Chapter Eleven

The common-room of the Prancing Pony was bustling with chatter and enjoyment. Sounds of mugs being filled, plates clattering along with cutlery, and the occasional opening and closing of the main door filled the room. Andie observed it all quietly from her seat across from Remlas. Their table was near a corner beside a large window, away from wandering eyes. She glanced at the man in front of her as he reached for his mug. Remlas was silent as he did so. He had been silent ever since the others left to run errands. She stirred her spoon in her cup absentmindedly, wondering if he was always this quiet.

She snuck another glance. Remlas sat slightly slumped back in his seat with an ankle resting on his knee. He took another swing of his mug and her focus now turned to the bandage on his hand. Would now be an appropriate time to apologize? She knew she was instructed not to speak in public for her safety but she now knew the word for sorry. Surely saying one word in their language wouldn't be so dangerous. She didn't even understand what kind of danger she was trying to avoid. It wasn't really explained. She listed the pros and cons as she chewed her bottom lip and stared into her cup of tea, both of her hands hugging the cup for warmth. The warmth from the hot beverage was just too comforting because it reminded her of home.

Home. Whenever she thought of it her heart would drop into the pit of her stomach and she would once again feel restless. Her leg shook anxiously and she forced herself to break away from her homesick thoughts. She was now decided on successfully using one of the new words Idhrenor taught her today. She asked him how to say 'I'm sorry' before he left her alone with Remlas and thanks to Gandalf's spell she was able to remember the word as if Idhrenor were standing beside her saying it himself. Andie sat up straight, placed her hands on top of her lap and looked directly at his hooded face.

"Remlas" She spoke softly hoping he would hear her despite the background noise of their surroundings.

"Hmm?" He answered, his gaze now curiously on her. He didn't expect her to talk to him. He knew Idhrenor and Berenor wouldn't be very long, they agreed that they would leave before noon. It was his understanding that Gandalf had advised her to remain silent in the company of others outside their group. If she was trying to speak with him maybe it was important.. or maybe she simply forgotten Gandalf's warning?

"pae-nit-et me" she said, struggling slightly on the pronunciation. She thought again on how Idhrenor had said it and tried once more. "Pae-nitet me Remlas" she said more confidently as she pointed to his bandaged hand. She wished she could say more to him. She wished she could explain that she panicked. That being alone in a room with four men she didn't know was unnerving and that the thunder last night didn't help along with the lock door. She bit her bottom lip nervously as she awaited his response.

"Paenitet" he corrected her with a smile.

"Paenitet", he said once more as he nodded towards her with a hand over his heart in acceptance.

She repeated the word correctly this time and it was as if something just click in her mind. She had that same feeling this morning when she thought back on the mini lesson Idhrenor had given her last night. The words Gratias Tibi and Somnum were easy for her to recall and she was able to thank Idhrenor with ease when he let her borrow his cloak once more. The feeling was strange though. It was as if the words were on the tip of her tongue ready for use and she simply had to complete the connection. It took her a few tries to make that "connection" but when she did it felt like pieces of a puzzle falling into place.

"Gratias Tibi" she thanked him as she pointed to her new cloak with a smile. It was matching in color to his and fit her size far better than Idhrenor's did. He had given her the cloak just before the headed down to the common-room. She appreciated it greatly, especially since she couldn't wear her hoodie anymore.

"Nihil est", he answered with a small nod.

She assumed this to mean something similar to 'you're welcome.' There was nothing else she could say so she smiled at him before resuming to stare into her cup of tea as she stirred her spoon. She began to wonder about this spell and whether or not it was working. She honestly couldn't tell if it was. So far they taught her just a few words. Words that Idhrenor spoke over and over to her in the past few days so she chalked it all up to something she picked up by just interacting with the man. Maybe as time went by she would have an answer. It would definitely be more proof to Gandalf's claim of being a wizard though she still couldn't think of an explanation for the smoke boat.

When she thought of the journey to Rivendell she got a dreaded feeling of nervous fluttering in her stomach. She was glad to smooth things over with Remlas. She was also relieved that Berenor seemed to have a friendly side if you could get past his usual seriousness. Hopefully traveling with them wouldn't be so bad. She took a sip from her cup, testing the temperature of the liquid. As she did so she became aware of movement in her right peripheral and glanced at the window that looked out towards the courtyard. There she saw the "man" from yesterday, who had caught her staring. The one who had the object on his head that she still couldn't make out what it was.

