Taranor || Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring

Hidden Doors and Dangerous Waters

Taranor let out a breathe of relief as they finally reached the bottom of the mountain, it seemed as if the rest of the company did as well.

The sun had set by the time they reached the rocky ravine where the doors to Moria were supposed to be, but Taranor could not see any door  making her wonder if they had come to the right place. She felt wary of the current position they were in. On one side there was a steep cliff that even she would have second thoughts about climbing and on the other was a dark lake with murky grey water. The surface of the lake was so still, not even a single ripple despite the light wind. If something were to happen there was only one escape, and that was the path they were currently on.

"Dwarf doors are invisible when closed." Gimli explained to Gandalf answering an unasked question that Taranor had been itching to ask. He tapped the wall with his axe making the sound echo through the ravine.

"Then how do their masters find them if their secrets are forgotten?" Gandalf asked as the group stopped at a wide opening in the cliff wall.

"Why doesn't that surprise me?" Legolas mused, behind him Taranor couldn't help but laugh quietly. The ongoing feud between the Dwarves and woodland Elves was very amusing.

Gandalf went up to the wall, inspecting it closely. Taranor stood at the back of the group with Bill leaning against the rocky walls, running her hands through the stout pony's dirty mane. He was a cute pony, and very strong. But she had a feeling that his journey ended here.

"Yes." Gandalf mumbled as he wiped away the dirt on the wall. "Itidin, only revealed in starlight and moonlight." He said, looking up at the grey clouds looming above them. The clouds soon faded allowing the moonlight to shine down on them.

With a gasp Taranor stepped forward toward the door that was slowly being revealed. A white light, like that of a star illuminated the hidden door. She reached up and her fingertips lightly grazed the white light. Afraid that if she touched it any longer she would ruin its celestial beauty, she hesitantly pulled back.

Atop the door were runes, the likes of which she had never seen before.

"It reads, The Door of Durin, Lord of Moria. Speak friend and enter." Gandalf translated the runes for the others.

"What do you suppose that means?" Merry asked, looking around confused. Gandalf huffed and said,"it's quite simple. If you're a friend, you speak the password and the doors will open."

Gandalf raised his staff, pressing it against the star in the middle and began chanting in some language that Taranor didn't know. Then again she only knew the common tongue and a little Elvish.

Nothing happened as Gandalf stopped speaking. Once more Gandalf tried, raising his arms and chanting a different spell. Again nothing happened.

Boromir and Taranor exchanged a glance and looked back to the wizard who would not be swayed by his failed attempts.

"Nothing's happening." Pippin said, not only voicing the thoughts of the other members of the group but also stating the obvious making Taranor chuckle. She had taken a liking to the hobbits throughout their journey, especially Merry and Pippin.

Gandalf proceeded to slam his body against the stone doors, attempting to use brute strength to open them before letting out a frustrated sigh.