It was dark by the time we reached the mines. Well, I could only assume that was where we were since all I could see was a wall of solid rock. As we neared the wall I found myself pondering the differences between a cave and a mine. I liked caves. There weren't too many in Florida, or any at all now that I think about it. But I loved watching nature documentaries, and I've seen quite a few where that were shot in caves. I particularly liked the blind cave fish.

"Dwarf door are invisible when closed." Gimli's proud voice broke me from my inner musings.

"That's kind of really cool!" I told him, he was clearly proud of his people. As well he should be, I've never heard of such a thing before. "How do they do it?"

Gimli opened his mouth to answer but was cut off by Gandalf. "Yes, Gimli, even their own masters cannot find them if their secrets are forgotten." I couldn't tell if Gandalf was more amused or annoyed by this fact, his tone of voice confused me.

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" I had never heard Legolas sound so sarcastic before. I couldn't help but giggle a little. I knew it was mean, but I couldn't help it. Legolas had told me how the dwarves and elves had a falling out of sorts and that they no longer get along. Of course, this had started a verbal argument between Gimli and Legolas; both insisting that their race wasn't responsible.

It wasn't long before blue lettering appeared on the wall. "What language is that?" I wondered allowed.

"Tis elvish." Legoloas informed me, a slight smile gracing his face.

"But, if dwarves and elves don't get along why is-"

"It is best not to go down this road again." Aragorn interrupted me before I could finish my question. I guess I should have thought of the fact that the two races used to be friends before the 'dark days.'

All eyes were on Gandalf as he began speaking in elvish, attempting to get the gates to open. It looked rather impressive. Until nothing happened that is. I must admit, I lost interest in the activities of the group after Gandalf's first two attempts at opening the gates failed. My attention was drawn to the dark lake I was standing a few feet from.

I had a very strange feeling about the lake. Like something was in it. Something dangerous. As a marine biologist I had a natural curiosity for all things in the ocean. Obviously marine mammals were my favorite. But, this lake was clearly freshwater. I didn't' know too much about freshwater ecosystems. To be honest I had never really cared too much about freshwater environments.

I was brought out of my thoughts by a deep splash. My head involuntarily snapped to the direction of the sound. Merry and Pippin were throwing stones into the lake. I guess they were as bored as I was.

Aragorn stopped them before another stone could be thrown. "Do not disturb the water." He warned.

I had to agree that it was a bad idea to be throwing rocks into the water. That lake was really starting to creep me out. I couldn't tell if it was my imagination or if there was something moving just under the surface.

I moved to sit with the Merry and Pippin in hopes of alleviating their boredom, as well as mine. "How long do you think we will be out here?" I asked as I took a seat next to Pippin.

"Dunno. Hopefully not much longer though." Pippin answered. He seemed very agitated, and in slight distress. "I'm starving!"

I laughed. Of course, he we were stuck by this creepy lake waiting for an old wizard to remember the password to get us into a mine made by dwarves and all he could think about was how he was hungry. Oh, to be as carefree as a hobbit. "Is that all you think about, Pippin?"

"Not always." He corrected me. "Often there is ale and weed as well." The three of us laughed so hard our sides got sore. I had tears in my eyes by the time I had quieted down.

"I must admit," I told them, "I regret that I had not been born a hobbit. You all always seem to be happy."

Before either could make a response Frodo had a 'light bulb' moment. "It's a riddle!" he exclaimed. "Speak friend and enter. What's the elvish word for friend?"

"Melon." Gandalf's deep baritone answered. The walls cracked and groaned as the gate opened, revealing a dark entryway. In a matter of a few moments we were all on our feet and making our way into the mine. I could hear the faint sound of ripples and splashing, but paid it no mind.

The mine was dark, and it was nearly impossible to see. The only sources of light came from the moonlight from outside and the torch Boromir carried. "Soon master elf, you'll enjoy the fabled hospitality of the dwarves. Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone."

I cringed a little at Gimli's description. The fire bit sounded lovely, a fire would take the damp cold out of the air. However, the 'beer and meet off the bone' I could do without. Don't get me wrong. I wasn't a vegetarian by any means. His description just made me think of the medieval time period; where it was loud, dark, and people used their fingers to eat. I was rather found of using a knife and fork.

"This is no mine." Boromir stated. It was then that I noticed I had been standing next to a skeleton with an axe imbedded in the skull. I instantly felt the need to vomit. "It's a tomb!"

"Goblins!" Legolas spat as he removed an arrow from a skull. He readied an arrow and made his way over to me. As the men folk drew their swords I heard the unmistakable sound of something solid and wet slithering on the ground.

"We make for the Gap of Rohan. We should have never come here." Boromir decided for us. I had to agree one hundred percent. We had to get out of here.

"Frodo!"

Every head snapped to the door. Frodo was being pulled out of the mine by a giant tentacle. "What the hell is that?" I screamed.

Everyone immediately went to get Frodo down, running out the door. I couldn't believe what I saw. It was an octopus. A fresh water octopus! If I had been back home I would have made an effort to study the creature. My excitement was cut short as a stray tentacle knocked me down. The suckers sticking to my skin, nearly pulling off my flesh when I tried to free myself from the appendage.

There were silver flashes all around me as the fellowship cut at the arms, trying to bring Frodo back to the ground. There wasn't any progress until Legolas began firing arrows into the beast's head. The hobbits completely sliced off the arm that held Frodo, and began to retreat to the shore.

"Head for the mines!" I wasn't sure who said it, but I wasn't going to argue. The creature slinked back into deeper water. Legolas, however, was taking no chances and continued firing arrows until we were all safely in the mine.

The door slammed shut with a low thud. Leaving us in total darkness. I froze, too scared to move. A bright blue light appeared atop Gandalf's staff and he moved to the front of the group.

"We now have but one choice." His voice betrayed his displeasure at the situation, "We must face the long dark of Moria. Let us hope that our presence may go unnoticed." Nothing about his statement comforted me in the slightest.