Chapter 8

Her heart pounded in her ears. The shrieking, it made her skin crawl. The shadow of death leered over her in her thoughts but she didn't have time to think about it now. She had to focus on running. The overwhelming urge to run, run away from the danger. She was indeed thankful that her body was in better shape than when she arrived. Starting out she had no endurance for it at all and at home she couldn't even run around the block without wanting to pass out.

As the fellowship ran Gandalf led them down a corridor and he didn't let up his pace, it anything they pushed on faster. From the shadows there were hundreds of creatures swarming them, urging them to run harder and faster to not be encircled by them.

Samantha ran and looked at the back of Gandalf's head. She knew why he didn't want to come down here now. But, he knew the way out, everything would be fine. He would lead them out of danger. He was the rock of their group at that point, even though Frodo held the ring, it was Gandalf that gave the direction. And it was Gandalf that knew Samantha's secret. She looked up to him and respected him like a wise old uncle of sorts. With an all-powerful wizard, what could go wrong?

Thinking back to middle school she applied the 'One-two-three' method of breathing. Three seconds in, three seconds out. It helped her regulate her breathing when she started feeling her muscles burning. Proper breathing was key to running. Her Physical Education teachers were completely right about that. Thinking about her breathing was much better than the alternative. Pending death by being eaten alive or tortured or worse. Against this many, there was no way any of them would survive. She didn't want to think about her friends being killed in anyway. She knew the men of the group wouldn't let her or the hobbits be touched, but there was no way they could defend them against this many.

Eventually, they couldn't run fast enough and the creatures entrapped them.

'Breathe.' Samantha told herself. 'Just breathe.'

Weapons were raised as they all prepared themselves for the worst. Samantha's hands were trembling as they held her sword. She looked into their eyes, the malice there ensuring her that it would be a slow and painful death. A sudden realization struck her, she was a woman, there could potentially be far worse things they would do to her before she died. She prayed for a swift death and closed her eyes.

She gasped when she felt a hand shove her further back into the circle they had created. Her eyes snapped open and she looked at Boromir. His eyes were like stone and sweat dripped from his brow. His labored breathing almost in time with everyone else. This man had seen battle many times before, but that didn't make Samantha any more confident in their survival. There seemed to be no way out.

Suddenly, a growl from deep within the mines made all of their heads turn. The orcs around them started to shuffle and their once gleeful and murderous eyes looked petrified. They shrieked in fear before bolting. Leaving the fellowship there to look down the great hall. They could all feel a presence, it made every hair on their body stand on end.

An eerie orange glow radiated from far within the chamber, and seemed to be moving closer. Legolas stiffened and looked down the hall in terror. His father had told him of such beasts. How they were the embodiment of shadow and flame. He knew they couldn't linger, but he was stuck in position as fear made his heart beat faster and faster.

Boromir turned to Gandalf, and that's when they saw the look on Gandalfs face. Gandalf's face was one of doom.

'Oh, we are fucked.' Samantha thought.

"What is this new devilry?" Boromir asked the wizard. His voice shaking slightly.

Gandalf looked down and closed his eyes to gather his thoughts for a moment before looking back up. "A Balrog. A demon of the ancient world. This foe is beyond any of you. Run!"

And they were off, running again from a new and more terrifying danger. They all knew now why Gandalf was truly fearful of the mines and none of them blamed him. They ran and Samantha felt her lungs and legs begin to burn from the abuse. She started to panic when she began to fall behind but Aragorn took notice and quickly grabbed her hand, almost dragging her along with him.

Gandalf ushered them through a doorway and down a path. Boromir continued running but stopped just in time. He nearly fell down a cliff, it was so deep you couldn't see the bottom. Boromir halted and his body teetered just on the edge, his breath caught in his throat. Legolas rushed to the mans aid and pulled him back before he could fall. The two were panting and looked to one another. Boromir nodded in thanks and Legolas returned it. Legolas couldn't let his feelings get in the way in a life or death situation. Boromir had done nothing to deserve death.

Samantha and the hobbits looked down into the abyss. There were winding staircases in the large corridor and they all took in how much farther they needed to go to the bridge. It was just visible in the distance. The woman looked down and suddenly had a thought, she could end this all right now. From this height it would be almost painless and maybe, just maybe she would wake up in her bed, away from this nightmare.

