Author's Note: Hello everyone! I hope you didn't have to wait too long for this chapter - it's on the long side. And again, thank you so much for the reviews! They mean so much, and although I wish there were more, it's up to you to change that! So please - review!!!!! Thanks again!
When the night just cuts you through,
And the dream is lost to you,
When you're worried and confused,
I will give you my heart,
Give you my shoulder.
~'Heart And Shoulder' by Heather Nova
Chapter 14
" How are you, my lad?"
Frodo started at the age-old, slightly gruff voice that asked him this question, and strained his neck to look up into the face of Gandalf. Blinking, he met the wizard's timeworn gaze of faded blue, a mere shadow of the vibrant color it once was, and replied quietly," I am well, Gandalf."
The wizard nodded, although he didn't look entirely convinced. They walked in silence for a few moments, the only sound being the distant chatter of the other companions and the crunch of their boots on the snow-packed ground of the upper hills of Caradhras. They were not yet on the mountain range, but in the hills that led up to it. Come nightfall, however, they would reach the first mountain peak and have to cross it. Drawing in a breath, Gandalf said," I know the Ring weighs heavily on your mind, Frodo." Ignoring the hobbit's sharp look, he continued." I see your unease grow day by day."
Out of habit, Frodo lifted a hand to grasp the ring laying against his chest, cold and heavy on its silver chain. His fingers closed around it, briefly, before letting go reluctantly. Every once in a while he would feel a disconcerting dull pain around his heart, as if it knew a great evil rested so near, and now was one of those times. It got worse as they traveled farther, but the dark, curly-haired hobbit had said nothing, bearing the burden quietly and without complaint. With Gandalf bringing his unease out in the open, it made him feel even more vulnerable." I manage," he finally replied, painfully aware of Gandalf's piercing gaze.
Something flashed in the old wizard's eyes (sorrow?) but then it vanished, and he laid his weathered hand on Frodo's green cloaked shoulder." I know you do, dear boy. And so do they."
Frodo's eyes traveled from Gandalf to the rest of the Fellowship in front of them. He hadn't been aware that the two of them had slowed their pace to be at the end of the group, but he supposed it was because Gandalf had wanted them to speak privately. Did they know? Were they aware of his discomfort? The thought didn't settle well with Frodo; he hoped they didn't suspect much, for he didn't want their pity. He was doing just fine, and he'd preferred it if the knowledge of the Ring's...power was kept between himself and Gandalf.
" But come now, Frodo!" Unexpectedly, Gandalf clapped him on the back, sending Frodo forward a bit." Free yourself of that long face. I know it is a mite chilly out, and it will get worse before it gets better, but as we travel further south, the warmth should return."
Frodo nodded and smiled tentatively, unconsciously pulling his cloak closer to his small body. It *was* chilly out, almost to the point of being uncomfortable because of the snow on the ground, but there was nothing he could do about it but deal with it. No amount of complaining was going to change the weather.
Unfortunately, some people had not learned that simple fact.
" I cannot believe I am walking through snow," Nevada snapped to no one in particular.
" Tis not the snow that bothers me," Pippin grumbled along side her," I can handle snow. But no fire? How are we supposed to eat a decent meal!"
" Ridiculous," Nevada muttered under her breath, unconsciously agreeing with the hobbit." No warmth because of a pack of crows. Valar, what I would have given to shoot one of them."
" That would have made for a tasty-ow!" Pippin halted, giving Merry a frown and rubbing his arm." What was that for, Merry?"
" Quit complaining, Pip," Merry replied, slightly irritated with his cousin." Gandalf said that a fire would attract Saruman's attention, and we don't want that, do we?" When the younger hobbit shook his head forlornly, Merry nodded with conviction." Good."
Nevada watched the exchange with an arched eyebrow." Bossy little thing, aren't you?" Merry flushed slightly." Hey, Liana, he takes after you."
Liana snorted, but otherwise ignored her Nevada's comment.
" Someone's in a surly mood," Nev remarked, but she understood why. She wasn't too happy herself - not with this cursed snow and chill in the air. The leggings her and Liana had put on under the skirts helped, but not enough to ward off the growing cold. The long sleeve shirts that they had on under their shells didn't help all that much either. Everyone's dispositions seemed to have taken a plunge the minute they had to take this path, and it was becoming irritating. The humans were more quiet than usual, gazing about the area with somber eyes and solemn expressions, and the elf kept pace with Aragorn, his light tread barely making an imprint on the ground. Of course, theirs didn't, either - their boots were quite lightweight themselves, so her and Liana didn't have to worry about sinking into the snow. Even the hobbits were more hushed.
Liana slanted a glance at Nevada before turning back to the "pathway" they were on that led them into the mountains. She hated this weather more than anything, and it was indeed making her surly. She lived in a desert, for the Valar's sake, and was certainly *not* used to the extreme cold this mountain would deliver. While Liana had never lived in a cold environment, she knew that it would become more frigid the higher they went, and the temperature would drop the minute the sun set. She absolutely hated that knowledge. The constant nagging feeling in the back of her head did not help matters, either. She was feeling increasingly uneasy as they went further up, and couldn't understand why. She saw no threat coming from the mountain itself, except for the cold. Liana sighed in frustration. She usually kept her emotions in check when it came to times like these, but she was feeling a serious pout coming on, for better lack of a word. The thought of herself going into a pout made her smile and shake her head.' Quit feeling sorry for yourself and get over it,' she reprimended herself.' You can handle a bit of cold, big baby.'
" Whatever are you smiling for, Princess?"
Jostled out of her thoughts, she looked over and met Boromir's gaze. Smiling easily, she admitted," I was thinking how sorry I'm acting over a bit of cold and snow."
Boromir laughed." We never expected this, did we?" She nodded in agreement." I must admit, neither you or Nevada look as if you belong in this climate." Which they don't, he thought to himself. The stark contrast of Nevada's midnight black hair to the pure white of the snow was startling, and both girl's golden skin hues were out of place.
" We don't," Liana sighed." And that's becoming more blatantly obvious."
" We shouldn't be here long," Boromir chuckled." A few days, if no sudden snow storms hit."
" Sudden snow storms?" Nevada quipped, mood blackening at the thought." Are you joking?"
" Nay, my lady," Boromir shook his head, missing Nevada's grimace and Liana's amused grin at the term of respect." Luck might have us come through this unscathed, but nature is fickle with that sort of thing."
" Figures," Nevada rolled her eyes." Nature is fickle with anything."
The three lapsed into silence, growing even more aware of the oncoming chill in the air. There was no denying that they were going up now; not only from the cold, but from the change in the air. Breathing became slightly more labored for the majority of the company because of the decrease in oxygen. The hobbits certainly felt the lightheadedness of the ascend up the mountain, and it wouldn't be long before the others felt its presence keenly. Caradhras was never kind to its travelers, and the Fellowship would be no exception.
