I look over the road to see if I'm being followed. Luckily no evil is following me as I get to the gate of Bree, a small inhabited region, like an island in the surrounding empty lands. The people of Bree were brown-haired, broad and rather short, cheerful and independent. In the wild lands behind Bree there are mysterious wanderers. Well, mysterious to others but not to me. After my father died in the war, I left Rivendell to wander around on my own. Looking for enemies to direct my anger at. It was there where I met Aragorn, but I didn't want to know anything about him. I know he is Isildur's emissary and if Isildur was corrupted by the ring, then he must have been. I don't want to be friends with anyone who is so easily influenced.

A man sits in front of the gate of the guardhouse. He jumps up as soon as he sees me and looks at me in surprise. Fortunately, no one knows that I am actually princess of Rivendell, otherwise everyone would behave differently. No, throughout Middle-Earth I am known as a lonely strider. The only ones who know who I really am are my grandfather Elrond, Galadriel, Legolas of Mirkwood and his adopted sister Lostariel. Lostariel... she is the most beautiful elf I have ever seen and I am sure she is my soulmate. When we first touched, I felt electricity and she felt it too. I don't know if you can call us a couple, since she is still in Mirkwood with Legolas and I am here now in Bree. I haven't seen her in a long time, but I miss her so much.

,,What are you doing here and where are you from?" asks the man in the guardhouse.

,,I'm on my way to the inn here. I'm traveling east with an old friend." He doesn't need to know that I'm meeting a wizard here. That just gives me questions that I'm not going to answer anyway.

,,I know you won't blame me for wondering what takes you east of Bree. And what is your name, if I may be so bold?"

,,My name and my destination do not matter. I'm here on business, so you either let me in now or I use force." I grab the hilt of my dagger.

,,Okay, I didn't mean any harm. But perhaps you'll find that it's not just me who will ask you questions. There are strange people around. When you go to the Prancing Pony, you will notice that you are not the only guest." He bids me good night and lets me through, but not before looking after me curiously. I wonder why the man is so suspicious and whether anyone had asked for news about a lone traveler.

As soon as I enter the inn, I immediately look for a place in a corner at the back. This way no one will recognize me and I can keep my hood on. I look at the many different cultures here. Hobbits, humans, and even what looks like a dwarf. I've traveled for years, first to Dale to visit Bard, then on to Lorien to visit Galadriel. From Lorien I decided to travel through Rohan and beyond, but as I mentioned I was held up. Today I will make a quick stopover here in Bree before traveling on to Edoras. My grandfather, Elrond, doesn't like me traveling alone and really wants me to come back to Rivendell, but I have nothing left to come back for. Both my parents are dead and Chloe is in Mirkwood. And I find the mysterious forests and wilds much more interesting. Mainly because of the many animals or people I encounter. The man behind the bar approaches with a plate of food and something to drink, and places it on the table in front of me with fear in his eyes. Most people are afraid of Elves, I don't know why, but I don't mind. I nod to him in thanks and start to eat. This food is not what I normally eat, but I have to deal with it if I want to continue my journey tomorrow.

While eating my meal, a man comes and sits in the chair opposite me.

,,I'll introduce myself. My name is Gandalf. Gandalf the Grey." I recognize him from stories I heard along the way.

,,I know who you are."

,,Good. Well, can you tell me what Neuma Undomiel is doing in Bree?"

,,How do you know my name?" I ask, startled, looking around to see if anyone heard him.

,,Relax. I know a lot of things, things that go beyond what's happening today. Could you answer my question?" I roll my eyes.

,,I'm on my way to Edoras, this is only a stopover. My grandfather wants me to return to Rivendell."

,,Maybe that's a good idea," he tells me. "But that's not why I'm here." I groan and stop eating. I look at him with frustration.

,,This is not an unexpected encounter, is it, Gandalf? You knew I was going to stop here, huh?"

,,No, it is indeed not. I followed you, but that's not what's important right now." He stops talking and begins to whisper. ,,The ring of power was found in a place called 'The Shire'. Sauron knows it's there. Ringwraiths are on the road and I'm afraid for the future." I push away my plate and fold my hands.

,,What do you need from me?"

,,I'm going to Minas Tirith as soon as I can, but I want you to join me on a quest next month."

,,An adventure? Look, this is moving in the right direction."

,,You are always looking for adventures, young princess Nuema." Gandalf smiles at me.

,,How close are they to the Shire?"

,,Too close. A couple of leagues, no more. They will be there next month. We must help a young hobbit named; Frodo Baggins."

,,Baggins?" Gandalf nods. ,,And where will we lead him?"

,,Rivendel, princess." I look down. I haven't been there for years. After my father was killed, I spent months in Mirkwood with Chloe, but I have also been gone there for years. I miss Chloe very much, but I just had to find my own way. Luckily she understood and hoped she would see me again one day.

"Is there any chance that I can avoid this quest? I want to postpone my reunion with my grandfather as long as possible." Gandalf shakes his head.

