Disclaimer: I do not own LOTR.

Author' Note: Thank you to all the people who are taking their time to read the fic, especially those who favourited or followed. It's truly appreciated.

La Femme Absurde: Your review really puts a smile on my face. As a token of apology for the last small chapter, I give you this one, which is almost thrice the length of the last one.

Narylfiel: No he is not, quite opposite actually. I love the books, as far as I've read them. Thank you. I hope you enjoy this chapter too :)

The English in the conversation is in italics if any.

I hope you enjoy the chapter. RR.

Chapter 5: An Unexpected Turn.

"One here, Miss!" came a slurred shout from behind. Heaving, as the huge tray full of mugs, weighed down my arms, I passed through the room, serving the mugs and collecting the old ones where necessary.

The crowd in the Prancing Pony was thick. The tumultuous bodies, loud shouts and guffaws taking me back to the bar fight we had a month ago. I wrinkled my nose at the thick scent of tobacco and alcohol that dominated over the bar, along with the dim lighting throwing a certain gloom to the surroundings and nearly jumped out of my skin as a hand encircled my elbow.

Looking back, and coming across the haggard expression of Raforta, I nearly heaved in comfort but her nervous gaze stopped me. Before I knew it I was being pushed behind the counter, the tray of empty mug forcefully taken and placed on the counter in front of us.

"Lane", she started, "you asked me to find you a traveller and I have."

This surprised me, although I wasn't sure why she was so shaken about this. "He is a ranger, it seems, and an acquaintance of Butterbur." She continued, in a whisper. 'Ahh, so that's why...!' I mused. I wasn't exactly sure why but the people of Bree weren't exactly fond of rangers. Be it a simple traveller, man, hobbit, dwarf, they were welcomed but when someone introduced themselves as a ranger or showed the mannerisms they associate with rangers, the air just went cold. I wasn't exactly sure what to make of it. In my time here I had come across two rangers, both of them kept to themselves, and even with my slight psychiatric studies, I was sure that they weren't blood-thirsty murderers. Why all of this unnecessary care, I wasn't sure.

"Where is he?", I asked letting a little enthusiasm seep into my voice. Raforta looked at me in an unbelieving way. As if she wasn't sure that I was stupid enough to want to associate with a ranger even after all of the dark, albeit extremely far-fetched, stories I had heard.

"If Butterbur knows him...", I tried to reassure her after seeing her ashen face. "Please Raforta!", I pleaded. I wasn't going to give up which might be the only chance of answers being a pansy. My inner modern woman won't allow it.

Raforta glimpsed at my pleading face and sighed. Gesturing to one corner of the room she told me that he, the ranger, is waiting for someone to take his order and that I could utilise this. Following her gaze, I looked to see where she pointed meekly. I stopped short. It was the same man I had seen in the morning. I thought he had left but he might have taken a room to rest in. His face was still hidden by the cloak. So this was why I had that feeling in my gut! I didn't know why but looking at him made me nervous. If he agrees, I don't know what I'll be pushing myself into. What if leaving here leads to a huge disaster after all Raforta and Butterbur were the only people I counted on in this world. What if in the end, it will be too late to turn back? What if this ranger isn't exactly as great of a man Butterbur says he is? What if he is a...? All these negative thoughts caused my mind to spin. I visibly gulped. Maybe I don't exactly need to leave, I mean I could have a life here... I thought shrinking away.

"Raforta...", I started, trying to make an excuse "maybe I don't-". She wasn't here anymore. I saw her serving a few customers in the back. 'Great! She must've thought I really want to talk with this man'. I groaned inaudibly.

I peeked at him again. He was beating fingers against the table, waiting impatiently. Squaring my shoulders and putting on a brave expression, I moved towards him with a purpose in my step. As I reached near him, he glanced up, his stark blue eyes impatient. Stopping in front of him, I cleared my throat before speaking up.

"What would you like?", my tone was polite. He looked up to meet my eyes. He had handsome features, ruggedly so.

"Whatever is of the least price, Miss." His mannerism was well bred as he spoke in his low baritone voice. I felt my confidence rise slightly at his politeness. Smiling slightly I informed him of the cheapest menus. After confirming his order, I nodded at him and left to place his order in the kitchen.

