A/N: Welcome to this short chapter with a special note at the end! (See footnote!) And...in answer to a question about location...for geographic reference, I use the "interactive map of middle earth" (google it.). Fili and his caravan of Erebor dwarves have just descended western slope of the Misty Mountains, south of Mount Gram and just north of the Coldfells and Rivendell. He will be heading directly west across the plains of Arnor to the North Downs and then on to Lake Evendim, specifically Annuminas on the southern shore of the Lake where Gunnar and the Sons of Elrond are currently camped. Kili is in Khelethur, not located on the map but it is roughly west and a little north of the Grey Havens at the beginning of the northern section of the Blue Mountains. Of course, Sam, Merry and Pippin are in the Shire, and Aragorn is probably traversing Rohan, heading for Buckland, where he will stay on the eastern bank before following the Brandywine up to Annuminas.
—
Chapter 31
Gunnar, second son of King Fili, stared at the brilliant night sky over Lake Evendim. He'd heard from the Dunedain that a caravan of dwarves had made it to the eastern edge of Arnor.
Da. He stared at the stars. It would be good to see him, and he also considered how to avoid him.
"I sense a conflict in you," Elrohir murmured.
Gunnar turned to see the tall elf standing beside him. So annoying how silent elves could be. Not even a creak of leather from their coats.
"Just thinking about Erebor's caravan and how soon they'll be here…"
"Will your father want to be here ahead of Aragorn or make an entrance afterward?" Elrohir asked. Then he grinned. "My father always liked making a statement and swooping in to a place."
Gunnar's eyebrows went up. "I don't really know. Da hasn't left the Mountain very many times. We went to the Iron Hills years back...and he disguised himself as a merchant."
Elrohir laughed. "True dwarf fashion…understated and incognito when above ground. Just like you, young Gunnar. Dressed as a cadet from Ered Luin when you're really second in line to the throne of the richest dwarf kingdom in Middle Earth."
Gunnar blushed.
"Word from our scouts is that your father travels with his eldest daughter."
"Iri?" Gunnar caught his breath. His sister! "Well, just like her to to tag along." He smiled. "But how to do you know this?"
"Dwarves aren't the only people who commune with winged allies." Elrohir winked.
Ah, Gunnar thought. Eagles. Elves and eagles. "Yes," he said. "I saw one bring a message to Erebor once. From Cirdan."
"I think we all got that same message," Elrohir said. "Your uncle at Khelethur has changed things for the better in the northlands."
Gunnar agreed, looking at the western stars. The moon had long set, but Gunnar was doing calculations in his head…sunrise was several hours off.
"I'm guessing," he said, getting up. "That there will be much raven chatter for me to sort in the morning." He took his leave and made his way to his tent, thinking about sending the first raven east once the sun rose tomorrow. To Iri, he decided.
Because a message only to her was best…for now.
.
Special footnote!
As promised, I have started weekly re-posting of the early Erebor 3022 stories that were removed from ffic back in 2020. Chapter 1 of "Erebor 3022: Cursebearers, A Courtship Year story 1" was posted yesterday and if you would like to follow it, I humbly invite your to follow and favorite it! Of course, drop a note and review it if you'd like! Hand on heart to you,
-Summer
