Chapter Six: The Pass and The Lake
Cold had never truly bothered Iliana. She'd traveled through icy rain storms, half-frozen nights, and it had never bothered her. Yet all her travels could not prepare her for the burning cold of the mountain. Wind tore at her skin, leaving it red and sore. The snow blinded her. And when the icy flakes managed to slip past her clothes, it froze her to her bones. She took to wrapping her cloak around her lower face and neck, keeping her hood drawn to protect her.
She knew the Hobbits had it worse off. Their feet, though tough and calloused, must still be almost frozen. Merry and Pippin huddled together as they walked in front of Iliana, their teeth chattering. Sam walked next to her, and she could see how he was trying to be strong and not show how cold he really was.
The sun was bright, though it did little to warm them as they wearily stomped through the hard-packed snow. Gandalf still lead the way, Legolas and Gimli following closely. Sam and Iliana each held onto their ponies, who were shivering more than the Fellowship.
"Frodo!" Aragorn's yell made the group stop as the Hobbit began rolling down the slope. Boromir reached out but missed the rolling Hobbit. After a few more panic-filled moments, Frodo rolled directly to Aragorn's feet. The Ranger helped him up, dusting off the Ring Bearer. Iliana began to relax until she saw Frodo's eyes go wide as he searched under his clothes.
"He's dropped it!" her thoughts screamed as she dropped the lead for the pony and began walking quickly towards the two.
Suddenly, Boromir bent over and picked something from the snow. It was the Ring! He stared at it, captivated, as Iliana approached. She kept her hand on her sword as she walked with Boromir the remaining few steps to Aragorn and Frodo. The Gondorian gazed at the golden band with a burning lust.
"Boromir," Aragorn urged, his green-gray eyes a storm as he watched his fellow Man, his hand gripping his own sword.
"It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt," Boromir breathed, his brow furrowed, "over so small a thing." Slowly, he reached his other hand out to grab it. "Such a little thing…"
"Boromir!" Aragorn said again, this time in warning. The Gondorian Man jerked in response. "Give the Ring to Frodo."
His voice brought Boromir out of his trance, and he looked around him, his eyes meeting Iliana's. she saw longing and shame etched within them. He stared at her as his grip loosened on the chain. "As you wish," he said, holding it out. Frodo quickly snatched it away, tucking it beneath his shirt again. "I care not." Boromir's eyes flashed to the Ring once more before it disappeared. He forced a chuckle and mussed Frodo's hair before turning and rejoining the Fellowship.
Iliana relaxed her grip on her sword, her emerald eyes moving to Aragorn's. "No diriel," he said in Elvish, releasing the hilt of his own blade. Iliana nodded, touching Frodo's shoulder before turning and trekking up to Sam and the ponies.
The Hobbit handed her the lead rope that she has dropped. "Everything all right with Master Frodo?" he asked, his voice low.
Iliana's eyes darted up to Boromir, who was in front of them and within hearing distance. The Man half turned and met her gaze. "Fine," Iliana said, her voice hoarse from lack of use. "Just lost his footing."
Boromir's eyes flashed something before he turned away, and they continued until Gandalf called for camp. They were near a solid wall of mountain, which Gandalf said they'd be climbing in the morning. With the last of the daylight remaining, the Fellowship began to make camp.
They huddled around a fire that was built against the wall of rock. Boromir and Aragorn had taken the spare blankets and fastened them up, creating a barrier between the group and the wind and snow. Frodo and Sam were fast asleep, curled into little balls beneath their own blankets. Gandalf was speaking with Legolas about the journey ahead. Gimli was sitting outside the tent of watch, his grumbling carrying through the blankets. Aragorn was leaning against the rock, his eyes closed though Iliana knew he wasn't sleeping. Boromir stared into the flames as if they were about to consume him. Merry and Pippin were eating, though they looked as if they would fall asleep in their bowls at any moment.
Letting out a silent breath, Iliana grabbed her pack and stood, crouching low as she walked to the tent's exit. As she passed Aragorn, she touched his shoulder. "I'm going to clean up," she whispered in Elvish, slipping beneath the blankets and out into the night.
The wind had died down, and the moon shone brightly on the snow, making the landscape glitter. Nodding toward Gimli, who raised a hand in greeting, she began walking around the corner of the mountain. Before they made camp, she had spotted a small pile of snow, large enough to conceal herself behind.
She hurried behind the mound, thankful that the lack of wind made it seem less cold. With a deep breath, she dropped her pack. Taking another breath to steel herself against the cold, she began to undress, pulling off her cloak, armor, and mail. She laid out her blanket and stood on it after removing her boots and stockings, talking off her breeches and shirt as well.
