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 returns us to Frodo's point of view, again somewhat less than coherent at times. ;)

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.

I will indeed continue this story for a few more chapters before its close. At that point, I may focus on "Counterpane" for a little before posting my next during-Quest fic, which I will most likely beta on FrodoHealers as well as the guessing-game participants. My next update will most likely be the next chapter of "Counterpane" (which I'm hoping will be in the next few days. . .I'm interested in doing slightly longer chapters there), followed by the promised piece delivered early to those who played the guessing- game. I'd have posted this last night, but fanfiction.net isn't cooperating well for me lately (Rufferto calls it the orcs blocking the site!). . . .

Speaking of which. . .kudos to aroiur, Elwen, TDSamo, Tangelian Proudfoot, and LilyBaggins (Sauron isn't the exact answer, but since he is what/who really is behind the Ring, I think we can give you credit!). . .the voice in Chapter Thirteen is indeed the voice of the Ring! Excellent guesses, folks. . .some very perceptive commentary and pickups y'all offered. :) In gratitude, I'm sending the snippet to all who participated, whether or not they guessed correctly. :)

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 very much for your wonderful patience, encouragement, e-mails, and reviews!

For permission to reproduce, please contact frodobaggins@frodo.com or frodoatbagend@yahoo.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 Fourteen: Comforts and Conundrums



Comfortable.

Well, not quite what I'd really call comfortable, not truthfully. Comfortable would be a feather-bed and pillows, piled high with patchwork quilts and soft blankets and clean sheets, set in a warm room, perhaps the smell of something pleasant like gingerbread in the air. It feels somehow cold and hot at the same time, and the air smells too much of ice for me to even imagine that I might be somewhere else. . .that. . .that mountain we'd seen. . . .

Someone bringing a cup to my lips. . .the drink I'd requested, warm and sweet in a polished wooden mug from Rivendell. I drink as deeply as my caregiver allows: the taste of honey seems laced with apple flavour, improving the herb mixture I recognise too well by now. At last the hand takes away the mug, arms cradling me a bit more tightly. It feels. . .rather comfortable, as comfort could be out here, so to speak. . . .

Slowly I manage to force my eyes open. Aragorn is holding me, bent over me with a grave expression, as if watching me closely. Near at hand sits Legolas, his gaze likewise focused intently on mine, and I can feel his hands holding my feet lightly inside the blankets.

"How are you feeling, Frodo?"

Gandalf! His face comes into view, and I cannot help feeling somewhat reassured as he ruffles my hair gingerly.

"Everything hurts. . .I. . .I'm not sure. . . ."

"It's quite all right. Try to just rest." He puts out his arms, asking Aragorn with a nod and a glance. . .and within moments I find myself resting comfortably against the wizard, the familiar scent of travel-dust and pipeweed soothing. He shakes one of his sleeves, adjusting his robes a little, with the effect of creating almost a tent on on side, shielding me on three of four sides. Aragorn and Legolas remain close, Aragorn bending to feel my forehead.

"Whatever way we go, Gandalf, we ought to try and reach Lothlorien. They would help us replenish supplies. . .and it would be a safe place to rest for even a short time. Frodo could regain more of his strength there."

"Yes. I think that would be best." He looks down at me, smiling kindly. "That is where Elrond's wife came from, Frodo. . .the Lady Celebrian, Arwen's mother, is the only daughter of Celeborn and Galadriel, and it is there that Arwen has passed a great deal of her life. They are very wise, and though the elves of Lorien are different from those of Rivendell or Mirkwood, I think you will be glad when we reach them. . . . They will, I think, aid our errand without hesitation."

It is reassuring to listen, to hear them discuss the possibility of a future beyond this frozen wasteland. And reassuring to no longer be the one to whom all burden of decision falls. . .I was not made for such quests; even in Rivendell, they recognised that: while I was shown maps and great books, I was often left to my own devices, encouraged to spend time with Bilbo instead. . . .

"Wh. . .where are the others?"

Aragorn touches my forehead gently. "They are close by, Frodo. They are worried about you, but are resting, at my instruction. We must keep you calm. . .try to sleep again, if you can."

Closing my eyes, I try to obey, nestling securely in Gandalf's arms. Yet the surroundings are slow to fade, resulting in an altogether unpleasant mingling of reality and dream, and I cannot be certain which is which. . . .

". . .Lothlorien. . . . . .the Lady. . . ."

"It. . . . . .best. . . . . ."

". . . . . .he's. . .warm. . . . . . We. . . . . .certain. . . . ."

". . . . . .preciousssssssssssssssss. . . ."

~To Be Continued~