How long it took them to make it over the mountain, neither of the hobbits knew. Their feet flew across the terrain as if hell itself was at their heels. They could not, or would not stop for anything less then a short breather, because for all they knew, a whole army of orcs was on to them. Of course this could have been their imaginations running wild with them, but for the two who had faced so many of these brutal creatures, no pace was to fast to escape from the horror that laid within the dark, smelly hearts of the beast.

Whether it was days, or weeks, or maybe by chance, even hours, the small hobbits made it through the mountains, and to what they considered safety. Though fear was a pain neither of them figured they could afford to leave behind them, and set forth almost immediately to move out of the sight of the mountains. It was only when they had almost lost sight of the great peaks, when the realization hit them, and time seemed to still for just a moment.

“Pip, do you know where we are?”

“Why, yes Merry, I….I think I do.” Both of their mouth’s dropped open, and they stared blankly towards the south, and their hearts lifted in their chest, and the bravery, and drive that had left them in the past days, returned with full force. It was only an outline in the setting sun, but they could tell, that directly south of themselves was the Fangorn forest, and in that forest, was the reason for their mission.

Fierce loyalty came within them, and the fear seemed to ebb away for just that moment. Both of them knew what they had to do, and in that spirit, both felt like battling any orc that came their way. Of course this was only the play of emotions wanting this, for any other day, neither would wish for a chance meeting with a monster of nightmares.

“Do you think…maybe, they are in there.”

“Yes, Pip, I think they are.” Merry smiled, and Pippin quickly returned it, both in cheer that they had come so far.

“Should we, go talk to Treebeard? Tell him we are on our way to find the lost Entwives?” Pippins voice was lined with excitement, and anxiousness, at meeting their old friend again. He hoped that the ancient tree would be able to tell them more about the Entwives, but Merry’s downcast expression stopped all hopes of that.

“I don’t think we should make him hope.” Merry did not meet Pippin’s eyes, for fear of the same, shocked expression that even now crossed his face.

“Well, why ever not? We have come all this way, and fought so hard to get here, why give in now, I am sure he would like to see us!”

“But… what if… we don’t find the Entwives. I would just hate to make him hope, to only let him down more.” Merry looked up again at Pippin, and his eyes were sad. “Who are we kidding to be so brave now. We do not have our friends to aid us now, we are just two hobbits, who think we can face the world.” He raised a hand to stop Pippin’s protest. “I am not saying I will stop, no I will continue, but seeing us now, I don’t think I could lie to my friend, and tell him we will find them, when there is just as good a chance we won’t.”

Pippin closed his mouth, and nodded, understanding passing between them. “We can… we can at least, you know… go and see him right?” Pippin gripped Merry’s arm, and tried his best to smile. “If nothing else, I will just feel safer to rest at the edge of the forest.” He looked back at the mountains, and Merry understood, that thought the brave feeling had come, the fear had not fully crawled away.

“Ok.” Merry murmured, and the two set off south to make towards the forest that had begun this journey.

They had nearly forgotten what the trees of this old, and great forest were like, and each of them gasped in awe at the wonder of such a foreboding forest. But they were not afraid, because deep within this forest, their friends lived among the other trees, and they would feel safe as long as they were near the tall, and strong oaks, that stood proudly lining their border into the dark territory.

“You think we should camp here?” Pippin asked, and Merry nodded. In no time at all, they had settled down for a nights supper, just as the sun disappeared, and the moon began its incline toward the tip top of the sky.

They were at peace for a short time, but not even that would last for long. It came suddenly, and sent shivers up both of their spines. A clamor, and rustling, like a mouse, or a bird, but a great deal louder. A string of curses, and the sound of something smacking the ground. Both hobbits exchanged brave, but frightened looks, and rose, their small swords in their hands. “Who…who’s there?” They asked in unison, and jumped back, as someone fell from the tree in front of them.

“Darn it!” Came the gruff voice, warming, and familiar. “Legolas, you had better get you hide out here before I am skinned alive!” There was laughter in the voice, and the face of the man, or dwarf, brought smiles to Pippin’s and Merry’s face. A tall, lithe figure made his way out of the woods, and into their small camp, and small smile on his elegant face.