Disclaimer:

(Door banging. Pippin rolls his eyes.)

Pippin: Don't worry for the door, its just Primevera sulking 'cause she only owns herself and Lily so far…

Primy: Not sulking…

Pip: Yes you are…

Third chapter: Running into trouble.

A year had passed since Bilbo's birthday. It was early October, and the young hobbits decided to have a small party at the Green Dragon, for the four cousins were planning to leave the next day for their homes. So the night was filled with laughter and singing. Merry and Pippin were dancing and singing on the table, as usual, a beer in hand. Primy and Lily were both chatting and laughing beside Rosie Cotton, the bar-maid.

Frodo and Sam soon joined the girls, and all laughed at Merry and Pippin's singing. A few minutes later, Primy joined her twin on the table, and Frodo went to get some ale for Sam and himself, skipping all the way around the table.

Soon Primy got tired, so she left the table to pull Lily on her feet.

Come on, Lily, now you sing!

Lily just laughed!

Oh no, Prim', not tonight, you now I don't sing drinking songs like Merry and Pippin.

Please, sing Neverending Story!

No, maybe another day, the song is too sad.

The other hobbits made a disappointed noise but soonresumed theirsinging.

Alas, when they left to take some sleep, they all thought itended way too early (even though it was well past midnight).

Two days later, Lily woke up when she felt the sun rising on her skin. She lifted herself in a sitting position to lean on the tree beside which she had been sleeping. She noticed she could only hear one steady breathing instead of three and came to the conclusion that Merry and Pippin had left their camp for awhile.

Soon she felt Primy stirring and heard her moaning in her sleep before waking up with a yawn.

Morning Prim'!

'Morning Lil'! Where are Merry and Pippin?

Don't know, I just woke up. But I bet they're on Maggot's field, since we're sleeping not far from there.

Both girls waited for the boys to show up, promising both will be in trouble the second they'll reach their camp. While waiting, they decided to pack so that they could leave early enough to reach their homes before the end of the week.

They didn't expect Merry and Pippin to reach them running with stolen crops and grabbing them by the arm before they could utter a word. They were too surprised to protest, until they came in contact with something solid that wasn't supposed to be part of the field.

Ouch! Cried six different voices.

Merry and Lily had run straight into Sam, while the twins just stumbled over Frodo.

Oi, watch it!

Sorry Sam, accidents happens…

Sam just shoved Merry aside and stood up to push Pippin away from Frodo. Frodo got to his feet and helped Primy up while Merry gave a helpful hand to Lily, giving her the staff she used to walk back.

What is the meaning of this? Asked Frodo.

The boys just ignored him and shoved some of the crops in Sam's arms.

Oh no, you haven't…

Yep, they did, finished Primy. They've visited Maggot's farm.

GET OUTTA MY FIELDS YOU VERMIN!

When the farmer's angry voice rose from the fields, Pippin dragged his twin while Merry shoved Frodo forward before grabbing Lily's arm.

Quick, let's go!

Sam dropped the crops and ran after them.

Why is he so upset? I mean, it was just a bunch of carrots…

Primy rolled her eyes at her twin.

Yeah, right, as if you didn't take some cabbages as well, plus the tatters and mushrooms…

Lily snorted.

You forgot to mention the apples…

So, my point is, he's clearly overreacting. RUN!

So run they did, until the twins came to an abrupt stop on top of a hill, bumped by Frodo, Merry and Lily. Alas, they all lost their balance when Sam crashed into them, making them all tumble in a big heap down the hill. (Jack and Jill came up the hill… Sorry, couldn't resist.)

Ouch!

They landed at the bottom with a crash. Pippin had managed to land on top of his sister, Lily just over them, while Merry landed on Frodo and Sam.

(Groan...)

Pip'… can't breathe…

Sorry.

Trust a Brandybuck,Tooks and a Bracegirdle…

Hey, Sam, Primy and I didn't do anything, the boys led us here…

Thanks for covering us, Lil'. Anyway, it was just a shortcut, a detour…

Sam rolled his eyes and faced the Brandybuck as they all painfully untangled themselves.

Yeah, right, a shortcut… to where?

Mushrooms!

