Beside the Undying Fire

Chapter 14

A quest.

Another quest. Only this time, Thorin knew I was to come.

We passed through Dale. It was a warm afternoon. The rays of the ever lasting sun bounced upon the ground, sending waves of heat directly in our path. Trees fluttered lightly in the faint breeze that originated from the East. It was ever so slight, not offering the desired relief from the heat.

Thorin and I headed West, towards the Greenwood, stepping out of Dale and into a thinly wooded plain. The land was caressed by the vast outreach of large, spread out trees and their proud, roofs of leaves and pine needles.

"Well, let's start this." I asserted as I looked ahead and adjusted my sword holder.

"Let's get moving." He nodded back.

So it began. I was honored he had requested I assist him within this quest.

I bowed my head slightly at the entrancing view that lay ahead, as if giving it my respects, knowing that at any time it may take the life of one, as the most beautiful things in life are the most dangerous.

A line of silence seeped around Thorin and I as we ventured, only being broken once in a blue moon. Though, once that blue moon rose, so did the corners of my lips. Truly, my heart raced as a stallion in a field and the gruesome pain pounding upon the side of my body eased while within the presence of the great Dwarf Prince.

"I'm quite honored you chose me to come on this hunt, Thorin." I broke the line of silence, keeping a state upon the vista that lay ahead.

"No, Madeira" he stopped, and looked at me. "I am truly honored you came." He put a hand on my shoulder.

Bows of respect were exchanged before we turned back to our previous position of heading west, then kept true.

It's an open place as far as space goes. There's trees, big trees, but they're all spread out. The ground is cover in uneven rocks and some grass. Along with a grey day.

But it couldn't get more perfect.

"I would still like to know what happened to you, Madeira." Thorin spoke.

"I've told you," I smiled "I lack coordination skills."

Thorin shook his head and smiled. "I don't believe that."

"So where was this pack last seen?" I asked

"Headed our way from Mirkwood. The Elves cleared a portion of the pack. It was about 17 at one point, it was narrowed down to about 7 or 8 after they got through them." He responded

"I promise, this will end well. I will not stand by and let you go through the same thing you did a few days ago." I looked at him while we trudged through the wasteland. "I know you lost great men, I almost feel like you lost yourself for a second."

"May it be." He admitted.

"We will come out as we left." He said.

"Consider it a promise. I know the feeling of loss. Not just my kin. But within life itself. Within this cruel term known as life.

The road darkens and you feel as if you have no light to bring.

The forests dim the light of the sun's rays and you have no ability to climb to the top.

The lakes get deeper and you're unable to swim.

Lights go out, the light of which you rely upon, it goes down like water on a bright flame."

I looked into his eyes, barely holding back a tear. My eyes sparkled with tears. But I didn't let them fall.

Thorin knew of the darkening roads I'd seen, because he'd seen them himself. He had seen it.