Disclaimer: I don't own LoTR.
Rain Shall Pass.
Chapter S.E.V.E.N.
_"Journey"_
"The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step." -Lao Tzu
At one point, she'd ridiculed me for my simplistic dream. She was always someone who thought years in advance, always having a long term dream that'll be worth the struggle and tears and pain. A dream that she could continue to reach for even if she got to her original expectations. She was like Mom in that way.
The water lapped at my bare feet, climbing up till it reached my ankles and piercing my skin fleetingly with how freezing cold it was before it receded backwards. I wiggled my toes in the wet sand, grinning as it gave between my searching digits. My shoes lay discarded behind me, out of reach of the waves with my socks tucked securely within and my bag held in the secure hands of Emmalee. She had refused the childish urge to stand in the water, sniffing and plopping her butt down on the driest patch of sand she could find.
"Is it everything you've ever dreamed of?" Emmalee asked, watching as I spun in a slow circle and kicked up droplets of water.
The sun had yet to rise, the clouds above murky and thick and blocking the sky from view. A thick haze covered the nearby piers from my sight, the horizon not even visible to my curious eyes, and the air was cool against my bare arms and legs. The city had yet to awaken, but there were still those early morning joggers and bikers that took advantage of the less crowded beach trails. I smiled. It was peaceful. The crowds would overwhelm and bother me later, but for now...
"It's perfect," Was all I said in response to her question.
I was content and at peace.
It felt like between one blink and the next, a month had passed.
A month full of getting around what supplies would be needed, what routes would be taken, and of course, a whole new change of wardrobe. Mainly for me, though. Tobrien hadn't spared anything to my new attire, merely informing the seamstress to prepare me for a long journey with a beaming smile and left me to be measured and barraged with all kinds of questions. It had been irritating, but even I couldn't be angry at the end result. It wasn't a dress at least and for the most part, I matched what everyone else was wearing with all the greens and browns.
It was also a month packed with early mornings with Lindir, late nights with the twins and Tobrien, and the sporadic moments the Hobbits forced upon me. In those thirty days, I'd slowly forced myself to accept their presences as they didn't seem inclined to leave me alone any time soon. Merry and Pippin left me little room to object and all Frodo had to do was give me his shy smile and I caved. Sam remained neutral, but I had the sneaking suspicion that he was coming around seeing as his friend went out of his way to track me down.
A prime example being right now as we all stood in a line before the gates, Frodo on my right and Gimli to my left. Hearing Frodo take a deep breath, I arched an eyebrow at him. "Nervous?" Mentally slapping myself for asking such a stupid and obvious question, I waited awkwardly for his response.
His head bobbed and he pulled anxiously at a lock of curly hair. "A little," He admitted lowly. "It is...daunting when I think about how far we have to go. Rivendell is the furthest I'd ever been from the Shire and now..."
"Now you have to go even further," I finished. Fear of the unknown was a very human emotion and even though I knew what we were walking into, it didn't stop the anxiety from curling in my gut. This journey would be anything but easy for the Fellowship. Regardless, I tried to ease some of his worries. "Home will be there when you return," I assured.
He tilted his head up to look at me, blue eyes uneasy and anxious. "You believe so?"
"I do. The task ahead will be long and full of hardships, but so long as you have something to return to, it will come to be." I thought of Emmalee, lost and alone in this foreign world and wondered if I was also trying to reassure myself of that belief. "No matter how far you walk from your front door, it will still be there waiting for you when you come back."
"The lass speaks the truth," Gimli grumbled, surprising us. I hadn't noticed he'd been listening. "The mountains will always call a dwarf back to its depths in the end. The Shire, I believe, is no different."
Shocked that Gimli was trying to back me up, I could only nod silently as Frodo breathed a sigh and seemed to relax, his shoulders dropping from their hunched position.
I snapped to attention as Lord Elrond approached, Arwen at his side and a handful of elves trailing behind with green fabric in their hands. He carefully made eye contact with each of us, lingering on Aragorn, before beckoning the elves forward. I smiled at Tobrien as she stopped before me, though it dropped when the smile she gave in return was small and sad. She unfurled the cloth in her hands, revealing a long cloak with a simple brooch dangling from one corner.
"Lord Elrond had this made for you," She said quietly, gently wrapping the fabric around my shoulders and tenderly clasping the brooch against my neck. "It will at least protect you from the cold and keep unsavory eyes from spotting you immediately." She picked at the long sleeves of the dark silk shirt I wore, fingers smoothening out imaginary wrinkles. They fluttered over the brown tunic and the gray trousers that remained untucked from my boots. She sighed exasperatedly and pointed at them. I crouched down to oblige to her silent command, huffing. "You'll thank me when they won't rip from wayward tree branches. You want to make your clothes last the whole trip, Lady Asherah."
