Khazad-Dum

((A letter, crumpled and a bit soiled with ash, left in one of the stacks of military reports in the Mazarbul of Durin's Folk))

Whilst she waited for the preparations for her journey Druda went in search of Bilbo Baggins, who had been living at Rivendell since his departure from the Shire. Druda had been privileged enough to meet him on several occasions in the past and he always seemed pleased to see another Hobbit and was keen for any news from The Shire. Druda found Bilbo in his usual seat overlooking the gardens. It seemed as though he had heard of her journey because he had with him a small package which her gave to Druda. Inside the package there was a richly decorated bag of burglar’s tools.

A cool breeze was blowing across the pool as Fundinul arrived at the entrance to Khazad-Dum. The gate way was open and there was a lot of activity around it. Several large carts were being unloaded of their contents and a line of Dwarves was passing the various crates and boxes between them and into the gate. Behind him more carts were arriving and either side of the convoy a line of Dwarves matched to a steady regimented pace. Each one wore a set of fine plated armour and carried a large pack on his back.