Disclaimer: I own nothing of Tolkien's works, however all original characters and story concepts solely belong to me.
Author's Note: Thanks again for the great reviews, as always they are much appreciated.
One of the things I am trying to do in this section of the story is not only explore a part of Elrond's Maiar heritage that is sadly neglected by many Fanfiction writers, but also try and show the differences between the Maiar and Valar and the Grigori.
The Grigori themselves are divided into two groups; the order of Seraphim and the order of Kerubim. Seraphim are the Archangels, the equivalent of the Valar, and the Kerubim are the second order of angel and the equivalent of the Maiar. The Grigori maintain their heavenly ranks even though they are earthbound. Seth is Kerubim. The head of his order Joaquim, Sariel and the remaining High Council members are all Seraphim. So far so good. The Ainur in Valinor and the Grigori on earth and in the Timeless Halls are all just the same sort of being, only the labels are different. However, there is actually a whole world of difference between the fairly laissez faire Valar and the relatively benevolent Maiar who serve them and the Grigori and rest of the Ainur. The Valar and Maiar are the 'light' version of the Ainur so to speak, except perhaps for Namo, who is closer to the Grigori in nature simply because of who he is.
The Seraphim are fierce beings. They do not hold power over any realm themselves but can wield it in the name of Eru if they are commanded to. They are primarily Messengers of God, warriors of Light and command the Armies of the Host under the Archangel Michael. The Kerubim or Cherubim, are also fierce warriors, but their main remit is to act as guardians of the throne of Eru and they also issue punishment to transgressors. To summon them in their true spiritual form is to risk unleashing the direct power of God and only certain beings have the ability to summon them in that form and for that purpose. Both Seraphim and Kerubim are much to be feared.
By going down to take charge of Arda, the Valar and Maiar were automatically granted a certain amount of autonomy from Eru and the Timeless Halls. They were more or less left alone to administer Arda and Eru only interfered when the they requested it; i.e. When Ar-Pharazôn was convinced by Sauron to break the ban of the Valar and attack Valinor in in S.A. 3310. The Valar then laid down their guardianship of the world and called upon Eru Ilúvatar, who sank the invasion fleet and all of Númenor beneath the ocean and changed the shape of the world so that Valinor was no longer connected to Middle-earth.
Elrond had never seen the light of the Two Trees. He was born in Middle-earth and only part of his heritage was Maiar. These are the facts as laid out by the good Professor.
For the purposes of this story I have indulged in some poetic licence. Because he wasn't living under the grace of the Valar during his sojourn in Middle-earth, his Maiar side lay dormant for the most part and the Elven side of him was allowed to take charge simply because it was the most predominant.
Once he left Middle-earth and went to live in Valinor under the grace of the Valar, his Maiar part began to niggle at him. He has been undergoing some fairly minor changes but wasn't sure why until he came back to modern Middle-earth. For the most part he has been keeping quiet about these changes, not even mentioning them to Celebrian or his sons so as not to worry her. Now, in the company of a very charismatic group of Ainur, he finally feels that he might get the answers to his questions about the changes in him from them, since the Valar had not seemed to take any undue notice of him. Thranduil does seem like a mother hen over him, but he is just concerned that in seeking out more knowledge of his Maiar heritage, he may lose himself and in doing so distance himself from his family and friends.
"For God commands the angels to guard you in all your ways.
With their hands they shall support you,
lest you strike your foot against a stone."
Psalm 91:11-12
Dark Power Arising
Chapter 50 – A Change is as good as a rest
The Great Delving of Moria
At first, it looked very much like a wide tunnel in a cave. For the first half a mile of the road leading to Jazârgund and thence onto the Great Delving there was just high grey rock walls on either side until they met the roof. The road itself was remarkably rubble free and as they walked one of the Dwarves duly lit the torches in the sconces which were studded into the sheer rock. Nobody was speaking and the only sounds that could be heard in the deathly silence were the party's footfalls, the occasional creak of leather and an occasional plop which indicated the presence of water somewhere.
Thranduil and Ezekiel were at the head of the party, having taken point, followed by Orgrim, Seth and Radagast and the rest of the party with Glorfindel, Elrond and two of the Grigori bringing up the rear. The other Grigori warriors flanked the whole party.
It was almost a small army that traversed the road to Jazârgund and Orgrim was glad of it. The road there was safe enough, at least until they reached the meeting of the ways at Jazârgund. From there they could swing immediately left and go on towards Durin's Way, to the right was the Chamber itself and straight on up the wide steps and then left through the archway led to the Lonely Span. Most of the palaces and treasuries were that way, some clinging high up to the rock face and others down many more wide steps and ramps. The main plazas of the Great Delving, Dolven-view, however were straight along from there and then up many flights of stairs. Orgrim felt a strange curdling sensation in his gut whenever he thought of going there. From there the road led down to the Silvertine Lodes.
