Thanks everyone for the great reviews! I'm really glad you guys like my story!
Disclaimer: I own nothing associated with Lord of the Rings. It all belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien and the movie producers. I only own Amaris and any other character outside of Middle Earth.
Number 14: In the Mines
They had been traveling for what Amaris figured to be three and a half days. They had just finished climbing what seemed like an endless amount of stairs when they stopped. "I have no memory of this place," Gandalf said as they approached a landing with three different passageways. Everyone was grateful for the rest, especially the hobbits. Amaris contemplated telling them the correct path but she couldn't really remember anymore. Everything seemed to blur together and she was once again lightheaded. She sat down on the steps and put her head in her hands as she sighed.
"Lady Amaris, are you well?" a gruff voice asked. She looked up and found Gimli looking at her concerned.
"I'm alright Gimli. Just a little lightheaded, must have been from the incident before we came into the mines." The dwarf looked at her like he didn't believe her but she smiled at him and he nodded before turning and sitting not far from her. She looked over to see Legolas and Aragorn looking at her. She just smiled and brought her knees up and rested her head on them. After some time Gandalf stands and Amaris looks at him.
"Ah! This way." he said as he stood
"He's remembered!" chimed Merry.
"No, I'm afraid not. However, the air does not smell as foul down here. When in doubt follow your nose." Gandalf smiled at the hobbit who smiled back. Everyone made their way to the entrance of the stairwell. Amaris followed Boromir and Gimli but was stopped by Aragorn and Legolas.
"Are you alright?" Aragorn asked and Amaris sighed getting tired of everyone asking her that.
"Look, guys, I'm fine. Just please stop asking me if I'm alright. It is getting rather annoying. When I don't feel well, I will let you know. Okay?" They just looked at her and nodded. "Thank you. Now come on. We're nearly there." She turned from them and ran down the stairs to catch up with the others. Aragorn and Legolas soon followed.
Soon the stairs came to an end and Gandalf stopped. "Let us risk a little more light." As the light grew from his staff everyone saw a great hall "The great dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf." Everyone is in awe of the great columns and the high ceilings.
"There's an eye opener," Sam said as he scanned the hall. They continued on their way towards the Bridge of Khazad-dûm when Gimli spots light coming from a chamber. He ran over to the chamber.
"Gimli!" Amaris shouted and followed behind the dwarf with the others close behind. Gimli sees the tomb of his fallen cousin and lets out a cry and gives a silent prayer for him. Gandalf walks over and reads the tomb aloud.
"'Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria.' He is dead then. It's as I feared." He removed his hat and handed it to Pippin along with his staff. He bent over and picked up the book lying in the dwarf skeleton's hands. Amaris walked over to Gimli and placed her hand on his shoulder.
"I am sorry Gimli." The dwarf looks up at her with tear stained cheeks and nods at her.
"We must move on. We cannot linger." Legolas whispered to Aragorn who nodded in return. Amaris looked back at the two and Legolas' eyes met hers. She looked away and tried to remember what was to happen. Gandalf began to read from the book but Amaris paid no attention. She new she had to stop something but her mind was cloudy and it seemed impossible to focus. Suddenly, there was a crash and she jerked her head and looked at Pippin. Pippin! Oh, the arrow, skeleton down the well. Why couldn't I remember sooner!? She screamed in her head. Everyone held their breath but were relieved when no commotion followed.
"Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time, and rid us of your stupidity." Gandalf yelled at the hobbit jerking away his staff and hat. Suddenly, drums were heard in the depths of the mine, followed by terrifying screams. Sam looked at Frodo's sword.
"Frodo!" Sam exclaimed and Frodo unsheathed his sword to find it glowing blue.
"Orcs!" Legolas exclaimed as Boromir ran towards the door and looked out nearly getting hit by two arrows. He quickly came back in and shut the door.
