[Kalimac]

My first idea was the same as Joy's - I'd probably end up stumbling into the Orcs and being kidnapped along with Merry and Pippin (I love traveling but have a tendency to get into trouble while doing it. Nothing palantir or orc-level, but some incidents almost as stressful). But if that didn't happen I'd go with Aragorn et al, and the reason is pretty simple - they would probably want the extra person along; there's always room for someone else to help stand watch and possibly spot clues (not that I'm saying I'd be especially good at either, just that another pair of eyes is always helpful to have around). As for the running - well, if I wasn't in good condition before it started, I certainly would be *afterwards*.

Going with Frodo would be impossible because Frodo manifestly did NOT want anyone going with him; Sam only ended up going because he was such good friends with Frodo that he could pretty much read his mind. Even if I guessed what Frodo was up to and joined up with him, he wouldn't exactly welcome the company - he'd just get another massive load of guilt on his mind thinking that great, now he'd be responsible for getting *me* killed as well as Sam. And Frodo's under enough stress as it is anyway - couldn't add that to it [img]smilies/frown.gif[/img].

As for going off alone - not in wartime, wouldn't even think about it. Much better to stick with people who have some fighting skills instead of wandering off randomly. That's how I see it, anyway.