"Thank you," I said graciously, catching her hand as it was retreating. Her lips pursed and my heart grew heavy at the shimmer in her eyes. "It will be put to good use, I promise." She nodded solemnly, her mouth opening before it snapped closed. She pulled her hand from mine and reached for the scabbard at her waist, pulling it free. She caressed something along the leather before she clasped it with both hands firmly and presented it to me.
"What's this?" I asked stupidly as I automatically took it from her, catching faint elvish runes where her hands had been touching and dismissing them to look at later. I was surprised at how light it felt in my hands.
"This," She murmured, her eyes full of melancholy, "was a gift I received from my parents." I immediately made to give it back, already shaking my head as I started to protest. She fixed me with a stern glare and waved away my protests. "It was forged once I became fully grown, to aid me in any battles I may find myself in. It has been many years since I last used it, but it is still in fine condition and has been sharpened and tempered by Rivendell's finest blacksmiths."
I swallowed, a lump sitting heavily in my throat. For her to give me something that had been a gift from her parents... "Why are you giving me this?"
She shook her head. "My biggest regret is that I could not request your own weapon to be made. There was much to be done, many lessons for you to learn, and I am furious with myself for forgetting this most important item." She ran light fingers down the sheath. "So this is the best I could do for you. I did not want to send you away with a weapon that is still too heavy for you and I would not let you walk away with no way to defend yourself." She looked at me pleadingly. "Say you will take it with you."
Feeling my eyes begin to water, I hastily swiped at them and nodded jerkily. "Of course I will. It's a gift from you. I could never turn it down." The smile she gave me was both beautiful and heart-breaking.
I felt like my heart was cracking in two because I was going to miss her so much and I could only hope that I could do this without her unfailing guidance and friendship to push me on.
She surprised me once more by wrapping her arms around my shoulders and crushing me to her, her tall frame bending and her face burying itself into my neck. Her body shook slightly and I instantly returned the gesture, hugging her just as fiercely as a tear slipped down my cheek. I hated goodbyes and this was by far one of the worst ones I'd ever had to go through. "I do not know much time I have left in Arda," She whispered, "but I will hold off my departure to the Undying Lands for as long as I am able." Her hands squeezed my shoulders and she pierced me with a searching gaze. "You must come back, understand? I will never forgive you if you don't."
I gave a watery laugh, nodding. "Careful, that was almost threatening," I teased. "That sounded like something I would say."
She shook her head. "It was bound to happen." Her smile this time was brighter, just a little happier and not as sad. "Be safe," She commanded. "Take care of yourself and come back safely." She paused, risking a glance back to see everyone waiting on her. "We will await your return, Ash."
To say my eyes misted over would be an understatement, but I hoped she wouldn't comment on it. Of course Tobrien would choose now to damn propriety after three years of needling. "I will."
Part of me ached as she turned away. The elves were leaving Arda, returning across the sea and never to return. Eventually, Tobrien would have to go, too. She had told me her parents had gone to the Undying Lands before my arrival and her brother had returned to Lothlorien, but upon his return to Imladris, he, too, would be venturing out. I had a sinking feeling that he would urge Tobrien to go with him and I selfishly hoped she would tell him no. I wanted my friend to stay here with me, to continue to be the comfort she had always been and to be the familiar face I had grown used to seeing.
But I could never ask Tobrien to make such a choice, so I kept my mouth shut as she rejoined the elves behind Lord Elrond.
I was the worst because asking that of her when I would eventually go home was the epitome of hypocrisy.
"The Ringbearer is setting out on the quest to Mount Doom," Lord Elrond stated to those gathered. "And you who travel with him, no oath nor bond is laid to go further than you will." He caught my eye, seeming to say that for my benefit. He was basically ensuring if I found a lead, I was well within reason to jump ship and go off on my own. "Farewell. Hold to your purpose, and may the blessings of elves and men and all Free Folk go with you." Placing his hand across his chest, he bowed in the traditional elven goodbye.
Immediately copying him, I caught Legolas and Aragorn doing the same out of the corner of my eye. As Gandalf began ushering us out with Frodo in the lead, I glanced back one more time to the place that had slowly became a second home to me. I'd never forget the golden rays of sunshine that fell upon the sprawling home, the beautiful gardens I'd taken refuge in countless times, the trails that led around the grounds and down to the river. How peaceful the Last Homely House would be even with visitors coming and going. Lord Elrond's vast library that I only just began to enjoy now that I could actually read the language without help.