Liana shivered slightly, hugging herself and rubbing the cloth material of her cloak against her skin. She could see her breath in the air now - that was definitely not something she was used to. While the chill didn't affect her as much as it might the humans or the hobbits, she still felt it deep in her bones as the sun sunk lower in the sky. She watched the poor little hobbits huddle in their blankets, and felt a twinge of sympathy.' If I'm cold, they have to be freezing, poor guys,' she thought to herself, and reached over to give Sam, the nearest hobbit, a reassuring half-hug, giving the faithful creature a little of her warmth. He looked up in surprise, then gave her a crooked, grateful smile, before turning back to squint against the snow, which gave off a bright glare due to the sun.
Nevada padded across the snow lightly to catch up to her friend, and walked close, muttering in her ear," Whose idea was this, anyway? This will only get worse as the sun goes down. I can see it in my mind; we'll freeze."
" *We* won't," Liana murmured back. She cursed silently as her voice stammered; she couldn't be that affected." The hobbits will. They're so little, it makes me worry." She paused, then lifted the side of her mouth in a slight smirk." Besides-it was Gandalf's idea."
" Wizards-what are they good for," Nevada muttered, making Liana smile. She was freezing, too, but refused to admit to it. She'd be damned if she showed those filthy humans and that pretty boy elf she was suffering just like them." Why are we moving so slow?" she turned around to glare at the humans, hobbits and dwarf-her, Liana, Legolas and Gandalf were far ahead." If you want to live to see tomorrow, you'll get the lead out."
" As unfortunate as it is, we cannot glide across the snow," Gimli growled at the faerie. He picked up the pace to be level with her, trudging through the heavy snow." So I would say quit bossing us around and walk."
Nevada narrowed her eyes dangerously and moved over to him. A firm hand gripped her arm, and she whirled at who would dare to touch her.
" Leave them be," Aragorn said sternly, staring down at her enraged face." They cannot help it." She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could get it out he passed her by, muttering," And for God's sake, quit complaining."
Completely enraged, the faerie sputtered for a moment, appalled that he would speak to her that way. She growled as she passed by Liana, who was unsuccessfully trying to hide a grin, but couldn't hide the humor in her golden eyes. As she continued to walk, an idea struck her, and she nearly stopped again. The back of Aragorn loomed ahead of her, slushing through the white, thick stuff, his sword scraping the surface of the snow as it dangled from its case on his side. A smile fleeted across her face, and she stooped to grab a handful of snow. She started walking again, molding the snow to her liking, and ended up next to Frodo. The young hobbit glanced up, watching the dark-haired faerie's concentration as she shaped her snowball, felt the weight of it against her hand. She caught his gaze, her violet eyes lighting with amusement as he smiled back at her cutely. Stooping low, he picked up his own handful of snow, and began shaping a snowball.
Nevada let out a low, delighted laugh, causing nearby ears to stop and listen at the gorgeous sound. At the end of her laughter, Nevada hid the ball behind her back, walked a little faster, and called out," Aragorn! I must have a word with you."
" What is it now, Nevada?" he turned, his tone impatient. She cocked her head slightly, and waited for him to come to her. Glaring down, he crossed his arms when he reached her." What is it you wish to speak to me about?"
She shrugged." I forgot." Pulling out her ammo, she pulled her arm back and whipped the stuff forward-hitting Aragorn full on in the face. She grinned at his stunned _expression and ran before he could recuperate.
Frodo laughed at the look on Aragorn's face, and turned to get a snowball in his own face." Hey!" he cried, and chased after Pippin with his own creation.
When Nevada reached Liana and put a hand on her shoulder, the faerie only watched her friend in amusement." Quick, Liana," Nevada siad urgently, and stooped to grab another handful of snow." Help-"
*Fwack!*
She sputtered as Liana grinned at her, grabbing some more snow to pelt at her best friend. She missed the looming figure behind her as she watched Aragorn creep up behind Nevada, a full-fledged snowball fight going on. Laughing, she watched Aragorn give a battle yell and tackle the faerie head-on, knocking her down and shoving snow in her face.
" Wah!" Liana pitched forward as a certain wizard pelted her in the back with heavy ammo. She fell to her knees, and turned in the snow to hear the old wizard laugh at her. Shaking her head with a grin, she made another snowball and aimed." Stick with magic, Gandalf!" Her ammo smacked at the crooked hat he always wore, knocking it off his head and onto the light snow. The old man gave a cry of disbelief, and turned to see where it went.
Just then, a streak of a hobbit ran by and grabbed the hat. Laughing delightedly, Pippin shouted," I got his hat! I got Gandalf's hat!!'
A full-out war was brewing between Aragorn and Nevada. Snowballs flew, and he barely managed to get the she-cat on the ground before she flung snow in his eyes and scrambled to move. Wiping at his eyes furiously, he grabbed blindly and got her hair." Yow! Filthy human!" she spat, and reached to claw at his hair.
" Nevada! Stop it!" he commanded, and managed a quick laugh as she fought him. She managed to grab more snow and went to throw it in his face, but he grabbed her wrist first. A struggle of strength ensued, and both grunted as she tried to push her arm toward his face and he tried to pull hers away. Desperate and laughing like a fool, Aragorn leaned into her, his face near her wrist. Because of her jostled movements, his face was brought closer - and he accidently grazed her wrist with his teeth.
" AH! You BIT me, you sonofa-"
Liana giggled like a child at the sight, and climbed to her feet. A pair of deerskin boots from farther off caught her attention. Legolas was standing off to the side, a hand resting lightly on his hip with a slightly amused look on his face as he watched the merriment.
' Oh, we can't have that, now can we?' Liana thought, smiling mischeviously to herself. Instead of coming straight up to him, she spotted the dwarf struggling to get out of the snow, and grabbed another snowball. Aiming carefully, she got up close and whipped it at the unsuspecting Gimli, hitting him squarely in the face.
He yelled in outrage and looked up and around, spotting a guiltless looking Liana." Did you hit me, lass?" he shouted angrily.
All innocence and wide eyes, she shook her head, and pointed to the lonely elf." He did it."
Gimli turned his enraged glare on the elf, and with a yell, ran up and tackled him down.
" Gimli, what-" Legolas barely had time to be surprised before his face was shoved in the cold snow. He pushed the dwarf off of him and got up, brushing himself off." Gimli, what are you doing?" he demanded.
" Getting back at you for the snowball, elf!" Gimli spit out, and huffed off." The lass saw you do it."
Legolas raised an eyebrow, and turned to catch Liana's gaze. She was...laughing at him. Catching on, he half smiled, and scraped up snow in his hand behind his back. Walking up to her, he shook his head." What a foolish thing to do, faerie." Before she could say anything, he turned her around and pulled open the back of her cloak and shirt-pouring cold snow down her bare back.
