Author's Note: This was generally, as far as I ever meant to go, and as such, this will be the second last chapter of 'Voice Within'. But I have planned to go ahead with the story, just as a separate fiction. I'll explain when I next update. Anyway, thanks a billion to all my lovely reviewers! I'm so sorry for taking soo long to update, but with my birthday and Christmas (and EE) and everything, things got out of hand!

I do not own Tolkien, or any of the following names or places.

Immortal Sorrow (Arrow): LOL, poor thing: I hope the rest of school went by quickly for you. Thanks for the kind review!

Ice Ember: Mwahaha! Lol, don't worry, you'll find out soon enough. I'm glad you approve of the quotes, I wasn't sure about them. Thanks for the review!

The essence of popsicles: LOL, oh that's what Grelvish is. Thought it was along those lines. Hehe, oh the shame. I admit, I'm not great at my elvish. Mostly my elvish vocab consists of some dubious sounding insults and a few simple sentences. It is however my intention to learn… eventually. Thank you for the kind words, but as for the scream question… evil grin You'll just have to wait and see. :)

Azla: Lol, wouldn't you like to know? :) I'm enjoying being so evil at the moment. Hehe, thanks for the review!

Sunn-kissed: Lol, I won't yell at you. It's fine, I have that problem myself sometimes. Thanks for the review!

Arlewen: One week? You poor thing: I bought the EE the day you reviewed! I'm kind of devastated that it's all over, but I'm so happy to have finally seen it. It's amazing, eh? Thank you for the, yet again, lovely review! :)

Gods-girl2004: Your 'story of the day' was cool! I used to do that all the time, before I drove my family and friends insane. (They just don't understand, lol) Well, I just suppose that Diamond made Pip a very happy hobbit. not as happy as one of US could have made him :) Hi Fred! I'm sure Pippin would love to be friends with him! And sure, I'd love a hobbit-friend! Can his name be… er, Mat? Thanks for the review!

Camellia Gamgee-Took: Glad you enjoyed! Lol, if you can't count on Pippin to lighten the mood, who can you count on? Thanks for the review!

Tini-angel: Lol no, those songs belong to Professer Tolkien. I am 'practically tone-death', to quote Phillipa Boyens, and have no poetic or musical ability what-so-ever. Thanks for the lovely review, and I love Pippin too! :)

Chaotic-mind-sevi: Lol yes, Pippin is extremely adorable. Thanks for the lovely review! :)

Pipinheart: Thank you for the kind words. I know I would never abandon Pip just because he couldn't speak, lol. Thanks muchly for the review!

Storyfish: Thank you for the wonderful review! I'll be sure to make sure Pippin has his own little song just for you, lol. Originally I didn't want to go into all that dark stuff (orcs, palantir etc) but as long as people are still interested, I'll keep writing it. Thanks again :)

Fernie: Hellooo! Lol, thank you Fernie! Hehe don't worry, you don't sound too English-teacher-ish. Thanks very much for the lovely review! :)

Sakural23: Hello there. Thanks for the lovely review for 'I'll always have the moon', and I'm glad you've enjoyed this. :)

Cat Yuy: I'm glad you like this! Lol, don't worry, there's much more of this to come.

Chapter Eleven: Lothlorien

Legolas

Suddenly the elf turned, watching the spear helplessly even as he ran after the orc chieftain. Frodo's eyes widened in pain and he released a small cry as the blow caught his right side. The hobbit was thrust backwards, arms flung back in mindless defense as he struck the stone wall, and was pinned there. He did not move now, arms dangling limp.

As Legolas sprang towards the offending orc, two piercing screams assaulted his sensitive ears: both familiar, yet only one recognisable. "Frodo!"

Startled, he paused and turned, seeking the source of the new sound. He had only seconds to spare, but he dimly noted the younger hobbits rushing to their cousin's side, both of whom carried sickened expressions on their pale faces; tears streaming from their eyes. Pippin?

Legolas was momentarily distracted, reaching for his bow and impaling a nearby orc with an improvised arrow: many of his were already spent. By the time he could break, Aragorn had Frodo in his arms, and was dragging Peregrin along with him as they fled. Could it be…?

