Chapter Eight

"Who goes there?!" Shouted a voice from behind the gate.

"What business brings you to Bree?"

"We are heading to the Prancing Pony Inn for shelter and food." Idhrenor's deep voice answered.

There was an elderly man peering through a little window from the gate. His face was wrinkled and his hair greasy and grey. He surveyed the two travelers requesting admittance into Bree, taking in their appearance for a moment. One was shorter than the other and looked like a frighten child hiding from a thunderstorm underneath a blanket. The other he knew in passing. He knew him as one of the watchers who frequented Bree.

"Will you not open the gate?" Idhrenor spoke impatiently.

There was a slight annoyed look on his face. Andie noted his expression and looked to the old man for answers. But, instead she found a scrutinizing gaze moving from her to Idhrenor as this man was seemingly making a decision. It made her uncomfortable to be on the receiving end of such a judgmental stare. She looked to Idhrenor once more for any inkling of an explanation on the situation but, all she saw was a confident unwavering man. He stood tall with a grim expression on his face now, one that she recalled him having the day they met. She had been arguing and testing the patience of her hero for two days and it now dawn on her just how truly intimidating Idhrenor really is.

From his peripherals he could see Andie tugging at her borrowed cloak in an attempt to hide herself from the gatekeeper. He was accustomed to looks of distrust and suspicion from the people of Bree. Even though he and his fellow rangers protected the peace in these lands, they were still seen as distrustful and dangerous. He cleared his throat to gain her attention and upon catching her eyes he gave her a small smile. Andie would just have to get use to such judgmental looks as long as she stayed with him but, for now he offered her a small gesture of reassurance.

"And who travels with you 'Watcher'?" The old man asked stubbornly.

It irked him to see the old man's eyes fixed solely on Andie. He understood how strange she appeared all wrapped up in a cloak and anyone would rightly question it. But, the man's intense stare was beyond uncalled for. Many times did travelers looking far worse and suspicious than Andie entered through the gates of Bree and none received such welcome. Idhrenor stood before Andie protectively with one hand gesturing for her to stay behind him.

"Travel companion" he replied curtly.

Glancing back to her, he was met with questioning brown doe-eyes. He could see her nervousness plain across her face and in the way she fidgeted with her hands. If only he knew that the root of her anxiety was more than her inability to understand his language. That it was also intertwined with confusion on where she was and the fear that she was more than simply lost. He nodded his head at her with eyebrows lowered and his lips in a tight line. She nodded back in reply, displaying her understanding.

"Travel companion eh?" The old man repeated, stroking his beard. "Very well."

The window closed with a clack. Idhrenor walked passed the open gate into Bree without a second glance to Andie, so sure that she would follow after him. But, there she remained, her feet heavy like lead in water. She looked beyond the gate from where she stood and then turned to look at the wilderness behind her, weighing her options. Should she continue on with him or return to the hills alone? She know very well the dangers of blindly following a stranger. But, then again it was too dangerous to be alone and this she feared more after her encounter with the barrow-wight.

"Well? Are you coming in or not? I don't have all day." The old man barked at her.

Andie jumped at the harsh tone directed her way and stared at the old man in apprehension. Idhrenor's attention immediately turned to her and he saw indecisiveness in her eyes. Why does she wait? He was sure that Bree was her goal destination. She had a map with the location marked and had asked him of Bree many times during their journey together. He was sure there was no miscommunication there. He knew of her reasons for traveling to Bree and so it puzzled him as to why she hesitates to enter the village.

"Andie" he called out as he motioned for her to follow.

His voice was soothing to her, like a cool fresh breeze on a summer day. He reached the gate in three long strides and offered his hand. His features soften and he gave her a small smile once more. He ignored the gatekeeper's impatient grumbling and paid no mind to the curious stare this onlooker was giving him. He gave her his undivided attention looking directly into her eyes.

"Andie, come."

She could see the old man's annoyance growing with each passing second. There was no time for second guessing. Momentarily pushing aside every doubt and fear, Andie took hold of Idhrenor's hand firmly as he guided her over the threshold. She looked up to him from under her hood and gave him a small strained smile in return.

Her choice was sealed with the sound of the closing gate. Idhrenor patted her shoulder and nodded in the direction further into Bree. She returned his nod in understanding and they both continued down the road. She had trusted him this far and he had not led her astray. She silently hope she wouldn't come to regret this decision.