He was alone sitting on a bench. He held something in his hands and she watched him turn the object over little by little. His head dipped slightly downwards and she noticed a look of concentration on his face. Then she realized, he was whittling! Oh how she wanted to sit right next to him and watch. Andie loved making things with her hands. She loved art in general. Back home she never had the privilege of meeting someone who whittled, then again she hardly went out. Her curiosity got the better of her and she was now fully turned to the window to watch this stranger and his talent. This hadn't gone unnoticed by Remlas and she probably looked like a child with their face pressed against the window of a toy shop to the ranger. He said nothing and only watched her silently.

It was hard to really see exactly what he was carving. She could see the knife and wood in his hands but that was just about it. She remembered the object on his head and looked at it in wonder. What was it? She squinted and edged closer to the window for a better look. She tilted her head to the side and looked over the foreign object on his head and gasped when she recognized what it was. A axe?! Was that really a axe in his head?! Was this what Gandalf meant by dangers? Was it really this dangerous around here that people were walking around with axes in their heads? How was he even still alive? Why didn't a doctor remove it? Questions filled her mind and she failed to notice the "man" staring back at her now.

Remlas knew this was no man, it was the same dwarf he thought her to know somehow. He could see now that he was wrong. He knew this in the way she didn't attempt to communicate with him. He saw it in the way she admired his craftsmanship from afar. He heard it in her gasp of horror when she noticed the weapon embedded in his forehead. It was apparent when he saw her observe him curiously, same as how he and his comrades watched her, she didn't know him.

He wasn't a very sociable Dwarrow outside of the Blue Mountains. It was mostly due to his injury and his lost ability to communicate in the Common Tongue. Due to the secrecy of his race he had to be careful whenever he spoke in his native language. He also had to be discreet when communicating with his kin in Iglishmêk. His cousin had caused his angry outburst yesterday when he jabbed him in the ribs, luckily no one outside their group seemed to notice... other than that woman. She was gone when he looked back to the table she was seated at after he finally got his cousin to mind his business, so were the men who accompanied her. He thought of her briefly last night, trying to discern why she stared at him so. He was accustomed to being stared at by most and it was partly because the axe fixed on his head.

Dwarves often received such harsh looks and were treated no different then the intent behind judgmental stares they encountered in the world of men. He knew not all men were this way but more often than not they wouldn't be greeted with kindness. The look from this woman was different though. It wasn't full of hate or distrust. He remembered the embarrassed look she had when he caught her staring and how she didn't miss a beat to show her regret. It was a simple gesture, a kind smile. It annoyed him greatly when he felt eyes on him and shocked him as well to find the attention came from a human woman. He had expected her to look away and ignore him after catching her eye but instead she smiled and waved. It wasn't a big deal really. It was just unexpected.

He blew on the small figurine he carved out of wood, cleaning it from wood shavings. Whittling always calmed him, it was also something he took great pride in. He looked forward to returning home to his shop and continuing his work. He wondered how long his cousin would take to return from replenishing the supplies for their journey home. The others should be returning soon as well. They were approached by a man the other day who was interested in their wares. He decided to remain behind and wait. Earlier he ate until he was full and then walked into the Prancing Pony's courtyard to await them afterwards, whittling to pass the time. Moments later he once again felt like he was being watched. He cautiously lifted his gaze from his work and looked to the window across from him.

It was that woman again! How long had she been watching him? Why did she look so concern? Ah, the axe... of course it was the axe— wait, why did she look so concern? People always stared at him because of his injury but never with concern. Some with astonishment, others with disbelief, and there were some who would look at him with disgust but never concern. At least not outside of his race. He just stared back at her, studying her face. She was a strange one, not based on looks though the spectacles on her face were very odd. It was as if she didn't belong here at all, she seemed out of place. There was nothing unusual about her clothing or appearance besides her glasses and yet she was so different than the others around her. Then he was gifted another smiled from her. She waved hello to him and this time he waved back. He didn't reciprocate her smile, instead he merely watched her.

