"And that's why I would never again accept a drink from a woman with golden hair. She almost killed me."
"So where is she now?" Mei Lin asked as the Centurion finished his story.
"I gave her the ride of her life and in exchange, she would turn against her clients and work for me." Titus answered with a shit-eating grin.
Rin, however, scoffed and punched Titus in the arm.
"Liar. You probably gave her a better offer than her old bosses. Double the pay, I bet."
"Oi! I may be an asshole but I'm no liar."
"Your left eye twitches whenever you lie and it's been twitching over half of your stories." Rin deadpanned.
"No it doesn't." The Centurion weakly denied as his left eye twitched.
Mei Lin couldn't help but snicker at the other two and shook her head. One way or another, the two would find something trivial to argue about and it would go on for who knows how long until one submits. Though Titus always seem to be the one that submits. The rest of the Fellowship either tuned them out or, like her, watched the two with amusement. They reached a point in their journey in the dark where Gandalf did not remember which path they were to take and there were three doorways they can go through. So while Gandalf tried to remember which way they should go, the Fellowship decided to rest for a bit. Considering that they started moving even though they just barely escaped the monster in the lake, they needed it. From behind her, Mei Lin could hear the Hobbits, mainly Pippin, wondering if they were lost before declaring that he was hungry.
"It boggles the mind how such a small thing can eat so much."
Mei Lin looked up just as Boromir joined her and the two looked to the Hobbits where Pippin was rummaging through his pack for anything to eat.
"Indeed."
Soon, small fond smile found itself on Mei Lin's face as she recalled the times Bilbo told her and Rima about his adventures and his home.
"Old Bilbo used to tell stories about the Shire back in Rivendell." The Tiandi couldn't help but let out a small chuckle "It's beautiful and most of all, peaceful. Nothing really exciting happens. Also, He doesn't really like most of his relatives, other than Frodo of course. Especially the Sackville-Bagginses. He told me that he caught one of them, Lobelia Sackville-Baggins, making off with his silverware. Dreadful woman, he says. I can only imagine. Though I wonder... "
Boromir looked away from Pippin as said Hobbit was now looking through Merry's pack despite his protests.
"What is it?"
"Perhaps when all this is over and I'm still alive, maybe I can see this Shire for myself. Maybe this time, I can live in peace. Away from war, violence, everything."
"Perhaps." The Captain of Gondor muttered though his mind was elsewhere. Images of his city burning as a sea of Orcs kill his people but that was quickly replaced by the image of the Great Eye... and the One Ring.
"Oi."
Boromir felt a hand on his arm and saw Titus looking at him. Concern written in his features.
"Gandalf's picked a path. Time to move. You've been out of it for a while. Something on your mind?"
"N-Nothing to be concerned of." The Captain of Gondor inwardly winced. Even a blind man can see the lie a league away. Boromir stood up and walked over to his belongings, leaving the Centurion to stare worriedly at his friend's retreating form.
Rin saw this and gave Titus a comforting pat on the back before moving to get her things. Meanwhile, Titus himself was facing a dillema. He should have faith in his friend to cull the whispers of the Ring from his mind but there is a part of him that was already making scenarios if Boromir decides to take the Ring for himself. Does he have to beat some sense into his friend's head with his fists or beat him in a duel of blades? Probably the latter. He promised Faramir that no harm will come to his brother. Hopefully it wouldn't come to that but if it did... Well he would apologize in advance.
"Hey."
Titus looked to Rin just as the mercenary threw him hid pack and helmet. Nodding his thanks, he walked over to her before the two moved to join the others. They still had a lot of ground to cover before they get to the other side. He was already grimacing at the thought of spending another minute in this dark mine. No matter how valuable Mithril is, this place is shit. It also smells like butts and death. Certainly not a stench he would like hanging around his nose for a week.
~Line Break~
"Behold. The great realm and city of Dwarrowdelf."
