I Don't Own Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. They belong to their respective owners
this is a shorter timeskip than in the movies I guess. I have a 2-3 year difference than the 17 year in the book.
Chapter 4
Bree and Strider
Legend:
"Flash backs/ thoughts"
"Speaking Westron" (formerly known as English)
"Elvish"
~Dreams/visions~
₰Parseltongue₰
(Add ins)
(AN. Authors note)
A couple of years later found the trio with Frodo just leaving a bar. "How are you not drunk, I mean you drank more than Nibs and he can out drink everyone else" Frodo exclaimed looking at Urgrim in shock who was looking very content with Locien and Ithilwen following them.
"Not my fault he can't hold his liquor." Smirked Urgrim without a slur in her voice, much to Frodo's shock.
"No, Urgrim you just drank him under the table, how are you not drunk?" demanded Frodo as they reached Bag end.
"I'm incredibly skilled" replied Urgrim laughing.
"No fool, Elves have an incredibly high alcohol tolerance." Corrected Locien smirking at her downcast look with Ithilwen laughing behind him when he and Urgrim walked into the door frame.
"You forgot to duck." Ithilwen pointed out to them as she followed Frodo into the house, with Urgrim and Locien glaring at her back.
Meanwhile Frodo is looking around his house in suspicion seeing papers scattered around the room from a window he didn't remember opening. "Is it secret? Is it safe?" demanded Gandalf suddenly appearing from the other room, startling Frodo, Locien, Ithilwen, and Urgrim.
"Y-yes" replied Frodo scurrying over to a wooden chest that he had hidden the ring in while the trio relaxed slightly. Until Frodo handed the ring to Gandalf who threw it into the fire.
Removing the ring from the fire Gandalf handed it to Frodo who watched as writing appeared on it, "Gandalf why does it say, One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them, One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them?" asked Urgrim suspiciously, as everyone looked at her in shock.
"You can read it?" asked Gandalf with a look of surprise, as the trio nodded their heads. "Ah Lord Oromë's gift of language" he realized.
"Must have been, because I have never seen that language." Urgrim told him as Ithilwen and Locien look over at her in confusion.
"That coming from the one that takes great delight in both speaking and writing in parseltongue, just because we can't understand that language." Deadpanned Locien not looking very amused.
"Hey it's a fun language, besides the snakes' reactions are really funny." Urgrim told him
"Not to mention the poor hobbits who hear you hissing with that Black Mamba. Don't you know its venomous?" asked Locien looking at her. (AN. I just chose a snake I liked the look of, they live in Africa)
"Yes his name is Saew" replied Urgrim happily as a snake head came out of one of her sleeves.
"You kept him?" demanded Locien glaring at Urgrim while Ithilwen dissolved into a giggle fit, thinking that the name rather suited him.
"Yes isn't he beautiful?" asked Urgrim as Saew wrapped himself around her neck like a strange looking choker.
"Yes, beautiful." Muttered Locien looking rather unhappy as the turn of events while Gandalf cleared his throat bringing their attention back to him.
"As I was saying the ring needs to be brought to Rivendell" Gandalf said before going on an explaination of the history behind the ring.
"Sounds like Moldy and his Munchers." Muttered Urgrim causing both Locien and Ithilwen to try to stifle their laughter. Eventually giving in alongside Urgrim when Gandalf captured a rather shell shocked Samwise Gamgee.
"Hello Sam seen any Mooncalves?" asked Ithilwen garnering strange looks from both Sam and Frodo.
"I don't reckon he has Ithilwen." Locien told her as they watched Sam try to explain why he was gardening at this hour.
"Well we'll find use for you." Gandalf said thoroughly scaring Sam.
NEXT DAY-
"So what Gandalf wants us to do is go out on a wild adventure to meet up with him again at the Prancing Pony in Bree while he is off searching for more answers?" asked Urgrim looking at the hobbits for confirmation.
"Yes, and he wants the four of you to come with me." Frodo replied as they marched through the cornfields.
"Someone's coming." Hissed Locien as Merry and Pippin ran into them.
"You've been stealing from Framer Maggot's crops again, didn't you?" Sam accused picking up what looked to be a turnip.
"Aye," replied Pippin only to shut up as they heard angry yelling and the barking of dogs.
"Run." Hollered Frodo as they all took off running until they reached the edge of a mini cliff, only to fall off and onto the road.
"I think I broke something." Groaned Merry as he pulled a broken carrot from beneath him.
"Yep a carrot." Chirped Ithilwen as the trio of elves got to their feet.
"Mushrooms." Yelled Pippin happily as he caught sight of a patch at the side of the road.
