeping watch for all while the others also rest. Amarie merely nodded her head in a silent greeting at the two with a small smile on her lips. Serenity found a nice spot in the middle of everyone to lay her wood down. Legolas follow suit.
"Thank you Legolas." Serenity whispered kindly knowing his elf ears would hear her. Legolas merely nodded his head in return not wishing to disturb the others from there rest before returning to his spot. Serenity very easily constructed a fire pit for the wood with rocks to keep the flames in. Once that was done she started rubbing the sticks to great fire. However, she called upon the fires of Mars,to spring to life within her hands onto the woods discretely to spark a fire. It quickly grew to life as Serenity then blew air on it, adding more twigs to the small flame she had created. Within minute the fire had life and was roaring to life happily. Serenity smile satisfied with her work. She got up going back to her spot to lay down to get some rest herself, knowing Amarie would watch over them.
It had been a few days passed as the fellowship made their journey. They had finally come to to the walls of Moria that nightfall. The group were now walking around the lake that was outside of the door to be, taking a narrow path along the waters edge to get to it.
"Dwarfs doors are invisible when they are closed." Gimli stated to them all as they walked on while banging his ax against the stone in hopes of finding the opening.
"Yes, Gimli, their own masters cannot find them when their secrets are forgotten." Gandalf added in agreement to his comment while Gandalf's hand was on the stone in search of something.
"Why doesn't that surprise me." Legolas muttered bitterly looking annoyed hear this new as they came upon the area of where the door was suppose to be. Serenity chuckled lightly knowing there most likely be more bickering between the elf and dwarf once more. Legolas smile to himself happy to hear the blonde beauty before him giggle. He loved hearing the sound coming from her, but it was such a rarity to have happen as their journey continue forward.
"Don't start you two." Amarie warned between the Legolas and Gimli knowing full well how the two could bicker at times. All was heard was a huff from Gimli while Legolas just kept quiet while walking. It wasn't long before the group came upon an bigger area that they could all spread out and rest for a bit. As Gandalf led he way they came to trees in a bigger area. The wizard found some indent on the stone wall they were against that was in between the two threes. Just then the moon came out from behind the clouds shining it's light down upon the group. The light lit up the door that was before them that had been hidden before. It had elves writing at the top of it. The emblem of Durin was on the stone with the tree of high elves too.
"It reads, The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria, speak friend and enter." Gandalf read to them all in elvish after the door appeared because of the moonlight.
"What do you suppose that means?" Merry asked curiously.
"That's quit simple," Gandalf started, before turning to the young hobbit before him, "You speak friend and the doors will open." He explained to them. Gandalf start to speak some spell in another tongue to get the doors to open. He put the staff against the door while saying the spell, but nothing happen.
"Nothing happened." Merry stated looking puzzled.
"I once knew everyone spell in all of the tongues of elves and men or orcs." Gandalf muttered to himself frustrated that he was unable to open the doors.
"What are you going to do then?" Pippin asked curiously looking innocent as always.
"Knock on the door with you head, Peregrin Took." Gandalf yelled at the young hobbit before him with glare to his face. Gandalf noticed the frown on Serenity's face. "But if that does not shatter them, and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions. I am trying to find the open words." he muttered the last part somewhat out of guilt for yelling at the hobbit.
"I suggest everyone rest while Gandalf finds the words to open the doors. We do not know what lies behind them." Serenity stated seriously to them all feeling uneasy for not being able to move forward. However, the princess was not about the voice her concerns to the others.
"Serenity's right." Amarie added on in agreement. No one said anything as they broke a bit part to find some where to sit or stand until they could move forward. Serenity instead made her way over to her horse, Pegasus, who was standing next to Bill. Once she was by her horse, she start to unstrap his harness that were on him. At hearing the straps come undone, the horse head came around to nudge her in the body.
"Come, Pegasus, time to let you go." She muttered sadly as she nuzzled his head against her briefly before going back to what she was doing. She pulled items they would need discretely into her space pocket for later use.
"Let go! What do you mean?" Sam asked upset at hearing such a thing. Aragorn came over to them having heard the conversation start while seeing what his sister was doing.
"The horses cannot make the journey into the mines. It is to unsafe for them." Serenity said simply looking at the hobbit. Aragorn made his way over to Bill following Serenity's actions in unstrapping the harness from his body. Taking the items that were on the horse to put on the ground to sort through of what they could and could not take with them into the mines.
"The mines are no place for a pony, even one so brave as Bill." Aragorn muttered, agreeing with his sister, without saying. Sam stood heartbroken nuzzling Bill's head, tears coming down his eyes. The two horses were before them with nothing on their body's anymore in just a few short minutes.
