Courage and Comfort Come through Cold

Disclaimer: based on Tolkien’s trilogy, which I have no legal rights to.

Summary: On Caradhras, Pippin receives comfort, helping him to slowly gain the courage for the rest of his part in the War of the Ring. Written for Marigold’s Challenge #7.

Pippin sighed wearily. How much further would they have to go? He was starting to think Caradhras was a never ending mountain, and the peak above him only an illusion. Each step took all the energy he posessed. Perhaps it was better that way, because then he was too tired to think much. 

Often, his dreams wandered back to Master Elrond’s warnings. Pippin was glad he had taken no oath to stay with Frodo to the end, but the reason that it was not required was rather disturbing. He remembered Weathertop, was that not frightening enough? What could be worse than minions of Sauron looming over him, his friend and cousin slowly fading into darkness, Frodo’s very mind seemingly near to being taken captive by the Enemy?

He remembered the Barrow Wights, how he seemed to be trapped in a place of death, his soul slowly suffocating. Even the march itself was frightening; he was not accustomed to setting watches all night, constantly aware that evil could be lurking only a few steps away.

This very mountain brought terror. The snow was deep. As if that was not bad enough, the mountain itself seemed ready to topple onto them, snow and all.

Brushing these thoughts aside, Pippin concentrated on walking. He was only vaguely aware of his surroundings, until they finally stopped at a meager shelter. Despite all their attempts to light a fire, Gandalf alone could keep one going.

That was yet another disturbing thought: Gandalf’s apprehension. If the great wizard himself was reluctant to light a fire for fear of having his presence known, the danger must be incredible.

"Pip, what’s wrong? Come a little closer to the fire, you’ll feel better when you’ve warmed up a bit." Merry broke into Pippin’s thoughts.

"That’s not all, Merry…I’m frightened." Unashamedly, the tweenager cuddled close against his cousin, who truly seemed more like a brother.

The young Took cried on Merry’s shoulders for what seemed like hours before he finally calmed down. Then, with his emotions vented, he began to feel relief. The whole Fellowship was still alive, and together. Pippin revelled in that comfort.

The time would soon come when Gandalf would be dead (for a little while) and Boromir also. Even those who lived would be divided, facing separate perils. Yet the short time they had together weaned Pippin off his fears. It helped him to find his courage, so that he could face the next trials, one problem at a time.