"Oi Bifur! We're just 'bout ready to head off. Come give me a hand with loadin' the ponies."

Bifur rose to his feet and momentarily broke his gaze from her to acknowledge the voice that called him. He took one step in the direction of his companions before he stopped to look back at the woman in the window. She waved at him again, this time goodbye. He looked to the carving he held in his hand and then held it up for her to see and she leaned closer to the window in response. He placed the object on the bench for her and bowed his head politely in farewell. He was aware he was being watched by her companion and glanced his way.

"Bifur! What's takin' you so long?"

Without further delay Bifur silently joined his kin, leaving behind a small token of appreciation for the women who showed him kindness.

They have been on the road almost the entire day and already Andie missed Bree. She missed the security of being indoors. She was silent, more than she had ever been with Idhrenor. Andie was usually a quiet person but this time her silence was mostly attributed to the worry that raced in her mind. Camping was never her kind of thing because of bugs, wild animals, and the dark. She had wanted to try it at least once in her lifetime. Spending two nights outside with Idhrenor had already confirmed that she definitely did not like camping. Now it looked like they would be spending many nights under the stars until they got to their destination and she was worried mostly about being a burden to the rangers.

The sun was setting and Andie didn't even bother checking her phone for the time. She was tempted to look but knew if she watched the clock it would only make the night seem longer. She also didn't know how accurate the time would be wherever she was. They stopped for the night once they reached a forest and set up camp quickly further in the sea of trees. She tried to help Berenor collect wood for the campfire and got a lesson in what wood was best for kindling and for keeping the fire alive. With her new knowledge she busied herself with her task, determined not to let Berenor down.

"Berenor?" she called meekly, holding out the wood she collected for inspection.

He nodded at her in approval and she smiled at him, glad to have done a job well done. She sat near him and watched as he lit a fire. She stared at the flames as they grew and was lost in thought.

"Is she always this quiet?" Berenor asked as he poked at the campfire.

Idhrenor glanced her way and observed her momentarily before answering, "It's hard to say. Perhaps when she knows more of Westron she will talk more. She was quiet with me for the most part. When she wanted to talk or needed something she did speak up." He answered.

'Though she is very good at the silent treatment when upset' he thought to himself.

"We should take the opportunity to teach her more of the Common Tongue before it gets too late." Remlas commented as he returned from hunting their dinner.

"Aye, shall we take turns? Or should one of us take on the responsibility?" Berenor asked.

"I think it best if we all take part in teaching her. The lessons shouldn't be limited solely at night. Gandalf said this spell is temporary and time is not on our side." Remlas added.

"I will teach her tonight. Tomorrow we will take turns throughout the day to continue her lessons." Idhrenor said.

Andie paid no mind to the rangers and their conversation. She kept to herself and simply took comfort in knowing she wasn't alone. The sounds of crickets and animals of the night were beautiful just as they were terrifying to her. She was used to the sounds of the city to lull her to sleep and the sounds of nature were new to her. Bugs, ugh. Oh how much she hated bugs. Andie tighten her cloak around her and tried to drown out the chirping of crickets. She turned her thoughts to the rangers and their journey to Rivendell. She wondered how long it would take for them to arrive at their destination.

The journey so far had convinced her that Gandalf was speaking the truth, she wasn't in New York anymore. The continued lack of buildings, cars, and streets confirmed this and the lack of explanation placed her in low spirits. She hoped the worst was behind her. She hoped things would go well with her new traveling companions. She hoped she would be home soon. It comforted her greatly to be in the company of the rangers and she found herself trusting them more and more as time went by.

"Andie" Idhrenor called.

"Hmm?" She responded, looking over the campfire.

He was seated opposite of her, beside Remlas. It was at this moment that Andie witness Remlas skinning a small rabbit. She gasped and her eyes widen in shock. Andie ate meat but she never saw the process of which her food came from. She covered her mouth and fought back the urge to vomit. She felt mortified upon receiving bewildered looks from them all. Andie shook her head and gestured for them to stay put as she hurried towards the nearest bush.

"She's squeamish" Berenor noted.

"It would seem so" Remlas agreed as he continued on with his task.

