[Mithadan]

Mithadan approached Piosenniel after the feast. All appeared to be sated and of good humour, notwithstanding the serious tasks to be undertaken in the upcoming days.

"It appears that Daisy and Kali have agreed to set aside their differences," he said. "Your efforts have borne fruit."

"Yes," replied Pio. "Though this is just a start."

"Indeed," answered Mithadan. "But I wish to speak of something more serious. Your instruction on swordplay is a worthy effort and a welcome diversion. But in our case we must avoid battle at all costs. Not even an orc should be slain by us."

"Why should we concern ourselves about the fate of an orc?" questioned Pio.

"Consider this," said Mithadan. "We slay an orc chieftain in the First Age. If he had lived, he would have been the ancestor of Azog of Moria. Because he is slain, Azog never exists. Instead, another orc becomes the chief of the Moria orcs. When Thror enters Moria, he is slain just as is told, but instead of sparing his companion to tell other dwarves of Thror's death, this hypothetical new chieftain also slays the companion. Word of Thror's fate never reaches the Dwarves and there is no Dwarf-Goblin war as a result. At the time of the quest of Erebor, the orc army that assails the Lonely Mountain is far greater and defeats the Elf, Dwarf and Mannish armies, seizing Erebor. Bilbo and all his companions are slain in the Battle of Five Armies... Do you see what I mean?"