I spent a great deal of time once leaving Moria behind pondering the second voice. Certainly it was there, and not imagined. The midst of a battle is hardly the time to begin imagining things, besides. Merry was the owner of one scream, his young, well known voice easily recognisable. Sam it was not, as his tone is much deeper, and doubtless he would have added a 'mister', by simple act of habit. And the scream was very clearly a hobbit's voice.

Of course, I already knew that it must have been my young friend even as we ran, but it was not exactly the time to breech the subject. When Mithrandir was lost, it was pushed far from my mind. In any case, for a long time, Peregrin was too distraught to take in anything, much less take part in the long conversation, which would be necessary. We all worried for the young hobbit for a brief time, but eventually the tears dried up, and he was able to walk at my side once more.

It had not previously dawned upon many the close bond shared between the wizard and young hobbit. For all appearances, Pippin, a natural bundle of energy, was too much for Mithrandir to deal with, and easily tried his patience. It was an easy assumption to come to. The phrase 'Fool of a Took' is one we are now all accustomed to. Indeed Frodo and Merry have come to use it, in teasing, and even Boromir had been known to experiment with the term.

It was not uncommon, however, for Mithrandir to take part in the gentle teasing, and in some cases even side with Pippin. It may not have been friendship that provoked the wizard into allowing the young hobbits to come, but there was definitely no resentment towards Pippin, at any time since leaving Rivendell. Even after that incident with the stone, Mithrandir was quick to forgive him… after allowing the hobbit to stew for a time.

Somehow, in their love-hate relationship, both were equally and highly fond of the other. It is, of course, hard for anyone not to be fond of the young Took. But evidentially Mithrandir is able… was able to see more than others when it came to Pippin… something deep down. Peregrin carries a good head on his shoulders: a kind heart and a sweet disposition. His is completely dedicated to his cousins, and perhaps Mithrandir admired this.

Shaking myself, I peer down across at the next flet, waiting for the gently swaying leaves in my sight to shift to the side.

The hobbits are finally asleep. Frodo remained awake for quite some time, apparently just dwelling on the events of the past few days. It is good for him to rest: he looks as though he needs a month of rest, but doubtless we all need it.

The hobbits are arranged as usual: Frodo and Pippin are facing inwards: Merry's arm flung across Pippin's waist protectively, and Sam huddled as close as possible to his master. Pippin's young face has relaxed in sleep, and the tension in his shoulders has left. One of his hands is curled gently into Merry's cloak, the other hidden beneath his neck, providing a pillow for his head.

For a time I simply watch his chest rise and fall. How would he react? Is it wise for me to tell him just yet? It would be foolish to raise his hopes once more, only for the incident to have been a one off. And yet perhaps it would be just what was needed: a push in the right direction, as it were.

Merry's hand tightens softly on his cousin's side, unconsciously drawing him closer protectively. I smile slightly. The return of Pippin's voice will bring great joy to his kin. To all of us.

Light came pale from the east this morn. Aragorn rose early, myself alongside him. We have given the hobbits a few extra minutes of rest, but Haldir's report of the orcs was troubling, coupled by the idea of Gollum, tracking us from not far away. Tracking the ringbearer, in any case.

Climbing easily to kneel comfortably upon the flet, I reach out to gently shake Frodo's shoulder. Startled, he jerks and sits bolt upright, but upon recognizing my face he calms, shaking himself awake.

"I apologize. I did not mean to frighten you." I say hastily. Frodo smiles wearily and waves his hand dismissively.

"Don't worry. I've woken to far worse at the hands of my cousins before, I should be used to it. Are we leaving?" I nod.

"As soon as you are all ready." Frodo yawns and agrees, turning to Merry and Sam, who lay closest. Grinning, he straightens only to sit down heavily on his cousin's side, provoking a confused groan, and a muffled curse. I laugh softly, amazed at what I have just seen.

"I did not think you had it in you, Frodo." I congratulate him. He chuckles in return and nods.