When she was completely naked, she began scrubbing her body with snow. She bit her lip to keep from crying out against the cold. Quick as she could, she cleaned herself. Once satisfied, she pulled on fresh stockings the color of green apples. Over them, she tugged on breeches that were black as night. She pulled on her knee-high boots, adjusting the laces tightly.
As her teeth were beginning to chatter, she pulled on a sheer white camisole. Over that, she adjusted a thick, billowy-sleeved shirt the same color as her eyes. She sat down on the blanket, unbraiding her hair as she stared up at the moon.
"What is that mark on your shoulder?" asked a low voice.
Gasping, she twirled up, her sword drawn as she prepared for an attack. When she saw that it was Boromir, she slowly relaxed her stance. "How long have you been there?" she demanded. Her hair swung loosely, a wave of red=gold behind her.
His eyes caught in the moonlight. "Not long," he said, stepping forward. He gently reached out a hand and touched the hand that still held her sword up. "I'm not going to hurt you," he whispered, gently pushing her hand down.
Giving him a small glare, she spun away from him, sheathing her sword. "I don't like being snuck up on," she hissed, her back to him.
"My apologies," he said, sounding half-amused.
Iliana glanced over her should and saw him leaning against the mound of snow, his eyes dancing. "What do you want?" she demanded. She began folding and packing her clothes. As she shoved her shirt into the pack, her hair got caught. "Damn hair," she hissed.
"Why don't you cut it?" he asked, watching her.
Refusing to look at him, she fastened her pack. "I keep it braided usually," she answered. "But it it's like that for too long, it causes a headache." She straightened, arching her back to loosen her muscles.
When he spoke, the closeness of his voice surprised her. "I think it's beautiful," he said as she turned to look at him. He was a few inches from her. "Iliana." Her name was barely a breath as he ran a hand through her hair, her heart beat quickening at his touch. She closed her eyes briefly, taking a shuddering breath.
When she opened her eyes, he was still staring at her, his eyes searching hers. He inched forward slightly, but before their lips met, she pulled back, startled by the feather-light flakes that had begun drifting around them.
Smiling softly, she looked to the sky. "It's snowing," she whispered, taking a step back. Her heart was throbbing in her chest. When she looked back down, Boromir was gone, his footprints in the snow the only indication that he'd been there at all.
Glaring at the prints, she snatched up the rest of her things and trekked the short distance back to the group. When she ducked inside the tent, the Hobbits, Gandalf, Legolas, and Boromir were all asleep. Aragorn was leaning against the stone wall, much the same as when she left. He arched an eyebrow at her and gave a look to her unbound hair, but she ignored it, curling up beside Sam and Frodo. She wrapped herself in her blanket, which still had snow on it, and closed her eyes. Within moments, she was asleep.
She dreamt of storm-gray eyes, a deep laugh, the clash of swords, yelling voices, the twang of a bow, chattering screeches, and, most terrible of all, an echoing roar that shook her, even in her sleep.
The little flakes of snow that Iliana had admired during the night turned into a blizzard as they began climbing the steep slopes. The winds attacked them, whipping snow, ice, and cloaks into their faces. Gandalf lead the way, waist deep in snow. Gimli followed, the snow up to his shoulders. Legolas walked above the snow, his Elf feet refusing to let him sink beneath the surface. Boromir followed the Dwarf, Merry and Pippin clinging to him. Iliana followed close behind, Sam on her back, shivering against her. Strider was last, holding onto Frodo and leading the two ponies, who squealed above the storm.
The snow was so cold, it burned Iliana's skin as it was flung into her face. Her eyes stung, glaring through the storm as they trekked. The ground beneath their feet shook, and it felt like the entire mountain would come down on top of them.
Legolas darted ahead, his silvery-blond hair whipping back. "There is a fell voice on the air," he told them, his lyrical voice floating back on the winds.
"It's Saruman!" Gandalf yelled back, snow entangled in his beard. Suddenly, a piece of the mountain above cracked and broke off, heading straight for them.
Iliana quickly slipped Sam from her back, pressing him against the mountain wall as the others did the same. The pieces of stone and ice crashed around them. A rock the size of a melon clipped Iliana's shoulder, causing her to cry out.
"He's trying to bring down the mountain!" Aragorn yelled, protecting Frodo from the stones. "Gandalf, we must turn back!"
The old wizard shook his head, pushing himself away from the wall. "No!" he yelled, climbing on top of the snow. Raising his staff in one hand, he chanted in Elvish, "Losto Caradhras, sedho, hodo, nuitho i raith!"
For a moment, it seemed like his spell would work. Boromir set the two Hobbits down and weeded through the snow, back to Iliana, who was cradling her left arm to her chest.