"I know it's hard, but not going to Rivendell with Frodo is very dangerous. Frodo can't possibly go on his own, you know how dangerous it is." I sigh deeply.

"Alright, I'll meet you here again next month."

"Excellent." He gets up now. "See you then." And that's the last thing he says to me before he leaves the tavern again.

One month later

Following the instructions of Gandalf, I have come back to Bree. I have been traveling for a while, but stayed close to Bree so I could come back quicker. I remember the task to escort the hobbit; Frodo Baggins, to Rivendel. That was the only description. How am I supposed to recognize the hobbit if I have never seen him?

I enter the Prancing Pony now. Immediately the smell of alcohol hits me as I glance around the tavern, searching for the wizard, but he's not here. I walk to the table in the corner where I met Gandalf last month and cover my face with my cloak.

When I was little my grandfather Elrond told me about Bilbo and his quest to help a company of Dwarves reclaim the lonely mountain. He told me about Thranduil and the spiders of Mirkwood. It was because of those stories that I made the decision to travel Middle-Earth, to find the lonely mountain, Lake Town and Mirkwood. I found them all, but I also found Chloe. Her mother was killed by Uruk-Hai's and her father got banned when they found out he was the one telling the enemy where to find them. My grandfather also told me about the selfish dead Bilbo did. He found the ring and kept it for years, endangering everyone who is on Middle-Earth.

I look around the tavern again, searching for the wizard. Gandalf made me agree to this quest and promised he would be here today, but he is not here. I like a little adventure from time to time, but this time it can all end in death. I take a sip from my drink and scan the lowly bar. Drunken men are laughing and cheering, while the bartender hustles around busily. He passes me and asks me if I want to eat, but I kindly decline. He nods and swiftly makes his way to the next table.

For the third time I look around, but still no sight of Gandalf. I do see the door opening and closing, after which I see four tops of wet hoods. I know that humans are not that short and that there are few dwarves in Middle-Earth, so I'm guessing that these four short people are hobbits. The bartender looks over the counter at the four of them.

,,Good evening, little masters!" The bartender greets them. ,,If you are looking for accommodation we've got some nice, cozy, hobbit-sized rooms available Mr. uh-"

,,Underhill. My name is Underhill." The hobbit on the other side informs him. ,,We're friends of Gandalf the Grey." I rise up a little. Is that Frodo Baggins? ,,Can you tell him we've arrived, please?" They continue and I look at the bartender.

,,Oh yes! I remember him. Elderly chap, big grey beard, pointy hat?" Frodo nods and the bartender shakes his head. ,,I haven't seen him in six months." Wait, six months?! Gandalf was here a month ago. That's suspicious! I keep watching the four hobbits and see that the bartender leads them to a table, close to my table and I'm happy about that because now it gives me a good view of the hobbits.

The one who called himself Underhill has dark curly hair, a green button-up vest, and a wet cloak. He looks scary and uneasy. The one sitting next to him had lighter hair, also curly and is fatter than the others. The remaining two almost looks like brothers, though one had slightly lighter hair than the other and looks stouter. They're all wearing dark green, wet cloaks like Mr. Underhill's. Because I'm half elf, I can easily overhear the four hobbits talk. The one next to Mr. Underhill speaks up.

,,That woman over there has been doing nothing but stare at you since the moment we arrived in here." He points towards me. Mr. Underhill looks over at me, but he can't see my face because of my hood. He holds the bartender back.

,,Excuse me. That woman sitting across from our table. Who is she?" He asks.

,,She's known as strider. From what I've heard she's half elf and half human." Mr. Underhill looks over at me again. I give him a small hand gesture and a small nod, inviting him to sit with me. When Mr. Underhill comes closer, I throw my hood backwards, revealing my long brown hair and my deep blue eyes.

,,They call me strider," I say softly. ,,I'm very pleased to meet you, Mr. Underhill, if the old bartender got your name right."

,,Indeed he has," says Mr. Underhill stiffly.

,,Well, Mr. Underhill, if I were you I wouldn't let your young friends talk so much. Drink, a fire, and a chance encounter are very pleasant indeed, but you are not in the Shire anymore. There are strange people walking around here. Although you may think that I don't have much right to speak." I add with a smile. ,,But even stranger travelers have passed through Bree recently." Mr. Underhill's attention now suddenly turned to Pippin, who, encouraged by the success of his stories, now provides a comic account of Bilbo's farewell party and reveals Mr. Underhill's real name which is; Frodo Baggins. Frodo shifts restlessly, clearly not knowing what to do. ,,You have to do something quickly," I whisper in his ear.

,,Pippin!" Frodo shouts, grabbing Pippin, but he falls to the floor and something shoots up. I keep a close eye on the object, which looks like a ring. Frodo looks up from the floor in confusion, raises his arm, catches the ring on his finger and disappears! I stand up from my seat without a word and move towards the spot where the hobbit had just been lying. When Frodo reappears again and the men around him gasps, talking and chattering in confusion, I grab him from behind bringing him back to my spot in the corner.

