A/N: I promise this chapter will be better than the last one, cause I just saw the movie again. LOL well enjoy.

Chapter Three

            Walking. For days all they did was walk. The ten in the fellowship walked for days, only resting at night. Phoenix was not used to this type of walking and eagerly welcomed the breaks. Along the journey she had been becoming closer to Pippin.

            Soon they reached a top of a weapon. Phoenix missed the name of it. The group unpacked their things. Sam began cooking; Gandalf sat on one of the rocks gazing out, as well as Strider. Legolas hoped from rock to rock observing the area. Gimli grunted and mumbled something about going the long way. Phoenix rested herself on a rock away from the group and watched Boromir teach Merry and Pippin how to swordfight.

            "Do you ever wonder why she came with us?" Sam asked Frodo as he sat down.

            "She was with Merry and Pippin. I assumed you met while I was healing,"

            "No,"

            "What is that?" Legolas said pointing to a small wisp of black coming towards them.

            "Just a gust of wind," Gimli said.

            "It's moving awfully fast…and against the wind," Boromir replied

            "Hide!" Gandalf yelled.

            The group scattered about, covering any evidence anyone had been there. "Phoenix!" Pippin grabbed her arm and dragged her into the bushes with Merry.

            "What are we hiding for?" Phoenix asked.

            "Shh," Merry scolded. 

            Pippin crouched next to Phoenix resting his hand on hers. She looked at his hand then looked into his eyes. He slowly leaned closer to her and brushed his lips against hers. He then pulled away slightly. "So-" but his sentence was cut off when Phoenix pressed her lips fully onto his.

            "Oh great," Merry mumbled.

            Pippin placed his free hand onto her cheek, gently caressing it. She smiled threw the kiss and ran her fingers through his curly Hobbit hair.

Shortly the cloud of birds flew away out of site and everyone climbed from their hiding spots, with the exception of Pippin and Phoenix.

            "Spies for Saruman," Gandalf scoffed. "We must take the pass through the mountain."

            "Oh will you two come on!" Merry grabbed Pippin by the back of his shirt, taking him out of the bushes and onto his feet. Phoenix smiled and climbed out of the bushes.

            "Quickly, everyone pack up," Gandalf said. "We must hurry. We are being watched."

            Sam started gathering his cooking supplies from his hiding spot. The others gathered their own belongings.

            Phoenix didn't have anything with her so she stood and watched Pippin gather his things and placing his jacket and cloak on. She cocked her head as she watched him. He glanced back at her and winked. Merry grabbed his scarf down and pushed him to work. Phoenix laughed. Maybe she had reason to go along with the journey after all.