Well here is the next motley instalment of this story, sorry I have been a
while, and I am sorry if it's a little weird at points, but my writing is
as sporadic as my mood! I hope you enjoy it, please let me know if its
wrong/weird/just random in places! Thank you!
Dislaimer- much as I'm dying for possession of my own dear hobbits, I don't
own them, sorry all of you!
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Fight and flight.. and loss ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
*Elenya's POV*
Chaos had now broken loose.
Legolas and Aragorn felled many orcs as they shot, but the tide wasn't stemmed; they kept coming. Gimli was shouting, Boromir was slashing as they came and pushing them over with his shield, but they soon broke past them, to me and to Gandalf and then to the hobbits. But I couldn't keep checking on them and fight at the same time. I stepped forwards as the tide thickened, and everyone spread out.
The first orc; I hewed the head off while it goggled at me in surprise, probably at seeing a woman here swinging a huge sword towards its hideous face. The second, I kicked in the stomach, winding it and then stabbing it in the chest. Booting it to the ground I saw the hobbits run forwards with a shout and began to stab any enemy they could get to.
More orcs were coming, and I jumped up onto the stone behind me, grabbing my bow and arrow and shooting down as many orcs as were in range. There appeared to be less of them now, but they were pausing as heavy, dull footsteps approached.
Everything seemed to stop as a huge troll burst through the doorway, knocking away huge chunks of stone and thrashing at the air as orcs below tried to direct it with thick iron chains. Both Legolas and I fired a volley of arrows at it's chest, but it didn't even pause.
Stomping forwards towards Sam, it took a heavy swing downwards with a massive club in its bulky hand.
"SHIFT IT!!!" I screamed at him, and Sam dived forwards, and between the troll's legs. I had no more time to watch as I moved; an orc was coming straight at me.
I pulled out my sword again and pounced down on it, shoving the sword deep into the back of its throat, so it squealed like a stuck pig before it fell.
I glanced up to see the troll, who had now turned from Sam whack Boromir through the air, so he flew against a stone wall. My heart stopped, I know it did. But luckily he shook himself and went to get up, only to be confronted by three orcs. Aragorn killed the first, and I the second and third. Boromir glanced at us, acknowledging each of our efforts, but there was no time. Even though there were few orcs left, they seemed to making for me, obviously thinking I would be easier to kill. But they were sorely wrong.
I gave as good as I got, and while most of these orcs were huge and strong, almost all had no skill with a sword, and were relatively easy to slay, once you dodged their hefty blows.
As I fought, I saw that once again, Sam was cornered; only keeping himself from death by hitting at orcs with frying pans. Six of them were advancing, and my heart leapt sickeningly, as one took a swing, only to be met in the face with his pan.
Pushing past the orc I just stabbed I grabbed at my wooden throwing knives, carved as we left Rivendell and flung them, each one hitting the orc in the neck, or head. Sam opened his eyes, paused in mid swing and looked up blearily.
I nodded at him, then turned to see the orc intently following something in the corner of the upper level. Clambering up onto the same level I saw Merry and Pippin were but a few feet away from it, watching with horror. The troll was going after Frodo, and he was going to get him any second..
"GET AWAY!!!" I screamed up at them, praying they would listen, but Merry and Pippin were both transfixed by the chase that was going on in the corner. The only thing standing between Frodo and that troll was a crumbling stone pillar, and Frodo couldn't dodge for image.
Once again, I let loose as many arrows as I could, but most of them hit the troll in the shoulder, not even stopping it slightly. Frodo jumped back into a hole, and I couldn't see him anymore, but I could hear him shouting for help, as the troll pulled him up.
Then with a flinch the troll dropped Frodo down to the lower level; Frodo had gone for the troll's hand and succeeded.
Then, as quick as anything, Aragorn was there, fighting, and from the sound and look of it, he had stabbed it in the stomach. I flung every knife I had straight into the trolls head, as it threw Aragorn to one side, and then turned its attention back to Frodo, who had run forwards to help Aragorn.
"Don't!! You'll be cornered!!" I screamed, but even I knew I wouldn't be heard of the cries of the enraged, and now wounded troll. With the spike it had pulled from its stomach, the troll stabbed, and I heard Frodo cry out.
I couldn't move as I watched him fall forwards, Merry and Pippin leaping onto the trolls back. I followed the same suit; Frodo was not going to die in vain. I forced that painful thought from my mind and concentrated only on plunging my sword as deep into the troll as I could.
The troll plucked Merry, and swinging round to try to hit Gimli, dropped him to the floor, as I carried on, stabbing and stabbing, ignoring the blood spraying all over me. I could feel the movement beneath us slow and weaken and both Pippin and I, with a glance gave one last hit, directly to the nerve at the back of the trolls now open neck.
As it threw its head back in pain I jumped off, and Legolas struck it once more, this time in the throat. I watched sway and totter as I landed, until it fell forwards throwing Pippin onwards, waiting until its moans had gone completely and its body was still. I let out a sigh; it was done.
But then, the thought I had forced form my mind came back with a vengeance; Frodo. I pulled Pippin up as I ran across the room with as must speed as I could muster.
Frodo was lying in a twisted way, face down and still. I couldn't believe it, he wasn't dead; he just couldn't be. I knelt down as Aragorn pulled at him with a sigh. As he pulled Frodo face up, he gasped suddenly, as though there wasn't enough air. Sam ran forwards, kneeling next to me as Frodo grasped at his chest, gasping and catching his breath.
"Frodo." I breathed, grabbing onto Sam's arm in delight.