We should be safe. He chastised himself firmly. We have many strong fierce warriors with us. It will not be like last time.
Yet his gut would keep churning despite the comforting presence of the others, even if they were armed to the teeth with those strange weapons they called 'guns'.
"What can you recall of this Great Delving." Glorfindel asked Celebrimbor quietly.
Celebrimbor thought for a moment. "It is a massive area." He admitted. "And more made up out of a number of areas than a single one. Much of the Great Delving is an unexpected juxtaposition of Dwarf-cut masterworks and raw, unshaped stone. The Great Delving encompasses three distinct areas. At its western end sits Durin's Threshold, an entryway, reception hall, and hostel for travellers from Eregion and beyond. This is the entrance I was more used to enter by as the Dimrill gate sits east at the other side of the mountain leading down to Mirrormere and thence to the woods of Laurelindorenan. At its eastern end stood the plazas and bridges of the Dolven-view, a wide and chasmic connector dominated by grand gateways of breathtaking craftsmanship. The ground in between consists of a finely wrought thoroughfare, called Lamâb-dûm and a network of loose caverns and tunnels, all of which connect Durin's Threshold with the Dolven-view."
"It sounds so majestic." Glorfindel murmured. "Such workmanship and splendour, all lost to those orc and goblin vermin. All these places, once meant to welcome and unify the folk of Middle-earth, became contested ground, caught in the Enemy's dark grip. And now the remains of great works are crumbling back into the earth."
Elrond was silent. He had been thoughtful ever since the arrival of the Grigori from Vevey. Part of him wanted desperately to talk to one of those formidable looking Kerubim, but the other part of him, the Elven part, was urging caution. He searched inside himself for the link with Celebrian as a source of comfort and found it very faint, just there enough for him to reassure himself that she was still alive. It has to be this place. He thought. It's damping down my bond with her.
What other reason could there be? They were so far underground that somehow he could not feel her properly. He was reluctant to speak to Radagast about it since it seemed a minor issue compared with their mammoth task in Moria. He sighed deeply to himself and kept walking. His feet felt like lead weights in these awful boots they were wearing. How on earth did anyone manage to get anywhere fast in this day and age encumbered with all of this equipment and heavy clothing? Although to be fair it probably didn't even weigh as much as his mail armour had weighed during the Last Alliance.
That last thought put him in a happier frame of mind. Ereinion was here, back in Middle-earth, now that was something to look forward to and Celebrian was with him and the Herald and also a whole host of folk that Elrond would trust with his life. He needed to concentrate on the matter at hand and when they got back to the dig he would have a good talk with Hal Kenwood. So far there hadn't been an opportunity for a proper discussion with him and after all his link with them was what he had come to Middle-earth to discover, not to explore his Maiar side, as tantalising as its siren call was to him.
Having suddenly decided to take a more positive attitude, Elrond found himself cheering up. He set his shoulders straight and indulged in a nonsensical conversation with Glorfindel as they walked. He didn't fail to notice the look of distinct relief in the Balrog Slayer's eyes when he did so.
Thranduil was bored, but in his usual inimitable manner he wasn't showing it at all. He appeared as alert and keen as the black-haired Ezekiel in the execution of his duties on point. As they marched through Moria his mind flew to his son, Legolas. While Legolas had come through Moria at the height of its dangers he had not wished to speak of his experience except to say that it was an oppressive place, even more so because it was so far under the ground. Thranduil had probably seen more of the place than Legolas in his flight through and so far he was impressed, even though building works of a gargantuan nature weren't exactly his cup of tea. The Dwarves had accomplished much and as a race they were beginning to nurture, if not an actual liking, but at least a grain of respect in the former Elvenking.
He huffed a sigh and pushed his heavy mane of hair to one side over his shoulder. Somewhere in Moria he had lost the elastic band he had tied his hair up with and it was annoying him. What he really wanted was to go to his apartment in Paris, have a nice long hot shower in his luxurious shower room with jets that sprayed hot water all over him and didn't trickle out in a pathetic dribble the way the showers back at the dig did. He swore he could pee faster than that shower. Thranduil could rough it with the best of them but he still loved luxury. He idly wondered to himself if Seth would give him a day off. He could travel to Paris in just a couple of hours, probably less. Hell, he could be back the same day. He sighed again.
"Here." With a gentle smile Ezekiel handed Thranduil a long thin strip of softened leather. "I can see that your hair is bothering you. Give me your weapon to hold while you braid your hair."