"*Oh!*" She gasped and tried vainly to grab at the freezing ice trailing its way down her back. She turned in fury at the tall elf, his eyes laughing at her discomfort." You crazy tree hugger!" she growled, and jumped after him, who caught on and ran ahead first. She chased him for a couple of seconds before lunging and pulling on his hair, knocking him down and practically sitting on him as she shoveled snow in his face." How do you like that, huh?!" she shouted, nearly burying him in the snow as her body kept him from getting up.
" Liana! I cannot breathe!" Legolas managed to push her hands away so he could free his face from the snow. He drew in a few grateful breaths, then stopped to glare at the faerie sitting on him.
Liana couldn't help it. He looked so funny, wet snow dripping off his nose, chin and eyebrows, she started laughing pointedly. And couldn't stop. Amused, Legolas smiled, then a chuckle rumbled deep in his chest, and he laughed-fully and heartily. Liana quieted down a bit to hear him-he certainly needed to laugh more often. It was a gorgeous sound. She joined in again and, weak with mirth, leaned down and rested her forward against his, one hand braced on the ground and the other close to his hair. A stray chuckle escaped her lips at the position they were in.
" I'm practically sitting on you," she laughed out, pulling away from his forehead but still staying close.
His mouth quirked up in a little smile." You're not heavy at all." His voice had dropped to just above a whisper, his eyes, pools of blue, looking up at hers.
She looked at him, and was now suddenly aware of the pair of arms wrapped loosely around her waist. The palms of his hands rested on her back, and she could feel their warmth seeping through her tunic. Stiffening, her mind screamed at her to get off, get away from him, this was dangerous and stupid - *he is an elf!!* But she didn't move, and neither did he. She didn't *want* to move. Being around him made her feel exhilirated, breathless...And she had no idea why. When did an innocent little snowball fight turn into this?
" Liana-" Legolas began, his voice sounding a big strained, but he stopped. Both stilled, and a feeling of dread filled their hearts.
" Come on! Let me go!" Nevada reduced herself to kicking out against him, hoping she'd catch his shin or his knee.
" You brought this on yourself!" Aragorn countered. He knew that the minute he let go her wrist, she would lash out, and he didn't want to have any lasting bruises." Calm down!"
" You calm down! And you're hurting my wrist!"
" I am not!"
" Ow, ow, Aragorn, let go," Nevada winced, and immediately, the man let go. She gained back her arm, then grinned up at him evilly. Before he could react, she balled up a fist and punched him in the shoulder.
Aragorn let out a blasphemy and recoiled, glaring at her severely." That was uncalled for."
She smiled sweetly at him." You brought it on yourself." He gave her a surly look and brushed the snow off his shoulders. Right when he stood up, a warning went off in his head, and he looked around for the source.
Frodo.
The faerie and the elf looked over at the same time to see Frodo stumble and fall into the snow. Normally this wouldn't alarm the two, but with their sharp vision they saw a glint of gold lying in the snow a few yards away - right in front of Boromir. The two exchanged a look and helped each other up.
Nevada frowned as Aragorn rushed over to help Frodo. She rolled over on her stomach, still in the snow, her brow furrowed.
" Nevada? What's going on?" Pippin whispered as quiet as he could manage from next to her.
She shook her head, causing the raven locks to shake." I don't know," she whispered back." But it doesn't look good."
" Boromir." Aragorn's voice was chillingly soft.
They all watched in complete silence as the human reached down and picked up the Ring by its silver chain. He held it aloft in front of him, an unnamed desire flaring in his eyes as he beheld the powerful thing. It was so little...yet it held sway so much power over people. Oh, what it could do for Gondor...Give them the power to defeat the evil that held it in its clutches, make them strong again...They *needed* this Ring. Why should it be destroyed? Why not put it to good use, like he had said before? He saw no harm in that - none at all. With the right person in possession of the Ring, a good person, nothing could go wrong. Why should it? Surely this little piece of gold couldn't be purely evil...
After a long moment of contemplation of the gold band in front of him, Boromir spoke in a soft, almost possessed voice." It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt...over so small a thing." He shook his head as if confused by the mere thought." Such a little thing." He reached out with a gloved fingertip to stroke the thing of his desire -
" Boromir!" The man started at the sharp edge in Aragorn's voice. The dark haired human's face was set grimly, and he watched Boromir warily. Somehow, he didn't put it past the man to try something with the Ring. This one could not be trusted any longer." Give the Ring to Frodo," he said in a more quiet tone.
Boromir hesitated for a moment, not sure whether he wanted to follow what his heart so desperately wanted, or listen to his head. Finally, he shook himself out of his stupor." As you wish." He walked over, looking down at Frodo, and gave a little laugh, ruffling the hobbit's hair. Nimbly, he handed the chain over to the hobbit, who grabbed it posessively and held it close to his body. Boromir's gaze shifted to Aragorn's narrowed one." I care not."
The ranger watched Boromir turn and walk away, and only when the man was yards away from Frodo did he loosen his tight grip on the sword attached to his belt. Frodo's head bent back as he searched Aragorn's eyes with his own deep blue ones." I'm beginning to lose trust in Boromir," the hobbit confessed quietly. There was a hint of almost shame in his voice, as if he felt responsible for the lust for power the Ring installed in people.
Aragorn nodded slowly, and put a hand on Frodo's shoulder." So am I," he agreed just as softly." But do not worry. It will be all right." With Frodo's affirmation of that, he led the hobbit back up the hill to where the others had already stood up and cleaned off, snowball fight forgotten.
" We continue until nightfall," Aragorn nodded in Gandalf's direction, who gestured for the man to lead the way. Aragorn walked to the head of the line, who were standing quiet and watchful around him. When he passed Nevada, the two shared a knowing look that lasted for a second, then he broke away." Come! We must cover as much ground as possible before the sun sets."
" When the sun sets, it will be colder!" Pippin burst out, rushing through the thick snow and nearly tripping to match Aragorn's pace. His small, sharp-featured face peered up at the man through scraggly, light brown bangs.
Aragorn spared the hobbit an exasperated glance." Yes, Pippin, it will. We will not have the luxury of the sun's warmth."
Pippin colored, but continued speaking, resisting the urge to tug on Aragorn's sleeve." Shouldn't we start a fire when it gets colder?"
He shook his head regretfully." No, Pippin, we can't start a fire. That would attract the attention of unfriendly eyes, including that of Saruman's. We will not use fire unless it is absolutely necessary."
Pippin sighed in disappointment when Aragorn walked further ahead." If the weather keeps getting chillier, it may be necessary," he said to himself, frowning.
