Disclaimer: I don't own LoTR.

Rain Shall Pass

Chapter E.I.G.H.T.

_"Blocked"_

"A stumbling block to the pessimist is a stepping stone for the optimist." -Eleanor Roosevelt

I remember my first time trying out for track and field.

I'd grown bored during my spring trimester of my sophomore year. I had way too much free time, enough that it would drive me insane going straight home after school with no marching band or parade practice to keep me occupied. Emmalee had jokingly suggested another sport and Mom hadn't missed the look I'd been wearing. She knew I was entertaining the idea and immediately asked what I was wanting to try. After some thought, track and field seemed like a good idea.

So when tryouts came around, I signed my name on a list in the athletics sports office along with a bunch of other girls and boys.

That first day was...rough. Rougher than I'd thought it'd be. I was by no means out of shape, nor did I lack endurance. Marching band was all about stamina, technique, and breath control. I had plenty of that. The problem quickly became I just didn't have enough stamina or endurance. That first day was all about those two things. How far I could run. How fast I could go in a short distance. Could I maintain a steady run in long distance stretches. Could I take off at full speed within the span of a few seconds.

The answer to all that was no. I wasn't a sprinter. I knew how to pace myself, but that pace slowed down after two laps. It took me five seconds longer than everyone else to reach my peak speed. I tired after three laps and had to stop.

Briefly, I'd entertained the thought of not showing up to the rest of the tryouts, but immediately discarded the thought. There was more to this sport than just running and boredom was not something I liked indulging, so I went back for day two. And day three. And day four. It was on day five that I found something I was moderately good at.

Surprisingly, I was a good high jumper. My legs were strong and had a decent amount of muscle to them, so getting myself up into the air and over a bar required only a bit of effort on my part. I was an average jumper compared to some of the other girls, but it was enough to have the coach recognize the potential I had. Thus, I landed a spot on the team as a high jumper.

It was one of the best decisions I'd ever made.

I fisted a hand in Sam's pack, catching him as he stumbled. "Easy," I chided. "Don't go getting hurt now, Sam." The Hobbit nodded jerkily and righted himself, mumbling his appreciation. Frodo cast him a concerned glance and slowed his steps so his friend was by his side again.

The air was tense. The men were exchanging shifty glances at every little sound, jerking whenever a bush rustled and twitchy hands reaching for weapons as if begging to be used. I wanted to scream at them to tone it down, to try and control their paranoia because they were frightening the Hobbits more so than they already were. Anger simmered under my skin every time a hand grasped a sword pommel, which in turn made Frodo and the other three jump out of their skin as they clumped themselves together as tightly as they could.

I didn't want to say we had fooled ourselves into a sense of security, but the presence of the Crebain had seemed to open some of the Fellowship's eyes to the situation. Over a month of no issues and we were being forced off the path Gandalf had planned for us.

All because of a bunch of stupid damn birds.

And I guess that mystery person, too.

I bit my lip. Just who was that person? There's no telling if it was male or female thanks to that cloak, but they were awfully tall, so maybe a male? Ugh, that's not going to tell me anything, though. That hood would have to be ripped off for me to be able to tell if it's someone I'd recognize from this world.

Feeling a hand graze against my arm, I acknowledged Aragorn with a nod and watched him and Legolas disappear into the woods. The forest that surrounded the base of the mountains was thick and seemed to have plenty of game according to the Ranger. Deer trails were all over the place and he'd apparently found many fresh tracks littering the outskirts of the path we were on. We wouldn't starve while we were here at least.

"Where are they going?" Pippin asked from somewhere behind me.

Gimli grunted. "To hunt, lad. They will return." The gruff Dwarf seemed to be quickly warming up to the Hobbits, a silent pillar of strength and quick to hover over their shoulders when they became jumpy. His gravely voice ordered the two creatures into helping set up camp for the night at Gandalf's urging. Pippin quickly assisted Boromir in acquiring firewood and Merry went to help Gimli with look-out duty.

"Sam, help me with getting dinner ready?" I asked sweetly. The Hobbit agreed quickly, shedding himself and Bill of their baggage while Frodo began digging through his friend's bags for the spices hidden inside.

