Chapter Six

Andie sat in silence as she waited for Idhrenor to return. His absence made her nervous. She didn't like being alone in these hills. The thought of Idhrenor abandoning her, though fleeting, made her panic.

'No he wouldn't do that.' She reassured herself shaking her head.

Shifting in her seat Andie looked around her as she fidgeted with a stick in her hand. The sun was setting and her discomfort was worsen with each breeze from the chilling air. She thought of the afternoon when Idhrenor made them take a break for lunch. He was very kind and thoughtful. It was new to her, to be treated in such a way. Not that everyone she knew or meet was ill-tempered, rude, or just in general bad. She just wasn't used to someone going out of their way to care for her as he did.

His actions moved her. She found herself feeling strangely attached to Idhrenor and at the same time she was suspicious. Andie wasn't fortunate enough to have many friends. And the friends she did have bullied and used her. Not to mention being the black sheep of her family, she never really fit in anywhere back home. She didn't belong, not with friends or family. She played her part well, of the obedient daughter, and no one knew of her pain.

Andie always wanted a friend. A companion that she could be herself with. Someone who wasn't just around to take from her or use her. She thought briefly on how her family seemed to ignore her whenever she talked. How they laughed at her opinions and made her feel inadequate. She thought of the "friends" who spread rumors of her when she refused to do as she was told. Or the time her coworkers laughed and ridiculed her when she landed a coveted promotion. She thought of the man who harassed her for two whole years until she was forced to agree to date him. How he belittled her and treated her as a trophy left to collect dust on a mantle. She was her own person was she not? She was strong and deserved better than such treatment. And yet these people didn't seem to agree with that notion. Each one of them leaving a mark on her heart. For these reasons Andie kept people at bay and only had acquaintances. It was hard for her to open up to another even though it was something she craved strongly.

Then she met Idhrenor. She noted that he was strange, stubborn and smug. Andie huffed when she recalled their little argument earlier and how he had won. She had to admit that he was also kind, generous, and considerate. She smiled thinking back at how he had declined the apple she offered him at lunch and insisted that she eat it. He also shared with her a portion of his meal that consisted of strips of dried meat. It reminded her of jerky, maybe that's exactly what it was, and she was thankful for it. He had checked on her bruises and asked about her breathing. He looked after her and it was a kindness she never experienced before.

Her family practiced tough love and tough it was. There was no room for any whining or complaining as they would call it and because of this Andie suffered her asthma, anxiety and severe headaches alone. This tough love had harden Andie. It didn't leave her bitter. Despite all she had been through Andie learned to be understanding, compassionate and big-hearted. She almost always put others before herself, even when it hurt her. She was so used to wearing her heart on her sleeve that she eventually learned the hard way that it needed to be hidden away. The lesson learnt was that she had to be aware of how much people took from her. Compassionate or not there was only so much she could give and her heart suffered each time she was taken advantage of. There was a stone wall around her heart that wouldn't entertain the thought of friendship or any relationship for the matter. But, here was Idhrenor chipping away the stone like a masterful stonemason.

So lost in her thoughts, a distraction she was glad for, Andie didn't hear Idhrenor returning to their campsite. She was seated on the floor near his pack hugging her knees close to her. Her chin rested on the top of her knees and she stared distantly on the ground.

THUD

Andie jumped at the sound and yelped. Wide eyes searched for the origin of the sound and found branches and twigs dumped in a small heap near her. Looking up at the figure slightly behind the pile she saw Idhrenor with an apologetic smile rubbing the back of his head.

"Paenitet" he apologized with a hand over his heart.

Andie's palm pressed against her heart and she let out a relieved laugh. "Idhrenor!" She breathed and she playfully threw a small stick at his feet. Idhrenor offered her a amused smile in return as he busied himself with setting up camp. He was swift in his movements and he appeared to be well practiced. Andie wondered about his lifestyle and how he was so accustomed to the outdoors. She felt guilty just sitting there while he did all the work. He had already done so much for her and she hadn't contributed anything so far. Digging through her belongings Andie pulled out a granola bar. She was determined to get him to accept this gift. She wouldn't take no for an answer this time.

Idhrenor sat by the fire he lit. The campfire popping when he added more wood. Andie moved to sit close to him and Idhrenor looked at her questioningly. She held out a granola bar to him and smiled. When he didn't take it she grabbed his hand and placed it firmly in his palm. He was familiar with this object, as he did snoop through her belongings, but wasn't sure what she expected him to do with it. Turning the object over in his hands and examining it Andie saw his confusion. He fumbled with it and glance her way for an answer.

