Hello, and thanks for opening my story! This isn't my first story, but it IS the first story I've ever COMPLETED before even posting the first chapter. I heard that JK Rowling wrote the first three Harry Potter books before publishing The Sorcerer's Stone. I'm no JK Rowling (as you will certainly notice) but I love writing. I still will make adjustments as I go along since writing always changes.

I know some people don't like present tense narratives in the first person, but my hope is it'll be more immersive for you as if it's happening at this very moment. I also apologize for the ending in advance (don't worry, no one dies) since it might not be everyone's cup of tea. Hopefully, that ominous forewarning doesn't turn you away because I really do believe in happy endings even though it may not seem like it, lol. This story will end on a happy note, I promise. The story has the same scenes as The Hobbit, but it's unique enough to not be the same old 15th Walker story everyone writes about (or is it 16th?). But, only you can judge that for yourself.

Also, a special shout out to SwanInProgress, the author of "The Loudest Silence". You inspired me to post (and to finish!) my story.

Prologue

"Excuse me, young man!? What on EARTH do you think you're doing?"

A bright light was switched on, revealing a little boy, six years of age, scurrying to conceal the colorful picture book he clutched beneath his covers.

In the doorway stood his mother, hands on hips with a stern expression etched on her face. "Bedtime was over an hour ago. What are you reading this time!?"

"Nothing, Mom," he blinked innocently. When her stern look darkened further, he mumbled, "I was just looking at the pictures." He lifted the book to show his mother.

Her exasperation was almost palpable, betrayed by an eye roll that she couldn't quite suppress. "The Hobbit? Again?" Sighing deeply, she leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed.

The little boy didn't know how to read yet, but he enjoyed perusing the pictures and watching the movies. His bright blue eyes pleaded as he clung to the book, his tiny voice protesting, "I'm not tired, Mom! Can you tell me Peyton's story of when she went to Middle Earth?"

"Come on, TJ! I've told you that story a million times already!" His mother shook her head, an unwilling smile tugging at her lips. "Besides, it's a long story. You have kindergarten tomorrow!"

"Please, Mom?" the little boy pleaded, clasping his hands together in a desperate gesture. "I'll go to sleep, I promise! Please?"

She tried to maintain her darkest glare, but his eyes grew even more pitiful and more pleading. His sad gaze tugged at her heartstrings as if he were a small puppy begging for food. How could she resist such an earnest expression? The guilt of her demanding work schedule always left her feeling remorseful about the time she had for him. And more often then not, she gave in to his innocent requests.

With a groan, she stepped into his room and theatrically collapsed onto his space-themed bedspread. Giggling, he bounced up and down while seated, knowing he had won.

Seated on her side, she suddenly propped herself up on her arm and shot him a look, "But no interruptions this time, got it? You have school tomorrow, and I'm picking up an extra shift."

"I promise! I promise!" He swiftly crossed his heart with his little hand.

She rolled her eyes inwardly, knowing promises from a six-year-old would never hold. Casting a brief gaze around his room, she mused over the superhero action figures on shelves, a Toy Story night light, and a large dragon replica of Smaug atop his dresser. Her heart swelled with bittersweet pride as she marveled how her little boy had grown, a mix of emotions tightening her chest.

Sighing, she began her story, adjusting her voice to infuse the narrative with emotion. "Life is full of adventures, and whenever it offers you one, is it usually a good idea to take it. I don't know why it was me, that was given THIS particular adventure, and I probably never will. But when it comes to mysterious things such as time or dimensional travel, is it appropriate to ask 'Why me?' rather than 'Why NOT me?'."

"Nope!"

"Hush, T.J. No interruptions."

"Sorry."

"The Valar, or whoever you believe in, obviously have a great sense of humor because they sent someone like ME to Middle Earth. Why? Well, it's assumed it's because of my soulmate who needed me at the time, but I'm getting ahead of myself. This is the story about how I ended up in Middle Earth during the 3rd age."

"Your name is Peyton too! Isn't it Mom?"

"T.J.…."

"Sorry, Mommy."

"The tale you're about to hear might sound unbelievable, and I can't blame you for doubting. After all, it's not written in any book or portrayed in any movie... but it's true. Every word of it and then some."

