°∴,*⋅✲✦ ( ♕ ) ✦✲⋅*,∴°

━━━━ »•» act two. age of shadow

20. into the dark «•« ━━━━

* ✧                          .°

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ third age ━━ year 3019

𓇻 misty mountains; khazad-dûm {moria}

*.                           ✦                            °.

THE WIND HOWLED OMINOUSLY AS THE FELLOWSHIP MADE THEIR WAY ALONG THE FOOT OF THE MISTY MOUNTAINS. Elgarain couldn't help but look over her shoulder every now and then, the wind closely resembled the howls of the Wargs. Despite knowing the pack that had been haunting them was defeated, she still didn't feel at ease. Though that feeling could also be described to the prospect of heading into the mines of Moria. She feared being trapped beneath layers upon layers of earth, without so much as a ray of sunlight. Even if the fate of the Dwarves who'd made those mines their home wasn't uncertain, she still would have hesitated to set foot in there.

To try and lessen her fear, Elgarain decided to keep her eyes focused on the sight ahead of her. The soft pink and orange rays of the setting sun made the Misty Mountains glow with warm light. Even the Caradhras didn't seem as threatening in the evening light. The narrow path Gandalf was leading them on took a sharp turn towards the east and as they rounded the corner a cliff rose up before them. A small stream of water dripped down from it, though the cracks in the stone suggested it had once been a mighty waterfall.

"How time changes the earth," Gandalf mumbled. "But there is no mistaking the place. This is all that remains of the Stair Falls. If I remember right, there was a flight of steps cut in the rock at their side, but the main road wound away left and climbed with several loops up to the level ground at the top. There used to be a shallow valley beyond the falls right up to the Walls of Moria, and the Sirannon flowed through it with the road beside it. Let us go and see what things are like now!"

Elgarain frowned slightly at the feigned optimism of the Wizard. Though he tried, he couldn't truly hide his worry for what might be awaiting them. And if even he doubted the safety of the path, it was useless to go on pretending her fears were unfounded.

But the concern in his voice seemed to go unnoticed by Gimli, who eagerly climbed the stairs, or perhaps he simply refused to hear it. He had hardly been able to hide his joy at the decision to travel through Moria, even if the others did not share those feelings.

When they reached the top of the stairs, the sun had settled behind the horizon, leaving only the light of the moon as their guide. Before them stretched a dark lake, its surface perfectly flat but strangely dark. And as Elgarain continued to look at it, she realized it was because the stars and the moon weren't reflected on its surface. It made a strange feeling gnaw at her heart and she quickly turned away.

The lake had been created because of a dam built at the edge of the stairs. On their left rose vast cliffs, thick and impenetrable. No sign of a gate or entrance, not even so much as crack running through the stone.

"Behold the Walls of Moria," Gandalf stated, pointing across the water. "And there the Gate stood once upon a time. The Elven Door at the end of the road from Hollin by which we have come. But this way is blocked. None of the Company, I guess, will wish to swim this gloomy water at the end of the day. It has an unwholesome look."

Wearily Elgarain glanced at the waters once again, unwholesome was a rather kind way to put it. The still waters seemed haunted somehow, hiding a foul secret beneath its surface.

"We must find a way round the northern edge,' Gimli said.

"Yes," Gandalf agreed. "We shall climb up by the main path and see where that will lead us. Even if there were no lake, we could not get our baggage-pony up this stair. We cannot take the poor beast into the Mines. The road under the mountains is a dark road, and there are places narrow and steep which he cannot tread, even if we can."

"Poor old Bill!' Frodo sighed. He turned around to look at Sam at the end of the rear with Aragorn, seemingly not yet having heard Gandalf's words. "I had not thought of that. And poor Sam! I wonder what he will say?"

"I am sorry," Gandalf apologised. "Poor Bill has been a useful companion, and it goes to my heart to turn him adrift now. I would have traveled lighter and brought no animal, least of all this one that Sam is fond of, if I had had my way. I feared all along that we should be obliged to take this road."

Gyda smiled at the Hobbit. "Bill will find his way home, Frodo Baggins."

Frodo looked up at her and her words seemed to have reassured him because he nodded before making his way towards his Gardener to tell him the news.

Sam wasn't happy with the decision but even he understood the pony could not follow them along this path. Aragorn helped the Hobbit by selecting the baggage that could be left behind and distributing what they needed among the members of the fellowship. Finally, Sam whispered a goodbye and set the pony loose. Aragorn placed an assuring hand on his shoulder as they watched the pony go.