Thranduil flushed slightly. "Thanks." He muttered and handed his weapon to Ezekiel who then wielded both weapons with ease as though they weighted no more than a child's plastic toy gun. "I lost mine somewhere along the road from the Dimrill Gate to Orgrim's encampment."
Ezekiel smiled his beautiful smile again revealing a perfect set of gleaming white teeth. "It is of no matter." He shrugged. "I was trying to figure out a way of starting a conversation with you. You looked so grim, as do your Elven companions."
Thranduil's mouth dropped open and he finished braiding his hair which of course now clearly showed the leaf shaped ears and their delicate point. Here he was thinking that the Grigori looked formidable and they were clearly thinking the same about the Elves. He grinned apologetically at the Grigori and accepted his weapon back off him.
"I think we were thinking the same of you my Lord."
Ezekiel raised an eyebrow. "What is it with you Elves and your 'my Lord'? Celebrimbor addressed us the same way when we met earlier."
Thranduil was a bit taken aback by the question. "Er...well, I suppose it's because we've had it drummed into us that respect is owed to the Valar and the Maiar, and...well...you are a sort of Maia aren't you?"
"I am an earthbound Kerubim." Ezekiel said bluntly. "I was one of those who remained after the others were recalled to the Timeless Halls. We have had to survive here much as you did when the Eldar left. It changed us much from our brethren still in the Halls. But you have said that this is a gesture of respect towards the Maiar who are our close brethren in Valinor. Do they demand such respect then? I only ask because this is not what we know of Radagast who has been with us since the ice covered this planet."
Thranduil thought about the only interaction he had ever had with Maiar in the shape of Eönwë, Radagast, Mithrandir and Saruman. "No...well at least, not all. Lord Eönwë is the Herald of Lord Manwe and I suppose we give him the appellation of lord because of his status, not because he demands it. I think he gets frustrated when we do it but accepts it with a good grace. Radagast is a very dear friend of long-standing. I can't imagine calling him 'my lord' under any circumstances, nor Mithrandir when he was here. Saruman...he was something else entirely. Yes I do believe that he enjoyed people bowing and scraping to him. In fact he thought it was his due, but he got his comeuppance during the War of the Ring. I know little of the Maiar in the blessed Realm since I chose not to sail there, but I believe that I would refer to the Valar as lord and lady. It seems a fitting way to address them."
Ezekiel looked as though he were about to reply and then his head snaked around so fast that it practically gave Thranduil whiplash. Ezekiel had frozen and, to Thranduil's fascination, he saw the Kerubim warrior's features actually lengthen and alter. His face narrowed, his cheekbones seemed to shift higher and his eyes got that silvered, almond shape that Seth's had on a few occasions. Thranduil hissed slightly as he felt the terrible power of these creatures; a power bound beneath their calm, seemingly human exterior by the command of Eru and he could also feel their frustration at not able to fully to exercise it. They may pass as humans, but they were patently not human.
Thranduil abruptly put his hand up to halt the others and was not surprised when Seth came forward to join them.
"What is it Ezekiel?"
Ezekiel was looking up at the top part of the wall where, to Thranduil's surprise, there was no longer blank rock. Instead at the top of the sheer rock face was the outside of some kind of building. The arched windows were blank and black giving no indication of what might lie beyond them. At the base of the building was a hole in the wall with some kind of shallow channel. The trickle of water was louder here and the whole party could now see that it was flowing from the channel in what must have been some kind of drainpipe of sorts. It pooled briefly at the bottom before flowing down the side of the road in the form of a small stream.
The Naugrim version of drainage no doubt. Thranduil thought to himself.
"There is a creature beyond those walls." Ezekiel said softly. "Perhaps more than one."
Seth turned to Orgrim. "What lies beyond this section of wall?"
Orgrim spoke to one of the other Dwarves, a stately looking Naugrim with a long grey beard. Although he carried mostly rolled scrolls and maps in his pack, he did carry two lethal looking axes at his belt. The Dwarf, whose name was Hifur, squatted down on the rocky, dusty floor, opened his pack and unrolled one map. He looked up at the wall with its blank windows, then around the tunnel and frowned. He rolled that map up and unrolled another. Elrond and Glorfindel hunkered down beside him, as did Arras and Celebrimbor, moments later they were all poring over the map and speaking in hushed Khuzdul. Orgrim made no attempt to join in the discussion. Instead he stood quietly waiting for them to finish.
In the deep silence of Moria all anybody could hear was the rustling of the parchment, the trickling of water and the echoes, but as Thranduil strained to hear what it was that Ezekiel had noticed, he suddenly heard a very soft tapping, almost as though some kind of message was being tapped out in code behind the walls. He glanced swiftly at Ezekiel and Seth, who had been joined by the red-haired Grigori Rahamael. Ezekiel answered his look with a swift nod of his head.