They had been walking in Bree for only five minutes and Idhrenor noticed Andie's distress. Was she always this skittish? He briefly watched her from his peripherals and decided it would do no good to ask if she was fine at this moment. With their communication limited he felt that it would be better to wait until they arrived at the Prancing Pony where they could "talk" away from prying eyes.

Andie was a unusual sight to the people of Bree and she was grateful for the cover Idhrenor's cloak gave her. There was no doubt that a small ball of fabric walking alongside a watcher was strange to them but, they were equally as peculiar to Andie as well. The men and women were all taller than her and dressed in outdated clothing. It was as if she had stepped back in time and it unnerved her. There were no buildings, cars, or any sign of modern technology at all. Listening closely, she could hear conversations carrying on all around her in the same strange foreign language Idhrenor spoke. She looked around every which way for anything familiar but, found none. She thought Bree would be the place where she would find answers, not more questions. Her inattentiveness to the road ahead caused her to walk into a boulder of a man with a 'umph'.

Andie apologized quickly as she corrected her glasses to sit on her nose. Towering over her was a broad bald heavy set man glaring down at her small form. His clothes smelled of sweat and beer. Frozen in place, Andie stared wide-eyed at the intimidating man who seem to be growling at her. Was he drunk? Too lost in her fear, she didn't think to look for Idhrenor for help. Luckily, she didn't have to. Idhrenor swiftly pulled her behind him upon hearing the apologetic word spoken.

"My apologies"

He did not wait for a response and continued down the path with Andie struggling to keep up with his pace. He held onto her arm and kept her by his side while they walked. She huffed and sped walked until they stopped in front of a huge home. It was three stories high and looked very inviting. There was a sign that hung over the entrance with a White Horse rearing and the words "Prancing Pony Inn". To Andie this appeared to be someone's home. Was this where Gandalf lived? Idhrenor pulled open the door and gently pushed her in, earning him a warning look from Andie. He smirked at her in response, remembering she did not like to be manhandled.

The place was filled with people eating, conversing, and laughing. Bar wenches served food and ale, making their rounds to check on their patrons. It was quite warm in the Inn and the amount of people in the room did not help with the temperature. There were all sorts of smells; food, sweat, alcohol and smoke. Andie held the cloak close to her nose and the scent of grass and leather thankfully help put her at ease. She had to be careful around strong odors, especially the smell of smoke, or else her asthma would be aggravated.

Idhrenor scanned around the room until his eyes reach a corner table by a large window where two hooded figures sat. Their cloaks were of the same color and design as his and both held the same bearings as him as well. One was sat with his back leaned against the wall with one leg resting on top of the other, smoking a long pipe in his hand. While the other sat slightly hunched over a large mug. He placed a hand on the small of Andie's back, ushering her in the direction of his comrades. She tensed at his touch but, complied nonetheless. Both hooded figures sat up straight in acknowledgment of Idhrenor and his guest's arrival.

"Berenor. Remlas." He greeted both with a smile.

Andie could feel the gaze of both men on her and she unconsciously shifted behind him. Both men stood on their feet and welcomed Idhrenor warmly. They were both around the same height as him. Their clothing were dark and dull just as his and they were armed with swords at their hips. Andie couldn't clearly see their faces as their were hidden under the shadow of their hoods. She quietly observed this interaction and tried to decipher what was being said. Were they friends? Family? Or maybe one of them was Gandalf! A small flicker of hope ignited in her heart and she tugged on Idhrenor's sleeve. He turned to her with a eyebrow raised questioningly.

"Gandalf?" She asked, quickly glancing at the two men.

Both men chuckled at her assumption and she felt her face burn. It was frustrating enough that she felt out of place and couldn't understand a thing. But, now she was being laughed at and she felt a bit embarrassed. Idhrenor smiled down at her while holding back a laugh and shook his head no. He stepped to the side so that she was no longer hiding behind him and gently pushed her before him by the small of her back. She mumbled a small protest as her confidence became almost nonexistent. These men were intimidating. They looked mysterious and dangerous despite their smiles. It didn't help that she had to crane her head up to look at them. She felt very small in the presence of these men, Idhrenor included, and it wasn't solely because of their height.

"Remlas, son of Nengel" the man on the right introduced himself with a small nod, his hand on his heart.

"And Berenor, son of Boridhren, at your behest." the other spoke in kind.

