Chapter five: Eyes of Truth

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Note: Elleth=female elf,                        Edhel=male elf

Dedicated to my cousin Rachael who I love and adore and of whom is more like a sister to me. I will miss you, Rach, and I hope Aussie will treat you kindly jub-jub :-P

I'm a review junkie and you're my dealer, make me high why don't ya? (Get it?)

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It was yet day of walking up and down stairs and across long bridges.

Moria was in ruins, whatever was done here?

There was enough light that everyone could see everything clearly, but all was in great glum.

It stunk of death; perhaps only Niphrediel could smell it since no one complained about it.

They stopped only to eat and sleep, nothing more.

Niphrediel did not need to use the tonic, where she was the sun could not shine. If Moria had been in it's once splendour perhaps she would have dreamed of staying there. It was appropriate for her to be underground in the earth. She would have been safe here.

They stopped at a small rocky clearing at a time where it seemed hunger had affected them all and Gandalf had thought it an appropriate sleeping place.

The hobbits and Aragorn prepared the food in the middle of the space quietly from the contents in Sam's bag. 

Gimli sat on a rock in one corner, his axe at his side and his head down in thought, Gandalf stood over Aragorn and the hobbits, watching them prepare the food, and Boromir sat against the wall, daydreaming, obviously tired. Legolas was somewhere else no doubt, with Beren.

Niphrediel sat on a smooth boulder against two walls, leaning back against one and pulled her legs up in comfort with 'The Nightingale' against her raised thighs with her hands holding the corners.

Gandalf's staff leaned against the wall beside her, giving her much light to see the black words written on the white pages.

She mumbled the words as she read them, a habit both she had picked up from Estel.

"Lúthien wept long and bitterly as the moon passed over the skies and"-

"You enjoy that tale?"

Niphrediel slowly turned her head as Legolas stood, looking at her book. She looked slightly down at him from the rock, seeing Beren beside him. Legolas's bow was on his back, the first time it had been there in some time. It had usually been gripped against his chest or held by his hand at his side for most of the time spent here.

These were the first words he had spoken since yesterday, Niphrediel remembered.

She was used to such behaviour; she was raised around reserved elves such as he.

Niphrediel nodded once, closing the book. She tilted her head back against the wall behind her. "It is a favourite." She mumbled quietly.

Legolas held a hand for the book, of which Niphrediel slowly, yet not reluctantly, handed over. He flicked through it with a small smile and closed it when he had finished, giving it back to Niphrediel when he was done. "I see why." He said.

Niphrediel shook her head faintly. "No, whatever reason you are thinking, it isn't it." She said, smiling.

Legolas frowned. "It is not because of Ara"-

"No, if anything it is the opposite."

Legolas leaned back against the wall that cornered from the one Niphrediel rested against. "Explain." He urged.

Niphrediel bit her lip, looking at Aragorn. "I can not say, you would tell"-

"I swear on my heart I will not utter a word you wish me not to." He promised.

Niphrediel turned her head so she could see him. "You swear?"

Legolas nodded. "Of course."

Niphrediel sighed, moving back to where she lounged before. "I am fascinated with it because I don't understand it."

Legolas frowned. "Continue. You don't understand . . . . .?"

Niphrediel frowned deeply, looking up. "Don't forget that love is something I'm not acquainted with so I don't know what kind of 'emotions' that would influence me." She warned.

Legolas nodded. "I will remember."

Niphrediel made sure there was no one that could hear her words. "If, by some magical means, I was an elf who was as beautiful as elves are, would live forever and all of those details I'm sure you already know of," Legolas smiled. "I cannot say that there would be anyone in this world that I would sacrifice all that for, regardless of how much I loved them." Niphrediel sighed, "And even if I did sacrifice everything, humans only live for a short amount of time. I hope I do not sound selfish"-

"You do not sound selfish, you sound honest." Legolas assured. "I cannot say that there is anyone I would give my immortality for."

Niphrediel sighed, looking at the book. "It frustrates me that I do not understand, that's why I read it so much for I hope that if I read it, I may see something I didn't see before and will finally understand."

