Chapter11

Two months later AT THE PRANCING PONY INN

I am going insane. For the past months or so, I have done nothing besides, eat sleep, and count down days on my calendar.

Aragorn should be back within the week. Which also means that Frodo and the ring will not be far behind. I hope.

I have also been wondering lately, if I really won't change the story. And it is starting to freak me out. What would happen if, oh...lets say Boromir doesn't die defending Pip and Merry?

That would mean that the tweens get captured, and the enemy might get the ring. It makes me shiver just thinking about it.

But then again, this could all be the workings of a restless mind. And I really won't change the story.

I have now decided that I need to get out and do something with myself. I haven't really ridden Clenna in a while, so I might as well head out to the stables.

I can hear the whickering of restless horses before I am even close. My heart goes out to them. I know how they feel now.

Clenna's stall needed mucking, so I pulled her out, and slapped on our makeshift saddle. We trotted primly out of the large door, and I could hear the sniggers of the stable hands.

An icy glare silenced them perfectly

Once we're clear of the town, I put her into to a gallop, and ride into the wind.

Then I pull Clenna up; I'm turning back. The days are getting darker, and by now, dusk is very close. But as I look out over the road, I can see something. Even though it's not very clear.

Four little dots in the distance.

Ohmygod ohmygod. It's Frodo! My heart is stopping. Ohmygod ohmygod! I kick my pony into a fast trot, then proceed to gallop again. It's them, it's them!

I am clearing ground quickly, and my hair is flying out behind me. But as I get close, the dots aren't hobbit sized anymore.

They are huge. Man sized. And all four figures are wearing dark cloaks.

I let out a muffled scream about the same time Clenna does. Then all of the sudden, I am on the ground, and my mount is racing back to the safety of her stall.

Stupid beast. The riders keep approaching me. Not changing pace, or formation.

But I am so damn scared now that all I can think to do, is close my eyes and sit where I have landed.

The tears well up behind my lids. And I throw my arms up to shield my head as the clatter of hooves gets closer.

Then I'm off the ground, quick as lightning. And trapped in a strong and merciless grip. They have me by my cloak. I open my mouth to scream, but another hand covers it and pulls me into the saddle.

Now I feel that the grip is not so tight, and the arm around my middle is there only to keep me astride.

I open my eyes and look up into the stern and kind face of Aragorn.

He must have sensed my gaze, and smiles as he looks down at me warmly. "What did I tell you about traveling alone?" He questions.

Even though he's angry with me, it feels too good to hear a familiar voice, and I neglect to reply. But the smile on my face must have been enough...

When we reach the gates once more, I am sickened at the sight. I have had quite enough of Bree already. And all of its sneaky occupants.

But after his horse, and the horses of his fellow rangers (The other three riders) are stabled, we still head back to the inn.......

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Pippin's POV THE SHIRE

"Merry, is Frodo still planning to leave?" I ask quietly.

"Of course he is Pippin. I don't know why you're still asking that." My cousin replies with more then a hint of annoyance to his voice.

I give a wry smile, which is all the prompting he needed to start up again with his I'm-older-and-I-know-better advice.

"Pippin, you're not still focused on that lass are you? The Long Cleeve girl, right?" He starts.

I downed the rest of my tankard and refused to answer.

Instead I think:

Of course I am, you complete and utter dolt. She disappeared without a word, and that doesn't even make you SUSPICIOUS!!!

From the look he gave me, I wish I had said it out loud.

"Get your mind back where it should be PEREGRIN. We leave tomorrow." He said as he got up and started to leave.

I grabbed a roll and threw it at his retreating back. I missed. "Don't call me Peregrin... MERIADOC." I muttered darkly.

"I heard that." Merry answered back. A smile brightened my face, he knows me so well. Sometimes too well, in fact.........

Author: I am once again sorry that it took me this long to update! You may all send me flames if you like, alright?

Well, I hope you all liked this chappie. If it sounded a bit off, it's because I haven't written in a while, and I am still trying to get back into the swing of things.

Just know that the story will get interesting real soon. I can promise you that.

Thanx, and REVIEW please!

Pippinsgal011890