(Fanficiton)

"Soon, Master Elf, you will enjoy the fabled hospitality of the Dwarves! Roaring fires, malt beer, ripe meat off the bone. This, my friend, is the home of my cousin, Balin."

    I nearly gagged and it wasn't because of the filthy cloth that was stuffed in my mouth. The dwarf spoke of a feast that no doubt entailed roaring fires and hanging banners, laugher off the walls and music in the halls. But from what I could tell it was dark, dank, and smelled absolutely foul. Once the old wizard blew on a rock, he finally gave us some light, waving his staff about and bringing to light the horrors of the mine's entrance.

The shiny haired elf stooped down and inspected an arrow, his fine brows pinching in concentration. The dwarf went on, clearly not noticing what the rest of the company was easily realizing. Looking back I can tell even the Hobbits were hesitant to go deeper into the tumb.

"And they call it a mine. A mine!"

The bearded Gondorian man who held onto my arm with a rough hand suddenly spoke, his voice deep and brooding and far too close to my ear.

"This is no mine. It's a tomb."

I looked up at him, my eyes searching his face. Tomb? I shivered at the fact of the two of us had the same idea. His hand around my arm tightened slightly but not to the point it was uncomfortable, almost like he was trying to keep me behind him. His somewhat long ash blond hair tickling my nose when he turned his head, painfully reminding me of my small stature, as if looking up at everyone but the Hobbits wasn't humiliating enough.

Suddenly Gimli started to cry out, "Oh! No! Nooo!"

The elf, Legolas if you remembered right, picked up the arrow he was looking at then threw it to the ground in disgust, the clanking making my jaw tighten. "Goblins."

Boromir, my captor and warden, drew his sword, his hand dropping from my arm but he didn't let me go far as he then moved that hand to the loose rope between my bound hands. "We make for the gap of Rohan. We never should have come here."

I rolled my eyes at his fourth mention of the horse rider city. "But we are here. You wanted off the mountain so here we are."

He just stared down at me, then turned to the others. "Now! Get out of here, get out!"

Just as we all turned to the doorway the hobbits let out a shout. Frodo was taken by a large tentacle, several more tentacles reaching out of the water just outside the door. The one Merry and Pippin had disturbed. Samwise called for Strider, Aragorn, as they tried to fight for their friend back.

I tried to race forward to help but Boromir shoved me back, the tip of his sword pressed lightly against my chest as I felel to the ground. His face was hard and he spoke quickly.

"Do not move from this spot, spy. You have yet to gain enough trust to save even the hobbits."

Ouch.

I huffed and watched at the three men came to Frodo's rescue. But just as they stared back for the door, I could see the other tentacles lash out. Merry and Pippin were too close to them for my liking. Suddenly the sound of rocks breaking made me jump to my feet. Taking off, I reached the two hobbits and as best as I could with bound hands I pushed them into the mine and away from the tumbling rocks. Aragorn ran through with Frodo in his arms, the other two men behind him.

I thought myself deeper in the mine than I truly was as I made sure they were safe, but apparently I wasn't. The ground came up to meet me as I felt someone ram into me, pushing me out of the way of the falling rocks. The mine plunged into darkness. But instead of hitting the hard ground I found myself on top of Boromir, his face no doubt scowling up at me.

"I told you to stay where you were," he growled

I groaned, rolling off of him just as Gandalf lit his staff again. The others' voices echoes in the darkness as everyone regained their breath. Thinking I was free from my warden I took a step over to the wizard only to find my arm captured again. I glared at Boromir as I asked Gandalf a question.

"What now?"

Gandalf looked around, the dust clearing as the fellowship took in their new surroundings for the next couple of days. "We have but one choice. We must face the long dark of Moria. Be on your guard. There are older and fouler things than Orcs, in the deep places of the world." He turned to everyone, his eyes coming to a stop on me. "Quietly now. It's a four-day journey to the other side. Let us hope that our presence may go unnoticed."

Time was hard to keep track of as we wandered the great halls of Moria. Thankfully Boromir had dropped his hold on me a few hours back, but he kept me ahead of him. Not yet trusted by the group, save for Merry and Pippin who I now found myself nearly always surrounded by since I pushed them out of the way of the rocks. I understood the others' and their hesitation, but I was trapped in here with them with nowhere to run off to.

Surely I can be set free, just for a time.

I turned to look at Boromir, his gaze looking around the mine. Gandalf voice sounded at the front of the group as he started explain what it was these particular Dwarfs were mining. But I knew it was Mithril. So I turned my attention to the stiff necked man behind me, his eyes no doubt looking down at the deep mine below.

I walked up to him, my body nearly touching his as I pretended to look fascinated. "I wonder if you would scream like a girl if you suddenly found yourself looking for the bottom of this seemingly endless mine."