"Guys we need to get off the road. Now" Muttered Urgrim urgently as she started shooing them all off the road.
"Why?" hissed Merry glaring at her slightly, more upset at not being able to have more mushrooms than anything else.
"That's why." Muttered Frodo lowly as they all caught sight of a Rider dressed all in black riding on a black horse and emitting an evil aura. Shivering they shrank back where they were hidden under a large tree root.
"Well this is fun" thought Urgrim as they all huddled tightly as they heard the rider dismount and walk toward their hiding spot. Thinking quickly Sam picked up a rock and threw it as far as he could drawing the Rider's attention away. Taking their chance they ran as fast as the hobbits could towards Bucklebury Ferry that would take them to their next destination. Bree.
Several hours past nightfall the group came knocking on the gate where the gatekeeper let them in muttering about those of ill will.
"He seemed nice" Snickered Locien as they navigated the crowded streets.
"Yea very. Watch it." hissed Urgrim as she was run into by a very drunk man who paid her no attention.
"Never mind Urgrim we are here anyway." Ithilwen told her as she help steer the 4 hobbits into the Inn of the Prancing Pony.
"Excuse me?" Asked Frodo uncertainly as he walked up to the bar.
"Good Evening little Masters and Misses. What can I do for you? If you're looking for accommodation, we've got some nice, cozy hobbit sized rooms available. Always proud to cater to the little folk, Mr err...?" Asked the Bar keep looking at the group noticing that 3 of the members are not hobbits.
"Underhill, my name is Underhill." Frodo replied with little hesitation as Locien started coughing to hide his laughter.
"Underhill, yes… are you all right young sir." Asked the keep worriedly as Locien just waved off his concern.
"He's fine Mr…?" reassured Ithilwen kindly as she patted Locien on the back.
"Just call me Barliman, miss." Barliman told her with a smile as Frodo said,
"We're friends of Gandalf the Grey. Can you tell him we've arrived?"
"Gandalf? Gandalf? Oh yes! I remember! Elderly chap! Big grey beard, pointy hat. Not seen him for six months." Barliman told him
"What do we do now?" asked Sam when Frodo turned to him. In reply he turned to sit at a table followed by the rest.
"Don't worry Gandalf will be here. He'll come." Frodo said trying to reassure his friend while Merry left to get some drinks. Coming back with a pint of ale.
"What's that?" Asked Pippin looking at the drink in Merry's hands.
"This my friend is a pint." Replied Merry smugly as he took a drink from it.
"It comes in pints?" asked Pippin excitedly as Urgrim started snickering at her friends reactions to the alcohol.
"Yes Pippin they come in full pints." Answered Ithilwen trying not to laugh as she watched Pippin head towards the bar.
"That fellow's done nothing but stare at you since we arrived!" Sam stated looking towards the corner where a hooded figure sat.
"He seems to be a suspicious character." Locien agreed with Urgrim and Ithilwen nodding in agreement.
"Excuse me. That man in the corner. Who is he?" Frodo asked Barliman curiously.
"He's one of them rangers. They're dangerous folk they are. Wandering the wilds. What his right name is, I've never heard, but round here, he's known as Strider." Answered Barliman as Frodo started nervously fiddling with the Ring. As a voice rang out from the bar.
"Baggins? Sure I know a Baggins! He's over there. Frodo Baggins! He's my second cousin once removed on his mother's side and my third cousin twice removed on his father's side, if you follow me." Said Pippin more than a little drunk. Causing Frodo to look up in alarm and make his way towards the drunken hobbit.
"Steady On." Said Pippin as Frodo tugged him away from the bar. Only to trip and the ring to slip on his finger.
"Show time you lot." Stated Urgrim as they all stood up and watched Strider drag something upstairs.
"Well at least we know where Frodo is." Commented Ithilwen airily as they watched the rest of the Hobbits go upstairs.
"Guess we better follow them." Stated Locien as he got up to his feet and led the trio upstairs.
"Let him go! Or I'll have you Longshanks!" They heard Sam shout, much to their amusement.
"You have a stout heart little hobbit! But that will not save you. You can no longer wait for the wizard Frodo. They're coming." Replied Strider seriously.
"What give you cause to say that Gandalf will not come?" asked Urgrim curiously watching in awe amusement as the man gave a start.
"Who are you three?" Demanded Strider moving to protect the Hobbits.
"We are but simple travelers who ran into Gandalf several months back and we have been with him and the hobbits ever since." Replied Locien knowing it will annoy the man to have very little information and not see their faces.
"They are with us." Frodo said walking around Strider to get to the trio.
