Learning to Trust

by Lady Healer

She wanted to be free. To escape the torture that was her life. She never imaged that she would land in another world. Can she learned to trust again after a life of pain?

11. Chapter 11: Moria

Disclaimer: I own nothing.

Ssam: Wow! I'm glad you have enjoyed the story thus far and that it had such impact on you. Thanks!

Ireth Lossehelin: Thank you!

Xnemesis: I realized that around chapter 3 and 4 that Lillian may seem Mary Sueish and I tried to sway from that since then. (But I find that kind of hard to do when I don't have a clear definition of what exactly is a Mary Sue. Just a very blurry one.) Whether I have succeeded… I don't really know. I guess, that will be up to the readers to decide.

LT: Thanks!

Well, Hopefully everyone will enjoy this chapter! And please remember to review!

                        -Lady Healer.

Chapter 11: Moria.

"The walls … of Moria." Gimli breathed in awe. Lillian stopped, ready to collapse, as exhaustion seeped into her bones. They had walked all day with few breaks since the wargs attacked. She shuddered at the memory of the horrible beast. Lillian once thought that nothing could frighten her worse then the nobles of her world did. But she was wrong.

Something did. She could remember the hounds charging, of clawed feet digging into the ground. Their huge bodies with matted fur and their jaws open wide, revealing layers of jagged teeth. But it was their eyes that frightened her the most. Red eyes, filled with a hunger for blood.

The fear had frozen her to the spot and she stood, unable to do more than hold the staff uselessly in her hands. Nothing in her miserable life could have prepared her to face such creatures. In that moment of their attack, the very aura that surrounded the wolves made the nobles of her world seem kind in comparison. And Lillian did not like the thought of that.

But she did not have to fight them, and for that she was grateful. Lord Boromir had pulled her behind him and Lord Legolas. They had protected her. And that concept alone baffled her mind. Nobles in her world would never have done such; they would have given her to the wargs.

Feeling a touch on her shoulder, she opened her weary eyes. "Just a little farther, Lillian," Aragorn said. "We will stop to rest, soon." The girl nodded before continuing the walk as Estel fell in slightly behind her. And as she walked, Lillian returned to her pondering.

Many things had changed for her when she fell into the world of Middle-Earth. It wasn't just the setting or the people either. She, herself, had changed. Lillian could feel it, and it frightened her, but at the same time she was excited. When she first arrived she was too scared to do anything, but now she wanted to do everything. And that realization, Lillian felt shock and confusion enter her system.

Pausing in her steps for a moment, and gaining some confused looks from the other members of the Fellowship, her thoughts raced. Why was the fear gone? But the answer came to her. They protected her… They had befriended her… They had treated her like an equal…

Since the beginning, the nobles of this world had treated her with kindness. And Boromir put her life before his. None of this could be a charade.

But would she be able stand in the presence of a stranger and not feel the choke of fear? Lillian wasn't sure. With that last piece of fear, for at least this group, gone it left a wake of emotions that she did not understand or know how to deal with.

"Lillian?" Aragorn's voice cut through her mind.

"Yes, Lord Aragorn?" 

"Is there something bothering you," he questioned as they began to walk once more.

Shaking her head, Lillian replied quietly, "No, there is not, my lord. I'm just tired."

"Lillian." The ranger said, putting a hand on her shoulder, stopping her. "Titles are not necessary, they weren't before and they are not now."

As the girl struggled with that, Aragorn watched her. The conflict in her eyes revealed the troubles that lay within. Something was bothering her. But he wasn't sure what. Nor would he push her. When she was ready, she would open up.

Finally, Lillian shook her head, "I can't…" Many of the rules of her world still had a tight grip on the woman. But Aragorn could see that those laws were starting to lose their hold on her as the days passed. He nodded.

"Perhaps, one day we will be able to forget titles among us." After seeing her nod, Aragorn passed her, making his way to the front. Silence passed through the group as they continued traveling, before it was interrupted by Gimli.

"Dwarf doors are invisible when closed." Several clanks followed the statement as the Dwarf tapped the wall with his ax.

"Yes, Gimli, their own masters cannot find them if their secrets are forgotten," Replied Gandalf.

