Disclaimer: I don't own Lord of the Rings but if I did.....drool........Legolas.......hot elf...drool.....Elrond.....argh!!!! Elrond get out of my fantasy!!!!! All the new characters are my own creations with a few suggestions from my friend (Gilraen) thrown in.

Authors note: This chapter has been re-written using film dialogue from the extended version.

Chapter 1

Journey to Rivendell

Sam took another look at the people sat in the corner. There were two, a man and a woman. The man was tall and looked weather-beaten. His legs were stretched out before him, showing high boots of supple leather that fitted him well, but had seen much wear and were now caked with mud. A travel-stained cloak of heavy dark-green cloth was drawn close about him and in spite of the heat of the room he wore a hood that overshadowed his face; but the gleam of his eyes could be seen as he watched Sam and his companions Frodo, Merry and Pippin.

The woman was a little shorter than the man and looked a lot cleaner. Her legs were tucked underneath the table in front of her. Her boots were cleaner but wetter than the man's; she had been out in the rain. She wore a cloak of a light, brown material which too was wet and her hood clung to her forehead so her eyes could not be seen. Both of them had swords attached to their belts.

"Those two have done nothing but stare at you since we arrived," said Sam to Frodo who was sat next to him. He was protective of Frodo for a good reason. Frodo carried a small yet dangerous object, the One Ring.

"Excuse me," said Frodo to Barliman, the owner of the Prancing Pony, "Those two in the corner, who are they?"

"Well," said Barliman coldly, "The man is one of them Rangers. They're dangerous folk, wandering the Wilds. What his right name is I've never heard, but round here he's known as Strider."

"Strider," said Frodo, thoughtfully, "What about the woman?"

"Oh, young Tigerlily," said Barliman, his tone changing to a warm one, "Strider brought her here when she was about seventeen and she's been here ever since. Her mother was born and raised here in Bree. We assume that's why she was sent here but she's never said whether it's true or not."

Barliman went on his way, leaving Frodo deep in thought. He played with the Ring which lay in his hand. He heard it whisper to him.

"Baggins," it whispered.

"Baggins," it whispered louder.

"Baggins," it said.

"Baggins!" it shouted.

"Baggins?" came a voice that belonged no to the Ring but to Frodo's companion, Pippin who was stood by the bar.

"Sure I know a Baggins," he pointed at Frodo, "He's over there. Frodo Baggins. He's my second cousin, once removed on his mother's side."

Frodo stood up quickly and hurried over to Pippin.

"And," Pippin continued, "My third cousin, twice removed..."

"Pippin!" cried Frodo, grabbing his arm.

"Steady on, Frodo," said Pippin, accidentally knocking Frodo back. Frodo slipped and fell to the floor. The Ring flew out of his hand into the air. It fell back to earth and Frodo caught it on his finger, causing him to disappear. That got Strider and Tigerlily's full attention. Their sharp eyes searched for any sign of Frodo, knowing he was the Hobbit they had been waiting for.

When he reappeared, Strider grabbed Frodo and pulled him into a corner, not fast enough to escape Sam's watchful gaze though.

"You draw too much attention to yourself, Mr. 'Underhill'," hissed Tigerlily. (A/n: Tigerlily will be having a few of Strider's lines. It helps the story flow and gives her something to say.)

Strider pushed Frodo up the stairs and Tigerlily followed.

When they got upstairs, they pushed him into a room and shut the door.

"What do you want?" asked Frodo.

"A little more caution from you. That is no trinket you carry," said Strider.

"I carry nothing," said Frodo.

"Indeed," said Tigerlily, removing her hood as Strider moved towards the window. Under her hood, she had shoulder length light brown hair with blonde streaks in it and her eyes were hazel but seemed cold and empty as if she felt guilty about something.

"I can avoid being seen if I wish," said Strider, putting out the candles by the window, "But to disappear entirely," he removed his hood, "That is a rare gift." Strider had dark hair and eyes but they weren't as cold as Tigerlily's who was clearly much younger. Frodo wondered what would make a young woman feel so guilty it showed in her eyes.

