Disclaimer: I own nothing Tolkien created. I'll give them back when I'm
done. I promise.
Ch 10 Camping and a meal
They had been walking almost all night, none of them had wanted to stop, their only thought was to get as far away from that hut as possible. They were all tired, even David who was now leading. Their pace had slowed since they had started. Now the sun was up and the forest looked a little less intimidating. The sunlight filtering through the trees gave the forest an almost magical feel. It felt less scary than it did last night. It would have been easy to forget that those things were still hunting them.
Finally David stopped and looked around the clearing they had entered, it seemed to be a nice spot, there was a small lake running by it and good shelter from the trees on either side. They all sat down gratefully on the fallen tree that was resting at the clearing's edge.
"I think we should stop here. We can rest for a while then start moving again." David suggested putting down the pack he had been carrying for Fred.
"We should keep moving while it's light." Bob said, not liking the thought of being in an open space in the middle of the day.
"You and me have had some sleep but Ned and Fred haven't had much. They need rest. I know that I would feel better after a few hours sleep. It was a hard night last night, we're all tired. Besides Fred was hurt, she needs to be treated." He looked at Fred who had her eyes closed.
"I'm fine to keep going a little longer but David's right. We should get some rest. A lot happened last night. Ned could probably use some sleep." Ned nodded slightly and began looking around her.
"That settles it then. We'll stay here for a while get some rest then move later on when we're all feeling more lively." He smiled noticing them all sigh with relief that they didn't have to walk any further.
"Great, I'll go and get some firewood. It's still quite cold out here." Ned said standing up and walking a little way into the woods.
"I'll go to the stream and fetch some water, we can fill up our flask." Fred said standing up and walking towards the stream.
Before she could go David grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "Oh no you don't. Bob can get the water. I want to look at your wound." David held her tightly when she tried to pull away.
"There's no need I'm fine."
"What wound? Were you hurt in the fight?" Bob asked looking at Fred anxiously.
"It's nothing. Just a scratch. David's just exaggerating." She shot him a warning glance, which he then ignored.
"It wasn't just a scratch, she was stabbed. Not too badly but it still needs to be taken care of. You go and fetch the water then when I've finished Fred can look at your wounds. I know she's good at that." He smiled at Fred who was staring angrily at him.
"Right. I'll be quick." Bob said taking the flask with her and walking in the direction of the stream.
Fred sat down on the fallen tree and rubbed her hands over her face. She hadn't realised how tired she was until then. The aches that had plagued her body when in hospital were coming back with a vengeance. Her head was also starting to pound and she reached up and touched the bandage that was covering the space where her left eye had once been. She shuddered when memories of what happened came flooding back to her.
"Does that still give you trouble?" David asked watching her carefully.
Fred looked up and smiled at him. "Sometimes. It's difficult when you're used to seeing with two." She smiled again trying to lighten the mood. "I never really got used to it. It hurts sometimes, like it's happening all over again. I don't understand if I'm.you know.dead then why does this still hurt?" She questioned as he sat down next to her and took things out of the green first aid kit she had brought with her.
"Death can't take the pain away, not like this. It's there because it was there when you died." He reached towards her and removed her thick black coat.
"Then it'll be like this forever?"
"No, it'll fade eventually, just like your friend's wounds will. She still feels the pain but it doesn't kill her simply because."
"You can't kill the dead." Fred finished his sentence for him. "How did Bob die? She wasn't that badly hurt."
"I can't answer that. I only know what you are not how you died. You were there, you would know more than me. Maybe it was something to do with the Orb, I don't know. She died at the same time as you?" Fred nodded. "Then maybe something happened when I broke that thing that killed her too. Maybe she was hurt more than you know."
"It just doesn't seem possible. Can I walk through walls and do cool ghost things?" She smiled.
"Cool?" He questioned. "You know sometimes I have no idea what you're talking about." He laughed.
"That's not my problem. Maybe you should learn." She smiled back at him.
"Maybe you can teach me. We can start with cool." He leaned forward and was about to kiss her when Ned dumped a bundle of sticks at their feet.
