I finally arrived. The Black Chasm better known as Moria. I would stand in front of the entrance to the once rich mine, only to notice another mark to prove that Lirita had passed here before me. An Elvish Dagger, crafted long before my time. We had spoken of how much I had admired it in the past, on occasion. But why would she leave such a thing that would prove useful to her within the mine? I could not say, but when taking it and binding it to my belt I felt as though she was with me. I would send the horse given to me by Halbrandth, on its way, as I would have no further use for it. It was time once and for all... I entered the Mines of Moria.
The mine itself once a proud dwelling for the Dwarves. Its riches surpassing that of any, as the deeper they dwelled the more mithril was found. Though now it would seem more of a Tomb to those who once called it home. Every step I took, the bones of the fallen would crumble beneath my feet. But this was not what troubled my mind, but made it more determined. I would see that Lirita would not meet such a fate. Anger would also fuel me. Kervan also would pay for his actions and the lies he had told.
The path was a maze. It took me some time to pass through the region of Zelem-Melek, stopping when and where I could for brief moments. Signs of those before me, Lirita and the others would allow me to track them. I finally reached the Twenty First Hall, which I had only read about in old literature back in Imladris. I would have never believed I would stand amongst this place, though it would appear a ruin to what I had read about. Abandoned and silent it lay, though this would not concern me as I continued onward.
It had been about a week since I first entered, though hope remained as I continued to find make-shift camps and embers not long lit. Nud-Melek would appear to be the last chamber, as the air would seem less foul than before as it did when first entering Moria. Though it was then I heard the screams. Goblins riddled that of Nud-Melek, feasting upon each other as time had passed. Though the scent of Man Flesh had riled them together. I could see that of a valiant few, fighting back against the Goblins. Most had fallen, as I stepped over the corpses of some I may have considered friend. As I looked up, I could see her... I could see Lirita.
She fought with the valour and grace of her Kin. All that she had been taught from myself and her people unleashed upon the Goblin Scum. I drew upon my bow, firing a single arrow directly passed her ear and slaying an oncoming Goblin. It was then our eyes met...
Kervan fought near to Lirita, noticing my presence. He knew what would happen if I caught up to him. He grabbed Lirita by the arm and attempted to drag her towards the exit, across the Bridge of Kazad-Dûm. Lirita struggled though was pulled back, calling out my name. My blood boiled, my fists clenched as I drew my sword and Lirita’s dagger. Flaying and decapitating Goblins left to right, as I made my way through the battle. Aiding those that I could as I passed, my focus was solely on catching up to Lirita.
A glimmer of light could be seen in the distance, across the vast bridge. Goblins would continue to flow from each direction, but it did not matter to me. Kervan and Lirita would continue to fend off many whilst fighting amongst themselves. Lirita could truly see the treachery of Kervan, lying of my demise and wanting her for himself. The Goblins would soon overwhelm them... Which is when Kervan did the unthinkable.
The coward would begin to flee across the bridge, Lirita chasing after him. I could not hear what was said nor shouted as the clashing of steel against those standing in my way, rung through my ears until the world fell silent...
Lirita had been struck with a Goblin Arrow...
Fury would spark a flame within me, killing those upon the Bridge in attempt to reach her. Kervan would cower once again, running back and leaping over the fallen Lirita before bumping into his worst nightmare. The remaining few had made it to the Bridge firing arrows at those on the other side and fighting amongst those behind me. Kervan fell to his knees, pleading my forgiveness. I tried to pass him, showing what mercy I held so I could reach Lirita. But again I was a fool...
Kervan would reach out, tripping me from behind and I would fall. Clinging for dear life upon the edge of the Bridge, Kervan would stand, laughing at me. He said it was time to finish what he started, but first he would rid that who did not desire him. My eyes widened as he drew his dagger, menacingly approaching Lirita. I struggled to get back onto the Bridge but was too late. Kervan plowed his dagger into Lirita’s chest.
Without thinking of the consequences, I staggered to my feet and charged at Kervan. Taking him down and repeatedly smashing his head into the stone, throwing wild punches at him before he managed to kick me off. Kervan would pounce on me, trying the same as my head hung off the edge of the Bridge. He would spit in my face, reaching for his dagger whilst cackling at me. With what strength left within me, I forced him off me with one swift kick sending him over my head. Kervan would plummet to his doom into the dark abyss of Kazad-Dûm.
Beaten and bloodied, I scratched and clawed my way over to Lirita, gasping on her last few breathes. I would hear her only say my name, one last time as she reached for my face. Her hand fell before I could feel the warmth of her touch... The others slowly approached, as the Goblins would be pushed back. As I held her in my arms and the tears filled my eyes... My heart sank into nothing...
Valindal Telrunya died...
One now saw what the race of man was truly capable of. There hate for that which is different, blinding most from what truly was beautiful in the world. Lifting the body of Lirita, one would slowly walk towards the exit. He would not depart without her. One would take one last look at those who would call themselves kin. Remaining silent, all one would do is shake his head as those of the Dúnedain looked on. One would carry on, to the realm of Lothlorien. What trust that Valindal had for his kin... Died with him...
Only the Grey Warden remained...
