Hey guys! Here's another chapter! Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! I will try to update again tomorrow or Saturday, but if I don't then I will see you guys in 2023 haha.
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Chapter 5
A quizzical look registered upon Gandalf's features as he took in the words Melody shouted over the cacophony of sound. His ears did not deceive him; she had told him they were to pass through Moria and the wizard knew this to be the other part of her vision due to the fear that washed over her fair face. For a moment, a sense of familiarity came over him, but he did not dwell on it due to Boromir's statement also cutting across the blizzarding mountain.
Melody watched as the fellowship argued about which road to take next, the warning in her heart could not be quelled and she was shocked to find herself again amidst the company. For a moment, the words she had said felt as if they were not her own. It was almost as if something was urging her to expel that sentence from within the chasms of her own mind. It was frightening, so terribly frightening that even she did not know what was to come from what she had seen or said.
Eventually, they decided to take the path through the mountains due to Frodo's agreement to both Gimli and Melody's statements. The march down the mountain was fairly quicker than their ascension, but nevertheless it brought great difficulty and frustration to the group of travelers. They were eager to find a route that would bring them swiftly and safely to Mordor and this secondary setback was chiseling at everyone's patience.
The snow began to thin out, revealing darkened rocks that reflected obsidian light in the faint gleam of the moon. It fascinated Melody how certain landscapes as simple as a mountain could differ greatly compared to her world. She had never beheld such a pure place and it caused her to somewhat appreciate the views she was receiving. There wasn't anything wrong with thinking about the positives of being dumped here. Melody made a mental note to tell Tristan about these small anomalies when she got back.
However the thought brought her a tinge of pain, but quickly she shook herself. She had promised herself whilst the fellowship was climbing the mountain to not succumb to her own grief. Perseverance and courage was required for her to stay alive until she discovered answers to her numerous questions.
When the company settled for the night about a day's journey from Moria, Gandalf made sure that everyone was fast asleep before he approached Legolas who was taking the first watch.
The elf sat upon a small rock with his eyes keenly observing the area. Nothing was in sight, nor did he hear anything but the soft whirring of the wind and the light snores of the other travelers. His breath clouded in front of him, indicating that the temperature was once again very low. He let himself gaze upon the woman again with a darkening curiosity for a second until he heard Gandalf's voice.
"Legolas Greenleaf," The wizard hummed in a whisper before his speech switched to that of the ellon's native tongue, "We have much to discuss this night."
The prince nodded in agreement, "Yes, I fear that I have been blind for most of our journey. My mind simply would not let me believe it was truly her."
When Gandalf sat down next to him, Legolas tensed as he understood what was to come next. He did not want this woman to actually be who he presumed she was. If it was true and Gandalf proved it, there would be much turmoil to ensue between them.
"We will not know for certain until she speaks with the Lady Galadriel, but upon our first meeting I knew something was amiss. It was not until I noticed your reactions towards her that my thoughts were confirmed," Gandalf divulged, "The vision she had is but a taste of what she will recollect during the upcoming days. You must keep an eye on her."
Legolas' head whipped around to meet the wizard's eye with distaste, his whole being was aflame with anger, "Why? If our presumption is true, then I could not stand to defend such a traitor. You cannot imagine the pain that she wrought upon my family after-"
His vehemence was silenced by the wizard who merely brought his hard to the elf's shoulder, "Legolas, do not be quick to anger. Vanya was never found after the war, so you do not know the full story behind what actually took place there," As Gandalf spoke, he noticed the shroud of grief clouding the Prince's composure, "The events that ensued at that battle were grievous, but blame should not be placed upon one person alone."
The elf sighed in acceptance, "I know, Gandalf. But 'tis a shame that someone so close to all that happened would just simply disappear without a trace. The only one who knew why all of that had come to pass."
Gandalf weakly smiled, "There must be a reason why she has returned at this point in time then. We will not know until she has discovered her full strength and purpose. That is why I have bid you to watch her."
Legolas' visage shifted out into the distance as he mulled over the wizard's words, "I will do what I must. However, I cannot promise that niceties will be in place. For my heart is not yet willing to forgive the one who shattered it."
Melody awoke the next morning to the smell of a small fire crackling with various meats placed upon it. Her stomach grumbled as a reaction, but she knew her taste buds would reject the foul substance immediately. Simply consuming food here was such a task that had not even crossed her mind. Usually if she was hungry, she would eat anything. But for some reason, the taste of meat made her want to wretch. So instead, she settled for stale bread and a few tomatoes.