"Oh yeah, this is going to be good! …Sorry."

"The story began in a very unexpected way. Unlike Bilbo's hole in The Hobbit, the hole in the ground that I woke up in was both dirty and cold…"

_A LIGHT IN ARDA_

~Chapter 1~

Once Upon a Time

I feel chilled. There's a light breeze blowing like a whisper on my skin telling me to shiver. My nose is numb and there's a pale light turning the thin skin of my eyelids a faint red against my vision. But it's the cheerful, almost painfully sharp song of birds, that finally makes me open my eyes. A clear blue sky fills my vision and I blink for a couple of seconds, disoriented.

The strange view jolts my senses, waking me up fully and completely. Panic floods my veins like a sudden surge of electricity sending my heart into a wild frantic rhythm as I sit up quickly with a frightened gasp, looking side to side.

Where am I?!

I'm sitting in some sort of round ditch, dug deep in a large open field of tall green grass. The earth beneath me is a rich black and I frown at the strange sight, both confused and wary. This is not the sand of the desert I'm used to.

My muscles protest as I scramble to push myself up, my hands sinking into the dark cold dirt beneath me. Disorientation clouds my thoughts, and for a fleeting moment, I wonder if I'm still dreaming, trapped in some twisted nightmare from which I can't wake.

But the brisk air against my goose-bumped skin, and the crumbly clods of soil that stick to my palms as I wipe them on my blue jeans all scream reality. This is no dream. This is real, and I am all alone in the middle of a field.

Frantically, I scan my surroundings, searching for any sign of familiarity, any clues as to how I ended up here.

There are trees on one side of the field, quite far away with small green mountains beyond that. More like tall hills, really. The breeze picks up and blows in my face a little, and the smell of the air reminds me of camping in early spring. Twisting my torso around, I look to my other side. A single small tree stands close to my strange round hole-like ditch, sunlight filtering through its branches in sparkling rays. From the sun's position in the sky, it's barely sunrise. Further, behind the small tree, are even more trees without mountains. It seems that I'm somehow in a very large field with a forest beyond that. Judging the distance quickly in my head, the forest is a simple 3-minute walking distance away.

Panic claws at my chest, threatening to suffocate me as I struggle to make sense of this terrifying situation. I don't recognize any of this. Questions whirl in my mind like a whirlwind, each one more terrifying than the last. How did I get here? Where am I? And most importantly, how do I get home?

Searching my memory for how I arrived, the last thing I can remember was sneaking into my University's lab room at the library with Matt, my good friend. There was a very old book in my anthology class I had been admiring. A flash of gold fell from the book like a golden teardrop. I reached down to pick it up...and that's it.

I must have been kidnapped! Matt and I must have left the lab to get pizza like we'd planned and I got knocked in the head! I breathe frantically and search my body, running my hands along my hair to search for a painful lump but there aren't any injuries, just the normal clothes I wore at the lab. My denim jeans, my t-shirt, and my hot pink university hoodie wrapped around my hips.

I look back down at the round ditch I had been lying in and my muscles lock into place at what I see.

There, lying in the black dirt where my body had been, is a gold circular object no bigger than a quarter. A memory flashes in my mind of turning the delicate paper-thin pages of the red book that I wasn't supposed to be touching and it had fallen out...straight onto the floor with a small CLING!

I lean down, hesitating slightly with bated breath before gently brushing my fingers against the gold object.

Nothing.

I inwardly relax and my fingers grasp onto it. I straighten back up slowly, marveling at the golden piece. It's a coin! A coin with a strange animal on it. The animal's feet remind me of a goat or a horse and on the back are strange spikes. The face is more flat though, with a weird nose. Flipping it around, I see the other side has a strange T-shape with what looks like a keyhole. I turn the gold coin in my hand, mystified.

I look around, shivering from more than just the cold. If I wasn't so nervous about all the possible reasons of why I just woke up in a weird large hole alone and very far from anywhere that I recognized, I might've been delighted by the beauty of the place. It's as pretty as a picture. At the moment, however, I am nothing but horrified.

