6-23-04
Okay, here's the deal; I am the worst updater in the whole world and I can never keep my promises! LoL. Gals, and guys if there are any, I am sooooo unbelievably sorry! My life has come to the point where it is beyond chaotic and I can hardly find any time to write. I actually finished this chapter during my lunch break yesterday :D. But never fear! I will stick with Kenzie and Legolas, as well as the rest of the Fellowship, till the end if you stick with me.
So, moving on to other things, I noticed that I am waaaaaaaayyyyyy behind on the thank yous. I was updating my address list for this story and almost fainted when I realized how many names I had to add! To all of my new readers, you guys are just as hella awesome as my faithful readers are! I hope that you stay around to finish this story as well as the rest of the trilogy. It's the lovely people who give me encouragement and helpful hints that keep this story going and I'm glad that I have added you to the list!
To those of you who have asked me to read your stories, don't think that I've forgotten you!! :D, I will start to read as soon as I can. I hope that I can offer as much great insight as some of you have given me.
TO ALL MY NEW AND OLD FAITHFUL READERS: I promise that Kenzie and Legolas will lip lock soon!!! Just be patient with me. It's aaaaaaallllllllllllll apart of the plot, so hang in there!
As for this chapter, I was going to make it two, but I soon trashed that idea. So, in an effort to make it up to all of you, I made it really, really, really long. But the ending's sad and will bring about more angst in Kenzie's life between her and the other members of the Fellowship; mostly with Frodo and a little with Legolas.
And the end of this story is nearing!!!!! Just a few more chapters and we will come to the end of the Fellowship and the beginning of the Two Towers. Questions to ask yourself as you read the chapters to come: What will conspire between Kenzie and Legolas? Will the Lady of Light hold any valuable information for her? And will Kenzie be able to follow Frodo to Mordor?
Hmmmmm.......LoL. On with the chapter!!!
--Chapter 14--
Part I: Ugly, ugly orcs and running, and running, and running.....
They continued down the dark stairs, Gandalf's small light offering no resistance to the darkness. Kenzie suddenly found herself thinking how ridiculous this really was. Seriously, they had just climbed the steepest staircase in any world and now they were going down another that officially had to be the darkest.
Why didn't the stupid dwarves just build a tunnel through?
She sighed heavily, her hand running along the wall to steady herself. The cool, ragged rock passed under her fingers, giving her something to think about other than her dream. The images still lingered vividly in her mind. She gently touched her throat, remembering the demon's slimy fingers pressing into her skin. Kenzie wasn't going to lie; the dream truly instilled fear in her. But if it was a message, what exactly was it telling her? Was the demon going to attack soon? If that were the case, then why would he flat out warn her? Maybe he was tricking her; playing with her mind.
The young witch sighed. Nothing made sense and it was truly ticking her off. She was tempted to run out in an open cavern, throw out her arms, and just scream, "What are you waiting for?!" True, it was classic, scary, teen movie style, but it made sense at the time. Finally, the group reached the end of the staircase and stepped into a wide cavern. Kenzie's eyes squinted to see more in the dim light, but then widened when she realized where they were.
"Let me risk a little more light," Gandalf whispered, his staff glowing brighter as he spoke.
The Fellowship came to a small halt behind him and the hobbits and Gimli gasped as the pillars that stood before them could finally be seen in the light.
"Behold, the great realm and dwarf-city of Darrowdelf," Gandalf stated, sweeping his staff to the side.
"Well, there's an eye-opener, ain't no mistake," Sam said, looking about the cavern as they started forward again.
"You can say that again, Sam," Kenzie agreed as her eyes roamed over the pillars.
The company continued to walk through the city in awe. The pillars of Darrowdelf went on for as far as the eye could see, reaching hundreds of feet into the air towards the ceiling. Suddenly, as they passed a ray of light coming from a doorway, Gimli cried out and raced towards the room.
"Gimli!" Gandalf called after him, but the dwarf paid no heed.
With no other choice, the Fellowship followed Gimli into the lit chamber. Kenzie followed last, something inside of her telling her to hang back.
"No......no!" Gimli sobbed, falling to his knees in front of a stone tomb.
The rest filed in cautiously, noting that more debris, as well as bodies, littered the floor. Kenzie lingered in the doorway, Gimli's cries echoing in her ears. For the first time since she met the dwarf, she felt for him. Grief and sympathy washed over her as she realized that this was probably his second home and his kin that lay dead around them. The young witch suddenly turned from the scene and peered out into the dark Darrowdelf. She could have sworn that she heard something rustling around out there......
