FIRST KNIGHT BY ASHA DREAMWEAVER

Disclaimer: I own nothing but the plot.

Summary: BtVS/LotR. Buffy gets sent to Middle Earth to help bring down Sauron. Her duty, like the Istari, is not to confront Sauron directly but to help those fated to face him bring him down. More specifically she's to help the King of Gondor get on his throne. Will Arwen and Aragorn's love stand against the shadow? Will Legolas be able to keep a secret, that if revealed, could shatter the lives of those he cares for? Will Buffy be able to fulfil her duty? Will Denethor be able to put aside his animosity for the man who would supplant him? Will the ringbearer reach Mount Doom, or will he be cut down before he reaches his goal? And will Boromir resist the lure of the ring?

Author's notes: okay, I did notice the crappy formatting of the last chapter and I do apologise for it but that chapter went up between two site upgrades so changing it was impossible until the site was allowing submissions once more.

P.S - as I realise that when this site shuts down or acts up, it can be extremely frustrating for all involved, I would like to make it known that this fic is available at another site, and is updated at the same time as this. It will always be available there if there are any problems with this site. The sites name is: - Twisting the Hellmouth and the link to both the site and my fic will be posted in my bio.

Review responses:

Anna -giddiness excused. No the wolf wasn't the same one that Buffy killed before. That was a one time only monster. Yes, the question though is if Buffy prevent whatever's about to befall Aragorn? And as a hint, maybe she's better off watching her own back…

Black Phoenyx - yes, I heard about the formatting. See author's note above. I don't know anyone who needs a beta at the moment, I don't have a lot of author friends, but you could always post at this site saying you're looking for an author to beta.

Ellie - hints so far. But very soon.

Fairieangel - thanks! I think everyone is curious!

FallenStar2 - see note above about formatting. And yes, I personally like the Buffy of earlier seasons compared to seasons 6 and 7. I felt they let it get too dark and Buffy lost some of her liveliness, especially with all the potentials running underfoot.

goldenshadows - Buffy blabs in another way.

Haley - thanks a lot! Actually, the vanishing of the wargs occurred in the books. There was never any explanation. So I guess I'll have to come up with one of my own. As for site problems… just tell me about it. It happens to me so often that I could scream… but for the solution to this problem, see my author's note above and the link in my bio.

Lunawolf - Sauron doesn't know. Yet.

MiShA - thanks! And why shouldn't I hurt Aragorn?

Rachel - it's always nice when the lurkers come out of the woodwork! :) And an apoplexy is like a stroke - a sudden inability to feel or move. Another meaning is red-faced rage.

ShawThang - for formatting, please see author's note. And Buffy's gonna get a lot more scared before it's over. Thanks for your lovely comments! And after the fellowship splits, I hope to make very step in the adventure similar but original due to Buffy in this fic. I don't want to re-hash what's already been written.

Sparky24 - thanks! And good question, how is she going to survive? (grins evilly)

Wild320 - interesting description of the critter.

And major thanks to:

Gaul1, Imp17, Night-Owl123,

CHAPTER THIRTY: THE SUBSTANCE OF FIRE PART ONE

Hollin, 3019, TA. January 13 .

With the howls of the hunting packs dogging their steps, the Fellowship were flying to the dubious refuge of Moria.

"We must reach the doors before sunset, or I fear we shall not reach them at all," Gandalf said as he drove them on at a swift pace, "It is not far, but our path may be winding, for here Aragorn can not guide us; he has seldom walked in this country, and only once have I been under the west wall of Moria, and that was long ago."

It was not an easy journey; the pace was harsh and too often for anybody's comfort did the howls of the wargs sound out nearby. For her part, Buffy was struggling to cope with the deadly unease that she kept hidden inside her. To her horror, it seemed that the Ring had indeed sussed out one of her deepest fears - that Aragorn would die on her watch, - and she, knowing the evil that the Ring was capable of, was helpless to do anything when she knew not what was coming.

The hobbits had been shocked by the disappearing act that the warg bodies had pulled and were strangely quiet, and through the safety net blissful ignorance, were eager to reach the supposed safety of the Dwarven Mines that Gimli touted at every turn, with talks of grand feasts and comfortable beds. The others left the hobbits to their nice delusions; none of the others save Gimli expected such a welcome.

