Hello my lovely readers! I bring to you The next chapter! We are getting pretty close to the end of what I've dubbed "part one/movie one" and before you might get concerned, as of right now I am doing all three parts to Lord of the Rings. I am also posting all of it under this story instead of chopping it up into separate sequels. Hopefully my battle scene didn't turn out too horribly! Anyways I'll stop talking now and let you move on to the story :)
Thank you to my beta readers closetnightmares and Verity Grahams!
Enjoy :)
The flight of stairs that Gandalf led us down seemed endless until they finally leveled out to flat ground. We had been walking for two hours, the dark corridor never changing. I held back from the group, Legolas two steps ahead. I could tell he was aware of everyone around him.
'I'm a little relieved he's sticking close by; it seems I find it easier to be near him than any of the others. With them, it's more awkward, tense and I don't know how to act around them; it's like they think I'm going to suddenly attack them. With Legolas it's effortless.'
"Harry?" Frodo fell into step beside me.
"Yes, Frodo?"
"Thank you, for helping you know, with the squid," Frodo said, eyes flitting around nervously.
"You're welcome," I smiled at the nervous Hobbit, who returned an uneasy smile, then caught back up with his friends. And I guess this proves my point about the others.
We stopped sometime later, planning to rest for a few hours.
"I can take first watch," I offered, no one argued with the idea. We finished getting food out. It was silently agreed that there wouldn't be a fire - it's too dangerous - enemies were lying in wait.
Once we got settled, Legolas sat closer to me than usual, at first I am able to relax, feeling his presence wash over me like a soothing blanket. Then I feel an unsettling presence weighing on me, overcoming Legolas' own with darkness. It was too far away to identify, but I could tell it wasn't good. This new information put me on edge, Legolas also tensed in response to my uneasiness. Until a bright light obscured my vision and I knew I would be speaking with Eru; Lord of the Valar.
"Eru," I spoke softly, the visit was unexpected.
"Hello again, Harry Potter. You have questions?" The Lord of the Valar asked calmly, though I felt it was obvious he already knew the answer. I decide to answer him, regardless.
"Yes, it's about my ability to read and speak elvish. You said I would only know the language of Westron?" the confusion I felt bled into my voice, I didn't bother to try and mask it.
"After some debate, it was decided that you needed to know elvish. We have seen much in your future to do with the Elven race."
"Okay, but why?" I asked, still confused but suspicious now as well - I am all too familiar with the idea of wiser beings and their hidden motives.
"I cannot be specific. I can only say it will make some things easier in the future." He replied.
Again I am frustrated. It reminds me of some of the more negative aspects of my relationship with Albus Dumbledore. I loved the wizard, but I am sick of being kept in the dark.
"You need to tell me something," I demanded, but my tone still soft.
"I believe it will aid your more important relationships. It is best to cut this short, as your companions are getting worried. Until next time, Harry." Eru finished vaguely, though I feel more satisfied with the little explanation he gave.
I blinked a few times and found myself back in the dark corridor with the others, feeling more than a little awkward. All of them were staring at me; Legolas had moved closer to me and placed his hand on my arm, probably at some point when I was engaged in conversation with the deity.
"Erm - sorry, did I miss something?" I asked fumblingly.
"Your expression became so vacant and then you wouldn't respond. We were worried for you, Harry," Aragorn said with a concerned expression, his face was warm and his tone caring.
"I'm fine, honestly - sorry for worrying you." Again, I fumbled over the words, not expecting such worry from them.
"You looked concerned while you were all spaced out." Sam said, affectionately, it made me wonder if I could be accepted by more than just Legolas, I smiled at him, trying to alleviate any fears.
"I was just thinking about something, it was a bit confusing but it's nothing to be concerned about."
"If you say so," Sam mumbled worriedly. He's clearly not convinced.
I looked at Legolas whose hand had been removed, I feel the absence more than I should, but I'm relieved that he hadn't moved from his spot beside me.
"You should get some rest Harry," Legolas speaks gently, a slight smile on his lips as he moved so he lay next to me. I was surprised when he laid down facing me, instead of the other way.
The next morning - I assume it's morning, but it is always dark here - I find that I would lose track of time easily as we walked through many halls and empty chambers. We could have been down here for weeks and I don't think I would know. We stopped every so often to eat and sleep. Thankfully I haven't had another nightmare yet, but that could change at any time. It could be the new sleeping arrangements, something that I am afraid to test, or maybe I just don't want to sleep anywhere other than at his side? I could still feel the aura of dark beings or creatures nearby, happy that they are not drawing closer. I can feel when they occasionally shift around. I hope we don't draw their attention - there is one aura that I sense, it's strong and probably the darkest I have felt since I first sensed the Ring.