I served a few more customers while his food was being prepared by the chef. I gave him his menu and left, so he could eat to his fill. Also, I wasn't exactly sure how to strike up a conversation with a complete stranger, however respectful he may be. It wasn't like I could exactly go up to him and demand him to take me with him neither could I just sit in front of a customer and take his time without consent. He was a man of a constricting society, how would he react to me, I wasn't exactly longing to see. For a long hour, I was busy with the ever-increasing crowd, after I had served the last of my shift, I peeked at him again to see if he was done with his dinner. After cleaning his plates I would be free from today's chores. Sighing slightly, I made my way over to him again. For the whole hour, I've been thinking of what to do and I still hadn't come to a decision. Thinking of leaving it as it was, I decided not to breach the topic with him. After all even Raforta and Butterbur did not know of my will to travel. Revealing my will to a complete stranger, whose reaction I didn't have a clue of was nerve-wracking and totally impossible for me. What if he goes straight to Raforta or Butterbur? I wasn't ready to face them if they found out about my decision to leave. It will be like rubbing their kindness in their faces.

I came to halt in front of him. At his nod, I picked up the dirty plates and turned to leave. "Miss" I stopped to face him at his voice "can I get a mug of water?"

I smiled and nodded. Good behaviour was necessary for a good business, Raforta had said. No matter what I might be feeling being impolite to a person being so well mannered was not a choice. Placing the dishes in the tub of water. I took out a mug from behind the counter and filled it with water. I delivered his water to him.

"Miss Lanette", he said sounding slightly unsure of himself.

"Yes?" I replied, curious about what he had to say.

"Butterbur had asked me to entertain your questions if I get time? What questions, I'm not quite sure of, but if it pleases you we can talk now." He stared at me as if to gauge my expression. I was surprised how Butterbur knew but I guess Raforta hadn't exactly kept her promise to herself. No surprise there, it wasn't like she alone could've got a ranger to give me enough time to talk with me. 'I don't have to strike up a conversation myself' I thought, pleased. Silently I gave my thanks to Butterbur.

He, the ranger, was staring at me for an answer.

"Yes-I umm, I need a little bit of information about The kingdoms of men," I said haltingly, it felt as if my knowledge of Westron was leaving me at the moment of need. "there aren't many people here who are knowledgeable enough." I finished lamely.

Gesturing to the seat in front of him, he told me to sit down.

"Miss Lanette," he said, "I'm not sure if I'll be able to provide you with any knowledge you need but if you'll tell me more precisely." 'Precisely?' I tried to wrack my brain if I had heard this word before. At my clueless expression, he said: "Clearly, miss I mean clearly".

"Ah." I trailed off, turning slightly pink. Out of all times now my Westron became like a toddler's.

"I have some..different circumstances.", I said. "I need to go back to my home but it is a difficult matter. I was wondering if I could get any information from a person who knows about the history of men...I mean if there was someone before me who came here while not remembering how." I looked at him to see if his expressions changed.

"Miss Lanette-" "Lane would be fine", I said cutting across his words. If he found this offending he didn't let on. "As you wish, Miss Lane." He said. "Your circumstances are different, how so?". I stopped. I wasn't sure how to explain to him. Neither was I sure if I wanted to. Raforta, who had been my companion for the past four months didn't even know the whole story. At first, I wanted to tell her but I couldn't because of the language barrier. Soon I realised that even though elves and dwarves and other creatures are said to exist in this world, a person who came from another realm would be too far-fetched. I was sure that even if I do tell this man, he wouldn't believe me. Consequently, my credibility would be lowered.

"I'm not sure how to explain." My tone stiff. He took this as a hint to not indulge further, though I can tell he became a bit more closed off than he already was. Fair enough.

"What can I help you with, Miss?"

"If you have time, then can you give answers to me about my questions?"

"How long would it take?".

"I'm not exactly sure...", I replied meekly. I really wasn't. If the history goes deep then it might take longer, but I wasn't about to tell him that. I was being selfish, maybe, but I wasn't going to get no for an answer when I could learn, even if a tiny bit, about my predicament.

He sighed. Taking off his hood and revealing a mane of blonde hair. He scrimmaged through his bag and took out a pipe-weed. He settled down further in his chair, as comfortably as he possibly could in the stiff wood and lighted his pipe. As if he already knew that I was going to take up a large chunk of his night. I wondered vaguely what Butterbur had done for this man, for him to give Butterbur this favour.

