Chapter 8
I do not own LotR in any way.
"Quietly now. It's a four-day journey to the other side", Gandalf said, "Let us hope that our presence may go unnoticed".
The Fellowship trudged through the darkness with Gandalf at the front and Legolas and Lirilla right behind him.
"The wealth of Moria is not in gold or jewels, but mithril", Gandalf said.
They all looked down at the shining mithril.
Lirilla smiled remembering the necklace and bracelet made of mithril that her father had given her. She left them back in Lothlórien.
"Bilbo had a shirt of mithril rings that Thorin gave him", Gandalf said.
"Oh, that was kingly gift", Gimli said.
"Yes. I never told him, but its worth was greater than the value of the Shire", Gandalf said.
The Fellowship climbed up a set of stairs.
"I have no memory of this place", Gandalf said.
Aragorn and Boromir started a fire while Gandalf sat and started to think.
Lirilla sat beside Aragorn, who was once again smoking his pipe. She buried herself into his side.
Legolas took out a blanket and placed around her shoulders.
Aragorn smiled at the young elleth curled up next to him. He thought about what this journey would do to her.
She had never been outside the woods of Lothlórien.
Aragorn knew that the she-elf would not return the same person.
"Ah! It's that way!" Gandalf said.
"He's remembered", Merry said.
"No", Gandalf said, "But the air doesn't smell as foul down here. If in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose".
Aragorn turned to Lirilla and shook her lightly.
Her eyes fluttered open. She stood and grabbed her stuff.
The Fellowship descended the stairs into the depths of Moria.
"Behold the great realm and Dwarf-city of Dwarrowdelf", Gandalf said.
"There's an eye opener, and no mistake", Sam said.
Gimli looked around and started running.
"Gimli", Gandalf snapped.
The Fellowship followed him. They entered the room and found Gimli kneeling in front of a tomb.
"Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria", Gandalf read as Gimli cried, "He is dead, then. It's as I feared". Gandalf bent over to pick up a dusty old book, as he handed Pippin his hat and staff.
"We must move on. We cannot linger", Legolas told Aragorn as his grip on Lirilla's waist tightened.
"They have taken the bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums, drums in the deep. We cannot get out. A Shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out. They are coming", Gandalf read.
Everyone heard banging noises and turned to Pippin.
He had caused a skeleton to fall down a shaft.
Everyone stood still, until the noise stopped.
"Fool of a Took!" Gandalf said slamming the book shut, "Throw yourself in next time, and rid us of your stupidity". Gandalf snatched his hat and staff from the young hobbit.
Lirilla stepped away from Legolas to place her hand on Pippin's head in comfort.
They suddenly heard drums beating like what had been written in the book. Then screeches and screams.
"Orcs", Legolas cursed.
"Get back! Stay close to Gandalf!" Aragorn yelled to the hobbits.
Boromir and Aragorn ran to bar the door. "They have a cave troll", Boromir said.
Legolas threw them weapons to use to bar it.
The three men stepped back.
Everyone drew their weapons.
Legolas looked at Lirilla.
She had drawn her bow and locked an arrow. Looking every inch a warrior.