"Sorry to interrupt." She smiled. Fred glared at her for a moment before smiling. David also looked annoyed.
"Have you got enough firewood there? We're only staying here for a few hours." Fred laughed.
"I've been thinking maybe it is safer to travel during the day. Those things might only come out at night. I say we rest here until tomorrow. It makes sense. We can't travel any more today and we're probably safer at night." David said as Bob approached with a flask full of water.
"I think you're right. We should stay here tonight." Ned agreed. "We can make a fire and some kind of camp. Lets just hope there aren't any wild ponies about right Fred?" She laughed. Bob tried to suppress a giggle.
"What does she mean Fred?" David asked watching Bob and Ned laughing whilst Fred was looking angrily at them.
"Nothing. Just ignore them." She turned away. "Shouldn't you be setting up camp?" She said to Ned who made a face behind her back.
"I'm going." Ned said finally stopping her laughter. Before she left she whispered to David, "I'll tell you later."
Bob also went with Ned to start the fire and boil some water. Maybe they could cook some of the food they had taken with them.
David turned his attention back to Fred who was staring at the ground and had one hand pressed up against her left eye. He looked at her for a moment. She had changed so much since Orthanc it was difficult to recognise her. He remembered those nights when he held her in his arms when she was scared or after she had been tortured and she did the same for him. He never thought he'd see her again and there she was. Just a little different and dead. In a way he was pleased because they could be together but when he thought about how much she'd lost it made him wish she was alive.
She had fought so hard to stay alive in Orthanc and as soon as she got home she was killed. It didn't seem fair. And yet she seemed to be taking it all really well. Of course she was frightened and confused but then so had he been at first. She was still the strong person he had known in Orthanc, she had proven that last night. Still there was a weakness about her that made him love her even more. She needed him and he liked that. The strange thing was he needed her too and he didn't mind admitting it. In fact he loved it.
"Fred, are you alright?" He asked gently as he touched her back.
"I'm fine. Just tired that's all. So much has changed." She sighed and turned to face him. "I thought I'd lost you. Now I have you but I've lost everything else. It doesn't seem fair."
"I know. I lost things too. But I've gained the most precious treasure in the world, you." He smiled and looked at her as she smiled back.
"I love you." She whispered.
"I love you too but then you know that. I told you in Isengard and I meant it then just as I mean it now. I don't ever want to leave you again." He leaned closer and kissed her gently. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly.
They could both hear the laughter that came from Bob and Ned but ignored it. David drew away and hugged her for a moment before letting go.
"I'll look at that wound." He said as he reached for the first aid box again. She nodded and shot a warning glance at Bob and Ned who were pretending not to notice what had happened. They merely smiled at them and continued lighting the fire.
**
What none of them noticed were the set of bright eyes that watched them from the trees. The same eyes that had been watching them ever since they left the hut. The bright eyes of Gollum.
**
"I think Fred's happier now she's with David again, she'd been sad ever since he died. Doesn't that seem unusual to you?" Bob asked looking over at Fred and David who were now kissing.
"What?" Ned asked following her gaze.
"That he came back to life. You should have seen it. He went up in flames. Nothing could have survived that. I'm surprised we did. It just doesn't seem right that's all. I think Fred thinks the same thing as well. She's just so glad he's here that she's ignoring how he survived."
"Well, he's not a ghost so he must be real. I think this is just your imagination working overtime. So he survived and Saruman sent him here, who cares as long as he's alive?"
"Why do you think Saruman sent him here? Why didn't he just kill him? Saruman certainly wasn't big on mercy. He would have killed him straight away."
"Maybe he had a change of heart after what you did to him. Or maybe he just couldn't be bothered to kill him. Too much trouble. He seems like the fighting type."
"Wouldn't it be more trouble to send him back here than to simply kill him? I mean David said that Saruman couldn't fix the Orb so how did he get sent back here?"
"Maybe Saruman had more power and sent him back with that."
"Than why not come himself and take over the Earth?"
"He wanted the Ring and the Ring is in Middle Earth. He didn't need to come here."
"But."
"Bob, he's alive, that's what's important, maybe you should just stop asking questions and be happy for Fred. Don't you think she deserves that?"
