Note: All unknown characters are mine; the rest are someone else's. I have a translation list of the end of the first chapter. The Japanese words will not be used as a language very often after this chapter; I just wanted to emphasize the difference of the two languages. Possible A/L slash in this fic, but I am not certain. Tell me if you want me to finish this fic. Language markings: = Different language (other than English and Elvish), " " = Basic English, and ' ' = Elvish.

Watcher In The Woods

Part 1

Aragorn, Gimli, and Frodo had walked for hours without rest, as they followed the latest rumor that they'd heard.

"Can we please stop and rest, Aragorn?" Frodo pleaded, breathing hard. "I'm exhausted."

Aragorn looked at the Hobbit and sighed. "Very well, Frodo. We shall rest for a while."

Gimli was relieved, but hid it. Searching for their missing friend was not easy, particularly when you are exhausted and it is the cold season.

Snow was piled everywhere in huge drifts, nearly over both Gimli and Frodo's heads. If Gimli were to ever wish to be an elf, now would be the time. The snow clung to their clothes, as more drifted down on them.

Frodo was shivering again.

"Let's head to that cave to rest. We can light a fire in there," Aragorn said. Frodo and Gimli followed carefully. The snow was hindering their movements and senses.

Unknown to the three weary travelers, a pair of blue eyes watched their every move.

It was a single, solitary figure that shadowed them in the trees. He wore dark leggings, with matching boots. A long, brown robe covered his green shirt and blue tunic. Its hood was pulled low over his face, hiding his hair. A dark cloth was wrapped around his face for two purposes. The first was to protect it from the bitter cold, and the second was to remain anonymous. Only his piercing eyes showed through it. A sword hung at his side, and he had a traveling bag on his back. His height was short, and his body slender, but he was graceful to behold.

Miataru gazed at the leader of the travelers, whose clothes were appropriate for the cold. He wore green breeches, with a long-sleeved blue shirt and brown tunic. A thick, black cloak trailed out behind him, showing a gleaming sword at the Man's waist. The blue eyes that watched Aragorn widened in surprise when the Man turned back and lifted the littlest figure onto his back. Miat wondered why anyone would bring a child out into this snowstorm. He shook his head in disapproval, and looked at the child, whose clothes were torn and tattered.

It was Frodo that Miat was watching now. The Hobbit had torn his clothes on thorns and branches, as he struggled through the snow that had nearly buried him. Frodo was grateful when Aragorn picked him up and placed him on his back.

"Thank you, Aragorn," Frodo whispered, shivering violently.

Aragorn smiled at the little Hobbit. "No need to thank me, Frodo."

Miat turned and gazed at the final member of the trio. He was very short, with a long beard that told the observer that the figure was not a child. So what was he, then, Miat mused. A bunch of armor covered the person's clothes, and he carried an axe.

Miat's sharp eyes finally saw that the three were heading towards a cave, which all knew was off limits. Poisonous vapors were in the air, and if you lit a fire in there, you would die from the resulting explosion. He silently prayed for them to pass the cave by, but they did not. Miat groaned. It appeared that he was going to have to save them from themselves. But his heart nearly stopped when he saw that the bearded figure was getting ready to light a fire.

Miat leapt out of his tree and raced towards them. Shuushi! Kinan! he shouted, hoping that they would understand his words. As soon as he reached them, the agile stranger knocked the flint out of Gimli's hands, before the dwarf could light a fire.

Aragorn instantly drew Anduril when he saw a fleet and nimble stranger jump out of a tree and run over to Gimli. The unknown person said two words that were not understood, before he stopped Gimli from lighting a fire. Aragorn pricked the stranger's throat with his sword, and he froze.

Gimli picked up the flint again, and the stranger attempted to knock it away once more.

Miat repeated his earlier warning. Kinan! He looked at Aragorn, trying to explain what he was saying.

Aragorn frowned and said, "Stop, Gimli." The human gazed at the stranger, recognizing this dialect. It was old, and Aragorn was surprised that anyone used it anymore.

Gimli stopped, and looked at the stranger. Frodo was watching him as well, shivering.

Miat quietly said, Kinan.

Aragorn had to think hard to remember the meaning of 'Kinan'. "Danger?" he asked.

Miat nodded, and was relieved that the human before him understood what he was saying. "Fire… explosion," Miat said carefully, for he knew some of the basic language that they spoke.

Aragorn swore softly, as his keen senses finally detected the smell of the vapors in the air. "Thank you," he said to the stranger.

Miat shot him a puzzled look. A frown then replaced it, for the sword was still pricking his throat.

Aragorn translated what he had said into the ancient dialect. He then turned to Gimli and Frodo. "We are lucky that he revealed himself to warn us, for he just saved our lives. None of us detected the vapors in the cave." Aragorn then sheathed Anduril and looked back at the figure, who had an unreadable expression in his eyes.

Miat looked down at the shivering Hobbit, whom he mistook for a child. He reached into his pack and drew out a spare cloak, before kneeling before Frodo. He then wrapped it around the little one carefully.

Frodo thanked the stranger, who again did not understand.

Miat turned back to Aragorn and stood. "I must go home now." He spoke hesitantly, so that he would be understood.

"Can you take us there?" Aragorn asked, wanting to get Frodo warm, for he did not want the Hobbit to get sick.

Miat had to translate the words in his mind for a few moments, and finally figured out what Aragorn had asked. He nodded. "Follow me," he said carefully.

Frodo, Aragorn, and Gimli followed the quiet figure, who led them through the snow and dark forest, not minding it at all.

Miat knew exactly where he was going, and remained silent. The rule of the town was not meant to be broken, but he could not leave a child out in this storm. Or strangers who did not know their way around. The coming night would make the snow and cold much worse. Besides, it wouldn't be the first time that strangers had come to the town, Miat thought quietly. People had come and gone numerous times. They never wanted to stay too long.

Frodo was slightly nervous, as he was carried by Aragorn. The Hobbit's shivering had died down, thanks to the warm cloak that he had been given. But it was no substitute for a warm fire and hot meal.

Gimli disliked having to rely on a complete stranger to lead them somewhere. It didn't help that the stranger was a loner, apparently, and said little to them. Then again, the dwarf mused, they could barely understand his words. Only Aragorn seemed to know what he said.

Aragorn was very concerned about Frodo, as he walked directly behind their new guide. He slightly suspected that the main reason the stranger had helped them was because he believed that Frodo was just a child. But Aragorn was not certain of that. He had a feeling that this unknown person would have helped them anyway, even if Frodo had not been there. Whoever he was, this figure had a kind heart. He'd given a cloak to the Hobbit freely to warm Frodo, asking nothing in return.

The small group finally reached a small town.

Gimli muttered, "I cannot believe that anyone lives here."

"Well, people do live in strange places," Frodo reminded him. Some thought it queer for Hobbits to dwell in holes.

Aragorn questioned, "What is this town called?" He looked at the stranger.

Miat recognized two words: '…town called'. Seudou Rosuto, he replied.

Aragorn translated, "Lost Sanctuary?" He personally thought it was a rather strange name for a town, but he did not wish to insult the stranger.

Miat nodded. "My home," he said, before facing the three strangers. "Must finish work. You rest. Eat. See later." Miat walked off, leaving them alone.

To be continued (maybe)

***************************************

Shuushi! Kinan!= Stop! Danger!

Kinan! Kikyoku= Danger! Grave danger!

Kinan!= Danger!

Seudou Rosuto= Lost Sanctuary.

***************************************