AN: Remember what I wrote in my last authors' note? "Hopefully, I can get the next installment out quicker." Well, that was just an epic fail wasn't it! Again, sorry I am a slow writer. Apparently having a job in which I am in the field for 7-9 hours a day is tiring. Plus, I might have gotten interested in a new show recently… I am not abandoning this story, but it will just take a while. I applaud anyone who is sticking around to read this. Here is the next installment. I hope you all like it!
Chapter 6
Once plans were made to leave the next morning, Lord Elrond and Gandalf pulled Maleficent aside.
"We've been discussing your situation and have prepared a map of the artifact's possible locations." Maleficent nodded at Gandalf and Lord Elrond spoke up.
"I have it in my study. Would you like to come pick it up now, or shall I bring it tomorrow morning before the company departs?"
"I will come now." Maleficent looked behind her to see Diaval talking to Lefnoln, the elf warrior from the day before. She turned back to the wizard and elf lord. "Let me tell Diaval." They nodded and waited as she walked to Diaval and the elf. Diaval looked towards her as she approached and Lefnoln smiled in her direction.
"Diaval, I have to speak with Lord Elrond and Gandalf. You can either come along, or I can find you later." She remembered that he and Lefnoln had made plans yesterday to meet.
"I will go with Lefnoln since we seem to be putting ourselves in some imminent danger." Maleficent quirked an eyebrow and smirked as she turned back to Lord Elrond and Gandalf, while Lefnoln chuckled quietly. He and Diaval started towards the training grounds.
"I'd not known you two would be at the council meeting. Did you know when we spoke yesterday?"
"I did not. I think Maleficent had a notion to go, but we had not discussed it yet."
"Well, now you not knowing how to fight with weapons makes sense." Diaval knew he was referring to Maleficent's show of transforming him. "Now that I look closer, your features are more pointed than a human's and you have feathers in your hair." The elf chuckled again and shook his head ruefully. "I should have caught that…"
They arrived at the training grounds. There were more elves there than the day before and many yelled greetings to Lefnoln. Diaval remembered the elf was an instructor and it made sense that many knew him.
"Alright, since you are leaving tomorrow we will stick to the basics until they become second nature. They probably will not today, but we can try. I am going to ask Aragorn if he will tutor you along the way." Diaval nodded as the elf handed him a wooden club and shield. He readied himself in the position from yesterday and waited for Lefnoln to attack. He knew he would need to hone his defense and counter attacks since he was not skilled enough to launch his own attacks. Lefnoln raised his sword and shield and they started circling each other. The elf started his lecture.
"Remember, always be light on your feet. This could be to the point of shifting your weight constantly while waiting for an opponent to strike. You do this to avoid not moving quickly enough." Lefnoln launched forward suddenly and brought his sword down to strike Diaval's head. Diaval blocked the blow with his shield and then bent to swipe at the elf's feet. Lefnoln jumped forward in a front flip and landed a blow on Diaval's back.
"Never try to attack an opponent if you are unbalanced. You did just now, right?" Diaval nodded. "If you block an attack and feel off-balance, then adjust your stance. If you must attack, do so and then move quickly to avoid your opponents counter attack." Diaval stood at the ready and noted Lefnoln's advice as the elf attacked again.
An hour later Maleficent left Lord Elrond's study. He and Gandalf had shown her the map she was now carrying in her hand. It depicted both of the possible locations of the amulet as well as ways to get there other than flying. As she expected, both the wizard and elf believed the coming war had to be won if she wanted to get in easily. Maleficent had to agree after seeing how far into enemy territory the two places were. They'd also spoke of the traps she may encounter. Apparently she should expect them to be magical, mechanical, living, and dead. The only two that concerned her were magic and dead things considering her issues with the magic of Middle Earth.
She walked onto the training grounds and quickly found Diaval sparring with Lefnoln in the corner of the grounds. Surprisingly she saw that Diaval was doing rather well for only practicing for a day. As she walked towards the two she received respectful nods from the other elves. Either they'd heard of her spar with Lady Arwen, or that she and Diaval joined the Fellowship to save a world to which they did not belong. It was a nice change. One she knew she should not get used to.
Diaval and Lefnoln traded blows while Maleficent watched. Lefnoln managed to trip Diaval, but he quickly climbed to his feet and dodged a fatal strike from Lefnoln. She could see Diaval's skin glistening with sweat from his exhaustion, but he readied himself for another round. Lefnoln seemed barely winded. After another five minutes Lefnoln called a break and Diaval went to get a drink. Maleficent walked up to the elf and he nodded in greeting.
"How is he doing? Will he be ready for our quest?"
"He is advancing rather well for a beginner. I think his animal-instincts are helping his reflexes. He should continue to practice until you all run into enemies. Although, it would be nice if you all didn't run into any since this quest is as much of a secret as we can manage." Maleficent had to agree, but she doubted they wouldn't run into trouble. The nature of the situation demanded it. Diaval came back and the two continued their lesson with Maleficent adding advice.
They called an end to Diaval's lesson two hours later. He sat on the ground and caught his breath and Maleficent handed him a glass of water and Lefnoln stood beside her.
