Together

Written By: RedFireHead41

I dedicate this chapter who all have read it thus far. I thank each and every one of you for sticking with my laziness.

One week has passed since the fellowship had left Rivendell. Gandalf would explain from time to time about how many days until they would reach the Gap of Rohan since Merry and Pippin would ask nothing but that. Sam was still annoyed with their never-ending complaints and questions though he did wish that this journey wasn't so long. Frodo was the quietest hobbit of them all, but would always join in on some games if he were cheerful enough.

"Ah!" exclaimed Gandalf using his staff to aid him up the large hill, "I believe we shall stop here for some supper."

Merry and Pippin quirked at what the wizard said and dashed up the rest of hill, passing their two hobbit friends, Gimli, Legolas, and Gandalf on the way. Sam sighed again while Frodo just smiled. Gimli huffed something unhearable, but continued his way up the grassy obstacle. Finally, have some good hard strides everyone was at the top of the hill facing an old structure of tall stones and boulders. Merry and Pippin were happily sitting upon a flat boulder, waiting to be fed.

"Where do they get their energy?" asked Gimli.

Legolas was the one to answer. "The food of course. Aren't you hungry master dwarf?"

Gimli grumbled another sound and huffed, "Not that much."

That is false of course the elf thought with an amused smile.

Behind them, the two men and remaining hobbits were settling down upon some flat rocks with a small section of empty space close by. Aragorn unbuckled the cooking supplies from Bill's back while the rest of the fellowship drop their packs among the rocks, and handed the bags to Sam who was to cook supper this time(it's not like he does everytime). The hobbit gladly started organizing food amongst himself while Merry and Pippin watched him eagerly.

Eventually, a small fire was burning and to pass the time to wait for their meals, Boromir volunteered to spar with the two most playful hobbits. They practiced in the small section where no boulders lay while Aragorn smoked his pipe nearby. The two loved it.

"Supper's ready!" Sam called as he fixed a plate and handed it to Frodo who sat upon a low boulder. After gathering more plates for Gandalf, and Gimli (Legolas said he was not hungry, but complimented Sam on the delicious smell of his food) and giving them their meals, he sat down next to Frodo with his own plate and watched Merry and Pippin's swordplay.

"Move your feet," said Aragorn as he watched Pippin's movement. The hobbit stepped to the side and blocked Boromir's sword. Boromir nodded in satisfaction, "Good, very good!"

Merry felt his blood rush in excitement as the Gondorian began to move with more speed. He stuffed the piece of bread Frodo tossed to him in his mouth and began to parry the man's attacks as quick and efficiently hobbit-like as he could.

As the commotion continued on over there, Gandalf sat upon another boulder, pipe in his mouth, half full plate at his side. The wizard grinned at the entertainment provided just a few boulders away and sighed. Hobbits.

Legolas too saw the sight of the playful creatures eating and sparring at the same time. He hd to say that hobbits were the most fascinating creatures. So full of love, life, and joy. He told himself that one day he would wish to see their home; the Shire they called it. Yes, he was told of the Shire quite some time ago by his father. It was during the time when Gollum was brought to his country.

Gollum.

Legolas never liked the creature, but pitied and despised him. He felt sorrow for how the one ring had transformed him into such a...creature, and despised him because of his trickery and cunningness. Such a shadow creature he was become, engrossed in the possession of the one ring. What a fool he was to let him escape!

Legolas shook his head after that thought. He would not go through that guilt again. But, for some reason, he knew it was his fault that Gollum escaped. If he was watching Gollum more carefully the creature would still be in Mirkwood, not giving the enemy information and most certainly wouldn't be tracking them now. Legolas knew he was not far behind them. The watermen was not so clever as to hide himself from his elven eyes. Legolas could sense him near.

"If anyone was asking for my opinion, which I know their not, I'd say we were taking the long way 'round!"

Now that Legolas heard, and he knew that was the dwarf's voice. He turned around and listened to Gimli say something to Gandalf.

"We could pass through the Mines of Moria."

Legolas froze.

If there was any place, any path, or piece of land that he would travel upon...Moria would be the last one. That...home the dwarves call it was full of darkness and shadow. The air you breath is full of dust and fire was buried deep within it's depths. It was like a dungeon and yet the dwarves speak of it as a humble place with ale, songs, and laughter. It was a cave... Aye, he would not go there. Anywhere but there!

