Secrets And Words

'Morgoth.' I thought to myself.

"Morgoth has returned," The voice behind the door said "how is that even possible?"

I gently uncoupled myself from Fili and tried to get out of bed, only for Fili to stop me.

"Where are you going?"

I shhhed him, as I gently grabbed anything I could find, which was Fili's coat and placed it around me as I tiptoed toward the door, trying to listen in to what was being said from outside the room.

"Believe me Beorn, it really is him," that sounded just like the Doctor "thankfully he can't enter your home, but that won't stop him from trying to influence your animal friends. You need to keep them well away from him. You can not be too careful."

I faintly heard footsteps recede from the door and I found myself slumping on the floor, not quite believing what I had just heard. I faintly heard rustling coming from the bed, but my mind was on other matters.

'Morgoth!' I thought 'That name rings a bell.'

An arm went around me and I instinctively leaned on Fili's shoulder as he pulled me towards him.

"What's wrong, butterfly?" He whispered, kissing my temple.

"I'm not sure," I admitted to him, glancing back at the door before shaking my head "just hearing whispers in the dark."

"I'm not sure I understand."

I turn a little facing Fili, noticing he had a worried look on his face. I sighed before explaining myself.

"I overheard The Doctor speaking to someone on the other side of this door."

"And?" asked Fili, squeezing my waist.

"The name Morgoth was mentioned several time."

"Morgoth?" I nodded my head "What did The Doctor say?"

"I heard him say that Morgoth could influence the animals around here. That is all I heard before The Doctor and Beorn, walked away from the door."

"Are you sure you heard the name right?" asked Fili "The Doctor could have said something else."

I shook my head.

"No, he definitely said Morgoth. Though I am trying to figure out why that name rings a bell."

Fili sighed and kissed my temple once again. It was while he was doing that, when I remembered.

"I know who he is! He is mentioned a great deal in the book 'The Silmarillion'." I began.

"The what?"

"Silmarillion," I explained to him "it is another book 'J.R.R Tolkien' wrote."

I could tell that Fili was still a little confused so I went on.

"The book explains how Melkor or Morgoth as he is now known was different from the others. He destroyed the two enormous lamps, murdered Finwë and stole the Silmarils. The way I see it, he hated everything good and wanted things to change. Well, it worked, which is why he was banished into the void."

I gave Fili a small smile before continuing,

"If it is him, then this is not good news. Though it could explain what's been happening lately."

I sighed not liking this theory. Morgoth was more dangerous than Sauron (if that was even possible,) and if it is indeed him, I fear what was going to happen now. I knew Sauron was still weak but in time, he too would grow stronger.

'What if they join forces again? After all, Sauron used to be Morgoth's lieutenant!' I shook my head, not liking that thought.

I would have to ask someone on what the hell was going on here. It was apparent that Gandalf would stay mute on most things so he was out of the equation. No, I would ask The Doctor. After all, it was his voice I had recently heard, so he would be the best choice.

"Are you alright Lexi?" asked Fili, breaking me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah," I reply, gracing him with a smile "just thinking of that book. Though I haven't read 'The Silmarillion' in a long time, I do remember what Morgoth did. I don't think he was well in the head."

Fili laughed.

"What?"

"Believe it or not, love," He grinned at me "we do have books here that explains all of Middle-earth's history."

"I'm sorry," I whispered, feeling my cheeks burn a little "of course you would know. I'm such an idiot."

"Hey, you are not an idiot," Fili cupped my cheek "you are a very smart lady."

"Fee-," I started to say but was stopped when he crashed his lips on mine.

"Let's get back to bed," murmured Fili against my lips "we'll worry about Morgoth or whoever tomorrow. Right now, I just want this."

"This?"

Fili smiled.

"You, me, in that bed," His smile broadened looking downwards "although my coat looks good on you."

I raised my eyebrows as I took in his appearance. While I was mostly covered up, Fili was not. He was completely naked which caused me to blush like mad. Which should be ridiculous after what we recently did.

"Aren't you cold?" I ask him, forcing myself to look back at his handsome face.

Fili chuckled and I wondered why that was.

"No, not really."

He wrapped his arms around me, brushing his lips over mine.

"You know something?"

"What?"

