Chapter 3

Mr. Underhill and Companion

Alena's POV

It was warm, unusually warm. I tried to tear the blanket off of my body but instead found myself immobilized. I quickly opened my eyes, panic stamped on my face as I realized an arm was lazily draped around my arms and waist from behind. Slowly, realization came to me as I thought of the person behind me: Aragorn.

I tried to turn my body towards him, careful not to wake him for his much needed rest, and noticed how peaceful he looked. He looked handsome with the little light from the glowing embers of the fire painted over his manly features; I couldn't resist touching his face. His cheek felt rough with his stubble, but I liked it. I giggled at how ridiculous I was being, admiring a man who I've only known for less than a day.

Though I was unwilling to, I had to get up from bed. It was nearly midnight from the looks of outsides rainy conditions, and I was hungry. I squirmed out of Aragorn's arms, trying to slip away from his grip, but found his arms tighten his hold. I felt myself being pulled closer to his chest; I couldn't help but smile. Aside from the part of him pulling me closer unconsciously, I felt myself relaxing in his embrace. No sooner though, I felt him awaken.

Groggily, I hear him groan. I saw his eyes open slowly, staring at me, still glazed over from his sleep. His eyes were beautiful. They were light blue; it reminded me of the cloudless skies during spring. His stare made feel warm inside.

"Hi" he said. I couldn't help but giggle at the simplicity of his words in an awkward situation. Obviously sleep was still keeping his mind hazy.

"Hello" I replied, easing down from my fit of amusement.

All too soon though, I can feel him notice our current position and sat up quickly from the bed, eyes big from shock; he stared at me with disbelief and sorry that I had to smile to ease him from his guilt.

"It's nice to see you awake Strider. I would've thought you wouldn't let me up from your grip." I said jokingly to lessen the tension. Unfortunately, it only made it thicker.

"I'm sorry. I did not notice that-"

"Oh hush. It's not like you did anything," I reassured him. "But I, for one, am hungry and wouldn't mind to go grab something to eat."

I saw him give out a small smile from his lips and relief in his eyes, glad to see that I saw no ill actions from earlier.

We readied ourselves to go and grab something downstairs to eat. With our cloaks and swords for precautions, we went downstairs to find drunken men passed out or still goofing around the halls even in this late of nights. It wasn't all surprising though.

Being the only female among them was unsettling that I wanted to just return upstairs, safe from their stares. It wasn't that I can't handle them, but the looks in their eyes were too unsettling that it made me weak. Not long after though, I felt Strider grab my waist possessively, which lessen the stares of intoxicated perverts seeing as I was 'taken', and dragged me towards a small table with food near the end of the room, hidden by the shadows. I didn't complain; I was relieved to be away from their eyes' attention. I smiled thankfully at Strider, holding on to his hand on my waist, and felt him squeeze me closer as if to say welcome.

After eating a generous amount of food, I found myself growing sleepy again. Apparently the sleep I had earlier wasn't enough. With a quick goodnight and a peck on the cheek, I left him to smoke his pipe. I couldn't help but giggle inwardly when I felt him stiffen from my quick kiss and the slight blush visible even with his face hidden under his cloak.

Once in the room, I readied myself for bed. I took off my belt along with my sword and my twin daggers hidden on my back. While untying the band that holds my hair in a high ponytail, I slid the covers off the bed for me to get comfortable, but was surprised to find the door kicked open by a man in a hood throwing a child on the floor. I took my sword off the table then off its sheath, and pointed it at the man before me, but was recognized that it was just Strider. I lowered my sword at the familiar man and turned my attention to the child on the floor scuttling about, trying to stand up. Only then did I realize it was Frodo.

My eyes widen from realization once I saw my friend. I took him in my arms as he hugged me for dear life, obviously scared of Strider's bold actions.

"Alena, what are you doing here? Are you alright?" He asked as his grip around me tightens.

I released him from my embrace and looked at him with concern. "Of course I'm alright! Are you?" I asked a bit frantic, still disbelief was with me.

Frodo just stared, giving me a small smile of reassurance, but then his gaze fell away from me and onto Strider.

"What do you want?" he asked as he grips my hand, trying to pull me away from the tall man. Though he tries to show bravery, fear was still evident in his voice and eyes.

"A little caution from you... that is no trinket you carry." He said sternly, starring down on Frodo.

"I carry nothing."

"Indeed? I can usually avoid being seen if I wish, but to disappear entirely... that is a rare gift."

I stared at the two. Something obviously happened to receive such hostility from Strider, but what?

"What are you talking about Strider? You're scaring him more than he already is." I said as I pulled Frodo behind me to conceal him from Strider's defiant stare.

Strider took no notice of my defensive stance between him and Frodo, nor did he answer my question. He merely stared intently at Frodo. "Are you frightened?"

Frodo stood behind me, still in Strider's view, seemingly helpless against his eyes. "Yes."

"Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you." said Strider as he walked slowly, closer to Frodo. Quickly though, I let him remind himself that I was still there when I completely blocked him from Frodo, glaring at him while I held my sword towards his chest. I don't care if he helped me or if he's Gandalf's friend; no one scares my friend. He stared at me with what looked like disbelief; nevertheless, I stood my ground though I felt myself soften from his look. He looked hurt with the thought of me actually thinking that he may hurt me or my friend.

What felt like minutes, were actually seconds. Our war between our eyes, which I was slowly losing, eyes was interrupted though when we heard the door being thrown open once again. There at the door were three figures staring intently at Strider. Quickly, me and Strider both pointed our swords at the three intruders, forgetting the small dispute we had, ready to fight if needed, but soon held down when I noticed the three figures were Merry with a candelabra, Pippin with a stool, and Sam with nothing but his fists.

