Honor: Oh my gosh! Chapter Ten! Awesome :). *Does happy dance*. We are so blessed to have such amazing readers. We love you guys so much! And we appreciate all the support!
Hope: Well I'm still mourning over the loss of Roger, but I'm doing better. No new pet yet, but I'll get one soon! Anyway in chapter ten you can find: more Orcs, tea and cookies for the Balrog, and Aragorn eavesdrops!
Justice: We own nothing (unfortunately o.e), just the OCs! Enjoy the story!
Chapter Ten: Are We Out Of Moria Yet? (Seriously, we've been here for three chapters now.)
With those words the assembly of twelve ran as quickly as their legs could take them, out of the records room and into the old Dwarf-city once more. A few of the travellers chanced a few glances behind, only to see a terrible sight. Orcs. Hundreds of thousands of them were crawling down from the ceiling and up through the cracks in the floor.
Even though the outcome appeared grim the Fellowship and Ladies continued to run. Rebecca with her lithe form kept a steady pace with Legolas and Boromir. Josie, with a new courageous demeanor, kept pace with Gandalf, Gimli, and Merry. She had grown accustomed to her new feet, and thanks to years of cheerleading, she did not lag behind. Paisley, however, was not used to this sort of thing and was partially dragged by Aragorn who brought up the back of the pack along with Frodo, Sam, and Pippin.
The Orcs seemed to be multiplying by the second, appearing out of what seemed like midair at times. As tired as the group was, they continued running, but were soon overcome by the Orcs' massive numbers. Their advance was halted as they became surrounded by the evil black-blooded creatures.
All who carried a weapon stood ready to fight, their blades already drawn. The men stood in a circle, surrounding the two inexperienced Hobbits and the Elf-Lady, who gripped their large tree branches firmly in their palms.
The Orcs remained stationary, snarling and hissing at the companions, who in turn stayed still, both parties seemed to be awaiting the other's to make the first move.
A deep growling sounded from far away just then, causing the Orcs to scramble, visibly frightened by the mysterious noise in the distance. As the dark creatures dispersed Gimli gave a cocky smirk and Rebecca gave a very loud exhale. ''Well...that was easier than I thought.''
However, not everyone was at ease as the Elleth. ''What is this new devilry?'' Boromir asked Gandalf.
Everyone remained quiet, waiting for the Wizard's response. Another growl echoed throughout Dwarrowdelf and finally Gandalf answered. ''A Balrog. A demon of the ancient world...This foe is beyond any of you. Run!''
''Again?'' Paisley groaned, but she was unable to say anymore as Aragorn grabbed her hand and began dragging her along once more.
''Your words mirror those of Lady Josie,'' Aragorn declared as they ran. Paisley felt as though she had been slapped across the face and she then made a promise to herself that she was not going to complain anymore.
The clan then clumsily made their way through a doorway that, unbeknownst to them, led to a broken staircase. Boromir was leading at the moment and if it had not been for Legolas pulling him back, the Steward's son may have met his death, for just over the edge of the stairs was an abyss.
Aragorn, Paisley, and Gandalf were at the back now and the Wizard grasped the Ranger's shoulder as they stopped running. ''Lead them on, Aragorn. The bridge is near.''
Paisley's green eyes flickered as she looked up at Gandalf and a look of understanding crossed his face. The Hobbit's eyes told him everything at once and he pushed Aragorn away. ''Do as I say!'' the Wizard commanded. ''Swords are no more use here.''
Everyone then turned to their right and began following a downhill staircase that remained intact. However, the perfection did not last long as they then stumbled onto a gaping spot after about two flights of steps.
Legolas leapt across the bridge as though the obstacle was nothing and once over he motioned for Rebecca to follow, holding out his arms as a promise that he would catch her. The brunette hesitated, but only for a moment, before holding her breath and jumping across. As promised Legolas caught her and set her down beside him.
Gandalf was next to take the leap and after he arrived safely on the opposite side, Boromir grabbed up Merry and Pippin and jumped over as well.
Arrows began flying in from every direction from Orcs located in various areas and Legolas returned fire, not missing a single target. After Boromir had jumped a large piece of the staircase had broken off, enlarging the gap.
Quickly, Aragorn scooped up Paisley and looked across to see who was available to catch the Hobbit.
''Aragorn! Here!'' Rebecca called to him.
Paisley shut her eyes as Aragorn threw her with all of his might and she did not open them again until she felt Rebecca catch her. Sam was next to safely reach the other side, being caught by Boromir.
Gimli then took his chances and jumped across (after refusing to be tossed), and nearly didn't make it. Once again Legolas saved another from falling to their untimely death, when he grabbed the Dwarf's beloved beard and pulled him to safety.
Josie and Frodo were to be next, but after Gimli jumped yet another large piece of the staircase crumbled, making the gap even larger.
The ground beneath their feet was shaking and the staircase now wobbled with every move they made. Josie's eyes widened as she tried to keep her balance. ''There's no way we can make that!'' she cried out, gripping tightly onto Aragorn's arm.
''Steady!'' the Ranger called out as the loud growling was heard once more and a huge piece of rock fell from the ceiling, and slashed through the walkway behind them.
The piece of staircase they were on, now stood alone; with no support it was sure to fall. It swayed, rocking back and forth and Aragorn held both Josie and Frodo close to him.