"I adore your blush," He murmurs "you have no idea what it does to me."

"I think I do." I whisper, feeling my cheeks burn a little more, thinking of what I just saw.

"Come," chuckled Fili, letting go of my waist "let's get back into bed."

Fili got up and pulled me up before crashing his lips on mine once more, as he slowly lead me back towards the bed. Fili was right, I would question if Morgoth was back later, right now, Fili was all I cared about.

o0o

~~The Doctor's POV~~

I knew Gandalf would try and hush away the problem that was facing us. By explaining to our host Beorn that Morgoth was back, was the right thing to do. I had waited until he was himself once more, then told him everything thus far.

I could tell Beorn was a wise person and could see that he had believed me, which I was thankful for. I had no idea at this present time what Morgoth was up too and that worried me a great deal.

It was definitely connected to that crack. I was sure of it. With Morgoth being set free, it would only be a matter of time before he joined forces with Sauron. Two evil presences in Middle-earth is not good news, in fact it was more dangerous now then what it used to be. My thoughts soon shifted to Alexandria as I slowly walked back to the hall.

I had agreed with what Thorin had said, Alexandria had every right to know what was transpiring around here. This concerned her as much as everyone else here. Yet Gandalf was insistent in shielding her.

Alexandria is not a child, she has proved her intelligence many times but still the wizard was treating her like she should be treated like a small child. This angered me. It was time to have a quiet word with Gandalf. He had to realise that she could take care of herself.

Entering the hall, I glanced around in search for Gandalf but unfortunately, he was not here. Aragorn, Balin and Dwalin were the only ones present. I walked up to them intent on finding the wizard.

"Have any of you seen Gandalf?" I asked them, looking at each of them in turn.

"He was here a short while ago," replied Balin "he then went outside. He looked angry."

"Why is that?" I ask him.

"He was speaking to that skin changer," said Dwalin, munching on a apple "our host was also looking a little hot tempered."

"Oops." I remark, sitting down on the chair.

"What do you mean, oops?" asked Aragorn, watching me suspiciously.

"I may have something to do with that."

Aragorn raised his eyebrows.

"What did you do?"

"Oh nothing," I shrugged my shoulders "I just informed Beorn that Morgoth is the one that is outside his home. I also told him to keep his animal friends well away from the evil within. You can't be to careful."

I shudder to think what would happen if Morgoth did manage to get to Beorn's animals.

"Well," I stand up again "I better continue my search for Gandalf."

"Good luck," said Dwalin and I glanced at him "a wizard that is in a bad mood, is not where I would like to be."

"Yes well, I'm not bothered about his mood swings," I reply, walking away from the table "his secrets regarding Alexandria needs to chance and I intend to stop that."

Yes, it was time to say what was really on my mind. Gandalf may like keeping secrets but I did not. If he refused to see reason, I knew it would be up to me to tell Alexandria who her father really was. If she wanted to know about Morgoth as well, I would tell her. After all, she had every right to know what was going on with this world.

A sudden thought struck me then. Morgoth was targeting her, which means she needs to be with the company at all times. I had to look into this more but it did make sense. The assailant in London was following Alexandria and if I hadn't of intervened, god knows what would have happened. I quickened my pace, I needed to speak to Gandalf urgently.

o0o

~~Lexi's POV~~

I awoke to feel a warm arm across my waist, I moved a little, feeling his warmth against my back. I sighed in content when I felt Fili assaulting my neck with gentle kisses.

"Hmmm, that's nice." I murmur to him.

"I aim to please." chuckled Fili now trailing his lips on my shoulder blade.

For a few moments, we stayed like this, until I turned in his arms and graced him with a kiss to which he reciprocated. I threaded my fingers through his hair as I felt a warm feeling cause through my veins.

In all my years, I had never felt love like this before. I was used to being a punch bag or have verbal insults shouted at me, mainly both though and I was thankful when Martha had taken me away from my house of hell.

I felt love in Maddie's and Martha's home but being in Fili's arms, felt completely different. For the first time in forever, I felt whole. I had no idea where this had come from, but I welcomed it.

Breaking the kiss, I continued playing with his hair, hearing a low hum from him. Opening my eyes, I watch Fili who still had his eyes closed but was in the process of kissing my jawline. His own hands roam around my body and I felt completely at ease with this now.