" Don't worry, Pip," Merry came up, giving his companion a good natured smile. He hefted up his backpack and put an arm around his cousin's shoulder." We won't be beaten by a mountain, we're made of strong stuff then that!" Pippin smiled weakly, but otherwise kept quiet as the fellowship continued walking.
" Liana." Nevada walked over and kept pace with the faerie, who gave her a questioning look. Making sure a certain human wasn't around to hear, she lowered her voice to talk in Liana's ear." Did you catch all of that back there?"
The princess nodded, her amber gaze lighting briefly on the man of Gondor, then again on Frodo." Yes, and I should be more surprised than I really am. For some reason, I feel as if we should have been expecting this."
Nevada agreed." Men's hearts are easily swayed."
" Very easily," Liana added in a low voice of her own." It's almost frightening. This won't make anything easier for our Ring Bearer."
" He didn't have it easy to begin with," Nevada countered.
" I know, but he shouldn't have to worry about problems within the Fellowship," Liana remarked." We should watch him," she whispered.
Nevada looked at Liana, then turned violet irises to Aragorn, nodding slowly." We will."
They didn't stop again for another two hours, until the sun sent streaks of red, gold, and orange across the sky. They happened upon a few large rocks sticking out of the snow like cold sores, and decided it would be as best a spot as any to rest and block out any winds that might spring up in the middle of the night.
" Now can we have a fire?" Pippin pleaded.
" No." Aragorn returned briskly, sweeping past the hobbit to put down his things and aid Gandalf into setting up camp.
" We wouldn't have to have a fire if we had gone through Moria," Gimli grumbled as he unraveled his pack and set his axe nearby for close reach. His dwarvish accent thickened with each angry word." The mines can be as warm as a hot fire, and as welcome as a feast after a famine."
" Get over it," Nevada sneered, rolling her eyes and doing her best to ignore him.
" Don't start with me, lass," Gimli growled dangerously, his hand reaching slowly for his axe. Nevada bared her teeth and reached for her sword in the same instant.
" Enough, out of both of you," Gandalf ordered, giving them both a harsh glare." Save your strength for the real dangers to come."
" Like Gimli's fat, smelly relatives?" Nevada mumbled, not caring if the dwarf heard her or not. If he did, he didn't say anything, so she shrugged and walked over to one of the rocks, sitting down on its cold surface. Bitterly aware of the rising cold, she hugged herself discreetly, watching the members of the fellowship with a calculating gaze.
" Are you hungry?" Looking up, she saw Boromir towering over her. In his hand was a plate full of frozen green vegetables and bacon.
Nevada's nose wrinkled and she reared back." No, thanks, I'll pass."
He shrugged and sat down next to her, helping himself to some of the bacon and chewing slowly, thoughtfully." You don't speak much of your past, Nevada."
She stiffened slightly, but otherwise didn't show a reaction." My past is my business."
Wanting to wince at the barb, Boromir just nodded." I understand."
" Good."
The two went into another silence, only it was slightly uncomfortable than before. Boromir paused, watching her form sitting quietly next to his, slightly hunched over against the cold but otherwise emotionless. Her face was like a mask, mysterious and deceiving as to what was really going on in her head." Have you ever been to Gondor?"
She nodded." Once. Long before you were born."
If Boromir was put off by the comment, he didn't show it." What are you used to?"
Nevada blinked, and broke her gaze from the others to him." Excuse me?"
" What climate are you used to, since you seemed to hate this one with a passion."
She resisted the urge to frown, and found herself fidgeting in her seat." The jungle. I've already told everyone-"
" Oh, that's right," Boromir nodded, suddenly remembering." It slipped my mind." She nodded and resumed back to her, well.watch." Did you enjoy it there?"
Now clearly agitated and somewhat perturbed, Nevada looked him in the eyes." Yes, I did. Very Much."
" You must miss it." Sympathetically, Boromir touched her arm." I know how that feels." His hand gripped her arm lightly, his eyes warm with something she couldn't place.
Reacting as if she'd been slapped, she jerked a bit. Though she loathed to walk away from anything, this man was making her more uncomfortable than she'd like to admit. She kept seeing him holding the ring, the look in his eyes telling her that he wanted to run with it, run and use it to further the splendor of his home, Gondor." I'll just go and see if Liana needs help with the blankets." Nodding in his direction, she got up as smoothly as she could and strode away, leaving a confused Boromir behind.
Nevada chewed on her lip, deep in thought, when she reached the blankets. She went to pick one up, found out it was warm, and sat herself down on a rock with it in her hands. She burrowed her fingers in the blanket's warmth and stared at the ground, resting her chin on its scratchy surface. What was she going to do? Why was he acting like that? Why did it bother her so much? Should she tell Liana? Glancing over at her friend quickly, she shook her head at herself. No. That would mean murder for the human. I'll tell Liana when he's far, far away from her.
" Everything all right?" Aragorn came up and rested an elbow on a rock nearby.
She whipped her head up to look at him, pushing her hair out of her face to get a better view." Everything's fine. I'm not hungry, I hate this weather, and I don't need to be comforted."
Aragorn frowned at her." That does not sound fine."
" You're an intelligent one," Nevada muttered crossly.
" Nevada," Aragorn warned. When she didn't say anything, but opted to stare off into space again, he sighed and sat down next to her. Seeing her anything but confident made him uneasy." Tell me what the problem is."
" Not a what. A who. And he's over there." Nevada subtly looked in the direction she came from, and Aragorn followed her gaze.
" What happened?" he asked quietly.
Nevada opened her mouth to speak, then stopped. How could she word this?" He." Frowning in frustration, she tried again." I might be mistaking this for an innocent conversation-"
" What did he say to you, Nevada?" Aragorn demanded, eyes flashing.
Nevada's head went up, slightly surprised at the vehemence in his voice." Aragorn, like I said, I could be overreacting, but.It felt like he was.He was prying," she finally got out, her purple eyes showing conflicted emotions." Or at least it felt like it. It might have been in a friendly way, but it did not feel friendly. Or hostile." She shook her head, then waved a hand in the air in a dismissive gesture." It doesn't matter. Now that I've spoken of it, I'm sure I'm making more of this than-"
" No, Nevada, it's okay," Aragorn assured her. He went to drop a hand on her shoulder as a gesture of comfort, but decided against it. She probably didn't need that right now." I'm glad you told me."
She nodded, then dropped her voice to just above a whisper." Liana doesn't trust him, either. And neither of us are usually wrong about these sort of things. Honestly, this would not have been a big deal if he hadn't pulled that episode with the Ring."
" I know," Aragorn agreed. He peered into Nevada's eyes with his blue ones, astonished to see a true spark of unease in their violet depths, and it worried him." Get some sleep before it gets too cold," he said quietly." You're going to need it."
