Chapter 2
I do not own LotR in any way.
A/N-Before we continue, let's straighten some things out. Yes, I am aware that Celeborn and Galadriel are Lord and Lady, but in the extended edition of Fellowship of the Ring, in the special features, they refer to Arwen as Princess Arwen, even though Elrond is not a King. Also, I have not forgotten than Celeborn and Galadriel have a daughter named Celebrian who is married to Elrond.
Lirilla traveled with Aragorn for a few years, avoiding all elves. She knew full well that all the elves would be looking for the missing princess.
Aragorn knew too. Aragorn also taught her how to defend herself.
Tonight, they found themselves at the Prancing Pony in the village of Bree.
Aragorn had his hood up and was smoking a pipe.
Lirilla sat beside him quietly braiding her hair. She braided Greenleaf braids into her hair, like Legolas had taught her. "It's here", Lirilla said softly, "Can you feel it?"
Aragorn only nodded.
Four Halflings sat down and Aragorn kept his eyes on the one with the ring.
She used her elf hearing to listen in on the conversation.
"That fellow's done nothing but stare at you since we arrived", one of the Halflings said.
The Halfling turned to look at Lirilla and Aragorn.
One of the Halflings flagged down the waiter. "Excuse me", he said, "That Man in the corner. Who is he?"
"He's one of them Rangers. They're dangerous folk, wandering the Wilds. Always travelin' with that girl. What their right names are, I've never heard, but around here the Man's known as Strider and the girl, Lyric. It's been said she has the voice of an angel and has been known to sing in the dead of night", the waiter said.
"Strider and Lyric", the Halfling said to himself.
Lirilla turned away and back to Aragorn.
He continued to stare at the Halfling. Aragorn took his pipe out of his mouth as he watched the Halfling scramble towards the bar.
He fell back and disappeared.
Aragorn stood up and waited for him to reappear.
When the Halfling reappeared, Aragorn grabbed him by his cloak and pulled him up. He shoved him up against the wall and said, "You draw far too much attention to yourself, 'Mr. Underhill'". Aragorn dragged him up the stairs with Lirilla following. Aragorn took the Halfling to the room he was sharing with Lirilla. He shoved the Halfling into the room and locked the door.
"What do you want?" he asked.
"A little more caution from you. That is no trinket you carry", Aragorn said.
"I carry nothing", the Halfling said.
"Indeed", Aragorn said gruffly. Aragorn snuffed out all the candles saying, "Lyric and I can avoid being seen if we wish…but to disappear entirely, that is a rare gift. Aragorn pulled off his hood.
"Who are you?" the Halfling asked.
"Are you frightened?" Aragorn asked.
"Yes", the Halfling answered.
"Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you", Aragorn told him.
The door busted open and Aragorn unsheathed his sword as Lirilla loaded an arrow into her bow.
Three Halflings stood in the doorway.
"Let him go! Or I'll have you, Longshanks", one said holding up his fists.
One stood holding a candelabra and the other, a small end table.
Lirilla lowered her bow and smiled at the Halfling's bravery.
"You have a stout heart, little Hobbit. But that will not save you", Aragorn said returning his sword to its sheath, "You can no longer wait for the wizard, Frodo. They're coming".
The Hobbits settled into bed, except for Frodo.
Aragorn sat in a chair watching the Nazgûl.
Lirilla sat on the floor with her head on Aragorn's knee.
Suddenly, the Hobbits jerked awake.
"What are they?" Frodo asked.
"They were once Men. Great kings of Men. Then 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. Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgûl. Ringwraiths. Neither living nor dead. At all times they feel…the presence of the Ring…drawn to the power of the One. They will never stop hunting you", Aragorn explained.