Elendor
A meal to remember
Frarin visits the home of Balur for supper and discusses many things with the old merchant and his daughter Thari.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Bundazanul Thingstead
Game Date: 6 January 3045
IC Time: Early evening
Description:
Underhalls, Tower of Durin VI (Bundazanul Thingstead)(#19552RtAU)
An incredible feat of delving by the dwarves, this hall is nearly three hundred feet high, and as many across, though the height of it cannot be ascertained from the ground. Stairs go up to personal chambers and other functional rooms above, this being the gathering hall for the whole clan. To the northwest one can see a bit of real light trickling in from the shaft that leads up and onto the slopes of the Mountain.
Contents:
Thari
Obvious exits:
Southeast leads to Greathall of Thrain II.
Southwest leads to Lumber Yards.
Long Tunnel (West) leads to Clan Bundazanul Gate.
Large Copper Door and Wooden Door (North)
[Thari(#31038)]
Afternoon turns toward evening, and many dwarves leave off their daytime business to come home. Such is the case of Balur and his kin, who weave through the crowd of Bundazanul to the private corner where they reside.
Balur, Olur and Thari speak quietly together as they approach their home's steps. Thari and Olur seem to be having a quick discussion, heads bowed together, but Balur interjects once in a while and the siblings stop to listen when he does.
[Frarin] As the three dwarves of Bundazanul approach their homestead, there is the sound of heavy footsteps behind them, coming rather quickly. And should they turn, they might see Frarin, the silversmith clad in a rich maroon tunic and silver belt, but his cheeks still faintly glowing from his recent travel. But they do not need to turn to see him, for he hails them before they reach their door.
"Master Balur!" comes Frarin's rumbling greeting as he raises a hand towards the three.
[Thari(#31038)]
All three turn. Thari, of course, immediately grins in excitement. She reaches out and squeezes her father's elbow with both hands. Balur smiles down at her. Olur frowns slightly.
Balur, however, bows, followed soon by both of his children. "Master Frarin! I heard that you were home safe. Won't you come in?" He gestures to the stairs.
[Frarin] Frarin promptly returns the bow and gives a brief smile to Thari. Balur is given a further polite nod, but Olur is given Frarin's usual stony look of appraisal, and the silversmith's gaze lingers on the younger dwarf slightly longer than the others. "Yes, thank you, sir. I had to meet with you if you had the chance. You are well, I hope?" Thari is rewarded with another sidelong glance and stifled half-smile, but Frarin makes good to pay his attention to her father instead.
[Thari(#31038)]
"I think we have a little while before supper starts. Come inside." Balur leads the way up the stairs. His children follow and Thari smiles over her shoulder at Frarin while Olur looks at his sister. The door is soon opened and they are all within. "Yes, I've been well enough. And you? Your affairs are settled to your satisfaction?" Balur asks.
[Frarin] "Yes, thank you," Frarin says with business-like tone, nodding as he enters the home. "There was some trouble immediately upon my arrival because my friend had died nearly a month before our caravan's return to Erebor. I rather think his relatives were hoping we would not return for some time more." He waves his hand though, as if the matter is now done with and he wishes to speak no further of the stressful last few months. "Unfortunately, I am sorry to hear that affairs here in Erebor are not so settled."
[Thari(#31038)]
"In due time they well be," Balur says without concern, pulling out a pocket-watch and glancing at it. "If you'll excuse me, I must speak for a brief moment with my wife. Thari, would you get your guest some drinks in the parlour? I'll only be a moment."
Balur turns toward the stairs and signals Olur to follow. Olur looks rather startled back at Thari and Frarin, but after a hesitation, he does follow his father. Soon Thari and Frarin are left alone, with Thari for one appearing a bit surprised.
[Frarin] Frarin lifts his brows at Balur as the older dwarf departs the room, but he conceals his surprise rather better than Olur, who receives another critical glance from the silversmith. But then Frarin is looking to Thari and once they are decidedly alone, he takes a hold of her hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. His voice is low as he murmurs to her. "Perhaps you are right, dear Thari. I certainly did not expect such a reception from your father, much less being left alone with you for even an instant."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's fingers tighten in Frarin's and her delighted smile is given to him. "Perhaps! I don't know what Father is about." Her voice drops to a whisper as she leads Frarin into the parlour. "You keep giving Olur the dark eye," she says, sounding vastly amused. "Poor lad! He must be so used to people looking at him like that."
Her voice lifts again. "Would you like something to drink, dear? We have brandy and beer and perhaps a bit of mead."
[Frarin] "Well, if it twas truly him reading my letters to you and you ever find any solid proof of it, he will have more than the dark eye from me, don't you doubt," Frarin mutters back, his tone half-threatening, half-joking. But he straightens and resumes his usual manner once they enter the parlour and nods to Thari. "A brandy would be fine, thank you. Has...has your father said anything since my return?"