She nodded." All right." Nevada went to walk away, then paused. Turning her upper body back so she could see his face, she added," Thanks."
When the night just cuts you through,
And the dream is lost to you,
When you're worried and confused,
I will give you my heart,
Give you my shoulder.
~'Heart And Shoulder' by Heather Nova
Chapter 14
" How are you, my lad?"
Frodo started at the age-old, slightly gruff voice that asked him this question, and strained his neck to look up into the face of Gandalf. Blinking, he met the wizard's timeworn gaze of faded blue, a mere shadow of the vibrant color it once was, and replied quietly," I am well, Gandalf."
The wizard nodded, although he didn't look entirely convinced. They walked in silence for a few moments, the only sound being the distant chatter of the other companions and the crunch of their boots on the snow-packed ground of the upper hills of Caradhras. They were not yet on the mountain range, but in the hills that led up to it. Come nightfall, however, they would reach the first mountain peak and have to cross it. Drawing in a breath, Gandalf said," I know the Ring weighs heavily on your mind, Frodo." Ignoring the hobbit's sharp look, he continued." I see your unease grow day by day."
Out of habit, Frodo lifted a hand to grasp the ring laying against his chest, cold and heavy on its silver chain. His fingers closed around it, briefly, before letting go reluctantly. Every once in a while he would feel a disconcerting dull pain around his heart, as if it knew a great evil rested so near, and now was one of those times. It got worse as they traveled farther, but the dark, curly-haired hobbit had said nothing, bearing the burden quietly and without complaint. With Gandalf bringing his unease out in the open, it made him feel even more vulnerable." I manage," he finally replied, painfully aware of Gandalf's piercing gaze.
Something flashed in the old wizard's eyes (sorrow?) but then it vanished, and he laid his weathered hand on Frodo's green cloaked shoulder." I know you do, dear boy. And so do they."
Frodo's eyes traveled from Gandalf to the rest of the Fellowship in front of them. He hadn't been aware that the two of them had slowed their pace to be at the end of the group, but he supposed it was because Gandalf had wanted them to speak privately. Did they know? Were they aware of his discomfort? The thought didn't settle well with Frodo; he hoped they didn't suspect much, for he didn't want their pity. He was doing just fine, and he'd preferred it if the knowledge of the Ring's...power was kept between himself and Gandalf.
" But come now, Frodo!" Unexpectedly, Gandalf clapped him on the back, sending Frodo forward a bit." Free yourself of that long face. I know it is a mite chilly out, and it will get worse before it gets better, but as we travel further south, the warmth should return."
Frodo nodded and smiled tentatively, unconsciously pulling his cloak closer to his small body. It *was* chilly out, almost to the point of being uncomfortable because of the snow on the ground, but there was nothing he could do about it but deal with it. No amount of complaining was going to change the weather.
Unfortunately, some people had not learned that simple fact.
" I cannot believe I am walking through snow," Nevada snapped to no one in particular.
" Tis not the snow that bothers me," Pippin grumbled along side her," I can handle snow. But no fire? How are we supposed to eat a decent meal!"
" Ridiculous," Nevada muttered under her breath, unconsciously agreeing with the hobbit." No warmth because of a pack of crows. Valar, what I would have given to shoot one of them."
" That would have made for a tasty-ow!" Pippin halted, giving Merry a frown and rubbing his arm." What was that for, Merry?"
" Quit complaining, Pip," Merry replied, slightly irritated with his cousin." Gandalf said that a fire would attract Saruman's attention, and we don't want that, do we?" When the younger hobbit shook his head forlornly, Merry nodded with conviction." Good."
Nevada watched the exchange with an arched eyebrow." Bossy little thing, aren't you?" Merry flushed slightly." Hey, Liana, he takes after you."
Liana snorted, but otherwise ignored her Nevada's comment.
" Someone's in a surly mood," Nev remarked, but she understood why. She wasn't too happy herself - not with this cursed snow and chill in the air. The leggings her and Liana had put on under the skirts helped, but not enough to ward off the growing cold. The long sleeve shirts that they had on under their shells didn't help all that much either. Everyone's dispositions seemed to have taken a plunge the minute they had to take this path, and it was becoming irritating. The humans were more quiet than usual, gazing about the area with somber eyes and solemn expressions, and the elf kept pace with Aragorn, his light tread barely making an imprint on the ground. Of course, theirs didn't, either - their boots were quite lightweight themselves, so her and Liana didn't have to worry about sinking into the snow. Even the hobbits were more hushed.
Liana slanted a glance at Nevada before turning back to the "pathway" they were on that led them into the mountains. She hated this weather more than anything, and it was indeed making her surly. She lived in a desert, for the Valar's sake, and was certainly *not* used to the extreme cold this mountain would deliver. While Liana had never lived in a cold environment, she knew that it would become more frigid the higher they went, and the temperature would drop the minute the sun set. She absolutely hated that knowledge. The constant nagging feeling in the back of her head did not help matters, either. She was feeling increasingly uneasy as they went further up, and couldn't understand why. She saw no threat coming from the mountain itself, except for the cold. Liana sighed in frustration. She usually kept her emotions in check when it came to times like these, but she was feeling a serious pout coming on, for better lack of a word. The thought of herself going into a pout made her smile and shake her head.' Quit feeling sorry for yourself and get over it,' she reprimended herself.' You can handle a bit of cold, big baby.'
" Whatever are you smiling for, Princess?"
Jostled out of her thoughts, she looked over and met Boromir's gaze. Smiling easily, she admitted," I was thinking how sorry I'm acting over a bit of cold and snow."
Boromir laughed." We never expected this, did we?" She nodded in agreement." I must admit, neither you or Nevada look as if you belong in this climate." Which they don't, he thought to himself. The stark contrast of Nevada's midnight black hair to the pure white of the snow was startling, and both girl's golden skin hues were out of place.
" We don't," Liana sighed." And that's becoming more blatantly obvious."
" We shouldn't be here long," Boromir chuckled." A few days, if no sudden snow storms hit."
" Sudden snow storms?" Nevada quipped, mood blackening at the thought." Are you joking?"
" Nay, my lady," Boromir shook his head, missing Nevada's grimace and Liana's amused grin at the term of respect." Luck might have us come through this unscathed, but nature is fickle with that sort of thing."
" Figures," Nevada rolled her eyes." Nature is fickle with anything."
The three lapsed into silence, growing even more aware of the oncoming chill in the air. There was no denying that they were going up now; not only from the cold, but from the change in the air. Breathing became slightly more labored for the majority of the company because of the decrease in oxygen. The hobbits certainly felt the lightheadedness of the ascend up the mountain, and it wouldn't be long before the others felt its presence keenly. Caradhras was never kind to its travelers, and the Fellowship would be no exception.