"She must've been speaking the truth. The wild is no place for the gentle-hearted or the squeamish and I do not see her surviving on her own. I don't think she ventured out on her own volition." Berenor commented as he skinned the other rabbit Remlas had caught.

"Aye." Remlas agreed.

"I fear for her..." Idhrenor began. He watched her from where he sat, allowing her space for the moment. She was kneeling in front of a bush with a hand over her mouth. She had yet to throw up and it looked like she was fighting her nausea as strongly as she could.

"Gandalf says she is not of Middle Earth, her home is unknown to him, and there is no way for her to return. I am not sure what this means for her but... " he paused.

"What is it?" Remlas encouraged.

"Dragons. Does it not bother you? They are vile creatures and allies of the enemy. How would a Dragon return one of them to whence they came? This Cyril may still be alive and his betrayal of one of his own is treacherous. One would be a fool to think any good would come from dealings with dragons."

"Aye... but much time has passed since then. As you said this traveler may still be alive but there is also a possibility that he is dead. Do not forget that Gandalf said He, Lord Elrond, and other mighty Guardians of Middle Earth are ever watchful for his return. We should be steadfast in the wisdom of Mithrandir."

"And what will become her?" Idhrenor spoke almost in a whisper.

There was a small pause. Berenor and Remlas too wondered the same of the Travelers and their association with Dragons but it was clear that Idhrenor's worry differed from their own. Remlas grabbed Idhrenor's arm just as he was about to stand, firmly keeping him in his place. A solemn look was displayed on Remlas' usual carefree face.

"She's not Avaron.." Remlas spoke cautiously.

"Neither is she Rharon." Berenor added seriously.

The very mention of these names made Idhrenor tense. His jaw tighten in anger and he pulled his arm free from Remlas' grasp. These names were forbidden to be said around him, they haunted him everyday. Remlas and Berenor knew how much even mentioning their fallen friends would hurt him but they had to make one thing clear, Andie was not them. Avaron and Rharon were gone and it would do Idhrenor well to remember that.

"It is not our intention to anger you brother nor to hurt you. What happened to Avaron and Rharon was not your fault. Neither myself or Remlas blame you. We each lost a part of ourselves that day... but you never really returned to us either." Berenor explained

"Brother I know not what it is of Miss Andie that has awakened you from your grief. Perhaps it is her naivety or maybe her compassion that reminds you of them... I ask that you remember that you deserve to be happy.. and that we are here for you as well." Remlas comforted.

Idhrenor shakingly released a breath and covered his eyes with one hand. He couldn't bear to hear them say their names. How could they say it was not his fault? They had every right to blame him. How could they forgive him so easily? He was sure that happiness was far beyond his reach at this point in his life. The guilt he felt everyday wouldn't even allow him to entertain the possibility of happiness. No, he would spend the rest of his life trying to make amends for the lives lost that day. It was the reason why he was meticulous in everything he did. It was the reason why he did all he could and then more to help those in need. It was why he felt so strongly of assisting Andie. He had failed Rharon and Avaron greatly and he never forgave himself. He knew one couldn't equate value on one life to another but he would try to save as many lives as he could to make up for the lives he lost. Idhrenor stood up abruptly and left the campsite in haste. He needed a moment for himself and was in no mood for pity or comfort.

Andie tossed and turned on the ground, unable to find a comfortable position for sleep. It wasn't just the lumpy ground that kept her up. It was Idhrenor's sudden departure that bothered her. She thought on the sight of him striding angrily deeper into the forest without a word. Berenor and Remlas did not speak since he left other than to tell her to eat and sleep afterwards. Did they have an argument? Was something wrong? Was it safe for him to be out there alone? Was he ok?

She remember how heavy with tension the air felt, there was something definitely wrong. She tried to wait for him to return but Berenor had sternly ordered her to sleep. She turned on her side facing the campfire and glanced at Berenor and Remlas' sleeping. How could they sleep, especially with Idhrenor gone? Would he be back? What had happened? Her mind filled with question after question. She heard the sound of movement north from where her head laid. Quietly tilting her head up in the direction of the sound she saw a shadowed figure lurking just outside the fire's light. It slouched against a tree's trunk and camouflage well into the surroundings.

