The Beginning of Darkness [LotR] [COMPLETED]

An Unfortunate Discovery

It was very dark and cold, Marillel couldn’t even see her hand in front of her face let alone the others. She only knew they were there from the rasping breaths they were emitting,

“Everyone alright?” she asked her voice shaking slightly

There was a chorus of ‘yeses’ and  ‘I’m fines’ from everyone. A dull glow appeared in front of Marillel and she saw Gandalf’s face in the light coming from the top of his staff, soon the glow brightened and she could see the faces of the rest of the Fellowship. They all looked exhausted and had dirt streaked across their faces.

“We now have but one choice” Gandalf said in a low voice, “Be on your guard, there are older and fouler things than Orcs in the deep places of the world” his warning sent shivers down Marillel’s spine.

Gandalf led the way lighting the path with his staff, the rest followed in single file. Marillel felt a little tug on her cloak, she turned and saw Frodo clutching at it. Behind him Sam was holding onto Frodo’s, Merry holding Sam’s and Pippin holding Merry’s. Marillel gave them a small smile and continued on after Gandalf, they trusted her to protect them. She hoped she wouldn’t let them down.

.::.

.::.::.

Marillel wasn’t sure what the time of day was or how long they had been walking through the mines, but it felt like forever. The setting was pretty creepy, the darkness seemed to stretch on for ages. Every now and then they had to cross a bridge, Marillel sneaked a look down one side and nearly toppled over the edge. Only the quick reflexes of Aragorn saved her,

“Thanks” she gasped

“Must you act like a child Marillel? I should not have to watch you every step of the way.” he snapped and continued across the bridge

Marillel made a face to Aragorn’s back, “Whatever”

Passing through a doorway Marillel and the Hobbits entered into a large cavern, Gandalf was standing next to a large rock and running his hand over it. Upon closer inspection Marillel saw there were silver lines running through the rock,

“What is it?” Boromir questioned

“The wealth of Moria was not in gold or jewels, but Mithril.” Gandalf explained and pointed downwards with his staff. The light from the crystal illuminated a large hole in the floor, Marillel spied crumbling rows of scaffolding attached to the rock wall where the dwarves must’ve stood mining for the Mithril.

The Fellowship left the cavern and started climbing up steep stone steps. Marillel went behind the Hobbits catching them if they happened to slip. After a few more flights of stairs they came to an opening with two doorways to choose from. Gandalf paused looking from one door to another,

“I have no memory of this place” he said

.::.

.::.::.