She stared at them confused. What were they saying? They spoke with the same heavy accent as Idhrenor and the noise from the lively people around them made it difficult for her to focus on the words. They both waited patiently for her to speak but, then looked to Idhrenor when she did not. Had they offended her? She too looked to him for assistance with pleading eyes. Upon seeing his comrades' confusion and her silent plead for help, he briefly explained in a hushed voice Andie's situation.

"She does not speak the Common Speech. She is called Andie. I brought her here to present her to Gandalf for aid...and for other reasons we should not discuss so openly. I have little reason to suspect any ill will from her but, I will leave the final judgement to Gandalf. I will explain everything when we are alone."

At this Remlas and Berenor's attention turned to Andie with narrowed eyes. Their gaze traveled from her head to her toes as they tried to discern for themselves her trustworthiness. Andie felt her heart drop at their intense examination. Was she imagining it or did the mood between them all change? She fidgeted with the cloak and avoided eye contact with them. She didn't like how helpless she felt and became aware of how her behavior may be perceived. She quickly stilled her hands to simply hold the excess fabric just above her feet. Even though these men made her nervous she didn't want them knowing that.

"Andie." Idhrenor's voice called her, breaking her from her thoughts.

"Remlas" He said placing a hand on Remlas' shoulder.

"Berenor" He continued, patting Berenor on the back.

She looked to both and smiled the best smile she could muster. She wasn't great with meeting new people. She never knew what to say after introducing herself and always felt like a awkward mess of a person. But, she figured that couldn't apply here. She wouldn't be able to say much anyway considering they wouldn't understand her. So she did what she could and hoped it wouldn't offend anyone.

"Remlas" she said looking to the man on her right.

"Berenor" she confirmed turning to the man on her left.

"Andie" she finished, extending her right hand out to Berenor in an attempt at a handshake.

A moment of silence filled the space between them all and heat rose to her cheeks. Did he not want to shake her hand? Why were they all looking at her strangely? Remlas cleared his throat and bowed toward her. He held her offered hand in his and lightly kissed her knuckles.

"My lady" he said politely before he stood tall once more.

It was quick and unexpected. She knew she was blushing without a doubt. Never had any man ever greeted her in such a way. She was used to the occasional kiss on the cheek to greet friends, family, and rarely acquaintances. Hugs were also a common form of greetings she was accustomed to. But, hand-kissing was extremely rare and she never heard or seen anyone do so outside of romance movies or royalty/upper class.

Berenor looked at Remlas incredulously while Idhrenor snorted and rolled his eyes. She had pronounced their names so clearly without a hitch and now she was presenting herself like a lady? He wouldn't warn Remlas and Berenor of her strange unladylike habits just yet. It could wait until after he had acquired food. He was hungry and that granola bar Andie had shared with him early was not sufficient.

Idhrenor ushered Andie to sit at the table before sitting beside her. Berenor sat across from her while Remlas sat in the remaining seat to her right. There was not much she could say or do so she sat there quietly. She didn't dare look at Berenor or Remlas and she couldn't help but feel so far from Idhrenor despite him sitting right next to her. Berenor's arm shot up as he flagged down a bar wench.

"Four ales and the usual" he ordered for the table and the young woman hurried off to fulfill her task.

"Is there a reason why she hides herself?" Remlas asked.

"Yes, I too am interested as to why she conceals herself underneath your cloak." Berenor added.

Four large mugs of Ale were placed on the table and each man immediately grabbed one. Andie watched them awkwardly, not sure what to do. They were speaking as if she wasn't there and with Berenor and Remlas' faces half hidden there was only Idhrenor's expressions she could look to for guesses on the conversation. Idhrenor slide the last unclaimed mug her way before taking a swing from his.

"Her clothing isn't appropriate." He stated matter-of-factly, taking another swing of his ale.

"She's indecent?!" Remlas whispered loudly disbelieving, averting his eyes away from her.

Berenor coughed loudly into his mug after inhaling some liquor accidentally upon hearing the information. Andie looked from Berenor to Remlas in bewilderment. Did something happen? What did Idhrenor say? She turned to Idhrenor and saw him carrying on as usual. He was calm and collected and she couldn't find the source of what made her new acquaintances uncomfortable.

"She's somewhat decent. She's clothed, though her garments will gain too much attention. I will have to obtain appropriate clothing for her soon" He answered.