"Wherever do you suppose they learnt it all, my friend?" comes the reply, as the hobbit slides off Merry's side and helps a bleary Sam to sit up. As I start to pack away their blankets and belongings, with Sam's help, Frodo turns away and crawls to Pippin.

Watching out of the corner of my eye, I note the young hobbit's position: throughout the night he has shifted, flinging one arm out to the side, and he has burrowed deeper into his blankets, covering his head and shoulders, but exposing one furry foot. Frodo's expression saddens slightly, and he sits down, carefully pulling away the covers to expose his cousin's face.

"Pippin?" he says softly, combing his fingers through the lad's curls. Pippin stirs and his eyelids flutter, a smile forming upon his face as he recognizes Frodo.

Frodo, he signs in response, before stretching his arm out above his head to cover his eyes. Frodo gently moves his arm away, and catches his gaze.

"Did you have any nightmares, Pip?" There is a silence on the flet for a moment, and I return to my packing, sighing. It was to be expected. No doubt all of my companions faced dark dreams last night. Oddly enough, Frodo seems no worse for his sleep, but then I have learnt that this particular hobbit is adept at hiding things. Looking up briefly, I catch Pippin's response: I can't really remember most of them. I wince, noting similar expressions on the faces of Merry and Sam. Most of them?

"About Gandalf, Pippin?" He nods stiffly, his expression taking on a detached air.

Who else? Sensing that Pippin has no desire to speak about his dreams, Frodo simply helps him to sit up, and envelops him in a tight hug. Pippin grips his arm gratefully; breathing deeply and at length sits back, offering a tired smile. I'm all right. Silly, really. I'm surely not the only one who had trouble sleeping. Frodo nods in agreement, chuckling sadly.

"I am afraid you are probably right, Pip."

Pippin hastily reassures the rest of us that last night was of no real consequence, and struggles to his feet, kicking off the tangled blanket with a yawn. Somehow, Pippin's brief moment with his elder cousin had made the waking easier: I have often noticed how these two lean off each other in certain occasions. Generally, if Frodo needs to be cheered, he looks no further than Peregrin. If Pippin needs reassurance, he will turn to Frodo. As Frodo is the eldest, his presence often has a calming effect on the young hobbits, even if he is not aware of it.

The packing is completed quickly, and uneventfully, apart from one minor incident, where our young friend declared that he was too small to lug about his own water canteen, and perhaps Merry should carry it. A somewhat half-hearted jest, but it was wondrous to hear none-the-less.

Now, climbing down the slim, rope ladder, I watch with some amusement as the hobbits above me struggle to navigate their way down to the much-desired forest floor. Pippin has evidentially had some skill in climbing before, though not much, but the other three are dreadfully afraid of heights.

Dropping lightly to the ground, I smile as Pippin hurries down after me, eager to get his feet back onto something solid.

"Somehow I am of the impression that you've had experience with heights before, my friend." I call, as he nears the bottom. He turns briefly to me to smile, before landing finally and stepping gratefully away from the tree.

Well, experience may not be the right word. He replies with a small grin. More like trouble. Close calls. Near-death-experiences.

I laugh. Is that so? He nods, shouldering his pack and glancing about. The rest of our companions, minus the hobbits, are now gathered in the small clearing, talking quietly and preparing for the walk ahead.

Merry often had to rescue me. As he always does. He adds, smiling wistfully.

Stepping back, I invite Pippin to follow me a little way apart from the others. There I crouch, and lay a hand upon his shoulder. He looks back at me quizzically, almost reluctantly.

What it is? I smile reassuringly.

Nothing terrible, my friend. I just thought I would use this time to ask you a few things. Pippin grins half-heartedly, fighting another yawn.

Wonderful. What would you know?

How you are feeling, for one. I mean truly feeling. Everyone copes with grief in different ways, Pippin, but keeping it hidden away from your friends is rarely healthy. It is alright to speak of it, you know? Even to cry? He smiles slightly, sadly.

I think I've done enough of that. Again, I am struck by the unfairness of his situation: not even classed as an adult in his homeland, and already faced with unspeakable dangers and painful deaths.