She shook her head, ashamed of her thoughts. 'No, I am not a coward!' Even though she was scared, even though they were going to die here, she wouldn't leave her friends alone. The hobbits were in the same position as her, and if they could handle it, so could she!

Gandalf trailed behind the group slightly. He knew what he needed to do, but didn't know if he had the strength to finish it. Aragorn called out to him. The wizard gripped Aragorn's shoulder roughly, "Lead them on, Aragorn. The bridge is near." He said nodding to the distant bridge. Aragorn looked back at him, confused at the old man's words. Gandalf pushed Aragorn on, "Do as I say! Swords are of no more use here!"

The fellowship moved down the winding staircases and came to an area that was missing. Whether from age or the initial assault of the mines was anyone's guess. It was just one more obstacle for the fellowship to endure. Legolas leaped across the break in the stairs and turned, motioning to the others. He would catch them, of that he was sure. Gandalf jumped next, a ferocious roar making the whole area shake. Gandalf landed safely on the other side as the rest of the fellowship watched their small piece of stair crumble behind them, blocking them off. No turning back now, even if they wanted to.

An arrow hit the ground next to Boromir's feet, and then a few more near the hobbits. Aragorn and Legolas both took out their bows and dispatched the enemy with great precision. In the gloom of the cave Samantha couldn't help but marvel at their skill. She could only wish to be that good one day.

As the enemy bowman were handled Samantha gasped as she felt the stairs under her feet gave way. She stepped forward and grabbed onto Gimli. The dwarf noticed and held onto her, making sure she would not fall back. Boromir took that as a sign they needed to make haste and hoisted Merry and Pippin into his arms. He gave a shout as he jumped and landed on the other side, no need of Legolas' helping hand.

Aragorn turned to Samantha Frodo and Sam. He motioned for Samantha first and she nodded. He grabbed her by her waist and threw her to Legolas. She let out a cry of fear before being caught in Legolas' arms. For a mere moment she took in his woodsy scent, it reminded her of home in a way. The small comfort didn't last long as Legolas had to let her go to catch Sam, who Aragorn threw to him next.

The man held his hand out to Gimli but the dwarf raised his hand at the ranger. "Nobody, tosses a Dwarf!"

And he jumped.

Gimli just barely made it to the other side, his body teetering for a moment before leaning back. Before he could fall Legolas swiftly grabbed hold of Gimli, by the beard. "Not the beard!" He bellowed in anger.

Once Gimli was on his feet again the fellowship turned to the last two members left to cross, Aragorn and Frodo. Just as they were about to jump everyone hurd the section they were on begin to crumble. More stairs fell and the gap was sickeningly wide now, the roars of the Balrog reverberating everywhere around them. The section of stairs was ready to topple over and Aragorn used his body weight to balance him and Frodo atop it. He had to keep a firm grip on the hobbits shoulder to make sure he wouldn't fall.

Frodo's heart was racing. He could feel the ground under his feet sway and move. He knew he was only moments away from falling into the abyss, but he trusted Aragorn with his life. This time would be no different. Aragorn looked at him and told him to lean forward. The staircase leaned and the impact sent the two into the arms of Legolas and Boromir.

There was no time for celebration and they were off running again. Samantha cursed to herself, 'If I survive and don't have the body of a model, I'm gonna strangle someone.'

The bridge was finally just a head of them and Gandalf yelled at them, "Over the bridge! Fly!" They were running out of time. The Balrog's intense aura had already spurred flames all around them, spurring the fellowship to run at a breakneck pace for the bridge. As the last member ran ahead of him Gandalf looked back to see the Balrog emerge from the flames, its red eyes looking right through the wizard as their eyes met. It gave a roar and Gandalf ran toward the bridge. He knew what he had to do.

Samantha heard the roar and turned her head. She instantly regretted her decision and screamed. It looked almost exactly like Diablo from the Diablo games! Fire and all! She ran so fast that she didn't even bother being careful with her footing when she crossed the bridge. Normally she would have been more worried about falling, but not this time.