The fellowship followed Gandalf as he led them across the valley. As fast as they could they climbed up the slopes and reached the side of the lake. It was impossible to see how far it stretched towards the south but to the north it nearly touched the walls, leaving only a narrow path free for them to try and reach the hidden door. They hurried forward, Gimli the only one among them undeterred by the cliffs ahead of them.

They walked in single file, each of them eyeing the waters to their right with suspicion. Gandalf continued on with great pace and so they finally reached the strip of dry land between the lake and the cliffs. It wasn't much bigger than the path they'd followed, but at least they could stand side by side again.

Close beneath the cliff stood two tall trees. Their roots had grown from the wall to the water, though even they did not touch the surface. Their branches had made their way up against the cliffs, making it seem like the trees were two pillars, standing guard at the end of the once busy trade road between Eregion and Moria.

"Well, here we are at last!" Gandalf said. "Let's see." He stepped forward, his hands skimming over the cold stones in search of the Gate of Moria. "Ithildin—it mirrors only starlight and moonlight."

As if the sky had heard his words, the clouds that had covered the moon's light were whisked away by the wind, and the silver light of the moon touched the stones. Slowly silver veins, seemingly carved deep into the rock, appeared. As they grew brighter, a pattern appeared, forming a curved gate with many drawings crowning it.

Elgarain stared wide-eyed at the softly glowing mithril. Despite the fear and dread that had been plaguing her, she felt herself smile. And for a moment she felt comforted. The sight of the door feeling like a little piece of home was greeting her in this forsaken place. She'd heard many tales about the lost craft of her people. The intricate and delicate art of using mithril to write special runes, enchanted so that only the light of the night sky could reveal them. Only the Ñoldor had ever been able to write with these ruins, though there were now only few who were still capable of the art form. What she wouldn't give to learn it herself one day...

"It reads; the doors of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak; friend, and enter." Gandalf translated, pointing out the words with his staff.

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

"It's quite simple. If you are a friend, you speak the password and the doors will open." Gandalf placed his staff against the cliffside, as though it was a key. Then he spoke in an ancient language, ordering the doors to open.

His words were swallowed by the silence of the night and the door remained closed.

For a moment the Wizard stared at the doors, stunned but he quickly gathered himself and spoke a second command. But once again, nothing happened.

"Part of me wishes those doors will remain closed," Elgarain whispered softly so only Gyda could catch her words.

Gyda grinned, despite her own apprehension, "Darkness never did suit you, Tarinya."

The words are a painful reminder of a soft name once whispered so fondly. Before she is even aware of her actions, her gaze turned to Aragorn, watching as he conversed softly with the warrior of Gondor. With a soft sigh she turned to look at her friend again. "I fear there is more than lifeless shadows hiding in those mines."

"You and me both," Gyda muttered, a worried frown appeared on her features. "Keep your weapons close Elgarain, and your eyes open."

"Not to worry, I haven't forgotten your lessons," Elgarain smiled, trying to lift the somber mood.

Gyda returned her smile but their conversation was cut short when Gandalf's third command had failed as well. Growing frustrated, the Wizard started pushing against the doors, despite everyone knowing that wouldn't do anything either.

"I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Elves, men and Orcs," he grumbled.

"What are you going to do then?" Pippin asked.

"Knock your head against these doors, Peregrin Took! And if that does not shatter them and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will try to find the opening words."

Pippin swallowed nervously and he turned away from the wrath of the Wizard.

Gandalf sighed and took a seat on the rock in front of the seemingly impassable doors. Deciding it would be best to leave him be, the rest of the Fellowship sought some rest against the cold stones, talking in hushed voices. Gimli was seated on a rock, leaning his back against the wall. Taking a deep breath, Elgarain decided to join him. The animosity between them still wasn't completely gone and besides, if anyone could convince her to enter Moria, it was him.

Without asking for permission, she settled herself beside the Dwarf. His glare didn't go unnoticed by her but she simply pretended she hadn't seen it.

"I have to admit," she started carefully, "the outskirts of Moria are not quite as I pictured them."

"What use is putting up defenses when the mountain itself can be used as a defense?" Gimli spoke between puffs of smoke coming from his pipe.