''Lean forward!'' he demanded.
''WHAT?'' Josie shouted, her legs shaking beneath her.
''Just do it Milady!'' Aragorn bellowed sternly. So she did as she was told, and the broken staircase beneath them wobbled forward and crashed into the side where everyone else was. Josie and Frodo were caught by Boromir and Legolas was able to catch Aragorn just as the unstable section of steps tumbled to the side and fell.
No one hesitated and they immediately began rushing down even more winding flights of stairs, toward the Bridge of Kazad-dum. As the crew descended further down, Josie felt the temperature rise, and the air felt thicker making it harder to breathe.
The bridge had just been spotted and the girls were feeling a bit relieved until the growling sounded, even louder and closer than before. The Balrog was about to make its appearance, and the bridge was so close now!
Paisley gathered enough courage to peek over her shoulder and when she did she noticed two things. One, the Balrog had appeared and two, Gandalf was lagging behind. The Wizard had stopped and was facing the Balrog who towered above all else, a mixture of Shadow and Flame. ''Gandalf!'' she shouted at him.
Gandalf the Grey turned and ran then, with the Balrog trailing close behind Jeez! Now is not the time to greet that thing with freaking tea and cookies!, Paisley thought to herself.
Finally they had reached the narrow bridge. One by one eleven of the twelve members crossed it, careful of their footing. The only one not crossing being Gandalf, who had stopped once more. This time, determined to defeat the foul beast.
''You cannot pass!'' the Wizard shouted. The Balrog did not seem phased and it emitted another low growl. Gandalf held his lit staff at the creature as he spoke again. ''I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor. The dark fire will not avail you, Flame of Udun!''
Gandalf's sword was drawn now. ''Go back to the Shadow,'' he demanded, but the Balrog wasn't backing down. It held a whip made of Flame and it swung around wildly as the creature slowly stepped closer to Gandalf, its foot now on the tiny bridge.
''YOU SHALL NOT PASS!'' And as the words left the Wizard's mouth, he brought his staff down, hard onto the bridge. A bright light came from the staff and the Balrog flinched at the light, before charging at Gandalf with its Flame whip.
All hope seemed lost until suddenly the section of bridge beneath the Balrog crumbled. The beast cried out as it plunged down into the dark abyss below, yet as it fell its fiery whip caught Gandalf around the ankle, dragging the old Wizard down to the edge of the broken bridge. He held on by just his fingertips.
''Gandalf!'' Frodo called, running towards Gandalf with intent to save him. Boromir thwarted the Ring Bearer by lifting him from the ground.
''Fly you fools,'' Gandalf whispered before slipping from the edge and into the darkness. Frodo screamed out once more and struggled to free himself from Boromir's grasp, but failed in getting away.
Paisley wasn't sure when her tears had started, but she made no attempt to stop them as she grabbed Josie and Rebecca by the wrists and began to pull them towards the staircase leading upwards. The exit was close and it was way past time to get out of these mines.
Once outside and into the sunlight, the mood was somber, for everyone was overwhelmed with grief.
Josie planted herself firmly on the ground and pulled her knees up to her chest. Her fingers tangled in her dark red locks as she wept. Her stomach was in knots as she sat there in agony. She had watched the Wizard die. Gandalf was gone.
Rebecca stood with her back to the others. Her arms wrapped tightly around herself as tears spilled freely from her big brown eyes. Her mind was a flurry of events that played over and over. He was there...and then he was gone.
Paisley stood near where Josie sat, her tears gone, but her heart broken. She knew Gandalf was going to fall, but seeing it actually happen was a different story.
''Legolas, get them up,'' Aragorn commanded.
''Give them a moment, for pity's sake!'' Boromir argued.
Paisley knelt beside Josie, and the red haired Hobbit snapped at her. ''This is your fault.''
''By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs,'' Aragorn spat back at Boromir. ''We must reach the woods of Lothlorien.''
Paisley stood once more and Josie got to her feet as well.
''You knew this was going to happen and you did nothing to stop it?'' Josie's voice was louder now and it was drawing everyone's attention.
''Jo, there was nothing-''
''Save it,'' Josie hissed as she stormed off.
Paisley bit her lip and her eyes burned with tears, but she blinked them back. Nearly every set of eyes were set on the blonde, and she turned to face them. ''I...I'm sorry.''
Nobody said anything in response for a moment until Aragorn looked around and did not see Frodo. ''Frodo?'' He turned and finally did spot him and Josie a little ways off, and with a trained ear, he listened to what the Lady said to the Ring Bearer.
''...And I'm sorry that Paisley knew and didn't stop it.'' Frodo did not speak so Josie continued and pulled the other Hobbit into an embrace. She spoke softer then, and Aragorn strained to hear her words. ''...I'll stay with you Frodo...Every step of the way.''
Honor: End of chapter 10 :). Hope you guys enjoyed!
Special Thanks to: xXxWolvesInTheNightxXx, B. Belle, MortalCoils, and Daydreams Become Realities for reviewing, MortalCoils and CharlotteDarkrose for favoriting the story, and MortalCoils for adding us as favorite authors. We appreciate it!
See you guys in chapter 11! :) Oh, and hopefully (no pun intended) Hope will find a new pet by then...preferably a pet that's not terrifying. Or troublesome. Or rips pillows. o.e