The Kiss of Life--chapter five and six

Chapter Five—1

Rhiannon neighed and slowed down to a near halt.2

“What is it, boy?” Juliette asked, looking around suspiciously.3

For the past few days Rhiannon had galloped across the hills, mountains, rugged valleys, and dense forests, stopping only a few times throughout the day. Amazingly enough Juliette felt no sore limbs whatsoever and on the contrary found these rides rather pleasant. She found herself sleeping on his firm yet comfortable back throughout the day, oblivious to the dangerous surroundings.4

Rhiannon groaned softly and began walking towards a large cave, sliding past jagged rocks and over to where a large cave-lake lay. Its dark and murky waters startled Juliette at first but holding onto the reins of this stead, felt much more at ease. There, beyond the lake, lay two quartz doors. Juliette swung her legs and dismounted, walking over to the doors and studying their surfaces carefully.5

“Where exactly have you led me?” she had grown accustomed to talking with this magical unicorn, almost as if he almost understood her.6

Rhiannon grunted as a response and nudged his head upward. Juliette’s gaze followed his head and she back away while looking far up.7

Juliette was stumped, “What is this?” she wondered aloud,8

Suddenly a loud neigh filled the cave, Juliette spun to see Rhiannon stomp his front leg into the dirt, gaining momentum. Charging straight past the bewildered princess and right into the doors where he stopped abruptly, backing onto his hind legs and let out another thunderous neigh before pressing his front legs onto the door with a mighty thud. Juliette watched in absolute wonder as the doors burst open with a deafening clang the moment his front legs touched them.9

There was a thick silence. Rhiannon turned walked towards where Juliette stood frozen on the spot in stunned amazement. Juliette looked deep into its crystal black eyes and swallowed,10

“What sort of creature are you?” she asked incredulously stroking its hair softly. There was a mischievous twinkle in his eye and he neighed in response.11

Juliette chuckled quietly as he licked her finger affectionately and with another twinkle of an eye, spurred to the side and galloped off into the darkness from where they had come. It came totally unexpected to Juliette and she found herself staring into the darkness for a while trying to gather her thoughts. Finally she turned around to see about forty to fifty dwarves trickling out the entrance and gazing at her in flabbergasted amazement.12

“W—Who are you?” One scruffy dwarf managed to gather enough courage to ask.13

“I—I am Princess Juliette….” Juliette was neither sure how to react.14

“A—Are….are you an angel…or an enchantress?”15

“No…” 16

A large bearded dwarf elbowed his way through the crowd “Step out of the way, Gimli.” He said finally coming up front. He eyes marveled and beheld the beauty before him and he felt quite at loss for words, “I—is she a—an angel?” He asked the dwarf he had just told to move out of his way. 17

“She claims not to be, your highness,” Gimli replied, “but she sure looks like one to me.”18

“I am human, sir.” Juliette said hesitantly, fumbling her cloak.19

The crowd awed silently, but their faces grew in interest. Finally the king huffed,20

“There has not been a human entering here in a few hundred years,” he scoffed, then turned to the men, “Who says she’s not a spy from the Elves?”21

There was a grumble throughout the crowd and Juliette grew nervous,22

*23

It was some time but after telling her whole ordeal from when she got kidnapped to Rhiannon’s amazing ability of bursting open their gates, they had somehow believed she was neither a spy nor an angel. By then, they were all gathered at a nearby cave tavern—a dwarf’s favorite place.24

The king—whom Juliette had discovered as Thorgrim—mused to himself, and took another gulp of ale,25

“Well, now that we know who you really are, and that Lucius is indeed after you as you say he is—which is not very surprising, ehem…then I suggest you stay here. After all, Rhiannon had indeed led you here didn’t he?”26

Juliette had been worrying that they might not except her and had been wondering how to best present it, but after hearing that she felt relieved and immediately agreed –or rather accepted. And so it was that she had found great favor in the sight of the King Thorgrim and he treated her kindly like his daughter with plenty of comforts she had not felt since she had escaped from Lucius.27

She had a personal bodyguard King Thorgrim assigned to her, the courageous but inwardly shy dwarf she had first spoken with, Gimli. There was no nervousness or fear of being…you know, for Juliette had found these dwarves to be very sincere and kind-hearted folks, on the contrast to their sometimes menacing outward appearance. She especially felt a tie with Gimli, him being her constant bodyguard, she found him very polite and almost bashful at times, and at others he would jabber on about their caves and taverns and dwarf women etc.28

