NOTES: I think I have the sweetest, most encouraging reviewers in the
fanfic universe. My humblest and most heartfelt thank you! Just a few
responses..
buffy the reviewer slayer: I spent my first 23 years in Philadelphia and the second 23 years in southern California. My loyalties are split. (Well, my loyalty to the Shire comes *first*, I suppose!)
Death of Ba-Gook: I promise Pippin will be well before the end of the story! I'm not sure yet exactly how many chapters there will be; most likely 14 or 15.
Erin-21: I know you've been begging me not to kill Boromir since "Unlikely Comfort"! I can only promise you that no one dies in this story. (And what happens once an AU story is over can be left to our imaginations.) I'm so gratified you and others approve of my portrayal of Boromir as the human, complex, conflicted person he had to be. I always try to treat the characters with love and respect; they're my favorite people anywhere, after all.
Lilybaggins: This is a "heads up" that Chapter 11 will have some lovely Frodo angst just for you.
Niere: What a hoot, of course Pippin wouldn't know what it feels like to be hit by one of Sam's pans (or would he...?) ..
Talking Hawk: I had NO idea I had Boromir speaking in rhyme, thanks for pointing it out! I was amazed! Don't know what I'd do without you, Hawk, your reviews leave me laughing hysterically, busily correcting and re- writing, and thinking in all kinds of new directions.
Treehugger: Your reviews are so thoughtful I feel like we're sitting in a room having a conversation. What a joy!
To everyone: You keep me going, you really do. I'm so thrilled you're taking these journeys with me. As you can see, with this story I'm trying to show a real fondness for the hobbits among Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir. I always thought the pursuit of Merry and Pippin through Rohan was out of love and duty, not just duty. Also, by popular demand I have a Gimli/hobbit conversation coming up in Chapter 11. (I may have to write one more before the end since there's so much enthusiasm for them.)
Anyway.... on to Chapter 10.....
DISCLAIMER: Of course. The characters don't belong to me, I just get to think about them day and night.
_________________________
WHISPERS OF THE DRAGON
Chapter 10 --- Choices
Sam, the best at packing and arranging things, busied himself setting up a place in Boromir's boat for Pippin to lie down comfortably during the night as they traveled. He redistributed gear to the other boats and made sure Pippin would have enough blankets under and over him.
Pippin grumbled a bit when Aragorn not only wouldn't let him stand up yet, but also insisted that he lie down in the boat all night and try not to sit up unless absolutely necessary. He was still protesting when, just before the Company was due to leave, he realized his head was beginning to throb again. He closed his eyes, and after awhile thought he heard his name and felt a hand on his shoulder. "Go 'way," he murmured. Boromir's soft chuckle, strong arms lifting him. He heard voices, someone's fingers at his wrist...more voices..movement... He was wondering if he could stand to swallow more of Strider's tea when sleep claimed him once more.
Boromir carried Pippin to their boat and he and Merry settled him in amongst the nest Sam had made for him. Aragorn noticed Merry's worried look. "It's all right, Merry, he'll probably sleep on and off for a few days. Any head injury, even a small one, tends to have that effect. He really is recovering fast." He looked at everyone else. "Let's make as much distance as we can. Stay quiet, and stay alert."
Frodo came over to Boromir, concerned. "Does your shoulder still ache?" he asked quietly, "I know you didn't tell anyone you were injured."
The Man smiled at him. "You have a good heart, Frodo, but 'twas a small thing. It would take more than a bit of rock to fell a Man of Gondor!" Frodo smiled at him and they went to their boats.
It was an uneventful night. They paddled for long stretches, gliding past a countryside increasingly barren to the east, high and rocky to the west. At dawn, the weary travelers glided into a tiny beach and took turns sleeping and keeping watch.
Aragorn and Merry shared the watch in the late afternoon of that seventh day, and as they sat together in one of the boats Aragorn thought the time had come to discuss a difficult subject.
"Merry," he began, "You and Pippin have a decision to make soon."
"We do?"
Aragorn looked at him. "Very soon Boromir will be returning home. You know that." Merry nodded. "Minas Tirith is a fortified city, as safe a place as now stands in Middle-earth. Frodo may decide that we should accompany Boromir and attempt Mordor from the west, or he may choose to cross the River soon and approach Mordor from the north. Regretfully, this decision will be his alone. If Frodo chooses the eastern way, you and Pippin will have to decide whether to continue on with him, a very difficult journey even before the border is reached, or to go with Boromir to Minas Tirith."