,,Why did you do that? That was worse than anything your friends could have said. You fell for it! Or should I say, you stuck your finger in it?"

,,I don't know what you're talking about," says Frodo, annoyed and disturbed.

,,Oh yes, you do know," I answer. ,,But it is better to wait until the noise has died down. Then, if I may, Mr. Baggins, I would like to have a quiet talk with you. "

,,About what?" asks Frodo.

,,A matter of some importance - for both of us." I look straight at Frodo. ,,Perhaps you will hear something that you can use to your advantage."

,,Good. I'll talk to you later." Frodo says before joining the conversation that has been forming. I put my hood back on my head, knowing that I'm probably recognized by some now. But I like to be on the safe side. Without that someone sees me, I sneak to the room of the four hobbits.

It doesn't take long for the four hobbits to get to their room. I sit in a chair by the window.

,,You are in great danger, Frodo." I say, the moment Merry has closed the door. I turn off the candles that illuminate the room.

,,Who are you?" One of the hobbits asks. I look at him.

,,Are you scared?"

,,Yes."

,,Not scared enough. I know what hunts you." I look at Frodo. ,,You carry something very precious. You will have to be more careful." My voice is calm and quiet. Frodo is obviously curious. "You cannot wait until your wizard comes, Frodo. They will come."

,,Who's coming?" All four hobbits ask now. I want to answer but I'm interrupted by a sharp, screeching sound. I almost gasp, but stop it. I know what they are, even though I hadn't heard the screech in years.

,,What are they?" Frodo asks nervously.

,,They were once men. Great kings of men. Then Sauron the deceiver gave them nine rings. Nine rings of power. Blinded by their greed, they took them without question. One by one they fell into darkness and now they're slaves to his will. They're the Nazgul, Ringwraiths. Neither living, nor death. At all times they feel the presence of the ring, drawn to the power of the one. They will never stop hunting you." I see the black horsemen arriving in Bree now. ,,We leave at daybreak. Get some rest in the next room." I instruct them, stuffing the beds with pillows. ,,Now, I would like to know your names." Frodo speaks first.

,,My name is Frodo Baggins." He says slowly. I nod.

,,Samwise Gamgee." The fat one says.

,,Meriadoc Brandybuck. I go by Merry." Says the third one. He wears a yellow vest.

,,Peregrin Took. Or, Pippin, if you prefer." The last one says, hesitating before adding the last part.

,,My name is Nuema. We will have to fulfill an unclear path tomorrow. Even if men let us leave Bree unhindered, there is hardly any hope that we will be able to leave unnoticed. But I will try to make us disappear as quickly as possible. Besides the main road, I know a few other roads that lead from Bree land. Once we have shaken off our pursuers, I will head for Weather Top."

,,Weather Top?" Asks Sam. ,,What is that?"

,,That's a hill, even ten north of the road, about halfway between where we are now and Rivendell. It gives a wide view in all directions and there will be an opportunity to look around us. Gandalf is heading towards that point if he comes after us. After the Weather Top our travel options will become limited and we will have to choose between several dangers."

,,When was the last time you saw Gandalf?" Frodo asks me. ,,Do you know where he is or what he is doing?"

,,I don't know. In the spring I joined him to the West. In recent years I have often kept watch at the borders of the Shire, when he had things to do elsewhere. He rarely left the Shire unguarded. The last time we saw each other was here last month. He told me you were coming here today."

,,Do you think the black riders has something to do with Gandalf's absence?"

,,I don't know what else could've stopped him, except the enemy itself. But don't lose hope. Gandalf is bigger than you guys know in the Shire." Pippin yawns now.

,,Excuse me but I'm very tired. Despite all the danger I have to make sure to go to bed, otherwise I'll fall asleep during our adventure tomorrow." Screeching noises are heard now outside the tavern.

,,We are surrounded by the enemy. What do we have to do?" Frodo asks me.

,,Stay here in this room! They probably know which rooms are yours. The hobbit rooms have windows to the north close to the ground. We need to stay together and barricade this window and door. But first I will go and get your baggage. I can slip past them without them noticing me." I leave the room, quickly grab their things and go back to the room. As said, we barricade the window and the door. ,,I have mixed up the covers and put a pillow in the middle of your beds. I have made pretty imitations of heads."

,,Very lifelike, but what happens when they see through the disguise?"

,,We shall see. Let's hope we can hold on until tomorrow morning."

,,Good night, Nuema." They say before they fall asleep. As an half elf, I don't need as much sleep as they do. I age at much the same rate as humans, reaching adulthood at the age of twenty but from there it's not as quick. I'm so happy Lostariel is also half elf, because that mean we can live together until our deaths. Her father was human and her mother was an elf. I look out the window and am curious why Gandalf didn't meet me like he promised. I raise my hood and sink into the shadows. My hand lies on the hilt of my dagger while my mind if full themselves with Lostariel. I will go to her once the ring is in Rivendell.