Lost Starlight [Book Two]

Chapter One

The trip down and through the remaining mountains was not an easy journey.

All of the packs and supplies had been lost when the goblin's trap door had fallen in. The only thing the Company had left were the clothes on their backs and the weapons that were strapped around their waists.

At night, the Company would pitch camp on a small ledge somewhere on the mountain, Gloin would light a fire, and they would all sit around it, huddling together for warmth.

Sleep was a rare pass time. Most of the Company were to afraid to go to sleep, fearing if they closed their eyes for too long, the warg pack would catch up to them and over take them.

Kili and Fili had been able to capture three small mountain birds on the second night of their descent the mountain. And though it hadn't been a lot, all the dwarves welcomely excepted a little bit of meat if it meant a slightly fuller stomach. Arirua had been the only one who turned down the food.

The first night around the fire had been awkward and almost completely silent except for the occasional whispers between some of the dwarves. It continued on this way until Arirua stood up and said,

"I know you want to ask, so ask your questions."

It was Dwalin who spoke up first.

"Was he telling the truth? Are you really a star?"

"Yes." Arirua said softly as she sat back down on the ground.

"Why didn't you tell us?" Thorin asked before anyone else could ask their questions. All eyes turned to Arirua.

"I am not sure." she answered quietly. "Perhaps because you never asked or because I never felt the need to tell. Most treat me different after they learn who and what I am. I believe that deep down, I did not want you to change your opinion of me. I am still Arirua. I am not any different than you. I am mortal. I bleed as you do. I am no different. But I knew deep down somewhere that if I told you, would have treated me differently."

"Was that your story?" Ori asked timidly. "The one you told us a few weeks ago about the fallen star, the one who was the daughter of the dragon constellation?"

"Yes that was me. Amlugon is my father."

"Is there anything else you want to tell us now?" Thorin asked. Arirua could hear the anger in his voice but could also see he was trying to control his temper. "Before we find out from someone else."

Biting her lip, Arirua gripped the sleeve of her left arm and pulled the fabric off her shoulder. She continued to pull it down until the golden design on her arm was completely visible in the light.

"This is my burn." Arirua explained. "Being sent to Middle Earth was just a small part of my punishment. Before I was thrown down from the heavens, I was branded. This is the mark of a traitor in the realm of the stars. And I now bare it."