Bragging on about their jewel mines one day, he commented how he would like to show her their biggest jewel mine, the Carator mines, which was on the coasts of Quid Sea, east of Erathia, and show her around. Juliette of course, was delighted at the thought, it would be quite an experience. 29

*30

Many days had passed since they had left Avlee. They had ridden nearly nonstop for the whole time, except when to let the horses rest. Luena had continued to practice Elvish even without her books, using her memory as the source.31

There was an immediate interest that sparked within Legolas since he had first rescued her and he took this journey as an opportunity to gain a greater understanding of the humans and how they interact with one another.32

But as they rode on farther and farther from Elvin territories, the forest grew so dark and dense that vigilance was vital to the security of their journey. Luena soon found herself being thankful to having Legolas travel with her as she felt rather safe having the ‘greatest archer in all of Aranorn’ with her. 33

Luena drew a deep breath. She felt it. Danger was near. She could almost hear the sound of the beasts around her. She dare not speak, for fear of alarming the presence of their awareness. Legolas had felt it also and had his bow and an arrow in his grasp, ready always to strike the opponent—whatever it may be. 34

They rode at a steady pace, gently trying not to alarm the frightened horses. Soon they came to a small clearing where Legolas looked over at her.35

“We’re almost there.” He said barely above a whisper when he suddenly turned and shot his arrow upon a large wolf that had sprung towards him from an upper land, sending the wolf falling limp onto the ground beside the horse.36

Luena gasped to see a group of wolves charging towards them, barking fiercely, and kicked her legs into the horse ribs. The two horses dashed through the woods, ducking undergrowths and dodging a few fallen trees. Luena winced as she felt sharp brush against her face creating a slight cut across her right cheek as she tried to dodge some particularly low brushwood.37

The wolves were fast and tireless runners, and it seemed like the farther they went the more wolves appeared from all sides, chasing them all the more furiously. A wolf jumped, pounced onto the horse’s back and digging its sharp teeth into its flesh. The horse screamed and Luena reached for her sword, swinging it behind her and sending the wolf flying towards the ground. At the moment another one jumped from her side and clamped its mouth around her arm, blood poured down her to her garments. Luena felt herself getting pulled off the saddle by the wolf’s weight on her arm, when they sided into a tree. The wolf was knocked off but had left Luena with a nasty wound on her arm. Luena managed to grab the reins of the horse with both hands and she turned right in time to see that they were heading straight towards a deep fault in the ground.38

There was not time to neither stop nor prevent it, Legolas turned to look at Luena and she braced herself. It was in slow motion as the horses leaped high into the air, stretching their legs as far as they could reach and landing on the other side with a loud thud. Luena was jerked forward as they rode off into the distance, away from the wolves and from danger—or so they thought.39

Legolas spurred his horse to a halt and turned to look at Luena, who was now wincing from the injury on her arm.40

“Are you alright?” he looked concerned, dismounting his horse and rushing to her aid.41

Luena gave a small brave nod and he helped her frail short frame off her horse, bending over to examine the bloody wound.42

“The fangs of that wolf were piercingly sharp,” he said, taking a clean cloth from a pouch that was strapped onto her horse and gently cleaning it from the blood, dirt and leaves. “it shall not heal very easily…no not without an Elven physician.”43

Luena winced and gritted her teeth. Legolas looked at her with empathy and rummaged through the baggage on the horse as if in search for something.44

Luena looked over at him curiously but was in too much pain to say anything. Coming back towards her with some leaves in his palm, Legolas reached for her arm,45

“There is not much to be done to heal this, for I am no physician. But at least these will sooth the pain.” He said and gently laid the thin dried broad leaves on it before gently bandaging it up. “The very thing I know about how to treat wounds.”46

Luena felt it slowly soothing her wound “Thank you,” she said, “I feel like a child getting my wound treated with such tender care.”47

Legolas bit back his smile but said nothing. Luena blushed and dropped her gaze upon realization of what she had just said.48

The two travelers journeyed through the trackless woods of the wild parts of Aranorn, coming ever so close to their destination—or destination they thought. They had left their horses and were now on foot. The wound was now ignorable.49