The Fellowship looked in awe at the massive hall and the towering pillars. Titus could already imagine it. The lives of the Dwarves as they went on with their day. The hall illuminated by the light from the torches. He would've given an arm and a leg to see this place before those Goblins fucked it up. That would've been a sight to see.
"Now there's an eye opener. Make no mistake." Sam stated as he looked at the hall in amazement.
"Aye." The Centurion agreed before the Fellowship moved forward.
They walked along the path, marveling at the sight, before turning a corner. Gimli froze and let out a choked noise before running towards a room with an open door where rays of light shone through and skeletons riddled the floor outside the chamber. Seeing the skeletons, Rin had a bad feeling. The Fellowship followed after the Dwarf and found him on his knees in front of a large slab of stone in the middle of the room full of skeletons, broken furniture and discarded weapons. There was a well to the side with a cobweb covered skeleton sitting in the rim of the well. All around them were the dwarven skeletons and it didn't take a genius to know how they died. Riddled with arrows or cut down by a blade. Titus wondered if this is where the dwarves made their last stand and in the back of his mind, he had the feeling that it was true.
His eyes turned to Gandalf as the wizard walked over to the sobbing Dwarf and took a closer look at the sarcophagus before reading the writings out loud.
"Here lies Balin, Son of Fundin. Lord of Moria. He is dead then." Gandalf took off his hat and handed it, along with his staff, to Pippin before turning to the others "It's as I feared."
All Gimli could do was wail. Meanwhile, Gandalf had bent down and picked up a large tome from a dwarf's skeleton and opened it. Some of the pages fell out before the wizard cleared the dust away to read what's written better. Gimli then began muttering something in Dwarfish as he sobbed and lay his forehead against the edge of the sarcophagus. Rin lowered her head out of respect while Mei Lin shut her eyes and muttered a prayer to God. The Knight's deity. Something she picked up after living in Ashfeld for a year not that she stopped praying to her culture's deities. She just added another deity to pray to. Titus placed a hand on the Dwarf's shoulder and gave it a comforting squeeze.
"They have taken the bridge."
All eyes went to Gandalf as he began reading from the book.
"And the second hall. We have barred the gates but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes."
Rin raised her head and looked at the wizard. Her bad feeling slowly getting bigger. Mei Lin, who had stopped praying, couldn't help but feel the same.
"Drums... Drums... in the deep." Gandalf looked up at the Fellowship and saw them grow weary. Some were even looking around them in paranoia.
"We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark."
The wizard knew what the book meant but he still had hoped he was wrong. Everyone was so focused in listening to Gandalf that they did not notice Pippin walking closer to the skeleton sitting on the well.
"We cannot get out." The wizard looked up once more to stare each of them in the eye "They are coming."
Silence fell upon them. Titus looked over his shoulder to the open door in apprehension. The group was suddenly jolted by the sound of a loud crash and turned to the source to see Pippin turn around as he hastily removed his hand from the arrow lodged in the skeleton's sternum. Said skeleton soon fell back into the well, followed by the chain and the bucket it was attached to. With each crash it made as it hit the insides of the well, Pippin winced at everyone one of them.
"Fool of a Took!" Gandalf swore before snatching his hat and staff from Pippin who looked down in guilt "Throw yourself in next time and rid us all of your stupidity."
Meanwhile, Titus walked backwards and joined Rin as he stared at the well.
"What are the chances that the Goblins are dead again?" The Centurion asked as he placed a hand on his helmet.
Before she could answer, they heard it. It was faint at first but slowly, it grew louder and louder and was followed shortly after by screeches. Mei Lin looked away from the well then to the door with narrowed eyes, placing a hand on her sword.
"Drums in the deep." She muttered.
"Fuck." Rin cursed "We just woke up the neighbors."
"Orcs." Legolas stated.
Boromir and Titus shared a look before running to the door. Boromir poked his head out and looked around before two arrows struck the door. One of them was inches away from his nose. Titus saw this and let out a strangled laugh before looking at Boromir.