Legolas watched Gimli walk passed with a narrow stare. "Maybe one day you will."

Niphrediel shrugged, putting the book beside her. "Do not tell Aragorn, please."

"I already promised." Legolas said.

Niphrediel smiled and nodded. "Thankyou."

Legolas bowed his head. "It is all right." He watched with a smile as Beren crawled up onto the boulder and sat down beside Niphrediel.

Niphrediel raised an eyebrow, looking at the wolf, and stroked it's crown. "He missed you," she said, turning her gaze back to the elf as she spoke.

Legolas looked at Beren with a sad smile and sighed slowly. "He is not used to the distance is all, that is because he is young. He is being taken care of well, he tells me, and you are a good master to him."

Niphrediel smiled, looking at Beren who looked into the darkness as if seeing things she could not. "He said that?"

"Aye." Legolas nodded, vaulting himself onto the boulder beside her effortlessly and sitting beside her against the stone on the other side. "It is a good thing you stayed outside Moria instead of leaving."

Niphrediel nodded. "I know." She patted Beren's neck before he jumped up and ran off towards the scent of the food. She sighed and took her sword off her back so she could relax more comfortably.

She fiddled with the hilt and noticed Legolas's hands, silently requesting, and allowed him to take it.

Legolas inspected the long sword. It was an obvious Rivendell style of design, much like Arwen's own. "It's lovely." He said, putting it down.

 Niphrediel looked at Legolas's quiver and smoothly took an arrow from it and took one of her own, comparing the two.

Legolas smiled, not alarmed.

Niphrediel smiled, flashing a look to him. "Want to see something?" She asked.

Legolas thought for a moment then slowly nodded. "Very well."

Niphrediel looked to the others, making sure Aragorn was not watching and then quickly tested each arrow to see which was sharper finding out, typically, that it was his, then put hers back in her quiver. "It's nothing amazing, just something I do when I'm bored." She flicked the arrow up on her hand so that the sharp tip balanced on the skin of the skin of the tip of her index finger.

Legolas frowned, straightening in alarm. "Don't hurt yourself." He hissed quietly.

Niphrediel flicked the arrow up and caught it, smiling at him reassuringly as she held up her hand for him to see no wound. "I'm fine, I'm fine." She assured.

Legolas frowned, taking the arrow. "Aragorn would not like you doing such things, he is your brother."

Niphrediel frowned, lowering her gaze.

Legolas was content at her downcast reaction. "But he is not my brother, so I have my own permission."

Niphrediel looked to him in surprise as Legolas balanced the tip of the arrow on his own finger. She frowned, pushing away so she sat opposite him to watch. "Be careful," she hissed. "I will be blamed if you're hurt."

Legolas smiled, suddenly seeming as if he were as young as she was, though it was very evident in his gaze that he older by at least a millennia. "That tables have turned." He mumbled, loud enough for her to hear.

Niphrediel watched the arrow stay still against his fair skin, anxiously waiting. "Alright, that is enough?"

Legolas moved his finger when the arrow leant towards the left and grabbed it with his other before it scratched his skin. He put the arrow back in his quiver. "No harm done." He smiled.

Niphrediel nodded and sighed, looking around at the others still making dinner. "What made you join this quest?" She asked.

Legolas shrugged. "Different reasons." He answered, then looked to her. "Why were you travelling in this direction?"

Niphrediel moved back to where she sat between the wall and Legolas's shoulder and against another boulder. "I was meant to go to Lorien."

"I know that much, I mean why."

Niphrediel sighed. "I don't know. I doubt for a reason that I'll be happy about."

Legolas frowned. "You can tell?"

Niphrediel looked down. "Yes. Just in the way Lord Elrond looked at me when he told me to go. I can tell."

Legolas's eyebrows rose. "Well, I do hope it is settled quickly."

Niphrediel agreed and grabbed her bag, placing it against the rock where she once sat slightly beside Legolas and moved her body down. She put her head down upon the bag that, under the circumstances, felt reasonably soft under her heavy head.

Legolas raised an eyebrow, looking down. "Are you tired? You wish me to let you rest?"