[Thari(#31038)]
"He said again to invite you to supper." Thari squeezes Frarin's hand again before releasing it to go to a cupboard built into a recess in the stone of the wall. She swings out the wood face. "I told him I already had and he said that was good. So I am starting to think we haven't anything to worry about. He's been rather distracted and noncommunicative for a few weeks."
Thari finishes pouring and approaches the Barazin with two clear glasses of jeweltoned drink. "Your cheeks are still red, Frarin. Is it the sun or are you still cold?" Thari's own complexion has faded somewhat, as if she has not seen the sunlight since they arrived home.
[Frarin] "No, no, just the wind," Frarin says, gladly accepting the proffered glass and taking a sip. "We ran into some harsh wind a few days before reaching Erebor. It is only the cold that has remained in my cheeks, do not worry." A thoughtful pause, then Frarin speaks again. "Yes, I am sorry for not giving greater notice of my coming to supper. I was not sure when I would be available, I have been speaking with certain members of Barazin for the past few days. Your father, he has not been talkitive since the run-in with your uncle? Or some other matter?"
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari reaches up, the warmth of her palm cupping his cheek for a moment. She frowns. "Since the business with Uncle Ranor," she whispers. "I'm not supposed to know about that. Father and my brothers didn't tell me anything." Outside, footsteps can be heard.
[Frarin] Very briefly Frarin allows himself to reach up to Thari's hand and hold it against his cheek with a contented look, but at the sound of footsteps, he quickly, though gently, pushes her hand away. "Very well, I still think you should have a right to know, but I will say nothing of it either." And he straightens, taking another sip of his brandy and waiting for whoever approaches.
[Thari(#31038)]
"I apologize for that," Balur says as he crosses into the room, dusting his hands though nothing is on them. "Where were we?" He looks at his daughter and Frarin standing near to each other, her hand half-toward the Barazin still, but says only, "Would you sit? No call to stand about all evening, is there?"
Thari steps away from Frarin. "Would you like me to get something for you to drink, Papa?"
"Yes, Thari love, some of that mead you brought from the Beornings would be just fine. Delicious stuff." He moves toward the half-circle of couches.
[Frarin] Frarin makes a sound at the back of throat as if tempted to clear it but catching himself before actually doing so. Instead he moves a step back from Thari and seats himself at Balur's request upon one of the couches in the parlour. "Business has been well, I take it?" Frarin says conversationally, leaning back slightly and crossing his legs. His tone is at ease, but there remains still a hint of wariness in it as well.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari sets her own cup on the low round table before the couches as she goes to fetch her father a drink.
"It's been fine," Balur says as he seats himself on a couch as well, leaning back and folding his hands. "The situation with the Zinbar made things slow for a moment but we've managed to bolster them back up, haven't we Thari?"
She nods with a grin and sets a tankard before Balur on the table. She then turns toward the fireplace.
"And yourself?" Balur continues. "Were you able to do much business in the Iron Hills?"
[Frarin] "No," Frarin says, leaning forward and shaking his head. "Virtually none. There was squabbling enough to keep me occupied both day and night. Any free time I gave to my family there or to myself. But what is this? I had heard that Zinbar has severed all trade relations with Bundazanul for the time. Have they reneged on that decision? They should, of course. Nothing so minour is worth having to settle for Dale lumber over Bundazanul."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur actually gives a very slight smile as Thari lays fresh logs on the coals in the hearth. He glances briefly at her and his brows gather together, but his expression clears again a moment later. "It's simply unfathomable, the way they've behaved. Rather as if they are purposefully out to make my daughter to be the center of some immense scandal. It's entirely possible that they are trying to break the good trade relations of my business in Bundazanul And Others, and it's worked, to some degree. But here, Thari said you are a dwarf of some importance with Barazin?" His brows lift as he reaches for his tankard.
Thari is moving toward the couches now. She seats herself a prim distance near Frarin.
[Frarin] Frarin is silent a moment, regarding Balur with raised brows as he seems to consider his words. But that moment is quick and then the silversmith is nodding, briefly dropping his gaze to the floor in front of him, then taking another sip from his brandy. "I am, yes. Some years ago my Steward Gluin asked me to act as an ambassador of our clan, given my tendency to travel and experience in more worldly matters. It is not a position I have had to carry out often, especially since Lord Gluin's disappearance--" a dark look briefly crosses his face "--but I am nonetheless qualified for it and generally left to my own devices by our current Steward."
He pauses, glancing at Thari, then back to Balur and continuing with his head tipped slightly forward. "I have, however, recently been speaking quite a bit with my Steward and with others of importance within Barazin. To gage my clan's reaction to this foolishness of Zinbar's, I mean."
[Thari(#31038)]
"And what is their reaction?" Balur asks, leaning back before taking several swallows of his mead.
Thari leans against the chair, too, sipping at her brandy, watching Frarin.
