News has reached Rivendell of the exploits of a new colony of Dwarves, styling themselves the Iron Garrison, seeking to reoccupy the Mines of Moria. Following hard on the success of her embassy to Durin’s Folk in the Blue Mountains, Seregrían is now tasked to approach the Dwarf leaders and join their company, and provide what assistance she can.
After a swift ride south through the empty lands of Eregion, Seregrían overtakes the Dwarven caravan and holds council with the leaders of the expedition. She is introduced to Brogur, the son of Bofur who was a companion of Thorin Oakenshield, and Bosi, son of Bifur who was also a member of the Quest for Erebor. They accept her offer of aid reluctantly, but time proves it a wise choice, for little did they realize the perils they had to face at the Doors of Durin.
As the expedition succeeds in excavating the ruined West-gate of Moria, the vanguard of the Garrison is suddenly attacked by the terrifying Watcher in the Water. The Dwarves are driven back with loss, with Broin son of Brogur being seized by the monster and dragged beneath the waters. Seregrían lends what aid she can, and when a cache of ancient weapons is discovered, her knowledge of Eregion lore reveals a quarter-staff’s potential to help defeat the Watcher. Armed with the ancient weapons, the company confronts the monster once more, driving it back into the depths of the lake and gaining the passage into the Mines.
Emboldened by their initial successes, the Iron Garrison establishes their first temporary camps within the Mines and begin probing deeper into the vast mansions of their forefathers, seeking to recover the lost secrets of the craftsmen of old. In this effort Seregrían plays a key role, for her knowledge and skill as a Lore-mistress aids the Dwarves in recovering and deciphering the Dwarven texts.
In truth, Seregrían doesn’t expect much of the Dwarves; her distrust has not been totally expelled despite her recent time among them. But when she discovers the ancient Chambers of Wisdom and Knowledge hidden within the Great Delving, she cannot believe her eyes; here is a treasure-house of lore and knowledge, handed down through the ages, waiting for the right hands and eyes to reveal their secrets!
