Chapter Four: Dangerous Crossings and Smelly Caves.
~* Stephanie's P.O.V (still)*~
I slowly opened my eyes and found that I was no longer in the stupid pit. (Yay!) Above me were four small faces. Very familiar, small faces.
"Wha- Who... where am I?"
One of the faces smiled and left.
"Aragorn! She's awake!"
'Aragorn? What's going on?'
Soon, I was sat up and rushed with nine new people coming into the picture.
"Are you feeling better?" Boromir asked, (I assumed it was him seeing at he was decked out in Gondorian wear) kneeling and placing an ungloved hand on my forehead.
"Yea, thanks," I answered, then turn to Shelby as calmly as I could. "Shelby... where am I and what are they doing here?"
My friend came and helped me to my feet. She led me away from the group then looked me in the eye.
"Stephanie... as strange as all this may seam, we're in Middle-Earth. That is Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin." She pointed to the four looking our way.
"That is Boromir, Aragorn, Gimli, and Gandalf." I nodded.
"We're all here... and that is really Legolas Greenleaf. Do you understand?"
I looked at her blankly. Shelby sighed.
"We all agreed that we would not tell them where we're from or that we know the outcome of the quest. So... don't blow our cover."
I nodded a second time. Shelby reached into her bag and pulled out a spare tunic and pants.
"Here, so you'll blend in."
It was light blue, a perfect contrast to her dark blue outfit. Just then, Legolas walked to us. In his hands were two bows and quivers.
"Shelby... I hope I am not intruding on anything." His voice was smooth and caring, liquefying my insides.
"Not at all."
"Are you ready for the archery lesson I promised?"
"Is it alright if I take a rain check on the lesson?" Shelby asked. He looked disappointedly at her.
"I was looking forward to it. I finally convinced Aragorn to part with his for the day."
My friend bowed slightly.
"Sorry... but I have business to attend to."
He returned the gesture and patted her head out of affection.
"It is alright. Perhaps another time?"
"Right. Though... I don't think Stephanie's doing anything right now. Teach her in the mean time and I'll get back to you on that offer."
Shelby winked at me and then ran off. I looked to the sky and grinned.
'Maybe this isn't the worst thing to happen. Remind me to thank Shels.'
Legolas softly grasped my hand.
"Shall we get started?"
I nearly fainted again.
"Yea... lead the way."
~* Sharylan's P.O.V*~
The day was bright and fair... yay! It wasn't raining for a change! Yay! Aragorn seemed to like this a lot and started everyone on training. (Not so buck for that.) He was currently watching Boromir give sword lessons to Merry, Pippin, and Shannon. I was seated next to Frodo and Sam, who were cooking something really good. Neko was happily purring on my lap during all this. Gandalf and Gimli were sitting on a rock, talking or something. Shelby was sneaking around... nothing out of the usual.
"Master Sam, Frodo... where exactly are we?" I ask in my oh-so proper English. The large hobbit looked to me.
"We are reaching the mountain pass and southern passes milady. We are taking a short rest... then back to trudging."
I groaned and fell on my back. Frodo smiled and patted my arm in sympathy.
"It will be alright Miss Sharylan. You will feel much better after breakfast."
Yet another thing I love about Hobbits... they eat twelve meals a day! Me and Shelby never get enough of that! I looked to Frodo and smiled. He smiled back. I feared I must steal him away in the night for that. My 'love' for him is growing. *Sigh*
"...Very good Pippin..." a voice from the other side of the camp said. We looked over and watched as Boromir tried his best to teach Shannon, who had been cut on the hand.
"You cut me!" She wailed just for the fun of it. Aragorn knew she did this for attention from the Gondor knight... but said nothing. Boromir jogged over and took her hand.
"I did not mean too... let me take a look at it."
Shannon smiled at me when Boromir wasn't looking. I shook my head. Never, in all my fifteen years, did I ever think Shannon was going to turn into Shelby.
"Boromire, attacking defenseless women?" Merry asked, walking slowly towards the man, Pippin on the other side.
"Tsk, tsk Boromir."
The man looked up.
"What are you talking about?"
Before he could say anymore, the two small beings tackled him. Shannon cracked up. Shelby stopped what ever she was doing to snicker. As the Hobbits continued their attack, Gandalf and Gimli never missed a word while talking.
"Don't they ever get tired of talking?" I asked.
"Gandalf is a wise and fair wizard. He must take the time to map our route," Sam answered, handing me food. I accepted thankfully then looked around.
"Where's Brianna?"
~* Brianna's P.O.V*~
After Aragorn showed me how to hold his sword, I went to the base of the rocky plateau we were on to practice. I took a defensive stance and began my strokes. Smooth and even. After about twenty minutes, I got bored and began to walk back... when something caught me eye.
"Wha...?"
"What is that?" I heard Sharylan ask. Everyone stopped what they were doing to look.