After that, we talked for a long time. Me asking questions and him answering. The fact that he said that he wasn't knowledgeable enough seemed like a pun now, for he knew the history far too deep for a man who wasn't sure if he could help. I asked about Gondor and Rohan. He told me about Arnor, Gondorians and The Eorlings. The nùmenors and the Dunedians. The people of Dale and even of Bree. He explained the great wars and the line of the kings. The decline of generations and the rule of stewards. He told the tales of the horse-lords. Of Meduseld and Helms deep.

I asked questions and he answered. The history was awesome, and for someone like me who loved all the things historic, this seemed too good to be true. Too exhilarating. Too true.

He knew that he had piqued my interest, but maybe by something in my expression he was confused to why I was still not satisfied. After I had run out of things to ask, silence descended upon us. He stared out of the window lost in thought, smoking his weed slowly. In the light of the spirit lamps and candles, a deep shadow falling across his face.

I exhaled, failing miserably at hiding my disappointment. I bit my lips in an effort to keep my face straight. Four hours we had talked, and yet I couldn't find a single link in their history of anything, any person who might be related to Modern Earth. With my mind racing, I stared at the opposite wall. In the hours we had talked the inn had quietened, people leaving gradually and now only a few people were scattered about. We were sitting on the far end, at a table beside the window. From the corner of my eyes, I could see Raforta buzzing around the inn near us, glancing at me repeatedly. Her eyebrow was creased with worry.

It was futile, I knew that. I had taken up so long and yet I couldn't find any hope. 'Should I just give up...' I mused, the thought gaining weight in my mind. I was being hopeless again but it was hard keeping hold onto a hope that had no basis, a sign of courage that had no foundation. In my heart I wasn't satisfied, the child in me wanted to see it all with its own eyes. I wanted to go to Gondor, to Rohan. I wanted to rummage through their extensive libraries, talk to their elders. Maybe I'll be lucky and find an old text, or maybe even a fantasy tale about someone who came from another realm. I wanted to hear their lore, tales. See their culture for me. I hoped to find an old tale, while passing through a town, about a person who travelled through worlds to do something. Hoped infinitely because it might, if it did exist, be a fairy tale for them but might be the whole answer to my situation.

I wasn't sure what to do. What I was sure of was my need to travel. I peeked at him from beneath my lashes. He was still staring out of the window. 'Should I...' I entertained the thought of asking him for help. Raforta had told me before that he was going to leave tomorrow morning. If he agrees... I shook my head. Why should he? I was just an excessive burden with limited Westron. I wanted to get up, thank the man profusely and leave. And yet, I couldn't move. It felt like I was frozen on the spot. It had taken Raforta months to find a man who'll give me answers. If I don't take my chance now, God knows how long I might have to wait before there comes another who'll be willing to take me with them. Who knows what type of person comes later on? Not like I knew what type of person this man was. 'I don't even know his name, for God's sake!' I was too deep in my thoughts to notice that the inn was empty aside from me or him. Raforta was fidgeting by the counter. I locked eyes with her and mouthed at her to leave and rest. She shook her head instinctively. I glared at her, letting a little desperation seep into my expression. She sighed, I could see her expressions change as she made a decision. Nodding slightly, still unsure, she slowly climbed the flight of stairs.

"She cares for you." I jumped at the voice of the man. My gaze snapped back to him. "A little too much", I muttered slightly. If I leave, the person who'll be the most hurt will be her. I was sure of that. This reason also contributed to my double-mindedness.

"When are you leaving?" I asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

"Tomorrow, if possible, Miss."

I didn't know why. Maybe it was the thick scent of weed and alcohol of the inn or the tired expression of this man. Or the way I knew that our conversation had already ended and he'll soon take his leave.

"Miss-" He hadn't even started saying what he wanted to when I cut across him. My voice firm and fast, yet almost a whisper. "Take me with you!"

I was surprised at my own forward-ness. His eyebrows shot up. He was clearly not expecting this.

I needed to reason with him, tell him my distress before he slaps a big NO on my face.

