Because I found myself strangely attracted to the guy and his story was so tragic I had to write it. I had to fix it, actually, as the man has a reputation along with his kinsmen of the most foolish of all the Rangers. So here's piecing together the original intro/prologue (that I never played but was able to find enough to write up) without Strider because it makes more sense, though I love the contrast between Amdir and Estel.

Amdir slipped around a tree, silent as the shadows which covered the forest in a swirling pattern of changing light. He wove through the wood with apparent ease, his dark green cloak melding with the colors around him.

A wolf howled off to the south and he hesitated before continuing on his way, east. No one came through these paths anymore; the road had fallen into disrepair and the forest was full of danger.

The path split ahead and he knelt at the fork, searching the ground for the marks he had been trained to find. The hoof prints he had been following continued east. The north path seemed to have been traveled recently, by men on foot.

Wavering between the two, Amdir eventually continued east. The path wandered through the forest before easing out into an open valley. He surveyed it, a sorrowful expression settling onto his face. Once this was the tomb of great kings. Now it is the haunt of lost shades. He shook himself and made his way through the barrow-downs, careful not to disturb any of the barrows.

He emerged on the eastern side just before noon. He ate a quick, cold meal and continued on his eastward journey, avoiding the new presence of the brigands and orcs and made his way through the south Chetwood. The nearby marshes made the air heavy and humid. Ost Baranor seemed desolate, and teeming with an evil presence.

Were he not on another errand, he would look there to see what had taken over the old ruins.

As it was, he continued on the edge of marshes, continually finding proof of the presence of the Blackwolds. But he could not find what he needed to find. He didn't know where they made their home.

He needed someone who knew this area.

Someone he knew.

Amdir turned north and picked up his pace, heading along the road through Staddle and Combe until he came to Archet. He moved through the trees across the way to the old hunting lodge.

There was a familiar face by the door, one which looked up and smiled. "Amdir! What brings you here?"

He tried to smile back. "It is a good thing to see a friendly face, Nate Whisperwood. As you may know, the brigands have grown bolder, and I fear what they may be planning. I must speak with Jon Brackenbrook."

Nate's grin slipped. "Aye, he is here." His voice made it sound as though that was not a good thing.

"What troubles you?"

"Not I, but the Captain's son." Nate glanced inside before saying in a much lower voice, "he's been banished from Archet for speaking against one of the Captain's men. Dark scoundrel by the name of Calder Cobb. None of us like the look of him, but Captain Brackenbrook won't take any word said against his favorite."

Amdir shook his head once. "It is not a good thing the Captain does, I fear. But this matter must wait, I believe. Jon sent for me?"

Nate's face cleared. "Yes, that he did. Them Blackwolds seem to be up to something." He nodded at the door. "I'm glad you're here."

Amdir nodded his thanks back at the Man and slipped through the door. Someone was cooking venison. His mouth watered at the smell of the hot food.

"Who is that?" a voice called from the end of the house.

"It is I, Amdir the Ranger."

"Amdir?" A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped into view. "Why, come, come! I have much to tell you."

"It is good to see you, Jon." The Ranger sat down at the seat offered him, nodding at a nearby hunter. "I am afraid I must impose myself on your hospitality by requesting the use of your fire."

Jon grinned. "We've got hot food you can have, you know. You don't need to use your own."

Amdir smiled back gratefully. "Thank you." He accepted the large plate and dug in. "You said you had much to tell me?"

Jon's smile faded. "Aye, and it is not good. The Blackwolds have infiltrated the dale itself, making their camp in the ruins to the south. But more than that, they have set up a base in the north Chetwood."

"Where?"

"If you follow the road that leads east from Combe, after it forks you take the left trail and follow it to the ruins along the mountains that ring the dale." Jon shook his head, mouth twisting in distaste. "My father banished me for trying to tell him one of his men were working with these brigands."

The young Ranger clapped a hand on his arm. "I am sorry, my friend. He is not entirely without reason, so our cause is not lost yet."

Jon shook his head. "Not lost, not yet, but close." He sighed. "But adding to my woes, my men discovered that they have taken two hobbits captive."

Amdir froze and set down the plate. "Two hobbits?" he repeated. Strider's words echoed in his mind. The Shire, especially the family of Baggins, are to be given the utmost protection. "Who are they, do you know? And when were they captured?"

"Just last night. The Blackwolds brought them all the way from the Shire to their camp in the wood. As to their names, I believe they were Baggins and Brandybuck."

Amdir's face drained of color. "You are sure?"

"Yes. Why does this concern you so?"

Amdir slowly stood. "I—I must get to them. I must know what the Blackwolds are planning, and now it appears I must free two of the halflings."

"Will you take anyone with you?" Jon offered, standing as well.

"No, my dear friend. You must retain all the help here that you can, as you have your own troubles." The Ranger flashed a grin. "Aside from which, I require no help freeing two halflings from a camp."

Jon smiled back. "No, I don't suppose you do." His expression grew serious. "Take care of yourself, Amdir. There is an evil stirring in the wood that I do not like."

So what do you think? I've got most of this planned out; how did you like it?

And here's the link to the thing where I found the difference between amdir and estel - .