Author's Note: Thanks to all who reviewed. Ruth: I thoroughly enjoy shooting my own foot (reveals multiple holes that make foot look like Swiss cheese) and yeah, I am a touch immature. Thank you for reviewing, though, glad you enjoy the story…I've noticed that a lot of the "ill Frodo" stories turn into slash fictions…have you? Oh, well then… Anyhow, these people are NOT mine, at least not legally (quickly stuffs Frodo and Sam into backpack). Please review…oh, and I was joking about the delete story thing, you all realize that, right? Didn't I say I wouldn't do that? Jeez…great, now I gotta correct myself…future reference: Unless I say, "I have the next chapter already written, I spent hours on it, I lost sleep over it…" do not take my threats seriously, lol! On with the story!

Random Song Line of the Chapter:

Oh, my God, we're back again…

Chapter Seven: The Fellowship of the Ill

The Hobbits froze. There was a brief silence, then Sam said, "He is no better."

Legolas studied his face. "Perhaps I could visit him?" he asked after a moment.

Sam nodded, then motioned for him to follow. He led Legolas back to Frodo's room, where Frodo had not moved. Merry and Pippin stayed outside; not wishing to see their ill friend's withered state at that moment.

Sam allowed Legolas to get in first. He heard Legolas's sharp intake of breath and knew that Legolas was looking at Frodo. As Sam shut the door, Legolas slipped to Frodo's bedside, where he studied Frodo intently. He bent down and put a hand against Frodo's brow (as Sam did about every ten minutes) and winced at the fire beneath the pale Hobbit's skin. Frodo shuddered softly at Legolas's cool touch, but did not wake.

~*~*~*~

Legolas and Sam stayed within Frodo's room for a long time. When they finally exited, Merry and Pippin had fallen asleep. Sam gently roused them, and the four comrades headed off for a bite.

"When did you arrive?" Sam asked Legolas, for they had hardly spoken to each other while in Frodo's rooms.

"Early this morning. I came across Merry and Pippin about an hour after I had arrived." Legolas answered between bites of food.

"What brought ya 'ere, anyways?" Merry asked, his mouth full.

"I felt a calling to visit Rivendell. I stopped by the Shire, only to find you had all left."

"Ah, I see you must have met Rosa." Sam said, a small smile at the corners of his mouth.

"Yes, I did. She did not seem pleased to meet me…mostly because I woke the baby." Legolas said with a blush. "Your daughter is beautiful, by the way."

"Thank you. Was…did you happen to notice if…if she was…still mad at me?" Sam asked, feeling a blush of his own rise to his face.

Legolas pondered the question, then said, "I do not think so. I believe she is ready for you to come home, though."

Sam nodded, then went back to his meal.

They joked a bit, and their moods were mostly cheerful do to the ale the elves provided for them. Sam only had half a glass, but as soon as Pippin saw he was finished with his drink, he drank Sam's for him, then ordered himself another. Merry was on his third glass, and Legolas sipped thoughtfully at the one glass he did drink.

After they finished their meals, they all went for a brief stroll around Rivendell. By the time they got back, it was very late, so they all retired. They parted ways in the hallway, and Sam headed for Frodo's room, where he had set up a cot for himself.

~*~*~*~

The next few days were spent in the company of Legolas. One day, a messenger boy came to Legolas and asked, "Are you the elf Legolas?"

"That I am." Legolas answered, studying the boy.

"Sire Aragorn, Son of Arathorn, wishes to inform you that he will be down directly, accompanied by Gimli, son of Gloin. He says he will see you in a short while, and he sends his best to you, your friends, your family, and Master Baggins." the boy said, spine ramrod straight.

"Thank you. He is already on his way, I assume?" Legolas asked.

"Yes, master elf. He should be along quite shortly." The boy replied, then turned and left.

"Aragorn is coming!" Merry yelped.

Legolas smiled at him, then said, "When I found you had left the Shire seeking Rivendell, I sent a messenger to Aragorn. I am glad he made haste, though I am not sure how he completed the journey so quickly."

Sam hugged Legolas. "It will be great for all of us to be reunited." Sam said, more tears welling in his eyes.

~*~*~*~

The next few days crawled by as they waited for the arrivals of Aragorn, the King, and Gimli, the dwarf, to arrive. Sam spent time in Frodo's room, and tried not to notice that, in spite of the elves' best efforts, Frodo's heath continued to decline. Legolas talked to the elves, and Merry and Pippin stayed in the library, reading the lore of old.

When Aragorn finally DID arrive, he could not have been more welcome.

The hobbits ran forward to embrace him, and Legolas hugged Gimli briefly. There was much laughter and chatter as everyone caught up with everyone else's news.

Aragorn was delighted to hear Sam had a child. He liked the name, and vowed to stop by to meet his family at least once before returning to the throne.

Gimli helped Aragorn with mining precious stones, minerals, and metal. He was very happy with the job. He greatly enjoyed returning to Rivendell, and especially enjoyed watching the fair elven maidens go about their daily business.

Finally, Aragorn asked, "And what of Frodo? He is not here to greet us."

Legolas looked at Merry, who looked at Pippin. Pippin then looked at Sam who said, "Master Frodo is ill…he is dying."

Aragorn and Gimli were shocked by the news. Both demanded to see Frodo, to pay their respects. Sam led them to Frodo's room, and their reaction was almost a repeat of Legolas's. Gimli cried gruffly for Frodo, and Aragorn cursed Elrond for his absence. "How dare he be gone?" he demanded.

"We did not think to send a messenger ahead. He was called away before he knew we had left." Pippin said, blushing.

Author's Note: I think this story is just about wrapped up, what do you think? Hmm…how to end it…hmmm…Thank you in particular to Daydream, The Greenleafed One, Zorra, and Eileen, who have reviewed my story as it came out…THANKS!!! And of course, thank you to all that reviewed, if you weren't mentioned, don't worry, I still appreciate your reviews too! Anyways, please review (this comment is directed to everyone), anything is welcome. The review button is right down there, see it? It won't take long! Please? :-P :-) :-D