Journey

A few days later, Narzug could be seen emerging from the sanctuary. He had spent the last hours consuming Beorn's heart without major problems, and his voice was strained from repeatedly singing the Song of Devouring.

"My physical fitness doesn't seem to have changed... but the song of my source has slightly altered," Narzug said while thoughtfully clenching his fist.

Narzug listened inwardly, listened to his greed, which wishes and desires it conveyed to him.

"I definitely want to get out of this cursed mountain. And then... I have about 40 years before my real plans begin. I am still in the dark, and I feel like I know nothing else than darkness. I often think about wandering out and seeing the world outside like Bilbo or Gandalf. It seems to me that I will soon have to take a dangerous path. If I hadn't become an orc, I would have probably gone traveling, I really believe I would have. But now that I can weave myself into the illusion of another form if necessary... I think I want to see some of this huge beautiful world called Middle-earth!"

The next morning, Narzug set out at dawn. The sky was clear, and the sun stood golden over the high snow-covered peaks of the Misty Mountains. Narzug took the side exit that Bilbo, Thorin, and company had used to rest last year.

With quick, cheerful steps, he descended the mountain and soon reached flatter areas. He rested beside a small stream and sat on the soft, slightly mossy ground.

During his journey, he had tried to understand the changes in his song and quickly discovered a passage that sang of transformation and a beast.

Narzug softly murmured the part of his song.

🎶

In darkest night the beast awakes,

Transformation through shadows breaks.

A sigh, wild, with pain entwined,

A curse, in the darkness confined.

🎶

A short pain and cry later, Narzug looked different than before. He hadn't turned into a bear, and to his great regret, not into a dragon either. Narzug now had a hybrid form between a dragon and an orc. But not an overly strong draconic form, no, the only change he could recognize was that now a scaly armor ran over half of his upper body up to his shoulders and upper arms. If Narzug had to compare it, he would say that he looked a bit like Kaido from One Piece in his hybrid form - minus the dragon tail.

Narzug first tested his scales with his claws, but they didn't even leave a scratch on them.

Then he tried it with Ira and only when he used a bit of force did it leave a slight mark on the scales.

"Only a weapon on the level of Ira has a chance to wound me in this form, well, except for my head which is not covered by scales."

He continued walking and gazed in enchantment at the surroundings. The sun shone golden on the fields and forests, which glowed in the distance. He wandered through meadows and fields that glittered with dew. The hills were gentle and green, and spring was in full bloom everywhere. Birds sang and the air was filled with the scent of flowers and the buzzing of bees. He found an old road made of rough stones. The shadows of the trees fell long and cool on the path, and Narzug felt refreshed and full of adventure.

"I think I'll go first to one of the iconic locations of the movies, the Shire."

So Narzug followed the road westward, the direction he knew the Shire was. At night he slept slightly off the roads in a bed of moss and leaves. He enjoyed the cozy journey and the fresh air, which was as good as an Earth human could not even imagine.

Narzug felt free and for the moment all his worries and plans for the future were forgotten.

Occasionally he met other travelers, but as soon as he saw them on the horizon, he wove an illusion of Jacob, the form he knew best after his own, over himself. He made it wear a light leather armor reminiscent of Aragorn's clothing in the movies and nodded to the others as he passed by.

So the days passed in peace and tranquility until Narzug could make out a group of luminous figures wandering in the distance. Before he could even see them, he heard beautiful songs and laughter from them. It was a group of elves heading west, presumably to the Grey Havens to travel to the blessed land.

After a brief consideration, Narzug continued calmly. He did not want to disturb the tranquility of his journey, so he proceeded with a friendly look towards the resting elves.

"Mae govannen! (Greetings)" said Narzug with his most polite smile. The elves greeted back, astonished. It had become rare for humans to speak the language of the Grey Elves.

"Your Sindarin is good, human. Who do we have the pleasure of meeting?" replied one of the elves. Although positively surprised, they remained wary of the strange human before them. Especially Gildor Inglorion, the leader of the group, was suspicious. His senses warned him about the human in front of him. He felt that something was not right.

"My name is Jacob Tolkienson, I am a simple wanderer on the roads of this world. Would the elves be so kind as to point me in the direction of Bree?" asked Narzug, using the first surname that came to his mind.

Before Gildor could stop him, one of the elves spoke kindly and pointed in a direction: "But of course, friend, Bree is ten days' march in this direction. On the fourth day, you should come across a road which you only need to follow."

Narzug thanked them kindly and, after a brief farewell, walked in the direction the elf had indicated.

The elves continued to sing their songs, but Gildor looked thoughtfully after the human: "As soon as I have brought this group of Quendi to the Grey Havens, I will inquire Lord Elrond about this wanderer. Something is definitely not right with him, but my eyes tell me he is definitely a human. However, my heart tells me something different..."

