Chapter 10

Having been defeated by the merciless Caradhras Pass, the fellowship gladly put the frigid obstacle behind them as Gandalf lead them to the Gate of Moria. Gimli was marching up front with Gandalf; the dwarf's enthusiasm was not met by the others, particularly the two elves who were both dreading their destination. Together Gimli and Gandalf lead the company back towards the mountains, they were to keep their course west that would bring them to the Gate-stream, Sirannon. The terrain was gray and gloomy, sharp rocks and dried up bushes were the only things dwelling in this barren area. They saw no living creature. Not a bird in the sky or mouse in the bush.

Suddenly as Gimli had pressed on ahead, he called back to them in excitement. Waving his arms, the dwarf pointed at his discovery as the rest of the fellowship joined him. Before them was a deep and narrow channel, the remains of what was once the great stream, Sirannon.

"Ah! Here we have arrived. This is where the stream once ran. All that remains is damp rock; much has changed since last I ventured here. I cannot guess what happened, the stream used to be so swift and noisy...Hmmm, well we must press on if we are to reach the gate of Moria before nightfall."

Gimli looked upon the remains of the Sirannon in puzzlement. He recalled his many visits through this pass and never had he seen the place so barren. This sudden change made his heart clench in worry. He tried to focus on other things. Like the warm welcome he was anticipating from his cousin Balin. It had been many long years since he had visited that old dwarf.

After many miles of walking along the twisting and rugged channel, the company became footsore and weary. The sun was positioned at high noon, and the rumbles of the hobbits stomachs suggested that food and a short rest was in order. Bill the pony was much relieved when his masters stopped. Sam searched in the packs and snuck the pony a juicy red apple, "There you go Bill. Don't tell the others. It'll be our little secret." Sam spoke affectionately as Bill happily chewed the apple. Juice and saliva dribbled from his muzzle, the pony bobbed his head and nuzzled the hobbit affectionately. Sam smiled and continued his work on preparing a meal for his comrades.

Legolas watched Sam's sneaky exchange with the pony. He smiled fondly, admiring the hobbit's adoration for the pony. From his position atop a tall boulder, Legolas kept watch. He sat cross legged upon the boulder, content to be off his feet for even a short while. With his bow in hand, his eyes scanned the terrain. He was dreading what was coming. Soon they would be before the gate of Moria and he felt his heart sink. A chill went through his body that had nothing to do with the avalanche he had encountered yesterday. They had not even entered the mines yet, and already he felt like his spirit had begun to wither and mourn. He stared ahead, trying not to think about it too much. He wouldn't let his…fear, yes…he felt fear and he wouldn't allow it to get the better of him. He tried convincing himself that he was being irrational…he could handle the mines for a few days. It was only temporary, they would be out back into the clean fresh air soon enough…Legolas shook his head, his anxiety had begun and they hadn't even entered the mines yet.

His thoughts were interrupted by the scuffle and movement of somebody approaching. He knew it to be Aragorn by the sound of his footsteps. "I have come bearing food. Here!" The man sat beside the elf with two bowls of stew before him. He placed Legolas' serving before the elf and began scarfing his own into his mouth, making noises of pleasure at the warmth the stew brought.

"Hannon le…"Legolas thanked, he wasn't feeling hungry though he knew Aragorn would fuss if he made no attempt to eat his portion. He too savored the warmth the stew brought, a small comfort in the damp rocky terrain. He quietly ate the stew, but he spent more time moving the contents around with his spoon than actually eating.

"Legolas, speak to me mellon nin." Aragorn spoke calmly as he continued to devour his stew. The Ranger had known the elf prince for many years. Their close bond made hiding things from one another nearly impossible.

Legolas sighed, "What do you want to speak about?" he replied not looking his friend in the face.

"The mines…are you going to be okay? I know how difficult this part of the journey will be for you. And Tauriel as well…how will she fare?"

Legolas cringed; he didn't want to think about the mines. There would be no avoiding the topic now though as Aragorn was concerned. "Tauriel has not been acquainted with a mine yet. There is much of the world outside our realm she has yet to discover. I honestly do not know how she will fare, but I will make certain to be at her side through this trial. We will be fine, it is important we remember our task. This is a small obstacle that we must endure for the purpose of this mission."

Aragorn nodded, seemingly satisfied. "Well…with the way Gimli is boasting on about mead halls, grand feasts, and enough gems to light up the night sky…it sounds like it shouldn't be too difficult of a journey."

Legolas huffed, "That is easy for you to say. Dwarven hospitality or not, it makes no difference to me. I wish to not tarry. I want to be out of there as quickly as possible for myself and Tauriel as well."