The exit was near and they ran toward it but they all stopped and looked back when Frodo called out to the wizard in a panic. Legolas and Gimli looked at the beast in horror. Never had they expected to see a Balrog in their lifetimes. Such an ancient evil stood right before them. They knew they should flee, but they could not leave without Gandalf.

The Balrog stood before Gandalf who was blocking its path. "You cannot pass!" He screamed with authority over the ancient evil. The Balrog acknowledged the challenge and Gandalf spoke more to himself, "I am a servant of the sacred fire, wielder of the flame of Ainor." He raised his staff and a bright light shinned from it, a shield of light encircling the wizard as the Balrog took out a sword made of fire. "The dark fire will not avail you, Flame of Udun!"

The Balrog swung its sword down toward Gandalf and a blinding light was made as the sword made contact with the shield. They could all hear Gandalf's powerful cry as he fended off the attack and his shield now gone. "Go back to the shadow!" The Balrog stepped onto the bridge now wielding a whip of flames. Gandalf slammed his staff against the ground. "You shall not pass!" A bright light made the Balrog rear back only slightly, and it moved forward to attack. But Gandalf's spell had weakened the bridge and it crumbled under the weight of the beast.

There was a collective sigh of relief and even Gandalf turned to return to his companions. The relief was short lived though. The Balrog's whip lashed out from the darkness and tightened around Gandalf's ankle. He was dragged down and clung to the bridge, now dangling dangerously off of it. The fellowship watched in silence as he tried to get up but resigned himself to his fate. He gave one last look at the fellowship, "Fly you fools."

And he was gone.

Frodo let out a scream and Aragorn and Samantha were too shocked to move. The world moved in slow motion for them. Aragorn finally understood Gandalf's meaning. He knew he could die. This mission was on his shoulders, now that Gandalf was gone.

How could this be real? Samantha's mind was working overtime to comprehend what had happened. There was no way Gandalf could die! They needed him!

Boromir grabbed Frodo who was screaming and crying in grief and he called out to the two who were still standing there in shock. Finally Aragorn moved and dragged Samantha out of the cave with them.

When they were out of the mountain and in daylight, they had all expected to be filled with relief.

They all collapsed in grief. Sam sat on a stone, his head in his hands. Frodo was slowly walking away from the group in silence. Merry sat on the ground with Pippin who was collapsed on the ground, crying. Gimli was screaming how they needed to go back to save the wizard, he had already lost so many kin and Gandalf was too much for him. Boromir held the dwarf back from running into the cave again as he fought his own grief.

Legolas stood near Samantha, the both of them looking over everyone in silence. Both of them couldn't believe what had just happened. Tears welled in Samantha's eyes as she began to cry. They shouldn't have entered the mines! Gandalf knew and yet they went in anyway! Samantha looked over to Gimli and her grief morphed into anger.

The woman marched up to Gimli, tears streaming down her face. Boromir noticed her presence and a flash of worry cut through his pained expression at the sight of the blood on her neck and shirt.

Samantha pushed the ax aside and got right in Gimli's face. She let the anger take over, the grief and pain too much to bare. "This is your fault!" She screamed at the dwarf.

Almost everyone turned to watch her outburst. Gimli completely stopped, "Lass, wha-"

She cut him off harshly, "You wanted to go into the Mines! You insisted! And look what happened! Gandalf is dead and it is all because of you!" More tears welled in her eyes and she made no attempt to wipe them away.

Aragorn came forward and grabbed her by the shoulder, "Samantha!" He scolded.

Samantha ripped herself from his grip, "He would still be alive! But no! We had to go to through the Mines!" A small voice in the back of her head told her to shut up. She was only making things worse. She would regret everything.

"Samantha!" Aragorn shouted sternly, "There was no way any of us could have known. No one is to blame for this."

A sob wracked her body and she fell to the ground sobbing. 'You're wrong Aragorn. You have no idea.' She couldn't help but think if Gandalf's death had something to do with her presence. Had she changed something so important that the mission was doomed to fail? There was more she wanted to say but her sobs stopped her from speaking.

Boromir felt his heart tighten at the sight and went to her. He took her into his arms and she clung to him as she cried. Boromir did not let his own tears fall, only stroked Samantha's hair and did his best to give her comfort.

Aragorn looked across the Fellowship, "Boromir, get them up."

Boromir's head shot up, "Give them a moment! For pity's sake!"