Andie blinked hard over and over trying to make out if the shadowy figure was really there or not. Was it a part of the tree and the dark was playing tricks on her eyes? She didn't want to bother the others to check. The longer she stared the more she was convince that someone was there. Fear began to crawl it's way in her entire being until a deep voice addressed her.

"Andie Somnum" the dark figure said in a low voice.

She sat up and squinted at the shadow. She knew this voice. "Idhrenor?"

A deep sigh was her only response. Was he ok? Why was he sitting in the dark, away from the fire? She knew he would be stubborn and she would have to go to him. She wouldn't be able to sleep until she knew he was alright. The nagging thoughts in her head wouldn't shut up unless she checked on him. He had been gone for a while and now he was keeping a distance. She may not have known him for long but she cared for his well being. She silently walked over to him and stopped just before his feet, careful not to wake the others. He had one leg bent with an arm rested on his knee and the other outstretched. His hood kept his eyes hidden from her. Were it not for the rise and fall of his shoulders with each breath she would've thought him a statue, grey and forgotten.

"Idhrenor... are you ok?" She asked in a whisper.

No response.

She fidgeted with her fingers and pulled at each one. Should she try again? She walked over to his side and crouched down to his level, tilting her head for a glimpse under his hood. "Idhrenor?"

He sharply turned his head away effectively avoiding her gaze. He was upset, something did happen. There wasn't much she could do. She turned her eyes to the campfire and then glanced back at him. It was breezy tonight and her hands were starting to get cold. Seeing that he wouldn't speak to her or even look her way, Andie returned to her bedroll and picked up her blanket. She quietly made her way back to him and sat beside him as close as she could without invading his personal space.

Another sigh. "Non Andie. Somnum." He said frustrated, his voice slightly raised.

She remained silent and covered both of their legs under her blanket. She didn't look his way and did her best not to touch him as she fix the blanket so they could evenly share. He grabbed her hand tightly in anger and her eyes snapped up to meet his.

There was silence between them. The hooting of owls, chirping of crickets and calls of various nocturnal animals seemed to disappear around them. He wasn't just angry, no, there was more in his eyes. She saw hurt and pain, a great burden that weighed heavily on his heart. She had never seen him this way. This look in his eyes... it wasn't there before, was it? She stared into his grey eyes and saw regret and great sorrow. With her free hand she firmly held onto his conveying her understanding, he wanted to be left alone.

She released his hand and his eyes soften, his anger dissipating when she looked away from him. His grasp weakened on her hand but he didn't let go, instead he held on a moment longer. Andie stared at her hand in his and leaned back against the tree. She hoped he wasn't mad at her. She didn't look his way. She heard him sigh for the third time and then felt him let go.

"Paenitet me" he apologized.

She paused before she answered him. "Non Idhrenor." She rejected.

He looked up at her in mild surprise and expected anger from her. What he saw was not anger at all. Her gaze was low and focused on her fingers that she squeezed and pulled. Her expression was sincere and apologetic.

"Paenitet me Idhrenor" she spoke softly without looking at him.

She was apologizing to him? This woman never ceased to surprise him. She wouldn't look his way. Had he scared her?

"Idhrenor... I know you can't understand me but I wanted to thank you for helping me even when I didn't want it. My leg and wrist are feeling a lot better thanks to you... oh and so is the blister. You know you really scared me with the way you popped it and putting that chewed up plant on me was disgusting." She said laughing lightly.

"Actually, I'm alive because you saved me... You're probably tired of hearing me say this to you all the time but I just can't thank you enough. Gratias tibi."

"Andie.. non intellego" he said confused.

"I know.. you don't understand." She said with a sigh.

"I saw you earlier. You looked upset." She continue, pointing at the sleeping rangers and then to him.

"You were away for a while." She said pointing into the forest.

"I couldn't sleep... I was worried." She explained, followed by hand gestures that acted out the words no, sleep, me, think, you.

He thought on what she said and pieced the gestures and meaning together. It didn't take him long. She was worried for him? His brows raise up in surprise and his mouth opened slightly. She placed her hand on top of his and squeezed gently.

"I may not be able to communicate with you that well but I want you to know that if you should ever need a friend... I am here for you." She spoke sincerely.