We soon found ourselves at yet another long flight of stairs, this one eventually opened up to a vast open hall filled with giant columns. Each one had strange markings in the shape of a 'Y', or maybe it was a tree? I looked around in awe, wondering how the room had been constructed without the use of magic - I knew that the dwarves had constructed it and I couldn't help but be impressed by their skill. At first I had thought this world was more primitive, they don't have the mechanics that muggles use to achieve such feats, and yet this is far more majestic than anything I have ever seen. Continuing forward, we headed down the open walkway, stopping once we reached another room filled with the skeletons of dwarves slain long ago, all coated in cobwebs.
"No!" Gimli cried out, he rushed towards a single stone casket in the room.
The casket had strange symbols etched into the top, and I could only assume it read the name and date of passing in the dwarven language. I could feel Legolas' gaze on me, and I tried to reign in my memories, and mask any emotions I'd rather stay hidden. However, I didn't succeed and was suddenly back in the graveyard; where I tried to get Cedric to run for his life. Where I had watched Wormtail put the deformed Voldemort into the cauldron. Where I was tortured, writhing in pain on the ground - all after seeing Cedric fall as he was struck with the emerald curse. A hand on my shoulder awakened me from the memory, and I was vaguely aware that my body trembled as it remembered the fear.
"Are you okay?" It was Legolas, and I felt myself relax, almost leaning into his touch; the trembling eased up as I catch his gray eyes looking into my own, his care and concern evident.
"I'm okay. Thank you," I gave him a weak smile, which he returned was his own.
Legolas let his hand linger for a few more moments, and I'm slightly disappointed when he removes it from my shoulder. I get startled back into awareness of our surroundings when there are multiple loud 'thunks.' Looking over at Pippin, the Hobbit - who had clearly been dropping debris into a nearby well - had bowed his head in shame. By the expression on Gandalf's face there was likely to be a healthy dose of fear involved as well. It reminds me of the reaction of any student when faced with a very angry Professor Snape, for some reason this was a pleasant memory.
"Fool of a Took! Why not throw to yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!" Gandalf snapped, clearly upset; Pippin mumbled an apology which was almost too quiet to hear.
I was about to go to cheer him up, but the life forms I had been sensing suddenly seemed to wake, I felt as they began to move frantically. Then all at once dispersing, they were coming toward us. Then drums started to sound in the deep, and I knew they wouldn't be welcoming us to Moria like Gimli had been expecting his family to. It was obvious; they had destroyed all of Gimli's family.
"Harry, your sword is glowing. Orcs!" Legolas pointed out, and I reached for it, nearly having forgotten that it was even there.
"So is Mr. Frodo's!" Sam gestured toward a small sword in Frodo's palm.
A moment later, Legolas, Boromir and Aragorn burst into a flurry of motion. Legolas pulled his bow free, grasped it in his left hand, Boromir rushed to close the doors, narrowly avoiding being struck by two arrows in the process. Boromir got the large wooden doors shut, turning around and shouting;
"They have a cave troll!" he seemed faintly irritated more than anything.
My stomach dropped and again I am overcome; Quirrell was shouting about a toll in the dungeons. I remember the feeling I had when I realised that Hermione was trapped, the relief when Ron used Wingardium Leviosa. Then I get yanked harshly back to the present by a loud banging against the barricaded doors. I certainly hoped that this was like Quirrel's troll.
"Let them come!" Gimli growled, pain lacing his words, "There is still one dwarf in Moria that still draws breath!" he challenged.
I kept the sword in my grasp; it was too cramped to use a wand safely. 'Hopefully, I can manage to use this thing well enough.'
A bead of sweat rolled down my neck, and I ignored my nerves. All my focus was on the enemy slowly breaking through our barricade. Everything happened in slow motion, the door splintered, and Legolas released three arrows, immediately three of the Orcs are dealt with, and before they even had the chance to step into the room. Aragorn is next to him, his volley of arrows hitting their mark with ease. I'm dazed by the blatant show of skill, impressed by the amazing accuracy; then I joined the battle. Swinging the sword in short arcs, it sliced easily into the enemy as they stormed the small chamber we were in, killing them instantly.
Hundreds of Orcs filed into the room, an all-out battle between them and us. Blood was heavy in the air. The ease in which I handled this sword shocked me; I hadn't used one before - aside from against the basilisk - but it was like the sword was an extension of myself, as though I had used it for years.'Maybe Lord Elrond did something to it?' I thought.
I quickly lost count of how many Orcs went down by my hand, the stench of battle nearly made me sick. I quickly killed two more Orcs, as I am trying to pinpoint everyone's positions. Aragorn is nearby using his own sword - Anduril Flame of the West, as he had called it one day when we were talking. Sam was using a frying pan to my right. The other Hobbits using their small swords, Gimli wields his axe, and Boromir his sword while Gandalf expertly wields his sword, Glamdring. The troll lumbered in, slow and heavy. It quickly got free of the chains that bound him, the Orcs clearly captured the poor creature and used it, the chains only there to guide it. It didn't waste time attacking Orcs and the fellowship alike. I thought of Hermione and how she would have been devastated to witness the cruel treatment of this innocent creature.