Tears sting my eyes as I fight to suppress the rising tide of fear threatening to consume me. I can't stay here. I can't let this unknown terror defeat me.

If Matt's been kidnapped as well then maybe he's somewhere nearby? I climb out of the very large ditch, which is a very symmetrical round shape.

"Hello?" I call out when I finally am out, hoping that someone will hear me. Clearing my throat, I try again "HELLOOOO?! Is anyone THERE? MATT!?"

Silence.

The only response is the wind blowing along the grassy field, creating gentle waves. The birds start chirping again after being startled into silence by my yelling.

Another shiver rolls through me again and I untie my university hoodie from around my waist, grateful that at least I have that. It will be a while until the sun will warm up the air. Pulling it over my head and around me, the soft material comforts me like a blanket. Now covered, I force myself to think rationally. First things first, I need to find someone who can help me. Then I can get more answers about how I got here. Glancing around me for car tracks or footprints in the field, I search for anything to give me a direction to walk.

Nothing. Not a single footprint.

A whimper wheezes out of me as I try to wade through all the panicked thoughts scrambling for dominance in my mind. My breaths begin to come out in short gasps. Panic attack.

"Ok, calm down Peyton," I gasp aloud, closing my eyes and attempting deep breaths. "Just calm down. You'll be alright. Breathe." It's a self-soothing mechanism to keep me grounded.

What worries me the most is that I can't remember my kidnapping. My university hoodie and blue jeans, although dirty from the ditch, aren't frayed or torn from a fight or resistance. My wrists aren't red from being tied. Maybe chloroform? But then why leave me in the middle of nowhere? A college prank perhaps? This whole thing is just baffling. I'd consider aliens, but that's just too silly.

I start walking toward the trees and something bounces around in my hoodie pocket, forcing me to stop to investigate. My hand meets the smooth glass of my cell phone and I feel a rush of relief and hope. Hallelujah!

I quickly yank it out and turn it on. No service. But my battery is at 72%. I keep messing with it for another five minutes, hoping for a miracle, and nothing. The battery power slowly goes down to 70% and I quickly put it into battery-saving mode. Even if I maintain the incredible battery my phone has, it'll be gone in only two days. Three days max.

There's nothing on me besides my cell phone. No cash. No cards. Nothing. No, wait! I take that back. I have some strawberry tic-tacs in my jeans pocket. I'm sure that'll come in handy. Not.

At least my kidnappers left me with tic-tacs to starve myself on.

I let out a breath and choose to walk in the direction of the sun towards the east, hoping it's the right direction. I finally enter the forest and it's a beautiful emerald green, with light filtering through the canopy. However, an alarming sight is the dark green ferns covering the ground. I try not to hyperventilate as I think about how ferns on the ground mean that I'm a loooong way from Nevada.

The cold, unpleasant feeling of wet pants overtakes my thighs and calves as my jeans soak up the morning dew on the fern leaves. My sneakers and socks begin to softly squeak with the amount of water that slowly seeps into them as I press forward. Pretty soon, there's an annoying squishing sound from my shoes that grates my nerves.

Where the heck am I?!

After what feels like an hour, I see what looks like a road! My breath whooshes out of me in a breathy laugh of relief and I begin running. Crashing through the foliage like a lunatic, my white squeaky sneakers finally step out onto a dirt-packed road. I'm going to be ok!

It's a narrow road that cuts right through the forest. More of a well-trodden trail, actually. I giddily look up and down my first sign of man-made anything. Eventually, though, my temporary happiness turns to worry and distress once more as I look up and down the long empty road.

NOW which way do I go?

Looking down at the road, I squint to see if the tracks can give me any indication of direction. No tire tracks. But there seem to be thin lines lightly carved into the firm road. Bike tires? No, too smooth. I then noticed the faint U-shapes delved in the ground between two of the lines and I'm shocked to recognize the shape as a horseshoe.

A…wagon?

This is not good. How did I get so far out into the wilderness that there aren't any cars or even bikes?! Maybe I'm on private property and my kidnappers dropped me off in Amish country? I can't help the shaky whine that escapes me and I raise both my hands to my head in despair, trying to calm myself. My blond hair is in the same messy bun I always keep it in. But I can feel a few leaves and twigs caught in it from low branches back in the forest.

