AN: Ok. This is my first LOTR story. I am nervous since this community is very marysue phobic, but I assure you my character is no marysue. Her character flaws include: Callousness, self doubt, a bit hard hearted, and she is a wanderer (doesn't like to stay in one place.)

Also she is NOT amazingly beautiful, she does not have long hair, does not have an amazingly unique weapon, has no animal companions (In fact animals kind of hate her.)

Also, I will not be writing Boromir as a total sexist bastard. Boromir is meant to be the tragic hero, and that's how I'll write him Damm it!

Also, It might end up with a very slight Legoromance. But no, It will not be a love at first sight, profess your love in the middle of a battle, crapshoot. Its bull.

PREFACE

Running…..

I am running.

Before me there is uncertainty, and behind me is death.

My name is Neviel, and I am a member of an old race. For years I have been hunted by the dark forces, but not for the reasons one would think.

I have long since lost my map, and until I see the strange houses built into the hills I do not know my location.

"Hobbiton…"

CHAPTER 1

There I am, just walking along, when I'm knocked flat on my face by a heavy mass falling down the hillside.

I'm just about to pull out my dagger, when I realize that its four hobbits that have landed on top of me. I make a noise that is a cross of amusement and discomfort as a rock digs into my shoulder.

The curly blond haired hobbit that landed next to me, lifts his head out of the dirt, and looks at me. "Look Merry, a lady." Says the one with curly blond hair, while another chubby hobbit helps me to my feet.

"Well I can see that Pip." Says the hobbit sarcastically and looks like he's the others twin. The pudgy one rolls his eyes at the two before smiling at me.

"Sorry about the half wits. My names Sam, that's Merry and Pippin."

He points to the two who are now stuffing themselves full of mushrooms, and I absently wonder if there're poisons. I hope not, I don't know the plants of this area well enough to find the antidote. "And that's Frodo."

"I'm Neviel." I say before looking over to the dark haired hobbit, but he seems preoccupied. I'm about to ask him what's wrong, when I feel it. A dark numbing presence that's drawing nearer, a presence that I've learned to recognize.

"Get off the road!" I shout. The hobbits look at me oddly but obey, jumping under a large tree root, while I hide behind a fallen tree, just in time.

The air grows colder, and the forest falls eerily silent. The only sound is my heart beating in my ears and I pray the wraith cannot hear. Peeking around the tree, I see the wraith slowly stopping on the spot where not a moment before we were standing.

The wraith heavily jumps off his horse, and kneels about the area where the hobbits are, sniffing for even a whiff of his bounty. It wont take long for him the find the little ones.

Quickly I clutch a rock that rests by my feet and throw it in the opposite direction of the hobbits.

The wraith shrikes, and bolts toward the sound, while me and the hobbits make a break for it. I check over my shoulder occasionally to make sure they follow.

We keep running till dark, with me leading them. After some time, I stop in some trees near the road, and Merry and Pippin promptly fall over exhausted. I feel a small bit of pity at the little ones. They do not have my stamina, and one of my strides is three of theirs. But its not like I could have slowed for them…

"What was that?" Pippin asks breathlessly, and looks up wearily from his spot on the ground.

"A wraith." I say monotonously. My eyes still glued to the road, as I pull my hood up to hide my bright hair from the darkness. Unfortunately it's so light it would stand out like a troll on the plains of Rohan on such a dark night.

Why would the Wraiths be hunting these hobbits? Then I see the thing I fear more than and army of wargs.

"Get down!" I demand, and we all fall to the floor, just in time to see the wraith pass on the road, absently I clutch my sword. In that moment I vow to get them to safety.

"Sam and I need to get to Bree." Frodo says hurriedly to Pippin, fear and urgency evident in his voice. Pippin nods immediately, understanding the seriousness of the situation.

"Buckle Berry Ferry." He says and motions for us to follow. As soon as we leave the trees however, a great shriek fills the air, and the Wraith rides into the midst of us. Immediately I draw my sword, and move to fight the wraith off.

"Go!" I shout, and barely block a blow from the wraith's black sword. It hisses, as I block another blow.

Lashing out with my sword, I spin on my heel, and take off running for the ferry. I hear the wraith pursuing but do not dare to look back.

"Hurry Neviel!" The hobbits yell to me from the ferry, and I see it's already pushed from the dock. I can feel the hot breath of the wraiths mount behind me, and I can imagine the wraiths sword posed to skewer me should I falter in my step.

With one more burst of energy, I lunch myself from the dock, into the hobbits waiting arms. The shrieks in agitation of losing its prey.

Keeping my eyes on the wraith that's pacing agitatedly on the dock, I ask breathlessly. "How far to the nearest crossing."

Pippin, also keeping his eyes on the Wraith responds. "Brandy Wine Bridge, Twenty miles." I fell barely any relief at his words, as I watch the wraith join the other nine.