"Yes but."
"Bob." Ned warned. Bob nodded and went to work on the fire again.
"I'm just worried that's all."
"I know but this is up to Fred. I think she knows when she should back away and we should trust her judgement. She knows him better than anyone. She'll work it out, just try not to pound him with questions."
Bob smiled and looked over at Fred and David who were talking quietly. "I'll try." She said and started trying to light the fire.
It took some time before the fire was lit and was big enough to boil some water. They were slightly anxious about it and hoped that it wouldn't attract anyone they didn't want. David had reasoned that if the shadows had wanted to find them they probably wouldn't need a fire to do it. They had agreed although slightly reluctantly and had continued to pile wood on top whilst Bob was boiling the water she had collected from the lake.
"I'm going hunting." David announced after spending a short amount of time in the woods. He had appeared with several sticks that he had crafted pointed tips onto. "I managed to make some weapons. Hopefully I can find something to eat." He smiled.
"Wait, you're going to kill some innocent animal in the forest just so you can have meat?" Bob said paling slightly at the thought.
"Yes. Do not worry. I will prepare it then bring it back for you to cook if it troubles you seeing the animal dead." He smiled at her but only received a cold glare.
"Fine, just don't expect me to eat it." Bob said crossing her arms and staring at the fire.
"As you wish." He bowed slightly.
"Do you mind if I come with you? I'd really like to learn." Ned asked standing up.
"Of course not. Although it is unusual for a lady to hunt in Middle Earth but if you wish to learn I cannot deny you. I'm sure Fred would not have it so." He smiled at Fred who returned the gesture. "Do you wish to join us Fred?" He asked.
"No thank you. I really don't think I could eat anything after watching you kill it."
"Very well. Be on your guard. We won't be long."
"Just be careful. I want you back alive." Fred looked at him seriously.
"You know me Fred. I'm always careful."
"Yeah right."
"As I recall you were the one that tried to escape and ended up getting us captured and into trouble once more with Saruman." Fred stare stopped him before he could finish.
"Just go." She smiled.
"I won't be long." He promised.
As he walked off Fred called out to him, "Maybe you should pick some fruit or berries or something for Bob."
He waved her okay and him and Ned disappeared into the woods.
"Do you think they'll be alright?" Bob asked.
"David can take care of himself, you know that. He is probably safer then Ned anyway." She smiled. "Don't worry. They'll come back."
Bob nodded trying to keep all the questions she had to herself.
"What's wrong?" Fred asked.
"What do you mean?" Bob tried to sound innocent as if she didn't know what Fred was talking about.
"I know that look. You're either worried about something or you want to ask me something, so what is it?"
"It's nothing important really." Bob said turning back to the fire.
"Okay."
"Fine if you really want to know, I'm worried about you. You and David to be more precise. Something is going on that you're not telling me about and it's making me uncomfortable." Bob blurted out.
"Okay. He's fine. Nothing's going on with him." Fred said cheerfully hoping that she too would sound convincing.
"That's not what I meant. He seems different since he came here, like there's something wrong. I think he knows more than he's letting on about this whole thing. Maybe it is just my imagination but I'm only looking out for you and I'm telling you there is something wrong."
"Bob, he's been tortured in a prison for four weeks alone, that's enough to change anyone, believe me I know. I appreciate you looking out for me but there's no need. David's fine and so am I."
That's another thing that's wrong. He's fine. You say he's been tortured but he looks fine, like nothing's happened. How is that possible after it nearly killed you?"
Fred could have laughed at that but she knew it would tell Bob that something was very wrong and she had promised David that she wouldn't do that.
"You want to know the truth? David was tortured but Saruman doesn't take it too far otherwise you wouldn't be able to talk. He pushed David to his limit and not beyond. When that happens to you you make sure you do everything you can to keep from remembering it. It's painful when you speak about it and that added with the fact that David's a very proud man means that he doesn't speak about it much. He is in pain and just because he doesn't show it doesn't mean he's lying, alright?" Fred couldn't stop raising her voice when she said this.
"I'm sorry Fred, I didn't mean to upset or offend you but I was just worried. How did David say he got back here?"