"Can they be trusted?" asked Strider trying to get rid of the trio.
"More so than yourself." Answered Sam with a glare directed at the man.
"Very well I will keep an eye on you" Aragorn told them as the Hobbits collected their things from the rooms.
₰Very well, but Sssaew will keep an eye on you.₰ Hissed Urgrim watching every one startle at both the snakespeak and the Mamba coming out of her sleeve.
"Urgrim is letting Saew out a good idea?" asked Frodo glancing at the snake wearily.
"Yes he is going to keep an eye on our friend here. Don't worry he won't bite. Hard." Urgrim told them as Ithilwen laughed at the look of fear that briefly crossed Strider's face.
"And you are sure of this." Asked Strider watching as Saew wound himself around his arm.
"Definitely" replied Urgrim as she settled down against the wall with Locien on her right and Ithilwen on her left, all intent on getting at least some sleep.
They awoke several hour later to the horrible screeching of the black riders. "What are they?" asked Frodo looking over at Strider for information.
"They were once men. Great Kings of Men. The Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine rings of power. Blinded by their greed they took them without question. One by one falling into darkness. Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgul. Ringwraiths. Neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the presence of the Ring. Drawn to the power of the One. They will never stop hunting you." Replied Strider as he looked out the window. "Get some rest we leave at dawn."
"As if I can sleep with those things out there." Muttered Sam as one by one the Hobbits fell back asleep leaving only Strider and the trio awake.
The next morning they set off. "Where are you taking us?" asked Frodo wearily.
"Into the wild." Called out Strider as he continued walking through the brush.
"No shit, what's our destination." Replied Urgrim internally laughing at his vague answer.
"Rivendell, to the House of Elrond." Strider told her looking at her strangely.
"D'you hear that! Rivendell! We're going to see the elves!" exclaimed Sam looking excitedly at the trio.
"We heard Sam, don't worry we heard." Replied Locien with a laugh as they continued hiking through the forest.
"We do not stop 'til nightfall." Said Strider a short while later as he watched the Hobbits get out a frying pan and cooking utensils.
"What about breakfast?" asked Pippin curiously.
"You've already had it." Replied Strider looking confused while Locien and Urgrim laughed.
"We've had one yes, but what about second breakfast?" Asked Pippin worriedly as Strider turned to walk on.
"Hobbits are endless eaters Master Strider so naturally they eat multiple times a day." Stated Ithilwen also trying not to laugh.
"I don't think he knows about second breakfast Pip." Said Merry trying to reassure his cousin. As he lifts his bag onto his shoulder, having put the utensils away.
"What about elvenses? Luncheon, Afternoon Tea, Dinner? Supper! He knows about them, doesn't he?" Asked Pippin hurriedly starting to get worried.
"No, I wouldn't think so." Replied Urgrim gently patting his shoulder as she started after her friends and Strider. As an apple flies through the air, Merry caught it and handed it to Pippin with a pat on the shoulder as another apple flies through the air hitting him in the head.
"Come on Pippin!" yelled Merry as Pippin hurried after him.
Several nights later when they finally stopped moving for the day the trio watched in amusement as the Hobbits fell to the ground as one in exhaustion.
"This was the great watch tower of Amon Sul. We shall rest here tonight." Stated Strider as he looked out over the ledge. Turning to the Hobbits he handed them some small swords. "These are for you, keep them close." He told them, glancing wearily at where the trio sat up against one of the walls, seemingly asleep (They were.)
Frodo and the trio awoke to voices and the smell of cooking food. "Put out the fire." Snarled Urgrim knowing that it will attract unwanted attention.
"Oh that's nice ash in my tomatoes." Complained Pippin as Frodo stomped on the fire trying to put it out.
But not soon enough as they fire went out they heard the screams of the Nazgul as they headed for the group. "How many do you see?" Asked Locien as Urgrim peered over the edge with Frodo.
"4, but the rest are around somewhere." Replied Urgrim turning around to look at the Hobbits who had unsheathed their swords.
"Back you devils." Yelled Sam swing his sword around to hit the nearest Nazgul as they approached.
"I count 5 Urgrim." Locien shouted as he dodged a sword thrust.
"Hey it's dark out." Growled Urgrim as she started to where the Witch King was heading.
"On your right." Warned Ithilwen as Urgrim spun around and unsheathed her dagger catching one of the Nazgul's swords.
"Thanks." Replied Urgrim as she kicked it away and turned around, watching in horror as Frodo reappeared and was stabbed in the shoulder.
"You're late." Yelled Locien as Strider appeared wielding a torch and a sword.