I'd never forget the friends I'd made here. Lindir. Tobrien. Arwen. And Lord Elrond. The one who'd taken on an almost parental role for me when I needed it most.
I raised a hand and waved at the congregation, plastering on the most genuine smile I could. "We'll be back," I called. Tobrien's face crumbled and sparkling tears caressed her cheeks, but at Arwen's hand on her shoulder, they both reciprocated my action. Lord Elrond could only bow his head, face tight and forlorn.
A hand at my elbow urged me away, Aragorn leading me. "Let us go," He said softly. I saw his eyes cut back and I knew he was staring at Arwen, but he forced himself to look away, herding me after him as we fell into line.
It didn't escape my notice that Arwen was also crying silent tears, grieving for the man who had tried to give her heart back.
As Imladris slowly began to be blocked by the cliffs that surrounded it, I silently vowed to myself that I'd return to say goodbye one last time no matter what.
The first three days we traveled went by with no issues. Gandalf was quick to set a brisk pace from his position up front, leading the way as he had the Hobbits stationed in the middle so they would not fall behind and having protection from both the front and the back. He gave me no set spot to be in, so I made the smart choice to stick close to the Hobbits, all of whom didn't hide the fact that it made them happy to have me with them.
We avoided the roads as much as possible, which was quite simple as we were surrounded by the trees that surrounded the mountains guarding Rivendell from prying eyes. It didn't make it any easier, though. I couldn't count the amount of times I'd tripped over fallen branches or struggled over the thick gnarls of tree roots that were above ground. The Hobbits didn't have it any better, but they had no shame asking one of the others to help them with a boost. I, however, would be damned before I asked Aragorn or, Gods above, Boromir for help because I was lacking in the height department.
Gandalf, to my slight horror, did not believe in breaks. He pushed us to the brink of exhaustion those first three days, only stopping for brief periods of time to eat and rest when necessary. I was impressed the Hobbits didn't complain about the sudden diet they were going on, but I made an effort to scrounge up whatever I could find as we walked. There were plenty of fruit trees dotting the area, so it was just a matter of me branching away from the group to go climbing and stash my pickings in my bag until I returned.
It'd be folly of me not to at least tell someone what I was doing, so I'd taken to merely brushing my hand against Gimli's tunic before disappearing. I'd caught him watching me walk off, so I know he felt what I was doing and brushed off the questions from Legolas and Aragorn whenever they asked. Boromir, no surprise, merely scowled and turned his nose away every time I came back with my bag stuffed full of apples for the Hobbits to share.
Dropping to the ground with a groan, I eagerly ripped off my boots and tossed them by my bag, sighing as I stretched myself out on the ground. Blisters were quickly becoming a thing and I dreaded every morning that I had to put them back on. So far, the first day of full travel had been the worst in terms of stripping my shoes off. "I always look forward to taking those boots off," I said happily as Pippin plopped down beside me.
Looking for Merry, I found him handing out the newly filled water skins, thanking him when he reached me and greedily guzzled down half the contents. It wasn't terribly hot during the day considering we were creeping into November, but for as much walking as we do, water was consumed just as quickly to keep our energy up.
"You could always go barefoot like us," Pippin commented, wiggling his toes. I eyed his very hairy and very dirty feet and snorted.
"I think not, Pip," I wagged a finger at him. "My human feet are not as thick-skinned as yours. The second I go barefoot, I'll step on a thorn bush or something similar and then I'll not be the happiest camper in this party."
"You just don't want to get your feet dirty," Merry said slyly. My cheeks burned and Merry cackled out a laugh. "I knew it!"
"I'd prefer to stay as clean as possible, thank you very much," I retorted, embarrassed. Staying squeaky clean out in the wild wasn't going to be possible, but I'd be damned before I went on this trip smelling like straight body odor the whole time. I had some pride as a woman and being somewhat clean was one of them.
"But we're not going to be near any rivers for most of the journey," Frodo pointed out, helping Sam unload some of their smaller bags from Bill the Pony. The Pony gave a shake and flicked his mane when Sam reached up to scratch at his neck. "Gandalf said we need to avoid them as much as possible. "
"That I did," Gandalf agreed, nodding. "The enemy will be keeping a careful eye on every water source from Rivendell to Mordor. It is in our best interest to limit how often we interact with those water bodies unless absolutely necessary." He motioned to the impressive coverage that surrounded us. "We are fortunate this grove is so close to the river, otherwise I would have us set up camp much further away."
Groaning, I threw my hands up. "I'll take what I can get then," I bemoaned dramatically to the Hobbits' amusement. I saw the logic in Gandalf's reasoning, therefore I didn't bother putting up too much of a fight with him. It was in the best interest of the group and keeping the Ring safe, so it was easy for me to accept the old man's direction.
