Daeruth is sitting at her desk waiting with her usual infinite patience for the Hiril Tingruviel to arrive at the Hall of the Pillar, the apprentice that had taken her note and told Daeruth the meeting time had made themselves scarce knowing that eavesdropping on the conversations of Daeruth could end badly. Tingruviel arrived walking past Daeruth's desk concealed behind a bookcase to stand in front of a table heavily laden with scrolls and maps, she is followed by another, hooded and garbed in woodland colours, Daeruth stood to greet her Caun and Tingruviel turns from the table laden with and says with a smile, 'Ah, Daeruth, Well met!'
Daeruth gives Tingruviel a polite curtsey and says, 'Hiril Tingruviel, I have completed the task you gave me'
Tingruviel smiles, 'Excellent work!, please, show me'
Daeruth looks at the hooded fellow, coughs politely and says, 'Are any others attending? I can wait...'
Tingruviel indicates that no others will be in attendance in the hall.
Daeruth looking at the hooded guard saying, 'Best I present this sensitive information to you in privacy Hiril' shrugging and clearing her throat again.
A familiar voice comes from beneath the hood, 'Ah. Do I need to leave you two alone?'
Tingruviel smiles indicating to the hooded ellon with a nod, 'Daeruth, you have met Telpenaro, haven't you?' beckoning to Telpenaro to come closer.
Telpenaro removes his hood and bows deeply before Daeruth.
Daeruth says, 'Ah! yes, I've seen our esteemed chef before' bobbing Telpenaro a polite curtsey.
Telpenaro says, 'Me being a chef rather depends on circumstances. I guard when I'm needed.'
Daeruth says, 'In that case Master Telpe may already know some of this...'
Tingruviel turns to Telpenaro, 'You are an ellon of many talents, indeed.'
Telpenaro falls silent.
Tingruviel says, 'What does the scroll say, Daeruth?'
Daeruth presents to Tingruviel what appears to be several scrolls bound together on one side tied with lace so it can be read as a book.
Daeruth points to the booklet giving a nod to Tingruviel and says, 'I shall begin.. Page one holds honourifics that dwarves use including to whom, how many you are addressing, and the gender of the dwarves you are addressing. For example 'Ashmakhi Astú' is 'I greet you' to a solitary male dwarf, as we would say 'Nál alatulya sisse' or 'You are welcome here' both are formal.. but to a female dwarf it would be 'Ashmaki astí' to a group of male dwarrows or mixed group would be Ashamakhi astnu and finally... to some Dwarrowdams Ashmakhi astni.'
Tingruviel says, 'Wait.....female dwarves?'
Daeruth nods, 'They guard them as much as mithril'
Tingruviel says, 'I have never met one, mere whispers of them...but do go on.'
Daeruth continues with her dissertation, 'Zirak is commonly used as a general polite term for "master". This title is placed before the name, The term is also found in the name of the teacher of renown dwarven smith Telkhar or Telchar, "Gamil Zirak", an epithet meaning "old master".'
Telpenaro sits down and starts treating his blades.
'Uzrakê is commonly used to speak of a teacher of skill or craft. Literally, "uzrakê" means 'my master'. "Uzrak" meaning "master", with the possessive suffix "ê". Although it is technically a possessive form, it is used as a general title even for those who are not one's personal teacher.
"Uzugbad" is an acronym for "uzrakê, ugsharê, uzbadê," a phrase meaning "My Master, My Teacher, My Leader."
This is an honorific title given to scholarly leaders of the Dwarvish community. In writing, this title is placed before the name, as in "Uzugbad of Thorin's Hall".
Tingruviel looks impressed with the wealth of information nodding and says 'Fascinating'.
Daeruth gives the faintest of nods and continues on "Mutarsasûn" is an acronym for "Mukhuh targzu satarrigi sigin" a phrase meaning "May your beard continue to grow longer!", combined with the personifying "ûn". When addressing a female dwarf the term changes to Mutarsasûna. This honorific is usually placed after the name and is often abbreviated as "mts".
