The Elf From America

Elenya couldn't wait to reach the Inn of the Prancing Pony, for there they would finally meet Strider. Aragorn had been her favorite character in the book. He was brave, courageous, kingly, and above all in love with the fairest of all elves in Middle Earth.

They reached the gate of Bree. It was raining and cold and dark. Elenya felt faint. She had never traveled so far and she had just been through the traumatic experience in the Barrow Wights cave. She was an American girl that had only read about these stories not witnessed them, but she had to remain strong if she wished to accompany the Fellowship once they reached Rivendell.

"What do you want?" the gatekeeper asked when they had knocked.

"We're heading for the Prancing Pony," Frodo answered.

The gatekeeper opened the gate and was astonished. "Hobbits, four hobbits and an elf, no less! What business brings you here?"

"We wish to stay at the Inn," Elenya spoke up.

"Our business is our own," Frodo said.

"Alright sir, I meant no offence. My job to ask questions after nightfall," he said opening the gate. "There's been talk of strange folk abroad. Can't be too careful in these parts."

The elf knew the hobbits must feel completely strange and small in a strange world as they entered Bree. People there were big, as they would say. They were impolite. A stranger knocked into the elf and she sank to the muddy ground. He moved on not hindered by it. She was cloaked and hooded and he did not know her to be an elf. Frodo helped her to her feet.

"Thank you Frodo. I am fine," she said after she had taken his hand.

"There," Frodo pointed seeing the sign for the Prancing Pony.

They entered the door to the Inn and Elenya suddenly felt uncomfortable. The hobbits, Pippin and Merry, were excited as they heard the sounds of drunken men and the outpourings of ale. The elf did not remove her cloak. The only other woman inside was an immodest bar maid who was most likely a whore. Elenya nearly felt pity for the girl but then disregarded it thinking that she had chosen her state and what she would do with her own body. Elenya would not resort to that.

Frodo walked to the counter where Elenya could see Barliman Butterbur.

"Excuse me?" Frodo said trying to see if anyone was at the counter.

"Good evening little masters," Barliman knelt down the counter. "If you’re seeking accommodations, I've got some nice cozy hobbit sized rooms. Is the tall person with you as well?"

"Yes," Frodo answered.

"Would you care for some ale Mr...?"

"Underhill," Frodo answered. "My name's Underhill. We're friends of Gandalf the Gray. Can you tell him we've arrived?"

"Gandalf?" Butterbur scratched his head. "I do not know any Gandalf. Oh wait! Yes I remember now! Elderly man , big gray beard, pointy hat. Haven't seen him for six months."

The hobbits leaned toward Frodo and asked about their situation. Frodo ordered some ale and sat down at a table. The elf simply requested tea. She then took courage and removed her hood. She knew that someone was there to protect her; she just didn't know which one he was or where he was. However, she knew that he wouldn't allow anything to happen to the hobbits or the elf.

Elenya's long brown hair fell out as soon as she removed the hood and instantly, the attentions of the men were drawn to her. They stared at her beauty. They were also confused about the appearance of an elf at Bree. There were no other women there but the one ugly inn wench. She wondered if the men would try to take advantage of her. Frodo grasped her trembling hand.

"Everything will be fine," he said trying to comfort her knowing her thoughts.

Emilie became less nervous when she watched the endless refills Pippin and Merry went back for. She let out a brief laugh as Merry returned with a pint and Pippin went to the counter to get one.

"That man in the corner has been staring at you all night," Sam pointed to a dark hooded man in the corner.

Elenya smiled, knowing who it was. She felt like standing up and walking over to him, but she was suddenly gripped with a sense of fear. Aragorn was to be feared. He was dangerous; more dangerous than any person you could find besides the Dark Lord himself as she remembered from a passage from the Trilogy. However, she remembered it was a good kind of dangerous. Elenya suddenly felt a deep longing to meet Strider no matter how Strider-like he would appear.

"Me or the elf?" Frodo asked Sam.

"No, you. I am certain," Sam said.


"Don't worry Sam. Gandalf shall be here soon."

"I'll be back," Elenya said looking at her empty mug of tea. She stood up and began to walk toward the counter, but before she reached it a tall man blocked her path. She tried to go around him, but he stopped her. He folded his arms. She began to grow nervous but did not show it.

"Let me pass!" the elf said loudly.

"Tis strange indeed when a beautiful woman enters Bree," he said touching her shoulder.

She flinched as he took a strand of her dark hair in his hand.

"Tis strange when a venomous snake tries to take advantage of an elf," she said glaring at the big man.

"I am aware of no advantages here," he said taking her hand. "Merely a rash request to fulfill all of your desires in one night."

She knew what was happening and refused.

"I am disinclined to acquiesce to your request," she said remembering an old line from a movie. He gave her a blank look. "Means no!" she said loudly attempting to pass him.

He took her arm in his strong grip and twisted her around to face him. She let out a brief scream.

"I am not finished with you!" the man said angrily taking a handful of her hair bringing her face to his. Frodo looked toward her and stood up to aid her when another man approached her and spoke.

"Let the girl go!" He removed the man's hand strongly from her arm. It was Strider.

"And what have you to do with it?" the man asked glaring at the hooded stranger.

"You should never attack an Elven woman. They are never to be underestimated," he replied, for he knew one himself.

"I think you should clear out, weather beaten fool, and leave her be!" said the man pulling a knife from its sheath. Elenya watched as Strider drew a long sword from the scabbard at his belt. It was not Anduril but it gleamed and pointed at the big man's chest. The other men sat back down in their seats as it became apparent that Aragorn was determined to protect her.

"Return to your seat before I split you into two!" Aragorn threatened.

"There, there. I will do as you say man," the big man said moving away from Elenya and taking a seat near the fire. Aragorn sheathed his sword.

"Thank you kindly, Estel," she dared to say his name.

"No thanks are necessary Elenya." She was surprised, how could he know her? Emilie thought she knew why. Aragorn had been her favorite character in the book. She had done research on him far than any other. He would certainly know her better than any other of the Fellowship.

"I know your name and your face but I do not believe we have met," he said to her.

"We have not met yet we know each other well. I look forward to speaking to you again, but now I must return to my friends," Emilie answered.

"Tell your master Underhill that if I was him, I would stop your friends from talking too much. Drink, fire, and chance meeting are pleasant enough, but well this isn't the Shire. There are queer folk about. Though I say it as shouldn't, you may think," he added with a wry smile seeing Elenya's glance. "And there have been even stranger travelers through Bree lately." Elenya heard Pippin and Merry uttering the tale of Bilbo's disappearance at the party. "Your master had better do something quick!"

Elenya made her way to the table and told Frodo of the message. He jumped up on the table and began to talk. He felt odd but began to sing a ridiculous song Bilbo had been rather fond of. When he was finished, shouts called out for more. He jumped off the tale with a crash and a bump. The laughter stopped for Frodo had vanished! Elenya thought, THE RING!