Hello to whom ever is reading this,
Thank you for staying this long. A bit of a longer chapter for you today.
This is me attempting to write an actual fight scene which is something I find extremely difficult. Let me know if you have any tips or suggestions. If I'm doing it completely wrong, let me know.
Disclaimer: I do not own the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Only my own character(s) and plot twists.
Hope you enjoy.
Dark. Silent. Cold. Sinister. This is Moria.
Solid stone beneath my feet that I fear will break away. Air that I breathe I fear will suffocate me. Shadows that I fear will kill me. Fear itself threatening to swallow me whole.
This place is getting to me. My hand clenches my dagger. The familiar feel of the grooves in the handle giving me little comfort. I stare at the ground and watch as my feet aimlessly follows the group ahead of me, dragging me deeper into this hell. We've been in these mines for what seems like weeks although I know it hasn't been that long. The cold seeps through the clothes and I hear nothing but the steady rhythm of the members trudging along. I can feel every nerve in my body shaking and I'm thankful that my hood shields my face. I don't want anyone to see me like this.
It's not the shadows that frighten me. Or darkness. Often times I pray darkness shield me from all those who don't wish to see the truth. This darkness is different. It doesn't bring peace, just the suffering of those who died in the hollow crevices of this horror.
Attempting to calm myself, I walk up the large steps still following behind. I take a glance at my surroundings which is only visible from Gandalf's lit staff. Most of this chamber is hidden in the dark but the corpses of dwarfs and orcs are strewn across the steps and the far edges of the stone walls have started to collapse leaving jagged pillars in the distance. The ominous atmosphere creates an unnerving tension in my soul.
As soon as I reach the top, I know something is wrong. Everyone is crowded around as Gandalf looks at three identical passage ways. Each leading a different direction.
"I have no memory of this place." says the wizard. My heart sinks. Of all places, we get lost in the one place I don't want to spend more time in.
The fellowship all sit around, waiting for Gandalf to make a choice. I choose a spot away from the group on one of the stone steps. Tucking my knees close to my chest, I pull out my dagger, examining it in the little light as I attempt to get my mind off of the situation.
I've heard many horror stories from around the land, eavesdropping on those who spend most of their lives underground. The miners and such that speak of the tragedy that has happened to people while they are in the mines, tombs or caves. Also from the books I used to read as a child when I was able to trade the merchants with whatever I had at the time. They share stories of walls caving in and people being trapped or killed. Also that it is fairly common. From what they say, most people who get trapped in a section of a cave suffer the brutal death of dehydration, lack of air, or starvation. Although, most people go mad before they die. One person at the Prancing Pony says that he remembered hearing the screams of a man who got half of his body trapped underneath a boulder and ended up cutting his own legs off only to die shortly after.
The one thing that truly terrifies me is not being in control and dying alone without having lived. To die without having someone to lov-.
I jump straight up and my hood flies off as I twist around. Catching the attacker off guard, I grab his wrist and pull it past myself so he can't block my next move. My dagger rests only a few inches away from the throat.
It's Aragorn.
The dagger shakes in my hands as I begin to tremble. Ignoring the soft tear that falls down my cheek as I sheath my dagger. The Ranger has the look of complete shock but, it quickly switches to that of a hesitant yet knowing smile.
"Sorry if I frightened you. I came to give you this." he holds out his hand and in it is a stale piece of bread. I stare at it, not sure how to react. I pull up my sleeve and wipe the tear stain on my cheek.
The ext thing I know, I'm being pulled into a hug as Aragorn wraps his arms around me. I tense up immediately, not knowing how to react. He rests my head against his shoulder as I warmth from his body shields me from the cold and the smell of pine from his cloak soothes the fear lingering in my chest. He pulls out of the embrace leaving his hands on my shoulders.
"It's alright. You have nothing to fear. We are all here." He says softly with a warm smile. I stand stunned at the unusual interaction. When was the last time I felt a hug? Far too long.
"Come, join the rest of us." Smiling, he gently pushes me along, guiding me to where Gimli, Legolas and Boromir sit.
"Is everything alright? Did something happen?" Boromir asks as he stands and looks me, his hand on his sword. He probably noticed the redness in my eyes or the fact that I was still trembling slightly.
