Tei could see that village from their camp. At least, he saw the gate that surrounded it. The gate was tall, and blocked the village from view. Tei knew the gate would be facing the Brandywine Bridge. They did reach the village, and convinced the guard of the gate that they meant no trouble, only seeking lodging at The Prancing Pony. Aragorn, for some reason, wanted Tei to go in by himself, while the Ranger himself climbed over the gate when the guard was not looking. Butterbeer greeted them as he would any newcomer, showing them a room before going back to the bustling common room.
Paint refused to lodge in the stables with those of her own species, so she was allowed in the room. That was a bit of a problem, since Aragorn kept bumping into her. Tei had to later ask Butterbeer to give him another room, at which the inn master mused over, but did as he was asked. Melina and Whiskers had no problem with the room. Though it became a game for the two to go to the common room, tripping the guests.
Tei and Aragorn spent their evening everyday in the common room, sitting alone in a dark corner. The Ranger would smoke with his pipe, and Tei would try to digest the beer, but his system rebelled it afterwards. They knew they were waiting for something, but only Tei knew what they were waiting for.
The hobbits arrived at the inn four days later. Tei was up in his room, planning to turn in early that day. A sudden mute in voices below woke him out of his half-sleep daze. Tei was about to descend the stairs to the common room, when Aragorn walked swiftly pass him, half dragging a small figure. Tei knew that it was Frodo, the hobbit. Tei didn't follow Aragorn into his room, but stayed where he was. Whiskers followed the Ranger, however. A few moments later, three other hobbits rushed up the stairs as well.
"Did you see a man dragging another one of us came past?" One asked.
Looking into his face, Tei was somewhat amused to find Sam. Behind him stood Merry and Pippin. All three was holding an item that Tei suppose was to be used for weapons to fend of the man that just dragged their companion away. Tei pointed to Aragorn's door, and followed the three hobbits as they burst into the room.
"Let him go." Sam shouted defiantly as they burst through. "Or I'll have you, long shanks."
Tei followed with an amused look. Aragorn had unsheathed his sword at their sudden entrance. "You have a stout heart." He said as he sheathed his blade. "But that will not save you. You can no longer wait for the wizard, Frodo." He said, turning towards the hobbit. "They are coming."
"Lodge in my room for tonight." Tei suggested.
Aragorn agreed. Tei's room was conveniently across from that of the hobbits. "Place the pillows under your sheet."
"Why?" Frodo asked.
"They are here to kill you."
Tei's room had a big bed, for Melina and Whiskers always share a bed with him. Paint settled down in a corner, out of everyone's way. Sam, Pippin, and Merry gradually fell asleep, but Frodo stayed awake. In the middle of the night, slashing and terrible shrieks could be heard. Outside, the black horses of the Nazguls reared, filling the night with their horrible neighs. The hobbits were woken up by the loudest shriek of the Nazgul's anger at finding their beds empty. Whiskers shivered upon Tei's shoulder, and he reached a hand up to stroke him.
"What are they?" Frodo asked.
"They were once men, great kings of men." Aragorn said. "Then Sauron the deceiver gave to them nine rings of power. Blinded by their greed," Aragorn looked out the window. "They took them without questions, and one by one, falling into darkness. They are slaves to his will. They are the Nazguls, Ring Wraiths, 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."
Slowly, the sounds outside ceased, as the hobbit's eyes widened in fear.
"We must set out tomorrow." Tei said. "Rivendell would be the best course."
And they did. The next morning, they were able to purchase a pony, whom San lovingly named Bill. The packed light, since they knew the traveling would be harsh. They set out right after breakfast.
"Where are you taking us?" Frodo asked after few hours travel in this wild terrain.
"Into the wild." The Ranger replied.
"How do we know this Strider is a friend of Gandalf?" Merry whispered darkly to Frodo.
Tei smiled at the thought that anyone would doubt the Ranger.
"We have no choice but to trust him." Frodo replied.
"But where is he leading us?" Sam asked.
"On the East Road to Rivendell, Master Gamgee." Aragorn spoke now.
"Did you hear that?" Sam said, rather joyfully. "We're going to see the elves."
"Do you like elves, Sam?" Tei asked.
"Yes. They're so beautiful, yet so mysterious." Sam replied. "Do you reckon Bilbo has reached Rivendell?"
"I reckon he has, Sam." Frodo said.
They paused a bit later. The hobbits crowded around Bill, while Tei looked over Paint. He looked at her hooves for any pebbles. Sam noticed this and looked at the boy oddly, but said nothing.
"Gentlemen." Aragorn called. "We do not stop till' nightfall."
"What about breakfast?" Pippin's asked.
"You've already had it." The Range replied.
"We've had one, yes." Pippin said. "What about second breakfast?"
The Ranger looked at him, then turned and walked on. Tei stifled a laugh at the amount a hobbit could eat.
"I don't think he knows about second breakfast, Pip." Merry said.
"What about elevenses?" Pippin's tone was rather worried. "Luncheon, afternoon tea, dinner, supper? He knows about them, doesn't he?" Pippin ran to catch up with his close friend Merry.
"I wouldn't count on it." Was his friend's reply.
Right then, an apple was tossed from the other side of the trees. Merry caught one, and patted Pippin on the shoulder before continuing on. Apples rained on Pippin as he tried to catch them all. "Pippin!" Merry called.
Tei brought up the rear, brimming with laughter at the hobbit's tactics.
They were in the plains by evening. With an exhausted gasp, Whiskers climbed up Tei's shoulder.
"My paws are ready to fall off." The fox complained.
Not wanting to attract attention, Tei said and did nothing.
"This was the great watch tower of Amon Sul." Aragorn said.
"It's also know as Weathertop, isn't it?" Tei commented.
The Ranger nodded. He turned to them. "We shall rest here tonight."