Under Stars
Zurri's Folk had travelled far from The Lonely Mountain. Now, the fellowship found themselves in Eriador, and did spend the night in the Trollshaws. Camped in woodland, they set out their bedrolls once they found a suitable clearing, hitched their mountain goats, and then also got a small fire going. The nine dwarves then huddled around the flames as the black of night crept upon them.
"Alvar, you are the company minstrel. Come, tell us a tale to remind us of home" said the balding Boffnar cheerfully, as the birds in the trees cooed goodnight to one another.
"A splendid idea, Master Boffnar! I must concur, ho ho!" chipped in the portly Hroldolf.
"Aye!" piped up gruff Doin, and he firmly clasped the shoulder of Alvar beside him.
"Oh ho! Certainly, we should hear a tale. After such a long and weary travel, comfort and good humour is surely needed!" agreed Zurri delightfully, in a tone that was light and delicate.
The other dwarves contributed their encouragement and merriment too, and soon enough, the oldest dwarf in their number began to tell his story. It was of Erebor, and of how their hoarded riches came to be shared with the other races of Middle-Earth after battle's end. All the dwarves sat in wonder and amazement, and drank in the narrative as if it were a flagon of Barliman's Best.
Zurri looked to each of his merry companions with no small measure of love twinkling in his eyes. He missed his family dearly, but here he found himself in the wild, sat with a different one. For each dwarrow he had been friends with since childhood, and he'd trust each of them with his life. They were his life - or much of it besides. Then, Zurri brushed back his blonde hair as he beheld them, and he was touched that they had come so far for so long under his leadership. He was humbled, and part of him was already home.
The hunter of the party, Ungar, decided to break out the game he rounded up earlier. All the dwarves ate and drank together, swapping stories and singing songs under stars. Their bellies were full, their hearts were content, and all was well. Then, each lay back in their bedroll and gazed up at the night sky, spattered with sparkling diamonds that twinkled out at them among the deep blue void. Eventually, voices grew quieter, and the firelight dwindled. Sleep was found for many of the company, and they rested against or atop one another after their revelry.
Zurri took up first watch. There he stood in the darkness, hearing naught but the sighing and swaying of the trees in the breeze. He thought of family, as he always would, knowing that The Last Bridge lay not far. Beyond that was the dying Lone-lands, and beyond that, their destination; Bree-Land, and Bree-town to be even more precise. They were close, now, after much trouble encountered on the road in the way of villains and orc-kind.
But then Zurri was snapped out of his daydream by the crunch of a twig from the rear, and a hand placed on his shoulder. He part-drew steel from his scabbard and whirled around, ready for danger, but he steadied himself once the features of Balthnar came known to him. He released the hilt of his sword, and his blade slotted harmlessly back into the sheath.
"Balthnar. Forgive me, I thought you a foul being of ill intent" said Zurri, apologetic and uncertain of himself.
"There is no need for an apology, Zurri. You were right to be cautious, for you are on watch" reasoned Balthnar gently. "The fault is mine. I would have done well to announce my coming."
The two dwarves nodded to each other in forgiveness and understanding, and together they stared out into the vast woodland. The world around them slumbered. There was silence, until Zurri gave their chatter new life in a low, measured tone.
"It seems that the name of The Trollshaws no longer holds any bearing. I have looked upon none of their like" announced Zurri with a small tinge of bitterness, looking to turn his homesickness into dwarven indignation.
"The defeat of the great enemy in the east has no doubt caused their numbers to dwindle. Only under Sauron's wrath did they boldly patrol these woods. The twisted power that has gripped Middle-Earth for so long is fading..." Balthnar hopefully countered, glancing about the towering trees with the flicker of a smile.
Zurri allowed the positivity to nest within him a moment, and to spur on its effect, he looked behind himself to his sleeping comrades. They were innocent in resting, a pile of entangled and unconscious dwarves that every so often snored or cooed. It was a warm sight - for the fellowship were free of Zurri's burden of worry.
"I fear we shall not make it to this town of menfolk. Many perils lie between here and there..." confessed Zurri with a deep sigh. He sought his friends further comfort and wisdom, as he had done many times before. "Trolls or no, the next land is a lawless plain, fraught with danger and ruin."
Balthnar rested a hand to Zurri's shoulder. "Fear not, brave dwarf. We've braved many perils already. What's but a few more, hm?" The shoulder he did gently pinch, and he gave Zurri a shake to stir up his courage. "You shall see your father again, before his end. I give you my word, as does the rest of the company, if they could speak instead of sleep!"
Zurri could only smile, and he nodded his head, filled now with hope and determination. The quest would be completed as it was foretold by Balthnar. Yet, it was important not to forget his loyal friends and the fuel they supplied him with. Only in unity and faith could they ever hope to persevere through the final stretch of their journey.
"Go to your rest, now, son of Yurri, and sleep easy, for no evils will trouble you here be they troll-kind or your own thoughts. I resume the watch, and you shall sleep, knowing you are fated for fitting farewells with your father" said Balthnar in the most reassuring tone he could muster.
Zurri nodded with the ghost of a smile, and he clasped his kin on the shoulder in return before striding over to his bedroll. He lay down, his spirits somewhat lifted, now encouraged they'd make it to Bree-town in good time and in good health. Zurri would be at his father's side for when he slips away, and a tranquil closure will be secured. He knew it.
Of course, Zurri was wrong to be so naive.