Tingruviel says, 'But, would this be something shared between confidants? and not, let's say guests?'
Daeruth thinks for a moment then scans down the page with her finger.
Telpenaro stretches a bit, takes note on the courtesies and nods a bit, having heard something like them, but Ages ago.
Tingruviel reaches over to fill a couple of goblets of wine for the three of them
Telpenaro says, 'Ah, wine?'
Tingruviel says, 'Yes, why not'
Tingruviel offers a goblet to Telpenaro
Telpenaro says, 'Thank you.'
Tingruviel says, 'Daeruth?' putting one goblet on the table next to Daeruth.
Daeruth finishes looking through the notes.
Telpenaro says, 'I am no complete strange with Dwarves diplomacy, though I wasn't the diplomat, back then. I just observed it up close.'
Daeruth blushes a little and says, 'Apologies Hiril a page appears to be missing'
Daeruth nods to Tingruviel for the goblet of wine 'Nevertheless I hope you'll find the information useful...'
Daeruth clears her throat and turning the page says , 'The second page describes the Dwarven year and festivals...
Êrâs Nar or Dwarven New Year, 1st of 'afdehar begins in our Narquelië'
Tingruviel nods to Telpenaro and continues to listen to Daeruth.
'Nurtu Durin otherwise known as Durin's Day, 3rd of 'afdehar if a thin slice of the waxing crescent moon can be seen together with the sun.'
Daeruth chuckles at her own joke, 'If...'
gabashzudnamrâg or Treasures of the Land Fest / Harvest Fest - ends on 16th of 'afdehar.
'afdehar means Anvil Moon referring to Mahal or Aulë and the creation of the Dwarves
Daeruth goes through each moon cycle in great detail until even the most avid listener's eyes glaze over.
Telpenaro warms up the wine with a slight smirk and doesn't even attempt to pronounce those names.
Tingruviel takes a small sip of her wine and stays focused, clearly quite intrigued
Daeruth reaches the bottom of the page 'However some of the more interesting festivals and customs are documented...' turning the page of her book.
Tingruviel nods, 'Interesting...'
Telpenaro looks rather impressed.
Tingruviel says, 'Will we arrive during one of these festivals?'
Daeruth shrugs a little 'It depends how fast or slow we travel'
Tingruviel says, 'In general it takes us about a moon cycle to arrive, or two, if something untoward were to happen along the way.'
Telpenaro says, 'Let us hope not. But it's my work to ward the unpredictable away, in that case.'
Daeruth nods 'Well we could be in time for one if we get delayed' refocusing on the book and wishing to continue her dissertation
'There are several festivals that dwarves celebrate, in spring they have their Muhudtuzakhmerag “Blessed Green Fest” or “Spring Fest” 1st till 20th of 'af-mahd-danakh.
A tradition of Muhudtuzakhmerag is to carry a fresh straw of spring barley with you. Dwarrow women are known to wear it in their hair while dwarrow males often carry it in their pockets.Yavanna gave the fathers of the dwarves each a straw of spring barley.
This served to remind them of their dependance of nature.The last day of Muhutuzakhmerag notes the annual pony race between Thorin’s Halls and Needlehole in the Westfarthing, known by many dwarves and hobbits as “The Broken Bone Race”.The most notable winner has been lord Dwalin apparently who won the first race – commemorating the Founding of Thorin’s Halls the year before..'
Tingruviel says, 'I never knew dwarrow were so in tune with nature, Did the scrolls say anything about their rocks?'
Daeruth looks in perplexion at Tingruviel.
Tingruviel tries to explain, 'You know, the mating rocks'
Daeruth says, 'Rocks?' shaking her head.
Telpenaro looks at Daeruth in confusion.
Tingruviel explains further, 'Yes, as a vessel of their love presented to their mate, I suppose it could be translated into the rings that we share?'