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" At Legolas's sarcastic question, Lillian groaned. Since the beginning of the journey, the dwarf and elf had sniped at each other, and she had grown weary of it. Many times, now, she felt like lecturing them like the children they were, but each time the little fear left had stopped her. But now that the fear of them was gone she didn't know what she would do. She was no longer certain that the rules would hold her back and at the moment she was too tired to care about most.

"This is where the Elven-way from Hollin ended." Gandalf explained, as they walked. "Holly was the token of the people of that land, and they planted it here to mark the end of their domain; for the West-door was made chiefly for their use in their traffic with the Lords of Moria. Those were happier days, when there was still close friendship at times between folk of different race, even between Dwarves and Elves."

"It was not the fault of the Dwarves that the friendship waned," Gimli said.

"I had have not heard that it was the fault of the Elves," countered Legolas.

"Enough, you two," The woman exclaimed, her tired voice sharp. "You are adults, yet act you like children! Either behave yourselves around the other or hold your tongues behind your teeth!"

The members of the Fellowship blinked, and then blinked again as they stared at the human woman in shock. This was the first time Lillian had raised her voice against any one of them. But as they stared at her they began to see the difference in her.

Her eyes were like an approaching storm, the anger and frustration stirring their grey depths. Despite her tiredness, she stood straight and held her chin high. Her gaze was locked on the dwarf and elf, but after following it, the Fellowship realized that she did not meet their eyes.

But at that moment, the companions saw a glimpse of the person Lillian was underneath her broken shell. And there, Aragorn and Legolas saw the strength that Elrohir had told them of.

But it faded quickly; and she collapsed inside herself once more. Her head returned to the bowed position that they knew far too well. And for many a time, the Fellowship wondered if they had seen her fury at all.

Lillian wished the ground would shallow her up as the companions continued to stare at her. She wasn't sure what came over her. But, throughout the journey when the two had sniped at each other, Lillian could feel the frustration swelling in her. And she had held her tongue. But why couldn't she now? It was not a servant's place to lecture a noble. And those who did were punished.

And so with her head bowed, she waited for the punishment. But as she waited, Lillian realized that she wasn't afraid of reprimand, like she was before. And as she pondered on her thoughts, Lillian came to the conclusion that it was because that they wouldn't hurt her, whatever the penalty would be.

Chuckling, Gandalf said, "The Lady is right. This journey would be much easier if you two were friendlier." Moments later Gandalf walked towards a smooth spot on the wall that was shadowed by two trees. And while he muttered under his breath, the wizard let his hands pass over the surface.

The moonlight shone down from the heavens above, sparks of light began to flit over the stone. Slowly lines grew across the rock face, at first dim, before developing brilliance.

"There are the emblems of Durin," cried Gimli as the symbols on the door became clear.

"And there is the Tree of the High Elves," Legolas said.

"And the Star of the House of Feanor," Gandalf finished naming the symbols. "They are wrought of ithildin that mirrors only starlight and moonlight, and sleeps until it is touched by one who speaks words now long forgotten in Middle-Earth. It is long since I heard them, and I thought deeply before I could recall them."

"What does the writing say," Frodo asked as he tried to read the writing on the arch. "I thought I knew the elf-letters, but I cannot read these."

"The words are in the elven-tongue of the West of Middle-earth in the Elder Days," Gandalf answered. "They say; The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak friend, and enter."

"What do you suppose that means?" asked Merry.

"It's simple. If you are a friend you speak the password and the doors will open." Gandalf faced the door, his staff slightly aloft, "Annon edhellen, edro hi amen! Fennas nogothrim, lasto beth lammen!" And for a moment every one was silent as they waited, but the light only dimmed a little.

After a couple seconds, Pippin looked up at the elf beside him and commented, "Nothing's happening."

Several attempts later, Gandalf looked at the door again, muttering to himself. "I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Elves … Men and orcs."

"What are you going to do then," questioned Pippin.

"Knock your head against these doors Peregrin Took! And if that does not shatter them…" Gandalf snapped in frustration.

The words struck Lillian like a slap in the face. That very act reminded her of the court of Kalin. And it raised a bitter memory of when she was a young child, naïve to the world, and first felt the sting of a noble's anger and the whipping that followed it.