"You can hear it?"
Thranduil nodded and his face was grim. "I hear it. It seems that we are definitely not alone."
ooOoo
The Residence of Brigadier Gary Matthews, Hampshire, England
"I can't feel him properly."
Eönwë looked up in concern as a very agitated Celebrian rushed in through his study door. He stood up and led the distressed lady to one of the deep armchairs. He poured her a cup of tea from the pot on the tray that Nerdanel had brought him earlier and leaned casually against the desk instead of sitting down because the other armchair contained Allie, curled up fast asleep with Bear and with her chubby thumb firmly in her mouth. Almost out of force of habit Celebrian leaned over and gently removed the child's thumb. Allie mumbled some childish nonsense to herself and immediately returned the thumb to her mouth.
"It's not good for her to suck her thumb Eönwë. Her adult teeth won't come through properly." Celebrian said distractedly.
"Indeed." Eönwë was mildly amused by her motherly action, but forbore to tell her that as a Maiar child, her teeth would probably be fine. "What is this about Elrond and your bond?"
He gently probed her as he leant down, whispered softly into Allie's ear and gently removed her thumb again. This time it remained out of her mouth.
Celebrian took a deep breath. "I am not sure. I felt him trying to connect with me and it seemed no more than a slight brush, not the strong connection we usually have. So I tried from my side and I can barely feel him. Something is wrong I know it. I must go to him."
Eönwë thought for a moment and then accessed his link with Kim. He needed to know if it was something Herumor was doing or whether it was specific to Elrond and Celebrian. He decided to ask Finrod to do the same just to be sure.
Beloved?
Almost immediately the answer came. Kim no longer feared her husband contacting her in this way, they had been bonded properly physically and mentally since their daughter was born.
What's up doc?
Celebrian saw Eönwë laugh to himself and knew by the distant look in his eyes that he was communing with someone in Valinor, most probably his wife. Which, of course, only made her more anxious. If Eönwë could contact Kim then it wasn't something Herumor was doing. Something had to have happened to Elrond over there in Moria.
It's nothing. Eönwë thought to his wife. I was just wondering how you were faring over there.
Checking up on me huh? Kim's thoughts were bright and bubbly. I'm fine, this place is awesome and Ilmare and the others are so cool. And I met up with Melannen, Rion and Noruthalion, the three guys from the War of Wrath...did you know Melannen was Lord Ingwe's son? There was a sudden abrupt stop to her rambling and her thoughts took on an anxious tone. Allie...it's Allie right? She's not ill is she?
Eönwë hastened to reassure her that all was well and very quiet in Middle-earth at the moment.
Well, make the most of it. Kim's voice had turned sober. Raguel, Lord Manwe and the others seem to think things will hot up a bit once Elrond and the others get deeper into Moria.
Yes. Lord Manwe has already intimated as much to me. The real reason I am communing with you apart from telling you how much I love and miss you, was to check that our link was still intact. It seems that Celebrian can barely feel Elrond.
There was a slight delay before she answered. Sorry darling. Lord Manwe and Raguel are here with me, I was just asking them what they thought.
Eönwë felt great pride in her. It was as if she had matured a couple of thousand years in a few days. Apparently the Valar bringing her to Valinor had been the right thing to do. And what do they think?
Apparently it's nothing to do with Herumor, Raguel says. He says it's something to do with Elrond's Maiar blood. It's being enhanced by the presence of other Ainur, people like Seth and his group. She hesitated again as though they were talking to her while she was connected with him. He says they are very different to the other Ainur that Elrond has come to know and their influence is a lot more...erm...I think he means that the Grigori are a lot more 'in your face' than the Valar and Maiar but that's not what he actually said. They say you should disincarnate and go into Moria to speak to Seth and Elrond. Preferably before they go further in.
Eönwë? Another voice broke into his communion. My sincere apologies for disturbing your communion with your delightful wife, but you need travel to Moria to ask Seth to set up a barrier between the Grigori and Elrond. Sooner rather than later in fact. This is not a good time for him to access his Maiar bloodline, it will weaken him. It is already weakening him considerably if his link with his wife is so faint. As Kim says you must go and speak with them before they get deeper into Moria. He can explore that side of him later when they are in a place of safety. Seth, Joaquim and the others will be delighted to help him then. Manwe suggests that you take their son; Elladan is it? Yes, take him with you since he is blood kin and will add his strength to his father's. Lord Manwe and the other Valar send their deepest love to you by the way.
Eönwë sent his respectful assent to Raguel. He was well aware of the power of this particular Ainur as he came directly from Eru.