"He's alive" Sam cried, and he reached forwards to help pull Frodo up.
"I'm all right, I'm not hurt" Said Frodo, still panting as he rose. I felt the knot in my chest loosed, I was right, he was okay; it was okay.
"You should be dead; that spear could have skewered a wild boar!" exclaimed Aragorn with wonder.
"Frodo, why aren't you dead?" I asked, "You should be dead, by all accounts!" I cried in wonder. How had he survived?
"I think there's more to this hobbit than meets the eye" Said Gandalf, and Frodo guiltily reached down and opened his shirt, to show silver rings glinting in the light. Sam reached forward to touch the smooth metal.
"Mithril! You are full of surprises Master Baggins," exclaimed Gimli in awe.
"Frodo, you..." This was actually quite funny, but I was so outraged he hadn't told us, it would have saved a lot of worry on my part. "You didn't even."I was overcome, and reached forwards to hug him with relief.
As I let go of him, a sound caught my ears, the sound of cries and shouts and feet; orc shouts, and orc feet. Everyone looked up in fear.
"To the bridge of Kazad-dûm!" Breathed Gandalf, and turned to run out the door.
My strength was fading as we ran out behind him, through the great dark halls. I scuttled close to the hobbits, who were struggling to keep up with us, clearly driven only by fear at the hoards following us.
The orcs seemed endless, they covered the blackness behind us with a darker black as they jostled and shouted, drawing closer to us as we ran. Glancing behind me as I sprinted, I could see that goblins and orcs were climbing down from holes in the roof, and pouring out of holes in the floor; screaming and mocking as they came.
We ran past the pillars, with the enemy too close for my liking as we drew across the room. I tried to keep up with the light of Gandalf's staff; I was terrified of what might happen if I was left in the darkness.
My legs were on fire, but we were so far across the room, I knew I had to keep going. But everyone else was slowing down too, I could tell that we weren't going to make it out of this hall; the orcs were too close, our pace too slow. The Orcs were at our heels, snapping and shouting and coming ever closer, until we could go no further.
We came to a dead stop; we were surrounded by the enemy, some only a few paces distant. I stepped out from behind Legolas, turned to face them and drew my sword. I would not end this way. They were taunting us in their foul tongue, stabbing the air in threat, waiting for us to panic. To my pride, no one did.
We stood firmly, and while I saw the fear in everyone's faces (not least my own) no one cried out, or made any other sign. Then everyone paused, as from far off a loud rumble, as a growl came. The farthest side of the hall lit up deep burnt orange, and all the orcs were panicking, turning this way and that, suddenly just a scared as I was.
Then, without any sort of warning they all turned and fled faster than they had been chasing us; obviously petrified. This wasn't a good sign. We may have been saved from these awful creatures, but I didn't want to think about what was awful enough to scare these senseless, unfeeling orcs.
With a terrible sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, the knowledge hit me. My dreams (if they could be called that) we close to coming to pass.
We watched them all scramble away, back up the pillars, down into the floor and away from us, Gimli letting out a sigh of relief. The far off roars were growing louder and louder, and the light now shone bright enough for me to catch the cold suspicion on Boromir's face.
"What is this new devilry?" He said softly to Gandalf, who was leaning on his staff, his face suddenly old and forlorn. Looking at the two of them, I suddenly knew who would fall, and my breath caught in my chest, so my words didn't come out.
"Gan-" I couldn't speak. Gandalf spoke slowly;
"A Balrog. A demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you. RUN!" Gandalf, once again running the last few hundred feet to the door ahead of us, was suddenly back to his old self, but I knew the truth now.
As we all followed him, the light grew; as did the growling and so did my sense of dread.
Ushered through the doors, I sprinted round the corner and down some stairs only to find Boromir being pulled back from the edge of a ledge by Legolas, the horn at his waist slipping forwards.
I dived for it face first, almost going over myself as both Legolas and Boromir collapsed backwards. While my hands gripped the smooth horn, I looked down into a seemingly endless pit, broken only by a narrow flight of stairs that snaked back and forth until they reached a door far, far down.
I gasped as Legolas too pulled me back, from the edge, and Aragorn started to lead the way onwards.
Before I could hand the horn to Boromir, I was running after them and didn't notice Gandalf despondently trailing behind us. We ran down the stairs as fast as we could; always careful not to miss the step. I, for one, was paranoid of falling off the edge; balance and speed together wasn't a strong point for me.
After we were on the flight, everyone paused. Looking over the heads of the hobbits, I saw there was a gap of a good few feet just ahead of us. Legolas leaped the gap easily and turned, motioning for Gandalf to follow. From behind us, I heard another roar, and saw the archway, now cracking grow bright red.
Looking down as Legolas caught Gandalf, I knew Legolas could too sense that it wasn't safe, not Gandalf the least. As we went on, the fear grew. I knew it was coming but hoped with all my heart it wouldn't.
*Aragorn's POV*
I watched as the white light illuminated the whole bridge, lighting up the fear in everyone's face. There was a great crack, and suddenly, the Balrog was toppling, the bridge was cracking and it was disappearing, down into the chasm. Its fire dimmed, and Gandalf stood for a moment, watching before turning to face us. For a second I thought it was done. We had leapt the stairs, beaten the beast and were now so close to freedom. We had escaped Moria.
But I spoke to soon.
Without any sort of warning, that flaming whip struck back at him; the Balrog's last malicious effort. Gandalf was pulled back, holding onto the ledge only by his finger tips.
There were shouts and screams from everyone; Boromir was holding back both Elenya and Frodo.