"That was close."
The two then closed the door but not before hearing a loud roar in the distance just as Aragorn joined them.
"They have a cave troll." The Captain of Gondor stated with exasperation.
"What the bloody hell is a cave troll?" Titus asked as he placed the galea on his head.
"You'll find out soon enough."
They quickly picked up discarded weapons to bar the doors. Spears, long axes and the like. Gandalf had drawn his sword, as did the Hobbits, while Gimli grabbed another axe and climbed up the sarcophagus before facing the doorway. Rin had unsheathed both her blades and stood on the Dwarf's left while Mei Lin stood in front of the Hobbits with her Dao drawn. Titus pulled out his gladius and faced the doorway while Boromir unlatched his shield and readied himself for a fight. Behind the two, Aragorn and Legolas had drawn their bows and were aiming at the door. Everyone waited in baited breath as the screeches grew louder with every second. They then heard the sounds of fists and weapons banging against the door as the Goblins or Orcs or whatever they are tried to get in.
"Let them come!" Gimli challenged "There is one Dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath."
An axe broke through the door and made a small hole before pulling back and chopping the spot again to make the hole bigger. Legolas let the arrow loose and struck the Goblin behind the door, eliciting a screech. This was soon followed by Aragorn's arrow which silenced the creature. Then the doors were smashed open and two Goblins emerged only for the one on the left receive an arrow to the neck. The one on the right shared it's fate. Then the Goblins swarmed in. Titus let out a battle cry as he charged the enemy along with Boromir. Said man used his shield to keep the Goblin back and thrust his sword into it's head before walking back as the Goblins came in droves. Titus, however, kept fighting in the middle of it all. Cutting, stabbing and punching his way through them but was forced to pull back as the Goblins were too many. Gritting his teeth, Titus slammed his gladius on his bracer.
"Come on!"
A goblin ran towards him with it's sword raised. It brought it down but Titus caught it's forearm and slammed his head against the wretched creature. With his opponent dazed, Titus grabbed him with one hand before slamming the pommel of his gladius on the goblin's head repeatedly then kicked it back. The goblin slammed into another and was quickly pushed away only for it to be decapitated thanks to Rin.
The Aramusha did what she can to avoid getting crowded by the Orcs. Using her fists and kicks to keep them back or using her blades to sever their limbs or head. Rin spun in place and sent a wheel kick on a goblin that got too close, sending it into the ground before Rin leaned back to avoid a flurry of swings from a second goblin. When she saw her opportunity, she thrust her blade on the goblin's descending arm and buried her katana halfway into it's forearm. Letting out a laugh and a grin, she twisted it before using her other blade to cut the limb then proceeded to behead the goblin with the same blade.
Meanwhile, Mei Lin parried an overhead strike before striking the goblin in the abdomen with her palm and followed it up with a hard kick in the same area. This caused the goblin to stagger back and unable to avoid the Dao that came down and split it's head in the middle. Mei Lin pulled her blade free and spun to the side to avoid getting hit but also sent a swing of her own as she spun to dodge. The swing cut a goblin across the abdomen and it leaned down as it held it's wound in pain. Not wasting time, Mei Lin swung her blade upwards and severed the goblin's head. The Tiandi quickly turned around and kicked the third goblin running towards her in the shin, causing it to trip and fall down right into Mei Lin's awaiting blade. The Dao pierced the goblin's neck and Mei Lin grimaced in disgust before wretching the sword free.
Titus was beating up a Goblin with it's own fist when he heard it. Loud thuds, clanging of chains and menacing growls. Titus looked to the doorway and saw the Cave Troll burst in, destroying parts of the doorway as two Goblins pulled it in by the chain attached to the iron collar around it's neck. The Cave Troll roared but Legolas shot an arrow and hit the large creature in the chest but this only served to aggravate it. It walked towards the Hobbits and lifted it's massive weapon, a spiked mace, before bringing it down towards Sam who screamed and rolled underneath the Cave Troll. It turned around and faced the crawling Hobbit before raising it's foot to crush Sam. But before it could, the Cave Troll was pulled back.