Daeruth nods 'Possible... who knows what they use in extremis'
Tingruviel says, 'Perhaps we should confer with lord Anglachelm on this matter, as he gave me the information once.'
Daeruth looks up 'But i think they use rings like us'
Tingruviel says, 'Do they?'
Daeruth says, 'Use rings? yes' and nods a yes to Tingruviel.
Daeruth thinks for a moment. 'Perhaps Lord Angla was making a joke'
Tingruviel nods and says, 'No matter, proceed with your reading.'
Daeruth returns her gaze to the pages of the book and continues her reciting of the information.
'They also have their ghuregbuzramerag ” Deep Ale Fest” or Harnkegger Fest – 9th till 19th of ‘âfghuregablug.
This holiday reflects the love of hard work the Dwarves have, followed by equally hard play. The holiday is named after the ceremonial position of the Harnkegger, which is given to a Dwarf who works conspicuously hard between spring festival and this holiday.
The Harnkegger dons the traditional heavy boots and red garterbelt and gets the honor of tapping and sampling the first barrel of summer ale. Thus begins a 10 day festival of drinking ale, eating enormous amounts of food, gaming contests, and general merriment.
On the last day, votes are taken and awards given for the best ale. The Dwarves work without cease from muhudtuzakhmerag till ghuregbuzramerag , so they can take full advantage of this holiday.
Last comes the Lomil Zatamaradu "Night of the Kill" – evening of the last day of ‘âfizhu. Lomil Zatamaradu starts on the last evening of ‘âfizhu and ends at Foredawn the next day. The Night traditionaly starts with a fellowship of Dwarves heading out early in the evening, set out to hunt and kill a deer or boar.
The meat and hides are donated, later that night, to dwarves that are less fortunate.'
Tingruviel says, 'How generous!'
Daeruth agrees and returns to her reading.
'In comparison to other dwarven feasts no heavy ales nor feast meals are to be had, instead most dwarves drink a simple Mead and eat meager rations on this eve. When the fellowship returns it is noted to pay homage to those dwarves that have gone to join Mahal.'
Daeruth turns the page again.
Telpenaro says, 'Their mead can be rather good.'
Daeruth says, 'Yes i had it a time or two in khazad-dum'
Tingruviel has a drink of her wine and says, 'I must say, you really have done your research, Daeruth!'
Daeruth nods to Tingruviel and continues to read the book.
Daeruth says, 'Dwarven pastimes, This is an unusual one this... but all will become clear... Quilting'
'The tradition of quilting likely originated at the courts of the Eastern Halls in the early first age and spread through trading among all clans. It's primary and initial usage was to depict Royal lineages or the lineages of important houses.'
Daeruth looks at both listeners to ensure they are still focused.
'In later times quilts were used as tools to educate the illiterate or to teach youngsters the art of writing.
Considering the secrecy of Khuzdul, quilts proved more popular than tablets or parchment among most clans as a tool for education. Not only were they more practical than tablets, much easier moved and less prone to loss for example, and yet sturdier than parchment, but could be disposed quickly and completely with fire if the need arose such as if a hall was taken by an enemy force. By the third age the tradition of quilting had all but disappeared, mainly as Khuzdul became a language of tradition and lore and not so much a primary spoken language. Almost like our very own Quenya..., With them using westron or other languages more.'
Telpenaro nods and finds his goblet almost empty.
Daeruth turns the page of her book.
Telpenaro sips the rest and lays the goblet on the table, away from the maps.
Daeruth says, 'Now for this part I found surprisingly little, mainly because it's less academic i suppose...'
Daeruth continues, 'On music The vast majority of Dwarvish Folk songs are drinking- or mining songs. Initially drinking songs were mainly in Khuzdul, yet as the influence of Khuzdul waned and dwarves found those of other races living among them or near to them these songs were almost all translated into the common tongue of the region, changing all but the tune of the song.