Gandalf's last words, as he looked at us;
"Fly you fools!" And then he was gone, leaving nothing behind but screams of anguish and fear, and desolation. Then everyone was running out of the archway behind me.
I myself couldn't move. How could he be gone?
Gandalf had always seemed so untouchable, even though he had his suspicions when he entered this place. I only came to my senses when an Orc arrow flew past my ear.
Turning to run, I noticed Elenya was still standing there, alone, completely silent.
"Elenya!!" I shouted, through the hail of arrows now upon us. I ran forward to pull her arm, as an arrow sliced deep into the skin.
She stared at me a moment, mouth open in silent shock; her face purest white with disbelief at what she had just seen. Then suddenly, she came to and was running past me, out through the archway, looking as though she was about to be sick.
I ran after her, but she was going so fast she was soon ahead of me, and as the faint light from outside grew ahead of us, her panting became louder and louder as she grew more distant.
Outside, everyone was completely hysterical. Merry and Pippin lay on the floor clutching at each other, sobbing uncontrollably.
Sam had his head in his hands, his face red from crying.
Boromir was only just managing to keep Gimli from running back in to do something.
Legolas stood silent, confused and I realised that he never had known death.
Frodo was nowhere to be seen, and Elenya sat on a rock, her head buried firmly in her arms, not making a single sound or movement.
I stood away from them, cleaning my blood drenched sword. My mind wouldn't work; I couldn't accept Gandalf was gone. So many times he had been in danger, yet he had always conquered, how could he have fallen?
After a few minutes, no matter how much it hurt me, I knew we would have to move. I took a deep breath, knowing I would have to lead them on, as Gandalf said.
"Gimli, Legolas, get them up." Gimli made no movement, but Legolas, seeing the sense, went forward to pull Merry and Pippin up. Boromir, looking round, his eyes filled with mercy, spoke;
"Give them a moment, for pity's sake!"
"By night time, these hills will be swarming with orcs!" I returned angrily; Boromir spoke as though I didn't care.
As he was about to answer, Elenya spoke, her voice shaky, but her words firm;
"Aragorn speaks truth, we cannot linger." She sighed. I saw now, her eyes and face were clouded with tears, her face suddenly older, and more lined.
She resolutely stood up as I went forward to pull Sam up.
"We have to leave here.." Boromir watched her, and I could see the compassion on his face, and knew then just how much he cared for Elenya, and wondered if that would be enough to stop him.
.........
After Aragorn heaved Sam up and moved on, Elenya went forwards. Sam was trying to stop crying, making him get little shudders. His face was still red and tear-ridden. Elenya knelt down, offering her filthy sleeve to try and mop up his streaming face, and nose;
"We'll do it properly Sam, once we're safe. He deserved more than this, tonight, it'll be all right, so long as you can hold on till then." She sighed, wiping and giving him a hug.
She walked over to Merry and Pippin and pulled them close. It felt so awful to her to see them, once so happy and carefree, like this.
"Tonight." She murmured, "Just hold on until then"
"Where are we going?" sniffed Pippin, clearly still bewildered by everything.
"We'll be safe" Elenya sighed, standing again. In truth, she had no idea where they were going, or where they would be that night. She didn't remember Lothlorien being so close.
She turned to see Frodo, standing brokenly after being called back by Aragorn. Her heart wept inwardly as she tried to control herself. .....................
They went forwards, all numb and silent, aside from the occasional sniff or sigh. Aragorn, at the fore, jogged in little bursts, obviously eager to make his way onwards.
The rest followed him wearily, each looking as though they wanted nothing more than to collapse. Aragorn paused, as far below him, he saw the fair forests of Lothlorien, almost veiled by distance.
He heard splashes behind him as the other crossed the little stream he had just leapt over. Behind him he heard a gasp; "Lothlorien.." Elenya breathed quietly. The only sound in her voice was one of wonder, and the sound of something long hoped for.
Aragorn turned to face her, wondered what significance lay in that forest so distant still. He looked at her, and their eyes met, but she couldn't hold his gaze for long. Her eyes were drawn down, and she went forwards, past Aragorn, who motioned for the others to follow.
*Frodo's POV*
The day went by quickly, although none of us spoke, or stopped, even to eat. It seemed so unfair that at last, after so long spent in the darkness, that here in the light at last, we were missing our most important companion.
Gandalf was gone, and I didn't know how we could go on without him. He always knew; he was always there.. I didn't see how we could continue.
No one else made any sign, just trundled along as fast as they could. The only people who seemed to have any energy were Aragorn, and to a lesser extent, Elenya.
I had no idea why they were so eagerly moving towards the forest. All I knew about Lothlorien was that it was a dwelling place of high-elves, but right now, I didn't care.
The morning turned into afternoon and the sun was westering by the time we reached the border of Lothlorien. We went in, one after another, glancing around at these beautiful woods.
Although it was the beginning of the year, here it seemed to be autumn, leaves were still falling, and that golden glow seemed to reside in every leaf, twig and piece of moss we passed. I was lost in thought, barely heeding Gimli's talk of the elf which who dwelt here.
Suddenly, I heard a voice, but it was inward. I had never heard such a sound in my life, and I could scarcely make out what it was saying.
All of a sudden, we were surrounded, an elf pointing a bow and arrow at my face. I gulped, knowing this wasn't good, and wondering why Aragorn had been so eager to get here.
