In the Great hall of Thorin sits a dwarf deep in thought. Abcentmindedly smoking the pipe he is hunched forward, scribbling runes into a worn book. At first glance he seems poor and rugged, but if you look closer you'll find his armour plates of lordly quality, even if scratched and dirty. His cloak and hauberk is worn and patched. The gold and silver threads have long lost its gleam, but still the emblems of Durin and Khazad dûm are visible. Out of habit the hood is covering his mithril braided hair. Little does those who pass him by know that hood and cloak has been this dwarfs home for the better part of a year.
Journal entry:
Thorins Hall, 15th day of Âfhumryanj
This will be my last entry in this journal as I am now finally back again. Its hard to believe it was mid winter when I left, and now its fall. I have been away for too long! King Dain's dispatches are now in the hands of Lord Dwalin and I can finally go home. Home...how often I have longed for my own halls but duty kept me away. Sadly, this time I felt most of my efforts were in vain. Its true Khazad dûm now host new piles of dead orcs, thanks to my trusted axe. Their offensive broken and Brogur and the Iron Garrison survived another onslaught. But for how long will they persevere? My journey to Erebor was also in vain. My plea to the king for more dwarves to help the cleansing of our ancestral home was not granted. He would like nothing higher to see the success of the Iron garrison secured, but dark clouds in the south-east worries him. And who am I to question my King.
As for the fellowship of the mithril key, I have heard or seen nothing. But I shouldn’t be surprised as they travelled with utmost secrecy. After my escape from the orcs who captured me in the Vale of Thrain, it was impossible to find their trace. I suspect the orcs attacking in Khazad dûm had something to do with them, but the old stronghold is wast and deep. I only hope their mission was more successful than my own.
Skaril should be at home already. I am glad he joined me for this journey even though I strongly urged him to turn back at first. Yet he made a boon companion, and it warmed my heart to see him so full of energy and vigour. Home...I long for Hanfrere's embrace. And I wonder if there also might be a little beardling waiting for me? Regardless I have made a promise before Mahal! I will not repeat my fathers mistakes, to put duty before family. When things have settled down, I will ask Lord Dwalin for a position with the Blue Stone Garrison.
These runes ends this journal and I will add it to the family archives as the record of my second journey and adventure in Khazad Dûm.
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Augir closed the book and put away his quill. Seemingly happy he starts to hum a khuzdul lullaby as he walks hastily towards the residential area and his own hall...
*all credits for the artwork goes to the anonymous artist