[Frarin] The expression on Frarin's face is an unusual one, not often seen, for it is neither the stony, critical look of appraisal so common, nor the hard look of a bartering merchant, nor even the good-humoured look most often reserved for Thari. Indeed, Frarin for once does indeed look the part of the diplomat he rarely has to play.
"They agree, of course. Some of our clan has even had trouble with Ovor's adviser Filur before and know well his clever ways. I myself know Ovor's tendency towards rashness. But most have been hopeful that the situation will simply subside and both clans will eventually make up. I do not believe it will be so easily settled, not if Ovor is being encouraged in his actions by close advisers. It is ever the fate of small clans to be naturally defensive. I must meet again with my Steward, but I think I may yet be able to convince Barazin to show public support for Bundazanul. Ovor would not dare challenge the mountain's two largest clans together."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur lowers his cup and begins to rumble, then honestly laugh. "Oh ho ho!" he cries triumphantly. "Let the Zinbar face up to that! Good lad, Frarin, good show! You must speak with Thane Bundazanul at once and have this matter resolved."
Thari is grinning rather smugly while watching her father.
[Frarin] Frarin, for all his stoniness and moody modesty and reclusiveness, nevertheless fails to mask a small smile beneath his beard, apparently conjured by Balur's pleased reaction. Nor indeed can he stop himself from glancing sidelong at Thari and that smug look of hers widens Frarin's own smile until he is leaning back and nodding.
"Aye, that was my thought. Zinbar cannot afford to lose Barazin's business, for the nearest mines would be Emyn Engrin. I intend just that, to meet with Lord Braldor--" there is no hint of Frarin's quarral with Braldor now, perhaps Thari's praise of him has had some effect "--as soon as I meet with my Steward and confirm our clan's position. Then perhaps we might resolve this ridiculous argument once and for all."
[Thari(#31038)]
"Ideal would be for the Zinbar to issue an apology as well for how overblown they've made this whole nonsense." Balur folds his arms thoughtfully, tankard jutting out one side.
"I think, perhaps, with time, the whole situation will die down, and it will be forgotten." Thari offers, speaking at last.
"But we mustn't allow it to linger in the minds of the dwarves that you were somehow at fault, my love," Balur answers her firmly. "If you were to be married now the rumor would be that it was to bring honesty to your name to mend the shame of your reputation."
Thari's eyes widen.
[Frarin] A frown quickly descends over Frarin's face at the mention of marriage, first puzzled, then wary. He looks at the wide-eyed Thari and his lips part in silence, and close, and part again. But before challenging whatever Balur seems to be implicating about delaying any potential marriage, Frarin first seeks confirmation, so long waited for. "Am I to understand that you would otherwise give your blessing for our union, Master Balur?"
[Thari(#31038)]
"No, no, you misunderstand me, the both of you." Balur shakes his head and presses his lips shut. "I was ill-spoken."
Balur takes a long, thoughtful swallow or three from his tankard and then sets it down, apparently empty. Slowly he breathes and leans forwards, forearms on elbows. "You will certainly marry my daughter, and are welcome to the family. I only do not wish for anyone to think that you marry her with anything other than the good, honorable intentions that you obviously have."
Thari is yet quiet, but she reaches out to grip Frarin's sleeve with a trembling-tense hand, her face gone pale.
[Frarin] Several sharp breaths are Frarin's only reaction initially, his gaze fixed strictly on Balur's face. His eyes do not widen, but his breathing does become irregular and his expression is very still, even as he feels Thari's trembling touch. Finally, after what seems ages - and is likely only a few seconds - the silversmith leans back as if exhausted. A mixture of relief and disbelief enters his posture, slumping his shoulders and he takes rather a large gulp to finish off the last of his brandy. "That is...that is perhaps wise," Frarin says after a time. Then, after a pause, he straightens and tips his head firmly towards the old merchant. "Thank you, Master Balur."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur nods in return to Frarin, glancing over at his speechless daughter. "You must forgive me for being cautious, and forgive me, too as I say this-- but it is my hope that you do honestly appreciate what you are getting. There isn't a woman of our people as intelligent and wise and sure of herself as my Thari." His grey eyes stray toward her.
"It is difficult to think of you going to another household, my dear," he tells her, voice gentling. "But I have always trusted in your judgement and often profited from it. I am certain that you are able to dictate your own future as well as or better than I could."
[Frarin] "Master Balur," Frarin says quietly, but with the confidence returning, "I have known how fortunate I am to have Thari's love since the day I almost lost it." And in sequence with Balur's, Frarin's dark eyes stray to Thari as well, so that both loving father and, now, loving husband-to-be are watching the healer. Only then does the silversmith allow himself to grip Thari's hand upon his shirt sleeve, his rough fingers gently rubbing her palm.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Thank you," says Thari, still rather dazed. "I don't-- I can't hardly think of what to say." She leans over to Frarin and, right in front of her father, throws her arms around his neck. "I want to be married soon! What are we to do about the rumors?"