"Everything is fine." Aragorn answers. "Shadow here just got a little frightened."
"Do you have something against mines?" Gimli asks with a smile.
"I have something against mines." Legolas comments with raised eyebrows.
"I wasn't talking you! Come here lass." Gimli pats the ground in between himself and Legolas. "Let me tell you about the mines and what they used to be like."
Gimli went on to tell me about how the mines were an amazing place to be (in his opinion) and that the halls used to be brightly lit with many candles and that no dwarf was left with any empty stomach. Especially on celebrations like midsummer's eve which is a big event. He also told me of the precious gems that are found in the earth and how the dwarves forged extremely good quality weapons as well as other things.
Even though I'm still a little more on edge than normal, I actually feel a littlebetter. Of course, I would never admit it to anyone but, just being around people who are nice to each other would lift anyone's spirits.
"He's remembered!" calls Merry with a relieved voice. We all scramble to our feet and go over to the three tunnels where Gandalf is situated in front of the one to the right.
"No, but the air doesn't smell so foul down there. If in doubt, Meriadoc, always follow your nose."
Gandalf leads the group into the new passage as he enters the dark tunnel. I follow at the back of the group, in front of Aragorn. Personally, I don't think this section of the mine smells any better than the last bit but, I don't exactly have a choice other than following Gandalf. I'd probably get myself lost trying to find my way back out. The thought of getting more lost in here makes me cringe.
Passing into a large open space, I can't see more than a few yards in front of me due to the limits of Gandalf's light. What I can tell of the room though is that it is definitely very large.
"Let me risk a little more light." Gandalf says as he taps his staff. There is a bright flash and a radiant glow is emitted from staff, revealing a gigantic empty hall with enormous pillars that have been shaped out of stone. All of them symmetrical and leading into the empty blackness of the walls.
"Behold! The great realm and Dwarf city of Dwarrowdelf!" Gandalf announces dramatically.
"Well, there's an eye opener and no mistake!" comments Sam.
We travel a little deeper into the hall and I'm in complete awe at the architecture and scale of this place. Everything looks perfect and pristine. If it weren't for the occasional goblin body and knowing that something could pop up and attack at any second, I would say this place is pretty okay.
"Gimli!" Gandalf shouts. I look ahead and watch as Gimli rushes past an old wooden door and into a chamber. The fellowship quickly follows him and I can't help but notice the black arrows scattered everywhere and bodies strewn across the floor of the entrance. None the less, I dash into the room.
Sunlight breaks through a slight crack near the ceiling of the chamber and drapes over a stone table, falling onto a white slab. An old book smeared with blood rests on the stone. The corpses of the dead lay around the table and near the edges of the room. Cool air touches my face and the stale smell that used to fill my senses disappears.
"No.. no... Oh, no!"Gimli stands in front of the stone table and then falls to his knees in grief.
Gandalf reads the writing on the stone."Here lies Balin, son of Fudin, Lord of Moria." He pauses. "It's as I had feared."
He reaches down and gently picks up the old book and I hear it the spine crack as he opens a seemingly random page.
I over hear Legolas whisper to Aragorn. "We must move on, we cannot linger." That sets me on edge, hand now over my dagger, ready to strike at a moments notice.
"They have taken the Bridge and the second hall: we have barred the gates...but cannot hold them for long...the ground shakes...drums in the deep...we cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark. Will no one save us? They are coming." Gandalf reads. Everyone else is silent. So this place was taken over and they couldn't escape. They literally built their own resting place.
Bang!
Whipping around, I draw my dagger but stop, noticing that Pippin is leaning against the well, where the sound is coming from. All of us stand shocked as the echos continue, further and further away the sound appears. Almost like dropping a stone off of a stair case and listening to it bounces all the way down.
"Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!" Gandalf yells angrily.
Then I hear it. The sound of a drum and the harsh cries of those who dwell hear slowly growing louder. They are coming.
"Mr. Frodo!" Frodo draws his sword, and to our horror, a frosty blue glow shines off of the blade.
Anticipation rises and I feel the familiar adrenaline rushing through my veins as I await the approaching fight.