"Nothing... 'Tis a wisp of cloud," Gimli answered offhandedly.
"It's moving fast, against the wind," pointed out Boromir, standing up near the Hobbits. Shelby looked down at me from across the way. Legolas rushed past her, Stephanie following. He squinted and gazed into the horizon.
"Crebain from Dundland!"
"Hide!"
Everyone grabbed their stuff and dived under bushes and rocks. I grabbed the sword and sprint like mad up the slope. Finally reaching the top, Aragorn grabbed me and Frodo and dived between two rocks. I franticly looked around, spotting Shelby under a withered tree. She looked to me and then returned her eyes to the sky.
"Stay silent and they will pass," Aragorn said, looking to Frodo and me. As we waited, a black thing on the ground caught my attention.
"Neko!" I whispered in surprise. Shelby looked over and gasped. One of those stupid crow things was making a beeline for the kitten, hunger in its eyes. Neko looked around franticly for her master.
"Here! Come here quick Neko!!" Shelby called. She began to slide from under the tree. A whistling sound cut through the air. The Crebite was slain instantly. In fear, Neko ran to Shelby. No one but me saw Legolas return his bow to its place on his shoulder.
Five minutes passed. Legolas scanned the horizon and when he felt everything was safe, brought us back out.
"Now what? It looks like they have the other trail covered," Sharylan said, brushing twigs from her clothes. Gandalf gazed to the huge mountain in front of us. We, me and the girls, paled.
"You're kidding!" My sister whined.
"I am afraid not, Miss Shannon. There is no other way. Pack light... the crossing will be harsh."
I cringed. Couldn't we have just stumbled into Pirates of the Caribbean instead? There aren't any dangerous mountain passes in that movie... but no; we had to come just in time for the crossing. And above all... I got my tunic dirty!! The gray fabric was now covered in mud and twigs. I looked around and spotted my backpack, and filled it with my spare clothes, music, food, and water. We soon set out to the frozen path. Stephanie had a tough time getting Baby to follow; Sam had the very same problem with Bill. The stubborn pony and horse stopped in the back and refused to move another inch. I went to the back and did the best I could to help, but it wasn't until Legolas whispered soothingly to the horse and pony that they finally took a step forward.
"Thank you Legolas," Stephanie sighed. I rolled my eyes.
"'Thank you Legolas'," I mimicked. Stephanie smacked me on the arm as we continued.
~*Aragorn's P.O.V*~
As we neared the top of the immense mountain, the trail took a sharp turn and led us to a narrow pass capped with ice and thick snow.
"Gandalf!" I cried over the gale force winds. "It is too dangerous up here! We must turn back!"
"No! The end is too near!!" He called back, breaking a trail in the waist length snow. To my right, Legolas tread upon the frozen clouds as if it were steady ground. Many a time I have envied said Elf, and now was one of them. He stepped forth and gazed into the gray skies.
"There's a foul voice in the air."
"It's Sarumon," the wizard growled, joining Legolas at the front. He chanted a spell and glared at the intensifying storm. Frodo and Sam clung helplessly to me as the temperature dropped further still. Stephanie held on to Bill and Baby, desperately fighting to force through the snow drifts. Brianna, Shannon, and Shelby shivered under their light clothing. Boromir held onto Pippin and Merry, clearly not enjoying this at all. Gimli complained and groaned every other moment.
"This won't end well." I heard Brianna mutter. Suddenly, a great flash of lightning tore through the sky and leaped into the crevasse above us, loosening a large sheet of snow. I saw it slide and ran to the wall behind me for cover, holding Frodo and Sam close. I spotted Shelby near the edge, attempting to run for shelter. Shannon dove to help her as the snow crashed around us. Stephanie let go of Baby and also dived, seeing Shelby and Shannon fall near the edge.
"Shannon no!!" Boromir held Sharylan back, the girl twisting in his grasp. Then, the snow fell.
~* Legolas's P.O.V*~
I was the first to emerge from the bank of snow. No one was visible over the white sheet. I dug quickly until I found Aragorn, the Hobbits, and Brianna. They aided me in recovering the rest. As the company shook themselves off, Sharylan looked franticly about.
"Where's Shannon?"
My eyes grew wide. We gazed at the drop off a few paces away. No...
"Shannon!! Steph!! Shelby!!"
Silence answered her cries. She spied a hand sticking out of a huge clump of snow near the edge of the cliff and quickly dug through it, finding Stephanie... half conscious. Sharylan nearly cried in relief.
"Jeez Steph! You scared the crap out of me!!"
"Help." The girl weakly pleaded, straining to speak. We looked over the edge and found Shelby, keeping firm hold on Stephanie's other hand. Shannon was there also, clinging to the hem of Shelby's leggings. Boromir reached down and began pulling the two up, Brianna taking Stephanie aside. Shelby suddenly looked down as she heard a loud rip.
"My pants are ripping!! Hurry!!" She cried. All eyes went wide.