Berenor dared a glance at Andie but, quickly looked elsewhere when he caught her eye. She saw him shift in his seat awkwardly and noticed that Remlas was still avoiding looking in her direction.

"Perhaps we should remedy that now. I'm sure Mr. Butterbur's wife would have a spare dress the lass could borrow. I could possibly trade for it." Remlas insisted.

"If you feel the need to do so at this moment, then I will not stop you. I had intended to trade for one from one of the nearby shops but, it has been a long tiring couple of days traveling with her and I am hungry. Same as I said before, she's somewhat decent. The cloak simply conceals what was inappropriate." He explain.

"Rest assured, she is clothed from head to toe. I made sure" he finished, grumbling into his mug.

Idhrenor took noticed of the untouched mug before Andie. Was she not thirsty? He nudged her arm with his elbow and gestured to the mug for her to drink. She nodded in understanding and thanked him in her language, to which only he understood as gratitude. The words she spoke peaked the curiosity of the other rangers. Her hand wrapped around the mug and she looked inside to see its contents. She stared apprehensively at the brown liquid. Every fiber in her told her it would not be wise to drink the mystery liquid gifted by a stranger. What if it was drugged? She wanted to trust Idhrenor but, with Remlas and Berenor here now she wasn't comfortable accepting the drink.

"Has there been any sign of Gandalf?"

"No. We haven't seen him but, he may arrive any day. Did he not say he intended to stay in Bree briefly after his business in the Shire?" Remlas answered.

"Yes indeed he did. You might only need to wait for the wizard..." Berenor replied, drinking from his mug.

"It would seem that she is attached to you" Berenor commented, pointing out the close proximity between the two. Andie had slowly inched her way closer to Idhrenor and away from Remlas after their outbursts moments ago.

"It would seem so" Remlas agreed, stroking his beard contemplating. "Why has it been tiring traveling with the lass?"

"She is a frustratingly stubborn woman." He vented, running his fingers through his hair.

Watching her stare at her drink, Idhrenor sighed. He knew why she didn't drink. It was the same reason as it was for the tea he gave her when they first met properly, trust. He would have to show her that neither he or his fellow rangers held any ill will towards her.

"Andie"

"Hmmm?"

Idhrenor took the mug from her hands and drank one large gulp from it. She watched him embarrassed that he knew she doubted him even after all they had been through. He held the mug before her and she took it sheepishly.

"Drink" he told her.

"Have you two worked through your shared stubbornness? As I recall, you can be quite stubborn yourself" Remlas remarked.

"And you say she doesn't speak Westron? How is it you two seem to understand each other?" Berenor questioned.

"I am not stubborn. I am diligent, there is a difference" He retorted.

"We barely understand each other Berenor. We've been communicating through gestures and drawings. All I can do is guess and it is the same for her. We've have too many misunderstandings." He explained begrudgingly.

"Misunderstanding?" Remlas inquired.

"I am in no mood to talk of such things, nor will I ever be" Idhrenor concluded.

"And you say you're not stubborn" Remlas teased.

"Now there must be a tale there worthy of being told" Berenor joked.

"Perhaps we should ask the lass? I'm sure I can acquire parchment and ink easily fro—"

"Why don't you acquire her some appropriate clothing instead of focusing on matters that have nothing to do with you!" Idhrenor chastised.

"Ah it must be a grand tale then!" Berenor continued.

Remlas and Berenor both smirked at their dear friend, it was all too easy for them to push his buttons for they knew him for years. Idhrenor glared at them and was about to speak once more but, was interrupted by a mixture of coughing and sputtering. The three men's attention fell solely on the source of the sounds and they were graced with the sight of Andie's face slightly scrunched up from the strong taste of the ale. Her hood was off and her expression was clear for all to see, as if she had taken a bite out of a lemon. Coughing from the burn of the alcohol, she placed the mug on the table and pushed it towards Idhrenor as she shook her head no. They all stared at her speechless before bursting into laughter, their hearty laughter startling the other patrons. Watchers were not known to laugh so openly and loudly. Andie lightly punched Idhrenor's arm and glared at him, her face bright red.

"Idhrenor!" She shouted at him.

"Shhh!" he shushed her in jest, still chuckling lightly.

"I take it she's not a drinker eh?" Berenor grinned.

"Apparently not" Remlas agreed.

