Chapter Six: A Strange Combination of Dorky Puns, Awkward Flirting, and Foreshadowing

DISCLAIMER: I had way too much fun with some of the dialogue in this chapter ^.^

Random Quote: "I dream of a better tomorrow, where chickens can cross the road and not have their motives questioned." ~Author Unknown

The first thing Adonnenniel noticed is that it was just like it had been earlier in their journey, when Estela would become enraptured by the scenery. Despite the gloom that hung over Moria like a veil, Estela just couldn't seem to help herself. Every time she saw something that intrigued her, she would stop without even seeming to realize it. They passed painting on the walls that had survived the slaughter, depicting historical events and renowned dwarves. And the architecture of Moria was magnificent, unmatched by anything she had seen in the real world. She could see why her sister was so interested.

"I wish I could have seen it before it was vandalized," Estela said to Gimli, sighing. He grunted in agreement.

In time, they reached a bridge hanging above deep mine workings.

"It's a four day journey to the other side," Gandalf informed them, eyeing the bridge warily. "Let us hope that our presence will continue to go unnoticed." And they walked. For hour after hour after hour. Adonnenniel had never realized how much of the actual story were cut scenes in the movies. She had never actually watched all the movies from beginning to end, but she had popped in on occasion when her sister had been watching them. And from what she had seen, the movies were full of intense battle scenes and epic monologues. But they had so not shown how much flippin' walking there was.

As they walked over the bridge, nobody spoke for fear of being heard. She noticed that Estela kept alternating between walking beside herself and Legolas, as if their presence made her feel calmer. She vaguely wondered if her sister was becoming infatuated with the Elf. He was drop dead gorgeous. Just not for Adonnenniel. If given a choice between him and someone more like Aragorn, she would choose Aragorn in a second. Legolas was just too…girlish, quite frankly. She liked men that balanced out her own soft traits.

But her sister seemed content in his presence, and somehow he consistently managed to get her to talk. Contentment and talkativeness were two very un-Estela-like traits. As they continued walking, Adonnenniel realized that her own behavior was changing. Or not so much changing as developing and maturing.

She was cool and collected, and the hobbits found solace in her company. Since the beginning of their journey, she had assumed an air of calmness and cheerfulness to lift their spirits, and it was starting to stick. I guess if you pretend to be something for long enough, you eventually become it, she thought. Huh, that was deep! Haha!

Earlier, the hobbits had seemed so frightened. Oddly, comforting them had lent her comfort as well. She never knew that she could be so compassionate or that she had the ability to affect and help others. She basked in this newfound feeling, and thought of how silly it was that she had to come all the way to Middle Earth to find these traits that had been inside her all along.

Only when she started talking to Estela did remnants of her former scared and helpless self resurface. Her sister reminded her too much of home. Every time she thought of what might be going on back in the real world, her thoughts darkened and she felt like crying. She missed her home with a biting intensity that couldn't be softened by anything. Eventually it was going to spill over.

After walking awhile, they came to a clearing in the center of a circle of winding staircases. The pathway split off into three passages, each disappearing into dark tunnels. The Fellowship froze.

"I have no memory of this place," Gandalf said after a moment. "We may as well take a short break until I remember the way." Everyone gratefully deposited their belongings onto the ground.

Aragorn and Legolas walked some ways away together, and began conversing quietly. Adonnenniel, Gimli, and the hobbits sat down together. Estela stood amidst the dispersing groups, wondering who to join.

And then she spotted Boromir drifting away from the rest of the group. He sat down on the ground, and leaned against the tunnel's wall. Estela made to follow him.

"Hey," she said, sitting down next to him.

"Hello," he muttered. Estela noticed then that his hands were shaking, and he appeared to be sweating slightly.

"You seem a bit flustered," she noted. "What's wrong?"

Boromir appraised her bemusedly. "My Lady, you have a rather disconcerting habit of being quite blunt in voicing your thoughts."

"Umm…sorry?" she said confusedly.

"No, no," he said dismissively. "Do not apologize. I was merely surprised by your honesty." Boromir's voice sunk to a whisper. "You are not like the others."

"What do you mean?" Estela asked.

Boromir clenched his hands. "They see day by day that discontent and confusion is brewing within me, yet they do not question it. And yet you of all people ask what troubles me." He laughed, but there was no joy in it. "Let me ask you something. Do you and your sister feel as if you are outsiders amongst them? Because believe me, whatever shred of misplacement you may feel in their company, I feel it tenfold."

"What is it that causes you to be unhappy and confused?" Estela asked softly.

Boromir paused a long moment before responding. "It is the Ring."