"They have a cave troll," he said as he latched the door with axes with Aragorn. Amaris' heart was pounding out of nerves. It would be the first time she would fire an arrow on a living being but she knew these things were terrible creatures and will kill her and not even think twice about it. She readied herself between Aragorn and Legolas. Soon they were pounding and chopping at the door. Amaris began to tremble but kept her bow steady.
A hole formed in the door. Legolas fired an arrow striking an orc. Aragorn did the same followed shortly by Amaris. Once the doors were broken through many orcs fell before they even made their way into the room thanks to Legolas, Amaris, and Aragorn's arrows. The battle ensues with Amaris firing her arrows left and right striking down various opponents. Nearly all the orcs had fallen when the cave troll came in.
"Oh God!" Amaris exclaimed when she saw the giant creature. She watched as Sam was nearly crushed by the thing. Her body became weak suddenly and her legs gave in from under her and she fell to the floor. "What's going on?" she asked quietly to herself. She regained control and got to her feet but only to be knocked against the wall by an over eager Orc. Her hair had come out of her tie and it fell into her face. The orc had her pinned by her arms and she had dropped her bow. She winced at the smell and at the foul look he was giving her. He held her there studying her for what seemed like eternity because they were hidden from view of the others.
"What do we have here? A she-elf? My, you would be a fun captive wouldn't you?" He licked his slimy lips and she wanted to throw up. The orc suddenly jerked and his grip loosened on her arms. He fell to the ground dead. She looked and saw a Mirkwood arrow sticking from its back. She looked up to see Legolas coming towards her. She looked around and saw the cave troll dead and everyone checking on Frodo.
"Amaris, are you-" She held up her hand to stop him. She smiled at him as she picked up her bow from the ground.
"I am alright. Thank you for saving me once again Legolas." He smiled at her but it was soon washed away as they all ran out of the tomb and back into the hall of Moria. Soon Orcs and Goblins began to surround them but they kept running. All too soon they were surrounded by thousands. Boromir and Aragorn had their swords ready. Legolas and Amaris had their bows ready and moving around pointing at various Orcs and Goblins. Suddenly a red glow formed at the end of the corridor and a growl was heard. All the Orcs and Goblins quickly scattered leaving the fellowship standing in the middle as the glow became closer. Amaris heart was pounding so loud she was certain everyone could hear it as she lowered her bow.
Everyone looked towards the glow when Boromir voiced the question everyone was wanting to ask, including Amaris as she seemed to be forgetting more and more. "What is this new devilry?" Gandalf looked ahead before he answered.
"A Balrog. A daemon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you. Run!" They all begin to run to the bridge, which wasn't much farther. Boromir nearly fell from stairs that had fallen away but Legolas caught him.
"Quickly!" Aragorn shouted. He turned to Gandalf. "Gandalf?" Gandalf looked at the man.
"Lead them on Aragorn. The bridge is near." Aragorn hesitated and looked at Gandalf questionably. "Do as I say! Swords are of no more use here." They continue to run the stairs until they reach a gap. Legolas jumps it easily.
"Amaris!" He shouted as he motioned for her. She held her breath and closed her eyes tight as she jumped. She opened her eyes to find herself safe in Legolas' arms. She nodded her head and then freed herself from his grasp. "Gandalf!" Gandalf jumped and Legolas caught him as well. Arrows began to be shot at them. Amaris took out her bow and began firing back. Hitting nearly every target. She stopped paying attention to those jumping. She just focused on her targets. She heard something begin to crumble, she looked over to her left and to her horror saw the staircase Frodo and Aragorn were on falling. Thankfully, Aragorn was able to guide Frodo in manipulating the direction of the staircase and they joined the rest of the fellowship as they made their way to the bridge.
They soon came upon the bridge and began crossing it. This time Amaris remembered what was to happen and she couldn't let him fall. She paused before following Legolas in crossing the bridge and when she did she wished she hadn't. The Balrog appeared and she suddenly felt very small. Gandalf turned to her and she met his eyes. The fear she was feeling shone brightly threw her eyes and Gandalf gave her a small smile before rushing to her. It seemed to be happening in slow motion.
