DISCLAIMER: I don't own the Lord of the Rings!!!

A/N: okay please, people, if you're reading this fic, I would appreciate it if you could review it! I know there are a few of you out there who are reading and not reviewing, and I would wish that you could critique me on this! I understand that you might have computer problems and might not be able to, but for those of you who don't, please review!!

Well . . . anyways . . .

This chappie is for all you book-crazed fans cuz there are a few occurrences that happen from the book, plus . . .

Glorfindel's here!! Yay!! For all you Glorfindel fans, I've put him into the story!! (But since there wasn't much description of him in the book, I sort of had to make up a little bit of my own . . . so don't hate me!!)

WARNING: this chapter is unbelievably long compared to my other chapters, so make sure you have enough time on your hands to read it

Note: wargs are creatures similar to orcs.

Hehe, I guess that's all to I have to say for now!!

Enjoy!

:: A Fight for a Life::

Kaye's PoV

I had difficulty staying awake next to the rhythm of the horse's beating hooves. Glorfindel held the reins from behind and I leaned wearily into his chest. Every so often, the elf would pause and redirect our path by confirming the Fellowship's previous tracks.

While I waited for him, I would ask him if he knew which ones were Legolas's. He would smile and point out a pair of footprints in the dirt. I was able to find the four hobbits' tracks easily since theirs were slightly larger than the others.

Then Glorfindel would mount his white mare, and we sped off once more.

With each passing day, my strength slowly began to return to me . . . and we grew closer and closer to my friends . . .

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"The Fellowship rested here . . ."

I hopped down from the steed and stepped next to Glorfindel, "Are you sure?"

The elf nodded as he returned to the mare and lifted a single satchel from its back, "Can you not see their imprints along the earth?" he stared up towards the sun briefly, "They were going South by now . . . or at least they should have . . ."

A frown came to his lips and he searched briefly around the encampment. But he soon shook his head and dismissed the thought as he chuckled softly, "Ah, only my mind playing tricks on me," The elf pointed towards the mountains, "They have changed their course slightly."

It was my turn to frown, "Caradhras? But why would they go into the mountains . . . unless the Southern Pass was being blocked somehow? But surely that can't be so!"

Glorfindel stared and nodded solemnly in understanding, "Aye, the trees speak of a danger aloft in the sky . . . Saruman has sent the crebain out from Dunland; they have likely driven our friends into Caradhras," he sighed sadly, "Let us hope and pray that the mountains' rage does not mark the end for them.

"Unfortunately, if the pass is being watched, our path also leads us through the mountains also; we will meet the Fellowship in Lothlorien."

I felt my hopes lift slightly. Lorien! Even if they were many leagues away, it seemed only a heartbeat before I would see them again . . .

Before I would see Legolas again . . .

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"Gandalf! These mountains will be the death of the hobbits!" Boromir cried above the howling wind.

The wizard turned and watched as the four hobbits were each being carried by either Aragorn or the Gondorian soldier. The storm was relentless and whipped at their cloaks as they trudged atop of the cliff-face. The only one of the Fellowship that did not seem troubled by the weather or the rising snow, was Legolas as he perched himself neatly on top of the snow.

"Let us make for the Gap of Rohan!" he continued.

"The Gap of Rohan brings us too close to Isengard!" Aragorn retorted angrily, "Were you not listening to Gandalf when he said Saruman had betrayed us?!"

Legolas walked nimbly to the head of the group and stared over the ledge cautiously, "The snow lessens further down the mountainside . . . we might be able to make it far enough to avoid the storm!" The elf frowned gravely, "However, the only path that would leave is the path to Moria . . ."

The mood of the company darkened when he spoke those words. Indeed it seemed the only path that was passable . . . but was it worth it?

"Moria!" Gimli cried, "Aye, my cousin Balin reigns over the Stone Halls! Should we not seek refuge with him?"

Aragorn shook his head, "I have passed through the Dimrill Gate . . . and I do not wish to pass through it again . . ."

And so rang the Fellowship's negligence to enter the Mines. But as the wind moaned through the mountains, it was soon decided to take the long dark path of Moria.

Frodo lowered his eyes and shivered, "Gods, how the wind howls! It as if the storm was meant for only us!"

But as the words faded into the squall, there was a howling and wailing around them in the empty spaces of the night.

"How the wind howls indeed!" Gimli roared.

"The wargs have come West of the mountains!" the ranger cried and loosened his sword.