Aragorn looked upon his friend and noticed how tense the elf had become. He clapped his hand on Legolas' broad shoulder, "All will be well mellon nin. Gandalf and I will make sure of it. Now, eat your stew. I'm going to see if there is any more for seconds. That is if the hobbits didn't beat me to it."

Legolas gave a fake laugh and took another mouthful of the stew that had now become chilled. He continued his watch and finished off the rest of the stew. As always, his thoughts drifted to the elleth with radiant red tresses. His eyes searched for her amongst the fellowship and he found her having a discussion with Boromir and the hobbits. A smile had graced her lips and she comfortably contributed to the conversation with much passion and confidence. Legolas admired her for a moment, adoring every bit of her. A smile found its way on his face as he watched her from across the camp. He was lost in her beauty and he had forgotten about the mines for the first time since they left the Caradhras.

Tauriel laughed merrily along with the hobbits and Boromir, she felt a pair of eyes on her and she looked over to where she last saw Legolas perched upon the boulder across the camp. After excusing herself, she stood up to join her friend upon the boulder.

They were silent for a moment, before Tauriel started talking about the mines. "I have never been in a mine before. Are they as bad as the others back home claim them to be? I once heard a story of an elf that was stuck after a cave collapse and he was nearly driven to madness and almost faded entirely from being trapped for so long. Then again that was Brunduil's tale and he always liked to try and scare and prank me as an elfling."

Legolas knew Tauriel was a little nervous, she tended to speak rather fast paced and would ramble when she felt nervous. He took her hand in his and lightly stroked her hand with his thumb, "I have had the misfortune of having to endure many mines and caves. I shall be honest and blunt, they are unpleasant. The severity of it is different for everybody. Some can tolerate it better than others. As for Brunduil's tale…well…it is true that some elves can be driven into madness after being confined in such a torturous place…it is how they begin the process of turning an elf into an orc…through much torture and pain. The spirit is killed, and madness takes over them. A thirst for flesh and blood and war consumes them…it is tragic…"

Tauriel could see a faraway look in Legolas' eyes. She thought of his mother who was captured by orcs. She did not know much of what had happened; only that she was taken into the orc stronghold, Gundabad, and had died. Legolas never spoke of her much; when he did he was filled with a terrible grief. Tauriel could only imagine the horrors the Elf Queen had endured while prisoner in Gundabad; she knew Legolas wondered that too.

Pushing those thoughts out of her mind, Tauriel focused her energy on cheering up her friend. "We will overcome this obstacle mellon nin. And let us not forget, we have the great and powerful Mithrandir in our company! He speaks of the mines with familiarity; he knows the path! And Gimli the dwarf as well speaks as though we will be receiving a royal welcome with the way he speaks of Moria. It will only be a five day journey, not long at all. We have faced much greater dangers than this, and this we shall also overcome."

Legolas listened to her words attentively, he was comforted. The two elves shared a small but genuine smile together. She squeezed his hand reassuringly to which he returned. She was right though, with Gandalf as their guide, he admitted he felt safer and felt some confidence return to him. The wizard had never failed him in the past. Legolas could always rely on him as a trusted ally and friend. Legolas turned to glance back at the fellowship. The aged wizard was resting beside the fire, smoking his long pipe with Aragorn, they had grins on their faces as they listened to the hobbits speak of merrier times. The wizard's deep laugh lifted Legolas' heart from the depths of fear. Gandalf lifted his gaze from the hobbits to the two elves on watch. He sent a gesture of greeting and a warm smile their way and turned his attention back to the eager hobbits. Legolas smiled and returned the gesture. Yes, with Gandalf leading them on, all would be well.

The fellowship continued for many miles. The sinking sun made its journey westward, filling the sky with a golden glimmer of the final sunset they would encounter before entering the mines. The elves made note of this with heavy-hearts, for they would not be greeted with a sunrise for many days thus after.

After following the path around a sharp turn, the reason for the drying up of the Sirannon had been revealed to them. Before them was a dark placid lake of ominous appearance. A damn had been constructed of boulders, blocking the flow of the Gate stream and turning into a still lake.

Gandalf stepped forward, "These are the walls of Moria," he pointed across the lake, "We will travel around it. I highly doubt anyone of the fellowship will want to swim through the gloomy lake."

"Oh come on Gandalf!" Pippen piped up, "I think a dip will do you some good!" the hobbit sniggered and joked with his comrades.

