[*Varda*]

The hobbits sat around the flickering flames of the fire, the shadows dancing and creating eerie shapes on the walls of the shack. Olo watching the shadows flit across the walls as he ate his broth. After the long trek from the barrow to this hut, the good food warmed his insides as nothing else could have done. The immense feeling of satisfaction in his stomach rose to his head, and drowsily he fell asleep. One by one, the other hobbits curled up on the floor and were soon in a deep slumber as well.

**

The next morning dawned early, although through the thickly set trees of the Old Forest it was difficult to see much light. Through odd gaps in the trees, light streamed through, illuminating parts of the forest. As the hobbits rose early and left the shack, the woods were eerie and mystical in the dawn’s morning light.

Erendal had left early, seeing to business around the forest, but after the hobbits ate a small breakfast he soon returned.

“Up you get!” he said, ushering them out the door. “We still have a long way to go!” Not without some grumbling, the hobbits were soon wandering the paths of the Old Forest again, their hearts and hopes rising at the thought of nearing their homes.