The darkness was so oppressive it was suffocating. The walls were still groaning from the watcher and her heart was pounding wildly in her chest. Come on Gandalf. . light your stick thingy. She fidgeted, her hand tightening on the grip of her sword. Light suddenly flared.

�Oh that�s nasty.� She kicked off the tentacle that had been lying across her foot. She had thought it was someone stepping on it. A sudden urge for sushi came over her and she had to bite her lip to hold back her giggle. Sushi, I would give a lot for some sushi. I would eat California rolls until I puked. She kicked the tentacle again in frustration.

�We now 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. Quietly now. It is a four day journey to the other side. Let us hope our presence may go unnoticed.�

Don�t bet on it. Thought Jessica in response to Gandalf�s words. The days passed quite fast. It surprised Jessica because there was absolutely no way to tell that a day had passed as there was no sun. Darkness had never really scared her as a kid. The fact that the first movie she remembered watching was Nightmare on Elm Street left her clueless as to why.

Her unease was growing as the days passed though. When they reached the part with the three doorways she knew she had to talk to Gandalf. She kept an eye on Frodo but he went to sleep as soon as they stopped. Hoping she wouldn�t put the hobbit off from approaching Gandalf she went to talk to the wizard first.

�Ah, child have you some wisdom on this you would like to impart?� He gestured towards the doorways and she grinned.

�You�ll figure it out eventually.� He smiled at her and she sat next to him.

�What bothers your mind this night?� Jessica started picking at her pants.

�Something bad happens here.� She looked up to him.

�Bad?� she nodded slowly.

�Horrible but necessary. I just wanted to say. . well thank you and that I couldn�t have made it this far without you.�

�You doubt yourself.� She looked up to him and sighed.

�I�m only a realist.�

�Pessimist you mean.�

�You say tomato..� She smiled realizing he didn�t get it. �I . . . regardless of what happens and everything I just hope you know how much your friendship means to me.�

�I know child.� He sighed and looked back over at the others. �It was not to work this way.�

�It doesn�t matter.� She shrugged slightly. �If you say I am here for a reason then I have to believe that. You and the others would know much better than I ever would or could.�

�It does matter, I had no idea it would be like this for you.� He put his hand over hers. �None of us did.�

�It couldn�t be avoided I�m sure.� Her tone was a little more bitter than she intended and she sighed. �Maybe . . maybe it will get better. I�ll leave an old man to his mental wonderings.� She smiled as she stood. He tightened his hold on her hand.

�Your friendship is very valuable to me as well young one.� She pulled off his hat and leaned over kissing his forehead in a short chaste kiss before replacing it.

�Gandalf you�re the best slightly senile crazy old grandfather that never gets talked about I ever had.� He chuckled.

�Thank you.�

�You�re welcome and good night.� She gave his hand a small squeeze before going over to her bedroll and trying to find some sleep that night.

�Wake.� She rolled slightly at the command but her eyes wouldn�t open. �Wake woman we leave.� A foot roughly nudged her and she woke fully looking up to see Boromir. He turned and left without another word. She pretty much ignored everyone and everything until they reached the tomb. Her thoughts centered on the certain death she would be facing in the room. The fact that she didn�t care if she made it past there or not sort of upset her. The sound of a bucket pounding against stonewalls and echoing through the mountain roused her from her thoughts.

�Fool of a Took! Throw yourself in, next time, and rid us of your stupidity!�

�That was unnecessary Gandalf!� she shouted stepping in front of Pippin. He was about to say something when the drums started. �We have other things to worry about besides.�

�Orcs!� Legolas shouted and pulled majesty behind him. Jessica rolled her eyes and drew her sword.

Well not only are you a prince your master of the fucking obvious. She took up a stance behind the tomb. Though she would have liked nothing better than to cower and hide in one of the corners.

�Get back! Stay close to Gandalf.� Aragorn moved forward as he shouted at the hobbits reading his bow.

�They have a cave troll.� Despite herself Jessica laughed at the comment.

�Fucking huge cave troll.� She muttered. Legolas ran forward and helped to barricade the door as Gimli jumped on the tomb.

�Argh! Let them come! There is one dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath!�

�I hope you die here.� Jessica looked over at majesty�s whisper.

�Thanks for the moral booster you fucking whore.� Majesty only smiled cruelly at her.