"I think you should keep your thoughts to yourself young master Took. Or I shall toss you in the lake for a dip yourself. Maybe then I will finally have some peace." The old wizard replied as he marched on ahead, leaving the chuckling hobbits behind.

"I was only joking!" Pippen exclaimed!

"Come on Pip," Sam exclaimed as he led Bill the pony, "If he dont throw you in I sure will. Then at least I dont ave ta worry about you taking other peoples dinner portions."

"That was only one time, and it was Merry's fault. He's the one who was late for supper!" Pippen countered.

"Hey, don't put that on me. Unlike some, I wash up regularly before supper!" Merry spoke as he picked up stones and examined them.

Frodo smiled upon his friends bickering, "How strong our bonds of friendship and loyalty are indeed! I feel so blessed to be with such valiant hobbits such as yourselves," he commented with a lace of sarcasm in his tone. Sam turned to share a laugh with Frodo and they carried on after Gandalf.

As they continued along the lake shore, the stars appeared in the sky cold and distant beyond the looming cliffs. They came upon some holly trees. Decayed stumps and rotting roots, the remains of a thicket that once followed the path. Towards the end of the path against the cliff stood two great living trees, their roots had crawled their way to the shore of the lake. The two trees were tall, dark, and stiff; casting gloomy shadows upon them.

"We are here at last!" Gandalf exclaimed as he approached the wall space between the two great trees, "Here the Elven-way from Hollen ended. Holly was a token of the people of that land, and so they planted it here to mark the end of their domain; for the West-door was made chiefly for their use of traffic with the Dwarf lords. That was back in happier days when there was still a close friendship between all races of middle earth; even between Elves and Dwarves."

"It was not the Dwarves fault the friendship waned," Gimli spoke gruffly, shooting a resentful glare at the Elf prince.

"I have not heard it was the fault of the Elves," said Legolas as he cast a look of discontent.

"I have heard both," Gandalf interjected quickly to diffuse the hostility, "And I shall give no judgement now. But I beg of you two; Legolas and Gimli, to try and at least be friends and help me. I need both of your help as the doors are shut and hidden. The sooner we find them the better, night has fallen."

Legolas and Gimli exchanged one last glare at each other before they started examining the wall for evidence of the door.

Turning to the others, Gandalf spoke, "Ready yourselves to enter the mines everyone. The road under the mountains is dark and there will be places that are narrow and steep. With that said, it is here that we must bid farewell to our beast of burden. Leave behind much of the things you needed for the cold weather, you will not need it inside nor when we exit the mines and head south. Everybody takes a share of what the pony carried especially the food and waterskins."

"What! We can't jus leave poor Bill in this forsaken place Mr. Gandalf!" cried Sam in distress.

"I am sorry, Sam. But you must now choose between Bill and your master Frodo."

"Oh Bill would follow Mr. Frodo into any dragon's dungeon for all he cared. He's the bravest pony there ever was. He has come this far!"

Gandalf laid his hand upon the pony's head and spoke, "Dear Bill, go now with my words of guidance and protection. Return yourself back to Rivendell or wherever your heart may lead you…" Gandalf turned to face a sullen looking Sam, "He will be safe, Samwise. He is an intelligent pony and perhaps we shall see him again someday. Say your goodbyes Sam." Gandalf patted Sam's shoulder and joined the elf and dwarf in searching for the door. Gimli was tapping the stone with his axe in various places. Tauriel had joined Legolas and they switched from pressing their ears against the two great trees and the wall of Moria, as if they were listening for something.

Tears escaped from Sam's eyes, as he clung desperately to Bills mane. Aragorn set down his things and approached Sam, "Come Sam, let us go lead Bill to the right path…The mines are no place for a pony. Not even one as brave as Bill." Aragorn helped Sam unstrap the buckles and burdens from the pony and then walked down the shore.

Gandalf touches the smooth rock wall between the trees... slowly faint lines appear like slender veins of

luminous silver running through the stone. "Itidin…it mirrors only starlight and moonlight." The elves and dwarf gazed upon the silver veins in awe; "It reads, 'The doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak, friend, and enter'."

"What do you suppose that means?" Merry asked.

"Well it's quite simple," Gandalf spoke confidently, "If you are a friend, you speak the password and then the doors will open….Annon edhellen, edro hi ammen!" Gandalf chanted in a commanding voice. Nothing happened. The fellowship looked back to Gandalf for and explanation.

Signing, Gandalf persisted to mumble words in hopes of opening the door. The others grew weary of his fruitless attempts and elected to rest. Legolas stood beneath one of the great trees, he could sense the sadness in the tree and the elf offered his comfort. Tauriel was at the other great tree doing the same. Boromir and Gimli had seated themselves upon the ground, both nearly about to doze off.

