Wayfarer's

Chapter 5

Zaren scrambled blindly around in the darkness of the cave, staggering as he weaved around rocks and crevices in the stone. He followed the soft voices of his comrades, using the sound to navigate the surprisingly foreign entrance. No matter how much he went through the tunnel in the dark, he always seemed to trip and stagger. So, as he walked, his strength slowly began to return to him. The battle had worn him down in ways he never thought possible. The lack of food made him weaker.

After a few moments of stumbling like a drunk, Zaren finally reached the group.

They were circled around a silver haired elf, as he proudly boasted about his journey, adding in small amounts of exaggeration where the youth thought there was need. Malgel held up a stone, watching it shine and glow in the palm of his hand. Everyone listened intently to the tale, the, the adventure bringing hope to their eyes. Now they had hope, something that seemed lost for so long.

The youths big, green eyes landed on their leader, and he grinned with pride, throwing the jewel up in the air. It fell easily back into his hands.

"You've retrieved it, I presume?" The man asked as he pushed through the circle, causing the elf to frown.

"Did you doubt I would follow through?" Malgel asked, absentmindedly admiring the jewel.

"No. I just wasn't sure it would be there...." Zaren reached out to the elf with a small smile. "We all owe you-"

"I must add! My partner and I also trapped a nice plump rabbit!" Malgel said, and clapped Breen ruffly over the shoulder, making the clumsy youth stumble forward.

"Heh... I-I-It was mostly him...." Breen murmured and fumbled around with his sleeve, feeling his cheeks redden drastically. Never had he been so thankful for the darkness.

"Eh, well, you did a little." Malgel relented, exaggerating a shrug. He stepped towards Zaren.

"May I have the jewel, Malgel?" Zaren asked in exasperation, forcing back a frown. Why was he so insistent on stalling? Why did he not give it over five minutes ago?

"Oh; heh, yeah." Malgel muttered sheepishly, and placed the glowing gem in the mans hands. He didn't mean to stall that long. He just wanted them to recognize that he was still useful. And, he was rather proud of himself. However, as the gem touched the humans skin, the glow began to die. Malgel looked at it oddly, slightly confused. Why would it do such a thing? It lit up in his hands, but fade in Zaren's? Could it have something to do with race? Was it because he was a human? The silver haired elf shook his head, he had no idea.

Ignoring the strange behavior, Zaren didn't pay it much mind, and slipped it into his pocket. The other gems clinked together as they made contact, settling into silence.

Later that night, everything grew colder, and the whole group hurried into the cave. They all sat huddled together in a small circle, using what body heat they had to keep warm. There was no fire, for fear that the darkness knew of their whereabouts. It was depressing, and no one was fond of the idea. No one felt that nearly freezing to death was a good idea. But it had to be done. Zaren leaned forward, gaining the attention of the group. They glanced tiredly in his direction.

"We are moving tomorrow. We will be separating for the safety of the group. Legolas, Malgel and I will be one. Thranduil, Breen, Shay and Tauriel will be another. We are making for Erebor and that is where we will meet up. That is the last stronghold I can think of, that would have survived this long." Zaren explained in a hushed whisper, earning nods of understanding from them. Everyone knew what had to be done.

Tauriel sneered in slight annoyance. She was always placed with Shay. He was annoying. Especially when he was also at her throat, and she at his. That man was so arrogant, she wasn't sure she could survive being with him. She would likely die before reaching the stronghold.

After a moment of chattering amongst themselves, the group fell into silence once more, none feeling the need to speak further. Added onto the fact that they were still fearful for what may creep within earshot. No one could tell what might be listening in.

Shay, expression carefully composed, leaned over to his brother, resting a hand on his shoulder. "Congratulations on your successful trip." The older man said and licked his dry lips.

Breen looked at Shay, and smiled ever so slightly. "Honestly, I did nothing. Malgel did most of the work." The youth said quietly, making sure to keep his voice low.

"Nonsense! You did so much! Don't ever let me hear you say otherwise." The dark haired man said seriously, taking pride in his little brother.

Breen just laughed softly, shrugging his small shoulders. "Well.... I am not as full of myself as you. I prefer not to let my head swell." The younger brother teased with a smile, idly scuffing the heel of his boot in the dirt.

Shay didn't find his brothers comment that funny, and glowered at him.

"Watch your mouth, Breen." Shay growled in a hushed tone.

"Yes sir."

"Breen!"

"Sir?"

"Gah!" Shay grunted angrily as he turned away from his brother, and closed his eyes. In frustration, the older brother turned over, pretending to sleep.

Breen grinned at his older brother and scooted back towards the cold, stone wall. His eyes drifted shut.

"Goodnight, Shay-"

"Shut up." Shay growled.

Breen ignored the violent tone that his brother used, and fell asleep.

Over by the far wall, Legoals looked contemplatively at Tauriel, waving a single hand in her face. The elleth flinched.

"You okay?" He asked, turning to face her in concern.

"Fine. I'm fine. I just wish we didn't have to leave, you know?" The fiery haired elleth asked softly, pulling her legs up to her chest and resting her chin on her knees.

"I know.... But it's for the best. Zaren has kept us safe and made the right choices so far. I trust him with this decision. I trust that he knows what he is doing, and I think you should too." The blonde prince replied carefully, sending the girl a reassuring smile. Even though she couldn't see it in the blackness of the night, she could sense it.

You haven't had to go out there and experience it. How can you trust him to protect us out there? Tauriel thought with a deep frown.

"I know.... I just can't help but fear. We've survived this far by settling down here. How are we going to survive out there in the elements?" She asked, turning fearfully to the blonde prince.

Legolas bit the inside of his cheek in thought, contemplating her words. "We just have to find something to hold on to, and live for that." The conversation that he and Malgel had earlier, came to his mind as he spoke.

"Legolas.... We did loose everything, but that doesn't mean we can't continue, and it doesn't mean that we have to give up. We have hope." The silver haired warrior had said. "Hope.... Sometimes it all you have when you have nothing else. If you have it, you have everything."

The prince smiled at the thought, and he felt a spark of hope. He had everything. He only wished Tauriel would understand that. He hoped she would.

Tauriel seemed to ponder her old friends words, and shrugged. He could be right. Running a hand through her auburn locks, she turned forward once more and nodded. If the world was a different place, that might have been comforting. She thought glumly.

A/N: I have no clue what to put in authors notes anymore. But, vote and give me your thoughts! Must I bride you with food??? Must I????