Chapter 9

Their journey had begun. Leaving peaceful Rivendell behind them, the Fellowship headed South keeping west alongside the Misty Mountains. Gandalf took lead at the head of the company, for he knew their path and where to lead them safely away from the spies of Sauron. Aragorn had taken pace beside Gandalf for he knew these lands well and where best to find shelter when they needed it. The Hobbits were trailing after them, eager to keep up and prove themselves. Frodo and Sam walked with Bill the pony as they followed Merry and Pippen. They spent much time recalling joyful memories that once were and making jokes with the few members in the fellowship, much to everybody's amusement. Merry and Pippen especially were valued in the way they kept everybody's spirits up with laughter and pranks. Gimli followed after the hobbits. He would often times exchange a few gruff but good hearted words with the hobbits. Boromir followed next, the man seemed content with his own thoughts and he could be seen smiling or laughing at another of Merry and Pippen's jokes. Legolas and Tauriel were the rearguards of the company. Their keen elven eyes kept watch from behind and the path ahead. When the fellowship passed a tall tree or traveled through a forest one of the elves would take the opportunity to climb the tree and scout the path head, ensuring their road was safe.

The first part of their journey was cold and dreary. They walked for many miles on hard uneven terrain under a sunless sky. Though they were all well clad in their cloaks and shawls, they seldom felt warm as winds from the east came rolling off the mountains and finding ways to chill them to their core. It was only when they could afford it did they regain some warmth sitting beside the fire when they took rest. There were a few nights they had to go without the comforting caress of the fire's warmth for safety precautions. They had not seen any signs of ringwraiths or orcs, but there were still many other beasts and foul creatures that posed a threat to them should they be discovered. At night they took turns keeping watch. The hobbits did this in teams of Frodo and Sam then Merry and Pippen. At the start of every day, they would break their fast and if needed refill waterskins in a nearby river.

It was not until the company reached the boarders of the country called Hollin did they encounter their first danger. Frodo and Sam were on watch, it was late into the night, the moon shined brightly in the night sky illuminating the land in a blue glow, making their job as watchers easier. As their eyes scanned the hills and scattered trees, Frodo jumped as his saw a dark form move quickly from behind an outcropping of some boulders. He grabbed Sam's arm and pointed in the direction he saw the form, "Sam, did you see that?" He whispered worriedly.

Slightly alarmed, Sam followed Frodo's gaze and together they watched intently to see if their eyes were tricking them or if there really was something there. They waited with ears straining to hear anything in the cold dark night, they heard nothing.

"I don't see anything . What did you see?" Sam inquired, his breath fogging in the chilly air.

Frodo shook his head and continued to stare at the boulders in the distance. "I was certain a saw a dark form run from behind that outcropping over there. Last I saw of it was by those rocks nears the trees. I moved really fast, Sam. My eyes barely had time to catch it."

Five minutes passed; ten minutes passed…Frodo and Sam had not moved their eyes from the boulders. Still, they heard nothing.

Unbeknownst to Frodo and Sam, another dark form was moving behind the company in the bushes. Menacing yellow eyes glowed in the moonlight; the creature was well hidden as it scanned the fellowship's camp. The two watchers still had their eyes glued to the boulders in the distance a head of them. Between the lurking creature and them was their camp where the remaining fellowship slept. Wisps of smoke rose from a barren fire. Loud snores came from the dwarf. The two men were wrapped in their cloaks as they lay on opposite side of the fire using their packs as pillows. The wizard and two other hobbits were slumbering against a tree. In that tree rested two elves who found comfort in the large branches. While the other two hobbits on watch were distracted, now was the perfect time to attack.

The wolf turned to glance behind it and gave a low growl, signaling to the rest of the pack the time had come. They stepped from the bushes advancing in on the slumbering fellowship. A horse was nearby, also sleeping as well. A wrong step, snap! One of the wolves treaded upon a stick. The horse awoke to the noise and the hunt was over as it neighed, awaking the fellowship.

