Aragon was the first to raise. He smiled statly at the sight of the stout dwarf lying next to the slender elf. Legolas's expression was unreadable and silently, Aragon wondered of what he dreamt. Where his dreams sweet and calm or turbulent?
Gimli sat up. "I will avenge...you...all..." He trailed off the last words as he realized that his visions were those of dreams. He glanced menacingly at Aragon, who snorted.
"Dwarf, you seem not to recognize dreams from reality!" Again, he chuckled.
"Swordsman, you seem not the recognize that my people have a history of rampage...mainly on your people," he shot back.
Aragon shrugged. "Let us not argue."
"How long has he slept?" Gimli indicated the peacefully sleeping Legolas beside him.
"I fear, not long," was the reply. "I spoke briefly with him during the night and he seemed rather unsettled. No matter...he will rise soon. He must rest while he can."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Frodo and Sam had not slept at all that night. Their journey was far too long and dangerous. They could not risk capture while they slept. Frodo remember a time when they were captured by the Barrow-Wights in sleep. They could not afford something like that again. Especially in Mordor.
Sam started.
"Sam, why did you jump?" Frodo demanded. Sam did not answer, but stood stiller than stone. "Why did you jump???" he repeated, stronger this time.
"Master Frodo, I have just now realized the severity of the task."
Frodo sighed a breath of relief. "Oh, dear Sam. You truly had me worried."
"Master Frodo," Sam said timidly, "I am afraid that we will not return."
"So am I, Sam. But we are almost to..."
"Young travellers," a voice said from behind them, "you mustn't be in Mordor. It's not safe...especially for hobbits like yourselves."
The brace turned quickly on their heels, Frodo placing his hand on his sword.
"Take your hand away, Frodo, for I will do you no harm."
Frodo did not heed. "Sir, how may I know this when I do not know you? And, sir if I may, how do you know me?"
"I was a huntsman. I met your friend Bilbo along his journey and he mentioned you might have a mind to do so yourself. As I can see..."
"Sir, I'm sorry to impart such a rude manor on you, but we must hurry along."
"You will do no such thing, young hobbits! Not into Mordor...!"
"But sir..."
"I'm sorry it had to come to this, but either you turn around..." He drew his sword. "...or I will have to kill you."