With her breakfast in hand, she made her way back to the small blanket where she had slept. It definitely wasn't anything to rave about, but she finally had found rest after weeks of sleepless nights. A renewed energy had graced her body and she felt lighter this morning. Positivity also flowed from her mind and she reminded herself that every day that passed got her closer to finding a way back. It was the only thing she could hold onto.
The group readied themselves to set out once again and she sensed that everyone was in higher spirits today. Gimli was very helpful in raising the mood due to his promises of hospitality and regal accommodation from his kin. Melody thought that this would relax her, but she found that with every hour that passed, her body would tense even more with trepidation. She did not know whether it was because of the darkness arriving once more or Legolas being eerily close to her.
It might have been the latter. The elf who had previously seemed to do anything to be rid of her presence had not left her any space during this day. Of course, no words had been exchanged, but she felt his eyes burning at the back of her neck for hours. It was very peculiar and she had intentions to question him about it, but suddenly the group approached the doors of Moria and the action was forgotten.
Gandalf was muttering some incoherent words as he traced his staff along the wall. Then, it was glowing with something akin to starlight. Intricate carvings etched themselves into stone that was once bare. Melody gazed in awe at the sight; it was truly magical.
"It reads 'Doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak friend and enter'," Gandalf translated as the company stood close to the door.
"What do you suppose that means?" Merry piped.
"Oh, it's quite simple. If you are a friend, then you speak the password and the doors will open," The wizard explained. He then turned towards the door and spoke in a language that Melody guessed was elvish. However, his words did not cause the door to budge one bit.
It was proving to be more difficult for Gandalf to open the door, so Melody found some rest on a nearby rock further away from the wizard and his chanting. She desired some peace before they delved into the mines. The aforementioned anxiety she had been dealing with only escalated since their arrival. It was gnawing at her incessantly and there was not one cell within her body that wished to enter that place.
But, it was your idea… Her mind chided softly. This thought yielded a sigh to escape from the woman's lips. She looked to the water for solace, but found even more worriment in that action. A certain darkness crept into her body as she continued to gaze at the small pond and a shiver crept up her spine. She decided to move closer to the group when someone caught her arm lightly.
"You sense the darkness as well?" It was Legolas. His tone was guarded and inquisitive as his ever-so calculating gaze caused the woman to tense involuntarily as he released his grip.
"I mean, who wouldn't?" She stammered momentarily, oddly enough the elf's presence brought her great internal distress that she could not comprehend. She absentmindedly took a step back from him.
"The hobbits don't seem to mind," Legolas pointed out. Melody looked over to see Merry and Pippin beginning to grab a rock and toss it carelessly into the pond. This caused her hands to clench at her sides and the elf continued, "Why is it that you and I are the only ones affected?"
Distrust was evident in his voice, "I-I don't know. I suppose it's because they have never really been in danger?" She answered confusedly. What is he trying to get at? Her mind wondered.
"That is possible, but you have been aware of it longer than anyone besides Gandalf and I," He brought his icy eyes to meet her own, "You have felt it since this morning when we departed."
She truly did not know how to answer him. What was he wanting her to say? It was simply a gut feeling that had grown. Yes, it was very strange, but nothing to get this worked up over. Melody began to feel a little frustrated with the elf due to his sudden interest.
"You're correct, but why does that concern you?" Her eyes narrowed, "Also, why have you been watching me all day? You have never done that before, or even really spoken to me that much."
The prince faltered momentarily in his response. He did not want to expel his true intentions yet, but the familiar hue of her navy irises caused his own jaw to clench out of anger. Oh, how strikingly similar she looked to Vanya. "My concerns are based upon the wellbeing of the fellowship. Any strange actions or behaviors should be confronted, especially those coming from someone who suddenly appeared out of thin air," He lied smoothly as he ended his explanation with a bitter twinge edging his voice. Well, it was not a complete lie, he did this mostly out of curiosity and to know her true identity, but she very well could be a threat to the company.
Her brows furrowed in confusion, "Strange actions? You call being frightened an unnatural? For God's sake, anybody would be scared in this situation! I don't see what you're getting at." Her hands were now balled into fists as all the anger and frustration that had been pent up inside threatened to spill over into her words.
"It is not fear that I see," Legolas quipped, "It is knowledge."
Melody had the mind the flat out roll her eyes in front of the elf, but thankfully she didn't. If she had, then she would not have seen the vast array of emotions that danced in his hardening gaze. Grief, anger, sadness and betrayal painted his profile and the woman's heart compressed for him. But it was only for a second because their brief interaction was ended by the doors of Moria opening.
What will happen next? Who is Vanya? What will happen in Moria? How is Melody connected with all of this? Find out soon!
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