Gandalf slowly removed his hat and peered at the top of the tomb. He frowned slightly as he began to translate the ruins, "Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria."
Gimli wailed as the wizard spoke, and to Kenzie, it sounded as if the dwarf's heart was breaking.
"He is dead then," Gandalf continued, "It's as I feared."
The wizard sighed and turned away from the tomb. As he looked around, he spotted a book, clutched by the skeleton of a dwarf. Kenzie watched as the wizard handed his hat and staff to Pippin and then carefully plucked the book from the bones.
Legolas walked up to Aragorn's side, an uneasy look and feeling washing over him as he gazed around the chamber.
"We must move on," he whispered as Gandalf opened the book and blew away the dust, "We cannot linger."
Aragorn licked his lips and then nodded in agreement as the wizard began to read a passage from the book.
"They have taken the bridge, and the second hall," he started, his fingers running down the lines of writing, "We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long."
Kenzie jumped around again, feeling the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She had heard that noise again, this time she was sure of it.
"The ground shakes. Drums, drums in the deep," Gandalf's voice sounded as he turned a page in the book.
Kenzie continued to peer into the deep darkness; waiting, daring whatever was out there to move. Her fingers slowly encircled the top of one knife, slowly pulling it from its sheath.
"We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark......,"
The young witch's eyes squinted, studying the darkness.
"We cannot get out," Gandalf read and then looked up as he finished, "They are coming."
As Kenzie waited and listened, it suddenly struck her what was about to happen. "Pippin!" she said harshly and whipped around just in time to see the small hobbit slowly turn an arrow sticking out of a skeleton of the dwarf.
Kenzie bit her lower lip as the skull fell off of its body and then the body itself tumbled after it, increasing the loud noise made as it crashed through the well. Finally, the bucket followed, and it seemed as if the clanging noise would go on forever. The Fellowship waited with bated breaths as the sounds echoed loudly throughout the mountain kingdom.
And then there was silence. It stirred Kenzie to the core and she shuddered as her breathing became ragged. The rest of the Fellowship looked around wearily as well, their hearts in their throats. Suddenly, Boromir exhaled loudly, as if to relieve the tension in the room, and the Fellowship relaxed somewhat. Gandalf slammed the book shut and glared at Pippin, the small hobbit squirming under his gaze.
"Fool of a Took!" the wizard cried, "Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!" he finished, snatching his things from the little hobbit.
Pippin pursed his lips and looked down, knowing that the others looked on disapprovingly. Nevertheless, everyone seemed relieved that the noise that the young hobbit created didn't stir something in the depths of the mountains. Everyone except Kenzie. The young witch swallowed as the next part of the story started to take its course.
Just as the wizard turned from Pippin, a faint drumming echoed in all of their ears. Kenzie watched, her fear starting to grow, as everyone looked around; the sounds of the drums coming from every direction.
"Mr. Frodo!" Sam whispered rather loudly, looking down at Frodo's belt.
Kenzie watched Frodo pull the glowing blade from its sheath and felt her heart jump into her throat. What Gandalf had read was coming true; they were coming.
"Orcs!" Legolas cried, distinctly hearing the sound of the creatures nearing the chamber.
Everyone turned to the door as Boromir rushed to Kenzie's side. They both peered out into the dwarf city and Kenzie's eyes widened in fear and disbelief. Suddenly, Boromir pulled on her arm, bringing her back into the chamber just as two arrows lodged into the doorway where her head had been.
Seeing this, Aragorn turned back to the hobbits quickly, "Get back!" he ordered, "Stay close to Gandalf!"
Kenzie felt the oncoming battle brewing in the air as Aragorn threw his torch down and ran up to her and Boromir, helping them push the heavy wooden doors shut.
"They have a cave troll," Boromir stated rather nonchalantly as the wooden doors finally slammed shut.
"Kenzie," Legolas called, motioning for her to come help him.
The young witch hurried back to where he was standing, helping him to toss axes to Aragorn and Boromir to blockade the door.
After the door was secure, the four members of the Fellowship backed towards the tomb, pulling out their weapons. Gimli, who had suddenly put aside his grief, leapt onto the top of his cousin's tomb and brandished his axe fiercely.
"Let them come!" he called defiantly, "There is one dwarf yet in Moria that still drawls breath!"