Liana shivered slightly, hugging herself and rubbing the cloth material of her cloak against her skin. She could see her breath in the air now - that was definitely not something she was used to. While the chill didn't affect her as much as it might the humans or the hobbits, she still felt it deep in her bones as the sun sunk lower in the sky. She watched the poor little hobbits huddle in their blankets, and felt a twinge of sympathy.' If I'm cold, they have to be freezing, poor guys,' she thought to herself, and reached over to give Sam, the nearest hobbit, a reassuring half-hug, giving the faithful creature a little of her warmth. He looked up in surprise, then gave her a crooked, grateful smile, before turning back to squint against the snow, which gave off a bright glare due to the sun.
Nevada padded across the snow lightly to catch up to her friend, and walked close, muttering in her ear," Whose idea was this, anyway? This will only get worse as the sun goes down. I can see it in my mind; we'll freeze."
" *We* won't," Liana murmured back. She cursed silently as her voice stammered; she couldn't be that affected." The hobbits will. They're so little, it makes me worry." She paused, then lifted the side of her mouth in a slight smirk." Besides-it was Gandalf's idea."
" Wizards-what are they good for," Nevada muttered, making Liana smile. She was freezing, too, but refused to admit to it. She'd be damned if she showed those filthy humans and that pretty boy elf she was suffering just like them." Why are we moving so slow?" she turned around to glare at the humans, hobbits and dwarf-her, Liana, Legolas and Gandalf were far ahead." If you want to live to see tomorrow, you'll get the lead out."
" As unfortunate as it is, we cannot glide across the snow," Gimli growled at the faerie. He picked up the pace to be level with her, trudging through the heavy snow." So I would say quit bossing us around and walk."
Nevada narrowed her eyes dangerously and moved over to him. A firm hand gripped her arm, and she whirled at who would dare to touch her.
" Leave them be," Aragorn said sternly, staring down at her enraged face." They cannot help it." She opened her mouth to say something, but before she could get it out he passed her by, muttering," And for God's sake, quit complaining."
Completely enraged, the faerie sputtered for a moment, appalled that he would speak to her that way. She growled as she passed by Liana, who was unsuccessfully trying to hide a grin, but couldn't hide the humor in her golden eyes. As she continued to walk, an idea struck her, and she nearly stopped again. The back of Aragorn loomed ahead of her, slushing through the white, thick stuff, his sword scraping the surface of the snow as it dangled from its case on his side. A smile fleeted across her face, and she stooped to grab a handful of snow. She started walking again, molding the snow to her liking, and ended up next to Frodo. The young hobbit glanced up, watching the dark-haired faerie's concentration as she shaped her snowball, felt the weight of it against her hand. She caught his gaze, her violet eyes lighting with amusement as he smiled back at her cutely. Stooping low, he picked up his own handful of snow, and began shaping a snowball.
Nevada let out a low, delighted laugh, causing nearby ears to stop and listen at the gorgeous sound. At the end of her laughter, Nevada hid the ball behind her back, walked a little faster, and called out," Aragorn! I must have a word with you."
" What is it now, Nevada?" he turned, his tone impatient. She cocked her head slightly, and waited for him to come to her. Glaring down, he crossed his arms when he reached her." What is it you wish to speak to me about?"
She shrugged." I forgot." Pulling out her ammo, she pulled her arm back and whipped the stuff forward-hitting Aragorn full on in the face. She grinned at his stunned _expression and ran before he could recuperate.
Frodo laughed at the look on Aragorn's face, and turned to get a snowball in his own face." Hey!" he cried, and chased after Pippin with his own creation.
When Nevada reached Liana and put a hand on her shoulder, the faerie only watched her friend in amusement." Quick, Liana," Nevada siad urgently, and stooped to grab another handful of snow." Help-"
*Fwack!*
She sputtered as Liana grinned at her, grabbing some more snow to pelt at her best friend. She missed the looming figure behind her as she watched Aragorn creep up behind Nevada, a full-fledged snowball fight going on. Laughing, she watched Aragorn give a battle yell and tackle the faerie head-on, knocking her down and shoving snow in her face.
" Wah!" Liana pitched forward as a certain wizard pelted her in the back with heavy ammo. She fell to her knees, and turned in the snow to hear the old wizard laugh at her. Shaking her head with a grin, she made another snowball and aimed." Stick with magic, Gandalf!" Her ammo smacked at the crooked hat he always wore, knocking it off his head and onto the light snow. The old man gave a cry of disbelief, and turned to see where it went.
Just then, a streak of a hobbit ran by and grabbed the hat. Laughing delightedly, Pippin shouted," I got his hat! I got Gandalf's hat!!'
A full-out war was brewing between Aragorn and Nevada. Snowballs flew, and he barely managed to get the she-cat on the ground before she flung snow in his eyes and scrambled to move. Wiping at his eyes furiously, he grabbed blindly and got her hair." Yow! Filthy human!" she spat, and reached to claw at his hair.
" Nevada! Stop it!" he commanded, and managed a quick laugh as she fought him. She managed to grab more snow and went to throw it in his face, but he grabbed her wrist first. A struggle of strength ensued, and both grunted as she tried to push her arm toward his face and he tried to pull hers away. Desperate and laughing like a fool, Aragorn leaned into her, his face near her wrist. Because of her jostled movements, his face was brought closer - and he accidently grazed her wrist with his teeth.
" AH! You BIT me, you sonofa-"
Liana giggled like a child at the sight, and climbed to her feet. A pair of deerskin boots from farther off caught her attention. Legolas was standing off to the side, a hand resting lightly on his hip with a slightly amused look on his face as he watched the merriment.
' Oh, we can't have that, now can we?' Liana thought, smiling mischeviously to herself. Instead of coming straight up to him, she spotted the dwarf struggling to get out of the snow, and grabbed another snowball. Aiming carefully, she got up close and whipped it at the unsuspecting Gimli, hitting him squarely in the face.
He yelled in outrage and looked up and around, spotting a guiltless looking Liana." Did you hit me, lass?" he shouted angrily.
All innocence and wide eyes, she shook her head, and pointed to the lonely elf." He did it."
Gimli turned his enraged glare on the elf, and with a yell, ran up and tackled him down.
" Gimli, what-" Legolas barely had time to be surprised before his face was shoved in the cold snow. He pushed the dwarf off of him and got up, brushing himself off." Gimli, what are you doing?" he demanded.
" Getting back at you for the snowball, elf!" Gimli spit out, and huffed off." The lass saw you do it."
Legolas raised an eyebrow, and turned to catch Liana's gaze. She was...laughing at him. Catching on, he half smiled, and scraped up snow in his hand behind his back. Walking up to her, he shook his head." What a foolish thing to do, faerie." Before she could say anything, he turned her around and pulled open the back of her cloak and shirt-pouring cold snow down her bare back.
