[Novnarwen]

It was a rather cold night, or so Dwalin thought. His back ached, but he didn't complain. He refused to look weak in front of these strangers or travellers as they were called. Dwalin didn't really approve of the new part of the company. Going to Rhûn, and meeting someone on the way, just seemed odd. What did they want?

They knew the Dwarven company was going to Rhûn, since Bali had so nicely explained this to them. Suddenly, Dwalin grew annoyed with his brother. Was it wise of him to burst out to anyone they met, that they were going to Rhûn? What if they were untrustworthy? Had his dear brother given thought to that?

Dwalin realised however, that the travellers probably could be good company, since they all were used to these sort of things, but what if Bali was wrong about them? The confused dwarf decided not to judge too soon. He would keep an eye on them though, watching every step they took. Even if it meant being awake all night, he would keep his big eyes on them. With that, he decided to join the rest in the conversation. Nevertheless, he found himself uncomfortably sitting next to Haenir. It was not the other dwarf ho made him feel this way, but he couldn't help himself thinking of these travellers. Grim faced, he glanced over at one of them. A ranger, or so he; Arasiniel had said. The Ranger's eyes were lit up by the crackling fire, and they were looking curiously around and about. Dwalin, who happened to sit just opposite of the Ranger, turned away when Arasiniel was about to lay his eyes upon the dwarf. Dwalin avoided his piercing look, and pretended to be busy with something else. Eventually, when a few minutes had passed, Dwalin returned to his previous doings; staring at his new companions. Suddenly, he discovered that Arasiniel was not sitting opposite of him any longer. Desperately looking into all directions, the Dwarf shuddered. Where was he? Was he already committing treachery?

He restrained himself for panicking, squinting over at Haenir; who was eagerly talking to Nerin. He felt his hands getting sweaty and sticky. Trying to catch Bali's eye, wanting to tell his brother that all of this just felt wrong, he stood up. It was no use. Bali wouldn't turn his way, and he would never let Dwalin's gut feeling take command over how this company should continue on their journey. His stupidity struck him as he felt the heavy air choking him. It was useless to go around worrying whether these new companions would betray them or not. What possibly could they do, when the dwarves outnumbered them? That's when another horrible thought struck him. What if some of the other dwarves were in the lead with the travellers? Things were getting really bad for Dwalin now, as he felt his stomach turning upside down. He walked fast away from the others, not even excusing himself.

A few paces away he bent down, ready for anything, but nothing came. His stomach made a sound, which Dwalin tried to suppress as he head footsteps just behind. He turned slowly around, putting up a grimace.

"Is something wrong, master dwarf?" It was quite a friendly voice, Haenir; if it was up to Dwalin. He was about to reply, not even turned to face the person who had so kindly asked the question. "Everything is quite alright!" Dwalin exclaimed, now turning, looking into those big brown eyes which he had just half an hour found himself staring into. It seemed to him that his eyes were very much the same, although there was no fire lightening them up. The surprise made Dwalin's stomach turn once more, but he, once again, restrained himself. "I'm quite . . . alright," he muttered again, not very reassuring.

The Ranger looked at him. Dwalin thought the man frightening, as he was much bigger and himself, and there was something about the eyes. Insecure about what was appropriate to do in this kind of situation, Dwalin was silent. Usually, the Dwarf was very friendly and liked to talk, but now he couldn't really find anything to say. As a matter of fact, he found himself drained for words. He didn't know whether it was the surprise, or it was the feeling he had about this ranger not being trustworthy. Normally, he would bite his lip and just do something, but Dwalin just kept on staring in his eyes.

"Let's go back to the others," Arasiniel suddenly suggested. This was fairly shocking to Dwalin, who had not expected this behaviour. Slowly walking in the front towards the others and the fire, Arasiniel followed slowly behind.