Frodo and Sam turned their backs away from the boulder they were watching and were terrified to see a pack of wolves had moved into their camp. They quickly ran to the others and picked up their swords.

"Wolves!" Gandalf shouted as he drew his sword, "Aragorn! Boromir protect the hobbits!"

The two men didn't need command, Aragorn and Boromir had already started defending. There were nearly a dozen of them, with yellow eyes, sharp ivory teeth, black claws, they growled as they circled their prey.

One wolf shrieked as an arrow embedded itself into the thick hide of black matted fur, piecing its heart with deadly accuracy. It fell and was silent. Tauriel jumped from the tree with another arrow nocked as she aimed at another wolf. All at once the wolves pounced. One tackled Boromir to the ground; he fended it off with his sword. Aragorn ran to his aide, leaving Gandalf to defend the hobbits with his staff and sword. Legolas jumped from the trees, his bow was singing with each arrow released. Aragorn slayed the massive wolf that had Boromir grounded. Gimli deflected another wolf from jumping on Aragorn. The ranger shared a moment of thanks as they made quick work of the remainder of the wolves. It was over as soon as it started. The bodies of 13 wolves lay in their camp; the fellowship breathed a sigh of relief.

"Wolves! Wolves do not usually attack! What is the meaning of this?!" Gimli raged.

"These are no ordinary wolves," Tauriel commented as she retrieved her arrows from the bodies, "Their build is much stockier and their teeth are longer. These are creatures bred of evil. I have no doubt they are a result of the Shadow that has been destroying our world."

"That may be so, but the question remains. How were they able to sneak up on us if we have watchers? Who was on watch when this happened?" Gandalf demanded calmly.

Frodo and Sam exchanged looks of guilt as they slowly stepped forward, "Sam and I were on watch. I saw something in the distance over there, by those boulders. I wasn't certain what it was that I saw. I do not know how long I kept my eyes there, but I did not hear the pack approach until it was too late. I am sorry that I failed in my watch and for endangering everyone."

Aragorn approached Frodo and kneeled before the trembling hobbit, "It is okay Frodo and Sam. We all make mistakes. Next time when you are on watch and you see anything, even if you can't identify if it is friend or foe, do not hesitate to raise the alarm." Aragorn spoke gently as he placed a comforting hand on both hobbits' shoulders.

"We're lucky it was just wolves this time! I would hate to get ambushed by a pack of Wargs in the middle of my sleep." Gimli grumbled as he cleaned off his axe.

Legolas rolled his eyes at Gimli's comment. The dwarf wasn't helping the situation. "Do not let your hearts be troubled anymore young ones, the danger is past and we learn from this encounter." Legolas stopped retrieving his arrows and stood straight, "There is one thing that I wonder. Frodo, you say you saw something run from that direction?" Legolas pointed east, "However we were attacked from the opposite direction."

Frodo frowned, "Yes, I saw it run from those boulders to those over there. But it was far away and it moved very fast…I wasn't sure what I saw."

"A diversion." Tauriel stated, "One wolf to catch your attention so that the others may attack from behind."

Legolas nodded, appreciating that she caught on to his suspicion. "These are creatures of intelligence, making them more dangerous. They knew we had somebody keeping watch."

"These are dark and bizarre times indeed. I wonder what other evils they are breeding in Mordor." Boromir commented.

"A question I am happy to live without knowing myself," Pippen added a little shakily, "Nobody got hurt this time, that's what's important."

Gandalf spoke, "And to ensure that we are more careful next time, that is of importance as well. I do not believe we will find anymore rest on this night, I think it would be best if we started moving. Just in case there are any more of those hounds out there. We'll break fast later. Let us pack up camp and be off."

They all agreed with Gandalf as they made preparations to leave. Legolas looked towards the east; he felt that something was still there, some danger lurking in the rocks still. It made him uneasy, which Aragorn and Tauriel noticed and they too kept their eyes on the boulders.

Just as they were all starting to walk onwards, Frodo looked behind his shoulder back at the boulders. He saw a large wolf in the distance watching them; the dark form that distracted him. The wolf turned away in the direction of the mountains and fled.