Down the shore, Aragorn was comforting a grief stricken Sam as they watched Bill stroll off into the valley, "Do not worry Sam, he knows the way home."

The silence was interrupted by a loud splash from the still lake. Aragorn turned his head towards the source of the noise and saw Merry and Pippen throwing stones in the lake. Aragorn rushed over and grabbed Merry's arm before he could release another stone in to the lake.

"Do not disturb the water." Aragorn warned. Where the water swallowed up the stone, large ripples grew and traveled to the shore, creating waves on the bank. It was unusual, for there was no wind to stir such ripples. Aragorn exchanged an anxious look with Boromir, both keeping their eyes on the water. Aragorn's hand creeped its way to his sword.

Back to Gandalf, he became frustrated with his failed attempts at opening the door. He threw his staff on the ground and sat down in silence.

Frodo who was observing the wizard's attempts, approached the door and studied it carefully, "It's a riddle," He turned to Tauriel who was closest to the door, "What's the elvish word for friend?" he asked her.

Her eyes widened at the realization of what the hobbit had just figured out. She moved away from the door and spoke, "Mellon."

The door divided down the middles and opened outwards.

"Oh it was too simple! Well done Frodo, my lad! It was the translation itself! Not an actual password. Oh my word. Come on everybody." Gandalf spoke excitedly.

The doors revealed a long path of black darkness into Moria. As the fellowship warily entered, the lake behind them stirred. As soon as Gandalf put his foot on the very first step, several things happened at once. Frodo felt something wrap around his ankle and with a cry he fell down and was dragged back out of Moria. The others jumped into action as they turned to see a large tentacle dragging Frodo into the lake. Just as the hobbit's feet touched the water, Aragorn swung his sword and severed the tentacle around Frodo's ankle. Aragorn kept his eyes alert as he carried Frodo back to the safety of the others. The water seemed to boil as twenty other tentacles burst from the lake and lashed out at the fellowship.

With their swords, Aragorn and Boromir hacked and sliced the tentacles away. Gimli swung his axe with the ferocity of a dwarf. A second time, Frodo felt a tentacle wrap itself around his ankle and he was roughly dragged into the lake. He felt the fingers and hands of his comrades as they tried to grab him and pull him back to safety. Frodo was terrified. He was lifted in the air, wind whooshing past his ears and droplets of the rancid lake water peppering him in the face, "HEEEELP!" He cried out.

Legolas and Tauriel who were shooting arrows at the tentacles that threatened to get Aragorn, Boromir, and Gimli, heard Frodo's cry for aide.

"Watch the others!" Legolas shouted to Tauriel, "I will help Frodo!"

Legolas ran toward the ring bearer, dodging tentacles and the weapons of his comrades as he approached the tentacle Frodo was held captive in. With two arrows knocked, he released them both into the tentacle causing it to falter and cringe in on itself.

Frodo was still frantically shouting as he was held in the air. Out of the corner of his eye, Legolas saw another tentacle approaching the dwarf. With speed, he pulled out another arrow and shot it into the tentacle as it was just mere inches from the dwarf's head. The dwarf didn't notice and continued hacking away at the tentacles before him. Turning back to Frodo, Legolas saw Aragorn give a powerful swing, slicing through the thick tentacle holding Frodo, The tentacle finally released the frightened hobbit, causing Frodo to fall straight towards the open arms of Aragorn.

Legolas continued to defend the others as Aragorn carried Frodo back to the shore.

"INTO THE MINES!" Gandalf shouted seeing that the Ring bearer was freed. Just as those few words were spoken, the beast emerged from the lake. Three sets of black eyes blinked at them and a mouth lined with sharp pointed teeth, dripping with slimy saliva, its leathery skin was stretched tightly over the gaunt body of the beast. It charged toward them, tentacles flying.

As they ran towards the door, Legolas stoped to fire an arrow at the beast's head, gaining a few vital seconds for Boromir and Gimli to catch up to them as they raced out of the water.

The fellowship hurriedly made it into the doorway and retreated back as the creature seized the doorway to hoist itself up the bank. The doors crumbled from the weight and with a shattering echo, were ripped away, causing a rock slide that crashes from the cliff above. Within seconds, tons of rocks seal the doorway…throwing the fellowship into complete darkness.