"Look," I said, my voice slightly high pitched than usual "I know that it's not easy to make a complete stranger your travelling partner. But you need to understand!" I drew in a shaky breath to steady myself. "My circumstances are unique, strange even. I'm far from home, too far that I'm not sure if I can go back. I did not want to get the knowledge about the kingdoms so that I can humour myself, nor did I waste your time just for amusement. I wanted to see if there was something that connects me to the mode- I mean home. If something connects me to home. Please, I know in my heart that I have to go there. I need to go there to see for myself, if I'm right in my theory or not. Need to get out of here before I suffocate!" I looked desperately into his startled eyes. Wringing my hand in front of myself to steady nervousness, I waited for what he had to say about my sudden outburst. He said nothing for a long moment, exhaling a last ring of smoke he set down his pipe. I was already scared about what he had to say.

"Miss Lane, I'm sure that you did not talk to me to humour yourself and I must insist that you didn't waste my time. It was a pleasure." He said, his words polite but his tone had a certain degree of hardness in it. "But," he continued "it is impossible for me to take you as my companion. I do not know your circumstances. I'm sure you're desperate but there's nothing I can do about that. The times are dark m'lady, and certainly not proper for a woman to travel in the company of a man." I opened my mouth to plead my case once again but he cut across me saying "Dark things lurk these days Miss, you're not equipped to defend yourself. I don't mean to be rude, but I'm not sure I want to go through the hassle."

It took every fibre in my body to not start bawling right there. I was mad and sad at the same time. 'Couldn't protect me. Ha!' I thought stubbornly, though a little part of me was aware that what he said was the harsh truth. I hated him for it.

"I shall be leaving now Miss Lane, I have business to attend tomorrow and should take my rest. It was a pleasure." He nodded politely and then stopping for a moment he continued "M'lady, I meant no offence, just what is right should be said."

"None taken," I said more out of the fact that he was still a prized customer than anything else. "But," I continued halting him midway "please at least tell me your name, after all of your kindness I should at least remember that."

"Not many people tell their names in these perilous times." I detected a hint of amusement in his voice.

"I hardly think that telling me would cause you peril," I replied, craning my neck to look at him. He laughed, a loud manly laugh. "Who knows m'lady, who knows."

He continued towards the stairs, before climbing he stopped. Looking back at me with his neck turned slightly.

"Èohere Freeman, Miss Lanette", he said and vanished up the stairs.

I stared at the dark street for a long time. Lost in my own world of disappointment and distraught.

'Èohere Freeman...' It had left a sour taste on my tongue. 'Of course, he'll not take me, it's Middle-earth, the medieval ages, not the twenty-first century America' I thought forlornly.

It was a lot later when the night was fading and my eyelids were heavy that I realised that Èohere was hardly a ranger's name. 'He can't blame me for keeping my secrets...' I mused vaguely as sleep took me. Still sitting on the table with my head nestled in my arms, I fell into a fitful sleep.

I was shaken awake a few hours later by Raforta, for it had already been almost morning when I went to sleep. She asked me if I was okay. I nodded slightly not trusting my voice to not break. The events of last night flashing across my mind. It seemed that the hope of finding something with which I had spent my last four months vanished in just a moment. How much longer was I supposed to wait until I find someone willing to take me to the places where my answers would be? How long until I find the solution to my predicament? If there was any, I thought forlornly. How long until I get back home?

Surely I can't wait for years. What if everyone had already believed the untrue fact that my absence meant my death?

Emotions bubbled in my throat. Gulping I moved across the inn towards the stairs. I needed a bath. I needed time to think alone.

After almost an hour, I came out of the bathroom. Dressed in a new albeit similar dress, I moved downstairs. My chores won't do themselves. I climbed down the stairs, fresher than I was feeling an hour ago. There was no use concerning myself over someone who had probably already left, I tried to lift up my spirits. Raforta was flipping the toast for our breakfast. The few customers sitting scattered throughout the inn were already served. She smiled at me as I came closer.

I started stuffing my face with warm toast and a cup of milk tea when Raforta inquired about yesterday. I nearly spat out my toast.

"It was...very informative," I assured her and it truly was. Èohere had given me more than enough knowledge of the history of Middle-earth.

"He had already left, I think," I said sipping the last of my tea, trying not to show that I was curious. Thankfully Raforta didn't quite catch on. She shook her head. "He had some business in a near village. He told me to keep a room for him because he might have to sleep today too."

