_{[ Oh, he wanted him to speak did he?}

Ashura was quiet a time, considering what to say. But Thorin had said many of his own sentiments, and Ashura's words of platitude for this sort of thing had run out a long time ago, in the letters he wrote to the families of fallen soldiers, whose bodies had been left behind - and never reappeared on the field.

Finally - ]

The stars guide your way, M, and the fire bird light your way in the dark. We hope you feel our love from across the span of worlds and draw courage when you face the wolf in your night.

_{[ That said he raised his cup and sipped. ]}