"Bob, please just forget about it okay. He's here and that's all that matters. He hasn't told me how he got here. Just leave him alone, please."
"Alright." Bob said looking into the woods. "Do you think we're really safe here alone? It'll be getting dark soon."
"David and Ned will be back before dark. He told me he's a very good hunter." She smiled. "Bob, I'm sorry I didn't mean to shout I am just so pleased he's back and right now that's all that matters to me."
"I know." Bob said. "I am pleased for you. Call me over-cautious." She smiled.
"Thank you but there's really no need, not where David is concerned. If I were you I'd be far more worried about those things hunting us rather than David."
"You're right. Is that them?" Bob pointed to David and Ned who were coming out from the main forest.
David was carrying something over his shoulder and Bob had to look away when she realised it was a dead pig. Luckily the skin had already been stripped and most of the blood drained away, just like David had promised but still Bob couldn't look at it, the very thought of the dead animal made her feel sick. David had also brought back some kind of fruit that Ned was carrying proudly along with the spears they had taken, one dripping with the pig's blood.
"I told you we wouldn't be long." David smiled. "Bob we brought you some fruit and berries but there's enough meat here if you want some." He placed the dead animal down at Bob's feet.
Bob just stared at the carcass of the animal before standing up and walking away to sit on the fallen tree on the other side of the clearing.
"I'd take that as a no." Fred said as David sat down next to her and started carving at the creature with his knife. "Nice kill." She said looking him in the eye.
"Is something wrong?" David asked suddenly concerned by Fred's serious look. "Are you hurt, in pain?"
"No, I'm fine. I'll talk to you later." She nodded towards Ned who was peeling the fruit.
"You want me to get some more firewood Fred?" Ned asked giving them the option to talk alone.
"No, it's fine. I think we have enough. I'll talk to you later." She whispered to David. He nodded but the concerned look didn't leave his face as he continued to carve the pig up. He passed the pieces onto Fred who put them on a stick and leaned them into the fire to cook them.
Soon the fire was roaring and the pig David had caught was almost ready. There was almost a happy feeling about the small camp, like all of them were on holiday rather than hiding from monsters that relied on an enchanted crystal to survive. It was hardly surprising that soon they were all talking merrily about their past adventures. Ned was telling David of the April Fools prank she had played on Fred and Bob and how they had fallen for it. David, despite getting annoyed looks from Fred and Bob, laughed at everything that was said. After though he put a comforting arm around Fred who leaned against him.
As much as she wanted, and pretended to join in with the conversation she couldn't shake the feeling that they weren't alone in the forest. There was something out there and she could feel that it wasn't anything good. She said nothing to the others who seemingly noticed nothing.
"Fred, I think we're safe here for now. It's only just after dark, if anything was going to attack us it would be in the middle of the night. Besides we know how to kill them and we're perfectly prepared so just relax for a few hours, you deserve it." David said quietly to her as the other two were arguing about something. He had noticed her looking into the forest every few seconds and had also sensed her tension.
She nodded and turned her attention back to Bob and Ned who were now stood shouting loudly at each other about something. Fred smiled, liking the fact that for a moment everything seemed normal, she only wished that it would last even though she knew that it couldn't.
David was now pulling the meat off the fire and carving it into smaller pieces. Bob and Ned had finished their argument, each of them claiming they had won the debate. David handed out the meat to each of them, except Bob who had insisted that she was fine with the supplies they had brought with them and the few fruits David had found in the forest during his hunting trip.
They all ate happily, still talking about numerous things including David's past even though he gave little away, he briefly mentioned being brought up in a city, which he didn't name. But he mentioned nothing about his family and who they were. None of them asked any questions, sensing that it was a topic he didn't like talking about. Fred had found the same thing in Isengard, he had said that after he was captured no one came looking for him so he assumed they didn't care about him apart from that he had said nothing about his past or his family.
Everything seemed so perfect at that moment, eating dinner with David, Bob and Ned talking about things that sometimes made little sense to Fred who's mind was too far away to understand what they were saying.
That perfection, however, would now last forever. Secretly they were all thinking the same thing although none liked to admit it.
