[Saraphim]

Narin shifted from one foot to the other, waiting impatiently for the entire company to arrive.

The sun had risen fully now, spreading light over those who had already gathered. Narin thought they looked rather scruffy and nervous, compared with the fearlessness of the previous night.

One thing remained the same, however. All were nearly spilling over with the excitement of being included in such an important adventure.

Looking around, Narin recognized one of the dwarves from the meeting. He had asked around and learned his name: Lin. Something about him made Narin especially irritated, and he still could not figure out why. His mind told him it was simply annoyance at having competition, but he knew it was something more than that.

Narin eyed him suspiciously as Lin conversed in whispers with Balin. He tried to keep his temper from flaring, and remembered that the company was so large they might not come across each other at all.

Narin looked away and tried to study the others again. Mostly they were milling about aimlessly, occasionally talking to each other in hushed voices. The young minstrel who had so entertained them last night was singing once more, and again Narin wondered at his skill.

The sun is high, the moon is gone,
The dwarves are off, the chase is on…