"Hold on Shan!" Sharylan called, leaning over the edge. Her hand was stretched as far as it could go towards her frightened companion. "I- I can't reach! She's going to fall!"
Shannon gasped while the fabric began to slip through her thin fingers. Brianna looked desperately to me.
"Help her!! Legolas please!!"
I looked to Aragorn who nodded curtly. I jumped over the edge; keeping hold to one of the jutting rocks and leaned towards Shannon, the group anxiously watching.
"Grab hold!!"
She looked to me in anguish. The legging broke wide near the knee.
"I cannot hold her for much longer!!" Boromir informed us. At this point, both of them could meet an end. The added weight Shannon gave and the harsh weather was making it difficult to save them. Having heard this... the struggling girl looked to me.
"I can't..." She whispered, loud enough for me to pick it up. I realized what she intended to do. Shannon suddenly released her grip on Shelby and fell.
Shannon: You're so lucky I love you that much Shelby!
"No!!" I cried.
The others screamed their protest, but soon stopped as I franticly dove towards her.
"What is he doing!?" Gimli bellowed, aiding Shelby to the top. "They'll both be killed!"
My clear hearing picked up their gasps and cries even as I fell out of range. I could see a jagged ledge under me and focused on Shannon, who was now unconscious. Her small frame neared the end. I stretched for the life of me and finally reached her. Gritting my teeth, I snagged a rock above the ledge...thanking Eru I was able to catch her in time.
~* Gandalf's P.O.V*~
I observed in shock as Shannon sacrificed her life for Shelby. The look of horror on Legolas's face was enough to convince me that she was serious about the decision. The Elven prince dove for her. We lost sight of them in the fog below. Shelby and Stephanie restrained Sharylan who took the loss badly.
"Shannon!!!"
Aragorn looked away and laid a hand on Brianna's trembling shoulder. Anguish was clear on his face. The Hobbits stayed silent, trying to calm the hysterical girl on her knees. Boromir and Gimli prepared the horse and pony to depart. Suddenly... a faint grunt reached our ears. It sounded like... Legolas. Brianna slowly stopped her sobs and looked up. A hand grabbed at the ledge. Legolas swung himself up and over, cradling Shannon to his chest.
"OMG!!" Stephanie pounced on the exhausted Elf. He wheezed slightly and smiled, sitting up.
"You stupid poo-head!! You could have died!"
Shannon briefly opened her eyes to see her friends around her. She smiled then fell back into unconsciousness. Legolas looked down at Shannon who was sleeping soundly now.
"She is safe."
"Thank you Legolas!" Sharylan yelled happily, beginning to cry slightly. All four girls hugged the prince tightly. More rumbling was heard and the celebration was cut short.
"He's trying to bring down the mountain!" Boromir cried, lifting Frodo and Pippin, the smallest of the Hobbits, onto Bill as Aragorn ordered Brianna, Stephanie, and Shelby on Baby.
"Where shall we go?"
After much discussion, Frodo chose the Mines of Moria. I couldn't help but cringe.
~*Gimli's P.O.V*~
After we got off that forsaken mountain... the company and I headed towards the great Mines of Moria. I was overjoyed with the decision. Now Master Elf would know the Dwarvish way of life. I looked to the group.
Miss Stephanie was steering her horse in line behind Aragorn, the kitten sitting snuggly between her arms. The other maidens decided to walk beside her. The Hobbits were hiding around here somewhere, planning my demise no doubt. (sneaky Hobbits) Boromir and Gandalf talked quietly, discussing battle plans. And Legolas was still carrying Miss Shannon. She had not yet recovered from the fall.
"Legolas... has she not awoken yet?" I asked.
"No. Her body is very weak and it does not look as though she will wake anytime soon."
Miss Shelby came to walk with him.
"She's probably fake'n."
The Elf looked down at her.
"Really?" He asked incredulously.
"Yeah... look at this."
The young lass stopped Legolas in his tracks and violently shook Shannon.
"Wake up!!!!!"
"AH!!"
The sleeping girl screamed and fell to the floor. She quickly jumped up and growled.
"I WAS ASLEEP!!!"
Before grabbing Shelby, Shannon swiftly spun around to see Legolas and I shocked.
"You're awake!" Stephanie cheered. She jumped off the horse and embraced her friend. The other four soon did the same, knocking the poor girl over.
"We thought you bit it back there! OMG! How would I explain it to mom if you died!?" Sharylan said, looking her sister in the eyes. Shelby nodded, an unbalanced look on her face. She backed away and sneezed into her tunic.
"You ok!?" Brianna asked, steadying her friend.
"Dude... I think I'm sick," she said, tired. The girl took a shaky step forward. Stephanie grabbed her arm and helped her stand.
"You look sick. Dehydrated, that's why you're so dizzy."
"Thank you doctor," she replied dryly.
I looked to Legolas who sighed and stood in their formed circle.
