Nine Companions, One Evenstar

By: Arythiel

Disclaimer: I do not own The Lord of the Rings, or any of Tolkien's creations.

Genre: Angst/Romance (AN: This story will actually have just about every genre in it.)

Rating: PG-13

Summary: AU- What if Frodo hadn't healed in time for the Fellowship to depart? Frodo must go with the fellowship, but along with him shall come an elf-nurse, Arwen Evenstar. What events shall change? What will Aragorn think?

Author's Note: I am sorry about the long wait you guys, I have been pretty busy so it's just been a bit easier to not write for a while. But I promise the next chapter will be out one heck of a lot sooner than this one was. Also, I am sorry for the shortness, but this chapter is one of those really annoying chapters where the actual plot doesn't move one inch, but many of the subplots move a lot. I also promise that the next one will be longer. Okay, now first off, thank you all for the MANY reviews! I LOVE YOU ALL! Now, the next item of order is I have gotten a few messages inquiring about the Arwen/Aragorn catfight a couple chapters back. Well, all I can tell you is that little fight will come to head later on in the story and it was put there for a reason. Well, that's about it.

~*~**~***~**~*~ Chapter Three Shadow Follower ~*~**~***~**~*~

In the early morning life can seem so fresh, and full of promise. 'I am beginning to believe that concept is at fault.' Arwen Evenstar thought as she watched the sun rise over the Misty Mountains. The rest of the Fellowship would be awakened soon. She had stood watch the entire night, even though she was supposed to turn the duty over to Sam, she thought the hobbit was sleeping too well to be awakened.

"You're up early." A gruff voice behind her stated.

"It is a trifle thing to be awake early when you have never gone to sleep." Arwen stated without looking back. She knew already who it was. 'Aragorn..'

"Why did Sam not take watch?" Elessar asked, sitting beside her.

Arwen let a small smile play across her lips. "He was sleeping far too well. I think he deserves it after all."

Aragorn did not smile, instead he looked at her with blank expression. "Arwen.I-"

"Well! Good morning!" Pippin said merrily.

Arwen drew a breath of relief, she was not looking forward to when Aragon and she would speak. She smiled, "Good Morning, dear Pippin. How is Frodo doing?"

"I believe he needs his dressings changed."

"A task I am ready to do." She stood up and walked away. Aragorn turned and glared at Pippin.

"What?" The hobbit asked incredulously.

~*~**~***~**~*~

Frodo awoke to find a certain elf standing over him. He yelled in shock. "Legolas!" He exclaimed, his heart beating a mile a minute, " Do not do that! You do my heart such evil." He put his hand over his quickly beating heart and sighed.

Legolas smiled, "My dear hobbit, I am merely protecting you." He lowered his voice, "I do believe the creature, Gollum is following us."

"Gollum?" Frodo gasped, "Why would he be following us? Do you think he is a spy for Sauron?"

"No, but his intent is no greater. He is looking for the one thing that holds you to this Quest. The ring."

Frodo's eyes widened and his hand went around the object hanging over his chest.

"Legolas!" A very angry elf yelled. Arwen was quickly approaching the duo. "Master Elf, how dare you fill poor Frodo's head with such nonsense. His mind is already troubled enough, do you wish to worry him to his grave?"

Legolas sighed, "It is better for him to know and be on guard than to be at mercy." The poor hobbit's eyes widened even more- if possible- at that comment.

Arwen sighed and pushed Legolas towards where the others were making breakfast. "Away with you, go make yourself useful."

Legolas smiled good-naturedly as he approached Aragorn. "That elf-maiden of yours if quite touchy today."

Aragorn sighed, "No Legolas, she is no more mine than she is yours. I am no more in love with her than you are." There was a touch of longing in his voice.

They lapsed into silence.

However, when Aragorn and Legolas spoke these words they assumed that Arwen hadn't heard.

She had.

~*~**~***~**~*~

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