It was another hour after Sam had dug a pit and gotten a fire going before Aragorn and Legolas returned with a decent-sized doe over the Ranger's shoulder and apples cradled in the Elf's arms. Boromir and Aragorn beelined for the edge of camp to skin the deer together and Legolas allowed me to take some of his burden to help pass out to the others.

"Everyone's so quiet," Sam whispered to Frodo when we had settled down. The looming mountains of the Caradhas dwelled in the distance, barely a day's walk away at this point, and with it, the dread I was personally feeling about making that climb. I didn't fancy a trip down the side of a slippery cliff a good time, but Gandalf was adamant this was the correct course and none of the others were arguing with the older man's orders, so I tried my best to keep my complaints to a minimum.

Frodo nodded. "Yes, it is slightly unnerving." He quietly accepted the apple I offered, not so subtly shuffling closer. Hiding a giggle, I let him do as he pleased. It made something in my chest swell with bigger affection for the Hobbit, innately pleased that he sought to be closer.

"They're just worried," I assured him, reaching out to pat both of their shoulders, "but I wouldn't let yourselves be too concerned. We'll be fine." I gave a bright grin. "Besides, a little off schedule hiking is good for everyone, you know."

Sam arched a brow. "Lady Asherah, you were just complaining about it this morning."

"Because I don't like the cold," I said breezily, waving his comment off. "I'm not exactly dressed for snow right now and even if I was, I'd still not want to go trekking in it."

Frodo smiled, but it was only slightly strained. "You prefer summer then?"

"Nope." Frodo blinked, flabbergasted at my quick response and I grinned cheekily at him. "I don't like sweating either."

"Absolutely no pleasing you, Miss," Sam grumbled, shaking his head as he shuffled closer to the warmth of the fire. His hands hovered over the flames, shadows dancing eerily around his thick fingers. "You remind me a lot of the grouchy old woman who lives over the hills."

Laughing, I said, "Did you know it's considered rude where I'm from to bring up a woman's age?" Maybe a little teasing would help the two relax a little bit.

Sam immediately began to sputter, cheeks flushed. "But I have not said anything about your age, Lady Asherah!"

Frodo pursed his lips at the wicked grin I gave his friend, trying and failing to hide a smile. "In a roundabout way, you certainly did, Samwise. That's a grave offense." I had to bite the inside of my cheek when he rounded on Frodo, eyes wide and desperately asking the Ringbearer if what I said was true. The poor Hobbit was hard pressed not to outright laugh, visibly struggling to keep his composure.

"I was under the impression you were hinting at it, my dear Sam." Sam's face screwed up and if he were any lesser of a Hobbit, I had the feeling he would've wailed to the sky at the injustice his friend was doing to him.

"Is it truly a taboo?" Tilting my head back, I met Legolas' gaze questioningly. "Is knowing a woman's age so offensive to know?" He was genuinely curious as he crouched beside our fire, blue eyes inquisitive. I noticed the others were actually paying attention to our conversation, even Boromir, who sat cross-legged beside Merry and Pippin. Both Hobbits were crowding his space, something he didn't appear to mind as those gunmetal eyes locked with mine.

I want to know, but I won't outright say it was what those eyes were telling me. They were looking for an outlet and perhaps some story-telling would help chill them all out. And maybe warm the Gondorian up to my presence a little more if I revealed a little of what my home was supposedly like.

I hummed, tapping my chin. "I might be overexaggerating a little when I say it's a grave offense," I admitted, snickering when Sam huffed and crossed his arms. He looked precious when he sulked like that. "Don't pout, Sam. You know I was just teasing you."

"You need a new hobby," He deadpanned, unimpressed.

"Maybe!" I agreed cheerily. "To answer your question, Legolas, while it's not taboo or against any laws, some women where I live find it highly offensive to reveal how old they truly are."

Confused, Aragorn piped up and asked, "Why is that?"

"None of you have ever had a woman get angry at you for something like this?" I gaped in disbelief at all of their blank stares. "You can't be serious. No way none of you have ever been given some kind of look for asking a woman how old she was." I rounded on Boromir, who straightened. "What about you, Gondorian? Surely the White City knows this unspoken rule?"

He arched a brow, saying, "I do not know of what you speak."