Dwarven mining songs have for the most part remained in Khuzdul, as mining in dwarvish mines has remained a dwarf-only activity.'
Tingruviel snorts, 'Huh'
Daeruth grins 'I saved the best until last of course... Songs and Poetry'
Tingruviel smiles half and glances at Telpenaro, then nods to Daeruth to proceed.
Daeruth says, 'Dwarrow songs and poetry are mostly of the heroic or coarse kind I found, here are a couple of examples...'
'A typical drinking song...'
Daeruth sings in an almost perfect Mezzo-soprano voice
Ishlik! Ishlik! Ishlik!
(Drink! Drink! Drink!)
D'azâg lakhad ins sanzigil, tân tanlikhîn!
(To eyes bright as Mithril when they are shining!)
Ishlik! Ishlik! Ishlik!
(Drink! Drink! Drink!)
Buhâ 'uglakh zai id-o'gil , tân tagkikhîn!
(Friends are better at the art of speaking, when they are ordering!)
Tingruviel says, 'Oh my'
Telpenaro claps for Daeruth.
Tingruviel chuckles, 'I see the Hammer getting along famously with that!'
Daeruth chuckles at Tingruviel and says, 'And an example of poetry...'
Arc of the great axe (by J. Kushnir)
Torch light flickers with ghastly
crackles as orange hues spill
over the statues of kings erased
from the memory of recent recollection.
Thick hairy hands lovingly grope
sword and spear, eager for the list
of foul deeds that lie beyond shadow
laden corridor.
Ebony arrows sing through
the great hall of the
dwarven Lords, carefully choosing
their targets with fickle appeal.
Dwarven resistance leads the
charge with the rune laden axe
cleaving victory. The Denizens
of the dark shriek before biting steel.
Goblins squeal their plea for
existence with life and limb,
falling before the vermilion
arc of ghastly results.
Purple twilight falls through
a cavern crack, spilling violet light
on newly anointed dead. Their
death grins smile at current circumstances.
The arc of the Great Axe completes
the family mission, and the
small band of stout Dwarves
reclaim their secure hearth.
Pewter mead mugs clang as
joyful cheer erupts from singing
lips. Mutton and boar smear long
brown beards, as another round of
cold drinks greet their stomachs.
Telpenaro says, 'Hm. No wonder Lady Galadriel thought the Dwarves as powerful allies.'
Tingruviel says, 'I am speechless.'
Daeruth nods
Tingruviel says, 'Powerful indeed, but are they reliable?'
Daeruth says, 'If treated with honour very much so'
Telpenaro says, 'More reliable than goblins, for sure.'
Tingruviel chuckles at Telpenaro.
Telpenaro removes his cloak that starts to be unbearably hot.
Tingruviel says, 'Well, we shall do our best.'
Daeruth agrees with Tingruviel.
Tingruviel says, 'Thank you for writing this up, it has been a great help.'
Daeruth says, 'I'll try and find that missing page before we leave'
Tingruviel says, 'That would be helpful'
Telpenaro says, 'This has been a good lesson indeed, but if I may...?'
Tingruviel turns to Telpenaro, 'Yes?'
Daeruth samples some wine.
Telpenaro says, 'You may guess, but I observed Dwarves while I was following Finrod around. There was one particular thing about him that I noted, every time he was making ties with another race.'
Telpenaro continues, 'His bottomless curiosity. The way he wanted to go deeper in knowing these people... not only for his own ends.'
Telpenaro nods, 'They always appreciated his effort on it.'
Tingruviel arches an eyebrow, 'Always?'
Telpenaro says, 'Well, most of the time. We can't count them all to be savoury.'
Daeruth says, 'Hmm indeed not'
Telpenaro says, 'But those who were willing to make diplomatic ties with him, there often was interest both ways.'
Tingruviel says, 'The interest is often what surpasses the fear but if the fear is too great, no level of curiosity will help'
Telpenaro nods, 'And breaks the ice when making friends.'
