Elendor
Frarin meets Balur
NOTE: This is a FlashForward scene. Frarin goes to Thari's home at the Lonely Mountain shortly after the caravan's return and meets at last Thari's father Balur.
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Underhalls, Tower of Durin VI (Bundazanul Thingstead)
Game Date: September 3044
IC Time: 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:
Balur.
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)
[Balur.(#31038)]
Wide stairs lead from the Bundazanul Thingstead to the home of Balur, son of Bolor. These are tucked into a quieter corner of the clan's home, and descending now from them is a richly-clad dwarf with bright blue eyes, dark brown hair, and the beginnings of laugh lines on his face. Quickly he descends, turns, and is lost in the crowd of dwarves.
At the top of the stairs, around a bend, is a wide door of dark wood, carven skillfully. Two heavy brass knockers are set into it, each a thick square.
[Frarin] Bundazanul. Well, here is a place that Frarin does not often visit. The caravan has not been home long, but the silversmith has had time enough to clean himself up from the grit and grime of the road. He is not longer clad in his worn travelling clothes, but in a simple, deep blue tunic and black belt. And now he is coming through the crowd gathered variously around the Bundazanul Thingstead, receiving a few curious looks from those who know most faces in the clan. For this is no Bundazanul.
He moves with eyes glancing about, as if looking for a direction he has been previously told. Somehow his face looks drawn, as if unhappy or strained. He follows the wide stairs to the very top, then takes the corner and there is the door, exactly as he had been told. Frarin smoothes the wrinkles of his tunic, rubs his upper lip, then knocks on the rich door with two distinct raps.
[Thari(#31038)]
There is an awfully long pause. Perhaps no one is home? But then a latch is turned and the door swings inward in heavy silence.
Thari is the one on the other side. Her face blooms into a smile upon seeing Frarin, the corners of her eyes wrinkling. "Good day!" she says eagerly.
Her hair and beard has been brushed to glossiness, braided meticulously in an over-feminine style as if someone has tried to make something of the five inches that have grown since the shaving. She wears a rich red gown, fabric stiff and swaying, gold-hued embroidery thick around her waist and dwindling a bit as it drops toward her feet. The belling sleeves are white, ending in red cuffs with the same gold decoration.
[Frarin] "Good day," Frarin says, a bit less eagerly, though he is smiling at Thari. He looks both nervous and excited and stressed. At first he says nothing else, his eyes flicking over the healer's outfit - the first time he has seen Thari in a gown, or indeed anything so rich. His lips press together and he takes a breath, then forces another smile. He speaks quietly. "How are you? I need to speak with you, something has come up."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's smile dies, her grey eyes clouded with worry now. "Come in. What is it?" she asks. Her skirts brush the smooth polished floor quietly as she moves out of the doorway to motion him in, and her shoes echo in the entryway.
[Frarin] Frarin's hand clasps and unclasps into a fist, as if he would very much like to take Thari's hand, but certainly he will not do so here. He comes in, still forcing a smile, but his expression continues to suggest he has been quite stressed of late. "It is nothing drastic, do not fear, not for us, I mean. But I need to leave for Emyn Engrin as soon as possible, probably within a day or two."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's eyes widen a little as she shuts the door behind him. "How long will you be away?" she asks. She walks past him, and as she does, her fingers touch his arm, trailing down to his hand, where her fingertips linger briefly in his palm and are gone. She watches him as she walks toward a side-door, just as tall as the entrance.
[Frarin] "A few months, I'm not sure," Frarin says, lips pressing together as her hand trails down his arm. But he does not attempt to reciprocate the touch, not here. As she moves towards the side door, he takes a moment to look about them at the rich home and he sucks in a slow, quiet breath before following her. Perhaps the position of Balur son of Bolor is finally hitting home.
He continues talking as he slowly follows Thari. "A friend from my years at Emyn Engrin has been killed in a mining accident, apparently a month ago. But he has no family and has left me the executor of his will. My brother and I are planning to depart as soon as possible, they have only been waiting for my return."
[Thari(#31038)]
"Months?" Thari repeats, and there could not be more dismay poured into one word.