I pursed my lips, thinking. "Living amongst the elves, Tobrien and Lord Elrond never hesitated to tell me how old they were, so I know it's not like that with them." A new thought hit me and I wondered if the Lothlorien elves would be more reserved compared to Rivendell. Saving that thought for later, I locked eyes with our resident Dwarf. "Gimli? What's it like for your people?"

He grumbled, shifting from his laying down position to sitting cross-legged. "We dwarves were never so shallow to consider beauty as the highest epitome of pride." That was a subtle dig at humans and elves. Legolas curled his lips, having caught it, too. "To a dwarf, our pride lies in our strength and ability to provide. In my clan, a female Dwarf proves herself through how she runs her home and its presentation, not with how much fabric can be draped over her shoulders."

I should've seen that one coming.

I ran a hand through my hair and struggled for words to explain this properly. "Okay, so, it's like this. Beauty is a big standard where I'm from and age can sort of define that beauty. For a woman, looking younger is considered the highest compliment." Seeing the unsure expressions on all of their faces, I tried again, making a waving motion with my hand. "So, say I'm a 35 year old woman. I'm going out to a concert or a rave, so I dress accordingly. Depending on what I wear, it could make me look older or younger. The goal is younger, but because of how I look, it will trick others into thinking I'm not as old as I appear."

"That does not make any sense to me," Pippin admitted.

"I guess I'm not doing a very good job explaining," I said, "but that's the best way that I can explain it." Without flat out revealing where I come from, of course. "Women want to remain youthful, a rather futile attempt as age will catch up sooner rather than later."

"So, do you care about those things, Lady Asherah?" Gandalf inquired, amused.

"Not at all." Gimli huffed at my quick answer and I shot him a look. "My need to be clean has nothing to do with age, my good Dwarf friend. Age has never bothered me. There's no fighting it, so it's easier to just go with the flow."

"So, since you don't care, how old are you, Asherah?" Merry asked curiously, rearing back when all the men and Hobbits shot him dangerous looks.

"Don't look at him like that," I chided. "I just told you all that I don't care about those preconceptions." I smiled at Merry. "I turned 29 before we left Rivendell."

Frodo's head snapped around. "You've almost reached 30 years?!" He exclaimed. Not sure what he was so surprised about, I slowly nodded. He exhaled sharply, flushing. "You don't look it at all. Watching you amongst the elves, you looked as timeless as them."

I couldn't stop the laugh from escaping even if I'd tried. "Oh, Frodo. You do wonders for a woman's self-esteem. Longevity runs in my mother's side of the family. The women on her side maintain such a youthful appearance that it's often difficult to accurately guess how old we truly are."

"You're so young." Boromir's words cut through the air, startling me into glancing his way. Those eyes were appraising me, seeming to pick me apart as if looking underneath my skin. He stiffened and turned away, realizing he must've said his thoughts out loud. I frowned at the searching gaze Pippin shot Merry, who only shook his head and smothered a smile with his sleeve.

I scratched at my cheek, unsure how to take his comment. Was it an insult or just a general observation? The lines that used to be drawn by our mutual animosity of each other were beginning to blur, which made it difficult for me to read what he was hinting at. "I wouldn't say I'm young," I disagreed slowly. "I'm almost in the beginning of my prime as my Mom would say."

Boromir refused to reply, averting my gaze and shaking his head. I cocked my head. Was that not what he meant?

"What else can you tell us about your home?" Frodo asked and I was grateful for the topic change.

"That depends on what you want to know."

"Enough," Gandalf called, interrupting Frodo and climbing to his feet. "We may finish this discussion tomorrow. For now, we must rest. Aragorn, come join an old man on watch."

"I'm not one to complain—"

"Do not lie like that, Lady Asherah."

"—but I think this is a really bad idea."

I was hard judging Gandalf right now. Wizard he may be. All-knowing he also may be. He is also known for being extremely sassy and witty and every other adjective under the sun, but this was one call I was going to question.

We'd reached the base of the Caradhas, which, just as the movies had depicted, was a snowy mountain. Even from here, I could see the pure white of the snow blanketing a very decent portion of the mountain. It would be pure hell to get through, but not impossible. The problem I was seeing now was the decent-sized river that blocked our path from advancing up said mountain.

