Chapter 3: Company Isn't Included

So deeply concentrated in my thoughts, I had failed to notice the corner-man walking towards my table. It wasn't until he entered my peripheral vision, that I noticed his presence. My body tightened on instinct, but I forced myself to relax; so as not to look surprised. Instead, I acted as if I had known of his intruding, but had just now decided to speak up.

"Tis not like a gentlemen to come upon a lady without first introducing himself."

I peered up at the man, finally revealing his face. He had scraggily brown hair, of a shorter length, and eyes to match; the color that is. His skin was covered with a thin layer of dirt, but looked fair. With peachy lips pressed into a thin line, he looked the grim type. Yet his eyes showed that of bemusement.

"Forgive me, ma lady. I couldn't help but watch you from my place; you're quite the belligerent woman." Belligerent; who is this man?

"You still haven't told me your name."

He chuckled under his breathe, so quietly that I almost missed it.

"Irwin." Lie. The moment the word left his mouth, I knew it wasn't the truth. For when he spoke his eyes darted to the left and his came fast. But the most efficient way to tell when someone is lying is by the breathing pattern. And sure enough his was irregular.

"Irwin is it; did your mother give you that name?"

"No, my name has been passed down from generation to generation, the first born son always receiving it."

Backup story maybe? Hard to tell if that was a lie or not. His breathing hadn't changed and nothing else gave me any clue. Perhaps he had only been hesitant about revealing his identity.

"So Irwin, from where do you reside?" Let's see if he could answer this one.

"Théoden." His breathe had hitched while saying the "o", most definitely a lie.

I looked toward the translucent window, to see if any light was escaping the outside. I saw but the dull glow of the glass. I turned my attention back to "Irwin" to find him staring at me intently.

"So ma lady, what is your name?"

I faked a lie; a very impressive move for deceiving your enemy. I lifted my head, opened my mouth, turned my eyes to the right, and then paused for a second to answer "Dani." This wasn't actually a lie.

"Hmm, that isn't native of this region. What's brought you to this place?"

"Business," I answered with a shrug.

"Of what type?" I hesitated in answering, and started saying "trade," but quickly changed it to "farming".

"Farming," he barked, laughing. He grabbed the chair opposite me an swung it around, straddling it.

"What," I asked shyly, as if wondering if he knew I was lying.

"No woman farms, they're too fragile. Couldn't even lift a shovel." I acted insulted, like he had struck a blow at my dignity. I pushed myself from the table angrily, and stomped off towards the door.

By looking in a mirror located next to the door, I could see Irwin looking smug. I wondered momentarily if he'd follow me, but I dismissed that thought as he sat himself with the broads. The only person he'd be walking home with would be one of those girls.

As I turned the rusted handle, and pulled the door open, a cold gust of wind blew in from the outside. The rain had stopped, and the remaining water dripped from the rims of the rooftops and slithered down walls. The ground was muddy, and I frequently slipped. Even I, with my amazing balance; I couldn't avoid falling on my bum, after a few minutes of navigating the streets.

I sat for a second trying to compose myself, and continue on my way. I had landed with my arms behind me, in a failed attempt to break my fall. I removed them from the mud and observed my hands. They were covered with the thick goop, as so was my bum.

I shifted my shoulders forward, balancing my body on my heels. I think lifted myself and wiped my dirt hands on my robe. I peeled my feet from there indents in the ground, making squelching noises. I lifted my leg up to my stomach and carefully selected a place to step. It was then that I noticed a footmark a few paces off form where I was standing. It was most likely a man's shoe, judging from the size. Farther up there lay more tracks of the same shape. Curiosity overtook my caution, as I slowly traced them to the source. They seemed to be headed towards the narrow alley between two stores. It was then that I saw the shadow slowly emerging from the corner. I stood stock still, as adrenaline pumped through my body, prepared for danger. A hand slowly grabbed the wooden wall and as I took a closer look, a face came out of the darkness and into the light.

I was gone. And I don't mean 'gone', I mean gone. I was flying, the only thing going through my mind being to get as far away from this place as possible. My legs moved in unison, sprinting over the ground, not slipping once. I guess certain situations give you the ability to not fall.

I kept moving forward, not chancing a look back. I was steadily approaching the line of trees, and from there, the fields. I was home safe; he could never catch me at this rate.

But I couldn't return home, well the Stone's home. Not to stay anyway. I would grab my belongings, and head out. But to where? Bree was the closest town, and I could regroup there; buy the supplies I would need for my trip. Then I could ask around, find a more reclusive area, and then work with that. The only problem would be my passage, from the Stone's to Bree. I couldn't travel in the open, for he would surely be close at hand.

Perhaps Manuel would allow me to travel with him to his market. Yes, that could work. I would have to wait till morn, when he left but I would announce to him and his wife my decision tonight. Say my farewells and prepare my stuff.

I was surprised when my heart ached a bit. I really liked living and working there. Well, not so much the work as the people. It was the closest I had came in a long time, to having a real family. I would miss it, but I suppose it's for the best. I was becoming too emotionally attached for my own good. Before I knew it, I'd be wailing and balling every time I had to move on. This wasn't me, no.

I was strong, and independent, and I didn't need anything or anyone. I was lonely I admit, but it's nothing new. I've been lonely before and I will be again. It was my life, the life of a wanderer. Company isn't included in my package; nothing but pain and misery. Constantly fearing for my safety and running away.

I hated him for this; tracking me, watching me. He always showed up in time. And let's not forget the reason for all of these problems. What a father he turned out to be.

AN: So we got into a bit more action and revealed a little of Dani's past. Hope you enjoyed. Reviews would be awesome!!