*Elenya's POV*
An elf stepped forwards. He was tall and very fair, yet on his face there was contempt. He was clearly the leader here, and clearly awake of it. He spoke;
"The dwarf breathed so loud, we could have shot him in the dark," The disdain was heard clearly as he drawled slowly and I could see, as he looked down at Gimli, that he was close to smiling in triumph. I took an immediate dislike to him, as Gimli growled behind me, and Legolas let his bow fall.
He and Aragorn had a blunt conversation in rapid elvish, the only word I caught were 'need' from Aragorn, and 'perhaps' from this newcomer.
He turned and led us on, although each of us was separated by the elf which had, up until a few moments ago, been holding an arrow inches from our faces.
We travelled until it grew dark, only pausing once. I knew that these elves were not used to us mortals, for only Legolas seemed vigorous enough to keep up with the pace, the rest of us were dragging our feet stumbling along as we went.
The leader stopped us under a great oak, and pointed up; calling out what I assumed was a password. As he did, a small rope ladder unravelled itself, and he climbed it. Looking at the hobbits I could see the unease on their face, hobbits weren't used to heights of any sort. I was done with being silently polite;
"Can we not stay down here?" I asked, "Some of us are not accustomed to climbing." He jumped down and looked at me.
"If you didn't wish to do such simple things as climb, then perhaps you shouldn't be here." He smirked at me, as though I was a child who had asked for more sweets than I could manage. I crossed my arms;
"I have been climbing trees as tall as this since I was five. If you must know I was thinking of the hobbits, unless they are to be punished for their customs and way of living?" I returned, I was not going to stand for this.
"They will climb, or they will spend the night down here alone, and I don't fancy their chances with the orcs that will be following you. You are in the keep of others now; perhaps you should accustom yourself." He said bluntly, scaling the first few rungs of the ladder easily.
At a push from Legolas, I followed reluctantly, disliking this new elf even more.
We climbed up until my limbs were as dead weight and I thought I would soon tumble off this little ladder. By now, we were into the canopy of the forest, and the ground below was lost, save a tiny patch now and then made visible by the moonlight.
At last, after an age of climbing we reached our destination, which was little more than a wooden platform suspended where the main boughs branched away from the tree. Not following the lead of the others, who slumped down, I followed Legolas and Aragorn as they moved forward to talk to that elf again.
Nearby I could see there were other platforms and other elves looking at us with astonished curiosity. I knew that they could sense what we brought with us, and I realised we may not be able to go forwards easily at all.
"Aragorn en' Dunedain llie naa sinta nae lye (Aragorn of the Dunedan, you are known to us)" Spoke the elf, looking for the first time halfway pleasant. He moved on to Legolas
"Legolas Son of Thranduil." Legolas bowed his head, and this elf looked at me, and then spoke again to Aragorn.
"Who is she?" He asked in elvish. I couldn't believe what I was hearing! Why on earth wouldn't he ask me?
"Amin sint amin ess!(I know my own name!)" I exclaimed in my best elvish. He glanced at me then turned to Aragorn. I let out a vague sound of outrage.
"Her name is Elenya. She is part of the fellowship set out on our journey." Arangorn said simply. The elf looked at me again, making no outward sign, but I could tell he was shocked.
"The one of whom we know-" He asked, waiting for Aragorn to finish his sentence. Aragorn nodded, as did Legolas.
"It was truth." Said Legolas simply, glancing at me again.
"SO much for the famous courtesy of the elves; speak words we can all understand!!" Exclaimed Gilmi from by my side.
"We have not had dealings with dwarves since the dark days..." Said the elf again, (switching in an instant to the common tongue) as though this explained everything easily enough.
"Well do you know what this dwarf says to this?" Said Gimli, uttering what even I could tell was an insult. Aragorn grabbed his shoulder roughly.
"That was not so courteous!" He hissed. The elf, once again looking triumphant moved on to look down at the hobbits. He paused, and recoiled, turning to Aragorn.
"You can go no further." He stated; definite unease in his voice. Looking down at Frodo and Sam, both startled, I knew that I had once again been right at the worst time. .............
The discussion between Aragorn and this unknown elf went on for a good long while. They were standing to far away for the company to hear what was being said (of course, apart from Legolas). The company had been given a small meal of dried meats and berries and had been sitting, talking only in whispers if they spoke at all.
Frodo looked up at his companions, but none would meet his eye. Each turned away after a few seconds, even Sam. Frodo wondered if Elenya would have looked him in the eye, but she was gazing vacantly into the trees about them, lost in thought, her eyes shining. Frodo wondered what Gandalf would have done, if he had been here, if only he hadn't been taken. Suddenly, Boromir spoke jolting Frodo back to the present;
"You carry a great burden Frodo; don't carry the weight of the dead." Frodo said nothing, but looked down again.
He wished more Gandalf was here; he would know what to do. Each day, Frodo could feel the Ring growing a little more powerful, and knew that each day; it called to Boromir a little more.
He was unsure of how long this balance could last, even though just now Boromir had sounded like himself as he spoke. Frodo was interrupted again by that elf speaking.
Frodo didn't like this one at all. Unlike Legolas, his undying face was not graced with warmth and care, simply knowledge and transcendence; as though he knew all of them and was better than them. Now, his tone was curt and sharp;
"Come the morning, you shall follow me." Then he was off, standing at the edge of this tiny platform looking out.
Frodo shuffled instinctively to where the other hobbits lay already; getting ready to go to bed, but looking immensely uncomfortable.
Frodo hated these heights too, he was a hobbit after all, but he was so exhausted, he just wanted to loose himself in sleep for a while. As his eyes closed, he wondered faintly why Elenya was sitting bolt upright, glaring over at their guide.