[Frarin] Some of the air is knocked from Frarin's chest as Thari throws her arms around him and he makes a little huffing sound before wrapping his own arms around her as well. Squeezing her tight, he closes his eyes for a moment before straightening and looking back to Balur. "Thari is right, Balur," Frarin says more seriously. "Rumours only grow if you attempt to extinguish them, and they will not likely die on their own completely for a year or better, especially with the situation with Siv. How long do you wish us to delay then?"
[Thari(#31038)]
"Work on the situation with the Zinbar and see if that resolves it. Surely it won't take long one way or another," Balur answers calmly, though he seems a touch uncomfortable by the affection. He looks away to the fire, where the logs are now being licked by warm flame.
Thari releases Frarin only to sit near him and curl her hand over his arm. "I don't know that Siv is the only one spreading rumors about me," she says grimly. "It is someone else, too, though I don't know who." Her brows lift. "But the rumors of my, my..." She starts to go red as her voice dwindles away. "Nevermind," she mutters at last.
[Frarin] Frarin pats Thari's hand, but now that the initial shock of Balur's revelation has subsided, his tone is back to business and he nods at the older dwarf. "I shall. And I mean to speak with Thane Ovor as well, as a personal acquaintance first, then in my capacity as a representative of Barazin, if I need to." He glances at Thari as the healer reddens suddenly, but he only gives her a reassuring smile and lowers his voice to indicate his especial attention to her. "You are a far finer dwarf than these ridiculous rumours, Thari. Do not do them justice by becoming embarrassed by that which is not true."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur stands and bows toward them. "I will go see if supper is being served soon." He discreetly exits but is careful to keep the doorway wide open.
Thari nods to her father, her head tipped in toward Frarin in a shy way. "Some, some have been concerned enough to ask me to my face if, if," she lowers to a whisper. "If I am going to have a child. I only thought, that particular rumor will die when no child comes." She is bright red.
[Frarin] Frarin nods politely to Balur as the older dwarf departs the parlour, but as Thari speaks and turns even brighter red, the silversmith looks suddenly alarmed. "To your face? Who is this? By Durin, I did not think such impertinance existed among our people! By the Maker, you would think that after my absence of four months and you showing no signs whatsoever that the rumours would be already dissipating. I begin to think that they will not do so /until/ we are married."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari leans a bit more against Frarin once her father is gone, nodding, her eyes still down. "But then I think, perhaps Father is right, and the rumors will be worse..." she sighs, tips her head to his shoulder. "I don't know. Lately a longing grows on me to be on the road again."
[Frarin] "It is only the stress of these last few weeks, and of my absence," Frarin says, giving another reassuring smile and not pressing the matter of who asked her such a forward question. "More than anything that I have learned in my years of travel, I have greatly come to appreciate my time here at the mountain. Do not hope to rush it merely that we may be alone again." And with a smile, he adds, "After all, we must be married before we travel again."
[Thari(#31038)]
"And we will surely have a little time alone after we are married in any case." Thari is still flushing but she smiles a little. "But I don't want to go just to be alone with you, dear, though I would enjoy that ov course. I also wish to have more constructive work to do. I know that my work in the company brings profits and organizes papers and streamlines operations, but-- the need to find firewood seems more direct, the need to watch for enemies-- I don't know. It's more real on the road."
[Frarin] That more than anything seems to bring Frarin satisfaction, for he smiles to himself and nods, amused. "Ah indeed, a woman after my own heart," he jokes. "But truly, I know that same yearning, dear Thari. Business and legalities and diplomacy I can manage, but it is only the road that holds my heart. And you, of course, fear not." Then with another stifled smile, he gives Thari's hand a squeeze and stands. "Come then, shall we see if we can be of any service to your parents? I have yet to meet your mother, after all, you may recall."
[Thari(#31038)]
"Oh, yes." Thari stands too, smiling. She touches her cheek to his shoulder again. "I missed you so." Suddenly she laughs. "And we are to be married! I can't wait! We must choose a home! Oh I hope the situation with the Zinbar is resolved soon!"
[Frarin] "You too, dear Thari," Frarin whispers to the healer as she touches his cheek and he leans in to her. But then he is chuckling as if all the stress of the previous months - and recent few days - had never happened. "To be married. Who would ever have believed it of me? You, well, certainly. How could such a beautiful, intelligent young lady /not/ be married!" At that he winks and begins to pull her towards the door through which Balur exited, but not before pulling a mock face of horror. "By the Maker, you shall have me choosing out furniture next! Come come, spare me the thought, if you please, and let us go to help your parents, even if the meal has been cooked by a hired chef!"
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari follows him, grinning but hiding this behind her hand as he compliments her. "No, I won't spare you!" she laughs as they go. "I've been waiting to look at furniture for months!”