"Orcs!" Legolas shouts. I quickly switch out my blade for my bow and notch an arrow.
"Get back! Stay close to Gandalf!" Aragorn orders the hobbits and they all crowd around the wizard who also draws his sword.
Boromir sprints to the open door, nearly taking an arrow to the head as he slams it shut.
Aragorn runs forward and slams himself into door, attempting to help Boromir. Legolas throws the two of them weapons, boards, anything that might be able to buy us some more time and they both wedge them across the entrance.
"They have a cave troll." Boromir says as he and Aragorn back away from the entrance. 'Just what we need.' I think to myself sarcastically. Legolas stands beside me, an arrow notched in his bow as well.
A holes appears in the door as it begins to break. Orcs pound against the other side of the chamber. Their screams filling me the fear of what is going to happen when the door breaks.
An arrow flies into the hole hitting one of the fowl creatures. As Legolas grabs another arrow, I release mine and it goes through the crack, killing another orc.
"Let them come! There is one Dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath!" I hear Gimli shout from behind me. Don't be an idiot, Gimli. I think to myself as I release another arrow.
The chaos begins. The door shatters open and the orcs flood into the chamber. Behind them is a massive beast that breaks the wall down just entering into the room. Orcs swarm all around me and immediately, I'm thrown into the fight.
Swapping my bow for my dagger, I stab an oncoming orc in the neck but, it's quickly replaced by another orc. Sliding my blade across its chest, I dash to the end of the chamber in an attempt to bring some space between myself and the enemy.
Whipping around, I see three orcs charging at me. At this point, I'm panicing internally. I'm relying completely on reflex, hoping it will save my ass. Quickly, I stab one of the orcs through the chest while at the same time ducking underneath a blow from an orc to my right. I pull the blade out and bash an orc in the face with my elbow.
I'm about to strike the third orc when I notice Boromir lying on the ground with an orc on top of him, sword raised above the man. Without thinking, I throw my dagger across the room successfully lodging it in the orcs head. Boromir gives me a grateful look. I'm caught off guard when the third orc slams into me and drives me into the wall behind. He painfully drags my back up the wall. He pulls out a short blade and winds his arm back, ready to slice my throat open.
In a panic, I grab the arm with the weapon and desperately relying on my strength to hold the arm back. Suddenly, the head of an arrow is sticking out of his stomach and I'm dropped to the floor. I look in the direction that the arrow came from and see Aragorn with his bow empty. I give him a nod of appreciation and watch as pulls out his sword.
Quickly, I scatter to my feet and sprint over to where the hilt of my dagger sticks out of a dead orc's head. I pull it out and not a moment to soon, a giant fist is coming down at me. Out of pure instinct, I shoulder roll and a cloud of dust fills my vision. Looking back at the troll, I watch as it draws its arm back, lining up for another swoop.
Horrified, I drop myself flat against the floor and feel a strong gust of air pass over me. I take a peek and watch as the troll has a surprised look on its face. I follow the chain attached to its arm up to the ledge above me. Legolas locked the chain around the one of the pillars.
The elf, runs along the chain and onto the back of the troll. Perfectly balanced, Legolas fires an arrow directly into the back of the troll's skull before jumping off. 'Damn elfs.' I think to myself before jumping to my feet.
Gaining what's left of my courage, I dash into a small group of orcs near Aragorn. Gripping my blade hard, I attack the orcs with everything I have. I'm no longer just defending myself. Now I'm actually fighting.
Being a trained killer and reading many disturbing books, I know all the sweet spot to kill person. My blade dances as it jumps from an orc's throat to another orc's wrist, slicing a major artery as I bend down to dodge another blow. Another orc dies at my hand with my dagger in it's head when I feel a sharp pain in my shoulder.
Swiftly, I pull my dagger out and stab the orc that sliced me. I take a glance at my wound. Bright red blood seeps between the cloth and I can clearly tell that the cut is deeper than I would like. It won't kill me but, if the blade was poisoned, then it will. I just hope that luck is on my side.
Another orc appears from my side and I block its blade with my dagger and knee it in the gut. I hear a loud crash come from my left and watch as Frodo is separated from the rest of the hobbits.
