Disclaimer: I do not own CON or LOTR

Escapade

Chapter 3

By Avaunt

The newly formed Fellowship of the Ring departed the next day. In true elvish fashion the quick preparation seemed effortless, and all the companions were fitted with only the finest gear. Peter walked comfortably besides Pippen and Merry, the excited hobbits already chronicling their adventure into a song.

Peter smiled softly to himself. It was plain to see that Frodo's friends did not completely grasp the danger their mission promised. To them, it still seemed like a heroic folklore: one where the hero bravely faced danger and emerged victorious. While those stories were lovely to hear around a campfire, they often omitted many details. One of these details the hero's mortality.

But Peter could not judge his small, vivacious friends. He himself had once been in the same dangerous situation: way over his head and not even realizing it. Peter looked down at Merry, who had gone back to bothering poor Sam, and his blue eyes darkened slightly. He hoped that when reality hit, the blow would not be too hard. But Peter knew that hope was naively optimistic.

His train of thought was abruptly halted by another, far more amusing realization. By Lions Mane! He was starting to sound like Edmund! That startling thought allowed a small chuckle to escape.

Gimli looked back at Peter curiously. "You believe this to be a fool's errand too, boy?"

Peter looked at the stunted, stalwart dwarf that reminded himself so much of Trumpkin, and smiled. He sped up to walk along side his new companion, the gravel barely crackling underneath his feet. "No, I was thinking about how my brother Edmund would react to all of this." He made a vague gesture with his hand, encompassing the whole party.

"And what would he say?"

Peter smiled softly, a far away look in his eyes. "He'd tell me that I'm idiotic and to noble for my own good. That I was going to get myself killed."

Gimli nodded, "Sounds like a sensible brother you've got there."

Peter barked out a laugh. "I forgot to mention that he'd be walking beside me the whole way!"

Gimli looked at Peter, noticing the way his blue eyes softened and how his hand gripped his scabbard. "You miss him." He stated plainly, not dancing around with flowery words. Such were the ways of a dwarf.

"Very much so. My sisters too." He paused. "But I am glad they are not here." -And not in danger. The unsaid words were heard clearly by the dwarf.

"Aye. I can see that they are very important to you."

Peter looked over at Gimli, and the dwarf suddenly found himself staring into cerulean eyes much to old for the body of a teenager. "They are my world." Peter replied softly "Their protection comes before all else." Even the life of a High King, after all, he was their older brother; he could do no less.

The dwarf found he could say nothing to that, and the two fell into a comfortable silence. After a moment though, Gimli looked over at his new companion and asked: "We have too far to walk without something to pass the time. Tell me about your siblings Peter."

Peter's eyes lit up and he laughed. "It would be my pleasure Master Dwarf!" And so, Peter and Gimli passed the time laughing at the antics of Lucy and her animals, Edmund and his troublesome wit and Susan's mother hen ways.

As Peter regained the breath that was stolen by his laughter, he turned to Gimli, a more serious look in his eyes. "Would you mind answering a question of mine Master Gimli?"

Gimli finished chuckling and wiped a tear from his eye. "Just Gimli my boy, and if I am able, I will answer."

"Why was the thought of Narnia so unbelievable?" Peter asked, thinking back to the council's reaction.

Gimli rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "The land of Narnia is known only through stories. My people have passed down tales of the wandering land for generations. It is said that it is constantly on the move, disappearing and reappearing randomly throughout history."

"So it has become nothing more then a myth." Peter murmured softly, a sad look on his face.

Gimli snuck a glance at the boy. "My people have long memories and we write down our history in stone. Narnia is depicted several times within our records and even then some critics dispel its existence." He huffed. "As if a dwarf would ever believe in a fairy tale! We are sensible folk with two feet always on the ground!"

Peter smiled. "So you believe in Narnia?"

"You're here aren't you?" Gimli pointed out, as if that proved everything. "But I must warn you, some races, man especially, believe that it does not exist. And elves are just as bad."

Peter nodded, ignoring the jab at the elves. He did not want to get in between that feud. Legolas and Gimli had already butted heads more then once on this journey. Some fights, he had learned from years of overseeing subject's disputes, were just better spent on the sidelines.

"I am not surprised your Narnia has shown up again."

Peter looked over at Gimli in surprise. "Why not?"

"Narnia always seems to show up when everything goes to hell."

*******7*******

"Finally!" Pippen exclaimed in relief as he plopped down. "I thought we were never going to stop!" He rubbed his hairy feet, a look of exhaustion on his face. Peter looked down and smiled at his little friend. Secretly, he was pleased for the stop too. Gandalf and Aragorn had pushed the Fellowship hard; Peter was surprised at the amount of ground they had covered.