"I love you." I whispered.

Fili opened his eyes with a massive grin on his face.

"And I love you Amrâlimê."

"We do have to get up," I point out "everyone will be expecting us."

Fili made a face and held onto me a little tighter. I chuckle at this.

"I'd much rather stay here," He whispered "it's comfortable here."

"Well, you are leaning on my chest!" I grinned at him "we should get up and get dre-,"

Fili cut me off by kissing me and I knew it was going to be a while before we did see the rest of the company.

o0o

After more or less dragging Fili out of bed, we were now walking down a narrow hallway. I had no idea where we were going so I just followed Fili's lead and hoped he knew where we were heading.

While walking, my mind went back on what I had heard earlier. Morgoth, I could not understand how he could have escaped the void. It made no sense, but judging what has happened so far, I have to come to the conclusion that nothing is a coincidence anymore. Things had changed a lot and I was getting a little nervous to what the outcome will be.

The sound of voices brought me back to the present and after turning a corner, I saw several members of the company sitting around a large wooden table. Fili gently pulled me to him as we both walked up to our friends who all stopped speaking, I might add when they saw Fili and I arrive.

"Alexandria, how are you?" asked Nori, looking rather worried about me.

"I'm fine," I smiled at him, finding a chair to sit down "but thank you for asking."

As I sat down, I glanced around the table. Aragorn was sitting opposite me, as was Dwalin, Balin was a little further up talking to Bilbo in hushed whispers. Bofur and Kili were laughing about something while Ori was busy drawing in his sketch back. I had no idea where the others were though.

Sudden footsteps came from nowhere and I instinctively turned, seeing Thorin heading towards the table. His blue eyes were on me with a somber expression on his face. I knew something was wrong but realised it would be up to him to say anything to me.

"How are you feeling Alexandria?" He asked, as he pulled the chair out and sat down.

"As well as to be expected." I replied.

I saw his face soften and it struck me, he had been worried about me, so I added,

"Fili looked after me."

I felt Fili squeeze my hand with his, though my eyes stayed on Thorin's. He still looked troubled.

"That's how it should be." Thorin replied.

Before I could say anything, Bombur came up to me and placed a plate full of food in front of me and Fili.

"Here you go Fili, Alexandria," He smiled down at me "it's not what I would do, but its food nonetheless."

"Thank you Bombur. Much appreciated." I say to him, gracing him with a warm smile.

While Bombur walked away, whistling I might add, I glanced at my plate. There were an assortment of fruits chopped up. There were strawberries, apples and sliced mellon and a little pot of honey. I wasn't fond of honey but the fruit was a welcome pleasure so I tucked in.

While I concentrated on my breakfast/lunch, I could feel the tension in the air. It was rather off putting. Thorin looked angry which made me uncomfortable. While using my fork on a strawberry I finally asked,

"What's the matter?"

I glanced at Thorin when I said that. He looked back at me with a surprised look on his face.

"What do you mean?"

"You look troubled," I admitted to him "which is why I asked my question."

I placed the strawberry in my mouth and chewed on it, waiting for Thorin's response.

"I'm fine, Alexandria."

Thorin smiled at me then, though it never quite reached his eyes. Sighing, I placed my fork down while my eyes stayed on Thorin.

"If you say so," I reply "though I know something's wrong."

I have seen anger many times in my life (thanks to my mother) and seeing Thorin with a hardened look on his face, meant only one thing, trouble was nearby. Thorin didn't have time to say anything as my direction went towards the double doors.

They swung open and a massive hulk of a man entered. I swallowed hard, knowing this was our host Beorn. Though he was now human, all I could see in my mind, was a bear on top of me, pinning me down.

I looked away, not wanting to draw any attention to him, though I could feel his eyes on me now and I willed myself not to look back at him. I really had no idea what he was doing in his bear form last night, but whatever it was, it freaked me out.

"Lexi," I heard Fili say "are you alright."

I nodded, now glancing at the fruit salad on my plate.

"Everything's Peachy." I replied, though I knew that was a lie.

"No," I heard Kili shout out "that looks like a strawberry."

I looked up and graced Kili with a smile.

