Not All Who Wander Are Lost (Playthrough of The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth)

*Editor's Note: For some reason the photos on this blog post, photos that I took, have gone missing. I will try to figure out what happened.

In the years separating the adventures of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, 60 years to be exact, not much is known about what when. It's entirely possibly, or maybe, somewhat possible, that some of our favourite literary characters traveled together around Middle-earth. Alright, maybe not exactly possible, but not entirely impossible, either. However you want to frame the likelihood of such an event, following is one of those untold stories.

Bilbo, before finally settling down in Rivendell, travels into the lands nearby, where rangers roam. He meets up with one particularly well known ranger, one named Strider. Together, they seek to track down some thieves who have been stealing from Bree and the surrounding areas. As they begin following the clues left behind by the criminals, they were assaulted by one of its members. Strider makes quick work of this ruffian.

As they continue to search the land for clues, they were beset by orcs! Strider did battle with the foe while Bilbo continued to sneak around, desperately searching for tracks that would lead them to the bandit hideout. The sooner they found the perpetrators, the sooner he could get back to home and hearth. 

They must be getting close because more and more terrifying enemies are hot on their trail. A giant and bloodthirsty warg has been released on them now. There's no way they'll be able to avoid it. Strider's battle prowess comes in handy again as he slays the beast. 

As their enemies close in, Bilbo thinks he has found the path to the hideout! It is hidden well, but he searches frantically as the enemies close in.

Strider slays a goblin scout and then turns to help Bilbo with the task at hand.

After searching through the underbrush, they finally find the path to the secret lair and elude the hunters coming behind them.

They weren't out of the woods yet, so to speak. As they enter the lair they are immediately set upon by more orc warriors. With so little space to hide Bilbo has no choice but to help Strider do battle with the enemies. Together, they force their way to the back of the lair.

At the back of the den of thieves they encounter who can only be the leader. A giant orc, sweaty and reeking, with muscles bulging beneath grotesque skin. As Strider circles the beastly creature, they quickly become surrounded by his minions. Strider forces the newcomers back and focuses his attention on the head orc. Bilbo sneaks behind the giant force of violence and stabs him in the lower back. He appears to be defeated, but as Bilbo turns his back on the downed enemy, the vile thing kicks his foot out and knocks Bilbo to the ground. Luckily Strider is ready for such a devious trick and pounces. The minions close in and the orc takes this opportunity to retreat and escape. As soon as he is gone, the other enemies scatter. Bilbo and Strider know they haven't seen the last of this enemy.