Immediately Sam and Merry shoved Pippin back to the ground and both ran to the bunch of tasty looking mushrooms the young Took had spotted.

I'll never understand them, muttered Lily under her breath.

Trust me, it's no use trying. Anyways, good thing we weren't wearing skirts.

Both girls had indeed borrowed a pair of breeches from either Merry or Pippin, for they'd thought it would be more comfortable for travelling. They were a bit too big for the two small hobbit-lasses, but the girls had to do with them.

Meanwhile, Frodo had rose to his feet and was fixing the road in front of him.

We should keep off the road.

Primy nodded and went to the three mushroom-lovers.

Ok, boys, time to go, you've got enough mushrooms to last a fortnight!

But they just ignored her.

This is going to take forever! Thought Lily before pricking her ears. Something wasn't right, she could feel it deep inside herself. Something not good, she could tell, for she could feel shivers down her back.

We shouldn't stay here! She cried in alarm.

She's right! Get off the road, NOW!

Frodo's panicked voice finally drew the hungry hobbits' attention, and all ran to the side, helping Lily down and hiding below a dead tree. The boys started fighting once more over the mushrooms, but fell dead silent when they heard the beating of hooves.

Frodo turned his head round and peered through a crack where he could see the road, but immediately jerked it back around when he saw metallic boots landing on the floor, clad in dark robes. He could see the rider peering in the forest just a few inches over him. He felt Primy tense beside him, and was sure Pippin had sucked in a breath. He glanced sideways to the others. Primy's eyes were shut, as if she was trying to force an imageout of her mind. Pippin was looking as if he was going to be sick. Fear mirrored upon Sam and Lily's face, and Sam was staring straight in front of him. Merry, who was at the far opposite of Frodo, was slowly glancing in nearly all directions, apparently searching for some way to distract the rider. Out of the six of them, he was the one who'd always try to keep calm, often finding a successful way to get them out of a tricky situation (like the time they nearly got caught by Lobelia, shortly after a pie incident… Naughty hobbits!). Unconsciously, Frodo started twisting something between his fingers.

Sam's mind was racing. What have I gotten myself into? I shouldn't have listened to that conversation back at Bag-End! He glanced at Merry. Forget what I said earlier. You'd better think of something quick, Master Brandybuck. Then he turned his head the other way round to check on Frodo. His heart sank. He's going to put it on! Mister Gandalf had told him not to!

He couldn't reach him, his arms weren't long enough to pass on the other side of the twins. The only way to stop him would be to call his name out, hoping he'll hear.

"Frodo!" He whispered softly, not daring to call out louder. He was pretty much aware of the dark figure sniffing over their heads.

But Frodo didn't hear. However, Primy's eyes jerked open and she glanced sideways to Sam. He quietly motioned for Frodo. She turned to look at him, confused, but nonetheless getting the hint, she quietly elbowed him and grasped his hand. Nevertheless, the rider stirred, having apparently sensed some movement close to him.

At that precise moment, Merry quickly shifted on his knees and tossed the bag of mushrooms away from them, distracting the stranger's attention from them for a while. Once he was sure the rider couldn't see them, he sprang up and pulled Lily to her feet, grabbing her staff so that she wouldn't trip on it.

Quickly, we haven't much time!

Pippin grabbed his twin's arm and both followed suit. Sam didn't waste time either, so he pulled Frodo with him. They all followed Merry and Lily until they figured they were more or less a safe distance away from the sinister rider.

What was that? Asked Lily, as pale as snow.

They were all catching their breaths, and Pippin looked up at his blind cousin's scared face.

I'm not sure. Some sort of rider…

Frodo turned to face them all.

It looked like a rider from what I saw. But according to what I felt and sensed…

He trailed off. Lily shook her head and finished his sentence for him.

… it isn't human.

Night had fallen, and six furtive figures where running from tree to tree in a ghostly fashion, seeking safety. They were all scarred of what was after them, ever since their first encounter earlier that day.

Frodo stopped behind a tree, peering through the darkness. Sam appeared behind him.

Any sign of him?

No, nothing…

Pippin dropped beside them, closely followed by Primy and Lily, catching their breaths.

That black rider is looking for something.