I'll hand you back to Kim. Raguel sounded amused and then closed his link. The communion was then blissfully private between husband and wife.
Celebrian waited with barely concealed impatience until the silvered look left the Herald's eyes.
"Well?" She demanded.
"I have spoken with Kim and also Raguel, the Seraphim sent by Eru to Lord Manwe. Apparently your husband's Maiar side has been affected by the Grigori, who are a lot more direct in their dealings than the Valar and Maiar are. My instructions are to travel there..."
"I'm coming with you." Celebrian interrupted him imperiously before he could go further.
Eönwë laughed and put his arm around her shoulder. "I know you feel that way child and my heart is with you, but my instructions are to take Elladan with me and to help Seth set up a barrier between the Grigori and Elrond, just for the moment while they are going deeper into Moria."
"Why can't I come?" The distress was palpable in Celebrian's tremulous voice.
"Because your presence would distract Elrond and they all need to be on their toes. I know that Elladan's presence may also distract him, but he knows what a fine warrior Elladan is and you must admit that Elrond can be a bit..."
Celebrian interrupted him again. "Overprotective where I am concerned?" Her tone was dry and amused.
"I was going for concerned." Eönwë grinned at her. "But overprotective is probably a lot more accurate. Celebrian, I personally know that you would be more than able to pull your weight. I have seen you sparring with Elladan, Haldir and Maksim and I am most impressed with your abilities. The trouble is not you, but your husband. It would severely disrupt the effectiveness of the group if Elrond were to be constantly worrying about your safety before the welfare of everyone else. How do you feel about Elladan going in your place? As blood kin he can act as a conduit between you and Elrond for the time being until Seth and the other Grigori can talk to him properly."
"Where am I going Naneth? Lord Eönwë." Elladan had seen his mother in the study with Eönwë and came into the room. He inclined his head to the Herald, looked from one to the other and then faltered a little at their grave expressions. "Ada...Ada is all right isn't he?"
"Please sit down Elladan." Eönwë's tone was pleasant and reassuring. "Your Ada is fine, but your Naneth and I have something to discuss with you."
ooOoo
The Great Delving of Moria
"We have reached a point in this convoluted road where it backs onto what were originally the great gardens of Durin, where his statue stood and where the great fountains poured their waters down into the streams which watered them." Hifur finally announced. "According to the map, it seems that to go on to Dolven-view by way of Jazârgund would have meant that we should have traversed the gardens and turned south and by-passed the Chamber of the Crossroads altogether. We should have used the exit that takes us past the Chamber of Mazarbul instead of the south exit. But it appears that this way is a more direct route to the Great Delving and takes us straight to the Chamber of the Crossroads. If the noises we are hearing are coming from the gardens behind these walls, then we would have to backtrack back into the Twenty-first Hall to find out who is making them."
Seth frowned and thought for a moment. "It seems that Moria was built as a maze." He finally commented. "No matter. It was to the Great Delving and Dolven-view that we wished to go to and from there down into this Silvertine, so let us keep to our plans. I daresay whoever is behind these walls is not going anywhere, but it occurs to me that if whoever it is feels under threat by our exploration, they may head to your encampment Orgrim. Especially if they think that a large body has left to go exploring. They may assume that the camp is unguarded."
Orgrim looked horrified. "They are but lightly guarded my Lord. Females and younglings and but a few males along with the elderly, as you saw for yourself. I cannot stay. I must go back and see to the defences of the camp and leave the rest in your capable hands."
"Peace Orgrim." Seth laid a hand on the Dwarf's arm in reassurance. "You shall go back, but you will not go alone. Nadiel and three others from the Grigori will go back with you. They will cast a barrier around your encampment and no one will get through by force of arms or any other means." He nodded to the dark-haired Nadiel and three of the other Grigori who immediately separated themselves from the group.
Orgrim caught at Seth's hands and was effusive in his thanks and relief. "I cannot thank you all enough. It is more than I could or would have asked for. Much more. I will leave Hifur, Bofi and Arras with your group. They can guide you the rest of the way and uphold the honour of the Gilmalk." He was practically sobbing with relief.
Moments later Orgrim and the four Grigori warriors had left the group and were hastening back to the Twenty-first Hall.
"Now." Seth said grimly. "I think we will stay on this road and pass through this Chamber of the Crossroads. You have the maps Master Hifur. We are in your capable hands."
Hifur bowed so deeply that his beard trailed the dusty ground. "It shall be my honour my Lord."
"We should remember that we are now five men down and therefore must be extra vigilant." Seth said to the rest of the group. "Ezekiel and Thranduil would you take point again please?"