They had been walking for a few long hours, and because none were familiar with the land, Gandalf was their only guide. More than once, Buffy heard the grumbles from the others that Gandalf did not know where he was going, and wondering why it was taking so long to reach this place.

At last though Gandalf spotted the landmarks he wanted, and with the echo of howls following them, he pointed out the location of the mines to the fellowship.

"There it lies," Gandalf said, his relief evident, "When we left the pass I led you southwards and not back to our starting point, as some of you may have noticed, It is well that I did so, for now we have several miles less to cross, and haste is needed. Let us go."

Boromir just dismally studied the distant rock face, and said solemnly to the group, "I do not know which to hope: that Gandalf will find what he seeks, or that coming to the cliff we shall find the gates lost forever," Boromir said despondently, "All choices seem ill, and to be caught between wolves and the wall the likeliest chance. Lead on!"

At last the struggling company came to the dry bed of the River Sirannon, the Gate-stream, and were dismayed to find that the path Gandalf sought no longer existed.

"There are the Walls of Moria." Gandalf pointed out to them, and the dank slimy walls looked far from inviting, "And there the Gate stood once upon a time, the Elven door at the end of the road from Hollin by which we have come. But this way is blocked. None of the company, I guess, will wish to swim this gloomy water at the end of the day. It has an unwholesome look."

"No kidding," Buffy said grumpily, "Exactly how long ago did you visit this place to not know that there's a dam!"

Gandalf just harrumphed and adjusted his hat, "Enough of that from you Dagnir, lest tales of your own folly be spread." (slayer)

"We must find a way round the northern edge," Gimli said, breaking the tension unknowingly, "The first thing for the company to do is to climb up by the main path and see where that will lead us. Even if there were no lake, we could not get our baggage pony up this stair."

"But in any case we cannot take the poor beast into the Mines," Gandalf said gently, with a reassuring look towards Sam, "The road under the mountains is a dark road, and there are places narrow and steep where he cannot tread, even if we can."

Sam's expression only got darker at that, and he clutched at Bill the Pony as if to offer him his own personal protection, but he kept his silence as they skirted the lake and came to the place where Gandalf swore the Gates of Moria were located.

"Well, here we are at last!" Gandalf said happily, banging his staff on the hard stone, "Here the Elven-way from Hollin ended," the wizard continued. "Holly was the token of the people of that land, and they planted it here to mark the end of their domain; for the West-door was made chiefly for their use in their traffic with the Lords of Moria. Those were happier days, when there was still close friendship at times between folk of difference race, even between dwarves and elves."

Of course, in everyone else's opinion he should have known better than to even think of saying something so volatile as that, and like everybody else expected, Legolas and Gimli were at one another's throats again.

"It was not the fault of the dwarves that the friendship waned," Gimli said dourly, with a menacing look at the Elf.

"I have not heard that it was the fault of the elves," Legolas retorted coldly and seemed about to say something else when Gandalf realised his error and broke in.

"I have heard both," Gandalf said warningly, "And I will not give judgement now. But I beg you two, Legolas and Gimli, at least to be friends, and to help me. I need you both. The doors are shut and hidden, and the sooner we find them, the better. Night is at hand."

None needed to be told that night held the greatest danger for the company, and none wanted to end up as Boromir predicted; - between the wargs and the wall.

"While I am searching, will you each make ready to enter the Mines?" the wizard asked before he moved to search for the doors. "For here I fear we must say farewell to our good beast of burden. You must lay aside much of the stuff that we brought against bitter weather: you will not need it inside, nor, I hope, when we come through and journey on down into the South. Instead each of us must take a share of what the pony carried, especially the food and the water-skins."

Aragorn nodded and said that he would take charge of that and led Sam aside with the other hobbits to begin taking the load off Sam. Buffy wanted to help but found her gaze fixated on water; the last time she'd seen water that nicely murky, she'd drowned in it.

Aragorn saw her unease but could not go to her at the time, as he had only just finished cajoling Sam into releasing Bill. "Mines are no place for a pony. Even one so brave as Bill." he said with compassion.

Sam sadly reached up to pet the pony one last time, "Bye bye, Bill."