Kenzie suddenly realized that she was holding her breath and let it out slowly, her eyes not moving from the door. She jumped suddenly when the creatures began to strike the doors, causing the wooden barricades to shake violently. The intensity grew as the sound of the hobbits' ragged breathing and the orcs malicious pounding surrounded them. Kenzie clutched her knives in her hands, readjusting her grip time and time again because of her sweaty palms. She licked her lips and glanced over at Boromir, as if asking him why it was taking so long.
"Patience, Little Sister. It will begin soon enough," he whispered.
Kenzie gave no reply. She just drew a deep breath, her eyes going down the line. Boromir twirled his sword, bouncing on his feet nervously, Legolas stood straight and still, his body ready to release the arrow strung on his bow, and Aragorn moved from side to side slightly, trying to find a better position.
The cracking of the door tore her gaze back to their present situation. Kenzie twirled her knives and took a deep breath, readying herself for her first encounter with the disgusting and foul creatures known as orcs.
Finally, the wood splintered and gave under the stress of the pounding, creating only a small hole. Legolas squinted his eyes only a little and then released. His arrow struck true and the orc shrieked as it fell back from its position. The elf, with quick, lightening-like reflexes, reached back and pulled another arrow. It was then that Aragorn released his arrow, hitting the orc that took the first's place. By that time, the door groaned, making it known that it was about to give way.
And then it did. The two, large, now mutilated doors fell forward, finally giving the orcs the entrance they wanted. Legolas fired another arrow, and then Aragorn, and then Legolas again as the vial creatures flooded into the room.
Kenzie gripped her knives and set her teeth as they came at her. She turned from the blow of the first orc, stabbing him in the back before slicing the throat of another. She grimaced as she felt the sticky blood drip down her blade to her hand, but pressed on. The young witch twirled this way and that; kicking, slicing, and stabbing her way through the orcs that crowded around her.
Kenzie then turned, noticing an orc come up behind Boromir. Without another thought, she tossed her knife as hard as she could. The orc fell back, her knife's handle gleaming in triumph. Boromir turned toward her, his breathing heavy like her own.
"Don't worry Little Sister," he smiled slightly, attempting to tease her, "There are more," he added and then went back to another fight.
But Kenzie rolled her eyes, "How can he be sarcastic when we're fighting for our lives?" she asked aloud as she turned.
She then gasped as an orc charged her. He grasped her throat roughly and held a dagger high, poised to strike her with it. Kenzie kneed him hard in the stomach. When his grip lessened, she spun, pulling a roundhouse kick that sent the orc on his back.
Mental note number 12: Always pay attention during a battle. It might help seeing as you could get yourself killed if you don't!
At that time, another orc ran toward her, holding his sword in a striking position. Kenzie immediately blocked the strike with her knife, but then came to the realization that she had no other knife!
So formed mental note number 13: Never, never, ever try to fight an orc, or anything else for that matter, with only one knife.
Becoming frustrated under the strain of the creature's sword, Kenzie raised her free hand and punched the orc square in the nose. She shook her wrist as a distinct yell reached her ears. The young witch turned quickly to find Gimli defending off more orcs than he probably could really handle. He was growing weak, she could see it, and yet he still persisted that more and more orcs should come fight him.
She sighed. Well, the idiotic dwarf needed some help. Kenzie shook her head and ran toward the tomb. She stabbed an orc coming at her and rolled over his back when he doubled over. The young witch then spotted her other knife and pulled it out of the dead orc. She dashed towards the small tomb, several orcs trailing her. She placed her hands on the ground, flipping herself up onto the tomb to stand behind the dwarf.
An orc quickly came up behind her and Kenzie turned, stabbing him and pushing him away from the tomb into another orc. She then quickly turned to her left and kicked back another creature. Kenzie blocked the sword of her next attacker and then pulled out of the lock. When the orc swiped at her legs, she jumped up quickly, the blade slicing the air underneath her. After landing, the young witch swiftly kicked the orc in the face, sending the creature to the ground.
Kenzie then turned, catching the blade of an orc that forced its way onto the small surface with her and Gimli, pushing her into the dwarf's back. The orc laughed, producing a deep, gurgling sound as the young witch gritted her teeth, holding the lock. She squinted her eyes, glaring at the creature. Making a final decision, the witch dropped one of her knives and punched the orc. The creature fell back, crumpling to the ground in front of her.
Kenzie smirked somewhat, proud of herself in a way. But she was drawn out of her victory when a clanging sound reached her ears. She turned quickly to see the cave troll charge toward the coffin angrily.
