A/N: Alrightie guys, numero three. You're starting to sees a little more of Valo's background as the story progresses. Any random, out there guesses about how he got to the point he is today? Curious, isn't it? Lol. Anywho, enjoy! Have fun! For you writers out there and all of you amazing guys that keep up with my work religiously, Many Muses and Speedy Updates!

Disclaimer: Fahget 'bout it!

~~~Chapter Three~~~ Reaching Out

"What is that?" Sam question lightly, bringing the two carefree hobbit's attention to the situation at hand.

They ignored Gimli's gruff response. The small teen stood to his feet, shuffling from foot to foot. A sudden feeling of dread was creeping upon him, a wash of energy down his spine like ants beneath his skin. What was this feeling? It seemed to tug him in every direction, leaving him confused and disorientated.

"It's moving fast. And against the wind." Boromir's voice was filled with worried tension.

He seemed a mirror to how Valo felt at that moment. It was all Legolas needed before he announced the shape's true nature harshly, jumping into action.

"Crebain from Dunland!"

The Fellowship all scattered to put out the fire and jerk everything into a hiding place. Valo was unsure what to do. His mind was a mish mash of anxiety and confusion. Where was he supposed to go? The Crebain were flying ever nearer quickly. Within seconds they would be upon him. Surely they would carry him off or claw him to pieces? Before they flew overhead, taking him to his certain doom, a harsh arm encircled his waist and tugged him behind a large boulder. The chattering Crebain flew overhead, circling once before flying back into the direction from whence they came. He looked up to find himself pressed protectively against Gandalf, hidden beneath the man's light grey traveling cloak. Valo inhaled the comforting scent of sandalwood, tobacco musk and another smell that ruffled the teen's being and sent his mind reeling once more. Everyone stepped out of their hiding place, turning to look at the wizened Istari. Gandalf eased him down onto his own feet before answering their questioning looks.

"Spies of Saruman. We must take the Pass of Caradhras."

Everyone began to pack their belonging's quickly. The reminder of their nemesis seemed to throw the group into a nervous frenzy. Everyone was eager to leave the Foothills in case the Crebain returned, perhaps with more dangerous foes to face.

~o~

Valo dreamed.

Harsh hands running over his excited flesh. Teasing but searching as well. Reassuring himself that no one had touched what was his. Valo arched up into skilled hands, pleading though he wasn't sure what he was pleading for. A cruel chuckle sounded from above him and the presence hovering over his body blew a cool line over his raised flesh.

"Patienccccce, my little one. Tell me where you are. Let me give you what you desire…" Came the grating voice in the Black Speech.

He released a low whimper, wishing he could see anything through the darkness surrounding him. All was black except for the sparks behind his eyelids every time those cool hands ran over his exposed skin. He couldn't tell his location. They would find him…and the others would die. Aragorn. Gandalf. Frodo. Even the gruff Gimli and standoffish Legolas. They would all die. He felt tears escape his eyes.

"Tell me, my Prince. There will be no punishment for you if you only give in. I am a forgiving Master…"

Master. Master. His Master. Valo's eyes slammed open and the dream began to crumble around him. The last he felt was a piercing pain through his forehead.

He sat up with a gasp and a cry, alerting the on duty Aragorn and Gandalf to his waking. The Ranger hurried over to him, noting his tears and trembling form. Gandalf watched with his pipe between his teeth, his gaze sad but intensely observing the child sobbing into Aragorn's shoulder. The cold wind whistled passed the cave they had taken up residence in for the night.

"Valo? Tell me what's wrong. You're safe." The Ranger whispered to his shaking ward.

Valo shook his head and tried to reign in his tears bravely, clutching a hand to his burning forehead. Aragorn moved his hand, taking in the lightning bolt shaped scar there. A heavy frown had settled between Gandalf's grey brows.

"It was just a dream. Just a dream…"

He would not sleep again that night.

~o~

The Walls of Moria towered above them all. Valo couldn't help but feel even more dwarfed than he had before. It was a physical commentary on how his life seemed to be going now. The nightmares had progressed in his every sleeping hour, leaving him exhausted and withdrawn. Legolas was no longer outwardly unfriendly but more wary than anything. Despite this, he was starting to feel as if he had a place in this Fellowship. Sure, he had only been brought because they feared leaving him in Rivendale would be their doom but he had a place finally. A small one, but a place. He no longer felt like a burden only to be tolerated. For some reason, the Mirkwood Prince's timid acceptance had been a turning point for his approval in their traveling party. He tended to stay closer to the Istari and Aragorn though. They didn't seem to find any of his odd ways unusual, like when Gimli had stumbled upon him staring up at the night, searching for the dog constellation that didn't exist in any Middle Earth sky. Or when Merry had found him glaring at a picture in Rivendale because he could have sworn it was gossiping about him with the other portraits. Aragorn brushed these things off and Gandalf found his embarrassment more amusing than strange. He was thankful that he had the two of them.