But instead of fear at such a remembrance, a different emotion ballooned up in its place.

Anger.

Clenching her fists at her side, Lillian closed her eyes. She had to fight and push the memory aside to regain control of herself. Anger was not a new emotion for her, but never had it had this much force. Before, her fear ruled her actions; now it seemed that barrier was too weak to hold the other emotion back any longer…

"I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions," Gandalf continued, unaware of the effect that his words had on the young woman.

"Stop it, Master Gandalf!" The words left Lillian mouth, a tint of anger coloring it as she continued to fight between past and present. Her back was straight, but her head was bowed and her eyes closed. Seconds passed as the rest of the Fellowship watched in silence, before Lillian managed to push back the memory. Lifting her head, she opened her eyes to reveal their stormy appearance.

"I understand your frustrations, Master Gandalf, but there was no cause to take it out on another for a simple question." As the words left her mouth, Lillian wanted to hide. In her anger, she'd made a mistake. Since she arrived in this world she was given an opportunity to change her circumstances.

In her fear, she clung to the rules of her world for safety. And now, in her anger, she had crossed those lines… Servants did not speak to nobles or others of high rank, much less lecture them. But she had. And now retribution must be paid. Though they over-looked her first error, something she was still confused about, they would surely not overlook this…

"It's alright, Lillian. I know Gandalf didn't mean…" Pippin started to say. But Lillian interrupted, her voice soft.

"No, Pippin. It is not." Lillian's eyes had returned to an unremarkable blue-gray. And before the eyes of the Fellowship, shrank back into her shell. It was that moment that the companions realized that she was crossing another bridge in her healing. And that thought alone, brought a great joy to them.

Her eyes down cast to the floor, the human woman questioned quietly, "What is to be my punishment?"

The other members of the Fellowship bit back a groan of frustration as a shared thought crossed their minds. The customs of her world had to go. She had to learn that every once in a while, when the situation called for it, it was all right to yell at someone.

Shaking his head with a sigh, Gandalf replied, "Nothing, child. I will try to find the opening words."

Lillian blinked. She wasn't going to be punished? Not even slapped on the wrist for forgetting her place? Every time, she thought she had figured these strange nobles out, they did something that baffled her again. She was starting think it would be better if she didn't try to understand them. That way, she would at least have fewer headaches…

And slowly, the members of the fellowship wandered off as attempt after attempt failed to open the doors. Sinking to the ground by one of the trees, Lillian closed her eyes, taking the little break that was given while she heard Aragorn say in the distance, "Mines are no place for a pony. Even one so brave as Bill."

Cracking a tired eye open, Lillian looked in the direction of his voice and saw the ranger removing the tack and extra packs from the pony. Sam was petting its nose sadly and Lillian smiled as the hobbit whispered goodbyes. Sam would miss, Bill, of that she had no doubt.

As Aragorn guided Bill towards the exit, Lillian closed her eyes and the world became distant. She was neither asleep nor was she awake, somehow in-between states and heard the muffled sound of something hitting the water followed by words that were too quiet to decipher.

           Many minutes past while she was in this state, falling closer to sleep with every passing seconds, until something was landed near her with a clank.  Groggily, Lillian opened her eyes and spotted Gandalf's staff next to her as the wizard sat down on a rock, exclaiming, "Oh, it's useless!"

 Frodo stood up then, facing the door. "It's a riddle. 'Speak friend and enter.' What's the elven word for 'friend'?"

"Mellon." Lillian answered quietly, still waking from her semi sleep. It was the one word of elvish she could remember and actually pronounced without too much trouble. But it was also the first word that she had learned, thanks to Elrohir's repeated use of it. And that made it special, besides its meaning.

And as the password was spoken the doors opened. And slowly the Fellowship made their way inside. Standing up, Lillian saw Legolas beside her, studying her with his blue eyes.

A couple seconds later, the elf asked, "Will you be all right entering the mines?"

Lillian blink, surprise at the question but she nodded quickly. She saw the elf pause before entering the mines himself; and followed the hobbits as they entered the mines. She was slightly confused at the worry of the elf. Darkness didn't scare her. It never had. Back in her world, the shadows were her ally, shielding her from the nobles' eyes. She would not cower at it now.