"It's a granola bar" She explained. "Food"

Andie grabbed the granola bar from his hands and tore open the packaging. She looked up briefly at Idhrenor and could see his curiosity. His body leaned in towards her with his gaze focused on her hands. 'Has he never had a granola bar before?' she wondered. Andie slid the bar out of the plastic wrapper and showed it to him.

"Granola bar" she told him in the same way he had showed her the Athelas plant.

"Ganola ba" he tried to repeat.

Andie smiled at him and shook her head no. "Gra-no-la Ba-rrr" she sounded out for him. He repeated each syllable she spoke causing Andie's smile to widen. Nodding her head yes Andie broke off a small piece of the bar and held it up for him to see. "Food" she said and she popped the small piece in her mouth. She placed the granola bar in his hand again and pointed to him. Before he could say a word Andie firmly said "Idhrenor. Granola Bar." He hesitated shortly and then took a bite. It was apparent by the expression on his face that he did not expect the flavor he was met with. He knew the taste, it was strawberries and oats.

"Gratias tibi Andie" Idhrenor thanked her while handing back the rest of the bar.

"No" She shook her head. "Granola Bar. Idhrenor."

Andie covered his hand with both of her own and pushed his hand until it was a inch away from his chest. Her eyes never left his and she said it once more. "Granola Bar. Idhrenor." Andie released his hand when he nodded in understanding. She did it! She finally won one "battle" with Idhrenor. Andie beamed at him and sat back content she was able to somewhat properly thank him for his continued help. She wished she could do more but, she didn't think the small amount of cash in her wallet would suffice and she didn't have anything of much value to offer. His help was invaluable to her and she would try her best to thank him as much as she could for a long as she was with him.

Idhrenor ate the rest of the granola bar and watched Andie in his peripherals. She was watching the flames in the campfire dance about, the firelight casting shadows on her face. Night had fallen and soon it would be wise for both of them to sleep, though he would remain on guard. It was good that Bree was only half a day away, he was running low on food and other necessities that he would have to replenish. Idhrenor would have been in Bree by now were he alone but he had slowed his pace in consideration for Andie's state. He was aware that she was still limping even with her trying to hide it. He considered reapplying Athelas on her bruises again. Reaching into his pack Idhrenor withdrew bread and dried meat. He broke the bread in half and gave her half his dinner.

"Thank you" She said accepting the meal.

They had come a long way, especially Andie. Trust did not come easy to her and now here she was sharing food with a man she just met a day ago. It was strange how she felt so safe with him. Perhaps it was the heroics of him saving her from the monster? Or maybe it was how he cast aside his sword for her in apology. His actions spoke louder than any words they would ever share. Even though they couldn't communicate clearly Andie knew he was different. He had integrity and honor, two characteristics she didn't see very often. Andie stared at her food and wondered if there was a way she could ask Idhrenor if he knew how to get to her street or somewhere she was familiar with. Idhrenor notice she wasn't eating and called to her.

"Andie"

She looked up at him and said, "yes?"

He motioned for her to eat and Andie obeyed silently. He could see she was pensive and wouldn't bother her as long as she ate. Andie's face lit up and she took a large unladylike bite from the dried meat. Idhrenor's eyebrows rose and smiled amused at her sudden behavior. He wondered what she was up to. He continued to eat as he watched her from where he sat.

"Idhrenor" she said excitedly.

He hummed in response while he chewed on his food. He could see her drawing with one of the strange sticks from her bag on the parchment in the tome she carried. Curiously he tilted his body towards her for a better view. Andie drew her building and herself. Turning herself so he could better see the page, Andie pointed at the drawing of herself. It was a quick drawing, nothing special, and hopefully it would get the message across.

"Andie" She said as she pointed to the drawing of herself.

She then pointed to the building and said "Home."

She repeated this once more. Using her hands to form a triangular roof over her head as she said "Home" one last time and finished with pointing at the building. She paused for his reaction. Did he understand? Idhrenor thought carefully at the meaning as he finished his dinner, popping the last piece of bread in his mouth. He picked up a stick and drew a small house in the ground. Pointing at his drawing he said clearly "Home. Domum." He pointed to her drawing of home and confirmed his understanding with "Andie Home. Andie Domum."

"YES!" She exclaimed.

In her overjoyed state she almost hugged him but, luckily she restrained herself. Idhrenor's scowled at her and shush her quickly. Embarrassed at her outburst she covered her mouth and nodded. Idhrenor sighed and motioned for her to continue."Andie. Go. Home." She said pausing after each word to mime out each meaning. She pointed at herself for "Andie." Then moved her fingers in a walking gesture on top of her palm for the word "go". And finally holding her hands above her head in a triangle shaped roof for "home". Idhrenor nodded.