"They will be fine together." Serenity said reassuringly to Sam before directing her horse to turn around to go back the way they had come earlier.
"Go, Bill." Aragorn ordered Bill, which did exactly what it was told. The two horses start to walk away. Serenity could see Sam was distress over letting the horses go on there own. The princess went over to the young hobbit to wrap her arm around him in a comforting manner.
"Don't worry Sam, we will see them again, I promise." She told him in a reassuring tone. Sam just nod his head while watching them walk off into the night until they are not able to be seen anymore.
"Go sort through the items we may need for our long journey." She told him softly, nudging the little hobbit to do something to keep his mind of the horses for a bit. Sam said nothing doing what he was told. Serenity made her over to the others to stand by the tree Legolas was under and Amarie was near by. As she made her way over she noticed the Merry and Pippin picking up some rocks near the waters edge. Serenity just shook her head as she made her way pass them. The two were always known for getting into trouble regardless of there where about. As she went under the tree, she look out over the water that was dark and eerie. As she stare out at it, she was having a hard time feeling any other dark powers with each day passing with the fellowship. The power of the One ring grew stronger, making it difficult for her to feel anything else but it.
"Serenity is there something a miss?" Legolas asked quietly noticing the blonde princess had been watching the water and area since their arrival. Upon hearing the question to her right, she turned her head to see Legolas looking at her with concern in his eyes for her.
"I feel uneasy. This place it is so quiet and dark. I fear there is something lurking near by and the longer we stay the more danger the group becomes." She answered him quietly so as not to let others hear her worry. She felt his hand close to her, taking hers in his gently giving her a comforting squeeze.
"I feel the same. We must keep our guard up." he replied back seriously. Just then they heard a loud item get dropped into the water, followed by a second causing the two turn their attention to where it came from, the contact between them breaking apart. As the second rock went under was a swish and a bubble made.
"Do not disturb the water." Aragorn warned to Pippin grimly as he grab a hold of the hobbit's arm from throwing another big rock into the water. Aragorn and Boromir gaze out at the water in fear of what could be lurking underneath of the eerie water. Merry and Pippin notice the movement in the water, wondering would it could be.
"It's a riddle. Speak friend and entered." Frodo said as he mulled over the riddle in his head while looking at the door sitting next to Gandalf. He turned to his friend with a understanding in mind of the riddle. "What is the elvish word for friend." Frodo asked Gandalf hope in his eyes that he figured it out.
"Mellon." Gandalf stated simply. As soon as the words were spoken the doors open gaining everyone's attention. As the doors open to welcome those who were friend, everyone move to go inside the doors.
"Soon master Elf, you will enjoy fable hospitality of the Dwarfs. Roaring fires, molt beer, red meat off the bone. This, my friend, is the home of my cousin Bale\in. They call it a Mine. A mine." Gimli said proudly as they entered into the mines. As they walk further in the mine, Gandalf lit the stone top his staff to light there way ahead. What they saw was not expect.
"This is no mine, it's a tomb." Boromir replied gravely looking around at all of the bones laying before their feet. Many dwarfs lay before the group with nothing left, but bones on them. The hobbits shuffled back in fear of what they were seeing while huddling close together near the entrance with Serenity right behind them.
"No." Gimli yell horrified at seeing his kin dead before him on the floor. He ran a head to one of his kin to take a closer look. Amarie had her bow out the second she saw the remain on the floor with an arrow lock in ready for anything.
"Goblins!" Legolas hissed out as he looks in expect an arrow he had pulled out from a dwarf, before throwing it down. He pulled out his own bow and arrow. Aragorn, Boromir, and Serenity followed with their swords in hand.
"We make for the gap of Rohan. We should have never had come here." Boromir replied as calmly as possible while they look at the remains that is before them. As everyone stood in there spot unsure of what to do, Serenity felt something wrap around her ankle. She look down in time to see a tentacle wrap around her ankle and Frodo's ankle at the same time.
"What the…." she started to say, but was stopped as she was yanked away from the group by it causing her to scream in surprise as she dropped her sword from the sudden pull.
"Frodo!" Sam screamed as Frodo was pulled away at the same time as Serenity. Both were trying to grab onto something as they were dragged towards the water. The scream from Serenity as well as Sam to Frodo made the others turn there back around to see what was going on behind them. They saw Serenity and Frodo being pulled away. The hobbits run after the comrades who were in trouble. Just as they make it to the edge of the water, Sam used his sword to cut Frodo free, while Merry used his to cut Serenity free. Serenity grabbed the hobbit, trying to pull him back from the water, being leery that whatever was in the water could attack again any second.