"It affects me unlike anyone else. I long for it as much as I long for the return of glory to Minas Tirith. The need, the constant desire for it fills me and I cannot repress it." Boromir looked away from her, as if ashamed by what he was saying. "I am weak," he whispered.

Estela had no idea what to say. In what she hoped he would perceive as a comforting gesture, she placed a hand on his shoulder. He tensed under her touch and for a moment she thought he was going to shrug her off. But then he simply closed his eyes and said, "Thank you."

Estela wanted desperately to say something, but she couldn't find the right words. She could say nothing to him without giving away future events. And she could not tell him that it would be alright. Boromir was going to die. Estela cringed at the thought. And then a plan suddenly materialized in her mind, as if it had been there all along but only needed some prompting to form.

She decided right then that she would not allow Boromir's death to happen. She wouldn't be able to handle the guilt. Estela ignored a warning in her mind against the repercussions this could cause. This was her decision, and the one thing that she would have control over.

"Boromir, look at me," she said sharply. He slowly turned around to face her, and she gazed at him intently. "It will be alright. I promise." Something in her voice must have gotten through to him, because a small smile lit his face.

"Thank you," he said again, clasping his hand over hers.

Estela could think of nothing else to say, and so she stood up and walked away. She approached where Adonnenniel and the hobbits were. She needed the comfort of their childish innocence, of their good humor that shone even in the face of darkness. As Estela approached them, she neared where Aragorn and Legolas stood several feet away, conversing quietly.

"Gandalf intends to make for Lothlorien after we leave this place," she heard Aragorn whisper to Legolas. "Perhaps Galadriel will hold the answers to your questions." Legolas and Aragorn looked up, and spotted Estela walking toward them. They abruptly stopped talking and walked over to join the hobbits and Adonnenniel. Estela wondered if they had been talking about her.

"That was incredible aim back there," Frodo said, referring to how Estela had hit the monster's eye.

"I didn't know you could throw so well," Sam added. Merry and Pippin nodded.

"Oh, not you too!" Estela groaned. "Look, just because I'm human and because I'm female, does not mean that I can't aim properly or do anything the men can." The hobbits looked somewhat offended, and she realized she sounded way too defensive.

"Sorry," she grinned. "I didn't mean to get so defensive. You guys were just complimenting me, and I snapped."

"Don't worry about it," Frodo said, answering for all of them.

"And in all honesty," Estela said with a smile, "It was actually luck. I've never thrown a sword in my life, and I wasn't even aiming for the eye."

"What do you think is going on at home?" Adonnenniel asked after a pause. "I miss it so much right now, especially in this horrible place." Estela gave her sister a warm hug.

"I don't know." She figured honesty was better than sugar coating the truth. "Maybe time stopped, and it's frozen until we get back. Or maybe not, and everyone is looking for us. They may even think we're dead." She looked at Adonnenniel and realized that she was crying.

"Please don't cry," Estela murmured soothingly. She felt somewhat awkward. She had never been good at comforting people. She decided to talk about what made her feel at ease. "You know, not everything here is horrible, even in this place. You have to admit the architecture is incredible. It reminds me of Ancient Greece. You see that column over there?" she pointed.

"If we were in Ancient Greece, it would be called a Corinthian Column. You can tell by the intricate design at the top. And that one over there is an Ionic Column. Its top is circular, like an eye. And you see all the arches and how they align with the doorways? If that doesn't remind you of Ancient Greece I don't know what will." Estela's voice started sounding passionate as it did whenever she talked about history.

"And you see those swirly things lining the walls? The tall spires with an onion shaped top? They remind me of minarets, like on a mosque or in Russian architecture. And you see the way the ceiling slopes inward? It reminds me of Cathedrals, or of the Pantheon. It gives the illusion that it is taller than it really is. It's beautiful, actually."

Gimli looked at Estela with newfound respect. Legolas and Aragorn were staring at her with amusement. Adonnenniel had stopped crying, and was laughing.

"What?" asked Estela, vaguely wondering if her sister was going crazy.

"Only you, Estela. Only you could get worked up over something like world history in this place. Only you." Adonnenniel was grinning. Estela looked up, and saw that the others' expressions mirrored her sister's amusement. Estela rolled her eyes.

"What's Ancient Greece?" asked Sam. Just then, Frodo stood up, passed by where Boromir was seated, and sat down next to Gandalf. Estela knew that Gandalf was about to identify Gollum and say something heartwarming and profound to Frodo.

Meanwhile, she launched into a short explanation of Greece, explaining everything from philosophy and Sparta, to the Persian War and Mythology. The hobbits were particularly mystified about the Mythology, asking her endless questions.

"What did these so called gods wear?" Pippin asked.