I hope that is not why you are so quiet? You feel you have mourned over-much?

No, no, he replies quickly, holding up wavering hands. Of course not. I'm fine. Everyone copes with death in different ways, as you've just mentioned. I just… I sigh, regarding him closely.

It does no good to carry about the weight of the dead, Peregrin.

Typically bright green eyes darken and lower sorrowfully, as they begin to glimmer with the sudden moisture of fresh tears. Gently I lay a hand upon his shoulder, as he glances up, biting his lip momentarily as he struggles to keep his composure.

I just… remember all the times where I disappointed him… I didn't mean to make him angry, Legolas. Not once. I just didn't think… it never occurred to me that… Taking a deep, shuddering breath, he looks away once more, and suddenly the tears overflow. I've been a nuisence.

"Oh, Pippin!" I exclaim, unconsciously slipping out of sign in distress. "What do you mean?" He merely sighs for a moment, before reluctantly continuing, pausing only to rub at his eyes. Well, what have I accomplished since leaving the Shire? Nothing. I've made plenty of mistakes, though, and caused problems… I'm too small to be of any real help, Legolas. I don't even have a voice to speak with… Gently, I cup his face with a hand, effectively cutting off his uncertain hand movements.

Nothing could be farther from the truth, I tell him earnestly, with a smile. I don't ever want to hear such things out of you again, are we clear? He smiles tremulously, the force of the tears flowing down his cheeks slowling somewhat.

Now you sound like Merry. I choose to ignore that.

Gandalf could never stay angry with you long, Pippin. Even that night in Moria, after you dropped that stone? He was quick to forgive you, was he not? Pippin looks doubtful. True enough, he let you fret for an hour or so, but he was as fond as you as he was of all hobbits. Perhaps more so. Pippin turns his shining eyes upwards, in a silent question. Why? Come, Pippin, you've seen it for yourself. I continue, still smiling faintly. I've seen you get away with things where others would end up tending to Bill for the remainder of the journey as punishment… I do not think he was disappointed in you, lad. Taken aback, a soft sob escapes Pippin, and he does not object when I fold my arms about him in a gentle hug. Trembling faintly, he rests his chin upon my shoulder for several breaths, until he has steadied himself. As we move apart, I note that the tears have stopped falling, though his face is still damp.

Thank you, Legolas, he signs with a quick, somewhat stronger smile. You always know just what to say. I merely smile back in response, recalling Frodo once describing Pippin in the same fashion.

And in regards to your voice, your condition is only temporary, yes? He blinks quickly, gazing at me in some confusion.

I don't know. Is it? I thought you did not want me to get my hopes up, Legolas. Saying this, he scrubs at his face with both hands, perhaps wanting to hide all traces of tears before returning to his cousins. I shake my head.

I have no further doubts, Pippin. Only great hope. And pride, as always, that you have managed to commit to our lessons. He smiles gratefully.

I know, and thank you. But… I don't think I can hope much at the moment. Never the less, he glances up, and his expression loses some of its misery, his eyes lightening somewhat. Such life and promise lie beneath the moist, sparkling orbs, and I cannot help but allow a faint smile to creep across my face.

"Pippin, my friend," I say softly, watching him carefully. "You've done it."

For a few moments, he seems to have trouble comprehending. He cocks his head in confusion, before understanding passes slowly across his face.

I… I did?

In Moria. Before the Balrog. A sudden thought strikes me, and beaming I relate it to Pippin: I'm sure Gandalf must have heard it.

Pippin has been staring at me in shock, but abruptly tears burst forth once again, and he throws himself at me in a tight hug. Startled, I catch him, and with a small laugh, return the embrace firmly. Briefly, I bury my face amongst his golden curls, and am slowly aware of the wide beam playing upon my face, and a soft moisture running down to meet it.

At length, trembling, Pippin pulls back, gazing at me with shining eyes, ignoring the new tears trickling down his cheeks. Then he smiles, and for the first time, it is one of his old smiles, full of warmth and cheer: an expression that fits perfectly upon his face.

Thank you, he mouths.

TBC, please r&r