A/N: Hello everyone, I hope you all are doing good. Finally here's chapter 9, I will not lie I've been experiencing a severe writers block and it doesn't help that I've gone back to school. So as a forewarning my updates are going to be really slow. Probably slow to the point where it might seem like I've dropped the story but I assure you I haven't, life just sucks. Okay enough of my babbling, enjoy the chapter!

Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings or characters, they belong to JRR Tolkien. I only own my Original Characters and story idea.

Authors Note: "* *" means they are speaking in Silvan.

Ninth Chapter

~one week later~

The sun shone bright and warm through the trees but, it was quiet, it unnerved me a little. But I still couldn't be happier to see a bright strong sun, compared to the weak rays that tried to shine through the clouds. It was on days like this when Haldir and I often hunted for fun, for small game, mostly for stealth practice. I sighed in content at the memories, wishing once again to have the chance to go home but, my loyalty lies with the Ring Bearer.

Away in the south the lofty shadows of the three mountains slowly rose. We came to the borders of Eregion, long years have past since Elves called this land home. I seen Gandalf talking with Frodo, I walked up there with Legolas followed by Gimli.

"I need no map to know these Mountains," Gimli said, with a strange light in his eyes, "This is the land my fathers worked of old, they stand tall in our dreams, Baraz, Zirak and Shathuir."

I nodded, "Underneath lies Khazad-dûm, the Dwarrowelf that is now called the Black Pit, Moria in Elvish."

Gimli smiled a rare smile at me, "Yonder stands Barazinbar and Cloudyhead. There the Misty Mountains divide, between lies the deep shadowed valley Azanulbizar, the Dimrill Dale, which Elves call Nanduhirion."

"It is for the Dimrill Dale we are headed," said Gandalf, "If we climb the Redhorn Gate we will pass by the far wide of Carahras. We should come by Dimrill Stairs, then into the deep vale of the Dwarves. There lies Mirrormere where the River Sliverlode runs."

Gimli sighed, "Dark is the water of Kheled-zâram, cold is the spring of Kibil-nâla. My heart trembles at the thought I will see them soon."

"May you have the joys of seeing that soon but we shouldn't stay in that valley for long," Gandalf said, "We shall travel by the Sliverlode to the secret wood, from there to the Great River than..."

"And than where?" asked Merry.

"To the end of our journey, but we shan't look too far ahead," answered Gandalf, "We shall stay here for the rest of the day and night. There is a wholesome air about Hollin, it takes many, many years for evil to grow where Elves once dwelled."

"Yes, that's true," agreed Legolas, "Although the Elves that dwelled here were a strange race to us Silvan folk, the trees and grass do not remember them. Only I hear the stones lament them: 'deep they delved us, fair they wrought us, high they built us; but they are gone.' They sought the Havens long ago."

Gandalf led us to a clearing a few yards away, everyone claimed a spot to rest. I took off my cloak and travel bag placing them beside Estels. I felt eyes on me, I glanced up and met the gaze of Boromir, who sat smoking a pipe. I walked over and stood in front of him.

"Can I help you?" I asked.

"Indeed," he motioned at the ground beside him.

I sat at his feet, "What is it?"

He stared at me, "I heard from the Dwarf that you met Thorin Oakenshield."

I looked at him in surprise, Gimli was talking about me? I laughed harshly, "What what else did he say, if I may ask?"

"Many things, yet nothing at all. He seemed very, how should I put it...he bragged that you met Oakenshield. The first Elf to greet the King Under the Mountain in Dwarvish, I believe?"

I felt my cheeks pink, "Hardly...I learned a few words from Kíli. And anyone can greet a Dwarf properly."

He raised his eyebrow, "But how many in their own Tongue? I thought I had you figured out Leafling Hazelwood, seems I was wrong...I have heard about you from Faramir. The traveling Elf Ranger, I thought it was just fancy."

I smiled in remembrance, "I can't believe he remembers me, he was but a small lad last I seen him."

"Small or not you made an impression, he came running up to me talking about an Elf Ranger who came over the wall just for a flower," he raised an eyebrow.