"Get back Frodo!" Serenity yelled as she scrambled to get up off the ground. Just then more tentacles come out of the water this time, pushing all the others back while at the same time grabbing Serenity and Frodo. Serenity attempted to pull the tentacle off her ankle before she was puled away, but it was to no avail.
"Aragorn!" Serenity screamed for help as she was lifted into the air helplessly.
"Strider!" Frodo yelled as well as they were whisked into the air. Amarie quickly started to release arrows into the monster into the water along side Legolas. Boromir and Aragorn started to cut there way into the tentacles to rescue Serenity and Frodo.
"Legolas go help them! I'll cover you." Amarie ordered never taking her eyes off the creature. Legolas not one to waste time or question orders in dire times such as this, put away his bow and arrow to instead pull out his short swords stored on his back. He gracefully entered in the water attacking the monster along side the two men from Gondor. Aragorn was at the tentacle that was holding Frodo. He saw Boromir was the closet to catch the hobbit as he fell.
"Boromir!" Aragorn yelled as he cut the tentacle from it's limb. Boromir had his arms out ready to catch the young hobbit as Frodo fell towards him. Once in his arms, Boromir started to make his way towards land, while Aragorn and Legolas went to free Serenity. The two were fighting the tentacles away to get to the one that was holding Serenity. Serenity looked down calmly watching her brother and Legolas make there way towards her after freeing Frodo first. She knew if they could not save her, she would have to use her powers to free herself if need be. Just then she saw her brother yell to Legolas. Just then Serenity fell towards the water free from the creature that held her, falling into Legolas' arms. Legolas and Aragorn hurried out of the water, while Amarie covered them with her arrows.
"Into the Mines!" Gandalf yelled to them as they made haste back to the mines. As they rushed into the mines, the creature followed trying to reach them, but they moved further in the entrance collapsed in trapping them all inside the mine. Inside safe away from the creature that had attacked them, Legolas put Serenity down carefully.
"Are you alright" He asked her.
"Yes." She said, but before she could say anything more, Pippin came up to her.
"Serenity you dropped this." he told her sheepishly. Serenity smiled warmly at him as she took back her sword.
"It seems my hands were clumsy this time. Thank you for keeping it safe for me." She said in a appreciative tone kissing his cheek. Pippin smile happily with a bright blush on his cheek making him forget the horrors they had just faced only a few minutes ago.
"What was that?" Frodo asked out loud for all to hear. Everyone's attention was turned to the young hobbit.
"I am afraid there is no answer to your question Mr. Baggins, but whatever that creature was, it had a dark purpose." Amarie stated in a wise tone.
"We now have, but one choice. We must face the long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things than orcs in the deep places of the world." Gandalf warned the group gravely his staff lighting the dark mine for them all to see as he started his journey in the cave. "It's a four day journey to the other side. Let's hope our presence goes unnoticed." Gandalf muttered to them as well not looking back. As the group started to follow the wizard they each fell in line behind him. Gimli was first to start, followed by Frodo, Boromir, Amarie, the young hobbits, and Legolas. Serenity and Aragorn brought up the rear together.
"Are you alright?" Aragorn asked quietly as they moved.
"Yes, more embarrassed, that it got the best of me." She muttered to him.
"It got the best of all of us." He admitted to her quietly. Serenity just smiled at her brother, nothing more needed to be said between the two siblings. She quietly bumped her brother in the shoulder while smirking at him. Aragorn just smiled back at her.
The group walked for a few hours in the dark mine following the wizard as they went up the stairs. As they followed the shallow steps it was about two hundred steps later when they group finally made it to a landing with a arch passage leading them into the dark.
"Let's rest here for a bit and eat." Serenity said out loud for those to hear her. She could see the group needed some rest, including herself after the long, weary journey they are taken thus far for the day. Everyone took the time to sit down somewhere on the landing. Amarie sat down in the corner keeping an eye of the group that was trying to rest for a bit. Just as she sat down, Boromir sat down next to her, causing her to look at him with an raised eyebrow. She could see the tiredness and worry in his eyes when he looked at her.
"You fought admirable." Amarie replied to him simply while watching the rest of the group. Boromir looked at her with a small smile.
"Thank you. As did you. Remind me to not be on the other side of that bow of yours." He stated to her causing Amarie to smirk as her gaze never left the group while speaking.
"Don't ever cross me." She said to him as she took her canister out to drink. As she took a drink she watched Serenity take a seat in the opposite wall next to Legolas who still had his bow out. As she sat down next to the elf she closed her eyes for a moment. She opened them a few seconds later, turning her head to see Legolas watching the group before them.
"Thank you." Serenity said softly to the elf prince beside her. Legolas hearing the princess turned his head with a slight confused look on his face
"For what?" he asked her.
