Title: The Promise of Farewell
Authoress: ChibiTari
Rating: PG/ PG-13
Warnings: Action, OC, humor and hinted romance!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings trilogy, though I wish I did.
Azalynne Driftwood is mine, however, and if you so wish to borrow her then you must ask. Kai belongs to KuriQuinn, Nevorata to my friend Ginny and Lith is owned by Iz. Steph's character, Myranore, is in this as well.
Ruby belongs to Laura V Lopez who has graciously allowed me to use her character in this fic, THANK YOU!
Summary: Azalynne Driftwood decided to protect Frodo with her life but when things become hard, can she keep this promise?
I know it took me a while to get this chapter up and I'm really sorry but here it is!
Enjoy the fic!
Chapter six (6): Onward, Death in Unknown Graveyard
The Fellowship clambered down the slippery path and finally onto even ground along side the walls of Moria in which Gandalf pointed out earlier on. It took a great deal of effort, even for Gimli, to see the walls clearly as he tried to find the doorway into the mines.
The Wizard moved steadily along, using his hand to feel along the stony barrier, trying to find the entrance. He stopped suddenly as his hand traveled over something familiar.
"Well, let's see... Ithildin. It mirrors only starlight and moonlight,"
"I see nothing there, Wizard, not even a crack let alone door to fit eleven people!" Aza muttered, staring ahead at the hidden doorframe. The clouds which covered the full of the moon now drifted away, letting the light hit the opening softly. The door was soon revealed in a marvel of well-crafted patterns and words.
"It reads: 'The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak friend and enter." Gandalf read, telling the others the small riddle without truly letting out what it was.
"What do you suppose that means?" Merry questioned, a look of keen wonder on his face as he tried to understand what it was the door was asking.
"Oh, it's quite simple. If you are a friend you speak the password and the doors will open." The aging man said, lifting his staff to an almost star- like feature in the centre of the markings. "Annon Edhellen edro hi amen [41]!" He tried but the door did not move in the least.
"I'm tellin' ya, we Ralgonnian Elves should have been the ones to craft this door, it would have been far easier..." Azalynne said hotly, taking a seat on a stone by the water. She dipped her hands in the liquid, cupping some in her hands as she poured it over her head, letting it drip down her face, arms and neck. "That's good..."
Kai came up beside her, mimicking her actions as they tried to hydrate their skin. From behind them you could hear Gandalf trying another of his passwords.
"Ando Eldarinwa a lasta quettanya, Fenda Casarinwa [42]!"
"He's never going to get in!" The child mumbled again, lifting herself off the ground. Kai nodded, fingering her ring as it began to glow a light blue. She was soon stepping on the glossy surface of the lake that lay before the great mountain. [43]
Taking the baggage off the small caramel pony stood Sam and Aragorn.
"Mines are no place for a pony. Even one so brave as Bill." The Ranger said, giving the small stallion one last pat on the head. The saddle was the last to be removed and with a final goodbye from Sam, Bill was on his way. "Don't worry, Sam, he knows the way home."
Merry and Pippin were tossing stones into the water, seeing who could get them the furthest in and so far Merry was winning. Just as the younger of the two was about to prove his cousin wrong Aragorn grabbed his wrist.
"Do not disturb the waters." He said in a low voice, watching Kai's careful steps on the calm surface.
"Oh, it's useless..." Gandalf sighed, sitting on a log next to Frodo. The door began to fade slightly every once in a while as clouds began to cover the moon but the glow still remained.
"It's a riddle!" Frodo breathed, standing and actually looking at the markings, saying the words Gandalf had said to them before in his mind. "'Speak friend and enter'... What's the Elvish word for 'friend'?" He asked, now getting the attention of the others. Kai came off the lake to join Legolas and Azalynne as they stood behind Gimli.
"Mellon." The Wizard said. The minute the word left his lips the sound of a boulder being move was heard. The heavy doors scrapped along the rocky surface, giving view of a dark and dreary pathway through the mountain.
"Soon, Master Elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves!" Gimli said, looking up at Legolas with excited eyes. "Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone! This, my friend, is home to my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine! A MINE!" The Dwarf laughed. The Fellowship scurried into the small cave, the only light coming from the moon. Gandalf illuminated a small crystal which he placed in his staff. Holding it slightly above his head he saw what was around him.
"Is this what welcome we have come for?" Aza shuddered, seeing the rotten bones of the small creatures still on the floor of the mines.
"This is no mine, it's a tomb!" Boromir stated the obvious as he too was shaken slightly. The Hobbits were the last to see the spectacle, now wondering if it was a wise idea to take the under path.
"No! NO!" Gimli cried, trying to deny what was seen. He rushed from carcass to carcass, shaking his head and yelling at the ceiling until finally he had no strength left in him to do so.
The scarlet haired Elf pulled one of the arrows from a body, examining it carefully. "Goblins!" She announced standing and readying her bow and arrow which seemed very rarely used at all. Legolas and Azalynne did the same while the men prepared their swords.
"We make for the Gap of Rohan! We should never have come here! Now get out! Get out!!" Boromir yelled, pulling Gimli by the shoulder. The Hobbits backed out slowly, taking no notice as to what was stirring in the water behind them.
Suddenly something broke through the surface of the water, taking hold of Frodo's right leg and dragging him backwards into the lake.
"Frodo!" Merry cried, swinging his sword, trying to free the Ring bearer. "Strider help!"
The other two began to hack away without luck at the tentacle that had their friend bound. With one last swing on Sam's part, it let go. They pulled Frodo to safety, or at least they had hoped it was until at least a dozen of the creatures tentacles flew up into the air, all grasping onto Frodo as he tried feebly to struggle free.
"Aragorn!" He shouted as he was lifted into the air. Legolas drew his bow, firing aimlessly at the creature, trying his best to release the small Halfling but no avail. Now over the monsters head Frodo was sure this would be the end. He was lowered somewhat awkwardly closer to its mouth, ready to be eaten.
"Oh no you don't, you slimy water dweller!" Aza hollered, shooting an arrow in one of the creatures' eyes. Aragorn, followed by Boromir, raced into the water, swords above their heads.
"Hurry!" The Ranger cried, calling over to the other man as he slashed at one of the tentacles, slicing cleanly through with only one swing of his blade.
"Catch him! Catch him!" Pippin yelled from the shore as he saw the dark haired Hobbit being swung back and forth by some of the few remaining limbs. With one last slice he was free. Boromir clambered through the waters, getting as close to where Frodo would land as possible. Legolas and Kai continued their fire until they were sure everybody was on dry land, counting their companions as they rushed by them into the Mines once again.
"Into the Mines! Run!" Gandalf cried, roughly pushing the drier Hobbits inside as they gazed in shock at the nearly eaten Shireling.
"Legolas, into the cave!" Kai yelled, dropping her bow and grabbing hold of the older Elf. They were the last ones in, the door crashing down behind them, trapping the Fellowship in the darkness. The last sound heard from the creature beyond the walls was a loud shriek before they knew he had retreated to his underwater dwelling once again.
Aza stared at the overcrowding swarm of rocks that had trapped them in this new found graveyard.
"Gandalf, I do not like the view in here..." The mahogany headed Elf squeaked out as she was nudged aside by the Wizard.
"There is no view in here, Azalynne, only the darkness." Legolas mumbled, his eyes glowing in the shadows.
"We have no other choice. We must face the long dark of Moria." The Wizard said this while re-fixing the stone into his staff, letting the light shine once again. "Be on you guard. There are older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world."
"Quietly now," Kai murmured to Sam and Frodo who were stumbling over bones and worn helmets that lay scattered on the ground. "It's a four day journey to the other side. Let us hope our presence may go unnoticed."