These words were not empty to Andie. Even though she knew all she said went over his head she meant it. She made an attempt to hug him but he held her at arms length by her shoulders.

"Andie..."

"I understand. You want to be alone." She said with a small smile.

Turning to leave, Andie felt him grab her arm. He pulled her lightly until she was sitting next to him again. She gave him a confused look and saw the tired expression on his face. Whatever he was going through was really taking a toll on him.

"Andie manete"

"You want me to stay?"

"Manete" he said tiredly with a small nod.

She pulled her share of the blanket back on, leaned back against the tree, and gestured from him to do the same. She tugged on hood of her cloak to cover herself more and watched the campfire in silence. If he needed someone to quietly sit with him, she would be would be that person.

Chirping and buzzing sounded faintly north from where they camped. The pace at which they traveled improved each day. Andie now walked alongside Idhrenor instead of trailing behind them. He noticed how hard she was trying to keep up with his strides. He also notice how she tried to help set up camp each night and pack up each morning. It was true that she was inexperienced in all skills required to survive in the wild but she did not lack in perseverance.

They made their way out of Chetwood Forest and were about 10 miles away from the edge of Midgewater Marshes. He was mindful of her aversion of insects and decided on avoiding the marshes despite it making their journey longer. He had no doubt the biting midges of those marshes would no doubt have her running back to Bree and he too would rather stay far from the swamp. These cricket-like insects, possibly more similar to locust, were bothersome and aggressive. They were great in numbers and bit anyone who would brave passing through the marshes.

He decided they would continue on to the east taking the path around the marshes and was met with no disagreement from his brothers. They were in no rush and had a head start before Gandalf and so it was agreed that they would travel at a comfortable pace, no doubt with Andie in mind, until they reached Weathertop.

Three days in Chetwood Forest was hard on Andie's feet. The ground wasn't flat and each rock and root made her feet ache even more. She wasn't sure but it felt like she had another blister, maybe even one on each foot. Her Converse sneakers weren't ideal for hiking and she was entirely grateful when they stopped for the day. She tiredly plopped herself onto the ground and carefully took off her shoes, sighing in great relief when her feet felt a cool breeze pass by. She noticed Remlas and Berenor walking off and she wondered if these men ever tired. They were like these powerhouses of stamina in her eyes.

She was too exhausted to help out this night, every part of her hurt. She knew she was out of shape and could do with more exercise. Traveling with these three rangers showed her just how out of shape she really was. She knew they were walking slower than they normally would. She noticed this when she was finally able to walk side by side with Idhrenor. It wasn't hard to see that their legs were way longer than hers. She had to power walk just to keep up with them. Berenor and Remlas kept their pace in the front while Idhrenor slowed his pace slightly for her. He didn't mind, her preferred to keep his distance from his brothers for now.

Sitting there on the ground Andie quietly massaged her feet wishing the pain would disappear. Upon a closer look at the soles of her feet she could see that she did have another blister, luckily just one on the same foot the previous blister was on. It burned when touched and she was too tired to even bother with it, so she laid flat on her back with a small groan. Her back was tense and ached heavily along with her thighs, calves and feet. When she tried to move even an inch her muscles opposed vehemently. She wasn't hungry, all she wanted was to sleep.

"Andie?" Idhrenor spoke, observing her from where he stood.

He just finished unpacking his bedroll and placed it a foot away from where she laid. When she didn't answer him he gently nudged her arm with his foot.

"Ughhhhh" She complained, hitting his foot away. He chuckled lightly and sat next to her.

"Are you well?" He inquired.

She nodded yes.

"Are you sure?"

She nodded again.

"Then why do you not speak?" He asked. "Talk" he told her while miming the action.

She had come a long way in her lessons of Westron. She understood basic words now and could respond back in short sentences, sometimes broken, but they understood her nonetheless. Idhrenor and his brothers were diligent in her lessons, they were always teaching her new terms and had her practicing constantly. Berenor was the most strict in his teaching method. He wouldn't allow her to eat unless she asked for food in a full sentence correctly. If she wanted water, her blanket, her bedroll, or a bathroom break it was the same, she had to ask correctly.