�It doesn�t matter how hard you fight you know. You�ll loose because you are a looser. It is as simple as that. An orc will slice you open and you�ll bleed to death. It will be painful and gruesome.�

�Much like listening to your whiney voice.� Jessica felt the sweat starting on her forehead though. The sound of the orcs was echoing through the small room they were in and her nervousness was growing. The sound of an arrow loosing and the scream of the orc it hit made Jessica jump. Majesty laughed.

�I doubt I�ll even be able to bring tears to my eyes when we find your body. Not that anyone else here would either.�

�Enough!� Majesty looked over to Gandalf. �Get over there and protect the hobbits.� He grabbed her by the arm and pushed her away from Jessica causing her to stumble slightly. A few more arrows loosened as the doors were being pushed on. �You will fight.� Jessica looked to Gandalf who stood next to her. �You will survive.� She nodded shakily and turned her attention back to the door.

I must not fear, fear is the mind killer, fear is the little death. . hey at least I didn�t get put in Jurassic park. I�d rather deal with a smelly troll than a pissed off raptor. Was her last thought before the door splintered and orcs poured into the room.

Haldir frowned as the girl that had been sleeping against the tree next to him shifted and ended up putting her head on his shoulder. After he had checked in with his soldiers and assured Ceran that he would give the girl his cloak he had settled next to her by the fire. By the time he had returned she was asleep against the tree curled tightly into her self and shivering despite the warmth of the fire. Looking over the camp he saw the hobbits all resting peacefully under her blanket. He had dropped Ceran�s cloak over her before trying to relax himself.

He had only been there a few moments before she had moved towards him. Debating on what to do he decided to let her find what comfort she could after having pushed her so hard earlier. He reclined more taking a bite out of his own dinner when she moved again. She pushed into him a little more her head slipping of his shoulder and started to slide down his chest.

This is ridiculous. He gently moved the girl so she was curled on the ground her head resting on his thigh. She seemed to like that position better judging from the sigh that escaped her. After he finished dinner he started cleaning his bow and sword, more out of habit than necessity. It took a little maneuvering but he was able to do so without disturbing the one using him as a pillow. He started to become concerned when she started shifting uneasily in her sleep.

�Orcs!� He easily heard the muffled hiss and he frowned. Her breathing had sped up and looking closer he saw the fine sheen of sweat that had started on her forehead. �Behind you, get down Pippin!� She started to kick at the cloak covering her.

�Hush.� He reached down and stroked his fingers along her cheek. �Rest you are safe.� She shifted into his touch and let out an almost strangled sound.

�Frodo!�

�Rest little warrior, rest you are safe.� He accompanied his soft words with a gentle caress against her cheek and down her neck. �Relax and rest, let your dreams be of peace and light.� He kept his rhythmic motions on her skin and slowly she did as he commanded never once fully waking up.

If I had nuts I would give my left one for a road and my right one for a fucking jeep! Sighing she made her way up another large hill. A messenger had come before they set out saying that they could continue their trek without the blindfolds. She was thankful for that because she knew otherwise she would have been on her face a lot sooner than just then. Now she had a scrapped and bloody hand to add to the various injuries on her body. She sighed again annoyed at the situation.

At least I got some sleep last night. Must have been because I was so close to the fire. She rolled her eyes and got herself off the ground and to her knees. Her legs and back, well everything, was aching. The speed walk through the forest the night before hadn�t helped anything either. At this point the only thing that kept her legs working was the promise of a hot bath and a warm meal. They had been on cold rations for weeks now, not that she really noticed. Pushing that thought from her head she looked up in time to see Ceran smiling at her.

�Yeah real fucking funny.� His smile slipped at her snappy tone. �Sorry, sorry just . . just had enough of this.� She smiled at him.

�Are you well?�

�Huh?� Hhe laughed and pointed to her hand. �oh just a scrape.� She held it up and looked at it. �Nothing worse than when I was a kid.� She laughed and shook her head. �Nah I�m great.. . uh. . . Mae Govannen.� He chuckled and she grinned. �Yeah well met my face to the ground, but it works.�

�Come I shall help you make sure you do not meet the next patch of earth.�

�Whatever you said buddy.� She took his hand as he helped her up.

�Have a nice trip?� Majesty grinned at Jessica as she was brushing off her knees.

�Yeah I�ll see you next fall.� fucking bitch! Hissed Jessica�s mind. In pure frustration she flicked off majesty�s back just needing to relieve a little steam. Ceran put his hand on her shoulder and looked at her questioningly. �Uh. . oops.� He tilted his head and lifted his middle finger.