"You're hurt," he said, touching her shoulder.
She hissed in pain, closing her eyes. Suddenly, an echoing voice erupted in the air. Iliana felt a tingle go down her spine as it spoke. "Cuiva nwalca Carnirasse! Nai yarvaxea rasselya taltuva notto-carinna!"As the voice finished echoing, lightning struck the mountain directly above them, sending snow and rocks avalanching towards them.
Iliana gasps, pushing Sam back against the wall. She looked as Legolas snatched Gandalf back. The snow was almost upon them when Boromir slammed into her, pressing them both against the stone wall. The avalanche hit them, completely burying them all. Iliana felt herself get pulled away from Sam and Boromir as she was crushed under the snow.
Her mind went numb from the pain of the ice against her skin. It was beyond freezing as it slipped down her shirt and into her mouth. She couldn't breathe! She was drowning in frozen ice.
Above her, she could just barely make out the others calling her name. her mind cleared suddenly, and she felt a warmth seeping through her. Planting her legs firmly beneath her, she used all her strength, screaming, "LET ME GO!"
The ice and snow flew off her as she stood, her hood coming down and hair flying loose from the braid. Suddenly, she felt dizzy and weak, and her injured shoulder throbbed. She managed to focus in on Boromir's face for a moment before her legs gave out and her vision faded. She felt someone catch her and keep her from falling. A voice directly above her began speaking, and she heard his voice echo through his chest. "We must get off the mountain!" Boromir called above the storm. "Make for the Gap of Rohan and take the west road to my city!"
Iliana's mind began to clear, and strength began returning to her limbs. She opened her eyes and saw Boromir glancing worriedly at her. When he saw her awake, he helped her stand as Aragorn spoke.
"The Gap of Rohan takes us too close to Isengard!" the Ranger called.
Iliana stepped away from Boromir, embarrassed by her weakness. She checked on Sam, who was shivering next to Merry and Pippin.
"We cannot pass over a mountain," Gimli spoke up. "Let us go under it! Let us go through the Mines of Moria."
Iliana glanced up to see Gandalf looking at each of them as if he were calculating. He clenched his jaw, and when he spoke, it barely reached the others over the storm. "Let the Ring Bearer decide." He looked to the Hobbit by Aragorn. "Frodo?"
Iliana and the others looked to the little Hobbit as he weighed his choices. "We will go through the mines," he said.
Iliana glanced back at the wizard and just barely heard him say, "So be it."
They traveled down to the base of the mountain as fast as they could. As soon as they saw the last bit of snow, they all felt just a little bit lighter; even the ponies didn't struggle so much.
As they walked, Boromir slipped into step next to Iliana. "How is your shoulder?" he asked.
She flexed her arm, testing it. "Better," she said. "A little sore."
"I'm glad it's better," he said. When she gave him a look, he cleared his throat. "You wouldn't be very useful if you couldn't use that sword of yours." He sped up, catching back up to Merry and Pippin.
Iliana smiled, shaking her head as Sam fell in step beside her. "How did you do that?" he asked quietly. "Back on the mountain? How did you unbury yourself?"
Iliana glanced at him. "I just told the snow to get off me," she said.
"Like magic?" Sam asked, watching her closely.
She smiled. "I can't use magic, Sam. I'm not a witch, or an Elf."
"But your ears…" he trailed off. "It looked a lot like magic to me."
To Iliana's relief, he dropped the subject.
"The Walls of Moria," Gimli breathed, his voice awed at the sight ahead of them.
Iliana thought it looked just like the mountain top without snow, but she didn't dare tell that to Gimli. As they approached the Walls, she glanced at the sky, saying goodbye to the mood for a little while. Every sound echoed across the lake, each stumbling pebble sounding like thunder until it stopped rolling.
Frodo lost his footing for a moment, stumbling into the water. A small ripple branched out as the group continued.
Finally, they reached the Walls. Iliana began unpacking Vera, urging Sam to do the same with Bill.
"Well, let's see…" Gandalf muttered. "Ithildire…"
Iliana began separating the supplies into equal packs for them all as Gandalf tried different spells to open the doors. Sam helped her.
"Why are we doing this?" he asked.
"The Mines are no place for a pony," Iliana told him. "Even ones so brave as ours."
Sam nodded, rubbing Bill affectionately. Iliana smiled at the Hobbit. "Don't worry, Sam. They'll find their way home."
They took the tack and leads off the ponies, releasing them.
"Bye-bye, Bill," Sam muttered, watching the two ponies wander towards the grass.
A splash behind them startle Whisper, and she looked to see Merry and Pippin tossing rocks into the lake. The echoing sound made her uneasy. Pippin was just about to launch another when Aragorn stopped him by the arm.