She may not have understood what the two were saying but, she guessed it was at her expense so she extended her glare them as well. This didn't help to calm their laughter. She pulled the hood over her head and snatched the mug back from Idhrenor. It may have been a strong drink for her but, if she was going to have to deal with essentially three Idhrenors she concluded that she was going to need it. Thankfully food had arrived at the table and she was freed from their teasing.

Idhrenor placed a plate with a serving of chicken, beans, cabbage and bread in front of her. He handed her a fork and motioned for her to eat. She was grateful for him looking after her but, she didn't want to mooch off of him. She wanted to offer him the money in her wallet as payment for the food but, had a feeling she would be making a fool out of herself again. She mentally made a note to ask Idhrenor how much the meal cost to repay him later. The plate and utensils were bulky and the fork in her hand had three prongs instead of four, yet another thing to add to her list of strange sightings today. She was the only one yet to begin to eat and it was because she worried about them watching her.

"Here you go lass" Remlas said kindly, pushing a smaller cup near her. Andie inspected the cup and was happy to find milk inside. She had not noticed when Remlas had order the beverage for her. The gesture helped lessen her discomfort. She thanked him with a wide smile.

"She gives her thanks" Idhrenor translated.

Andie ate silently as the men conversed. She took the opportunity to look around the room. She wasn't able to get a good look at the people around her with Idhrenor rushing but, now that she looked she was surprised to see people that she mistakenly thought were children. To her realization they weren't children at all. They were dressed in beautiful earthy tones and they did not wear shoes. Their feet were large with tuffs of hair on top. They had joyful faces and curly hair. She didn't mean to stare but, she was curious about them.

"Halflings" Remlas explained.

"Huh?" She said turning to him.

"Halfling" He said gesturing to one passing by. "Hobbit"

She didn't feel confident in correctly saying the new word he was trying to teach her so she simply nodded. She continued to eat while surveying the room. Her attention now fixated on a group of "men" boisterously enjoying their meals and drinks. Little did she know that these were not men at all but Dwarrows. They sat at the opposite side of the room from them. Out of the five of the group two had caught her eye. One wore a brown whimsical hat with ear flaps that turned upwards and out. He had his long black hair sectioned off in three braids and bangs that peeked out from under his hat. His mustache was long and was styled to curl outward with a goatee to complete the look. He had a kind face and beaming smile. The other in contrast had loose thick black hair that reached pass his shoulders with his mustache in two braids that interchanged between grey and black hair. His beard was grey and a portion of it was braided on the area of his chin. But, what drew her eyes the most was the object embedded on top his forehead. It was difficult for her to discern what it was from a distance so she stared hard at the object.

Detecting her gaze the Dwarrow glanced her way causing her to quickly look away. She was mortified that she was caught staring and how rude the action had been. She knew better than to stare at a stranger and it made her feel worse that she had stared so intensely. She could feel his eyes still on her and saw him returning the favor with a hard stare of his own. How could she apologize if apparently no one spoke her language? Idhrenor would no doubt get in the way too. She pulled off her hood and offered the stranger her most genuine smile as she waved at him. She hoped it conveyed her apology.

The Dwarrow's bushy eyebrows shot up and his features soften. He had not expected the cloak figure staring him down to be a woman nor to be amiable towards him. He grunted when nudged hard in the side by the whimsical hat dwarf and shouted at him in a harsh sounding language. The hatted dwarf beamed brightly at her and waved back while nudging his companion again. It looked like he was encouraging him to say hello to her and Andie couldn't help but laugh lightly at the two. It was the first time since she had gotten lost that she had forgotten about her situation. All the dread she held in her heart lighten and a heavy weight lifted from her shoulders. It was also the first time Idhrenor heard her laugh free of worry or seen her happy. He found the source of her amusement and wonder if he had been correct in his assumption that she was a female dwarf.

"Does she know them?" Berenor questioned.

"Perhaps" Idhrenor replied unsure.

"Judging by the surprised look the dwarf had given her moments ago, I don't think it's likely." Remlas concluded.

"Is she a dwarf?" Berenor wondered.

"I had thought so too but, have you ever seen a female dwarf? I doubt those dwarves would allow us to continue to keep her company with how secretive they are. Have you gotten a room yet?" Idhrenor asked while pulling up his hood to cover Andie again.

"Yes but, its got only 3 beds."

