Elendor
Trade Ventures
Hildis and Thari bump into each other and discuss a possible trading trip.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Erebor
Description:
There aren't many dwarves along this way right now, which is really more of a display hall than anything. Still, one or two linger, admiring the skill of the Khazad smiths, who have elevated smithing to an art-form.
"This silver-- do you see how it nearly turns blue?-- this is from an earlier vein in the Mountain." A brown-haired dwarf with gentle blue eyes says this, looking down at Thari.
"Is it?" Thari asks contentedly, affectionately. She is standing beside him and slowly walking with him along the hall. "Is there much of it still around?"
Walking against the stream and alone is a dwarf woman. Her gown is a deep green of fine weaving and bells stiffly from a belt buckled in heavy gold. Green is a fine foil to the deep red of her beard. She glances at the tables as though very accustomed to seeing them. But stops, a new piece has been set out and she traces the carving on a black hilted dagger.
"Yes, there's still a fair bit around, though not in its original form. Much of it was melted by the dragon," the brown-bearded dwarf answers. His voice is animated-- this is a subject he cares for.
"Curse the worm," Thari answers automatically. Her eyes go to the next table. "Hildis!" she says in surprise. "I keep running into you! Nalur, this is Ranol's friend Hildis," she says to the dwarf beside her. "Hildis daughter of-- Oh, Durin, I've forgotten your father's name!"
"Hilvar," she replies with a friendly glance from Thari to Nalar. "Though a lot of people think it is Hilvor but that was my grandfather who disappeared in the Iron Mountains about thirty years or so ago. And it's a pleasant surprise, Thari, I have thought atimes since your last visit to our halls." She makes a short bow to Nalur.
"May I walk with you?"
Nalur's soft blue eyes focus entirely on Hildis. "Hildis, daughter of Hilvar," he says in his kind way, and bows deeply toward her as if he has never met anyone so intriguing. "I am Nalur the son of Balur at your service and your family's."
"Of course you can walk with us," Thari answers, ignoring the dwarf beside her. "What do you mean you've been thinking? I gave a rather odd departure, didn't I? I'm sorry. I was in a state."
Hildis blinks when he says her name, nodding deeply, and nearly repeats him to see if *she* can make her name sound so interesting. "I...I," she looks at Thari for help, "I'm pleased to meet you."
Something of her good sense takes hold of her and she compares the two. "Of course, your brother." And she deliberately focuses on Thari, "I was concerned that I had offended you, for one. But also, your name has kept coming to me when I have thought of trading."
"Of course he is my brother. I am Balur's daughter," Thari says. She shot a brief glance at Nalur but keeps her attention on Hildis. "Did you need help? Perhaps I can offer some. Our family is fairly good at trading business."
Nalur, meanwhile, has been slowly studying Hildis' face with those gentle and thorough eyes of his. "Yes," he says, voice deep and quiet. "I'm the vice president of lumber operations in our little business."
Thari makes a choking sound.
Hildis covers her mouth to stop a giggle and returns his gaze. "Oh, he has your blue eyes," she says in a sing-song lilt that pokes fun at herself and she begins to smile.
"Lumber? Perhaps my father, though I would rather he didn't right now though. You have mills or you buy? In any case you should talk to him."
Gently tapping her hand on her beard she nods to Thari, "Dyes and glass and perhaps oil for the chandlers if I or we were to go east."
"Yes, Nalur," Thari says. She takes a little step back and is folding her eyes while looking up at her handsome brother. "Why don't you tell our cousin's friend about our lumber operations?" Her tone is mixed exasperated and amused.
Nalur's attention is briefly stolen from Hildis as he flashes a wide grin at his sister. Immediately he returns it to the Barazin lass. "Cousin... You're a friend of Panor's?" he guesses, then his voice lifts a bit with his brows. "Or Ranol's?"
The give and take between the brother and sister seem to amuse Hildis her eyes glint with humor until Nalur mentions Ranol's name.
"A friend. Yes. More an acquaintance. He saved us from becoming a troll's fond memory of a good meal," she says with a faint frown and a shrug. "I have not seen him of late."
Thari puts her hands on her hips and is facing Hildis now. "He was just at your house a week ago!" she corrects. "You were having tea!"
"Thari, Thari," Nalur says affectionately. He puts his hand on his sister's shoulder and winks at Hildis. "Deep breath now, Thari. Calm down." His deep voice is gently teasing.
Hildis replies calmly, "That is true. Nor have I seen him since, Thari. How are you healing," she asks, deliberately keeping her eyes on the maiden and not on her brother.