The entryway of the home filled with white marble and a few select pieces of dark wood It is large enough that it almost makes the parlor she leads him to small-- though it, too, is generous enough to house a family. A circle of couches and chairs are arranged around a low table in the center, and wood is laid in a fireplace but not lit. No one is in there.
She is silent as her steps are cushioned in the parlor's thick rug, but then she looks up at him. Her hands lift and make clear, firm signs. 'I will go with you.'
[Frarin] Frarin is still looking in awe about the entryway when he enters the parlour and, though he seems slightly more at ease in this smaller chamber, he still takes in a slow, impressed breath. He looks again to Thari and notes her hands, but he shakes his head almost immediately, as if having expected that. "No," he says firmly, out loud. He repeats it. "No. Not this time." But despite the empty room, he is glancing about them and changes the subject before Thari can argue. "Are you here alone? Perhaps I should go, I would not want your family to suspect ill of us."
[Thari(#31038)]
"No?" Thari repeats, her brows lifting and drawing together. "But Frarin..!" Her hand is reaching for him when his latter question comes. The hand drops. "No, everyone is at home, except for Nalur. Papa's in his office-- I'm not sure where Olur and Mama are." The house might as well be a tomb for how silent it seems.
[Frarin] "Oh?" Frarin says, brows lifting as he looks around. "Oh. I hadn't...heard anyone." He pauses, giving Thari a sad look as his lips press together. "Listen Thari, I have to go and you can't come. I mean, you shouldn't. You ought to stay here, you've been away for so long. But...I don't want to go without at least introducing myself to your family. What would they think of my leaving right after our arrival without so much as a hello." Another pause, this one slightly more awkward. "Have you...told them about us?"
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's eyes trail down from his face to his chest, sad and longing both. Her hand clenches, and then relaxes as she reaches out, stroking his beard with fingers splayed. "I told Mother a little and Nalur a lot more," she says wistfully. "I don't know that Olur and Father know about it or I would've heard. You /must/ take me!" her voice drops to a forceful whisper as she blinks quickly, watching her hand in his beard. "Won't you miss me? Please, Frarin, I don't... how..." she shakes her head, eyes squeezing shut.
[Frarin] Frarin tips his head forward as if surprised. "You haven't told your father?" he nears whispers. "Durin! Oh Durin, it is only a matter of time before Braldor does. Thank the Maker I've come before he's had a chance to visit." He straightens a little as Thari continues stroking his beard and he pulls his chin up a bit as if to gently discourage her from it. "Thari!" he whispers urgently. "We are in your /home/! And your father doesn't have a clue about us! What would they think if they came upon us now?"
He sucks in a breath, still strained and slightly nervously looking around them. He raises his voice from a whisper, but still continues speaking quietly. "Of course I will miss you, is that truly a question? Durin, I have wished for nothing else but our return for months and months and now I find I have to leave immediately. But it cannot be helped, Thari. You need to show your family you are still dedicated to them. And I need to spend some time with my brother." He does not say the reason, but surely Thari can guess it.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's fingers still tangle in his beard for a moment longer and then drop away to clasp with the other hand. She blinks and takes a slow breath, looking up at his face. "Would you like to see my father now?"
At the same moment, her hands open again to twitch. 'Will you see me alone again before you go?' Apparently the shock of this has managed to keep her from arguing too much.
[Frarin] "Of course I will," Frarin says, nodding and briefly squeezing her shoulder with a little smile. "You can come to my cousin's home, he will not bother us. But later. Yes, for now," a very slightly hesitant breath, "I would like to see your father. I doubt this will be short, for we have some explaining to do. But I would like to see him, yes."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari glances outside of the door, where no one is yet in the entryway, and reaches up again to touch his face, just briefly. 'I love you so,' she taps there, before she turns away. "I'll take you to his office, then."
If Frarin follows her, Thari will lead him through the entryway to a wide staircase, well-lit, shoes tapping on the floor. Not far from there a door is tapped and opened by her. "Papa?" she says as the door widens without waiting for an answer. "I'd like you to meet a dear friend of mine." There is still a gentling in her voice from the shock.
