"The walls of Moria," Gimili wondrously said.

Everyone gazed in awe; the walls were huge. They looked as if they would reach into the sky and never stop. As they gazed at these majestic walls they continued walking. Abruptly Gandalf stopped. Pippin stopped just in time, other wise he would have ran straight into the wizard.

"Aw, yes. If my memory is correct this is roughly where the doors are located."

"But Gandalf," Boromir said, "There are no doors to be seen."

"They are made of Ithildin, it mirrors only starlight and moonlight. Now lets see, I think we are in luck. Here comes the moon now."

Just as he had finished speaking the area in front of him started to glow. The Fellowship could make out two doors; they were gigantic. If both Boromir and Aragorn were to balance on each other's shoulders they would still be able to walk through without bending. It was utterly amazing.

"It reads: The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak Friend and Enter," Gandalf read as he pointed to the words with his staff. They too were made of Ithildin and they curved over the top of the doors.

"Now what do you suppose that means?" asked Merry.

"Oh, it's quite simple. If you are a friend you simply say the pass word and the doors open," Gandalf answered. He then placed his staff against the door and let out a string of elvish words. But to no avail, the doors remained closed.

"The mines are no place for a pony, even one so brave as Bill."

Aallieah turned toward the voice and what she saw almost broke her heart. Aragorn was slowly removing the packs from the pony's back; Sam, whom had grown very attached to the beast, was trying to say good-bye with out crying. He was failing miserably. The faerie walked over to Sam and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

"I thought it might come to this. I told my people, before I left, to be on the lookout for Bill; just in case. Don't let your heart be troubled, he will find his way." And as a way of reassurance she put her face next to Bill's ear and whispered: "Thakdhj jajshr dkaoeiofh aejfba, skehrbs."

She then straightened up and looked at a very bewildered Sam, "There now he knows where he can always find sanctuary."

Sam then turned toward Bill, "Now you mind your manners and take the nice Lady up on her offer. Good-bye Bill, Ill be seeing you." He then turned away and walked over to Frodo to share his discovery with him and the hobbits. All Aallieah heard of their conversation was, "And then she talked to him… I think he is going to be just fine… do you think she can really talk to animals?"

Hearing this she just chuckled a bit, "No doubt that should cause quite a stir." She then turned to help Aragorn carry the packs over to the rest of the Fellowship.

"Did you really tell Bill to go to your forest?" He questioned.

"Of course not!" she laughed. "I merely put the poor hobbit's mind at rest."

Aragorn bowed to her, "I thank you Lady; I was beginning to wonder how I was going to get the pony away without causing a great scene. But maybe we should warn the rest about the stories that are to come, just to be sure?"

"I agree, I don't think tales of my talking to animals would put their minds to ease. Come, we must get these packs moved before we continue on."

She then turned and walked away. Aragorn smiled to himself; she was proving to be quite the addition to the Fellowship. Just then he noticed Merry and Pippin had detached themselves from Sam and Frodo, and were occupying themselves by throwing rocks into the water of the lake. Rushing over, he caught Pippin in mid-throw, "Do not disturb the water," he warned.

Suddenly Frodo piped up; "It's a riddle. Gandalf, what's the Elvish word for friend?"

Gandalf, surprised, looked at him, "Mellon."

As soon as he had finished speaking the doors started to open.

"Good job, Mister Frodo," Merry congratulated.

Slowly the Fellowship filed into the opening doors; first Gandalf, then Aragorn, Boromir, Gimili, Legolas, Aallieah, then the hobbits. As they were walking, Gimili was busy telling Legolas all about the hospitality of the Dwarves.

"Soon, Master Elf, you shall enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves. Roaring fires, malt beer, red meat off the bone! This, my friend, is the home of my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine! A MINE!"

"This is no mine," Boromir exclaimed, "This is a tomb!"

For the first time the Fellowship realized what was scattered all over the floor; the bones of long dead dwarves.

Legolas stooped and picked up an arrow. "Goblins!" He spat.

"Damn them and their foul relatives!" Aallieah cursed.

"We should have never came here! Now get out! Get out!" Boromir shouted.

Suddenly Sam shouted, "Strider! Help!"

The warriors turned around and saw the hobbits were vainly trying to fight off a tentacle that had attached itself to Frodo's ankle. Sam finally managed to cut it off of him; but more flew out of the water yanking Frodo into the air screaming.

Aragorn, Boromir, and Gimili splashed into the water slicing through any thing that got into the way; Legolas was shooting arrows as fast as he could from the bank.

Seeing that this would never be enough to save Frodo, Aallieah launched herself into the air. Weaving through the flailing tentacles, she finally managed to reach Frodo; when she got there a gigantic head heaved itself out of the water. It was going to eat Frodo alive! Determined not to let that happen, the faerie grabbed her daggers and cut him loose; she then grabbed Frodo around the waist and started to make her way back to shore.

When the monster finally noticed his prey was getting away, he let out an ear-splitting bellow. One of his tentacles lashed out and grabbed Aallieah's ankle and started to pull her back. It's either Frodo or myself, and it sure as hell isn't going to be him! She thought.

"Aragorn!" she shouted. When he looked up, she used all of her strength and hurled Frodo in his direction; he caught him. Seeing that Frodo was now safe she turned back to her own problem. Just as she was about to give up, an arrow flew by and buried itself in the tentacle that was holding her captive.

"Into the mines!" she called. Now that she was unhindered she flew with twice the speed as before. She slipped into the mines just as the monster sealed the entrance. One of the rocks slammed into her shoulder, knocking her off balance. Dropping into a fast dive, she slid along the mine's floor until she finally came to a stop.

"Are you alright?" said a voice from above her.

When she looked, she saw she had come to a stop against Boromir's leg.

"Yes, I am fine."

Bending down, he grabbed her under her arm and lifted her to her feet. "Thank you, I am fine I assure you." She said.

As she walked back over to the rest of the Fellowship she noticed Gimili was kneeling over a little ways a way from everybody else. When she got closer to him she heard him sobbing. Not wanting to embarrass him any, Aallieah purposely kicked a bone out of her way. Gimili suddenly stopped crying and turned to look at her, wiping at his face while he did.

"You know there is no shame in the mourning of loved ones that have passed on," she said.

At this he just looked at her sullenly then grunted his agreement. She took another step and put her hand on his shoulder, "I too have lost many people I care about. Everyone has at one time or another."

She stood there a few more minutes then slowly withdrew her hand and turned to go. Just as she was about to walk away, Gimili whispered; "Thank you Aallieah, my friend."

"That is what a true friend is for, I am here anytime you need me."

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

When the two finally returned to the Fellowship, everyone had now composed himself.

Gandalf then stood and spoke, " We must now face the long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. It is four days to the other side, let us pray our presence may go unnoticed."

A/N: Tell me what you think. All of the different languages in this story are nothing more but letters; I have absolutely no idea what they mean.