"Frodo!" Aragorn yells as he kills finishes off the orc he was fighting. I kick the orc in front of me and it falls off the ledge.
I turn my attention back to Frodo. He moves around the pillar in the corner desperately trying to hide from the troll. The Ranger is further along the ledge than me and is closer to getting to Frodo. He kills orcs here and there trying to get to the hobbit faster. I need to get him extra time.
Taking a deep breath, I run directly towards the group of orcs ahead of me, them being the only thing separating myself from spot me and start running forward. When they're practically right in front of me, I put on a burst of speed, jump forward and run along the side of the wall, completely dodging the enemy. I don't stop running until I'm next to Aragorn who holding an orc, about to kill it.
"Go!" I say shoving him out-of-the-way and slashing the orc for him. I hear his footsteps as he runs off to rescue Frodo from the troll.
I now have bigger problems. Six orcs are coming after me. Not good. I have no choice but to fight.
Charging full speed, I dive into the group of orcs head first. I land on top of one and start to hack his chest out. I drive my dagger into his chest, far enough so that I only see the hilt and flip myself underneath him, using him as a shield from the other orcs.
They slash and shred the body before one of them grabs onto my arm and pulls me out from underneath it. Still having a fixed hold on my dagger. I take it and stab him in the arm making him shriek in pain and release me. Falling on my back, I then trip him while I'm on the ground and he falls off the ledge.
Facing back towards the rest of the enemies, I immediately panic. Everything is in is slow motion as the four remaining orcs are all about to slash their weapons down at me. I bring up my dagger with my right hand and deflect ablow aimed at my chest. The force of the impact reluctantly makes me drop my weapon. I thrust my left arm in front of my face as shield as I kick one of the orcs.
Boom!
I feel the ground vibrate and our fight is stopped for a second. The troll is dead.
A searing pain rips through my arm. I cry out as a blade cleanly slices through the guard I wear and digs into the flesh of my arm. I hold the injured arm against my chest and hopelessly wait for the next weapon to come down.
An axe comes up from below the ledge and flies through the air, hitting one of the orcs directly in the head. The blade of a sword is brought whipping at the enemy taking out two of the orcs in one swing. A shield knocks the final orc onto the ground beside me and a sword is stabbed into his heart killing him.
I look up and see Boromir, a worried but relieved look is plastered on his face. He quickly reaches down and pulls me up off of the ground. I grab my dagger, already feeling the warm red liquid slide into my glove.
"Frodo." I say, ignoring the new injury. We both run over to the rest of the fellowship has gathered, where Frodo lies.
"He's alive!" yells Sam with relief as Frodo coughs and takes a couple deep breaths.
"I'm alright. I'm not hurt." Frodo answers.
"You should be dead." says Aragorn in disbelief.
"I think there's more to this hobbit than what meets the eye." Gandalf says with a knowing look on his face. Frodo opens his shirt and I gape at the shiny white chain mail vest.
"Mithril! You are full of surprises Master Baggins." Gimli exclaims, lightening the mood.
More drums. More cries of orcs reminding me that this is not over yet.
"To the bridge of Khazad-dum!" Gandalf orders urgently. I sheath my dagger and follow the light of Gandalf's staff as he leads us out into the giant hall of Dwarrowdelf.
I run at the tail of the group, making it my responsibility that none of the halflings fall behind. I wouldn't want anyone to be left here in this hell hole. I hear the pounding of orcs following from behind us and I increase my pace, ignoring the ache in my arm.
Looking around, my stomach drops as I watch all the orcs flood into the chamber. They're like insects. Pouring out into the room and crawling down every pillar, the millions swarming around us from all directions.
We stop in our tracks and huddle together in a circle, shielding the halflings from the orcs. I pull out my dagger and I look at the hideous faces in fear, knowing that this is the end of the line. There is no way we'd be able to hack our way through this many orcs.
I watch as more orcs flood in, coming towards us. Suddenly, an enormous roar is heard and the orcs start rushing past us, going up the pillars and disappearing into the darkness. We all turn towards one of the large pathways. The unmistakable glow of fire looms up, followed by another unearthly roar.
"What is this new devilry?" Boromir asks.
"A Balrog. A demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you! Run!" Gandalf yells urgently. I don't disagree.