As Lillian's thoughts continued, she heard Gimli say, "Soon, Master Elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the dwarves. Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone! This, my friend, is the home of my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine. A mine!"

As the light from Gandalf's staff lit the surrounding area, Lillian froze. Seeing skeletons with arrows buried in them was never a good sign, in any world. Ahead, she saw, Boromir stop and heard his reply. "This is no mine. It's a tomb."

Gimli looked around, grief entering his eyes as he rushed to one of the skeletons, shouting, "No. No… No!"

Pulling an arrow from one of the dead, Legolas studied it before a look of disgust crossed his face before notching an arrow. "Goblins." As the experienced members of the group draw their weapons, a cold feeling started to settle in Lillian. If all these, Dwarves? didn't survive a battle with goblins. Then how could their little group?

Boromir locked his gaze with Aragorn, "We make for the Gap of Rohan. We should never have come here. Now, get out of here. Get out." Backing out, Lillian felt something wrap around her ankle before she was yanked off her feet as a scream tore itself from her lips attracting other members of the Fellowship. In the darkness she thought she saw Frodo dragged along the ground as well, but could not be sure.

"Strider!" Swiftly, Legolas released his arrow, hitting the creature's limb, but not seeming to have any effect. As Aragorn and Boromir rushed to aid their companions, the elf shot again at the limb holding the human female.

And the creature jerked in pain as the arrow struck a nerve, throwing Lillian in the process. Through the air, the woman sailed, her body twisting out of control, stopping abruptly when her ribs made contact with a tree. The scream died on her lips as she fell to the unforgiving ground, her eyes closing as darkness sank in.

"Lillian!" Several voices cried as they saw what occurred, but their hands were full. Boromir sliced at the tentacle, one of many that were still holding Frodo while Aragorn cut at another.

"Gimli," Legolas shouted as he released another arrow, getting the same result as his first attempt. "Lillian is in need of your aid!"

Rushing out of the mines, the Dwarf said, "Finally the elf admits my strength." Quickly he made his way to the prone woman. Upon seeing blood, he whispered, "Lass, this is going to hurt either you or me." Carefully, but quickly, knowing that time could not be wasted, Gimli picked her up, struggling because of her size, and carried her back into the mines.

Aragorn hacked off another tentacle, causing the creature to release its hold on Frodo. And as Frodo fell, Boromir caught him. Together the humans ran for the mines, Frodo still in Boromir arms.

"Run," the ranger yelled, defending the other man against attack.

As Boromir made his way towards the opening, he called out. "Legolas!" All ready heeding the man's wishes, the elf loosed the arrow on his bow, hitting the creature's eye and causing a howl of pain and anger. Just as the other members rushed into the mine the enraged monster griped the door, sending it crumbling.

Sealing the entrance for good.

For several seconds, everything was quiet save their own labored breathing. But as the breathing started to return to normal, the Dwarf broke the silence. "Aragorn, Lillian is in need of healing."

Using his magic, Gandalf relit the light at the end of the staff allowing Aragorn to make his way to the woman as Gimli sat her on the ground.

Slowly, after checking for a pulse, and sighing in relief when he felt it, Aragorn looked for wounds.

There was running blood from her temple. Grabbing a cloth and his water skin, the ranger wetted it and gently cleaned the small scrape on her forehead. It was a minor injury and the ranger breathed easier, concluding that she gained it when she hit the ground, but not by colliding with the tree. After wrapping it with a bandage Gandalf had handed him, Aragorn continued his search for wounds.

Seconds later he stated, "She has two fractured ribs. I will need more cloth to bind them. There is nothing else I can do." After the needed bandages were handed to him, the other members turned their backs out of respect to Lillian's privacy, while the ranger expertly and professionally bound her torso.

After finishing, Aragorn made a quick a second inspection, before addressing the rest of the group.  "She will be fine as long as she is allowed rest, but she will sleep for a least a few hours."

The others looked at the man in disbelief. "We can not stay here," Boromir hissed. "We need to move quickly."

"Well, then," Gandalf looked down at him. "You shall have the honor of carrying the lady."

