Running to You (LOTR- Legolas and O/C)

Ch.8- Mines of Moria (Part I)

The moon shined bright above our heads as we walked along the shore of a dark lake. We had arrived at Moria. Next to me, Gimli looked on in awe.

"The walls of Moria," he whispered. I smiles down at him.

"Have you ever been here, Gimli?"

"No lass, I have not. But my cousin Balin is lord here and will welcome us with open arms!" The certainty in his voice made my heart break. I do not know the fate of the dwarves of Moria. I only knew there was a great battle many years ago. Nothing was heard from Moria since then. Many dwarves had fled, like those of Erebor decades before. Swallowing the lump in my throat, I patted his shoulder.

"I'm sure there will be a great feast." I did not have the heart to tell him there may not be a Moria to welcome us.

Gandalf touches the stone walls, gliding his hand across it as faint lines begin to appear. I step next to him and admire the stonework.

"Itidin... It mirrors only starlight and moonlight," Gandalf explained. The lines begin to glow brighter, forming a glowing arch of interlacing ancient letters and symbols.

" 'The door of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak, friend, and enter,'" I translated easily. Gandalf looks down at me impressed. I shrug and smirk a little. "I'm old, Gandalf. I know a thing or two."

"Well what do you suppose that means?" Merry asked.

"It's quite simple! If you are a friend, speak the password and the door shall open," Gandalf said. He raised his arms into the air and began speaking. "Annon edhellen, edro hi ammen!"

Nothing. The doors did not budge. I step back and allow Gandalf to continue mumbling spells in his attempts to open the doors. Meanwhile, I watch as Sam packs his assortment of pots and pans. Aragorn was freeing Bill the Pony to go back to his home.

"Don't worry, Sam, he knows his way home," I said reassuringly. Sam silently nods and continues packing. Suddenly a small splash was made from the lake so I twirl around and see Merry and Pippin throwing stones.

"Both of you stop!" I whispered angrily. Merry freezes right before he throws and Pippin drops the stone from his hands. "Do not disturb the water." The ripples appear to grow as I watch anxiously, my hand reaching for my sword. Out of the corner of my eye Boromir does the same. Still on edge, I back away from the lake and return to Gandalf.

"Any luck?" I say as I sit down on the other side of Frodo. Gandalf huffs and shakes his head. Frodo peers at the archway and a small smile appears on his face.

"It's a riddle..." he said quietly. I look at him and then back at the archway.

"Frodo you're a genius!"

"Speak, friend, and enter. What's the elvish word for friend?"

"Melon," Gandalf and I reply in unison. Just then, the doors opened, revealing a blackness darker than the night. Elios growled next to me. Something was wrong. We step warily into the darkness, my hand on my sword and I'd assume Aragorn and Boromir were doing the same. Legolas had walked in next to me and Elios was a pace or two ahead. I heard him whining but I could not tell why for it was too dark.

   "So, master elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the dwarves; roaring fires, malt beer, red meat off the bone. This, my friend, is the home of my cousin, Balin... and they call this a mine.. A mine!" Gimli continued on, speaking to Legolas but he was not paying much attention. The darkness surrounded us and made me ever more anxious. Elios had wandered further ahead I assumed but Legolas was still by my side, closer even. Our arms brushed every now and then. Either out of pure accident or if it was his way of subtly comforting my anxieties, I do not yet know.