Disclaimer: See prologue.
Orange munch munch!: Boromir is the 'resident jerk' because he is influenced by the ring, and there is only one woman in the entire fellowship. Of course he's going to give her problems! He is a man and a mortal. I don't care if you think my fic is 'puke-worthy'. None of my other reviewers think so. And Legolas does not 'look like a bowl of oatmeal'. If you're trying to bash him because of your own puke worthy looks, it's not really working. If you don't like this story, then stop reading it, and filling my in-box with a bunch of pointless flames. Last I checked, writing a Mary Sue wasn't illegal.
To everyone else, read 'orange munch-munch's' 3 reviews. All of them are flames, but it's really funny to read. I mean, they deleted my story, but I posted it again despite it. Does this person think I'm going to suddenly stop writing because of three lousy flames? Because, there's no way in Hell that's going to happen. :o)
Chapter 24
Against the Mountain
A fortnight since they had left the gates of Rivendell, the company was resting upon Hollin. The cool air of January did not seem to affect the two rascals, Merry and Pippin, as they sparred with a light-hearted Boromir.
Aragorn watched the two with his pipe between his teeth; as did Sam and Frodo who were tucking into some food.
Gimli was speaking vociferously with Gandalf, while Legolas stared out from where he stood with his arms folded across his firm chest.
Arodwen seemed uneasy. She kept glancing around, as though expecting an uruk to charge her from the bushes.
"Are you well Arodwen?"
She jumped, spinning around to face Aragorn who had come up behind her. "Im vaer. I am fine, Aragorn." she answered hastily.
Aragorn eyed her curiously. "You do not seem so." he pressed.
"Worry not, my friend. It is Frodo who should be looked after, not I."
"Everyone looks out for each other, mellon. You have just as much importance as he does." the Ranger said.
She glanced all around her again, avoiding the area where Legolas had just leapt up to.
Aragorn raised an eyebrow at this, saying, "Perhaps it is a certain elf prince who weighs on your mind?"
She glared up at him. "Such things are no concern of yours, milord." she said cooly.
Aragorn was about to retort, when Sam asked "What is that?"
Both ranger and elf turned to look at where he stared. Legolas's piercing gaze was aimed at the mass as well.
"Nothing. It's just a wisp of cloud." grumbled Gimli, his hands firmly set on his hips.
"It's moving fast..." Aragorn commented, his own eyes trying to make out the shape. "And against the wind..."
Legolas suddenly leapt from where he stood shouting, "Crebain! From Dundland!"
Aragorn pushed Arodwen toward some brush shouting, "Hide! Take cover!"
The elleth kicked dirt on the fire as she went, effectively putting it out. Grabbing discarded cloaks and packs, she hurried to find a place to hide; the birds were almost upon them. She pushed Merry and Pippin ahead of her, thrusting the possessions beneath some bushes. When she turned to find a thicket to dive beneath, a pair of strong arms grabbed her waist, pulling her down; just as the creatures flew over them.
The wind knocked out of her, and her face pressed against warm and soft fabric, she didn't move. The flapping of bird wings echoed around her; the bird screeches hurt her ears. Many minutes passed before the sounds faded as the fowl moved on.
The arms that had grabbed her still held her firmly. She raised her head to see who had helped her.
Legolas stared back at her with a small smile creeping upon his lips; blue eyes sparkling slightly.
She pulled away from him, falling back onto the dirt with a soft 'thump'.
"It seems that we must alter our course..." Gandalf murmured, emerging from behind a boulder with his pipe in hand.
Arodwen ignored Legolas's proffered hand, and got up off the dirt herself, "Thank you, milord." she said curtly, brushing the dust from her tunic while her cheeks became flushed from embarrassment. Aragorn watched the two with a stern gaze. He saw how Legoals looked crestfallen when she ignored him and began to walk away; an almost wistful look falling upon his features.
Aragorn shook his head in exasperation. This was going to drive him to an early death long before any orcs could...
The snow came upon them in torrents, the wind whipping at their faces fiercely as Gandalf tried to make an easier path for them. After Legolas had failed to bring the sun, the entire company seemed to slow their pace at the lack of progress.
Arodwen was not walking gracefully atop the snow as Legolas did, for she knew that if she did so, he would immediately slow and fall into step beside her; trying to get her to speak to him. Instead, she was helping Merry as best she could. She had wrapped the hobbit as tightly as she could in her warm cloak, then carried him after Gandalf; hugging him close to preserve him as much warmth as possible. Though Merry was not entirely 'light', due to the twins' hard training, she had enough strength to bear him without difficulty.
Even with the added cloak and comfort, she feared for all the hobbits. They were getting paler by the minute; their lips turning blue with the cold.
