Where was she? Why couldn't he see her? The Red Sorcerer raged as he splashed at the water of his scrying pool. There was no where in the shadow that he could not see. Surely Moria had not been reclaimed by the dwarves, he would have been made aware of that by now. But still she was hidden from his sight. He fumed and stalked the length of his quarters. Even the creature Gollum had become hidden from his sight, for he knew that the Fellowship had been followed. He knew the creature's history, the Dark Lord had shared that much with him, and given him command of the insidious little thing. But even that connection to his prize had been taken from him. All he could do was wait. And send his own crows to watch the eastern side of the mountains, for there they must surely come out of Moria, if they ever made it. The Red * Sorcerer considered briefly the possibility of losing his prize and started forming a secondary plan should the current one fail.
The next morning the Fellowship said a reluctant goodbye to the library, closing the doors tightly behind them to keep any goblins from getting in. To be sure, both Gandalf and Natasha added their own spells of protection, sealing the doors against attack and time, until either of them could return. The light of the two crystals guarding the doors faded quickly as they left that hall, traveling deeper and deeper into Moria. The stairs were starting to kill everyone's legs, but on they trudged, trying their best to keep up with Gandalf's steady but quick pace. Until suddenly, he stopped.
"I have no memory of this place." He said looking at three different doors.
"Uh oh." Pippin's small voice whispered. "Are we going to be stuck here?" he asked, his small hand touching Natasha's arm.
She shook her head, smiling down at him. "Nope, means we have a bit of time to have something to eat, while he remembers."
Pippin brightened immediately and dug out one of the dried apples they'd taken from the stores at the library. Everyone sat down, some with soft groans of relief, and waited. Aragorn and Legolas sat close to Natasha, playing idly with her hair. She relaxed, leaning against Aragorn's knee, allowing her eyes to close. She smiled softly as she heard Merry and Pippin whispering to each other.
"Do you think Aragorn's in love with Natasha?"
"What about Legolas then? He's doing it too."
"Aye he is. Maybe they both love her?"
"Perhaps but which one does she love?"
"Should we give them something to talk about?" Legolas whispered conspiratorily to Aragorn.
"With Natasha perhaps." Aragorn whispered back, bending close to Natasha's face, kissing her cheek and nuzzling her hair.
Legolas looked at him in confusion for a moment before shrugging and kissing Natasha's other cheek. Natasha smiled a delighted smile, and then hearing the gasps of Merry and Pippin, blushed. Thankfully the dark hid her discomfort and she could feel both Legolas and Aragorn chuckling softly into her hair. A snort of disgust brought her attention out of her own little world, and she glanced at Boromir.
His eyes were filled with anger and disgust was etched into the very skin of his face. She could feel his contempt radiating out from him. Gandalf grunted behind her, and she turned to him, to find him staring at Boromir, one eyebrow raised in challenge. The Gondorian did not back down but turned his back on the wizard, stewing in his own thoughts. Natasha stood and went to her mentor's side.
You should be more careful. Gandalf admonished her.
It wasn't my idea. They thought it would be cute to give the hobbits something to talk about. She retorted.
I will speak with them later. The men of Gondor are going to be very reluctant to accept the Bond between their King and a male elf. He looked at her, something strange in his eyes.
I agree. Best that they both know what they are getting into. Natasha glanced at Legolas, guessing from the creasing of his forehead that he and Aragorn were deep in conversation over their Bond. Though I believe Aragorn is already filling him in.
Gandalf glanced behind him and nodded.
"Gandalf, there is something down the stairs. Something following us. I see glowing eyes." Frodo's voice quavered in fear.
"It's Gollum." Gandalf answered. "He's been following us for three days now."
Frodo was disgusted. "Pity Bilbo didn't kill him when he had the chance."
Gandalf quickly admonished the hobbit, death was not something to dish out for every wrong, especially when one could not give out life to those who deserved it. Frodo reluctantly agreed, and sunk into a sullen silence.
"Oh, it's that way." Gandalf grinned, pulling himself up with effort.
"Ah he's remembered." Merry said in delight.
"No, but the air isn't quite as bad down this way. When in doubt always follow your nose." Gandalf said tapping his nose.
Everyone fell into step behind him. Boromir brought up the rear. And Gollum crept slowly behind him.