Mallenheneth happened upon the company as they were taking rest for food, calling to them to announce her return and spiralled down from the aloft before rolling over her wings artfully, landing in a crouch upon two legs before rising up, human once more as she tossed back her hair. "They are dealt with. The orcs and wargs are dead, and I am now King of Wolves. They answer to me now as their alpha, and I have set them upon the task of waylaying our enemies. It is little, but more than what we had before. The way behind us is now safer, and the way ahead may yet be slightly freer of spies when the message arrives upon the beasts beyond the mountains and below." She reported as she stepped lightly to where Sam was already preparing her a plate of food, her stomach howling ravenously and beamed as Sam even added a little seasoning to her meat only for her. "You are dear, Samwise Gamgee, and the most excellent cook I have ever had the pleasure to meet!"
Blushing happily for her praise, Sam handed a plate made mostly of meat, for that was Mallenheneth's taste, which she hungrily devoured even as Gandalf praised her for her efforts and her success in winning over the loyalty of the wolves. "This will be a heavy blow to Sauron. You are certain they will not betray you?"
"They would not dare. I am their alpha now, they owe me their lives for I spared them. To betray me would be to give up upon their nature." Gimli laughed brightly for this, merriest of all for they were journeying to Moria, home of his people and greatest ancestors.
"Why are you a king?" Merry questioned Mallenheneth as she shovelled the meat into her mouth, making rather a mess of fat and grease but caring little for her manners for how hungry she was. Glancing up, Mallenheneth chose to finish what was in her mouth first before speaking, for she had crammed a little too much in and had no room to form the words.
"How do you mean? I am an alpha of beasts and birds, creatures great and small. Their leader. Chieftain. There are many words for my rank, but I like king best of all because it sounds grand." She explained simply, thinking nothing of it.
"But you are a woman."
"What of it?"
"Does this not mean you are a queen, not a king?" Both Merry and Pippin were asking questions of Mallenheneth that she did not fully understand the meaning of, for to her king and queen were different things entirely. A king suggested strength, whereas a queen suggested wisdom, and she would rather be strong than wise. At least, that was how she had always read kings and queens to be in the books that told of times long past, where queens were gentle and nurturing, almost mothers to their nations.
"I prefer to be a king. Where is it written that I must be named a queen because I am a female? Gender means nothing to beasts, strength is all that matters, for only the strongest may lead, and I am strongest of all, which is why I am king." To this end Aragorn chuckled, reminding Mallenheneth that she had proclaimed herself King of all Beasts herself, and was yet to be recognised by all creatures of the land and skies. "Give me time, I am getting to them one by one. I have been distracted and waylaid in my task, but it is true I am the strongest, thus it is not premature to name myself as king. Now little hobbits, let me eat in peace, for I have laboured this long night to keep you all safe, thus I deserve food as my reward." Seeing that they would get no more from Mallenheneth, they allowed her to finish her meal in peace whereupon she took a short rest, sleeping deeply before time came that they must press on.
Mallenheneth was loath to awaken, however Aragorn suggested that she become something small so that he could carry her this turn and she could sleep longer for she had done plenty to earn such rest, and Mallenheneth immediately agreed. She became a little mouse with soft fur and white whiskers, and scuttled upon Aragorn's hand where he tucked her safely into his breast pocket where she immediately curled up and returned to sleep, warm and comfortable with no disturbance to waken her. Hence Aragorn carried her all the way to the path that led them up to where they should have crossed to the Walls of Moria, only to find their way blocked by a lake that was made from the Sirannon as it had been dammed, the reason for the stream's drying. There was no choice but to find another way, but still Mallenheneth did not wake for she had not slept so deeply or so long in such a time that Aragorn had no intention of waking her for anything other than immediate danger.
The hobbits each wished to carry Mallenheneth themselves, whispering amongst themselves as they believed it only right they should carry her when she had so oft carried them. They each promised that from now on, should ever Mallenheneth feel tired, they would carry her themselves, for their waistcoats had deep and rather comfortable pockets, if they did say so themselves, and Merry had a silk handkerchief that he was willing to offer Mallenheneth as a blanket for her own luxurious comfort. Mallenheneth was dreaming quite pleasantly, however the sense of conflict and upset roused her from her sleep and so she poked her nose out of the pocket of Aragorn's shirt and looked out, listening with her large ears to Sam as he argued with Gandalf concerning Bill the Pony, who it appeared was set to leave them at this juncture of their journey.