The eleven comrades wandered the dark halls, watching the shadows for any other signs of life as they leaped over great cracks in the earth and climbed large rocks to reach dead ends at times. It was becoming harder for the little ones and even the Elves were tiring of this labyrinth of stones, halls and bones. They needed rest but neither Gandalf nor Aragorn were willing to risk it. Finding themselves victim to yet another set of wide stone steps, Merry gave Pip a boost up who, afterwards, was lifted over by Kai and Aragorn.
"I have no memory of this place." A voice said from up ahead. The others came into view of three large doorways, each leading to their own destination but which was the right door to take out of Moria? No one was quite sure for only Gandalf knew the answer and currently he, too, was at a loss.
"Are you saying that we are going to be stuck staring at rocks, stones and plenty more rocks and stones until you, old man, get your memory back? Is there no spell that can bring back what is lost in the minds eye?" The younger Sea Elf complained, looking over each door with malcontent.
"No, Azalynne Driftwood, there is no such spell even in the strongest of magic. I am afraid we will be here until this old mind returns what is rightfully mine to plain sight and then, and only then, can we continue!"
Aza leaned in to whisper something to Sam; "Did you understand any of what it was he said?"
"No, Miss Elf, only that we'll be here a mighty bit longer 'till he 'members the way to go." The gardener replied unpacking two loaves of bread and some apples. He split the loaves in two, dividing them equally amongst he and his friends.
"Are we lost?" Pippin asked, biting into the stale bread.
"No." Merry responded grouchily, trying as well to tear a small piece off for himself.
"I think we are." The other said, looking worried now as he watched the two men sit and stare at one another as if they knew they had reached some sort of blind alley.
"Shhh, Gandalf's thinking!" The Buckland Hobbit scolded, finally able to chew his bread in peace.
"Merry..." Pip muttered, not in the least bit offended by his cousin's tone.
"What?"
"I'm hungry..."
"But you have food in front of you!"
"Your point? It's stale and rather hard! I can't bite into it!" The Took whined, puckering his lower lip like a child.
"Pippin,"
Kai observed with sharp eyes as Frodo tottered up to the aging man, looking over his shoulder from time to time.
"There is something down there!" He breathed, waiting for the man's reaction.
"It's Gollum." Gandalf said calmly, not taking his eyes off the three pathways ahead of him.
"Gollum?"
"He's been following us for three days." From behind them they heard a moan and then;
"Oh, don't say that... Has it really been that long already?"
"Aza, keep your voice low!"
After a few grumbles and more complaining the child hushed. Frodo turned back to Gandalf, wanting to continue this discussion for one reason or another.
"He's escaped the dungeons of Barad-dur?" He asked, surprised.
"Escaped, or set loose. He hates and loves the Ring as he hates and loves himself. He will never be rid his need for it." Kai listened to with interest, never hearing of this strange being before; she strained her ears, trying to catch most of their words as they continued.
"It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill him when he had the chance." Frodo muttered pure hatred and revulsion present in his character.
"Pity? It was pity that stayed Blibo's hand! Many that live deserve death and many that die deserve life. Can you give it to them Frodo?" The crystal eyed Hobbit sat, heaving a sigh as he did so, thoughts welling up inside him as he began to wonder about what was asked. "Do not be so eager to deal out death and judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of the Ring."
"I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened." Frodo whimpered. There was a small rustle behind the two and soon Aza was at the scene, her arms fastened around her friends shoulders as she spoke:
"So do all that come to see such times but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time given to us." While she spoke she let her eyes wander, looking upon the tired and frail forms of the other Hobbits. The stronger shapes of the Men who sat smoking, watching the stone caverns without any true interest.
Gimli sat, snoring as he napped beside Legolas and Kai. Even they seemed to drift in and out of wake but neither was willing to let their guard down.
"There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case you were also meant to have it, and that is an encouraging thought." The Wizard added, beaming down with bright eyes as he looked up again. Something then dawned on him and, sniffing the air, he decided; "Eh- it's that way."
"He's remembered!" Merry smiled, gathering his things and re-fastening his cloak. He pulled Sam up with help from Pip and together, with the Men and Elves, they clambered up beside Gandalf.
"No, but the air doesn't seem so foul down there. When in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose."
The Fellowship climbed down many well made steps of stone, some tripping, others being carried (the Hobbits) while the Elves skipped down, jumping stairs at times to see of any danger that may be coming their way.
"Behold," The grey haired man said, lifting his staff so the others could see ahead of him, "The great realm of the Dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf."
"Now there's an eye-opener and no mistake." Sam said in awe as he saw the large pillars reaching to the sky as they held up the caves.
"I see nothing special about a Dwarf dwelling and nor should I ever." Kai said coldly, tossing her hair over one shoulder and stepping away from their only source of light.
"Kai! Menkroy rhaid lye yn wastad bod ikytaine gwael [44]! We Ralgonnian Elves had a partnership with the Naugrim en' Moria [45]! Why scowl now?"
Kai ignored her younger sibling as she turned back to face the Wizard.
"Gandalf, shall I wander this way and see where our enemy lies?" She asked an almost strained kindness as she bore down on the Dwarf who had raised his axe in defense.
"Nay, Klicia, there is no need; we stay on our course through the mountain with no rest."
They walked on, tired moans and sore complaints were all that was heard until they came into sight of a small doorway in the side of the mountain. The bodies of Orcs and Dwarves alike lay strewn on the floor of the cavern, all with the arrows of Goblins in their chest, some even with their own swords or axes, depending on the race. Azalynne gave a gasp, hiding her eyes as Gimli ran forward, crying out curses. He knelt in front of the tomb, tears staining his eyes as he wept in sorrow and fear.
"Gimli," Gandalf murmured, resting a hand on his companions shoulder. He leant forward slightly to get better view of the words written on the tomb. "'Here lays Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria.'... He is dead then."
"Kilmin malur ni zaram kalil ran arag. Kheled-zaram. Balin tazlifi [46]." The ginger haired man said under his breath as he prayed for his cousin.
Handing his hat and staff to the young Took, Gandalf lifted a large book from a lifeless body that lay on the ground before the great stone tomb. It was covered in cobwebs and layers of dust showing the time that had past between present and the massacre that had taken place in the collieries.
"We must move on. We cannot linger here." Legolas said firmly, making his way over to Aragorn who stood in silence.
"'They have taken the bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums, drums in the deep. We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out... They are coming.'" The Wizard read the smudged writing with ease, telling the last story of the Dwarves of Moria.
Near a well Pippin stood, staring wildly at the decaying body that sat in the well's ledge, an arrow pierced through its heart. In utter curiosity he lifted his hand, letting his fingers clutch the arrow's end. Slowly turning it he noticed the body shake. He let go immediately only to see it tumble into the depths of the well, its armor clanging against its stone sides. Following the noise a bucket got caught to the dead Dwarfs ankle, sending it down afterwards in another mad clatter of noise.
"Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!" Gandalf snatched his staff and hat back from the cowering Hobbit as he tensed his ears for any other noises that may prove more dangerous then they would appear.
"Frodo!" Sam choked, seeing the bright glow from the Elven sword in the Ring Bearers sheath.
"Orcs!" Aragorn cried, pushing Frodo into a safer corner.
"Wizard, I hear the drums! We have to leave or draw swords in battle!" Aza said through gritted teeth as her webbed ears were filled with the sound.
"I hear it, Ear' bara [47]! Draw your bow and be ready for they come for blood." Legolas' rich voice was tainted with fear for the little ones as he spoke. He stood ready, loading his bow with the fine crafted arrow, aiming for the most probable entrance.
"Get back and stay close to Gandalf." The Ranger instructed to the Hobbits as he moved in line with the three Elves.
Boromir ran to the door to inspect how long they had before the clash. An Orcish arrow was shot at his head and he quickly moved back, barring the doors with wooden planks that were graciously handed to him by Kai and Aragorn.
"They've got a Cave-Troll." He breathed uneasily while jamming the wooden planks into place, trying to fasten them as best he could to delay the battle. Hurrying back over to the others and hoisting his sword he stood, listening to the sounds of drums as they came closer to them.