Elves could feel heat and cold only in extremes. When the temperatures became life-threatening, they felt it too. And this was definitely one of those times. Her lungs felt like they were on fire with each labored breath she took. The fatigue and dizziness from over exerting herself was beginning to settle in. She prayed that they would stop soon, lest she pass out.
Arodwen looked up upon hearing a snatch of Legolas speaking. "There is a fell voice on the air!"
When she concentrated, she could hear it as well... A menacing echo of elvish spells upon the wind...
"It's Saruman!" Gandalf shouted, just as a mass of rock and snow fell, the majority of it missing them.
"He's trying to bring down the mountain! We must turn back!" she heard someone shout.
She halted, still holding Merry tightly, and leant against the mountainside to try and calm her painful breathing.
"A-Arodwen?" Merry chattered, his blue lips turning into a deeper frown as his eyes tried to scrutinize her.
"I'm fine, Merry..." she gasped, trying to tug the cloak closer around the hobbit.
"Losto Caradhras, sedo hodo, nuith i ruith!"
Another strike of lightning... A rumbling sound... Yelling... And then bitter cold... That was all she remembered before succumbing to unconsciousness.
"Will she be alright?"
"She is still so cold..."
"What is wrong with her?"
"When will she wake?"
Cold... So very cold... What was wrong with her?
A warm smooth hand was caressing her face... Someone was whispering elvish in a soft, gentle voice... Warm arms were holding her...
Her head pounded painfully, and she groaned as she felt it throb.
"Arodwen..." someone whispered close to her.
"Hmm...?" she groaned again, hoping to fall back asleep so she wouldn't have to feel the painful migraine raging in her head.
"Wake up... please..."
"So tired..." Arodwen murmured back to the voice, snuggling closer in the warm arms.
She heard a soft chuckle, and felt the arms tighten around her gently. "I know velui eth, but you must." (sweet one)
With another muffled groan, she forced her eyes to open, blinking several times before focusing on who was holding her.
"Legolas..?" she asked, turning her head a little more.
The prince smiled and nodded at her, stealing a moment to caress her steadily warming cheek. "You've been unconscious for nearly two days. I feared you would never wake."
"I am awake now." Arodwen murmured, feeling her eyes threatening to close. She may have been awake then, but she desperately wanted to drift back off into dreamless peace.
"Stay awake." he intoned firmly, shifting her in his arms.
"I can't..." she whispered, "Too tired..." She closed her eyes, her head falling against his firm chest.
He gazed at the long deep gash above her brow; silent sign that she had been struck by a falling boulder.
Aragorn had come on silent feet when he had seen Arodwen falling back into slumber. "If we cannot keep her conscious, she may never wake again..." he said worriedly. "It is a dangerous wound she recieved."
"Aye, that I know Estel." Legolas sighed, holding Arodwen closer in his arms. "At least we have escaped Caradhras cruel grasp; she would have died."
"She might still."
"Speak not of such things." Legolas snapped icily. "Enough worry and trouble toils in my mind. I need not add more because of you my friend."
Aragorn bowed his head in silent apology. "I meant not to anger you mellon."
Legolas carefully moved Arodwen in his arms, and gently laid her upon one of the soft cloaks he had retrieved. She did not stir.
"Hath Gandalf opened the Gates yet?" Legolas asked, laying another cloak over her to ensure she retained the body heat she'd lost.
"Nay," Aragorn said dismayed. "And I hope he achieves so soon. An evil presence fills this place. We are not welcome."
"You shall feel evil around you 'till we are a league away from the dank of Moria." Legolas muttered.
SPLASH!
Both heads jerked in the direction of the noise to see Merry and Pippin tossing stones as far as they could into the small lake. Aragorn leapt up, and ran to grasp Merry's arm just as he had pulled it back to throw another rock.
"Do not disturb the waters!" he hissed at them.
Pippin had already retreated away from the shore, and was now staring up at the elvish script with a puzzled look. "Speak friend... speak, 'friend'... elvish... Gandalf!"
Legolas looked up when he heard the rumbling of the doors opening. The Took had solved the cursed riddle. Arodwen stirred at the shouting and movement. Her eyes fluttered open, and she gave a sigh. Legolas helped her to her feet, a hand firmly set upon her elbow.
She gave him a look that said he should let go. Reluctantly, the prince released his grip, but kept close in case needed. Arodwen followed after Aragorn into the cave with a look in her eyes that held both fear and contempt. Nevertheless, she unsheathed the sword given to her by Arwen, staring around the entrance with a piercing gaze...
The anxiousness in him was growing more and more with each little wave that fell upon the shore.
The Watcher had awoken...
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