"*Oh!*" She gasped and tried vainly to grab at the freezing ice trailing its way down her back. She turned in fury at the tall elf, his eyes laughing at her discomfort." You crazy tree hugger!" she growled, and jumped after him, who caught on and ran ahead first. She chased him for a couple of seconds before lunging and pulling on his hair, knocking him down and practically sitting on him as she shoveled snow in his face." How do you like that, huh?!" she shouted, nearly burying him in the snow as her body kept him from getting up.
" Liana! I cannot breathe!" Legolas managed to push her hands away so he could free his face from the snow. He drew in a few grateful breaths, then stopped to glare at the faerie sitting on him.
Liana couldn't help it. He looked so funny, wet snow dripping off his nose, chin and eyebrows, she started laughing pointedly. And couldn't stop. Amused, Legolas smiled, then a chuckle rumbled deep in his chest, and he laughed-fully and heartily. Liana quieted down a bit to hear him-he certainly needed to laugh more often. It was a gorgeous sound. She joined in again and, weak with mirth, leaned down and rested her forward against his, one hand braced on the ground and the other close to his hair. A stray chuckle escaped her lips at the position they were in.
" I'm practically sitting on you," she laughed out, pulling away from his forehead but still staying close.
His mouth quirked up in a little smile." You're not heavy at all." His voice had dropped to just above a whisper, his eyes, pools of blue, looking up at hers.
She looked at him, and was now suddenly aware of the pair of arms wrapped loosely around her waist. The palms of his hands rested on her back, and she could feel their warmth seeping through her tunic. Stiffening, her mind screamed at her to get off, get away from him, this was dangerous and stupid - *he is an elf!!* But she didn't move, and neither did he. She didn't *want* to move. Being around him made her feel exhilirated, breathless...And she had no idea why. When did an innocent little snowball fight turn into this?
" Liana-" Legolas began, his voice sounding a big strained, but he stopped. Both stilled, and a feeling of dread filled their hearts.
" Come on! Let me go!" Nevada reduced herself to kicking out against him, hoping she'd catch his shin or his knee.
" You brought this on yourself!" Aragorn countered. He knew that the minute he let go her wrist, she would lash out, and he didn't want to have any lasting bruises." Calm down!"
" You calm down! And you're hurting my wrist!"
" I am not!"
" Ow, ow, Aragorn, let go," Nevada winced, and immediately, the man let go. She gained back her arm, then grinned up at him evilly. Before he could react, she balled up a fist and punched him in the shoulder.
Aragorn let out a blasphemy and recoiled, glaring at her severely." That was uncalled for."
She smiled sweetly at him." You brought it on yourself." He gave her a surly look and brushed the snow off his shoulders. Right when he stood up, a warning went off in his head, and he looked around for the source.
Frodo.
The faerie and the elf looked over at the same time to see Frodo stumble and fall into the snow. Normally this wouldn't alarm the two, but with their sharp vision they saw a glint of gold lying in the snow a few yards away - right in front of Boromir. The two exchanged a look and helped each other up.
Nevada frowned as Aragorn rushed over to help Frodo. She rolled over on her stomach, still in the snow, her brow furrowed.
" Nevada? What's going on?" Pippin whispered as quiet as he could manage from next to her.
She shook her head, causing the raven locks to shake." I don't know," she whispered back." But it doesn't look good."
" Boromir." Aragorn's voice was chillingly soft.
They all watched in complete silence as the human reached down and picked up the Ring by its silver chain. He held it aloft in front of him, an unnamed desire flaring in his eyes as he beheld the powerful thing. It was so little...yet it held sway so much power over people. Oh, what it could do for Gondor...Give them the power to defeat the evil that held it in its clutches, make them strong again...They *needed* this Ring. Why should it be destroyed? Why not put it to good use, like he had said before? He saw no harm in that - none at all. With the right person in possession of the Ring, a good person, nothing could go wrong. Why should it? Surely this little piece of gold couldn't be purely evil...
After a long moment of contemplation of the gold band in front of him, Boromir spoke in a soft, almost possessed voice." It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt...over so small a thing." He shook his head as if confused by the mere thought." Such a little thing." He reached out with a gloved fingertip to stroke the thing of his desire -
" Boromir!" The man started at the sharp edge in Aragorn's voice. The dark haired human's face was set grimly, and he watched Boromir warily. Somehow, he didn't put it past the man to try something with the Ring. This one could not be trusted any longer." Give the Ring to Frodo," he said in a more quiet tone.
Boromir hesitated for a moment, not sure whether he wanted to follow what his heart so desperately wanted, or listen to his head. Finally, he shook himself out of his stupor." As you wish." He walked over, looking down at Frodo, and gave a little laugh, ruffling the hobbit's hair. Nimbly, he handed the chain over to the hobbit, who grabbed it posessively and held it close to his body. Boromir's gaze shifted to Aragorn's narrowed one." I care not."
The ranger watched Boromir turn and walk away, and only when the man was yards away from Frodo did he loosen his tight grip on the sword attached to his belt. Frodo's head bent back as he searched Aragorn's eyes with his own deep blue ones." I'm beginning to lose trust in Boromir," the hobbit confessed quietly. There was a hint of almost shame in his voice, as if he felt responsible for the lust for power the Ring installed in people.
Aragorn nodded slowly, and put a hand on Frodo's shoulder." So am I," he agreed just as softly." But do not worry. It will be all right." With Frodo's affirmation of that, he led the hobbit back up the hill to where the others had already stood up and cleaned off, snowball fight forgotten.
" We continue until nightfall," Aragorn nodded in Gandalf's direction, who gestured for the man to lead the way. Aragorn walked to the head of the line, who were standing quiet and watchful around him. When he passed Nevada, the two shared a knowing look that lasted for a second, then he broke away." Come! We must cover as much ground as possible before the sun sets."
" When the sun sets, it will be colder!" Pippin burst out, rushing through the thick snow and nearly tripping to match Aragorn's pace. His small, sharp-featured face peered up at the man through scraggly, light brown bangs.
Aragorn spared the hobbit an exasperated glance." Yes, Pippin, it will. We will not have the luxury of the sun's warmth."
Pippin colored, but continued speaking, resisting the urge to tug on Aragorn's sleeve." Shouldn't we start a fire when it gets colder?"
He shook his head regretfully." No, Pippin, we can't start a fire. That would attract the attention of unfriendly eyes, including that of Saruman's. We will not use fire unless it is absolutely necessary."
Pippin sighed in disappointment when Aragorn walked further ahead." If the weather keeps getting chillier, it may be necessary," he said to himself, frowning.