"For helping rescue me and Frodo." She explained simply. Legolas nodded his head with a knowing look in his eyes.
"If we could not reached you, something tells me you had a few tricks hidden away, that you would have used." he said cryptically with a small twitch of a smile on his lips. Serenity just gave a half smile before looking back at the group.
"Perhaps.." she said before closing her eyes to rest for a bit prior to their journey starting once more. The rest of the group ate, rested for some time, but then were up again a little while later to begin their traveling once more. The fellowship was eager to get out of the mines as fast as possible although no one would face this truth out loud. They walked for a few hours through twists and turns in the dark halls. Most of the group had no idea where they were in the mine or how far they traveled thus far. As they continued on they came to another set of steps to go up that were very steep. Each member took their time climbing them until they came to a set of three archways.
"I have no memory of this place." Gandalf muttered darkly as he stood before the archways trying to recall what way was the best course to go. Serenity came up to the wizard before her with a concern on her face.
"What is it Gandalf?" Serenity asked him seriously.
"I do not know, which path to take. I am to weary to think." He explained to her simply. Serenity nodded her head in understanding.
"Then let's rest for a bit." Aragorn advised having heard the wizard. Serenity nodded her head in agreement, with a smile on her lips. The group was agreed to take a break after their long walk for the time being. Everyone scattered to a spot to sit for a bit and rest. Gandalf stood on a rock in front of the archways smoking is pipe as he tried to remember the way to go. Serenity stood near by her eyes close and had against the wall. Frodo sat not to far away from them both. The others just on the next landing sitting or standing rather closely resting as they waited for Gandalf to lead them on.
"There is something down there." Frodo warned Gandalf standing next to the wizard with fear in his eyes. Serenity eyes open looking out into the darkness wondering what Frodo had seen.
"It's Gollum." Gandalf replied calmly while smoking his pipe. The comment brought the princess gaze back to her grandfather curious as to what this creature was, he spoke of. He was obviously not concerned with it, so she relaxed as she watched the two before her.
" Gollum?" Frodo repeated the name in a surprised tone of voice.
"He's been following us for three days." Gandalf informs them both nonchalantly as he looked between the two of them before putting the pipe in his mouth once more.
"He escaped the dungeons Beradun?" Frodo sounded amazed at the thought.
"Escaped. Or let loose." Gandalf simply said. "Now the ring has brought him here. He won't ever be rid of the need for the ring. He hates and loves the ring, just as he hates and loves himself. Smeagol life is a sad, sad story." The look on Serenity and Frodo's face of hearing the creature they spoke of had another name at one point was obvious to the wizard. "Yes, Smeagoll he was once called before the ring found him. Before it drove him mad." He informed them wisely.
"It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill him while he had the chance." Frodo muttered bitterly looking back towards the area he saw the foul creature lurking.
"Pity? It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death, some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo? Do not be too eager to deal out death and judgment. Even the very wise consume ends." He said wisely to the young hobbit before him.
"He's right. And it something one must live with the rest of their life." Serenity muttered darkly with a frown on her face while looking at Frodo. Frodo seem surprised to hear Serenity speak up on the matter. To him she seem to sweet to kill, but there was much he did not know about the Gondor princess.
"My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet. For good or evil before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate many." He said to them both all-knowing.
"I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish this had never happened." Frodo replied sadly to them both looking down in sadness. Serenity eyes soften in understanding for she had felt this way when she first learned of her past so long ago. It was a feeling that once in a while still surfaced to this day whenever things got tough for the princess.
"So do all who live to see such times, but it is not up to them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world besides evil. Bilbo was met to find the ring, which case you were also met to have it. It is not an encouraging thought." Gandalf said in a encouraging tone of voice.
"And you are not the only one to feel this way young hobbit." Serenity replied softly kneeling down before him a warm soft smile gracing her lips as she placed her hand on his shoulder in comfort. She gained this attention easily looking at her with curiousness. "We all have felt this way when faced with such burdens, but we do what we must for the sake of those we love, for that is what always moves us forward in such dark times. Always remember that." She said softly in a reassuring tone of voice.
"Ah, it's that way!" Gandalf suddenly said as he got up from his spot on the rock gaining the groups attention.
"He remembered the way!" Merry said happily while jumping to his feet.
"The air does not smell as foul down here. When in doubt always follow your nose, Mr. Murdock." Gandalf informed them in all knowing tone of voice as he started on the passage of stairs. Serenity followed right behind him with Frodo, close behind her with the others following suit. They made their way through the passage until they came out to the end of it.
"Let me risk a little more light." Gandalf muttered. "Behold The great realm and dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf." he announced to the group as the light extended a bit further for those to see where they were.