"Yes, the white rose only grows in Gondor and, as I found out, only in the private gardens. So I did scale the wall, dropped into a supposed empty garden and found a young lad hiding from his tutors. I scared him at first but then he asked what I was doing, I told him looking for a white rose. He asked: what does a Ranger need with a rose? I pulled back my hood showing him my ears, I said I heard of a great white rose that grows here, I would like to have one to give to my Mother," I smiled gently, "He ran off and came back with two, I told him I only needed one. We talked a bit more before I left."

He puffed away at his pipe, "Indeed, Faramir was different after that day. More focused on his studies and training, he also stopping following me around trying to be like me. Whatever you talked about helped him greatly, I thank you."

I bowed my head, "You're welcome."

With that I got up, walked into Gimli.

"What are you looking at Elf?" he barked.

I raised my eyebrow, "Not much Dwarf."

He glared at me and huffed away. I rolled my eyes then headed to where Legolas was sitting, I gently kicked his foot, "*Come on. We been idle for almost a fortnight now, lets go.*"

He raised his eyebrow, "*Go where?*"

I felt my cheeks burn slightly, "*Sharpen up your sword fighting skills, we do have to be prepared for whatever happens.*"

He smiled, "*How did I know, alright. Lets go.*"

I smiled as I led him away from the others, I took out my sword and readied myself. He swiftly grabbed his and struck first, I grinned.

I stood by the fire uneasily, I motioned for Estel to follow me. I walked a little ways away.

"*Something is not right,*" I said lowly, "*These woods are too quiet now.*"

"*Yes, the birds and beasts are silent, almost watchful. I don't think it's merely from surprise of seeing Hobbits or the rest of us.*" he agreed.

"*You should tell Gandalf, I'm going to walk the perimeter and check things out. I don't think we're in danger but I'll feel better to see it myself,*" I said.

I walked around our encampment, seeing nothing and hearing nothing but that didn't put my mind at ease. I walked back to find everyone asleep except Samwise and Estel.

"I take it you're on the first watch?" I asked quietly.

They nodded, I went over to where I dropped my things to find Legolas sleeping next to them. I hid my smile as I sat beside him and leaned against his shoulder. I tried to sleep but sleep would not come, something was up, I could feel it. I kept moving until a warm hand grabbed mine and gave it a little squeeze. I knew he wasn't fully asleep, I settled in farther and squeezed back.

I heard a fluttering of wings, my eyes shot open but I kept my body still, over head flew crebain out of Fangorn and Dunland. Once they passed Estel rushed over to Gandalf and woke him up, he told him of the black birds.

"The Redhorn Gate is being watched, I cannot see how we can pass unseen. But we shall think of that when we must. It's best we move at night and risk no more fires," Gandalf replied.

I slept little and I was glad when it was my watch but not so much when Samwise woke up Gimli. I sat quietly covered in my cloak as he sat equally quiet across from me.

It got near noon the others were roused, we hid there for the rest of the day. When it was dusk we started moving again, we turned partly east and steered our course towards Caradhras, which still glowed red from the setting sun.

We picked out a path led by Estel, we followed a well beaten path that led through Hollin to the mountain pass. The moon slowly rose in the sky, a black wisp crossed the path of the moon.

"Did you see anything pass over?" Frodo asked.

"No," answered Gandalf, "But I felt whatever that was. It may be nothing but a wisp of cloud."

"It was moving fast than," I muttered, "Against the wind."

The rest of the night passed without any other incidents, the dawn broke bright and clear.

*three days later*

Caradhras rose before us snow like sliver but with naked sides and coloured a dull red, as though blood stained from the waning sun. The evening had a black sky, the wind blew from the north-east. Looking up at the tall peak made me feel very small, I traveled many places but never did I think I would face Caradhras again.

"Winter deepens behind us, away north are whiter than they were, snow is laying far down their shoulders," said Gandalf quietly, "Tonight we shall be on our way up towards the Redhorn Gate. We may be seen by watchers or waylaid by some evil; but the weather may prove a more deadly enemy. What do you think of your course now?"

Estel sighed, "I think no good of our course from beginning to end, as you know, Gandalf. Perils known and unknown will grow as we go. We must go on, there's no delaying our passage of the mountain."

"Further south there are no passages, till the Gap of Rohan," I added, "And after your news of Saruman, who knows which side the Horse-Lords are on."

Gandalf nodded, "Who indeed knows? But as both of you know there is another way and not by Caradhras."

I stared at him knowing full well which passage he talks about, I exchange looks with Estel.