Narzug, however, continued his journey unknowingly. After four days, he reached the promised road and began encountering more and more people, as well as a few scattered hobbits. So he wore the Jacob-Illusion permanent. Then he stood on a gentle hill and looked at Bree.

Around Bree, fertile fields and orchards stretched out, tended by the villagers. The landscape was gently hilly, interspersed with old fences and lines of trees separating the fields from one another. Small streams and rivers flowed through the valleys, providing fresh water.

Bree itself was an old, quirky village. As described in the books, it lay at an important road junction where the great East Road, running from the coast to the Misty Mountains on which Narzug himself was currently standing, and the old North Road, leading to the southern realms, intersected. Bree was the only village far and wide where humans and hobbits lived together, and both peoples had grown well accustomed to each other.

The village was built on and around a steep hill, which rounded summit was bare, but the lower slopes were densely covered with houses. Some of the houses were built into the hillside, with round doors and windows similar to hobbit holes in the Shire, while others stood above ground and were inhabited by humans.

In the center of the village stood the inn 'The Prancing Pony', run by Barliman Butterbur. It was a large, old building with a spacious common room that was often visited by travelers and locals. The inn was known for its good beer and cozy atmosphere, and it was a popular meeting place for the people of Bree as well as for passing traders, adventurers, and other travelers. An absolute must-see for Narzug and also his first planned stop in Bree.

In awe, Narzug walked through the streets of Bree. He quickly realized that Bree was a place full of life and stories, where news and rumors from all over the world were told. He heard stories from distant Dale, about the rebuilding and the newly kindled friendship with the dwarves and their newly crowned king Dain Ironfoot.

He also heard stories from the far-off Gondor and Rohan. Even the occasional tale about the vile Orc chief Narzug the Mist Demon reached his ears, and he had to chuckle.

Finally, Narzug passed by the market of Bree on his way to the inn 'The Prancing Pony'.

Narzug strolled through the market, surrounded by the lively atmosphere and the crowded stalls offering a colorful variety of goods. He saw fresh fruits and vegetables in bright colors, coming from the surrounding fields and orchards. The local bakers had their stalls filled with fragrant bread, delicious pastries, and other baked goods, while the smell of freshly caught fish and smoked meat filled the air.

Further ahead, Narzug discovered handmade clothing and fine fabrics, often crafted by the skilled hands of the Hobbits. Nearby, leather goods merchants offered shoes, bags, and belts that were both robust and artful. A pottery stand caught his attention; the ceramic bowls and jugs were not only useful but also beautifully decorated. Woodcarvers presented their intricate carvings and furniture pieces, while baskets and other woven items were stacked in various shapes and sizes.

At another stand, Narzug found all kinds of household goods like candles, soap, and brushes. Farmers offered their agricultural tools and implements, while next to them, kitchen utensils and dishes awaited buyers. He found the stalls offering luxury goods and specialties particularly interesting. Here, there were jewelry, small artworks, and even rare spices and herbs brought by well-traveled merchants.

In a separate area, animal products were offered. Eggs, feathers, and wool were laid out for sale, and he could hear chickens and sheep that had been brought to the market by their owners. Even a few ponies were for sale, attracting curious glances.

Among the stalls for plants and flowers, Narzug found a corner with toys and dolls for children from Dale. Finally, he came across an herb stand that offered medicinal herbs and simple remedies. All around him, there was bustling activity; people and Hobbits exchanged news, haggled over prices, and enjoyed the lively market atmosphere.

The market in Bree was a place full of life and diversity, where Narzug could discover something interesting at every corner.

Narzug stopped in front of a stall selling pipes and the famous pipeweed of the Hobbits and could not resist in the end. He paid with a few illusion-coins and was now the proud owner of a beautifully carved and decorated pipe and a small package of 'Longbottom Leaf'.

At the end, he stood before the door of the inn and entered.

The large room was full of people. Many of them were travelers like Narzug, but there were also merchants traveling on the Great East Road, and other wandering folk. However, Narzug recognized most of the guests as locals who regularly spent their evenings here. The air was filled with voices and laughter, and the smell of roasted meat and fresh bread hung heavily in the room. A fire burned bright and warm in the fireplace, and the candles and lamps spread a cozy light. The tables were fully occupied, and the innkeeper, Barliman Butterbur, bustled busily from one guest to the next, distributing beer mugs and plates of food.

Narzug stood at the counter and when Butterbur stood before him, Narzug said, "Innkeeper, a mug of your finest beer, a plate of your best food, and your best available room for one night."

Butterbur quickly named a price without much thought and a slightly greedy grin, and Narzug paid again with illusion coins. He felt no guilt about it; he could only pity the innkeeper's misfortune to have crossed paths with an orc like him.

Satisfied and slightly tipsy, Narzug spent the evening singing with the other guests and listening to many rumors and stories. Finally, he retreated to his room and slept better than he had in a long time.