"Are all humans like this, Mister Frodo?" Sam whispered none too quietly. He froze at the wicked smile I gave him and his ears burned deep red at being caught.
"Not all of them," I promised. "I've gone my whole life following a strict bathing schedule and to have it thrown to the wind like this has, I admit, got me feeling a little salty."
"You're...feeling salty?" Sam parroted, baffled. I laughed at his expression.
"It's something we'd say back home. It's a weird way of saying someone is bitter about a circumstance."
Merry shook his head. "Outer Realm folks sure are strange."
"We're not strange," I denied, mock offended.
"You're upset because you won't be clean for the whole trip," Sam deadpanned.
I sniffed. "And is there anything wrong with that? I'm not saying I have to look like a princess, but being somewhat washed does a lot for a girl's self-esteem."
"A valiant effort, my Lady," Legolas chimed from behind me. I craned my neck back to look at him. He gave me what I thought to be a small teasing smile. "There is nothing to be ashamed of in wanting such a thing, Master Hobbits. It is a creature comfort, after all."
Pippin cocked his head. "But I feel most better after a hard day's trek across the Shire's riverbanks," He said, confused.
"I do hope you take a bath after those treks." The look Pippin gave me told me well enough that he definitely did not do that. I gave a strained smile and clapped a hand gently on his curly head. They were silky and clean now, but I knew that would probably change. "Hear me now, Pippin. You will not be getting anywhere close to me if I see you covered head to toe in mud. I will throw you in the nearest body of water before you can blink."
He gave an indignant squawk and was shoved backwards by his cousin when he made to shift closer. It quickly escalated into the two Hobbits rolling around in the dirt, wrestling heatedly and nearly taking Boromir out at the ankles when they barrelled into him. I laughed at the duo, enjoying the spectacle they were putting on. This early in the journey, I felt there was no need to be too guarded when we were still close to Rivendell's protective barrier. Light-hearted moments like this weren't going to be often the further we traveled and I knew they should enjoy this while they could.
Boromir seemed to think the same thing as he merely shook his head fondly at the two and side-stepped around them, arms loaded with wood. The nights were getting colder and eventually a fire would almost become necessary so some of us wouldn't freeze over night. "Gandalf, are we protected enough for a fire?"
A brief survey and the wizard nodded. "We should not be spotted here." He raised his staff and muttered a spell. "I've raised a barrier around the camp that will prevent the smoke from drifting too high. I believe we can risk it." With a suspicious twinkle in his eyes, Gandalf gestured towards me. "Asherah, why don't you help him since you didn't help Merry collect water?"
CONNIVING DAMNED WIZARD.
Those grey eyes hadn't drifted from my form since we stepped out of Rivendell, always watching and lips ready with a sneer whenever I happened to look his way. Barely any words had been spoken between us since the meeting, which should be considered a step in the right direction, but the thick animosity that rested between us only seemed to grow instead of dissipating. I'd hated individuals in my own time, but my dislike for Boromir was running full tilt in a direction that would be disastrous if it wasn't settled soon.
Especially if we go down the road to Moria.
I knew exactly what Gandalf was doing and while I didn't appreciate it, I knew he was doing it for the better of the group.
Giving him a tight smile, I climbed to my feet and started towards Boromir, who gave the wizard an equally dirty look and reluctantly allowed me to take some of his burden from his arms. There was a tense and awkward silence between us as we stacked the wood together neatly, keeping a decent gap between us as we worked. When Boromir pulled a flint out of his tunic, I pursed my lips and took a shot. He looked up when I hovered my hand over the one about to strike the flint, arching an eyebrow critically.
"I can do it," I said. Mentally praying he wouldn't fight with me, I was relieved when he slowly lowered his hands, watching shrewdly as I went back to my bag and dug around in it. Finding what I wanted, I crouched down across from him, expertly flicking the spark wheel and holding the steady flame against the wood. My heart thudded painfully when it didn't catch immediately, but I smiled brightly when a spark began to crawl up the bark before successfully holding.
"What is that?" Boromir demanded, eyeing the object in my hand. Playing nice, I handed it to him, twitching when his gloved hand scratched at my fingers before closing around it. He brought it closer, face pinched at the dark color and strange structure.
Seeing no harm in telling him the truth, I gave him an answer. "It's a lighter."
He frowned. "A what?" His thumb awkwardly tried copying what he'd seen me do and I hid a smile when he completely missed the spark wheel. Brow furrowed, Boromir tried again with no success.
Shrugging, I said, "I'm sorry to say that I don't know the word in Common. It's basically to help start fires." Feeling a little confident, I asked, "Do you want me to show you how to use it?"
