He was sure the aridity of this land would drive him insane. Endless stretches of scrub on sand and a relentless sun. Every day he longed to be away from this place. And more and more, he found himself longing for the Shire.
He glanced at the girl walking next to him. At least she could distract him from days spent banging away at their long journey. They'd finally consummated their attraction, sneaking away at night to escape the notice of their companions. He could lose himself in dark eyes and brown skin and for a moment forget his pain.