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I hope to update before Christmas, but if not Happy Holidays to you all, and enjoy ROTK! Please R&R! xxxxx
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~* Fight and flight.. and loss ~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
*Elenya's POV*
Chaos had now broken loose.
Legolas and Aragorn felled many orcs as they shot, but the tide wasn't stemmed; they kept coming. Gimli was shouting, Boromir was slashing as they came and pushing them over with his shield, but they soon broke past them, to me and to Gandalf and then to the hobbits. But I couldn't keep checking on them and fight at the same time. I stepped forwards as the tide thickened, and everyone spread out.
The first orc; I hewed the head off while it goggled at me in surprise, probably at seeing a woman here swinging a huge sword towards its hideous face. The second, I kicked in the stomach, winding it and then stabbing it in the chest. Booting it to the ground I saw the hobbits run forwards with a shout and began to stab any enemy they could get to.
More orcs were coming, and I jumped up onto the stone behind me, grabbing my bow and arrow and shooting down as many orcs as were in range. There appeared to be less of them now, but they were pausing as heavy, dull footsteps approached.
Everything seemed to stop as a huge troll burst through the doorway, knocking away huge chunks of stone and thrashing at the air as orcs below tried to direct it with thick iron chains. Both Legolas and I fired a volley of arrows at it's chest, but it didn't even pause.
Stomping forwards towards Sam, it took a heavy swing downwards with a massive club in its bulky hand.
"SHIFT IT!!!" I screamed at him, and Sam dived forwards, and between the troll's legs. I had no more time to watch as I moved; an orc was coming straight at me.
I pulled out my sword again and pounced down on it, shoving the sword deep into the back of its throat, so it squealed like a stuck pig before it fell.
I glanced up to see the troll, who had now turned from Sam whack Boromir through the air, so he flew against a stone wall. My heart stopped, I know it did. But luckily he shook himself and went to get up, only to be confronted by three orcs. Aragorn killed the first, and I the second and third. Boromir glanced at us, acknowledging each of our efforts, but there was no time. Even though there were few orcs left, they seemed to making for me, obviously thinking I would be easier to kill. But they were sorely wrong.
I gave as good as I got, and while most of these orcs were huge and strong, almost all had no skill with a sword, and were relatively easy to slay, once you dodged their hefty blows.
As I fought, I saw that once again, Sam was cornered; only keeping himself from death by hitting at orcs with frying pans. Six of them were advancing, and my heart leapt sickeningly, as one took a swing, only to be met in the face with his pan.
Pushing past the orc I just stabbed I grabbed at my wooden throwing knives, carved as we left Rivendell and flung them, each one hitting the orc in the neck, or head. Sam opened his eyes, paused in mid swing and looked up blearily.
I nodded at him, then turned to see the orc intently following something in the corner of the upper level. Clambering up onto the same level I saw Merry and Pippin were but a few feet away from it, watching with horror. The troll was going after Frodo, and he was going to get him any second..
"GET AWAY!!!" I screamed up at them, praying they would listen, but Merry and Pippin were both transfixed by the chase that was going on in the corner. The only thing standing between Frodo and that troll was a crumbling stone pillar, and Frodo couldn't dodge for image.
Once again, I let loose as many arrows as I could, but most of them hit the troll in the shoulder, not even stopping it slightly. Frodo jumped back into a hole, and I couldn't see him anymore, but I could hear him shouting for help, as the troll pulled him up.
Then with a flinch the troll dropped Frodo down to the lower level; Frodo had gone for the troll's hand and succeeded.
Then, as quick as anything, Aragorn was there, fighting, and from the sound and look of it, he had stabbed it in the stomach. I flung every knife I had straight into the trolls head, as it threw Aragorn to one side, and then turned its attention back to Frodo, who had run forwards to help Aragorn.
"Don't!! You'll be cornered!!" I screamed, but even I knew I wouldn't be heard of the cries of the enraged, and now wounded troll. With the spike it had pulled from its stomach, the troll stabbed, and I heard Frodo cry out.
I couldn't move as I watched him fall forwards, Merry and Pippin leaping onto the trolls back. I followed the same suit; Frodo was not going to die in vain. I forced that painful thought from my mind and concentrated only on plunging my sword as deep into the troll as I could.
The troll plucked Merry, and swinging round to try to hit Gimli, dropped him to the floor, as I carried on, stabbing and stabbing, ignoring the blood spraying all over me. I could feel the movement beneath us slow and weaken and both Pippin and I, with a glance gave one last hit, directly to the nerve at the back of the trolls now open neck.
As it threw its head back in pain I jumped off, and Legolas struck it once more, this time in the throat. I watched sway and totter as I landed, until it fell forwards throwing Pippin onwards, waiting until its moans had gone completely and its body was still. I let out a sigh; it was done.
But then, the thought I had forced form my mind came back with a vengeance; Frodo. I pulled Pippin up as I ran across the room with as must speed as I could muster.
Frodo was lying in a twisted way, face down and still. I couldn't believe it, he wasn't dead; he just couldn't be. I knelt down as Aragorn pulled at him with a sigh. As he pulled Frodo face up, he gasped suddenly, as though there wasn't enough air. Sam ran forwards, kneeling next to me as Frodo grasped at his chest, gasping and catching his breath.
"Frodo." I breathed, grabbing onto Sam's arm in delight.
"He's alive" Sam cried, and he reached forwards to help pull Frodo up.
"I'm all right, I'm not hurt" Said Frodo, still panting as he rose. I felt the knot in my chest loosed, I was right, he was okay; it was okay.
