[*Varda*]

****Blue Mountains***

Serin sighed grumpily, as he and Theron walked back over to the hobbits. Why had Theron decided to bring Mikhelm, of all dwarves, on this journey? He was hardly going to make a good impression in Minas Anor. Serin voiced his opinion to Theron.

“Serin, I know Mikhelm appears grumpy, and has no love for elves. Do you not think this journey may help him? Besides that, we must represent our kind in the Blue Mountains. There are many dwarves who feel like Mikhelm on this issue. To fairly represent us, we were obliged to bring him along.” Theron responded calmly.

Serin was forced to acknowledge that this did make sense to some extent, as they met with the hobbits. The hobbits were having their second breakfast under a delicately carved archway, and were chattering away about the wonder that was Rivendell.

The hobbits greeted the dwarves warmly. From being shy and cautious at Bree, the had come to see the dwarves as companions and friends.

After the hobbits had eaten, they were all called in to see Elladan, Elrohir, Ciri, and Thule.

“Welcome,” Ciri smiled as they entered the room. “We asked you to come here so we could further decide our route to Minas Anor. We are of two minds, to take the Gap of Rohan, or journey through Lothlorien on the way.”

Serin was delighted at the opportunity to talk further with the elves, and was soon deep in conversation with Elladan, while Elrohir and Theron discussed the best route for the journey.