Author's note: Thank you so much for the reviews, guys. They really encourage me to keep writing. Please feel free to suggest ideas. =). In this chapter, we sort of take a different path from the original story by Tolkien but staying true to it in a way. As most fans know, they left the part about Tom Bombadil from the movie. This is my way of…shall we say, interwining the book with the movie in my own way. Please enjoy! Now, on with the chapter.

On The Road

The clouds whispered across the evening sky, in shades of purples and grays, as the sun set in the west. A strange hush had descended over the world, as though waiting for something to happen. Inhabitants found themselves restless, constantly glancing over their shoulders. It was an eerie feeling…

Bramblerose's nose twitched slightly, as the scent of wood smoke and man crept through the trees. She was perched on a tree stump, hazel eyes closed in concentration. They were close to Bree.

The hobbit-maiden had been worried since she'd lost their friend's scent when they reached the river. Recently, the foxling had begun to notice how much her abilities were increasing and in truth, it was disturbing her greatly.

Hearing things that weren't there, seeing ghostly apparitions and smelling on the wind, messages from afar.

Huffing quietly, her younger cousin, Dolly, finally caught up. Pulling out a pale green hankie, the hobbit- lass mopped her brow and glared at Bramblerose.

"Taking off like that. You really need to calm down."

But her elder seemed to not notice, instead pointing through the trees.


"Bree's close." before meeting Dolly's glower and then gulping. "What did I do?"

Arms crossed over her ample chest, Dolly shook her head.

" Ever since the night you managed to disappear, you've been acting funny." and at Bramblerose's troubled silence, she reached out and grasped the girl's thin shoulder.

"What's happenin' to you Bramble? Don't think I haven't noticed your behavior"

In truth, Dolly was worried. She'd noticed things her cousin was doing and was apparently not aware of. Listening to 'singing' that Dolly could not hear, and having troubled nightmares. She feared her cousin had gone mad. Ever since they were small, Dolly had known Bramblerose had a gift. But that came with being half-fox sprite. For a time, the foxling stopped commenting and disturbing folk, thus she'd kept silence. Others assumed she'd outgrown that heritage…but now the plump hobbitess was suspecting otherwise.

Those pale hazel eyes that seemed to carry the wilderness in them met her own chestnut ones,

"I'm alright Dolly. Just…worried about them." and that was the half-truth.

For a moment, Bramblerose was afraid her cousin was going to press the issue, but to her relief, the hobbitess relaxed and shrugged with a smile.

"Me too Bramble. Come on, let's get moving. I'm famished."

Readjusting her satchel, Bramblerose led the way through the trees, to the small town of Bree.

Upon reaching the walls, the small hobbit-maidens were confronted with a large gate. Both noticed that the gate was being fixed, as though it'd fallen down or been smashed down. Exchanging glances, Dolly moved forward and rapped hard on the wood.

There was a pause before a slot shot open, high about them, and Bramblerose could nearly make out watery blue eyes searching for the visitor. Before either could say anything, it slammed shut and another opened right in front of Dolly.

Both jumped back, as those eyes glanced from hobbit to hobbit. A rough voice accompanied those eyes.

"What be two little lasses doin' in Bree?"

Smiling in what Dolly hoped was a friendly fashion, the hobbitess curtsied.

"Pardon me sir, but we're looking for 4 hobbit-lads. Perhaps you have seen them? They said they were goin' to Bree"

The eyes widened, before the slot slammed shut in Dolly's face. She glanced over her shoulder at Bramblerose who stood, confused.

"Well, ain't he the friendly one?"

But much to their surprise, a small door opened, and a hand bade them to enter.

Cautiously, both girls entered and their jaws dropped. Everything was so BIG! Dolly gazed up at the old man, and noticed he was bruised in several places.

"Are you okay sir?" she enquired curiously. He shook his head, face tight with fear.

"I'm sorry, I can't help you. I did see your friends, but you'll have to talk to the innkeeper. He owns the Prancing Pony. Up yonder." he gestured vaguely and seemed to wince.

Dolly nodded, curtsied again and began to trot in that direction. Bramblerose paused to bow to the old man in thanks, and followed the dark-haired hobbitess. They seemed to be surrounded by legs, and loud laughter. Avoiding a pair of legs, Bramblerose found herself colliding with another pair.

"Hello there pretty thing" came a sneering voice.

Eyes wide, Bramblerose fled and clung to Dolly's cloak, glancing over her shoulder at the drunkard who fell over and lay still. The scent of cheap ale, and vomit was sickening here. Big folk did not wash enough, Bramblerose decided in disgust.

"There it is!" came Dolly's sudden exclamation.

Both saw the swinging sign, bearing the name Prancing Pony. They looked at each other, triumphant. Bramblerose's heart swelled. Frodo should be here!

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Shoving the huge door open, Dolly looked around cautiously before stepping in and allowing Bramblerose in.

"Hello?" Dolly called, her voice clear as a bell.

A moustache appeared above them, and Bramblerose realized they were stood in front of a desk.

"Who's there?" came the rumbled reply. Waving her hand, Dolly jumped a little.