"There's an eye opener, there's no mistake." Sam states in awe while looking around at the great columns in the hall.
"Agreed, Sam." Amaire stated in a wonder at the breathtaking views before them. The group continued on looking all around them as they continued their journey in the dwarf city. Gimli was now walking along side Gandalf looking down each hall as they continued on there way when the dwarf stopped in his tracks at what had gained his attention.
"Ah!" Gimli stated in surprise his eyes wide upon seeing a door with light shining in. He runs off towards the door leaving the group behind to see what was in the room near by.
"Gimli!" Gandalf yelled in worry for the dwarf at not knowing what could be lurking in the other room. The others follow the dwarf in haste unaware of what could be in the room. As they entered they hear their dwarf friend.
"No. No." Gimli cried out in grief while kneeling before a tomb as the others came in. The others slowed there paced once through the door into the room upon seeing the Gimli so upset. Gandalf continued his pace until he reach the tomb to see what it read.
"Here lies Balin, son of Fundin. Lord of Moria. It is as I feared. He is dead then." Gandalf muttered sadly at reading the lettering. Serenity came up to the dwarf putting her hand on his shoulder in a soothing attempt while he grieved for the lost of his kin. The others stood quietly with sadden looks on there face. Gandalf as he stood at his spot looked down as his foot hit something. Upon looking he found a skeleton holding a rather big book. The wizard gave his hat and staff to Pippin before bending down to pick up the book.
"We must move on. We cannot linger." Legolas whispered to Aragorn in advisement. Serenity turned her head upon hearing the elf prince's words to see the Legolas seem uneasy as they stood in the room. Aragorn looked to his sister who nodded her head quietly in agreement for she felt apprehensive the longer they stood in the room. Aragorn just nodded ins head in return to his sister. Just then Gandalf's voice gained everyone's attention as he read.
"They have taken bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums. Drums in the deep. We cannot get out. The shadows move in the dark. Cannot get out. They are coming.." he finished reading to them, when suddenly a loud clank was heard behind Gandalf. Everyone jumped at the nose turning their heads to see that it came from Pippin who stood by a skeleton with no head, as the rest of the body all a sudden fell into the well, making loud banking and clanking noises. The group stood on guard as the noises passed down the well until they finally stopped. After a few seconds of silence, the group let out sighs of relief that no other sounds could be heard as they let their guard down for the time being.
"Fool of a took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity." Gandalf said angrily taking back the hat and staff from the young hobbit. Pippin looked down in shame at being yelled in front of them by the wizard. As Gandalf turned around back to the group when drums started sounding from deep within the mines. Everyone eyes widen in fear that their presence were now known to whatever else was lurking within Moria with them. The drums sounded more and then sudden pitch of laughter could be heard of.
"Mr. Frodo." Sams says pointing to his sword. Frodo grabbed his sword pulling it out to see it glowing softly of light blue indicating orcs near by.
"Orcs." Legolas spats out bitterly as his hears picked up on the sounds that were coming towards them. Amarie grabbed her bow and arrow out quickly. Boromir ran to the door to see if they could make it out when two arrows just barely missed hitting his head. Boromir and Aragorn closed the door the room they are in.
"It seems are we are now in the say predicament the dwarfs had been in." Amarie stated coldly before looking at Serenity.
"It would seem so." Serenity agreed pulling out her own bow and arrow as well.
"Get back. Stay close to Gandalf and Serenity." Aragorn advised hastily to the hobbits. Serenity, Amarie and Gandalf stood in front of the young hobbits to protect. All waiting for the fight to begin.
"They have a cave troll." Boromir informed them bitingly as they barricade the door shut with axes and other pieces of would. Once the task was done the two men from Gondor and Legolas stepped back from the door as they waited for the orcs to get through. Aragorn and Legolas stood ready with their bows while Boromir also stood ready with his sword and shield in hand.
"Let them come. There is still one dwarf left who still draws breath in Moria." Gimli growled eagerly to fight while holding his ax as he stood on the tomb of his kin as pounding started to sound at the door. As he pounding continued the door started to splinter open creating gaps for the orcs to see in. Taking the opportunity when they could Serenity, Amarie, Aragorn and Legolas let go arrows hitting their targets killing each one.
But the door could not take the beating much longer and the busted open giving the orcs the chance to come flooding into the room. As they came in the the four with bows and arrows let loose as many arrows as they could before switching to close combat with their swords. Flurry of swords and limbs were moving swiftly throughout the room chaos erupted.