Berenor wouldn't accept substitution words in her language or gestures. If she spoke to him in english or tried to act out what she meant he would ignore her. When she looked to Idhrenor for help she was scolded by Berenor and met with an apologetic look from Idhrenor, he would not undermine his brother's work. Later when they were alone he explained to Andie that Berenor meant well and she will soon see the benefits of his rigorous training. She was improving greatly and at a accelerated rate thanks to rangers' efforts and Gandalf's spell. Unfortunately all the lessons and hiking took a lot out of Andie and left her feeling completely drained.

"No" she told him curtly. He nudged her again.

"You need to practice. It's the only way you will learn."

"Tired"

"Complete sentences Andie." He reminded her.

"Ugggggh" she complained again.

He smiled at her stubbornness as she rested her arm over her eyes. "I won't leave you alone until you answer me. What's wrong?"

Sighing loudly she pointed at her foot and said, "Foot hurt... I hurt... everywhere."

"Try again."

Andie lifted her arm and glared at him. He understood what she meant. Could she not have a break? She didn't mean to be grumpy with him but she was tired and in pain.

"Idhrenor please—"

"Try again one last time and I will tell Berenor to give you a break."

She stared at him unsurely. She somewhat understood what he said, mostly the word break.

"Break? Break from Westron?" She asked hopefully, to which he responded with a nod.

"I.. I'm tired. My.. umm.." she struggled. She pointed to her back and he taught her the new word and motioned for her to continue.

"My back and.. legs hurt. My foot.. Idhrenor help." She explained.

She didn't know the word for blister and wanted to get straight to the point so she asked for help. It didn't take long for him to check her foot and she had no energy to care about how he would treat it. She had no doubt he would do the same as he did before and she honestly didn't mind. She trusted he knew what he was doing, she trusted him. She rested her arm over her eyes again and covered her mouth as she yawned.

He inspected her foot and saw the new blister at the bottom of her pinky toe. He picked up her sneaker and examined it inside and out. Her footwear was ill suited for their journey, no wonder why she developed another blister. He wouldn't pop this one, it was small and would heal on it's own. He reached into his pack and pulled out a spare pair of socks. He put her socks back onto her feet and then pulled on his spare socks on top. It was large on it her but it would have to do. Hopefully the added layer would cushion her feet and help her with the pain. He then became aware of a faint snore.

"She's asleep," Berenor said as he walked passed them with his arms full of wood.

"Aye" Idhrenor answered, his hands still on her feet.

"Is she cold? A blanket would warm her more than your socks." Berenor commented.

Idhrenor snorted at his remark. "Do you think me a dullard? She has a blister. Her shoes aren't suited for our journey."

Though many a day had passed since the mention of Avaron and Rharon, he was still upset with both Berenor and Remlas. His anger had lessen more and more with each day but it wasn't gone completely. He would only speak with them if absolutely necessary or if it pertained to Andie.

"You are still angry with me" Berenor noted as he lit the campfire.

Idhrenor didn't answer. His silence would speak for him. It upset him greatly that they brought up Avaron and Rharon. He knew Andie wasn't either of them, he wasn't stupid. It wasn't Andie's naivety or compassion that reminded him of them as Remlas had suggested. In fact she didn't remind him of them at all. She was a distraction, a welcomed one too. She was a breath of fresh air for him. When he was helping her his mind forgot of his great mistake and he finally felt free from the torment of his mind.

Andie wasn't like the others he helped. Yes, they were all in need but once he helped them they would all be on their way and he was on to the next mission. Andie on the other hand required much more, her need wasn't an easy fix. Teaching her Westron, caring for her well-being, protecting her on this journey, wondering about her fate... it was all a distraction that he gladly welcome because it meant that for once, since that dreadful day, the pain wasn't so bad.

"Forgive me. Truly I did not mean to anger you. You are my closest friend. You are my brother. I never wished to cause you pain... We worry for you." Berenor said sincerely.

"Aye. Forgive me as well brother. I'm sorry for how we approached you but our concerns are real. I only wish to say that Andie's situation differs greatly than... I wont say their names but—" Remlas spoke before being interrupted.

"Please. No more." Idhrenor breathed.