Frodo sighed in relief and as he turned to follow the fellowship, he nearly ran into Legolas who looked where the wolf had once been. His intense blue eyes looked down upon him; they softened and his face relaxed.

"It will not follow us or attack. As I have said it is intelligent. It knows it wouldn't survive an encounter with us. Fear not Frodo." Legolas smiled and turned to follow the others.

Frodo felt his heart lift and he sighed in relief. The fellowship was strong, and he felt safe knowing that.

The next day, the fellowship awoke to a very welcome sight. Warm sunlight enveloped them in a comforting embrace that rejuvenated them. It was a nice change from the cold dreary windy weather they've had thus far.

"A real sunrise is a welcome friend." Spoke Merry as he put down the hood of his cloak and closed his eyes soaking up the warmth. Gandalf declared that they would not head out until after noon, so they had this morning to catch up on sleep and rest their travel weary legs. So rejuvenated by the gift of sunlight, Merry and Pippen asked Boromir if he would spar with them to which he happily complied. Sam was cooking their breakfast, he decided upon a heartier meal this morning to celebrate their victory over the wolf attack from last night and the presence of the sun. Gandalf was seated upon a large boulder, smoking his long pipe and deep in thought as he quietly observed the fellowship. Gimli and Aragorn also took this time to have a smoke from their pipes as well. Aragorn was watching Merry and Pippen spar with Boromir. It was a warming sight to the ranger.

"Get away from the blade, Pippen…on your toes…Good! Very good! I want you to react, not think." Boromir coached as the sound of clashing swords was heard.

"That's quite good Pippen!" Merry congratulated.

"Thanks!"

Gimli watched the sparring hobbits and puffed on his pipe as he was deep in thought. Something was nagging in his mind about their course and he felt the need to consult Gandalf. "If anyone were to ask for my opinion, which I note they have not, I would say we are taking the long way around. Gandalf, we could pass through the Mines of Moria. My cousin, Balin, would give us a royal welcome".

Gandalf's face clearly expressed his thought regarding the suggestion. With a soft frown upon his face, Gandalf slowly shook his head and replied, "No Gimli. I would not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice."

The topic was dropped as Gimli sighed in defeat. He walked away grumbling about the absurdity of wizards as he found a different place to go smoke his pipe in peace.

A little ways away, the two Mirkwood elves had listened in on the conversation that Gimli and Gandalf had. The Mines of Moria were no place for elves. Or any mines for that fact. Elves avoided mines and caves if at all possible. The air is cold and stale; there is no wind or scents of the earth. Only barren stone, dirt and decay. They do not go in places that the sun cannot penetrate, where the moon cannot cast its luminescent glow. Being cut off from the sky and the stars would not sit well with a child of the firstborn. They had a deep connection with nature and all living things. Wood elves found comfort in the trees; they were a race that could communicate with them. To be cut off from that connection would make an elf feel as though it had lost a part of itself. And so it is no surprise when the two wood elves of the fellowship breathed a sigh of relief when they heard Mithrandir disapprove Gimli's suggestion.

Legolas turned to face Tauriel; they shared a mutual understanding of what could have almost happened. Though they both vowed to follow the fellowship through anything, it did not stop the dread from entering their hearts upon hearing talk of the mines. For whatever reason Gandalf had to dismiss the notion, Legolas and Tauriel were grateful for it. As Legolas looked off into the distance, he marveled at the beauty of the mountains surrounding them. As his eyes traveled the blue sky, they stopped and focused on a dark cloud…however, it wasn't a cloud.

Sam noticed Legolas' fixed stare and followed the line of sight to a dark patch in the sky. "What is that?"

"Nothing!" shouted Gimli dismissively, "It's just a wisp of a cloud."

Boromir who was on the ground from being tackled by Merry and Pippen suddenly perked up and looked as well. The cloud was moving. Clouds do not move that fast he thought as worry bubbled in his chest. "It's moving fast…against the wind".

