Disclaimer: I do not own Lord of the Rings or any of the franchise. Anything you don't reconize is mine or LadyofEomer's.

Chapter 1

The rain pounded against the cobblestone street and tin roofs, something not uncommon in the town of Bree. There was hardly a time where the small village did not get soaked through by a heavy rain. A hooded woman pursed her lips, her dark eyes searching around small town, looking for a simple wooden sign. Her breath showed on the chilly night air and she was instantly thankful for the cloak that hung around her shoulders. It kept out the rain and the cold which was the most she could ask for at that moment. Gloved fingers wrapped around the hilt of a sword at her side as some rather rough looking men passed her.

A smile finally graced her lips as she spotted the Prancing Pony. It was as quaint as the name suggested, as she entered through the door her ears were immediately bombarded by the sounds of laughter. It was warm and earthy, a certain naivety compared some of her earlier destinations. She scanned the pub, her eyes immediately going towards the dark corner where a hooded man sat. Her boots padded gently across the wooden floor, avoiding any creaks that might cause more suspicious glances. The hooded man glanced up, a puff of smoke escaping his mouth as he nodded for her to sit.

"Strider," she bowed her head, her voice coming out strong yet smooth. He pulled the pipe from his lips, giving the young woman a rather weak smile.

"It is good to see you well, Voreria," his voice was rough but remained firm as he spoke to his comrade and friend.

A smile that mirrored his spread across her lips,"we have much to discuss, my friend."

"You speak far older than you are," he chuckled softly, shaking his head.

"I am only a few decades younger than you," she spoke playfully though the smiles never reached her eyes.

"And you are still as rambunctious as ever," he commented before turning to a more serious note,"I heard of the attack near the old woods, is everyone unhurt?"

She looked down, studying the grain of the wooden table with a grim expression,"The Black Riders attacked when we were unprepared, many of our men were asleep at the time, slaughtered in their beds. We were able to scare them away, but I fear they are determined to get into the Shire. Morilia is dead, she was injured when they found her, the ring wraiths stabbed her with the Morgul-blade. She never stood a chance."

Strider reached out and wrapped his hand around hers, consuming it with his large one. He replied lowly, a small waver in his voice,"I am sorry, I knew what she meant to you."

Voreria quickly whipped her hand from his grip, shaking her head violently,"there is no bringing her back."

Strider looked at the woman, who was very much still a young girl in his eyes. Still that same shell of a girl he found wandering in the Ettenmoors, a savage desert that was no place for a young girl. Voreria remained in passive to the passing of her dear friend, she learned long ago that succumbing to the darkness did no one good, dead or alive.

"Alcarin was wounded as well but Elaviel was able to stop the poison from causing more damage," she said eager to change the subject,"what shall we do next Strider, the shire lies unprotected?"

Strider remained silent for a moment before his light eyes met her dark ones,"you shall have to draw the eyes away from the Halflings. Orcs have been seen near Fornost, take your band there. Perhaps it will distract them from the shire for a little bit."

Voreria nodded before pausing,"what is it they wish to get from going towards the shire? The hobbits are no threat to them."

"Only time can tell, hopefully we can stop them before they cause true damage," he told her sternly.

She stood up, grasping his forearm as he did hers,"until we met again, Strider."

"Be safe." He commanded.

"I will try."