Title: Despair (13/16)
Author: Niphrandl
Rating: PG13

Characters: Gandalf, Frodo, Boromir, Aragorn, Pippin, Merry, Sam, Legolas, Gimli
Summary: This story takes place after Gandalf confronts the Balrog on the Bridge of Khazad-dûm and before the fellowship reaches Lothlorien. It is told from Frodo's POV initially.
Disclaimer: I do not own these characters. I make no money nor do I receive any public recognition for writing this. This is just my bit of fan fiction. Thanks Easterlily!

Despair Chapter 13

Boromir's Discontent

After bandaging Pippins wound I sat back and just looked at him. This one was getting to me. Breaking through what I though was an iron clad shell. A warrior could not afford to become involved with anyone. But Pippin was so innocent. More child like than the other three. He had worked his way into my heart during our travels. I was nearly undone when I watched him sobbing outside Moria. I knew we should not have gone that way!! We should have gone through the Gap of Rohan like I said. But what's done is done. Gandalf is gone and Aragorn seems to have taken over for him.

"What are we going to do now? Surely these two cannot be moved!" I said to Aragorn, knowing full well what his answer would be.

We would make camp right here.

Out in the open.

Visible for all to see.

I heard him laying out the schedule for the watches. At least he was smart enough to do that. I looked back down at Pippin and sighed. He had become like a son to me. He didn't have a chance to use what I had taught him about sword fighting. He was struck down almost immediately.

And what of that other one.

The Ringbearer.

Frodo.

It seems to be one thing after another with him. He'll slow us down. If it weren't for the fact that he carried the Ring.

The Ring.

Sauron's Ring.

The power it must possess! If I could only get that Ring. I would see Sauron destroyed!

"Its going to be a long night" I heard Aragorn say. It brought me out of my reverie.

What was I thinking?

Elrond was right. The Ring must be destroyed and somehow, someway Frodo must be the one to do it.

Though I still have my doubts about his ability to do it.

I checked Pippin once again and was satisfied that he was ok for the moment. I went to help set up camp.

It was nearing dawn. Aragorn had just relieved Merry and me from watch.

"Where is Sam?" I heard Merry ask as I walked toward Pippin and Frodo.

"I gave him something to help him sleep, he was exhausted and refused to lie down." Aragorn said.

"Shall I stay or get Gimli or Legolas to help you?" Merry asked.

"No" Aragorn said. "Just try to get some rest."

Merry nodded and walked toward camp. I had found Legolas tending to the little ones. "How are they?" I asked.

"Neither one has stirred yet" Legolas replied. "I have just finished changing their bandages."

I nodded, satisfied that the Elf knew what he was doing. Pippin started to stir and whimper. Then he started screaming. He flailed his arms and tried to sit up. Legolas and I both tried to hold him down. These little ones had surprising strength!

"Peregrine, Its all righ, You're safe now!" I yelled at him trying to calm him down. Merry rushed over to him and talked soothingly to him. Pippin settled down and seemed to remember where he was. After he drank the tea Aragorn prepared for him and fell asleep again I just sat there and watched him sleep.

It struck me again how childlike and innocent he was. He should not be here! Elrond should not have allowed him to come. This quest was too dangerous! I sat back trying to ponder what fate might have in store for him, for me, for all of us.

My thoughts were broken when I heard Sam cry out. I hadn't realized he was awake. He was kneeling beside Frodo who appeared to be having another seizure.

"Help him!!" he pleaded.

I rushed over to Frodo and gently cradled his head so he would not injure himself more. Sam looked up as Aragorn approached us.

"A seizure" he said.

"I had hoped this wouldn't happen." He looked at me, "Boromir, can you handle this?"

I nodded, anger building in me. I was not dumb!

"Legolas, come with me I will need your help locating a plant." And with that they were gone. Frodo was starting to relax. The seizure was over. I grabbed a clean cloth and wetted it from my water skin. I gently wiped down his face and neck.

"Will he die?" Sam asked.

"No..." I started to answer. My hand struck something.

The chain that held the Ring.

That blasted Ring! Why must it be destroyed?

Perhaps if Frodo does die I can take the Ring and...... I dropped the cloth and buried my head in my hands. How could I think such thoughts! What was wrong with me?

"Mr. Boromir?" Sam placed his hand on my shoulder. "Are you all right?"

"Yes, just exhaustion taking its toll" I lied.

I got up and left Sam to care for Frodo. I walked over to join Gimli who had awakened and was stoking up the fire.

I heard Frodo scream.

I stopped dead in my tracks.

I dare not go near him again.

Something about that Ring. It seemed to call to me. And it was worse when I was near him. Could I trust myself alone with Frodo and the Ring? I silently prayed that I would not have find out.

TBC…