Niphrediel shook her head lazily, her tiredness showing in her heavy lashes as they slowly lowered. "No, no." She assured, her voice drained and quiet. She closed her eyes and exhaled. "Keep talking. Elvish voices remind me of home. Good memories." She said, as she let out her breath.

Legolas frowned, looking around as he thought of something to talk about to himself. He caught sight of her book on her other side and reached over and picked it up, opening the thick leather cover to the first crisp page of elegant writing.

He raised his eyebrow to the suspicious-looking youth breathing calmly and silently with her hands comfortably on her stomach and eyes peacefully shut. "Hey, are you awake?" He whispered, so that he would not disturb if she weren't.

"Aha." Her voice was croaky as she answered as best she could. "Talk." She said as she yawned.

Legolas got comfortable against the rock against his back and took a deep breath as he began to read.

Niphrediel woke up to the quiet, but startling, sound of one of the hobbits coughs. It gave her a slight fright, disturbing her uncomfortable and terribly light sleep.

She jumped upright, and looked around quickly seeing that there was no threat and that everyone was asleep. She took calming breaths, and leaned back against the wall in relief.

She rubbed the back of her aching tight neck as she yawned, settling herself down. She rubbed her forehead and looked at a small tail of hair that fell down her shoulder that looked suspiciously like a dreadlock. She rubbed the rough straw-like tress between her fingers knowing perfectly well it was too tangled for her too brush it straight.

She frowned; wondering about the state the rest must've been in. She glared at the elf sleeping against the wall a little way beside her, his eyes open and blank as elvan sleeper's eyes are with straight blond hair she wanted to cut off and stick onto her own head. Niphrediel laughed at her slight envy of hair of all things, making sure she couldn't be heard even to herself.

She smiled and noticed her book half opened against the elf's sleeping chest, choosing not to move it since he'd probably wake up. She took her only spare dagger and cut off the dreadlock tress of hair as close to her scalp as she could, only taking a couple moments to do so when she could smell the scent of potatoes and sausages coming from the dim fire.

She looked at the dreadlock curiously for a moment before sneaking off the boulder and walking to the fire where she saw her tin plate kept warm from the fire. She smiled; thankful Aragorn had left her some, and took the plate away from the fire, onto a nearby rock.

There was already a clean fork on the plate so she didn't need to sneak into Aragorn's bag to snag one of his.

She sliced a cube of the warm roasted potato with the side of her fork and put the piece in her mouth. The potato was bland, slightly left too long, but it was warm, and thus, it was eatable as long as she ignored the burnt edges.

Niphrediel, despite her remarks on the distaste of the food, ate every thing on the plate, feeling at peace afterwards. She eyed the darkened corner which led to the shallow well Gandalf had recommended as the lavatory. She pulled up the belt that secured her leggings, now considering that perhaps she shouldn't have eaten so much since sooner or later it would all have to 'come out'.

She grabbed a thick wooden brush out of her bag; surprised it was still there, and thoroughly brushed through her oily, tangled hair. Her hair felt reasonable though still smelt slightly like dog and felt like oiled straw, but it was untangled and more comfortable against her neck as it fell in a dull and lifeless array of hair down her back. 

She sighed, knowing that she'd need all the energy she could get, then slowly made her way back to her sleeping place. From the corner of the eye she saw a shadow jump, but she didn't think twice about it as she got into a more comfortable position with her head on top of her bag.

She dreamt of old memories, most of her, Aragorn and her mother together in a happier time and place. They were good memories, all ones she hoped never to forget. She was happy that she still remembered her mother's face, remembering faintly many years ago when she was a child that she studied her mother's lifeless face as she lay inside her coffin so that she would never forget any feature, blemish or wrinkle.

"Niphrediel? Neph?"

Niphrediel grunted a couple times until she was hauled to her feet as she opened her tired eyes to bear the face of a cold, tired, grumpy, hungry, thirsty Aragorn. Despite his discomforts Estel managed to give his sister a small smile as he brushed the dust off her shoulders and her back lightly before returning back to the group of readied males.

