Beyond the Fords of Isen

Ascension

"Aren't we pushing a little too hard?" Adalmaer questioned. Boromir leaned against a tree, his arms folded across his chest. His expression was unreadable but his eyes were fixed on her. "Wouldn't it be better if we stayed the evening and filled our bellies? I have a feeling there won't be any stopping until we've passed through."

Boromir pushed himself off of the tree, his hand moving up and rubbing his jaw. "You have a point. If we weren't at risk of being watched and followed, I would have said yes." He said, a sigh leaving his lips. His words were true, they could have rested and gathered their strength but with the birds.. There was no telling who they gave information to.

Over near a lone boulder, Gandalf perched on a log. The old wizard was deep in thought, his brows furrowed, and his gaze focused. A hand lifted and rubbed his chin, his lips pursing. He knew the Hobbits would need rest, but the sooner they reached the pass, the better. And with the birds.. There wasn't a doubt that Saruman's ears and eyes were on them.

"We'll stay a while longer." Gandalf announced and stood. Agreeable murmurs rippled through the group. "We shall eat, and rest." The wizard continued. Merry and Pippin had already made themselves comfortable. Their backs were against a tree and their feet were stuck out. Sam and Frodo were sitting side by side, the former smoking his pipe.

A fire was started and the food was distributed. It wasn't a feast, but it was filling enough. Gandalf ate little and said even less. Aragorn stood off to the side, Boromir sat with the Hobbits and quietly talked with them. Legolas and Gimli were on opposite sides of the fire, arguing, and Adalmaer situated herself at the foot of a tree.

When everyone was done eating, the group fell silent. A couple hours passed, the only sounds being rushing wind and the occasional snore. The sun was well in the sky when Aragorn spoke, his voice low. "We've rested long enough." He looked at Gandalf who nodded in agreement. The Hobbits were stirred awake, their sleepy eyes looking at the ranger.

Gandalf stood and gathered his things. Everyone else did the same, the packs and cloaks were fastened and the weapons were checked. Bill the pony was brought forth and saddled, his packs filled to the brim. When everyone was ready, the party set off. Caradhras Pass was their destination, though not many had travelled it so Gandalf took the lead.

The journey to the summit was long and laborious. The air became colder and the path more narrow. Still, the sun shone bright and warm, the sky a brilliant shade of blue. The weather was changing, however, as the winds picked up and the snow fell heavier. A sudden blast of cold air whipped past the party.

"Blasted wind!" Gimli cried. His beard was coated with snow and his eyes were squinting. Adalmaer wasn't faring too well either, the hood of her cloak doing little to keep the wind and snow out. She did feel for the Hobbits though, they were small and the wind was picking up. Bill was also having a hard time, his hooves slipping on the icy stones.

Eerie noises filled the air, and the mountain started to groan. The party came to a stop, their eyes looking to Gandalf. He had his staff in hand, his eyes searching the rocks. Another groan, this time louder, and the mountain shook. Stones started to fall, narrowly missing them. "It's an avalanche!" Frodo cried, his voice filled with panic.

It was an avalanche, sure, but not one of nature. It was man made. This much Gandalf was certain of. Legolas maneuvered around everybody, including Gandalf, and came to a stop some distance away. Sure enough his ears picked up faint, ill words cloaked in a windy disguise.

He was confused as to why there was a voice, a voice that assumed control over the mountain no less. Legolas glanced back to the group, his eyes taking in their expressions. It was fear mixed with confusion. They hadn't heard the voice, this much he could tell, save Gandalf who muttered a string of curses.

"There is a foul voice in the air!"