The ancient trees around them shook their branches loudly, making strange noises and causing Luena to look fearfully around her moss covered, green surroundings.50

“Legolas,” she said fingering her small dagger, “I think they are aware of our unwanted presence.”51

“They have feelings. They speak to one another in the language—the language of the trees.” He looked around him, “The Elves began it; waking up the trees, teaching them to speak. There is no need to fear them, for they know we come in good intentions.”52

Luena felt a little safer as he said that but still fingered her dagger nervously. They came across a large moss-covered, leafy tree and Legolas stopped abruptly and stared at it as if trying to make out something.53

“What?” Luena was a little alarmed,54

“It is a Treant.” He said softly, “I can feel it breathing.”55

Then a small wind blew and brushed some leaves against the large Treant. Luena eyes were wide in horror as the Treant began to creak and opened his eyes, looking straight at them with a most menacing scowl.56

“Who disturbs my slumber?” he growled in a deep low voice.57

Luena was too scared to manage a reply. Legolas reached for his bow strapped onto his back.58

“Elf I see...yyyyyyyes…what brings Elves here?” questioned the Treant.59

There was a long pause. “W—We s—search for someone….a girl….a princess named Juliette,” Luena stammered,60

At that the Treant’s suspicious face turned into a thoughtful look, “Yyyyyyyes….princess…that was heard of.” the Treant mused,61

“Where is she?” Luena asked instantly, 62

The Treant drawled, “My friends tell me of a human that came amongst these parts…yyyyyyyes…but she was shooed away…yyyyyes…she departed.”63

“What? Where has she gone?” Luena heart almost sank,64

The Treant mused some more, “That you will have to ask the grouchy one,…he spoke to her after all,…yyyyyyyes…”65

“And just where can I find this ‘grouchy one’?”66

“Oh….you does not want to talk with him…he will not answer you very nicely…”67

“But you just said—“68

“Yyyyyyyesss….” The Treant mused suddenly, “...she had departed on a stead....yyyyyyyes, a unicorn! I was told they headed for the dwarves....Hmmm....Yyyyyes the Mines of Moria...”69

“You are sure of this?” Legolas was quick to react,70

The Treant nodded his head, “In certainty I am, Elfling.” He said, “In certainty I am.”71

“Thank you,” Luena said and with a small but heartfelt smile, walked off into the woods.72

“Yyyyyou’re wellllcome, I must be getting to rest now...yyyyyyes...”73

Legolas caught up with Luena and stopped her, “Are you sure you want to go to the Mines of Moria?”74

Luena looked puzzled, “Why do you speak that?”75

“Because it is the capital of the Dwarven lands.” Legolas replied earnestly, “I do not believe they would be of much help to us.”76

Luena looked even more troubled, “Why?”77

“Because Elves and dwarves do not talk to each other,”78

“Well,… why not?”79

“Because we and they are much of contrast. That is just never heard of—much less spoken of.”80

“I don’t understand,” Luena brows furrowed,81

Legolas took a deep breath and began, “You may be ignorant of this because you have lived with humans all your life, but as an Elf we learn to keep our distance between the dwarves—and they with us. Throughout the ages Elves have never mixed with the dwarves...except for in wars that concerned both parties. There was much discontentment between the races, it just is simply unheard of. They hide in their mountains seeking riches—they care nothing for the troubles of others.” 82

“Have you ever met one yourself?” Luena asked,83

“Nay,” came his reply, “but it was told of me by my father who had, many, many years ago.” 84

“Legolas,” Luena looked him in the face, “I confess I do not understand your view of these matters, but I must nevertheless reach the one I love, I one I came so far for. Even if that means enduring the dwarves for some time, I believe the end goal will be far worth the sacrifices.”85

Legolas peered deep into her eyes, “Very well,” he said at length, “I shall lead you there.”86

Luena beamed a large smile, “Thank you, Legolas,” she said, “I do not know how I could manage without you.” She stopped before taking a step forward and pulling her arms around his waist in a warm embrace.87

Legolas was startled at this unusual act of appreciation, but gingerly returned the embraced and began to wrap his arms around her frail waist, brushing against her arm as he did so.88

“Ow!” She cried, jerking back and breaking the peace of the moment.89

“Forgive me,” Legolas apologized quickly, feeling guilty that he had caused this distress of pain upon her.90