"Can't you tell the difference?"

"It's a figure of speech from where I come from."

"That does not make sense!" pointed out Kili, getting up from his own chair and then walking towards Dwalin, watching me "A peach is a fruit."

"It's just an expression," I say to him, watching Kili sit next to Dwalin "which means, everything is fine."

"Why not say that then?" He asked.

I then explained to him and to everyone that was listening that it was a form of a slang word, to get the message across on how you were feeling. It was while I was saying this that I felt eyes on me once more and I looked up and caught Beorn watching me. It was when he walked towards the table, that I flinched a little, remembering what he had done.

"He won't harm you, Lexi," I heard Fili say "he wouldn't dare."

Beorn was now pulling out a chair, before he sat down grabbing hold of a pitcher. I just watched him as he poured the contents of water in a goblet, not knowing what else to do. Truth was, he kind of scared me a little.

"I wish to apologise for my actions last night," began Beorn, looking at each of us in turn, before his eyes went back on me "there was a danger out there and I didn't want that to hurt you or my friends."

"Was?" enquired Bilbo "Do you mean to say that black smoke has gone?"

"Black smoke?" Beorn asked, now looking at Bilbo with one raised eyebrow "I was told it was Morgoth?"

I could literally feel the tension in the room. I was surprised however, when I caught Thorin's wide eyes. He was glaring at Beorn, which meant I had heard the name Morgoth last night.

"How did he escape?" I finally asked, not liking this strange atmosphere.

Thorin was the one that broke the silence.

"Apparently there was a crack in the void."

I raised my eyebrows, taking on board to what he had just said. I was not expecting this reply.

"A crack?" Thorin nodded "What crack?"

"A crack that we are all to stay away from," remarked Dwalin, grabbing several bread rolls "The Doctor explained that we would cease to exist and that no one would remember you."

I tried to comprehend on what Dwalin had meant. How could a crack make you cease to exist and forget? I've seen many cracks in my life and yet, I was still around and could even remember many things, the good and the bad. Seeing as Dwalin had explained The Doctor saying all this, I realised he was the best person to ask about this as well.

"Where is The Doctor?" I asked around.

"He went in search for Gandalf," replied Aragorn watching me intently "you don't seem surprised by this development Alexandria, why is that?"

I watch Aragorn closely, though he was a very guarded man, I knew lying to him would not be wise. So I decided to tell him the truth.

"About what exactly?" I asked him, seeing him frown now "If it's about Morgoth, then I have to confess, I heard people talking from outside the bedroom Fili and I were in. I knew it was The Doctor speaking, he has a way with words."

I found myself glancing back at Beorn who was watching me back with a look of curiosity.

"I could hear The Doctor speaking about Morgoth and that the animals should stay well away from the entrance of our host's home or they could get influenced or something like that."

"Gandalf will not be happy that you know this Alexandria," smirked Bofur, causing me to look at him "he told us to stay silent about this matter."

"Did he indeed?" I replied, narrowing my eyes a little "Did he think I was about to break or something?"

"I don't know lass. He just thought you should be kept in the dark about this."

"This is getting ridiculous!" I spat, dropping my fork back on the plate, standing up "It's time I had a few words to say to him."

"Only a few words?" grinned Bofur and despite myself I smile back, though I was annoyed now.

I was getting fed up with Gandalf if I was honest with myself. First he refuses to discuss who my real father is, saying it is not safe to talk out in the open. Now this! This strange behaviour regarding this wizard had to stop, in fact, I was sick and tired of all this hush hush approach. Something had to give.

"Alexandria!"

My eyes went on Thorin who also stood up as did Fili.

"Don't try and stop me Thorin. I've had enough of this. I'm a grown woman, not a child. Who the hell does he think he is?"

I sounded angry and I instantly felt guilty for taking this out on Thorin and the company.

"He's a wizard!" points out Kili, trying not to laugh.

I rolled my eyes, not finding that to be at all funny.

"Kili, that's not helping matters," scorned Thorin, before he turned to me "I'm not going to stop you Alexandria, I'm going to accompany you."

My eyes went wide. Why would Thorin come with me? It made no sense.

"Morgoth is out there somewhere," carried on Thorin "I'd rather you be with someone at all times."

