We made camp off the main tunnel of the path, in a round room that looked like it had at one point been a sort of resting place for weary travelers such as us. It had long since become full of dust and cobwebs, but a few ratty cots were scattered about the room. It was quickly decided that the hobbits would take two beds, sharing two per bed. The final bed would go to Gandalf, being the oldest of the group. Gimli and Boromir quickly took over the chairs surrounding a wooden table that, supposedly, at one time had been a place to gather for meals. That left Aragorn, Legolas, and me to scatter on the floor, though neither Legolas or I needed much sleep. Perks of being an elf.

There was nothing to light a fire with or keep it going so Gandalf placed his glowing staff in the middle of the room, the light barely reaching the walls. Our mood was somber at first, silent as we ate dried meat and cheese for our meal. It was assumed it was dinner, but with no light in the caverns and halls to tell by we weren't positive. Shortly after we stopped the hobbits curled up in their beds, Frodo staring up at the ceiling. The ring was taking its toll already on the poor hobbit and I almost wished I could take away his burden, but I knew I could do no better. In fact, Frodo was stronger than I was when it came to the Ring. If the roles had been reversed I feared I would have already lost myself to its power and to my father.

I shuddered at the thought, frowning. I never wanted to be my father's child and he had never wanted me. It was an accident, my birth. My father loved my mother. At least, as much as a power hungry evil man could love anyone, but he didn't want children of his own. They needed to be raised and loved and my father could not do either of those things. Perhaps he could have loved me at one point if I hadn't been the cause of my mother's death. She'd died giving birth to me. My father had not sent out for healers to help her through the process and in turn lost her. He'd then passed me onto a few of the thralls until I was old enough to be moved upstairs and my life of torture began. It was from them I'd learned the basics of reading from when they'd write in the dirt which allowed me later to soak up information when I was free.

I was only shaken out of my gloomy thoughts by a hand on my shoulder. Legolas sat down beside me, smiling softly. "You seem in need of some cheer, Ara."

I sighed, attempting to return his smile and gazing around. Gandalf and Aragorn were speaking in hushed tones over by the wizard's bed, Aragorn gesturing frantically with his arms. Gimli and Boromir had drifted off, as had the hobbits, which left me with the elf to speak with. Not that I minded, though I had hardly spoke to Aragorn since the journey had commenced. We had things we needed to discuss.

"I think we all are." I replied, giving a short laugh. Legolas nodded, still smiling.

"Aye, but the rest are busy so I can only attempt to brighten your mood."

I nodded. He did have a point. "Did you wish to continue learning about each other then? For we haven't got to talk or finish our conversation since before the mountain."

"I fear no one has been up for much talking lately. We all started out in such high spirits but the mountain and now what we've found in Moria has seemed to dampen them greatly. Only Gandalf and Aragorn speak much, whether to encourage us or to each other to make plans."

"At least they seem to have a semblance of a plan. The rest of us are just following along." I sighed, leaning against the elf for comfort. "And each day brings us closer to Mordor. I fear how we shall handle that horrid place. It is dark, so dark, and full of terrible evil. Not just Sauron, but his orcs and other creatures. The land bears no vegetation or water unless it is near the tower of Barad-dur, and we shall stay very far away from there."

The elf raised an eyebrow, peering at me curiously. "And how do you know what Mordor is like?" His tone was light, though questioning.

I gulped, having let on to my knowledge of the land being greater than most's. "I... I've visited before. On a mission for Gondor." It wasn't a lie. I had once checked out the status of the orcs in the land for the steward, though it obviously wasn't how I knew Mordor so well.

Legolas seemed to take my answer well enough, though he still seemed a bit suspicious. I quickly attempted to distract him before he questioned me too much more. I didn't want my past revealed. Not because I feared they would hurt me but because I was ashamed. "I've been to your home before. In fact, I met your father. Sadly I didn't get to really enjoy your kingdom for your father locked us up in the dungeons and such. We had to escape." I smiled, remembering. It had been on the quest to reclaim Erebor for the dwarves, though I had merely tagged along for the adventure.

The elf nodded, eyes growing distant for a moment as he remembered his home."I was away training when your party came through. My father was in quite the uproar when you all escaped, calling me back home immediately. I find it funny I am now traveling with you, Gandalf, Gloin's son Gimli, and Bilbo's nephew Frodo. My father would not be amused to learn I am traveling with people or the descendants of those who broke out of our dungeons. He is still sore about that many years later."

I laughed, grinning at the thought. "I'm sure he is. Perhaps we can visit Mirkwood after all this is over and I can apologize."

He shook his head, still smiling. It seemed it hardly left the elf's face. "I doubt the apology will appease him much, but I would be honored to have you visit my home. This time you shall be a respected guest and I shall personally show you around."

"I'd like that, Legolas. Thank you. I'd offer the same to you, but I have no permanent home. Perhaps if we cross into Rohan or Gondor after I can show you some of my favorite places there."

"It seems like a deal, Ara. Though I suppose we should get some sleep now. I don't know when we'll next have a proper chance and though you and I can go without sleep easier, I think it's best we try to get it when we can. I think Aragorn and Gandalf want to get going in a few hours, though how they tell time in this place I shall never figure out. Sleep well." He patted my shoulder before moving a little ways across the room to claim a free spot of the floor.

I myself scooted down, laying down on the cold, hard floor. Aragorn glanced my direction and I waved. He seemed torn between coming over to talk to me and continuing his conversation with Gandalf. Though we still needed to speak it could wait and I closed my eyes, listening to their faint words and eventually drifting off to sleep.