"Who are you?" asked Frodo, looking from Strider to Tigerlily.

"Are you frightened?" asked Tigerlily. (A/n: I had to let her have this; it's my favorite line in FOTR)

"Yes," answered Frodo.

"Not nearly frightened enough," said Strider, "We know what hunts you."

Suddenly Sam, Merry and Pippin burst through the door, carrying weapons of chance or in Sam's case, balled fists. Strider unsheathed his sword.

"Let him go!" shouted Sam, "Or I'll have you, Longshanks and your women-friend."

"You have a stout heart, little Hobbit," said Strider, sheathing his sword, "But it will not save you."

"You can no longer wait for the wizard, Frodo," said Tigerlily, "They're coming."

Later that night, they, the Nazgûl, arrived in Bree. Strider and Tigerlily knew they would seek out the hobbits so the Hobbit-sized beds were made to look like someone was asleep in them, while the Hobbits stayed in Strider's room. Frodo was awake and the others were woken by screeches of disappointment sounding from the Nazgûl as they discovered there were no Hobbits in the beds and left the Prancing Pony. The Hobbits looked at Strider who was watching the street below the window whilst sitting in a chair. Tigerlily was sat in front of the door, doubling as a draught-extinguisher as well as an extra guard.

"What are they?" asked Frodo.

"They were once Men. Great kings of Men. Then Sauron the Deceiver gave to them nine rings of power," said Strider.

"Blinded by their greed, they took them without question. One by one falling to darkness," added Tigerlily.

"Now they are slaves to his will. They are Nazgûl," said Strider. Pippin looked at Tigerlily, confused,

"Ringwraiths," said Tigerlily, helpfully, "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. Now let's talk about something else. Them Nazgûl give me the creeps."

The next day, complete with food, supplies and a pony named Bill; Strider, Tigerlily and the Hobbits left Bree.

"Where are you taking us?" asked Frodo

"Into the Wild," replied Tigerlily, "It has been many years since I ventured there myself but Strider knows the way like the back of his hand."

"How long has that scar been there?" said Strider, in mock surprise, looking at his hand. Tigerlily could see a distrusting look on Sam's face but he didn't say anything.

"How do we know this Strider is a friend of Gandalf?" Merry whispered to Frodo, unaware that both Strider and Tigerlily could hear him.

"I think a servant of the enemy would look fairer and feel fouler.

"He's foul enough," replied Merry

"We have no choice but to trust him," replied Frodo.

"But where is he leading us?" said Sam.

"To Rivendell, Master Gamgee," said Strider, "To the House of Elrond."

"Did you hear that?" said Sam, excitedly, "Rivendell. We're going to see the Elves."

"I don't see what is so exciting about Elves," said Tigerlily, "If you ask me they're a bit snobbish. Look down their noses at anything that isn't Elven. Even Strider here."

"That's enough, Tigerlily," said Strider, "I won't have you squashing Sam's dreams about Elves."

After traveling for a few hours the next morning, Tigerlily heard a clang of metal. Both she and Aragorn turned to see the Hobbits, setting up camp.

"Gentlemen," said Tigerlily, "We do not stop until nightfall."

"What about breakfast?" asked Pippin.

"You've already had it," said Strider

"We've had one, yes," said Pippin, "What about second breakfast?"

Strider looked at Tigerlily who shrugged and carried on walking. She noticed an apple tree. She pulled one off and threw it over her shoulder. They soon reached the Midgewater marshes. The marshes nearly came up to Tigerlily's waist and were icy cold. The midges didn't help. They swarmed around the travelers and bit them.

"What do they eat," said Merry," when they can't get Hobbit?"

Six days out of Bree, the travelers arrived at a hill on which there was a ruin.

"This was the great watchtower of Amon Sûl," he said, "We shall rest here tonight." The Hobbits were quite happy to rest. Strider fetched a bundle from Bill. It contained four small swords, which he gave to the Hobbits.