"She has me, uncle," Fili spoke up "I will protect her with my life."

"As will I," said Kili standing up "one day, Alexandria will be part of this family. I always protect those that are family and friends."

In fact most of the company were now agreeing with Kili and Thorin. I was a little shocked with these turn of events. I've have travelled with them for a while now, but I never expected them to defend my corner. I was genuinely touched by their kindness.

"Thank you," I say to each of them, feeling my cheeks go red "but I still want to have my say with Gandalf."

"I will take you," said Beorn "I believe I saw him enter my stable."

"She is not going alone!" said Thorin "I shall go with you."

"And so shall I!" demanded Fili.

'Oh for god's sake!' I thought, shaking my head a little.

"It is not safe around here Alexandria," points out Thorin "we are only thinking about you."

"I shall go with Alexandria," said Aragorn standing up, looking at Thorin "you are clearly still angry Thorin. I will stay by her side while she speaks to Gandalf."

I could tell Thorin didn't like this at all, though he did sit down. I would rather have spoken to Gandalf on my own, but I knew this was not going to be the case. I had to face facts, danger was around us and I wasn't certain on what to do about it.

If Morgoth was indeed around, then this changed the story I knew, to a whole new story. This was bad news for me, as I had no idea on how to defend myself against him. What I don't understand is, why was Morgoth chasing after us? It made no sense...unless...

I glanced at Bilbo who was quietly taking a sip of water. Could Morgoth be after Bilbo? It would make perfect sense. After all, Bilbo did have the one ring that we wasn't supposed to know about.

I know Bilbo has the ring, he keeps fiddling about with his pocket. Though the ring was weak at the moment, thank god, it could explain why Morgoth was around. He could smell power from this ring.

"I am coming too," I heard Fili say, breaking me out of my thoughts "and don't even try and stop me Aragorn!"

"I wasn't going to," grinned Aragorn "but I suggest the rest of you stay here."

"Let's get this over with." came Beorn's voice.

He stood up holding a goblet which he took to his mouth and drank the water in one gulp. He then placed the goblet down and walked across the hallway towards the double doors.

"Are you coming?" Beorn asked, turning around and facing us.

"Y-Yes of course." I reply, pushing my chair away from me, before making my way towards him.

I fell in step with Aragorn and Fili and I sighed, knowing Gandalf would once again be very evasive, but I vowed to myself, that I would speak my mind. He had no right in not informing me about Morgoth.

Beorn was waiting by the pillar watching us approach him. Again he was watching me with a strange expression on his face.

"I am deeply sorry for my actions my lady. I hope I didn't hurt you."

I could see that he was deeply remorseful for what had happened so I graced him with a smile.

"Apology accepted." I replied.

Though I was still a little wary of him, I now knew that he was not to blame for what had happened before. Beorn pulled himself away from the pillar and turned around once more, heading towards the doors that were in front of us.

We walked outside and I found myself looking at the entrance where we had entered last night. There was no sign of Morgoth, but I knew we had not seen the last of him. Beorn stopped outside another building, which I suspected was the stable when I saw something out of the ordinary.

I walked past Beorn taking no notice of him as I walked up to the wooden stable. I was sure of it now. Someone had engraved an anagram on the right side of the stable. Ignoring the approaching footsteps I tried deciphering it, but for once in my life, I was finding this impossible.

"Dartho velt." I whispered, tracing my fingers on the wording,

The lettering was different to the other anagrams. It was very detailed for one thing, like whoever carved this, had spent a while on this. This really looked like calligraphy but with strange symbols where the letter 'a' was, I realised that it wasn't calligraphy at all. Without really thinking about it, I placed my left hand in my back pocket and took out the sonic screwdriver, I had to know what this said.

"What's that?" asked Fili, looking at the strange anagram.

"I thought it was another anagram," I admitted, pointing the sonic screwdriver to the engraved wording "now I'm not to sure."

"Interesting." I heard Aragorn say, causing me to lower my hand and look back at him.

He had a look of wonder on his face as he walked up to the stable, looking at the strange words.

"Is it?" I retort "I can't decipher it."