"Let us not speak of it again, I beg unless there is no other way," he answered.

Gandalf looked at the both of us, "We must decide before we go further."

I looked at everyone behind us, "Lets weight the matter while the others rest and sleep. This is not going to be settle quick."

We settle down, as the others finished their breakfast I walked off with Gandalf and Estel, but a gentle hand on my arm stopped me.

"*Where are you going?*" asked Legolas.

"*To talk over the course we are taking, I know these lands as good as Estel, maybe a bit better. They need my view on certain things, even though I would like to...*" I trailed off, "*This shouldn't take that long, I hope.*"

He smiled at me, "*You better go before they realize your not with them. I'll be waiting.*"

I smiled back than I caught up with them, we walked a ways away so we wouldn't be over heard.

"As much as I respect you Aragorn I cannot agree with the crossing of Caradhras," Gandalf started, "The snow and the bitter cold is what worries me."

"As you pointed out the snow is low on its shoulders however that does not mean its snowing yet," I interjected, "Snow is always present on the shoulders, if it wasn't I'd be more worried about that. And it's not yet the season for snow this far down."

"Yes but the narrow passage way through is dangerous anytime of the year. Who knows if the path is still intact, its been a while since either of you been here," he pointed out.

"True it is dangerous but this quest to start with is dangerous," Estel stated, "We can battle with the snow and cold."

Gandalf sighed, "There are probably spies waiting for us who will fly off to let our movements known."

I shook my head, "There will be spies anywhere we go, as you seen the other night."

"We should just go by the other way I spoke about earlier. We will be under cover and they most likely won't suspect our move there," Gandalf argued, "Even if they do follow they will get lost behind us."

I paced the small clearing, "You heard what Glóin said at the counsel, they haven't heard from Balin or any of the others. Who knows what has befallen them, what might be waiting. If we must, if by no other choice, we should at least brave Caradhras first."

Estel rubbed his eyes, "I would rather not have that passage as an option Leafling, it is too dangerous. But what comes will come, Gandalf?"

He nodded, "That is what we will do, I still fear what Caradhras will bring, whether snow or enemies. Thank you Leafling, you may go back to the others if you wish."

"Ok," I bowed than took off.

I walked back to the group but sat off to the side, I leaned against the tree and closed my eyes while rubbing them, I felt someone sit beside me.

"*Are you not hungry?*" Legolas asked.

I opened my eyes, "*A little, I'll get something in a bit.*"

"*Here,*" he held up a bit of biscuit, "*Its good.*"

I opened my mouth to thank him when he placed it in my mouth, stunned I slowly chewed my heart beating rapidly, my cheeks pinked. When I swallowed he offered another bite.

"*Y-you know I can feed myself,*" I said gently.

"*I know, here have some more,*" he grinned as he broke off more pieces, "*If we were at my home, I would offer you some wine. I always liked breaking my biscuits and letting it soak up the wine.*"

I giggled, "*That's what I used to do, Ada used to tell me not to do that but when he wasn't looking, that was another story.*"

He smiled, "*I would like to meet your parents one day, you talk about them a lot.*"

"*They would like you but, my brothers on the other hand,*" I chortled, "*Will probably give you a hard time.*"

He nodded, "*As any older brother would, if I had you as a little sister I would be overprotective too...not that I take you as a little sister!*"

I laughed lightly, I felt my cheeks redden almost as much as his did, "*I know.*"

He stroked my cheek with his thumb, my breathing caught, I looked into his warm grey eyes, my heart threatened to jump out of my chest. I'm sure he can hear it beating, at that thought my cheeks grew red, he smiled at me and gently cupped my cheek. I brought my hand up to his neck, he closed his eyes and leaned into my touch. He opened his eyes and leaned in towards me...

"Leafling! There you are, here I saved some for you!" Pippin came running over, "I know you didn't eat yet."

We broke apart quickly, he sat back looking as disappointed as I felt. I turned towards Pippin.

"Thank you," I took the bowl from him, "Saves me the trip."

He beamed at me, "Sorry but there are no more biscuits to spare, I set some aside for Strider and Gandalf and I thought I set one aside for you."

"Don't worry about it, Legolas gave me some of his," I motioned with my head.

"Oh ok," he brightened, "Did you eat Legolas?"