Aragorn tried to be reassuring, "Go on, Bill. Go on. Do not worry Sam. He knows the way home."

Now if only we can do the same, he thought wryly to himself.

----------------------------

The West-gate of Moria, 3019, TA. January 13 , - Nightfall.

After an hour of watching Buffy pace the water's edge, Aragorn could no longer abide it and went to his long time friend. "Buffy," he called quietly, "Stalking it will not help."

"I don't like to turn my back on danger, Aragorn," Buffy said in annoyance, "You know that."

"I also know that your nervousness is affecting the hobbits," he replied, catching her by the arm and leading her away to the more secluded lake-side area, out of hearing of the rest of the fellowship.

"I am so not nervous!" Buffy defended, "I'm just wary."

"You are scared," Aragorn said with certainty, "Lie to me if you want but do not lie to yourself. I know what you went through, I think no less of you for it. The thought of entering Moria chills my bones too. I know how you feel, Buffy."

"How could you possibly have any idea how I feel?!" Buffy exclaimed angrily as her own frustration got to her, her arms waving around wildly as if to emphasise her point, "I'm used to going in, beating up the baddie and saving the day! Even here in Middle Earth, I'm used to doing damage to things! I am NOT used to being helpless! I can't seem to do anything right! I'm not all wizardly like Gandalf, I've no purpose like you and Boromir, I don't have Legolas's abilities or Gimli's confidence. For the love of Arda, what am I doing here?" she cried in desperation.

Unable to bear her suffering and her belittling of herself, Aragorn stepped forward and enfolded her in his arms, tucking her head against his chest, silently offering comfort and studiously ignoring the set of Elven bright eyes boring uncomfortably into his back.

At first she fought him but she was too distressed to force herself to move away, and so she melted into his embrace, liking the feeling of comfort she was getting from being wrapped in his strong arms and for once, having someone else picking up the slack.

"'Tis alright to be scared," Aragorn murmured into her ear, "Everyone is. Even Gimli the Dwarf. You do not have to be strong all the time."

"I'm the slayer," Buffy said, her voice muffled by the fabric of his tunic, "It's my job, or my life, whichever way you look at it. You don't get it Aragorn, I don't do falling apart."

"Everyone falls apart as you put it, Buffy," Aragorn said, holding her tighter, sensing her own need to blame herself for everything, "You carry too much of the world on your shoulders for too little gain. Do not debase yourself by berating yourself so. It is not the Dagnir I know."

"And is it the Buffy you know?" Buffy accused bitterly, "All my life here I've been the slayer. You've never seen me as a woman. How could you even begin to separate the two?!"

Aragorn's heart clenched painfully at her words. If only she knew how untrue that was! "Buffy, you being the slayer is tied up with you being a woman. You are the strongest woman I know, and one of the bravest people of my acquaintance. On top of that, you are beautiful, intelligent, kind and witty. And I know only what part of you that you have been willing to share. But I would know all if you would just let me. Do not shut me out in an attempt to protect yourself, Buffy. Do not throw our friendship away." he pleaded.

She could not hold out against his caring assault, and instead sought to run, - run before she revealed too much, and before long kept secrets were brought out of the shadows and into the light.

He did know her though and even as she tried to flee, he held her to him, trapping her against his larger frame and using the knowledge that she would not use her strength to hurt him to his advantage.

Eventually it came down to a direct choice for her; to give in to the ranger or to throw him off of her. Unable to harm her friend and secret love, she subsided, relaxing into his hold with an annoyed pout to conceal the fact that her heart was racing at his touch.

To Aragorn, this expression of trust was worth ten times more than the crown that Elrond would foist on him, and he felt a warm glow spread through him at the thought. Maybe he was not worthy of Buffy after being ignorant of her feelings for so many years, but he swore to the Valar that if she would just give him a chance, he would make up for that failing tenfold. And her reactions gave him the hope he needed to think that maybe he had a chance of gaining her love once more.

"You know that I will walk with you through the dark halls, like we did once before," Aragorn said softly, "We survived it then and we were only two. We are ten now, and a wizard amongst us."

"Did you ever think that just makes us bigger targets?" Buffy asked, her eyes shadowed.

