~*~* A/N: All right. Almost done! *smile* By the way, you purists are NOT going to like what I do with this, because it completely messes up the balance of the whole story. That's okay. :-D It's my crackheaded world! *~*~


As Boromir, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli pulled the boats ashore, Kris, Lily, and De stood together, speaking in hushed whispers.

Kris stretched her arms, yawning softly. "So? Any idea what we're going to do?"

"We're going to save Boromir," said Lily with a nod.

"Are you sure we'll be able to?" asked De, raising an eyebrow.

"Yea, I mean.. I warned Gandalf, I tried to save him, but he still fell," added Kris.

Lily appeared angry for the moment. "I will not let Boromir die!"

"I didn't say you ought to," said De with a frown. "I just said, I'm not certain if you'll be able to see him."

"Haldir said-" began Kris, but she was cut off.

"I don't give a fuck what Haldir said!" Lily replied, nearly shouting now. The hobbits glanced up in their direction. "I'm going to save him!" She stormed away, leaving the other two girls shaking their heads, watching her in amazement.


With a sigh, Kris sat down on a fallen log. Her eyes drifted upward, studying the sky. The air seemed heavy, with danger and with anger. Behind her, she heard nothing as Pippin approached. She felt a soft hand on her shoulder, and Pippin stood behind her, his head resting on her shoulder.

"May I kiss you?" he whispered, speaking into her ear gently. She turned slowly, catching his eyes.

"O-okay," she said, stammering a little. With a gulp, Pippin leaned forward, placing his lips to Kris'. She shut her eyes softly, returning the kiss. Pippin tasted her sweet lips, then felt her tongue prying his own open. He obliged, wondering what was to come.

She pressed her tongue into his mouth, running it across his teeth, and against his own tongue. Pippin moaned, deep in his throat, throwing his arms around Kris. She kissed him softly, passionately.

Finally, they pulled apart, Pippin's eyes wide. Kris smiled, and ran a hand through his curly brown hair.

"Your first kiss, I guess," said Kris gently, and Pippin nodded.

"Could you tell?" he asked, glancing down.

"No," she said with a smile, and took his hand in hers. "You kiss rather well, Mr. Took." With that, she brought his hand to her lips, kissing it softly. "Pippin, there is something I must tell you."

"What is it?" he asked, squeezing her hand gently.

"You're in danger," she said with a sigh. "I'm sorry, Pippin, but.. you're in such danger here. And everywhere. You're going to have some hard times, but never, ever lose faith in yourself. You're going to be a hero someday, Peregrin Took, I swear you are."


De and Aragorn sat, speaking quietly of the situation.

"Orcs and goblin men, crossed?" said Aragorn, shaking his head. "And they are good warriors?"

"Not better than you," said De, lowering her own head. "But good, yes. The Fellowship is breaking, I know you can feel it. We will lose someone, to the Uruk-hai. Two of ours will be kidnapped. Frodo and Sam will go alone into Mordor. I tell you this because.. we must save him, Aragorn. I know he is confused right now, but.. he means no harm, and he does not deserve death."

"You speak of Boromir," Aragorn said, his eyes wide. "Boromir is in danger?"

De nodded, looking up at him. "We must save him."

Aragorn placed an arm around her shoulder, comfortingly. "We will, if we can save him, we will." He caught her gaze, and met her lips with his.

She broke from him, speaking slowly, "Will you make love to me, Sir Aragorn?"

He smiled, and nodded, licking his lips.

And he did.


Lily stood, her arms crossed, looking off into the forest. At the moment, her beloved Boromir was making his worst mistake - he was trying to take the ring from Frodo. She heard De and Aragorn's lovemaking, then heard as they realized Frodo and Boromir were gone. She heard it all, from her standing point several feet away. Legolas watched the distance as well, his nose wrinkling every now and then. Gimli sat by him, sharpening his axe.

Soon, Lily heard it. The sound of feet approaching - dozens, even hundreds, an entire army. Sharing a glance with Legolas, she headed in the same direction as he - for the armies of Sauruman approached. The Uruk-Hai neared, and their greatest test yet was at hand.


~*~* *evil grin* Is that cliff-hangery enough for you? *~*~