Aragorn, Boromir and Titus pulled on it's chain to keep it away from Sam and give the Hobbit an opportunity to escape the creature. It roared and turned around, swiping it's weapon. The mace struck Titus and sent him flying while Aragorn rolled out of the way and Boromir jumped back. When the Cave Troll faced the Captain of Gondor, Boromir looked down on his hand and realized he was still holding onto the chain. His eyes widened as the Cave Troll gripped it's chain and flung Boromir high to a wall. Boromir fell to the ground and gathered his bearings only to look up and see a Goblin looming over him. The creature raised it's sword to strike the Captain of Gondor down only for a sword impale itself on it's chest. Boromir looked to his left and saw Aragorn nod before picking up a different sword and rejoined the fight.
The Cave Troll, having set it's sights on Gimli, brought it's mace down and destroyed the sarcophagus as Gimli jumped away to avoid the attack. The Dwarf stood up and faced his attackers only for them to be smacked away by the Cave Troll as the beast tried to kill him. Legolas shot two arrows simultaneously at the Cave Troll which was about to squash the Dwarf with it's mace. The Elf then unsheathed one of his and skillfully dispatched two Goblins that tried to attack him.
Seeing the Elf distracted, the Cave Troll grabbed it's chain and used it like a whip to attack Legolas who dodged each of it's attacks. The Elf place himself by a pillar and waited for the Troll go attack. When it did, the chain wrapped itself around the pillar and Legolas jumped up the Cave Troll. His stood on top of it and shot an arrow on the top of it's head before jumping off just as the chain broke free from the pillar.
Meanwhile, Rin stabbed a Goblin in the forehead and severed it's head while with her other blade. She heard a Goblin screech behind her and turned around just in time to see Sam hit it with a frying pan. The Hobbit turned around and struck another in the head before stepping back. He looked at his 'weapon' then looked to Rin.
"I think I'm getting the hang of this."
Before the samurai could reply, the Hobbit was attacked by another Orc which quickly met it's end by a frying pan to the head. Rin just stared at the Hobbit with a wide eye before shaking her head and kicking a Goblin that was charging at her right in the jaw. One grabbed her by the shoulder and she turned around to stab it but a dagger found it's way into the side of it's head. Titus made his way over and pulled the dagger out before nodding at Rin.
"You good?"
"Yeah."
"Frodo!"
The two turned to Sam and saw the Hobbit staring into the corner of the room. The Goblins have lessened and no more were coming from the door but there were a few here and there. Only the Cave Troll was left. Said Cave Troll was standing in front of an unmoving and face down Frodo. Titus and Rin stared in shock at the downed Hobbit but were snapped from their gazes as enraged yells came from Merry and Pippin who then proceeded to jump off the second level and onto the beast's back. The two Hobbits began stabbing their swords into the Cave Troll's back but the creature roared and managed to grab Merry.
Gimli charged in and used his axe to cut at the creature's leg, making it scream in pain and release the Hobbit. Gandalf joined him and swung at the Cave Troll's leg as well before jumping back to avoid getting backhanded by the beast. The Dwarf moved in to attack again but the beast punched Gimli and sent the Dwarf to the ground and onto his back.
Titus, meanwhile, grabbed a spear that a Goblin tried to skewer him with but he merely leaned to the side and grabbed the spear's shaft. The Centurion pulled the spear and dragged the Goblin towards him before punching it under the jaw and sent it flying back. Turning around, he found himself a few feet behind the Cave Troll and narrowed his eyes. Positioning himself correctly, the Centurion aimed true and took a deep breath before throwing the spear. The weapon sailed into the air and lodged itself into the beast's spine and caused it to roar, exposing it's mouth and to Legolas who saw his opportunity and shot an arrow.