"Crebain from Dunland!" Legolas declared as he jumped down from the rock.

"Take cover!" Tauriel shouted as she followed after him as they both concealed themselves in a holly bush.

Aragorn urgently yelled, "Hide!" He grabbed the nearest Hobbit, Frodo, and pulled them behind a large holly bush. Sam put out the fire and quickly ran to join them. Boromir along with Merry and Pippen scurried to a rock overhang that had bush. Gimli and Gandalf took cover in the rocks.

For a moment it was silent until a flock of large black crows flew through the area at great speed. They flew low and close to the ground as they circled the area the fellowship had just been moments ago.

It was not until the crows had dwindled away in the distance did they dare emerge from their hiding places.

"Spies of Saruman," spoke Gandalf to the fellowship as he staggered to his feet, "The passage South is being watched. We must change course and take the pass of Caradhras." He pointed in the general direction toward tall snowy mountains. The hobbits exchanged looks, their road was about to get more difficult.

Up the side of the mountain they trudged. They were eager to leave Caradhras behind them, so they moved quickly through ankle deep snow, or in the case of the hobbits and Gimli, knee deep snow. It made the hike for those shorter than man infinitely difficult. Legolas had moved to the front of the group, being the most surefooted of them aside from Tauriel, he lead them with Gandalf's guidance for the elf could walk atop the snow and also detect if they were nearing danger. The poor pony Bill was loaded with firewood, for there were no trees to be sighted in the path ahead. Gandalf did not want them lighting fires, but should they be in need of one in the event they may be in danger of freezing, it was best to take firewood with them.

Laboriously they climbed; soft flakes of snow began to fall upon the fellowship.

"I don't like this," panted Sam wearily as he followed the footprints Boromir plowed for them through the snow. "Snow is alright on a fine winter morning, but I'd like to be in bed with warm blankets and a cozy fire to keep me warm when it's falling."

Frodo nodded, but chose not to respond to Sam's complaints. He followed after him but as his foot stepped forward, it slipped and he lost his balance. Down the hillside, Frodo tumbled. He would have rolled all the way down the mountain if Aragorn who was at the back of the group hadn't caught him. Frodo scrambled to his feet, relieved to have been caught. His hand instinctively went to his neck where the Ring hung on a chain…but it was not there. It was missing! His panicked eyes scanned ahead and he saw the gold shining in the sunlight, it had slipped off his neck as he was rolling. For a second time he sighed in relief. Boromir's hand plucked the Ring from the snow; he touched only the chain, for he dared not let the ring touch him. He stood there staring, transfixed as the ring dangled on the chain before his eyes.

"Boromir?" Aragorn spoke. Tauriel was at his side as she watched the man from Gondor fall under its spell.

Still staring at the Ring, Boromir spoke, "It is a strange fate that we should suffer so much fear and doubt over so small a thing…such a little thing". His fingers reached as though to touch the ring.

Tauriel moved to interfere, but Aragorn held her back. He could see the aggression in her eyes and he knew Boromir would not respond well to her frustration.

"Boromir!" Aragorn spoke a little more loudly. Boromir jerked his head back and lowered his hand. He rapidly blinked as if he was just coming out of a trance state, "Give the Ring back to Frodo."

Boromir lightly chuckled and approached Frodo, "As you wish…I care not." In an act to appear as though he had not just been nearly tempted by the ring, Boromir gave Frodo a warm smile and ruffled his hair affectionately. He slowly turned and continued up the mountain, but his heart was unsettled. Aragorn loosened his grip on his sword. Tauriel removed her hands from her daggers. The ranger and the wood elf exchanged a knowing glance. They would have to keep a closer eye on their comrade from Gondor. The others had stopped and as Boromir continued walking, they turned and resumed their hike.

Onwards they continued. The snow continued to fall and the further they went, the heavier the snow pelted them. Soon it became a blinding blizzard. The fellowship was cold, tired, and miserable. Their faces red from the harsh bite of the winter wind. Their feet felt like lead as they kept going. Boromir and Aragorn were in the front now as they were the ones to clear a path for the hobbits. It was clear that they couldn't carry on for much longer; soon they would have to stop and seek shelter to rest.