It was pure science. The higher a mountain goes, the colder it gets as it starts to stretch towards the atmosphere. The farther down one goes, it starts to warm up and gravity became a factor. With no where else to go, the snow warmed by the sun's rays melts down the crevices offered by the mountain, gravity pulling it down and creating surface run-off. That then collects at the base of the mountain, the water either dispersing into the ground or the ground being unable to absorb such an excessive amount and forming a new river or stream. Which is what has happened before us.

The river wasn't wide and the water was moderately clear, but I couldn't tell how deep it was from my position on land and I wasn't about to find out for numerous reasons. The main one being that we were about to go into a negative degree region soaking wet.

"You want us to cross this?" I demanded, pointing angrily at the river as Gandalf gave me a forced patient look. "We are about to go wandering around in the snow. I don't know about the rest of you, but I get sick way too easily to risk something like this." Making a fierce gesture at the grey sky, I added, "Plus, it's still morning, Gandalf. That water hasn't been touched by the sun, so it's going to be ice cold!"

"Plus Hobbits aren't known for being swimmers," Pippin chimed in, whining when Merry slapped him and hissed at the Took to be quiet.

"That, too!" I exclaimed. "We're really going to risk the Hobbits drowning and getting extremely sick just to avoid a flock of birds?"

Gimli huffed, crossing his arms. "I have to agree with the lass on this one," He grumbled. "We are taking a longer road compared to other options." The scalding look he received from Gandalf almost cowed me into giving up my argument even though it wasn't directed at me. The Wizard's face was dark, shadowed, and impossibly frightening. No longer was he the somewhat senile old man he presented himself as, but an Istari in full command mode, willing to force his will if need be.

"What other options are available to us, Gandalf?" Aragorn asked, ushering Gimli away. He was ever the peace-keeper in the group, always trying to negotiate and breaking up a fight before it escalated. We'd be short a Dwarf if he didn't. "I understand Lady Asherah's concerns, but perhaps there is a safer route available to us?"

Gandalf only barely managed to restrain his irritation, though it still seeped into his tone and I flinched, realizing I may have pushed too hard a little too late. "The Gap of Rohan is being watched. We cannot risk being delayed by Saruman and his creatures capturing the Ring. As for the Mines of Moria, that path is unreachable for us at this point. It is not safe, therefore the Pass of Caradhas is our only option."

"I refuse," I said coldly. Those fathomless eyes flashed and goosebumps began to crawl along my arms. I was treading dangerous waters and those eyes told me to be very careful. Of course, I ignored that warning to the best of my ability. "I understand why you want us to go this way and I am more than willing to follow you, Mithrandir, but I will not let you pull us across this river by our noses. We are useless if we all get sick and are forced to accommodate a sick comrade."

"I have to agree with her," Sam said hesitantly. "If we're on a time-limited schedule, we want to make use of every available opportunity presented to us. Our supplies have to last and if they're wasted because one of us falls ill, it'll throw off everything we've rationed and planned."

Gandalf's hand cut through the air sharply, silencing us. "We proceed as planned," He said firmly, cutting off my protests by raising his voice. "We waste time now discussing this! Enough of your arguing, we must push forward." To further secure his point, he was the first one to begin crossing the river, water lapping at his grey cloak.

I grinded my teeth angrily, my blood boiling like molten lava under my skin. Stubborn old wizard! Why can't you see reason?!

"My Lady." Scowling, I gave Boromir a foul look, demanding without asking what he wanted. His eye twitched and he took a deep breath, no doubt to control his own temper. "Everyone is departing. We must go." His shoulders were laden with packs, overlapping each other awkwardly across the shield that always rested on his back. Realizing he was relieving everyone of their heaviest burdens, it didn't take me long to realize what he was silently asking me for. Growling under my breath, I tore my pack off and handed it to him, turning on my heel to give the four very nervous Hobbits an appraising look.

"I can only take one at a time," I explained to them, "but I'll come back for whoever is left over if the others haven't already done so." Nodding reluctantly, Merry stepped forward after a minute of whispering and clambered onto my offered back, locking his ankles firmly around my waist and fingers digging into my shoulders. Bouncing him higher reassuringly, I made sure I had a firm grasp on his thighs before taking that first step into the river.