Boromir jumped, his hand instinctively reaching out to press me against the wall, his own back against it as he stood beside me. His eyes narrowed as he stared at me with borderline hatred.

"It troubles me you find pleasure in bothering others."

I shrugged, moving on with the rest of the group. "Not others, just you."

"Why?"

"For the same reason you are the only one clearly keeping such a close eye on me."

Boromir scoffed. "I see no connection."

I gave him the most sappiest look I could muster. "Attraction, my dear soldier."

"I should have killed you when I had the chance," he grumbled under his breath.

I laughed to myself at the look on his face before we turned forward to follow the others.

It was quite uneventful for a while therefore each member of the fellowship, including the Elf, took turns telling stories of their home land or of something from their childhood. But I didn't. No matter how much the little hobbits begged and pleaded, even Gimli joined in, I stood my ground and told them to go on with theirs. There were much more exciting things than the lack of a childhood of an abandoned orphan.

Eventually the stories had to come to a standstill as the company found themselves staring up a very large, very long, and very steep set of stairs. Slowly and carefully, the Fellowship ascended the stairs on their hands and feet, climbing at a snail's pace in fear of slipping on the slimy steps littered with bones and debris.

Not only was that difficult but I had to do it with my hands bound together. I had stopped asking to be freed, but I didn't blame them after Sam and Aragorn took turns listing the alarmingly long list of things I had tried to do since they found me snooping just outside Rivendell. So I bit my tongue as I struggled up the steps, nearly falling a few times.

Pippin was just ahead of me, Merry just ahead of him. The littlest hobbit's foot slipped on a step, falling back into me. But I caught him, pushing him back up as Merry reached down for him. Looking back Pippin gave an apologetic smile to which I just nodded.

As he continued on, I closed my eyes and took a moment to breath and in that time I noticed something, a slight pressure around my waist. Looking down I spotted the gruff soldier, who made it clear he hated every hair on my head, was holding me securely around my waist, his arms taunt as he looked up at the company slowly distancing themselves.

I raised a brow and cleared my throat. Boromir quickly shifted is gaze to me, his brows pinched in concentration. I looked down to where he was holding me then back to him.

Clearing his own throat, Boromir took his hands away, wiping them on his tunic with a fake smile. "What was it you called it? Attraction?"

"I did not think now is an appropriate time for that." I smiled back.

He rolled his eyes as ne nodded for me to go. "Luck to you in finding such a time that is."

We sneered at each other before I started to carefully pick my way up the steps again, my wrists really starting to hurt. I did not show it but I was undoubtedly grateful for his hands on me, for if he had not I surely would have fallen. I looked up to see how far the others had gone ahead.

Unfortunately, we had to go up two of them. Two flight of steps before we found ourselves at a crossroads of sorts. Three tunnels leading in three different directions gaped at us, each one more foul smelling than the last. Everyone turned the to wisard, awaiting his guidance.

    But it seems eve this was a trifle that stumped even the greatest of wizards. I watched with growing worry as Gandalf looked around, his bushy brows drawn together in puzzlement.

    "I have no memory of this place."

    Aragorn decided to call for a moment of rest as Gandalf took time to remember where to go next. With a huff, I sat myself down on a rock, moving my fingers over what area I could reach on my wounded wrists. I winced while stretching my arms up and tucking my legs under me. I had half a mind to lay down and grab what sleep I could, but it seemed not only was I robbed of my freedom but time to relax too.

    Boromir sat beside me, taking off his shield and my bow off his back as he let out a long breath. Aragorn joined him, the elf deciding to stand back a distance but I could tell he was attentive to what I easily assumed was going to be a confrontational conversation.

    I let out a sigh as I sat up, brushing hair out of my face. "I have done all that you have asked me. What more could you want?"

    Aragorn tore at some bread, passing some on to me. "Your story. Why were you following us?"

    To that I stilled. Boromir didn't take his eyes off me as I situated myself, my eyes fleeting to the elf who stepped a little closer. Starring at the bread in my hands, I was shocked to find myself completely ready to tell them everything.

    So I did.

    "You must believe me when I say I am not proud of what I have done. But I would do it again if I had to. Just like I had to now." I looked up from the bread in my hands and set it aside as I looked each one of the members in their eyes, landing on Boromir as I spoke.

    "I am Nirassi Othoa. And I am the daughter of Saruman."

    Boromir's eyes hardened and the company froze. Pippin looked sad and Merry blinked. Sam and Frodo looked down as the Dwarf stood with a surprised shout. Legolas hung his head. Aragorn did not react other than looking to Gandalf. I followed his gaze to see the wizard not moved from his spot but a smile pulled across his lips.