"Diaval," the man looked at Lefnoln, "I am going to give you the mace I showed you yesterday, but I want to have it checked before you go. I will bring it tomorrow morning if that's okay?" Diaval nodded and laid down on the ground. The elf and faerie smiled down at him and turned to watch some elves shooting arrows at targets. Maleficent marveled at the accuracy of the elves. Humans could not even come close to the skill these warriors had with the bow and arrow. They were shooting from distances and angles that could never be achieved by human archers. She tilted her head in curiosity.
"Are there going to be enemies as skilled in archery as elves?" Lefnoln hummed in thought.
"Possibly. I've seen orcs with quite a bit of skill, but those are the ones that really focused their energies on learning it. They do not have the eyesight of the Elves though." Maleficent fell into a thoughtful silence as she watched the arrows pierce their targets with deadly accuracy. Lefnoln looked at her.
"Would you like to practice at all?" Maleficent smiled at the elf's intuition.
"I was just thinking it might be useful to practice dodging missiles like those. I could stop them all with magic, but I may not always have that option." The elf nodded and gestured for her follow him to the supplies of bows and arrows. He picked up an arrow and showed it to her. Maleficent saw that it was dull.
"We use these for the exact training you'd like." He grinned as she quirked an eyebrow at him.
"How many elves would you need for this training?" He looked around at the elves scattered across the field.
"Minimally, five. Those assembled here would be willing to help. Plus they could use the practice with a moving target."
"And it would be fun to see if you can hit me." She smirked as he attempted to hide a smile.
"Why would you assume that?" He put the arrow away. "What say you? Practice dodging without magic?" She lifted her chin.
"Why not." He nodded and left to gather some help. Maleficent mentally prepared herself while the elf was across the field. She figured she'd have an interesting time restraining herself from using magic. It was one thing while facing Arwen, a single opponent, but this time there will be five or more arrows flying at her at once. She looked up when she heard Lefnoln approaching. He had six other elves with him. After introductions they gathered at a different corner of the grounds.
"Now how this works is we all shoot the blunt arrows and you dodge or block them. The point is to dodge, so block only when necessary. We will start off slow so you can get used to it and then go faster." They moved in a circular formation around Maleficent and she readied herself and her staff.
They started slow and went around the circle. The first arrow came straight at her head and she tilted it to miss the arrow. The second flew at her torso and she side-stepped it. The rest of the first round was similar, but Maleficent knew not to trick herself into thinking this would stay easy. The next round was faster, and she had to move quicker. The second to last arrow had her spinning to the side to avoid it and when she looked at the next elf his arrow was already a foot from her right shoulder! Suppressing a gasp, she bent backwards and to the left to avoid it. The arrow came close to her wing, and she pursed her lips at the close call.
The next round started and the elves surprised her! They shot randomly, not around in a circle! Quickly, Maleficent adjusted her strategy to using all of her senses, not just her eyes. One shot from her right and after she dodged it she heard a whistling from her left. The arrow flying at her from that direction narrowly missed her left knee. The hair on the back of her neck stood and she ducked as an arrow flew past her head from behind.
Lefnoln cocked his head from his spot at that reaction. It seemed like she could not have dodged that one without magic, but he sensed she had not used any. He made a note to bring it up later.
One elf shot at Maleficent's legs and she jumped aside. Lefnoln let his arrow fly to the spot she would land. Maleficent saw the arrow's destination and brought up her staff. She swatted the arrow away like it is nothing. After three dodges and one block an elf finally managed to hit her shoulder. Nothing happened, as Maleficent thought something would. Before she could look at Lefnoln to ask what to do next she was forced to dodge another two arrows. Ah, we are not stopping even if I do get hit. I guess in a real battle it would be the same…
She dodged two more arrows and the third bounced off a wing. Maleficent grimaced as she thought of how painful the arrows would be if they were real. Lefnoln noted that she was getting tired, but decided she needed another round before a break. The next round was even faster and Maleficent was forced to block three arrows and dodge three others. The last hit her leg. That was the end of that round and Lefnoln raised his hand to stop the others.
"Five minute break." The elves lowered their bows and Maleficent walked to Lefnoln. He motioned for her to sit and handed her a canteen of water. Maleficent thanked him and focused on regaining her breath. She was stronger than humans, and likely elves, but even she was tired after such a physical and mental workout. Lefnoln sat next to her and watched the other elves check their bows and arrows.
"Would you like my advice?" She hummed an affirmative. "Try to make your wings as small as possible. I know that is difficult, but they do make for good target to the enemy. The others are actually trying not to hit them, but I think I will tell them to try now… If that is acceptable?" Maleficent nodded. She knew well that they made good targets. "Also, keep in mind that limb injuries are just as bad as vital organs." Again, Maleficent nodded. She could heal such wounds, but it would distract her. They were silent for a moment before Lefnoln remembered he had a question.
"The arrow you dodged from behind. I didn't sense any magic, but…" She smirked sideways at him.
"No, I did not use magic. I've been in battles before, so I have developed a sense for danger I suppose." Lefnoln nodded, well aware that experienced fighters develop such a sense. Most warriors he knew had it. The five minutes were up and Maleficent had gained her breath. They stood to start again.
