Author's Note: Set as somewhat 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 somewhat incoherent point of view.

While I'm sure you all know this, as a disclaimer I must nonetheless add that all medical treatment information is developed purely for fictitious use and should not be attempted in actual real life practice. Please consult your health care professional for medical advice.

Re FrodoHealers on Yahoo group: still trying to get it moved. :P Feel free to ignore the warning if at all possible; honestly, there is no "adult" content to the group. I read EVERY posting personally before approving it to go through. But Yahoo help is no help. . . . My apologies.

As always, thank you all SO much for your wonderful patience, encouragement, e-mails, and reviews! I apologise for taking so long in updating. I do, however, have important and relevant news: please click on my author name here to see details in my info.

My apologies for the cliffhanger, which I will follow up swiftly to avoid totally torturing readers. As an aside. . .the people who correctly guess the identity of the unknown voice in this passage get a sneak preview of an upcoming piece!

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 12: Voices in the Darkness



So sleepy. . .and everything aches. . . .

Someone approaches. . .smell of worn leather and powdered herbs, of earth and stone. . .Aragorn. His fingers brush my face, pushing back my bangs, touching my forehead like moving icicles. I try to pull away, to nestle my head back into the elf's shoulder, but strong arms gather me up, Legolas yielding me with no protest that I can detect. Why? I'm comfortable. . .leave me alone, please. . .I want to rest. . . .

"It's all right, Frodo. . .easy now. . . ."

As ever, his touch seems to ease the pain, the miserable feeling of sickness that seems to have taken over my body. Yet he begins to unwrap me, removing the blankets and even my warm cloak and soft clothes. . .I don't understand. . . .

"Strider – "

"Sssshh, ssssh, Frodo – we have to bring down the fever. You're very ill. . .I wish there were some other way, but there is none."

Sighing, I try to remain patient, but everything swirls. A mist. . .a haze of faces and voices. . . .

"I will take the Ring, though I do not know the way." My own voice, strange and foreign in my ears.

"The enemy is upon us! Noro lim, Noro lim, Asfaloth!" Glorfindel's clear pealing tones, urging his horse on as they closed in behind me. . . .

The piercing cry of the Nazgul, heralding their presence from somewhere in the wilderness. . .too close to our camp. Strider bending over me protectively, the others clustering close. . . . The fragrant scent of athelas. . . . Some sort of bitter herbal drink, warm in a cup, Strider pressing me to sip, to drink slowly. . . .



"It would be easier this way, you know. Far better."

What? I struggle, though firm hands hold me down. Opening my eyes seems too great an effort. The voice is at once hauntingly familiar. . .and yet strange to me. . . .

Better than what? I wonder.

"Better than the alternative. Why not? One of them will continue on. . .and you can rest. . . ."

True. . .I could think of nothing better. . . . So tired. . . .

"Just let go. . .there is no need to hold so fast. . . ."

No. . .

Then again, perhaps. . .

Yes. . .after all.

"Just let go. If you do not cling so tightly, after all, 'twill be easier to let it all go. . . ."

Yes. . .yes, it will.

Much easier.

~To Be Continued~