[Niluial]

“I’m not too sure about this” Andtuariel muttered to Elwë. Her face was slightly white, though it had lost the greenish tint of sea sickness.

Elwë reached over and gently tucked one of Andtuariel’s brown curls behind her ear. “It will be just fine if you follow the instructions and stick with me!” Elwë said bravely. He liked to act as if he was brave, put on a strong face but he too was worried. What could happen inside there? What if something bad happens?

Andtuariel giggled nervously, “Yes Sir!” she said with her tongue in her cheek. She looked at the sea and the small waves that hit her feet. The sea was blue and clear, calm and silent in the wake of the storm. Elwë locked eyes with Andtuariel one more time, giving her a look of assurance.

There was a nervous yet excited silence, which was broken by a sudden, “Well, would you look at that!” Annû’s said. Elwë chuckled quietly and looked in the direction where Annû was looking; a small brown bundle of fur lay there. It was clear that a few were surprised they had a skinchanger amongst them.

Elwë and Andtuariel stayed behind Carrandû and Annû as they walked through the dark tunnel. It was so silent inside the tunnel, the breathing of the others could be heard and every footstep too. The little lights of the others bounced up and down, imitating their movement as they walked.

Andtuariel drifted beside him. He smiled. They were not afraid of the Cave, though he could feel the fear of those ahead of them. They had no fear of death.

A rock clattered loose and hurtled somewhere in the darkness. A harsh ringing filled the cave. Beside him, Elwë could feel the cave walls tremble.

Andtuariel stumbled and clutched onto Elwë. Elwë’s heart jolted. “Andtuariel!” Elwë hissed.

“What?” she whispered. "The rock fell loose above and it fell on my head...then I stumbled over a crag."

"I'm sorry...but don't grab at me...or breathe down my neck...let me go!"

Slowly she let go of his hand.