"What did they wear? That may be the strangest question you have yet asked me." Estela laughed. She thought about it. "I honestly don't know. I suppose that Zeus wore purple."

"Why purple?" asked Merry.

"Because purple is a symbol of royalty. Oftentimes in history, different colors symbolize different things. Actually, a lot of ethnic groups and wars were named after colors or articles of clothing. Like the White Huns in the steppes of Eurasia, or the Yellow Turban Uprising in Han China." She paused, trying to think of more color or clothing related things. A thought dawned on her. "And the Boxer Rebellion later on in Chinese history." Estela laughed. "You know, the Boxer Rebellion was very brief."

An awkward silence ensued.

"Umm…I guess you guys don't use those here? Umm, excuse me," Estela said, blushing.

She got up and walked toward Gandalf and Frodo, silently praying the others would just forget she had ever said anything. But then, she heard laughter coming from behind her. Adonnenniel was giggling, and the others' were staring at her with varying degrees of amusement. Gimli was outright laughing, and Aragorn even cracked a smile. Estela wondered if they were laughing at her or at her horrible pun.

"…And that is an encouraging thought, no doubt," Gandalf was saying to Frodo with a smile as Estela approached them. Gandalf looked up at her. He suddenly assumed an air of seriousness.

"Estela," he said sternly. She knew what was coming next. He was going to scold her for interfering in the fight with the monster in the lake. "You swore to me you would never again do anything to alter the course of events."

Unexpected anger swept over her. "Well sorry!" she snapped. "Do you really just expect me to stand by and doing nothing when a battle is going on? I can't do that Gandalf," she said, shaking her head. "It's too much to ask of me to simply stay on the sidelines and do nothing when my friends are in danger." She glared fiercely at him.

To her surprise, Gandalf seemed to soften. "I suppose that your participation in minor skirmishes will not so drastically alter the fate of Middle Earth. You may fight during battles." Estela was shocked. She had thought he was going to argue more.

"Um, alright then," she said. "Sorry I snapped." She smiled ruefully at him.

"However," he said, "You must never confide in me or any of the others of events that have yet to come. You have given your word on this matter, and I trust you, but I must emphasize the importance of this."

Estela suddenly thought of his 'death', and hesitated briefly before nodding. Gandalf seemed to relax slightly at her consent. He turned away from her, standing up.

"Ah!" he said suddenly. "It is that way." Gandalf pointed to the middle passageway and the Fellowship scrambled to their feet, scooping up their belongings.

"He's remembered!" said Merry.

"No," Gandalf admitted, "But the air doesn't smell quite as foul down there. When in doubt, Meriadoc, always trust your nose," he said wisely.

"Trust your nose?" mused Adonnenniel. "I'd rather trust mapquest. Or a GPS. But you guys probably don't have that here, right? I feel like it would have kind of killed the whole story if you had technology. Like, if you had an airplane, you could've just flown to Mount Evil or whatever it's called."

Estela spared her sister an exasperated look. "It's Mount Doom."

"Yeah, because that's so much more less cheesy sounding."

"Much more less?" Estela echoed. "That's grammatically in—"

"Oh, just shush," Adonnenniel said dismissively. "We're in a flippin mine filled with dead things and you've got your pants in a bunch over my grammar."

"Who says pants in a bunch anymore? Where'd that come from?" Estela laughed.

"Well at least I'm not talking like someone out of a tenth century novel like everyone else here does," Adonnenniel retorted.

"Tenth century? That would be the medieval ages, darling. Nobody was writing novels then."

"That's not endearing, you know. Darling," she mimicked.

"Do you even know what endearing means?"

"Hey, my mind might not have a built in dictionary like yours does, but I think I know what simple words like endearing mean," Adonnenniel said defensively.

"What does basophobia mean?" Estela smirked.

"How the heck am I supposed to know? That's much more complicateder than endearing."

"Complicateder is not a word. And basophobia is the fear of walking."

"You know what? I think I'm slowly developing it…If we don't stop walking soon, I'm gonna go insane," Adonnenniel huffed.

"Ever heard the expression 'be careful what you wish for'? Trust me, you'll get your share of not walking pretty soon," Estela sighed. "Aaah…Don't tell Gandalf I told you that," she added.

Adonnenniel rolled her eyes. "Fine, be all secretive." She walked away from Estela and joined the hobbits.

Estela walked in solitude for several minutes, and then heard footsteps falling into step with hers. She looked up and saw that Legolas had joined her.

"How are you faring, Lady Estela?" he asked.

"I fare well, Lord Legolas," she said, mimicking his formal tone.

Legolas stopped walking and looked at her in shock. "What?" she asked, wondering if maybe he was offended by her words.