"Oh, I'm fine. Bit sore is all," says Thari while smacking her brother's hand. "What about you? Still wanting to travel?" She shoots a LOOK up at Nalur.
"Travel?" repeats Nalur while watching Hildis. "What's this? You'll be joining Thari on our next trip?"
Hildis smiles now the change of subject would seem to suit her and she looks at Nalur more easily. "that is exactly what I wanted to speak to you about Thari, if you would, traveling."
Thari shakes her head. Her beard, which is abnormally short for a Longbeard, shifts across her upper chest. "I'm not going on a trip until Frarin returns and we are--" she suddenly gives an awkward look to Nalur. "--we are married. If Papa will allow it."
Nalur just lifts a brow at Thari, but after a slight hesitation he is smiling reassuringly to her.
"Not traveling til Frarin returns?" Hildis looks down considering her words but looks back at Thari with a bright smile. "Congratulations! Or congratulations when permission is given?" she glances from sister to brother suddenly awkward.
"Yes..." Thari says. Her head is bowed and she looks stubborn about something. She looks up with a toss of the head. "When will you be going?"
"And where?" adds Nalur. He is watching his sister now.
"Ah," she says with a rush of words as she sees a new opening, "it depends on which trip. I mean, there is trip one and trip two. I want to see the ones in Rivendell but I thought east and of course, a stop through Dale or the Iron HIlls..." she halts in mid-sentence and shrugs at herself laughing softly.
"There is a lot I would like to do now that I can travel."
"The Iron Hills!" Thari repeats eagerly. "You could hunt down Frarin and scold him for not writing to me." She flushes and then gives a bit of a laugh. "You should do that one first. You can't go to Rivendell over winter. The high pass would be closed."
"Isn't there a troll around?" Nalur asks in a very bland tone, looking between the women with a concerned eye.
"The high pass is closed," she repeats. "Of course the high pass is closed. I am such a novice at this. But first the Iron Hills. Would I see Frarin there? And why wouldn't you come with me Thari if there is trade there for you?"
Thari looks longingly over at Nalur. He pats her shoulder. "I imagine Father's a bit busy now, Thari. Be patient. Surely your friend will be home soon enough, and it's dangerous with that troll out there."
"But aren't there always trolls out there? Now or for a long time already," she looks one from one to the other faintly anxious.
"Well... yes and no," answers Thari in a disgrutled voice. "I mean, we do live in the wilderlands. I'm really staying home though to clear up family situations until Frarin returns."
Disappointment clouds her face for a moment but then she shrugs and smiles, "I had hoped you would travel with me. I liked the idea of another woman. But then I suppose, it makes no matter. But pointers would be helpful. I have yet to decide who is coming. There is always Rivendell," she says looking at Thari.
Thari's face brightens. "I'm sure I could travel with you. When are you leaving?" she asks hopefully.
Nalur is quiet now but is looking worriedly down at his sister. He is idly rubbing the back of his right hand.
"Well - I will really need to see a calendar to tell you that." She ticks off points on her fingers, "First, the Iron Hills, then your marriage," she nods at Thari with a grin as she says that, "then..I don't know, Rivendell after the snows have passed?"
Thari laughs at this, folding her hands together over her sash. "Perhaps, perhaps! Depends on what my husband says!"
"Husband?" Nalur repeats with a raised brow. His voice is gentle and low. "With all of the things that have been said you really ought to let Father make that decision."
[Hildis(#23062)] "Both of you would travel," Hildis says ignoring Nalur's admonishment.
"Well, certainly, if," Thari flicks a glance up to Nalur. "if we are married Frarin would go with me. He's a successful silver merchant himself."
Nalur looks away, studying now an axe hanging on the wall.
Hildis smiles happily as though it were all settled but gives Thari a glance implying that she knows it is not. Solidarity between dwarven women is strong. "We will have much to talk about," a silence follows in which Hildis twists a beardjewel. "How is Ranol? I have not seen him since that day."
Thari gives Hildis a smile for the glance, but it fades. "Ranol.." she answers uncertainly, "I've seen him at our house but haven't talked to him much? He's very busy." A glance to Nalur.
"Hm?" Nalur looks back at the women. He suddenly smiles. "Oh! Yes. Ranol and his sister have come to visit us for a little while! We haven't had them over for some time and we're really happy they've come."
Thari just looks confused.
"He - they? They are at your house?" Hildis shoots Thari a bewildered look, a trace of betrayal in her eyes.
"Yes?" Thari says, looking just as confused to Nalur. "I saw Ranol for a minute. I've seen much more of Panor. She's wearing so many of my beard-jewels that I swear her jaw must be aching." She's grinning now.
Nalur is grinning back. "Isn't it nice having them over?"