"Let them come!" Gimli said fiercely leaping onto the stone tomb for a better view of the enemy. "There is one Dwarf yet in Moria that still draws breath!"
"Don't get ahead of yourself yet, Master Gimli. They are not that easily defeated as I'm sure you can see with what lies around you." The crimson headed Sea Elf mocked as she looked about the small cavern.
"We are not that easily defeated when we put up a good fight!" He shot back. Then the drums ceased and soon the sounds of weight being thrown against the wooden door were heard.
The first small opening came and Legolas immediately let his arrow fly, hitting the Orc in the chest. Just then more came scuttering in through the newly made entrance. Kai and Azalynne both fired as many arrows as they could before the fetid creatures were too close.
"Aza, Draw your sword!" Aragorn cried as he was surrounded by the small creatures.
"You don't have to tell me twice!" She called back, swinging her blade into the heart of one of the beasts. Another came up behind her only to suffer the same fate as she crouched low before flipping onto it's shoulders and plunging her sword in from above.
On the other side of the cave Sam and Pippin were swing frying pans this way and that, trying to slay or knock down any of the beasts they could to keep them away from Frodo.
"I think I'm getting the hang of this." Sam muttered as he spun around again to hit another Orc. A loud crash was heard as the door fell fully, narrowly missing a collision with Legolas and Gimli. The Fellowship looked up with astonishment as a large and rather putrid creature came snarling into the midst of things.
"Well, there's your Cave-Troll Boromir, now I think we should run..." Aza said, her voice holding some sort of sarcasm as she spoke.
"Yes, Elf, I see that! Now move!" The human cried, lifting the child and dodging before the Troll had time to strike down on the girl with its wooden club.
"Aragorn behind you!" Gandalf shouted as he swung his sword, slicing it cleanly through the body of an Orc. Strider turned but before he could lift his blade the creature had been slain.
"Thank you, Gimli." The Ranger nodded, killing another that was about to slaughter the Dwarf.
The Troll trudged over to where Legolas was standing on a higher level then the rest. The large being whipped his chain at the fair creature but got it caught on a pillar. Azalynne came up with quick speed to help her new friend as he bound the beast and attempted a pounce.
"Legolas, wait! The chain is not properly fixed!" The child yelled as she tightened the metal for him. He nodded his thanks and steadily leaped onto the chain and soon was seen on the broad shoulders of the Troll. He shot an arrow but the creature did not flinch in the least. Instead the Elf was forced to make a jump onto solid ground as the Cave Dweller swung his mighty arms in the air.
From her perch on the Dwarf Lords tomb, Kai hurled a dagger at an Orcs head, seeing it embed itself between the things eyes. Another came and yet another dagger was thrown, this one aimed for his chest.
She heard a crash behind her and then a cry for Strider was heard. The voice belonged to Frodo! She turned her body around to witness the Ranger as he was easily flung out of the way. The others could do nothing as they tried to free themselves of the many Orcs that descended on them, never declining in number.
The Troll lunged his spear into the small beings chest, seeming to plunge it deep into the Ring bearer's body.
"Frodo!" Sam cried out, racing to his friends' aid. Merry and Pippin gave a shrill cry before throwing themselves onto the Trolls back; thrusting their small Elven swords into the monsters back but still the creature did not flinch. The two were thrown off, landing painfully on the ground before the Cave-Troll. Aza then made a quick run, making it look as if she was going to race into the pile of rock ahead of her when instead she pushed off of it with one leg. In a hurried motion she grabbed the silver dagger she carried and, still in the air, threw it at the Trolls neck, causing him to lift his head. This allowed Legolas to shoot an arrow into its windpipe. With one last intake of air the Troll fell, killing the last of the Orcs with its heavy weight.
"Frodo! Frodo!" Sam choked. Aragorn grudgingly got up from where he was seated, pain itching at his every being.
"Oh no," He murmured seeing the assumed to be dead Hobbit lying motionless on the floor ahead of him. Forcing himself to lift his hand to turn Frodo over, Aragorn began to mutter a prayer of hope and forgiveness wishing so desperately that what he saw before him was cause to the gash on his brow.
A loud gasp was heard the second the creature was turned onto his back. Sighs of relief then followed with a final; "He's alive!" from the pudgy Hobbit.
"I'm alright," The Ring bearer assured, feeling around for any wound, "I'm not hurt."
"You should be dead! That spear would have skewered a wild boar!" The Ranger stated holding some astonishment in his voice as he watched Frodo stand with the help of his two protectors.
"I think there is more to this Hobbit than meets the eye." Gandalf smiled; waiting for the crystal eyed Hobbit to show them what it was that saved them before Aza took the praise. The boy unbuttoned some of his shirt, opening it for the others to see the glittering silver of the hoary coat.
"Mithril! You are full of surprises, Master Baggins!" The Dwarf chuckled, stepping forward from behind Legolas and Gandalf.
"Um... Gandalf..." Aza began her voice low and shaky as she climbed onto a large piece of stone. She paused for a moment, listening to the sounds around her.
"More Orcs come! We must leave!" Legolas said, hurrying over to help Merry and Pippin to their feet.
"Where do we wander?" Kai asked, her memory of the caves still forming quite slowly.
"To the bridge of Khazad-dum!" The Wizard cried, grabbing his staff and sword. Strider and Boromir rushed along behind him, sending quick glances over their shoulders from time to time, making sure the other members of the Fellowship were still behind them as they left the small shattered room behind them.
As they ran the sound of not Orcs, but Goblins was heard. The putrid beings scurried down from their hiding places, surrounding the eleven companions from all sides in the centre of Moria. There were thousands of Goblins and all were carrying weapons.
"I don't think we should have left that room after all." The Ralgonnian child said looking down at her feet. Just when all hope seemed to fail a loud footstep was heard somewhere up ahead. A red glow was all that was seen of this 'savior' while the Goblins scattered, cowering back into hiding.
"Now I really don't think we should have left that room."
Legolas held his bow ready incase it was needed but soon lowered it again when the stomp seemed to get heavier and closer.
"What is this new devilry?" Boromir gasped, backing away slightly.
"A Balrog[48]," The Wizard informed. Kai's head whipped up as if she had been hit with something.
"I remember now. A demon of the ancient world..." Her eyes widened in rare panic as the Demon of Might neared them.
"This foe is beyond any of you. RUN!" Without hesitation they ran, getting as far away as they could on swift feet. Frodo ran as hard as he could, unable to take in a breath in fear of falling behind. Just in the lead of him Pippin was having the same difficulty.
"Pippin!" Kai cried as she saw the little one trip over his own cloak. "Come on, come on!" She grabbed the Hobbit around the waist, carrying him as she would a child.
The heat began to sneak up on them, worsening with every hasty step they took. The Ear'quessir were drying fast but they knew they had to continue for the Ring bearers' sake.
With one last glance behind her Aza saw the demon. His body covered in flame as he pursued his new game. Gandalf halted, waiting as the rest of the Fellowship passed him.
"Gandalf, do not wait for death to come to you! Run friend!" Kai screamed, still carrying the weary Halfling.
"Quickly!" Aragorn yelled, pushing the crimson haired Elf ahead of him. "Gandalf!"
"Lead them on, Aragorn. The bridge is near." The Man made a move to fight but was rejected when the Wizard pushed him away. "Do as I say!! Swords are no more use here!" Gandalf said.
They all continued on but much of the stone ceiling was breaking and the way out was far from sight. As they ran they came to a gap in the stone; their only way down...
Legolas managed to jump the gap, Kai following suit and Aza into her arms. As the flaxen haired Elf signaled for the others, the two ring bearers fired arrows at the now attacking Goblins from before.
"What a time to choose to fight you... there isn't a word in Ralgonnian or the tongue of man to describe how disgusting you are!" Aza fumed, loading her bow with yet another arrow.
