Fruni follows the tall elf deeper into the cave and is pleasantly surprised to see how this part of his dwelling is fair and adorned with all sorts of elvish motives of which he can not say what they mean. The floor is evened out and from the ceiling hangs a blue crystal that covers the room in a dim but pale light. There is an entrance at the back that glows a faint yellow and he can feel a familiar warmth coming from it. There is food and wine stacked upon a large stone table, and a place with herbs and pots of salves all around. There he sees his father lying on a stone bench, and his skin glistens under the blue light of the crystal. He looks peaceful as he lies there. Fruni moves towards the body of his father and his throat starts to ache.
Fruni: My father!
Fruni lifts his father's arm, but he does not move.
What is it that makes his skin glow?
Fruni turns to Tinnurion.
What have you done to him?
Tinnurion: I embalmed his skin with a salve of my own creation.
Fruni remains quiet. Though he is the tolerant one in the family, he wonders whether the elf didn't go too far in taking the liberty of embalming his father, a practice which he is not familiar with. He seems indecisive about how to react to this.
It will preserve his image until the time comes that you can bury him properly in the ways of your kin.
Fruni: I do not know what to feel about this. Perhaps the grief is too fresh.
Fruni looks at Tinnurion.
Thank you.
Tinnurion gestures and makes a slight bow.
Fruni tears up a little but tries to hide it.
He was [...]
Fruni has trouble speaking.
Tinnurion: Spare your words for today. We have a long road ahead.
Fruni looks up.
Fruni: We?
Tinnurion: I will accompany you on your way to the Blue Mountains. You cannot carry him on your own.
Fruni feels a surge of friendliness for the strange elf.
Fruni: I cannot believe my ears. How did I earn such kindness?
Tinnurion: Earn such kindness? Master Dwarf, there was a time when elves and dwarves did not think twice about such matters. For my part, that never changed, and I won't live to see the day that the relations between our people are fully forsaken. Let the Noldor gnaw their old alliances away. I will not see that day coming!
Fruni grants Tinnurion a smile.
Fruni: Never have I met anyone that would forsake his own kin for the benefit of another. My own kin wouldn't even think of it.
Tinnurion: Dwarves are a loyal people. Loyalty is much harder to come by with the Eldar master Dwarf.
Fruni: I should find myself so lucky then, to find a friend in such a desolate place, in such grim circumstances.
Tinnurion: Perhaps it is not luck but fate that brings you hither friend. That would be a comforting thought. For if it is fate, then I feel sure that we will succeed in bringing your father back home unscathed.