We run through a tight passage. Boromir in the lead. He nearly runs off the edge of the cliff as Legolas grabs him and pulls him back.
Quickly, I scan my surroundings. We are in a large cave like section of Moria. There is no floor from what I can tell, it goes down a long ways and then switches to burning lava. In the center, a large stone staircase reaches down. Further in the distance, a small bridge crosses over to what I hope is the exit.
"Lead them on Aragorn." I over hear Gandalf say. Aragorn doesn't move.
"Do as I say; swords are no more use here." Aragorn turns and follows the group with Gandalf shortly behind.
I run down the staircase, skipping steps as I go. The ache in my arm increasing slowly as we get to a broken section of the stairs. An entire slot is missing leaving a large gap around five feet long.
"Take the Ringbearer!" I yell at Legolas who nods, grabs Frodo and leaps over the gap. Gracefully landing, as arrow whizzes past.
I look up and notice a bunch of small figures on a ledge. Another arrow comes down at us.
"Gandalf!" Legolas calls.
I shove my dagger clumsily into my belt and pull out my bow. I notch an arrow much to the disagreement of my injury. Pain floods back into the wound making my eyes tear up but, I ignore it and launch an arrow. I clearly miss much to my dismay.
Gandalf makes it over the gap and Legolas grabs to make sure he's on the platform.
"Merry! Pippin!" I hear Boromir call. I shoot another arrow, my arm feels like it's on fire.
Boromir hops the ledge with the two halfings. An arrow gets launched next to me and I see Legolas with his bow out, ready to fire at another orc with his perfect aim.
I grab another arrow and load it into my bow before Aragorn drags me away from the edge, more of the steps break away and fall into the lava. I feel the dagger move from its position. No time to worry about it. At least two more feet are added to the gap.
Aragorn quickly tosses Sam over and then reaches over to grab Gimli. Gimli raises a hand.
"No one tosses a Dwarf." Gimli pridefully jumps to the other end but falls short. For a moment I think he fell but on closer inspection, I notice Legolas holding him by the beard.
"Not the beard!" Gimli yells as Legolas pulls him onto the platform.
I shoot one last arrow and I can clearly see the crimson blood down my sleeve. Putting away my weapon, I take a few steps back before dashing forward. A second before I jump, the steps beneath my feet break away. My heart climbs into my throat as I realize that I'm going to be a short of the edge. Just enough to make me plunge to my death.
The platform hits me in the stomach. Hard. I feel the dagger shift in my belt before I slide down. Holding myself up with my hands and dangling over the hot lava. The heat rushes into my clothes and I glance downward just in time to watch the weapon free itself and tumble into the flames. I jut my eyes shut and clench my teeth. My left hand slips. I am going to die.
Without hesitation, Legolas reaches down, grabs my wrist and pulls me up so fast that I'm winded.
I look back at the platform I just jumped from. Aragorn is still up there and I know for a fact that no person can jump that kind of distance.
Legolas takes out his bow and shoots more arrows at the orcs on the ledge, killing them. Regardless of my arm, I follow his lead. Hitting only one or two orcs after a few arrows. I turn my attention back to Aragorn.
A large chunk of rock falls from the ceiling and smashes into the stairs behind him. His face is slightly horrified, and for good reason. Now there's no going forward or back and no one wants to be left down here.
The stairs that Aragorn stands on begins to wobble and eventually starts to tilt. Luck must be on his side because it starts leaning towards us. I watch in amazement as Aragorn times his leap perfectly and lands next to me on the platform.
With every one on, the group starts to move again. Running down the many stairs and dodging the flying arrows, I find myself close to the back of the group. I feel the temperature rise as we get closer to the bridge.
"Over the bridge!" Gandalf yells.
I follow as we turn away from a wall of fire, running across the narrow path without looking down. Gandalf makes sure all of us cross before he does.
My eyes widen. He's not coming.
I watch in shock as a giant beast, wings coated with flames appears out of the fire. Two horns curve down on either side of his face, its large body filling the entire area that we just came out of. The colour of its skin is black like ashes.
Gandalf stands firmly in the center of the bridge, staring down the Balrog. I small light glows from the tip of his staff.