"Oh boy!" she cried, quickly grabbing her knife and jumping from the stone coffin.
Gimli, however, reacted quite differently. He stood defiantly, waiting for the troll to make a move. The troll growled and charged the dwarf, swinging at Gimli with his club. Kenzie held her breath as the dwarf dove out of the way and found himself face with another orc. The young witch was debating over whether she should jump to Gimli's rescue again when a loud call pulled her back into the fight.
"Kenzie!" Legolas called from his perch on a ledge.
She looked up at him, confused as to why he was calling out to her. He seemed to be fairing well on his own, so he obviously didn't need her help. Then why.....?
Her thoughts were cut short when an orc threw an arm around her neck and pulled her back to him, constricting her airflow.
'Now I get it,' she thought, 'He was warning me.'
Having dropped her knives when she was surprised, she had no other choice than to elbow the creature hard in the chest. As he bent in pain, his grip on her lessened and she gripped his arm, using all of her strength to flip him over her shoulder onto his back. She then quickly reached back for a knife, wanting to catch him before he could sit up, but a loud twang reached her ears before she could turn. Kenzie whipped around quickly, gazing at one of Legolas' arrows standing triumphantly in the middle of the orc's chest.
The young witch looked up to the elf and smiled, giving him a silent thank you. He nodded in return, before suddenly ducking to avoid the chain of the troll that lashed out at him. Kenzie rushed forward to aid the elf, but soon found herself in battle with more orcs blocking her path. Easing her mind with the knowledge that Legolas could fend for himself, the young witch continued to fight, taking down any orc that crossed her path.
After what seemed like an eternity, the orcs' numbers finally began to thin out. Soon, Kenzie noticed that she was the only one still fighting the remaining creatures. Glancing behind her briefly, the young witch saw Gandalf step forward and stab at the troll, before quickly dodging out of range. He and Gimli continued this strategy, attempting to weaken the troll.
Merry, who had been dangling helplessly from the troll's hand, cried out as the creature flung him onto the floor carelessly. The hobbit rolled off of his back, gasping at the pain. Kenzie finally finished off the last orc and raced towards Merry. She quickly sheathed her knives and bent down, helping him sit up.
"Are you all right?" she asked.
"Yeah," Merry replied, grabbing onto her arm to help him to his feet.
A cry from Gimli caused them both to look up as the dwarf fell hard on his back. It was then that Legolas stepped forward, quickly fixing his stance, and taking aim. Gandalf sliced at the troll one last time and then fell back with the rest of the Fellowship, waiting for the elf to release his arrow.
Pippin, who was still hanging on to the troll's back, raised his small sword, and drove it into the creature's neck. The troll cried out in pain, his head thrown back as he began to reach for the hobbit. Legolas released his arrow then, striking the creature in the soft tissue of its neck. The troll gasped his last breath and then began to teeter back and forth, looking around as if he didn't believe he was actually hit.
Finally, it fell forward, launching Pippin into the air and shaking the ground when its body hit the hard cavern floor. Merry rushed over to his fallen friend as fast as he could, helping the younger hobbit sit up. The rest of the Fellowship rushed towards a little corner where Aragorn crawled over to the limp body of Frodo.
The Ranger rolled the hobbit over into his arms as the rest of the Fellowship held their breaths, waiting for the worse. Kenzie walked up between Boromir and Gimli, crossing her arms as a small smirk crept up on her face. Frodo suddenly gasped and clutched at his chest where the troll had rammed the spear. Gandalf let out the breath he had been holding and Merry and Pippin grinned widely at each other.
"He's alive!" Sam cried, kneeling by his friend.
"I'm all right," Frodo replied, his breaths coming in gasps, "I'm not hurt."
"You should be dead!" Aragorn stated in disbelief, "That spear would have skewered a wild boar."
Gandalf leaned on his staff and looked down at Frodo with knowing eyes, "I think that there's more to this hobbit than meets the eye."
Frodo looked at the wizard, debating whether he should reveal the truth he had been hiding since the company had left Rivendell.
Kenzie smiled and placed her hands on her hips, "Come now, Frodo. Secretes don't make friends."
Frodo looked around at the others and finally undid the top of his shirt, revealing another shirt underneath that glittered brightly, even in the faint light that filled the room.
"Mithril!" Gimli gasped as the others looked on in amazement.
"You are full of surprised, Master Baggins," the dwarf continued, seemingly proud of the hobbit's cleverness.