Elf and Grigori nodded and the group prepared to head out again.
They had not gone more than a few paces when Ezekiel noticed a shift in the fabric of space in front of him. He raised his hand and the group shuddered to a halt once again. This time there was no need for Seth to ask what Ezekiel had seen or heard. He had seen the shift as well. Only an Ainur could sense when another Ainur was about to clothe themselves in flesh. The Grigori and Radagast could sense two separate beings seconds before they materialised in the passageway in front of everyone.
"Elladan!" Elrond's glad cry rang out as the tall form of his son could be seen. Elladan staggered slightly as he recovered from the unusual mode of transport and was immediately supported by the strong arm of Eönwë himself who had also materialised.
"Whoa...head rush." Elladan stuttered as he clung onto Eönwë's arm for support until he regained his equilibrium. "That was awesome."
"He doesn't sound like an Elf." Remarked Rahamael. "He sounds more like a California surfer dude."
Carver burst out laughing at that comment and the other Grigori chuckled. Thranduil, Hal and Radagast all hooted with laughter, but the reference was entirely lost on the Dwarves, Celebrimbor, Elrond and Glorfindel .
"Television I deem." Elrond said grimly as he stepped forward to greet his son who was kitted out, courtesy of Eönwë, in army combats with similar webbing to that which the patrol wore and he carried his sword, his bow, a quiver of arrows and a P90. "That infernal television has much to answer for."
"I hear ya." Carver said, still chuckling. "It's like kids're talking a foreign language these days."
For the first time Eönwë and Seth met face to face and the resemblance between them was rather remarkable.
"You could be twins." Said Ezekiel.
"I'm much prettier." Seth quipped and Eönwë laughed softly.
"But I have the charm and the brains." He finished the sentence with a wink at Seth who grinned back at him.
Thranduil could see differences despite their very similar appearances. Eönwë was slightly taller than Seth, who was broader built. However they both had similar body shapes, broad shoulders, slim waist and hips. Eönwë's facial features were finer than Seth's and the deep dimples that creased Seth's face and gave him that very boyish look were missing in Eönwë whose mien was more grave. Other than that they were very alike. Their eyes were the same dark blue, their hair the same rich golden brown and their smile as beautiful.
"To what do we owe the abrupt honour?" Seth asked Eönwë with a smile. He turned to Elladan. "And you must be Elrond's son. Strangely enough I was going to request that Eönwë sent you over here to us. We need you more than Eönwë does." He held out his hand to Elladan who took it. "Welcome to Moria. I am Seth Falconer of the Grigori."
ooOoo
For the second time in there so far short journey, the group of assorted races stopped and this time they broke out the makings for a brew while Seth, Eönwë, Radagast and Ezekiel held a whispered pow-wow a few feet away. Elrond and Elladan were busy catching up on happenings over in England. Thranduil, Glorfindel, Dieter and one of the Grigori, called Baktamael were standing guard over everyone.
Every now and then either Seth or Radagast would glance over at Elrond and each time they did the Elf Lord was horribly aware that he was the subject of the whispered discussion but he tried not to dwell on it. He accepted a mug of hot sweet tea from Carver who laid a comforting hand on his shoulder before heading back to the others and his own brew. Elrond smiled and nodded his thanks, but his attention was clearly on Eönwë and the others.
"He seems like a pleasant man Ada." Elladan's comment broke his reverie.
Elrond looked into the bright eyes of his son and felt comforted by his presence. "Carver? Yes, he is a pleasant man, very reminiscent of Elros somehow, although I am not quite sure why. He has the same irreverent sense of humour my brother...your uncle...had, although in looks they could not be more different. He is from a city called Sydney in a country called Australia and makes many jokes about being descended from convicts. It's very strange, but he seems to instinctively know when to say something humorous."
Elladan sipped his own tea. "Do you think he is descended from the Dunedain like Hal? In fact have you spoken at all to Hal?"
Elrond flushed. "Not yet."
He felt an immediate rush of guilt about that. He had been so consumed by exploring that part of his bloodline which had fallen into memory until he came back to Middle-earth that he had neglected the very thing that had galvanised him into coming here in the first place.
Elladan knew his father well. Well enough to realise that Elrond was about to embark on what modern humans called 'a guilt trip'. He gave him a quizzical look and decided to fan the flames a little.
"He is definitely not unlike his ancestor Ada, the more Naneth and I talked with him the more we realised just how like Halbarad he is."
"I kept meaning to but..." Elrond's voice trailed off and he shifted uncomfortably under his son's keen grey eyes.
"You got buried under a whole heap of Grigori?" There was a hint of laughter in Elladan's voice, but his tone grew serious again. "Naneth is worried about you and so am I. She says that she could hardly feel your bond with her."