"I know that danger stalks those mines, but we must go in or face the wolves. Mayhap there is some truth to Gimli's cousin having lordship of the mines. But we must go in."

"I don't want to go in there!" Buffy said, "I don't care how babyish I'm being. I know all too well what's in there and I've already died too many times. Not to mention that Gandalf is being way too 'let's chase death' for my liking. We're supposed to get Frodo to Mount Doom alive, not take him into an orcs' den."

Aragorn could not say that she was wrong, only provide her with some hope against her fears, "We survived once. We shall do it again," he said confidently, "The odds are on our side now."

Buffy rested her head against his chest for a moment, and he revelled in the feeling of rightness that pervaded the movement, but then her eyes fluttered closed and she sighed and said, "Then why do I feel like something's waiting in there for us? Something evil."

Aragorn could say nothing but only held her tighter, and hoped to Eru that he would not take this woman away from him before he had any chance to make things up to her.

----------------------------

From his position near the dank walls, Boromir had watched the exchange between Buffy and Aragorn with much curiosity.

From all he had seen of Buffy, or Dagnir as the others called her, she was a high tempered lady with the ability to be extremely dangerous when she wanted to be. He knew not how she did it, and knew that Legolas, Gandalf, Aragorn and the lady herself were keeping him in the dark about it. He was no simpleton. Whatever secret she harboured, she obviously did not yet trust him enough to share it with him.

But he had to admit that the ranger had a knack for knowing how to handle her most of the time. Just as the lady seemed to have with him. And their impassioned conversation greatly intrigued him.

He could not hear them, only watch their agitated expressions and strange actions, but he knew of one who could.

Sidling up to Legolas, he spoke casually, "Aragorn and Buffy seem to have much to speak of. Could they not do it in front of us or must they skulk in the shadows?"

Neither noticed the slight figure of Frodo as he listened in.

Legolas eyed him sideways, "Not all words are meant for the group's ears," the Elf said staunchly, "You would do well to stifle your curiosity, son of Denethor."

"How can I?" Boromir demanded, "This is the man who wishes to be my King, one of the line of Númenor, the man who will depose my father and disinherit me. Have I not a right to ascertain what kind of man he is? Kings can afford few secrets."

"If Aragorn had not yet proved himself honourable, man of Gondor," Legolas said chillily, "Then it is not my place to furnish you with gossip to fill your head with."

"I know you know something of which I speak!" Boromir hissed furiously, "I know they keep me in the dark. Whatever Aragorn's motives may be, at least I know what he is. Who is this Buffy? She claimed to be one of the Dúnedain at Elrond's council, but if she is of his kin, why do they act like lovers in springtime?"

He did not expect to be staring down the edge of one of Legolas's knives, and he nearly staggered as he met suddenly cold silver-blue eyes that were lit from within with the flame of the Eldar. He had not experienced such before. It almost felt like the Elf could see through him.

"Do not speak of them so!" the Elf hissed, "Your Lord Aragorn is betrothed to Arwen Undómiel, Evenstar of her people, Lady of Lórien and Imladris; you would do well not to presume too much. He is friends with Buffy, nothing more. He is no deceiver."

"Then why do they hide together like spies? And why does he not allow her to leave when she so wishes?" Boromir snarled back, "In Gondor it is not practice that a man should stand by and leave a woman undefended."

"Buffy does not need your protection," Legolas replied calmly, "And they speak of dark times. Dark times they both experienced in these Dwarven pits before. Do not jump to conclusions, son of Denethor, when you do not know the facts. That is all you need to know."

"They have been to this hole before? I had thought their claims an exaggeration," Boromir said, "Especially as they do not help Gandalf to find the doors."

"They came in the other way if memory serves," Legolas answered stiffly, "And they passed through more peril than you have ever encountered. Do not dog them, Boromir." he warned.

"I just want to know if I am to be led to my death," Boromir said, "Is that not a man's right? Are the mines not cursed?"

"Death dwells there and I do not wish to enter but I understand that I must." Legolas replied, "And so should you understand. This quest is not our own, but Middle Earth's and if we should fail, there is nothing that can stop a second darkness spreading across all lands. Save your worries over your land, Boromir, it is pointless. Until Aragorn comes to claim the Kingship, you need not fret over his ability to be what he has not yet accepted. Instead, look to your own safety and that of the fellowship. We have a dark journey ahead."