“No it is alright,” She answered sheepishly, looking rather embarrassed to have startled him so suddenly. There was an uncomfortable silence between them. Luena felt upset at herself for ruining what could have been a very nice embrace and instead, embarrassing herself as well as him, 91

“I...I guess we should be moving on,” Legolas started,92

Luena nodded thankfully, albeit, with crimson face.93

***94

Far between the Darkscale Mountains lies the land of Eeofol, rugged and cold with cliffs, vaults, and deep underground infernos. This land was ruled by Lucius, the one so seemingly friendly towards the princess, but who had indeed attempted to ensnare her. Ruler over the Dark Elves, he trained the first Matrons and Ravagers. He was the mightiest of druids and strongest than any other power on Erathia. The Minotaur and Orcs were under his command; in fact he had conquered them long before and had made their dark hearts filled with hatred and ferocity. He held the force of darkness within his grip.95

Matrons were the elite troops of the dark elite warriors. Trained underground they master the arts of whips as well as scabbards. Ravagers are the backbone of the dark Elven army. Heavily armed their mounts are Saurus—the great underground lizards, tamed by the dark Elves. The lance is their choice of weapon. Ravagers are far more skilled and their lizards and trained to bite enemies.96

Among the army of the dark Elves, Lucius ruled the races of Minotaurs, Hobgoblins and Wolfriders, and Rocs. The Orcs were the largest in number.97

Minotaurs resemble bulls but with a man torso. They are armed with two axes and their fur serves as natural armor. Wolfriders and Hobgoblins are the same, save the fact that Wolfriders ride on large built wolves. Rocs. They are much like Griffins save the fact that they are much weaker and but can cause much damage with their beaks lined with poisons. It is the poison in their beaks that the Orcs use for their darts—put both his army and these together they are called the Kreegans. 98

The forces of Darkness are strengthening for the final crush upon all of Erathia. From the Darkscale Mountains to the rugged Nighon borders, are his allies. There is little to stop such destruction. Yet, even the high and mighty Lucius of Eeofol knows of the coming Son of Might—and who will yet bare him. His plans must role, victory for darkness must be won with or without the bearer of the child foretold many millenniums before. Yet there was still hope of catching this princess, his plans have failed once because of some stupid house elf, but must not—or at least, should not fail in finding her.99

Lucius mused to himself as he overlooked the dark city of Azkaban. He will find her and bring her into the city of Azkaban once and for all, else the future for darkness shall be bleak.100

***101

Juliette entered the palace halls, rather nervously as to why King Thorgrim called for her.102

“Ah Princess!” he greeted her with a warm welcome.103

“Is something the matter your highness? I believe you would not call all the way for me unless it is urgent or grave.”104

Thorgrim’s jovial expression turned solemn as he spoke, “Well, I have received reports of Orcs scouting out the mountains near here. It seems they are on the look out for someone.”105

Juliette gasped and brought her hands to her face, “They are after me,”106

“That’s what I thought,” he said grimly and gave a sigh, “I have tried all within my power to protect you thus far, princess, but I am afraid Lucius suspects you here.”107

“That is alright,” Juliette said, “I shall leave. I cannot risk your lives for my sake, I am sure I will find a safer place.”108

Thorgrim raised his hand, “Say no such thing, child. You shan’t leave here or surely they will catch you. I for one will not allow that to happen, and so, I have decided upon a plan.”109

“A plan?”110

“Well, brave Gimli suggested we transfer you to the safest, farthest place from Lucius’ reach. That would be the Carator mines on the coasts of Quid Sea, still on the work but nevertheless safe from his reach, I do hope you do not mind.”111

“The Carator mine… I have heard of that before.”112

“Most certainly you have,” Thorgrim chuckled, “’Tis is the prosperous mine in all the Dwarven lands! There are many jewels to be found there, sapphire, ruby, and other such precious stones!” 113

Juliette looked delighted, “That is wonderful then,” 114

“So you agree on this?” 115

“Most certainly,” Juliette replied,116

“Good,” Thorgrim stood up from his seat, “We shall make preparations at once! Gimli will assist you there, he has told me once of his desire to showing you around the Glittering Caves, caves known for their abundance in precious stones that look like stars on the ceiling of the caves.” He chuckled again, then turned and led her out the room, “I’m sure a woman of your kind will find it fascinating, much less beautiful!”117

