~*~ A/N: We're approaching the end of my crackheaded little tale! :-D *~*~


Kris paddled the boat down the river, behind the others. In their small vessal, Merry and Pippin sat, looking wide-eyed at the world around them. The Great River was beautiful, and even Kris had trouble keeping her focus on the task at hand; guiding the boat. She had been raised near a very large lake, so she was familiar with boats, but was unfamiliar with the Great River.

"You handle 'er well," said Merry with a smile, being a Brandybuck, the only hobbit who had handled a boat before. Kris smiled, and explained to them about where she came from, and the Lake. She left out the more interesting part, the myth of the Lake monster, for that would take far too long to tell. Pippin sat silently, watching her speak and paddle at once, noted how the sun kissed her hair, making the blonde and red highlights dance. After a bit, Merry, with a smile, offered to paddle the boat for a while. Kris shrugged, and agreed.

"How are things with you, Sir Took?" Kris asked with a grin, sitting beside him and handing Merry the paddle.

Pippin swallowed, and nodded. "Well, I'm well."

"That's good," Kris responded, and lay back. "Boy," she allowed a yawn to escape, "I'm awful tired. Merry? Do you think you can paddle for an hour or so, I'd very much like a nap."

Merry nodded. "Well, sure, Lady Kris," he said with a smile. "I can handle 'er for you."

Kris smiled, and lay her head down, shutting her eyes. Immediately, she drifted to sleep. Pippin tapped Merry, and gestured down to the sleeping girl. Merry smiled, shaking his head at his friend.

"You are a fool of a Took," Merry said quietly.

"Nae," said Pippin with a sigh. "I'm a fool of a Took in love." He watched as Kris shifted, and sighed gently in her sleep. "I wish to kiss her," he said softly, and reached out, putting a hand through her hair.

"For Valar's sake, Pippin, she's a teenage human. And you have the emotional maturity of a blueberry scone. Just.. have at it, would you, and stop fluttering about?" *

Pippin smiled, touching the girl's forehead.

"Nae, I will wait, and follow Legolas' advice," he said, more to himself than to Merry, and then turned his attention toward the land about them.

~*~

Lily could tell that something was bothering Boromir, for his eyes were dark and full of worry. He remained silent, paddling the boat. Sam watched him with concern as well, but more for Frodo than for Boromir; he knew of Boromir's desire to weild the ring.

Sam leaned back in the boat, still uneasy of being on water. He wasn't some foolish Brandybuck, who dared even to swim in the waters of the Shire - he preferred the stable land. He was even more uneasy of being seperated from Mr. Frodo, but he trusted Strider.

Lily continued to watch Boromir for several minutes, before she reached out, tapping him lightly. He looked back, his eyes dark. When she gazed back, she didn't recognize the man that was there.

~*~

Frodo fingered the ring quietly, looking out over the water. It was beginning to feel heavier, hanging about his neck. He once again fought back the desire to put it on, instead looking to Aragorn.

He paddled quietly, the Lady De by his side. Once in a while, one would reach out to touch the other, finding comfort in their contact. De was worried, the concern that played on her pretty face showed it. Frodo suspected that something terrible was to come, something really bad. He reached to the ring, finding that holding it comforted him in some way.

De placed her hand on Aragorn's shoulder, and he glanced to her, smiling gently. She tightened her hold as she glanced up. The Pillars of the Kings loomed above them.

"I have long wished to look upon the kings of old," said Aragorn softly. "My kin."

"As have I," said De gently, and, placing her other hand on Aragorn's other shoulder, rubbed them gently. He groaned softly, his muscles tense from the journey.

"What is that you are doing?" he asked, as she positioned herself better.

"It's called a back massage. I'm surprised you don't have them here." She kneaded her hands into his shoulders, as Aragorn sighed and groaned, and then smiled.

"Do you wish to make me crash the boat?" he asked teasingly. "If you continue to perform such devilry, I may very well do just that."

De smiled sheepishly and nodded, leaning forward and kissing his cheek gently.

"All right then," she said softly, and glanced out across the water.


~*~* A/N: Okay, that little bit about the blueberry scone? Not mine. *grin* I took it from a line in the Prom episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. No copywright infringement intended! I just thought it fit rather well there! *grin* More to come soon! *~*~