For all his trying, Boromir could pry nothing more out of the Elf, and he went away dissatisfied and burning with curiosity.

And in the shadows, Frodo sat with eyes wide open in startled surprise.

----------------------------

After a few minutes had passed, and his gaze had once more been drawn to the water, Frodo approached Legolas. "Legolas?" he called somewhat hesitantly.

"Yes, Frodo, what is it?" the Elf replied, with no signs of his previous temper.

"The water? It is so strange." Frodo began hesitantly, "I think there is something wrong with it."

At his words, the Elf trained his keen sight on the eerie dark water. After a moment, he returned his stare to the Ring-bearer, "I share your unease, Frodo," he said, "But I know not the cause. You would need to ask Buffy for a more definite answer. I only say this; - stay away from the water."

"I think I already knew that," Frodo replied quietly, "I do not know why, but I almost feel like something's lurking under there…"

----------------------------

After Aragorn had soothed Buffy into an acceptable state of perpetual alertness, he was surprised to see her eyes narrow and her head to peek over his shoulder to see something. As he felt the length of her lithe body press against his, he resisted the urge to step back to master his will, unwilling to let her know of the effect she had on him.

"Is it supposed to do that?" Buffy asked.

"Is what supposed to do what?" Aragorn asked, not understanding what she was asking.

Grabbing his hand, she turned him round, and pointed towards the water, which was now bubbling strangely. "I don't think that's a good thing," she said, "It mustn't be disturbed if you value your life. But the two village idiots seem to be doing just that."

Aragorn then noticed that the indomitable duo of Merry and Pippin were throwing stones into the water from sheer boredom, "I shall take care of it," he said, leaving her side regretfully.

Striding across to the two oblivious hobbits, he snatched hold of Pippin's collar just as the young hobbit was about to let loose a stone.

"Aragorn! Really!" Pippin exclaimed angrily, tilting his head backwards to glare at the ranger.

"Do not disturb the water." Aragorn hissed, dragging Merry and Pippin backwards.

The hobbits looked between him and the seemingly innocent water, "Why?" Merry asked.

"Because if you value your hides you will not disturb the water." Aragorn replied tersely, "Beware hobbits. There are older and darker things in the world than you can dream of."

What could the hobbits say to that?

----------------------------

But at last, they all drifted back to Gandalf and Gimli were, after an hour, were still searching for the doors.

"Dwarf doors are invisible when closed." Gimli explained when Legolas made a derisive comment on the Dwarven sense of direction.

"Yes, Gimli, their own masters cannot find them, if their secrets are forgotten." Gandalf said.

"Now, why doesn't that surprise me?" Buffy snapped.

The Hobbits drifted over then, "But where are the Doors? I can't see any sign of them." Pippin asked.

"Dwarf-doors are not made to be seen when shut," Gimli explained again, "They are invisible, and their own masters cannot find them or open them, if their secret is forgotten."

"But this Door was not made to be a secret known only to dwarves." said Gandalf, suddenly coming to life and turning around to look at them, "Unless things are altogether changed, eyes that know what to look for may discover the signs."

He walked forward to the somewhat slimy wall. Right between the shadow of the trees there was a smooth space, and over this he passed his hands to and fro, muttering words under his breath. "Well, let's see... Ithildin. It mirrors only starlight and moonlight…" Then with a pleased smile, he stepped back.

"Look," Gandalf said, "Can you see anything now?"

The clouds covering the moon drifted away then, and slowly, in sparkling lines of silver, a door was revealed, with words over it, reading, 'The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak friend and enter.'

"There are the emblems of Durin!" Gimli exclaimed exuberantly, almost jumping forward in his excitement.

"And there is the Tree of the High Elves," Legolas added with a glare towards Gimli.

"And the Star of the House of Fëanor," Gandalf said, "They are wrought of ithildin that mirrors only starlight and moonlight, and sleeps until it is touched by one who speaks words now long forgotten in Middle-earth. It is long since I heard them, and I thought deeply before I could recall them to my mind."

"Really, I thought all you old ancient people would know them off by heart," Buffy said, "Especially when selling it to us as a refuge."