The human lord gave her the once over, and then, with the calm and expertise of a thousand battlefield situations began to give orders. "Merry, take the lady's water skin; Pippin, her staff. Sam, split her satchel between yourself and Frodo." Unconsciously, each hobbit looked to Aragorn and waited for his silent nod. The move did not go unnoticed by Boromir. "Master Dwarf," he said pointedly not looking to Isildurs's heir. "If you would hold my sword?" He knelt and ever so gently lifted the now much lighter woman. Placing one hand under her knees and the other braced against her shoulder he stood in time to listen to Gimli complain.

"Why do you have me carry your weapon? Why not the elf?"

"We will need a scout," Aragorn quickly diffused the situation. "This is rightfully your cousin's home, but now it is overrun and we will need Legolas's keen ears and sight unhindered."

With slight grumbling from the dwarf, whom the company ignored, they started walking with Gandalf in the lead for many hours. Through out the journey, the company rested. Sometimes for only a few minutes and but with a few longer periods of time for meals and some sleep to recover lost strength. It was during such a rest at the bottom of a stairwell that four of the members found themselves unable to sleep and thus sat around the unconscious form of Lillian, each in their own thoughts.

It was on this rest that Legolas was chosen to take the first watch shift, yet there was little need to set one for the three other companions showed no signs of drowsiness. Grabbing a spare blanket from his pack, the noble of Gondor carefully wrapped it around the woman. Feeling Lillian's forehead, he was relieved when it was cool to his touch.

"There is no fever, which is a hopeful sign. The added warmth should do her good," Boromir said quietly before taking his place beside the dwarf, who had already, given his sword back at the first break. "I fear for her, it has been a day or more already, yet she has shown no sign of waking."

"She was in poor health when she began this journey and was exhausted when we reached Moria. Her body is trying to recover from more then just the recent wound. She may be out for several more days." Aragorn stated from his seat on the stairs, his arms resting on his knees. Gimli nodded his head in agreement.

"The lass, is lucky to be alive. That blow could have killed her in her state."

Legolas's blue eyes still focus on the darkness around, scanning for any enemies, he commented, "Yet, she is in much better health then she was when she arrived in Rivendell."

A silence fell around them while each of them reflected on their own thoughts. Until the noble from Gondor broke it, a note of disdain coloring his voice.  "She should never have been made to come."

Aragorn closed his blue-gray eyes, choosing to remain silent, pondering his own thoughts, as the elf replied.

"But she was." Legolas paused briefly to collect his thoughts. "After I first started training Lillian, I had many discussions with Lord Elrond." The elf pointy ignored the exiled king's raised eyebrow and continued with his speech. "During those talks, many different reasons were uncovered as to why she was being sent on this quest. Yet, I feel, like you do, that she should have remained in Rivendell."

Opening his eyes, Aragorn watched his three companions before focusing his attention on Lillian. Silently, the ranger reflected on the conversations he had concerning the woman.  "As dangerous as the quest is, one of the reasons Lord Elrond sent her with us was for her healing."

The dwarf's sputtering was drowned out by the angry voice of Boromir. "How could the quest aid her healing? It is a death march for a woman!"

Looking at the man, the ranger replied, "It is not physical healing that the quest was meant to aid. If that was the case, Lord Elrond would have her remain in Rivendell." Aragorn paused a moment, gathering his words before continuing, "It is her mind and spirit this quest was meant to restore."

Events of the recent passed raced through Legolas's mind, as he commented, stopping Boromir from speaking. "It already has."

Aragorn nodded. "It has forced her to face her fears, something that couldn't have been done in Rivendell."

"She's not afraid of us anymore." Boromir stated as he began to follow the other's thoughts.

A grin crept upon Gimli's face as he said, "And the lass even scolded the elf."

A knowing smile graced Legolas as a silent truce was formed between the pair. "She is crossing into the next stage of her healing."

"Yes, she is," Aragorn stated. "Yet this stage will be harder to overcome then the one before."

A light of realization appeared in his eyes as Boromir commented, "All the anger at her world is raising to the surface. And it is causing her to react to what reminds her of it."

"Gandalf's petulance may be good for the lass then." Gimli said, "It will give her the chance to face that anger."

 The elf smiled, amused by the comment, before turning serious. "Lillian will have to overcome her anger if she is to progress in her healing."