---------------

The Fellowship hurried down the mountainside to where the snow began to turn into nothing more than a thin sheet of ice. The sun faded behind the peaks and a cold night chill swept over the company. The howls of the wolves alternated between the distance and behind a nearby hill.

"Start a fire," Gandalf ordered quietly, "And don't let it die out . . ."

The hobbits did as they were told and huddled together fearfully. Eventually, they drifted in and out of a restless sleep, only to be reawakened by the wolves nearby.

Then, in the dead of night, the park burst forth; their howls issuing around the Fellowship. They encircled the encampment and seemed to attack from any side.

"Stand with your backs together!" Aragorn told the hobbits, "And feed the fire!"

The wolves' fiery gray eyes shimmered against the firelight and their silver forms darted across the hills. The Fellowship drew their weapons as the wargs inched closer.

A twang echoed through the night as Legolas released an arrow.

An unearthly wail pierced the night as the dart lodged itself in the beast's throat.

There was a brief silence before the wargs attacked with a full fury. A mix of blood and molted fur rose into the air. Metal clashed with flesh and the howls of the wolves rang through the heavens. The hobbits had begun to light torches and flung them at the hounds; trying to ward them off.

"Enough of this!" Gandalf roared and stepped beside the fire. From his mouth an ancient speech formed a chant that caused the flames to feed upon an unseen fuel. The fire rose until the trees above caught lit and spread to others along the hills. The wolves bayed and scampered away. A final kindled arrow pierced the chief warg's heart.

But as the sun rose the next day, no traced of the battle before could be found.

"These are no ordinary wolves hunting for a meal," Gandalf told the company grimly, "Come! We must make haste and reach Moria by nightfall!"

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Kaye's PoV

I huddled closer between Glorfindel and his steed. The cold mountain air was merciless as it pounded on the side of the mountain. I tugged my cloak tighter around my shoulders as my teeth began to chatter.

I did not understand how the mare could stand such brutal weather and how it was able to find a sure footing along the snow banks.

Glorfindel said that we would pass eastward through the mountains then ride south from there. But now I wasn't even sure if we would make it out of Caradhras alive since the weather took a turn for the worst.

"Once we depart from the Redhorn, our horse will bear us swiftly towards Lorien by the end of the second day," he reassured me.

But what I needed reassurance about was whether or not the Fellowship had made through Caradhras at all. I couldn't imagine the hobbits surviving such a toll on their feet and tiny bodies!

"Why didn't they take this path, Glorfindel?" I asked over the wind, "Why did they decide to go south instead?"

The elf shook his head, "This route is more treacherous than the one to the south . . . Gandalf must have know that it would not be safe for nine to pass through here, especially when they have four Halflings to look after . . ."

"And what of us?" I inquired, "Is this road not dangerous for us also?"

He nodded, "But since it is only us two, navigating is easier and once we rid ourselves of these peaks, we will ride freely towards your companions!"

I couldn't help but smile at the thought of seeing the Fellowship again. The very memory of Legolas sent new warmth through my veins.

Noticing my sudden cheerfulness, the elf grinned, "Ah, I see your mind has wandered back to thoughts of a certain elf hasn't it?" he chuckled when he saw me blush, "Keep your mind on him, Kaye, you'll see him again soon enough."

------------

I sighed at the fresh wave of sunlight that swept over us as we passed the final mountain peak. Far below, vast fields and distant rivers and forests came into view. A warm breeze could be seen dancing along the tall grass and racing towards the east.

The rest of the way down was a mere snow-covered slope. I rejoiced at the fact that it was a beautiful winter day and that we no longer had to suffer the wrath of Caradhras.

We made it down the hill gradually until our steed touched down sturdily onto the earth. The mountain declined into a small grove of trees that we would soon depart from on the other side.

The horse looked oddly wary of the area and continuously shook its head and snorted. I too felt a peculiar presence in the air as we passed underneath the trees. It was strangely quiet considering that it was a lush wood, and that it was near mid-afternoon.

I shivered suddenly, but not from the cool wind.

"The forest is frightened . . ." I whispered quietly, "There is an unwanted company here . . ."

Glorfindel nodded and stopped the horse slowly. His eyes darted carefully around the presence as his ears waited for a faint noise to betray whatever hid in the shadows.

The horse whinnied and pawed the ground nervously as the whites of its eyes darted to the gloom. I clutched the reins gingerly as the elf behind me drew his dagger. I shuddered as a sudden darkness filled the void around us. Fear coursed through me and I dare not asked him what it was he sensed.