"What does the writing say?" Frodo asked, trying to stop another Gandalf-Buffy war of words. "I thought I knew the elf-letters, but I cannot read these." he said in puzzlement.

"The words are in the Elven-tongue of the West of Middle-earth in the Elder Days, in Quenya," the wizard answered patiently, knowing of Bilbo and Frodo's interest in the Elven tongues. "But they do not say anything of importance to us. They say only: 'The Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak, friend, and enter.' And underneath small and faint is written: 'I, Narvi, made them. Celebrimbor of Hollin drew these signs.'"

"What does it mean by 'speak, friend, and enter'?" Merry asked.

"That is plain enough," Gimli said with a shrug, as if not understanding how one could not know this. "If you are a friend, speak the password, and the doors will open, and you can enter."

"Yes, these doors are probably governed by words," Gandalf agreed, studying the writing on the wall. "Some dwarf-gates will open only at special times, or for particular persons; and some have locks and keys that are still needed when all necessary times and words are known. These doors have no key. In the days of Durin they were not secret. They usually stood open and doorwards sat here. But if they were shut, any who knew the opening word could speak it and pass in. At least so it is recorded, is it not, Gimli?" he said.

"It is. But what the word was is not remembered," Gimli answered, eager to share his knowledge with the wizard and with the added bonus of showing up the Elf, "Narvi and his craft and all his kindred have vanished from the earth."

"But do not you know the words, Gandalf?" Boromir asked in surprise and gathering anger.

"No," Gandalf answered baldly.

"Then what was the use of bringing us to this accursed spot?" cried Boromir in anger and frustration, glancing back with a shudder at the dark water. "You told us that you have once passed through the Mines. How could that be, if you did not know how to enter?" he demanded accusingly.

Buffy really had to hand it to him, the man had guts. And he always asked the questions that everyone wanted to ask but thought better of.

"The answer to your first question, Boromir, is that I do not know the word—yet." Gandalf said indignantly, with a steely glint in his eyes under their bristling brows. "But we shall soon see. And, you may ask what is the use of my deeds when they are proved useless. As for your other question: do you doubt my tale? Or have you no wits left? I did not enter this way. I came from the East."

Buffy rolled her eyes, "Does everybody enter that way for a reason, I wonder?" she pondered aloud, mock seriously.

"If you wish to know, I will tell you that these doors open outwards," the wizard said, gesturing to the silver lined doors on the wall, "From the inside you may thrust them open with your hands. From the outside nothing will move them save the spell of command. They cannot be forced inwards."

"What are you going to do then?" Pippin asked, apparently not concerned with the wizard's temper.

"Knock on the doors with your head, Peregrin Took," Gandalf snapped in annoyance, "But if that does not shatter them, and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will seek for the opening words."

He paused, looked at the doors and then continued, "I once knew every spell in all the tongues of elves or men or orcs that was ever used for such a purpose," ignoring Buffy and Aragorn's stares at the mention of orc passwords. "I can still remember ten score of them without searching in my mind. But only a few trials, I think, will be needed; and I shall not have to call on Gimli for words of the secret dwarf-tongue that they teach to none. The opening words were Elvish, like the writing on the arch: that seems certain."

Legolas sniffed, "As if the Dwarven tongue is needed. This was the Elven way."

Gandalf ignored him, and placed his staff at a point on the door and intoned, "Annon edhellen, edro hi ammen! Fennas nogothrim, lasto beth lammen!" (Gate of the elves, open now for us! Doorway of the dwarves, listen to the word of my tongue!)

It did not work.

Gandalf harrumphed, and then tried again, "Lasto, annon edhellen, a edro ammen!" (Listen, gate of the elves, and open for us!")

And then again.

And again.

"Ando Eldarinwa a lasta quettanya, Fenda Casarinwa!" (Gate of Elves listen to my word, Threshold of Dwarves!)

After many tries, he threw his staff to the ground and sat down in silence, taking off his hat, and muttering, "Oh, it's useless!"

"Great!" Buffy exclaimed, "Just great! Well done Gandalf! You can't even get us into the mines! The wargs chasing us don't seem to be the type to conveniently die and we are in so much trouble it's hard to believe that it could actually happen to us. Oh, who am I kidding? Of course it was going to happen to us?! Any bright ideas, Mr Wizard?"

