The Company Splinters
Zurri had arrived in Bree, and met with a lady named Addiela. She informed him of his father's whereabouts, and together they made plans to ride out and meet him at Thorin's Hall. Before then, however, Zurri would travel to the soothery of one Elias Dimheim, seeking treatment for wounds sustained on the road.
The dwarf took a liking to the woman and man both, and regarded them now as friends. For they did offer words of comfort and healing, and Elias did what he could to further tend many of Zurri's wounds, given to him from the time he spent travelling to the Bree-Land. After he was mended, he sort to briefly return to the Chetwood forest, where the remainders of his company did camp in secrecy. They were a broken group, still hurting from loss and injury both. None knew the significance of the woods they rested in, only that it was a gathering of trees that provided much needed seclusion and shelter.
"I go forth to my adad alone, from here," announced Zurri to his gathering of dwarrows, choosing to omit any details of Addiela. "The road ahead of me is not too treacherous, and it would please me greatly to know that you all are safe within this land of men."
"A nonsense!" barked up Alvar. "You are still tender from your wounds from our travel, as are we all! We're coming with you laddy!"
"Aye! We all would say farewell to Master Yurri too!" protested Doin.
Zurri reached to calm the rising volume being spat forth from his folk. He then attempted to reason with them, much to his folly.
"My wounds were further tended by a kind man, a good man, of this land. And as for company on the road, a Bree-land woman has agreed to lead me further west to adad. Rest assured, all will be well," said Zurri, not wanting to put further strain on his sore, tired and downhearted company, for the losses of Ungar and Glomgrim were still fresh in their hearts.
However, they all seemed to deflate at this news. They had come so far, and fought so hard. Now that Zurri, son of Yurri, son of Turri, was to replace them with menfolk companions... well, needless to say, the spirits of the company shifted. Many members felt embittered and betrayed... those that weren't, felt only sadness. The spirits of Ungar and Glomgrim seemed to disapprove too, by the chill in the air.
"Well then, don't let us halt your haste. We will await your return here," said a lofty Balthnar, usually Zurri's well of comfort, understanding and wisdom.
"Good Balthnar, I seek only to prevent further strain, injury... and loss, upon the company. Each of you can find a room at The Prancing Pony tavern in Bree-town. They do welcome our kind there-" replied Zurri, but it was Balthnar's turn to raise a hand now, cutting him off with his next words.
"Nay, Zurri. We will remain here in the trees as if we were elves, for we want no dealings with the men of this land. This place is home to sellswords, cutthroats and kinslayers. We will remain in the wood, and we will await your return," announced Balthnar, reeling from the betrayal.
Zurri sensed the heightening degrees of resentment and disappointment being directed toward him. After such turmoil, he had chosen the aid of men over his tried and tested kindred. Bitterness stirred. He heard it in their words, and felt it in their narrowed gazes. But Zurri knew how each had become weary from their long adventure, and it was only he of their party who could confidently travel a great many leagues in little time with little issue. For the old and withering Yurri was ever nearing his end. There was no time for delay. His friends would forgive him in time.
Feeling the company fracture some as he regretfully departed, Zurri returned to Bree-town. First he would seek out Addiela, his companion in the last leg of his trip. The prospect of being with Yurri at his end became all the more real, and hope dared reared its head his way.
But an oversight remained, on account of Ungar, their hunter and scout, having met his end prior to these events. For though the remaining dwarves had wanted to avoid the menfolk of Bree-land, they had camped in the very place where the most dangerous of their kind did dwell. Unknowingly, they rested in the Chetwood, home to brigands and bandits of the most vicious variety. Soon, they would make their presence known, and Zurri's Folk would stir the great evil that called the forest home.