The office, though well-lit, is dark-panelled. It is generous with space as all of the rooms in this home are. Behind the desk, leaning back in the chair, is, no doubt, Balur.
Perhaps the first thing that might be noticed about Balur is that he looks almost exactly like Thari did before she was shaved. Oh, his beard has fewer gold streaks, replaced instead by lines of white sprouting from the corners of his mouth, and he is taller than she, but the resemblance is remarkable as he leans back in his chair, looking at the door with those grey eyes. Another, younger dwarf is with him, leaning at his ease in his own chair and facing Balur. This one has yellow hair and deep blue eyes that turn to the door as well.
[Frarin] Frarin follows Thari as she leads him and by the time they reach the spacious office, he has managed to adequetely compose himself. The nervousness at their being caught alone together has subsided and he has adopted his usual frowning expression, but he still looks somehow stretched and drawn. Perhaps he has not slept much since their arrival back home.
He enters into the doorway of the office behind Thari and pauses as the much talked of Balur greets his eyes at long last. The elder dwarf is remarkable in his similarity to Thari and Frarin looks briefly taken aback, especially by those familiar grey eyes, so sharp in the daughter, so sharp in the father. But the silversmith bows formally, remaining in the doorway. "Frarin, son of Forli, at your service and your family's."
[Thari(#31038)]
Both of the men in the office do indeed have sharp eyes, and both of them briefly focus on Thari before they stand. "Balur, son of Bolur, at your service," rumbles Thari's father first-- the voice, at least, is markedly different, deeper. "Olur, son of Balur, at your service and your family's." They both sound strictly polite. Olur seats himself at once but Balur rounds the desk, approaching Thari as she enters the room.
"A good friend, eh?" he says. "It was a terrible trip, I have heard, and I am glad that you had friends around you." His arm is laid almost protectively over his daughter's shoulders as he urges her further in, his eyes sharp again on her face.
"He is an honorable dwarf, Frarin is, and he saved my life many times." Thari looks behind, to Frarin as she says this, and it is unmistakable that the gentling in her voice has changed from shock to the warmth of a woman in love.
[Frarin] Unmistakable, certainly to Frarin. Is it the same with Balur or Olur? The silversmith frowns as Thari brags about him, either too modest to say anything in return or he disagrees with her assessment of 'many times'. Likely a combination of both. Frarin, for his part, remains in the doorway as Balur comes to his daughter, and his expression stiffens very slightly. He looks more drawn than before.
"Thari exaggerates," he rumbles, clasping his hands behind his back formally. "She was very capable of defending herself as well. And was quite an asset on the entire trip." That is all he says for the moment, waiting perhaps for Balur to actually address him, as he has not done so yet.
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur releases Thari and moves to seat himself behind his desk again, leaning comfortably back. He gestures to an upholstered chair to one side of the office for Frarin as Thari seats herself on a chair before the desk, pulling it away a little and closer to Olur. Her brother is watching her but has yet said nothing but the greeting.
"She is, she is, our Thari," answers Balur with obvious pride in his voice. "Naturally an asset, very capable of defending herself, though I am glad that you apparently did so as well. Yet you are not a guard, I take it?" He laces his hands over his beard and belly, still not fat despite his wealth. He sounds kind, modestly interested in Frarin. It is Olur who is frowning.
Thari, however, has said nothing and has started to smile while watching the silversmith.
[Frarin] Frarin nods as Balur speaks of Thari and he takes the seat indicated by the elder merchant, leaning back and crossing his legs comfortably. "Nay, not a guard," he replies, shaking his head. He is looking at Balur, but there is a glance or two for Olur as well. "I am trained as a silversmith, but make my trade in its sale for the most part now."
He pauses, dropping his gaze as he collects his thoughts, clearly readying himself to launch into something. A glance is given Thari, and a hint of a smile, but then Frarin looks back towards Balur, growing more serious. "I actually wished to meet with you, Master Balur. To discuss some things."
[Thari(#31038)]
"To discuss Thari."