The air filled with silence, but only a silence that could send terror through my heart.

"Guide the horse slowly, Kaye," he ordered in a whisper.

I nodded and gently kicked the horse's sides. Its hooves clopped noisily on the rock below. I kept a cautious eye out for anything that moved.

But everything remained in the eerie quiet that was unnatural even for the lonely outskirts of Caradhras. Something waited for us in the shadows; waiting to attack when we were least on our guard.

Glorfindel's body suddenly tensed and he cocked his head to one side.

I followed his gaze but saw nothing between the barren shrubs.

"Be ready," he whispered, his gaze still locked on that single spot. I noticed his grip tighten on the hilt of his dagger. Cold sweat now perspired down my brow and I felt Narulin suddenly pulsing against my finger.

It's nothing, I told myself, and it's only our imagination . . .

Narulin pounded ruthlessly now; demanding my attention. I turned my gaze to stare at the ring—

When a slight movement caught my eye.

My eyes darted to the area and I stared at it intensely, but nothing more seemed to move. Yet Narulin continued to warn me of some impending danger stalking us nearby.

Then, I saw it again.

Only this time, the fiery eyes stared back at me.

I waited.

But still the crimson orbs glared at me from beyond. My ears suddenly picked up a faint sound of someone—or something—notching an arrow.

I froze, but Glorfindel seemed to have heard it already and quickly took the reins from my hands. He let out a cry and spurred the horse forward at a lightning speed.

And just then, it was as if someone had released a nest of hornets as what appeared to be dozens of wargs swarming from out of the shrubs and rocks. They rode along the backs of wolves and carried a weaponry of spears and bows.

Arrows rained down on us as the archers notched their bows. Glorfindel forced my head down and bent over using himself as a shield. I clung to the saddle desperately as I heard the wargs' cries roaring from behind us. The wolves they rode howled into the air as they caught the fresh scent of flesh and meat. I shuddered at the sound and gripped onto the horse's mane.

"We're but a league away from the Gladden River!" Glorfindel cried from behind me, "Perhaps if we can make it there, we can shake them off!"

"Let us hope!" I responded.

So the chase continued. That mere league felt like a lifetime as slowly, very slowly, the wolf-riders began to surround us to the point of no escape. I shut my eyes and frantically fought to find a way closer into the center of the horse.

A sudden howl caught my attention. My eyes shot open and came face to face with a warg upon his beast riding not two feet away. The steed whinnied madly and tried to dodge away, but the wolf followed like a blood hound.

I then felt his cold, bony hand latch onto my wrist. A gleam in the warg's eye sent a shiver down my spine when his gaze fell on Narulin. I fought, but his grip only tightened.

I screamed and heard Glorfindel's battle cry from above me. The elf took the reins in one hand and his dagger in the other. There as a flash of metal and the warg's cry of pain as a wave of deep red blood poured from his wrists. The warg released my hand and fell back as I retrieved my limb.

"Hang in there, Kaye!"

I nodded but didn't reply. The wargs seemed to all be falling back. They couldn't have given up though?

Glorfindel did not seem to hinder their delay, but took it as an advantage and spurred the horse forward. Hills began to form along the horizon and rose and fell as we raced to meet them.

Suddenly, a shower of arrows pelted the ground around us as the wolves and their riders attacked once more. The elf cursed harshly and swerved in and out of range. The wolves' pounding claws thundered along the earth.

"Glorfindel!" I cried, "They know I have Narulin!"

He shook his head in understanding, "Two more miles, Kaye! Then we will be able to cross the Gladden River and hopefully into safety—!"

A spear whizzed through the air and come inches from impaling the horse's thigh. The steed whinnied nervously and swished his head back and forth. A warg rode up and snatched the weapon back up. He began to aim for us once more, only this time, his aim would be true.

I cried out and on instinct, I raised my hand as if commanding them to stop. Only, instead of stopping, the spear flew through the air. But at the same time, the band along my finger burst forth in a ray of golden light and the wargs' cried out in pain.

I could hear the spear clatter to the ground as it made contact with an invisible barrier. I blinked in surprised and held out my hand longer. Maybe, I could delay them . . .

We passed over a hill as Narulin's glow trailed after us. Before us, a single silver vein flowed over the plain. The Gladden River bent out along the horizon and its water reflected the setting sun.

"Hurry!" I cried, "I can only delay them for so long!"

"We needn't a barricade now! We're almost there!"

Narulin faded as I obeyed. The mare pounded down the slope as the wolf- riders pursued us once more. But the river was closer now, and we were closer to safety.

