Aboard the Sanctuary II, Thanos stood and awaited the return of his Children. When three instead of four returned, he was not pleased. However, he'd gotten what he wanted. Power. Space. Reality. Three Stones left.
It had been weeks since the Fellowship set out for Mordor. They had not heard of the decimation of Lothlórien or Erebor, but their spirits were held high. They had gone halfway through the Pass of Caradhras. But it was not going so well. The Ring-Bearer and his companions were likely to freeze to their doom; although the same could not exactly be said for Legolas, who walked over the snow and did not seem entirely affected. The Elf's ears were then roused by something.
"There is a fell voice in the air."
"It's Saruman!" shouted Gandalf.
Indeed the White Wizard stood atop Orthanc, chanting and giving the company more trouble than they could handle. The snow and rocks soon fell on them. But by fate or some higher power, they were spared. The Fellowship emerged from under the snow.
"Gandalf!" shouted Boromir. "We must make for the Gap of Rohan! Perhaps seek help or council!"
"The Gap of Rohan is too close to Isengard!" noted Aragorn.
Gimli then spoke up about a route he personally wanted to take.
"If we cannot pass over the Mountain, let us go under it! Let us go through the Mines of Moria."
Gandalf thought for a moment.
"Let the Ring-Bearer decide."
"We will go through the Mines."
The Wizard nodded.
"So be it."
King Brand and Grimbeorn had arrived at Erebor with small groups of their people.
"Thank Durin!" exclaimed the Dwarven King as he slowly came forth, hands behind his back.
"You sent word of a threat. To all of Middle Earth?" asked Grimbeorn.
"Aye. The day we all feared is come at last. The Stones are being collected. The bastards took mine and the hand that bore it."
Dain then revealed his hands, but one was missing.
Brand and Grimbeorn were shocked, but kept their feelings to themselves.
"If we do not help all the Free Folk, this Middle Earth shall be in ruin. Will you not come into my kingdom, not as strangers; but as allies?"
"We will," said Brand. "And we will plan the ruin of the Stone-Seeker."
The Fellowship had made it to the Doors of Durin. But they could not open the Door; a password was needed.
"'Speak 'friend' and enter,"' Gandalf grumbled repeatedly.
The others were occupied by matters to free themselves of boredom. Merry and Pippin threw rocks at the lake before them. Sam was saying farewell to Bill the Pony, and Gimli was boasting the feats of the Dwarves to Legolas, but the Elf did not care.
Gandalf then sat in defeat, taking out his pipe.
Frodo then realized as he stood before the door.
"It's a riddle. What's the Elvish word for 'friend'?"
"Mellon," said Gandalf.
And so the Doors opened.
"As for the sixth," said Dain, "it lies in the Ered Luin. The Blue Mountains. I would see to it that it were guarded."
"So be it," said Brand. "Grimbeorn and I shall be there. I bid you farewell and luck."
Grimbeorn took up his bear-shape, and Brand rode him as a steed. They and their people rode behind, accompanied by a few Dwarves.
But they hadn't known that they were being closely followed.