"Aza, keep your tongue! Do not get distracted!" Her elder sister scolded, just managing to help Boromir and the two Hobbits he was carrying steady themselves on the lower ground. Looking up she noticed that when they jumped more of the shattered rock crumbled now leaving Aragorn, Gimli, Sam and Frodo with a bigger gap to jump.
"Aragorn, toss Samwise over!" Gandalf instructed his arms spread apart to catch the blond.
"Sam, come on." With a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder the Hobbit was thrown and caught easily because of his light weight.
Strider was preparing to throw Gimli but a hand slapped away his before he had time to realize what the Dwarf was saying.
"Nobody tosses a Dwarf!" The creature of the earth made a leap but couldn't steady himself when he reached the other side. Just as he was about to fall into the abyss he was grabbed by the beard. "Not the beard!"
Another great bolder came down from the ceiling of Moria, making it near to impossible for the last few stairs to stay firm. Swaying back and forth, Aragorn held Frodo to him, trying to find a way out of this predicament. He considered asking Aza to transform but even in Wolfen shape she would not be able to make the jump.
"Frodo... Steady, hold on!" He cried, brushing some of his black hair from his eyes as he leaned forward to better balance things out. "Lean forward. Steady." As they did this the staircase moved ahead, sending them closer to their friends.
"Come on! Now!" Legolas cried, catching the two in a firm grip.
"Over the bridge! Fly!" Gandalf cried.
"There is no way that I can suffer through more of this heat spell!" Aza coughed, rubbing the gem on her ring. Faster than the first time it was seen she transformed, her limbs shaking and changing as fur sprouted from her face and arms. When the change was complete she ran ahead, skipping whole stair cases altogether as she leapt from place to place, running away from the unbearable heat.
Kai seemed a little less affected than her sister for she was older and far more tolerant to these things than most Ralgonnian Elves.
"The bridge is just ahead! Keep your strength for we are nearly there!" The Mirkwood Elf called back to the others. They ran as fast as they could across the narrow escape, trying not to look down at their possible doom.
While the others raced across Gandalf stayed in the middle, turning to face the demon.
"You cannot pass!" He boomed, lifting his staff above him.
"Gandalf!" Frodo cried, struggling against Aza's grip. The Fellowship looked onward with frightful gazes as the Balrog drew near, now standing in front of the bridge.
"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, get away from there!" Kai shrieked as Aragorn grabbed onto her wrist, trying to hold her back. She struggled as best she could but the Ranger's hold on her didn't let up.
"Go back to the Shadow!! You shall not pass!" Gandalf forcefully brought his staff down, causing the rock to split. The Balrog stepped onto the bridge, unknown to the fact that it would crumble under his weight. Once his weight was fully on the crossing the rock shattered, leaving nowhere for him to go. With one last growl the Demon of Might fell into the chasm.
Gandalf sighed, turning around but as he did so the fiery whip lashed up and pulled on his ankle. The last attempt of revenge from the Balrog.
Stumbling backwards the Wizard took hold of the edge of the bridge, barely able to hold himself up. Frodo's eyes filled with tears as he gazed upon his old friend.
With one last lunge forward Frodo was held back. "No, no!" Boromir cried, pulling on the back of the Hobbits cloak. "There is nothing we can do!"
"GANDALF!!!" Aza shouted as she heard his last words.
"Fly you fools!" Kai saw the small smile play on his lips, one he only ever showed to the closest of friends. Her head filled with images of happier times but then she was knocked back to reality when she heard the little ones start to yell.
"No! NO!" Frodo kept yelling, trying to break away from the strawberry blond but it was no use. He was instead lifted and carried out.
"Aragorn!" The man cried from a distance as he held a weeping Frodo.
Light was seen and fresh air breathed but none of this was of any importance as the Fellowship emerged dirty and beaten.
"How did such a happy time become to dark?" Aza sniffed, collapsing onto her knees as she wept still trying to deny all that had happened.
"No! Kai, it is of no use! Gandalf is gone, we could not save him!" Aragorn yelled, still forcing a grieving friend out into the brilliant sunlight.
"Let me go! Let me go!" The Elf maid cried but her strength failed and she fell to her knees. No tears were wept for she did not know how but the choked sobs still came. Lifting her head slightly she saw the small form of Merry trying to comfort his cousin whose head was rested in his lap.
Even the Dwarf was yelling, trying to re-enter the mines but Boromir held him off. From up ahead Strider wiped his sword in a single stroke, re- sheathing it as he stood.
"Legolas, get them up." He said, hiding his own sorrow.
"Give them a moment for pity's sake!" The man of Gondor muttered, holding the Elf child as she cried into his shirt. For an odd reason his aches and pains seemed to leave him but he took no notice.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs. We must reach the woods of Lothlorien. Come, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, get them up."
"How do you propose we do that when we are leaderless? Do you not care that a dear friend has just passed!? Why do you not grieve for even a Man should grieve for the loss of another?" Kai boomed, drawing her dagger and holding it to the man's throat.
"We are not leaderless. I will be the one to lead you on. Gandalf did not sacrifice himself to watch us fail. He wants us to continue." Kai was about to say something when she was cut off. A bark from up above caught their attention and all looked up to see a snowy wolf leap from rock to jagged rock down the cliff.
"Ffion!" Aza smiled weakly as the wolf neared her, licking her face affectionately. The girl climbed onto the canine's back, unable to find the vigor in herself to continue on her own.
"She always comes in times of trouble... Always seems to know when Azalynne needs comforting..." Kai murmured as the Ranger called Frodo over to him.
"Sam, on your feet," He said blue eyes filled with pain for the little ones. Once again he looked around for the Hobbit. "Frodo! Frodo!!"
Standing alone Frodo looked back, a single tear falling from his eye.
"I wish not to continue." He whimpered. "I wish not to go on."
I AM SOOO SORRY FOR NOT GETTING THIS UP SOONER! I WOULD HAVE BUT I HAD TO DO ALL THIS STUFF FOR HISTORY! SORRY SORRY SORRY... ANYWAY, THE NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE THE LAST OF PART ONE! *GASPS* SHOCKIN' AIN'T IT?
THINGS SHOULD BE HAPPIER IN THE FOLLOWING CHAPTER UNTIL THE BREAKING OF THE FELLOWSHIP. ANYWHO, I HOPED YOU ENJOYED IT!
[41]- Annon Edhellen edro hi amen- 'Gate of the Elves open now for me!' in Elvish
[42]- Ando Eldarinwa a lasta quettanya, Fenda Casarinwa- 'Gate of the Elves listen to my word, Threshold of Dwarves!' in Elvish
[43]- Both Kai and Aza have this ability due to the power of their rings.
[44]- Menkroy rhaid lye yn wastad bod ikytaine gwael?- 'Why must you always be so mean?' in Ralgonnian Elvish. I took the Elvish word 'mankoi' meaning 'why', ('rhaid' is a Welsh word meaning 'must'), 'lle' for 'you', ('yn wastad' is Welsh for always), ('bod' is Welsh for 'be'), 'ikotane' for 'so' and ('gwael' in Welsh for 'mean')
[45]- Naugrim en' Moria- Elvish for 'Dwarves of Moria'
[46]- Kilmin malur ni zaram kalil ran arag. Kheled-zaram. Balin tazlifi- All I know is this is a Dwarfish prayer. There was no translation given. If anyone does know what this means then, please, do tell me.
[47]- Ear' bara- Elvish for 'Sea Dweller'
[48]- Balrogs- They became servants of Meklor, the Dark Enemy and were once spirits, transformed into the evil demons of the flame.
© Script for the dialogue that many will recognize from the motion picture 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'. The script is taken from the site following:
http://dreamwater.net/seatofkings/script_fotr_pics.html
Quick Summary for the next chapter:
Ch. 7: A Dying Bed for Mordor (Lothlorien, breaking of the Fellowship.)
