I'm sorry that it took too long to update... I actually have no legitimate excuses for taking so long...inexcusable really, I know. Anyways, here's the chapter.
My feet pound against the floor once again as we run away from the goblins. The thundering roar of voices and feet against the ground follow close behind.
"Sometimes, I think you're a little too brave!" Harry yells over the loud din.
"You have your own burdens to carry, now it's my turn to take one for the team!" I shout straight back. Harry falls silent despite his obvious discomfort with the situation. After all, there is truth in my words.
Being the only one who could defeat the dark wizard of our time was difficult enough for Harry Potter. I could take on the burden of defeating this one.
"Your friend is right," Legolas says from right next to me.
"I don't want to get into this argument again!" I snap. "We've decided. It's done. Now can you both just get over the fact that I have the ring?!" We all go into silence and focus on escaping the Mines of Moria and the goblins residing here.
A stitch forms in my side, but I manage to run despite the pain.
"You know," I shout, breaking the silence, "I don't think there's such thing as being too brave unless you wander into the point of idiocy. But this- this is not idiotic. The fact is, I do have the power to defeat a Dark Lord. It won't be pleasant, but I can do it. Not alone of course, but you're here for that. Isn't that what you're all here for? To help the ring bearer?" They don't respond. Maybe because of shame, maybe because they're too out of breath to answer me. Whatever the reason, they don't answer.
I try not to let their silence bother me and continue to run.
I run until I feel like I'm flying, my feet barely touching the ground. Everything seems to disappear. The only thing that's there is me and the cave walls. The only thing I hear is my heartbeat.
Then even the cave begins to fade away. I'm still running, I still have a sense of severe urgency, but not because of goblins.
I sense crackling energy in the air, like powerful magic. The air begins to burn with the strength of it. I feel a strange tingling all over me. I look down to see my skin becoming translucent, then transparent. Its as if I've become a ghost.
I'm glad that's not the case Lady Hermione.
Who are you?I ask, responding to the voice of the man inside of my brain.
I'm afraid I cannot answer that question. All I can say is that I will be of assistance to you on your journey to Morodor. I desire your saftey above all Hermione Granger of Hogwarts.
How do you know me? Where did you learn my name?
That is of little importance. You must escape the Mines, yes?
Of course. How exactly are you going to help me here?
Watch and see.
I fade back into being, and my surroundings reapear. I slowly register Harry to my right and Legolas to my left. Gimili just behind us.
"HERMIONE!" Harry calls out. "Hello! Middle Earth to Hermione Granger!"
"Sorry," I reply.
"You're a little out of it eh?"
"Just a bit," I say with a frown.
"The goblins are gone. I don't know what scared them off, but they aren't here. And Gandalf says the exit of the Mines is this way."
"Great."
Despite the lack of following goblins, we have yet to slow our pace. Adrenalin and fear of what could've possibly scared off a large pack of goblins drives us forwards.
"Great indeed!" Gandalf shouts. "We've reached the exit!"
As I pass over the threshold into the light of day, I blink against the sudden, harsh light.
"I'm happy to see the sun," I say softly with a smile. Harry agrees with me with a simple nod of his head.
"Yes, we all are, but we must depart, and swiftly. Many things lurk above the ground and are just as dangerous as goblins," Aragorn says.
With those words, we leave the mouth of the Mines of Moria.
What say you? R&R please! I love you all, and I do sincerly hope this chapter was worth the wait.