Underhalls, Tower of Durin VI (Bundazanul Thingstead)(#19552RtAU)
An incredible feat of delving by the dwarves, this hall is nearly three hundred feet high, and as many across, though the height of it cannot be ascertained from the ground. Stairs go up to personal chambers and other functional rooms above, this being the gathering hall for the whole clan. To the northwest one can see a bit of real light trickling in from the shaft that leads up and onto the slopes of the Mountain.
Contents:
Thari
Obvious exits:
Southeast leads to Greathall of Thrain II.
Southwest leads to Lumber Yards.
Long Tunnel (West) leads to Clan Bundazanul Gate.
Large Copper Door and Wooden Door (North)
[Thari(#31038)]
Afternoon turns toward evening, and many dwarves leave off their daytime business to come home. Such is the case of Balur and his kin, who weave through the crowd of Bundazanul to the private corner where they reside.
Balur, Olur and Thari speak quietly together as they approach their home's steps. Thari and Olur seem to be having a quick discussion, heads bowed together, but Balur interjects once in a while and the siblings stop to listen when he does.
[Frarin] As the three dwarves of Bundazanul approach their homestead, there is the sound of heavy footsteps behind them, coming rather quickly. And should they turn, they might see Frarin, the silversmith clad in a rich maroon tunic and silver belt, but his cheeks still faintly glowing from his recent travel. But they do not need to turn to see him, for he hails them before they reach their door.
"Master Balur!" comes Frarin's rumbling greeting as he raises a hand towards the three.
[Thari(#31038)]
All three turn. Thari, of course, immediately grins in excitement. She reaches out and squeezes her father's elbow with both hands. Balur smiles down at her. Olur frowns slightly.
Balur, however, bows, followed soon by both of his children. "Master Frarin! I heard that you were home safe. Won't you come in?" He gestures to the stairs.
[Frarin] Frarin promptly returns the bow and gives a brief smile to Thari. Balur is given a further polite nod, but Olur is given Frarin's usual stony look of appraisal, and the silversmith's gaze lingers on the younger dwarf slightly longer than the others. "Yes, thank you, sir. I had to meet with you if you had the chance. You are well, I hope?" Thari is rewarded with another sidelong glance and stifled half-smile, but Frarin makes good to pay his attention to her father instead.
[Thari(#31038)]
"I think we have a little while before supper starts. Come inside." Balur leads the way up the stairs. His children follow and Thari smiles over her shoulder at Frarin while Olur looks at his sister. The door is soon opened and they are all within. "Yes, I've been well enough. And you? Your affairs are settled to your satisfaction?" Balur asks.
[Frarin] "Yes, thank you," Frarin says with business-like tone, nodding as he enters the home. "There was some trouble immediately upon my arrival because my friend had died nearly a month before our caravan's return to Erebor. I rather think his relatives were hoping we would not return for some time more." He waves his hand though, as if the matter is now done with and he wishes to speak no further of the stressful last few months. "Unfortunately, I am sorry to hear that affairs here in Erebor are not so settled."
[Thari(#31038)]
"In due time they well be," Balur says without concern, pulling out a pocket-watch and glancing at it. "If you'll excuse me, I must speak for a brief moment with my wife. Thari, would you get your guest some drinks in the parlour? I'll only be a moment."
Balur turns toward the stairs and signals Olur to follow. Olur looks rather startled back at Thari and Frarin, but after a hesitation, he does follow his father. Soon Thari and Frarin are left alone, with Thari for one appearing a bit surprised.
[Frarin] Frarin lifts his brows at Balur as the older dwarf departs the room, but he conceals his surprise rather better than Olur, who receives another critical glance from the silversmith. But then Frarin is looking to Thari and once they are decidedly alone, he takes a hold of her hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. His voice is low as he murmurs to her. "Perhaps you are right, dear Thari. I certainly did not expect such a reception from your father, much less being left alone with you for even an instant."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's fingers tighten in Frarin's and her delighted smile is given to him. "Perhaps! I don't know what Father is about." Her voice drops to a whisper as she leads Frarin into the parlour. "You keep giving Olur the dark eye," she says, sounding vastly amused. "Poor lad! He must be so used to people looking at him like that."
Her voice lifts again. "Would you like something to drink, dear? We have brandy and beer and perhaps a bit of mead."
[Frarin] "Well, if it twas truly him reading my letters to you and you ever find any solid proof of it, he will have more than the dark eye from me, don't you doubt," Frarin mutters back, his tone half-threatening, half-joking. But he straightens and resumes his usual manner once they enter the parlour and nods to Thari. "A brandy would be fine, thank you. Has...has your father said anything since my return?"