Every now and then, a rumble could be heard in the distance. It was faint, but Aragorn soon identified it as an avalanche in the distance. Upon hearing this, the hobbits felt fear course through them. An avalanche would surely be their downfall should they have an unfortunate encounter with one.

"Gandalf, we must stop and rest!" shouted Boromir over the rage of the winds, "The little ones cannot take much more or they will collapse.

Gandalf turned and looked at the sorry bunch of halflings. They were shivering despite all the layers of cloaks they wore and were leaning upon each other. Their eyes were half lidded and they panted in exhaustion. Gandalf agreed that they rest for a while and they leaned against the cliff wall. The hobbits plopped down wearily behind Bill the pony, as he was able to shield them from the cold winds. A few of them had closed their eyes as they napped for a short while, huddled together for warmth.

Legolas stood near the ledge of the cliff; he was straining his eyes and ears listening to the far away rumbles of avalanches. He was worried that if they proceeded on their course they might run into avalanche territory. His thoughts were interrupted by a hand grabbing his and pulling him back.

"Do not stand so near the edge, you fool. The snow may not be steady." Tauriel chided him lightly as she wrapped her cloak around her tighter. Her hood was over her head to keep the wind at bay, but the weather was so frigid even she was feeling its effects.

"How are you faring mellon nin?" Legolas asked her as he followed her to the cliff wall. He felt the cold, but he was not affected nearly as much as the others. He could see Tauriel begin to shiver slightly however.

"I will admit that I am chilled, but no more than what the others are feeling right now." She nodded at the hobbits. Gimli had joined them and even he appeared tired and haggard.

Legolas nodded and took her hands in his. "Your hands are cold." He cupped her hands in his and brought them to this mouth and blew warm air onto them and he rubbed them vigorously. He continued to do this until her hands were no longer white and frozen, "There…better?"

Tauriel smiled and nodded her head in thanks. She felt her stomach flip at his concern for her well-being. "Hannon le, mellon nin. Here…" She retrieved 2 pairs of leather gloves from a pack on Bill. "I did not believe we would need these, but I am glad Lord Elrond insisted."

"Aye, hannon le. These will help." Legolas accepted the gloves. They went to stand beside Bill's head. The poor beast was cold as well despite its thick coat. The elves helped shield Bill's head from the wind. They petted and stroked the pony affectionately, giving it encouragement and a little comfort.

"This will be the death of the Hobbits. Gandalf! We cannot just sit here and wait for the snow to go over our heads." Gimli grumbled.

"Give them this." Gandalf pulled a small silver flask from his pack, "Only a mouthful, to each of us. It is a very precious gift from Lord Elrond. Pass it round."

Gimli took the flask and gulped a sip, and gently shook the hobbits awake. After they each took a swig of the flask, they instantly perked up. All traces of weariness pushed aside, they had renewed energy and were ready to be on their way. Boromir and Aragorn took a mouthful each of the flask and felt their strength return as the strange liquor warmed them up. Aragorn passed it to Legolas next who was just about to politely refuse it, for he was not in as much need as the others were. However before he could refuse it, Aragorn pushed it into his hands, "Drink some, Legolas. It will do you well. And don't say you don't need it." Aragorn ordered.

Legolas sighed and decided to appease his longtime friend. He took the smallest sip and felt the effects warm him. He did feel much better. He passed it to Tauriel next and she did the same, taking only a small sip before she sealed the cap and returned it to Gandalf.

Now that they were all revived with fresh hope and determination, they set out on their way. Legolas continued ahead in the lead testing the snow. Gandalf followed after with Aragorn and Boromir behind him. The hobbits and Bill followed after the men and Tauriel brought up the rear to ensure nobody fell behind. She was slightly nervous about Legolas taking the risk of testing the snow for everybody. One wrong step and he could fall down the cliff. She shook the image her mind created of her beloved falling.

