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Chapter Ten

Taking a look at her map, Ali started heading across the Shire. She hoped desperately that she wouldn't run into anyone she knew, or it'd be harder for her to leave. Especially if she ran into Pippin or she wouldn't be able to bear it and would probably never leave. The Shire had grown on her too much and it was time to move on—at least for the time being.

Finding the river, Ali began walking beside it, allowing the soft trickle of water lead her on. According to the map if she continued on, she'd be able to reach a fork in the river and there she can either go left to Gondor or right to the Elven lands. She didn't know which way she wanted to go just yet and she wouldn't decide until she reached that point.

Looking about her, Ali breathed in. It was a beautiful day and she wanted to take as much of it as she could in because she knew that all good weather never lasted for long and that winter would be creeping up before she knew it. It was a fact of life that even Ali couldn't deny.

Hours seemed to drag on by as Ali walked on and slowly became more tired as the day wore on. She wondered how some could do this all day, get little hours of sleep and get up and do it all over again. She suddenly felt sympathy for people who never knew any better. People should do this more often to be more appreciative of their lives.

Finally, what seemed like days upon days, the sun began to sink down, much to Ali's relief. She didn't think she could've handled much more today. Sidling towards a tree, Ali threw down her rucksack and sat down, leaning against the tree. It really wasn't that comfortable, but she was too tired to care.

Ali woke suddenly and blinked. Had she fallen asleep? She didn't remember…but she must have, or she wouldn't have woken up, and something had certainly done so.

"Ali?" a whispered voice said in the dark.

Ali quickly stood and kept her hand on the hilt of her sword that she had remembered to take with her on the trip. No matter how much she trusted the hobbits of the Shire, she couldn't say anything for what might happen in the dark. One couldn't be too careful.

"Who is it? And how do you know my name?" Ali called out, hoping her voice wasn't trembling in fright. She wished she knew who everybody was by their voice and it would be less troublesome.

When the person stepped out of the shadows, Ali grinned in relief and relaxed her grip on her sword hilt. It was only Pippin.

"Why did you do that for? You nearly scared me to death just then without letting me see you," Ali nearly shouted.

Pippin gave a guilty grin. "I'm sorry, but I think you woke up before I got to you all the way."

"Just don't do that again," Ali snapped and sat back down, leaning against the tree again. She felt so stiff and aching from sitting up for so long.

"Why didn't you tell me you were leaving?" Pippin asked as he sat down next to her.

"Because I had to get away, Pippin, and I didn't want anyone holding me back, you know," Ali explained.

"But I would've gone with you, Ali. I could've protected you," Pippin insisted.

"I don't need protecting, and anyway, I wanted to be by myself. To think, you know and get things sorted out in my head," Ali said, "I don't know why that's so hard for people here to understand."

"Because it's most unnatural. We hobbits don't like being uprooted that much," Pippin said.

"But what about you and Merry? You two go to Gondor all the time," Ali pointed out.

"Yeah, but that's different. We gave our oaths to the city before we knew anything better and now we're soldiers," Pippin retorted.

The two of them fell silent. Ali watched as the shadows from the trees moved about hastily as if trying to scare anyone out and about out of their wits. She never did understand why things so much scarier outside when darkness hung over anything.

"I just don't want anything bad to happen to you," Pippin said finally, giving Ali a worried glanced.

Ali gave a soft laugh. "You worry too much, Peregrin Took."

"I'm only doing the worrying for the both of us," Pippin said.

Ali nodded. After a few moments, she spoke up again.

"So I guess you're coming with me now wherever I may go?"

One glance from him told her that she hadn't needed to ask. He would follow her wherever her heart desired to go. Ali felt somewhat relieved at that. At least if she got lost she knew she could count on somebody to get her back onto the right track.

Sinking to the ground to stretch out, Ali looked up at the stars. They seemed so bright out here in the countryside. She reckoned that was the bad thing about living in the city—you couldn't see what was lighting your way from above.

"Well, I guess we better get some sleep, Pippin, we've got a long day ahead of us tomorrow," she murmured, nearly nodding off.

"Of course. One must have their strength," Pippin exclaimed, smiling.

"Pippin?"

"Yes?"

"How did you know where I was?"

Pippin smiled. "Because I know when my love leaves. An aching heart tells all." He didn't tell her that Frodo had cornered him after she had left and that he'd gone after her so she wouldn't be alone.

But he didn't need to say anything, for Ali had fallen asleep, a smile upon her face. Pippin wondered if she just didn't guess the truth. Turning over, Pippin fell asleep, his heart content. He was with his love again.

Author's Note: Thanks to those who've reviewed, I really appreciate it. I hope you all continue to read and review, and I'll continue to write the story as it comes to me.

SmaryK- Yes, I've finally updated! Thanks for noticing, I think you're the only one who did, actually. Thanks for reading and reviewing and I hope you continue to read and I'll continue to write.