The debris snag and scratch as I comb them out with my fingers, franticaly thinking this through. Why did this happen? Why me? I don't have any enemies! I'm just a boring little freshman in the nursing program, trying to get good grades so I can eventually become a nurse practitioner!

Would my dorm mate do something like this to me? She and I don't get along very well, but we've agreed to be civil to one another. I did steal her chimichanga from the freezer that one time. But how did she find out about that? Surely she wouldn't try and get revenge just for that, right?

Take deep breaths and try to relax once more, Pey. I firmly remind myself. Freaking out isn't going to help.

I look at the direction the horse prints seem to be going and decide to walk that way. My steps are slower than I'd like since my calves and toes are numb from my wet pants and sneakers.

It'd be nice if my kidnappers had left a note with instructions like 'Haha! Now you'll think twice before stealing my chimichanga!' or 'If you want to get out of the woods, you have to play my game…" like a horror movie.

At least I'd be able to think about my sins while I wander around aimlessly.

After traveling for another hour and a half down the road, I stop, hearing something strange. It's faint but my ears can pick up a low, deep vibration. Someone is singing! I look up and freeze, staring at the empty road in front of me, holding my breath. The singing gets louder and excitement hits me. Someone is coming! A dark shape finally appears down the road, obviously the source of the singing. A man riding a horse comes towards me at a slow trot. I'm immediately so relieved I feel like I could cry. I briefly notice that he's wearing a hood, and a dark cloak is around him, catching the wind made from the horse's movements.

I'm ecstatic with relief and I can't keep the huge smile off my face, "Hey! HEY!"

I bounce up and down, waving and shouting, "Oh my gosh, I'm SO glad to finally see someone!! I've been lost for HOURS and I don't know where I am! Can you please help me?"

The man had immediately stopped singing when he first saw me and stopped with his horse after I first began shouting and bouncing around like crazy. He now remains a short distance down the road from me, watching me warily. I must have startled him, I realize sheepishly. But I can't find it in myself to care too much since I have a VERY good reason to be frantic right now. He'll just have to get over it since this is an emergency.

There's a dark beard on his face under the hood, but I can't see much besides that. From the way he sits on his horse, gripping his reins, he seems very cautious about getting closer to me.

"I'm sorry to startle you!" I try again, speaking loudly so he can hear me, "I woke up in a field and I have no idea how I got there! I've been wandering since sunrise, and I have no idea where I am, and I'm trying to find a way to a town or city and…" I take a big breath after saying all of that in a rush. Speak calmly, Peyton. "Can you please tell me where I am?"

"You are in the Far Downs of the Shire, milady. Between Michel Delving and the Blue Mountains." A baritone voice reaches my ears. He and his horse are still quite far and have come no closer. Maybe his horse is skittish and he doesn't want me frightening him? The horse in question is watching me with its ears perked up, curious.

Two things strike me as very odd simultaneously. First is that, his refined accent seems to be British, but there are so many accents in England that I really can't say for sure. And secondly, I thought I heard him say 'the Shire'?

"Sorry, I didn't hear you really well! You're a bit far away," I call out to him chuckling, still a little giddy from relief. "I thought I heard you say 'the Shire'!" I chuckle again. "Could you say that again?"

"Aye, milady. You are in the Shire."

I frown, confused. I keep hearing him say 'the Shire', but he must be saying something else. I haven't cleaned my ears out in weeks. TMI, Peyton.

And then, suddenly, a flash of certainty about what is going on hits me and my once-good mood immediately sours. Some of the college students have decided to kidnap me, throw me into a ditch somewhere out of state, and then mess with me by pretending we're in the Shire. My frustration boils over and I glare at the man. I will not put up with this gaslighting!

"Look, I don't know who you are or why you think that it's ok to mess with me but I'm not going to put up with it. What have I ever done to you? I know you think you're funny, but leaving a woman in the middle of nowhere just so you can play your stupid prank is against the law since I didn't agree to it. I just need to get home." I glare at him.

The man is silent, not saying anything. He just stares at me.

