Divided we fall -by Cunien

Ooh! You don't know how ecstatic I feel every time someone reviews! Thankyou so much everyone! Check out specific thankyou's at the end of this chapter! You can tell how happy I am by my excessive use of exclamation marks!

Thanks for your concern about Pippin's well being, and all I have to say it this: while the focus of the story is primarily on Merry and Pippin, the angst and pain may not necessarily be confined just to them....

I would like to blame all spelling mistakes on my spell-check, but sadly that would be being dishonest. Only half of them are because of that!

Not much in this chapter, but the fun and hi-jinx begin soon! Well, when I say fun and hi-jinx', I mean pain, difficult decisions, sighing, crying and all round angst! Lovely jubbly!


Disclaimer: I ain't done nuffin guv'nor! I don't own anything, no one can prove anything, and they wouldn't dare sue me after all the money I've spent on anything even remotely Tolkien!


Chapter 2 -Reasons to be fearful

Oh, I don't know Merry ... maybe I'll just have another ale.

There's nothing to be afraid of Pippin! You'll never know unless you go and ask.



Merry was sitting with his cousin around the a table bearing the debris from what was turning out to be a rather raucous party. Well, the Midwinter Ball at the Great Smials was never anything less than raucous; everyone would have be disappointed if it were anything but.

Bilbo always says the most frightening thing you could ever meet is yourself.

Well, Bilbo is a Baggins, and everyone knows they aren't entirely sane. Except for Frodo of course, but there's more Took in him anyway. Besides, Bilbo isn't scary at all, just silly.

I don't know about that. He can be quite ferocious when he means to be.

More ferocious than Smaug the dragon?

Yes, I suppose you have a point.

Pippin just gave him a look as if to say well of course, don't I always?'.
Merry smiled, but made sure that Pippin didn't see him do it. He knew it was a difficult thing for any young hobbit lad to do for the first time.

Look, she's stopped dancing with Fatty. Now's your chance!



You know Diamond doesn't often leave Long Cleave. You won't get another chance for ages, and by then she will probably be betrothed to Fatty or someone!

Oh Merry, don't say that!

Pip, you are by far the most dapper young hobbit lad in all the Shire - Diamond would choose you over old Fatty any day! But only if you go and ask her to dance!

Pippin stood up and sighed. He looked a little as though he were setting off to meet his doom, but at least this time he didn't back out and scurry back to his chair as he had done the past 5 times. Merry gave him an encouraging pat on the back and propelled him out onto the dance floor.

Here goes....

*

The next morning, Pippin's fever had neither improved nor worsened through the night, which Aragorn declared was a good a sign as they could hope for. But there was no denying that Pippin was very ill: the awful, raking cough had not disappeared, and he was beginning to bring up a blood tainted phlegm with it. The shivering came in bouts, shaking violently through his whole body. It was clear to everyone that being exposed to the elements, and freezing ones at that, would do nothing to help the little hobbits condition.

Pippin was being very good natured though, and his complaining and sniffling was not nearly to the degree that it was when he was in perfect health. There was no way that Pippin could walk in this condition though- he was so achy that he found it hard just to hold his head up straight.

But, the sooner they reached the pass, situated near the top of the great mountain, the sooner they could get off it's snow covered slopes and down into warmer climes. Aragorn was quite sure that the snow of the north-eastern side of the mountain would not be nearly as thick as it was here on the western slopes, so descending would be far easier.

Merry wasn't particularly happy about moving Pippin when it was so clear that he needed warmth and rest, but his cousin was stronger than he looked. And on top, of that, as much as it hurt his heart to think it, Frodo and the quest was what was important now. Both he and Pippin had pledged their lives to Frodo. They had been judged responsible enough to come on this journey, and now they had to prove it.

If, by my life or death, I can help you,then I shall.'

But if Pippin dies because of this, just ... just say that he did, how would this be helping Frodo? Merry thought miserably.