"By night fall these hills will be swarming with orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothlorien." They had to keep moving. "Come, Boromir. Gimli, get them up." There was a pause, "Legolas, take care of Samantha."

Samantha had almost forgotten about her own wound. The bleeding was nothing compared to the roller coaster of horror and pain they had all been through. Boromir held her at arms length and gave her a sympathetic look as Legolas came over to examine her.

Legolas was just as shocked as the rest of them. No one had been expecting Gandalf's death so Samantha's outrage at Gimli was misplaced. They were all surprised at her outburst and Legolas could clearly see that Gimli was bothered by it. He looked down, his usual confidence gone as he moved to get Merry and Pippin off the ground.

The elf imminently moved to look over Samantha. He hated to see her cry. He much preferred her laughing and smiling. His chest ached as he watched her wipe away her tears. Legolas nodded a thanks to Boromir before he left. He had been in too much shock to help her in that moment and he couldn't be upset with Boromir for that. Legolas didn't know what to say to try and console her, so he went straight to inspecting her wound.

He first noticed that is was still bleeding, and it looked slightly swollen on the edges. Her wound was a clean cut on her jawbone, just an inch from her ear. There was another almost parallel cut on her neck. As if the initial blow hit her jaw, and as he pulled back the orc hit her again. It was clear the one on her jaw was deeper than on her neck. And he was relieved, if it were the other way around she would have surely bled out minutes after the attack.

Legolas took out what meager medical supplies he had and poured water over a cloth to clean the wound. When he went to touch it she flinched back and hissed. A red flag went off in his mind. "Samantha, how are you feeling?" he asked her softly. Her puffy blue eyes looked up at him in pain. Legolas kicked himself mentally when he began to think of how much he missed seeing her in the sunlight. Now was not the time for such thoughts.

"It burns and feels tender," she said, "I can actually feel the adrenaline leaving my body, its so weird." She forced out a laugh as she looked down at her hands.

Legolas watched her carefully and nodded, wiping the blood from her shoulder and neck, leaving the wound for last. As he dressed the wound she whimpered and he made a mental note to keep an eye on her as they traveled. The wound looked like it was becoming infected, so the elves of Lothlorien should look at it when they arrive. It made him suspicious though, this infection had set in very quickly. He didn't want to scare her so he kept that to himself. Legolas didn't believe that there was any poison involved, at least not any poison he knew of that Orcs commonly used. Orcs poison killed you quickly and painfully. Samantha would have already been dead if that were the case.

That's why Legolas had been so worried when he first saw the injury. He was fearful she was going to drop dead at any moment. And back in the mines, he knew Aragorn was feeling the same way.

When he finished dressing the wound Legolas helped her up. Her sobs were gone and she was blankly looking down at the ground. "Thank you." She whispered.

Legolas held her hand in sympathy and pulled her close, "Of course, Little One." He finished in elvish. He pulled away and looked down at her, touching her chin and forcing her to look into his eyes, "You will tell me if you start to feel anything out of the ordinary. Understand?" She nodded in understanding and he made his way over to Aragorn as they began to move down the mountain.

"How is she?" Aragorn asked.

"I worry for her. An infection has already began to take root."

Aragorn looked surprised and looked back at Samantha for a moment, "She was wounded not even an hour ago. That is troublesome."

"Indeed. I fear a potential slow acting poison was on the Orcs blade. Though it is strange. Orcs poison kills very quickly."

He nodded. "We need to hurry to Lothlorien. Hopefully, her body can fight this infection on its own." He paused, "And, hopefully, you're just letting your feelings make you paranoid."

Aragorn smirked as the elf faltered and nearly missed a rock he was stepping onto. "What?" he didn't get a response though. Aragorn only chuckled and moved onward in front of him. Legolas knew he had strong feelings for Samantha. But, nothing like what he had just insinuated! He only wanted her safety and happiness, like any good friend should. Besides, she seemed to be very comfortable with Boromir. He thought back to the night on the mountain. How she cuddled into his body for warmth. How she so happily spoke with him about her home. She seemed so comfortable in his presence.

"Legolas,"

Speak of the devil,

"She will be alright, yes?"

