[*Varda*]

***Shire/Rivendell/Blue Mountains***

Serin glanced back at Thule, wondering why they had chosen her as a guide. Constantly late, not very sociable...it didn't help that they were now attempting to cross the Misty Mountains with the rain beating down around them. No hope of good weather for some time.

The hobbits huddled close the mountain face, to keep a little dryer. The horses plodded along, and thunder rumbled overhead. Lightning flashed, and after continuing for another hour or two, Ciri demanded a halt, as everyone was beginning to look soggy and bedraggled, and all in all, not very happy.

"We must find somewhere to shelter," she called out. "We cannot hope to continue travelling on a narrow path in weather like this!" Brando was reminded curiously of Bilbo's previous expedition over the Mountains, and shivered uneasily. He voiced his concern to Elladan, who laughed and reassured him.

"Don't worry about it, all the goblins were cleared out some time ago. There should be no real danger, none we can't protect ourselves against at any rate." Feeling better, Brando continued on, until they found a small cave.

Serin too remembering Bilbo's tale, made very sure to check the back of the cave thoroughly. Convinced there was no chance of danger, the group lit a fire, and sat down for a brief meal until the storm was over. The hobbits now had no worries whatsoever, knowing at least that their stomachs would be full.