"Let him go or I'll have you, Longshanks!" shouted Sam with his anger clearly displayed on his face.

I chuckled at his outburst as both me and Aragorn sheathed our sword. It was funny to see the once so gentle Sam burst out of anger.

"You have a stout heart, little Hobbit, but that alone won't save you." said Strider as he let a small smile play on his lips, eying all three hobbits who stood defenceless.

"Nothing less to expect from a hobbit of The Shire I guess." I said with humour, trying to lighten the mood. Only then did the three hobbits shift their gaze from Strider to me.

At the far end of the group near the door, I saw Pippin drop his stool on the side and ran towards me. I held him firmly, trying to balance myself not to fall due to the force of his hug and soon, Sam and Merry joined in with a grin plastered on each of their faces. I laughed at how quickly their mean demeanour changed and hugged them all as well.

"Alena, what are you doing here? Did Gandalf sent you?" asked Merry as he released me from his embrace followed by the other two.

I was about to answer when Strider rudely cuts in, "We have no time for this." He bellowed as he grabbed Frodo a little roughly, "You can no longer wait for the Wizard, Frodo. They're coming."

As if chased by an unknown ghost, Strider hurriedly pulled Frodo out of the suite with us on his tail. I had no clue of what was happening. Before we can leave the inn, I grabbed Strider's arm. I pulled him to face me. "What is going on Strider? You're actions are making no sense at all." My voice held desperation; I wanted answers.

Strider was rather irritated by my forcefulness as he glared at me, but soon his gaze softens when he saw my concern to not only the hobbits, but also him.

"I will explain Alena, but not here in the open. We must leave before the Nazgûls come."

I stared with him in disbelief, and soon stared at Frodo with worry. I know what he carries: the ring. The only thing that could lure the Nazgûl to them would only be the power of the ring. So it is true.

I was bitterly hoping that Gandalf and Strider were wrong about the ring that Frodo holds, but apparently not. With full comprehension of the situation, I let go of Strider and took the lead outside.

"We cannot run from them. They are bound to be nearer than we think." I said as I stared at the two opposite roads as if to expect the coming of the black riders. I felt so helpless. I didn't know what to do and by the looks of it, neither did Strider and the hobbits. On the opposite side of the road, I saw a small, almost unoccupied inn in front of The Prancing Pony. "We must hide."

Strider stared at me as if I was crazy, but I led them into the inn nonetheless.

"The Ringwraiths are drawn to the use of the power at the exact moment it was used. We can simply hide away from the place." I said as I explained to Strider.

Strider smirked as he saw the logic behind the words and quickly rented a room for the night.

It was early morning, the sun has yet to rise. I was tired, but knew better than to sleep. The possibilities of the Nazgûls raiding the entire Bree out of desperation for their search can still happen. We must be ready when it comes to that. I paced the length of the room as I worry for the lives of my friends. Sam, Merry, and Pippin were asleep. Frodo apparently was restless from the thoughts of possible death.

I stopped pacing around and sat next to Frodo on the edge of the bed. I gave him a hug sideways, rubbing his arms for comfort. He gave me a small smile as if to say thanks for the reassurance, but the fear and agitation was not at ease in his eyes. I held him tighter as he laid his head against me, trying to ease his own nerves.

Strider was sitting on a chair near the window. I can see him scouting each end of the road, anticipating the coming of the Nazgûls. The tired on his eyes was clear, but how am I any different. We both know that our priority for now is to bring the hobbits to Rivendell.

We were supposed to wait for Gandalf; however, he's taking too long. We cannot wait idly by any longer. Action must be taken now for my friends' safety.

Frodo was slowly dozing off. I let him out of my grasp and soon he lay next to Sam on the bed.

I walked towards Strider. He's stress was growing from the weight of the situation. I held his shoulders, massaging his stress away, and received a smile of gratitude back from him.

Minutes turned to an hour and soon, the Nazgûls arrived. I saw Frodo sit up on the edge of my peripheral while I looked out on the window atop the window's ledge. Not long after they came, an ear piercing screech came from the inn in front of ours. The three sleeping hobbits sat up from their rest and gazed outside of the window. The Nazgûls, who seemed furious from their failure to find the ring rode off.

"What are they?" asked Frodo as soon as the Nazgûls left with their black steeds. His voice quivering from fright as he stared right at us.

"They were once men. Great Kings of men..." I trailed off as my eyes traced the Nazgûls while they gallop away towards the cliffs.

"Sauron the deceiver gave to them Nine Rings of Power. Blinded by their greed they took them without question, one by one falling into darkness and now they are slaves to his will." said Strider as he stared at the hobbits. "They are the Nazgûls, Ringwraiths, neither living or dead. At all times they feel the presence of the ring...drawn to the power of the one"

I stared at Frodo with a frown on my face as realization came to me, "They will never stop hunting you..." I said.

The fear on Frodo's face and the other hobbits were clear. Nevertheless, Strider looked at me with determination in his eyes, and soon I felt myself the same. Whatever happened we will bring them to safety.

With all of that said, we readied ourselves for the journey to Rivendell as soon as the sun rises.

Sorry for the reeeeeeaaaaally late update. I guess preparing for school was longer than I thought... I'll try to update as soon as I can. But for now, enjoy :D Don't forget to R&R THANKS! :***

PS: Thanks for the critiques. I hope you'll help me improve my writing, I need to know what I need to work on, thanks. :))