"I hadn't thought of it that way." She eyed the Dwarf. "How long has it been since you last saw your cousin?"

He frowned, though it was hardly visible beneath the helmet covering half his face. "Not for many years."

She wished she could've told him they would see each other again but everything about this place made her think otherwise and she refused to speak meaningless words. And so she simply let a silence settle between them, taking time to gather her courage for what she knew had to be said next.

"I've been wanting to ask your forgiveness, Master Dwarf," she spoke softly. "For what I said during the council and the unkindness I have shown you afterwards."

He tensed and she realized she'd caught him off guard. He took a long drag from his pipe, granting himself a moment to think over his words, just like she'd done seconds before. "There's no need for that, lass. We both spoke out of anger."

Now it was her turn to be surprised. She hadn't expected him to be this...kind. "Yes, we did," she agreed. Then she grinned. "I thought Dwarves were supposed to be stubborn?"

"Aye," Gimli replied, smiling slightly beneath his beard. "When we want to be."

"I'll consider it a compliment then."

"I wouldn't go that far-" Gimli started to protest but his words were cut short when a sudden splash came from their left.

The two of them turned, only to relax when they realized it was merely Merry and Pippin skipping rocks on the water. Though before Pippin could toss another rock, Aragorn grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the water's edge.

"Do not disturb the water." He warned firmly.

Elgarain held her breath as she watched the surface of the lake. The ripples seemingly caused by the stones seemed to last longer than was natural.

"It's a riddle!" Frodo's clear voice cut through the silence but Elgarain's gaze was focused on the lake. The Hobbit stood up and watched the door with a newfound clarity. "Speak; friend and enter. What's the Elvish word for friend?"

Gandalf looked up and spoke: "Mellon."

The rocks cracked and slowly but surely the heavy stone gate opened wide. The scraping noise of rock touching rock managed to pull her attention away from the swirling waters. She didn't quite know whether to feel relieved that they could leave the dark waters behind, or scared that they had to enter a dark mine instead.

Everyone got to their feet and with Gandalf walking in front, the Fellowship entered Moria. The darkness seemed to swallow her like a starving mouth. She winced when the smell of dust and the sickly sweet stench of rot reached her. Every muscle in her body tensed. She silently begged anyone who might be listening that her fears would not be true...

"Soon, lass, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves," Gimli spoke, looking at her. "Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone! This my friend is the home of my cousin Balin. And they call it a mine, a mine!"

A pale light flickered from the tip of Gandalf's staff, slowly chasing away the darkness and illuminating the cave they'd entered. Chiseled walls, endless cobwebs and specks of dust floating in the air and...A startled yelp escaped her lips as she stumbled backwards.

Boromir's hand landed on her arm, steadying her, though his eyes were focused on what had her so spooked.

A skull was staring up at them with empty eyes, its mouth open from its final scream.

With wide eyes Elgarain looked around, only to discover the entire floor seemed to be covered with corpses. They all wore the signature armor of the Dwarves. Most were still clutching their weapons, as though they were ready to fight even in death.

"This is no mine," Boromir breathed. "It's a tomb."

The realization settled in. The Hobbits stumbled back in fear, Gyda reached for her sword as her eyes searched the darkness but worst of all was Gimli's heartbreaking shout of grief.

Legolas knelt down and inspected one of the arrows penetrating a Dwarf's breastplate. "Goblins," he snarled, throwing away the arrow and reaching for his own.

As though his words had been a signal, both Gyda and Aragorn drew their swords and Boromir followed suit. Elgarain reached for her spear, the feeling of the weapon in her hands calming her, even if it was only a little bit.

"We make for the Gap of Rohan," Boromir muttered beneath his breath. "We should never have come here." But then he raised his voice, shouting with the ferocity of a warrior: "Get out of here, get out!"

With the warriors still facing forward, awaiting a possible attack from out of the darkness, Elgarain turned around to encourage the Hobbits to retreat. But her words stuck in her throat when a dark, scaled tentacle came from the depths of the dark water, wrapped itself around Frodo's leg and pulled him to the ground.

The Hobbits shouted in panic, alerting the others that the danger wasn't coming from inside the mines but rather from the outside. A foul creature had awoken in the depths of the lake and was now invoking its wrath upon them.

Sam drew his short sword, shouting anger as he hacked away at the slimy arm holding Frodo captive. Wounded, the monster withdrew, giving Merry and Pippin a moment to drag Frodo away from the waterline.