"That will not be easy," Boromir stated. And the other members nodded in agreement. A brief moment passed between the companions before the noble of Gondor decided to bring up a different point. "She cannot continue the journey."

"No, she cannot," Aragorn agreed before continuing. "Our mission cannot be slowed and Lillian will not be able to travel at our pace." The ranger paused a moment before adding, "I have already spoken of this to Gandalf. After we leave the mines we will make for Lothlorien. The elves there will shelter her."

Silence passed between the group and as the minutes passed they slowly began to sleep themselves, always making sure that someone took watch.

When rested, the Fellowship continued their journey with more little breaks until they came to a crossroad of three pathways.  Looking at each choice, Gandalf muttered, "I have no memory of this place." And it was there; that the Fellowship took a slightly longer break while the wizard pondered the new riddle.

Sitting on the ground, near Lillian, Pippin asked, "Are we lost?"

"No." answered Merry.

"I think we are," Pippin stated, before he gazed at Lillian and asked, "Are you sure she will be alright, Strider?"

A part of him that knew just how weak and sickly Lillian had been when she began this quest wanted to answer, 'No I'm not sure she will be all right.' But no ill signs had come from the woman since her injury and that was a positive thing. Something, which the hobbits needed to know. "She will be."

"If you say so," was the hobbit's unconvinced response.

"If he says what?" a raspy voice broke the following silence.

"Lillian," Pip all but shrieked.

"No, no. Lie still," the ranger cautioned when she tried to sit up. "Merry get the water."

The commotion had caused Frodo and Gandalf, who had been locked deep in conversation, to look up. The woman couldn't be sure, but the ring bearer seemed both relieved, and frightened.

"How long," she croaked before the hobbit could reach the water skin. It was a familiar sensation to be unconscious for long periods of time. But it was almost impossible to tell for how long underground.

"You have been 'sleeping' for little more then two days," Gandalf answered before commenting, a slight smile gracing his lips. "It is good to see you awake." Gently, Merry tipped the flask of water to her dry lips and Lillian gratefully swallowed the water that slid down her throat.

While Merry continue to give Lillian water, Pippin told her. "I'm so glad you woke up, I was beginning to worry you wouldn't. We are currently lost."

"We are not lost Peregrin Took!" Gandalf said flatly except for the slight note of amusement. The wizard took an unnoticeable sniff at the air and exclaimed, pointing to the far right passageway, "It's that way."

"He's remembered!" Merry said his face lighting up with joy. While the others walked after the wizard, Boromir picked up Lillian ignoring her halfhearted protests, and muttered an apology at her gasp of pain and followed.

As they began down the pathway, Gandalf told the young hobbit, patting his shoulder, "No. But the air doesn't smell so foul down here. If in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose."

Lillian didn't find that reassuring at all.

A couple hours passed when the wizard stopped one more time, exclaiming, "I have chosen right. And unless I am mistaken we are high up, a good deal higher than the Dimrill Gate. Allow me to risk a little more light." Suddenly Gandalf's staff grew brighter, and the added light pushed the darkness back, revealing a wide hall with tall stone pillars.

The company stared in wondered at the sight before them and the wizard started to explained to them some of the history of this place while they sat down to rest for the night. And through out the break the Fellowship made small talk, while Lillian ate some food that Sam had happily provided.

Lillian lay on the floor where Boromir had laid her, her pack used as a pillow. And as the others talked, Lillian allowed her thoughts to wander, her companions' voice fading. She was tired, confused, and in a great amount of pain. It was a combination that she had never liked. The tiredness and the pain, she was use too and could tough it out, mostly, for they were common factors back in her world. But at every turn, the journey added to her confusion. She was a burden to them and they went out of their way to save her again.

Now with her injury she was a greater trouble to them. She could barely fight before the event at the gate. Now with the wound, she won't be no aid to anyone should a battle occur… Yet, they refused to leave her behind. Day-by-day, Lillian started to believe that valor still lived in this world. A spiral of emotions rose within her at that thought, deepening her confusion.