This comment comes not from Balur, but from Olur, the younger dwarf to the side. His dark blue eyes turn from Frarin to his sister and he is frowning. "What have you done?" he growls to her. "I know as well as you what Father has always said to you. Away on caravan! Braldor--"
Thari has only begun to interrupt when there is a slight whisper of cloth on leather. Balur has sat up and both of his children hush while glancing at him. Olur's eyes briefly lower and then he leans back again, a frown still in his yellow beard.
"Now," says Balur in his low, calm voice. "What did you wish to discuss with me, Master Frarin?"
[Frarin] The frown that descends upon Frarin's face as Olur turns on his sister is something akin to the look that the silversmith usually reserves for the likes of Braldor. Indeed, it is perhaps extremely fortunate that the younger dwarf has time only for Braldor's name before he falls into silence. Frarin sits forward in sequence with Balur, hands on his knees and head tipped to the side. He continues staring at Olur for a time, as if waiting for the brother to continue berating Thari, but he does not. It is Balur who speaks instead.
The elder dwarf's calm tone is perhaps what most makes peaceable the storm that has quickly begun brewing on Frarin's face. He sits back and nods to Balur, expression serious, but appreciative. "Thank you, Master Balur. But your son has already guessed it, or he has been informed elsewhere. I cannot hope to put it quite so delicately as Master Olur here, but yes, I have come to discuss Thari."
He frowns, glancing at Olur, then back to Balur. "I do not know what you have heard of our journey beyond the tragedy of our caravan, Master Balur. I hope that others have had at least the propriety to allow me to be the first to bring this discussion to you, but I do not know if that is the case." A breath, steady and practised. "Master Balur, over the past year Thari and I have formed an attachment. Quite a strong one."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur is watching Frarin this whole while, surely noting the expressions on the silversmith's face. There is little that can be read of the older dwarf's face, aside of polite listening, and when Frarin is done speaking, Balur's grey eyes turn to his daughter. "Is this true?"
"Yes, Papa," Thari answers, leaning forward in her earnestness. Her hope and her desire are written plainly on her face and in her voice. "It is."
"Thari, /must/ we go with you everywhere?" Olur mutters in an undertone. "I thought you were old enough to--"
"HOW old are you now Olur?" Thari snaps, her eyes suddenly silver fire. "Have you managed ninety-five yet?"
"Olur!" Balur's voice is firm and strong. "Kindly take your sister out and continue your argument somewhere beyond my hearing. If you hit him, Thari, make sure not to get him in his face this time, it's bad for business."
Olur stands at once, approaching Thari's chair. "But Papa!" she protests, dismayed.
"I will hear everything you have to say once I am done speaking with Master Frarin, my love," Balur answers her in a soothing but authoritative voice. Olur takes Thari by the arm, leading her out, while the lass gives Frarin a worried look over her shoulder.
[Frarin] Frarin's jaw tightens slightly and his lips purse as Olur and Thari begin to argue, even more so when Olur is told to lead Thari outside and takes Thari by the arm. But he sits quite still, fingers weaving together in his lap, a frown pulling down the corners of his mouth, as Balur gives his orders and the two depart. Thari is given a very brief, reassuring half-smile by the silversmith, but then he turns his full attention to the elder dwarf. He waits for Olur and Thari to fully leave the room and for Balur to address him again.
[Thari(#31038)]
Once the door is shut nothing can be heard beyond it, so solid is the construction. Balur leans against his desk, fingers laced together, and a rather awkward pause lengthens. Yes, he is still not speaking. There is something less friendly in those familiar grey eyes.
"You have courted and won my daughter's affections without asking my blessing first." When he does speak, it is blunt. Calm, but blunt and clearly disapproving. "If I do find I need to turn you away, her heart will be broken, and such a thing would not have needed to happen had you had the courtesy to speak with me first."
[Frarin] Frarin's gaze is towards his lap until he hears the click of the door behind him, then he is looking up, meeting Balur's stare. His own dark brown eyes are not disdainful, but certainly there is as much challenge in them as there is lack of friendliness in Balur's.
The silversmith's lips purse again and he is silent for quite some time, as if formulating several responses and scrapping them before speaking. When he does speak at last, his rumbling voice is as calm as the elder merchant's, and nearly as blunt. "With all due respect, sir, you were two thousand leagues away at the time. And her heart would have been broken long ago if we had waited for your blessing."