Serenity and Amarie gracefully cutting into the enemy. As Serenity moved around she saw an enemy coming up behind Legolas who fending off a few orcs in front of them. She punched the orc in the head then kicking it back with her leg, while using her sword to cut down another that approached her. Legolas turned around wide eyes upon seeing the two orcs just behind him. Serenity merely nodded before returning to the fight as did Legolas. Just then a cave troll came barging into the room destroying what was left of the door while screaming at them and a chain wrapped around it's neck.
"Well, this should be fun." Serenity muttered dryly upon seeing the troll attempted to hit Gimli that had been on the tomb of his kin. Serenity jumped down from a ledge while seeing the troll go after Gimli as he jumped off the tomb he had been standing on only moments before.
"Hey ugly!" Serenity screamed at the troll gaining it's attention. It started to swing at it, as she duck underneath it's arm, standing back up gracefully. She used her sword to cut it's belly, earning a scream from it. She stepped back as she attempted to get some space between her and the troll, but was harder to be done with orcs still coming at her at the same time. Just then Amarie appeared sending an arrow at the troll, but it just bounced off it, gaining it's attention away from Serenity and on to her.
"I think I am getting the hang of this." Sam said surprisingly as he hits another orc with his frying pan. He then hits two more with it while holding his sword in his other hand. As Sam battled on through he looked for Frodo in attempts to help his dear friend, among all the chaos it was hard to find him.
"Frodo!" Aragorn yelled in attempt to find him in the chaos of the fight. Aragorn brazingly hitting and cutting down as many orcs as possible while looking for the little hobbit.
"Aragorn!" Frodo yelled for helping as he was being grabbed by the cave troll.
"Frodo!" Aragorn yelled back in attempt to help the little hobbit, but as he got close tot he troll it hit him dead on sending him against the wall. Serenity turned in time to see her brother be hit as Frodo was taken by the troll.
"Aragorn! Frodo!" Serenity shouted to them. She cut down a few more orcs before turning to see where the others were at. She saw Legolas and Amarie were closes to the troll and had the best chance at defeating it.
"Amarie! Legolas!" Serenity called out to them gaining there attention. "Stop that troll!" She ordered them seeing the fire blazing in her eyes. The two elves nodding at her before heading to stop the troll. Serenity fought her way over to her brother who laid on the ground unconscious at the moment. Serenity cut down a orc that was coming upon her brother, just in time, as well as helping out Boromir who was not to far away from him.
"Aragorn!" Serenity called out getting to him. As she kneel by him he started to wake. "Aragorn, wake please." Aragorn looked up to see his worried sister before him with her sword out the chaos still among them.
"I'm alright." He told her. Serenity nodded her head, helping him up of the ground to continue the fight. The two siblings began fighting the orcs once more, as they attempted to make there way over to the others to help. As they did, they watched as Frodo was stabbed by the troll. Everyone's eyes widen in shock upon seem Frodo slump to the ground.
"Frodo. Frodo!" Sam yelled worriedly upon seeing Frodo stabbed by the cave troll. The group finished of the last of the orcs in the room while Amarie and Legolas finished off the troll that had killed their friend. Once the chaos from the battle had ceased, everyone hastily made there way to their fallen comrade.
"Oh no." Aragorn muttered as he sat next to him as he start to roll over the young hobbit. As he did, all of a sudden Frodo started breathing, while opening his eyes before them all. Everyone stood stunned and happy to see that hobbit was alive.
"He's alive." Sam announced happily with a bright smile on his face. The group sighed with relief at hearing the news.
"I'm alright. I am not hurt." Frodo said to them all as he caught his breath.
"You should be dead. That skew would have cut a wild boar." Aragorn stated in awe at seeing the hobbit not even hurt.
"I think there is more to this outfit than meets the eye." Gandalf replied wisely with a knowing smile on his face. Frodo lifted up his shirt to reveal the
"Mithril." Gimli says at first in awe upon seeing the silver corset that had once belonged to Bilbo, "You are fool of surprise Master Baggins." he finished with a smirk on his lips.
"It would seem Gandalf has his answer as where Bilbo's corset is at after all these years." Amarie replied with a small smile.
"In good use once more." Serenity added as well with a knowing smile on her lips. Just then they could hear more orcs in the far of distance coming for them.
"To the bridge of Khazad-dum." Gandalf ordered quickly righting himself as he grabbed his hat. The group recover swiftly from there moment of peace and make it back in the halls. Gandalf has his staff lit up for there way to see as they attempt to get to the other side of Moria before the orcs get them. They make it just near the end of the hall when they are suddenly surrounded on all sides by orcs, completely cutting off there escape route. The group stand in a circle protecting Frodo from the grasp readying to battle the enemy that stood all around them. When a deep sound is heard from the distance. The sound startles the orcs before them. Then a deep sound is heard again causing them to all scurry away in fear.