Authoress: ChibiTari
Rating: PG/ PG-13
Warnings: Action, OC, humor and hinted romance!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings trilogy, though I wish I did.
Azalynne Driftwood is mine, however, and if you so wish to borrow her then you must ask. Kai belongs to KuriQuinn, Nevorata to my friend Ginny and Lith is owned by Iz. Steph's character, Myranore, is in this as well.
Ruby belongs to Laura V Lopez who has graciously allowed me to use her character in this fic, THANK YOU!
Summary: Azalynne Driftwood decided to protect Frodo with her life but when things become hard, can she keep this promise?
I know it took me a while to get this chapter up and I'm really sorry but here it is!
Enjoy the fic!
Chapter six (6): Onward, Death in Unknown Graveyard
The Fellowship clambered down the slippery path and finally onto even ground along side the walls of Moria in which Gandalf pointed out earlier on. It took a great deal of effort, even for Gimli, to see the walls clearly as he tried to find the doorway into the mines.
The Wizard moved steadily along, using his hand to feel along the stony barrier, trying to find the entrance. He stopped suddenly as his hand traveled over something familiar.
"Well, let's see... Ithildin. It mirrors only starlight and moonlight,"
"I see nothing there, Wizard, not even a crack let alone door to fit eleven people!" Aza muttered, staring ahead at the hidden doorframe. The clouds which covered the full of the moon now drifted away, letting the light hit the opening softly. The door was soon revealed in a marvel of well-crafted patterns and words.
"It reads: 'The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak friend and enter." Gandalf read, telling the others the small riddle without truly letting out what it was.
"What do you suppose that means?" Merry questioned, a look of keen wonder on his face as he tried to understand what it was the door was asking.
"Oh, it's quite simple. If you are a friend you speak the password and the doors will open." The aging man said, lifting his staff to an almost star- like feature in the centre of the markings. "Annon Edhellen edro hi amen [41]!" He tried but the door did not move in the least.
"I'm tellin' ya, we Ralgonnian Elves should have been the ones to craft this door, it would have been far easier..." Azalynne said hotly, taking a seat on a stone by the water. She dipped her hands in the liquid, cupping some in her hands as she poured it over her head, letting it drip down her face, arms and neck. "That's good..."
Kai came up beside her, mimicking her actions as they tried to hydrate their skin. From behind them you could hear Gandalf trying another of his passwords.
"Ando Eldarinwa a lasta quettanya, Fenda Casarinwa [42]!"
"He's never going to get in!" The child mumbled again, lifting herself off the ground. Kai nodded, fingering her ring as it began to glow a light blue. She was soon stepping on the glossy surface of the lake that lay before the great mountain. [43]
Taking the baggage off the small caramel pony stood Sam and Aragorn.
"Mines are no place for a pony. Even one so brave as Bill." The Ranger said, giving the small stallion one last pat on the head. The saddle was the last to be removed and with a final goodbye from Sam, Bill was on his way. "Don't worry, Sam, he knows the way home."
Merry and Pippin were tossing stones into the water, seeing who could get them the furthest in and so far Merry was winning. Just as the younger of the two was about to prove his cousin wrong Aragorn grabbed his wrist.
"Do not disturb the waters." He said in a low voice, watching Kai's careful steps on the calm surface.
"Oh, it's useless..." Gandalf sighed, sitting on a log next to Frodo. The door began to fade slightly every once in a while as clouds began to cover the moon but the glow still remained.
"It's a riddle!" Frodo breathed, standing and actually looking at the markings, saying the words Gandalf had said to them before in his mind. "'Speak friend and enter'... What's the Elvish word for 'friend'?" He asked, now getting the attention of the others. Kai came off the lake to join Legolas and Azalynne as they stood behind Gimli.
"Mellon." The Wizard said. The minute the word left his lips the sound of a boulder being move was heard. The heavy doors scrapped along the rocky surface, giving view of a dark and dreary pathway through the mountain.
"Soon, Master Elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves!" Gimli said, looking up at Legolas with excited eyes. "Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone! This, my friend, is home to my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine! A MINE!" The Dwarf laughed. The Fellowship scurried into the small cave, the only light coming from the moon. Gandalf illuminated a small crystal which he placed in his staff. Holding it slightly above his head he saw what was around him.
"Is this what welcome we have come for?" Aza shuddered, seeing the rotten bones of the small creatures still on the floor of the mines.
"This is no mine, it's a tomb!" Boromir stated the obvious as he too was shaken slightly. The Hobbits were the last to see the spectacle, now wondering if it was a wise idea to take the under path.
"No! NO!" Gimli cried, trying to deny what was seen. He rushed from carcass to carcass, shaking his head and yelling at the ceiling until finally he had no strength left in him to do so.
The scarlet haired Elf pulled one of the arrows from a body, examining it carefully. "Goblins!" She announced standing and readying her bow and arrow which seemed very rarely used at all. Legolas and Azalynne did the same while the men prepared their swords.
"We make for the Gap of Rohan! We should never have come here! Now get out! Get out!!" Boromir yelled, pulling Gimli by the shoulder. The Hobbits backed out slowly, taking no notice as to what was stirring in the water behind them.
Suddenly something broke through the surface of the water, taking hold of Frodo's right leg and dragging him backwards into the lake.
"Frodo!" Merry cried, swinging his sword, trying to free the Ring bearer. "Strider help!"
The other two began to hack away without luck at the tentacle that had their friend bound. With one last swing on Sam's part, it let go. They pulled Frodo to safety, or at least they had hoped it was until at least a dozen of the creatures tentacles flew up into the air, all grasping onto Frodo as he tried feebly to struggle free.
"Aragorn!" He shouted as he was lifted into the air. Legolas drew his bow, firing aimlessly at the creature, trying his best to release the small Halfling but no avail. Now over the monsters head Frodo was sure this would be the end. He was lowered somewhat awkwardly closer to its mouth, ready to be eaten.
"Oh no you don't, you slimy water dweller!" Aza hollered, shooting an arrow in one of the creatures' eyes. Aragorn, followed by Boromir, raced into the water, swords above their heads.
"Hurry!" The Ranger cried, calling over to the other man as he slashed at one of the tentacles, slicing cleanly through with only one swing of his blade.
"Catch him! Catch him!" Pippin yelled from the shore as he saw the dark haired Hobbit being swung back and forth by some of the few remaining limbs. With one last slice he was free. Boromir clambered through the waters, getting as close to where Frodo would land as possible. Legolas and Kai continued their fire until they were sure everybody was on dry land, counting their companions as they rushed by them into the Mines once again.
"Into the Mines! Run!" Gandalf cried, roughly pushing the drier Hobbits inside as they gazed in shock at the nearly eaten Shireling.
"Legolas, into the cave!" Kai yelled, dropping her bow and grabbing hold of the older Elf. They were the last ones in, the door crashing down behind them, trapping the Fellowship in the darkness. The last sound heard from the creature beyond the walls was a loud shriek before they knew he had retreated to his underwater dwelling once again.
Aza stared at the overcrowding swarm of rocks that had trapped them in this new found graveyard.
"Gandalf, I do not like the view in here..." The mahogany headed Elf squeaked out as she was nudged aside by the Wizard.
"There is no view in here, Azalynne, only the darkness." Legolas mumbled, his eyes glowing in the shadows.
"We have no other choice. We must face the long dark of Moria." The Wizard said this while re-fixing the stone into his staff, letting the light shine once again. "Be on you guard. There are older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world."
"Quietly now," Kai murmured to Sam and Frodo who were stumbling over bones and worn helmets that lay scattered on the ground. "It's a four day journey to the other side. Let us hope our presence may go unnoticed."
The eleven comrades wandered the dark halls, watching the shadows for any other signs of life as they leaped over great cracks in the earth and climbed large rocks to reach dead ends at times. It was becoming harder for the little ones and even the Elves were tiring of this labyrinth of stones, halls and bones. They needed rest but neither Gandalf nor Aragorn were willing to risk it. Finding themselves victim to yet another set of wide stone steps, Merry gave Pip a boost up who, afterwards, was lifted over by Kai and Aragorn.
