Disclosure; The characters and places in this tale belong to JJR Tolkien, the true LORD OF THE RINGS master. The scene which this story is based on belongs to Peter Jackson. This story is loosely based on the Movie, holding true to the basic scene but not to character actions or speech.

A/N; This is my first story thatI have brave enough to let other people read. Please review. Constructive criticism will be very much appreciated. Flames will be read and gifted to Saruman.

A Lost Hero. A Fallen Friend.

Aragorn's POV

I stood rooted to spot as Gandalf fell, locked in combat with a Balrog. I was dimly aware of Boromir running past me, a struggling hobbit in his arms, I blinked, the heat in the cavern beginning to make my eyes sting. Or was that the tears that were threatening to fall?

"ARAGORN!" called Boromir bringing me sharply back to reality. I registered Frodo's anguished cried of "Gandalf!" and turned round.

I ducked an Orc arrow that flew towards me and began to run up the stairs as Boromir disappeared, casting a glance back at the spot where Gandalf had fallen.

The cold air of Dimrill Dale hit my face. A great contrast with the cavern behind me.

I looked around me and my heart was greatly saddened at what I witnessed. Boromir was standing with his arm around Gimli who was fighting with all his might to get back into the Mines of Moria. Sam was collapsed on the ground, his head in his hand, and his shoulders heaving with sobs. Merry and Pippin, the two youngest members of the company were huddled together, tears running down the face of the younger.

Legolas was looking completely confused. He seemed incapable of understanding what had happened to Gandalf. He was staring blankly around him hoping the someone was going to explain.

Frodo was standing away from the group and I could not see his face. His shoulders were not moving so I couldn't even tell how deep his grief ran.

I moved away from the rest of the company, the tears that had been lingering in my eyes finally beginning to fall.

Choosing a spot from which I could still see everyone but I myself could not be seen, I drew my knees to my chest and began to sob. It was the one thing that I could never have been taught, even by Elrond, how to cope with death. I had seen it on many occasion and was no stranger to grief but the death of Gandalf hit me harder than any other. Part of my heart had fallen into the abyss with him.

When all my tears were dried I looked up at the sky and took in a long shaking breath, sending a silent prayer to the Valar for Gandalf's spirit, and another that they would grant me the courage and wisdom to take up the mantle that the old wizard had placed on my shoulder's and lead the company on the rest of our Quest. I stood and looked at the remainder of the company.

"Estel?" asked Legolas looking around as I approached. "What hope do we have without Mithrandir?" he asked.

I placed my hand on his shoulder; "We must do without hope," I replied and took another shaky breath.

Turning to the remaining company I said; "Come, we must make it to the Woods of Lothlòrien before nightfall."

Boromir looked up from where he had been comforting Merry and Pippin. He too had been crying, but the glare he fixed on me hid none of its meaning. If looks could kill I would have dropped on the spot.

"Let them rest! They have all had a terrible ordeal!" he shot at me. Legolas glanced between me and Boromir, looking nervous.

"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs!" I shot back and moved over to Sam. After helping him to his feet I gave him a reassuring smile and looked around for Frodo. The young hobbit was walking away from the group.

"Frodo!" I called. Frodo turned to face me and the look that was on his face made my heart stop. His eyes were full of confusing and brimming with unshed tears. A single tear trailed down his pale cheeks.

"Come," I said reaching his side, "Gandalf would not have you fall into despair."

Frodo continued to look miserable and he blinked. Kneeling down I wrapped my arms around him and Frodo dissolved into tears.

Did I not say; If you pass the doors of Moria beware? Alas I spoke true.

A/N; The last line isactual text from Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring (book canon)