Niphrediel quickly gathered her things quickly and jumped down from the boulder, rather ungracefully, slipping onto her back when she landed, her legs being too unstable to handle her weight before they had fully awoken. She grunted and stood up, dusting the dust from her behind before jogging carefully to the back of the group as Gandalf lead them on for another day of silence, walking and climbing.

Niphrediel frowned, noticing a blade sticking out of the side of the hard sole of her boot. She looked to her left side, seeing Boromir, and put a hand on his shoulder to steady herself as she reached down and plucked the blade from her boot.

 Boromir looked to his side immediately, a little startled when a hand callously came upon his shoulder, but his startled expression drained a way in a warm one when he saw Niphrediel. He watched her struggling to do her task, wobbling as her legs were still waking up, and grasped a small handful of material from the hip of her tunic to steady her and she immediately became balanced.

She smiled in quiet thanks to Boromir when she succeeded in taking the blade out, taking her hand away, and he nodded with a polite smile before he began to move off again, passing Legolas and Gimli to walk near Merry and Pippin of whom, Niphrediel noticed, he had warmed to a great deal.

Niphrediel frowned; staring at the blade seeing that it was the tip of a barbaric arrow. She stared at it, her thoughts trailing as the sound of the groups footsteps treaded farther and farther away though she paid no heed to it. Minutes she spent just staring at it, unable to drag her thoughts or stare away and unmotivated to move.

She nearly jumped in fright when a hand came from her left, swiftly taking the blade from her occupation, breaking her daze it had created.

Legolas look at the arrow tip in distaste. "Poison…." He mumbled as if to himself, letting the arrow drop to the dusty hearth and looking to her. "Don't touch anything like this, if you accidentally cut yourself who knows what damage the poison would do." He turned his head to the distance, now silent, and cursed under his breath.

Niphrediel frowned, rubbing her hand against the back of her tunic. "I'm sorry." She said, her tone anxious.

Legolas smiled, looking back at her. "Don't worry. Lo! Just run."

Niphrediel frowned. "Huh"-Legolas simply grabbed her hand and began to sprint along the path, dragging her along with him.

They found the others a short distance away, still moving. They had not noticed the absence of the elf and the only girl, though that was best. Niphrediel would have undoubtedly been scold from Estel for not keeping up and not paying attention.

Niphrediel walked up the step stairs, behind Legolas, unconsciously wondering how dwarfs with such short legs could manage to step from one to the other. The stair was slopped, having to be climbed, and the stone surface was covered in slippery dust.

Niphrediel climbed the wall bellow Legolas so that she was free to climb at her own pace, as she slowly moved her gaze through the cave. She tried to imagine the cave bright and populated by dwarfs here and there laughing and mining. But, when she looked, all she could see was gloom.

Niphrediel could hear Merry above hiss out Pippin's name after she heard the sound of rocks slipping down a couple stairs; nothing of importance, Niphrediel doubted and paid it no heed. She climbed, beside Legolas's fast heels, and noticed that the edge of the stair was closing in as they got higher. It meant nothing since those above were still going so that meant there was no danger in the path they were taking. Niphrediel felt sorry for Boromir, having to cart around the big shield whilst doing something so unfit for someone carrying something of such size, but her mind had to stray back to her task for her to pay attention to where she put her hands and boots when she noticed she was trailing behind.

Legolas glanced behind his shoulder momentarily, but looked back again when he noticed that Niphrediel was so far behind. He simply held out his hand, waiting for her to climb up like a patient parent urging their child to take a first step or say their first word. Legolas thought for a moment, as Niphrediel finally became close enough, she reminded him of his own sister. His sister and Niphrediel were not alike, just the way he thought of them were similar. Though, he had more patience with Niphrediel then Elil-Gadë since Niphrediel had the reason of young age and inexperience on her side. Elil-Gadë was only but ten years younger then he.

Niphrediel reached out her hand, her face palely flushed from her efforts of speeding up, and Legolas took her in his gentle hold by her wrist for there was a safer grip there, and pulled her up quickly to his side.