"Frodo" called Sam worriedly as he ran to his friend. The Nazgul took off running after Strider lit them on fire, the trio watched them run in amusement before turning to Frodo in concern.
"What happened?" Asked Ithilwen running over to the group, with Urgrim and Locien following her.
Strider. Help him, Strider." Begged Sam sorrowfully as Frodo lay on the ground gasping for air.
"He's been stabbed by a Morgul blade. This is beyond my skill to heal. He needs elvish medicine." Strider told them after he had studied the blade, just before it burned up. He picked up Frodo and they packed up and left hurriedly with the Nazgul on their tail.
"Its six days from Rivendell he'll never make it." Exclaimed Sam as he ran after Strider.
"Then we will have to hurry, wont we." Replied Locien as he jogged beside the hobbit.
A day later they arrived at a clearing that held several stone statues that used to be trolls. "Hey guys it's those trolls Bilbo told us about." Called Urgrim as she studied them.
"He's going cold." Called Sam as he felt Frodo's forehead.
"Is he going to die?" asked Pippin worriedly as Ithilwen gathered him into a hug to comfort him, with Merry going to her for a hug as well.
"He is going into the Shadow world, soon he will be a wraith like them." Replied Strider doing nothing to ease their fears.
"They're close" exclaimed Merry as they heard the Nazguls screaming.
"Sam! Do you know the Athelas plant?" asked Strider suddenly turning to face the hobbit.
"Athelas?" asked Sam trying to match the name to the plant.
"Kingsfoil." Said Strider trying to jog his memory.
"Aye, it's a weed!" replied Sam recognizing the new name.
"It may help to slow the poison." Strider told them causing the group to perk up with hope in their eyes, as they all went off to search leaving Merry, Pippin, and Locien behind to guard Frodo.
While they were gone Strider came back with a pretty black haired elf who immediately when over to Frodo whispering "I am Arwen. I have come to help you. Hear my voice. Come back to the light." As Frodo's eyes somewhat cleared and the rest of the group to come running back to Frodo.
"Who is she?" asked Merry curiously as he looked over at Arwen, while Strider kneels next to her putting chewed up Athelas on his wound.
"She's an elf" Sam stated somewhat in awe as Locien, Urgrim and Ithilwen tried to stifle their laughter.
"He's fading fast we must get him to my Father." Arwen stated urgently as Urgrim snorted.
"Any of us could have told ya that lady." She growled not looking very impressed as they watched Strider lift Frodo onto Arwen's horse.
"I've been looking for you for two days. There are 5 wraiths behind you, where the other 4 I do not know." Arwen told Strider ignoring the rest of the group. The trio shared a glance between them as if to say really? Small talk while our friend is dying?
"Stay with the Hobbits. I will send horses back for you." Strider told Arwen as he took hold of the horse's reins.
"I 'am the faster rider. I'll take him." Arwen told him as Pippin looked between the two.
"The road is too dangerous" Strider replied
"What are they saying?" he asked looking over at the trio.
"He wants to go but she also wants to go saying that she is the faster rider while I'm pretty sure Strider is being protective of a love interest." Urgrim told him seriously as she sat down next to him to watch the show.
"Frodo is dying. If I can get across the river, the power of my people will protect him. I do not fear them." Arwen said as Strider nodded his head finally giving in
"AS you wish. Ride hard. Don't look back." He said as Arwen mounted and took off.
"What are you doing? Those wraiths are still out there!" Sam yelled as Strider watched the horse and rider disappear worriedly.
"He just sent Frodo off to someplace he can heal. And Arwen can get him there much quicker than we can." Locien explained to the hobbits as Ithilwen and Urgrim watched for threats.
"Is that right Strider?" asked Sam looking at the man.
"Yes, we must make haste to Rivendell to see our friends." Strider replied as they started walking through the forest.
"Our friend and your girlfriend" Ithilwen corrected airily with an unseen grin in her voice, as they all watched Strider splutter in shock.
"What makes you say that?" he asked warily looking behind him at the group.
"The way you spoke and acted around her." Replied Locien easily also smirking behind his hood.
"So how long it take us to get there?" Asked Pippin flinching slightly from the glares he received from the trio for ruining their fun.
"3 days if we move quickly." Strider answered instantly inwardly thankful for the small Hobbit.
"Then we best start moving." Urgrim told him seriously as they finally reached the edge of the forest.
A.N. Still alive! This is quite possibly my longest chapter yet. So there are several direct quotes from the movie in here. As I have never read the books you all will have to make due with the LOTR movie verse. Thank you all for the reviews.
Love, ShadyK