The elves slowed the pace to warm her up, but quickly passed the previous rate. Maleficent had to block arrows almost as much as dodge them, and forced herself to lower the weapon to make it less ready. She also realized that balance was important. Just as she thought it, an arrow from Lefnoln forced her to dive sideways. Another elf took that opportunity and shot at her where she landed. Curses! Maleficent quickly spread her wings and spun herself like a corkscrew. As in the fight with Arwen, she spun up and over the arrow. The generated wind pushed an arrow off course and Lefnoln had to adjust his footing to avoid stumbling. Such force behind those wings!
Maleficent made a quick decision and stayed in the air, allowing them to shoot at her. I need the practice if I do fly. An elf shot and she dodged it. After three more dodges she slapped a close call away with the staff. Then, she used the strength of her wings to knock the next elf to the ground before he could shoot. After two more dodges and a hit to a wing, Maleficent dropped to the ground.
Landing on her feet Maleficent immediately folded her wings close to her back and narrowly dodged another arrow. They went for another few rounds before Lefnoln called for a stop, noting the faerie's labored breathing. Maleficent dodged the majority of the arrows and only had to block a couple. She was hit five more times. Although she was tired, she helped the elves retrieve the arrows. She noticed Diaval watching off to the side and smiled as she approached.
"That was great!" Maleficent knew the ratio of dodges and blocks to hits was good, but there would be more in a real battle. However, in a real battle she would block more and use magic. She also noticed that while in the air she'd been tempted to use magic more. Although she was not vulnerable in the air, quite the opposite, the danger of the missiles was greater there. Maleficent figured it was due to her wings becoming larger, easier targets if she flew. She thanked Diaval anyway. They bid Lefnoln farewell after the elf told Diaval to meet him tomorrow morning. They spent the rest of the day preparing supplies and resting.
The next morning Diaval and Maleficent arrived at the eastern gate before the rest of the Fellowship.
"Diaval!" The two looked to see Lefnoln walking towards them. He had a mace and shield in his hands and smiled at the two of them. "Good morning. Lady Maleficent, to you as well." She nodded at the elf who handed Diaval the weapon and shield.
"Thank you."
Lefnoln pointed to the neck of the weapon which Maleficent noticed had Elvish writing engraved on it.
"The shield now has spells that will grant added protection against magic and other powerful weapons. I made it so the metal could withstand high temperatures, and it will be very hard to break. The same for the mace." Diaval hefted both items and already felt more useful to the group. All he had to do was continue to practice with the fighters. The three looked up the rest of the Fellowship started to arrive. Arwen also arrived and walked up to the three.
"Safe travels, my friends." Diaval nodded and Maleficent smiled at the she-elf.
"Hopefully we will see you again." Arwen grinned at Maleficent's friendly farewell, knowing that she wasn't the type to just hand them out. Arwen took Maleficent's hand as a final goodbye and turned to seek out Aragorn.
She found him walking towards the Fellowship, but he stopped when he saw her. He looked annoyed and tried to cover it up when she approached.
"What is wrong, Aragorn?" Aragorn took a deep breath through his nose and figured it would be better to just tell her.
"I just finished speaking with Lord Elrond." Arwen immediately snorted in annoyance. She knew what that conversation was about. Her father was willing to accept hers and Aragorn's relationship, but recently had been suggesting they break it off. Surely he saw this quest and the danger Middle Earth was in as an excuse to corner Aragorn.
"My father only has my best interests at heart, but he is being bullheaded. I will not hear him and neither should you." Aragorn was reluctant to ignore Lord Elrond, but he knew he did not want to leave Arwen on sour terms so he nodded in acceptance. Arwen smiled and held out a leather satchel.
"You were right, I could not make a whole body suit, but I managed to make bracers and a vest." Aragorn accepted the bag of light-weight armor and inclined his head. Arwen smiled lovingly and he returned it.
"Namarie." Aragorn turned and walked to the gates where the rest of the Fellowship had gathered. Lord Elrond and many elves from Rivendell had come out to see the group off.
"The Ringbearer is setting out on the quest of Mount Doom and you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will. Farewell. Hold to you purpose and may the blessings of elves, and men, and all free folk go with you." Maleficent was surprised that the Fellowship allowed people to leave when they willed. Although, if someone wanted to leave, no one could stop him short of killing him.
"The Fellowship awaits the Ringbearer." Frodo shuffled unconsciously when everyone looked at him, but then started towards the gate opening. He found that the path lead both to the left and right, and he quietly panicked before remembering Gandalf was right behind him.
"Mordor, Gandalf, is it left or right?"
"Left." Gandalf whispered, and Maleficent smiled behind them.
Along the way the Fellowship walked over mountains, hills, and plateaus and through rocky outcrops and forests. Maleficent especially enjoyed the ancient ruins they passed along the way and wondered at their function and beauty in the past. As when traveling with Aragorn, a name which Maleficent felt suited the human, she did not fly during the day. Rather they had Diaval scout most of the time. Maleficent flew at night to stretch her wings and see if there were any enemies close by. Most of the time there were none, but a couple nights she investigated a few campfires that turned out only to be travelers. One campfire was that of a group of bandits that did not know the Fellowship was close. She took it upon herself to scatter their weapons and armor while they slumbered.