" Don't worry, Pip," Merry came up, giving his companion a good natured smile. He hefted up his backpack and put an arm around his cousin's shoulder." We won't be beaten by a mountain, we're made of strong stuff then that!" Pippin smiled weakly, but otherwise kept quiet as the fellowship continued walking.
" Liana." Nevada walked over and kept pace with the faerie, who gave her a questioning look. Making sure a certain human wasn't around to hear, she lowered her voice to talk in Liana's ear." Did you catch all of that back there?"
The princess nodded, her amber gaze lighting briefly on the man of Gondor, then again on Frodo." Yes, and I should be more surprised than I really am. For some reason, I feel as if we should have been expecting this."
Nevada agreed." Men's hearts are easily swayed."
" Very easily," Liana added in a low voice of her own." It's almost frightening. This won't make anything easier for our Ring Bearer."
" He didn't have it easy to begin with," Nevada countered.
" I know, but he shouldn't have to worry about problems within the Fellowship," Liana remarked." We should watch him," she whispered.
Nevada looked at Liana, then turned violet irises to Aragorn, nodding slowly." We will."
They didn't stop again for another two hours, until the sun sent streaks of red, gold, and orange across the sky. They happened upon a few large rocks sticking out of the snow like cold sores, and decided it would be as best a spot as any to rest and block out any winds that might spring up in the middle of the night.
" Now can we have a fire?" Pippin pleaded.
" No." Aragorn returned briskly, sweeping past the hobbit to put down his things and aid Gandalf into setting up camp.
" We wouldn't have to have a fire if we had gone through Moria," Gimli grumbled as he unraveled his pack and set his axe nearby for close reach. His dwarvish accent thickened with each angry word." The mines can be as warm as a hot fire, and as welcome as a feast after a famine."
" Get over it," Nevada sneered, rolling her eyes and doing her best to ignore him.
" Don't start with me, lass," Gimli growled dangerously, his hand reaching slowly for his axe. Nevada bared her teeth and reached for her sword in the same instant.
" Enough, out of both of you," Gandalf ordered, giving them both a harsh glare." Save your strength for the real dangers to come."
" Like Gimli's fat, smelly relatives?" Nevada mumbled, not caring if the dwarf heard her or not. If he did, he didn't say anything, so she shrugged and walked over to one of the rocks, sitting down on its cold surface. Bitterly aware of the rising cold, she hugged herself discreetly, watching the members of the fellowship with a calculating gaze.
" Are you hungry?" Looking up, she saw Boromir towering over her. In his hand was a plate full of frozen green vegetables and bacon.
Nevada's nose wrinkled and she reared back." No, thanks, I'll pass."
He shrugged and sat down next to her, helping himself to some of the bacon and chewing slowly, thoughtfully." You don't speak much of your past, Nevada."
She stiffened slightly, but otherwise didn't show a reaction." My past is my business."
Wanting to wince at the barb, Boromir just nodded." I understand."
" Good."
The two went into another silence, only it was slightly uncomfortable than before. Boromir paused, watching her form sitting quietly next to his, slightly hunched over against the cold but otherwise emotionless. Her face was like a mask, mysterious and deceiving as to what was really going on in her head." Have you ever been to Gondor?"
She nodded." Once. Long before you were born."
If Boromir was put off by the comment, he didn't show it." What are you used to?"
Nevada blinked, and broke her gaze from the others to him." Excuse me?"
" What climate are you used to, since you seemed to hate this one with a passion."
She resisted the urge to frown, and found herself fidgeting in her seat." The jungle. I've already told everyone-"
" Oh, that's right," Boromir nodded, suddenly remembering." It slipped my mind." She nodded and resumed back to her, well.watch." Did you enjoy it there?"
Now clearly agitated and somewhat perturbed, Nevada looked him in the eyes." Yes, I did. Very Much."
" You must miss it." Sympathetically, Boromir touched her arm." I know how that feels." His hand gripped her arm lightly, his eyes warm with something she couldn't place.
Reacting as if she'd been slapped, she jerked a bit. Though she loathed to walk away from anything, this man was making her more uncomfortable than she'd like to admit. She kept seeing him holding the ring, the look in his eyes telling her that he wanted to run with it, run and use it to further the splendor of his home, Gondor." I'll just go and see if Liana needs help with the blankets." Nodding in his direction, she got up as smoothly as she could and strode away, leaving a confused Boromir behind.
Nevada chewed on her lip, deep in thought, when she reached the blankets. She went to pick one up, found out it was warm, and sat herself down on a rock with it in her hands. She burrowed her fingers in the blanket's warmth and stared at the ground, resting her chin on its scratchy surface. What was she going to do? Why was he acting like that? Why did it bother her so much? Should she tell Liana? Glancing over at her friend quickly, she shook her head at herself. No. That would mean murder for the human. I'll tell Liana when he's far, far away from her.
" Everything all right?" Aragorn came up and rested an elbow on a rock nearby.
She whipped her head up to look at him, pushing her hair out of her face to get a better view." Everything's fine. I'm not hungry, I hate this weather, and I don't need to be comforted."
Aragorn frowned at her." That does not sound fine."
" You're an intelligent one," Nevada muttered crossly.
" Nevada," Aragorn warned. When she didn't say anything, but opted to stare off into space again, he sighed and sat down next to her. Seeing her anything but confident made him uneasy." Tell me what the problem is."
" Not a what. A who. And he's over there." Nevada subtly looked in the direction she came from, and Aragorn followed her gaze.
" What happened?" he asked quietly.
Nevada opened her mouth to speak, then stopped. How could she word this?" He." Frowning in frustration, she tried again." I might be mistaking this for an innocent conversation-"
" What did he say to you, Nevada?" Aragorn demanded, eyes flashing.
Nevada's head went up, slightly surprised at the vehemence in his voice." Aragorn, like I said, I could be overreacting, but.It felt like he was.He was prying," she finally got out, her purple eyes showing conflicted emotions." Or at least it felt like it. It might have been in a friendly way, but it did not feel friendly. Or hostile." She shook her head, then waved a hand in the air in a dismissive gesture." It doesn't matter. Now that I've spoken of it, I'm sure I'm making more of this than-"
" No, Nevada, it's okay," Aragorn assured her. He went to drop a hand on her shoulder as a gesture of comfort, but decided against it. She probably didn't need that right now." I'm glad you told me."
She nodded, then dropped her voice to just above a whisper." Liana doesn't trust him, either. And neither of us are usually wrong about these sort of things. Honestly, this would not have been a big deal if he hadn't pulled that episode with the Ring."
" I know," Aragorn agreed. He peered into Nevada's eyes with his blue ones, astonished to see a true spark of unease in their violet depths, and it worried him." Get some sleep before it gets too cold," he said quietly." You're going to need it."
She nodded." All right." Nevada went to walk away, then paused. Turning her upper body back so she could see his face, she added," Thanks."