"You should be dead; that spear could have skewered a wild boar!" exclaimed Aragorn with wonder.
"Frodo, why aren't you dead?" I asked, "You should be dead, by all accounts!" I cried in wonder. How had he survived?
"I think there's more to this hobbit than meets the eye" Said Gandalf, and Frodo guiltily reached down and opened his shirt, to show silver rings glinting in the light. Sam reached forward to touch the smooth metal.
"Mithril! You are full of surprises Master Baggins," exclaimed Gimli in awe.
"Frodo, you..." This was actually quite funny, but I was so outraged he hadn't told us, it would have saved a lot of worry on my part. "You didn't even."I was overcome, and reached forwards to hug him with relief.
As I let go of him, a sound caught my ears, the sound of cries and shouts and feet; orc shouts, and orc feet. Everyone looked up in fear.
"To the bridge of Kazad-dûm!" Breathed Gandalf, and turned to run out the door.
My strength was fading as we ran out behind him, through the great dark halls. I scuttled close to the hobbits, who were struggling to keep up with us, clearly driven only by fear at the hoards following us.
The orcs seemed endless, they covered the blackness behind us with a darker black as they jostled and shouted, drawing closer to us as we ran. Glancing behind me as I sprinted, I could see that goblins and orcs were climbing down from holes in the roof, and pouring out of holes in the floor; screaming and mocking as they came.
We ran past the pillars, with the enemy too close for my liking as we drew across the room. I tried to keep up with the light of Gandalf's staff; I was terrified of what might happen if I was left in the darkness.
My legs were on fire, but we were so far across the room, I knew I had to keep going. But everyone else was slowing down too, I could tell that we weren't going to make it out of this hall; the orcs were too close, our pace too slow. The Orcs were at our heels, snapping and shouting and coming ever closer, until we could go no further.
We came to a dead stop; we were surrounded by the enemy, some only a few paces distant. I stepped out from behind Legolas, turned to face them and drew my sword. I would not end this way. They were taunting us in their foul tongue, stabbing the air in threat, waiting for us to panic. To my pride, no one did.
We stood firmly, and while I saw the fear in everyone's faces (not least my own) no one cried out, or made any other sign. Then everyone paused, as from far off a loud rumble, as a growl came. The farthest side of the hall lit up deep burnt orange, and all the orcs were panicking, turning this way and that, suddenly just a scared as I was.
Then, without any sort of warning they all turned and fled faster than they had been chasing us; obviously petrified. This wasn't a good sign. We may have been saved from these awful creatures, but I didn't want to think about what was awful enough to scare these senseless, unfeeling orcs.
With a terrible sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach, the knowledge hit me. My dreams (if they could be called that) we close to coming to pass.
We watched them all scramble away, back up the pillars, down into the floor and away from us, Gimli letting out a sigh of relief. The far off roars were growing louder and louder, and the light now shone bright enough for me to catch the cold suspicion on Boromir's face.
"What is this new devilry?" He said softly to Gandalf, who was leaning on his staff, his face suddenly old and forlorn. Looking at the two of them, I suddenly knew who would fall, and my breath caught in my chest, so my words didn't come out.
"Gan-" I couldn't speak. Gandalf spoke slowly;
"A Balrog. A demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you. RUN!" Gandalf, once again running the last few hundred feet to the door ahead of us, was suddenly back to his old self, but I knew the truth now.
As we all followed him, the light grew; as did the growling and so did my sense of dread.
Ushered through the doors, I sprinted round the corner and down some stairs only to find Boromir being pulled back from the edge of a ledge by Legolas, the horn at his waist slipping forwards.
I dived for it face first, almost going over myself as both Legolas and Boromir collapsed backwards. While my hands gripped the smooth horn, I looked down into a seemingly endless pit, broken only by a narrow flight of stairs that snaked back and forth until they reached a door far, far down.
I gasped as Legolas too pulled me back, from the edge, and Aragorn started to lead the way onwards.
Before I could hand the horn to Boromir, I was running after them and didn't notice Gandalf despondently trailing behind us. We ran down the stairs as fast as we could; always careful not to miss the step. I, for one, was paranoid of falling off the edge; balance and speed together wasn't a strong point for me.
After we were on the flight, everyone paused. Looking over the heads of the hobbits, I saw there was a gap of a good few feet just ahead of us. Legolas leaped the gap easily and turned, motioning for Gandalf to follow. From behind us, I heard another roar, and saw the archway, now cracking grow bright red.
Looking down as Legolas caught Gandalf, I knew Legolas could too sense that it wasn't safe, not Gandalf the least. As we went on, the fear grew. I knew it was coming but hoped with all my heart it wouldn't.
*Aragorn's POV*
I watched as the white light illuminated the whole bridge, lighting up the fear in everyone's face. There was a great crack, and suddenly, the Balrog was toppling, the bridge was cracking and it was disappearing, down into the chasm. Its fire dimmed, and Gandalf stood for a moment, watching before turning to face us. For a second I thought it was done. We had leapt the stairs, beaten the beast and were now so close to freedom. We had escaped Moria.
But I spoke to soon.
Without any sort of warning, that flaming whip struck back at him; the Balrog's last malicious effort. Gandalf was pulled back, holding onto the ledge only by his finger tips.
There were shouts and screams from everyone; Boromir was holding back both Elenya and Frodo.
Gandalf's last words, as he looked at us;
"Fly you fools!" And then he was gone, leaving nothing behind but screams of anguish and fear, and desolation. Then everyone was running out of the archway behind me.