Ch 10 Camping and a meal
They had been walking almost all night, none of them had wanted to stop, their only thought was to get as far away from that hut as possible. They were all tired, even David who was now leading. Their pace had slowed since they had started. Now the sun was up and the forest looked a little less intimidating. The sunlight filtering through the trees gave the forest an almost magical feel. It felt less scary than it did last night. It would have been easy to forget that those things were still hunting them.
Finally David stopped and looked around the clearing they had entered, it seemed to be a nice spot, there was a small lake running by it and good shelter from the trees on either side. They all sat down gratefully on the fallen tree that was resting at the clearing's edge.
"I think we should stop here. We can rest for a while then start moving again." David suggested putting down the pack he had been carrying for Fred.
"We should keep moving while it's light." Bob said, not liking the thought of being in an open space in the middle of the day.
"You and me have had some sleep but Ned and Fred haven't had much. They need rest. I know that I would feel better after a few hours sleep. It was a hard night last night, we're all tired. Besides Fred was hurt, she needs to be treated." He looked at Fred who had her eyes closed.
"I'm fine to keep going a little longer but David's right. We should get some rest. A lot happened last night. Ned could probably use some sleep." Ned nodded slightly and began looking around her.
"That settles it then. We'll stay here for a while get some rest then move later on when we're all feeling more lively." He smiled noticing them all sigh with relief that they didn't have to walk any further.
"Great, I'll go and get some firewood. It's still quite cold out here." Ned said standing up and walking a little way into the woods.
"I'll go to the stream and fetch some water, we can fill up our flask." Fred said standing up and walking towards the stream.
Before she could go David grabbed her arm and pulled her back. "Oh no you don't. Bob can get the water. I want to look at your wound." David held her tightly when she tried to pull away.
"There's no need I'm fine."
"What wound? Were you hurt in the fight?" Bob asked looking at Fred anxiously.
"It's nothing. Just a scratch. David's just exaggerating." She shot him a warning glance, which he then ignored.
"It wasn't just a scratch, she was stabbed. Not too badly but it still needs to be taken care of. You go and fetch the water then when I've finished Fred can look at your wounds. I know she's good at that." He smiled at Fred who was staring angrily at him.
"Right. I'll be quick." Bob said taking the flask with her and walking in the direction of the stream.
Fred sat down on the fallen tree and rubbed her hands over her face. She hadn't realised how tired she was until then. The aches that had plagued her body when in hospital were coming back with a vengeance. Her head was also starting to pound and she reached up and touched the bandage that was covering the space where her left eye had once been. She shuddered when memories of what happened came flooding back to her.
"Does that still give you trouble?" David asked watching her carefully.
Fred looked up and smiled at him. "Sometimes. It's difficult when you're used to seeing with two." She smiled again trying to lighten the mood. "I never really got used to it. It hurts sometimes, like it's happening all over again. I don't understand if I'm.you know.dead then why does this still hurt?" She questioned as he sat down next to her and took things out of the green first aid kit she had brought with her.
"Death can't take the pain away, not like this. It's there because it was there when you died." He reached towards her and removed her thick black coat.
"Then it'll be like this forever?"
"No, it'll fade eventually, just like your friend's wounds will. She still feels the pain but it doesn't kill her simply because."
"You can't kill the dead." Fred finished his sentence for him. "How did Bob die? She wasn't that badly hurt."
"I can't answer that. I only know what you are not how you died. You were there, you would know more than me. Maybe it was something to do with the Orb, I don't know. She died at the same time as you?" Fred nodded. "Then maybe something happened when I broke that thing that killed her too. Maybe she was hurt more than you know."
"It just doesn't seem possible. Can I walk through walls and do cool ghost things?" She smiled.
"Cool?" He questioned. "You know sometimes I have no idea what you're talking about." He laughed.
"That's not my problem. Maybe you should learn." She smiled back at him.
"Maybe you can teach me. We can start with cool." He leaned forward and was about to kiss her when Ned dumped a bundle of sticks at their feet.
"Sorry to interrupt." She smiled. Fred glared at her for a moment before smiling. David also looked annoyed.