The rumbling noises continued, and they grew louder. Legolas stopped the company and turned to Gandalf. "There is a fell voice in the air. It is not the avalanches this time." Just as he spoke, a crack of thunder rumbled and large rocks broke off from above them on the top of the mountain.

"It is Saruman!" yelled Gandalf. The rocks were a safe distance away from them and did not crash upon the fellowship.

"He's trying to bring down the mountain. Gandalf! We must turn back!" Aragorn yelled over the roars of the winds.

"No!" Gandalf stepped forward and raised his staff. He listened to the voice on the air. Gandalf responded with chants of his own.

The voice of Saruman strengthened, rolling past the fellowship. Thunder boomed again and this time a crack and bolt of lightning exploded on the mountainside above them. The fellowship looked above them in horror as a huge avalanche thundered towards them. They quickly threw themselves upon the wall of the cliff. Legolas ran ahead to pull Gandalf to safety. He met the wizard on the ledge and pushed him away from the edge. Gandalf bumped into the cliff wall just as the snow enveloped them all.

Tauriel was the first to dig herself out. She was in the back of the company and there wasn't much snow that had fallen there. She looked for the others; Bill was safe in the back of the group as well. The pony appeared as if it was swimming out of the snow to get to firm land. Tauriel saw movement and a head of dark brown hair, Aragorn! She ran to his aide and helped him dig himself out. Boromir was the next to emerge. Aragorn found Gimli by accidentally stepping on him; the Hobbits they had to dig out, all were unharmed, just really cold.

"Where is Legolas?" Gandalf barked. He looked around at everybody and did not see the blonde elf prince anywhere. Dread filled Tauriel as her eyes searched for him, remembering her earlier fears.

"Legolas!" She called out…no answer. She felt panic rise within her. Where was he? Is he still buried?

"Legolas!" Aragorn was searching just as frantically. He went to where Gandalf stood at the edge of the cliff and started digging in the snow, looking for any trace of his friend, "Legolas!"

Tauriel felt her panic increase with each minute she couldn't find him. She was scared and it was not often she felt fear such as this. She joined Aragorn as the both dug in the snow, "Legolas! Legolas!" She yelled! She could feel herself become dizzy. She felt tears pool in her eyes. Where was he? "Legolas!" her voice cracked. Still no answer.

"He was right over there! He pushed me out of the way! I did not see him come back." Gandalf spoke urgently as he too began to dig.

"Legolas!" Aragorn shouted. He would not leave until he found that elf.

The hobbits watched their panicked comrades search. They were worried and hoping Legolas would just pop out of the snow and reveal himself. And all would be okay.

"Heeerrrrgh!"came a low muffled voice.

Everybody stopped, they heard something. Aragorn was the first to act, he ran to the edge of the cliff, "Legolas! Was that you?"

"Heeerrrrgh!" cam the muffled voice again in response.

"It's him! He is over here!" Tauriel struggled and staggered through the snow to the ledge near Aragorn, "Legolas!"

"Heeeerrrrrgh! Heerrrgh!" came a response.

Aragorn and Tauriel followed the voice further up the path that was now covered in snow. There was a lower level that was just eight feet below them. It was a wide area that had also been bit by the avalanche. They jumped down to the lower level and started digging frantically. "Legolas! Where are you?" Aragorn shouted.

"Heerrrrgh! Heeeerrrr Heeeeergh!" The voice was louder this time. They were almost there.

"Legolas! We are coming!" Tauriel felt her fingers go numb from digging even with the gloves on, but she paid no attention to her own needs as she desperately searched for her prince.

Aragorn dug and he felt something solid. He felt excitement believing he had just found Legolas, but upon further inspection, he discovered it was just the top of a very large rock that had broken off from the mountainside. "Legolas!"

"Heerrrreee!"

Aragorn looked up with a sudden realization, "Tauriel! He is pinned under the rock!" She met his eyes and hers grew with fear. "Keep digging around the rock."

The others were watching from the ledge as Aragorn and Tauriel worked desperately to unbury their friend. Boromir jumped down to join them and give his aide.