It happened within seconds. Countless tentacles breached the water surface, grasping for them as the monster they belonged to roared. And at that very same moment, a sharp sting went through her arm, making her wince. As she looked down, she realized it was because of Vilya, burning bright like a tiny star on her finger. Exactly like it had done when it had tried to warn her of Boromir's intentions on Caradhras. Somehow, she didn't need to think to interpret the warning. The monster in the water knew exactly what it was looking for. It was no coincidence it had tried to grab Frodo.

She was proven right when once again the tentacles reached for the Ringbearer, dragging him away from the others, holding him high in the air so no one could reach him. He was screaming in fear, the sound pulling at her heart.

Boromir reached the water first, hacking away at the slimy arms with a terrifying strength. From a distance Legolas fired his arrows, inflicting countless wounds on the Watcher in the water. Aragorn and Gyda joined Boromir in the water, their swords strong and swift.

Elgarain ran towards the Hobbits. Sam was still hacking away at the monsters, shouting as he tried to reach his master. Merry and Pippin wanted to join him but she pulled them back before they could.

"Stay back," she warned. She couldn't bear to lose one of them as they foolishly tried to fight a creature ten times bigger than them.

"Look out!" Merry shouted.

She spun around, watching as a tentacle reached for her. Without hesitation she raised her spear and stabbed the scaled limb. She watched as it retreated, though never lowered her spear. Every reminder Gyda had ever given her about never lowering your weapon while the fight was still going on seemed to blur together within her mind.

Beside her both Merry and Pippin drew their swords, standing at the ready in case the monster decided to attack them once again. But it seemed like it was focused on Frodo, determined to take the golden trinket he carried...

Frodo had managed to grab Sting and desperately tried to free himself. But he couldn't quite reach the tentacle holding him.

Slowly but surely the warriors tried to hack their way through the forests of limbs. While Legolas kept firing arrow after arrow. In retaliation, the Watcher in the water came fully to the surface. The pale moonlight revealed a dark green monster with a mouth as wide as the doors of Moria themselves, filled with rows of teeth. Two massive black, lifeless eyes stared up at Frodo as it prepared to swallow the Hobbit hole.

But at that very moment, Boromir managed to sever the limb holding Frodo with one, giant swing. Aragorn stood ready to catch the Hobbit, putting him back on his feet as they hurried out of the water.

"Into the mines!" Gandalf shouted.

Elgarain pushed the two Hobbits along, looking around to make sure everyone was following them. They sprinted towards the doors, Legolas covering their back as he continued firing his arrows. The creature howled in fury at its retreating prey and in one last attempt to catch its price, the monster stretched out his arms.

The tentacles hit the doors, making the walls tremble and the stone crack. The rocks came tumbling down and so the masterfully crafted doors of Moria collapsed. And the Fellowship was trapped in darkness.

The sudden lack of light made her dizzy, her ears immediately making up for the loss of sight by focusing on the sounds around her. But all she heard were the haunting breaths of her companions.

Suddenly the familiar pale, white light of Gandalf's staff illuminated the cave, forcing Elgarain to blink against the sudden assault on her eyes. Once she was used to the light, she looked around, realizing with a relieved beat of her heart that they were all here. Bruised but alive.

"We now have but one choice," Gandalf spoke. "We must face the long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world."

She caught Gyda's gaze and her friend nodded at her, smiling encouragingly.

Elgarain tried to smile back but knew it must've looked somewhat unsure. But this was the choice they were left with and she would no longer dread the path awaiting them. With that determination burning within her, Elgarain and Gyda followed Gandalf into the dark, side by side.

°∴,*⋅✲✦ ( ♕ ) ✦✲⋅*,∴°

𝕬𝐔𝐓𝐇𝐎𝐑'𝐒 𝕹𝐎𝐓𝐄 . . .

Wow, I can't believe we've already reached chapter 20. Feels like only yesterday since I started writing this story...

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! Another little hint at the role Vilya is going to play in this book ;) Also the friendship between Gimli and Elgarain is going to be so much fun and I love setting it up!

I also wanted to give a big thanks to soulofstaars for making the beautiful gif banner you can see below. I absolutely love it, thank you so much! Go check out her profile, she's amazingly talented!

See you guys next time!

xx Nelly

ELVISH TRANSLATIONS:

Tarinya ― My Queen

Mellon ― Friend