Gimli was lucky he didn't see the elf's fear grow in his eyes and continued to speak, "My cousin Balin would give us a royal welcome."

Gandalf didn't answer the dwarf immediately, but it was clear that he too did not wish to go through those mines. His voice spoke as such. "No Gimli," he replied with a soft and firm tone, "I would not pass through Moria unless I had no other choice..."

Gimli sighed in frustration, feeling that he would never get a say in anything, and turned around. That's when Gandalf spotted something amongst the clouded sky. It was a much unusual dark color and seemed to be coming closer to where the fellowship had stopped.

"What is that?" asked Sam who also spotted the darkness up in the sky.

"Nothing, just a wisp of cloud!" Gimli replied sure of himself. Legolas didn't take any chances and swiftly hopped atop the boulders until he stood next to Gandalf. He narrowed his eyes and began to make out what the so-called cloud really was as the other members of the fellowship took notice.

"It's moving fast," Boromir said as he helped Merry to his feet, "And against the wind."

Everyone was starring at the sky now, Legolas mostly. After a few more seconds, the elf knew what it was and yelled, "Crebain from Duneland!"

"Hide!" shouted Aragorn as he picked up his sword from the ground, "Take cover!"

No one didn't need anymore prompting even though the hobbits had no idea what these Crebain were. They listened to the big folk and quickly gathered their packs, stuffed their belongings into them, put out the fire, and hid amongst the large boulders and underbrush. Luckily Bill decided to graze behind a bush as the dark feathered crows circled above. Their screeches and cries echoed all around them and after a few more circles, turned and left back the way they came: southwards.

Making sure they were a good distance away, Legolas arose from his hiding spot first followed by the rest of his companions. Aragorn didn't take his eyes off of the departing birds flying away from them and listened as Gandalf explained that they were spies of Saruman.

Then he said that they must take the pass of Caradhras.

This journey has now begun to get more difficult.

Before they began their long hike up the snowy mountain ahead, Gandalf stopped their journeying for the day and decided to make camp before the snowy mountain began it's way upwards. The hobbits, including Frodo, eagerly laid down their mats and rested before another small fire. The only thing they knew of at the moment was how cold it was as they pulled their cloaks and blankets tightly around their bodies. Aragorn and Boromir were also suffering from the freezing weather since they held their thick cloaks around their shoulders. Gimli and Gandalf were also holding in any type of heat within their layers of clothing, but Legolas...Legolas looked as if there was nothing affecting him.

Pippin was the first to question the elf who stood on the other side of the shrinking fire, "Aren't you cold, Legolas?"

Legolas looked towards him with a grin, "Of course not. Elves do not feel the cold."

"Whys that?" Merry asked.

Legolas faced them now. "No elf can feel the cold. It was how we were created. We cannot become ill ether."

"And their immortal," Aragorn added feeling a bit jealous. Legolas ignored his lover's mocking tone.

"Wow," Pippin whispered in awe.

"I wish I were an elf," Merry exclaimed as he snuggled deeper into his blankets.

"Doesn't everyone?" Legolas asked out of pure curiosity(and some humor!).

The hobbits heard everyone except them and Gandalf groan. They chuckled since Gimli was the loudest one blabbering about elves were this and that making Legolas become a bit angry. Aragorn skimmed his fingers across the pale hand and whispered in elvish that Gimli didn't mean it and never will. The elf saw no hope for the dwarf still, and the conversation ended at that.

Aragorn was the first to be on watch this night. After the hobbits were fast asleep, Gimli and Boromir along with them, Legolas stood next to his lover and noticed that as soon as he stepped foot at his side the ranger huddled closer to him. Clearly, Legolas could tell that he was cold and so he put his arm across his shoulders and brought the ranger close. The elf was surprised at how frozen Aragorn had become.

"Estel, do you want me to take watch tonight? You're freezing." Legolas' voice held concern as he pulled Aragorn closer.

The ranger shook his head against the elf's shoulder and mumbled, "I'm fine...I will not let this cold bring me down."

"But Estel, you are frozen to the bone and we have not yet stepped into a foot of snow!"

Aragorn pulled away and looked Legolas straight in the eyes. The silver orbs shined beautifully against the moon's dim rays, but the light also made his tan face appear paler. Legolas couldn't resist the urge to pull him close until their noses were touching so they could keep their warmth.