Yes, they would die for Frodo, but they would have done that anyway, back home in the Shire, before all this had happened. But what a waste it would be for Pippin to die now, like this!

*

By mid morning the company was on it's way again, with Pippin, wrapped in blankets and strapped soundly to Bill's back. They had removed enough of the packs for Pippin to sit comfortably there, and so that the pony was not carrying too much weight. The packs were then distributed amongst the rest of the Fellowship, while those remaining on Bill's back were enough for Pippin to lean back and prop himself up against.

But progress was painstakingly slow. The snow had stopped falling by about 7 o clock, and the sun had risen to glint prettily from the thick white drifts. For a while, the entire company, including Bill, were able to walk, albeit precariously, on top of the ice covered snow, and thus managed to cover some distance quite quickly. But before long the inevitable happened, and with a crack and a muffled cry, Boromir disappeared into the snow.

Aragorn and Legolas, once they had stopped laughing, spent a good half an hour trying to pull him out of the hole, which reached up to his chin. But every time they began to heave, the snow they were standing on would partially give way, and before long, the hole was three times it's size, and now contained two men and an elf.

It was decided that the best thing to do would be for Boromir and Aragorn to dig ahead through the snow, with Legolas running ahead to check for any hidden obstacles of sudden dips. Meanwhile the rest of the Fellowship rested, enjoying the comparative warmth brought by the sun.

Here. It's not very hot I'm afraid, but it's as warm as we can get it under these circumstances, and it will no doubt do you some good. said Gandalf kindly, handing a small flask to Pippin. The hobbit took it with shaking hands and a grateful smile.

The liquid was indeed warm, and felt like fire in comparison to the frigid cold.
It slipped down easily, tasting faintly of honey and cinnamon, and seemed to wrap around Pippin's raw throat like a balm. He felt it settle in his stomach, while a drowsy warmth enveloped him as the shaking subsided a little.

...much better..... mumbled Pippin.

*
The bright sun did not shine long upon the slopes of Caradhras, and grey clouds soon descended on the company. Small flakes of snow began to fall unhurriedly from the skies, quickly becoming a heavy blizzard, and it was decided that this, coupled with the fast fading light, meant they could go no further till morning.

Pippin was dozing fitfully when Aragorn came to check his temperature. Merry had hardly left his cousin's side all day, walking beside the pony and steadying Pippin when he swayed, and now lying curled around him protectively.

Aragorn brought some more of the warming drink to Pippin's lips, but the hobbit would not accept it, swatting at the ranger in a delirious haze.

His fever has grown. Aragorn muttered, almost to himself. He had hoped that Pippin's case of pneumonia would not be too bad. After all, small as he seemed, and perhaps weak in body, his spirit was strong and bright. But pneumonia was a illness of the body, not the mind or the spirit, and no matter how hard Pippin fought it would make little difference if his condition worsened.

Before long a feeling of helplessness had spread among the Fellowship.
Aragorn sat with Gandalf and Boromir away from the others, speaking quietly with them.

We cannot travel quickly up the mountain with Pippin in this condition. The extra packs everyone has been carrying to make room for him on Bill are slowing us down. said Aragorn

mused Boromir.

prompted Gandalf.

Maybe one of us could go ahead down the mountain, unburdened, while the rest wait here with Pippin. They could find help, go to the nearest settlement and beg for assistance, blankets, medical supplies. Legolas could go, he is faster than the rest of us.

Aragorn shook his head. I wish that were an option Boromir, but there are very few settlements of any kind in this area. Most of the people dwelling within a hundred leagues of here are unwelcoming, fearful of bandits and orcs that come down from the mountains.

Then what options do we have? asked Boromir.

Very little. Gandalf shook his head. Our best hope is to carry on up the mountain as quickly as we may - and there is yet hope. he smiled as he stood and brushed the snow from his cloak, before crossing to speak with the hobbits.