Legolas nodded to Boromir. "She will be fine. Though it is best we move quickly to Lothlorien." Boromir didn't believe it. If it was alright then why speak privately in the elvish tongue?

After that, there wasn't much talking among the fellowship. Samantha stayed silent and the usual admiration she showed looking out at the world wasn't there. It was like she was trapped within her mind. Shut down. Legolas would be lying if he said that alone didn't worry him.

They made their way down the mountain, Aragorn looking for the quickest path with the least amount of obstacles. They went over streams and boulders and tall grass. It was all very beautiful. But, every time Legolas looked back, Samantha was just ignoring it all. He worried for her, and he promised himself he would help her cope with the loss of Gandalf as soon as they reached Lothlorien.

It was approximately ten in the morning when they left the mines. Now it was perhaps three in the afternoon and they just spotted the forest. They were passing over some small streams at the time. The group felt their hearts lighten at the thought of safety, but that feeling didn't last very long.

"Samantha, are you alright?" Pippin shouted frantically. Samantha collapsed onto the ground lying on her side and holding her stomach. Eyes closed and brow knotted in pain. The fellowship ran over to her and Pippin shook her, he got a painful groan from her and he stopped, muttering an apology.

Legolas and Aragorn rushed over in worry and Legolas pulled her into his lap. The movement causing her head to swim even more, her vision fuzzy. "Stop... dizzy." Her words came out slurred and her head hung back, no strength to keep it upright.

Aragorn rushed to take off the dressings Legolas had made and everyone who saw gasped. Legolas' grip on her tightened in worry looking at the angry red skin and yellow discharge. Aragorn called to her and she didn't respond. He gripped her chin and her fever glazed eyes looked at him, "Samantha, look at me. How do you feel?"

"Really dizzy and lightheaded. Really hot. Stomach hurts. N-need a bucket..." Legolas and Aragorn knew what she meant and positioned her so she wouldn't vomit all over herself. Since it had been some time since they had stopped to eat, only bile came up. Aragorn stood looking at his female companion, this was not good.

"Boromir, carry her, we need to keep moving. Legolas, we will scout ahead. Keep an eye out for herbs that will help with her symptoms. We must reach Lothlorien."

Boromir moved to give his things to Gimli so he could carry the woman. Legolas helped place her on his back, "Why did you not tell me you were not feeling well?" Irritation leaked into his voice and Boromir was surprised to hear such a tone.

Samantha did her best to give him an apologetic look, "I thought I was just really hungry..."

Legolas took a few breaths to control his anger and nodded to Boromir, "Take care of her."

Their pace picked up after that. It was a race against the clock now. Aragorn and Legolas found a few different types of medicinal herbs to try and help but they didn't help her for long. Boromir grew increasingly worried when she began to hallucinate. She spoke of people and things none of them could really understand. She called Legolas 'Orlando', which made the two men look at each other with concern and confusion.

They finally reached the woods just before sunset. Aragorn decided to keep close together, knowing that they were being watched. Aragorn looked back to Boromir and the woman on his back. They had done all they could for her. If they didn't reach Lothlorien soon, he feared the worst.

Samantha was unconscious at this point, her skin a sickly grey color and Boromir could hear her irregular breathing. Boromir had to tie her hands in front of him so she didn't fall off of his back. Legolas hoped that his kin saw Samantha and knew they were in dire need of help. His worry grew more and more with each passing minute.

As they walked through the forest Gimli said to the hobbits, "Stay close, young hobbits. They say that a great sorceress lives in these woods. An elf-witch, of terrible power. All that look upon her, fall under her spell. Well, here's one dwarf she won't ensnare so easily." At this point the Lothlorien elves came out with bows drawn and ready, and Legolas responded in kind. "I have the eyes of a hawk and the ears of a fox." Gimli paused as he came face to face with a Lothlorien arrow.

They were surrounded by at least ten elves. All with bows drawn. Except one, who walked forward, "The dwarf breathes so loud, we could have shot him in the dark." Gimli growled but was ignored.

Aragorn gave a small bow recognizing the elf, "Haldir of Lorien. We come here for help." He looked back at Samantha, "One of us is poisoned, we need your aid and protection."

Haldir looked upon the group and stayed silent for several, long moments. Then he nodded. "Come, we have much to discuss."

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