"Please!" I finally have had enough and hope that I can appeal to whatever humanity this man has within him, "I'm cold and wet, and I just need to get home. I promise I won't tell anyone what you and your buddies did. I just need to get home and get out of these wet clothes."

His silence stretches for a moment but before I can start yelling at him again, he finally asks, his voice gruff, "And where is home…milady?" The title sounds less certain now.

"Home is my dorm at the University of Nevada, good sir." I retort, infusing sarcasm into the last bit as I respond to his 'milady' crap. I even throw in an eye roll for good measure. Unbelievable.

His wariness deepens into a full-blown scowl, and his right hand moves to rest on the side of his hip, away from me. He almost growls, "I have never heard of this place, so I can only assume that you lie. Speak truthfully, woman…are you alone? Or are your companions lurking in the forest, ready to ambush me?" He scans the trees around us in suspicion.

"Uhhh…what?" I raise an eyebrow, caught between bewilderment and frustration. Is he really going to keep playing his stupid prank? My anger mingles with astonishment, tying my tongue in knots. Why is he being so cruel? Great, just pick on the defenseless freshman! Where is karma when you need her? I'm working toward nursing school to help people, for crying out loud!

Tears of frustration begin to blur my vision. Angry and feeling helpless, I shake my head, glaring at the ground as my lip quivers. I can't understand the mentality of people like him. Pulling myself together I glare back up at him, my voice trembling, "You're despicable. Fine. Have it your way! I don't need your help. Screw you! I'm going to lawyer up and sue you BIG time!" I don't usually talk like this, but I'm so mad that I start spitting out words like an angry cat. "And just remember, if I get lost and get hypothermia in these wet clothes, you'll be heading to prison for a VERY long time!" My tears escape my eyes but I quickly wipe them away. I begin to stomp in the direction that I was originally headed, which unfortunately brings me closer to him and his horse.

Suddenly, a sharp metallic sound cuts through the air. I freeze in my tracks, gasping as I stare at the gleaming metal sword now unsheathed at the man's side. The weapon is anything but a prop; it's a real, sharp-edged piece of metal!

He points the sword at me with a seriousness that sends my heart into overdrive. My throat goes dry as I instinctively raise my hands in the air in surrender, the blood draining from my face. Could he actually be dangerous? My mind races with worst-case scenarios, imagining myself trapped in some twisted fantasy-turned-nightmare with a psychopath who wants to murder a college student in some sort of sick fantasy game of his.

"I'll ask you again, woman." his voice is low, dangerous, his patience worn thin by my accusations, "Are you alone?" His horse prances momentarily before remaining still.

I gulp. My mind races in fear as I think of the right response. If I tell him I'm alone, will he see me as an easy target? If I claim I have friends waiting in the woods, will he think I'm planning an 'attack'? What do I say?!

All thought leaves my mind when his voice thunders out like a loud hammer through the forest, "SPEAK!"

"I'M ALONE!" I cry out reflexively, survival instincts kicking in as I take a step back with a quiet sob. My hands start to tremble but I keep them up, "I'm completely and utterly alone, and I'm s-sorry! I don't want to be here! P-Please, just let me go!" I bite my lip and remind myself that begging will get me nowhere. If detective TV shows are correct, then psychopaths enjoy hearing their victims beg. But I can't help it.

Surprisingly, at my frightened pleadingly, he does lower the sword a bit, his expression shifting from anger to uncertainty. We lock eyes, both of us caught in a tense standoff with me trembling like a leaf.

His next words are a mix of frustration and concern, "I don't understand what has occurred to you, miss. But I assure you I am not part of it."

His words resonate with me, strangely instilling trust and cutting through the layers of confusion and fear. Perhaps there's more to this than a mere prank? The sound of his sword being put back into its sheath has me slowly lowering my hands, though I remain cautious. His face, once a mask of intensity, now seems to show a hint of empathy.

But then he abruptly begins to unmount his horse, swinging one of his legs up and over the saddle and I take a few steps back in fear until I suddenly realize that…he's actually shorter than I expected. I didn't notice at first while he was on the horse, but he's a very short man. He's a couple of inches taller than me but judging by his large boots he may actually be my same height to be honest.