It is a strange thing to see the halflings so melancholy. I was beginning to think that nothing could dampen their spirits. said Boromir, watching as Gandalf took Merry's freezing hands in his and rubbed them warm.

They will be chattering away again soon enough I am sure. assured Aragorn as they joined the company.

Are you sure we cannot have a fire Gandalf? I'm sure it would do Pip some good and I.....

Frodo's words trailed off as Legolas sprang up.

What is it Legolas? Aragorn asked, concern clear on his face. The elf signalled for silence, and stood, head cocked slightly to the side, as though he were listening intently. In the darkness, Legolas looked tall and alien.

An erie quiet fell around the company, disturbed only when Bill the pony sat up with a start. Sam crossed over to see to him, but the animal would not be calmed, whinnying and turning from one direction to another. The company sat in a small hollow half way up the mountain slope, but around them was open darkness, and they suddenly felt exposed and vulnerable.

Legolas turned his violet-blue eyes to meet Aragorn's, even as he reached for the two elven blades strapped to his back. Aragorn immediately sprang up, drawing his sword and motioning for the hobbits to draw their blades and flatten themselves as far as they could into the hollow.

asked Aragorn, now beside Legolas.

Wargs. Wolves too. the elf answered.

Gandalf, Boromir and Gimli joined them, encircling the hobbits protectively.
The dwarf stood muttering a dwarfish battle curse, tossing his two axes up and down in eagerness. The wizard had drawn his sword and his staff, and Boromir stood with shield and sword ready to defend the Ringbearer and his friends.

Silence, punctuated by strange animal noises that seemed to come from every direction, and Bill's distraught whinny's.

They stared into the darkness, waiting.

*

See, that wasn't so bad now, was it? Merry asked in amusement as Pippin finally came to sit down, looking flushed and a little overcome.

Yes it was.

But, she said yes, didn't she? I'm assuming she agreed to dance, or did you just carry her off anyway?

She said yes, of course. But both you and Bilbo are most definitely liars.

Why me?!

You said there was nothing to be afraid of, and that was by far the most frightening thing I have ever done. And ever hope to do.

Merry slapped Pippin on the back with a chuckle, and handed him a half-pint of beer.

There you go, you deserve it.

Pippin took a hearty glug, feeling his blush beginning to fade at last.

Look, there's Estella. he said, wiping his mouth with his sleeve. Why don't you go and ask her to dance?

Oh, I don't know Pip. Maybe I'll just have another ale....



TBC....

Thanks to-----

First of all Shirebound- thankyou so much for your review and email! Chuffed blushes because you liked Lament' and embarrassed blushes at my obvious lack of skill in the grammar department!(I'm 18 and studying A level english - you would have thought I'd know it by now!) Thanks for your pointer!

Blue Jedi Hobbit- You've actually had pneumonia?! Oh dear! I don't really know anything about it or how to treat it so you're going to have to forgive any errors there!

Zebra Wallpaper - thankyou! Thankyou so much! I can't think of any better comment for a fic than Perfectly hobbit-esque'!!!

Space surfer- well, that's all up to you isn't it! Pippin's future, and the future of any other character in this fic is quite literally teetering on the edge of a cliff! (Reviews can push them back to safety though)

Arch M, Hoy and Zena - the flashbacks might not be in every chapter, but hopefully, with the help of the Muses I'll put one in whenever I can! Thankyou!

mEsTuPgCsCrEaMeR and Meggie - thanks so much! Reviews and encouragement are really sooo helpful and make me feel and warm and lurverly!

Aemilia Rose - Every time I begin a story I promise myself that I will complete it before posting it here. But against my better judgement I don't do this. Why? Because I am silly. I'll post things as soon as I complete them, but I can't guarantee that will be often, as inspiration comes in rather inconsistent bursts, and I am in the thick of my A level exams at the moment, so you never know. But I promise I'll update as soon as I can, and I'll try to make this at least every week.

Stringzinger - will do. Or will try to do.