[Thari(#31038)]
"He said again to invite you to supper." Thari squeezes Frarin's hand again before releasing it to go to a cupboard built into a recess in the stone of the wall. She swings out the wood face. "I told him I already had and he said that was good. So I am starting to think we haven't anything to worry about. He's been rather distracted and noncommunicative for a few weeks."
Thari finishes pouring and approaches the Barazin with two clear glasses of jeweltoned drink. "Your cheeks are still red, Frarin. Is it the sun or are you still cold?" Thari's own complexion has faded somewhat, as if she has not seen the sunlight since they arrived home.
[Frarin] "No, no, just the wind," Frarin says, gladly accepting the proffered glass and taking a sip. "We ran into some harsh wind a few days before reaching Erebor. It is only the cold that has remained in my cheeks, do not worry." A thoughtful pause, then Frarin speaks again. "Yes, I am sorry for not giving greater notice of my coming to supper. I was not sure when I would be available, I have been speaking with certain members of Barazin for the past few days. Your father, he has not been talkitive since the run-in with your uncle? Or some other matter?"
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari reaches up, the warmth of her palm cupping his cheek for a moment. She frowns. "Since the business with Uncle Ranor," she whispers. "I'm not supposed to know about that. Father and my brothers didn't tell me anything." Outside, footsteps can be heard.
[Frarin] Very briefly Frarin allows himself to reach up to Thari's hand and hold it against his cheek with a contented look, but at the sound of footsteps, he quickly, though gently, pushes her hand away. "Very well, I still think you should have a right to know, but I will say nothing of it either." And he straightens, taking another sip of his brandy and waiting for whoever approaches.
[Thari(#31038)]
"I apologize for that," Balur says as he crosses into the room, dusting his hands though nothing is on them. "Where were we?" He looks at his daughter and Frarin standing near to each other, her hand half-toward the Barazin still, but says only, "Would you sit? No call to stand about all evening, is there?"
Thari steps away from Frarin. "Would you like me to get something for you to drink, Papa?"
"Yes, Thari love, some of that mead you brought from the Beornings would be just fine. Delicious stuff." He moves toward the half-circle of couches.
[Frarin] Frarin makes a sound at the back of throat as if tempted to clear it but catching himself before actually doing so. Instead he moves a step back from Thari and seats himself at Balur's request upon one of the couches in the parlour. "Business has been well, I take it?" Frarin says conversationally, leaning back slightly and crossing his legs. His tone is at ease, but there remains still a hint of wariness in it as well.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari sets her own cup on the low round table before the couches as she goes to fetch her father a drink.
"It's been fine," Balur says as he seats himself on a couch as well, leaning back and folding his hands. "The situation with the Zinbar made things slow for a moment but we've managed to bolster them back up, haven't we Thari?"
She nods with a grin and sets a tankard before Balur on the table. She then turns toward the fireplace.
"And yourself?" Balur continues. "Were you able to do much business in the Iron Hills?"
[Frarin] "No," Frarin says, leaning forward and shaking his head. "Virtually none. There was squabbling enough to keep me occupied both day and night. Any free time I gave to my family there or to myself. But what is this? I had heard that Zinbar has severed all trade relations with Bundazanul for the time. Have they reneged on that decision? They should, of course. Nothing so minour is worth having to settle for Dale lumber over Bundazanul."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur actually gives a very slight smile as Thari lays fresh logs on the coals in the hearth. He glances briefly at her and his brows gather together, but his expression clears again a moment later. "It's simply unfathomable, the way they've behaved. Rather as if they are purposefully out to make my daughter to be the center of some immense scandal. It's entirely possible that they are trying to break the good trade relations of my business in Bundazanul And Others, and it's worked, to some degree. But here, Thari said you are a dwarf of some importance with Barazin?" His brows lift as he reaches for his tankard.
Thari is moving toward the couches now. She seats herself a prim distance near Frarin.
[Frarin] Frarin is silent a moment, regarding Balur with raised brows as he seems to consider his words. But that moment is quick and then the silversmith is nodding, briefly dropping his gaze to the floor in front of him, then taking another sip from his brandy. "I am, yes. Some years ago my Steward Gluin asked me to act as an ambassador of our clan, given my tendency to travel and experience in more worldly matters. It is not a position I have had to carry out often, especially since Lord Gluin's disappearance--" a dark look briefly crosses his face "--but I am nonetheless qualified for it and generally left to my own devices by our current Steward."
He pauses, glancing at Thari, then back to Balur and continuing with his head tipped slightly forward. "I have, however, recently been speaking quite a bit with my Steward and with others of importance within Barazin. To gage my clan's reaction to this foolishness of Zinbar's, I mean."
[Thari(#31038)]
"And what is their reaction?" Balur asks, leaning back before taking several swallows of his mead.
Thari leans against the chair, too, sipping at her brandy, watching Frarin.
[Frarin] The expression on Frarin's face is an unusual one, not often seen, for it is neither the stony, critical look of appraisal so common, nor the hard look of a bartering merchant, nor even the good-humoured look most often reserved for Thari. Indeed, Frarin for once does indeed look the part of the diplomat he rarely has to play.