Suddenly, Gimli's voice cut through her thoughts as he replied to something Sam had said.  "These are not holes. This is the great realm and city of the Dwarrowdelf. And of old it was not darksome, but full of light and splendor, as is still remembered in our songs." With a growing curiosity, Lillian watched the dwarf rise to his feet and began to chant in his deep voice.

"The world was young, the mountains green,
No stain yet on the Moon was seen,
No words were laid on stream or stone
When Druin woke and walked alone
He named the nameless hills and dells;
He drank from yet untasted well;
He stooped and looked in Mirrormere,
And saw a crown of stars appear,
As gems upon a silver thread,
Above the shadow of his head.

The world was fair, the mountains tall,
In Elder Days before the fall
Of mighty kings in Nargothrond
And Gondolin, who now beyond
The Western Seas have passed away:
The world was fair in Durin's Day.

A king he was on carven throne
In many-pillared halls of stone
With golden roof and silver floor,
And runes of power upon the door.
The light of sun and star and moon
In shining lamps of crystal hewn
Undimmed by cloud or shade of night
There shone for ever fair and bright.

There hammer on the anvil smote,
There chisel clove, and graver wrote;
There forged was blade, and bound was hilt;
The delver mined the mason built.
There beryl, pearl, and opal pale,
And metal wrought like fishes' mail,
Buckler and corslet, axe and sword,
And shining spears were laid in hoard.

Unwearied then were Durin's folk;
Beneath the mountains music woke:
The harpers harped, the minstrels sang,
And at the gates the trumpets rang.

The world is grey, the mountains old,
The forge's fire is ashen-cold;
No harp is wrung, no hammer falls:
The darkness dwells in Durin's halls;
The shadow lies upon his tomb
In Moria, in Khazad-dum.
But still the sunken stars appear
In dark and windless Mirrormere;
There lies his crown in water deep,
Till Durin wakes again from sleep."

"I like that!" said Sam. "I should like to learn it. In Moria, in Khazad-dum! But it makes the darkness seem heavier, thinking of all those lamps. Are there piles of jewels and gold lying about here still?" But it was Gandalf who chose to answer the hobbit question as Gimli remained silent.

"No. The Orcs have often plundered Moria; there is nothing left in the upper halls. And since the dwarves fled, no one dares to seek the treasuries in the deep places: they are drowned in water-or in a shadow of fear."

"Then, why do the dwarves want to return," questioned Sam.

"For mithril," Gandalf said, pausing a moment before explaining. "The wealth of Moria was not in gold… or jewels… but mithril. It worth was ten times that of gold and now is beyond price; for little is left above ground, and even the orcs dare not delve here for it. And though mithril was the foundation of the Dwarves wealth it was also their destruction. They delved too greedily and too deep, and disturbed that from which they fled, Durin's Bane."

During the wizard explanation Legolas looked to the female companion and smiled softly before turning his gaze to the dwarf and commented, "Your song has put her asleep."

"As I meant to," he all but shouted in reply.

And slowly the companions rested until simmers of light began to appear in the hall. Quickly the fellowship began to walk, Boromir once again carrying a sleeping Lillian. For hours they walked until they saw a doorway to their right. The chamber beyond the half open doors was dimly lit, but they could see hints of a stone block.

Gimli took off running towards the room, ignoring Gandalf's call, and sank to the ground when he saw the writing on the stone slab. Resting his head against the white stone, Gimli muttered, grief strongly in his voice. "No! Oh, no…no…"

Standing behind Gimli, Gandalf translated the writing. "Here lies Balin… son of Fundin, Lord of Moria." Bowing his head in respect, Gandalf continued, "He is dead, then. It's as I feared."

The wizard handed his staff and hat to Pippin as he removed a book from a corpse's hands, distantly hearing Legolas telling Aragorn that they could not linger. And though he agreed with the elf, Gandalf needed to know what happened here and so did Gimli. Opening the book, the wizard began to speak aloud the writings.

"They have taken the bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates… but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drum… drums in the deep. We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark… We cannot get out… They are coming."

And silence followed for several brief moments until clanks were heard as a curious Pippin touched a skeleton, accidentally sending it falling into the well. The Fellowship froze at the sound, listening for any sound of the enemy. But after several moments of silence the Fellowship breathed a sigh of relief.