Kenzie smiled at the hobbit and then turned to Boromir, letting out a tired breath.
The Lord of Gondor smiled and rested a hand on her shoulder, "Congratulations, Little Sister," he started, "You have survived your first battle."
Suddenly more screeches could be heard from outside the tomb. Gandalf looked around, his tiredness leaking noticeably into his face.
"It must be a victory short lived," he started, the shuffling growing louder, "To the Bridge of Khazad-dum!"
Part II: Crashing
The entire Fellowship dashed straight out of the tomb in a single file behind Gandalf. As she ran out behind Aragorn, Kenzie's heart dropped to the pit of her stomach as she realized she was last in line. Nevertheless, she swallowed her growing fear and pushed forward. The Fellowship continued to run on, orcs springing out of crevasses in the floor and ceiling all around them. Kenzie then made the fatal mistake of looking behind her to see many of the vile creatures closing in.
"It's not looking pretty back here!" she yelled toward the front, hoping to cause them to run faster.
But it only provoked the hobbits to turn and gaze at the growing peril that was chasing them. All of their eyes widened as they caught sight of the orcs and Sam turned back quickly, urging the others to turn back forward. Kenzie's eyes wandered all around her, a sinking feeling resting in her stomach as the creatures continued to appear from all around.
"Geez, they're popping up everywhere!" she stated to Aragorn.
"Put it out of your mind, ai'seler," he replied, "We must keep moving!"
But it seemed as if this idea had already run its course. Looking ahead, Kenzie could see many orcs standing in the Fellowship's path, waiting while the others drove the company to them. It was here that the Fellowship would make their stand. Gandalf stopped, the pack of orcs in front of him just a sword's length away, as the rest of the Fellowship huddled together in a tight circle, their weapons still drawn. Kenzie planted her feet firmly and gripped her knives waiting for an orc to jump at her. The others seemed to be waiting as well, gazing out into the orcs with bated breaths.
Suddenly, a low gurgling growl was heard amongst the screeches of the orcs. The creatures in front of the Fellowship looked around franticly, fear evident in their gruesome faces. The growl came again as a fire-like glow appeared down the hall. The orcs jumped in fear and then scattered, the sound frightening them away.
Kenzie gulped noticeably, still gripping her knives. Even though some of the Fellowship seemed to relax somewhat, she could not bring herself to do the same. Her eyes darted around nervously, the terror of what was chasing them now crawling inside her. As a silence began to grip the Fellowship, Boromir leaned forward towards Gandalf, gazing down the hall at the light.
"What's this new devilry?" he breathed.
The wizard did not answer at first, but just closed his eyes, the realization beginning to sink in. The gurgling growl came again and Kenzie suddenly heard the sound of metal clanging on the hard cavern floor. She turned to Legolas, who gazed disbelieving down the hall, his bow in his hand and the arrow he had been holding at his feet. It was apparent now that he too had an inclination as to what they were now facing.
Gandalf slowly opened his eyes, staring determinedly down the hall as the light grew brighter, "A Balrog," he answered Boromir, "a demon of the ancient world."
As the wizard spoke, Legolas' eyes went wide in fear and he seemed to pale.
"This foe is beyond any of you," Gandalf stated, looking specifically at Kenzie, "Run!!"
With that, he turned to his right, leading the company to a doorway a few yards away. Boromir dashed through the doorway first, the other nine following. He raced down the stairs quickly, but abruptly stopped, almost falling off the broken stairs. The Lord of Gondor waved his arms, attempting to keep his balance, but failing. Legolas then jumped forward quickly, grabbing Boromir and pulling him back. The hobbits almost made the same mistake as they rushed out of the stairwell.
Kenzie raced down the stairs in front of Gandalf, but stopped when she heard the wizard stumble. She turned back to help Aragorn with Gandalf, but the wizard shook his head.
"You must lead them on," he stated.
Kenzie looked to Aragorn, licked her lips, and then looked back to the wizard. Gandalf nodded briefly. The young witch sighed and then turned back to the hobbits, pushing them on.
"Let's move it, boys! We got an ugly Balrog on our tails," she ordered.
They all continued on until they finally came to the gap in the stairs. Boromir stopped, hesitant to jump, but Legolas moved past him and easily leapt to the other side. Once he landed safely, he turned back to the others.
"Gandalf," he beckoned to the wizard, holding out his arm.
