So, we left it quite suspenseful last chapter, let's see what happens next! YAY! Here's the feedback from last chapter:

RingsFan: Thank you so much! You are right that I can't develop Evelyn completely within only 4 chapters! Thank you for the positive feedback!

Monkeepeanut: Yes, you have commented on how you love the story and I honestly don't mind! I love it whenever someone sends me a review or message saying something like that; it makes me smile so much! Thanks again!

sherlock's apprentice: Okay… you do that bro! Thanks!

Smorelet4077: It is a cool scene, but not one of my favourites really… anyways, hope you have a fun time camping! Also thanks for replying to my message so quickly! Yes, I think that a sequel would be particularly awesome too! XD Thanks again!

TheMarauders' NewApprentice: Indeed! Daily updates too! Thanks for reading!

TheOldDuir: I know! Silly old Pippin! XD Thanks for the comments and feedback you sent for what I sent to you! We will discuss it further in psychology tomorrow! Thanks again!

Courtney104DeNoir: Tell me about it! I adore Merry as a character and he does have that effect on me too! Dom Monaghan is an amazing actor too! Have you seen him in the TV programme LOST? He's also in a short film called the Millionaire Tour which I really want to see. Thanks again!

Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings in any way!

Chapter 5

Strider the Ranger

~X~

The men in the inn gasped and yelled and Pippin dashed over to us panicking. "What do we do now?" he exclaimed. "Frodo's gone!"

I narrowed my eyes and suddenly, Baggins appeared by a broad wooden beam. "Over there!" I yelled happily, pointing in his direction. However the smile quickly slid off of my face as a dark, hooded man grabbed hold of him and began to drag him up some stairs. "No!"

Merry gulped and grabbed a candlestick that had a candle alight as Pippin picked up a chair. Sam ushered us up the stairs after the black haired hobbit as I managed to grab hold of a particularly large vase. As we raced up the stairs, Pippin caught sight of an open door and sure enough, there stood Frodo and his kidnapper. Barrelling inside, I lifted the vase slightly, prepared to throw it at any given second.

"Let him go! Or I'll have you Longshanks!" Sam challenged, fists raised. The human man whirled around with a long sword in hand. He had long dark brown hair and bright blue eyes; his clothes were raggedy and on his back was a bow and quiver of arrows. The man sheathed his sword and glanced at the four of us.

"You have a stout heart little hobbit! But that will not save you. You can no longer wait for the wizard Frodo. They're coming," he explained and I frowned.

"Who's coming?" I asked, lowering the vase to the ground.

He grimaced. "I'll explain later, but for now- follow me." And he led us from the room and down the stairs, outside and into another inn. Climbing the stairs, we found ourselves in a new bedroom where there was several beds pushed together. The man, who we found was called Strider, was a ranger and knew that we were in danger with the ring on one of us.

As the evening became darker, Sam, Pippin and Merry clambered into the beds still dressed (minus their waistcoats) and managed to fall asleep. However, Frodo and I leant against the end of their beds near Strider who sat at the windows. As I began to yawn, the moon came out and suddenly loud hooves sounded from outside. I didn't need Strider to tell me who they were. The black riders. There were several screams, before I glanced across the narrow road and managed to see five silhouettes in the room that would have been ours. There was screeching and even from across the road, you could hear their swords stabbing over and over again.

With a jolt, Pippin, Merry and Sam woke up and looked panicked. The Brandybuck and Took caught my eye and I smiled sadly at them. If Strider hadn't taken us, we would all be dead.

"What are they?" Frodo asked quietly and Strider glanced around to face us, hand still resting on his sword.

"They were once men. Great Kings of Men. The Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine rings of power. Blinded by their greed they took them without question. One by one falling into darkness," the ranger explained. "Now they are slaves to his will. They are the Nazgûl. Ringwraiths. Neither living nor dead. At all times they feel the presence of the Ring. Drawn to the power of the One. They will never stop hunting you." He looked up and gave us an odd look. "Rest. In the morning, we leave." And with that, he pulled a blanket around him. Frodo unbuttoned his waistcoat before climbing into the bed next to Sam. I shrugged off my cloak as Merry gestured for me to lie down beside him.

As I slid under the covers, Meriadoc slid his warm arm around my waist and I suddenly felt calm, like all of my troubles had melted away. "I'm sorry." he sighed and I frowned before facing him.

"What do you mean?"

He sighed and faced me. "Pip and I made you come with us. Now, we have to make sure Frodo and the ring is safe. We nearly died tonight and you're my friend, I couldn't let that happen." I smiled sadly. Friend. Not really what I wanted to hear, but still.

"It's okay Merry. Everything will be okay,"

~X~

The next morning, we left the inn and Bree far behind us and began climbing and trekking up many hills. My feet ached and stomach rumbled, but Sam and Pippin made sure we all kept walking after Strider and his pony. "Where are you taking us?" I asked irritably.

"Into the wild,"

Raising an eyebrow, I glanced over at Sam who shrugged and looked fairly annoyed at all of the secrecy.

"How do we know this Strider is a friend of Gandalf?" I asked Pippin who looked famished.

"I think a servant of the enemy would look fairer, but feel fouler," Frodo replied for me.

"He's foul enough," the Brandybuck growled and I laughed as Strider tilted his head hearing the comment.

"We have no choice but to trust him," Frodo decided and we continued walking.

"But where is he leading us?" I persisted.

Strider turned his head and replied, "To Rivendell Lady Evelyn. To the House of Elrond." I frowned before Sam's eyes widened.

"D'you hear that! Rivendell! We're going to see the elves!"

Nothing dampened his spirits. However the rain that soon fell made my mood darken. Our group made its way through freezing snow and up even more mountains for a few more hours until Pippin was gasping for breath.

"We need second breakfast," he panted.

I smiled. Finally! Somebody was on the same wavelength as me. "Yes!"

We stopped the pony and began to grab the frying pans and matches and plates. Strider turned around looking confused, slightly ahead of us.

"Gentlemen, lady! We do not stop 'til nightfall," he shouted at us from a small hill.

Pippin scowled. "What about breakfast?" Strider looked even more confused.

"You've already had it,"

I rolled my eyes and replied, "We've had one yes. What about second breakfast?" The man frowned and continued walking.

"Don't think he knows about second breakfast Evelyn," Merry moaned and re-slung his pack up his shoulder. Shrugging, I continued walking; however Pippin couldn't let it go.

"What about elvenses? Luncheon, Afternoon Tea, Dinner? Supper! He knows about them, doesn't he?"

Laughing, I met my pace with Strider's as I heard Merry say, "I wouldn't count on it." I took this opportunity to take an apple from my pack and I tossed it to the Brandybuck who caught it with ease and threw me a smile. Blushing, I handed one to Strider who threw it in the Took's direction. However it hit him on the head, causing both of us to laugh.

"Pippin!"

~X~

Tada! What did you think? We're finally getting some feels between Merry and Evelyn. There will be more! I swear! Until next time…

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