"That will be fine. I'll sleep on the floor." He said as he stood up

"Where are you off to?" Berenor inquired.

"To acquire her clothing." He answered.

"Leave that to me. I doubt she would feel comfortable being left with us. And taking her to a seamstress will require her being seen by those we can not trust. I'll figure something out." Remlas offered, rising from his seat and passing a brown bow to Idhrenor. "I recovered this while you pursued that bandit."

"You have my thanks Remlas."

"I'll go and inquire about Gandalf's whereabouts in the meantime." Berenor added, he too stood up. Idhrenor accepted a key from Berenor and listened while he informed him which room they would be staying in. Andie looked up at them all in surprise. Were they all leaving? Was she suppose to follow?

"Very well. Andie come" Idhrenor called out to her, extending a hand for her to take. She accepted his hand and allowed him to guide her upstairs. When they reached the room Idhrenor unlocked the door and entered. It didn't take him long to notice that she did not follow. She stood at the doorway and studied him. He knew she did not like the idea of being alone in a room with him. It didn't bother him that she felt this way. She would be too naive and a fool to not question his intentions. It was good that she was this cautious. He would prove himself trustworthy everyday if he had to.

"Andie" he said moving Remlas' pack off the bed by the window.

He pointed to her and then the bed. He then acted out the action for sleeping and pointed to the bed again. Andie crossed her arms across her chest and scrutinized him. She needed a better explanation. It wasn't that she didn't understand him telling her to sleep. It was the sleeping arrangements that worried her. There were only three beds and four of them and she didn't like the thought of sharing. She held up four fingers and pointed at the beds. There was no miscommunication there.

"Remlas" he explained pointing to the bed across from the one intended for her.

"Berenor" he continued pointing to the last available bed.

"Idhrenor" he finished pointing to space on the floor between her bed and another.

Seeing his intentions, Andie felt bad that he would have to sleep on the floor. She hadn't been easy on him the pass few days and he protected and fed her. As much as she didn't want to share a bed or sleep on the floor, she couldn't bring herself to accept the sleeping arrangements as such. She walked up to him and dropped her back on the spot he planned on sleeping and pointed to the floor.

"Andie." She said firmly crossing her arms again. She was sure he would fight her on this so she tried to show him she wouldn't budge either.

"Idhrenor" she concluded nodding to the bed.

A snort came from him and he crossed his arms too, mirroring her stance challengingly. He was patient enough with her apprehensiveness and caution but, he had no patience left for her stubbornness. He was tired and wanted to rest on one of the beds before Remlas and Berenor returned. Without any word he suddenly scooped up Andie in his arms bridal style and dumped her onto the bed. He heard her yelp and smiled at the glare he was becoming used to receiving from her. What he had forgotten was her willfulness and was just barely able to catch the pillow thrown at him before it made contact with his face.

He handed her back the pillow with a victorious smirk and she abandoned any guilt she felt for his discomfort and for taking his bed. Idhrenor locked the door and walked to the bed across from hers and laid back on the mat with his hands tucked behind his head.

"Sleep Andie"

She held back the urge to argue with him. She didn't want to admit it but she was tired. Pulling out her phone , Andie checked to see if she had a signal now that she was in some kind of community. She sighed when she saw nothing had changed. When would things be in her favor? Where was this Gandalf? Did Idhrenor lie to her? Where were Remlas and Berenor? She put her phone away in her bag and laid back on the bed with her head turned to stared at the door. Her thoughts battled one another on wether or not she should allow herself to sleep. It did not bode well with her that Idhrenor locked the door though she knew it was for safety reasons. She was faced with a question that she felt she should already have an automatic answer for. Did she trust Idhrenor? His actions were always with her in mind and he looked after her time and time again. Since the day they met he had proven himself to be the most reliable, generous, and truthful man. Andie reflected on all he had done for her. But, before she could reassure herself that she was without a doubt safe with him, she had fallen fast asleep.

Idhrenor sat up to check on her upon hearing a light snore. Finally he would had the opportunity to rest a bit. Laying back he close his eyes and welcomed sleep for a small nap. Hopefully Remlas and Berenor would be successful in their tasks but, for now his goal was to rest before there was no time for it.

There was a hard knock on the door causing Idhrenor to sit up immediately. He blinked his sleep away and scanned the room for intruders. When he found none he then looked to Andie's sleeping form. She was curled up wrapped in his cloak sleeping soundly.