"Yes I did, thank you," Legolas bowed his head, "I'll keep Leafling company."

Pippin nodded than ran back to his friends, I watched him go, I felt a light tap on my arm. I turned, Legolas held up more biscuit, I lifted my hand but he swatted it away.

"*You said I was sharing with you, now open your mouth,*" he commanded jokily.

I gave him a look before opening my mouth, he put the piece in while gently stroking my cheek. I chewed thoughtfully than I heard a noise, we both shot up only to find Estel and Gandalf making their way back.

"*Breaks over,*" I muttered.

Suddenly Legolas shoved the rest of the biscuit in my mouth, I hit him in the arm, Estel laughed.

"*Enough flirting you two, its time to pack camp. Gandalf is just letting the rest know what our plans are, we are leaving as soon as we get ready,*" said Estel.

"*It'll take us at least two marches to reach the tip of the mountain,*" I said through my mouthful.

"*Thats attractive,*" Legolas teased.

I gave him a dirty look, "*If you think this is attractive you should see Dwarves eat, you'd be in love than.*"

We all burst out laughing but quickly sobered as we neared the rest of the group.

"-we should each take a fagot of wood, as much as we each can carry." Boromir finished.

"Yes but we will only light fires if it is between life and death," said Gandalf.

We made good speed up the mountain path, but as it got steeper and steeper we slowed. I wanted to scout ahead to check the path but Estel was having none of that.

"*No, we need to stick together, we do not know what lays ahead. It's best to face it head on as a group.*" he said firmly.

The path started twisting and a bitter wind started blowing, I looked up, the wind does not bode well. As we kept going we met up with large pieces of rock laying across the path, making it impassable. I knew other ways which I showed Estel so we could head back to the main road, even this proved faulty, here and there the path completely disappeared.

Slowly we made our way back to the road and continued our way. The path turned narrow, a sheer wall rose on our left as a deep ravine fell on our right. Above our heads grim flanks stared darkly at us covered with snow, then I felt something wet land on my cheek. I lifted my hand and saw little white flakes of snow, not a good sign. Slowly the snow fell harder and thicker, soon the snow was ankle deep.

Gandalf stopped, "It is as I feared. What do you say now Aragorn?"

"That I feared it too," he answered, "I knew the risk of snow but it seldom falls this far down. Usually these paths stay open during winter."

Boromir spoke up, "Maybe this is grievance from the Enemy. It is said in my land that he can govern storms in the Mountain of Shadow. He has strange powers and allies."

"His arm has grown long indeed, if he can draw snow this far north to trouble us," Gimli commented.

"His arm had grown long," said Gandalf.

As they stood there talking the wind ceased and the snow died down but as we started again the winds blew hard and the snow became a blinding blizzard. It was hard going but we kept it up. I looked back at everyone, the Hobbits were bent over walking and stumbling behind, even Gimli who was stout as any dwarf was grumbling as he walked.

I kept hearing a voice over the wind, shrill cries and howls, boulders started falling close to us, whether it was from the wind or another cause I didn't know.

"We cannot go further tonight," said Boromir, "Call it wind or whatever you please but there are fell voices in the wind; and the rock are pointed at us."

"I do call it wind," replied Estel, "But what you say is true. There are many other evil and unfriendly things that have no love for anything on two legs but are not in league with Sauron, they have purposes of their own. And have been in this world longer than he."

"Carahras was call the Cruel and ill names," I said, "Long before the rumour of Sauron was heard here."

"It matters little of who is the enemy if we cannot beat off its attack." said Gandalf.

"We need to find shelter," Boromir stated.

"We either go back or stay here but if I remember correctly there is a wide shallow trough off the path that at the base of sheer rock. There no snow, wind or rock will find us," Gandalf replied.

"We cannot go back now nor will we find a better shelter than right here under this cliff-wall," said Estel.

We huddled together, our backs pressed against the wall, the bitter north wind ripped through every which way. The snow began to pile around us, if it wasn't for Bill standing in front of the Hobbits, they would have been buried long ago.

"*I never cared much for snow,*" I whispered to Legolas, "*Well at least this much snow, I prefer the winter time in the Shire.*"

He looked at me, "*How does it differ?*"

I smiled, "*Light, fluffy snow flakes, laughter of the children as they throw snowballs at each other, the soft glow of the fireplaces. The snow never got higher than a few feet.*"

"*What are snowballs?*" he asked.