The cavern shook as the Balrog followed them. Gandalf took a deep breath and leapt across quickly, knowing that they had little time. As soon as he landed, an arrow whistled through the air, barely missing the wizard and elf. More arrows came, and Kenzie ducked down, bringing Frodo and Sam with her.
"Some cover would be nice," she stated sarcastically, looking over at Legolas.
"Consider it done!" the elf called back, quickly pulling his bow and an arrow.
He released the arrow, without really taking aim, and the young witch heard the sniper shriek as he fell to his death.
Boromir turned suddenly, "Merry! Pippin!" he cried, grabbing both of the hobbits tightly and jumping across the gap. To Kenzie's dismay, the trio took some of the remaining staircase with them, widening the gap slightly.
As Legolas began shooting at the orcs on a far away ledge, Aragorn turned back for Sam.
"Go on," Kenzie urged, pushing him toward the Ranger.
Sam went forward and Aragorn easily tossed the hobbit over into Boromir's waiting arms. The Ranger then turned to Gimli, but the dwarf held up a hand stubbornly.
"Nobody tosses a dwarf!" he stated.
Kenzie rolled her eyes, "Arrogant even in the face of danger."
Gimli ignored the comment and swiftly jumped. Unfortunately, he judged the distance short and began to fall back. Legolas leapt forward and grabbed the dwarf's fiery red beard in an attempt to pull him back.
"Not the beard!" Gimli cried out, his eyes wide.
"Pull it off, Legolas!" Kenzie yelled, despite herself, as she ducked from an arrow.
The elf couldn't stop the smirk that appeared on his face as he pulled the dwarf to safety. Once Gimli had planted his feet, Aragorn turned to toss Kenzie, but the young witch pushed Frodo forward.
"Him first," she stated simply.
The Ranger didn't argue and easily tossed the small hobbit to the safety of the other side. Aragorn grabbed Kenzie then, prepared to help her jump, when the stairs groaned unexpectedly.
The young witch's eyes widened as the stone under her feet began to crumple. Aragorn swiftly pushed her further up the stairs and she scrambled up as fast as she could, the stairs crumbling more. Finally, the sounds of falling stone stopped and Aragorn crawled up beside her.
When they both stood and turned, Kenzie's eyes widened even more. The small gap that had been separating the members of the Fellowship had now become a Titanic size hole.
"Just hold on," Aragorn stated, noting her fear.
The young witch nodded and gripped on to the Ranger's arm tightly. Suddenly, the cavern shook several times as the Balrog neared. Boulders began to fall from the ceiling and Kenzie gasped as one hit the stairs above them, creating another gap behind them and weakening the foundation of the stairs they were on. The stairs wobbled and Kenzie struggled to hold her balance.
"Hang on!" Aragorn ordered, gripping onto her arm as well.
The young witch tightened her grip as they moved from side to side in an attempt to hold their balances. When they did this, however, the stairs reacted to the shifting of their weight. The Ranger looked over at her, wondering if she noticed the movement as well. Kenzie nodded, leaning back toward him to get her balance.
"Lean forward," he stated, shifting his body forward.
The young witch licked her lips and did the same, praying that she wouldn't fall off. Her heart began to beat faster as she locked eyes with Legolas, silently telling him that he better catch her. Endless moments passed as the stone structure followed Kenzie and Aragorn's weight forward.
"Come on!" Legolas called, his arms out, as if it would provoke the stairs to fall quicker. Kenzie snapped her eyes shut and seconds later, the stairs finally slammed into the standing staircase, throwing her and Aragorn forward. Boromir caught Aragorn easily and Kenzie found herself safely in Legolas' arms only a split second later.
"We must keep moving!" Legolas told her, barely letting her catch her breath. He took her hand and tugged her down the stairs after the rest of the Fellowship.
The young witch followed and looked back at the falling staircase. As it crumbled and fell, she found herself laughing slightly, "I can't believe that I just survived that!" she called.
Legolas turned back to her briefly and she caught a small smirk on his face. "Oh, I will never take the stairs again," she continued to mumble as the Fellowship proceeded on their course towards the bridge.
Finally, they turned off the stairs and into a hallway leading towards the bridge. Kenzie looked back and her eyes went wide as she saw the Balrog for the first time, its large flames dancing around its huge, black, body magnificently.
"Over the bridge!" Gandalf's voice echoed in her ears as he pushed the others on, "Fly!"
As they came to the small, narrow bridge, the young witch suddenly wished that she could fly just so that she could avoid such a dangerous bridge. The company's speed did not slow as they filed across the bridge. Kenzie turned back to see Gandalf not far behind, but did not gaze at the wizard long before Legolas tugged her hand quickly.