"Run Amaris!" She shook her head.
"Gandalf, please. You mustn't. Cross the bridge with us. We can get out." Tears came to her eyes.
"Run child! Do as I say!" He gently shoved her and she let the tears fall. Gandalf looked at her with sorrow in his eyes. She knew she couldn't stop him so she did as she was told and she ran across the bridge. She watched as Gandalf walked half way across the bridge and stopped to turn and face the daemon. "You cannot pass!" Gandalf stood his ground and the fellowship watched on with confusion except for Amaris whose tears now rolled silently down her cheeks. No one noticed though for their eyes were on Gandalf.
"Gandalf!" Frodo cried as the Balrog came upon Gandalf with his whip of fire slashing.
"I am a servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor! The dark fire will not avail you, flame of Udun! Arrghh! Go back to the Shadow!! YOU SHALL NOT PASS!!!" Gandalf slammed his staff and the bridge crumbled under the daemon. Gandalf turned to join the others but was taken off the bridge by the Balrog's whip. He hung to the edge of the bridge looking onto the fellowship.
"Gandalf!" Frodo screamed as Boromir held him back. "Gandalf!"
"Fly you fools!" Gandalf exclaimed and he fell into the shadow. They looked on not believing what they saw. Arrows once again were being fired upon them. Aragorn stayed behind as did Amaris.
"Amaris! Aragorn!" Boromir shouted as he took Frodo out of the mine. They slowly followed and as they exited the mine Aragorn looked at Amaris whose eyes were red from tears. They stopped and the others grieved for the loss.
"Legolas, get them up," Aragorn said as he sheathed his sword.
"Give them a moment for pity's sake!" Boromir exclaimed after he finished consoling Gimli.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs. We make for Lothlorien. Get them up." A dazed Legolas walked over to Merry and Pippin and helped them up. Aragorn went over to Sam. "On your feet Sam." Sam wiped his eyes and nodded at Aragorn. "Frodo?" He turned and saw Frodo looking over the mountain with tears falling form his eyes. He nodded at Aragorn and Aragorn turned to Amaris who looked towards the ground. She felt his gaze and looked up at him.
"I tried to stop him. He wouldn't follow." Tears came once again and escaped her eyes. She no longer had the strength to hold them back. "He wouldn't follow." Aragorn walked over to her and put his hands on her shoulders.
"You couldn't have stopped him." He looked upon the woman with pity in his eyes. He saw her grow pale and he became alarmed. Amaris felt lightheaded once again and had trouble standing. She locked her blurry eyes with Aragorn's.
"Aragorn, something's happening." He looked at her concern over his face. She took a sharp breath and slipped into blackness.
Amaris' body fell limp into Aragorn's arms. "Legolas!" The elf turned quickly to see the woman lying in the man's arms. He ran over to them and the others, who were getting ready to leave, soon followed. Legolas kneeled next to them for Aragorn kneeled onto the ground with Amaris' back resting against his leg. "The darkness has taken her." Aragorn whispered to Legolas and the elf's eyes were wide with concern. "We must get her to Lothlorien. The Lady must see her." Legolas nodded and removed her pack along with her quiver and bow. Merry took her pack and Sam carried her bow and quiver. Legolas gently picked her up.
"What happened to her?" Boromir asked. Aragorn looked at Boromir debating whether or not to tell him.
"I do not know. But we must get her to Lothlorien. It is a two day journey from here. We must move quickly." Aragorn said as he led them from the hills. As they walked Legolas looked at the limp body in his arms. She was so pale and if it wasn't for her slight breathing and heartbeat you would swear she was dead. Please, Valar, watch over her. Do not let her fade. He thought to himself as he ran with her in his arms.