"Shelby needs rest if she is not feeling well and if she desires to travel soon..." The Elf lifted her in his arms yet again. "She'll have to stay with me."
Shelby's eyes widened considerably at this, changing to a lighter shade of green. I chuckled. Her affection for the Elf was as clear as daylight.
"It's alright, really," she protested, blushing and beginning to squirm. Legolas sighed again and adjusted to her lightweight.
"No... now if you want, I could convince Aragorn to carry you..."
The child immediately stilled. Her friends began to laugh uncontrollably.
"Will you stop, or will I need some assistance?"
"I'll be good," she muttered, though happy beyond belief. Legolas smirked and continued.
'Young love... I'll never get use to it.' I grinned.
~* Shannon's P.O.V*~
Shelby is such a Mary-Sue! She's a big fat liar! Hey...why can't I get Boromir to carry me!? *Spends an hour fuming* Sorry, lost it for a moment there.
"Did you see her face?" Stephanie laughed. "She nearly fainted again!"
Brianna giggled and looked to Sharylan who tried her hardest to calm down. Pippin came running, a carrot in his small hands.
"Hide me!!!"
...Sam not far behind.
'Lord...'
Two hours later..........................................................................
We finally reached the Walls of Moria. (Puts away pistol.) I 'oooh' and look up.
"Pretty."
"Do we have to go in there?" Stephanie asked.
"Do you have to ask?" Brianna countered. Sharylan paled and grabbed Frodo by the arm. He looked over and patted her hand.
"It'll be alright."
Shelby was still in the arms of her 'husband', sleeping again. She'll never get tired of that. *Rolls eyes* Gandalf came to the front of the company and tapped a certain rock formation. Various lines and writing glowed from it. The old wizard studied the markings. It looked like a big 'ol night light if you ask me.
"It reads... the doors of Dorein, Lord of Moria...speak Friend and Enter." Gandalf recited, stepping back.
"What do you suppose that means?" Merry asked. The tall man looked back to the Hobbit.
"It's quite simple, if you are a friend... you speak the password and the doors will open."
He shouted out something and aimed his staff towards the door. There was a long pause. I think it might be broken.
"Simple huh? So simple... you can't open the door?" I asked innocently. Brianna laughed out loud.
Twenty minutes later...................................................
Everyone has wandered away and left the geezer to open the door alone. Pippin, Merry, and I were sitting at the edge of a lake nearby. I lazily picked up a round stone and chucked it in. Merry was next, then Pippin. We continued in order until Aragorn came out of nowhere and caught my arm.
"Do not disturb the water."
Behind me Brianna and Sharylan started snickering. I turned and glared. They stopped and moved away, muttering. I smiled in triumph. That's what they get. Frodo shook his head and stuck near Strider, and Sam with them. Boromir sat against the wall, listening to Gimli ramble on about his home, wishing for a dagger or something to stop conversation. Legolas had set Shelby under a dying tree to rest, the only tree there. He then took to the branches.
"I guess Master Legolas has grown tired of carrying Shelby around like a baby."
Everyone snickered at this. Shelby cracked an eye open, waking up from her light nap, to glare at me. She searched, finding a nearby stone, and chucked it in my direction. I ducked, but not before it splashed in the pond, soaking me and my poor, ripped blue-ish gray dress. Shelby started to crack up. I sneered and find a hollowed out chunk of wood. An evil idea popped into my head. I filled the plank full of scummy water and flung it at the unsuspecting girl. She cried shrilly, bolting upright. Everyone laughed again, even Legolas. Shelby looked up at him, glaring, and hit the base of the fragile tree as hard as she could, effectively knocking him out of it. He landed with a soft 'thud'. (He is an Elf after all.)
"Hahahahaha!" I laughed as Shelby made her way to me. Before she could do anything, Frodo approached the struggling wizard.
"It's a riddle. Speak friend and enter... what's the Elvish word for friend?"
Gandalf looked at him and thought for a second.
"Mellon."
The wall suddenly slid open, exposing a large... dark... creepy cavern. I gulped hard.
"No," Sharylan whispered. "I don't wanna!"
"Just calm down," Brianna coaxed, afraid herself. "As long as we stick together..."
"What do you mean Baby can't come!?" Stephanie yelled, grabbing our attention.
"She will not be able to." Aragorn tried to reason.
"That's what you think!"
As the argument continued, Legolas approached from behind.
"You should consider Baby's well being. What do you think she would like to do?"
After drooling over the Elf for the fourth time that day, Stephanie pondered the question for a moment.
"I really need Baby to come with me."
"But Stephanie..." He tried to reason. The manipulating Mary-Sue sniffled fakely and made herself tear.
"She's all I have. Please... let her come. Legolas? For me?"
His ice blue eyes softened immediately.
"As you wish."
The maniac hopped up and down.
"I knew you loved me!!"
The Elf looked horrified. And so... the long dark journey began.