"This cannot be good." Serenity muttered as she watched the orcs disappear completely back in the dark. She could feel the pure evil of what ever being was concealed behind them.
"What is this new devilry." Boromir asked Gandalf fear evident in his eyes at what was coming.
"Whatever it is, it is very evil, and full of dark power." Amarie said her eyes wide in fear of what was to come to them next if they did not get out. It was a moment before Gandalf answered the Boromir's questions.
"A Balrog. A demon of the ancient rock. This foe is beyond any of you. Run!" Gandalf ordered the last part as he took off running towards the ext of the hall they were in. The rest of the company followed the wizard to as swiftly as possible. They reached a door Gandalf, Aragorn and Serenity stopped ensuring the others entered it safely. Boromir was the first through it making haste down the stairs he came. When he came across them ending of them with no more. Boromir stopped, but he wavered as he attempted to keep his balance. Legolas and Amarie were right on his tail when they saw it.
"Boromir!" Amarie hollered, grabbing him and pulling him back against her. He looked back at her in surprise at her help. "Wouldn't want you to fall, now would we?" She replied back with a smirk as she helped him get up with Legolas assistance. The others followed right behind them. Meanwhile Serenity and Aragorn helped Gandalf come down the stairs. The two siblings could see he was weary from the battle just they knew they had to press on.
"Lead them on Aragorn and Serenity The Bridge is near." he told them. Aragorn attempted to help the wizard down with Serenity watching them, but Gandalf pushed his old friend back. "Do as I say! Swords are no use here." Gandalf yelled at him as he started moving. Serenity saw the confused look pass on brother's face. Something told her Gandalf expected more from them as if he knew something was about to happen but said nothing. The two turn following the wizards down the flight of stairs near the ones that Boromir almost fell off. As they continued them they came to a gap between the stairs. Legolas easily made the jump before turning around to assist the others. Just then they heard the Balrog make more noise making them look back behind them once more. Serenity took note around them to see that the room they were in once in good standing and very moment they stood, the more danger they call became in.
"Gandalf" Legolas called out to the wizard gaining his attention once more. Gandalf made the jump with Legolas to grab hold of to ensure he kept his balance. Just then Boromir grabbed the two hobbits next to him.
"Merry, Pippin." Boromir yelled holding them both to him as he jumped to the next level. From the weight of them, part of the stairs collapsing forcing the others to move back, but creating the gap to be much bigger.
"Sam." Aragorn about to grab him to throw across. Just then orcs started shooting arrows at the group. Amarie took a few shots killing them quickly.
"Stop." Serenity sternly said looking at her brother while letting Amarie deal with the orcs. He looked at her wondering what she had in mind. "The stairs are breaking, to much more stress and they can go on us. Let me make them sturdy." She told him. She then put her hands to the ground kneeling before them. She closed her eyes in concentration glowing a soft blue. Everyone watch as the glow grew under neath them until it came to the edge of the gap started. Suddenly blue ice started to form quickly until there was no longer a gap, but a sheet of ice where the stairs once stood.
"Hurry. This make shift ice will not last long." Amarie said as she grabbed Sam in her arms. She then stepped on it to start gliding them down to the others, only stopping at the end with Legolas and Boromir to grab them both when they abruptly halted. Then Gimli stepped on the ice tentatively before he started to slide on it. As he slid to the end he started veering to the edge with no way stopping, but Legolas grabbed his arm, pulling him back just in time.
"Come on Aragorn." Legolas called out to him. Aragorn looked back at his sister who as still kneeling to keep the ice from melting. He worried for her safety.
"Go Aragorn." Serenity ordered looking up at him with a serious looked to her face. "I'll be right behind you." She added not about to stop her magic until they were across. He nodded his head then grabbed Frodo to head on the ice.
"Hang on!" Aragorn tells Frodo as they stepped onto. They glide down towards the others coming to the end when the ice meets the rest of the stairs. Once Frodo is safely on the stairs, Aragorn turns around to look at his sister who is still behind them.
"Serenity! Let's go." He yelled to her. Serenity nodded her head. The light soft blue glow ceasing around her now that the others were across. She made a run towards the end knowing the ice would not hold her weight to how warm it was. She was tired from the fighting and using her powers, but there was no time to stop.
"Get back!" Aragorn ordered to the others to give his sister enough room to land as he realized what she was going to do. As Serenity's foot hit the last part of the broken steps, she felt it give underneath her causing her to lose her momentum she needed to make it across. As attempted to land on her foot on the other side the stairs where the others waited for her, the stone that was underneath her foot gave, causing her to start going backwards. Seeing the Gondor princess losing her balance, both Legolas and Aragorn's arms both reached out, grabbing each of her arm, pulling her towards them instead. She lost her balance she was pulled forward stumbling into her brother's arms ungracefully, but safe none the less.