“I am quite sure myself, your majesty.” Juliette said.118

Chapter Six119

Legolas stopped abruptly, and gazed intently into the snow-capped mountains that spread before them.120

“What is it?” Luena asked,121

“I see many hordes of Orcs climbing southwest.” He replied with a hint of worry in his voice, 122

Luena climbed up to where he stood and peered deep into the mountains far beyond any human could ever see.123

“What does that mean?” she asked at length,124

“It means they are on the search for her,” Legolas replied and turned to her, “It means we are close.”125

Luena did not reply, but took a deep breath,126

“We must take a different route, this one is far too dangerous. We cannot risk getting caught. We must move around the mountains,” he motioned around the range, “and scale those ones to the side.” He dropped his hand to his side and shook his head, “The Anduran Mountains.”127

“It would take longer, wouldn’t it?” Luena said,128

“Of course, these are known for their steep slopes and avalanches.” Luena gulped. “But they are safer than the risk of getting spotted by the Orcs.” Legolas replied, “It is our only hope.”129

Luena peered at the mountains before them and turned her gaze to the deep dark mountains on their right. She nodded gingerly. 130

***131

Traveling through the mines was a completely new experience for Juliette who had been used to traveling in large parties of knights, carriages and wagons with servants in assistance. But now, recounting all the strange happenings from the past month, it was not so surprising.132

They passed through by many jewels collectors, some gnome traders and had encountered an troll on the way who, thanks to Gilmi and his double headed axe, managed to be scared away. Juliette was surprised at the courage of these short stout dwarves who had gained the name ‘aggressive fighters’ similar to the Vikings in our history.133

The rest of the four-day journey passed rather uneventfully and soon Juliette found herself being led past some wide cave-like structures, but as tired as she was, retired into a nearby dwarf inn, which would be her new home for the next God-knows-how-long days, while Gimli drank at the tavern and conversed with his fellow dwarves—a regular hobby for all Dwarves men.134

The days that followed she was given tours of the Glittering Caves, which had indeed impressed the young princess. And was shown how the mines were dug, precious stones carved and polished, and traded into all parts of Erathia. Yet despite the beautiful mines and impressive work, what Juliette found most amazing was the shorelines of the coasts of Quid Sea, the pure blue seawater splashing onto the rocky shores like a child playing with water.135

It had been years since she had seen the ocean, the last time being when she was six. She remembered having once nearly drowned had it not been for Luena who had dove in to save her. Luena was highly appreciated after that and had received a goodly reward.136

A lone tear found its way Juliette’s cheek as she remembered how Luena had saved her life many an occasions—and had finally died trying to.137

How I miss you, Luena. More than my parents you have loved me, and looked after me. I do owe you many things, how I had wished to repay you someday but nay, you are gone and now watch over me from above. If I cannot repay you somehow in this life I would feel guilty for eternity. Please, show me how I can, perhaps someday, repay your kindness as you have shown me by showing it others…Perhaps if you had had children I could help take care of them.138

Luena never talked much about her love life, no matter how many times Juliette had persisted, save the fact that half Elf had no intentions of getting married. But, and Juliette had noted a certain twinkle in her eye when they spoke of such things—perhaps she had been in love once, in a long while. There was no way of knowing, as Luena was a mystery to all.139

May you find a rightful husband There. Juliette smiled, Or perhaps he had been waiting for you all this time?140

***141

Three days passed. The wind was howling wildly through the cold mountain air. It was a horrible blizzard and could have been much worse had they been humans. Luena mused quietly to herself while they walked on the snow, which had totally covered the mountains in its cold, white blanket. Her gaze was drawn to Legolas who was leading up front as usual and followed his faint footsteps down to the thin ledge they were walking on. Down below past the misty white fog and snow, she could make out the sharp edges like the fangs of that wolf that had bitten her.... Luena swallowed hard and tried to keep her gaze steadily up front. She dare not loose her footing—or it will be the end of her. 142

Days passed yet and the two walked on through the pure white, rough mountains, stopping none. The blizzard had finally calmed and the sky turned as blue clear as the eyes could get. Luena felt better, yet no safer, for dangers of avalanches were clearly upon them. The snow tipped mountains was dangerously above them, yet there was something else as well, a shadow and threat was growing in their minds. Luena gave a small sigh as she eyed the snow piled above their heads. Legolas looked uneasy as well, and took a deep breath as he walked on.143