~* Stephanie's P.O.V (still)*~
I slowly opened my eyes and found that I was no longer in the stupid pit. (Yay!) Above me were four small faces. Very familiar, small faces.
"Wha- Who... where am I?"
One of the faces smiled and left.
"Aragorn! She's awake!"
'Aragorn? What's going on?'
Soon, I was sat up and rushed with nine new people coming into the picture.
"Are you feeling better?" Boromir asked, (I assumed it was him seeing at he was decked out in Gondorian wear) kneeling and placing an ungloved hand on my forehead.
"Yea, thanks," I answered, then turn to Shelby as calmly as I could. "Shelby... where am I and what are they doing here?"
My friend came and helped me to my feet. She led me away from the group then looked me in the eye.
"Stephanie... as strange as all this may seam, we're in Middle-Earth. That is Frodo, Sam, Merry, and Pippin." She pointed to the four looking our way.
"That is Boromir, Aragorn, Gimli, and Gandalf." I nodded.
"We're all here... and that is really Legolas Greenleaf. Do you understand?"
I looked at her blankly. Shelby sighed.
"We all agreed that we would not tell them where we're from or that we know the outcome of the quest. So... don't blow our cover."
I nodded a second time. Shelby reached into her bag and pulled out a spare tunic and pants.
"Here, so you'll blend in."
It was light blue, a perfect contrast to her dark blue outfit. Just then, Legolas walked to us. In his hands were two bows and quivers.
"Shelby... I hope I am not intruding on anything." His voice was smooth and caring, liquefying my insides.
"Not at all."
"Are you ready for the archery lesson I promised?"
"Is it alright if I take a rain check on the lesson?" Shelby asked. He looked disappointedly at her.
"I was looking forward to it. I finally convinced Aragorn to part with his for the day."
My friend bowed slightly.
"Sorry... but I have business to attend to."
He returned the gesture and patted her head out of affection.
"It is alright. Perhaps another time?"
"Right. Though... I don't think Stephanie's doing anything right now. Teach her in the mean time and I'll get back to you on that offer."
Shelby winked at me and then ran off. I looked to the sky and grinned.
'Maybe this isn't the worst thing to happen. Remind me to thank Shels.'
Legolas softly grasped my hand.
"Shall we get started?"
I nearly fainted again.
"Yea... lead the way."
~* Sharylan's P.O.V*~
The day was bright and fair... yay! It wasn't raining for a change! Yay! Aragorn seemed to like this a lot and started everyone on training. (Not so buck for that.) He was currently watching Boromir give sword lessons to Merry, Pippin, and Shannon. I was seated next to Frodo and Sam, who were cooking something really good. Neko was happily purring on my lap during all this. Gandalf and Gimli were sitting on a rock, talking or something. Shelby was sneaking around... nothing out of the usual.
"Master Sam, Frodo... where exactly are we?" I ask in my oh-so proper English. The large hobbit looked to me.
"We are reaching the mountain pass and southern passes milady. We are taking a short rest... then back to trudging."
I groaned and fell on my back. Frodo smiled and patted my arm in sympathy.
"It will be alright Miss Sharylan. You will feel much better after breakfast."
Yet another thing I love about Hobbits... they eat twelve meals a day! Me and Shelby never get enough of that! I looked to Frodo and smiled. He smiled back. I feared I must steal him away in the night for that. My 'love' for him is growing. *Sigh*
"...Very good Pippin..." a voice from the other side of the camp said. We looked over and watched as Boromir tried his best to teach Shannon, who had been cut on the hand.
"You cut me!" She wailed just for the fun of it. Aragorn knew she did this for attention from the Gondor knight... but said nothing. Boromir jogged over and took her hand.
"I did not mean too... let me take a look at it."
Shannon smiled at me when Boromir wasn't looking. I shook my head. Never, in all my fifteen years, did I ever think Shannon was going to turn into Shelby.
"Boromire, attacking defenseless women?" Merry asked, walking slowly towards the man, Pippin on the other side.
"Tsk, tsk Boromir."
The man looked up.
"What are you talking about?"
Before he could say anymore, the two small beings tackled him. Shannon cracked up. Shelby stopped what ever she was doing to snicker. As the Hobbits continued their attack, Gandalf and Gimli never missed a word while talking.
"Don't they ever get tired of talking?" I asked.
"Gandalf is a wise and fair wizard. He must take the time to map our route," Sam answered, handing me food. I accepted thankfully then looked around.
"Where's Brianna?"
~* Brianna's P.O.V*~
After Aragorn showed me how to hold his sword, I went to the base of the rocky plateau we were on to practice. I took a defensive stance and began my strokes. Smooth and even. After about twenty minutes, I got bored and began to walk back... when something caught me eye.
"Wha...?"
"What is that?" I heard Sharylan ask. Everyone stopped what they were doing to look.
