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.