"I have no memory of this place." A voice said from up ahead. The others came into view of three large doorways, each leading to their own destination but which was the right door to take out of Moria? No one was quite sure for only Gandalf knew the answer and currently he, too, was at a loss.
"Are you saying that we are going to be stuck staring at rocks, stones and plenty more rocks and stones until you, old man, get your memory back? Is there no spell that can bring back what is lost in the minds eye?" The younger Sea Elf complained, looking over each door with malcontent.
"No, Azalynne Driftwood, there is no such spell even in the strongest of magic. I am afraid we will be here until this old mind returns what is rightfully mine to plain sight and then, and only then, can we continue!"
Aza leaned in to whisper something to Sam; "Did you understand any of what it was he said?"
"No, Miss Elf, only that we'll be here a mighty bit longer 'till he 'members the way to go." The gardener replied unpacking two loaves of bread and some apples. He split the loaves in two, dividing them equally amongst he and his friends.
"Are we lost?" Pippin asked, biting into the stale bread.
"No." Merry responded grouchily, trying as well to tear a small piece off for himself.
"I think we are." The other said, looking worried now as he watched the two men sit and stare at one another as if they knew they had reached some sort of blind alley.
"Shhh, Gandalf's thinking!" The Buckland Hobbit scolded, finally able to chew his bread in peace.
"Merry..." Pip muttered, not in the least bit offended by his cousin's tone.
"What?"
"I'm hungry..."
"But you have food in front of you!"
"Your point? It's stale and rather hard! I can't bite into it!" The Took whined, puckering his lower lip like a child.
"Pippin,"
Kai observed with sharp eyes as Frodo tottered up to the aging man, looking over his shoulder from time to time.
"There is something down there!" He breathed, waiting for the man's reaction.
"It's Gollum." Gandalf said calmly, not taking his eyes off the three pathways ahead of him.
"Gollum?"
"He's been following us for three days." From behind them they heard a moan and then;
"Oh, don't say that... Has it really been that long already?"
"Aza, keep your voice low!"
After a few grumbles and more complaining the child hushed. Frodo turned back to Gandalf, wanting to continue this discussion for one reason or another.
"He's escaped the dungeons of Barad-dur?" He asked, surprised.
"Escaped, or set loose. He hates and loves the Ring as he hates and loves himself. He will never be rid his need for it." Kai listened to with interest, never hearing of this strange being before; she strained her ears, trying to catch most of their words as they continued.
"It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill him when he had the chance." Frodo muttered pure hatred and revulsion present in his character.
"Pity? It was pity that stayed Blibo's hand! Many that live deserve death and many that die deserve life. Can you give it to them Frodo?" The crystal eyed Hobbit sat, heaving a sigh as he did so, thoughts welling up inside him as he began to wonder about what was asked. "Do not be so eager to deal out death and judgment. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill, before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of the Ring."
"I wish the Ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened." Frodo whimpered. There was a small rustle behind the two and soon Aza was at the scene, her arms fastened around her friends shoulders as she spoke:
"So do all that come to see such times but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time given to us." While she spoke she let her eyes wander, looking upon the tired and frail forms of the other Hobbits. The stronger shapes of the Men who sat smoking, watching the stone caverns without any true interest.
Gimli sat, snoring as he napped beside Legolas and Kai. Even they seemed to drift in and out of wake but neither was willing to let their guard down.
"There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, besides the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find the Ring. In which case you were also meant to have it, and that is an encouraging thought." The Wizard added, beaming down with bright eyes as he looked up again. Something then dawned on him and, sniffing the air, he decided; "Eh- it's that way."
"He's remembered!" Merry smiled, gathering his things and re-fastening his cloak. He pulled Sam up with help from Pip and together, with the Men and Elves, they clambered up beside Gandalf.
"No, but the air doesn't seem so foul down there. When in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose."
The Fellowship climbed down many well made steps of stone, some tripping, others being carried (the Hobbits) while the Elves skipped down, jumping stairs at times to see of any danger that may be coming their way.
"Behold," The grey haired man said, lifting his staff so the others could see ahead of him, "The great realm of the Dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf."
"Now there's an eye-opener and no mistake." Sam said in awe as he saw the large pillars reaching to the sky as they held up the caves.
"I see nothing special about a Dwarf dwelling and nor should I ever." Kai said coldly, tossing her hair over one shoulder and stepping away from their only source of light.
"Kai! Menkroy rhaid lye yn wastad bod ikytaine gwael [44]! We Ralgonnian Elves had a partnership with the Naugrim en' Moria [45]! Why scowl now?"
Kai ignored her younger sibling as she turned back to face the Wizard.
"Gandalf, shall I wander this way and see where our enemy lies?" She asked an almost strained kindness as she bore down on the Dwarf who had raised his axe in defense.
"Nay, Klicia, there is no need; we stay on our course through the mountain with no rest."
They walked on, tired moans and sore complaints were all that was heard until they came into sight of a small doorway in the side of the mountain. The bodies of Orcs and Dwarves alike lay strewn on the floor of the cavern, all with the arrows of Goblins in their chest, some even with their own swords or axes, depending on the race. Azalynne gave a gasp, hiding her eyes as Gimli ran forward, crying out curses. He knelt in front of the tomb, tears staining his eyes as he wept in sorrow and fear.
"Gimli," Gandalf murmured, resting a hand on his companions shoulder. He leant forward slightly to get better view of the words written on the tomb. "'Here lays Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria.'... He is dead then."
"Kilmin malur ni zaram kalil ran arag. Kheled-zaram. Balin tazlifi [46]." The ginger haired man said under his breath as he prayed for his cousin.
Handing his hat and staff to the young Took, Gandalf lifted a large book from a lifeless body that lay on the ground before the great stone tomb. It was covered in cobwebs and layers of dust showing the time that had past between present and the massacre that had taken place in the collieries.
"We must move on. We cannot linger here." Legolas said firmly, making his way over to Aragorn who stood in silence.
"'They have taken the bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums, drums in the deep. We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out... They are coming.'" The Wizard read the smudged writing with ease, telling the last story of the Dwarves of Moria.
Near a well Pippin stood, staring wildly at the decaying body that sat in the well's ledge, an arrow pierced through its heart. In utter curiosity he lifted his hand, letting his fingers clutch the arrow's end. Slowly turning it he noticed the body shake. He let go immediately only to see it tumble into the depths of the well, its armor clanging against its stone sides. Following the noise a bucket got caught to the dead Dwarfs ankle, sending it down afterwards in another mad clatter of noise.
"Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!" Gandalf snatched his staff and hat back from the cowering Hobbit as he tensed his ears for any other noises that may prove more dangerous then they would appear.
"Frodo!" Sam choked, seeing the bright glow from the Elven sword in the Ring Bearers sheath.
"Orcs!" Aragorn cried, pushing Frodo into a safer corner.
"Wizard, I hear the drums! We have to leave or draw swords in battle!" Aza said through gritted teeth as her webbed ears were filled with the sound.
"I hear it, Ear' bara [47]! Draw your bow and be ready for they come for blood." Legolas' rich voice was tainted with fear for the little ones as he spoke. He stood ready, loading his bow with the fine crafted arrow, aiming for the most probable entrance.
"Get back and stay close to Gandalf." The Ranger instructed to the Hobbits as he moved in line with the three Elves.
Boromir ran to the door to inspect how long they had before the clash. An Orcish arrow was shot at his head and he quickly moved back, barring the doors with wooden planks that were graciously handed to him by Kai and Aragorn.
"They've got a Cave-Troll." He breathed uneasily while jamming the wooden planks into place, trying to fasten them as best he could to delay the battle. Hurrying back over to the others and hoisting his sword he stood, listening to the sounds of drums as they came closer to them.
