Break This Crown | Legolas/OC

Chapter Three: The Mines of Moria

Chapter Three: The Mines of Moria

As the Fellowship reached a room, Madelyn's attention was turned toward Gimli as he wailed in front of a tomb. 

"He is dead then," Gandalf said solemnly, removing his hat. "It is as I feared." Gandalf picked up a book and read aloud. "They have taken the Bridge and the second hall. We have barred the gates, but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes. Drums in the deep. We cannot get out." Madelyn looked around nervously, and made eye contact with Legolas who was next to her. "A shadow moves in the dark. We cannot get out. They are coming."

Suddenly, a loud crash was heard as a skeleton clashed it's way down a well. Pippin looked sheepish as the chain holding it fell in as well. Everyone froze and listened, but nothing was heard. 

"Fool of a Took!" Gandalf scolded. "Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!" 

Madelyn's eyes widened as she heard drums beating faster and faster. Looking to Aragorn, she could tell by his expression that he heard it too. She looked at Frodo's sword in alarm when it began to glow blue.

"Orcs!" Legolas shouted. 

Aragorn turned to Madelyn as a few arrows narrowly missed Boromir. "Stay back with the hobbits, Madelyn," he began, ignoring Madelyn's glare. "Stay close to Gandalf."

"Aragorn, no!" she protested. "I'm perfectly capable of handling myself!"

Aragorn looked behind him as Boromir shouted, "They have a cave troll!" Shooting Madelyn a stern look, Aragorn ran over to help barricade the door. 

Madelyn clenched her teeth and nocked an arrow, coming to stand between Boromir and Legolas as the door fell. 

Legolas fired the first arrow and that's when all hell broke loose. Madelyn alternated between firing arrows and using her sword as Boromir and Legolas looked on with pride. Aragorn just looked annoyed, but not angry, as he had figured she wouldn't listen. Suddenly, a loud roar was heard as the cave troll entered the fight and Madelyn looked up, started. This gave the orc she was fighting a split second to slice her leg with its sword. Letting out a cry of pain as blood ran down her leg, she made eye contact with Legolas who fired an arrow at the orc and killed it. He ran over to help her up. 

"Are you alright, Madelyn?" he asked, seeing how she bit back a scream when she put pressure on her leg. She bit her lip and nodded. "Stay behind Gandalf, this time." Madelyn agreed without argument and quickly hobbled over to him. 

From her position away from the battle, Madelyn could just barely make out Boromir getting flung against the wall and Frodo getting stabbed. She ripped a piece of cloth from her tunic and tied it around her wound. The Fellowship continued to battle the troll until Legolas fired an arrow right into its mouth, killing the beast. Madelyn crawled over to where the group crowded around Frodo. When he gasped and sat up, Madelyn sank to the ground in relief. 

"It's alright, I'm not hurt," Frodo said, looking around.

"You should be dead," Aragorn spoke in bewilderment.

Frodo revealed the Mithril vest he was wearing and Gimli broke the silence. "Mithril! You are full of surprises Master Baggins!"

Gandalf turned, as screeches were heard throughout the room. "To the Bridge of Khazad-dûm!" he yelled. 

Legolas, knowing Madelyn would not be able to run, scooped her up and followed the Fellowship. Soon, however, they were forced to stop, completely surrounded by orcs. Boromir and Aragorn stepped in front of Legolas and Madelyn, holding up their weapons. A roar suddenly sounded, making the orcs screech and run away. 

"What is this new devilment?" Boromir asked, as a red glow grew near. 

"A balrog, demon of the ancient world. Run!" Gandalf shouted.

Boromir took the lead but suddenly stopped, due to the steps ending. He teetered forward, but Madelyn reached out from her place in Legolas's arms and grabbed the back of his shirt. Boromir turned and nodded his thanks. 

"Gandalf?" Aragorn questioned.

"Lead them on, Aragorn. The bridge is near!" Gandalf replied. The roar is heard once again and Gandalf pushed Aragorn away. "Do as I say! Swords are of no more use here."

They ran down the steps until they reached a gap. Legolas reluctantly handed Madelyn over to Boromir and jumped the gap. Gandalf was next to jump. 

"I'm going to toss you, alright?" Boromir murmured to Madelyn.

Her eyes widened and she clung to his shirt. "No, no, please!"

"I'll catch you, Madelyn!" Legolas yelled from the other side, firing an arrow at an orc behind them. "You'll be fine!" 

She took a deep breath and nodded up at Boromir. He gave her one last reassuring look as he tossed her straight into Legolas's waiting arms. Boromir quickly followed, carrying Merry and Pippin. A chunk of the bridge fell away. Madelyn was once again passed to Boromir, as Legolas began to fire at more orcs. Aragorn tossed Sam next, followed by Gimli, who refused to be thrown. He took a mighty leap but barely missed the ledge.Legolas reached out and grabbed his beard, pulling him up. 

Suddenly, more chunks began to fall away, leaving Aragorn and Frodo stranded. 

"Aragorn!" Madelyn shouted.

Aragorn grabbed onto the back of Frodo's shirt. "Lean forward!" he yelled as the slab they were standing on began to rock.

Boromir gently put Madelyn on the ground as he prepared to catch Frodo. Madelyn put a hand on Sam's shoulder to steady herself. Finally, Frodo and Aragorn had made it and Aragorn scooped Madelyn up as they continued to run. 

"Over the bridge!" Gandalf commanded as a fiery beast with wings advanced on them. The Fellowship crossed the bridge one-by-one, with Gandalf bringing up the rear. Gandalf stopped and turned toward the beast. "You cannot pass!" he shouted. 

"Gandalf!" Frodo yelled in alarm. 

The beast drew closer to Gandalf.

"YOU SHALL NOT PASS!" he bellowed, raising his staff and slamming it onto the bridge. The portion holding the balrog collapsed but before it fell, its whip snatched Gandalf's ankles. He clung to the edge of the bridge. 

"Gandalf!" Madelyn shouted, struggling in Aragorn's hold. 

"Fly you fools," he said and let go. 

The Fellowship turned and ran outside before collapsing on the ground. Aragorn placed Madelyn on a rock and she put her head in her hands, letting a few tears escape. 

"Legolas! Get them up!" Aragorn shouted, causing Madelyn to look up in disbelief. 

"Give them a moment, for pities sake!" Boromir yelled back, feeling the same way as Madelyn. 

"By nightfall this hills will be swarming with orcs! We must reach the woods of Lothlórien. Come, Boromir, Legolas, Gimli, get them up!" Aragorn retorted, helping Sam to his feet. 

Legolas sighed and walked over to Madelyn, helping her up as she tested her leg. It still hurt, but she could manage walking. Aragorn turned and led the Fellowship along, away from the mines.