"Nothing... 'Tis a wisp of cloud," Gimli answered offhandedly.
"It's moving fast, against the wind," pointed out Boromir, standing up near the Hobbits. Shelby looked down at me from across the way. Legolas rushed past her, Stephanie following. He squinted and gazed into the horizon.
"Crebain from Dundland!"
"Hide!"
Everyone grabbed their stuff and dived under bushes and rocks. I grabbed the sword and sprint like mad up the slope. Finally reaching the top, Aragorn grabbed me and Frodo and dived between two rocks. I franticly looked around, spotting Shelby under a withered tree. She looked to me and then returned her eyes to the sky.
"Stay silent and they will pass," Aragorn said, looking to Frodo and me. As we waited, a black thing on the ground caught my attention.
"Neko!" I whispered in surprise. Shelby looked over and gasped. One of those stupid crow things was making a beeline for the kitten, hunger in its eyes. Neko looked around franticly for her master.
"Here! Come here quick Neko!!" Shelby called. She began to slide from under the tree. A whistling sound cut through the air. The Crebite was slain instantly. In fear, Neko ran to Shelby. No one but me saw Legolas return his bow to its place on his shoulder.
Five minutes passed. Legolas scanned the horizon and when he felt everything was safe, brought us back out.
"Now what? It looks like they have the other trail covered," Sharylan said, brushing twigs from her clothes. Gandalf gazed to the huge mountain in front of us. We, me and the girls, paled.
"You're kidding!" My sister whined.
"I am afraid not, Miss Shannon. There is no other way. Pack light... the crossing will be harsh."
I cringed. Couldn't we have just stumbled into Pirates of the Caribbean instead? There aren't any dangerous mountain passes in that movie... but no; we had to come just in time for the crossing. And above all... I got my tunic dirty!! The gray fabric was now covered in mud and twigs. I looked around and spotted my backpack, and filled it with my spare clothes, music, food, and water. We soon set out to the frozen path. Stephanie had a tough time getting Baby to follow; Sam had the very same problem with Bill. The stubborn pony and horse stopped in the back and refused to move another inch. I went to the back and did the best I could to help, but it wasn't until Legolas whispered soothingly to the horse and pony that they finally took a step forward.
"Thank you Legolas," Stephanie sighed. I rolled my eyes.
"'Thank you Legolas'," I mimicked. Stephanie smacked me on the arm as we continued.
~*Aragorn's P.O.V*~
As we neared the top of the immense mountain, the trail took a sharp turn and led us to a narrow pass capped with ice and thick snow.
"Gandalf!" I cried over the gale force winds. "It is too dangerous up here! We must turn back!"
"No! The end is too near!!" He called back, breaking a trail in the waist length snow. To my right, Legolas tread upon the frozen clouds as if it were steady ground. Many a time I have envied said Elf, and now was one of them. He stepped forth and gazed into the gray skies.
"There's a foul voice in the air."
"It's Sarumon," the wizard growled, joining Legolas at the front. He chanted a spell and glared at the intensifying storm. Frodo and Sam clung helplessly to me as the temperature dropped further still. Stephanie held on to Bill and Baby, desperately fighting to force through the snow drifts. Brianna, Shannon, and Shelby shivered under their light clothing. Boromir held onto Pippin and Merry, clearly not enjoying this at all. Gimli complained and groaned every other moment.
"This won't end well." I heard Brianna mutter. Suddenly, a great flash of lightning tore through the sky and leaped into the crevasse above us, loosening a large sheet of snow. I saw it slide and ran to the wall behind me for cover, holding Frodo and Sam close. I spotted Shelby near the edge, attempting to run for shelter. Shannon dove to help her as the snow crashed around us. Stephanie let go of Baby and also dived, seeing Shelby and Shannon fall near the edge.
"Shannon no!!" Boromir held Sharylan back, the girl twisting in his grasp. Then, the snow fell.
~* Legolas's P.O.V*~
I was the first to emerge from the bank of snow. No one was visible over the white sheet. I dug quickly until I found Aragorn, the Hobbits, and Brianna. They aided me in recovering the rest. As the company shook themselves off, Sharylan looked franticly about.
"Where's Shannon?"
My eyes grew wide. We gazed at the drop off a few paces away. No...
"Shannon!! Steph!! Shelby!!"
Silence answered her cries. She spied a hand sticking out of a huge clump of snow near the edge of the cliff and quickly dug through it, finding Stephanie... half conscious. Sharylan nearly cried in relief.
"Jeez Steph! You scared the crap out of me!!"
"Help." The girl weakly pleaded, straining to speak. We looked over the edge and found Shelby, keeping firm hold on Stephanie's other hand. Shannon was there also, clinging to the hem of Shelby's leggings. Boromir reached down and began pulling the two up, Brianna taking Stephanie aside. Shelby suddenly looked down as she heard a loud rip.
"My pants are ripping!! Hurry!!" She cried. All eyes went wide.