"Avaron and Rharon... their deaths.. they died because of me. It was my fault. You both have been loyal to me and I don't deserve your forgiveness. I should've listened to you. Had I done so, they would be alive today. I told you before, there is nothing I can do to make up for their deaths. Resigning myself to the endless duty of saving those in need does not even begin to cover my debt... I will not rest, I do not deserve it."

"Andie... She doesn't remind me of Avaron or Rharon.. you needn't worried of that. She reminds me of myself.." he trialed off.

"Yourself?" Remlas asked.

Idhrenor sighed. It wasn't something he wished to explain but he knew his brothers well, they wouldn't rest until they had an answer.

"How so?" Berenor challenged. He sat tall by the fire, the fire's light illuminating his grim expression.

"She is lost—" he began.

"And you are not" Berenor finished.

"Will you not let me speak?!" Idhrenor shouted.

"Berenor, let him explain. You will have your chance to voice your opinion afterwards." Remlas interjected.

"I do not tell you this for your opinion or advice. I did not ask for it nor will I listen. I am tried of arguing with you two. You think my recent behavior different, you think I am changed?" Idhrenor retorted.

"Aye", Berenor spoke gruffly.

"It is because of Andie that you suspect something different in me. Do you think me mad? That when I look at her I see Avaron or Rharon? She is nothing like them." Idhrenor accused.

"Aye, she is nothing like them. Neither is she like you. She is weak, unskilled, and easily frighten! What of her can possibly remind you of yourself?! You let the past destroy you Idhrenor. I will not have you live in a delusion lest I lose another brother! We have let this go on far too long. You have had your time to grieve. Will you not return to us?" Berenor bellowed.

"Berenor!" Remlas chastised.

"No Remlas. We have spent too long watching him fade away and now it is as if a fire burns anew in him and why? Because of this woman?! What hope does she give you that we cannot offer? Why is it that your own brothers who stood by your side for seven years can not offer you comfort? But this woman appears and it is as if you have returned from the grave." Berenor ranted.

"Do not speak of her that way!", Idhrenor roared.

"He is angry Idhrenor, he doesn't mean what he says," Remlas mediated.

"Do not speak for me Remlas!", Berenor raged.

"ENOUGH!" Remlas shouted. "Your thick head and short temper will not solve anything Berenor! Leave and return when you have some sense about you or remain silent. This is no way to treat one another. You ask what Andie gives Idhrenor that you don't? Perhaps it is her silence and that she not a hotheaded mule like you! Now make choice and let us get on with it." Remlas reprimanded.

Berenor was silent and seething. He glowered at Remlas before rising up to storm off. Turning to leave, Berenor froze in place realizing something amiss. His eyes searched around the camp frantically and he quickly made his way to where Andie slept.

"Andie?!" Berenor shouted.

"What is it?" Idhrenor and Remlas questioned simultaneously in sudden alarm.

Where was she?! Was she taken?! How could they have been so careless in their mission?! They had forgotten their surroundings, too focus on their quarrel. Had they failed Gandalf? Did they fail Andie? They had all been fools and now...

"She's gone.."

A/N: Hi everyone :) Sorry for the super late post. I hope you enjoyed this chapter. This is my first try at time skips and the group is almost at the halfway point of their journey Rivendell but will certain issues be resolved? hmmm and what happened to Andie?

As always thank you to everyone who reviewed, favorite and followed! Welcome to Believe in Bowties, Why 4 What, MrsTChrist, Anxo-Prataa, TheLunaGoddess, Nasagurl, liveyourlife-Ria, AngryJupiter, mandarina, GrimmGrinningGhost, IDONTKN, CJ/oddball and thank you for the reviews, follows and favorites! :)

CJ/oddBall: I'm glad that you like the story! :D Thorin and Andie are one possible pairing for this story. As she interacts with the dwarves I will have a better feel for who she will pair up with. Possible pairings are OC/Thorin, OC/Dwalin, OC/Bofur, or OC/OC. The fate of the Sons' of Durin is heartbreaking and hopefully Andie's presence will make a difference. Thank you for your feedback! :)

Paenitet me: I'm sorry

Gratias Tibi: Thank you

Somnum: Sleep

Nihil est: It's nothing/You're Welcome

Non: No

Non Intellego: I don't understand

Manete: Stay

Disclaimer:

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