�Mani?�

�What does it mean. . oh. . well. . I guess the closest I can tell you is M�tho orch, though technically it means fuck you or fuck off.� He chuckled. �Yeah, don�t use it too much or the effect is wasted.� They started walking again Ceran chatting about other various hand gestures, Jessica just content to listen to his voice.

As they neared the city Haldir dropped back further allowing the others to catch up to him. He held such pride in his city that he enjoyed seeing the looks on others faces when they saw it for the first time. Though he would never admit such a passing fancy to any other. He stopped on the ledge over looking his city and smiled. Only when he felt the presence of the others did he speak.

�Caras Galadhon, the heart of Elvendom on earth, realm of the Lord Celeborn and of Galadriel, Lady of Light.� His smile melted down to a small grin before he turned to the others. �Come fellowship of the ring, it is only another hours walk to the gates.� The looks on their faces didn�t disappoint them. They were walking for a few more minutes before he heard one of them speak.

�Those trees are fucking gigantic!� he chuckled softly knowing it was Jessica.

Too many fucking stairs. Jessica panted as they kept making their way up the Mellyrn. Middle earth has made me a whiner. Well I�m only whining mentally does that still count. I don�t think it does. I mean no one else knows what I am thinking right? Well okay, so Galadriel might but that is kind of an anomaly more than the norm. right? Oh fuck it if I don�t see another step for the rest of my existence my life will be filled with happy happy joy joy thoughts. She looked down to the ground and immediately regretted it snapping her attention back to the steps.

I like the steps, the steps are my friends. She was way too high and the railing looked way too thin for her liking. Moving closer to the tree she kept walking. After taking about five rests during their climb they finally reached the platform that the fellowship had been received in the movie. She was the last of the fellowship and the elves behind her didn�t enter through the archway. They took positions at the entrance so the only L�rien elf there at the moment was Haldir.

The others stopped on a platform directly at the bottom of some stairs. Haldir stood opposite her next to some fountain thing and she sighed noticing that the others hadn�t left enough room for her to stand by them. Majesty was leaning against Legolas her arm around his waist as all looked up to see the two rulers enter. Jessica shifted uneasy at the obvious display of her outcast status in the group she claimed as friends. She wanted to walk forward and join them but any place she could stand would end up causing her to block the hobbits. In the end she decided to stay where she was.

�The enemy knows you have entered here. What hope you had in secrecy is now gone. Ten there are here, yet eleven there were set out from Rivendell. Tell me, where is Gandalf? For I much desire to speak with him. I can no longer see him from afar.� Jessica closed her eyes and lowered her head at Celeborn�s words. The memory of him falling was too much. Even if she had the knowledge that he would return it still hurt not to have him. Looking up she saw a similar reaction in all but Majesty.

�Gandalf the Grey did not pass the borders of this land.� Galadriel looked from Haldir back to the fellowship. �He has fallen into shadow.�

�He was taken by both shadow and flame. A balrog of Morgoth. For we went needlessly into the net of Moria.� Legolas looked down in obvious sorrow and wrapped his own arm around Majesty�s waist. Her response was to lean into him a little more.

�Needless were none of the deeds of Gandalf in life. We do not yet know his full purpose. Do not let the great emptiness of Khadad-dum fill your heart, Gimli son of Gloin. For the world has grown full of peril, and in all lands love is now mingled with grief.� Galadriel�s eyes turned on Boromir who was obviously affected by something. Jessica only nervously twirled the leaf she had picked up. The fact that the being almost in front of her could read her thoughts was making her uneasy.

�What now becomes of this Fellowship? Without Gandalf, hope is lost.� Jessica looked up and saw that Celeborn was looking directly at her and quickly lowered her eyes again. Guilt welled in her almost overpowering her for a moment. That fact that she knew that she was right in not helping him didn�t ease her emotions any. He had to! I�m sorry. She blinked away her tears keeping control by fisting the hand that she had injured earlier in the day. The pain was enough for her to keep focus and keep from breaking down.

�The quest stands upon the edge of a knife, stray but a little and it will fail, to the ruin of all.� She looked from Boromir to Sam her expression softening slightly. �Yet hope remains while the company is true. Do not let your hearts be troubled. Go now, and rest, for you are weary with sorrow and much toil. Tonight you will sleep in peace with the knowledge that you may rest your guard.�

�My Lord and Lady we thank you for your protection and hospitality.� Aragorn bowed deeply the gesture accompanying his words.