"Do not disturb the water," Aragorn hissed.
The two Hobbits dropped their stones, watching the water and the ripples.
"It's a riddle!" Frodo said, standing and approaching the entrance, which was glowing. "'Speak 'friend' and enter'. What's the Elvish word for 'friend'?"
"Melon," Gandalf said, and the doors swung open with a low rumble.
Gimli stood, his pipe hanging from one of his hands, pride written in his eyes as the others stared in awe.
As they began walking inside, Gimli began bragging about Moria. "Soon, Master Elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves," he said. "Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone!"
Iliana edged inside, keeping one hand on her sword. Something about the place made her skin crawl. "Shouldn't the Dwarves have heard us and come to greet Gimli?" she wondered.
Gandalf lit the crystal in his staff.
"This, my friend, is the home of my cousin, Balin," Gimli continued. "And they call it a mine. A mine!"
Iliana's eyes fell on the bodies that littered the stairs, corpses half-rotted away.
"This is no mine," Boromir whispered. "It's a tomb!"
The others finally noticed the bones beneath their feet. The Hobbits uttered half-moans as they gasped, trying to avoid the dead. Gimli gasped as he ran to one of the bodies, bellowing out a massive roar of anguish.
Legolas knelt next to a corpse and plucked an arrow from the body. It took him less than a moment to inspect it. "Goblins," he hissed, drawing his bow and standing. His usually smiling face was now grim as he waited for any sign of the enemy.
The two Men drew their swords, and Iliana readied her bow.
"We make for the Gap of Rohan," Boromir urged, Aragorn glancing at him. "We should never have come here. Now, get out of here. Get out!" He glanced to Iliana, watching as she took a step backwards.
Frodo suddenly fell as his feet were yanked out from under him, and he began sliding across the ground.
"He's being dragged!" Iliana thought as the other three Hobbits tried to pull him back.
"Aragorn!" Iliana yelled, rushing forward as Sam cut a massive tentacle that clutched Frodo's foot.
A roar echoed from the water, and more tentacles launched out of the water, knocking the three Hobbits and Iliana to the ground. Groaning, Iliana got to her feet again and tried to catch Frodo's hand as he was hauled into the air. She missed, and went sprawling into the water, scraping her hands on the rocks.
"Aragorn!" Frodo howled, handing upside down.
Legolas looked arrows as Aragorn and Boromir sliced through the flailing tentacles, trying to get to Frodo. The Hobbit was held higher in the air as the monster's head broke the surface of the water. He yelled when he saw the thing's mouth open.
Iliana saw an opening, and slashed the limb holding Frodo. He began to fall, and Boromir caught him, nearly falling over.
"Into the mines!" Gandalf yelled from the shore. The three Hobbits and Gimli stood next to him, and they turned and began sprinting inside.
Aragorn reached out and grabbed Iliana's hand as she stumbled, tugging her along with him.
"Legolas!" Boromir called as the monster started gaining on them. The Elf fired another shot, and it roared in rage and pain.
"Into the cave!" Aragorn urged, running beside Iliana as the Fellowship dove into the darkness. The monster pulled itself out of the water by its tentacles, but its weight caused the stone doors to crumble. Soon, the entire doorway was caved in, Iliana and Aragorn diving out of the way as the last stones fell.
The group stood in total darkness, breathing heavily. Iliana leaned back on the floor, her head resting against Aragorn's ribs. Her blood pounded in her ears as she caught her breath.
"We now have but one choice," Gandalf said, lighting the crystal again.
A dim light filled the cavern around them. Iliana saw Boromir staring at her as she leaned against Aragorn, who was still breathing heavily. She couldn't read the Gondorian's expression before he turned away.
"We must face the long dark of Moria," Gandalf said, his long hair shielding his eyes.
Legolas helped Iliana to stand, his eyes sparkling even in the dark.
"Be on your guard," Gandalf continued. "There are older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world."
Author's Note:
"No diriel" means "Be watchful"
"Losto Caradhras, sedho, hodo, neuitho i 'raith" means "Sleep, Caradhras, be still, lie still, hold (your) wrath"
""Cuiva nwalca Carnirasse! Nai yarvaxea rasselya taltuva notto-carinna!" means "Wake up cruel Redhorn! May it be your blood-stained horn shall fall upon the enemy-heads!"
mycarnation: thank you so very much for your defense! You have no idea how much I appreciate it! And yes, this is shaping up to be a Boromir romance, just slowly (I hope). Thank you for the congratulations on the job. This first week was tough, but I love it.
PageKat: Here you go! I hope you like it!
I will be updating on Sundays from now on, due to my work schedule. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Please leave a review!