Stilling, Boromir cast a searching gaze at me, clearly distrustful and seeming to try and discern what it was I was trying to pull on him. Hoping that Boromir would see I was being honest, I waited somewhat impatiently for him to respond. I had no intentions of ignoring his previous treatment anytime soon, but Merry's words in Rivendell held merit and it would make this trip less painful if we could at least get along decently. I was willing to extend an olive branch, but Boromir had to be willing to do the same in return.
It was silent for a whole minute before his gaze darkened and my stomach dropped. He thrust it back towards me, dropping it in my frozen palm. "No," He said gruffly, shooting upwards and storming away from me. I scowled and could only huff an irritated breath, stomping away in the opposite direction and claiming a tree away from the group in a petty act of defiance.
Swiping my sword from the ground, I marched towards the river for a bath, missing the clear disapproval on Legolas' face as he watched Boromir and Aragorn climb to his feet with an expression on his face that would've had me running in the opposite direction.
Why do I even bother...
"You know, I've always been curious," Frodo started, cradling his chin contemplatively.
"About what?" I asked after realizing he was talking to me and not Sam.
"What does your name mean?" I made a soft humming noise and he continued, "It's not Elvish and from the few men I've encountered in Rivendell, it doesn't sound like something you'd hear in Gondor or Rohan. Is it a common name in the Outer Realms?"
"I wouldn't say common," I said thoughtfully. "Ash is more used than my full name, Asherah. My parents were kind of fanatics when it came to exotic names."
Frodo, like the elves in Rivendell, didn't blink at my use of English. He tilted his head up at me. "Where did they come up with it? Is it special?"
"All names are special," I said, feeling cliche for actually spouting that out. "I actually don't know where my parents got my name from. I've never asked before. It's just something I've never questioned." I smiled. "But if you must know, my name means one who treads on the sea."
"That's...different," Sam cut in suddenly, scratching the back of his neck.
"Just say you don't like my name, Sam." The poor Hobbit gave a choking gasp and hastily tried forming words, reddening when my teasing smirk grew. Out of all the Hobbits, Sam was easily the most fun to tease. He was just so innocent and meant well that his reactions to my light-hearted jabs were just too good to pass up.
"I've never seen the sea before," Frodo mused. "Have you?"
I thought back to the one and only time I stood on a beach with vast waters spread out before me and my smirk dropped. "Once. It was beautiful, but thinking about it now, it's also kind of terrifying how big it actually was."
We'd hit the one month mark of our journey and we'd ran out of tree coverage to use a week ago. There was nothing but rolling plains and hills as far as my eyes could see. Rock formations dotted the area, but they were hardly close enough for us to use adequately. Gandalf didn't seem overtly bothered by this, but he made the executive decision to quicken our already fast pace. It was grueling, but nobody voiced their complaints to the wizard. Pippin was the first of the Hobbits to lag behind.
His breaths came out in quick pants and sweat dripped down his red cheeks. He made a valiant effort to keep up, but when he slowed to the point of being at the back of convoy with Aragorn, I halted in place until he came up beside me. I crouched down, offering my back to him. "Here, Pip. Climb on my back." I was expecting him to put up a bit of a fight considering he was technically a grown man among Hobbits, but he easily looped his arms around my neck and rested his full weight against me. Grabbing under his knees, I stood and bounced him once, situating him higher up my back. He was heavier than expected, but nothing unbearable.
"Much thanks, Ash," He slurred tiredly, eyes drooping. I blinked at the nickname and nothing could stop my wide smile from forming. Conforming everyone to my nickname was slow work, but it was happening.
"No problem." I hurried to catch up with Aragorn, whom had stopped to wait for us. "You get some rest. I can carry you like this for awhile, so take this time to take it easy." I'd barely finished speaking before Pippin's soft snores fluttered in my ears. Chuckling, I fell into place with the group's Ranger.
"That was kind of you," He praised, not looking at me.
"I guess," I said slowly. "It's a group effort. I would like to think anybody in the group would've done something if I hadn't."
He nodded. "But you were the first to notice. Do not downplay your attentiveness, my Lady."
"You probably noticed way before I did," I muttered. "As the glorified Hobbit sitter, it's all I can contribute to the group right now."
He didn't say anything in return and I detested the tension that lingered between us at the continued silence. Our relationship in Rivendell had always been short and formal due to my actions, but he'd never seemed bothered by my insistence to distance. It never stopped him from checking in on me whenever he was home and it always made a special part of me feel warmed that he cared enough to do so even with my poor reception to him.