After they had reached the safety of the other side, Kenzie dropped the elf's hand and turned back to see the wizard stopped half way across the bridge, turning and facing the Balrog that emerged from the hallway. Its flames danced around it as it stood to its full height, hoping to intimidate Gandalf.
But the wizard had not been phased, "You cannot pass!" he called defiantly.
Kenzie's heart began to rise in her chest and things began to move slowly. Kenzie was sure that this would be something in her life that she would never forget. She could still, to this day, sit down and tell anyone every detail of that cavern and the things around her; it had been forever burned into her memory.
"Gandalf!" Frodo's voice echoed in her head as he attempted to get the wizard to continue on with them.
Something inside Kenzie told her to continue on, to push the rest of the Fellowship out and into the safety of the light that awaited them outside. But she found that she couldn't; her legs wouldn't obey her mind. Instead of stepping towards the exit, she found herself edging her way closer to the bridge.
Gandalf's staff began to set off a bright light that engulfed him and the part of the bridge that he stood on.
"I am the servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the Flame of Anor," he started, staring determinedly at the foul creature, "The dark fire will not avail, you! Flame of Udun!" he cried, holding out his staff, his light growing brighter.
It seemed that this light was a protective spell and when the Balrog brought down his sword of flames to strike Gandalf, the wizard parried with his sword Glamdring. Kenzie shielded her eyes as the weapon of the creature shattered and pieces flew in all directions.
"Go back to the shadow!" Gandalf commanded, staring the creature down.
At this point, Kenzie had made up her mind to start back towards the bridge. If she could just get there, maybe her powers could help him defeat the creature where he stood. Slowly, she began to walk past the Fellowship without them hardly taking notice.
The Balrog brought out a whip of flames and cracked it menacingly at the wizard. Gandalf was not dazed by this show and brought up his staff and sword together.
"YOU....SHALL...NOT....PASS!!" he yelled, striking the bridge with his staff.
Kenzie felt the air pulse with power, but, amazingly, nothing happened. When the Balrog stepped out onto the bridge, however, the structure started to crumple under its feet. With a loud cry, the creature fell into the darkness that lingered under Khazad-dum. Kenzie's steps began to speed up as she passed Aragorn, who lingered on the stairs. As she did this, Gandalf stared after the creature and leaned on his staff in pure exhaustion. He then turned back to the others, a slight look of relief on his face. Out of nowhere, the whip of the Balrog lashed out from the deep, grabbed the wizard around his ankle, and violently pulled him down and over the edge. Kenzie suddenly forgot everything else and dashed forward, but was caught suddenly by a pair of strong arms.
"Let me go, Legolas!" she screamed, struggling desperately against his strong grip.
Frodo had rushed forward as well, but Boromir stopped him, "Gandaaaaaalf!!"
Gandalf pulled himself up on the ledge a little and glared at the Fellowship. Kenzie stopped struggling and the rest of the Fellowship become silent as they stared at the wizard.
"Fly you fools!" he breathed and then slipped, falling into the abyss after the Balrog.
"Nooooooooo!" Frodo screamed as Boromir picked his little frame up and started to climb the stairs out of the mine.
"GANDALF!" Kenzie screamed, kicking and struggling violently to get away from Legolas.
"There is nothing you can do!" he yelled back, almost angrily as he followed Boromir out of the mountain.
They passed a stunned Aragorn, who stood on the stairs, staring at the bridge in utter disbelief, arrows clicking on the stones around him .
"Aragorn!" Boromir cried out as the orcs began to shoot more arrows at the unprotected Ranger.
Finally, he turned and raced up the stairs more, but stopped one last time and glanced back at the bridge, still not believing what had just come to pass. The sounds of clicking arrows and Kenzie's screams echoed throughout the mine as the remaining members of the Fellowship finally raced out into the sun light.
Once they had cleared the Eastern Gate of Moria, they all halted, the reality crawling into all of their hearts. Sam had fallen to the ground, his head buried in his hands as he wept. Boromir had long ago put Frodo on his feet and he now tried his best to restrain a ranting Gimli as he hed down his own grief. Pippin had slowly laid down on the ground and cried loudly, Merry gripping onto his shoulders and comforting his friend while he wept as well. Legolas planted Kenzie on her feet roughly, his back towards the gate.
"Let me go!" Kenzie cried, trying to push past him.