He turns from his horse after dismounting but hesitates to walk closer to me when he sees I'm still afraid of him. My hands have instinctively raised up again, but this time more towards him to protect myself from him coming any closer.

"I'm not going to harm you," he asserts, his deep and calm voice a stark contrast to his previous demands.

He then reaches up and uncovers the hood on his cloak, pulling it away from his head completely. His thick long hair is dark brown almost black. Most of it is behind him, but what I can see goes down past his shoulders in natural waves, while his beard is short. Two braids adorn either side of his face, glinting with two metal beads covering the ends. It gives his whole appearance a peculiar otherworldly look. His nose is straight like an arrow down his face.

But his eyes. His eyes are a startling blue. They are accentuated by thick eyebrows that give him an intimidating impression.

I blink. Well, look on the bright side Peyton! At least your killer is extremely good-looking! At least an ugly person won't kill you! Haha, that's not funny. Stop.

"I'm not going to harm you." He says again. I relax my hands once more, but I don't completely trust him. It's obvious he doesn't trust me either as I notice his gloved hand resting easily on his sword's hilt in a comfortable posture. "It's not often a human woman is found wandering the woods alone in the Shire of all places. I believed you to be part of a potential ambush. Forgive me for frightening you."

I give him an exasperated look. Ugh, why are we STILL playing this medieval game?

"The Shire still, huh? Greeaaaat…Love the dedication to your fantasy and everything, but um, I'm in a bit of a hurry. So, if could you please point me in the direction of the closest town, good sir, then I shall be on my way and shall trouble you no further. I don't need a weird man pointing his sword at me." I mock him in my best posh English accent.

He takes in my posture and change in accent and his eyes narrow, "I'm obviously a dwarf, not a man."

I look him up and down, "Well I mean, sure, you're short, but not shorter than me. So, you must be a pretty tall dwarf. Or a mad human. Take your pick."

He folds his arms as well, affronted, and scoffs back at me in ridicule, "A woman in strange clothing, wandering the country without an escort…says thatI am mad?" He then gives me a condescending look, "Waking up in a ditch is probably a frequent occurrence for you, milady." This time his milady IS sarcastic, a hint of mean amusement around his mouth.

I gasp in indignation, although I'm not sure why and I reply hotly, "Yeah, well, I don't believe this whole cosplay getup for one second. Waking up in the middle of nowhere and wandering for hours, only for you, a delusional guy who imagines he's a dwarf to turn up? That's not a coincidence." I raise an eyebrow and faintly notice that he and I have the same defensive posture. Still, I'm not buying his act one bit.

Now he huffs in exasperation, "I don't understand the riddles you speak but I assure you, I have never seen you before this encounter. Imagine my surprise to find a lone woman in the middle of the path to the Blue Mountains waving and shouting me over to her. You cannot blame me for being cautious."

I say nothing, but now that I can see him better, I take in all of him. His clothes are very well made for this fantasy of his. Not the kind you buy at Walmart for Halloween, but custom-made by someone very skilled. He must be a dedicated cosplayer. There are some people who are decent seamstresses who could have made something like this for him at a hefty price.

Some sort of brown fur is peeking out from underneath his dark cloak around his shoulders. His forearms are covered in dark brown armor of some kind, and a thick swatch of leather fabric covers his chest. A large silver belt buckle draws my eyes to his lower abdomen, with strange engravings on it, attached to a leather belt around his waist. The rest of his clothing is dark as well, deep brown, but of a strange texture. He reminds me of a huntsman almost from Snow White.

His boots are large, made of thick leather with metal over the toes while his pants are a simple dark brown. Both appear worn out from travel and not taken care of as would be expected with cosplay.

I look back up at his face and I can see that he has taken the opportunity to study my attire as well, his forehead is furrowed with confused lines to match the concerned frown on his face.

"Where was it you said you hail from?" He looks me in the eye before glancing down once more at my hot pink hoodie, my denim jeans, and wet white sneakers.

"Uh, I was born in California, raised in Arizona, and I now live in Nevada?" I say it as a question, not sure what he means, "Uh, and my…my family will be worried! They'll come looking for me if they don't hear from me."