The rest of the company quickly figured out that their strange allies both had witty humor and that the faerie enjoyed playing pranks at times. The hobbits and Aragorn already knew Maleficent and Diaval, and Gimli and Legolas warmed up to the two quickly. Gimli openly showed his humor at the faerie's little jokes and if one looked closely he could see Legolas smirking off to the side. Gandalf's eyes twinkled whenever Maleficent managed to make the others laugh or grin as he knew this quest could become harrowing at any moment. The small laughs were good for the moral. The only one that did not seem to accept the faerie was Boromir. He believed a woman, even one as forbidding as Maleficent, did not belong on the quest. He accepted Diaval mostly due to his human form and usefulness as a scout. He also enjoyed teaching the raven-man how to wield his mace and shield along with Aragorn.
Maleficent noted that Gandalf seemed to have a very specific route planned for the Fellowship and they often spoke of it over dinner. They were going to try and keep west of the Misty Mountains that towered like a snowcapped wall to the east. He hoped to use the Gap of Rohan, which he indicated on a map, to head east to Mordor.
"Will that not take us close to Isengard? Where your old ally lives?" Gandalf nodded at the faerie as he studied the area she indicated.
"Yes, but with care I believe we could go unnoticed."
"Then we must be careful." She fingered one of the bracers at the thought of battle. Aragorn had given her the mithril armor a couple days into the quest. They'd found themselves alone for a couple of minutes at the back of the group when he handed her the satchel.
*Flashback*
"I thought these might be useful for you." She'd opened the bag to find bracers of dark leather. Upon closer inspection she saw that they were lined on the inside with a shiny white material. It looked like fine chainmail, but she felt no heat. Aragorn spoke up.
"They are lined with mithril. It is a metal mined by dwarves, but there is no iron in it. Mithril is extremely light and is known to be as hard a dragon scales. There is also a vest in there that you can wear under clothing if you'd like…" Maleficent picked up the silver material and ran her fingers over it. It was very light as he said, but she'd have to take his word that it was strong. She noticed that the back was made to accommodate her wings, although the fastenings were stronger than the ties she usually used. It would be challenging to get on, but worth it. Then a thought struck her.
"Arwen made these didn't she?" She frowned at Aragorn and he backed away a step, gaping like a fish. He'd hoped she wouldn't figure it out.
"W-well… yes. I cannot do this… She is very skilled and wanted you to be protected from danger as much as possible." He decided to leave it there and let her decide whether to be extremely angry or simply annoyed.
Maleficent felt her anger dissipating. He may have told Arwen, but it was obvious that he did not do it to cause harm. She took a calming breath and put the vest back into the satchel, but the bracers she latched onto her forearms. They continued walking to keep up.
"Thank you…" Aragorn smiled hesitantly and kept quiet until she was less annoyed.
Later that night she sat next to him at the campfire and he figured he was forgiven. He knew so when she spoke first.
"So, how strong is it?"
"I've seen an elf get hit by a flail and fly ten feet. He got right back up with little more than a bruise. Regular armor would have broken or been dented, and the wearer would have broken ribs." Maleficent was impressed and looked at the bracers.
"I am guessing you had her cover them in leather for camouflage?"
"That and Mithril is very precious nowadays. Foolish men would attempt to steal them."
"Foolish?"
"Would it not be foolish to steal from you?" They chuckled quietly at his implication. Her mind turned to the vest and the difficult fastenings. She mostly trusted Aragorn, but did not really want his help putting it on. Then she spotted Diaval. She felt her cheeks heat up, but she quickly covered it and stood after nodding at Aragorn.
"Diaval…" She gestured for him to follow her into the woods a ways. The rest of the Fellowship paid them little mind. She would speak to him alone often enough. Once she figured they were far enough she stopped.
"Are you going to scout again? You already did so tonight…"
"No, I need your help with this." She brought out the vest and let him take it. He marveled at the light material. It seemed too shiny for something for her to wear, but she answered his silent question. "It is armor. Mined by dwarves." Diaval looked at her and then it.
"And with no iron." She nodded and he grinned. "You need help?" She gestured to the back. "The fastenings are rather difficult to get to, so I will need you to do it." She tried to hide the blush, and shifted on her feet.
"Oh… very well." He handed her the vest and turned around.
After making sure he wasn't looking she also turned and undressed halfway. She put the vest on her front and positioned the back portions where they needed to be.
"Alright, Diaval." Diaval gulped and turned around. His blushed deepened at her bare back and he shuffled forward hesitantly. She distracted herself by pulling her hair out of the way. The motion exposed more of her back and Diaval cleared his throat.
"So, how does this work?" Maleficent explained what fastenings went where, and he finished after a few minutes. He stepped back and she turned around. "How does it feel?"
"Light. I can barely tell it is on. Apparently it is very strong." It was not skin-tight, but not too loose either. She figured it shouldn't be if she was going to be moving a lot. It was comfortable, which was another thing she liked about the vest.