Merry's mouth dropped open in astonishment, and as he started to speak Aragorn stopped him. "I know you never planned to leave Frodo. It probably never even occurred to you. I just wanted you to know that you have a choice. I wanted you to think about it." He smiled at the hobbit. "Go on, now. Wake Frodo and Sam for their watch and try to get some sleep." Merry just sat for a few minutes, then got up and walked away.
Aragorn wondered what Legolas and Gimli had decided to do, but realized he already knew. Like him, in their hearts they were pledged to Frodo's side. Sam.. he smiled to himself. That went without saying. He looked over at Merry, sitting quietly next to Pippin under the improvised shade cover. As much as Merry wanted to keep Pippin safe, Aragorn didn't really think they would ever abandon Frodo. There was probably no decision to make.
With all his heart, Aragorn wanted Boromir to take these two back with him, keep them safe and protected. If something should happen to one or both of them in Mordor he wasn't sure Frodo would be able to go on. On the other hand...he sighed. Who was he to say what Frodo Baggins could or could not endure? Or where Merry and Pippin's destinies were leading them. They were free to choose. They all were. But the hardest choice lay with Frodo, and it could not much longer be put off.
******************
Merry knew he should be sleeping, but Pippin was trying to stay awake and there was no time like the present. He deserved to make his own decisions.
"Pip?"
"Mmmm?"
"Have you thought about what it will be like when Boromir leaves?"
"Of course I have."
Merry turned over and stared at his cousin. "You have?"
"Sure." Pippin frowned. "What about it?"
"You know Frodo might not want to go with him."
"I know."
"We could go with him, you know. It would be safer and all."
"Leave Frodo?" Pippin sat up even though he knew he wasn't supposed to. His look showed that he truly thought his cousin had lost his mind. Slowly, comprehension dawned.
"Are you scared something will happen to me in...in..?" He pointed across the River. Merry just looked at him and said nothing. "Silly," Pippin smiled and touched his still-tender bruise. "Something can happen anywhere."
Merry sighed. "You're growing up so fast, Pip, it's hard to keep up."
Pippin lay down again, a bit sorry he had sat up so fast. "I'm scared for you too, you know." He was quiet for a moment. "But I'm mostly scared for Frodo. Let's help him get rid of that awful Ring and go home. All right?"
"All right," Merry said softly, pressing his cousin's hand.
"Mer, do you think... do you think we *are* helping Frodo at all?"
"I don't know." Merry was quiet for a moment. "But this is what friends do for each other. Gandalf thought we should come, and so did we. Do you remember Frodo's face when Elrond said we could go? I don't think he much liked the thought of being sent off on this journey with so many Big Folk and only one hobbit for company. He was glad, Pip. He still is. Maybe that's enough help for now. We have a long way to go still, you know."
"I know." Pippin started to sit up again, then thought better of it and lay back down.
"Your head still hurts, doesn't it?"
"Not like before. Not enough to drink more of that bitter stuff." He yawned.
"Try to sleep some more, Strider says it's the best thing you can do."
"I will..if you...will.." Pippin's voice trailed off.
Merry lay on his back and stared up at the clouds. He knew Pippin would miss Boromir a lot, and so would he. As best he could figure, they had been traveling together for two months. He remembered Caradhras..Moria.. and Frodo would have been killed by that rock if not for him. Still.. He didn't like the way Boromir had been looking at Frodo recently. It was as if he wasn't even looking at him as a person, more as --- the word came unbidden to his mind --- Ringbearer. Something wasn't right, they would just have to watch out for Frodo even more than before. Merry doubted his cousin had any idea how much he and Sam and Pippin worried about him, how closely they watched. He smiled to himself. It was just like their conspiracy back in the Shire.
As Merry gazed at the sky, he saw a large, soaring shape pass high overhead. Enormous bird, he thought sleepily, is that an eagle? He had never seen one, but Bilbo's stories were full of eagles. He noticed Legolas watching it carefully, but he didn't seem alarmed. Merry sighed and closed his eyes. If only one of the eagles could fly Frodo to the mountain, he mused, and he could just toss the Ring overboard.. then just a short flight home.. if only.. finally he fell asleep.