Now Hildis frowns, utterly confused at her own reaction, she twists her fingers. "How...how nice for you," she manages at last. "I mean having guests. I did not know you were close to Ranol's sister," she says lamely.
"Yes, it is very nice," Thari says in a lame voice. "I was rather upset when we first returned home and Ranol said he couldn't visit. What's the matter?" she asks Hildis, all focus on the the other woman.
"Nothing's the matter, Thari," Nalur says indulgently, reaching out to ruffle his sister's hair. She swats at him.
"Yes, nothing is the matter,"Hildis says trying for brightness and falling flat. She can barely smile.
"Nalur, go away," Thari says firmly and abruptly.
Nalur laughs out loud at this and bows deeply toward Hildis. He then does turn away and walks up the hall.
"What?" Thari whispers when Nalur is out of earshot. She moves closer to Hildis. "Why would it bother you that Ranol is living with me?"
Hildis does not look at her for a moment, twisting her fingers she seems to struggle with something. When she lifts her head she nods with decision but still can't bring herself to speak. With a strangled sigh she says, "Ranol."
"Yeeesss..." Thari says in a coaxing tone, her eyes on Hildis' face. "Ranol...."
"Well, Ranol." A bigger sigh escapes her, "I like him but I don't think he likes me. And if I know my father, he doesn't like him, if he remembers him that is."
"Why on earth wouldn't your father like Ranol?" Thari says, a touch defensive. "He's wonderful! He's a huskarl! He's a hero! He's saved my life multiple times!"
Narrow eyed and frowning she says, "That kind of logic does not matter to my father where money is concerned."
"Now a Huskarl is a good, honest trade," Thari answers with a frown. "And," her voice lowers again. "I would've married my Frarin if he were a /begger/, though don't tell my family that."
"See?" Hildis says accusingly, "I couldn't tellyour family that and I certainly can't tell my family that. Besides I don't know anything about his family."
"He comes from an old, proud Bundazanul family," Thari says firmly. "None of these latercomer folks, not our family. Ask around a bit about Balur's family-- people will know more about us-- and you'll hear many fine things. That's nothing to worry about."
The Barazin trader nods uncertainly, ready to be reassured but not. "I will ask then. Though people may wonder unless I can talk of a trip that we are planning together."
"Oh you can, don't worry," Thari says with a smile. She turns away with a wave and walks up the hall.
There aren't many dwarves along this way right now, which is really more of a display hall than anything. Still, one or two linger, admiring the skill of the Khazad smiths, who have elevated smithing to an art-form.
"This silver-- do you see how it nearly turns blue?-- this is from an earlier vein in the Mountain." A brown-haired dwarf with gentle blue eyes says this, looking down at Thari.
"Is it?" Thari asks contentedly, affectionately. She is standing beside him and slowly walking with him along the hall. "Is there much of it still around?"
Walking against the stream and alone is a dwarf woman. Her gown is a deep green of fine weaving and bells stiffly from a belt buckled in heavy gold. Green is a fine foil to the deep red of her beard. She glances at the tables as though very accustomed to seeing them. But stops, a new piece has been set out and she traces the carving on a black hilted dagger.
"Yes, there's still a fair bit around, though not in its original form. Much of it was melted by the dragon," the brown-bearded dwarf answers. His voice is animated-- this is a subject he cares for.
"Curse the worm," Thari answers automatically. Her eyes go to the next table. "Hildis!" she says in surprise. "I keep running into you! Nalur, this is Ranol's friend Hildis," she says to the dwarf beside her. "Hildis daughter of-- Oh, Durin, I've forgotten your father's name!"
"Hilvar," she replies with a friendly glance from Thari to Nalar. "Though a lot of people think it is Hilvor but that was my grandfather who disappeared in the Iron Mountains about thirty years or so ago. And it's a pleasant surprise, Thari, I have thought atimes since your last visit to our halls." She makes a short bow to Nalur.
"May I walk with you?"
Nalur's soft blue eyes focus entirely on Hildis. "Hildis, daughter of Hilvar," he says in his kind way, and bows deeply toward her as if he has never met anyone so intriguing. "I am Nalur the son of Balur at your service and your family's."
"Of course you can walk with us," Thari answers, ignoring the dwarf beside her. "What do you mean you've been thinking? I gave a rather odd departure, didn't I? I'm sorry. I was in a state."
Hildis blinks when he says her name, nodding deeply, and nearly repeats him to see if *she* can make her name sound so interesting. "I...I," she looks at Thari for help, "I'm pleased to meet you."
Something of her good sense takes hold of her and she compares the two. "Of course, your brother." And she deliberately focuses on Thari, "I was concerned that I had offended you, for one. But also, your name has kept coming to me when I have thought of trading."
