What if Boromir Lived Longer? (Complete)

Chapter 7: Noises 6-5-16

Chapter by: Pippin

Aragorn had changed his mind about leaving the next morning and decided to leave that same night. Legolas woke up Pippin and then the three started walking through the night. It was really dark besides the brightness of the full moon that shone through the trees of the woods. Pippin's body was felling sore all over, probably because of the bomb explosion that day. Aragorn told him it was like a sunburn. It doesn't hurt at first, but after a while it hurts like crazy whenever you touch it.

Pippin: I thought that was pretty clever.

"What's that noise?" Pippin asked suddenly. He could hear pounding water somewhere around them.

"The waterfall," Legolas answered and pointed towards where the giant waterfall was.

It was now that Pippin could see the waterfall and the river through the trees and the shadows. They weren't walking along the river, but pretty close to it walking through the trees.

"Where are we? Where are we going?" Pippin asked.

"We are meeting up with the other three at the end of this river," Aragorn said without stopping.

"Merry?" Pippin asked happily with a bright smile.

Merry: Happily? Bright smile? Aww! And yes, I am watching Pip write now.

"Yes, he will be there with Boromir and Gimli," replied Aragorn.

Now Pippin remembered getting into the boats and him and Merry waving and then the bomb being set off in the river from a really ugly orc. Then it exploded and separated them from each other. At least Aragorn had defeated that orc that had split everybody up.

The night was a lot quieter than the day, but still the sounds of animals and the wind could be heard. Pippin could hear owls hooting, wolves howling, bushes rustling around them, and the cold wind rush by. Although all the noises where scary, Legolas told him not to worry. They were just animals and nature and not any bad creatures. Legolas would be good at alerting everybody if they were in danger.

Pippin: Bad creatures such as: Orcs, trolls, wargs, goblins, or Nazgul's... Explained Legolas.

Pippin caught up with Aragorn and said that he needed to take a break because he didn't feel good. Probably just damage from the bomb he guessed. Aragorn turned around and said,

"Okay, I understand. But we can only rest for a little while, okay?"

Pippin nodded. Aragorn lead them a little ways away from the loud waterfall and then told Pippin he could sit down. He did and leaned against a tree. His chest was throbbing for some unknown reason and his arms and legs ached. He didn't think Aragorn or Legolas intended on Pippin falling asleep, but he did. His head fell back against the tree and he fell asleep quickly.

-----

Pippin awoke sweating and heart pounding as Aragorn shook his leg gently. He awoke abruptly and said,

"What happened?!" Pippin practically shouted.

"Shhh! Nothing, we have to go now," Aragorn answered quietly.

"Oh," Pippin said and wrapped his arms around himself. He was lying on his back, but was still next to the tree he had leaned against when he fell asleep. It was getting even cooler now and he was still a little wet from the river water. He took a deep breath and wiped a tear away from his face.

"Are you okay?" Aragorn asked his eyebrows dipping downwards.

"Just a bad dream is all," Pippin said.

Aragorn frowned and said,

"Sometimes you can learn from a dream. The good and the bad ones. Do you mind if I ask what it was about?"

Pippin shrugged and then said,

"Merry," Pippin whispered without making eye contact with Aragorn. He was looking up at the stars. It was still very dark out.

"Merry?"

"I miss him," Pippin said and got into sitting position slowly and leaned against the tree. His ribs hurt a little as he did so. Hopefully they weren't broken he thought.

Aragorn looked at Pippin for a minute until they made eye contact and then said quietly for only them to here,

"Everybody has somebody they miss. But just think, when you guys meet up again you can tell him your story.... And he can tell you his," Aragorn smiled and put a hand on Pippin's shoulder and then continued, "And Merry will never be far because you are keeping him near. Inside of your heart, he's here,"

Aragorn gave one last smile and his blue eyes sparkled in the moonlight. Pippin smiled back and wiped had face with his sleeve. "Thanks," is all Pippin was able to get out, but it was enough. Aragorn was right. Merry was here with him, in his heart. And when they reunited, they could tell each other their own stories.

A/N: im back!