The sun shone brightly on the colorful garden outside the inn. Looking around at the beauty of the Shire, Bali hoped that he would return there again.
"Friends, the wagon is packed, the horses are saddled, and we are ready to begin our journey. Let us say goodbye to this happy land called the Shire, and this fine inn, the Green Dragon. We are on our way to Erebor, travelling through Eriador, The pass of Caradhras, and ultimately Mirkwood Forest to reach it. Let us be off west!"
The dwarves boarded the wagon, Dain sitting at the front with Bali to drive. The men and elves climbed onto their horses. And away they went, westward, towards Bree.
It was a pleasant morning. Birds sang, frogs croaked in the ponds, and all around them the bustle of busy hobbit farmers could be seen and heard. The little folk looked at them strangly, but pretended not to stare.
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