“Legolas,” Luena dared to even speak,144

“I can feel it as well.” He said, reading her mind,145

“Orcs?”146

“Perhaps,”147

“Are we near?”148

“I haven’t the faintest. We must watch our voices, and our backs.” He notched an arrow to his bow. Luena gulped.149

Then, like the faint sound of a breeze, sounded a horse’s cry. It was soft and distant. Quickly she turned to Legolas,150

“Did you hear that?”151

“Hear what?” there was no recognition on his face,152

“A horse…there, I hear it again!” she twirled to trace where it came from. “It is distant, yet not so…it cries bitterly.”153

“Rhiannon, of the legends.” Legolas breathes in amazement and recognition,154

“What?”155

“We must follow it,” he turns, “Tell me, where do you hear it?”156

“I don’t know,…there! I hear it. It’s coming this way.” She leads down between two ranging high cliffs, snow is abounding above, connecting the two sides. Legolas looks nervous,157

“We must be careful…” he warns, but Luena is distant, focusing on the horse’s cry that seems to be growing louder and clearer. She wonders some paces up front.158

Suddenly an Orc appears in front of her, jumping from behind the rocks. Luena is taken aback and screams. An arrow from Legolas strikes the Orc, when several more appear. Luena is rooted to the spot. 159

The ground shakes and a roar sounds above them. All heads turn to see the covering of snow above them, beginning to crumble sending great mounds of snow crumbling down. Legolas grabs Luena and along with the Orcs, ran for safety out from between the two cliffs. All around them grew bleak with snow crashing upon some unfortunate Orcs. They make it out there, yet they find themselves engulfed in a snowfall that had been triggered from the original and had caused the other avalanches to collapse as well.160

All has fallen. There is silence. Legolas appeared above the snow with a gasp,161

“Luena!” he calls out. 162

Nothing. He pulls himself out and scans around at the scenery of white devastation around him. There is a gasp, and he sees Luena make it above the snowy surface. 163

“Luena!” he runs to her, “Are you alright?”164

“Yes,…well sort of.” She answers faintly,165

He reaches for her arm and pulls her out of the snow. Luena is tousled but other than that she is without harm. Her cheeks are flushed but ice-cold. They hold each other’s gaze, reassuring the other., 166

There was a faint sound of rumblings off in the distance. They turn their heads to see a distant white cloud. The rumbles were growing louder and it was clearly coming towards them.167

“Snowdrift,” Legolas said, “it approaches with enormous speed.”168

Luena let out a gasp. They could see a large snow drift some ways away, but coming towards their direction with great speed. Up ahead of the drift ran a small band of wild Boar fleeing for dear life.169

Luena turned to run but Legolas stood rooted to the spot, his eyes focused on one of the beasts. Luena looked over her shoulder and gasped as she saw the disaster approaching him, the thunderous roar overwhelmed her and she felt she could not scream,170

Legolas stood calm and fixed, with his hands poised. The galloping Boars and bounding snow drift heading straight towards him. Suddenly as the Boars begin to pass right by him, Legolas grabbed the horn of one Boars nearest to him and swung himself onto its back like a leaf in the wind.171

“Luena!” he called, stretching out his arm as the Boars swiftly began to approach her running form.172

Luena turned and instinctively grabbed his outstretched arm and with another swift stroke Legolas has flung her over onto the Boar. Luena wrapped her arms around his waist and held on tight as they raced with what could be certain death. The snowdrift was coming upon them with incredible speed, they will not survive it unless…suddenly something caught his eye, a small cave—exactly what they needed.173

Legolas pulled hard on the Boar in an attempt to lead it in the direction of the cave, but the Boar fought it vigorously. For a moment Luena panicked, if they didn’t act now they would miss it. Finally with one final firm jerk and a string of instruction in Elvish, the Boar obliged and turned.174

Legolas turned his head and their eyes met, without saying they knew what they must do. With a swift leap Luena landed hard on her feet, Legolas followed likewise, with the drift just paces away from them, and quickly darted towards the mouth of the cave. With great effort they managed to make it to the side of the mouth of the cave and fell against its protective covering just seconds before it was too late. 175

