The next few days went by in a blur, the crew of the Ghost went back to their ship to retrieve some supplies for their journey, mainly Sabine's paints and explosives, and some of Chopper's power cells…they had to take Gimli and Boromir, as they learned that was the regal man's name, to the ship because they refused to believe their story unless offered proof…The Ghost shut them up.
Right before the departure… "So this 'droid' as you call it, it's completely made of metal?" asked Gimli poking Chopper, who hit Gimli's finger with one of his mechanical hands.
"Yeah, but he can think and kinda' feel like you or me." Said Ezra, Gimli huffed and said "Well…metal beasts, who would have thought of such a thing."
Boromir was getting along well with Zeb, as they were both warriors by trade, Boromir being a Captain of Gondor, and Zeb being a former Royal Guard of Lasan.
Kanan and Aragorn were going over their expected travel route on a map, printed on what Aragorn called 'parchment' and Kanan 'flimsi'.
Gandalf was speaking to Hera and Sabine, while Ezra talked with Gimli and Chopper. The Hobbits asking Legolas some innocuous questions.
They all quieted as Lord Elrond approached "The Ring-bearer is setting out on the quest for Mount Doom. On you who travel with him no oath or bond is laid, to go further than you will. Farewell. Hold true of purpose, may the blessings of the elves, men and all the free folk go with you."
They all turned towards the road ahead as Elrond held his hand up in farewell, all is still for a few moments before Gandalf says "The Fellowship awaits the Ring-bearer".
Frodo then asks "Mordor, is it left or right?" Ezra and Sabine chuckle and Gandalf whisperers "Left"
They trek for a few minutes until they reach a hill and Ezra asks "How long is this going to take?" "Forty days till we reach the Misty Mountains, from there I cannot say" replies Aragorn, "Forty days! Karabast!" blurts Zeb.
Aragorn nods good-naturedly and replies "And that is only the first leg of our journey", Zeb glares at Kanan and Hera and mumbles "Karabast" again.
Thirty-five days of walking on end and sleeping in the dirt had Zeb wondering just how hard Kanan hit his head when the Ghost landed.
The Next Day… Boromir was sparring with Merry and Pippin; Zeb, Aragorn, and Sabine were watching. Ezra was helping Sam and Frodo Cook, Kanan was talking to Legolas, and Hera was talking to Gandalf and Gimli.
"If anyone was asking me, which I note their not I would say we're taking the long way around" is the First thing Kanan hears from Gimli as he goes over to talk with Hera and Gandalf.
Gimli continues "Gandalf, we could pass through the Mines of Moria, my cousin Balin would give us a royal welcome", Gandalf looks disturbed by the thought and replies "No Gimli, I would not take the road through Moria unless I had no other choice" at which Gimli huffs and walks off to watch the sparring, now between Aragorn and Boromir.
Kanan then asks "Pardon me Gandalf, but why not go through these mines?" Gandalf, looking deeply shaken by the very idea says "There is darkness in those mines, my friend, darkness the like you would not believe." Sensing that it was best to drop the subject Kanan says "Sorry"
Ezra walks over at that point and says "Kanan, Aragorn and Boromir are sparring, maybe you and me should show these people how Jedi fight?", Overhearing Pippin yells out "I'd like to see that!" and all attention turns to them.
Kanan sighs and says "Sure, I could use some practice", Kanan and Ezra walk over to a large rock and each unclips their lightsaber, everyone was looking at them like they were crazy, they didn't even have sticks!
Then they activated their weapons and two brilliant blue beams shoot forth, startling the Fellowship, most gasp in awe while others simply stare.
Kanan lunges first, Ezra blocking, and the cycle repeats for several minutes before Kanan raises his hand and motions for Ezra to stop, Kanan deactivates his lightsaber and puts his hand on Ezra's shoulder saying "You are progressing well…padawan", Ezra smiles.
They suddenly hear clapping from the entire fellowship, those native to middle-earth a little more enthusiastically than the crew of the Ghost. Ezra takes a dramatic bow and Kanan rolls his eyes.
Gimli walks over at that point and says "Interesting weapon you have there, what smith made such a device." Ezra looks at Kanan who nods and then looks back to Gimli and says "I made it."
Gimli laughs, then seeing Ezra's stern face says "Oh, you're serious" a little peeved Ezra says "You saying I couldn't make it?" now on the defensive Gimli says "Well, where I come from only are oldest and most skilled smiths create our weapons"
Ezra's shoulders relax as he realizes the misunderstanding, Boromir then comes over and says "Would either of you like to spar?", Ezra looks to Kanan who says "Sure, so you have a spare sword?"
"Why, what is the problem with your weapon?" asks Boromir confused, Kanan then ignites his lightsaber and plunges it up to the hilt into a nearby rock and says "I don't want to destroy yours"
Everyone, except those from the Ghost looks at the hole seared into the boulder, then back to Kanan, then back to the boulder, then back to Kanan again and Aragorn says "With a weapon such as that, orcs will stand no chance against you"
All the native Middle-earthers laugh as Sam looks up and says "What's that?" looking at a peculiar cloud in the distance.
Gimli dismisses it saying "Nothing, just a wisp of cloud" as everyone begins to look and feel uneasy. "It's moving fast, against the wind" says Boromir.
"Crebain from Dunland!" cries Legolas, "Quick, hide!" yells Aragorn, they all scramble for cover. As the flock of what are now obviously birds pass overhead Ezra and Kanan both feel it, those creatures are being directed by something unseen, smoothing dark.
The Crebain fly off once more and everyone emerges from hiding, "Birds? Why hide from birds?" asks Sabine to which Gandalf replies "Spies of Saruman! The passage south is being watched, we must take the pass of Caradhras!" looking up at a snowy mountain peek nearby.