Niphrediel took a tired breath and thanked him with a nod as they began to climb, Niphrediel always seeming to reduce pace but Legolas always pulling her back up and helping her along. Legolas took the task of leading Niphrediel along upon himself only because he knew if he did not then Aragorn would have to, and he knew that it would be selfish of him to make Aragorn have to deal with Niphrediel at the same time as his own heavy steps and the weight on his back while he climbed. Climbing the stairs was like a light stroll for Legolas, unlike the rest of the company, and he did not mind having to help the child along to occupy himself and eventually, when Niphrediel became more familiar and quicker; they began to chatter since Niphrediel was fine on her own and was moving at a brisk enough pace that she was always inline with the elf and she was beginning to find the task less-tiring.

Unfortunately, Niphrediel could not help herself and made a little joke over something Legolas was talking about, and Legolas hand to turn his mouth to his raised arm to muffle his bright laughter of which, from the muffled sounds Niphrediel could make out, could be matched in beauty to only some. Though it was muffled, the company still heard the sound and leered down at the girl, silently telling her to hush for the moment, not blaming Legolas since they would all know that he had only reacted to something she did.

Of course, naturally, Niphrediel did not pay the warning any regard and she and Legolas continued to talk, though their topic came to a more serious subject to keep them from laughing.

Niphrediel frowned as they climbing, exchanging words. He was a lot like Glorfindel, which was probably why she felt more comfortable around him then she would usually be around someone she had known for the same amount of time.

She missed Glorfindel. Oh she missed them all, she even missed Arwen, though she did not mean that to sound horrible but she usually enjoyed having Estel to herself like the old days when Arwen was nothing but a character from Elladan and Elrohir's childhood memories, when she stayed in Lothlorien, the land where her mother Celebrian originated from.

Arwen…blood-daughter of Elrond, Lord of Imladris, and sister to two elves of whom loved Niphrediel and whom she loved dearly, and granddaughter of the legendary Galadriel and Celeborn, the Lord and Lady of Lothlorien. She was too perfect, without any fault. Niphrediel cursed. It would be so easy to hate her, but she was too perfect she seemed to be immune from the disease that is to be hated. Oh how simple Niphrediel's sanity would be if she could just hate…………but she could not.

Arwen was not everything Niphrediel was not. Niphrediel had dark hair, too. Niphrediel was just as tall. Niphrediel did not have Arwen's physique but she could, too, wear clothing well. What Niphrediel did not have was the face that could bring tears to people's eyes and the aura that radiated off her body that seemed to slap Niphrediel in the face every time it passed. And, of course, Niphrediel was not an elf nor would she ever be. She could never be one of the most beautiful creatures in Middle Earth, which would just be horrendous. It would be too much to ask to be beautiful, would it not?

Niphrediel's jaw became tight, but she moved on, stopping her thoughts by whispering with Legolas once again though all she wanted to do was stop and jump a little to her left and fall into the alluring black abyss that called her name. Just a little to the left….

Niphrediel, of course, would never do such a thing. What would happen? Aragorn would grieve for a moment but remember that now he had nothing holding him back from sharing his life only with Arwen for the rest of the remainder of it (of course once his quest was finished and he was made king, then having permission to marry the breathtaking Evenstar). It would bring her no contempt, no one would cry or care—except for maybe Glorfindel and Ivanneth…. but they were elves; they would be used to the idea of seeing Niphrediel eventually dieing and them living to see another and then another day. But, also, she never could because she was not like that. She did not believe that committing the crime against her own body would bring her peace regardless of the circumstances. She could never hurt herself intentionally. Of course it was fun to pretend when she was angry, but in reality it would never happen and Niphrediel did know Aragorn loved her very much, but she did not know if he loved her more then how she loved him which was how he once did.

She remembered when she was many years younger, when Gilraen had died. Estel had to change the way he acted around her, having to be become more of a parent then a sibling for that period of time because that was what Niphrediel needed. He used to say it was the best thing that had happened between them; it strengthened their bond.