"They agree, of course. Some of our clan has even had trouble with Ovor's adviser Filur before and know well his clever ways. I myself know Ovor's tendency towards rashness. But most have been hopeful that the situation will simply subside and both clans will eventually make up. I do not believe it will be so easily settled, not if Ovor is being encouraged in his actions by close advisers. It is ever the fate of small clans to be naturally defensive. I must meet again with my Steward, but I think I may yet be able to convince Barazin to show public support for Bundazanul. Ovor would not dare challenge the mountain's two largest clans together."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur lowers his cup and begins to rumble, then honestly laugh. "Oh ho ho!" he cries triumphantly. "Let the Zinbar face up to that! Good lad, Frarin, good show! You must speak with Thane Bundazanul at once and have this matter resolved."
Thari is grinning rather smugly while watching her father.
[Frarin] Frarin, for all his stoniness and moody modesty and reclusiveness, nevertheless fails to mask a small smile beneath his beard, apparently conjured by Balur's pleased reaction. Nor indeed can he stop himself from glancing sidelong at Thari and that smug look of hers widens Frarin's own smile until he is leaning back and nodding.
"Aye, that was my thought. Zinbar cannot afford to lose Barazin's business, for the nearest mines would be Emyn Engrin. I intend just that, to meet with Lord Braldor--" there is no hint of Frarin's quarral with Braldor now, perhaps Thari's praise of him has had some effect "--as soon as I meet with my Steward and confirm our clan's position. Then perhaps we might resolve this ridiculous argument once and for all."
[Thari(#31038)]
"Ideal would be for the Zinbar to issue an apology as well for how overblown they've made this whole nonsense." Balur folds his arms thoughtfully, tankard jutting out one side.
"I think, perhaps, with time, the whole situation will die down, and it will be forgotten." Thari offers, speaking at last.
"But we mustn't allow it to linger in the minds of the dwarves that you were somehow at fault, my love," Balur answers her firmly. "If you were to be married now the rumor would be that it was to bring honesty to your name to mend the shame of your reputation."
Thari's eyes widen.
[Frarin] A frown quickly descends over Frarin's face at the mention of marriage, first puzzled, then wary. He looks at the wide-eyed Thari and his lips part in silence, and close, and part again. But before challenging whatever Balur seems to be implicating about delaying any potential marriage, Frarin first seeks confirmation, so long waited for. "Am I to understand that you would otherwise give your blessing for our union, Master Balur?"
[Thari(#31038)]
"No, no, you misunderstand me, the both of you." Balur shakes his head and presses his lips shut. "I was ill-spoken."
Balur takes a long, thoughtful swallow or three from his tankard and then sets it down, apparently empty. Slowly he breathes and leans forwards, forearms on elbows. "You will certainly marry my daughter, and are welcome to the family. I only do not wish for anyone to think that you marry her with anything other than the good, honorable intentions that you obviously have."
Thari is yet quiet, but she reaches out to grip Frarin's sleeve with a trembling-tense hand, her face gone pale.
[Frarin] Several sharp breaths are Frarin's only reaction initially, his gaze fixed strictly on Balur's face. His eyes do not widen, but his breathing does become irregular and his expression is very still, even as he feels Thari's trembling touch. Finally, after what seems ages - and is likely only a few seconds - the silversmith leans back as if exhausted. A mixture of relief and disbelief enters his posture, slumping his shoulders and he takes rather a large gulp to finish off the last of his brandy. "That is...that is perhaps wise," Frarin says after a time. Then, after a pause, he straightens and tips his head firmly towards the old merchant. "Thank you, Master Balur."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur nods in return to Frarin, glancing over at his speechless daughter. "You must forgive me for being cautious, and forgive me, too as I say this-- but it is my hope that you do honestly appreciate what you are getting. There isn't a woman of our people as intelligent and wise and sure of herself as my Thari." His grey eyes stray toward her.
"It is difficult to think of you going to another household, my dear," he tells her, voice gentling. "But I have always trusted in your judgement and often profited from it. I am certain that you are able to dictate your own future as well as or better than I could."
[Frarin] "Master Balur," Frarin says quietly, but with the confidence returning, "I have known how fortunate I am to have Thari's love since the day I almost lost it." And in sequence with Balur's, Frarin's dark eyes stray to Thari as well, so that both loving father and, now, loving husband-to-be are watching the healer. Only then does the silversmith allow himself to grip Thari's hand upon his shirt sleeve, his rough fingers gently rubbing her palm.
[Thari(#31038)]
"Thank you," says Thari, still rather dazed. "I don't-- I can't hardly think of what to say." She leans over to Frarin and, right in front of her father, throws her arms around his neck. "I want to be married soon! What are we to do about the rumors?"