"Huh, doesn't look very strong… Impressive." Maleficent agreed and pulled her dress over it. The fabric covered it completely and she was relieved she wouldn't be a beacon for every archer in Middle-Earth. "How is your magic practice going?"
"I've been practicing in the clouds a little, but frankly there hasn't been much time. I will be fine." They walked back to camp and no one except Aragorn knew that Maleficent now had priceless armor.
*End Flashback*
A couple days after the quest began Diaval started his lessons with the humans. Merry and Pippin also wanted lessons and one midday break found them practicing with Boromir. The only members of the Fellowship not watching the lesson are Gandalf, Gimli, and Legolas. Maleficent was sitting next to Aragorn listening as both humans gave advice to the hobbits. She heard Gimli's begrudging tone and listened in on his conversation with Gandalf while quickly scanning the sky for Diaval.
"If anyone was to ask for my opinion, which I note that they're not, I'd say that we were taking the long way round. Gandalf, we could pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin, Balin, would give us a royal welcome." Maleficent watched Gandalf's expression change from curious to guarded and wary.
"No Gimli, I would not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice." Maleficent's eyebrows came together in confusion. As much as she despised going underground, Gimli's suggestion seemed valid. Just then, Legolas perched himself on a high rock and eyed a cloud in the distance. Maleficent and Gandalf both followed his eyes curiously, and Maleficent noticed Diaval flying towards the Fellowship from the same direction. With a little magic she focused on him and noted he was coming for them at an astounding speed for a raven. She stood and moved towards a cleared area so he could land safely. Her attention on him was drawn away momentarily as Boromir accidentally cut Pippin's hand with his sword and the two hobbits tackled the human. Boromir laughed as they attempted to wrestle him to the ground.
"Get him!"
"For the Shire! Hold him, hold him down Merry!" Aragorn got up and approached them. He stooped and took ahold of the hobbits.
"Gentlemen, that's enough!" The two hobbits grabbed his legs and he fell backwards, lightly hitting his head. Maleficent noted that neither Pippin's nor Aragorn's sudden injuries were anything to worry about. She looked back to Diaval who was now closer.
Sam noticed the cloud that half of the Fellowship was now scrutinizing. He thought it actually looked like a group of dark specks rather than a cloud.
"What is that?"
"Nothing, it's just a wisp of cloud." Gimli's dismissal of the cloud did not dissuade anyone, and Boromir looked up from the scuffle.
"It's moving fast… against the wind…" Diaval came close enough and Maleficent changed him as he landed on his feet. The suddenly dire mood made her change him at the exact moment he needed it so he landed gracefully. She let him catch his breath for only a moment.
"Well?"
"Birds. Crows I think…" Suddenly Legolas recognized them and shouted a warning.
"Crebain! From Dunland!"
Aragorn leapt into action, and picked up his sword and other belongings while shouting the order to hide. Everyone moved quickly and found hiding places. Maleficent put out the fire so there was no smoke. Maleficent and Diaval found themselves under some brush as Maleficent could not fit under any rock outcrops. Legolas was close to them. The crows circled above, likely smelling leftover smoke from the fire. Just as with the Nazgul, Maleficent could sense the dark magic emanating from the creatures, albeit less so. She crouched lower to put as much distance between them and herself as possible. She also noted a spike in the Ring's power as if it also sensed the darkness. She did not put it past the malicious object. After circling once more the Crebain flew south, back the way they came, and the Fellowship emerged from hiding. Gandalf watched them leave.
"Spies of Saruman. The passage south is being watched." Maleficent looked at Diaval and raised her hand to change him and follow, but Gandalf stopped her. "No, we must stick together. I know they are going back to Isengard and I am sure Diaval would be noticed." Maleficent sighed and nodded. Gandalf looked at the Fellowship and then up at the Misty Mountains. "We must take the Pass of Caradhras."
During their trek up towards the mountains Maleficent had Diaval keep a close eye on the horizon for more spies. At night the Fellowship started to hear the howls of wolves and other dark creatures, but Gandalf insisted that they not attack them first. After a couple of days they started to climb the first of the snowy mountains. If Maleficent thought they were impressive when spying them from distance weeks ago, they were more so up close and from below. She imagined they would be quite a sight from above as well. Diaval described them as a line of sharp, white-capped rock dividing the land into two halves. She envied his position as the constant scout to see such things.
The temperature dropped quickly and snow came up to the knees of the humans. Maleficent was tempted to start flying but restrained herself. Her wings would cause an uncomfortably cold wind for the others and she did not feel like enduring distasteful stares from Boromir any longer. It was amusing at first, but now it was just annoying.
Gandalf plowed ahead of the Fellowship while Maleficent followed him. She tried to make as much of a path for the smaller members as she could. She supposed she could make a path with magic, but she knew her magic might be needed soon elsewhere and the conditions were not too bad yet.
They were climbing a rather steep section when Frodo lost his footing and rolled down the slope.
"Frodo!" Aragorn caught the hobbit and helped him up. Frodo started brushing the snow from his clothes, and noticed that the Ring was no longer around his neck. He started searching the ground frantically before chaos erupted, and watched as Boromir stood slowly with the chained ring hanging from his hand. Frodo looked at the mesmerized man in concern. The rest of the Fellowship stopped and looked at the red-haired warrior. Aragorn watched the man closely.
