I am a Dúnedain - Aragorn love story

1

I was soaked to the bone. And cold. The weather was bad. Like something terrible was going to happen. My leather boots were sticking in the muddy road of Bree. I was heading to the Branching Pony. There I had a meeting with Gandalf the grey. To tell him about Saruman. My dark green cloak was also soaked and I shivered. I was hoping op a warm meal and a good night sleep. Branches are not always that comfortable. My dark brown hair was hanging in front of my face. And that was a good thing. Because now no one could see the dark circles under my grey eyes.

I arrived by the Branching Pony and walked straight to the bar. 'Hello Barliman'

Barliman looked up at me and smiled. 'Verya! Long time no see'

I chuckled. 'Indeed we have. But I have a meeting here with Gandalf the grey. Is he here?'

Barlimans eyes were suddenly concerned. 'Big man? Grey cloak? Grey pointy head? No I haven't see him in six months'

I couldn't show my disappointment to him. So I smiled. 'oh, then I am early. Do you have a room for me and a good hot meal? Then I wait for him'

'Yes of course Verya! Sit down and I let someone bring you a good meal. And I have a room for you' He grasped a key from a hanger and gave it to me. 'here you go'

'Thank you!' I said to him en went to the middle of the bar. There I sat by a table, waiting for my meal and Gandalf.

In the corner sat a cloaked man. Smoking a pipe. I did not see his face. But by the guess of his clothing and his observing behavior he was also a ranger.

The door of the bar opened and four soaked wet hobbits stumbled inside. One of them was making his way to the bar.

'Excuse me' I hear the hobbit say. Barliman turns around to face the hobbit and looks down at him.

''Good evening, little masters. If you're
seeking accommodation, we've got some
nice, cozy Hobbit sized rooms
available. Mr...ah...' He asks. The hobbit is thinking, I can see that. Then he says; 'Underhill ... my name's Underhill' Barliman frowns. 'Underhill? Hmmmm'

The hobbit is clearly nervous. 'We're friends of Gandalf the Grey...

Can you tell him we've arrived?'

'Gandalf ... Gandalf ... Oh...'

Then Barliman remembers again.

'Oh, yes! I remember ... elderly chap... big grey beard ... pointy hat?' Barliman shakes his head. 'Not seen him for six months'

The hobbit steps back, like he is shocked. Another hobbit, a bigger one then the other three speaks up. 'What do we do now?' He sound worried. The hobbits have a discussion and then they are walking to the table next to me.

'My Lady, your meal' I jump a bit by her sudden voice. I smile at her and she gives me the plate with food. Hungry I begin to eat. Still with my hood on.

The hobbits also order a meal. One of the two smaller once with golden curly hair goes to the bar. I hear him speak to the Big Folks or how the hobbits call the race of men. I finish my meal and stand up.

'Frodo Baggins!' I hear the hobbit say and with that name, the other hobbit with black slightly curly hair stand up from his table and runs towards the curly golden one.

'Pippin!' he scream and grasp his sleeve. Pippin pushes him away and Frodo fall on the ground. Then He disappears. The whole room is silent. And the ranger in the corner sits straight up.

In all of a sudden my head starts to spin and I feel like I am falling to the ground.

That's it. I am going to bed.

I start making my way towards the stairs. But there is the ranger again. With the hobbit, Frodo. 'You draw far too much attention to yourself ... Mr. Underhill' The Ranger says and then he drags Frodo to his room. What is all of this? I make the decision to follow them.
I make a stupid decision. I know but I love danger...

I am such a moron. But I keep following them to the Rangers room. The other three hobbits are running after him as well. One hold a chandelier and another a chair. And the bigger one is squaring off with his fists.

'Let him go or I'll have you, Longshanks!' He says agry.

The ranger sheaths his sword, a slight smile playing on his lips.

'You have a stout heart, little Hobbit, but that alone will not save you ... you cannot wait on the wizard Frodo. They're coming.' Then he sees me. And I see him. The grey eyes become soft.

'Verya!' He says happily. I could have known. I should have known. My best friend. The one I grew up with in Rivendell. Strider they call him. But I know of the few people in middle earth his real name.

'Aragorn!' I breath out and throw my arms around his neck. Burring my face in his shoulder.