"Of course he is my brother. I am Balur's daughter," Thari says. She shot a brief glance at Nalur but keeps her attention on Hildis. "Did you need help? Perhaps I can offer some. Our family is fairly good at trading business."
Nalur, meanwhile, has been slowly studying Hildis' face with those gentle and thorough eyes of his. "Yes," he says, voice deep and quiet. "I'm the vice president of lumber operations in our little business."
Thari makes a choking sound.
Hildis covers her mouth to stop a giggle and returns his gaze. "Oh, he has your blue eyes," she says in a sing-song lilt that pokes fun at herself and she begins to smile.
"Lumber? Perhaps my father, though I would rather he didn't right now though. You have mills or you buy? In any case you should talk to him."
Gently tapping her hand on her beard she nods to Thari, "Dyes and glass and perhaps oil for the chandlers if I or we were to go east."
"Yes, Nalur," Thari says. She takes a little step back and is folding her eyes while looking up at her handsome brother. "Why don't you tell our cousin's friend about our lumber operations?" Her tone is mixed exasperated and amused.
Nalur's attention is briefly stolen from Hildis as he flashes a wide grin at his sister. Immediately he returns it to the Barazin lass. "Cousin... You're a friend of Panor's?" he guesses, then his voice lifts a bit with his brows. "Or Ranol's?"
The give and take between the brother and sister seem to amuse Hildis her eyes glint with humor until Nalur mentions Ranol's name.
"A friend. Yes. More an acquaintance. He saved us from becoming a troll's fond memory of a good meal," she says with a faint frown and a shrug. "I have not seen him of late."
Thari puts her hands on her hips and is facing Hildis now. "He was just at your house a week ago!" she corrects. "You were having tea!"
"Thari, Thari," Nalur says affectionately. He puts his hand on his sister's shoulder and winks at Hildis. "Deep breath now, Thari. Calm down." His deep voice is gently teasing.
Hildis replies calmly, "That is true. Nor have I seen him since, Thari. How are you healing," she asks, deliberately keeping her eyes on the maiden and not on her brother.
"Oh, I'm fine. Bit sore is all," says Thari while smacking her brother's hand. "What about you? Still wanting to travel?" She shoots a LOOK up at Nalur.
"Travel?" repeats Nalur while watching Hildis. "What's this? You'll be joining Thari on our next trip?"
Hildis smiles now the change of subject would seem to suit her and she looks at Nalur more easily. "that is exactly what I wanted to speak to you about Thari, if you would, traveling."
Thari shakes her head. Her beard, which is abnormally short for a Longbeard, shifts across her upper chest. "I'm not going on a trip until Frarin returns and we are--" she suddenly gives an awkward look to Nalur. "--we are married. If Papa will allow it."
Nalur just lifts a brow at Thari, but after a slight hesitation he is smiling reassuringly to her.
"Not traveling til Frarin returns?" Hildis looks down considering her words but looks back at Thari with a bright smile. "Congratulations! Or congratulations when permission is given?" she glances from sister to brother suddenly awkward.
"Yes..." Thari says. Her head is bowed and she looks stubborn about something. She looks up with a toss of the head. "When will you be going?"
"And where?" adds Nalur. He is watching his sister now.
"Ah," she says with a rush of words as she sees a new opening, "it depends on which trip. I mean, there is trip one and trip two. I want to see the ones in Rivendell but I thought east and of course, a stop through Dale or the Iron HIlls..." she halts in mid-sentence and shrugs at herself laughing softly.
"There is a lot I would like to do now that I can travel."
"The Iron Hills!" Thari repeats eagerly. "You could hunt down Frarin and scold him for not writing to me." She flushes and then gives a bit of a laugh. "You should do that one first. You can't go to Rivendell over winter. The high pass would be closed."
"Isn't there a troll around?" Nalur asks in a very bland tone, looking between the women with a concerned eye.
"The high pass is closed," she repeats. "Of course the high pass is closed. I am such a novice at this. But first the Iron Hills. Would I see Frarin there? And why wouldn't you come with me Thari if there is trade there for you?"
Thari looks longingly over at Nalur. He pats her shoulder. "I imagine Father's a bit busy now, Thari. Be patient. Surely your friend will be home soon enough, and it's dangerous with that troll out there."
"But aren't there always trolls out there? Now or for a long time already," she looks one from one to the other faintly anxious.
"Well... yes and no," answers Thari in a disgrutled voice. "I mean, we do live in the wilderlands. I'm really staying home though to clear up family situations until Frarin returns."