    With my head still attached to my body I continued, but with more confidence than I felt. I told them how I had grown up and bred to train in hopes of him using me to find the ring. That it was me who told the nazgul of their location. That it was me who told Saruman of their journey up the mountain that caused the avalanche. I told them of what Saruman had planned and what to look out for. I then tried to tell them that I too was in need of help, that I did not truly mean to follow in his footsteps, let alone be his pawn.

But by the looks on their faces, I knew I was not to be freed anytime soon. Aragorn stood and walked to and edge to think. Pippin opened his mouth to say something but Merry shook his head. Boromir stared unseeing at his hands. But Gimli grunted, sitting back upon his rock.

"I say we let her rot here. Leave her be to fend for herself. We have no need to drag her around if what she says is true. We have what information she has, we have no use for her."

Legolas turned away to go stand by Aragorn the two of them speaking in hushed tones. I turned to Gandalf who was now speaking with Frodo, the issue about my lineage and my purpose here were apparently too dull a subject for them. Sam caught my eye and gave me a halfhearted smile which I stored away gratefully.

I cleared my throat as I tried to keep my chin up. "I know I have no right to ask anything of you but please, believe me, I would not have chosen this life if it were up to me." Boromir looked up, his face filled with confusion rather than anger and that gave me hope to press on, my eyes locked with his. "I wish to no longer be under his control. If you know anything of Saruman you would know that I too am a victim to his power."

Boromir opened his mouth right as Aragorn and Legolas turned back to the group. But before either one of them were able to speak, Gandalf let out a pleased sigh.

"OH! It is that way."

Merry popped up, a smile on his face. "He remembered!"

Boromir helped me up, but not before shoving the piece of bread I had not touched back into my hands.

"No, but the air doesn't smell so foul down here." The wizard looked to the hobbit but not before winking to me. "If in doubt, Meriadoc, follow your nose."

Then we were off again, trudging up and down and through tight halls with only Gandalf's staff to lead the way. Suddenly the tight walls fell away to a grand opening, the air feeling colder but much older.

"Let me risk a little more light." Gandalf breathed on his staff as it grew brighter, lifting it higher for us to see. "Behold: the great realm and Dwarf city, Dwarrowdelf"

Every one stood in awe at the at the great majesty and famed workmanship of the dwarves. Nearly taller than the height of a rock giant, the vaulted ceiling made me feel small. Column after column of pure rock lined themselves for what looked to be never ending down the expanse of the great hall.

"Now there's an eye opener, no mistake," breathed Sam.

I felt the pressure around my arm loosen, making me look to the Gondorian Soldier. He gaped openmouthed, turning this way and that as he stared looked up. I couldn't help but laugh a little, the look of awe on his face effectively making him look much less intimidating. I elbowed him as I leaned close to him, whispering as we walked.

"I wager this is even more impressive than your precious Gondor."

Boromir looked down at me, his face pulling into a coy smile as he shook his head slightly. "You have never seen the Great White city."

I shrugged, "You're right, I haven't. But I assume if I ever were it would just be the inside of their prisoner cells." I had to keep myself from smiling back at him, my gut suddenly feeling tight at the sight of his face lighting up at the sound of his home.

Boromir's smile grew slightly as he took my arm again but with less force. "Fret not, for when I bring you there, because I will, I shall enter us through the front gates and parade you through the city. Not only will you get to see what true beauty looks like but I will be crowned a hero for capturing a spy."

I rolled my eyes. "Why am I not surprised..." That of course you would look handsome smiling like that.

Suddenly there was a loud cry. Gimli then started running, the rest of the fellowship close behind. We came upon an old room where a shaft of light hit an old dusty crypt. Gimli cried as he came to kneel by it. I paused at the door and looked around as Boromir went to console the weeping dwarf who was starting to chant a dwarvish prayer.

"Woah..." I breathed as I looked about.

The air was thick with dust, the ground scattered with skeletons of dead dwarf and goblin alike. Weapons, bodies, scattered books, they were all covered in dust too. Gandalf read the top of the crypt, his voice heavy with sorrow.

"Here lies Balin, son of Fundin, Lord of Moria.' He is dead then. It's as I feared." Handing his staff and hat to Pippin, the wizard bent down to retrieve a book nestled in the boney arms of a dwarf propped up against the passed king.

I glimpsed Legolas's worried expression as he turned to Aragorn, whispering loudly, "We must move on, we cannot linger."

    "'They have taken the bridge... and the second hall.'" Gandalf started, his eyes scanning the last thing the scribe wrote as Gimli continued to mourn. "'We have barred the gates... but cannot hold them for long. The ground shakes.'"

Gimli slowly stopped crying long enough to look up at Gandalf with a blank expression, listening to the fall of his people. "'Drums... drums... in the deep.'"

Goosebumps slithered up my arms behind my neck and down my back as I stepped deeper into the room that was filled with Gandalf's voice.

