It has been a long time since I've felt like a child but the feeling returned as I stepped into the grand halls of the Blue Mountains, Thorin's Hall.
It was a tiresome walk up the mountain but I felt a rush of energy and hope as we finally approached the gates and further as he lead me onwards.
I had started to wonder if dwarves were cruel of mind when I saw the long set of stairs leading up to the great hall, not something I was too happy to see after the long track up the mountain but we made the climb none of the less.
We rested briefly once we reached the top of the stairs and already I could hear the hammering from within until a horn interrupted and soon the doors opened.
I was awestruck as I could hear the murmur from within and the sound of metal being hammered, even from afar I could feel the heat of their forges rushing out.
My childish strike of awe and wonder only continued as I entered the great halls. I had heard tales that spoke of the dwarven halls being able to fit a giant but I never believed they were speaking of an actual giant. I do not think I've ever felt so small before!
I was asked to stay behind while my companion spoke of our business, although I felt as if I should be there with him I respected his kinsmen choice and stayed behind while he spoke with them.
Alas we shall not be given the aid I had hoped for.
There is still hope for some of his kinsmen to join though I can make no promise nor can my companion but it shall not be for his lack of trying, that I am certain of.
I can only hope and pray that Thorontir shall have better luck with the elves in Imladris.
Though bitter I found my spirits soon lifted as my wonders of the dwarven halls continued. He was kind enough to show me their forges and I dare say that none of the children I will tell this tale to shall believe when I speak of the forges fueled by the fires that lie within the belly of the mountain. If I had not seen it with my own eyes I might not have believed it myself.
A true work of wonder and another praise I must give to the dwarven kin. Only in tales had I heard of the dwarves taming the great mountains but now I have seen it.
Lastly we retreated to their drinking hall where I was given a sample of their finest brew and I must say that now they have spoiled my taste for ale for no brew that I shall bring to my lips will taste as fine as the brew I had this evening. Not even Barliman's best brew shall satisfy me as their brew has. Even if his ale is blessed by Gandalf himself, as the tavernkeep claims.
Our meal and drink started out merry with tales and jests thrown about but it was not too long until my worried mind spoiled it as I began to think on our track back to Bree-land. I continue to pester my dwarven companion and remind him not to speak of these matters when we return. I know he has friends in Breeland and I worry he may speak too much of what we have learned.
It is better if the people remain ignorant of what is happening. We know that the 'old man' has company within the town and we cannot be certain who they are, who is listening. Should they learn of our plans they might strike before we are ready, they may use the town and its people to halt us. I cannot let that happen.
We know that our enemy has weapons and power beyond our understanding, this 'black powder' we have found and seen the destruction it can make. It can tear down walls within a blink of an eye and so I can only imagine what they could do with a heavy supply, should they have it.
I can only hope that he realizes my concerns and his friends shall be kept in the dark once we return, that this may remain secret to them for their own safety in these dire times.
With the happenings around these lands now my companion has said we will be unable to make our track back to Breeland for some time and I shall hope the weather does not halt our travel longer than need be.
If all goes well with the Eglain and the fair folk then Thorontir shall be gathering the forces together soon and I must bring what I can to broaden our numbers.
Though there is much more I wish to write about the Hall itself I feel my body calling for rest and the warmth here is well welcomed after the journey up the cold mountain.