Elrond felt utterly ashamed and he dropped his head slightly, unable to meet the question in his son's eyes. "I know...I know."
"Ada. Lord Eönwë spoke to me of this. Apparently the Valar say that your bond has weakened because of the influence of the Grigori. Not that they are doing anything themselves, but their true nature is darker than the Valar or the Maiar and closer to the surface. Lord Eönwë says that you need special preparation to expose yourself to that nature, whatever that means. In the meantime Seth and his brethren will create a barrier which will make it more comfortable for you to be with them. Naneth wanted to come to you, but we both know that her presence would only distract you further. The Ainur who is with the Valar, his name is Raguel, suggested that I came in her stead, since we are blood kin and I can help strengthen you through my bond with both of you. Don't get lost in this, there will be time enough to ask questions when we are out of..."
"I can see their auras..." Elrond interrupted abruptly "I could never see the auras of the Valar or the Maiar, but now I can see Radagast's aura...it's a bright green and Eönwë's is a bright blue, similar to Seth's but a slightly different shade. The others..." He waved his hand at the other Grigori. "Theirs is also blue, but of varying shades. I thought perhaps something was wrong with my eyesight at first. Sometimes, I can hear random snatches of their thoughts and I can also sometimes see their true face. They can be terrible in their fury Elladan...and they have more than one face."
"I have no doubt that they can be as terrible as they can be kind and wise Ada. I think the Valar and Raguel are right; you are seeing things that you are not quite ready to see. Please...wait until you are free of this oppressive place and then talk to Seth and the others. Being in Moria isn't helping either." Elladan shivered and glanced around him. "Boromir was right when he described it as a tomb. It is a place of the dead and filled with ghosts. How those brave Naugrim have survived and remained sane is a wonder. Aule must have been watching over them."
"They are barely surviving my son." Elrond said wearily. "And those children need to see the sunshine. Seth says he has requested help from the High Council of the Grigori for them."
"Seth is an honourable man." Elladan said gently. "Lord Eönwë thinks highly of him and he also speaks highly of the leader of the Grigori, Joaquim de Salvo. If Seth says he has asked for help for the Naugrim, then that is what they will get. I understand that when Kim returns from Valinor, she and Eönwë will travel with Allie to their headquarters in Vevey to meet with them. No doubt the matter will be discussed then and some arrangements made to help them. Ereinion will remain behind to look after things in the household. He, Erestor, Haldir and the others send much love to you and Finrod says to be strong. Once Seth and Eönwë have created the barrier you will feel much better and then you can speak to Naneth through your bond."
Seth and Eönwë had finished their discussion by this time and as soon as they saw a natural break in the conversation between father and son they came over to them. Radagast joined them after a moment.
Glorfindel watched the discussion and the earnest conversation between father and son with a weather eye. He felt a little disappointed that Elrond had not confided his troubles in him as they had done with each other down through the years, but it all seemed part of Elrond unconsciously trying to distance himself from everyone. He felt Thranduil's keen emerald gaze on him, grinned at him and gave a small shrug.
"He will be all right Glorfindel." Thranduil said firmly.
Ezekiel's head turned towards the Balrog Slayer. "Glorfindel? The Balrog Slayer? You are he?"
Thranduil chuckled and slapped the Grigori on his back. "The very same my friend and I am sure you will want to hear every detail of that story! If only just to save the rest of us from hearing it yet again...and again..."
Ezekiel raised an eyebrow at Glorfindel who shot a dark glance at the Elvenking. "I will have my revenge for that Oropherian, just you wait and see if I don't."
Thranduil shrugged. "Meh...better Men and Elves than you have tried."
ooOoo
Eönwë decided to stay with the group in Moria until they reached the Chamber of the Crossroads. There he, the Grigori and Radagast would create the barrier for Elrond. The Chamber was a convenient camping spot in any case, according to Hifur, and easily defensible if necessary. It also held one inner chamber where they could have peace in which to carry out this task. If time allowed Eönwë would also accompany them as far as the Dolven-view and Seth was glad to have him there.
Elrond of course felt embarrassed and not a little chagrined that it was he who was creating an obstacle to their progress and said as much, only to be told in no uncertain terms by Eönwë of all people that he was being a martyr unnecessarily and would he please stop doing it because it was very annoying. All of which, of course, caused Elladan, Thranduil and Glorfindel to collapse with helpless laughter at Elrond's mortified expression at being chastised by the Herald. Only Seth's wink behind Eönwë's back and the twinkle in his blue eyes made the Peredhil feel any better.
"Seth, I saw that." Eönwë said sternly without even turning. "Stop encouraging Elrond's martyrdom streak."