"What are you going to do? Jump in after him?!" Legolas yelled back just as violently.
"I could have done something! I still can if you would just move the hell out of my way!" she screamed, somehow pushing past him and running back towards the mountain.
But Legolas was still too quick for her. In no time, he had raced in front of her and grabbed her wrists, forcing her to stop.
"You can't, Kenzie! Yo.....!" he started, but then stopped, something suddenly clicking in his mind, "You knew that this would happen?" he asked.
"Yes!" she screamed loudly, "I could have....should have done something to stop him from falling!"
"Kenzie, then you would have failed to make sure that our future did not change," Legolas told her. His voice had softened, but a slight hesitation had leaked through.
Kenzie opened her mouth to argue, but the words would not come. She had caught his uncertainty and suddenly realized what he was probably thinking. She looked around desperately as more tears began to fall down her cheeks. Suddenly, she felt all of her strength disappear in a second and she started to fall to her knees. Her arms fell onto Legolas' shoulders in an effort to keep herself standing as fierce sobs began to rack her body. Legolas did not resist the urge to hold her and pulled her close to him, closing his eyes tight as the grief sunk into his heart as well.
Slowly, Kenzie slipped from Legolas' embrace and she fell to the ground, burying her head in her hands as she continued to cry. He hated her, she just knew it. Soon, the others would realize what Legolas had already figured out and then they would hate her too.
Aragorn wiped his blade clean and looked back at the rest of the Fellowship. His face betrayed his emotions for a brief second, but then cleared.
"Legolas, get them up," he called, sheathing the sword.
The elf looked over at the Ranger as if he did not comprehend the words.
"Give them a moment for pity's sake!" Boromir argued, his voice choked.
"By night fall these hills will be swarming with orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothlorien!" Aragorn cried.
A moment passed where Aragorn and Boromir stared at each other and the only sounds that could be heard were the sobs of the hobbits and Kenzie.
Aragorn sighed, "Come Boromir, Legolas, Gimli,...get them up," he stated again.
He walked over to Sam and grabbed the hobbit's shoulders, pulling him to his feet, "On your feet, Sam," he said softly.
The Ranger then walked toward Kenzie. He took hold of her arm, "Come now, Kenzie."
But the young witch pulled away viciously, "Don't talk to me as if I'm a child, damnit!" she cried. She didn't mean to yell at him; after all, he was just trying to help. But something told her that soon it wouldn't matter. She would be an outcast among them and everything except Moria would be forgotten. Kenzie once again cried into her arms. The Ranger looked to Legolas, his eyes pleading with him to help her up.
The elf nodded wearily and knelt down next to her. Aragorn looked at her for a moment, grief and guilt finding their way to his face again. He then sighed and walked away, calling for Frodo. Legolas wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He pushed back her hair with his free hand.
"Kenzie," he whispered.
She looked up into his face and he felt his grief deepen at the angst on her face, "We must go. You have to get up," he spoke softly.
Kenzie wiped away her tears and attempted to stand. After a few attempts, Legolas had to help her. He took hold of her elbows and pulled her up to her feet. Once she was standing, Kenzie pushed away from him and started toward the path that lead to Lothlorien.
Legolas went to follow quickly, determined to chase away her guilt and pain, but Aragorn caught him by his shoulder.
"Let her be," the Ranger started, "She will be fine."
Legolas looked at him, doubt in his eyes.
"I promise," Aragorn stated and then started down the path as well.
Legolas pursed his lips and lowered his head. Aragorn had not seen her face; he didn't know the torment that clouded her eyes. It was that very thing that made Legolas believe that Kenzie would sink into herself once again and this time he feared that no one would be able to pull her back to them.
I'm currently wrapped up in the Harry Potter craze, even though I found the movie highly disappointing. I almost cried!! I dislike the director very much right now; he ruined my favorite book! If I were J.K., I would have been putting my foot down.
But oh well, such is life. I'm still in a Harry Potter daze though. Been reading a lot of Ron/Hermione and Harry/Ginny stuff. I'm a HUGE Ron/'Mione shipper. If J.K. doesn't hook them up, I'll be angry ;).
I've already been writing a lot on chapter 15, I just don't know where I'm going to end it yet. Who knows. I hope I get it out soon, but then again I've promised myself that I wouldn't promise you guys anything.....but I have a feeling that that will soon be a lost effort too. LoL. My track record isn't really good.
Later days, Trista
FLAMERS SUCK!!!!!!!!! :P LoL