Luena held her breath and looked over his shoulder as they watched as the snow, dirt, trees and other such things that were being swept away with this flood of snow, passing only inches from them. The gushing of it all was deafening such as she had never heard before, but at least they were safe.176

Her eyes followed down to their feet where a pile of snow had stopped, and followed up to where they stood, Legolas, having leant over her in an attempt to shield her. She breathed out as Legolas pulled himself off her after a few moments of stillness and she cracks a small almost nervous smile.177

“That was close,” she said,178

“A little too close, perhaps.” He replied,179

Their attention was drawn to the cave they found themselves in. It was not large and most was filled with rocks. There was a part, though, where it led deep into the darkness of the mountain. The two stood lost and with no direction whatsoever.180

“We shall have to stay here until the snowdrift clears completely. Even then, I doubt we shall find the entrance to Moria, as it shall be buried.”181

Luena dropped her shoulders but knew he was right. Her ear twitched, and she heard the horse cry again, this time it came from the depth of the cave. A shiver ran down her spine. Legolas noticed,182

“Do you hear something?” he asked her,183

“Yes,”184

“Rhiannon calls us. We must follow!” he started deeper into the cave,185

“Legolas wait, what if it leads us to some other danger as it had last time?” Luena followed him,186

Legolas stops and turns to face her with an amused face, “There is much you do not know about, Luena.”187

Luena paused, seeing that he knew what he was doing, “I suppose not.”188

They continue further into the crack, with Legolas explaining further about Rhiannon. Soon after a few squeezes between some rocks and pauses for the direction Rhiannon’s cry came from, they found themselves crawling into a large room. The dwarves obviously once used this room, as it had intricate carvings in the walls. Luena held her hand to her mouth to keep from screaming. A troll slept in the corner. Thankfully, the troll was sleeping and the two had managed to creep by without waking it up.189

It was a long while after that Rhiannon’s cry was no longer heard. The two travelers had but no choice but to continue down these maze-like corridors. Days passed slowly and soon the sharp turns, dingy air, collapsed pillars, and crumbling stairs seemed insignificant to the two travelers. The journey seemed a little more pleasant as they passed through some magnificent flowstones and stalactites and other breath taking cave formations that grew upon the sides of the walls.190

They had not met nor seen a single creature throughout the whole time. Their lembas were running out yet they pushed on, all the while the two wondered where they were. There were a few cross roads in the middle of the journey and every time they heard Rhiannon’s cry leading them deeper into the depths of the mines. Sometimes they doubted if it was even Rhiannon and not some enchanter instead. They bore no other choice but to follow.191

Finding themselves at the very bottom of a long flight of steps, Legolas bent over to the ground to see the thick mass of dust covering the surface of the tunnel. They continued forward and soon found another flight of stairs leading downward. There a long bridge, obviously not used from years ago, as it was rusty but firm. The waters below them were as aquamarine itself, clear and pure.192

They passed over the bridge and followed the ‘road’. Legolas felt the walls and brought the white minerals that were on his hands up to his face,193

“It is a salt mine,” he said, dropping his hand, “One does wonder why this mine is no longer used. This place has not been used for at least a hundred years!”194

Hours passed, and somehow Luena felt a distinct uneasy feeling at the pit of her stomach. She glanced at Legolas and he returned her look with pursed lips and cautious eyes. His bow and arrow held firmly within his grasp,195

“I sense something around here,” he breathed but stopped in his tracks and slowly backed away.196

“Where has he led us?” Luena said aloud,197

They stopped in their tracks. There, lying against the wall was a remnants of a skeleton of a Dwarf dressed in the typical Dwarven miner’s clothing. Luena put her hand up to her mouth and looked beyond to see several more pieces of skeletons lying about. She swallowed hard but they continued on, aware and yet not fully aware of the hazard they were to be facing.198

The minutes seemed like hours and they found that the farther they walked the more raiment of skeletons were lying about in shattered pieces.199