"Hmm," Raforta seeing that my attention was already diverted left to start her work. I replayed last night's conversation over and over again. His last sentences coming back to me. "I don't know your circumstances.", he had said. 'What if...' I squashed the idea shaking my head. No way would he believe me if I told him my story. It was not a good idea. But still, I couldn't shake off the thoughts. Unknowingly I started constructing in my mind the ways in which the conversation might end. I squeezed my cheeks trying to come back towards reality. Scoffing at my own frazzled thoughts I started to collect the dishes from the tables.

I worked for hours. Wiping the sweat from my brow, I carried the tub of washed clothes to hang them on the line in the backside of the pub. The sun was bright, the temperature hot. The rays of the sun were dehydrating the skin. The fact that there were no air cons or even electric fans was annoying, to say the least. The weather wasn't stopping here, Nob informed me that the mid of the summer, which would come almost a month later, is harsh enough to cause deaths sometimes. Not a pleasant thought, to say the least. Hanging the clothes on the line I nearly ran into the coolness of the shade. I could see the shadows swirling around my eyes. Sitting down to regain my composure, I drank a large mug of cold water, letting its coolness calm my senses and disrupt the heated skin. I was just about to get up to stack the dry dishes when Èohere walked into the inn. He looked around and spotting me behind the counter, he made his way over to me. He sat down on one of the stools and ordered his lunch. I stood still, my mind had already wandered off when I saw him enter. I had been entertaining thoughts of telling him the whole truth. Maybe if he knows the truth, somehow he'll agree, a childish part of me hoped.

I knew I should be serving the customer but I couldn't exactly control my impulses.

"Look Èohere, about last night," I started, seeing his controlled expression shift to exasperation "what if...What if I tell you the truth of my circumstances? Or wait let me tell you my story, and then you can decide if what I asked you was worth it!"

"Miss Lane-"

"Please, I beg of you! Just listen to me once. Give me another chance." I pleaded. I was desperate and I didn't care if the other customers stared at me as if I had gone mad, or how Èohere let a little bit of annoyance slip into his voice when he next spoke.

"Miss Lane, give me my ordered meal." He held up his hand as I opened my mouth to interrupt him. He was clearly not done and wasn't going to let me ramble off again. "You can tell me your circumstances, only while I eat, no more than that. But I can assure you that whatever you have to say won't affect my final decision."

I nodded, grateful to get a chance to explain myself. I knew I was annoying but I was distraught. I was sure that if in the future I think back to this day, I'll be extremely embarrassed. Right now though, I could either be embarrassed or could make the best of it all. I turned around to fix him a little bread and gravy. I filled a mug with the cold water and placed it all in front of him. Dragging a stool across the counter I sat parallel to him, the counter acting as a barrier between us. It was a good thing probably, so even if he would want to smash my head against the wall due to all the nonsense to him, facts, I could be safe slightly. I waited patiently until he started eating, thinking again about what I was going to do.

Looking at him I drew in a shaky breath and wrung my hands. Clearing my throat slightly I started to speak. 'Now or Never!' I thought firmly.

After that, it was like I had already recorded the tale in a flow. I told him every single detail. How I got here, how I came to Bree, the language complications, the difficulty in adjusting, my effort in learning Westron. I even said a few sentences of English to make him believe my tale. I wasn't aware of the fact that he had stopped eating in the middle of my rant. I wasn't aware of anything but my own emotions. The last four months flashing like a movie in my mind. I was not even aware of the slight wetness of my eyes.

Èohere was staring at me when I finished. A long moment stretched between us. I waited desperately for his answer but he didn't make a single sound. I felt stupid and exposed. I had just bared my whole experience to him and he had nothing to say. I stood up abruptly and before his lips could form a single word, I fled wholly humiliated. Reaching my room, I slammed the door shut and slid down the wall. "I can assure you that whatever you have to say won't affect my final decision." His voice echoing in my brain. 'Of course, he doesn't care, what am I but a bothersome stranger to him' I thought groaning. 'Think before you speak, they say it for a reason', I sighed burying my face in my arms. I was totally humiliated. I hadn't even stopped to hear what he had to say. I should've at least said thank you for bearing with me.

I had only an hour of personal bashing and recurring embarrassment before Raforta found me. She was surprised that I hadn't been doing my chores, as nothing like this has ever happened before. I couldn't exactly tell her why I was embarrassed so I had to follow her downstairs to finish my work. Stopping at the middle stair, I peeked down. To my luck, he was nowhere to be seen. I exhaled a breath I didn't know I was holding. I went around the counter to stack the dishes and do my chores before night falls and the inn becomes rowdy.