"Have you got enough firewood there? We're only staying here for a few hours." Fred laughed.
"I've been thinking maybe it is safer to travel during the day. Those things might only come out at night. I say we rest here until tomorrow. It makes sense. We can't travel any more today and we're probably safer at night." David said as Bob approached with a flask full of water.
"I think you're right. We should stay here tonight." Ned agreed. "We can make a fire and some kind of camp. Lets just hope there aren't any wild ponies about right Fred?" She laughed. Bob tried to suppress a giggle.
"What does she mean Fred?" David asked watching Bob and Ned laughing whilst Fred was looking angrily at them.
"Nothing. Just ignore them." She turned away. "Shouldn't you be setting up camp?" She said to Ned who made a face behind her back.
"I'm going." Ned said finally stopping her laughter. Before she left she whispered to David, "I'll tell you later."
Bob also went with Ned to start the fire and boil some water. Maybe they could cook some of the food they had taken with them.
David turned his attention back to Fred who was staring at the ground and had one hand pressed up against her left eye. He looked at her for a moment. She had changed so much since Orthanc it was difficult to recognise her. He remembered those nights when he held her in his arms when she was scared or after she had been tortured and she did the same for him. He never thought he'd see her again and there she was. Just a little different and dead. In a way he was pleased because they could be together but when he thought about how much she'd lost it made him wish she was alive.
She had fought so hard to stay alive in Orthanc and as soon as she got home she was killed. It didn't seem fair. And yet she seemed to be taking it all really well. Of course she was frightened and confused but then so had he been at first. She was still the strong person he had known in Orthanc, she had proven that last night. Still there was a weakness about her that made him love her even more. She needed him and he liked that. The strange thing was he needed her too and he didn't mind admitting it. In fact he loved it.
"Fred, are you alright?" He asked gently as he touched her back.
"I'm fine. Just tired that's all. So much has changed." She sighed and turned to face him. "I thought I'd lost you. Now I have you but I've lost everything else. It doesn't seem fair."
"I know. I lost things too. But I've gained the most precious treasure in the world, you." He smiled and looked at her as she smiled back.
"I love you." She whispered.
"I love you too but then you know that. I told you in Isengard and I meant it then just as I mean it now. I don't ever want to leave you again." He leaned closer and kissed her gently. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly.
They could both hear the laughter that came from Bob and Ned but ignored it. David drew away and hugged her for a moment before letting go.
"I'll look at that wound." He said as he reached for the first aid box again. She nodded and shot a warning glance at Bob and Ned who were pretending not to notice what had happened. They merely smiled at them and continued lighting the fire.
**
What none of them noticed were the set of bright eyes that watched them from the trees. The same eyes that had been watching them ever since they left the hut. The bright eyes of Gollum.
**
"I think Fred's happier now she's with David again, she'd been sad ever since he died. Doesn't that seem unusual to you?" Bob asked looking over at Fred and David who were now kissing.
"What?" Ned asked following her gaze.
"That he came back to life. You should have seen it. He went up in flames. Nothing could have survived that. I'm surprised we did. It just doesn't seem right that's all. I think Fred thinks the same thing as well. She's just so glad he's here that she's ignoring how he survived."
"Well, he's not a ghost so he must be real. I think this is just your imagination working overtime. So he survived and Saruman sent him here, who cares as long as he's alive?"
"Why do you think Saruman sent him here? Why didn't he just kill him? Saruman certainly wasn't big on mercy. He would have killed him straight away."
"Maybe he had a change of heart after what you did to him. Or maybe he just couldn't be bothered to kill him. Too much trouble. He seems like the fighting type."
"Wouldn't it be more trouble to send him back here than to simply kill him? I mean David said that Saruman couldn't fix the Orb so how did he get sent back here?"
"Maybe Saruman had more power and sent him back with that."
"Than why not come himself and take over the Earth?"
"He wanted the Ring and the Ring is in Middle Earth. He didn't need to come here."
"But."
"Bob, he's alive, that's what's important, maybe you should just stop asking questions and be happy for Fred. Don't you think she deserves that?"
"Yes but."