But then he smiled at her. "It is nothing. You simply amuse me."

Estela gaped at him. "I amuse you?"

"Indeed. Somehow you manage to amuse, mystify, and disconcert me at the same time."

"How exactly do I disconcert you?" Estela was bewildered.

Legolas stopped walking, and looked at her seriously. "I am unable to predict your actions."

"So normally you're able to predict what people are going to do? That's a little odd, you know," Estela laughed.

"Perhaps I phrased it poorly," he admitted. "Comparatively, I have lived much longer than you. And after having been alive for so long, you begin to pick up on how humans typically react. Also, I have been in your company for months now, and at times I have spoken with you for hours. I have grown quite accustomed to your presence and should by now be able to predict your behavior."

His words made Estela think of all those days spent outside Moria, when they would talk with each other continuously. Here in the darkness of Moria, those days felt like another lifetime. Yet being with him made her remember, and staved off the fear that had been growing in her since they had entered the mines.

She suddenly thought of Adonnenniel, and how she had described her first relationship. It's simple, she had said, When I'm with him, we never run out of things to talk about. And even if there are silences in our conversations, they're not uncomfortable or awkward. They're just like an acknowledgment that we don't need words because we both know that they're not necessary. Estela remembered that she had told Adonnenniel that made no sense, but now she was beginning to understand the feeling. That was what all those endless days of walking had been like with him. She figured the idea applied to mere friendship as well.

Estela smiled. "So you're saying that my mind is on a different frequency than most people's, and you're not quite tuned in yet. Like, everybody else is on FM and I'm on AM."

He stared at her with blank confusion.

"What were you and Aragorn whispering about before?" she asked suddenly.

Legolas started. "That is what I mean, My Lady," he said, shaking his head and sounding very much amused. "Your thoughts do no align with what one would expect. It is quite strange."

Forgetting her question, Estela smirked and whacked his arm lightly. "Shush up. My thoughts are not strange. You know, you're pretty predictable yourself."

"Are you quite sure about that?" he smiled. "Tell me, why did you pull away from me?"

It took Estela a moment to figure out what he was referring to. "Oh, that. Well, where I come from, holding someone's hand suggests that you're…aaah…interested in them."

"I have taken an interest in you," Legolas said.

Estela looked at him in shock. She couldn't tell if he meant interested as in amused and intrigued by her thoughts, or as in something else. She looked at him pointedly, hoping for more of an answer. But his lips were sealed in a small smile, and his expression betrayed nothing.

Well fine, she thought wildly, if he wants to be all confusing about it, then two can play at that game.

She spoke bluntly. "Well, I'm interested in you too."

This time it was him who looked at her with incredulity. "As in, I'm interested in your thoughts and I enjoy talking with you," she clarified after a moment with a small smile.

And then Legolas did something that Estela had not been expecting. He laughed.

"You have proven my point once more, Lady Estela," he said through his laughter.

Estela grinned, forgetting for a moment what exactly it was that he was laughing at, and then suddenly found that Legolas' laugh was quite contagious. Estela started laughing as well, and then neither of them could stop. Every time one of them came close to stopping, they would glance at the other and then start laughing again.

"What are you two dorks giggling about?" Adonnenniel called from the front of the group.

"I'm not quite sure," Estela admitted.

"Weirdos," Adonnenniel said.

"Hey, shush."

"Or what?" Adonnenniel laughed. "You'll prattle off more fancy words at me?"

"At least my vocabulary is broader than two syllable words," Estela smiled.

"Oh really? You did not just go there. Now you're insulting my vocabulary," Adonnenniel huffed. "Well, I think you're being pretentious. And that's three syllables. So ha. And I think you're being pompous and ostrichacus."

Estela burst out laughing. "Do you mean ostentatious?"

Adonnenniel did the whole girly hands-on-hips thing. "Whatever, major loser," she said with an air of prissiness.

"I feel like your level of maturity just took a plunge…No, wait. Maturity and Adonnenniel is an oxymoron. You never had any degree of maturity to begin with. "

"Oh, so now you're tossing big words like oxymoron at me. I think you like confusing me. And you know what else I think? I think that your maturity right now isn't so great either," Adonnenniel scoffed.

"Well, I think that artificial intelligence beats real stupidity."

"Where'd you read that? A bumper sticker?"

Suffice it to say that for the next few hours of walking, the inane banter continued as thus. At some point, the Author became worried that detailing the mindless chatter would bore her readers. So she dutifully concluded the chapter by randomly referring to herself in the third person, and then went on her merry way.

Author's Note: I have this random urge to make somebody pass out in the next chapter.

Pretty please review? :)