"Andie go home." He said in his deep accent. He understood! They were finally getting somewhere! Maybe communication would be easier than she thought.

"Andie" she said pointing to herself. "Home?" She finished with the shrugging of her shoulders. Idhrenor understood what she was saying with the sad expression on her face. He placed a heavy hand on her shoulder and nodded. He began to draw again. Andie wasn't sure what he was trying to draw. He had drawn a small cluster of homes before "Andie's home" and circled it. He then drew what she thought to be a person in between her home and the cluster. It was a person in a cloak with a pointy hat holding a really long stick she guessed. But, what did this have to do with her?

"Gandalf" he said when he was done. "Gandalf. Andie. Home."

"Gan..Gandalf?"

He nodded. "Bree" he said gesturing to the cluster of homes. "Gandalf" he pointed at the person with the pointy hat. "Andie go home" he ended with the point of the stick resting on the last drawn home. Her mouth opened into a silent "oh" and nodded in understanding. She would find her way in Bree. This was the only answer she had, Bree. She put her things away and finished the remainder of her meal. Unanswered questions echoed in her mind and it was becoming harder and harder for her not to pay them attention. Where was she? How did she get lost? It wasn't a new path she took in that park. She knew it well, so how did she get lost? Why was Idhrenor dressed the way he was? And Tom too? It was as if she was the one who was out of place but, that didn't make sense at all.

'My Phone!' she remembered.

Making sure to be cautious with Idhrenor's apprehension with the device, Andie called to him. Shifting herself so that she sat side by side with him, she held the phone in between them. Idhrenor tensed noticeably. She placed a hand on his knee solely with the intention of reassuring it was harmless but, the gesture was mistaken. Idhrenor jumped up from where he sat effectively putting a considerate amount of distance between them.

"M-mea Domina!" He stammered. A faint blush crept across the cheeks.

Andie blinked. Once…Twice…Thrice. It became apparent to her that he didn't appreciate what she had done. She didn't mean anything by it. It was a fairly common gesture where she was from. One that usually conveyed the meaning "everything is going to be alright" or something similar to those lines. But, then she remembered he had different customs than her. She hadn't thought that he would misunderstand. It then dawned on Andie, considering his reaction to the sweater incident earlier, that she had once again crossed a line. She realized that she may have come off as too forward and that he must have thought she was trying to make a pass at him! Heat flooded her face and she knew without a doubt that she was intensely blushing. Andie stood and shook her head no. She placed her hand on her heart and shook her head no again.

"Idhrenor sorry." She apologized embarrassed.

"Phone" she said pointing at the device. "Idhrenor. Phone." She continue pointing between him and it.

"Andie. Idhrenor. No." She explained pointing to him and herself while shaking her head and wagging her finger no.

There was a short silence, both awkward and tense. Idhrenor studied her intensely and then pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed. He gave her a direct look that clearly said "Keep your hands to yourself" as he walked to her. The blush on her face hadn't left and it somewhat relieved her to see that Idhrenor was in the same boat as her. At least she wasn't the only one mortified. He consciously left a small space between them and grunted at her. The phone made a small musical sound as it powered on and the screen lit up. Andie looked up at Idhrenor and saw him focusing on the screen.

"Phone Idhrenor."

She unlocked the phone and opened up the gallery for him to see. His hands slowly reached for the phone and she acquiesced to his silent request. Handing him the phone she quickly showed him how to scroll through the pictures. Idhrenor marveled at each photo. He would occasionally glance up at her to compare the women he saw in the photos to the one who stood before him. Then there was a sudden sound of people and traffic. Idhrenor nearly dropped the phone in shock if it weren't for Andie's hands catching his.

"Idhrenor. Home." She told him softly.

At the mention of her home his attention returned to the screen. He could see people dressed similarly to Andie walking on roads of stone and metal wagons that moved without horses. He could hear many unfamiliar sounds and then he saw what looked to be a celebration carrying on in an open plain. Andie pointed to the the scene playing and said "Park." It was the park she had walked in as a detour to get home. She hoped he recognized it but, by the astonished expression he had she knew he did not. Her eyes burned with tears and she could feel a thick lump form in her throat. She swallowed hard but, it wouldn't go away.

'Don't cry. Don't cry' she scolded herself.