"Hold on Shan!" Sharylan called, leaning over the edge. Her hand was stretched as far as it could go towards her frightened companion. "I- I can't reach! She's going to fall!"
Shannon gasped while the fabric began to slip through her thin fingers. Brianna looked desperately to me.
"Help her!! Legolas please!!"
I looked to Aragorn who nodded curtly. I jumped over the edge; keeping hold to one of the jutting rocks and leaned towards Shannon, the group anxiously watching.
"Grab hold!!"
She looked to me in anguish. The legging broke wide near the knee.
"I cannot hold her for much longer!!" Boromir informed us. At this point, both of them could meet an end. The added weight Shannon gave and the harsh weather was making it difficult to save them. Having heard this... the struggling girl looked to me.
"I can't..." She whispered, loud enough for me to pick it up. I realized what she intended to do. Shannon suddenly released her grip on Shelby and fell.
Shannon: You're so lucky I love you that much Shelby!
"No!!" I cried.
The others screamed their protest, but soon stopped as I franticly dove towards her.
"What is he doing!?" Gimli bellowed, aiding Shelby to the top. "They'll both be killed!"
My clear hearing picked up their gasps and cries even as I fell out of range. I could see a jagged ledge under me and focused on Shannon, who was now unconscious. Her small frame neared the end. I stretched for the life of me and finally reached her. Gritting my teeth, I snagged a rock above the ledge...thanking Eru I was able to catch her in time.
~* Gandalf's P.O.V*~
I observed in shock as Shannon sacrificed her life for Shelby. The look of horror on Legolas's face was enough to convince me that she was serious about the decision. The Elven prince dove for her. We lost sight of them in the fog below. Shelby and Stephanie restrained Sharylan who took the loss badly.
"Shannon!!!"
Aragorn looked away and laid a hand on Brianna's trembling shoulder. Anguish was clear on his face. The Hobbits stayed silent, trying to calm the hysterical girl on her knees. Boromir and Gimli prepared the horse and pony to depart. Suddenly... a faint grunt reached our ears. It sounded like... Legolas. Brianna slowly stopped her sobs and looked up. A hand grabbed at the ledge. Legolas swung himself up and over, cradling Shannon to his chest.
"OMG!!" Stephanie pounced on the exhausted Elf. He wheezed slightly and smiled, sitting up.
"You stupid poo-head!! You could have died!"
Shannon briefly opened her eyes to see her friends around her. She smiled then fell back into unconsciousness. Legolas looked down at Shannon who was sleeping soundly now.
"She is safe."
"Thank you Legolas!" Sharylan yelled happily, beginning to cry slightly. All four girls hugged the prince tightly. More rumbling was heard and the celebration was cut short.
"He's trying to bring down the mountain!" Boromir cried, lifting Frodo and Pippin, the smallest of the Hobbits, onto Bill as Aragorn ordered Brianna, Stephanie, and Shelby on Baby.
"Where shall we go?"
After much discussion, Frodo chose the Mines of Moria. I couldn't help but cringe.
~*Gimli's P.O.V*~
After we got off that forsaken mountain... the company and I headed towards the great Mines of Moria. I was overjoyed with the decision. Now Master Elf would know the Dwarvish way of life. I looked to the group.
Miss Stephanie was steering her horse in line behind Aragorn, the kitten sitting snuggly between her arms. The other maidens decided to walk beside her. The Hobbits were hiding around here somewhere, planning my demise no doubt. (sneaky Hobbits) Boromir and Gandalf talked quietly, discussing battle plans. And Legolas was still carrying Miss Shannon. She had not yet recovered from the fall.
"Legolas... has she not awoken yet?" I asked.
"No. Her body is very weak and it does not look as though she will wake anytime soon."
Miss Shelby came to walk with him.
"She's probably fake'n."
The Elf looked down at her.
"Really?" He asked incredulously.
"Yeah... look at this."
The young lass stopped Legolas in his tracks and violently shook Shannon.
"Wake up!!!!!"
"AH!!"
The sleeping girl screamed and fell to the floor. She quickly jumped up and growled.
"I WAS ASLEEP!!!"
Before grabbing Shelby, Shannon swiftly spun around to see Legolas and I shocked.
"You're awake!" Stephanie cheered. She jumped off the horse and embraced her friend. The other four soon did the same, knocking the poor girl over.
"We thought you bit it back there! OMG! How would I explain it to mom if you died!?" Sharylan said, looking her sister in the eyes. Shelby nodded, an unbalanced look on her face. She backed away and sneezed into her tunic.
"You ok!?" Brianna asked, steadying her friend.
"Dude... I think I'm sick," she said, tired. The girl took a shaky step forward. Stephanie grabbed her arm and helped her stand.
"You look sick. Dehydrated, that's why you're so dizzy."
"Thank you doctor," she replied dryly.
I looked to Legolas who sighed and stood in their formed circle.
