Author: There will be some rather DRASTIC plot changes coming up in the near future. Also, for those of you who have been reading this story already, I suggest that you scan over earlier chapters, around 2, 3, 4, and 5. As changes have been made. Mainly, read the end of chapter 3, it will bring you up to speed.

This story now takes place around the months just before our hobbity heroes left for Bree. After Bilbo's birthday party as well, though. Thanx, and enjoy!

Chapter8

I made my way home, reigns in hand. I was now leading a rather shy, and very tame gray mare. She was a Shetland, large for her breed.

When I reached my hole, I saw her manger. I was well crafted, if a little small. I deposited my pony, and went inside.

The table was just being set for dinner, and I was just in time. Father was in a chair, and I ran over and gave him a quick hug. He deserved it, after all.

When we all sat down to eat, I looked at my mother. She was fuming silently. And her movements were stiff and jerky. I smiled inwardly at her anger.

But a little later in the meal, she broke the heavy silence with one hateful sentence . . . she said; "You are going to sell that THING immediately."

I slammed my fork down with bang, and looked her right in the eye "No." I whispered through clenched teeth.

She pretended as if nothing had happened, and continued, "You will do as you are bid."

"The bloody hell I will." I nearly shouted. "She's mine!"

My father looked thunderstruck, but continued to sit in silence as my mother ranted like a loon. "It will be GONE tomorrow, or I will have farmer Maggot DISPOSE of it!" she screeched.

By dispose, she meant kill.

I swallowed my last angry comment. She was crazy if she thought I would let her do that. And did she really think I would just stand by and watch her? No, I wouldn't.

"I am NOT selling her, MOTHER. My mind is set." I said coldly.

And she looked at me, with hate in her eyes and finality in her voice as she replied "As you wish."

And I knew then, that she was going to follow through on her threat.

She then went back to her plate. I looked across the small table at my father... he threw me a pleading look, and I knew he would go along with whatever my mother said. Weather he agreed with it or not.

I had no allies here.

I pushed my self away from the table roughly, and stormed back to my bedroom. Once there, I began to pack. In my wardrobe I found a pair of large saddlebags, and in them I stuffed necessities.

I packed clothes, soap, a sewing kit, and last but not least, I emptied my entire jewelry box into a bag I wore over my shoulder. I planned to use the gold and silver pieces, and maybe the gems too, to barter for food and board.

I then removed my books from their places. Along with them I took four others. If need be, I could burn them.

I had long accepted the fact that the third LOTR book was gone. And I hoped whoever stole it, and read it, thought it just harmless fiction.

Then I grabbed my map. I had a feeling that it was more than just a map of the Shire, and when I opened it, it proved me right. It now showed me my destination.

I was headed to Bree. More specifically, The Prancing Pony inn.

I don't know exactly why I was going to the Prancing Pony. Perhaps I would find Gandalf again. He did say our paths might cross. Whatever the reason, I had to go somewhere....

Once finished in my room, I headed to Clenna's stall. I didn't have enough money, when I bought her, to buy proper tack.

So all I had to use as a saddle, was a worn woolen pad. I fastened it to her, and bridled her. At least the bridle was leather. When the saddlebags were firmly attached, I was ready.

And then, map in hand, I began to ride for Bree . . . . .

I reached the gates into Bree, and pulled Clenna up fast. It was dark, around eleven thirty or so. And raining sparsely, like a leaky roof.

"Who's fool enough to be out on a night such as this?" Came the rusty voice of the gatekeeper. The upper slot slid open, and with the height of my pony added, he could just see the top of my head.

As the lower slot began to creak open, I dismounted, so he might see me better. I secured my hood more surely at the clasp, as I knew women were not supposed to travel alone.

When the gatekeeper saw me, he exclaimed, "Well, what do you know. A hobbit I believe. What be your business in Bree?"

Gruffing up my voice, I replied "I seek room and board at the inn, The Prancing Pony."

"Alrigh' then, I'll be opening the gate. Give me a minute." He rasped as gears began to turn.

Once the gate opened, I nodded my thanks, and made my way to the inn.

I glanced at my map, and noticed that it no longer showed the way to Bree, but the town itself. I smiled, I would have to thank Gandalf for so handy a gift when I saw him next.

When I reached the inn, I started to unfasten my cloak, but thought better of it, once I saw some of the Pony's other occupants. I marched up to the bar counter uncertainly.

"Excuse me...." I started over the noise. Nothing happened. "Mr. Butterbur?" I tried, louder this time. A face appeared over the bar. Which came up to my forehead, by the way.

It could be no other that Butterbur. I felt relieved. "Do you have any hobbit-size rooms available? And I need stabling for my pony as well." I questioned loudly. He smiled and nodded.

"Oh, yes we have. I take it you'll be wanting one, master...." He started.

Not knowing what to say I replied, "Underhill."

"Alright master Underhill. And how will you be paying?" Butterbur continued.

I reached into my bag and pulled out a nice gold ring, with a rather large ruby inset. And slid it over the bar towards him.

Butterbur reached out readily, and holding the ring up to the light, decided I was worth his while.

"Alright then, I'll have Nob show you to your room." Stated Butterbur, as he slipped the ring into his pocket. I smiled; I had saved that particular item for just this bargaining. I then allowed myself to be led to my room...

When I set foot inside, the irony of my name hit me. For I knew in a few months time, a certain hobbit from the Shire would go under the same alias as well. I laughed, and threw my saddle bags down on the bed

Unfastening my cloak at last, I let it fall and took a look at my self in the mirror. I was a wreck. Grungy, and all over in mud. I stripped off my travel clothes, and changed into a fresh dress.

When that was done, I scrubbed my face, and tied my hair into a knot at the nape of my neck. And grabbing some more rings went back to the common room to get myself a beer.

Once there, I was making my way to the bar when I was stopped, by means of being grasped by the shoulder roughly.

I halted and spun around to face my captor, and was met with another legendary LOTR character........Strider.

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Author: Enjoy! There won't be much wait though, for the next chapter hopefully. It will, or should, be up very soon. Hope you liked it. If it sounded a bit off too ya, it's because I went a couple chappies back, and rearranged some details. Read the notice at the chap's beginning for more info, if you didn't already, that is.

Thanx! Pippinsgal011890