Esmeralda West moves into the Shire with her uncle, a few houses down from the Bagginses. As years pass, young Frodo tries to break her out of her shell. Then, Gandalf the Grey tells him about the One Ring. Esmeralda joins the quest with her friend...
The dark cloaked man continued to push Frodo up the stairs, into the Hobbits' room. Once they were there, the man, Strider, shut the door behind him, as Frodo toppled over near the fire.
"What do you want?" Frodo asked, as he regained his balance.
"A little more caution from you," Strider spoke, with a gruff voice, "That is no trinket you carry."
"I carry nothing."
"Indeed."
Strider walked to a window, executing candles along the way.
"I can avoid being seen if I wish, but to disappear entirely, that is a rare gift."
He threw down his hood, so Frodo could see his face. He had stringy brown hair, which just past his ears, tan skin, dark stubble, with dark eyes.
"Are you frightened?" The scruffy Ranger asked.
"Yes."
"Not nearly frightened enough. I know what hunts you."
Suddenly, the door burst open, which made Strider spin around, and pull out a sword. However, when he saw who was there, he lowered this weapon, and sighed quietly of relief.
Frodo's four other friends were at the door; Sam aimed with his bare fists, Pippin with a stool above his head, Merry with lit candlesticks, and Esmeralda with one of the daggers she brought.
"Let him go! Or I'll have you, Longshanks!" Sam growled.
"You have a stout heart, little Hobbit," Strider said, calmly, "But that will not save you."
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He turned to Frodo. "You can no longer wait for the wizard, Frodo. They are coming."
"Who are?"
"There will be plenty of time for that, I assure you. You all need to hide."
"Where?"
"Somewhere will they won't find you."
The five of them followed Strider into a room that was fit for a man. He pulled a chair close to the window, then slowly sat down.
"Get to sleep, young Hobbits," Strider said softly, "The night is short, and you have a long day ahead of you."
Sam, Merry and Pippin reluctantly pulled off their cloaks and jackets, before slipping into the large bed, happy of the idea of sleep. Frodo however, stayed put, crossing his arms and scowling at Strider.
"Well? There's still plenty of room." Strider gestured to the bed.