The itching feeling of anxiety that he had felt when the Crebain passed by that first time had not returned until they heard Saruman's voice on Caradhras. It had been stronger then but had not plagued him since. It had been steadily increasing once more though since they had approached the walls. Should he mention it to Aragorn? Valo was beginning to wonder if there was something wrong with him. Was he ill? As the surroundings began to spin every so often, he was really beginning to wonder. It was probably just because he was a little tired. He had avoided sleep for some time now, fearful of letting his newfound friends down by revealing their location. It was silly to fear a dream but somehow, he knew they weren't just regular dreams. His Master was searching for him just as he searched for the One Ring.

Was it possible that Sauron didn't yet realize that their locations were one in same? Legolas and Gimli had proceeded with their bitter bickering as they approached the doors to Moria. The walls above towered above him just as the rest of his life was doing. His Master was searching for him. He knew that he should obey and return to his side where he belonged but…He spared a glance at the Fellowship members that had come to rest at the door. He would miss them all. This was the first time he had been allowed outside the gates of Mordor while he wasn't asleep or under his Master's "influence" and he never remembered much about those times. In his heart, he was grateful of that fact. There was no doubt in his mind of the sort of things that his Master did when he was inhabiting Valo's body. He lay down on the pebbles at the shore side, resting his spinning head and tired feet. As if by habit, he looked up at the sky but found only tall mountainsides and a cloudy night. He found no answers to the questions filling his mind. The moon was looking especially beautiful tonight.

"You don't sleep enough. You're not taking care of yourself for this kind of journey." Came a light, musical voice from his side.

Valo opened his eyes to find Legolas crouched down beside him. He took in the elf's silver eyes and blonde hair. For just a moment there seemed to be another name on his tongue, someone he was reminded of when he glanced at those pale features. Just as soon as the feeling came though, the thought dispersed and he was left frowning. Unusual.

"I know, you think that I shouldn't have accompanied you. That I should go back home." The words came out more bitter than he intended them to sound.

To his surprise though, Legolas's lips quirked upwards at the corners. Valo was struck by the sight. He hadn't realized it until now but the elf was far more suited to smiling than the serious frowns he had harbored on their journey. When he was smiling, his whole being glowed as if he were doused with moonlight himself. It was…lovely.

"That was far from what I meant. I only meant that you should be more aware of your body's needs. You can't defend yourself or be any good to any one else if you're too exhausted to function properly."

Valo pursed his lips lightly and shrugged softly. What could he say? He couldn't sleep or the Dark Lord Sauron would seduce their location out of him and kill them all? Not bloody likely. He inwardly rolled his eyes at his odd choice in wording. He was too strange even for himself sometimes.

"I have…strange dreams." He admitted grudgingly, tugging his cloak around him for warmth from the cool breeze that seemed determined to blow right through him.

Legolas settled down at his side, watching his every expression studiously as if Valo were some sort of intriguing thing for him suddenly. It caused a heavy blush to rush up the teen's neck. He hated being started at. It made him feel like a freak. Especially when he was being stared down by lovely creatures like a certain elf prince. Legolas only found humor in his discomfort if his chuckle was anything to go by.

"Have you discussed your dreams with Gandalf or Estel? I know they think of you fondly and Gandalf is especially wise in such things. What are your dreams about?"

He asked as if it were such a simple thing! As if Valo could just come out and say it! The embarassment of such a revelation was too much for him to even want to comprehend. No doubt Gimli would tear him a new one with teasing so much. His blush became furious and he nearly died of humiliation when Legolas's eyes lit up in understanding.

"Oh." He said simply, a smirk tugging at his mouth.

Valo fumed at him for enjoying his embarrassment.

"Don't you dare laugh! It's not funny!" He hissed, covering his face in his hands.

It had never occurred to the elf that Valo may very well be the youngest of their company, despite having lived for several Ages, he supposed. He didn't even think that they had a pubescent hormonal teenager in their midst. Legolas tried valiantly to cover his amusement to no avail. It only earned him another glare and a fierce pout.

"I hate you." Valo said with no meaning at all.

His companion only gave a small laugh and stood. Gandalf had just given an exclamation of triumph as the heavy, ancient stone door swung open with a loud grating noise. Valo was glad that they were finally able to move forward and he had an excuse to extricate himself from the now awkward conversation at hand. He allowed himself to be directed towards the door like a child and was still standing in the door way when he stopped suddenly. The sudden opening of the door had brought a gust of stale air with it and with that gust, the stench of decay and something sinister. There was the scent of something on the air in Moria that made his hands tremble and his toes curl. What was that sensation? It felt as if someone had poured liquid fire into his bloodstream though it wasn't at all unpleasant. His every cell begged to run towards whatever it was that caused it and submit. It felt like...like how his Master felt though not as addicting. Not as undeniable and oppressive. What was happening to him?

A/N: Yay!! R&R!