She remembered when he used to say goodnight to her, saying 'I love you' casually on the way out, and which she'd always counteract with 'I love you more'. She did it every single time just to here him say the same thing he always said every time single time she counteracted his words. He'd say, simply, every single time: "Niphrediel, a parent loves his child more then the child could ever love the parent, so when the parent eventually falls the child can carry on; that it the way life is. And so, you will never love me as much as I love you, that would be impossible." And then he would smile at her, blow out the candle at the door, the one always left til last, and closed the door, though leaving it a couple centimetres ajar just in case Niphrediel needed him for something since the doors were too thick for Aragorn to hear her yelling his name through it when closed.

Niphrediel recalled she used to have horrible dreams when she was a child ……always about a man with a dark cloak and horrible red eyes and sharp, long, demonic fingernails that left a long cut in her skin when he touched her check, her nightmare always ended with Niphrediel hearing the sound of a woman screaming out in pain, every single time. She would wake up screaming with tears rolling down her eyes, with Aragorn or Gilraen holding her.

She frowned, remembering the differences in what the two said as they cradled her. Gilraen would kiss the crown of her head, and though Niphrediel didn't think Gilraen knew that she noticed, but Gilraen would always weep as she gently rocked Niphrediel from side to side like a baby. She would say, "Do not fear, my love, the yucky man will never find you. He'll never find you I promise." Whereas Aragorn would hold Niphrediel still, making her keep her eyes open and locked on his. "Look at me," He'd say. "It was just a nightmare, Neph. It's not real. There is no yucky man, just calm down. I would never let no yucky man hurt you wether real or no." Strangely enough, it was always Estel who got her calm. Not only because in Niphrediel's eyes he was the most strongest warrior in Middle Earth and could beat up anybody including the yucky man, but because of his antics. He told her that her dreams were fictitious, whereas Gilraen told her…well, something else. Her fears did not subside with Gilraen; she just stopped crying because she thought it would stop Gilraen from crying. It did.

Niphrediel relished the elf's company. Under different settings she would enjoy trying to make him laugh to get rid of his serious expression he seemed to wear so very often.

Legolas, too, enjoyed the child's company. She seemed good-hearted enough, and laughing and smiling did not seem to be foreign to her, which was refreshing. Naturally, spending his time with someone so young made him feel the same, of which he enjoyed from his all-too-regular position of feeling much older then he truly was.

It was quite obvious, though, that she was yet to fully mature—though she was not immature minded in the least, but her childhood innocence lingered within her eyes, of which Legolas was sure she tried to hide. She still saw through eyes of a child, the eyes of truth; innocent and naïve, but she hid it well, as Legolas noted, especially when she was around Aragorn. Yet, despite Niphrediel's attempts to veil those things, Legolas thought it strange that she did not mind being called a child. Perhaps she was not in such a rush to grow up as Legolas thought. But still, she was still young and yet to be exposed to the world as an adult. One day she would be, in a couple years or so as she would come of age, though Legolas instinctively knew it would not take so long for her.

Finally, the steep stairs came to a crossroad smaller ones that trailed in different directions; these stone stairs lower of step like the ones Niphrediel was more accustomed to.

She could just see the top of Gandalf's hat at the head of the line, leading the company through. Unfortunately she forgot to look to see where to put her foot, and tripped over a step, falling down with a loud thud but without a scream or hiss from her save a slight gasp. She could see Legolas had noticed the movement, and reflexively went to grab the back of her tunic, but he was not quick enough.

Niphrediel hissed in pain, a step hitting against her left breast, and regardless of the fact she was in the company of men, she instinctively put her hand to the inevitably bruising area, her eyes prickling with tears from the pain as she slowly stood up, not seeing Legolas's hand that he offered to help her up.

Aragorn, now in front of Legolas, stopped and looked back to his sister, also seeing her fall. "Are you alright, Neph?" He asked, casually, not realising that Niphrediel had actually been hurt but just asking out of courtesy.

Niphrediel just nodded, her head done so that Aragorn would not see her stupid tears, though her body produced them without her guidance as it was the way a female's body reacted when hurt in such vulnerable places, as a man would if kicked hard enough in the groin.