Aragorn was truly a kind man and loyal to a fault. Knowing what kind of King he would become endeared me to the man and I couldn't help but look up to what kind of person he was. I could only hope to be as kind and gentle as him one day.
I frowned. But after what I said to him, I don't expect us to have that same kind of relationship. I cursed myself for being unable to talk to him about it.
"I'm sorry," He said suddenly.
I jumped, surprised. "What?" I asked. He was sorry?
"I'm sorry," He repeated, meeting my eyes. They were earnest and sincere, so very open and easy to read in the moment. "What I said in Rivendell," I tensed at the reminder and shakily adjusted my grip on Pippin, "was insensitive and not considerate of your feelings. I meant no offense to you and was only trying to protect you from getting into trouble."
I swallowed, feeling uncomfortable. I was never good with apologies, especially when the wrong person was the one doing it. In the moment, it was easy to pin everything on Aragorn. I expected him to side with me and he hadn't. Thus, I'd reacted like my feelings had been hurt and hadn't hesitated to lash out at him for not being on my side. Thinking back, he'd had the classic foot in my mouth expression. He hadn't meant any harm and he'd even tried to correct what he was trying to say. And me being the 21st century girl I was, I hadn't given him a second to explain.
It was easy for me to hold onto that grievance. I could hold a grudge until death took me and I'd have no shame in it. I'd not had anyone approach me outside of my family and my best friend with the intent of seeking forgiveness, however. And I didn't know how to go about this situation. I hadn't noticed we'd stopped walking and Aragorn waited silently for me to say something, arms loose at his side and standing unnaturally still.
It was strange that he didn't show any of the typical fidgeting from someone who was in an uncomfortable situation and I know he had to be feeling that way because why should the future King of Gondor be apologizing to someone like me?
I could be in the wrong, too, and maybe...maybe that's one side of me that needs to change.
I thought of the man standing stoically before me. I thought of Boromir, who didn't deserve the full brunt of my animosity despite his hurtful words and hateful glares. And I thought of the Hobbits, all of whom gave me nothing but bright and sunny smiles and I gave them the coldest shoulder possible in the beginning.
I'd already said screw the plot just by being here with this group. There was no guarantee that my presence would make that big of a difference, therefore I didn't have a valid reason anymore to brush them off or keep them at a distance.
"No." Aragorn stiffened, but I hastily continued before he got the wrong idea. "You're not the one who should be apologizing. I'm the one who said those awful things to you when you didn't deserve it at all." Biting my lip, I dropped my gaze towards the ground. "I was holding you to my own ridiculous expectations and that was wrong of me. So I'm sorry. I'm sorry I said what I said to you."
There was a few seconds of silence before Aragorn's soft laughter reached my ears. One hand was covering his mouth and he couldn't meet my eyes as his shoulders shook in his attempts to smother his mirth. I gaped at him, confused beyond belief before scowling at him. "What exactly is so funny, Ranger?" I snapped, peeved and more than a little embarrassed.
He waved a hand placatingly at me, finally meeting my gaze. "Just something Elladan once told me," He admitted.
I gave him my most unimpressed look. "I just spilled my heart out to you and all you can think about is your brother?"
He shook his head, dismissing it. He held a hand out to me. "Peace?" I stared at his weathered hand before letting go of one of Pippin's knees and gently slapped his palm.
"Peace."
That same hand patted my head and ruffled my bangs playfully. "Let's catch up with the others." Nodding, I hurried after him as fast as I could the baggage on my back would allow, relieved that the space between us was slowly closing again.
Pippin's arms tightened around my neck suddenly and I felt him breath his own laugh against my neck. "You've been awake this whole time, haven't you?" I accused. "You little sneak, did you plan that?"
He shook his head, his hair tickling my nose and drawing a sneeze from me. "I wasn't awake the whole time. I only heard the last part," He said, voice scratchy.
"You didn't answer my last question. Did you plan that?"
"I did not," He laughed. "On a Took's honor."
"You have honor?" Dropping him to his feet before he could retort, I pushed him in front of me and watched him rejoin his cousin. Fondness welled up in my chest and I smiled softly at the group. It really was unavoidable at this point.
It was around midday when we stopped for a brief rest at an outcrop at the base of some snowy mountains. "Where are we?" I asked.
"The base of the Misty Mountains," Gandalf informed, sitting on a rock. He lit his pipe, lips pursed around it. "If our luck holds the way it has this last month, the Gap of Rohan will still be open to us and from there, we'll turn East towards Mordor." I came from a time where my generation used landmarks and signs to get us places. I barely knew my cardinal directions and I lamented that this place relied on them heavily.
"Sounds like a plan," I agreed cluelessly. Gandalf chuckled, shaking his head.