"Boromir…" His voice went unnoticed and Boromir spoke as if to himself.
"It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing." He started raising his hand to touch the Ring and Maleficent's eyes glowed green as she sensed the Ring's power pull the man in. Diaval landed quietly on her staff and watched the scene in concern.
"Boromir!" Aragorn's shout brought him out of his trance abruptly and he dropped his hand and looked at the other human. "Give the Ring to Frodo." Boromir haltingly approached the hobbit and Aragorn and held out the Ring. Frodo quickly snatched it from him.
"As you wish. I care not." He grinned and tried to joke, but was brought up short by Aragorn's hard stare. He tried to shrug it off, laughed, and ruffled Frodo's hair to rid it of snow. Hefting his shield on his back, he started back up the mountain to rejoin the group. Aragorn stared after him and then caught Maleficent's glowing eyes. They understood each other in that moment and he slowly took his hand off his sword. She gave him an imperceptible nod and turned to follow Gandalf. It seemed to her that Boromir was the other member, besides her, that had a problem ignoring the Ring.
They continued on, the snow getting deeper and the winds picking up speed as they went as if a higher being did not want them to travel this route. The Fellowship was on a path that had a vertical wall on the left and a sheer drop to the right when the storm blew in. Diaval was forced to land and Maleficent changed him into a man to avoid being blown away and to help carry supplies. The weather took its toll on the hobbits and they had to be carried. Boromir, Aragorn, and Maleficent took turns carrying them and trying to keep them warm. Maleficent also attempted to ward off the winds with her magic but it was no good. It seemed like her magic could not hold off the weather. She used her wings as buffers against the wind while carrying a hobbit. She looked up as the wind was buffered suddenly and found Legolas standing in front of her on top of the snow. She remembered Arwen saying something about elves being very light.
Legolas stood at the ledge and looked into the head wind. He'd thought he'd heard something from the back and had come to investigate. Turning his head he heard it. "Cuiva nwalca Carnirasse! nai yarvaxea rasselya!" (Wake up cruel Redhorn! May your horn be bloodstained!)
"There is a fell voice on the air!"
Gandalf recognized it instantly.
"It's Saruman!" Just then a huge crack was heard and large chunks of rock, snow, and ice fell from above. Most of it narrowly missed the Fellowship, but Maleficent was forced to raise a shield above herself, Diaval, and Boromir. She gasped as her magic buckled under the rock! She pushed harder and it all fell to the side and down the chasm to their right. Diaval who'd been right behind her put a hand on her shoulder.
"Maleficent? Are you alright?" She glanced back at him quickly, and waved off his question and concerned eyes as kindly as she could. She decided to tell him later though.
Aragorn yelled from the back.
"He's trying to bring down the mountain! Gandalf! We must turn back!"
"No!" He knew the two alternatives to this road and was determined to make this one work! He perched on the ledge and yelled. "Losto Caradhras, sedho, hodo, nuitho I 'ruith!" (Sleep, Caradhras, be still, lie still, hold your wrath!)
The chanting of Saruman continued and fought against Gandalf's. Suddenly, lightning struck the mountain above the Fellowship and an avalanche of snow plummeted towards them. Maleficent knew she could not stop it, and she along with the others hunched next to the rock wall. Legolas leapt forward and pulled Gandalf away from the ledge. All was still for a moment and then everyone started digging themselves out. The snow was now chest-deep on the humans and Maleficent. Boromir spoke up.
"We must get off the mountain! Make for the Gap of Rohan and take the west road to my city!" Aragorn shook his head.
"The Gap of Rohan takes us too close to Isengard!" He motioned in the direction of the terrible storm to prove his point. Maleficent agreed. If Saruman could do this much damage at this range, it would be a terrible idea to get closer.
"If we cannot pass over the mountain, let us go under it!" Everyone looked at Gimli. "Let us go through the Mines of Moria." It was the same suggestion he'd made before, and Maleficent looked at Gandalf to gage his reaction. He seemed to be pondering the options and none were good. Finally, he came to decision.
"Let the Ringbearer decide." Frodo looked around the group in confusion and distress, upset that he had to make the choice.
"We cannot stay here!" Boromir yelled. Merry looked frozen in his arms and Maleficent knew Pippin looked the same in hers. "This will be the death of the hobbits!"
"Frodo?" Gandalf urged. Frodo took a deep breath and looked at the wizard with as much conviction as he could manage.
"We will go through the Mines."
"So be it…" Maleficent saw sorrow pass over the wizard's eyes before he quickly covered it up. They turned around and made their way down the mountain. The winds instantly slowed to a breeze as if Saruman and the weather agreed with the decision. Maleficent looked at the lightening sky as the clouds dispersed and felt it was a bad omen.
The Fellowship got down the mountain quickly in the calmed weather and came to a mist-filled, rocky valley. Everyone shook snow out of their clothes and belongings as they went. Maleficent stepped away from the groups to get the snow out of her wings. Diaval shaking snow out of his hair caught her eye and she smirked. She maneuvered just right and violently spread her wings to fling the snow. A good majority of it hit the bird in the face. He made an amusing yell and almost fell. He wiped the melting ice crystals from his face and glared at the faerie as she walked up, making the most non-innocent grin she could. Giggles from the hobbits and smirks from the other humans made her feel successful in her endeavor. Plus, she thought it was pretty amusing too.