Estel nodded, and turned around and continued going.

Because of his more acute eyesight, though, Legolas saw the ejaculating water shining in her eyes and gave her a pitying smile. "Are you alright?" He asked, gently and quietly, putting a gentle hand on the child's shoulder.

Niphrediel just nodded again, sniffing.

Legolas raised an eyebrow, but stepped to his side and gently moved Niphrediel around so he was at the back of the line so he could watch where she stepped as well as she could.

The pain in her breasts slowly subsided, but Niphrediel knew she'd have to be careful of the tender part there for a couple days.

Hours went by, and Niphrediel desperately had to go to the bathroom. Her bladder screamed and she clenched her fists to keep from ultimately wetting her pants and embarrassing herself horribly in front of her brother, the four hobbits, the wizard, the elf and the other human.

She prayed desperately for Gandalf to just stop, and her wish came true when he mumbled something when they came to stop where the stair ended and there were three archways leading to inevitably different places.

Gandalf did not know which direction to take. Grand!

The party settled down and Niphrediel stole away from them and searched for a suitable place to do her natural bidding.

The burning in her stomach was done and Niphrediel felt ultimately relieved as she returned, drying her hands with her flannel from the water and soup she used to clean her hands afterwards.

There was a couple stairs that lead to where the archways were and Gandalf sat with Frodo on a boulder there, looking from one passage to the next with his pipe in his mouth. Save Frodo, the rest of the fellowship sat or stood on the area bellow. Merry and Pippin sat together against a rock near Gimli, Aragorn and Boromir sat on the last steps and Legolas stood straight against the another boulder gripping his bow as he stared pensively to the ground with Beren at his side. Perhaps he was sleeping, recalling his strength, though he looked to Aragorn when he stood up and walked to him.

Estel sighed. "I ask a favour, edhel." He asked, tiredly.

Legolas raised his eyebrows in surprised response. "Of course," he said. "What is it that you favour of me?"

Aragorn sighed, again. "I do not have such keen eyesight, hearing nor energy and light-steps to be able to concentrate on this journey whilst having to look back over my shoulder every moment or so to make sure Nieninquë is well. I ask for you to watch over her for me, unless of course she is a burden of which I will take with thanks that you helped her along today. I am not always there nor do I have the skills to be able to watch over her at the same time as watching where I should walk or stand."

Legolas nodded, of course that would be what Estel would ask. Legolas sighed, pushing back his selfish thoughts nodded in answer to Aragorn. "Very well." He said.

Aragorn nodded in thanks and settled back down on the stair, smoking his pipe once again, a weight lifted from his chest.

"Are we lost?" Pippin whispered.

"No." Merry answered back to him.

"I think we are." Pippin added, unable to keep it in, in turn getting a harsh 'shh' from Merry.

Niphrediel returned quietly, finding a place to sit alone since she didn't like the smell that surrounded Aragorn when he smoked his pipe, and leaned over against a small rock beside her, laying her arms on it and resting her head, relaxing for a moment.

Gimli brought her a small loaf of bread and a slice of cheese and she ate it all hungrily, washing it down with the mead Gimli offered her from his flask afterwards. She saw Legolas shudder, disgusted, as she immediately brought the flask to her lips after whipping it clean with her sleeve, the flask of a dwarf who had also drunk from it. Gimli noticed the shudder, too, and glared at the elf, but turned back to Niphrediel with a friendly smile. Niphrediel nodded in thanks, handing back his flask, and the dwarf happily shrugged and treaded off. Niphrediel sat back, the sharp edges of her hunger carved smooth once again.

"Merry?" Sought Pippin.

"Yeah?" Answered Merry.

"I'm hungry."

No, not again, Niphrediel groaned inside her mind. That darn hobbit is always hungry!

Niphrediel sighed, bringing her knees and thighs up against her, in a slight lean with her body against the rock. Niphrediel stared from one glum face to the next, hearing the conversation of Gandalf and Frodo being exchanged above her.

"There's something down there." Frodo whispered, as if to himself.

"It is Gollum."