"We have much more land to cover, Master Took." Admonished Gandalf. "This is just the beginning."

Pippen scolded slightly before breaking out into a huge grin. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a pipe. "Luckily then I brought enough to share!" Gandalf shook his head and chuckled, a sparkle in his normally serious eyes. Peter noticed with amusement that the wizard wasted no time in sitting down beside the Hobbit.

"Peter." At the sound of his name, Peter turned around to see Aragorn beckoning him over. "I'm going to scout the area, would you go with Legolas to find firewood?"

Peter nodded. "Of course!" He looked over at the golden haired elf, and teased. "I only hope that I can keep up with him."

Legolas bowed gravely, but Peter did not miss the sparkle of mischief in the elf's blue eyes. "Do not worry Peter. I will make sure you do not wander off and get lost."

Peter bowed in response. "My thanks Master Elf." He answered seriously, not betraying his amusement. He highly doubted he would get lost. While he wasn't a wood-elf, he had been literally taught by the trees of the forest. He felt very confident in his woodwork.

An hour later, Peter stomped back into camp, a frustrated look on his face. He still couldn't believe he had gotten lost! The reality of the situation was so incredible, so ridiculous that Peter just wanted to punch something. He looked at the silent trees accusingly. In Narnia, no two trees ever looked the same, and they also were never silent! The trees here were so…dead in comparison to the magic back home. Peter glared at the trees again.

"Your back!" Borimir's voice dragged Peters thoughts back to reality. "I was afraid we were going to have to send out a search party." His tone was mild, but Peter could still hear the amusement underneath. Peter reddened slightly as he put down the wood he managed to collect.

The relationship between Borimir and him was… strained at best. Peter knew that the man was still blistering from the verbal lashing he had received at the council and in order to avoid any conflict Peter had so far kept his distance. But that did not stop the man of Gondor from making rude comments. Although slow to anger, Peter was not sure how much more attitude he was willing to take.

"Enough" Aragorn cut in before Peter could reply. "Come sit by the fire Peter, we have much to discuss."

Feeling slightly like a naughty schoolboy, Peter strolled over to Aragorn and sat, grabbing the offered stew with thanks. Blowing on a piece of meat slightly, he took a bite and almost died. "This is bloody brilliant!" The blend of spices added just enough to the tender meat, making every bite delicious. Much better then any of the traveling rations Peter had ever had!

Aragorn smiled. "It is not the way of the elves to do anything half-way."

Peter took another bite and sighed blissfully. If only he had this on his numerous campaigns!

Aragorn watched the younger man dig into his meal with relish, a small smile on his face. After Peter had finished his meal, Aragorn spoke up again. His voice was quiet, mild even, but there was no mistaking the firm tone. "Will you show me your skills with a blade once again?" Despite the wording, Peter was not fooled into thinking it was a request and the High King looked at the Ranger quietly.

"Why?" The High King asked, cerulean blue eyes searching, his fingers tapping thoughtfully on his knee. Aragorn straighten minutely, suddenly feeling as he was being judged. Aragorn marveled at the shifting demeanor of the young man in front of him. While Peter mostly behaved like a young man on an adventure, there would be times when his disposition would alter and Aragorn would witness wisdom far older then Peter's outward appearance.

"I need to know your strengths and weakness." Aragorn responded frankly. "I'd rather not find out in the middle of a battle."

The High King nodded and Peter suddenly broke out into a smile. "Sure, why not? Could be fun."

Aragorn nodded. "Excellent."

Peter stood up and stretched. "It has been a while since I have had a proper spar." He grinned at the Ranger. Back in Cair Paravel, it had been a morning ritual to spar with General Otim. The centaur had insisted on the daily practice; once even stating that it would be good for the King's ego to be knocked on his ass daily. Peter always enjoyed the bone-weary exercise and drills. It was only time during the day Peter could just stop thinking and do.

Aragorn shook his head. "I will not be sparring with you I'm afraid." He looked around the campsite, his gaze searching until they settled on Borimir. Peter followed his gaze and visible winced. Why did he have a sudden feeling that this 'friendly' spar was not going to turn out very well?

Aragorn called over Borimir and after waiting a beat, just to show that he wasn't following orders, the Man of Gondor sauntered over, his stride relaxed and confident. Peter nervously watched the man walk over. This was not going to help the growing tension between them, of that Peter was certain. The young man looked down at Aragorn, wondering what the man was thinking. It was impossible not to notice the strain between Borimir and Peter. What was Aragorn hoping to accomplish with this?