** TBC **
buffy the reviewer slayer: I spent my first 23 years in Philadelphia and the second 23 years in southern California. My loyalties are split. (Well, my loyalty to the Shire comes *first*, I suppose!)
Death of Ba-Gook: I promise Pippin will be well before the end of the story! I'm not sure yet exactly how many chapters there will be; most likely 14 or 15.
Erin-21: I know you've been begging me not to kill Boromir since "Unlikely Comfort"! I can only promise you that no one dies in this story. (And what happens once an AU story is over can be left to our imaginations.) I'm so gratified you and others approve of my portrayal of Boromir as the human, complex, conflicted person he had to be. I always try to treat the characters with love and respect; they're my favorite people anywhere, after all.
Lilybaggins: This is a "heads up" that Chapter 11 will have some lovely Frodo angst just for you.
Niere: What a hoot, of course Pippin wouldn't know what it feels like to be hit by one of Sam's pans (or would he...?) ..
Talking Hawk: I had NO idea I had Boromir speaking in rhyme, thanks for pointing it out! I was amazed! Don't know what I'd do without you, Hawk, your reviews leave me laughing hysterically, busily correcting and re- writing, and thinking in all kinds of new directions.
Treehugger: Your reviews are so thoughtful I feel like we're sitting in a room having a conversation. What a joy!
To everyone: You keep me going, you really do. I'm so thrilled you're taking these journeys with me. As you can see, with this story I'm trying to show a real fondness for the hobbits among Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir. I always thought the pursuit of Merry and Pippin through Rohan was out of love and duty, not just duty. Also, by popular demand I have a Gimli/hobbit conversation coming up in Chapter 11. (I may have to write one more before the end since there's so much enthusiasm for them.)
Anyway.... on to Chapter 10.....
DISCLAIMER: Of course. The characters don't belong to me, I just get to think about them day and night.
_________________________
WHISPERS OF THE DRAGON
Chapter 10 --- Choices
Sam, the best at packing and arranging things, busied himself setting up a place in Boromir's boat for Pippin to lie down comfortably during the night as they traveled. He redistributed gear to the other boats and made sure Pippin would have enough blankets under and over him.
Pippin grumbled a bit when Aragorn not only wouldn't let him stand up yet, but also insisted that he lie down in the boat all night and try not to sit up unless absolutely necessary. He was still protesting when, just before the Company was due to leave, he realized his head was beginning to throb again. He closed his eyes, and after awhile thought he heard his name and felt a hand on his shoulder. "Go 'way," he murmured. Boromir's soft chuckle, strong arms lifting him. He heard voices, someone's fingers at his wrist...more voices..movement... He was wondering if he could stand to swallow more of Strider's tea when sleep claimed him once more.
Boromir carried Pippin to their boat and he and Merry settled him in amongst the nest Sam had made for him. Aragorn noticed Merry's worried look. "It's all right, Merry, he'll probably sleep on and off for a few days. Any head injury, even a small one, tends to have that effect. He really is recovering fast." He looked at everyone else. "Let's make as much distance as we can. Stay quiet, and stay alert."
Frodo came over to Boromir, concerned. "Does your shoulder still ache?" he asked quietly, "I know you didn't tell anyone you were injured."
The Man smiled at him. "You have a good heart, Frodo, but 'twas a small thing. It would take more than a bit of rock to fell a Man of Gondor!" Frodo smiled at him and they went to their boats.
It was an uneventful night. They paddled for long stretches, gliding past a countryside increasingly barren to the east, high and rocky to the west. At dawn, the weary travelers glided into a tiny beach and took turns sleeping and keeping watch.
Aragorn and Merry shared the watch in the late afternoon of that seventh day, and as they sat together in one of the boats Aragorn thought the time had come to discuss a difficult subject.
"Merry," he began, "You and Pippin have a decision to make soon."
"We do?"
Aragorn looked at him. "Very soon Boromir will be returning home. You know that." Merry nodded. "Minas Tirith is a fortified city, as safe a place as now stands in Middle-earth. Frodo may decide that we should accompany Boromir and attempt Mordor from the west, or he may choose to cross the River soon and approach Mordor from the north. Regretfully, this decision will be his alone. If Frodo chooses the eastern way, you and Pippin will have to decide whether to continue on with him, a very difficult journey even before the border is reached, or to go with Boromir to Minas Tirith."