"Me! Oi, down here!"

A red face appeared, and he looked surprised

"More halflings?" he paused and cleared his throat " Forgive me, ladies. I'm surprised to see so many these days."


Eager to see their friends, Bramblerose stepped forward.

"We wish to locate a Mr. Baggins. Is he here?" Then, Dolly interrupted, also eager.

"Yes, there should be four of them."

The red face looked confused, "Er, we had a Mr. Underhill stay here a few nights ago…before the …attack" at this his face paled at the memory. Both hobbits glanced at each other in growing concern.

"Attack?" they echoed. The red face nodded solemnly.

"Aye, dressed in black. They came and left. When I went to their room, their little beds were torn to pieces." he explained, rather saddened. They were such little folk. He'd always held a fondness for the halflings and it distressed him to have that happen.

Bramblerose shot forward, face pale.

"You mean…they're missing?" Red-Face nodded.

The foxling slumped in despair as Red-Face continued.

"Actually, I saw them leave just before the attack…with one of them Ranger-folk."

Dolly blinked. This just got more disturbing by the minute. "Ranger?" He nodded.

"Aye. From the North. Dangerous." before he disappeared for a moment, leaving Bramblerose and Dolly to stare at each other in horror.

"Ranger?"

"…dangerous?"

They both jumped as the Red-Faced man appeared again and handed Dolly an envelope.

"Apparently, them halflings were supposed to meet Gandalf the Grey but he never showed up either, until yesterday."

"Yesterday?"

"Aye, after the attack. Seemed most upset that he'd missed them. Left a message here for…two young hobbit-lasses. I assume that's you two"

The two in question exchanged confused looks.

"How on earth would Gandalf know we're here?!" Dolly yelped, eyes wide. The foxling shrugged

"I think he knows us too well."

Opening the envelope carefully, Dolly handed it to Bramblerose sheepishly.

"Um, I can't read yet."

Delicately taking the parchment, Bramblerose began to read;

My dear Bramblerose, and her cousin, Dolly Bumblefoot.

Naturally, you two would be in close pursuit of Frodo Baggins and Samwise Gamgee so I hoped this letter would reach you. I have a little job for you both to do.

Both hobbits exchanged suspicious looks "Job?" they echoed as Bramblerose continued.

I want the both of you to venture to the Old Forest, on the edge of Buckland and locate the man known as Tom Bombadil. Give him the sealed letter inside the envelope and make sure that he reads it! I would do so myself, but I'm afraid time is of the essence. I advise that you be careful. Tom Bombadil is a powerful being, and not to be mocked. (That means you Dolly)

A glower fell over Dolly's face, as her cousin giggled.

Please do not worry for Frodo and the others. They are under the care of an old friend.

You take care of each other, and please be careful. I hope to see you both back in the Shire soon.

Sincerely,

Gandalf.

Bramblerose glanced up and noticed Dolly examining the aforementioned sealed envelope. Dark eyes sparkled, as the hobbitess slid it into her satchel.

"So, seems like we're on a new path eh?"

"Yes. But..what about Frodo and Sam? Pippin and Merry?" she blurted out, trembling hands crumpling the letter. Where did that Ranger take them? Dolly took Bramblerose's hands in her own and smiled gently.

"You heard Gandalf. The old codger knows the man who they're with. I'm sure they're in good health."

Reassured, Bramblerose smiled reluctantly.

Thanking the innkeeper, the two hobbit-lasses decided to stay the night, and venture off in the morning. Settling onto a small, hobbit-sized bed, Bramblerose carefully arranged her tail and eased off her father's coat. Pausing, she hugged the coat close, and breathed deep the scent of cherry wood smoke that lingered. Bramblerose secretly believed this was the scent of her father, and liked to imagine what he looked like.

At times, the foxling would ask Sweetpea about her mother, Ruby. Her aunt loved to regale the tales of when she and her sister were young and adventurous, much like herself and Dolly. Bramblerose felt she knew her mother through Sweetpea's stories. But whenever she tried to ask about Feanaro, the jolly woman's face would go grave and the conversation died. The truth is, nobody knew much about Feanaro to begin with except for the fact, he wasn't a hobbit but a fox-sprite.

And all hobbits knew of fox-sprites was that they brought chaos and bad luck. She recalled a moment with Frodo, when he had shown her a book about magical creatures and turned to the page bearing the inked image of a fox-sprite. It'd been a special day, as fox-maiden and hobbit sat in Bilbo's garden and read together, the tale of her kind.

If Bramblerose strained hard enough, she could recall the way Frodo's lashes brushed his cheeks, as he closed his eyes in laughter. Her head lowered slightly. Samwise 's back was turned to them that day, but he'd listened, blonde head bobbing as he weeded the flowerbeds.

Days of sunshine…

"Oi. Bramble"

Glancing up, Bramblerose realized her cheeks were wet with tears. Dolly sat down next to her cousin and wrapped an arm around her slender shoulders.

"Come on. You've always been the cry-baby. Time for a change! Cheer up!"


A look of indignant irritation stopped Bramblerose's moment of sadness.


"I'm not a cry-baby!"

