[Thenamir]

========== Blue Mountains =========


Theron Axehand peered out from the cart as it passed through the large wood-and-iron gates of the village of Bree. His green eyes squinted in his wrinkled visage as he tried to see far enough down the road into town to make out their destination. It had been four days since they had passed on from the Grey havens and without incident into the Westfarthing of the Shire.

Dwarves were not altogether uncommon passing through the Shire on business to and from the Blue Mountains, but Theron made a point to stop in and pay respects to the Mayor. Once Mayor Samwise, a friend and former servant to Frodo Baggins, heir to the famous hobbit friend of Thorin Thrain's-son Oakenshield, discovered that they were connected in this, albeit remote, fashion, he took the opportunity to bring out the best of the Shire in small celebration of their visit. Upon learning that they were also to be present at the King's Gathering of the nations, he made sure that they were provisioned with all he thought they might need, out of his own personal expense. Theron bowed repeatedly, stating that he, like his friends and forebearers, was "at your service and your family's indeed!".

Before departing the next day, again with great fanfare, Samwise had called Theron aside and bade him make all speed to Bree, and to the Inn of the Prancing Pony. Samwise had said, "The inkeeper there, Mr. Butterbur by name, keeps a fine table, and even finer ale, if you take my meaning, sir. But more than that, if you can by chance catch up with the hobbits we sent out for the King's Gathering, it'd set my mind a bit more at rest knowing that they had some sturdy dwarves with 'em in case..well, in case o'trouble. There was not many that could match old Mr. Gimli in a fight, as I remember."

Theron assured him that if they could possibly catch them, that they would have their full protection, in partial repayment for his most excellent hospitality. Mikhelm only muttered something about wanting to travel alone, but Serin bowed low to Sam and gave full agreement. Not long after, they had started off again, their horses not even showing any additional strain from the load of additional fine provisions. "Although," Theron said to the other two, "it will be a couple of days yet before I'll want any more mushrooms." Mikhelm and Serin agreed, the first time on that journey they'd agreed on anything.

Now the light was fading as they tripped down the street, coming to rest finally under the hanging shingle of the Prancing Pony.