I worked for a long time, the few hours I had lost due to my foolhardiness felt heavy now. I washed the dishes and the tankards, stacked the dry ones, scrubbed the floors, folded the laundry and cleaned the empty rooms.

I wiped my hands on the apron. Looking out of the window, my gaze was met with the dark nothingness of the night. I groaned and stretched my back. This work was physically tiring and with my mind already caught up in my embarrassment, I was feeling drowsy. Though I knew I couldn't leave work today as there were only four of us, Bob has left to attend some family gathering. I worked way into the night. Taking orders, serving the crowd, cleaning the mess and trying to keep the rowdiness in bounds. What I was thankful for was the fact that Èohere was nowhere to be seen. Although I was grateful, I was slightly disappointed too, at my own behaviour. Why the heck had I left that abruptly? I knew that in a small part of my heart I wanted to see him again, just to apologise for my bad behaviour and to thank him for his help.

'No use thinking about what had already passed' I mused as I served the last of customers and retired for bed.

Tip, tap, tap. I groaned burying my face deeper in the pillow. Tip, tip, tap. The sound continued. Cracking my eyes open, I was greeted by the orange hues of the rising sun. 'Who the heck!' I thought angrily as I moved towards the window. It was the sound of small stones hitting the wooden surfaces. Loud enough for me to hear but not enough to disturb the rooms beside mine. Peeking down, my eyes met with Arnie, the stable boy. At my glare, he waved a small piece of paper and pointed towards me. For me? I was surprised. Who would want to bother me at this time? Sighing I wore my shoes and moved out of the room. Annoyed would be a huge understatement. Reaching the end of the stairs, I looked around to see if someone was awake. Even Raforta was asleep. Honestly, I was irked. I moved out of the front door. Arnie was standing by the pillar waiting for me.

"What is it?" I asked without patience, my tone sharp. The kid looked scared of me honestly. I couldn't exactly blame him. I was standing there in front of him, my face pulled down in a scowl, my brown hair probably making a fine bird's nest, eyes red due to my interrupted sleep.

"Some ranger told me to pass this to you as soon as possible, without anyone else knowing, Miss.", he said. I blanched. A ranger? The only so-called ranger I knew was- I grabbed the paper Arnie extended towards me. I nodded and thanked him before moving inside. What does Èohere want from me? I thought startled. I didn't open the small note until I was safely in the boundary of my room.

I opened the folds and with slight difficulty read the small note, nearly choking on thin air during the process. I couldn't believe my eyes. There was a small word "Ingleesh" written on the side. I realised with a start that it was Èohere's way of telling me that the note was from him. I hadn't told anyone else the name of my language, only mentioning it in front of Butterbur and the guard, Stan, when I came here three months ago.

I read the note again to make sure that I had not gone blind. It read:

"Miss Lanette, hope this morning finds you well. I gave thought to your tale, I'm not sure of the truth, but can think of no reason for you to lie to me. I have some business near Chetwood and by noon I shall be passing near the South gate. My destination is Rohan. If you are still firm on your decision to travel, buy a horse for yourself from the stable boy, I've already selected one and the boy will guide you, and meet me with suitable but minimum baggage at the gate. I shall pass without waiting."

Oh. My. God.

I stared at the note for almost an hour. Initially, I had been ecstatic but then I remembered Raforta... I hadn't told her my decision to leave and I wasn't exactly sure how to. I had a deadline. If I was still set on the journey, I needed to get going. I needed supplies, I needed to buy a horse and yet...

I groaned regretting the fact that I hadn't told Raforta my decision before. The light entering the room was a sign that Raforta will be here in a few moments, to wake me up. It was a chance if I was willing to utilize it. I ran my hands through my hair, tangling them even more than they already were. Falling back on the bed, I looked at the ceiling. 'What was I even so scared of?' I knew exactly what I feared. It wasn't like she won't appreciate my decision. It was just the fact that I might pay her four months of kindness and friendship by hurting her feelings. I kept staring at the wooden planks. On the other hand, I had gone through all the embarrassment and had been overly-annoying just to hear this.

I heard shuffling from behind the door. She's here. I sat up just as she opened the door. Her brows quirked at the fact that I was already awake. I told her to come to sit with me before she got the chance to say anything. I could tell that she was startled but she came to sit by me on the bed.