"Yes you are. Always looking all sad and despairing." the hobbit-lass shook her head in amusement.

"You'd think the world had ended, the moment Frodo left the Shire."

Blushing, the fox-maiden stood up and busied herself with getting ready for bed.

In a few moments, both hobbits were fast asleep, Bramblerose's tail twitching slightly in her sleep.

Deep in her dreams, she ran through the trees, and danced across the water. It was as if she were seeing for the first time. Fur bright, tail flashing. She disliking getting her paws wet in the mud so she simply flew.

Flew like a bird!

'A part of Middle-Earth. Bound to the Old Ones' she sang, voice high and yet silent. Suddenly, there he was! That's whom she'd been searching for. He was standing in a glade, blue eyes sad, before he smiled at her. Why was he so sad? Moving forward, Bramblerose stopped. Why did he seem so big? It then came to a crashing realization.

She was a fox. Like her father. Of the Earth, of the Old Ones. Despair rose, as she tried to go to him.

Frodo?

He turned away, a heart-breaking smile on his face, yet a shadow seemed to fall over him. A burden of some kind.

The trees behind him broke to reveal an endless void of darkness…and an eye of fire…

One ring…one ring… a voice seemed to hiss from everywhere, as Frodo seemed to fade away.

FRODO!!!!

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As the gentle light of dawn started to cast the room in gray, Dolly rolled over and cracked one bleary eye open. Reluctantly shoving the bedcovers away, dark hair askew, the hobbit washed up and then headed downstairs to retrieve some breakfast.

Ears alert, Bramblerose heard Dolly depart, before rising and padding to the window and cracking it open. A chill morning brief greeted the fox-maiden, stirring her sleek red hair, as she regarded the town of Bree with intense eyes. Memories of a nightmare nipped at her, but the foxling could not recall much. Simply feeling helpless…and dear Frodo's sadness.

"Ah, you're awake?"

Not turning around, Bramblerose smiled to herself, before closing the window.

"Aye, just greeting the morning."

Dolly set down the tray, laden with two bowls of hot porridge, mugs of tea and other assorted goodies she could find.

"Before we set off, I suggest we send a letter to Mum, and perhaps stock up on supplies" the hobbitess suggested, stretching her arms out before yawning.

Turning, the elder girl nodded in agreement before helping herself to breakfast. Eating in silence, Bramblerose found herself thinking about this Tom Bombabil and what Gandalf meant by a powerful being.

After paying the innkeeper, they set out into the town of Bree. It didn't take them long to commission a letter, and have it sent with the next rider, to their home in the Shire.

-----------------------------------------

Around noon, the two maidens had set off in the direction of the Brandywine River and the mysterious Old Forest. Dolly did not seem happy about this.

"The Old Forest! I wonder sometimes about Gandalf…" This earned her a sharp look from her cousin who was ahead. Raising her hands defensively, Dolly laughed

"Come on Bramble, I'm just sayin', to go to the Old Forest…I've just heard lots of stories…" her voice lowered "about unnatural things there"

There was a snort from Bramblerose, as she shook her head, ducking a branch as they made their way through a patch of trees to the main road. From there, they were on their way to their destination. Finally, the fox-maiden spoke,

"Dolly, you've grown up with an 'unnatural" thing living with you. I doubt its any worse than me."

Dolly chuckled, before catching up with her, as the two finally reached the road.

Hefting her pack, she then turned to stare back at the path they'd just came.

"I wonder what lies ahead of us?" she voiced aloud.

Bramblerose gazed forward and grinned

"Adventure! Danger! Intrigue!"

There was a long embarrassed pause, before she shuffled off.

"Um…yes, lets get going."

"Honestly. You're becoming more like Bilbo everyday."


"I think if you said that to Sweetpea, she'd faint."

"Most likely, but not before tracking down ol' Bilbo and beating him black and blue for influencing her dear niece."

A fond smile danced over the fox-maiden's lips at the thought of Bilbo. She hoped he was well, wherever he was. Probably on some adventure of his own, no doubt.

This brought her thoughts to the four hobbits, somewhere out there ahead of them. Wishing them safety, especially to a certain blue-eyed hobbit-lad, Bramblerose returned her attention to the journey ahead of them.

"Tom Bombadil huh?" she said, in wonder.

"Sounds like a charming man" came Dolly's response.

" Does the term 'powerful being' mean anything to you?"

"The only powerful being I acknowledge, besides Gandalf, is my mother when really angry."

They laughed, before the conversation fell silent and both hobbits set their gaze ahead of them…towards the Old Forest.

Elsewhere, a few nights later, Frodo found himself staring up at the empty hood of a Nazgul, as his friends fought the wraiths off around him. Struggling, Frodo slid the ring over his finger, and felt the blissful feeling of invisibility wash over him.

To his horror, he saw them. Saw them for what they used to be. The pinched white face of a long dead king, twisted in fury before raising his sword.

A split second later, the impact of the sword stabbing him, pinned the hobbit to the ground. And all he could think, was how sad it was that the sword had gone through his scarf. The scarf he'd worn faithfully since their journey began.

It was then that he realized he was screaming….