Stuck In The Middle

Gandalf's Departure

   ''Get up.'' Atalanta ordered, ripping everyone out of their horror. Don't get her wrong, Atalanta was distraught about Pippin's death, but they didn't have time for this. Turning to face Aragorn, Atalanta stepped away, grabbing his arm. ''We don't have time for this. As a ranger, you should know that we need to go, now. And as one of the bearers-of-fate, I know what's next.....a balrog. So, we need to go.''

Aragorn studied her, looking at how determined Atalanta looked. He wanted to trust her, but should he? There was no warning on Pippin's death. They were nervous for Moria, but nothing more....

''Aragorn!'' Atalanta snapped, drawing his attention back to her. Atalanta was starting to get impatient, as she was hoping to avoid anymore deaths.

''ATALANTA!'' Merry roared, drawing the Fellowship's attention to him. Merry stood up, furious at the loss of his best friend. His anger washed over his sorrow, as he glared at the woman he believed was responsible.

''Merry.'' Atalanta stood her ground, glaring Merry down. She didn't have time for this. Atalanta believed that she was indeed slightly responsible, and wouldn't like any more blood on her hands.

''How could you?'' Merry muttered, hurt laced in his words. However, his hurt was gone in a flash, replaced with a deep loathing for Atalanta. ''HOW COULD YOU? YOU KNEW ABOUT HIS DEATH, YET YOU DIDN'T WARN US! YOU DIDN'T TRIED TO PREVENT IT!'' He roared, stepping closer to Atalanta.

Atalanta stepped closer, as they were now close to each other. She glared down at him, annoyed. ''We don't have time for this, Meriadoc Brandybuck!''

''Answer my question, Atalanta Jackson.'' Merry retorted.

''I couldn't have warned you.'' She was now fuming, as she needed to get everyone out, now. ''BECAUSE HE ISN'T SUPPOSED TO DIE!''

Merry looked shocked, then upset, and then beyond angry. He turned red, as tears threatened to fall. ''Pippin....PIPPIN WASN'T SUPPOSED TO DIE?! THEN IT'S YOUR FAULT, EH? IT'S ALL YOUR FAULT, YOU WITCH! YOU DON'T BELONG IN THE FELLOWSHIP, YOU'LL JUST KILL US ALL! Y'KNOW WHAT? I HOPE YOU DIE, ATALANTA!''

''We don't have time for this.'' Atalanta growled, as she unsheathed her sword. ''Have it out with me all you want, Meriadoc. Just not now, when we're all about to die.''

Merry glared, but listened, nonetheless. Anyone would be a fool to ignore her, someone who knew the fate, someone who had proved themselves trustworthy - mostly.

Suddenly, a mighty roar echoed throughout the halls. It sounded like a banging drum, each roar louder than the one before. However, none of the girls had to explain what this ferocious monster was, because it was already known.

''What is this new devilry?'' Boromir whispered, wrapping a protective arm around Kate, whose face was paling.

''Balrog.'' Atalanta muttered, before shaking away her fear. ''RUN! MAKE FOR DAYLIGHT!'' The Fellowship didn't need to be told twice.

As the Fellowship spun around the corner, a chasm loomed ahead. The Fellowship runs trough the Hall, and enters a passageway, then down a flight of steps. Parts of the steps end into the chasm and Boromir nearly falls into it. Kate pulls him back just before he is about to fall in, and Boromir could only manage to give her a smile, in thanks. They take another flight of stairs down. Aragorn, the twins and Gandalf bringing up the rear.

''Gandalf!'' Aragorn shouts, as he notices Gandalf stopping.

''Guide them, Aragorn! And trust the girls, they will help you!'' Gandalf replies, but, noticing Aragorn resisting, he sighed. ''Do as I say! Swords are no more use here.''