Panting, coughing, and heavy breathing were the only noises heard now in the silence of the darkness. Gandalf lit his staff, a warm glow emitting from it, shedding light to the room they were in. Aragorn and Boromir were soaked wet from the battle with the beast, Gimli as well as Frodo. The hobbits were pretty shaken up by the encounter, but were mostly concerned about Frodo, checking him over for injuries were their top priority at the moment. Frodo hastily served his neck, looking for the chain….where was it?...Ah! There!...the ring?...Safe! Frodo looked up relived at Gandalf, assuring the wizard all was well. Gandalf smiled at the young Hobbit.

"Well, well," said the old wizard, The passage is blocked behind us now and there is only one way out on the other side of the mountain." He looked around the darkness, "This place has a foreboding feeling about it."

Gimli spoke up excitedly, "Soon elves, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the dwarves! Roaring fires! Malt beers! Red meat off of the bone! This my friends is the home of my cousin Balin, and they call it a mine. A mine!"

Gandalf expanded his light brighter to light up the entire room, the fellowship recoiled in horror. They were welcomed with the sight of many dwarf skeletons strewn about; the rusted armor and shields were peppered with arrows and axes.

"This isn't a mine…it's a tomb." Boromir stated grimly as he examined one of the skeletons.

Gimli rushed forward to the nearest skeleton, "Oh no no no no!" He cried.

Aragorn approached a skeleton and pulled an arrow from its ribcage, "These arrows are goblin made."

"We should have made for the Gap of Rohan. We never should have come here." Boromir exclaimed as he stood straight.

Gandalf interrupted and spoke clearly, "We have but one choice, we must face the long dark of Moria. Everyone must be on your guard. There are older and more fouler things than orcs and goblins in the deep places of the world…we shall rest here for a short while."

Closest to the entrance, Legolas stood rooted beside the fallen rocks. He stared at the rocks as if willing himself to see through them and to the starry night sky and to breathe the fresh air, to feel the clean wind on his face. He closed his eyes imaging being anywhere but here…he was pulled back though when he felt a hand upon his shoulder, causing him to jump in alarm. He was brought back to the cold darkness, the damp and foul air, the stillness of death around him, the stone around him suffocating, and the ground beneath his feet hard and dusty.

"Breathe…" Aragorn instructed, fully understanding the elf's agony.

Legolas did as he commanded and inhaled a breath, though it felt polluted, tainted…he held it in…and let it out. He repeated this painful process a few more times, Aragorn supporting him the entire time.

"Hannon le, mellon nin" Legolas thanked as he relaxed a little. Legolas was a little frustrated at how weak he felt now. How a simple thing such as a mine could reduce him to a scared little child. It was irrational, it was just a mine. Many people traveled through them and some even dwelled in them, he would be fine…it was different for elves though. They needed the sky, the wind, the sun and moon, the trees, the rivers to thrive. To feel one with nature, for it was nature that lifted their spirits with glorious song.

"I am here, Legolas...do not hesitate to come to me if it becomes too much." Aragorn patted his friend on the shoulder as Tauriel approached; he saw her and left for the two elves to find solace in each other. Giving her an affectionate pat on the shoulder as well, Aragorn wen to join Gandalf.

Legolas' spirit lifted upon seeing Tauriel, not only was she a dear friend, but a fellow elf with whom his spirit connected with. She was a breath of fresh air in this foul place. Her pure beauty and elven grace was a good distraction from their current situation.

She came and stood beside him looking upon the mound of rock blocking them from the outside world…and the lake beast as well she thought, "Gandalf has told us from the sounds of the rocks piling up, the beast had uprooted the two great trees and thrown them across the lake. I am sorry, for those trees were beautiful and had stood there for so very long," a sad look shown upon her elegant features as she remembered the great trees.

Legolas shared her sadness over the trees they had comforted for just a short while. They were old, and had grown to such height and beauty. It was a shame to see such greatness imprisoned in the valley of Moria.

"Perhaps their death was a blessing. For no longer will they have to endure the harshness of the valley and the tainted waters of the lake. They are finally free from despair." Legolas reminisced.

Tauriel nodded in agreement, "Perhaps you are right, mellon nin."

Legolas took her hand in his and lightly squeezed it, offering his comfort, "How are you faring?"

Tauriel wrinkled her nose slightly and turned to face him, "It smells terribly in here my Prince."

Legolas couldn't help but laugh at her response. Of all the things that could bother her, the smell was the worst, "Indeed it does! And we have smelly humans in our company to add to the odor."

Tauriel shared a laugh with him, and it was just what both elves needed to strengthen their spirits. Together with small smiles on their face, they walked away from the rock to join the rest of the fellowship resting beside Gandalf's light.