270 Days untill Durin's day.
Not a day goes by with out missing you m'dear Brulda.
The mountain's snow is cold,colder then I remember, its storms longer then I recall and its power more disturbing then I would dare to remind my self off. Ered-Luin is in winter, and one can feel it high in the mountains, my skin is cold but not yet broken I will be reunited with my Kinsmen with in a matter of hours, that is what drove me an no snow,Orc or Troll would stop me from doing so.
My companion had grown ill of the cold. Her poor health slowing her down,but never stopping her. I suddenly felt sorry for the enemy of the ranger folk. Knowing the she-rangers can withstand these kind of harsh condition I can only imagine what the male host of her kin most be able to endure. It strengthens my believe that the North is well guarded but has also made me realize that the tales about the ranger folk are false. They are a mysterious folk, but not the dangerous folk as I have been led to believe. They wish nothing but good will upon the people of Middle-Earth. Something that gives me hope, and something it should give to the people of Bree.
We traveled through the Vale of Thrain faster then I have ever done, although I do not like to admit it, the cold is starting to leave it marks on my old skin as well. It was whilst pondering my own state I laid eyes upon the watching mountains of Thorin's Dale. We reached our destination! I was met by an soldier of the Blue Mountains regiment well equipped and ready for battle. His helmet brand new his beard short and full of color. I had a short conversation with my kinsmen after which we entered Thorin's Dale. My companions face was full of wonder, A lovely sight for A son of Durin to gaze upon. She has many question about her surrounding starting with who the man was, the statue was meant to represent, feeling offended by the question at first I quickly realized that the stories of old don't mention Thorin's looks,so i replied with a kind voice and explained whom he was.
If I recall correctly half-moon there should be A Market on Frerin's Court, a sight replaced by A full compliment of young Dwarven Warriors ,marching towards the Vale of Thrain. It was a mighty sight to behold and my mind went back to my own time of service, whilst I was staring my companion looked with great awe at my marching kin.
One last stair to the main gate of Thorin's Halls, it's Dwarven steel shining in the sun, I need to say my heart was filled with pride as I walked up the stairs, hearing the Horn of Krazdûli made my heart rush and me eyes fill with fire. I was home again after A year of dwelling in Bree. I was finally home.
Entering the welcome hall I looked to my companion, her complexion like A child near in a candy shop. A face many of those who have not dwelled in the halls of Durin's Folk make. Great respect could be read upon her face and above all disbelieve. Although I have said it more times then I can count. Nothing stands taller then the might of the Dwarves. Returning to the Halls of my Kin remind me of that every time.
The Hall it self was bristling with life, the sounds of hammers falling upon metal filled the hall with sound. What my companion can't have noticed in her first visit was the unusual high amount of geared soldiers walking and marching around. I was proud in sharing this moment with my companion, her eyes more alive then I have ever seen her have.
Whilst on our way to Dwalin I met with A detachment of Iron guard my old friend Drulli their commander, we had a short and mighty talk but my friend was on duty and I will be sure to meet him again some where later during my stay.
My conversation with Lord Dwalin was dire but friendly, I shared my knowledge about the war in the North and the rangers request for aid. But as I feared the Blue Mountains are at the brink of war as well. The armies of the mighty spawn of Durin are protecting their halls and the answer Lord Dwalin gave me was as I feared. The Dwarves would not come to the aid of the rangers,not today nor any time soon. Although I felt sorry for the Rangers it was good to see Lord Dwalin was as well prepared for war as he was. But then again, when called to arms every Dwarf can become a deadly warrior when needed.
Although not receiving the blessing of Lord Dwalin, I have been given the task to return the black Dwarven Iron to the blue mountains. I am to retake it with A small Dwarven host when I return to Bree-land. And in my heart I dearly hope I can convince some of my kinsmen to join me in aiding the rangers.
The prospect of leaving these halls is saddening me, but it's necessary. As my heart lies in Erebor, it is relieved to beat beneath A mountain again. To hear the hammers in the deep, and the roars of my kin. Every man has a certain desire, for many humans it is gold,honor or family, but I can honestly say that the thing A son of Durin longs for most, is to be with his people beneath the mountains. Although we have been driven from many homes in the past, we have managed to stay together and have endured to see our halls stand tall until the world will grow old and forget us. A thought which gives me great comfort.
Then came the moment my Companion got her first taste at mountain cooled Dwarven ale. It was delightful to see her eyes widen in awe. A compliment well deserved for out brew. We drank and shared tale, and joke.
After a while the conversation went to A darker place, her mind was worried and i asked what was on it. She mentioned there was some new weapon the foe's of her people were using, I believe she said it functioned trough the use of "Black powder" and referred to something awfully similar to the Blunderbuss in Kházâd legend. So I made that my next duty of the day, ask the chemists of Thorin's Halls about this so called powder.
Before I went to the sleeping Hall my mind pondered of to my newly met friends. I honestly believe the Lady of Rohan would have loved to see the Halls of my people, and so would the red dressed man. Maybe I should offer it to them when the mountain pass grows more reachable.
As for now, its time to rest in the warmth of my people's Halls. A well made blanked of Niblefoot wool. I feel two ages younger amongst my people.
Note to self: Do not forget to pick up some Evermind for the fair lady of Rohan upon your return to Bree!