[Frarin] Some of the air is knocked from Frarin's chest as Thari throws her arms around him and he makes a little huffing sound before wrapping his own arms around her as well. Squeezing her tight, he closes his eyes for a moment before straightening and looking back to Balur. "Thari is right, Balur," Frarin says more seriously. "Rumours only grow if you attempt to extinguish them, and they will not likely die on their own completely for a year or better, especially with the situation with Siv. How long do you wish us to delay then?"
[Thari(#31038)]
"Work on the situation with the Zinbar and see if that resolves it. Surely it won't take long one way or another," Balur answers calmly, though he seems a touch uncomfortable by the affection. He looks away to the fire, where the logs are now being licked by warm flame.
Thari releases Frarin only to sit near him and curl her hand over his arm. "I don't know that Siv is the only one spreading rumors about me," she says grimly. "It is someone else, too, though I don't know who." Her brows lift. "But the rumors of my, my..." She starts to go red as her voice dwindles away. "Nevermind," she mutters at last.
[Frarin] Frarin pats Thari's hand, but now that the initial shock of Balur's revelation has subsided, his tone is back to business and he nods at the older dwarf. "I shall. And I mean to speak with Thane Ovor as well, as a personal acquaintance first, then in my capacity as a representative of Barazin, if I need to." He glances at Thari as the healer reddens suddenly, but he only gives her a reassuring smile and lowers his voice to indicate his especial attention to her. "You are a far finer dwarf than these ridiculous rumours, Thari. Do not do them justice by becoming embarrassed by that which is not true."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur stands and bows toward them. "I will go see if supper is being served soon." He discreetly exits but is careful to keep the doorway wide open.
Thari nods to her father, her head tipped in toward Frarin in a shy way. "Some, some have been concerned enough to ask me to my face if, if," she lowers to a whisper. "If I am going to have a child. I only thought, that particular rumor will die when no child comes." She is bright red.
[Frarin] Frarin nods politely to Balur as the older dwarf departs the parlour, but as Thari speaks and turns even brighter red, the silversmith looks suddenly alarmed. "To your face? Who is this? By Durin, I did not think such impertinance existed among our people! By the Maker, you would think that after my absence of four months and you showing no signs whatsoever that the rumours would be already dissipating. I begin to think that they will not do so /until/ we are married."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari leans a bit more against Frarin once her father is gone, nodding, her eyes still down. "But then I think, perhaps Father is right, and the rumors will be worse..." she sighs, tips her head to his shoulder. "I don't know. Lately a longing grows on me to be on the road again."
[Frarin] "It is only the stress of these last few weeks, and of my absence," Frarin says, giving another reassuring smile and not pressing the matter of who asked her such a forward question. "More than anything that I have learned in my years of travel, I have greatly come to appreciate my time here at the mountain. Do not hope to rush it merely that we may be alone again." And with a smile, he adds, "After all, we must be married before we travel again."
[Thari(#31038)]
"And we will surely have a little time alone after we are married in any case." Thari is still flushing but she smiles a little. "But I don't want to go just to be alone with you, dear, though I would enjoy that ov course. I also wish to have more constructive work to do. I know that my work in the company brings profits and organizes papers and streamlines operations, but-- the need to find firewood seems more direct, the need to watch for enemies-- I don't know. It's more real on the road."
[Frarin] That more than anything seems to bring Frarin satisfaction, for he smiles to himself and nods, amused. "Ah indeed, a woman after my own heart," he jokes. "But truly, I know that same yearning, dear Thari. Business and legalities and diplomacy I can manage, but it is only the road that holds my heart. And you, of course, fear not." Then with another stifled smile, he gives Thari's hand a squeeze and stands. "Come then, shall we see if we can be of any service to your parents? I have yet to meet your mother, after all, you may recall."
[Thari(#31038)]
"Oh, yes." Thari stands too, smiling. She touches her cheek to his shoulder again. "I missed you so." Suddenly she laughs. "And we are to be married! I can't wait! We must choose a home! Oh I hope the situation with the Zinbar is resolved soon!"
[Frarin] "You too, dear Thari," Frarin whispers to the healer as she touches his cheek and he leans in to her. But then he is chuckling as if all the stress of the previous months - and recent few days - had never happened. "To be married. Who would ever have believed it of me? You, well, certainly. How could such a beautiful, intelligent young lady /not/ be married!" At that he winks and begins to pull her towards the door through which Balur exited, but not before pulling a mock face of horror. "By the Maker, you shall have me choosing out furniture next! Come come, spare me the thought, if you please, and let us go to help your parents, even if the meal has been cooked by a hired chef!"
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari follows him, grinning but hiding this behind her hand as he compliments her. "No, I won't spare you!" she laughs as they go. "I've been waiting to look at furniture for months!”
Players: Thari, Frarin, Balur, Olur
Located in: Erebor
