As we climb the stairs of Moria, I swallow dust and grope for the step in front of me.  In the darkest of nights I gaily dance through the uneven paths of Mirkwood but here I am bereft of vision, hearing – even touch dulls and fades.  For the first time I know what it is to be truly alone.  Do mortals live always in this silence?  I shiver and wonder no longer at the dark grimness of our Men.

“Do not be afraid,” whispers Aragorn – and I feel something on the edge of my utter aloneness and I am comforted.