Another knock. Idhrenor answered door to find Remlas with a bundle of dresses in hand and Berenor standing beside him.

"We've been knocking for five minutes! Did you not hear us?" Berenor grumbled walking to one of the vacant beds.

"We bring good news" Remlas said walking pass Idhrenor and entering the room.

"I was able to obtain a couple of dresses for the lass to try on. Mrs. Butterbur has agreed to assist her, we only need to call on her. I also replenished our supplies. Should we need to travel soon, we are prepared for the journey." He continue, placing the clothing down on the bed Idhrenor had previously occupied.

"And what news of Gandalf?"

"He is here in Bree, just arrived. He will meet us here in a hour's time." Berenor answered.

"We should wake her then." Idhrenor said, making a move to do so.

"No. Let the lass sleep a little longer. I would like to hear how your path's crossed and your explanation for the circumstances concerning her. Why must we speak in private? Why do you hide her? What is it that you suspect that would require Gandalf's final judgment?" Remlas queried seriously.

Idhrenor glanced back at Andie before grabbing her bag. "Fine. But, to fully explain I must show you what she carries."

He would go on to show them the contents of her bag, leaving her phone last. Remlas and Berenor inspected each item and even found some that Idhrenor had missed in his haste. Her belongings we're strange to them as well. Then he showed them the magic lantern, her phone.

"This is why I seek Gandalf's council. I suspect her of wielding magic. I had thought it to be a magic lantern as it lit my way in the dark while I rescued her from a Barrow-Wight. But, upon a closer look it appeared to be a dark mirror. Then a small painting." He explained.

"The other day she showed me more of these small paintings with this. Paintings of her home. Then she show me a vision of her home, the painting no longer still but, moving!"

A disbelieving expression was present on both of his comrades' faces. Magic lantern? Moving painting? Visions? Was she a threat? Friend or foe? They both agreed with his decision to present her to the Wandering Wizard.

"What bewilders me is if she has possession of such magic then why was she not able to ward off the wight?" Idhrenor wondered aloud.

"Do you believe her harmless? Why was she alone?" Berenor asked.

"Yes. As far as I saw, she is harmless. She allowed me to handle this strange object and hid nothing from me. There were countless of times where she required my aid and I am certain had I not found her she would be dead. If not by the barrow-wight then, by her skittishness and inexperience. But, I know full well how darkness can deceive and I believe Gandalf will be able to see more than I. As I said before our communication was limited. All she was able to tell me was that she is lost. I was not able to learn much of her other than what I've told you."

"Then we wait for answers" Remlas affirmed, sitting in the nearest chair.

He returned her belongings into her bag and placed it by the foot of her bed. The three rangers waited in silence and reflected on their impressions of Andie. Berenor smoked his pipe while Remlas inspected his dagger. Idhrenor went through his herb pouch checking what would have to be restocked. Minutes ticked by until suddenly three steady knocks reverberated through the room. Remlas cautiously opened the door to reveal the wizard they had been patiently waiting for, Gandalf.

A/N: Hi everyone! I just wanted to explain a few things. In this story, the story of The Hobbit is not a book in Andie's world. It doesn't even exist yet in Middle Earth because Bilbo hasn't gone on his adventure yet. She will be living through the events just as the characters. I just wanted to clear up any confusion regarding that. :)

Also, the Butterbur spoken about in this chapter is not the same Barliman Butterbur from LOTR. It's his Great Great Grandfather. This story takes place about 5 years before the start of The Hobbit. Im currently looking for a name for this character and his wife that have a old-timey feel. If you have any suggestions let me know :D

What do you think about Remlas and Berenor? I couldn't help but feel excited with Bofur's and Bifur's small appearance in this chapter. It was fun to finally be able to write more dialogue for Idhrenor. Let me know what you thought about this chapter and the dialogue.

Thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorited and followed! It really brightens my day to know that you enjoyed my story. Welcome to GodzillaSquatch91, Jynxieminxie, weareserialkillers, Peanut0210, IvyontheWall, 3velyn96, The Cajun Phoenix, Serenity Pax and Avloth! I truly appreciate every review, favorite, and follow.

Special Thanks:

A Big Thank You to Shylowdeath and ThatOtherWriterGirl! Your feedback and advice have helped me greatly. They both are amazing writers and have stories that inspired me to write my own.

Disclaimer:

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