Sensing her grief Idhrenor awkwardly patted her shoulder. He returned the phone to her and Andie placed it away in her back pocket. He handed her his blanket and motion for her to lay near the fire. Wiping her eyes she tiredly obey. She winced as she walked. This did not escape Idhrenor's notice. She had been limping all day. Andie sat near the fire and removed her left sneaker. She couldn't take the pain anymore. The blister burned and throbbed. There was a great relief she felt when it was freed from it cage and it could be heard in her sigh. She turned her foot for a better view. It annoyed her greatly that Idhrenor wasted no time to kneel in front of her and handle her foot.

"No" Andie whined.

Idhrenor effectively shushed her with a wave of his hand and that was that. She huffed in defiance. The blister laid on the sole of her foot and it had grown in size. It was the size of a dime a day ago but, now it was the size of a quarter. He poked at it lightly causing her to recoil and hiss in pain. It may have been because Andie was too focused on her blister or maybe she was just too tired to pay attention to him but, she had failed to see him remove a small dagger from his boot. He swiftly turned to the fire and heated the point of the blade. Andie yawned and wondered what he was doing that was taking so long. After a few minutes she became inpatient and tilted herself to the side to see what he was up to. To her disbelief she could see him heating up a blade in the fire and her reaction was instant.

"Idhrenor what the hell are you doing!?" She yelled at him and she attempted to scramble away. The sight was shocking and terrifying and her mind simply went into panic mode. Though she had startled him with her shouting Idhrenor's composure recovered without a hitch and he firmly grabbed her ankle. Andie kicked and shouted repeatedly and Idhrenor was forced to hold the dagger by its hilt in his mouth. He was careful to avoid the blade. With both hands now able to restrain her, Idhrenor straddled Andie's figure with his front facing her feet. With one hand he grabbed her left foot using his arm to pin down her leg. He placed his body weight slightly on her to stop her from squirming and he ignored her pleads and shouts. He removed the now cooled blade from his mouth with his free hand and pressed it against her blister. He could feel Andie tense beneath him and proceeded with draining it. Andie whimpered.

There was a small sharp pain and then…nothing. Idhrenor released her legs and rose off of her. He fetched a small pot and the Athelas plant from his pack and proceeded to boil the plant in a small amount of water. Andie sat up straight and pulled her leg inward to inspect what he had done. There was a tiny slit on the side of her now flat and drained blister. It didn't burn or throb as badly either now that it was popped. It was still sensitive to touch but it was better than what it was before. Idhrenor slapped her hand away and shook his head no. He was crouched beside her now trying to examine her foot again while he waited for water to boil. Andie was highly upset with him. Sure she felt embarrassed that she had made a big deal out of a tiny puncture to pop her blister. And yeah it wasn't the first time she had to have someone pop a blister on her foot before. But in her defense they had used a small needle and he used a blade! And how was she suppose to know it wouldn't hurt much? He made such a big deal over her hand on his knee and now he had just manhandled her and didn't even acknowledge that. Nope. It was all just one big Nope. Now it was her turn to put him in his place.

"Idhrenor!" She pushed his shoulders back hard. He was baffled and quickly steadied himself. Andie wasn't done.

"Don't. Freaking. Manhandle. ME!" She gritted out, punching him in the shoulder hard with each word causing him to land on his behind.

Idhrenor's eyes widen and he froze momentarily speechless. Andie glared at him with hands firmly planted on either side of her hips. She knew this pose was less intimidating with her on her knees but she didn't back down. "We're even now!" She shouted. Idhrenor snapped out of his daze and hurry to hush her.

"Shhhh!" He shushed, holding a finger to his lips.

"Pax. Paenitet me Andie." He bowed his head in apology.

They're were messing up way too much and this constant apologizing was getting tiring. Andie dismissively waved her acceptance of his apology and muttered an "I'm sorry" as well. They had apologized to each other so often that both of them were now able to understand that the words Sorry and Paenitet to have the same meaning.

Idhrenor took the pot off the fire and allowed it to cool. Andie willed herself to trust in his skills and slid her foot in his direction. She was too tired stay mad at him. She was sure he got the message of her disapproval of being manhandled. She knew he didn't mean her harm. He was only trying to help her, it was something she kept forgetting every time he treated one of her ailments.

Idhrenor placed a small piece of bandage to soak in the pot once it cooled. It was the size of a small square, smaller than her palm. He placed the square on her blister and secured it in place with a bandage wrapped lightly around her foot. He held onto her foot gently and called to her.

"Andie"

"Hmm?"

"Somnum"

"Huh?"

"Andie somnum" he said while miming the action of sleep.

She wouldn't argue with that. She was exhausted. Andie nodded her head and laid on the ground. She felt Idhrenor put her sock back on her foot carefully and she murmured a thank you. The weight of a warm blanket covered her and snuggled right into it. She closed her eyes and sleep proved not to be her friend at the moment. Her mind buzzed with thoughts of the monster and wether or not It was safe to sleep. She told herself that she would be alright. Idhrenor was with her and that meant she was safe.