"Bob." Ned warned. Bob nodded and went to work on the fire again.
"I'm just worried that's all."
"I know but this is up to Fred. I think she knows when she should back away and we should trust her judgement. She knows him better than anyone. She'll work it out, just try not to pound him with questions."
Bob smiled and looked over at Fred and David who were talking quietly. "I'll try." She said and started trying to light the fire.
It took some time before the fire was lit and was big enough to boil some water. They were slightly anxious about it and hoped that it wouldn't attract anyone they didn't want. David had reasoned that if the shadows had wanted to find them they probably wouldn't need a fire to do it. They had agreed although slightly reluctantly and had continued to pile wood on top whilst Bob was boiling the water she had collected from the lake.
"I'm going hunting." David announced after spending a short amount of time in the woods. He had appeared with several sticks that he had crafted pointed tips onto. "I managed to make some weapons. Hopefully I can find something to eat." He smiled.
"Wait, you're going to kill some innocent animal in the forest just so you can have meat?" Bob said paling slightly at the thought.
"Yes. Do not worry. I will prepare it then bring it back for you to cook if it troubles you seeing the animal dead." He smiled at her but only received a cold glare.
"Fine, just don't expect me to eat it." Bob said crossing her arms and staring at the fire.
"As you wish." He bowed slightly.
"Do you mind if I come with you? I'd really like to learn." Ned asked standing up.
"Of course not. Although it is unusual for a lady to hunt in Middle Earth but if you wish to learn I cannot deny you. I'm sure Fred would not have it so." He smiled at Fred who returned the gesture. "Do you wish to join us Fred?" He asked.
"No thank you. I really don't think I could eat anything after watching you kill it."
"Very well. Be on your guard. We won't be long."
"Just be careful. I want you back alive." Fred looked at him seriously.
"You know me Fred. I'm always careful."
"Yeah right."
"As I recall you were the one that tried to escape and ended up getting us captured and into trouble once more with Saruman." Fred stare stopped him before he could finish.
"Just go." She smiled.
"I won't be long." He promised.
As he walked off Fred called out to him, "Maybe you should pick some fruit or berries or something for Bob."
He waved her okay and him and Ned disappeared into the woods.
"Do you think they'll be alright?" Bob asked.
"David can take care of himself, you know that. He is probably safer then Ned anyway." She smiled. "Don't worry. They'll come back."
Bob nodded trying to keep all the questions she had to herself.
"What's wrong?" Fred asked.
"What do you mean?" Bob tried to sound innocent as if she didn't know what Fred was talking about.
"I know that look. You're either worried about something or you want to ask me something, so what is it?"
"It's nothing important really." Bob said turning back to the fire.
"Okay."
"Fine if you really want to know, I'm worried about you. You and David to be more precise. Something is going on that you're not telling me about and it's making me uncomfortable." Bob blurted out.
"Okay. He's fine. Nothing's going on with him." Fred said cheerfully hoping that she too would sound convincing.
"That's not what I meant. He seems different since he came here, like there's something wrong. I think he knows more than he's letting on about this whole thing. Maybe it is just my imagination but I'm only looking out for you and I'm telling you there is something wrong."
"Bob, he's been tortured in a prison for four weeks alone, that's enough to change anyone, believe me I know. I appreciate you looking out for me but there's no need. David's fine and so am I."
That's another thing that's wrong. He's fine. You say he's been tortured but he looks fine, like nothing's happened. How is that possible after it nearly killed you?"
Fred could have laughed at that but she knew it would tell Bob that something was very wrong and she had promised David that she wouldn't do that.
"You want to know the truth? David was tortured but Saruman doesn't take it too far otherwise you wouldn't be able to talk. He pushed David to his limit and not beyond. When that happens to you you make sure you do everything you can to keep from remembering it. It's painful when you speak about it and that added with the fact that David's a very proud man means that he doesn't speak about it much. He is in pain and just because he doesn't show it doesn't mean he's lying, alright?" Fred couldn't stop raising her voice when she said this.
"I'm sorry Fred, I didn't mean to upset or offend you but I was just worried. How did David say he got back here?"