Merry looked down at his younger cousin, pondering over what Pip' had just said.

No, he's looking for someone. And I'm pretty sure I know who it is he's seeking.

He looked up at Frodo. He wasn't supposed to leave for Buckland this soon…So that black rider IS looking for him…

Frodo…

Frodo turned to face him, but Sam cut him off before he could utter a word.

Get down! He hissed.

All crouched down, holding their breaths as they saw a rider, all clad in black, pause before riding off on the opposite direction. They relaxed somewhat, but none dared to move. Several seconds passed before Frodo could manage to break the silence.

I must leave the Shire…

Merry looked up at his cousin, not sure what to say.

Sam and I are heading for Bree.

The young Brandybuck nodded in acknowledgement. He took a moment to think before deciding they'll need a safer and shorter crossing than Brandywine Bridge.

Very well. Buckleberry Ferry… Follow me.

He stood up, took hold of Lily's hand and ran off, closely followed by his friends.

Run they did. Alas, as Merry and Lily reached the end of a small clearing, a screech was heard and the black rider sprang behind them, nearly facing Frodo, Sam and the twins. All four yelled, surprised and frightened by its sudden appearance.

Merry turned around, and called after them, hoping they'll be able to run around the rider unharmed. He felt guilty when he ran off, dragging a livid Lily with him. Come on guys, you can do it…

Sam immediately saw the other three panicking. He caught one of the twins arm's and ushered him/her past the rider towards the direction Merry was taking. He saw the second one closely following his twin. Sam yelled to Frodo, and ran off, followed by his friend.

Finally, the twins reached the dock where Merry was already untying one of the ropes. Pippin immediately helped him while Primy joined Lily on the small raft. Sam soon joined them, untying the last rope. He lifted his head and saw Frodo running towards them… the rider right behind him. Oh no…

Frodo!

He reluctantly pushed the raft off, while the others started encouraging Frodo, hoping he'll make the jump that separated the dock from the raft. Frodo yelled, ran faster and finally leapt across to them, knocking down Sam and Primy as he landed on the raft.

They all stared at the rider, who halted on the dock, screeched, turned back round and ride off.

How far to the nearest crossing? Inquired Frodo.

Brandywine Bridge: twenty miles…

They paused for a moment, before the silence was broken by Primy.

Oh no… Just exactly how many dark riders are there?

All looked up in surprise. Sure enough they could make out the shadow of at least three riders.

Lily sank down on the floor of the raft beside Merry, who was stirring the raft to the other side of the Brandywine. Her blindness had left her confused and scared; for the only thing she could recall was the horrid feeling she had felt when they were being pursued. She had started worrying for the others, mainly for the twins, for the confused shouts and the creature's screeches had made it impossible for her to figure out what was happening.

Finally they reached the other side of the river. Once they were onshore, Pippin took a few steps, hesitated, then turned around to face the others.

Which way are we to go?

They all glanced at each other. They had no idea whatsoever off the route they were to follow. They all started arguing…

We should move on, I don't want to wake up to find those things killing us…

But we can't take the road…

And cutting through the woods would lead us to the fields, which doesn't provide us any form of a hiding place…

So which way do we go?

Well…

Merry fidgeted for a moment, before sharing his idea with the others…

The only way left would be the Old Forest…

He immediately received some looks of protest and disbelief. Nonetheless, he continued on.

Listen, it's the only way I doubt the riders would follow. Besides, I'd rather face whatever awaits us there than feel the fear and terror I felt when those riders were close. I've already been in there twice, and I should be able to guide you through it, I hope.

All thought about it for a moment, before nodding one after the other in agreement. They didn't want to face the riders again.

Then it is settled…

Frodo turned to face Merry.

Lead on, cousin… We are going through the Old Forest…

Okay, so that's my third chapter up… For those who are reading, sorry I took some time to update, but I just didn't have time… Hope I won't take too long for the next one…

Sylwith: I am basing myself on both book and movie. But I am most specially following my verse… (Grins…) Thanks for being my only reviewer so far. (Gives hug and cookies)

So, anyone who wants to make a hobbit happy, especially withoral coming up… Review, please! (Big puppy eyes)

Primy.