"I am sorry, Sam, but when the Door opens I do not think you will be able to drag your Bill inside, into the long dark of Moria. You will have to choose between Bill and your master." Gandalf was speaking even as Sam clung to the pony desperately, refusing to relent him.
"He'd follow Mr Frodo into a dragon's den, if I led him. It'd be nothing short of murder to turn him loose with all these wolves about." Seeing that he would not easily let the pony go, Gandalf came forth and rested his hand upon Bill's head, speaking in a low tone that Mallenheneth sensed was fuelled with magic.
"It will be short of murder, I hope. Go with words of guard and guiding on you. You are a wise beast, and have learned much in Rivendell. Make your ways to places where you can find grass, and so come in time to Elrond's house, or wherever you wish to go." Taking his hand away, Gandalf then looked once more to Sam. "There, Sam! He will have quite as much chance of escaping wolves and getting home as we have." Sensing Sam's sorrow and the taste of salt upon the air as tears threatened to spill, Mallenheneth squeaked urgently and demandingly with such a racket that most eyes turned towards her as Aragorn offered her his hand that she might climb upon his palm and allow him to set her upon the ground, where she arose as herself and made her way to Sam.
"Take heart dear Sam, your kindness does you credit, and I know that Bill loves you dearly. The wolves of the wild shall not touch him, for he has my scent upon him, and they will know better. Since Gandalf has also offered him a blessing of safe passage, he will no doubt return to a safe place whereupon we return, you shall find him again and be able to take him back with you to the Shire." Rubbing at Sam's shoulder, Mallenheneth lowered her head and nuzzled her brow against Bill's who whickered and pressed back into her to return the gesture. The pony had acquired wisdom during his stay in Rivendell, enabling him to at least commune with other animals in some sense, thus should he be faced with wolves, they would know when he shared Mallenheneth's name with them, and they would not dare harm him. "Mayhap the wolves will even provide him escort. Can you imagine, Sam? Brave Bill escorted by a guard of wolves, what a sight it would be! I warrant Bilbo would be glad to hear of it and write it in his book. I shall leave it to you to tell him upon our return." Even as she spoke, Mallenheneth had begun to unbuckle the straps that held the bags to Bill's back as Sam despondently stroked his neck and face.
So soft and sweet were her words that painted pictures in Sam's head that he did not feel so sad to let go of the beloved pony he had come to cherish. It would rather be a strange thing to see a pony being guarded and escorted by wolves, and a near smile touched upon his features. Sighing deeply and sniffling as he wiped at his tears, Sam unbuckled the last of the bags for the others to arrange and said his goodbyes and farewells to Bill the Pony, who nuzzled and nibbled at him with deep rooted affection. Meanwhile Gandalf, Gimli and Legolas each sought out the doors that would allow them entrance to Moria, though little progress they seem to make. "Well, here we are and all ready, but where are the Doors? I can't see any sign of them." Merry noted rather smartly with a frown, staring at the great wall before them as Mallenheneth found herself a smooth and flat rock to curl upon, purring as a cat near Frodo as her tail brushed against his cheek in light playfulness.
"Dwarf-doors are not made to be seen when shut," informed Gimli, tapping upon stone and listening to the echo. "They are invisible, and their own makers cannot find them or open them, if their secret is forgotten."
"But this Door was not made to be a secret known only to dwarves. Unless things are altogether changed, eyes that know what to look for may discover the signs." Having until now been standing so still that he appeared almost to become stone himself, Gandalf suddenly moved and approached the wall between the two trees that stood amongst the stone. It was a short time before he spoke again, calling upon everyone to look and see if they noticed anything new. Squinting at the smooth rock, Mallenheneth could distinguish faint lines which steadily became clearer the brighter the moonlight that fell upon them until its shape and form could be seen by everyone present. Many symbols were carved upon the stone, shining silver as fine as liquid moonlight, whereupon Gimli cried out with joy and excitement.