""'We cannot get out. A shadow moves in the dark,'" Gandalf went on.

I looked over to find Pippin walking up to a skeleton perched at the top of a well, its chest impaled with a goblin arrow. I started forward, worried something would happen.

"'We cannot get out...'" Gandalf looked up in the thick silence of the room, his face crestfallen. "'They are coming!'"

Pippin reached out just as I lifted my hands, my eyes going wide. "No, don't!"

But it was too late. The little hobbit touched the protruding arrow, twisting it slowly only to make the skeleton fall. But it wasn't alone. Attached to its bony ankle was a chain and attached to that was a bucket. All three objects clanked down the well and into whatever chasm there was below, its bone shattering echoes filling the dead silence of the miner's tumb.

I winced as I brought my hands down on Pippin's shoulder. Gandalf slammed the book shut, sending up a wave of dust as he set the book down then made his way to the down cast boy.

Snatching away his staff and hat, Gandalf spoke harshly, "Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in next time and rid us of your stupidity!"

I squeezed Pippin's shoulder as the crew started to relax, the surprise of the sudden loud noise slowly ebbing away. Perhaps nothing heard it, or there were no more goblins around to hear it. But we were not so lucky.

Almost instantly the well echoed with low resonating booms of a drum. Then the great hall soon filled with screeches of creatures and more ominous drums. Growing closer. Growing louder. The hairs on my arms stood on end, my heart beating in time with the drums that signaled our coming demise. Boromir appeared at my side, his had at my back, his breath in my ear. Instead of turning away like I should have, i found myself nearly turning into him, my eyes glued to the doors of the room as orange light of burning fire started to appear.

Sam let out a shout, drawing everyone's attention. "Frodo!"

The ringbearer lifted the hilt of his sword showing its blade glowing a brilliant blue. My eyes widened and I looked to Boromir. His face grew hard and his eyes narrowed.

"Cut me loose," I whispered to the soldier next to me. But he didn't move.

Legolas looked up, his blue eyes wide with horror as he shouted. "Orcs!"

I started to writhe in my bonds, knowing that not even for one more second was I about to fight with my hands tied together. I looked around for something sharp to cut them on but of all the weapons in the room, none were off the ground and easy for me to cut with.

I turned to Boromir once more but found him racing to the doors with Aragorn and Legolas took what they could find and started bracing the doors. I growled deep in my throat and stomped up to him, but not before making sure Pippin fell back with the other Hobbits behind Gandalf.

"CUT. ME. LOOSE!" I yelled as I raised my now bloody bound wrists, nearly coming nose to nose with the hard faced Gondorian as he stood at the gate, pausing in his efforts to barricade it.

Suddenly there was a high pitched screech followed by the thunk of a gnarly arrow hitting the slightly open door, effectively cutting through the rope around my raised hands. Boromir stared at it with raised brows, nodding as he gently moved me aside.

"Happy? Now stand aside."

I glared at him, ready to retort back and demand for my weapons when there was a bone rattling roar. Boromir and I looked out the door but some more arrows were fired. Again I found myself being shoved, but this time behind Boromir's back, my hand resting on his shoulder. He slammed the door shut and took my hand as he rushed away from the weak wooden gates.

"They have a cave troll."

I yanked my hand out of his, rubbing away the tingling sensation that for some reason wouldn't go away. I reached out to take my daggers around his waist nodding to my bow across his back.

"I need it back if I'm supposed to be any help to you."

Boromir slowly took off my bow, Legolas handing me my arrows. I eagerly reached for my bow, but before Boromir let me have it he narrowed his eyes.

"That is if you are going to help us."

I yanked it but it only brought me closer to him, our noses nearly touching. The tingling returned but it was in my gut this time.

"You would not be standing here if that were not the case."

Suddenly the wooden gate started to shake and the screeching grew loud. A whole appeared in the doors as the goblins starred to break through. Everyone got into position. I gave Boromir a hard stare as I took my bow back and knocked one of the arrows. The smell of their arrival soon filled the room only to fuel my determination to get rid of them all.  I watched as Boromir drew his sword and take position on the other side of me, so my back was to him. He swung his sword as Aragorn and Legolas let loose some arrows, taking down just a few of the many goblins threatening to break through.

"I hope I did not make a mistake giving you your weapons."

I smirked and fired an arrow, hitting a goblin in the head. I looked to Boromir with a wink as I knocked another arrow. "Thank me when I save your life."

Boromir smiled and chuckled as the doors nearly shook free.

Gimli yelled and stomped on his cousin's grave. "Argh! Let them come! There is one dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath!"

I took a deep breath and pulled the arrow back just as the doors opened allowing the enemy to flood in. I let out a yell as all of us fought for our lives and for the lives of all of Middle Earth.