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The group continue in their slow and difficult traversing of the old Dwarven realm. Narrow bridges, steep stairs, and always an oppressive darkness over what was once a most beautiful place. But the Dwarven ideal of beauty has more to do with caves and mines than the elven ideal.
Marawendi does well for one so young and inexperienced, but she is obviously scared. At least the situation seems to have diverted Parnard's thought from Brasseniel for the moment.
With the Hithaeglir more dangerous to cross on their return journey due to the thaw, and likelyhood of a larger number of goblins above ground, the group decide to travel through Moria. Maybe a wise decision, maybe not?
They have heard the rumours of a Balrog in the depths. but wonder at the accuracy of the tale. It is sure to be a home to goblins and orcs, but at least it shouldnt be slippery?
Danel has traveled through a few areas in her days as a Mirdan, but that was many yeni past, and there may have been cave-ins or rockfalls.
Estarfin and I stood before the Sindar Captain, Brethenel, I at least wondering on the point in us remaining. We had accompanied our mutual friend, Parnard, to his homeland hoping he would be able to undertake a betrothal ceremony with his beloved Brasseniel, despite her father previously telling him she would not be permitted to wed until after the brewing war with the Dark Lord.
We sat for a while, each caught in our own thoughts now that Parnard was actually summoned. That we shared the same observation concerning Brasseniel’s apparent lack of interest, meant we both were less than convinced our friend would be successful in his endeavor.
Danel returns from checking the horses with Estarfin, to find Parnard on the floor, unable to get up. The Wood-Elf is totally inebriated. No matter how she tries, even threatening a purge with a salt and egg 'cocktail, Danel cannot stir her friend. Then Marawendi arrives, thinking of introducing herself to the Nolde she hopes will train her, only to be brought into the 'getting Parnard to stop drowning his sorrows' endeavor.
Danel and Estarfin try to support the distraught Parnard. There is little they can actually do save listen to their friend's distress. Estarfin offers to spar with him, but that is not to the Wood Elf's taste. He sinks into his bottles of wine. The two Noldor think it best to return home soon. Parnard agrees.
True to his word, Cemmen saw that our horses were stabled and cared for. He directed us to the inner caverns of Felegoth for the rest of that night, promising there would be rooms available for us later in the day. There were a few guest quarters, but he would have to speak with the right folk about them.