"There are emblems of Durin!" The anvil and hammer bore above them a crown adorned with seven stars, the emblems which caused Gimli to near enough weep as his heart was deeply moved. Legolas pointed to the two trees with crescent moons, recognising them as the Tree of the High Elves from time long since passed, and finally upon the doorway that now shone clearly was a star haloed with numerous rays of light, clearest of all, and identified by Gandalf as the Star of the House of Fëanor, also explaining that the symbols were wrought of ithildin, mirroring starlight and moonlight. Mallenheneth listened to these words and glanced upon the door, but took little heed for now they were speaking of ancient lettering and riddles, neither of which Mallenheneth had much talent or knowledge in, so remained silent so that those who did have such skills could think clearly. Many words of many languages were called upon the air, but none could tempt the doors to open, but even an inch.
Long did Gandalf toil, but upon his continued failure so did spirits wilt in the hearts of some, chief of all Boromir, who sat with a foul expression. Suddenly the cry of wolves filled the air with their voices and Mallenheneth lifted her head to listen, ears twitching as Bill started in fright and would have bolted if not for Sam comforting him. "Do not let him run away!" Boromir suddenly sprang from his place and pointed to the pony. "It seems that we shall need him still, if the wolves do not find us. How I hate this foul pool!" Before any could think to stop him, Boromir scooped up a large stone in his broad hand to fling it at the water as if to make war upon it, but it merely dropped with a loud splash and a frothing of bubbles, ripples extending outwards upon the water's surface.
"Why did you do that, Boromir?" Frodo stood in alarm, staring fearfully upon the pool that was as dark and daunting as a void. "I hate this place, too, and I am afraid. I don't know of what; not of wolves, or the dark behind those doors, but of something else. I am afraid of the pool. Don't disturb it!"
"Frodo is right." Mallenheneth said smoothly, having turned herself once more as she lounged upon the rock. "I sense something lies at the bottom of that rank water, and your stone casting is disturbing whatever it is. Leave it be, and pray it is not unfriendly. In any case you have no need to fear wolves, they are simply carrying messages to one another, and to me. They say that the path behind us is clear, which is fortunate should we be forced to return whence we came." Now she smirked at Boromir, her eyes gleaming as she lowered her head to her hands that were crossed over the rock, a striking image that looked eerily like that of a cat as she looked upon him. "I did not know Men of Gondor frightened so easily. Perhaps we shall have hobbits take your places as guardsmen of Minas Tirith, for they have more courage in their hearts than most Men of Gondor combined."
"Take care with your words! We Men of Gondor do not falter before any foe that crosses our path, no matter how dire and hopeless our fate may seem! Were you ever to come to Gondor, I will show you the might of Man, and prove that your words are baseless and false!" Boromir sapped in return, rising to her baiting as Mallenheneth smirked further and purred, even as she was, the smooth rumbling sounding from her chest and throat as she thoroughly enjoyed bickering with this boorish Man of the South. It was simply far too easy.
"Do not tease him overmuch, Mallenheneth." Legolas warned her from where he stood watch, tall and gleaming under the moonlight. "We do not need tempers arising now of all times. Allow Mithrandir to concentrate upon his task." Merry and Pippin whispered together at this, confused as to why Gandalf was now merely sitting and doing nothing, until all at once Gandalf cried out as he leaped upon his feet with a sprightliness that was shocking for an old man as he turned back towards the doorway.
"I have it! Of course, of course! Absurdly simple, like most riddles when you see the answer." And thus Gandalf spoke the password aloud, mellon, meaning friend in Elvish. The doors gave way and revealed themselves now more clearly, parting at the centre to swing wide like a gaping mouth which seemed rather daunting and unwelcoming, for the blackness that lay behind it was cold and empty, Mallenheneth could sense no life behind those doors to be had. At least, no life that was welcoming. "I was wrong after all, and Gimli too. Merry, of all people, was on the right track. The opening word was inscribed on the archway all the time! The translation should have been: 'Say "friend" and enter'. I had only to speak the Elvish word for friend and the doors opened. Quite simple. Too simple for a learned lore-master in these suspicious days. Those were happier times. Now let us go!" Mallenheneth, however, suddenly shrieked a strangled cry and launched herself upon Frodo.