I stood there in a daze, watching as it went after Legolas; the elf shot an ineffectual arrow towards the trolls rather bulbous head. Legolas' skill was evident as he evaded the enemy, he was agile and nimble as he leapt and flipped around the chamber. I couldn't help but admire the flexibility, deftness and grace that he moved with. Panic shot through me when the troll almost got ahold of him; the elder wand slipped into my palm almost reflexively, and I raised it toward the troll. I trust Aragorn - who was behind me - to watch my back as I focused on the spell I was about to cast. After being sure I wouldn't harm any of my comrades I bellowed out the spell with all the force I had;
"Reducto!"
The spell burst from my wand and hit the troll squarely in the chest. The curse exploded on impact and ripped a giant chunk, blood gushed from the large wound and the flesh flew in all directions as the troll swayed confused before it toppled over, lifeless. Everything and everyone paused, the fighting stopped momentarily. The shock affected my companions as much as the enemies surrounding us, and a second later the carnage resumed. The battle continued in a flurry of slicing and dodging and blocking.
"Mr. Frodo!" Sam yelled frantically.
Sam's cry pierced through the commotion of the slowing battle. I quickly cut my way toward the far wall, fearing the worst, the rest of the fellowship were already following. Once I reached the Hobbits - I arrived right after Aragorn - we found Frodo on the ground groaning and almost unconscious, though there was no sign of a wound.
Aragorn pulled Frodo into his embrace, and checked for the wound that had somehow taken him out of the battle. As he pulled his tunic aside he revealed a silver chainmail shirt underneath. The company gasped in awe for reasons I couldn't fathom, as many of the company wore chainmail.
"That spear should have skewered you like a wild boar!" Aragorn gasped.
"I don't understand, it's just chainmail - like yours, right?" I asked, confused about its significance.
"That is no ordinary chainmail Harry. That is Mithril!" Aragorn's voice filled with repressed awe as he stared down at the material.
"Mithril is a precious metal, and it can only be mined here in Moria. It is light as a feather and as hard as dragon scales." Gandalf explained, looking at my confused expression. "This one was a gift to Bilbo from Thorin Oakenshield"
"That is a kingly gift!" Gimli looked on in awe.
"Yes, I never told Bilbo but it's worth is greater than the entire shire!" Gandalf almost laughed, as Frodo gulped at the realisation, "we should move on while we can."
I sheathed my sword while Aragorn helped Frodo up from the floor.
"Can you stand, Frodo?" I heard Aragorn ask.
"I'm fine, Strider. I just feel like I have been caught between a hammer and an anvil." Frodo replied.
I followed them out of the room, keeping the Elder Wand tight in my hand, not letting my guard down. While we walk, I couldn't seem to help that my gaze continued to drift toward Legolas, I find that I am constantly wondering about him. I have found myself wanting to know more about the elf, but unsure if he would open up to me, afraid of him not wanting to. But I find I crave that closeness, not just the intimacy, but having someone to walk beside whom I can truly rely on and be relied on by.
We walked for a few more hours, not stopping until it felt safe enough. I had shared what I could feel with Gandalf, and we used this to stay away from the most dangerous parts of the mines. Everyone was silent as we set up camp, too exhausted to speak. I took the first watch, and everyone but Legolas fell asleep almost immediately, I spoke quietly.
"Hey, Legolas?" I whispered.
He twitched at the sudden noise, then turned to his side facing me.
"Yes?"
"Can you teach me how to use the bow and arrow once we get out of here?" I questioned, curiously.
Legolas sat up, scooted so we were sitting next to each other.
"But you are already more than efficient with your wand and sword, what would you need with another weapon for?" The elf smiled and his grey eyes lit up at our interaction, relaxing me just a little.
"I like to be prepared." I shrugged, I could see he was curious.
"Very well, I can teach you. I doubt you would be able to reach the level that me and my kin achieve - we have a much longer life span." Legolas' words were spoken calmly, no hint of cruelly, it was simply a fact.
I thought about Aragorn and his skill. I wondered if he was somehow an exception, or if there were something else at play here.
"I don't think my lifespan will be an issue." I shrugged at the thought and smiled ruefully.
"What do you mean?" Legolas frowned, my eyes followed his graceful movements.
"You should get some rest, Legolas. You can sleep there if you don't want to move." I silently hope he accepts the offer.
I had purposefully avoided the question, not wanting to mention my immortality. I have no idea how that would be taken. I don't really understand how I feel about it myself. I can't help but blush at my suggestion. Legolas' lip twitched upwards, laying down next to me so his arm lay a mere hair's breadth away from my thigh.
"Goodnight, Harry."
"Goodnight, Legolas." I smiled softly, butterflies in my stomach.
'Maybe things will work out in this realm after all.'