"Bob, please just forget about it okay. He's here and that's all that matters. He hasn't told me how he got here. Just leave him alone, please."
"Alright." Bob said looking into the woods. "Do you think we're really safe here alone? It'll be getting dark soon."
"David and Ned will be back before dark. He told me he's a very good hunter." She smiled. "Bob, I'm sorry I didn't mean to shout I am just so pleased he's back and right now that's all that matters to me."
"I know." Bob said. "I am pleased for you. Call me over-cautious." She smiled.
"Thank you but there's really no need, not where David is concerned. If I were you I'd be far more worried about those things hunting us rather than David."
"You're right. Is that them?" Bob pointed to David and Ned who were coming out from the main forest.
David was carrying something over his shoulder and Bob had to look away when she realised it was a dead pig. Luckily the skin had already been stripped and most of the blood drained away, just like David had promised but still Bob couldn't look at it, the very thought of the dead animal made her feel sick. David had also brought back some kind of fruit that Ned was carrying proudly along with the spears they had taken, one dripping with the pig's blood.
"I told you we wouldn't be long." David smiled. "Bob we brought you some fruit and berries but there's enough meat here if you want some." He placed the dead animal down at Bob's feet.
Bob just stared at the carcass of the animal before standing up and walking away to sit on the fallen tree on the other side of the clearing.
"I'd take that as a no." Fred said as David sat down next to her and started carving at the creature with his knife. "Nice kill." She said looking him in the eye.
"Is something wrong?" David asked suddenly concerned by Fred's serious look. "Are you hurt, in pain?"
"No, I'm fine. I'll talk to you later." She nodded towards Ned who was peeling the fruit.
"You want me to get some more firewood Fred?" Ned asked giving them the option to talk alone.
"No, it's fine. I think we have enough. I'll talk to you later." She whispered to David. He nodded but the concerned look didn't leave his face as he continued to carve the pig up. He passed the pieces onto Fred who put them on a stick and leaned them into the fire to cook them.
Soon the fire was roaring and the pig David had caught was almost ready. There was almost a happy feeling about the small camp, like all of them were on holiday rather than hiding from monsters that relied on an enchanted crystal to survive. It was hardly surprising that soon they were all talking merrily about their past adventures. Ned was telling David of the April Fools prank she had played on Fred and Bob and how they had fallen for it. David, despite getting annoyed looks from Fred and Bob, laughed at everything that was said. After though he put a comforting arm around Fred who leaned against him.
As much as she wanted, and pretended to join in with the conversation she couldn't shake the feeling that they weren't alone in the forest. There was something out there and she could feel that it wasn't anything good. She said nothing to the others who seemingly noticed nothing.
"Fred, I think we're safe here for now. It's only just after dark, if anything was going to attack us it would be in the middle of the night. Besides we know how to kill them and we're perfectly prepared so just relax for a few hours, you deserve it." David said quietly to her as the other two were arguing about something. He had noticed her looking into the forest every few seconds and had also sensed her tension.
She nodded and turned her attention back to Bob and Ned who were now stood shouting loudly at each other about something. Fred smiled, liking the fact that for a moment everything seemed normal, she only wished that it would last even though she knew that it couldn't.
David was now pulling the meat off the fire and carving it into smaller pieces. Bob and Ned had finished their argument, each of them claiming they had won the debate. David handed out the meat to each of them, except Bob who had insisted that she was fine with the supplies they had brought with them and the few fruits David had found in the forest during his hunting trip.
They all ate happily, still talking about numerous things including David's past even though he gave little away, he briefly mentioned being brought up in a city, which he didn't name. But he mentioned nothing about his family and who they were. None of them asked any questions, sensing that it was a topic he didn't like talking about. Fred had found the same thing in Isengard, he had said that after he was captured no one came looking for him so he assumed they didn't care about him apart from that he had said nothing about his past or his family.
Everything seemed so perfect at that moment, eating dinner with David, Bob and Ned talking about things that sometimes made little sense to Fred who's mind was too far away to understand what they were saying.
That perfection, however, would now last forever. Secretly they were all thinking the same thing although none liked to admit it.