By the way Aragorn was looking at the wording however, I had a funny feeling he knew more than he was letting on. Placing the sonic screwdriver on the words, I hoped this would work. I remembered what The Doctor had said, that this weapon is weak against wood. I prayed that this would work though.

Taking a deep breath, I did what I had done back at the cave and waited for results, praying in my head that the sonic screwdriver would do its job and not cause problems. When I was certain the sonic screwdriver was done, I looked down at it and sighed.

"What does it say?" asked Fili, glancing down at the gadget in my hand.

I was thankful the screwdriver seemed to have worked, though I was even more baffled to what it was revealing to me.

"No wonder I can not decipher it," I said softly, looking at the small message on the screwdriver "it's not an anagram."

"It isn't?"

I looked up shaking my head at Fili.

"No, it's not. According to this," I waved the sonic screwdriver a little with my hand "it's in elvish!"

"Elvish?" enquired Fili, looking down at the words carved into the wood.

"Strange," remarked Beorn, "I haven't seen any elves in a while. I tend to stay out of their way."

I turned around and looked at Beorn, gracing him with a smile, before it slowly fades as I try to explain what the sonic screwdriver revealed to me.

"Well, this screwdriver informs me that this was written last night! This elf was here while Morgoth was outside."

I turned around again and looked back at the elvish wording with worry etched on my face. This elf in particular must like being near danger or is clearly stupid and did not realise what was happening.

That made no sense to me, I knew elves had excellent hearing and could see for miles and deep down, I knew that elves could take care of themselves when faced with danger. No, this was now confusing me and I found myself hating that fact.

"Do you now know what this elvish wording says?" asked Fili.

I nodded.

"I think so," I glance down at the sonic screwdriver "Dartho velt means Stay strong," I then look at Aragorn knowing for a fact he knew what had been written here "am I wrong?"

Aragorn shook his head, smiling at me.

"No my lady, you are correct. Dartho velt does indeed say Stay strong."

"And you couldn't have just told me?" I asked, getting a little annoyed by this.

"You are a bright lady Alexandria," Aragorn began, glancing at the words again "I knew you would solve it one way or another."

I frowned, not really liking that answer, but I said nothing. What I wanted to know was if this was connected to the anagrams from before. Although thinking that, the last two messages were in english and not in elvish. Something was going on and I wanted to know what was going on. Beorn walked away from the side of the stable with a frown on his face.

"I don't like intruders in my home," I heard him mumble "unless they have a good story to say."

I just watch him as he walks towards the front of the stable. Since being in his company, I felt different to what I had a little while ago. I felt safe around him now. I had a feeling that when we depart, we would meet again. Placing the sonic screwdriver back in my back pocket, I followed Beorn, knowing that this elvish wording would have to wait.

"Lexi."

I turned my head and saw the concerned face of Fili.

"Are you-,"

"I'm fine," I interrupted, placing my hand on his "I'm hoping The Doctor can shed some light on this elvish wording, but until then, I will have to wait."

I returned my attention to the opening doors that Beorn was pushing. I sighed, knowing that this could end up in a nasty argument between Gandalf and myself and I didn't want that at all.

Slowly I followed Aragorn and Beorn, feeling Fili's thumb stroke the back of my hand as we walked inside the stable. I could see many horses eating grain and minding their own business.

As we continued walking in further, I could see Gandalf. His back was to me but I could tell at once that he was not alone. He was speaking quietly to The Doctor when Beorn made a noise, causing both Gandalf and The Doctor to look our way. While The Doctor didn't seem surprised to see us, Gandalf however had a startled look on his face.

"Doctor." I found myself saying before explaining what we had all seen a few moments ago.

"Ah, good. I will see it now." He grinned, walking away from us.

Though I was tempted to follow The Doctor, I knew speaking to Gandalf was the reason why I came here in the first place. My eyes went on Gandalf. Who refused to even look at me. I narrowed my eyes at him. It was time to talk. I was sick and tired of this little game he was currently playing. This had to end now.

"Gandalf, I think it is time we have a chat, don't you think?"

Gandalf never said a word and this irritated me. Something had to give and Gandalf's stubbornness was driving me mad. One way or the other, I would have my say on what was really on my mind. I was past caring if I would hurt Gandalf's pride, this was getting ridiculous now and I aimed to stop it.