Frodo's voice thinned in dark horror. "Gollum?"

Niphrediel could imagine Gandalf nodding. "He's been following us for three days." Mithrandir spoke as if it was amusing to him.

Niphrediel frowned, crawling over to the edge and looked down to the faces of what looked like hundreds of different stairs and walls. Her eyes searched, but she saw nothing.

Gollum? That was the creature that Estel had gone to Mirkwood to…….

Niphrediel frowned. What was the creature doing here?!

"He escaped the dungeons of Barad-Dur?" Frodo let out, astonished.

Niphrediel took in a deep breath. That would be impossible, she thought. There would be no way that Gollum could have…

"Escaped. Or set loose." Mithrandir said, and Niphrediel nodded.

Of course, she thought. The damned thing's a little spy.

Gandalf continued. "He hates and loves the ring, as he hates and loves himself. He will never be rid of his need for it."

Niphrediel stood up, straight and tall, looking down into the shadows bellow. If that pathetic creature came near her, she'd bring it to its justified end by the edge of her blade. You best not show your face, demon, she thought bitterly, glaring downwards.

"It's a pity Bilbo didn't kill him when he had the chance." Frodo spat.

Niphrediel turned around, looking at the look of disgust stained on his face like black paint on a white canvas. It was so evident.

Mithrandir looked to Frodo as if he was disappointed with him. "Pity?" He began, "It was pity that stayed Bilbo's hand. Many that live deserve death. Some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them, Frodo?"

Niphrediel's face softened and she looked to Frodo, who had downcast his bright blue orbs in shame of his harsh words.

Gandalf nodded. "Do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. Even the very wise cannot see all ends. My heart tells me that Gollum has some part to play yet, for good or ill before this is over. The pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of the ring. When all this is over, the pity of Bilbo may rule the fate of the ring."

Frodo's face seemed to tear with sorrow and regret. "I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened."

Already his burden was weighing against his shoulders. His journey had yet to begin and he was becoming weaker now? Niphrediel shook her head. No, of course Frodo wasn't weakened. He just did not want the responsibility. He did not want to be a hero, though it is those who do not intend to be that become ones.

Gandalf simply replied with. "So do all that come to see such times, but that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us. There are other forces at work in this world, Frodo, than the will of evil. Bilbo was meant to find this ring. In which case you were also 'meant' to have it. And that is an encouraging thought." He finished, with a comforting smile and nod.

Niphrediel smiled, feeling hope radiate from the wizard as he said the words, and watched as he slowly glanced and nodded to the left archway. "Ah-its that way." He said to all, and all the company's heads moved to look to the wizard who broke the quiet conversations spoken in short whispers to their ends.

Merry smiled. "He's remembered." He said in joy, and ultimate relief no doubt and the company quickly gathered their things onto their backs and walked up to where Gandalf was.

"No," Said Gandalf, "But the air does not sound so foul down here. If in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your noise. Let us risk more light." He said, the stone crowned on his staff becoming brighter as he began to lead the company slowly through.

Aragorn walked over to Niphrediel just before they all set off, of which surprised her.

Niphrediel smiled. "Hail, brother." She whispered.

Aragorn nodded. "Do me a service, muinthel, and stay with the elf. He will watch over you for me so stay by his side." He said, and Niphrediel nodded, swallowing her slight disappointment that Estel would not go with her. Aragorn nodded, nudging her forward to get in line so she was between him and her alleged watcher.  

They began to walk down, and Niphrediel followed behind the elf since he was the only one who had enough patience to pick her up when she stumbled for the (what seemed) hundredth time that day, or night. She could not tell what time of day or perhaps night it was. She had neither moon nor sun to confirm her guess.

The stench was indeed not as foul, Niphrediel noticed, and that comforted her much. Perhaps they would get out of this cave soon. Niphrediel hoped so, she longed to see the sky and smell fresh air, and though what she would miss being down in the caves was that she never had to worry about her hood. She could pretend she was normal down here.

Niphrediel huddled against the tall edhel in front of her to see over his shoulder to the wizard in the very front as he lead them out, out of the passageway into the unknown.