Gandalf shook his head their antics and started walking again.
"Frodo, come and help an old man." Frodo jogged to the front and Gandalf put an arm around him. "How's your shoulder?"
"Better than in was."
"And the Ring?" He glanced down to see the hobbit hesitate with troubled eyes. "You feel its power growing don't you. I've felt it too. You must be careful now. Evil will be drawn to you from outside the Fellowship, and I fear from within." Frodo gulped and looked around at the Fellowship furtively.
"Who then do I trust?"
"You must trust yourself. Trust your own strength."
"What do you mean?"
"There are many powers in this world for good or for evil. Some are greater than I am, and against some I have not yet been tested." Frodo's eyes widened at the implication that Gandalf would not be able to protect him, and he missed Gandalf's gaze quickly fall on Maleficent before going back to Frodo. "You know how that Nazgul are drawn to the Ring?"
Frodo nodded.
"Not only is it because they work for Sauron, but it is because they have power. Beings with more power will be drawn to the Ring even more so than the weak-minded. Those with more ambition will want it more than those who have none. Everyone has some sort of reason the Ring would call to them. Just be aware that it will try harder now." Frodo nodded glumly. Gimli suddenly gasped, catching the attention of everyone.
"The walls of Moria!" In front of the Fellowship was a large sheer-flat cliff face that spread to the left and right as far as they could see. It truly looked like the outside wall of a huge building or city. Gimli continued in a proud voice.
"Dwarf doors are invisible when closed."
"Yes, Gimli! Their own masters cannot find them, if their secrets are forgotten!"
"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Maleficent grinned at the elf's smart remark and he smirked back, while Aragorn raised a disapproving eyebrow. Gimli growled under his breath.
The group traveled along the wall, searching for the door. Eventually the valley of rocks began to be cut in half by a deep lake. The water was clear, but its great depth was obvious in the inky blackness of the water. Magic rose off the lake like a thick fog and Maleficent eyed it worriedly. Gandalf stopped at a section of the wall.
"Ah… now let me see… Ithildin." He brushed dirt way to reveal patterns in the stone. "It mirrors only starlight…" He looked up at the sky to see clouds move away from the moon. "and moonlight." The runes and patterns suddenly glowed a bright white light and Maleficent could not help the impressed stare. She turned to Aragorn.
"How did he do that?"
"He did not. Ithildin is inlaid into the rock door."
"Ithildin?"
"It is extremely refined Mithril. It is so thin that it can be a lining for other things, such as stone."
"Bilbo said Thorin Oakenshield's map had moon runes on it that could only be read with moonlight on a very specific night." Frodo spoke from beside them, and Aragorn nodded.
"Yes, Ithildin can be enchanted to only appear in moonlight or starlight. It can be made so thin that inscribers can use it on parchment like his map." Maleficent looked at the doors.
"So these inscriptions can only be seen in moonlight and starlight?" Aragorn nodded, and they all watched as Gandalf read the Elvish writing.
"It reads, 'The Doors of Durin. Lord of Moria. Speak Friend and Enter."
"What do you suppose that means?"
"Oh, it's quite simple." Gandalf answered Merry. "If you are a friend, you speak the password and the doors will open." He placed his staff against a star symbol and spoke in Elvish. "Annon Edhellen, edro hi ammen!" (Gate of the Elves, open now for me!) Nothing happened, and Gandalf confusedly cleared his throat and tried again in Dwarfish. "Fennas Nogothrim, lasto beth lammen." (Doorway of the Dwarf-folk, listen to the word of my tongue.) The Fellowship watched in disappointment. Legolas looked at a Pippin beside him.
"Nothing's happening." He commented unnecessarily. Gandalf walked up to the door and tried to push it open in frustration.
"I once knew every spell in all the tongues of elves, men, and orcs…" he muttered to himself.
"What are you going to do then?" Pippin's too cheery question brought Gandalf's annoyance to the front.
"Knock you head against these doors, Peregrin Took! And if that does not shatter them and I'm allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will try to find the opening words." Pippin leaned back from the barrage and Maleficent put a hand on his shoulder. She threw a disappointed glare at the wizard who ignored her and turned back to the door, muttering as he tried to remember.
Half an hour later the Fellowship sat among the rocks waiting for Gandalf to get the doors open. Maleficent had tested her magic against the doors, but, as she suspected, they would not move. They really did need the password. He continued to mutter everything he thought might work. "Ando Eldarinwa… a lasta quettanya, Fenda Casarinwa…" (Gate of Elves… listen to my word, Threshold of Dwarves…)
Off to the side, Aragorn helped Sam remove baggage from his pony, Bill.
"Mines are no place for a pony, even ones so brave as Bill." Sam stroked the pony in disappointment and care.
"BuBye, Bill." Maleficent smiled sadly from behind them. Aragorn turned the pony and gave him a little push.
