My dearest Thalion not a day goes by when I do not think of you and even more so now after you came to me in a dream the other night. I do not know where you've gone but I do hope that you have found the peace you desired, that the Gift of Men is truly a gift.
I saw you in the grove we first met and I saw how we grew closer together, I relived when our sons were born and when they grew to be men.
Again I lived through that night on the hill when you told me that you would be leaving, I felt your hand on my cheek and as I made my painful farewell I woke.
There were tears in my eyes and I wiped them away, thankfully my companion was nowhere around. I do not want to worry him.
I miss you Thalion and sometimes I want to be angry that you left but I can't.
My new companion and friend took me to his home deep in the mountains where he insisted I would take his bed and once more I had no chance of denying and winning the argument against that stubborn dwarf.
I can't deny that my back aches after sleeping in the small bed, as sturdy as it is, my legs have been dangling out over the foot of the bed as only half of me seems to fit, though I'm sure it has given my companion a good laugh to watch perhaps even the reason he insisted on me taking the bed. Who would blame him? I would probably do the same if only for the amusing sight.
He is kind at heart though and I cannot be anything but thankful. At least I seem to win when I insist that I at least make us food and so far he's not complained about it. I've even taken it on me to clean up the house when he can't see or stop me.
Yesterday was a nice and relaxing day, one I've not had for a good while. My dear companion even brought me a gift after returning from the Hall with some breakfast for us. He brought me a dress to wear so that I didn't need to haul around my heavier garments. I was all too thankful for it, haven't gotten to wear such since my time with my kin, caring for the home and people.
We spoke long over breakfast and somewhere in that conversation the idea of fishing came up and after he searched his storage to lend me a rod we both explored further into the mountain where, to my surprise, there was a river to fish in.
It surprises me everyday just how little I know of his kin and it's been a wonder to explore their culture and home. Though I still wait the day when I see two of them butting heads and one collapse from being struck too hard, it may be cruel to think but the image is all too amusing to think about. I don't think I'll share that one with my companion, he might get insulted.
Who would have guessed I would see the day when a dwarf and a Dúnedain would stand together by a river flowing in the mountain, completing who shall catch the bigger fish.
While we were waiting for a bite the two of us talked more and it wasn't long until the dwarf caught a bite, though he nearly sent the fish flying when he pulled it out of the water. Luckily enough the hook was still in place so the fish didn't go smacking any passing dwarf in the face.
It was a good catch and would be hard to match but I still had my line out and waited.
The two of us have grown close and I am proud to call him a friend and I decided to invite him to visit my own home in the Angle after we return and have taken to the fight with Thorontir.
I assured him that he would be hosted well and treated as one of our own and have I promised to let my kin know that Belodin Bronzeboots is a friend to the Dúnedain.
My companion has in turn named me a Dwarf-Friend and I am honored to be called such and in his kindness he has given me a bronze ring that is his own craft. A ring I shall wear from this day forth as a reminder of him, his kin, our friendship and an alliance.
Although my mind still stirs with thoughts of the well being of my sons and the battle we are to face here in the north I am still at ease and I am glad to have been sent here. I am eager to return with tales to tell the children of the dwarven kin.
We have heard they carve the mountains but now I have seen it.
We have heard they craft the finest of jewels and trinkets but now I have seen it.
We have heard they can withstand the toughest of weathers but now I have seen it.
We have heard they can be trusted for a dwarf's word is never broken but now I have seen it and known it.
They hold many secrets still but they have made the mountain bend to their will, a feat no other can claim.
As I stood I realized that a fish had gotten on the hook without me ever taking notice, the fish must not have even realized he'd been hooked for no struggle was there until I began to reel my line.
It took awhile to tire the fish and finally get it on land and to my surprise it happened to be about an inch larger than what my companion had caught and so it seems I've made my kin proud and bested a dwarf in fishing this day. Though shall it be Megorin who truly stumps this dwarf when they head out to fish. Believe my companion is eager to test his skills against our greatest fisherman.
In good spirits we made way back to his home where I decided to cook the fresh fish and thought to bake it however my dear companion had nothing but a small chest to cook the fish in and so I decided to try it. I was surprised how well it worked, perhaps it's something I should take to do in my own kitchen when I return. The fish came out perfect and only complimented further with the baked potatoes and the sauce I had made using melted butter, sugar and a few drops of brandy.
I remember how you used to love that sauce, Thalion.
Chest-cooked meals. I'm sure that will be catching interest and making some of the children more interested in eating their fish and vegetables.