I say this as confidently as I can since it might make him think twice about harming me if he knows I have people who'll notice my absence. And I do. My mom and dad along with five older brothers and younger sister won't rest when they find me missing. Which fearfully might be a while since I only check in every other Sunday.

He cocks his head, eyes narrowing further, "California and…Arizona? Where do these regions lie?"

"The United States." I deadpan, giving him an I-don't-have-the-patience-for-your-crap-right-now kind of look.

He shakes his head in annoyance, "It is clear you are unwell. I am unfamiliar with the names of these places you speak. But, since you inquired, the nearest town is back the way you came." He gives a half-wave with his hand in the direction I just walked from. He suddenly looks me in the eye, his wariness back, and asks dryly, "How can I be sure you did not just come from there?"

I narrow my eyes at the insinuation that I'm a liar. And did he say 'unwell'? Like, mentally unwell? Only people who pretend they have never heard of the United States are unwell. But there's a saying by Mark Twain that my father always tells me. He said 'Never argue with stupid people. They will drag you down to their level and then beat you with experience.'

This is one of those stupid people.

He and I could call each other unwell and delusional over and over again, but that will get us nowhere. He's not gonna budge.

Instead, I focus on his most alarming statement, "What?! I just walked an hour and a half from that direction! How far away is this town?"

"About two hours." He states. He then cocks his head to the side, a mean smirk hinting on his lips once more, "By pony."

"I don't believe you." I narrow my eyes at him angrily. Stupid, delusional, cosplay dwarf jerk! "The tracks for a horse were headed in this direction!" I point toward the direction he had just come, "I didn't see any coming back that way!"

"This road is not often traversed." He briefly glances around us warily, "Not many travel to the Blue Mountains except us dwarves." He looks back at me, "The tracks you saw might have been made after yesterday's rain. Most likely one of my kin returning from selling his wares in the Shire or Bree."

I'm not exactly sure what to say to that, so I keep quiet. Talking with this strange guy just gets weirder and weirder. What if he's NOT actually my kidnapper? What if I really did just meet some random guy who happens to be cosplaying through the forest and he's just doing a Dungeons and Dragons LOTR sort of thing? I honestly don't know what Dungeons and Dragons is, having never played it before. But from what I've picked up over the years of hearing about it, it's some sort of card game that makes up stories. Some people are obsessed with it and get into it so much that they lose touch with reality. This must be one of those guys who wants to act it out in the real world. Ugh.

It strikes me as strange though! I mean...he's not who I'd picture being a fantasy stoner. He seems so stern and serious and very much sober. His eyes are intelligent and alert, not at all like a cosplayer with a glazed look on their face and dilated pupils who you KNOW is not all there and seem disconnected from what is happening in front of them. This man seems very much in the present and is completely focused on me and what I'm saying and doing. It's a bit...unnerving.

Oh well. Crazy or not, he's the only one around.

"Can you please help me?" I try again, wringing my hands nervously. "I don't recognize where I am, and I need to get home."

He takes in my appearance once more, thinking hard. Hopefully, I look as cold as I feel. He sighs and finally nods, unfolding his arms and turning around. He strides to his horse, cape billowing behind him regally as he moves with purpose and precision. Does he practice in the mirror?

His gruff, frustrated voice shakes me out of my preoccupation about his stride, as he steps into the horse's stirrup and mounts in one fluid motion, "Loathe as I am to be delayed in my journey, I cannot leave an unwell maiden wandering alone in the woods in good conscience. Even if you are a human." He gives me a look as if I committed a serious offense against him for being a human before continuing, "I will take you to Michel Delving as I am passing through there. You must then find your own way home." His no-nonsense voice lets me know he's offering me the barest civility of getting to civilization but that he won't take responsibility for me. He'll drop me off and I'm on my own.

I wouldn't have it any other way.

"Perfect! That's totally fine with me!" I give him a brilliant smile and a nod. I don't want to be with him any longer than I have to be.