The Dwarves watched the by-play with something approaching astonishment. What with beautiful unearthly men appearing apparently out of thin air, noises behind walls where there should not be and the bright laughter that lifted the shadows...whatever next? Mahal himself appearing in all his glory? Truly the lives of the Naugrim had been grim and dark since their return to this ancestral home, as the elders had called it, but they had made the best of it. Perhaps these beings and these capable looking specimens of the race of Men would be able to help get the machinery in the Waterworks to start grinding and then the mirrors could be re-aligned and then Moria...no Khazad-dûm...would be revealed in its splendour once more. Although many of the great works of the Dwarves had long since crumbled back into the stone from whence they came.
According to time above on the surface it was midday by the time they traversed the winding passageway in between the grey walls to its end. At one point they passed by a heavy wooden door set into the wall which had two long low stone steps leading up to it and what looked like a large stone seat set to one side.
"It's for a Doorward." Hifur said knowledgeably and he checked the map of the area that he was carrying in his hand. "This is one of the many libraries that litter the entire city, according to this map."
Eönwë and Seth examined the door closely but could find nothing that looked anything like a door handle or a lock.
"I imagine it's opened by a password of sorts." Radagast said mildly. "It was a common habit of Dwarves to protect their important assets by setting runes into the doors, although it is unusual that they did it with wood. It was usually metal or stone. One only has to find the right word to use and it will unlock the door."
Seth frowned. "This will have to wait for another day. We have already lost too much time and I would like to get to Dolven-view before the day is through...not that we can see night or day down here. However our body clocks will recognise what part of the day it is and we will need to rest later on after a meal. As it is we will need to stop at the Chamber of the Crossroads before we continue on to more potentially dangerous areas anyway."
"How far is it to this Chamber?" Eönwë spoke in flawless Khuzdul addressing his question to Hifur, who swallowed nervously at being asked anything at all by thistall, rather splendid, but businesslike looking modern soldier.
The Herald was dressed in his combats and high black leather boots. He carried webbing and weapons like Elladan, but where Elladan's combats were unadorned, Eönwë's held his insignia of rank of three pips and a crown which sat on a tab on the front of his jacket and the red tabs on his shirt collar clearly indicated that he was a Staff Officer in the British Army. He wasn't wearing his beret, that was folded up and shoved through his right epaulette, but that was also black with an embroidered cap badge on it indicating that he held the Queen's Commission.
"Err...um...it is not far my Lord." Hifur stuttered nervously. "The passage straightens out for about two hundred paces beyond this next bend and then there should be a wide circular area with three exits. One immediately sharp left travels back towards Durin's Way, one goes straight on towards Dolven-view and the turn off to the right goes directly into the Chamber."
Even as he spoke Ezekiel and Thranduil had been scouting the way ahead. They suddenly appeared from the relative gloom with their torches extinguished and only a faint glow emanating from their bodies illuminated them. Both of them looked grim.
"We have trouble." Ezekiel lost no time in giving them the bad news. "We saw a flickering up ahead and decided to go on to see what it was. There are a group of...creatures....ahead camped in that circular place that Hifur has described to you. Thranduil says that they are similar to what he calls orcs. Some are mounted on what look like a cross between a massive wolf and a bear."
"Wargs." Celebrimbor and Elladan both hissed at the same time.
Ezekiel nodded. "Indeed, that is what Thranduil called them. I will say that their sense of smell is highly developed and they know we are here. They could smell Thranduil, but not myself. I shielded him and we came back quickly."
"How in the world have they survived down here with no light? What did they do for food?" Elrond whispered.
Eönwë looked grim. "That is immaterial at the moment Master Elrond. The fact is that they have survived. What weaponry do they have?"
"From what I saw, they have spears, rudely crafted axes and heavy metal swords. Some have bows." Thranduil spoke up immediately. "If they fight true to form, their weapons will be coated with poison."
The three remaining Dwarves had gone pale. Arras could feel his heart beating high in his throat. The Elves, Men and Grigori readied their weaponry and awaited a command to advance. Elrond checked his modern First Aid kit and his pack of herbal medicines. These may be needed by the end of the day. Seth and Eönwë conferred with Ezekiel and Thranduil for a moment and then Seth turned to the group.
"Our fire-power is superior without a doubt, but we are going to try and take one or more prisoners to interrogate. We need to know how they got down here and how many there are. For all we know Herumor has been growing an army down here and equipping them ready for the battle on the surface. This group may just be a vanguard." He gave a grim smile and a fell light appeared on his face, an expression that was mirrored by Eönwë and the rest of the Grigori. He gestured for them all to gather around him.
"This how it's going to go down."
ooOoo