All reacted at once as Gandalf wheeled around to see Frodo being tackled by Mallenheneth to the ground, her arms trapping him against her as she snarled and hissed at something with her eyes coming to life in the darkness until they blazed like twin suns as a snaking object slithered from the depths of the water, having aimed to reach Frodo. Bill fled into the night with Sam chasing after him, Boromir almost aimed his sword once more at Mallenheneth until he realised the true danger, and the other hobbits stood frozen in confusion as Sam wept for Bill who had disappeared from sight, racing back to Frodo as he cried out with alarm as the snaking thing came back for them. Mallenheneth scrambled to get herself back upright and lifted Frodo suddenly high into the air, away from the tentacle that groped for them both. Frodo felt himself being tossed until Mallenheneth caught him once more with one arm so that he was perched over her shoulder, swiping and kicking at the thing that she was retreating from.
The entire surface of the pool was writhing with white foam as more tentacles arose from the depths, determined to capture Frodo as the Ring called out to the Watcher-in-the-Water, commanding that it take the Ring into its possession to be collected by a servant of the Dark Lord and be brought back to him. That was all the Ring desired, but Mallenheneth would have none of it. She howled and hissed as Sam bravely took his knife and slashed at the grotesque tentacle to make it retreat back, so now Mallenheneth grasped Sam by the back of his clothes and hoisted him up so that he too was upon her shoulder. "Into the gateway! Up the stairs! Quick!" The great cry of Gandalf summoned Mallenheneth to him and she sprinted forwards as the others hurried to react from their spellbound state, Boromir ushering Merry and Pippin inside as the others followed. Mallenheneth made an impressive leap over one writhing tentacle, clearing it completely with both hobbits still upon her shoulders, dancing and dodging her way before all at once leaping with a powerful spring to cross the boundary and reach the stairs that led up into Moria, flying upwards to the others just as the doors were forced shut behind them, the creature trapping them inside.
Mallenheneth panted, drawing in deep breaths as she fell still, her eyes the only light in the darkness as they gleamed brightly with magic as she finished drawing in the creature's essence so that she might mimic its form one day if ever she had need. It was an ugly looking creature, but with so many arms and able to breathe underwater, it may yet prove useful. As her eyes dimmed, she placed Frodo and Sam gently upon their feet as Sam sobbed for poor Bill, lamenting that he was now alone in the world and facing many dangers upon him. Meanwhile Gandalf attempted to force the door open, but they would not give way, and thus they were truly trapped within. In the gathering dark, Mallenheneth took on the form of a creature of her own homeland, a small reptilian-like animal with colourful stripes upon its back which glowed with a luminescence that at least allowed all to see one another's faces if they crowded together whilst Mallenheneth perched upon Pippin's shoulder. "Well, well! The passage is blocked behind us now, and there is only one way out – on the other side of the mountains. I fear from the sounds that boulders have been piled up, and the trees uprooted and thrown across the gate. I am sorry; for the trees were beautiful, and had stood so long."
"I felt that something horrible was near from the moment that my foot first touched the water. What was the thing, or were there many of them?" To this end, only Mallenheneth could answer for certain, but to change back would lose them the light, so she kept still for the time being as Gandalf answered that he did not know, but noted that the arms seemed to be guided by a single purpose. Boromir muttered darkly that this was folly, but undeterred, Gandalf cheerily led the company forwards with Gimli at his side as he lifted his staff and delivered a soft glow from it, adding to the light that Mallenheneth also provided.
"I must say, Mally, you are a rather useful person to have around." Pippin whispered to her as quietly as he could, though his voice carried regardless. "Able to change your shape into whatever the situation requires? I am glad for it, especially now that you are glowing like a little lantern." Pleased with Pippin's compliment, she circled upon his shoulders and neck before curling her tail around him like a necklace of glowing light, allowing him to carry her as they took their first steps into the dark of Moria, not knowing the horrors that awaited them.