The Prancing Pony was a stop for many travelers. Including 2 dark figures, clad in green and gray. One was smoking a long pipe, intricately carved with ancient runes. The other observed the inn with clear and discerning eyes. Herr focus was four small hobbits sitting quietly at a rough table, talking softly and with caution. Following her gaze, her companion turned.
"They are the ones. Keep and eye on them." He said.
"Yes, my friend, I will" she whispered almost inaudibly.
Frodo Baggins looked over at the two strangers by the fire. They gave him a strange feeling –they were watching him, he could tell. They could not know who he was; he thought back on his first moments in the inn… "My name is Underhill" he had told old Barlyman. Gandalf had said to not use the name Baggins – it would not be safe outside the Shire. For Frodo was carrying the One Ring, and the secrecy of his quest was vital. The strangers near the fire mad him uneasy; for they seemed to know more about him than he should like. Their features were covered by weather stained cloaks, and their appearance rugged. Now that Frodo and his companions had left the Shire, he felt vulnerable and afraid.
"Those fellows have done nothing but stare at you since we arrived," Sam whispered. Sam had been the faithful gardener of Frodo for the longest time, and now accompanied Frodo on his quest, along with Frodo's cousins, Merry and Pippin. But now Sam looked scared. That's how Frodo felt – what Sam said was true.
Just then the Inkeeper came by. Frodo asked, "Sir, those men in the corner – who are they?"
"That one on the left," here he nodded toward the man, "is known round here as Strider though what his right name is I don't know. Neither do I know the name of his companion, I am sorry."
"Thank you," Frodo mumbled as he stared at the strangers.
Strider's companion glanced into the fire, She was thinking of her brother, Boromir, who had set off for Rivendell weeks ago. His purpose was to represent Gondor in the Council of Elrond – she had to admit, she would gladly have gone in his stead. Though the road was perilous and hard, she was skilled with a sword and with a bow. She shook her head. Boromir had left with their father's blessing – yet she had not. For she was the Lady Sasha of Gondor, daughter of the Steward, Lord Denethor. He would have never allowed her on any journey of valor; much less with this Ranger on a mission to lead these 4 hobbits to Rivendell. And with one of the hobbits carrying the One Ring like Gandalf had said…
Sudden cried brought Sasha back to the present.
"He disappeared!"
"Where'd Master Underhill go?"