�You are welcome and it is freely given.� Celeborn looked from Aragorn to Haldir. Haldir nodded slightly and stood at attention. �Haldir will show all but Lady Majesty and Lady Jessica to your baths. We require a short audience with them before they will be taken to bathe as well.�

�If you would not mind we would like to remain together.� Galadriel smiled at Frodo.

�A request easily granted. Your sleeping arrangements are being taken care of, a clearing in the heart of our city. Haldir, please show them.�

�Yes my Lady.� He bowed before walking in front of the fellowship leading the males back down the stairs they had climbed. Jessica moved out of the way watching them go.

/Come child, take your place as you should have earlier./ Jessica tensed slightly at the voice in her head but did as was told. Majesty started speaking in Sindarin and Jessica kept her head down knowing that the other girl would brown nose as much as possible.

�Thank you again for allowing us into your boarders.�

�You speak Sindarin?> Celeborn�s voice was slightly surprised.

�Yes Legolas has taught me much of it on the road while we traveled. A diversion from such rough traveling.�

�Does Lady Jessica?� Hearing her name Jessica looked up but didn�t know what was being said.

�No she applies her self to learn nothing more than insults or rude gestures.� answered majesty. �I do not believe she wishes to learn it, though the language is beautiful.�

�We have detained you for we know what Elrond knew before you left his city.� Jessica was slightly relieved the conversation had switched back to common. It always made her feel uncomfortable when others spoke Sindarin around her. �Also to assure you that it is still wise if none others found out.�

�Um. .� all eyes turned to Jessica as she spoke. Blushing slightly she cleared her throat to continue. �I. . well Haldir sort of knows. I didn�t tell him I knew everything but he was suspicious because I reacted to something before it happened.� She looked down from the unreadable gazes of the two elves in front of her.

�Haldir is trusted enough. He will not speak of it.� Galadriel�s tone was soft as was her smile.

�That is lucky.� Jessica shot a glare to majesty before turning her attention back to the two rulers of the land she was in.

�I see that there is something you would wish to tell us.� Jessica swallowed and fidgeted.

�Gandalf isn�t dead.� She figured that they needed to at least know that. �He. . well he�s kind of at the tailors one could say.�

�The tailors?� asked Celeborn raising an eyebrow.

�How specific do you want me to be?� Majesty sighed annoyed and took control from Jessica.

�What she is trying to say is that though the Balrog took him into darkness he overcomes it and returns as Gandalf the White. It was necessary for the transformation as it happened in the story. A sad but unchangeable fact that we had to be separated from him.�

�Very valuable and happy information. Though I am sad I will not be able to see my friend it gladdens me to know he is not lost to us forever.� Galadriel looked to Jessica. �Thank you for telling us.� As she finished speaking another female elf appeared at the top of the steps before walking down. When she reached the bottom she gave a small bow to Galadriel and Celeborn before facing majesty and Jessica.

�This is Elendil. She will show you to your bathing area and give you the necessary supplies. You may spend as long as you like. Dinner will be sent to your clearing in an hour.�

�Thank you lord Celeborn,� said majesty bowing slightly. �May I ask, if it is not too much trouble for some dresses? Perhaps some other small things to remind me that I am once again in a civilization and not the wilderness.�

�Elendil will retrieve such for you.�

�Thank you again.� Celeborn looked to Jessica.

�Do you require anything more?�

�No, thanks, a warm bath would be more than enough to put a smile on my face for a year at this point.� He smiled at her slightly. �Maybe a chance to wash my clothing.�

�Nothing else?� Jessica looked to Galadriel. �The cut on your hand, does it require treatment.� Jessica blushed slightly and looked down to her scraped up hand.

�Actually. . a little salve or something would be welcome, if it isn�t too much trouble.� She hoped maybe something for the aches in her body and the small nick she had gotten somewhere in Moria.

�It is of no trouble,� said Celeborn before looking to majesty. �Do you require a healer as well.�

�No, I was not the one that received an injury.� Jessica blushed and lowered her head at the words.

�Then do as you must before returning to your company. I trust your stay here will be peaceful.� Jessica and Majesty both thanked the two in front of them again before following Elendil out of the telain. Once they were out of sight Celeborn turned to Galadriel who was still watching them. �Not all is as it seems with them.� Galadriel smiled and looked to Celeborn.

�No, my husband, it is not.� She took his arm and they started back up the stairs. �Much will be decided in their time within our woods. I only hope that the correct paths are taken.