Snatching back his staff and hat while snapping at a remorse Pippin, "Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time, and rid us of your stupidity."

Lillian's eyes fluttered open at Gandalf's angry tone, halfheartedly; she struggled until the noble of Gondor put her down and Merry gave back her staff to support herself. She looked at everyone, confused about the different emotion she saw on the faces of her companions.

Faintly, like a heartbeat, a noise came from the distance. One by one the members of the Fellowship froze, apprehensive at its meaning. The beats became louder and faster, and the ten walkers swirled in different directions, trying to locate the source.

Shrieks pierced the air. The horrible screeches filled with hatred and anticipation, sending horrible chills through the companions. But the closer the sound came, the less the echo there was. Running to the door, Boromir stuck his head out.

Only to pull it back, abruptly, as two black feathered arrows thudded into the door beside him.

With the help of the Aragorn, he shut the doors, and said simply, "They have a cave troll." They barded the doors with the axes that Legolas threw to them. Stepping away from the door, the humans drew their weapons, taking a stand beside their fellows.

Looking over his shoulder, Aragorn looked at the hobbits and Lillian, who was still leaning on her staff, and ordered, "Stay close to Gandalf."

Moments seemed like hours as the Fellowship watched the doors, preparing for the battle ahead. And during that time the darkness seemed to grow, sinking into the very stone, like rain seeps into the ground. The light from Gandalf's staff that used to seem so bright wavered to a mere sliver.

Never before had Lillian been afraid of the dark. It no was no longer a friend, instead it choked her. It welcomed the coming creatures, like a mother welcomed her children.

Bangs were heard on the door. And it racked with the force of the blows that the orcs rammed against it. From inside the room the group watched the doors sway under the pressure, and slowly holes began to appear. As soon as a hole appeared, the elf and ranger let their bows sing, sending arrows to meet their attackers.

As arrow after arrow was shot, Lillian felt her fear creeping upon her. She knew that when the doors were forced open that the battle would begin.

A battle that she was not ready for...

Gimli cried out, "Let them come. There is one dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath." His comment drew Lillian's attention, and she stared in shock. He was mad! These things sounded like they wanted to ripe them apart and eat their entrails for a snack… And he wanted them to come?

As the doors burst apart, the elf backed up slightly to keep a safer distance and continued firing his arrows as Aragorn shed his bow in favor of his sword. And briefly the woman stood in horror as she saw true monsters storm through the door. Lillian saw one of the orcs charging towards her and she froze, watching in dread as it raised its sword against her. Only to fall to the arrow that exploded from its forehead.

Beheading an orc near him, Aragorn took a stand near Lillian defending her against more approaching enemies while stating. "You cannot freeze now, Lillian. You need to use the skills taught to you even through the pain of your ribs." His words stirred Lillian out of her shock and she nodded, even as she sent him a glance that clearly stated that he was crazy.

Moving into a stance that she only vaguely remembered, Lillian bit her lip, to keep from gasping in pain. Another orc swung its blade at her and she raised her staff, blocking it. The orc didn't have another chance to attack as Gimli's ax crashed through its sternum.

Attack after attack came and the human woman did her best to defend her self, but mostly, she was saved by a member of the company. But minutes later a crashing sound caught everyone attention and the Fellowship watched in dread as they saw the cave troll enter.

Thus began the second battle, following a similar pattern as the first as the members of the company watched each other's backs, and more than not saving Lillian from death. Until a screamed pierce the thicken air.

"Frodo!" And in that moment of distraction, no one realized that Lillian was in need of aid. An orc had forced the staff from her hands and as she tried to dodge the incoming blow of a sword. But she was slowed by her injured ribs and the blade sliced below and to the right of her stomach, causing a scream to tear from her parted lips. And with a sick grin, the orc raised its bloodstained sword into the air, preparing to finish the job…

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I finally ended a chapter in a cliffhanger, not something I usually do. But if I didn't end it there, then everyone might have been waiting another week or more for a new chapter…

Sadly, I don't know when the next chapter will be out. Though I have a couple scenes written for it, it is not even close to be done. Also, my writing pace will unfortunely, have slow down, because I'll have to prepare for some upcoming exams in classes.

Next chapter: Lothlorien.

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