4Frodo nearly bolted out of Boromir's arms as the son of Gondor struggled to hold onto the screaming Hobbit. The young Man gently lowered the little one to the ground as the stepped into the sunshine and Frodo shakily walked away from him. The three other Hobbits and Legolas came out next, followed by a cursing Gimli, and Aragorn came out last.
"Get them up." Aragorn commanded, trying to hide the fact he was struggling with his emotions.
Legolas went to do as his long-time friend had told them to do, but Boromir protested. Then, suddenly locking eyes with the ranger, he saw a deep pain in the blue orbs.
"By nightfall these hills will be swarming with Orcs. We must reach Lothlórien! Come Boromir, Legolas, Gimli get them up...On your feet Sam." Legolas lifted Pippin carefully from the ground as Boromir helped Merry up.
"Will Pip' be alright?" Sam asked as he walked up to them. Boromir was about to answer when they heard Aragorn calling for Frodo. The Elf's keen eyes could see how pale the Hobbit was. When Frodo was in front of Aragorn, the ranger took his pack off and opened it and, as he kneeled down, he placed a hand on the Hobbit's shoulder.
"I think I have something that will help, my friend." Frodo slowly nodded and sat down as Aragorn took out some herbs, a canteen and a cup. The ranger poured water into the cup, crushed the herbs and mixed it together. "Here."
The Hobbit didn't take the cup when Aragorn handed it to him. "Frodo?" The Hobbit's eyes swam as he looked up at the Man.
"I'm so sorry...Strider."
Aragorn put the cup down and pulled the little one close. "It is going to be alright..."
Tears dripped down the Hobbit's cheeks. " St..ri...der!" Sobs burst from Frodo and he crumbled onto the ranger's chest.
Aragorn tightened his hold, feeling very protective of his small friend. "Estel, the Orcs," Legolas warned as the others came to their side.
"I know, mellon nín. I have not forgotten." Legolas sadly smiled as he watched the Man gently help Frodo to drink the mixture. "There, that should help a little."
Frodo sighed, wiped his cheeks and stood up. "Thank you, Strider."
Aragorn looked grimly at him as he also stood up. "Let someone know if you start feeling strange." Aragorn bent down and replaced the contents into his pack and placed the bag onto his back once again. Legolas smiled weakly at the ranger.
That night, they reached Lothlórien and, to their surprise, a tent was already set up for them. Aragorn was grateful since he was tired and feeling very emotional. "I am going to have a look around," he said and he strode away. Boromir gave his comrades a worried glance. Legolas went up to him.
"Does he do that often?" Legolas nodded.
"He just needs time to think." Boromir nodded in understanding. The Hobbits and Gimli had fallen asleep almost at once and neither was really surprised.
"It has been a tough day," Legolas whispered, glancing over at the sleeping friends. Boromir glanced up at the night sky; the blackness was filled with twinkling stars, the brightest he'd seen in a very long time.
"Legolas, I know this may seem very strange coming from a person like me but...does it seem as though...Gandalf is watching us tonight?"
Legolas was shocked by the question but even more shocked at the wetness he felt on his face. The son of Gondor squeezed his shoulder softly. "It is...just..." Legolas started to say but couldn't continue.
"We all miss him..." Boromir whispered. "I know Aragorn does too."
Legolas nodded. "I need to...go...find him."