We were coming upon the shoreline now, and just a few yards away from the other side.

Glorfindel began to slow as our haven came into view.

But that was a mistake.

Out of the blue, a single arrow zoomed towards us. My cry was too late to warn Glorfindel of the oncoming threat. I felt a rush of blood along my arm and a cry of pain rang through the valley.

"Glorfindel!"

The elf groaned and gritted his teeth through the pain. An arrow protruded from his shoulder and a warm stream of blood flowed from his wound and down through his tunic. Sweat perspired from his brow and he attempted to blink back the pain.

"Take the reins!" he cried through his teeth.

I did as I was told and immediately dug my heels into the horse's side.

A splash of icy water washed over us as I drove the steed into the river. The water deepened as we raced across and as the wolves still pursued.

"They're still behind us!" I yelled in dismay.

"Then we must fly!" Came the elf's response, "If they refuse to back down, then we must fly to Lorien for our lives!"

-------------

The horse slowed cautiously as I peered behind. The moon rose slowly but hovered on nothing but Glorfindel and myself in the moonlight. The wolf- riders had appeared to have fallen back for good, but I was wary enough to believe nothing of it.

But for the time being, I would talk it was a good sign.

"Glorfindel . . ." I whispered, "Glorfindel, we need to bandage your wound . . ."

The elf shook his head and swayed dangerously on the saddle, "Nonsense, I'm fine. We need to keep moving less the wolves attack once more—!"

"If the wolves attack once more, you'll be in no condition to fight or hardly ride for that matter," I retorted, "Please let me at least bandage the wound until we enter Lorien! You've lost enough blood already!"

"Fine, fine," he sighed, "But please hurry."

I nodded and tore a strip of my cloak. Being careful of the arrow, I cautiously wrapped the cloth around the wound. I wasn't a healer, but at least it would stall the bleeding for awhile.

"Ready?" I asked.

He winced and nodded, "Let's hurry."

And so once more, a white steed raced across the night.

--------------

"Shit!"

Glorfindel swore under his breath weakly as the chase was up once more.

I couldn't concentrate seeing that nearly two nights without rest deprived me of any sleep. Even as the wolves hunted us, I found it difficult to find the strength and spur the horse forward to Lorien.

But the wargs still found strength to pick up their end of the chase.

"How much further?" I yelled over my shoulder, "Surely Lorien must only be a few leagues away by now!"

The elf grimaced, "We will not spend another night in the wild, Kaye! Lothlorien is yonder over the horizon!"

I nodded and kicked the horse with my heels as we thundered down the slope. Gods, I prayed desperately, please let us make it to Lorien alive!

Trees began to dot the hill and formed into larger patches of evergreens and oaks. I watched them pass and counted each one, hoping that they would thicken and form into Lothlorien.

The wargs were surrounding us now and their war cries pounded in my ears.

"Udanai i canin laita!" I murmured to the steed. He seemingly nodded and dashed steadily faster towards the horizon. Glorfindel grunted painfully from behind me whenever we hit the ground. We needed to reach Lorien soon, or he might not survive . . .

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"There!"

My hopes rose swiftly as the tall boughs of Lothlorien cam into view. I winced at the pain in my side as the fresh wound poured blood steadily through my fingers. The warg who attacked me was nearby and his sword was stained with my blood. But the protective haven gave me strength even as my vision began to blur.

The trees were closer now and began to tower over us. But the wargs still pursued from behind. Glorfindel was drifting in and out of consciousness as I raced towards the shelter.

A tree passed bay and then another until the entire forest was surrounding us and the wolf-riders. The hounds wailed into the fading light and echoed through the evergreens. They howled at the scent of our fresh blood pouring from our wounds. I weaved in and out of the trees and dodged their flying arrows.

Suddenly, there was a new wave of arrows . . . only; they were not of a warg or orc origin.

The wolf-riders screamed in pain as the shower of arrows impaled them from out of nowhere. Black spots appeared in front of my eyes as I began to slow the horse down and turned to watch. One by one, the wargs and wolves fell to the ground as the blood around them swelled into a small pool

A time of silence fallowed as the fallen dead silenced their cries.

Then, there were footsteps from behind us . . .

And all went black.

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A/N: I told you this chappie was long!! Hehe, but stay tuned cuz the next chapter is going to have some fluffy moments and lots and lots of suspense! Mwahahahahaha!!!

LoL, please review!!!!!!!!!

Ja'ne