"Let them come!" Gimli said fiercely leaping onto the stone tomb for a better view of the enemy. "There is one Dwarf yet in Moria that still draws breath!"
"Don't get ahead of yourself yet, Master Gimli. They are not that easily defeated as I'm sure you can see with what lies around you." The crimson headed Sea Elf mocked as she looked about the small cavern.
"We are not that easily defeated when we put up a good fight!" He shot back. Then the drums ceased and soon the sounds of weight being thrown against the wooden door were heard.
The first small opening came and Legolas immediately let his arrow fly, hitting the Orc in the chest. Just then more came scuttering in through the newly made entrance. Kai and Azalynne both fired as many arrows as they could before the fetid creatures were too close.
"Aza, Draw your sword!" Aragorn cried as he was surrounded by the small creatures.
"You don't have to tell me twice!" She called back, swinging her blade into the heart of one of the beasts. Another came up behind her only to suffer the same fate as she crouched low before flipping onto it's shoulders and plunging her sword in from above.
On the other side of the cave Sam and Pippin were swing frying pans this way and that, trying to slay or knock down any of the beasts they could to keep them away from Frodo.
"I think I'm getting the hang of this." Sam muttered as he spun around again to hit another Orc. A loud crash was heard as the door fell fully, narrowly missing a collision with Legolas and Gimli. The Fellowship looked up with astonishment as a large and rather putrid creature came snarling into the midst of things.
"Well, there's your Cave-Troll Boromir, now I think we should run..." Aza said, her voice holding some sort of sarcasm as she spoke.
"Yes, Elf, I see that! Now move!" The human cried, lifting the child and dodging before the Troll had time to strike down on the girl with its wooden club.
"Aragorn behind you!" Gandalf shouted as he swung his sword, slicing it cleanly through the body of an Orc. Strider turned but before he could lift his blade the creature had been slain.
"Thank you, Gimli." The Ranger nodded, killing another that was about to slaughter the Dwarf.
The Troll trudged over to where Legolas was standing on a higher level then the rest. The large being whipped his chain at the fair creature but got it caught on a pillar. Azalynne came up with quick speed to help her new friend as he bound the beast and attempted a pounce.
"Legolas, wait! The chain is not properly fixed!" The child yelled as she tightened the metal for him. He nodded his thanks and steadily leaped onto the chain and soon was seen on the broad shoulders of the Troll. He shot an arrow but the creature did not flinch in the least. Instead the Elf was forced to make a jump onto solid ground as the Cave Dweller swung his mighty arms in the air.
From her perch on the Dwarf Lords tomb, Kai hurled a dagger at an Orcs head, seeing it embed itself between the things eyes. Another came and yet another dagger was thrown, this one aimed for his chest.
She heard a crash behind her and then a cry for Strider was heard. The voice belonged to Frodo! She turned her body around to witness the Ranger as he was easily flung out of the way. The others could do nothing as they tried to free themselves of the many Orcs that descended on them, never declining in number.
The Troll lunged his spear into the small beings chest, seeming to plunge it deep into the Ring bearer's body.
"Frodo!" Sam cried out, racing to his friends' aid. Merry and Pippin gave a shrill cry before throwing themselves onto the Trolls back; thrusting their small Elven swords into the monsters back but still the creature did not flinch. The two were thrown off, landing painfully on the ground before the Cave-Troll. Aza then made a quick run, making it look as if she was going to race into the pile of rock ahead of her when instead she pushed off of it with one leg. In a hurried motion she grabbed the silver dagger she carried and, still in the air, threw it at the Trolls neck, causing him to lift his head. This allowed Legolas to shoot an arrow into its windpipe. With one last intake of air the Troll fell, killing the last of the Orcs with its heavy weight.
"Frodo! Frodo!" Sam choked. Aragorn grudgingly got up from where he was seated, pain itching at his every being.
"Oh no," He murmured seeing the assumed to be dead Hobbit lying motionless on the floor ahead of him. Forcing himself to lift his hand to turn Frodo over, Aragorn began to mutter a prayer of hope and forgiveness wishing so desperately that what he saw before him was cause to the gash on his brow.
A loud gasp was heard the second the creature was turned onto his back. Sighs of relief then followed with a final; "He's alive!" from the pudgy Hobbit.
"I'm alright," The Ring bearer assured, feeling around for any wound, "I'm not hurt."
"You should be dead! That spear would have skewered a wild boar!" The Ranger stated holding some astonishment in his voice as he watched Frodo stand with the help of his two protectors.
"I think there is more to this Hobbit than meets the eye." Gandalf smiled; waiting for the crystal eyed Hobbit to show them what it was that saved them before Aza took the praise. The boy unbuttoned some of his shirt, opening it for the others to see the glittering silver of the hoary coat.
"Mithril! You are full of surprises, Master Baggins!" The Dwarf chuckled, stepping forward from behind Legolas and Gandalf.
"Um... Gandalf..." Aza began her voice low and shaky as she climbed onto a large piece of stone. She paused for a moment, listening to the sounds around her.
"More Orcs come! We must leave!" Legolas said, hurrying over to help Merry and Pippin to their feet.
"Where do we wander?" Kai asked, her memory of the caves still forming quite slowly.
"To the bridge of Khazad-dum!" The Wizard cried, grabbing his staff and sword. Strider and Boromir rushed along behind him, sending quick glances over their shoulders from time to time, making sure the other members of the Fellowship were still behind them as they left the small shattered room behind them.
As they ran the sound of not Orcs, but Goblins was heard. The putrid beings scurried down from their hiding places, surrounding the eleven companions from all sides in the centre of Moria. There were thousands of Goblins and all were carrying weapons.
"I don't think we should have left that room after all." The Ralgonnian child said looking down at her feet. Just when all hope seemed to fail a loud footstep was heard somewhere up ahead. A red glow was all that was seen of this 'savior' while the Goblins scattered, cowering back into hiding.
"Now I really don't think we should have left that room."
Legolas held his bow ready incase it was needed but soon lowered it again when the stomp seemed to get heavier and closer.
"What is this new devilry?" Boromir gasped, backing away slightly.
"A Balrog[48]," The Wizard informed. Kai's head whipped up as if she had been hit with something.
"I remember now. A demon of the ancient world..." Her eyes widened in rare panic as the Demon of Might neared them.
"This foe is beyond any of you. RUN!" Without hesitation they ran, getting as far away as they could on swift feet. Frodo ran as hard as he could, unable to take in a breath in fear of falling behind. Just in the lead of him Pippin was having the same difficulty.
"Pippin!" Kai cried as she saw the little one trip over his own cloak. "Come on, come on!" She grabbed the Hobbit around the waist, carrying him as she would a child.
The heat began to sneak up on them, worsening with every hasty step they took. The Ear'quessir were drying fast but they knew they had to continue for the Ring bearers' sake.
With one last glance behind her Aza saw the demon. His body covered in flame as he pursued his new game. Gandalf halted, waiting as the rest of the Fellowship passed him.
"Gandalf, do not wait for death to come to you! Run friend!" Kai screamed, still carrying the weary Halfling.
"Quickly!" Aragorn yelled, pushing the crimson haired Elf ahead of him. "Gandalf!"
"Lead them on, Aragorn. The bridge is near." The Man made a move to fight but was rejected when the Wizard pushed him away. "Do as I say!! Swords are no more use here!" Gandalf said.
They all continued on but much of the stone ceiling was breaking and the way out was far from sight. As they ran they came to a gap in the stone; their only way down...
Legolas managed to jump the gap, Kai following suit and Aza into her arms. As the flaxen haired Elf signaled for the others, the two ring bearers fired arrows at the now attacking Goblins from before.
"What a time to choose to fight you... there isn't a word in Ralgonnian or the tongue of man to describe how disgusting you are!" Aza fumed, loading her bow with yet another arrow.