"If it pleases you, Peter is looking for a sparring partner." Aragorn asked casually, deliberately not looking at Peter.

Borimir looked sideways at the young boy, his thoughts carefully hidden. "Is that so?"

Peter inwardly sighed, knowing he could not back out now without looking like a complete jerk. Using years of diplomacy experience, Peter smiled pleasantly at his companion. "I would be honored." He paused, and decided that it couldn't hurt to add: "I have heard that the Men of Gondor possess great skill with a blade."

Borimir narrowed his eyes, but nodded. "Aye, that is true." He looked Peter up and down. "It would be my pleasure to teach you what I know."

Peter almost rolled his eyes. He was pretty sure he said nothing about a lesson. He wished vainly for Edmund, whose scathing tongue would have cut this man down ages ago. But Peter did not possess his brother's gift with words and only nodded, making sure to smile blandly. And Susan says I lack patience! Peter thought, as he followed Borimir to a clearing.

"You are taking too much enjoyment out of this, Estel." Legolas whispered into Aragorn's ear, his tone amused. Aragorn jumped slightly, not hearing the wood-elf approach. He turned his head and glared at his old friend.

"I am not!" He denied, although his lips twitched with amusement. "I truly need to assess Peter's skill."

Legolas snorted, a very human mannerism that he had picked up from Estel. "I would have been willing to spar." He pointed out. "You know those two have been fighting since the council, though I must say, that Peter has obviously tried to avoid it."

Aragorn nodded. "That is why I choose Borimir. I will not have their… argument affect the mission. It will be dealt with today."

Legolas nodded, and offered a hand up to his friend. "I hope you are right Estel. Come, it looks like they are about to start."

Peter drew his sword, the metal blade as sharp as the day he received it from Father Christmas. He swung Rhindon experimentally, and like always, found the balance and weight to be perfect. The hilt melded perfectly into his hand and Peter felt himself grin. Lion's Mane, he loved his sword!

He looked over at Borimir, and found the solider studying him. "First one to draw blood?" The man called out across the clearing.

Peter nodded. "Agreed."

The two warriors made eye contact and both bowed. Then, without anymore warning, Borimir took the offensive with a wild cry. Peter bent his knees and stood his ground, bring Rhindon up in a circular swing to meet Borimir's first powerful blow. The blades met with a shrilling clang, and Peter stumbled slightly under the broad, powerful sword. Cerulean eyes narrowed and he strengthened his grip, using the other man's momentum to veer the sword away from him.

Peter shifted his weight and darted to the side, careful to keep Borimir in front of him. Peter was not a grown man of thirty anymore and could not rely on the raw strength he one time possessed. He'd have to avoid direct confrontation and rely more on his agility in this fight.

Borimir attacked again, and all conscious thought fled Peter's mind. His body and mind acted as one as he nimbly dodged and countered Borimir's blows. Borimir continued to press, never once letting up on the offense.

Legolas and Aragorn watched with interest as the young man continued to hold his own against Borimir. Their blades were a blur of silver, always in constant rapid and deadly motion. Aragorn's eyes narrowed as Peter suddenly ducked and fluidly shifted his grip on his sword.

"It seems young Peter is tired of playing defensively." Murmured Legolas, catching the same change as Aragorn had.

Peter lowered into a slightly different crouch and waited for Borimir's next move. He did not have to wait long. But instead of dodging, Peter met the blow straight on, gritting his teeth as he pushed the sword back. Then by slightly shifting his weight, he pulled back abruptly. Borimir stumbled.

There!

Peter did not waste a second. He immediately countered, darting into new opening with deadly speed. Like metal silk, Peter wrapped Rhindon around Borimir's sword and tugged, trying to rip the sword from Borimir's strong grasp. But what he did not expect was Borimir's raw strength.

Despite the leverage that Peter had, Borimir stubbornly held on to his sword. But the effort it took to keep his sword cost Borimir. Peter immediately found another opening. Once again he darted in with lethal swiftness, bring Rhindon around in a half-crescent swing.

"Look out!"

There was a flash of brown and green and Borimir stumbled. Rhindon's path had suddenly become a killing strike. Cerulean eyes widened and without thinking he shifted his feet's position, changing Rhindon's route enough that it completely missed Borimir. His ankle rolled as his body twisted unnaturally and Peter could not stop the ground from rushing up to meet him.

Peter felt his head connect with a sharp, stabbing pain and was abruptly engulfed in darkness.