Disappointment clouds her face for a moment but then she shrugs and smiles, "I had hoped you would travel with me. I liked the idea of another woman. But then I suppose, it makes no matter. But pointers would be helpful. I have yet to decide who is coming. There is always Rivendell," she says looking at Thari.
Thari's face brightens. "I'm sure I could travel with you. When are you leaving?" she asks hopefully.
Nalur is quiet now but is looking worriedly down at his sister. He is idly rubbing the back of his right hand.
"Well - I will really need to see a calendar to tell you that." She ticks off points on her fingers, "First, the Iron Hills, then your marriage," she nods at Thari with a grin as she says that, "then..I don't know, Rivendell after the snows have passed?"
Thari laughs at this, folding her hands together over her sash. "Perhaps, perhaps! Depends on what my husband says!"
"Husband?" Nalur repeats with a raised brow. His voice is gentle and low. "With all of the things that have been said you really ought to let Father make that decision."
[Hildis(#23062)] "Both of you would travel," Hildis says ignoring Nalur's admonishment.
"Well, certainly, if," Thari flicks a glance up to Nalur. "if we are married Frarin would go with me. He's a successful silver merchant himself."
Nalur looks away, studying now an axe hanging on the wall.
Hildis smiles happily as though it were all settled but gives Thari a glance implying that she knows it is not. Solidarity between dwarven women is strong. "We will have much to talk about," a silence follows in which Hildis twists a beardjewel. "How is Ranol? I have not seen him since that day."
Thari gives Hildis a smile for the glance, but it fades. "Ranol.." she answers uncertainly, "I've seen him at our house but haven't talked to him much? He's very busy." A glance to Nalur.
"Hm?" Nalur looks back at the women. He suddenly smiles. "Oh! Yes. Ranol and his sister have come to visit us for a little while! We haven't had them over for some time and we're really happy they've come."
Thari just looks confused.
"He - they? They are at your house?" Hildis shoots Thari a bewildered look, a trace of betrayal in her eyes.
"Yes?" Thari says, looking just as confused to Nalur. "I saw Ranol for a minute. I've seen much more of Panor. She's wearing so many of my beard-jewels that I swear her jaw must be aching." She's grinning now.
Nalur is grinning back. "Isn't it nice having them over?"
Now Hildis frowns, utterly confused at her own reaction, she twists her fingers. "How...how nice for you," she manages at last. "I mean having guests. I did not know you were close to Ranol's sister," she says lamely.
"Yes, it is very nice," Thari says in a lame voice. "I was rather upset when we first returned home and Ranol said he couldn't visit. What's the matter?" she asks Hildis, all focus on the the other woman.
"Nothing's the matter, Thari," Nalur says indulgently, reaching out to ruffle his sister's hair. She swats at him.
"Yes, nothing is the matter,"Hildis says trying for brightness and falling flat. She can barely smile.
"Nalur, go away," Thari says firmly and abruptly.
Nalur laughs out loud at this and bows deeply toward Hildis. He then does turn away and walks up the hall.
"What?" Thari whispers when Nalur is out of earshot. She moves closer to Hildis. "Why would it bother you that Ranol is living with me?"
Hildis does not look at her for a moment, twisting her fingers she seems to struggle with something. When she lifts her head she nods with decision but still can't bring herself to speak. With a strangled sigh she says, "Ranol."
"Yeeesss..." Thari says in a coaxing tone, her eyes on Hildis' face. "Ranol...."
"Well, Ranol." A bigger sigh escapes her, "I like him but I don't think he likes me. And if I know my father, he doesn't like him, if he remembers him that is."
"Why on earth wouldn't your father like Ranol?" Thari says, a touch defensive. "He's wonderful! He's a huskarl! He's a hero! He's saved my life multiple times!"
Narrow eyed and frowning she says, "That kind of logic does not matter to my father where money is concerned."
"Now a Huskarl is a good, honest trade," Thari answers with a frown. "And," her voice lowers again. "I would've married my Frarin if he were a /begger/, though don't tell my family that."
"See?" Hildis says accusingly, "I couldn't tellyour family that and I certainly can't tell my family that. Besides I don't know anything about his family."
"He comes from an old, proud Bundazanul family," Thari says firmly. "None of these latercomer folks, not our family. Ask around a bit about Balur's family-- people will know more about us-- and you'll hear many fine things. That's nothing to worry about."
The Barazin trader nods uncertainly, ready to be reassured but not. "I will ask then. Though people may wonder unless I can talk of a trip that we are planning together."
"Oh you can, don't worry," Thari says with a smile. She turns away with a wave and walks up the hall.
Players: Hildis, Thari, Nalur
Located in: Erebor