"I will be fine Legolas," Aragorn said softly, watching his breath cool in the night air, "I've been through many harsh winters as a ranger and this is nothing. Go get some rest, even you will need it."

"I will not sleep until you do," Legolas said firmly.

"Legolas," Aragorn sighed deeply, "I will sleep once my watch is over. Please, for me...go get some rest."

The elf didn't even feel tired. His body was slightly exhausted, but with an hour of rest he would be up and ready again. But...the look in Aragorn's eyes pleaded with him to go lay down. Legolas sighed again and nodded. Who could resist such a charm when Aragorn was the one giving it?

"Hannon lle," the ranger whispered before he placed a sweet kiss upon his lover's lips. Legolas melted in the warm taste, but only for a few seconds until Aragorn pulled away with a small smile. Legolas kissed the corner of his mouth and whispered back, "Good night Estel nin..."

"Good night Legolas."

Cold.

Snow.

Cold.

Snow.

Hiking.

Aragorn's legs were killing him. They have been trucking up this god-forsaken mountain for over three days and still there wasn't a sign of it ending. Gandalf continued to motivate for them to continue, but Aragorn seriously doubted the hobbit's could last this cold much longer, nonetheless him. He's never been so cold or sore since he got stranded in the northern mountains from the worst blizzard he ever experienced. Now that was cold too, but this mountain just wanted to make sure that every single creature who crosses over it, remembers it.

And boy was Aragorn hating it.

It was around afternoon when the cold lessened a bit much to everyone's relief and the light blizzard cleared out. The hobbits trudged along, tired and aching. Even Merry and Pippin couldn't make out a complaint. Sooner or later, one of them is going to fall and–

"Ah!" Frodo stepped down on the slippery ground beneath the snow and tumbled backwards down the slope. Aragorn quickly ran as best he could through the man-made path he was following and caught the halfling as he rolled down. He helped Frodo to his feet and asked, "You alright Frodo?"

The ringbearer nodded and lifted his hand to his chest to regain breathing. That's when Aragorn noticed the frightened expression appear on his face as he dug under his shirt to find no ring. Looking back up the path of his fall, the two saw Boromir standing by himself with his hand held up and the necklace of the ring in his grasp.

Aragorn saw something change within the warrior and immediately called out to him. Boromir didn't even hear him as he spoke words only to himself and reached to touch the golden weapon. Aragorn panicked for a second and called out louder and more forceful, "Boromir!"

Boromir gasped and pulled his hand away from the deadly weapon.

Aragorn eyed him and said firmly,"Give the ring to Frodo."

The warrior glanced from man to halfling repeatedly before he walked down the slope, holding the ring away from his body. "As you wish," he said just as Frodo grabbed it back, "I care not." Then he looked up at Aragorn and the two men shared a dangerous gaze with one another. Boromir hesitantly ignored Aragorn's silent warning, shuffled Frodo's hair with his gloved hand, and turned his way back up the mountain.

The whole scene was watched by every member of the fellowship. Legolas glared his eyes like daggers at the Gondorian who was walking away from his lover. The elf could see Aragorn release his hold upon his sword and help Frodo back up the mountainside. He would have to keep all of senses alert now.

Because being inside the fellowship has become dangerous.

Legolas gazed across the snowy mountaintop as the night continued on. Another freezing night it has been. The elf could hear the chittering and movements of the hobbits desperately calling for a peaceful sleep. Even Gandalf and Gimli appeared cold and couldn't get to sleep. This night has proven to be one of the coldest nights of their lives.

And Legolas couldn't feel a thing.

It made the elf feel worse that one: he couldn't do anything to bring warmth back to their skins, and two: all he has done is watch them freeze. Legolas feared mostly for the hobbits since they've never encountered this kind of weather before. Surely there would be snow in the Shire, but not the deadly cold they endured now.

"M-merry..." Pippin mumbled as he pulled the blankets around him even closer, "M-m-merr-ry..."

"What?" the other hobbit asked quickly.

Pippin's voice was weak and tired from the repeated stuttering occurring in his throat, "I-I can't s-s-sleep-p...i-it's so c-cold..."