I inhaled sharply. Taking her hands in my own shaky ones I squeezed them once. "Raforta," I said, taking in her slight frown "I'm leaving." I was blunt, but I saw no use in sugar coating my words. I knew that she won't appreciate it. I held my breath waiting for her reaction. Was she going to be mad? Cry? Be angry? Hate me?

What I didn't expect was the fact that she took my face in her hands and kissed me once on the forehead, her expression embodiment of motherly affection.

"I know, Lane, I am sorry to say but I heard it when you told the ranger. You thought that I was already gone but I was by the last step when you asked him."

"Weren't you mad?". She sighed.

"I see no use in being, you came here on unknown circumstances, you knew not Westron and yet you drew and read maps. Your mannerism not of a lady but the way you held yourself spoke volumes. At first, I thought you were a lady, who has perhaps lost her memories. I soon realised it wasn't the case. I do not know the truth about you but." She drew in a breath "If it is something you need to do, I will not stop you. I hope you know that I am always going to be here if you come back."

I wasn't too proud to not cry in her arms then.

"...you should pack the least amount of clothes with you, wear one and keep one or two, at the most, changes." Raforta was set on packing my bags with me. I nodded absent-mindedly. She insisted on packing dresses but I wasn't going to do that. The leather breeches weren't as comfortable as a pair of good old jeans and a tee but I wasn't going to wear dresses on my travel. What if it gets stuck somewhere and I tumble off of the mountains. I was sure that even if Èohere wasn't going to be appreciative of my pant clad self, he was going to be way more vexed once he realises that even after four months I haven't learnt the art of dress wearing.

I looked up to see Raforta staring at me with the bag packed. I grinned at her sheepishly.

"Can I have one last breakfast made by your hands?" I didn't even need to say anything else before Raforta moved out of the room with a bright nod. I glanced out to see if she had reached the kitchen. I was going to make my escape through the back door. I needed to find Spike, the tailor. First time I had met him when Raforta and Butterbur and all the other elders of the town were chatting together in the town hall. He was the most open-minded man I had seen in Bree. Raforta had asked me to take a few clothes to him so he could mend them. I had stayed until he was done. During that time, he had chatted with me. Almost as if in a trance he had told me about his deceased wife. I choked on the drink I was given when he said that his wife liked wearing breeches sometimes. I had asked him if he could make some for me and he had brightened considerably thus leading to my breech wearing incident. When I met him to return the clothes he was embarrassed, promising never to make me something that can cause such outrage. He was startled when I waved it off laughingly and told him to keep a few in store for me so if I ever needed it...Now was the time.

I needed to go with the grace of a stealthy ninja, rather I bumped into a table along the way, nearly stumbling out of the door. I made my way towards his shop. It was only a few houses away. I smiled at a few people along the way, waving to a group of excited children. I knocked on his door, he looked surprised to see me and even more so when I stated what I was there for. He shook his head as if he couldn't figure me out. He disappeared towards the back of the shop and emerged a moment later with three pairs of breeches and shirts. He also placed a brown cloak on top of it. I paid him a few coins out of the ones I had saved. Picking up the clothes I thanked him and left. I reached the inn just as Raforta was calling me for breakfast. I hurried up to my room, took out the dresses from the bag and put in the ones I just got. I set aside one pair for wearing before I leave and made my way downstairs.

