A/N: Oh my god, thank you!!!! I never expected that many responses to such a short random thing. This has really restored my faith in my writing, so as a treat to me and you I decided to follow my original idea of doing other chapters focusing on different characters. Again, the barest hintings of slash may find there way in (though you have to look VERY hard) so consider that ure warning! This chapter is dedicated to all my 5 reviewers…thanks guys!

TigerLily713: thank you! You were my first reviewer and so it really meant a lot to me!

Not your average: well it took you long enough! Poor pips…this will come up on ure author alert and u'll think I've updated Cities Apart…WELL TOUGH!!

Wren Craven: yes I know, that's why I decided to do it…and to continue it. Glad u liked it…I'll certainly review some of ure work…if I haven't already.

Phoebe Telumentar: I love the name (and what it means). Ahhh (blushes) that's so nice! I'm glad u think I wrote in character…lets hope I can keep it up!

Estelendur: I'm good enough to be threatened? WOOHOO! Here's some more...so put away the acid please!

Remember…more feedback is always welcome ;)

Warning: much smoke and fire ahead so wear protective clothing!

Disclaimer: I would love to own LOTR, cause then I would own the movie rights so would own Aragorn and Legolas…possibly. But I don't…so I own nothing (sobs)

The madness continues!!


Chapter 2: Balrog

I sleep, wrapped in shielding smoke...warmed by flame. Nothing doth dare enter my domain; the small swarming creatures I permit protect my solitude…with their pitiful existence if I deem it necessary.

But a noise disturbs my slumber, a drumming permeating my realm. I have not permitted this intrusion; those that dwell here on sufferance will learn it does not do to anger their Lord.

I gather my flame to me, smoke billows as I rise and stretch wings too long unused. The inferno quickens in my veins as I summon my sword and flail to me. They will learn that to arouse the flame of Udun is to be consumed.

They run at my approach, their terrified utterances soothing to my senses. But some do not run. I feel their dread, this insignificant host, but they remain in defiance. At last they flee, but I must punish such transgression. Death is the price they will pay for their folly.

Who presumes to challenge me? So pathetic a challenge should be beneath my awareness…yet…

Anor's flame! Here! IN MY REALM! This insult cannot, WILL NOT be borne! I advance on the insect that dares defy me…but a fell sound tells me in my rage I have forgotten the frailty of Khazad-dum. The bridge crumbles beneath me and I fall into darkness…but I will not depart alone. My flail is in my possession for long enough.

And now we plummet together. I spread my wings…but the walls are too narrow and they are broken even as they reach their span. The pain sears through me, and I know fear. The white flame falls with me, adding to the fury as he scores my flesh. I long to grip him, to rend the flesh from his bones even as it chars…but the walls are too close and once more I must wait.

The black water engulfs me, and I know the meaning of true agony as the fire of my soul is extinguished. I know not how I live, but fury drives me onward to battle my foe. Our combat takes us to the peaks of Moria, and for the first time I feel the bite of chill air against my flesh. I howl for the loss of my inner blaze, and I long to return to the deep darkness where I may find rest. But pride must fought for.

The lightening comes, and I meet my end.

Morgoth, I return to thee.