The Cave Troll's movements slowed as it sluggishly reached for it's mouth before walking towards Legolas only for it to fall face first into the ground and throwing Pippin off if it.
Silence fell as everyone kept their eyes on the Cave Troll before Sam ran towards Frodo who had Aragorn crawling over to him. The Hobbit looked at the lifeless body of his friend as everyone else joined them. Aragorn turned Frodo over to his front and everyone was shocked when the Hobbit gasped for air. Sam quickly made his way over and looked to Frodo's shirt where a hole was over where his right lung would be. Sam looked over the others with an expression of relief.
"He's alive."
Gandalf sighed in relief as Sam helped Frodo sit up.
"I'm alright." Frodo reassured the Fellowship "I'm not hurt."
"By the Gods, boy. You scared us half to fucking death." Titus said as he lifted the mask of his helmet and a small laugh.
"You should be dead." Aragorn whispered. Still in shock but at the same time relieved "That spear would've skewered a wild boar."
"I think there is more to this Hobbit than meets the eye." The Grey Wizard stated.
Frodo looked down on his shirt and opened it to reveal a glimmering mail shirt.
"Mithril!" The Dwarf of the group exclaimed before smiling at the Hobbit "You are full of surprises Master Baggins."
"Full of surprises indeed." Mei Lin added. A kind smile gracing her face.
Before anyone else could say anything, screeches from the Goblins echoed through the chamber and the Fellowship looked through an open doorway to see the shadows of said creatures. Gandalf then looked at the others.
"To the bridge of Khazad-dûm!"
The Fellowship quickly ran out of the chamber and into the halls of Dwarrowdelf. Titus didn't know where they wete going but he just went with wherever the old wizard was leading them. They were in the middle of the hall before hundreds and hundreds of Goblins began surrounding them from al sides. Rin bared her teeth as she gripped her katanas tight before looking up at the pillars to see that the Goblins were climbing down from it.
"How many of them are there!?"
"Thousands upon thousands." Mei Lin replied "Perhaps even more are coming thsi way."
"Damnit. This can't be the end." Titus denied as he held his sword and a discarded shield he had picked up along the way "No way. If we're going down, we're gonna give them the fight of their miserable fucking lives."
"Count on it." Rin muttered before spitting on the ground.
The Goblins screeched, leered, snarled and hissed at the Fellowship but none dared to step forward despite outnumbering them. Titus then began hitting the side of his shield with his sword.
"Come on, you ugly dogs! I'm right here. Come on!"
Then a loud rumble came from the other end of the hall and forced everyone to look. There they could see the light coming from the end of the hall but they couldn't see who or what it was. It looked like light that was coming from hundreds of lit torches or a large spreading fire. Then without warning, the Goblins bega screaming in fear and retreated. Running away or climbing back up the pillars to return to the large holes in the roof of the hall. None even gave the Fellowship a second glance. Whatever was at the end of the hall, they feared it and Goblins fearing doesn't necessarily they shouldn't too.
"What is this new devilry?"
Gandalf didn't give the Captain of Gondor any reply as he closed his eyes though no one else noticed as everyone's attention was to the end of the hall. Moments passes before another rumble was heard and the Grey Wizard's eyes snapped open.
"A Balrog. A demon of the ancient world."
They heard a growl as the light drew closer as well as the demon that emitted it. Legolas eyed the end of the hall in fear while Titus prayed to the Gods that it wasn't anything like a Cave Troll. In a way, it wasn't.
"This foe is beyond any of you." Gandalf began before facing the others "Run!"
"Don't need to tell us twice." Titus replied "Everybody, leg it!"
~Line Break~
The Fellowship walked down a set of stairs that would lead them to a path that would then lead them to the bridge. At least Rin hoped it did. The Fellowship stopped as some sections of the stairs were gone and left gaps for them to jump over. Legolas was first and he bid the others to go as he landed. They then felt the ground shake and the rumble and growl grew louder. Gandalf was the next but before anyone else could go, an arrow struck the area by their feet and the Fellowship looked up to see Goblins shooting arrows down at them from a ridge. Legolas shot back and Rin, who had picked up a bow and a quiver from a dead Goblin along the way, did the same. The next to jump was Boromir with Merry and Pippin on each arm. The three jumped just in time as a part of the stair gave away, making the jump longer.
