A/N: This part has allusions to a sexual relationship between consenting adult male elves. Nothing explicit, but the idea is there. Just warning you.
Also, forgive the Elvish. I'm still finding my sources, so I'm not completely sure on the sentence structure, if it can even be called that. I'm trying, though.
*~*~*
It was nightfall when the Fellowship reached the entrance to Moria. Legolas stood away from the group as they unloaded Bill the pony, trying to find some semblance of calm before following Gandalf into the mines.
Of course, the Istari had to figure out how to enter. A small smile graced the elf's fair features despite himself. Legolas had an inkling of how to open the gates, but he wasn't about to speak up. The longer it took Gandalf, the longer he could be out in the open, under the stars, even in the wasteland surrounding the gates. It was a selfish delay, but knowing the old wizard, it would not take him long.
Without thinking about the action, the elf reached for the chain about his neck, hidden under the light tunic he wore. With a light tug, a ring popped free of the shirt's collar. The mithril ring hung on the chain for a beat before it was taken in hand, grasped tightly.
Something of Elladan still clung to the ring, some piece of his eternal flame served to set the ring slightly aglow in the darkness. It had been the ring, forged of the lightest yet strongest metal of Arda, that had seen him trapped in darkness the first time. Now, Legolas thought, it would be the object to see him through the dark.
Estel said he would not let it happen again. Legolas had to believe him. He could not allow his fear to impede him.
"Mellon," Gandalf's voice traveled to the elf's sensitive ears.
Closing his eyes for a brief instant, Legolas took a deep breath, tucked his ring into its place under his tunic and moved to join the Fellowship.
*~*~*
Pieces of the walls came down, blocking the door. Legolas schooled his features, not letting his terror show as the rocks crashed into each other and the floor, blocking off even the murky light of the stars that shone from outside. They had no choice now but to go forward.
Trying to still the sense of panic that was threatening to burble up from the depths of his being and overwhelm him, the blonde elf took slow, deep breaths. Despite the blood rushing in his ears, he heard Aragorn's approach and accepted the Man's light touch on his shoulders.
"Be calm," Aragorn said softly in Elvish. "You are shaking."
"Im na grogant," Legolas replied, barely above a whisper, admitting it for the first time. He was terrified.
The hands tightened on his shoulders. "You are not alone," Aragorn continued to speak soft Elvish to keep the others from noticing the Prince's distress. "I am with you here." Another squeeze of shoulder emphasized the Man's presence. "And Elladan his here." One hand moved to cover the elf's heart where the ring lay beneath layers of clothing. "Let his love for you be your light in this darkness, mellon nin. I am with you as well. You are not alone here, Legolas."
A bit down the path a faint glow began to emerge from Gandalf's staff. In the growing light, Aragorn stepped back from his friend. Legolas was no longer shaking, and was breathing a bit easier, the panic attack fended off.
"Stay close to Mithrandir," Aragorn muttered as he stepped away to join up with the group.
Legolas nodded. He had every intention of doing just that. If he could see, he would be all right. Quickly, he pulled the chain from around his neck and loosed the chain, sliding the ring onto his finger. The light would shine better unhindered, he thought. Hastily, he shoved the chain into a pocket as he followed Estel back to the group and began the decent into Moria.
Translation: Im na gronant: I am terrified.
Mellon nin: my friend.