At that moment, from far off the wind bore to their listening ears the howling of wolves. Bill the pony started in fear, and Sam sprang to his side and whispered softly to him.

"Do not let him run away!" said Boromir, "It seems that we shall need him still, if the wolves do not find us! How I hate this foul pool!" he stooped, picked up a large stone and threw it into the water, ignoring the sudden glares of Buffy, Legolas and Aragorn.

"Why did you do that Boromir?" Frodo asked patiently, but with no little trepidation, "I hate this place, too, and I am afraid. I don't know of what; not of wolves, or the dark behind the doors, but of something else! I am afraid of the pool! Don't disturb it!"

There was a strained silence after that, and Aragorn kept himself positioned near Buffy to offer her support.

After enduring half an hour of the howling growing ever closer, Gandalf suddenly leapt to his feet, "I have it!" he cried, "Of course, of course!" Gandalf laughing as he approached the door, "Absurdly simple, like most riddles when you see the answer. - Mellon!" (friend)

"I was wrong after all, and Gimli, too," Gandalf volunteered as the doors swung open. "Merry, of all people, was on the right track. The opening word was inscribed on the archway all the time. The translation should have been: Say 'friend' and enter. I had only to speak the Elvish word for friend and the doors opened. Quite simple. Too simple for a learned lore-master in these suspicious days. Those were happier times."

And as the doors stood fully open, the fellowship got their first look at the long darkness of Moria.

--------------------------

With no small amount of trepidation, the fellowship entered the mines.

Gimli was practically skipping as they entered, gladly telling all who would listen about the comforts they should expect, "Soon, Master Elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves! Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone! This, my friend, is the home of my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine. A MINE!"

"It's a slaughterhouse." Buffy said, having stopped not two steps inside the door.

Boromir was only too quick to agree with her, "This is no mine. It is a tomb." he stated with horror.

Buffy shivered as she saw the dead Dwarves, "Okay, flesh. Anytime you want to stop crawling is okay with me." she said to herself and earned herself a small smile from a too white Frodo.

As Gimli saw the bodies of his kindred, rotting and covered in cobwebs, he lost it, "No! Nooo! NOOOO!" he roared.

Legolas took an arrow out of a dead body, examining it before tossing it aside in disgust, "Goblins!" he said in disgust.

Boromir would countenance no delay, "We make for the Gap of Rohan. We should never have come here! Now get out of here! Get out!!" he cried.

They only too readily followed his advice, but from nowhere as Frodo was exiting, a tentacle lashed out of the water and snatched up the Ring-bearer.

"Frodo!" Merry cried out in horror.

Buffy took one look and drew her sword, "Giant squid!" she muttered, "I hate giant squid!"

Leaping into the water, she started to climb even as Pippin started to cry, "Frodo! Help!"

Frodo himself was screaming in the creature's grasp, "Strider!" he shouted, and Aragorn was horrified to see him in that position, especially when Sam echoed his master.

"Strider! Do something!" he bellowed and then the gardener charged the monster, crying "Get off him!"

Merry tried to hold Sam back, "Aragorn!" he shouted, calling for aid, even as the hobbits slashed at the creature with their swords, aided by Buffy who was stabbing it in the back.

For a split second they managed to free the captive hobbit and Pippin cried, "We got him! We got him!"

They all then got thrown back by one of the monster's many tentacles and Pippin wailed pitifully, "We don't got him!"

By now, the monster had a firm grip on Frodo and swung him high up in the air, waving him about madly, and ignoring the Ring-bearer's frightened cries.

Even as Legolas shot it with his bow, and Boromir and Aragorn entered the water, Buffy was rallying for her second assault but was caught around the middle by a tentacle and held underwater so that she had to concentrate on trying to free herself before she could worry about Frodo.

Boromir and Aragorn slashed at it with their swords, Andúril being particularly harmful to the creature as it was imbued with Elven runes of power. Aragorn's breath caught as he saw Buffy go underwater but he could only hold to his oath to help Frodo and it was left to Boromir to try and help Buffy if he was able.

