The morning of the company's departure, Maith sat on her bed, unsure of what to bring. Her weapons and heavy cloak she would carry on herself, and a change of clothes along with some food was already packed. She then threw in her hairbrush, rope, healing herbs and bandages. Finally, she tied the bundle up and gave a last longing look at her knives, which she did not have any more space for.

The sun felt cold on her back as she walked over to join the Fellowship. Arwen and Elrond stood at the edge of the group, greeting her as she reached them.

"You do not have to do this if you do not wish to," Elrond spoke.

Maith shook her head, "I must do it," she said quietly, "and I will miss you, atar."

She then embraced Arwen, whose eyes had filled with tears. She knew who her sister was crying for. "Aragorn can take care of himself," Maith whispered gently, pulling away. She thought of how loving someone must be like, and did not like it.

"The Ring-bearer is setting out on the Quest of Mount Doom. On you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will. Farewell. Hold your purpose. May the blessings of the Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you." Elrond's voice sounded in her ears as the company set off.

The days passed quickly as they traveled over the barren landscape, sometimes seeking cover amongst the giant boulders that dotted the land. Maith grew very close to Aragorn and Legolas, even becoming on friendly terms with Gimli, whom she had started to admire.

The company found rest on a scatter of great boulders, drying out from the rain the night before and eating. Maith snatched Aragorn's pipe from his mouth and, cleaning it carefully (much to the annoyance of Aragorn), took a few puffs herself. Legolas was seated on the edge, scanning the horizon and immersed in his thoughts. Boromir was teaching the hobbits to fight with infinite patience.

"Two, one…five!" he instructed as Pippin blocked his attacks, "good, very good."

"Move your feet," Aragorn added next to her.

"You look good, Pippin," Merry injected, making the hobbit beam with pride.

"Thanks."

Maith turned as she heard Gimli's voice behind her, talking to Gandalf. "If you ask my opinion," he was saying, "which I note they're not, I'd say we were taking the long way round." Maith frowned, having a hint of what the dwarf was getting at. "Gandalf, we could pass through the mines of Moria. My cousin Balin would give us a royal welcome," he continued.

To Maith's relief, Gandalf replied, "no Gimli, I would not take the roads unless I had no other choice." Her attention turned to the hobbits.

"Sorry," Boromir was apologizing, for he had accidentally hit Pippin's hand.

Pippin yelled and kicked Boromir, he stumbled back in surprise.

"Get him!" Merry cried, joining in, and Boromir was knocked to the ground with two hobbits atop of him.

"For the Shire!" Pippin shouted, "Hold him! Hold, him Merry!"

Maith handed the pipe to Aragorn, "aren't you going to help?"

Chuckling, Aragorn walked over, crying "gentlemen, that's enough!" but was too dragged down onto the ground.

Leaving the laughter and cries behind her, Maith approached Legolas, who was now sharpening his arrows, but keeping his eyes on the South at all times.

"I will keep watch and you can focus on your arrows," Maith suggested.

But Legolas' attention was elsewhere, narrowing his eyes at a black shape moving across the sky in the distance. Maith tensed, "what could that be?" she murmured, instinctively standing up.

"Nothing, just a wisp of cloud," Gimli said.

"It's moving fast, against the wind…" Boromir muttered.

Maith gripped Legolas' arm, realizing what it was at the same time as he did. "Crebain from Dunland!" Legolas cried.

"Hide!" Aragorn ordered, sending the company flying to different hiding spots under the rocks.

Maith rushed over to get her pack, and then rolled under a rock behind her.

"Greetings Legolas," she said dryly when she sensed that she was not alone.

But Legolas just smiled and looked ahead, "Good to see you again, Maith."

His breath smells like flowers, Maith thought suddenly, then started. What was that? She interrogated herself, and then looked at Legolas to see if he had noticed anything.

Sensing her gaze, he turned his head. "Sam remembered to put out the fire," Legolas said conversationally.

"Why, yes," Maith answered, blinking. She knew she sounded like an idiot, but for some reason her mind had gone blank. Thankfully though, she was saved by the others slowly emerging from their various hiding places as the cawing sounds faded.

"Spies of Saruman!" Gandalf was saying, "The passage is being watched. We must take the Pass of Caradhas."