Like I'd thought, it was freezing. My boots were immediately soaked through, my entire body tensing at the sharp pain radiating from my feet at the sudden temperature drop. Breathing shakily, I took another step. Step after step, I slowly waded through the water, irritated and dismayed when I reached the halfway point and the water reached all the way up to my collarbone. Merry jumped and shivered against my back, looping his arms around my neck and burying his face in my shoulder.

"Don't tighten your arms like that, Merry," I gasped, stopping when he almost cut off my airway. "I won't be able to breath." Not that I could right now, anyway. The cold shock was enough to send my heart racing and my breaths to come out in sharp pants.

"S-Sorry," He chattered, carefully loosening his grip.

"We're almost there," I assured, grunting as I started to rise out of the water. Merry and Pippin were the lightest of the Hobbits, but our water-logged clothes made carrying him a little harder than normal.

"This is an experience I don't want to go through ever again," He complained, shaking when his feet finally emerged above the surface.

I gave a shaky laugh and silently agreed with him. Lowering him to the ground, I shooed him off towards Gandalf and Gimli, who were wringing out their long beards with Bill the Pony shaking his coat out harshly, and risked a glance back across the river. Aragorn and Legolas were bringing over Frodo and Pippin, leaving only Sam to shuffle uncomfortably from where he was left behind. Finding Boromir still ridding himself of the bags he'd taken from me and the others, I resigned myself to my fate and waded back over to the lone Hobbit.

He looked pitifully miserable as I stopped before him. And infinitely smaller without his pots and pans at his side. "I don't particularly find myself wanting to go over now," He said, unsure. "I'm not a very strong swimmer. I can't even float, Miss."

Forcing a smile, I ruffled his curls, hoping he couldn't hear my chattering teeth. "I won't let you drown, Sam. Have some faith in me. I'll get you across safely." Gulping audibly, Sam hesitantly climbed onto my back. He was shaking violently, his tremors easily felt against my back. Patting his knee soothingly, we entered the water carefully. He hissed as the cold water lapped at his bare feet.

"Try to ignore it," I instructed, gritting my teeth. "It's cold for only a few seconds and then you'll be used to it." He mumbled incoherently. We'd reached the halfway point where the water was highest on me when it happened.

I would be the first to admit I was a squeamish person. If the texture or feel of something felt off, I wanted nothing to do with it. It didn't matter if it was a food or how it felt in my hands, I avoided it as hard as I could to avoid the sensation. So when something slimy skimmed across the back of my hand, I jerked away violently, startled. That was a mistake as that greatly startled Sam, who yelped and kicked out. With his weight shifted backwards now and my balance thrown off, I couldn't stop myself from following his momentum.

"Asherah!"

"Sam!"

We were underwater before I could take a breath.

It was like a slap in the face how cold the water was around my neck and head. For a few seconds, I floated there, stunned into stillness and unable to move. The air was literally stolen from my lungs, a flurry of bubbles escaping my lips against my will. I couldn't breath. I couldn't breath.

The wriggling body behind me kicked my brain into awareness again. I grunted when Sam frantically grabbed at my arms, flailing around in a panic. Calming him down wasn't an option as he struggled against my attempts to secure him back to me. Something flitted past me and I jerked to the side, making out the hazy form of a fish darting away. Of course it was just a fish that startled me. What else could it have been?

Heart racing, I gave up and twisted around, catching his blurry figure slowly sinking despite how tightly his hands locked on my arms. I had only just locked my arms around his torso and was clumsily trying to find the bed of the river when something grabbed the back of my neck, fingers tangling in my hair and the hood of my cloak before I was yanked upwards.

That first breath of air seared the back of my throat with ice. The second had me coughing against the feeling. "Whoever has me, please be gentle," I rasped, hefting Sam higher against my front. He eagerly latched around my neck, shaking like a leaf as wet curls tickled my cheek. "Your hand has a decent chunk of my hair in your grasp and I don't fancy having my hair pulled."

A snort. "Quite a priority to have right now, my Lady." I glowered at Boromir over my shoulder. He nodded to Sam. "Is he alright?"

