[*Varda*]

****Blue Mountains****

Serin watched as the younger hobbit Orlo fell back to walk with him. Serin was pleased to take advantage of any opportunity to mix with the outside world, but he noticed that this young hobbit seemed cautious of him.

“Have you ever left your home in the Shire before, lad?” Serin asked kindly, hoping to make Orlo feel a little more at ease.

“No, this is the furthest away I’ve ever been.” Orlo answered, feeling a little more relaxed. Before long Orlo was chattering away, answering all Serin’s questions about trades in the Shire, the life and the culture. Serin walked along, storing all the information in his head, and hoping soon to talk with the elves. He had little idea of the distance to Rivendell, and followed behind the hobbits and Theron, who was in an animated conversation with Hardo.

Mikhelm walked with Odo, and Serin observed an air of grumpiness about him. Perhaps it was due only to the fact that Odo was talking constantly, and it was trying Mikhelm’s patience, but Serin also felt it was partly due to the Elves. He foresaw a difficult time in Rivendell, especially so if they were travelling to Minas Tirith with them.

Serin saw what could only be Weathertop ahead of them, and felt relieved when Theron called a halt to rest and eat.