"Shelby needs rest if she is not feeling well and if she desires to travel soon..." The Elf lifted her in his arms yet again. "She'll have to stay with me."
Shelby's eyes widened considerably at this, changing to a lighter shade of green. I chuckled. Her affection for the Elf was as clear as daylight.
"It's alright, really," she protested, blushing and beginning to squirm. Legolas sighed again and adjusted to her lightweight.
"No... now if you want, I could convince Aragorn to carry you..."
The child immediately stilled. Her friends began to laugh uncontrollably.
"Will you stop, or will I need some assistance?"
"I'll be good," she muttered, though happy beyond belief. Legolas smirked and continued.
'Young love... I'll never get use to it.' I grinned.
~* Shannon's P.O.V*~
Shelby is such a Mary-Sue! She's a big fat liar! Hey...why can't I get Boromir to carry me!? *Spends an hour fuming* Sorry, lost it for a moment there.
"Did you see her face?" Stephanie laughed. "She nearly fainted again!"
Brianna giggled and looked to Sharylan who tried her hardest to calm down. Pippin came running, a carrot in his small hands.
"Hide me!!!"
...Sam not far behind.
'Lord...'
Two hours later..........................................................................
We finally reached the Walls of Moria. (Puts away pistol.) I 'oooh' and look up.
"Pretty."
"Do we have to go in there?" Stephanie asked.
"Do you have to ask?" Brianna countered. Sharylan paled and grabbed Frodo by the arm. He looked over and patted her hand.
"It'll be alright."
Shelby was still in the arms of her 'husband', sleeping again. She'll never get tired of that. *Rolls eyes* Gandalf came to the front of the company and tapped a certain rock formation. Various lines and writing glowed from it. The old wizard studied the markings. It looked like a big 'ol night light if you ask me.
"It reads... the doors of Dorein, Lord of Moria...speak Friend and Enter." Gandalf recited, stepping back.
"What do you suppose that means?" Merry asked. The tall man looked back to the Hobbit.
"It's quite simple, if you are a friend... you speak the password and the doors will open."
He shouted out something and aimed his staff towards the door. There was a long pause. I think it might be broken.
"Simple huh? So simple... you can't open the door?" I asked innocently. Brianna laughed out loud.
Twenty minutes later...................................................
Everyone has wandered away and left the geezer to open the door alone. Pippin, Merry, and I were sitting at the edge of a lake nearby. I lazily picked up a round stone and chucked it in. Merry was next, then Pippin. We continued in order until Aragorn came out of nowhere and caught my arm.
"Do not disturb the water."
Behind me Brianna and Sharylan started snickering. I turned and glared. They stopped and moved away, muttering. I smiled in triumph. That's what they get. Frodo shook his head and stuck near Strider, and Sam with them. Boromir sat against the wall, listening to Gimli ramble on about his home, wishing for a dagger or something to stop conversation. Legolas had set Shelby under a dying tree to rest, the only tree there. He then took to the branches.
"I guess Master Legolas has grown tired of carrying Shelby around like a baby."
Everyone snickered at this. Shelby cracked an eye open, waking up from her light nap, to glare at me. She searched, finding a nearby stone, and chucked it in my direction. I ducked, but not before it splashed in the pond, soaking me and my poor, ripped blue-ish gray dress. Shelby started to crack up. I sneered and find a hollowed out chunk of wood. An evil idea popped into my head. I filled the plank full of scummy water and flung it at the unsuspecting girl. She cried shrilly, bolting upright. Everyone laughed again, even Legolas. Shelby looked up at him, glaring, and hit the base of the fragile tree as hard as she could, effectively knocking him out of it. He landed with a soft 'thud'. (He is an Elf after all.)
"Hahahahaha!" I laughed as Shelby made her way to me. Before she could do anything, Frodo approached the struggling wizard.
"It's a riddle. Speak friend and enter... what's the Elvish word for friend?"
Gandalf looked at him and thought for a second.
"Mellon."
The wall suddenly slid open, exposing a large... dark... creepy cavern. I gulped hard.
"No," Sharylan whispered. "I don't wanna!"
"Just calm down," Brianna coaxed, afraid herself. "As long as we stick together..."
"What do you mean Baby can't come!?" Stephanie yelled, grabbing our attention.
"She will not be able to." Aragorn tried to reason.
"That's what you think!"
As the argument continued, Legolas approached from behind.
"You should consider Baby's well being. What do you think she would like to do?"
After drooling over the Elf for the fourth time that day, Stephanie pondered the question for a moment.
"I really need Baby to come with me."
"But Stephanie..." He tried to reason. The manipulating Mary-Sue sniffled fakely and made herself tear.
"She's all I have. Please... let her come. Legolas? For me?"
His ice blue eyes softened immediately.
"As you wish."
The maniac hopped up and down.
"I knew you loved me!!"
The Elf looked horrified. And so... the long dark journey began.