Merry's mouth dropped open in astonishment, and as he started to speak Aragorn stopped him. "I know you never planned to leave Frodo. It probably never even occurred to you. I just wanted you to know that you have a choice. I wanted you to think about it." He smiled at the hobbit. "Go on, now. Wake Frodo and Sam for their watch and try to get some sleep." Merry just sat for a few minutes, then got up and walked away.
Aragorn wondered what Legolas and Gimli had decided to do, but realized he already knew. Like him, in their hearts they were pledged to Frodo's side. Sam.. he smiled to himself. That went without saying. He looked over at Merry, sitting quietly next to Pippin under the improvised shade cover. As much as Merry wanted to keep Pippin safe, Aragorn didn't really think they would ever abandon Frodo. There was probably no decision to make.
With all his heart, Aragorn wanted Boromir to take these two back with him, keep them safe and protected. If something should happen to one or both of them in Mordor he wasn't sure Frodo would be able to go on. On the other hand...he sighed. Who was he to say what Frodo Baggins could or could not endure? Or where Merry and Pippin's destinies were leading them. They were free to choose. They all were. But the hardest choice lay with Frodo, and it could not much longer be put off.
******************
Merry knew he should be sleeping, but Pippin was trying to stay awake and there was no time like the present. He deserved to make his own decisions.
"Pip?"
"Mmmm?"
"Have you thought about what it will be like when Boromir leaves?"
"Of course I have."
Merry turned over and stared at his cousin. "You have?"
"Sure." Pippin frowned. "What about it?"
"You know Frodo might not want to go with him."
"I know."
"We could go with him, you know. It would be safer and all."
"Leave Frodo?" Pippin sat up even though he knew he wasn't supposed to. His look showed that he truly thought his cousin had lost his mind. Slowly, comprehension dawned.
"Are you scared something will happen to me in...in..?" He pointed across the River. Merry just looked at him and said nothing. "Silly," Pippin smiled and touched his still-tender bruise. "Something can happen anywhere."
Merry sighed. "You're growing up so fast, Pip, it's hard to keep up."
Pippin lay down again, a bit sorry he had sat up so fast. "I'm scared for you too, you know." He was quiet for a moment. "But I'm mostly scared for Frodo. Let's help him get rid of that awful Ring and go home. All right?"
"All right," Merry said softly, pressing his cousin's hand.
"Mer, do you think... do you think we *are* helping Frodo at all?"
"I don't know." Merry was quiet for a moment. "But this is what friends do for each other. Gandalf thought we should come, and so did we. Do you remember Frodo's face when Elrond said we could go? I don't think he much liked the thought of being sent off on this journey with so many Big Folk and only one hobbit for company. He was glad, Pip. He still is. Maybe that's enough help for now. We have a long way to go still, you know."
"I know." Pippin started to sit up again, then thought better of it and lay back down.
"Your head still hurts, doesn't it?"
"Not like before. Not enough to drink more of that bitter stuff." He yawned.
"Try to sleep some more, Strider says it's the best thing you can do."
"I will..if you...will.." Pippin's voice trailed off.
Merry lay on his back and stared up at the clouds. He knew Pippin would miss Boromir a lot, and so would he. As best he could figure, they had been traveling together for two months. He remembered Caradhras..Moria.. and Frodo would have been killed by that rock if not for him. Still.. He didn't like the way Boromir had been looking at Frodo recently. It was as if he wasn't even looking at him as a person, more as --- the word came unbidden to his mind --- Ringbearer. Something wasn't right, they would just have to watch out for Frodo even more than before. Merry doubted his cousin had any idea how much he and Sam and Pippin worried about him, how closely they watched. He smiled to himself. It was just like their conspiracy back in the Shire.
As Merry gazed at the sky, he saw a large, soaring shape pass high overhead. Enormous bird, he thought sleepily, is that an eagle? He had never seen one, but Bilbo's stories were full of eagles. He noticed Legolas watching it carefully, but he didn't seem alarmed. Merry sighed and closed his eyes. If only one of the eagles could fly Frodo to the mountain, he mused, and he could just toss the Ring overboard.. then just a short flight home.. if only.. finally he fell asleep.
** TBC **