Thanks to Aragorn's knowledge of the land and the old ranger paths leading through it, the journey to Bree goes relatively fast. Along the way, Aragorn helps you train more with a bow and arrow. When you're not desperate for food, he allows you to hunt rabbits yourself. Due to this and the fact that you're not being distracted by feelings for Legolas, your aim improves. Bows and arrows still are not a weapon of choice for you. You prefer your sword. Sometimes Aragorn and you practice fighting. Aragorn is glad that he has someone at his skill level to practice with. He says that its important to keep your skills up as you may have to fight some very able fighters along the way.

Throughout the whole trip, you rarely see anyone out along the roads and when you do meet up with travelers they are moving with purpose, an air of fear about them. As you get closer to Bree, you begin to hear whispers on the wind about strange and evil beings out and about on the roads. Aragorn informs you that the whisperings are about the nazgul. He seems increasingly worried about the situation, as if he didn't think the nazgul would be this far out from Mordor. Aragorn quickens the pace and the fighting lessons stop so you two have more energy to keep going with less rest.

Finally, the two of you reach Bree. Aragorn heads straight for the Prancing Pony.

"You say we're on an urgent mission and now you're going to socialize at a pub?" you ask in disbelief. While you would greatly appreciate a break from all the journeying, you think it ridiculous and counterproductive to stop at such a place.

"No. Well, yes. This place is a great place to get information. We need to know if the hobbits have been through town yet," replies Aragorn. He heads into the pub but you hesitate outside. He looks back and sees that you aren't following him. "Come along, you may benefit from this as well."

You enter into the pub. Even to you it seems to be rather quiet and empty. Once inside, you were greeted by a loud and burly man who introduced himself to you as Barliman Butterbur.

"Have you seen any hobbits come through here lately?" inquires Aragorn.

"Hmm... Can't say I have seen any who aren't regulars lately. Business has been slow these days. Word is that something dark is traveling about and strange men have been in here. They're quite fearsome looking. I don't much care for their business, they scare off the regulars and good paying customers," replies Butterbur. "Is there anything I can do for you while you're here Strider?"

"Actually there is, I would like to rent a room for the lady here." Aragorn puts a hand on your shoulder. Butterbur eyes you up suspiciously but he looks upon you kindly after seeing that you're not one of those strange and fearsome travelers.

"Ah, yes the elf. Its not often that we get elves coming though, much less wanting to rent a room. It'll be a pleasure to do business with you," Butterbur reaches out and shakes your hand, he seems genuinely happy to have an elf staying at his inn. "Nob! Come and get the elf's bags!"

A small man comes out from behind the desk. "I reckon I've never met an elf before!" says Nob excitedly.

"I uh... actually don't have any bags aside from the one small one I've got. I can handle it."

"My lady, it would be a pleasure to carry your one bag," Nob replies. He seems slightly enchanted at the sight of you. "I will carry it to your room for you." Nob seems rather enthusiastic about the whole ordeal. Reluctantly, you give him your bag to carry. He leads you to a rather nice room on the first floor. "I will bring a meal to you later if you wish. Or you are free to dine in the pub area, whichever you prefer."

You're unsure of what to do and hesitate for a moment. Luckily, Aragorn enters into the room. "You're going to want to dine in tonight."

You nod at Nob, he takes this as your answer and leaves the room.

"Since when you are called Strider?" you inquire of the man.

"Strider is what they call me around these parts."

"I see. And that short man, Nob, is he a hobbit?"

"Quite right, Aiweneth."

"I see... So what exactly is the plan now? How does renting a room here help us find these hobbit travelers?"

"Since Mr. Butterbur hasn't seen our traveling hobbits, it is safe to assume that they have not been through here yet. I want you to stay here while I go out and scout for the hobbits. It should not take more than a few days at the most."

"What? You're going to leave me here by myself?" You feel scared and angry.

"Its perfectly safe here. You have nothing to fear. Besides, I may be back sooner than you think. By the sound of it, the nazgul have been through this area. Its likely that the hobbits are nearby too."

"What do the nazgul have to do with the hobbits?" you ask, confused. This whole time, Aragorn had never once mentioned just how exactly the nazgul fit in the picture with the hobbits. In fact, he had been pretty tight lipped about the whole situation. Like why did you have to escort a couple hobbits to Rivendell anyway? There was definitely more going on than what Aragorn had told you, though its not like you had asked much about the reason behind the journey anyway.

"That's a long story, I'll explain everything after I find the hobbits. I expect they'll ask a similar question." Maybe you had a certain look on your face or perhaps Aragorn had sensed that you were suddenly dissatisfied with the lack of information. "I really do mean everything. I must be going now. Stay safe and try not to make your presence too well known around here, it appears as though many unsavory types have been lurking about."

With that, Aragorn left. He was gone for a few long hours, where you waited, alone, wondering what you would do if he was indeed gone for a few days. Perhaps you could get to know Nob better? But to your surprise and relief, Aragorn returned just after dark. He stopped by your room and told you to expect some guests to be staying with you overnight, he had found the hobbits and their living quarters would not be safe for them to stay in. You, him, and the hobbit travelers would be departing for Rivendell in the morning.