"Lady Asherah, are you hungry? I can make some lunch for you if you'd like." Rounding on Sam, I nodded eagerly and joined him and Frodo on a ledge. Boromir was leading Merry and Pippin through an exercise, taking them on one at a time and slowly walking them through each step. For peaceful creatures, the two Hobbits picked it up pretty quickly.
"Good! Very good!" Boromir praised, twirling his sword absently. Merry beamed and stepped out at the way when it was Pippin's turn to go. Something knocked against my boot and I leaned over to see Aragorn below me, playfully glaring at me when I cheekily hit his shoulder again. "Good, Pippin! Faster!"
"Move your feet," Aragorn called, eyes glued to their forms critically.
"They're doing pretty good," I commented, thanking Sam when he handed me a plate full of sausage and bread. Stabbing a sausage with my fork, I handed it down to Aragorn, who eyed it briefly before shrugging and taking it from me. Sam graciously handed me another fork and began piling another plate of food for Frodo.
"You think so?" Frodo asked. "I don't know how easy it is to learn the art of swordplay, so I cannot tell if our progress is good or not."
"I don't either honestly, but I think you all are picking it up quickly," I said, taking a bite of bread. "I imagine Hobbits have no need to carry around weapons, right?"
He shook his head. "Not at all. I suppose the closest I could compare it to would be our brooms and shovels."
Snickering, I altered my voice to a lower pitch, cheekily saying, "I am the all powerful Ring-Bearer, fear me and my almighty shovel." Frodo burst out laughing at that, his plate almost falling out of his hands as he shook with mirth. Sam steadied him when he teetered too far forward, eyes sparkling and grinning.
Pippin gave a sharp cry and I watched him retreat from Boromir, shaking his hand fervently. He must've gotten scratched by Boromir's blade, much to said man's horror. "Oh, sorry!" The Gondorian exclaimed, moving to grab at Pippin's arm only to recoil when the Hobbit kicked at his shin. Merry, not one to be left out, quickly went for Boromir's knees, the two Hobbits tackling Boromir to the ground in a flurry of limbs and cries of "For the Shire!"
Laughter filled the air as the three wrestled on the ground, Aragorn's soft laugh and the two Hobbits at my side most audible to me. It was the happiest mood the group had been in since leaving Rivendell and it was amazing. Watching them, it was obvious Boromir was holding back, putting up a weak attempt of fighting back as the Hobbits crawled over his chest. Pippin struggled against the arm that playfully wrapped around his neck, squirming around in Boromir's hold as Merry tried pinning his other arm.
Aragorn swatted at my foot and motioned me down. "Gentlemen, that's enough!" He demanded, reaching down to grab Merry and Pippin's shoulders. I don't know how he missed the look that they gave each other, but I recognized it for what it was and darted out from behind Aragorn as the two lunged for the man and completely yanked his feet out from under him. He crashed down to the ground with a loud thump, groaning.
"That's what you get for not paying attention," I teased, laughing when he rolled his eyes at me. I snatched Pippin's arm when he made to grab my leg, no doubt to pull the same trick on me. "Don't even try it, you little devil," I warned, pulling at his arm insistently as he beamed up at me. "Now, come on, you two troublemakers, let the Gondorian up." A flash of brown and I was too late to stop Merry from crashing into my ankles. Surprised, I couldn't lock my knees in time before I crashed onto Merry and Boromir.
"Ow, damn, Merry," I cursed, huffing when he scrambled across my back and cheekily sat on it. There was nothing separating Boromir and I, so when I sat up the tiniest bit, our eyes locked immediately. We both froze. It was the closest we'd ever been to each other without animosity or sharp words to instigate the breach of space. Blue eyes were common in this world, but if I had never met Frodo, Boromir easily would've taken the most beautiful eyes award.
He also definitely took the most nice smelling award, which made no sense cause how could he make grass and dirt and leather oil smell so good.
Flushing when I felt his hands begin to close around my biceps and his chest flexing under my hands, I shot off of him like a rocket, stammering around Merry's indignant cries when I threw him off. "I-I'm sorry," I stuttered, tripping in my haste to scoot back from him as he sat up. "I didn't mean to land on you that hard and I was just trying to get Merry and Pippin to—"
My mouth clamped shut when he raised a hand. "It is fine," He said, staring at me. There was still wariness on his face, but when he pursed his lips and his eyes flickered away, it hit me. Was he... "No one was hurt, so you do not have to apologize, my Lady." He choked a little on the title, but it was out there and there was no taking it back.
Progress was being made! Finally!