They passed the tunnel and entered a large room, where led to another tunnel. It was then that they felt it, no they heard it—the sound of hissing and growling of some large beast. Legolas held his bow and arrows tightly within his grasp, alert for any attacks, and moved cautiously to the side of the wall, motioning for Luena to stay back. Luena stood with baited breath and watched as he pulled his bow in aim. Suddenly in the spur of a moment Luena spun around and screamed to see a large head of a hydra strike its head towards her. At the exact moment Legolas spun his bow and shot two arrows straight past her, rendering the one hydra head blind. The hydra head screamed in pain and recoils its neck back.200

Luena looked in horror as four more hydra heads became visible, along with two large front legs and a massive tail. The four heads snarled and all lunged forth in furious anger. Arrows shot out, whizzing past Luena’s frozen frame and striking two of its necks.201

Legolas aimed upwards with consistent arrows, giving her enough time to run past him before following her down a large hall. The hydra was on them in moments, with its five heads snaring, screaming, and hissing as it tried, hydras in itself not very fast with only two front legs and a large tail for support.202

The two travelers turned an abrupt corner and raced down the stairs following it. Luena screeched suddenly and nearly lost her balance over the sharp edge had it not been for Legolas who quickly halted her would-be fall by instantly grabbing her from behind and pulling her back. Luena was breathing heavily at the close call, far below in an abyss was a large gushing river with sharp jagged rocks barely visible above the surface of the strong current. 203

Quickly they turned and darted back up the stairs to see the hydra charging with all its heads snapping and hissing furiously. Legolas pulled Luena through another entry to the side and they began following the steep flights of stairs leading downwards to an open patio with a thin but long wooden bridge leading across to the other side.204

Racing to it, Luena glanced below to see the dark river, the current was not as strong as the last but nevertheless risky with some rocks sticking out the waters threateningly.205

They were carefully making their way across the dangerously flimsy and partially broken bridge when Legolas turned to see the hydra come bounding down the stairs. Seeing the two travelers bridging across, it bounded onto the bridge with a mighty roar. It shook violently and the two travelers attempted to speed up a notch or two when the bridge gave way from under the hydra’s feet and he collided into the rocks and river below with a loud snapping noise.206

Luena screamed as the bridge swung like a thin cord. Her grip slipped and she found herself falling from on high into the deep dark waters below. All around her swirled and she opened her eyes to see the faint figure of the hydra some ways from her, badly wounded from the fall but still alive. One head turned, then another and Luena saw its large reptile eyes being full of glee.207

Panic gripped her like an iron arm and she, being light, quickly swam upwards to the surface of the water. With a deep gasp she made it to the surface and looked up to see Legolas making his way swiftly down the broken wooden platforms of what was the remainder of the bridge208

“Luena!” he yelled, seeing her form floating above the surface of the waters. 209

“Legolas hurry!” she cried with the frightened voice of a child. Looking deep into the dark waters around her she gasped in fear as the terrifying thoughts gripped her. Legolas is speedily climbing down and comes to where he hung just a few feet from her.210

“Here take my hand!” he said, reaching his hand down,211

Luena stretched her arm up and tried to grab it but to her dismay were just a few inches short. Panic had overtaken her as she could almost feeling the hydra’s jaws coming from beneath her footing, “I can’t reach it!” she cried,212

“You can. Trust me!” he replied, lowering himself and stretching his arm to its furthest extent.213

Right then Luena managed to grab his hand and he pulled her up onto the bridge. She slipped her footing in her frantic haste and almost fell back with a small scream but he held her hand firm and lifted her to where she could climb up next to him. She clung to him tight like a fearful child and his arms wrapped protectively around her trembling, soaked shoulders.214

Just then a noise surfaced above the waters. It was the hydra, its heads surfacing from the waters with a loud gasp. The two turned their heads to see the heads of the hydra reaching out to them with gnashing teeth and loud thrashings that were only a few feet from where they stood. It screamed with piercing sounds that sent violent shivers through Luena’s spine. But they were safe, the water was beginning to pull the monster down to its depth. One by one its head sunk into the dark surface with bubbles appearing then disappearing as it drowned. All was silent save the rivers current.215

Luena felt her knees give way and sunk into the reassuring comfort of his arms. She felt faint and terrified at the thought of the close brush with death and its fate if she had not gotten out sooner. Legolas held her shoulders to him and with one hand stroked her wet head as he leant her against his chest. The two stayed in that position for a good while, gathering their strength and drained valor—at least her—before attempting the climb the bridge and continue on through the mines and to where they could only guess could be more danger and brushes with death.216