Without a moment's hesitation, Titus grabbed Rin and threw her across before doing the same to Mei Lin much to their chagrin then jumped across himself. Aragorn then threw Sam and moved to do the same with Gimli but the Dwarf held up a hand.
"Nobody tosses a Dwarf."
Then Gimli proceeded to jump only to land a bit short and almost fell had it not been for Legolas' timely intervention by grabbing the Dwarf's beard.
"Not the beard!"
The Elf pulled Gimli to safety and it was now Aragorn and Frodo's turn. Before they could jump, the section of the stair they were standing on gave away and the two just barely managed to climb up to safety. They looked down at the large gap between them and the others and knew it was impossible. The ground shook once more and they stared up at the entrance they came in as the Balrog roared. Some large rocks fell and one destroyed a section of the stair they were standing on before it began to wobble.
"Lean forward!" Aragorn advised the Hobbit.
They shifted their weight forward, tipping the stairs across the gap.
"Steady."
"Come on!" Legolas yelled as he held out his arms, ready to catch them if needed.
When the stairs collided, Aragorn and Frodo jumped with Legolas catching the two of them. The Fellowship quickly ran down the stairs with Rin looking back as the stairs collapsed. Kami, watching those two try to jump the distance was a bit nerve racking but she wouldn't admit that to anyone. They thought Frodo dead back at the tomb and he would've died had they not made the jump. The Ring Bearer's life and the Ring itself was important. If they lost them, this whole journey would've been for nothing. The Balrog roared again and it made the Aramusha remember why they were runnin and what they were running away from.
~Line Break~
"Over the bridge!" Gandalf yelled "Fly!"
As the Fellowship ran past the Grey Wizard, Gandalf turned around to face the wall of flames behind them. Gandalf glared at it as the Balrog revealed itself. A massive dark being stood before the Grey Wizard. Eyes and mouth alit with flames and one could see the heat emanating from it's mouth as well. Horns that curved downwards and body as black as night but flames licked it's skin with the more prominent one on it's spine. Durin's Bane roared and took a step towards the Grey Wizard who turned and followed after the others.
One by one, the Fellowship crossed the narrow bridge of Khazad-dûm. They made it safely across but Gandalf stopped in the middle and turned around to face the Balrog.
"You cannot pass!" The Grey Wizard yelled. His voice loud and strong.
"Gandalf!"
Durin's Bane stood to it's full height and the flames on it's body seemed to intensify but Gandalf showed no fear.
"I am the servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor."
The Grey Wizard raised his staff and a shield of illuminating light formed around Gandalf. The Balrog made the motion of unsheathing a sword and flaming sword materialized in it's hand.
"The dark fire will not avail you. Flame of Udûn!"
Durin's Bane struck but as the flaming sword struck the shield, it broke and dissipated as it made contact with the shield. The Balrog growled before roaring at Gandalf.
"Go back to the Shadow!"
The Balrog stepped forward and brandished a whip made of flames like it's weapon before.
"YOU SHALL NOT PASS!"
Gandalf held his sword and staff together and lifted up high before slamming it hard on the bridge. A blinding flash of light appeared as it made contact with the bridge but nothing seemed to happen. The Balrog growled before taking a step forward only for the bridge in front of Gandalf collapse and fall down to the chasm below, taking Durin's Bane with it. Gandalf glared down at the demon as it fell into the abyss before turning away. Unfortunately, unseen by anyone, the Balrog had managed to swing it's whip towards the Grey Wizard. The flaming whip wrapped itself around Gandalf's ankle and pulled him down the edge. The Grey Wizard struggled to cling to the bridge but felt his grip faultering.