"*I'll show you someday,*" I smiled.

"This will be the death of the Halflings Gandalf, we must do something," cried Boromir, "It's useless to sit here, we must find shelter, somewhere."

"Here give them this, just a mouthful each, for all of us," Gandalf handed him a leather flask, "It is miruvor, the cordial of Imladris. Elrond gave this to me when we left, pass it around."

I took a quick sip and felt a new warmth flow inside me, a new energy, I passed it on to Legolas. I stood up brushing the snow off, getting ready to walk again.

"What would you say to a fire now?" asked Boromir.

I looked at him, "It's beyond my skill to light a fire to wood this damp and, in harsh winds like this."

Just to prove me wrong Gimli volunteered to try but he couldn't get it going. So Gandalf grabbed a fagot and said in a commanding voice: naur an edraith ammen! He held his staff to the bundle than a burst of green and blue flame came to life. Everyone gathered around it.

"If there are any watchers I revealed myself to them," he said lowly, "In signs that could be read from Rivendell."

I patted him on the arm, "They are warm, this will cheer them up greatly. Than we can continue to the trough you mentioned earlier."

"That would be ideal but, it's safer to stay here. We should have enough wood to keep us warm for the night, I'll feel better if we could see where we are going," replied Gandalf.

I kept looking at the big flakes of falling snow, the wind still blew fiercely, it would be pretty if it wasn't coming down so heavily. The night dragged on and the snow kept falling, slowly the sky lightened, the winds dropped away and the snow stopped. But the drifts were high, we could lose the Hobbits, retreat back down the mountain will prove more perilous than our trip up.

"Caradhras has not forgiven us," said Gimli, "He will fling more snow at us in no time. We must head back down the mountain at once."

"If Gandalf would go in front of us with a bright flame and melt the snow for you," Legolas said thoughtfully.

I looked at him.

"If Elves could fly over the mountain I would send the both of you to fetch the sun to save us," Gandalf answered, "I cannot burn snow, I need something to work with."

"Let the strong ones make a path," Boromir spoke up, "The snow started at the shoulder of rock down yonder about a furlong away. After that it should be easy going."

Estel was the tallest of us while Boromir was a bit shorter but broader and heavier than him, they both set off, slowly making their way through the high snow drifts.

Legolas smiled at me than at Gandalf, "Let the ploughman plough but choose an otter for running light over leaf and grass or snow; an Elf."

He nimbly jumped up but turned back and extended a hand to me, which I grabbed and he pulled me up beside him.

"Farewell," he said as he grabbed my hand again, "We'll go and find the sun."

We took off running passing Estel and Boromir with a wave. We ran cross the snow like it was sand, making no footprints behind us, we turned the corner and kept going until we reached a high drift of snow and ice.

I let go of his hand and walked forward, "*Race you to the top?*"

He shook his head, "*No, you stay here. I'll be right back.*"

With that he jumped and quickly scaled the snow drift and perched at the top.

"*The snow gets less and less on the other side. The Hobbits will have no problem walking,*" he called down, "*Now just to open this wall to that side.*"

He slid down.

"*Lets tell Estel and Boromir about this, it will be quicker for the four of us to break through the drift together,*" I started walking, "*Not that this will be good news for them.*"

We sprinted back until we reached them, I crouched forward, "You'll never guess what is up ahead."

"The bright sun and a grassy field?" asked Boromir.

I shook my head, "I wish I could say that, it's a snow drift thrice the size of Boromir high."

Estel sighed, "Did you bring any good news at all?"

"Yes, on the other side of the drift the snow lessens, the Hobbits will be able to walk easily," replied Legolas, "Leafling and I will start working on breaking a hole through it."

We got back up and raced back to the drift, we stood there looking over the valley. Legolas picked up some snow than let it gently fall back down.

"*What is a snowball?*" he asked again.

I laughed, "*This.*"

I picked up some snow and fashioned it into a ball than threw it at him, it hit his shoulder and broke into pieces.

He looked amazed, "*So that's all it is? A ball of snow being thrown at someone?*"

"*Yes, it's fun when you get a group together and have snowballs flying everyone at once,*" I explained as I made another one.