"You cannot pass!" He yells at the beast.
"Gandalf!" Frodo shouts!
"I am the servant of the Secret Fire. Wielder of the Flame of Anor." Gandalf speaks to the Balrog in front of him. The light of his staff grows creating a white sphere around him.
"The dark fire will not avail you! Flame of Udun!"
The Balrog pulls out a sword of fire and strikes Gandalf. Great sparks are emitted as the sword touches the field Gandalf put up. The sword is destroyed and Gandalf is left untouched.
"Go back to the Shadow!" The wizard says in a stern voice.
The Balrog is not finished yet. I stare wide-eyed as the beast steps onto the bridge with a new weapon. A fiery whip. Gandalf raises his own sword and staff high into the air.
"You shall not pass!" Gandalf shouts with a booming voice. He drives his staff into the bridge and a bright flash of light echoes the room.
The Balrog steps onto the bridge which breaks underneath its weight. In a flurry of ash and fire, the magnificent beast is taken deep into the chasm. Gandalf turns around to follow us, clearly exhausted from his fight.
Out of nowhere, a string of flame reaches up and grabs Gandalf, dragging him over the ledge. Dangling, he struggles to hold onto what's left of the bridge. His grip starts to slip.
Frodo dashes forward towards his friend. Boromir quickly reaches out and grabs him.
"Gandalf!" Frodo cries!
"Fly you fools!" Gandalf slips down over the edge.
"Aragorn!" Boromir yells, trying to get Frodo to leave up the stairs.
Aragorn stands fixed in place.
Regaining my senses, I grab Strider's arm and pull him onto to the staircase before the arrows of the orcs hit us. We run up the stairs, turning away from more orcs. I look ahead. Hope fills me as I see sunlight coming out of a door way. We are the last to exit.
The halflings are taking this the hardest out of all of us. Merry sits beside Pippin who is lies on the hard rock, crying. Sam also begins to weep with his head in his hands. Frodo wanders along the rocks by himself.
The elf has the look of disbelief plastered over his face and the dwarf is clearly angry with sorrow.
Sitting on a rock, I turn to Aragorn. He calmly wipes off his sword before sheathing it and turns to the rest of the fellowship. The broken fellowship.
"Legolas, get them up." says the Ranger. Grimly, I know he's right.
"Give them a moment, for pity's sake!" counters Boromir.
"By nightfall, these hills will be swarming with orcs. We must reach the woods of Lothlorien. Come, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, get them up."
I stand up as well but sway slightly at the feeling of dizziness. Looking at the wound in my arm, I notice that the entire sleeve is soaked with blood. I'm thankful it doesn't show much, the colour of blood blending into the deep red of the cloth. There's no sense in worrying about it until I can do something about it. The slice doesn't look poisoned or infected and I can probably make it to Lothlorien without bandaging it. It definitely aches though.
We make our way past the mountain region and through an area with hills and tall grass. It feels so good to breathe the fresh air and see the clouds in the sky. A slight chill in the wind hits my face as I jog along, grateful for the grass under my feet.
"Stay close, young hobbits. They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods, and Elf- witch, of terrible power. All who look upon her, fall under her spell and are never to be seen again." I hear Gimli say as we head into the forest.
Frodo stands still for a moment, looking bewildered.
"Mr. Frodo?" Sam asks him. Frodo shakes his head and keeps walking.
Not long after, a soft voice enters my head. The voice of a woman. "Tamber... You come to us. What rests bears great evil." I stop walking.
"You do not know? You will find out soon." What the hell?
"-eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox." Gimli finishes before having a notched arrow shoved close to his face.
A moment later, I also have an arrow pointed at me. I don't bother bringing out my own bow out, it would probably cause more pain than good. Sticking close to the group, we are surrounded by elves and Aragorn raises his hands into the air. A sign that he is not armed.
A tall, blonde, elf in fine clothes appears. "The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." Unlike any other time, this comment does nothing to cheer me up.
Thank you for reading.
Hope the fights were okay and not too confusing. Suggestions? Tips? Like what's happening? Hate what's happening? Let me know as I love to read reviews and find out what you think.
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Thank you again.
~Nighthief