We have just come back from a wonderful trip to Thorin's Hall, a dwarf stronghold deep in a mountainside in Ered Luin. The dwarfs themselves are fascinating people, they have an incredibly rich heritage and history. It was Svikt's idea to go. I was working on some mending in the common room when he came up to me and started talking. He said he had enjoyed our trip to the Shire and our picnic so much that he wanted to take me somewhere further away. To this end he had rented a small dwarf lodging near Thorin's Hall and if I was willing, we could leave that very afternoon. I was quite taken aback at the man's forwardness, but you know how it is. Confident men are ever the ones to win female heart. The long and short of it was that I consented to go along if he would let me bring Eoryn. After her trials recently, I thought the girl could do with a change of scenery. Looking slightly disappointed, Svikt agreed to my condition. He stayed for a drink then went to prepare. I finished my mending and went to ask Eoryn if she wanted to see the dwarfs. She was so enthusiastic she wanted to leave then and there. I told her she should first ask Cymaru for permission to go, so she ran off to do that and pack some things. I then went and did my own packing.
Arriving at the Pony's stables, I found both Eoryn and Svikt already packed and ready to go, three horses standing nearby to carry us. The trip was long and uneventful until we came to the a bridge near an elf town. It had started snowing and neither I nor Eoryn was appropriately clad for the weather. Svikt kindly lent us each a cloak, though this meant he was without one. I was glad when we finally arrived at the lodge. It was so very cold. Eoryn and Svikt had both caught sniffles and I was worried they would become ill and our visit to the Hall would have to be cancelled. I made us all some hot tea and we went to bed early, Eoryn and I in one room and Svikt in another.
The next day proved to be fine weather and luckily neither Eoryn or Svikt proved to have caught a chill. We wrapped ourselves more warmly and set out. The dwarven strongholds are incredible feats of architecture. Arriving at the square where the road leads to the Hall, I happened to look up at the mountains. There, carved into the mountainside itself was a huge dwarfhead. One can only imagine how many years it took to build. We hurried up the long flight of steps to the stronghold itself and were granted entrance by the dwarf guards.
I can not describe the immensity of the halls inside. One must have seen them to believe them. I can recommend the experience though, one feels quite small when standing in the great front hall. I wonder if the dwarfs build such large halls because they themselves are so small? Could they be compensating for their size in some way? No matter the reason, their workmanship is beautiful to behold. Svikt led us to the tavern inside and I ordered ales for Svikt and myself and a milk for Eoryn. Svikt drank his ale but I noticed he didn't seem happy, so I asked what the problem was. With a wry smile he admitted that he had no taste for ales, preferring a good wine instead. I felt quite embarrassed. I should have asked what he wanted to drink instead of assuming he would drink ale like most other men. I have learned now at least.
After our drinks we walked for hours, staring fascinated at the carvings and other artefacts. At some point we found a weaponsmith. I noticed Svikt staring at them and asked why. He drew out his sword and showed how it was rusted nearly through. Well, that was no good, what if we came across trouble and he had to defend us? A rusted sword wouldn't last long. Refusing to hear his protests, I told him to choose a sword to his liking. The dwarf salesperson drove a hard bargain, but in the end we came to an agreement on the price and I handed over the coins. Svikt didn't want to accept my gift, but I insisted, purely for practical reasons of course.
Will finish another time...