Merry looked sadly at the pale face of his friend; no doubts that he looked the same way. Being the buddy that he was laid as close as he could to the other hobbit and pulled him against his body. "There P-pip...i-it's okay now..."

Pippin nodded and snuggled into the crook of Merry's clothed neck. Legolas had listened to them and wished there was something he could do. Wanting no signal of their location, Gandalf strictly forbid anymore fires since they started this hike, and it seemed impossible that they could in this weather and terrain. Legolas walked over to the two huddled hobbits and bent down to gain their attention. "How would you like my cloak little ones?" he asked kindly.

Merry was the one to look at his elven companion since Pippin was to occupied on keeping some warmth. "A-are you sure L-Legolas?" he asked quietly.

Legolas smiled warmly at them, "Yes my young friend. As you remember, I am not affected by the cold, so I should do whatever means necessary to keep others in warmth."

He unfastened his light cloak from his neck and draped it over the two shivering forms, tucking it snugly around their bodies. Merry nodded his thanks and laid his head back down on his pack, pulling his closest friend closer to his chest. Legolas silently prayed for a peaceful sleep to ensure their fellowship and walked over to the small rock peeking out from underneath the snow. He rested his left foot against it's surface and leaned heavily upon it. He decided for himself despite everyone else's pleas that he should take every night watch until they leave this blasted mountain. Aragorn and Boromir were the ones to argue with Legolas the most, and Gimli just grumbled a 'stupid elf' comment without any say. They argued/discussed the matter for quite some time before Boromir gave it up and agreed to it. Aragorn wasn't so easily swayed by his lover and it took a great deal of assurances to get the human to agree with him. When Legolas stayed at the end of the line earlier in the evening and stole a quick kiss from his lover, Aragorn gave into him and just relaxed at the only comfort this mountain gave him: the elf of his life traveling with him.

Legolas spotted Aragorn shifting among his bed mat. The human was obviously pale in the face and was clinging to the only warmth his clock brought him. Legolas walked and kneeled next to him, placing his naturally warm hand upon his cheek. Legolas flinched from the icy touch and flinch he received. Aragorn rolled onto his back and starred into the blue depths the elf possessed, smiling faintly.

"I'm worrying you aren't I?" he asked softly.

Legolas lowered his face and nudged his nose against the man's.

"Yes, you most defiantly are meleth nin. I wish I could do something for you instead of stand here and watch."

Aragorn grinned. "But you're watching for a good reason. To protect the fellowship and me."

The elf chuckled, "Of course for you...I just wish I could hold you in my arms and bring you comfort and warmth."

"You are by just staying by my side," Aragorn said softly reaching his hand upwards to stroke the elf's pale flesh, "Our love has always kept us warm and comforted. This blasted weather will not change that..."

Legolas snuggled his nose down until it touched the man's cheek. He lightly kissed the corner of his mouth before pulling back up. He glacned around the camp making sure no one was watching and pressed his mouth hard against that of his lover's. Aragorn moaned into his mouth, but quickly silenced himself as soon as he realized that he did. He cupped Legolas' cheek with one hand, pulling his lover closer to himself to deepen their kiss. The wind decided to make itself known then and blew a huge gust of bone-chilling air across their camp. Aragorn immediately grasped the elf above him with both hands and pulled him closer as the rest of the fellowship was forced awake by nature's wrath.

Legolas held his lover, giving him all the warmth he could, before he pulled back and set the man back upon his mat.

"What cruel winds!" both heard Gimli growl as the dwarf rolled across his mat. "Stinking air, freezing weather..."

Legolas chuckled lightly as did Aragorn. The elf gave his lover one more sweet short kiss before pulling completely away and standing next to him. Aragorn rolled onto his side, facing himself towards the elf and asked, "You'll protect us, won't you my dear prince?"

Legolas eyed him. "You have humor in this kind-of weather? You humans amuse me."

Aragorn smiled.

He even amused himself.

A/N: Yeah...this is pretty late due to the fact that my life is going done the drain right now, yet I'm trying to pick it back up. I've had very stressful months, but writing has been keeping me feeling good. That sounded lame...but it's true though.

THX AGAIN to all those who reviewed. Sorry for the many scene breaks, but come on: Their climbing a mountain, what much is their to put in it? Next chapter should be shifted to the mines. I'm hoping it will lead there.

Review please! Luv you guys if you will continue to do so.

FireHead