Seeing this, Frodo moved to help Gandalf but was stopped by Boromir and Titus.
"Gandalf!"
The Grey Wizard tried to climb up but felt his grip weaken. Silence fell as Gandalf looked straight into Frodo's desperate eyes.
"Fly, you fools."
Then the Wizard fell. Everyone looked shock at seeing the Grey Wizard fall into the abyss.
"NO!
Titus let go of the Hobbit and let Boromir take him as the Centurion placed his hand on ghe Ranger's shoulder and beckoned him to leave. He didn't know the old man well but it was clear Aragorn did as well as the others.
"Come on. We have to go. The others have already left. We need to leave now."
~Line Break~
The Fellowship left Moria and found themselves stopping outside. Most of them grieved but Titus, Rin and Mei Lin stayed silent and away from the group. As much as they travelled with the Grey Wizard, they didn't really know him that well. But they would at least remember the time they had even if it was short.
Meanwhile, the Hobbits were in mourning. Pippin was crying while Merry tried to console him. Sam sat on a rock and had a hand over his eyes as tears fell from them. Gimli tried to turn back to return to Moria but was held back by Boromir and the Dwarf could only yell obscenities at the Goblins. Legolas looked at Moria in a mix of shock, not believing what he had just witnessed. Aragorn looked at them as he wiped his sword clean of blood then faced Legolas.
"Legolas, get them up."
The Elf numbly did as he was told while Boromir faced the Ranger.
"Give them a moment for pity's sake!"
"By nightfall, these hills will be swarming with Orcs!" Aragorn argued before sheathing his blade "We must reach the woods of Lothlórien. Come, Boromir. Legolas, Gimli, get them up."
Mei Lin approached the Captain of Gondor and placed a hand on his shoulder. Boromir looked at the Tiandi who shook her head.
"Do not blame him. He's only looking out for the safety of the group. He may not show it but don't forget, Boromir. He just lost a friend too."
She gave his shoulder a squeeze before leaving. Titus and Rin passed him by and the Centurion motioned his head at the others while Rin chewed on a piece of straw with her arms crossed. The cloak Titus lent her was gone and returned to the Centurion.
"Come on. Let's leave this place. No one wants to stay here any longer."
And without another word, the Fellowship left and made their way to the domain of the Lord and Lady of Lothlórien.
~Line Break~
"Stay close, young Hobbits!" Gimli bid the four Halflings to him before looking at his surroundings with suspicion "They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods, an Elf-witch, of terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell... "
'Frodo... '
Startled, Frodo looked around him as a voice whispered his name.
"And are never seen again."
' ...Your coming to us... ' Once more, the voice began ' ...is as the footsteps of doom. You bring great evil here, Ring-bearer!'
Meanwhile, on the back of the group, Titus and Rin overheard what the Dwarf said and the Centurion snorted.
"A witch, eh? Last time someone told me there was a witch, I burst into her home with my men and found it was just an old crone who was making a large batch of stew for the Legion. Best stew I've ever had actually. Maybe this one will do the same."
"Hn. I doubt it." Rin replied "Maybe this witch is a seductress. Seducing men to join her in bed. Putting them under her spell before draining them of their life with every thrust of their hips then eats the husk left behind. What a way to go, huh?"
"You're both wrong actually."
The two looked to the Tiandi as Mei Lin joined them.
"The Lady of Lothlórien is actually kind and a friend of Lord Elrond and Gandalf. I'm sure she would give us a warm welcome."
"The last time anyone gave us any sort of welcome, we got surrounded by Goblins and chased by a gigantic demon." Rin bitterly replied.
The three then heard Gimli explaining why he would never fall to the witch's spell.
"Well, here is one Dwarf she won't ensnare so easily. I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox!"
As soon as he finished, he came face-to-face with an arrow. The Fellowship soon found themselves surrounded by Elves who all had their arrows drawn and aimed at them. Titus snorted and looked down at the Dwarf.
"You were saying?"