The mountain wind howled through the narrow pass as you struggled to keep up with the company, your boots slipping slightly on the loose gravel. Fíli, walking ahead of you, glanced back for the tenth time in a minute. His blue eyes, sharp and full of concern, immediately locked onto yours.

“Careful, little one,” he said, reaching back to steady you before you could stumble. His grip was firm, warm despite the cold. “I told you to stay close to me.”