"See, I told you." She replied back smugly with a small smile. Aragorn just shook his head as he helped his sister stand on the stairs. The rest of the company sighed in relief that she made it. The others turned to finish going down the rest of the stairs. It only took a few more minutes until they came to the end seeing the bridge was so close.
"Over the bridge." Gandalf advised them as they saw it in the distance. As they ran towards it the Balrog appeared not to far from the coming towards then. Gandalf stood at the end of the bridge watching the Balrog as the others pass to ensure they made it across. Once across he ran across himself, but stopped in the middle of the bridge to the Balrog from following.
"You cannot pass!" Gandalf yelled at the demon. Hearing the wizard yelling made the company turn around to see their leader standing alone on the bridge ready to fight the demon.
"Gandalf!" Frodo screamed back in horror. Serenity eyes widen upon seeing him there.
"I am the servant of the secret fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. You cannot pass. The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun. Go back to the shadow realm! You shall not pass!" Gandalf bellowed out before stomping his staff onto the bridge. The dark creature expanded it's wings and whips out of anger, before it took a step forward onto the bridge. In doing so, the bridge snap, causing it to crumble. The Balrog to fall into the pit leaving them in darkness. As Gandalf turn to walk away the whipped grabbed a hold of his ankle pulling him down towards the pit. Everyone eyes widen in horror at seeing now on the edge of the bridge.
"Fly you fools!" Gandalf ordered one last time before he was just gone.
"No!" Serenity screamed for her grandfather at seeing him disappear into the dark. As she went to go after him, Legolas grabbed her holding her to him.
"Serenity we must go." He ordered softly as he pulled towards the exit of the mines. His heart just as broken at losing their leader.
"No!" Frodo yelled in horror at seeing his old friend disappear into the night. Boromir grabbed Frodo from going after the wizard turning to take him out of the cave. The others in the company follow suit coming out of Moria. They reached the other side to see that it was day light out with the sun shining in the sky. Each of the members of the fellowship made it out of the mines stopped there running to deal with there grief at hand. The hobbits sat down crying as did Gimli. Legolas held Serenity in his arms as she cried into his chest. Amarie stood quietly her heart broken over matter while a few tears came down her cheeks. Boromir stood alone not far from the others. Aragorn ahead of the others looking back to see his friends stopped on the hills at the moment.
"Legolas get them up." Aragorn ordered the elf prince as she wiped the blood off his sword.
"Give them a moment for pity's sake." Boromir lashed out at Aragorn as he did his best at holding back his tears of sorrow.
"By night fall these hills will be swarming in orcs. We must reach the woods of Lothlorien."
"He's right. We must go." Amarie agreed defending Aragorn. Serenity hearing her brother's words knew he was right even though she wished not to go any further. She pulled out of Legolas arms looking up at him with tears brimming to break loose.
"Tears do not suit you." He whispered again to her. She smile softly seeing the sadness in his own eyes as well.
"Nor does the sadness belong in your eyes. Come we must go before more orcs arrive." She said as she pulled herself together to keep going. Serenity and Legolas went to the other hobbits to get them on there feet to continue. As Serenity got Pippin up gently with a soft sad smile on her lips to encourage him to keep going, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned her attention to see the scout of Saturn before her with grief in her own eyes.
"It will be alright." She whispered to her. Serenity nodded her head, for she feared if she say anything she lose whatever composure she had built up.
"Come Boromir. Serenity, Amarie. Gimli. Get them up." Aragorn ordered them trying to get there minds to think about the future.
"Frodo? Frodo!" Aragorn called out looking for the hobbit. He turned until he found him already starting the journey with tears coming down his eyes. The rest of the group joined the young hobbit just as upset. They continued on their travels until they reach the woods, where they be safe from the orcs. Once they were of the mountains they made there way towards the woods where they would be at least protected for the night.
"Once we find a stream we can set up camp." Aragorn suggested as they entered into the woods. The fellowship walked for about a little while longer, until they came across a small stream that was flowing clear water through it. Each member found spots to sit near the stream for the evening to get some rest. Serenity quickly got wood together to create a fire. Amarie helped Sam get the ingredients needed to start dinner for everyone. Aragorn checked on Frodo to see if he had any wounds that needed mending. When done creating the fire, Serenity pitched in with Aragorn to see if any other members of their group needed mending. Legolas collected all the canisters for everyone to fill them with fresh clean water to drink. After done eating, mending and checking there inventory, the group laid down to rest, while Amarie took the first watch for the night to let the others rest.