"Shaken up, but he'll be okay," I said, teeth chattering. I ran a hand through his hair, giving Boromir my best pleading look. I didn't think I'd have the stamina to carry Sam like this the rest of the way. The cold was sapping at my strength so quickly that it was almost humiliating and that tumble underwater was enough of an eye opener to my inability to work under such little pressure. And Sam wasn't helping with how tightly he was gripping me. "Help me get him out?"

Boromir didn't hesitate to answer. "That's what I am here to do." Transferring a traumatized Sam to his stronger arms, I straightened myself up as much as I could with the water reaching so high on my body. I faltered when the back of Boromir's head was suddenly in my direct line of sight. He was crouching slightly, grey eyes peering over his shoulder and I realized his shield was absent from his back. He didn't offer verbally, but I slowly accepted his silent help. Winding my arms gently around his neck and locking my knees against his ribs, the Gondorian fluidly stood to his full height.

I knew Boromir was tall, but this was just ridiculous. My feet were the only parts of me still in the water, which left the rest of me submitted to the freezing air that buffeted my form. Clamping my teeth tightly, I shivered against Boromir's back as he calmly made for the shore.

"Sam!" Frodo cried, dropping beside his friend when he was gently placed on the ground. Hands fluttered fitfully over his face and clothes, blue eyes wide. "Are you alright? We heard your cry and when we looked back, you and Lady Asherah had fallen!"

"I-I'm okay," Sam stuttered. "Just wasn't ready for that, is all, Mister Frodo." Before he could lower himself, I let go of Boromir, dropping to the ground harshly and stumbling towards the pile of packs, shakingly digging through mine before withdrawing a blanket. I wrapped it around Sam's shoulders with a flourish, securing it under his chin.

"Keep that on," I commanded, silencing his protests. He grunted when I pulled him to his feet. "You need to keep moving for a little bit until the chill is gone. Your muscles will lock up if you stay sitting. Get your blood flowing and you'll warm up faster."

"You're freezing, too, Asherah!" Frodo exclaimed indignantly, pointing at my shaking hands. He gave me a very stern look. "You need to take care of yourself, too."

"I'm getting there, I'm getting there," I chided, waving his protests away. "Just hang on. Help me get Sam moving so Gandalf doesn't yell at us." The Hobbit frowned angrily at my callous dismissal before looping one of his arms through Sam's and ushering him into walking.

Sam craned his neck to look back at me, dismayed. "Miss Asherah, I'm so sorry for the fall!"

"Don't worry," I assured, shouldering my bag. "It was just an accident. No harm, no foul!" I shooed away Merry and Pippin's reaching hands, their eyes concerned as they took in my thoroughly drenched appearance. "You two get moving. I appreciate your concern, but I will take care of myself in this matter." When they made no move to go, I nudged both of their shoulders. "Go on! Don't make me repeat myself, you two. I'll be right behind you." Making some upset growls, they spun and hurried after Frodo and Sam.

Rubbing my arms, I exhaled a shaky breath. They knew I didn't have another blanket on me. It was clear in their eyes the second I wrapped it around Sam. Their concern for my health was heart-warming, enough for a small smile to cross my lips despite how miserably cold I was. I could only hope that I would dry up enough before we reached the mountain and the snow we would be dragging ourselves through.

"By Isildur's Bane," Boromir snapped. I blinked when he threw something over my head, squawking when it obscured my vision. Hastily yanking it off, I did a double take as I held it out in front of me. His fur-lined cloak was heavy in my hands, thick and crazy long. I raised it higher to keep it from touching the ground and gave him a confused look. "Don't give me that look, you troublesome woman," He snorted. "Put that on or you'll catch something unpleasant."

I shot my hand out to grab a fistful of his tunic when he made to walk away. "Hold on!" I cried, jerking away when his eyes zeroed in on my grip. "We're about go to a seriously cold environment! You need this more than I do!"

He shook his head. "It's not like I'm letting you keep it," He rebutted. "It's only until your cloak is dry enough." He paused. "Speaking of which, take it off. It will dry faster if it's attached to your bag." I sputtered when with one quick yank, the brooch unclipped and my cloak was dripping in Boromir's grasp. Giving it a quick shake, he opened it so the whole material was splayed out and carefully attached it to my pack.