I had a nice breakfast of eggs, smoked meat and toast with a warm cup of tea. Butterbur joined us mid-breakfast, his eyes wide at the extravagant meal. It only took a sentence for him to understand before he joined us too. We had good conversation, Butterbur trying to keep to mood light. I excused myself a while later. It was going to be noon in less than an hour. I needed to make haste. I climbed the steps and went to my room. I took out my handbag from the little wooden cabinet. I stared at the bag, not having touched it in so long. Emptying all its contents on the bed I arranged the things. A few pills of Panadol, a pack of mint gums, my cell phone, a few cosmetics, my wallet and an empty water bottle. My dress pants and shirt safely placed in the closet. I opened my bag and placed the modern clothes at the bottom. I couldn't bring myself to part with them. I took the Panadol and the mint gums and also put them inside my bag. I stared at my cell phone for a moment. It wasn't of any use and yet...I groaned and threw it in the bag. I got up closing the bag shut. Closing the thin, woollen curtains I changed into the breeches and shirt. The shirt was slightly long reaching just a little ways above my mid thighs. I wore the leather travel boots I had gotten a few weeks ago. I tied the cloak around my shoulders. Taking up the bag, I wore it across my shoulders. I grabbed the handbag and my pouch of money, I made my way downwards. Raforta choked at my attire. I gave her a hard look. Whatever she was going to say died on her tongue as I moved to hug her. She squeezed my shoulders lightly and held on for a few moments. I extended the handbag towards her. "A gift." I didn't elaborate but still, she smiled and kissed my head. I gave a big handshake to Butterbur. He was surprised when I hugged him too. Smiling at Nob and Bob I said my goodbyes. If I hadn't had a deadline I would have stopped there, trying to memorise their faces, each and every thin line. I would've started crying again if I stopped for long. Drawing in a shaky breath I moved across the lane to get to the stables. I was greeted by Arnie. One look at me and he understood what I wanted. He took me to a stall that hosted a large grey stallion. In contrast to all the thin and weak ponies and horses, this stable hosted the horse looked magnificent, muscles hard beneath the skin.

"How much?" I asked awed. "Fifty pieces." came the reply and I nearly choked. "What!?" I whirled around to face him. "The man chose this for you. It is one of the few horses in this part of Middle-Earth that has half the blood of Rohan moving through its veins." He looked proud. I bit my lip, I was two coins short. "Decrease the price a little. It's a deal on forty." I bargained. "No Miss Lane, it is too good of a horse to bargain on."

I groaned. He looked uncertain. "Forty-five coins and no less Miss." He said after a long moment. I grinned. "Forty-eight with a saddle."

"Done Miss." He said nodding his head. He took the horse out and moved out of the stall. I followed. I gave him the coins just as he fixed the saddle on it. He smiled slightly handing me the reigns.

I stopped short at his smile. Even a Rohanian baby could ride better than me. I bit my lip looking at this big horse.

"Do you have a like, stool or something?"

I did not need to look at him to know that he was controlling his laughter. Arnie's father, Bernie, was a great friend of Raforta. When Raforta had taken me to meet his family, they had been abashed at the fact that I didn't know how to ride. At Bernie's insistence, I had taken a few lessons from him. Sidesaddle, which he was teaching me, was hard, so without Raforta's knowledge, I had asked him to give me astride lessons. He had agreed. In a week I learnt just enough to hold my balance. I still had to learn those ninja type swinging on the top moves.

Arnie placed a little stool and assisted me while I sat on the horse. "Arnie," I said looking straight into his black orbs. "Would you please take me to the South gate? I don't have enough time and I'm afraid I might get lost". He agreed without a word. This boy just needed an excuse to roam about the town. It seemed as though I had flashed back to my first day. People looking appalled at my dressing. The only difference was the fact that now I knew a few of them and I found their appalled expressions amusing. A small smirk formed on my face. Raforta, Butterbur, Nob and Bob were standing outside the bar. I waved at them until they disappeared out of my sight. About ten minutes later we reached the South gate.

I reached down and ran my hand through Arnie's hair as a sign of affection. He scowled slightly but didn't say anything. "Bye Arnie, be a good boy and grow up to be a fine man," I said suddenly feeling this emotional urge. I took the reins from his hands.

Squeezing the sides of the horse, I moved out of the large gate, waving at the guard. I stopped and looked back at the town for a moment, taking in the details of the only place I knew in Middle-Earth until the gate closed after me and the town disappeared.

I looked around to see if Èohere was here already. The sun was up, blazingly hot indicating that it was noon. From the Eastward direction, I could see a small blob approaching. A few moments later, Èohere came into the view, clad just like he had when he came here two days ago. The cloak was drawn over his head, riding a fine black stallion. Nearing me he slowed down into a trot but didn't stop. His eyes took in my pants clad self. I smiled sheepishly. He shook his head smirking.

"So you decided to join me, Miss Lane." His voice amused as he moved away from me down the road.

"That is just your luck, Èohere," I said grinning. Squeezing the sides of the horse, I adjusted in the saddle. It started trotting.

He chuckled just as I caught up to him. 'Maybe the journey wouldn't be as bad' I mused, my lips quirking up in a satisfied smile.

To be continued...