Author's Note: Set as slightly AU during the approach and ascent of
Caradhras, this story is written in alternating viewpoint, shifting between
Aragorn and Frodo; it should be fairly easy to tell which is which. This
chapter is told from Frodo's point of view. Again, rather a brief chapter,
perhaps, but I think it accomplishes its purpose. ;)
As always, thank you all SO much for your wonderful patience, encouragement, e-mails, and reviews! :)
For permission to reproduce, please contact frodobaggins@frodo.com
DISCLAIMER: The characters, places, and story of The Lord of the Rings are the property of J.R.R. Tolkien and consequently of the Tolkien Estate, with select rights by Tolkien Enterprises. This piece appears purely as fanfiction and is not intended to claim ownership of Tolkien's work in any way. Please e-mail me if you have concerns. This is a non-slash fiction: no slash or sexual connotations are implied or intended.
CARADHRAS
Chapter Ten: Understood By The Heart
So. . .thirsty. . . .
"How is he?"
That voice. . .Legolas. . . .
His hand touches my forehead, and I half consider putting out my hand to reach for his: Bilbo spoke of the elves and their magic, and I am always astonished by the number of ways, small and large, this proves true. . .his touch is comfortable, soothing and refreshing even though I still feel miserably ill. But I dare not show that. . .I must be strong. . .the Ringbearer should not reach for an elf's hand like some frightened child. . . .
But I *am* frightened.
"The fever is worsening. We must decide what to do, and quickly." Strider's voice. . .from the vibration I feel as he speaks, I guess that he is the one holding me.
Almost as if he could guess my thoughts, Legolas slides his hands into the blankets. . .even before he speaks again, I feel slender fingers close around my hands reassuringly. It feels wonderful. Nice and cool. . .and strong. . .Legolas would not let anything bad happen, nor would Strider. . .nor Gandalf. . . .
"The snow pack is risky, Aragorn." Gandalf's voice. He is still close, then. . . .
"And so is the fever, if this persists." Someone puts something to my lips, pressing me to drink, and I manage a few swallows: it hurts, though I am still so thirsty. . .I wish swallowing were less painful. . . .
"Let me take him?" From the movement of the hands I know it is Legolas even before he speaks. "You and Gandalf can discuss it with the others. It is no matter to debate here, with the little one trying to rest. Ask the others: Sam or Merry may know how he has been treated for such conditions in the past, and that information may aid us now. I will do what I can. . .he will be safe until you have decided."
"Legolas is right. Give Frodo to him; we must speak with the others." Gandalf's voice. . .I want to open my eyes, but the thought of such effort is too daunting.
There is a moment's hesitation, but then I feel myself being moved, being eased into elven arms which cradle me as expertly as they might his bow and arrows. The gentle sense of cool comfort is refreshing: it is like something cool and yet pleasantly warm at the same time, and I curl up eagerly as he settles me into his lap, shushing softly and whispering to me in Sindarin. I know he addresses me, for I recognise my name, though little else. . .concentration is too difficult just now for me to translate really well, though I can understand snatches. . . .
"Frodo, be strong, and try. . . . . . . . .a little. . . . . . . You will. . . . . . . . . . . . ." *
Understood or not, the sound is somehow reassuring. . .and I nestle into an easier position, my chest aching horribly, allowing the voice to soothe me back to sleep. I am so tired. . .so very tired. . . . Don't want snow. . .anything. . .want to sleep. . . .
~To Be Continued~
*Author's Note: For those of you trying to figure out what Legolas says to Frodo, it's, "Frodo, be strong, and try to rest for a little while. . . . You will feel better soon; Strider is trying to help you. Sleep, little one. . . ."
As always, thank you all SO much for your wonderful patience, encouragement, e-mails, and reviews! :)
For permission to reproduce, please contact frodobaggins@frodo.com
DISCLAIMER: The characters, places, and story of The Lord of the Rings are the property of J.R.R. Tolkien and consequently of the Tolkien Estate, with select rights by Tolkien Enterprises. This piece appears purely as fanfiction and is not intended to claim ownership of Tolkien's work in any way. Please e-mail me if you have concerns. This is a non-slash fiction: no slash or sexual connotations are implied or intended.
CARADHRAS
Chapter Ten: Understood By The Heart
So. . .thirsty. . . .
"How is he?"
That voice. . .Legolas. . . .
His hand touches my forehead, and I half consider putting out my hand to reach for his: Bilbo spoke of the elves and their magic, and I am always astonished by the number of ways, small and large, this proves true. . .his touch is comfortable, soothing and refreshing even though I still feel miserably ill. But I dare not show that. . .I must be strong. . .the Ringbearer should not reach for an elf's hand like some frightened child. . . .
But I *am* frightened.
"The fever is worsening. We must decide what to do, and quickly." Strider's voice. . .from the vibration I feel as he speaks, I guess that he is the one holding me.
Almost as if he could guess my thoughts, Legolas slides his hands into the blankets. . .even before he speaks again, I feel slender fingers close around my hands reassuringly. It feels wonderful. Nice and cool. . .and strong. . .Legolas would not let anything bad happen, nor would Strider. . .nor Gandalf. . . .
"The snow pack is risky, Aragorn." Gandalf's voice. He is still close, then. . . .
"And so is the fever, if this persists." Someone puts something to my lips, pressing me to drink, and I manage a few swallows: it hurts, though I am still so thirsty. . .I wish swallowing were less painful. . . .
"Let me take him?" From the movement of the hands I know it is Legolas even before he speaks. "You and Gandalf can discuss it with the others. It is no matter to debate here, with the little one trying to rest. Ask the others: Sam or Merry may know how he has been treated for such conditions in the past, and that information may aid us now. I will do what I can. . .he will be safe until you have decided."
"Legolas is right. Give Frodo to him; we must speak with the others." Gandalf's voice. . .I want to open my eyes, but the thought of such effort is too daunting.
There is a moment's hesitation, but then I feel myself being moved, being eased into elven arms which cradle me as expertly as they might his bow and arrows. The gentle sense of cool comfort is refreshing: it is like something cool and yet pleasantly warm at the same time, and I curl up eagerly as he settles me into his lap, shushing softly and whispering to me in Sindarin. I know he addresses me, for I recognise my name, though little else. . .concentration is too difficult just now for me to translate really well, though I can understand snatches. . . .
"Frodo, be strong, and try. . . . . . . . .a little. . . . . . . You will. . . . . . . . . . . . ." *
Understood or not, the sound is somehow reassuring. . .and I nestle into an easier position, my chest aching horribly, allowing the voice to soothe me back to sleep. I am so tired. . .so very tired. . . . Don't want snow. . .anything. . .want to sleep. . . .
~To Be Continued~
*Author's Note: For those of you trying to figure out what Legolas says to Frodo, it's, "Frodo, be strong, and try to rest for a little while. . . . You will feel better soon; Strider is trying to help you. Sleep, little one. . . ."