Just than I felt one hit me in the back, I spun around and hit him with another. Laughing he chased me with one in his hand, I avoided being hit but he caught me by my waist. Giggling I tried to get away but we both ended up landing face first in the snow.

"*I'm sorry I didn't mean for that to happen,*" he apologized as he helped me up.

"*It's fine besides we better get started on this drift before the Men come around that bend,*" I said while dusting off.

We started to dig.

"*I could have been worse,*" I mumbled into Estels ear, "*I could have broken a leg, it's just a sprained ankle, let me walk I'll be fine.*"

He shook his head, "*No, walking will just hurt it more.*"

I sighed and tightened my grip on his neck, "*Give me a day and I'll be fine, and not to mention you're tired already. You should have just left me at the snow drift, you know Legolas would have stayed with me.*"

He stopped and pulled me more on his back, "*Even than I would not let you stay there, who knows what mischief Caradhras would have unleashed.*"

"*You're impossible,*" I muttered, "*Besides this is backwards, I'm the older sister, I should be looking after you.*"

He laughed, "*And so you have looked after me, it's my turn to repay the favour.*"

"*Yes but, you're going to have to carry the Hobbits back through here than keep walking after that, you know I don't get tired that easily or at all.*" I argued.

I felt him shrugged his shoulders, "*We don't have a day where you can rest and heal your ankle, so be quiet, I'll have Gandalf look at it for you.*"

I pouted, "*I am not some fragile princess who can't look after herself, I've had worst injuries than this. And those happened when I was by myself but, I'll be quiet for now and don't think of making me sit on Bill coming back.*"

He laughed at me but didn't say anything, than Boromir called back, "Are you two done arguing? I cannot understand Silvan but I know you were arguing."

"We came to a middle ground," I answered, "But by no means done."

I laughed and Estel joined in. We walked in silence until we reached the cliff overhang where we left everyone, Legolas was there waiting for us. I quickly hopped off of Estels back and up on the bank before he could say anything. I winced slightly when I put my full weight on my right ankle.

"Carahras does not like Dwarves and Elves, that storm was sent to stop us from going anywhere," said Gimli, "It is as I said before."

"Well we are lucky that he forgot you had Men with you," replied Boromir, "Aragorn and I will carry the Halflings through to the snow drift that almost stopped us, there Legolas and Leafling will wait with them."

With that he grabbed Pippin, while Estel grabbed Merry placing them on their backs and started making their way back through the trail. I stared limping back beside them than suddenly I was swept off my feet.

"*I can carry you back,*" smiled Legolas.

I felt my cheeks redden because he cradled me in his arms, bride style, "*Y-you don't have too.*"

"*I know but I don't want you to hurt your ankle more than it already is, than who will be my partner, for sparring?*" he teased.

"*Partner?*" I asked.

His face suddenly grew red, "*W-well um I m-mean tr-trainer. Training partner, sparring partner um...*"

I grinned and giggled, "*Alright just please carry me on your back.*"

He nodded and helped me, I leaned against his back, my head rested on his shoulder. I never been this close to him, my heart threatened to burst out of my chest again, I grew red, he must feel my racing heart beating against his back. I sighed, my breath ghosting against his neck he cleared his throat and I could see his ears glow red.

As we walked, we both stayed in content silence, feeling no need for talk. I laid my head down on his shoulder feeling his warmth and listening to his breathing. We reached the snow drift just ahead of Boromir and Estel, who after dropping off the two Hobbits went back for Samwise and Frodo. Just as they came back with Gandalf, Bill and Gimli in tow the mountain gave a shudder, rocks and snow came falling down blowing up a cloud of mist and snow. We braced ourselves against the cliff, when the snow cleared the path we came from was blocked.

"Enough, enough!" called Gimli, "We are leaving as fast as we can!"

That was the last trouble Caradhras gave us, he seemed to be satisfied that we were leaving without trouble and not daring to come back. Just as Legolas said pass the snow drift the snow melted away and everyone could walk easily. I took one last look at Caradhras, he defeated us, now we must go the other way.

A/N: Thank you for your reviews, follows and favourites, you guys always make my day. Hope you enjoyed this chapter, hopefully by now you can see that I've stuck with the book version, mainly because The Fellowship was my favourite book and as much as I loved the movies, nothing compares to the books. I love hearing from my readers, the good, the bad. Until next time!