I myself couldn't move. How could he be gone?
Gandalf had always seemed so untouchable, even though he had his suspicions when he entered this place. I only came to my senses when an Orc arrow flew past my ear.
Turning to run, I noticed Elenya was still standing there, alone, completely silent.
"Elenya!!" I shouted, through the hail of arrows now upon us. I ran forward to pull her arm, as an arrow sliced deep into the skin.
She stared at me a moment, mouth open in silent shock; her face purest white with disbelief at what she had just seen. Then suddenly, she came to and was running past me, out through the archway, looking as though she was about to be sick.
I ran after her, but she was going so fast she was soon ahead of me, and as the faint light from outside grew ahead of us, her panting became louder and louder as she grew more distant.
Outside, everyone was completely hysterical. Merry and Pippin lay on the floor clutching at each other, sobbing uncontrollably.
Sam had his head in his hands, his face red from crying.
Boromir was only just managing to keep Gimli from running back in to do something.
Legolas stood silent, confused and I realised that he never had known death.
Frodo was nowhere to be seen, and Elenya sat on a rock, her head buried firmly in her arms, not making a single sound or movement.
I stood away from them, cleaning my blood drenched sword. My mind wouldn't work; I couldn't accept Gandalf was gone. So many times he had been in danger, yet he had always conquered, how could he have fallen?
After a few minutes, no matter how much it hurt me, I knew we would have to move. I took a deep breath, knowing I would have to lead them on, as Gandalf said.
"Gimli, Legolas, get them up." Gimli made no movement, but Legolas, seeing the sense, went forward to pull Merry and Pippin up. Boromir, looking round, his eyes filled with mercy, spoke;
"Give them a moment, for pity's sake!"
"By night time, these hills will be swarming with orcs!" I returned angrily; Boromir spoke as though I didn't care.
As he was about to answer, Elenya spoke, her voice shaky, but her words firm;
"Aragorn speaks truth, we cannot linger." She sighed. I saw now, her eyes and face were clouded with tears, her face suddenly older, and more lined.
She resolutely stood up as I went forward to pull Sam up.
"We have to leave here.." Boromir watched her, and I could see the compassion on his face, and knew then just how much he cared for Elenya, and wondered if that would be enough to stop him.
.........
After Aragorn heaved Sam up and moved on, Elenya went forwards. Sam was trying to stop crying, making him get little shudders. His face was still red and tear-ridden. Elenya knelt down, offering her filthy sleeve to try and mop up his streaming face, and nose;
"We'll do it properly Sam, once we're safe. He deserved more than this, tonight, it'll be all right, so long as you can hold on till then." She sighed, wiping and giving him a hug.
She walked over to Merry and Pippin and pulled them close. It felt so awful to her to see them, once so happy and carefree, like this.
"Tonight." She murmured, "Just hold on until then"
"Where are we going?" sniffed Pippin, clearly still bewildered by everything.
"We'll be safe" Elenya sighed, standing again. In truth, she had no idea where they were going, or where they would be that night. She didn't remember Lothlorien being so close.
She turned to see Frodo, standing brokenly after being called back by Aragorn. Her heart wept inwardly as she tried to control herself. .....................
They went forwards, all numb and silent, aside from the occasional sniff or sigh. Aragorn, at the fore, jogged in little bursts, obviously eager to make his way onwards.
The rest followed him wearily, each looking as though they wanted nothing more than to collapse. Aragorn paused, as far below him, he saw the fair forests of Lothlorien, almost veiled by distance.
He heard splashes behind him as the other crossed the little stream he had just leapt over. Behind him he heard a gasp; "Lothlorien.." Elenya breathed quietly. The only sound in her voice was one of wonder, and the sound of something long hoped for.
Aragorn turned to face her, wondered what significance lay in that forest so distant still. He looked at her, and their eyes met, but she couldn't hold his gaze for long. Her eyes were drawn down, and she went forwards, past Aragorn, who motioned for the others to follow.
*Frodo's POV*
The day went by quickly, although none of us spoke, or stopped, even to eat. It seemed so unfair that at last, after so long spent in the darkness, that here in the light at last, we were missing our most important companion.
Gandalf was gone, and I didn't know how we could go on without him. He always knew; he was always there.. I didn't see how we could continue.
No one else made any sign, just trundled along as fast as they could. The only people who seemed to have any energy were Aragorn, and to a lesser extent, Elenya.
I had no idea why they were so eagerly moving towards the forest. All I knew about Lothlorien was that it was a dwelling place of high-elves, but right now, I didn't care.
The morning turned into afternoon and the sun was westering by the time we reached the border of Lothlorien. We went in, one after another, glancing around at these beautiful woods.
Although it was the beginning of the year, here it seemed to be autumn, leaves were still falling, and that golden glow seemed to reside in every leaf, twig and piece of moss we passed. I was lost in thought, barely heeding Gimli's talk of the elf which who dwelt here.
Suddenly, I heard a voice, but it was inward. I had never heard such a sound in my life, and I could scarcely make out what it was saying.
All of a sudden, we were surrounded, an elf pointing a bow and arrow at my face. I gulped, knowing this wasn't good, and wondering why Aragorn had been so eager to get here.
*Elenya's POV*
An elf stepped forwards. He was tall and very fair, yet on his face there was contempt. He was clearly the leader here, and clearly awake of it. He spoke;
"The dwarf breathed so loud, we could have shot him in the dark," The disdain was heard clearly as he drawled slowly and I could see, as he looked down at Gimli, that he was close to smiling in triumph. I took an immediate dislike to him, as Gimli growled behind me, and Legolas let his bow fall.