"These are for you," he said, "Keep them close. I'm going to have a look around. Stay here. Come, Tigerlily."

As they left Amon Sûl, Tigerlily voiced her concern.

"The Nazgûl are following us," she said

"I know," replied Strider, "Let's hope we find them before they find the Hobbits."

The two searched the wasteland around Amon Sûl, swords ready for any sign of a Nazgûl. The Nazgûl screech they heard coming from the watchtower, sent chills down their spines.

"Tigerlily!" shouted Strider, "Back to the watchtower!"

When they arrived back at Amon Sûl, Frodo was no where to be seen. Strider lunged at the Nazgûl using flame and blade. Frodo reappeared, screaming.

"Frodo!" cried Sam, rushing over to him as Tigerlily and Strider continued to fight off the Wraiths. Strider set fire to a Nazgûl and Tigerlily tried to see off two more. Strider helped her as she wasn't much of a swordsman and then chased one off Weathertop, where was the last one? It was trying to sneak away; Strider turned and threw his torch at it. It caught fire and ran away, screaming. Merry and Pippin had joined Sam at Frodo's side.

"Strider!" called Sam, "Help him, Strider." Tigerlily picked up the blade beside Frodo and watched it turn to dust.

"He's been stabbed by a Morgul blade," she said, throwing down the handle.

"This is beyond my skill to heal," said Strider, "He needs Elvish medicine." He lifted Frodo into his arms and the group left Weathertop. Tigerlily and Merry carried torches. They went through a forest, heading east. Nazgûl screams were heard.

"Hurry!" said Strider

"We're six days from Rivendell," said Sam, leading Bill, "He'll never make it!"

"Have a hope, Master Gamgee," said Tigerlily, "Have a hope."

They rested in the clearing, Strider, Merry and Tigerlily watching for the Ringwraiths.

"Look, Frodo it's Mr. Bilbo's trolls. Mr. Frodo?" said Sam, "He's going cold."

"Is he going to die?" asked Pippin.

"He's passing into the Shadow World," said Strider, "He'll soon become a Wraith like them." Frodo made a strange, choking sound and the Nazgûl replied with their blood-curdling screeches.

"They're close," said Merry.

"Sam," said Strider, "Do you know the Athelas plant?"

"Athelas?" repeated Sam.

"Kingsfoil," said Tigerlily, helpfully.

"Kingsfoil, aye, it's a weed," said Sam.

"It may help slow the poisoning. Hurry!" said Strider. He and Sam left to find the Athelas.

A short while later, a white horse came to the clearing with an elven rider. The rider dismounted the horse

"Frodo, I am Arwen- Telin le thaed. Lasto beth nîn, tolo dan na ngalad," she said

"Who is she?" asked Merry as the Elf and Aragorn bent over Frodo.

"Frodo," said Arwen.

"She's an elf," said Sam

"He's fading," said Arwen, "He's not going to last." Aragorn put some Athelas in Frodo's wound. Frodo made the choking sound again.

"We must get him to my father," said Arwen, "I've been looking for you for two days. There are five Wraiths behind you. Where the other four are, I do not know."

"Dartho guin Berian. Rych le ad tolthathon," said Strider.

"Hon mabathon," said Arwen, "Rochon ellint im."

"Andelu i ven.," said Strider.

"What are they saying?" Pippin asked Tigerlily. She didn't reply, she was concentrating on the conversation.

"Ae athradon i hîr, tûr gwaith nîn beriatha hon. I do not fear them," said Arwen. Strider helped her onto the horse.

"Arwen," he said, "Ride hard. Don't look back." Arwen spoke some Elvish to her horse and rode away.

"What are you doing?!" shouted Sam, "Those Wraiths are still out there!"

"He knows," said Tigerlily, "But Arwen can out-run them. We cannot."

"Oh dear," said Pippin.

"Come now Hobbits," said Strider, "We're still a long way from Rivendell." The two humans and three Hobbits continued their journey to the Last Homely House (A/n: I got that from The Hobbit).