At last Aragorn managed to hack off the tentacle holding Frodo and just barely managed to catch Frodo as he fell, back-pedalling madly as he withdrew from the water with his precious cargo.

As the creature screamed in outrage at the loss of one of its arms, Boromir took his chance to make it a loss of two. Slashing at the tentacle that held a madly struggling Buffy underwater, he wounded it enough for Buffy to be able to break free.

Breaking the surface of the water, she gasped in air, "Air. Sweet mother oxygen!" she gasped out, and then squealed when Boromir hauled her up by her tunic, and started dragging her towards the dubious shelter of the mines.

Propelled forward by the taller man, she scrambled to find her feet, sloshing through the water with all the grace of a elephant, "I hate it when they drown me." she swore, feeling exactly how waterlogged she was.

She did manage to snatch a terrified Pippin as Boromir dragged her along though, "Scream later! Escape now!" she ordered the hobbit, pushing him in front of her as Legolas's bow provided the cover they needed to escape.

Gandalf waved at them frantically from the doorway of the mines, "Into the mines!" he yelled.

Boromir glanced at the Elf, "Legolas! Into the cave! Get back!"

"Run!" Buffy said, adding her voice to the mix, as she, Pippin and Boromir dove through the West-gate, landing in an ungainly heap.

"I have never seen anything like that." Boromir said as he got up.

Buffy rubbed the bruise forming along her hip, "And I can go a long, healthy stretch without seeing anything like that again." she grumbled. "Everyone okay? All pieces intact?" she asked and then stopped to stare as the creature advanced out of the water. "We are so screwed," she gasped out.

They did not have time to do anything as it came towards them and in a fit of rage started upending everything around them, uprooting the two great trees to either side of the doors, and as the Dwarven doors slammed shut with an ominous clang, they heard the sounds of rubble and debris being piled up in front of it, blocking out all light.

And the way out.

Legolas suddenly became very popular as the hobbits gathered close to his faint Elven glow, the only light left in the hall.

But all of them shared the same sickening feeling as the sounds of rock shifting finally ceased.

They were trapped.

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A/N: So? What do you think? Opinions please! Please READ and REVIEW!!!!

And any lurkers out there are kindly encouraged to review!

P.S - as I realise that when this site shuts down or acts up, it can be extremely frustrating for all involved, I would like to make it known that this fic is available at another site, and is updated at the same time as this. It will always be available there if there are any problems with this site. The sites name is: - and the link to both the site and my fic will be posted in my bio.

Next chapter: Buffy gets a surprise… Gandalf's in trouble… and we get an insight into the Fellowships thoughts...

Elvish:

Sirannon - gate-stream

Dagnir - slayer

Undómiel - Evenstar

Imladris - RivendellAnnon edhellen, edro hi ammen! Fennas nogothrim, lasto beth lammen! - Gate of the elves, open now for us! Doorway of the dwarves, listen to the word of my tongue!

Lasto, annon edhellen, a edro ammen! - Listen, gate of the elves, and open for us!

Ando Eldarinwa a lasta quettanya, fenda Casarinwa! - Gate of Elves listen to my word, threshold of Dwarves!

Mellon - friend

Andúril - Flame of the West

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Eregion - an Elven realm of the Second Age. Celebrimbor forged the Three Elven Rings here. Sauron laid waste to the city and its people, taking all the rings of power, and killing Celebrimbor and using his body as a banner.

Mithril - 'true-silver'. Also called 'Moria-silver'. It was the foundation of the wealth of the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm. It was worth ten times the price of gold, and is now considered priceless, because there has been no supply of it since the fall of the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm in 1980 TA.

Moria - 'The Black Chasm', later name for the great works of the Dwarves under the Misty Mountains. Called Khazad-dûm in Dwarvish.

Narvi - Dwarf of Khazad-dûm, maker of the West-Gate, close friend of Celebrimbor.

Númenor - Land of the Star. Translated 'Westland'. When Elros Half-Elven, Elrond's twin, chose to be of the Race of Men, the Valar granted him an island to rule over. It was prepared by the Valar as a dwelling place for the Edain after the First Age. Elros, granted a longer lifespan because of his Elven heritage, and the rest of the Edain who followed him were long lived as well, became Elros Tar-Minyatur, first King of Númenor.

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