Tingruviel says, 'I doubt we will be making many friends on this journey, to be honest, I would settle for respected allies'
Telpenaro says, 'Making friends takes time. Still, perhaps it's enough to convince them of good intentions.'
Tingruviel says, 'Indeed. Remember why we're going there in the first place.'
Daeruth thinks for a moment.
Tingruviel says, 'They may not be so eager to relinquish all their secrets'
Daeruth says, 'Not at all, but i'm sure you will convince them'
Tingruviel says, 'I will try. But as I mentioned, not all expeditions have been successful in the past.'
Telpenaro says, 'What if they ask for information in exchange of theirs?'
Tingruviel says, 'Depends on what kind of information, If it concerns military matters, I would have to defer to lord Tindir'
Telpenaro nods, 'There is so little time, yet these questions keep appearing in my mind.'
Tingruviel says, 'What questions?'
Daeruth looks at Telpenaro.
Telpenaro says, 'Such as what they really want in return. But I have heard about the efforts of crafting at least, on our behalf.'
Daeruth appears to be considering something.
Tingruviel says, 'Yes, Golvagor has been busy making some items for us to offer as a trade.'
Daeruth says, 'Pearls...'
Tingruviel says, 'Pearls?'
Daeruth says, 'I remember something....' thinking a little more, 'Yes! apparently i heard they coveted them in the first age... or was it the second....'
Daeruth says, 'Maybe some pearls though i know not where you would get them at this late hour, ''More precious than mithril' seems to ring a bell'
Daeruth looks at Telpenaro, 'Did you ever hear of that Master Telpe?'
Telpenaro says, 'I mainly heard that they're not too fond of the sea. But they did appreaciate its treasures.'
Daeruth shrugs, 'Just a thought of course'
Telpenaro says, 'Not a bad one.'
Tingruviel says, 'It is something to remember. I shall have a word with Sorontar about that, his father did some extensive trading with the dwarrow back in the day'
Telpenaro says, 'Pearls weren't what Noldor harvested regularly or gemstones, for the Falmari. Yet they traded with each other and appreciated the beauty of both. But this is slightly different, of course it might be an exotic beauty for Dwarves.'
Daeruth nods
Tingruviel says, 'We can always offer it and if they say no well. We keep it for ourselves.'
Telpenaro says, 'This has been very educational, but I should probably go pack the rest of the... food and other things, 'I'll just focus on my surroundings on the road...'
Tingruviel says, 'Your input has been greatly appreciated, Telpenaro! See you in the morrow, at the kinhouse.'
Daeruth says, 'I shall be bringing my sword too'
Telpenaro says, 'Well, I'm glad if I was of any help. Daeruth here did most of the work though, I deem!'
Tingruviel says, 'An extra blade can always be of use!'
Daeruth says, 'A scholars calling Master Telpe'
Tingruviel says, 'And indeed, thank you for your hard work, again.'
Daeruth says, 'I know how to use it too!'
Tingruviel says, 'Good!'
Telpenaro says, 'That much seems clear.'
Tingruviel bows, 'If you both will excuse me, I have some correspondence to attend to before we set off.'
Telpenaro says, 'My pony waits outside, I just use him to carry food items....'
Daeruth gives a polite curtsey.
Telpenaro bows deeply.
Tingruviel says, 'Please make some copies of the compendium you made, Daeruth' and waves good-bye to Telpenaro.
Telpenaro waves to everyone.
Tingruviel chuckles, 'And give the poor pony an extra carrot! He will have to work hard for it'
Daeruth chuckles, 'I shall have the scribes shaking in their shoes Hiril'
Tingruviel chuckles, 'Good!, Rest well, I shall see you in the morrow!'
Daeruth says, 'And you!' and returns to her chambers with the book.
*Dwarven information c/o Dwarrow scholar*
*Poem by J Kushnir*
