[Boromir88]

Orin nodded at Riv's hint of getting some sleep. Everyone was going to need it and Orin was pretty sure he wasn't going to get much tonight. "Good night Riv, and watch over your brothers. I'll see you after I've gotten everyone and everything ready."

As Orin was leaving he noticed Fawrin was still there with another dwarf; he recognized him as Gram. "Greetings Orin, I'm surprised you're still up." said Fawrin.

"What is that supposed to mean?" joked Orin. "Are you trying to say I'm old?"

"Oh..not at all. Of course not."

"Well, boys I'm still here because I need to ask a favor of you." He now had the full attention of both dwarves. "You may have heard that orcs have been multiplying and the elves are getting restless. Their afraid of something, or someone, and are now trying to gather their full strength, preparing for whatever it is to come. We have been asked to escort the Lorien elves through the Mines and now I ask you to join us as we are going to need as many strong lads as we can spare."

Fawrin and Gram looked hard at Orin, and after a long pause Fawrin spoke up. "You have not told us everything you know or everything you deem to know, but I have no doubt the Elves are scared over something. It's not usual for Elves to get frantic, but it has to be something big if the Lorien Elves need a passage through the mines."

"I assure you I've told you everything I am certain to be true. I'm sure you are the one that knows more than me, Fawrin. All I know is the Lorien Elves need a passage through Moria and we are called to help them. So, now I call you to lend us your axes, and come to aid us."

Fawrin made a gesture to Gram, Orin was sure they agreed to join. "We will help in whatever ways we can." Gram said. "What are the plans?"

"Well I am to meet up with my oldest nephew, Riv, and from there we head off to the East-Gate. Pack lightly as my other nephews are going to gather more lads and plenty of food. I would also suggest to bring whatever armor for battle. You never know what problems or run-ins might occur. Please try to gather any other strong dwarves you know and come to my room when you are ready, and we'll meet you there."

"Aye," said Fawrin, lowly. "You better get some sleep you look awful."

Orin chuckled and with that he said goodbye to his newly acquire companions. He was glad they agreed to help, especially Fawrin. Orin always appears in a much more cheerful mood when Fawrin is around.

He got to his small room and looked around. "I'm going to miss this place," he sighed. "Oh well, I'm sure to see it again some day. Atleast I hope to." He looked around and wondered if he should start packing or if he should just lie down and drift to sleep. He knew if he was to go to sleep he would wake up much later then he would like and thought it would be best to get ready while he was still up. However, the thought of rest was too strong and he laid down to sleep. Despite what he had thought earlier in the day, he went fast to sleep, and had a peaceful, dreamless slumber until morning.

~*~*~

When Orin awoke he knew he had overslept. He guessed it to be a little before noon, but atleast he was fully refreshed. But, now he needed to hurry as he didn't wish to keep Riv waiting long. Quickly he gathered his own armor and whatever food he could find. Some dried fruit, lots of cram, and the rest of the salted pork (his favorite).

As he was scrambling around his chamber there was a knocking on his door. He figured it was Fawrin and Gram and wondered if they found anyone else. He thought he got everything he could carry and thought he needed. He went rushing to the door and sure enough it was Fawrin and Gram with two other dwarves. Orin had seen them before and Fawrin introduced them as Regil and Mar.

"We better set for Riv's chambers immediately as I fear I've kept him waiting too long." Orin said. The others agreed. They got to Riv's hall, by this time it was well past noon, and Orin was hoping Riv was still the patient dwarf he had known him to be.

When Orin and his companions had walked in Riv and five other dwarves were still busily getting things together. "Wow and I thought I was going to be late" Orin said loud enough for Riv to stop.

"Uncle!" Riv exclaimed. "Just walk right in, as you can see I'm still not ready. I think we should be leaving soon, Skald and Bror have already set off. Perhaps we could have something to fill our stomachs before we go?"

Orin liked that suggestion as he totally slept past breakfast. "Pardon my rudeness lads, but this is my nephew Riv. And Riv, this is Fawrin, Gram, Regil, and Mar. They're coming with us."

"Good, glad to have you lads." said Riv. "This is Afi, Brand, and Dari. Plus their apprentices Egil and Odi."

"Ahh, Afi, Brand, and Dari, huh? I know your father well. Glad to have you."

After they had a hearty meal and were completely filled it was nearing 3 o'clock. They were all ready to go and soon set off on the long journey. Although none of them knew what they were in for and how long their journey was going to be.