A few minutes pass by and Andie was still having trouble sleeping. She propped herself up with her elbows and looked at Idhrenor laying on the opposite side of the fire seemingly asleep. She thought about moving close to him. Not so close that it would be improper but close enough so she wouldn't feel like an open target.

"Andie somnum"

His voice was rough with sleep. He didn't look at her and his eyes were close. How did he know she was awake? She laid back and stared into the night sky. How was she suppose to sleep out here? She had never been camping before in her life. She raised her hand up to trace the stars and saw the bandage wrapped around her wrist. Touching it she realized that she had forgotten to clean off the paste like she intended to. Feeling too tired to get into another argument with Idhrenor, Andie decided to forgo any plans of cleaning her bruises until the next day. She survived a whole day with it on. What's a couple more hours right? Then Andie heard what she believed to be the most terrifying sound she would ever hear in the dark.

GEKKERINGGG

Andie sat up straight and looked around in the darkness fearfully. What the hell was that sound? Why was it so loud? And what the hell is it?! Andie could feel the tightness in her chest as memories of "El Cuco" flooded her mind. She was already sweating and her body felt overheated.

'Please don't be the monster. Please don't be the monster.' She repeatedly pleaded in her mind.

She didn't want to bother Idhrenor. She could deal with this. Surely it wasn't anything threatening since Idhrenor still laid "asleep" she reasoned. Suddenly there was a loud bark like scream that filled the air and Andie's fear got the best of her.

"Idhrenor" She whimpered.

In an instant Idhrenor was up, hand ready at the hilt of his sword, looking round for source of her distress. He saw nothing wrong except Andie sitting balled up in his blanket with teary eyes. Why was she crying? He was sure nothing had happened.

"Idhrenor" She sniffled and held out a hand for him.

She was too afraid to move. She pleaded for him again and Idhrenor walked to where she sat. She grabbed his hand and pulled so that he would sit beside her. She didn't care if it made him uncomfortable or that she barely knew him. She was terrified and she couldn't be alone. Before Idhrenor could ask what was wrong the bark-like scream filled the silence once more. Andie jumped onto Idhrenor to which he reflectively responded by steadying himself and holding her tightly. Andie buried her head into his chest and refused to let go of his shirt. Much to his surprise Andie's grip was like iron in this fearful state of hers and he couldn't free himself of her hold. He awkwardly patted her on the back unsure of what to do. Did she not know that it was just the call of a fox? There was nothing for her to fear. What was Idhrenor to do?

The only thing he could do was comfort her. It wasn't proper but she wouldn't release him. Idhrenor embraced her tightly and he could hear her sob into his chest. He could feel heat rise in his cheeks and a slight panic in his heart. Why was she crying? Was she hurt? Surely a fox's call didn't cause this. He didn't know that Andie had been pushing back her anxiety and overwhelming feelings since the encounter with the barrow-wight. She had bottled it all up, refusing to deal with any of it until she had gotten home. Home, the one place she desperately wished to be. The fox's scream was just the tip of the iceberg and the iceberg was massive at the moment.

Idhrenor let her cry. He rubbed circles on her back and held her close to him until her sobbing stopped. Slowly releasing her he found her asleep in his arms, her hair stuck onto her tear stained slightly red blotchy cheeks. He sighed and stared at her sleeping form annoyed. This woman was the most frustrating woman he had ever met! He tried to lay her on the ground to move her out of his arms but, she wouldn't release him much to his annoyance. This wasn't proper! Not at all. He would have to wait for sleep to fully take her before he could be free. Sighing for what seemed like the 100th time today, Idhrenor laid on the ground with Andie latched on tightly like a starved leech.

A/N: Hi everyone! This chapter was a long one even with all that i had edited out. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. I tried to give a brief insight to Andie's background to explain a bit of her character. I had to make a few tough calls on Idhrenor's character to be revealed later on in the story. I dont want to say much and risk spoiling anything from future chapters but, I was really happy to hear that some of you have grown attached to him. Thank you to everyone for the reviews! Any writing advice or constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.

-DreamingGalaxies

Paenitet: Sorry

Gratias tibi Andie: Thank you Andie

Domum: Home

Mea Domina!: My Lady!

Pax. Paenitet me Andie: Peace. I'm sorry Andie

Somnum: Sleep

Gekkering: its a sound that foxes make.

Disclaimer:

Everything belongs to J.R.R. Tolkien except my OCs and the unrecognizable parts of the plot.