"Do you always manhandle people like this?" I demanded, only slightly irritated with him.

"You're being uncooperative," He snorted. "The Hobbits are worried about you, so this is the best course of action to assuage their worries." He pointed at his cloak. "Now put that on." He narrowed his eyes when I made to protest, his own irritation beginning to surface. "I will not make the same offer twice. Put the cloak on." It was a command if I'd ever heard one. There was a few seconds where we had a tense stand off, him demanding I do as he says and me unwilling to submit to such a demand. I caved first when a sneeze had me almost keeling forward.

Huffing, I petulantly secured it around my frame. It was a feminine kind of satisfaction that filled me to see how completely it covered my body. The urge to hoard the cloak overtook me for a split second before I squashed it down. This wasn't a friend's sweatshirt I could keep and say I'll return eventually. This was Boromir's and I didn't think the man would respond well to my attempts to keep it on my person.

Boromir nodded, lips curling into a self-satisfied, winning smirk. I wanted to hit it right off his face. We weren't at each other's throats much anymore, but that didn't mean we got along like friends. "Come. The sooner we cross this mountain, the better off we'll be."

Despite the group losing time with our unplanned swimming lesson, we reached the base of the mountain by early afternoon. "It's so high up," Frodo whispered. A good chunk of the mountain disappeared above the clouds, the rest of it covered in a thick sheet of white. Already, the air around us was cooler, the winds that buffeted our bodies bringing with it the beginning of a chill only snow could bring.

I regret giving that cloak back to Boromir. I should've lied and said I was still soaked.

"It's going to be a hell of a hike," I groaned quietly to him. "The pass must be at a decent elevation if my memories of hiking are still relevant." It was also just kind of common sense to me. It was possible a trail could extend all the way around the base of a mountain at ground level, but that would take days for our party to get through. Days that Gandalf was clearly not keen on spending. It would make more sense for a trail to be made around either the midpoint or near the peak of the mountain, as that would decrease the amount of time spent walking compared to circling around at the bottom.

"Will we really be able to climb up all the way up there?" Sam questioned, eyeballing the trek upwards.

"Mithrandir believes we can, so we will," Legolas reassured. He gestured us forward. "The quicker we move, the faster we will get through the snow."

"Does the snow even bother you, Legolas?" I asked curiously as we walked. "Rivendell hardly ever got snow thanks to Lord Elrond's barrier, but Tobrien never seemed to wear anything other than her normal dresses even when it rained."

He hummed, thinking. "Truthfully, the cold does not bother me. If I am accurate in saying this, I cannot even feel it."

"Say what?" I exclaimed. I couldn't even express how jealous that made me. "No fair," I whined. "I wish I didn't have to feel the cold." The Elf only laughed at my misery, shaking his head.

Quicker than I would have liked, frost began to settle over the last of the trees and the ground. Every step crunched under our boots, creating a cadence that echoed around us. The men kept a steady rhythm with their longer legs and the Hobbits had to make twice as many steps to keep up with them. It almost made the musician in me satisfied if the sound didn't grate on my nerves. And between one blink and the next, snow began to make an appearance. It climbed higher and higher as the incline increased until it was up to my calves. I stayed close to the Hobbits, taking advantage of the trail made by those in front of us.

"Are your feet okay?" I asked the Hobbits, panting. "Are they cold at all?"

"It is slightly uncomfortable," Merry mused, lifting one leg in an exaggerated step. "They're not cold, but not warm either."

"Our feet are quite sturdy, Asherah!" Pippin said. "We walk barefoot everywhere we go as I'm sure you're aware. A little snow isn't going to deter us."

"Fascinating," I whistled. "I can't say the same. My feet are frozen again." Frodo let out a grunt and I paused, stiffening when I saw him rolling back down the way we came. A single backflip and Aragorn was there, stopping him from going any further. Sam awkwardly hurried after him, handing Bill's reins to Merry.

"Are you alright?" I called, cursing at the tremor in my voice.