I didn't know if it was just him getting used to my presence or if maybe he was growing tired of being angry all the time or any other reason I could no doubt think up in this moment, but my tensed muscles slowly dropped and a hesitant tilt of my lips had him scratching the back of his head uncomfortably. It was...actually kind of adorable how he looked like that one awkward kid in school trying to talk to a girl for the first time.
I couldn't get another word out before Legolas shouted somewhere behind me. "Get down! Crebain are approaching! We must hide!" Dread curled in my stomach. I caught only the faintest glance of something dark in the distance, very much like a cloud, but moving way too fast and unnatural-like without any wind. A moment of complete stillness and then the men were on their feet, rushing around as they haphazardly grabbed bags and their discarded weapons, tossing them into bushes before hurrying off again. Boromir swiped up Merry and Pippin, shoving them both into some bushes with his shield before rounding on me.
I jumped when his hand closed around my wrist, crying out when he yanked me under some branches that had the most pitiful amount of leaves possible. I shuffled backwards as much as I could when he made it clear that he was hiding there, too, and grunted when branches dug into my back, arching away from them without pressing too close against Boromir.
"What the hell are Crebain?!" I hissed.
"Crows," He explained quietly. "Spies of Saruman. Nasty creatures, but reliable for reconnaissance."
"He's seriously se—" His hand slapped over my mouth and despite my best efforts, I whimpered at the sharp sting it left on my skin. He chose an amazing time to take off his gloves.
He flinched sharply and held a finger to his lips, urging me to be quiet. I froze in place, nodding shakily. A moment later and the blasted birds were circling above the outcropping, their awful croaking squawks making my ears ring and their beating wings making my head throb. I itched to cover my ears, but a stern look from Boromir, who seemed to have read my intentions, stopped me. It was almost unbearable remaining so unnaturally still and I had just grabbed at Boromir's hand to make him lower it when the noise started to fade.
I had only just started to push against his shoulder when I felt the muscles under my hand tense and he hastily motioned me backwards. "What are you doing?" I asked indignantly. "They're gone, aren't they?"
"There's someone out there," He hissed under his breath. "Aragorn spotted them."
A person? What?
Carefully pulling aside some branches and completely ignoring Boromir snarling at me to stop, I peeked through cautiously, looking for what was apparently here. It took a few seconds, but I finally spotted them on the tallest spear of rock this area had to offer. They were covered head to toe in a long black cloak, the hood pulled up over their face and hands covered with gloves, their dark colored boots barely visible even against the rock and the blue sky. It was impossible to tell if they were male or female and looking up from my position on the ground wasn't doing me any favors when it came to guessing.
The figure's head turned this way and that, clearly searching but not finding what they were looking for. The figure seemed to droop before turning in the direction the Crebain had taken off towards and leaping down, disappearing from my view. Boromir roughly snatched me back to his side, cursing when some branches snapped around my fingers. "You damned fool," He snarled furiously. "You could've been seen!"
"Well clearly I wasn't!" I snapped. "They left, so we can get out now." He carefully tilted his head out from our cover, clearly looking for a sign before he crawled out. He held his hand out to me and I stared at it for a split second before taking it, my heart speeding up in surprise when he basically hauled me to my feet with little to no help from me.
"Who was that?" I asked Gandalf when he hobbled over to the group. I didn't like how harshly his eyebrows were furrowed, nor did I like the obvious concern on his face.
"I do not know," He said simply, staring in the direction the stranger had gone. "But they were not an ally. I'm sure of that, at least."
"Reminds me of the lad my father mentioned to the Council," Gimli said, frowning. "Saruman's spy, he said he was."
"So there really is a human working for Saruman right now?" I asked, horrified. I had thought maybe the dwarves were imagining this spy, but if that person had really been the real thing...
Something has already been changed and I don't know if it's for the better or worst for the Fellowship.
"Saruman is both cunning and powerful," Legolas said softly. "As one of the Istari, magic and might is not something he is lacking. I would not put it past him to take advantage of any supporters he may have."
"Yes and we are not safe here anymore," Gandalf said angrily. "We must move on. The passage South is being watched." His eyes cut to something above my head and I knew what he was going to say. I dreaded every word that came out of his mouth. "We must take the path of Caradhras."
Eyeballing the very snowy mountains, I heaved a loud groan, drawing everyone's attention to me. "Out of all the paths to choose, you chose the coldest one!" I whined.
I got a very smart whack upside the head from the old wizard's staff for that one.
A/N: Finally found the time to get this chapter out. It's been a hectic few months. I do hope this chapter didn't disappoint. It was great fun bouncing ideas with my friend on how to play it out. I like to think I'm super proud of how it turned out.
Thank you for reading, guys! Reviews are welcome, as always!