"Go on, go on. Don't worry, Sam. He knows the way home." Maleficent looked at the pony and then again at Sam's concerned expression. She furtively cast a protection spell on the animal as it walked away.
A splash was heard and they looked to see Merry and Pippin throwing rocks into the lake out of boredom. Maleficent started to get up, but Aragorn grabbed Pippin's arm and stopped him.
"Do not disturb the water." His small, warning glare turned to that of concern as he eyed the black, rippling water surface. Maleficent watched it carefully, feeling like she saw the magic fog shift. Diaval turned to see Gandalf throw his staff to the ground and sit on a rock next to Frodo.
"Oh, it's useless!" Frodo glanced at the wizard in pity.
Aragorn spotted ripples appearing on the water surface not caused by the thrown rocks. Maleficent and Boromir exchanged worried looks and stood behind the human. Obliviously, Frodo stood, focusing on the doors, while Maleficent could not deny the now swirling magic fog.
"It's a riddle." He muttered. The ripples turned to small waves and those watching this did not hear him. Pippin and Merry, both filled with shame and worry, backed away from the water's edge and behind Maleficent. Frodo continued.
"Speak friend… and enter. What's the Elvish word for friend?" Gandalf looked at him in confusion and muttered the word.
"Mel…lon" A resounding crack came and the doors swung open. Gandalf chuckled in delight and Gimli removed his pipe. He had not noticed the water's surface moving. The whole Fellowship started shuffling into Moria with Gandalf in the lead. He put a crystal into his staff as Aragorn, the last to enter, cast a worried glance at the lake's surface. Gimli started to gloat in the darkness.
"Soon, Mister Elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the dwarves. Roaring fires! Malt Beer! Red meat off the bone!" Maleficent's face scrunched at the musky smell in the mine. It smelled familiar, but she couldn't place the identity. Gandalf blew on his staff to light it, and grimaced at the sudden sight of skeletons below his feet! Gimli continued obliviously. "This, my friend, is the home of my cousin Balin, and they call it a Mine! A Mine!" Gandalf willed the light brighter to reveal the rest of the hall and the entire company stopped in its tracks. The hall was littered with cobweb-covered skeletons!
"This is no mine. It's a tomb." Boromir muttered as he looked around. There were dwarf skeletons everywhere with arrows embedded in their bodies, mouths silently screaming. Gimli let out an anguished yell and ran to one of them. Maleficent put a hand to her nose to ward off the smell and the hobbits made horrified noises at the proximity of bones near their bare feet.
Legolas pulled an arrow from a nearby corpse and studied it.
"Goblins!" He threw the arrow to the ground and loaded one of his own on his bow. Aragorn and Boromir drew their swords. Diaval took their cue and brandished his mace. Boromir started to back up.
"We make for the Gap of Rohan. We should never have come here." The huddled hobbits struggle to back up behind Boromir and the others.
"Now, get out of here! Get out!" He urged the hobbits quicker and Pippin stumbled on a skull. Suddenly, Frodo's feet were pulled from under him and he hit the ground hard. A tentacle slithering from the lake pulled him towards the inky water. He yelled and the hobbits shouted his name, and scrambled after him. They grabbed his arms and tried to pull him back. Sam turned to the others while drawing his sword.
"Strider!" Aragorn whipped his head around to see the problem, and he, Boromir, and Diaval ran for the hobbits. The hobbits continued to yell for help and Sam slashed the tentacle in half to free Frodo. The appendage retreated and Merry and Pippin start to drag Frodo away from the water. Instantly, countless tentacles erupted from the surface and knocked the others away from Frodo. His foot was grabbed again and he was lifted into the air, screaming for help!
Aragorn and Boromir dashed into the water with identical battle yells and started hacking at every tentacle they could see. Legolas fired an arrow at the one holding Frodo, but it did nothing! Diaval stayed on land and whacked the tentacles that came near the other hobbits.
Maleficent focused and slashed at air with her hand. Green magic erupted from her hand and arced towards the tentacles, cutting five in half at once. The tentacles shuddered, but more appeared to take their place. Suddenly, a body appeared below Frodo. It looked to be only a large head with thousands of tentacles. Large eyes looked at Frodo and a gaping mouth filled with teeth opened to drop the panicking hobbit. Maleficent and Diaval had never seen such a monstrous beast!
"Help!"
The two humans doubled their efforts and Aragorn finally sliced the tentacle holding Frodo. Boromir caught him and they dashed for shore. Gandalf backed into the doors.
"Into the Mines!" The others followed, and Boromir yelled.
"Legolas!" The elf answered with an arrow to the creature's forehead. Maleficent added a blast of magic that pushed it back further. Everyone surged into the hall as the creature pulled itself from the water in pursuit. It grabbed at the edges of the wall and doors, but its weight caused the stone to buckle. The opening caved in and the Fellowship barely cleared the falling rock. The entrance disappeared and they were cast into darkness, gasping for breath.
AN: Well, that is that chapter! Again, I apologize for the delay! I am at a new location now and in addition to no internet, there is also no cable TV. Hence, there will be fewer distractions from this story. I am able to get to a public library on the weekends, so I am able to post chapters when I finish them. Again, I am open to advice and suggestions. Please R&R!