"Yes," Frodo called back, patting the snow off his front. He froze, eyes widening before he patted himself down more vigorously. "Oh! The Ring is—" Hissing, I frantically glanced around, looking for that awful gold shimmer. I whirled around, stopping when I heard the clinking of the chain and the auburn head of the man holding it. Boromir's eyes were riveted to the cursed jewelry, fixated on it like he was staring at the real Fountain of Youth.

Shit.

"Boromir," Aragorn warned. His hand inched slowly across his body, fingers grazing the hilt of his sword. The action was hid behind Frodo's body, but I could clearly see the movement. No way Boromir didn't notice such an action in the movies, and damn Aragorn for practically broadcasting that Boromir was not trusted. It would take a toll on Boromir's mental state and send him spiraling down into an abyss he would be too slow to crawl out of before his death.

We weren't friends. He was still too stiff in my presence and I was too headstrong to take his orders lying down. I hated how he took things at face value and I hated how easily he let Denethor maneuver him around like a chess piece. He was too proud and arrogant, firmly believing he was always right and studiously ignoring most opinions offered to him by another. He was too threatened by Aragorn's legacy, ignoring the man that was before him and only seeing Isildur's prophecy.

But he's only doing this to keep his people alive and I guess I could respect that even if he won't acknowledge me as an equal right now.

A plan began to form in my mind. I tensed, bending my knees slowly and waited.

Boromir's mouth opened and I didn't hesitate to lunge for him. The snow didn't allow for much traction like cement or even grass would, but it was enough for me to cover the distance quickly. I slammed into his side, tackling him with a grunt as we both flew through the air. The snow cushioned our fall and it flew around us in wet flurry. An iron clad grip secured itself around my waist, keeping me from accidentally rolling underneath him. I could hear the others shout in surprise, heard their running footsteps and I hurriedly pulled myself into a sitting position. That arm slid down, his hand resting against my hip in a lax grip.

The Gondorian was stunned, blinking lethargically at the sky and groaning softly. Those eyes quickly cleared and they zeroed in on me instantly, narrowing in what I quickly realized to be anger. Unfazed, I grinned broadly at him, gently tapping his shoulder.

"You looked like you needed a surprise," I giggled childishly, rendering him speechless. "You were so serious looking that I thought maybe rolling around in the snow would put you in a better mood!" A glance at his hand showed the Ring no longer in his possession and I breathed a subtle sigh of relief. I leaned closer to his face, still grinning. "We all need to relax every once in a while, so I figured it was high time you did so!"

He sputtered around my admittedly poor fib, eyes wide and mouth gaping. Figuring Frodo would have found the Ring by now, I tapped his hand that still rested on my hip. Even through the glove, his touch was hot and felt searing against me. It wasn't uncomfortable. His hand flew off me, raised in an almost gesture of surrender. I laughed, finding the action not as forced as I thought it'd be. It sort of amused me.

Brushing off the snow caking my head, I got into a low crouch, prepared to stand. "Boromir," I whispered lowly. He had sat up, shaking his head and rubbing snow off his shoulders. He stopped, watching me out of the corner of his eyes. He twitched when I got closer, our noses almost grazing. My heart thudded furiously, nervous about being this close to him and unsure what his reaction would be to such an invasion of space. "Remember why you're here," I warned. "There are other ways to keep your people alive."

Grey eyes widened, but I was on my feet and skipping back to the others before he could say anything. Acting carefree was not something I was good at, but it seemed to fool Aragorn and Gandalf. Cheerily telling them that everything was okay, they reluctantly let it go. Sneaking a look back, Boromir was on his feet and speaking in low tones to Frodo. The Hobbit's eyes widened, then softened and a soft smile curled his lips. He shook his head at whatever Boromir said and placed a tentative hand on his bicep, lips barely moving.

The skin at my hip continued to burn as we continued our climb.

A/N: Yeah, I'm a little late. Some good news: I quit one of my part time jobs. So now I'm just down to my Security job and my factory job. Which makes my life so much infinitely easier. I almost don't know what to do with the upcoming free time I'm about to have next week.

To those interested in the other stories on my page: I have been slowly chipping away at both. The next chapter of IAHF is almost done and I hope to have it done by the end of the month. Ripples is slow going, as I expected it would be, but it's slowly getting done as well.

Thank you so much for reading!