He and Aragorn had a blunt conversation in rapid elvish, the only word I caught were 'need' from Aragorn, and 'perhaps' from this newcomer.
He turned and led us on, although each of us was separated by the elf which had, up until a few moments ago, been holding an arrow inches from our faces.
We travelled until it grew dark, only pausing once. I knew that these elves were not used to us mortals, for only Legolas seemed vigorous enough to keep up with the pace, the rest of us were dragging our feet stumbling along as we went.
The leader stopped us under a great oak, and pointed up; calling out what I assumed was a password. As he did, a small rope ladder unravelled itself, and he climbed it. Looking at the hobbits I could see the unease on their face, hobbits weren't used to heights of any sort. I was done with being silently polite;
"Can we not stay down here?" I asked, "Some of us are not accustomed to climbing." He jumped down and looked at me.
"If you didn't wish to do such simple things as climb, then perhaps you shouldn't be here." He smirked at me, as though I was a child who had asked for more sweets than I could manage. I crossed my arms;
"I have been climbing trees as tall as this since I was five. If you must know I was thinking of the hobbits, unless they are to be punished for their customs and way of living?" I returned, I was not going to stand for this.
"They will climb, or they will spend the night down here alone, and I don't fancy their chances with the orcs that will be following you. You are in the keep of others now; perhaps you should accustom yourself." He said bluntly, scaling the first few rungs of the ladder easily.
At a push from Legolas, I followed reluctantly, disliking this new elf even more.
We climbed up until my limbs were as dead weight and I thought I would soon tumble off this little ladder. By now, we were into the canopy of the forest, and the ground below was lost, save a tiny patch now and then made visible by the moonlight.
At last, after an age of climbing we reached our destination, which was little more than a wooden platform suspended where the main boughs branched away from the tree. Not following the lead of the others, who slumped down, I followed Legolas and Aragorn as they moved forward to talk to that elf again.
Nearby I could see there were other platforms and other elves looking at us with astonished curiosity. I knew that they could sense what we brought with us, and I realised we may not be able to go forwards easily at all.
"Aragorn en' Dunedain llie naa sinta nae lye (Aragorn of the Dunedan, you are known to us)" Spoke the elf, looking for the first time halfway pleasant. He moved on to Legolas
"Legolas Son of Thranduil." Legolas bowed his head, and this elf looked at me, and then spoke again to Aragorn.
"Who is she?" He asked in elvish. I couldn't believe what I was hearing! Why on earth wouldn't he ask me?
"Amin sint amin ess!(I know my own name!)" I exclaimed in my best elvish. He glanced at me then turned to Aragorn. I let out a vague sound of outrage.
"Her name is Elenya. She is part of the fellowship set out on our journey." Arangorn said simply. The elf looked at me again, making no outward sign, but I could tell he was shocked.
"The one of whom we know-" He asked, waiting for Aragorn to finish his sentence. Aragorn nodded, as did Legolas.
"It was truth." Said Legolas simply, glancing at me again.
"SO much for the famous courtesy of the elves; speak words we can all understand!!" Exclaimed Gilmi from by my side.
"We have not had dealings with dwarves since the dark days..." Said the elf again, (switching in an instant to the common tongue) as though this explained everything easily enough.
"Well do you know what this dwarf says to this?" Said Gimli, uttering what even I could tell was an insult. Aragorn grabbed his shoulder roughly.
"That was not so courteous!" He hissed. The elf, once again looking triumphant moved on to look down at the hobbits. He paused, and recoiled, turning to Aragorn.
"You can go no further." He stated; definite unease in his voice. Looking down at Frodo and Sam, both startled, I knew that I had once again been right at the worst time. .............
The discussion between Aragorn and this unknown elf went on for a good long while. They were standing to far away for the company to hear what was being said (of course, apart from Legolas). The company had been given a small meal of dried meats and berries and had been sitting, talking only in whispers if they spoke at all.
Frodo looked up at his companions, but none would meet his eye. Each turned away after a few seconds, even Sam. Frodo wondered if Elenya would have looked him in the eye, but she was gazing vacantly into the trees about them, lost in thought, her eyes shining. Frodo wondered what Gandalf would have done, if he had been here, if only he hadn't been taken. Suddenly, Boromir spoke jolting Frodo back to the present;
"You carry a great burden Frodo; don't carry the weight of the dead." Frodo said nothing, but looked down again.
He wished more Gandalf was here; he would know what to do. Each day, Frodo could feel the Ring growing a little more powerful, and knew that each day; it called to Boromir a little more.
He was unsure of how long this balance could last, even though just now Boromir had sounded like himself as he spoke. Frodo was interrupted again by that elf speaking.
Frodo didn't like this one at all. Unlike Legolas, his undying face was not graced with warmth and care, simply knowledge and transcendence; as though he knew all of them and was better than them. Now, his tone was curt and sharp;
"Come the morning, you shall follow me." Then he was off, standing at the edge of this tiny platform looking out.
Frodo shuffled instinctively to where the other hobbits lay already; getting ready to go to bed, but looking immensely uncomfortable.
Frodo hated these heights too, he was a hobbit after all, but he was so exhausted, he just wanted to loose himself in sleep for a while. As his eyes closed, he wondered faintly why Elenya was sitting bolt upright, glaring over at their guide.
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I hope to update before Christmas, but if not Happy Holidays to you all, and enjoy ROTK! Please R&R! xxxxx