Fellowship
There and Back Again: 1. There and Back Again
Memoirs had always fascinated Frodo. As a lad, he begged Bilbo daily to retell the tales of his grand adventure with his doughty dwarven companions.
When Balin paid them a surprise visit, Frodo attended eagerly as the white-beard told of rebuilding the Lonely Mountain and filling the Dragon's Desolation with sturdy stoneworks.
Balin's deep voice resonated with pride for the reconstruction of his forefathers' halls. But Frodo also detected a hint of longing for his people's once-hallowed home, Khazad-dûm.
Now, in the light-shaft's harsh glare, Gandalf sighs and sets down the Book of Mazarbul.
"I fear their end was cruel."