"Aza, keep your tongue! Do not get distracted!" Her elder sister scolded, just managing to help Boromir and the two Hobbits he was carrying steady themselves on the lower ground. Looking up she noticed that when they jumped more of the shattered rock crumbled now leaving Aragorn, Gimli, Sam and Frodo with a bigger gap to jump.
"Aragorn, toss Samwise over!" Gandalf instructed his arms spread apart to catch the blond.
"Sam, come on." With a reassuring squeeze on the shoulder the Hobbit was thrown and caught easily because of his light weight.
Strider was preparing to throw Gimli but a hand slapped away his before he had time to realize what the Dwarf was saying.
"Nobody tosses a Dwarf!" The creature of the earth made a leap but couldn't steady himself when he reached the other side. Just as he was about to fall into the abyss he was grabbed by the beard. "Not the beard!"
Another great bolder came down from the ceiling of Moria, making it near to impossible for the last few stairs to stay firm. Swaying back and forth, Aragorn held Frodo to him, trying to find a way out of this predicament. He considered asking Aza to transform but even in Wolfen shape she would not be able to make the jump.
"Frodo... Steady, hold on!" He cried, brushing some of his black hair from his eyes as he leaned forward to better balance things out. "Lean forward. Steady." As they did this the staircase moved ahead, sending them closer to their friends.
"Come on! Now!" Legolas cried, catching the two in a firm grip.
"Over the bridge! Fly!" Gandalf cried.
"There is no way that I can suffer through more of this heat spell!" Aza coughed, rubbing the gem on her ring. Faster than the first time it was seen she transformed, her limbs shaking and changing as fur sprouted from her face and arms. When the change was complete she ran ahead, skipping whole stair cases altogether as she leapt from place to place, running away from the unbearable heat.
Kai seemed a little less affected than her sister for she was older and far more tolerant to these things than most Ralgonnian Elves.
"The bridge is just ahead! Keep your strength for we are nearly there!" The Mirkwood Elf called back to the others. They ran as fast as they could across the narrow escape, trying not to look down at their possible doom.
While the others raced across Gandalf stayed in the middle, turning to face the demon.
"You cannot pass!" He boomed, lifting his staff above him.
"Gandalf!" Frodo cried, struggling against Aza's grip. The Fellowship looked onward with frightful gazes as the Balrog drew near, now standing in front of the bridge.
"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, get away from there!" Kai shrieked as Aragorn grabbed onto her wrist, trying to hold her back. She struggled as best she could but the Ranger's hold on her didn't let up.
"Go back to the Shadow!! You shall not pass!" Gandalf forcefully brought his staff down, causing the rock to split. The Balrog stepped onto the bridge, unknown to the fact that it would crumble under his weight. Once his weight was fully on the crossing the rock shattered, leaving nowhere for him to go. With one last growl the Demon of Might fell into the chasm.
Gandalf sighed, turning around but as he did so the fiery whip lashed up and pulled on his ankle. The last attempt of revenge from the Balrog.
Stumbling backwards the Wizard took hold of the edge of the bridge, barely able to hold himself up. Frodo's eyes filled with tears as he gazed upon his old friend.
With one last lunge forward Frodo was held back. "No, no!" Boromir cried, pulling on the back of the Hobbits cloak. "There is nothing we can do!"
"GANDALF!!!" Aza shouted as she heard his last words.
"Fly you fools!" Kai saw the small smile play on his lips, one he only ever showed to the closest of friends. Her head filled with images of happier times but then she was knocked back to reality when she heard the little ones start to yell.
"No! NO!" Frodo kept yelling, trying to break away from the strawberry blond but it was no use. He was instead lifted and carried out.
"Aragorn!" The man cried from a distance as he held a weeping Frodo.
Light was seen and fresh air breathed but none of this was of any importance as the Fellowship emerged dirty and beaten.
"How did such a happy time become to dark?" Aza sniffed, collapsing onto her knees as she wept still trying to deny all that had happened.
"No! Kai, it is of no use! Gandalf is gone, we could not save him!" Aragorn yelled, still forcing a grieving friend out into the brilliant sunlight.
"Let me go! Let me go!" The Elf maid cried but her strength failed and she fell to her knees. No tears were wept for she did not know how but the choked sobs still came. Lifting her head slightly she saw the small form of Merry trying to comfort his cousin whose head was rested in his lap.
Even the Dwarf was yelling, trying to re-enter the mines but Boromir held him off. From up ahead Strider wiped his sword in a single stroke, re- sheathing it as he stood.
"Legolas, get them up." He said, hiding his own sorrow.
"Give them a moment for pity's sake!" The man of Gondor muttered, holding the Elf child as she cried into his shirt. For an odd reason his aches and pains seemed to leave him but he took no notice.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs. We must reach the woods of Lothlorien. Come, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, get them up."
"How do you propose we do that when we are leaderless? Do you not care that a dear friend has just passed!? Why do you not grieve for even a Man should grieve for the loss of another?" Kai boomed, drawing her dagger and holding it to the man's throat.
"We are not leaderless. I will be the one to lead you on. Gandalf did not sacrifice himself to watch us fail. He wants us to continue." Kai was about to say something when she was cut off. A bark from up above caught their attention and all looked up to see a snowy wolf leap from rock to jagged rock down the cliff.
"Ffion!" Aza smiled weakly as the wolf neared her, licking her face affectionately. The girl climbed onto the canine's back, unable to find the vigor in herself to continue on her own.
"She always comes in times of trouble... Always seems to know when Azalynne needs comforting..." Kai murmured as the Ranger called Frodo over to him.
"Sam, on your feet," He said blue eyes filled with pain for the little ones. Once again he looked around for the Hobbit. "Frodo! Frodo!!"
Standing alone Frodo looked back, a single tear falling from his eye.
"I wish not to continue." He whimpered. "I wish not to go on."
I AM SOOO SORRY FOR NOT GETTING THIS UP SOONER! I WOULD HAVE BUT I HAD TO DO ALL THIS STUFF FOR HISTORY! SORRY SORRY SORRY... ANYWAY, THE NEXT CHAPTER WILL BE THE LAST OF PART ONE! *GASPS* SHOCKIN' AIN'T IT?
THINGS SHOULD BE HAPPIER IN THE FOLLOWING CHAPTER UNTIL THE BREAKING OF THE FELLOWSHIP. ANYWHO, I HOPED YOU ENJOYED IT!
[41]- Annon Edhellen edro hi amen- 'Gate of the Elves open now for me!' in Elvish
[42]- Ando Eldarinwa a lasta quettanya, Fenda Casarinwa- 'Gate of the Elves listen to my word, Threshold of Dwarves!' in Elvish
[43]- Both Kai and Aza have this ability due to the power of their rings.
[44]- Menkroy rhaid lye yn wastad bod ikytaine gwael?- 'Why must you always be so mean?' in Ralgonnian Elvish. I took the Elvish word 'mankoi' meaning 'why', ('rhaid' is a Welsh word meaning 'must'), 'lle' for 'you', ('yn wastad' is Welsh for always), ('bod' is Welsh for 'be'), 'ikotane' for 'so' and ('gwael' in Welsh for 'mean')
[45]- Naugrim en' Moria- Elvish for 'Dwarves of Moria'
[46]- Kilmin malur ni zaram kalil ran arag. Kheled-zaram. Balin tazlifi- All I know is this is a Dwarfish prayer. There was no translation given. If anyone does know what this means then, please, do tell me.
[47]- Ear' bara- Elvish for 'Sea Dweller'
[48]- Balrogs- They became servants of Meklor, the Dark Enemy and were once spirits, transformed into the evil demons of the flame.
© Script for the dialogue that many will recognize from the motion picture 'The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring'. The script is taken from the site following:
http://dreamwater.net/seatofkings/script_fotr_pics.html
Quick Summary for the next chapter:
Ch. 7: A Dying Bed for Mordor (Lothlorien, breaking of the Fellowship.)
