Diary entry II: Forging Relations
It is quite strange how fate decides to play with your mind. At my first arrival in Bree-land, I viewed the elves and dwarves I encountered with the eyes of an Eorling.
I was raised being taught that all dwarves were said to be greedy and selfish. None of them were to be trusted, if they'd get a chance to prosper they would most likely walk over bodies to do so. In regards to elves I was taught that all of them had some kind of deceiving magics. Especially the dwimordene in the golden woods. When people spoke of them they described them as phantoms roaming in the forest. Those few who went into the golden woods were said to have never returned, and those who did seemed to have been under a spell. Something that happens all those who go to see the elf-witch.
It struck me rather strange that most of these various races I encountered in Bree-land seemed to be more willingly to help than the men of Bree themselves. The traits I had been taught to find in the races of elves and dwarves, were mostly found in the men of Bree. It did not take long for me to know that those of Rohan were not welcome in the these lands. Many comments and insults have I endured, trying my best to keep my anger at bay. Yet, dwarves, elves and halflings seemed less inclined to show their dislike. And I must admit, apart from my countrymen it has been with these people I have shared most laughters with during my stay in Bree-land.
The meeting with Asudrom of the Durins Folk and his assistant had gone better than expected. Once they had been fed and properly filled with mead, they seemed to have prepared a contract to be signed already. I admit, my lingering past suspiciousness came to me at this point, as I was unable to figure out why these people were so willing to help. Eiryth and Yogunheim ensured me it would all be well though. And if they were able to trust these dwarves, I couldn't see much reason not to do so myself. The contract contained the following:
"By authority of Duin son of Munin, this contract is to be presented towards and before the man or woman in lead of the caravan that shall traverse Moria under the guidance of his dwarves.
Upon the written agreement, the messages and also your aid to your ancestral lands, Duin's dwarves will guide the company of.. Irwthryth.. as safely as possible..
The guides can not be held responsible for woundings or death caused by, goblinambushes, cave-ins , falling from great heights, being dragged into underground streams or the need to be hardhanded to hold down those that may panic..
Should the caravan suffer from any harm caused by the guide(s) incapability or unwillingness to move on, they may send a formal complain either written or brought vocally by a messanger or their own person."
They seem very in favour of covering the many ways people may meet death with. But I'm sure they have their reasons for it. I only hope they keep true to their contract. Now and in the future so that our people may gain safe guidance through Moria.
We also had our first encounter with the elves of Rivendell. We decide to travel towards Trollshaws a few days ago, in hope to meet one of them to speak to. Instead we got a warband of both elves and men to speak to. It was the Warband of Imaldris. Sadly the random encounter generated some tension between our groups. But once the introductions had been made, and the intent of our journey had been shared, the tension was somewhat put to rest.
Curiosity took its place instead, they asked more about our journey and we asked them more about elves and the relations between elves and men. One of them told us he was one of the dwimordene. Something that made quite a few of us tense once again. Again, a mental injury from what we had been brought up with. I found it rather strange that the elves had not been too offended by our use of words. Yet, relieved by their understanding for it.
The meeting ended with an agreement that words shall be passed to them whenever a group of our countrymen is to pass through Trollshaws. We were also given sanctuary in Rivendell in order to rest for the continuing journey. Something I'm sure the current group and travelers to come will appreciate greatly. I hope to meet them all once again in Rivendell, there's been far too many questions rising from the contemplation of our conversation with them. Questions I hope they'd be willing to answer upon our next encounter.
I hope our initiated relationships between the dwarves and elves continue to thrive in the future. Even though we may be far from each other, I shall try to make sure it is still kept intact. For all who will follow our footsteps, it would be needed.