Aragorn had one side of the rock revealed. As he dug further, he felt his hands hit another solid form. He dug some more…a shoulder clad in a green cloak. Legolas! He had found him! "Here! He's here! I found his shoulder! Help me over here!" Aragorn cleared away more snow, he found tangled blonde hair and finally the panicked snow covered face of his closest friend.

"Legolas!" Tauriel sprang to his side and helped get the snow out of his face. Brilliant blue eyes opened, alarmed with surprise and relief.

"Th…th…th…thee sssno-" the elf began to speak through shivering chattering teeth.

"Do not speak, we need to get you out from beneath this rock." Aragorn ordered.

They continued clearing the snow until they discovered that the rock had actually not fallen on Legolas, for which he was incredibly lucky. However, the rock had him pinned there by the elves cloak.

Tauriel unsheathed one of her daggers and move to cut the cloak off him. She leaned over and cut the cloak, freeing the prince.

Legolas no longer was stuck, but he was so cold that he could barely move. He was shaking uncontrollably. His skin was pale white and his breathing was erratic.

"We need to move him, Boromir help me." Aragorn ordered. Together the men grabbed each arm of Legolas and lifted him upright as they dragged him back towards the others.

Cheers erupted from the hobbits upon Legolas returning to them. Gandalf smiled and approached them. Aragorn and Boromir gently lowered Legolas to the ground to learn against the cliff wall. Tauriel started her work at warming him up. She took of her winter cloak and threw it around his shoulders. She sat beside him and wrapped her arms around his lithe form as he shook, shaking her as well.

Gandalf kneeled beside him, "My dear lad, have some more of this. Take two mouthfuls." Gandalf help the silver flask and brought it to Legolas' lips. Legolas accepted it and felt his insides warm up in an alarming rate. He swallowed and coughed violently. Tauriel backed up and gave him some space as he continued to cough as his body adjusted to the temperature change.

Gandalf chuckled, screwing the cap back on and returning the flask to his pack, "Feel better?"

Legolas looked up wearily at the wizard and nodded. He had finally regained his breath, "Aye…hannon le… Mithrandir."

Gandalf shook his head, "No my dear lad, it is I who must thank you! Had you not pushed me out of the way, I would have probably been in your place. Only that rock would have surely crushed me for it was intended for me."

Legolas shook his head, "It was nothing. We are all safe and unharmed." He turned to look at Tauriel and she wrapped him in a hug.

"Don't you dare scare me like that again." She threatened. Her body was shaking in fear of what could have happened. She released him and helped him stand up on his feet. He took off her cloak and returned it to her.

Aragorn approached him next and also wrapped him in an embrace. Legolas chuckled lightly and patted the man on the back. No words had to be spoken for this exchange, they have been through too many life threatening adventures together. They were like brothers and understood each other entirely.

Gimli stepped forward interrupting the reunion, "Alright now, alright. The elf lives. It's time we plan our next move. We must get off this mountain."

Boromir nodded and stepped fourth, "I say we make for the gap of Rohan and take the west road to my city."

Aragorn shook his head, "The gap of Rohan takes us too close to Isengard."

"If we cannot pass over the mountain, let us go under it. Let us go through the mines of Moria," suggested Gimli.

Gandalf let a rare moment of fear cross his face. "Let the Ring bearer decide."

Frodo didn't like this. He didn't want to make this decision. How would he know what the best route to take was? He looked up to Gandalf and chose the option he thought would be safest, "We will go through the mines."

Gandalf nodded solemnly, "So be it."

Legolas looked down at the ground, resigned to their destination. He did not wish to go in the mines. It would be a long torturous journey, one that he was dreading. He felt soft fingers intertwine with his and he looked and met Tauriel's green eyes, the colors of the forest. She gave him a supportive look and squeezed his hand. She was dreading their next task as much as he was. But they had each other and together they could conquer this.

Elvish Translation

Mithrandir: Elvish name for Gandlaf

Mellon nin: my friend

Hannon le: thank you