A Kinship History, part 1

"Another winter has come to pass and as Eru willed it, I still live. I feel the strain of too many sleepless nights upon my shoulders, and the care of many more deaths on my soul. 
I didn't choose this path lightly, yet at times, it is as if it was chosen for me. 
It was Eru's plan to entrust me with the lives of a chosen group of warriors, who willingly walked into my life. For the last two years I have accepted their help, given them aid and a place to call home. Yet, I think of them not as a burden, but as a precious gift to nurture and protect, as they take up arms against the dark forces. 
They come from different lands, carrying different pains; each of them has a talent, a skill to offer. As the days pass I receive proof upon proof that they would lay their lives down for each other - for me. 
Around the campfire, in the darkness of starless skies, I see their stories dancing on their faces, sad and tragic, like the shadows of the very flames. And no matter the strength of the music, or the quantity of mead, nothing can hide the past from their eyes. 
But I shall carry them through to the end, taking their sorrow as my own. They are my kins - we are His children."