He guides his horse closer to me until I'm stretching my neck back to look up at him. I get the feeling he still doesn't trust me, which is fine because I trust this guy as far as I can throw him. But this realization, that he seems just as wary of me as I am of him, makes the thoughts I harbor about him being a psychopath slowly ebb away. This must really just be a poor mental guy who's happened upon me in the woods. Still could be a prank, though. A prank taken WAAAY too far. But, if I'm not in any danger, it might be fun…? Would a bunch of guys dressed like orcs jump out of the forest on our way there, and we'll do a fake battle? Lol. In that case, I call dibs on being 'Legolas'!

Still, just to be safe I ask, "How far have you traveled? If I continued walking this way by myself, when would I reach the next town?"

"By pony, it is a day and a half journey. By foot…I would estimate four days." He gives me a look I don't recognize, "But I do not recommend it alone and…in your condition."

I bristle, but then I look down at myself and inwardly admit that my cold pants and moist shoes have seen better days. Denim isn't as thick as the pants this guy is wearing, and I'm wearing a pink cotton hoodie whereas he's wearing some sort of furry thing underneath his cloak.

Do I really want to walk for four days, huddling for warmth on the side of an empty road during the night in wet clothes? Sounds like suicide. But then again, so is going with this weirdo.

"How can I trust you?" I ask one final time, vaguely worried that I will anger him with my suspicion.

He doesn't get upset but actually seems to appreciate my wariness of strangers. He gives me a solemn nod of his head, "I give you my word of honor, daughter of man, that I will deliver you safely to the next town. Can you give me your word as well?"

I wrinkle my nose. Words of honor? Pssh.

I know they're always drilling it into our heads 'no second location' but, honestly, I don't really have a choice. He doesn't seem like he's my kidnapper, and if he IS behind my kidnapping then I can pretend to go along with this for now. I don't have any tests today at school and my English paper's due tomorrow so as long as these crazies get me home before then…

I finally sigh and force a wry smile, "I give you my word that I really am alone and lost, no one will ambush you that I know of, and I accept your help to the next town. I also give you my word that if it DOES so happen that you are behind my kidnapping...I will see you in court. Thank you."

I'll sue him for everything he owns…including his sword and horse. I've always wanted a sword and horse!

He narrows his eyes in confusion before giving me a curt nod in acceptance and then reaches down his hand, intent on helping me up behind him. His wrists and palm are covered in leather, attached to the armor on his forearms, but his fingers are uncovered and bare.

I gulp, a little nervous, but slowly place my hand into his. It's very warm with a good number of calluses from hard labor. Not at all like someone who sits around playing fantasy computer games all day. But then his uncovered fingers grasp mine in a tight grip and I'm worried for a moment. He doesn't pause though as he easily hauls me up with one arm. I scramble to get my leg around the horse and settle onto its back, my face flushing.

He's VERY strong. I thought he looked burly because of the layers of clothes he has on, but no…I could feel the strength in his hand and the power of his single arm as he lifted me up like I weighed nothing. I know I'm small, but this just made me feel even smaller. I've always wished I could be tall and strong like a ballerina. For a short guy…he's stronger than I thought could be possible. Definitely a gym rat.

Worry grips my stomach as I obviously won't be able to do a thing to stop him if he has the inclination to harm me. He sits straight in his saddle, and I can feel the tension in his shoulders as if he doesn't feel comfortable with me sitting behind him.

I don't wrap my arms around him for fear of getting too cozy in this stranger's bubble and angering him. I mustn't forget that he has a very real sword at his side. I feel the sheath resting against my right leg. Instead, I gently place my hands on the back of his shoulder blades, lightly as possible so he doesn't feel it through his thick armor-like clothing.

We awkwardly try to get comfortable now that both of us are on his very small horse. I think he had said 'pony' earlier? My wet pants rest against the warm furry body of the pony, raising and lifting with each breath. His belongings are wrapped in a waterproof cloth and are pressed up against my back, which presses me up against him.

I don't see his face and he says nothing, thankfully. He simply pulls his hood back up over his head, hiding his long dark hair once more. He nudges the pony with his feet and, with a click from his tongue, we continue down the path.

End of Chapter

Sooo? Whatcha think? :) Present tense is hard to write which is why I wanted to try it. I've been told that Chapter 2 is a lot better than the first chapter, so go ahead and let me know if you feel like it enhances the story or takes away from it! Thanks for reading!