[Thari(#31038)]
"And what did her Thane say?" Balur returns without pause. "What did her kinsmen of the Bundazanul say?"
[Frarin] Frarin pauses again at that, very much aware of how he must answer. His lips purse again and he leans back, still doggedly keeping his gaze level with the other’s. "Her kinsmen of the Bundazanul I cannot say precisely, as I am not acquainted with many of them, save perhaps for Ranol son of Ranor. He at least seemed to wish us well."
Another pause and Frarin clears his throat, frowning beneath narrowed eyes. "Thane Braldor did not approve," he says bluntly. "And told us as much on multiple occasions. He seemed to believe Thari incapable of preserving her own honour. And he did not approve of me as the target of her affections." Frarin's dislike of the Thane is not concealed in his tone, but he does at least contrive to sound formal in his description of Braldor's feelings and actions, rather than disdainful.
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur sighs at this and leans back, his eyes cast toward the ceiling. "Speaking Ranor's name here rather harms your case," he says, sounding irritated. He runs both hands over his hair and then stands abruptly, pacing around the table.
"Look at you," Balur says, his eyes and one gesturing hand to the silversmith. "Unless I miss my mark, a good bit older than my daughter. I've seen this before. Tell me, if you will, what draws you to her?"
[Frarin] "It was Ranor's son whom I mentioned, not Ranor himself," Frarin corrects, frowning hard at Balur as the older dwarf stands and begins to pace. "A son so different from his father than your esteemed Thane has seen fit to promote him to Huskarl of Bundazanul." What do you think of that? Frarin does not say this directly, but it is plain in his tone.
Frarin frowns deeper still when Balur gestures at him. The old merchant's thrown out 'look at you' seems to grate on him, for his lips press tightly together and he draws a slow, deep breath. He looks to be forcing himself to control. "I am fifty-two years older than Thari, yes. And I know that you have seen this before, Thari has told me as much. But she was not even eighty at the time, not even an adult. Do you believe your daughter so easily taken in now?"
He pauses, still forcing himself to sit comfortably leaned back in his chair as Balur paces. His eyes follow the older dwarf's every step. "What makes your love for her so great? She is your daughter and that alone demands love, but why does she command such a place in your heart as she clearly does? Think of those reasons and you will have my own. Her spirit, her strength, her stubborness. And her gentleness, when she shows it."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur watches Frarin out of the corner of his eye as he paces. He reaches the door of the office and turns, walking back toward his desk. He answers Frarin not at all, but asks another question, nearly growling. "If I were to ask about you, what would be said?"
[Frarin] The near growl in Balur's voice earns a sharp intake of breath from Frarin and the silversmith twists in his seat to face the older dwarf as he comes back to his desk. Frarin, for his part, is seeing his familiar stony expression very quickly descend, clearly displeased with Balur's interrogative tone. "It depends who you ask," he replies. There is forced steadiness in his tone, but the creeping beginnings of a growl as well.
"I am not known overmuch as a sociable dwarf, nor do I care much to interfere in the affairs of others. I do not shy away from sharing my mind when I think I should, but I understand when it is necessary to hold my tongue."
A breath, Frarin still forcing himself to appear comfortably seated as Balur walks around him. "Ask Braldor, or some of the Bundazanul in our caravan, and you will likely hear different. I am haughty and cannot hold my tongue. I have no respect for our customs or our clans." Another pause and Frarin fixes Balur with a long stare, still frowning deeply. "But I would have you know me from your own experience, not tainted by the biases of others."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur seats himself again, resting his elbows on the desktop and his chin on his interlaced fingers. He meets Frarin's long stare almost thoughtfully. "And what would you have me know of you?" he asks, voice calm and measured again.
[Frarin] Frarin blinks slowly, watching Balur as he comes again to the desk and seats himself. The silversmith is quiet a time, hands clasped together, but abruptly, he shrugs. "Would you have me tell you what to think of me? You are a businessman, Master Balur. What is to keep me from giving only those traits of mine that I think most likely to impress you?"
"I have come to see you of my own accord. I have been honest concerning myself and Thari. And I will answer whatever else you believe needs answering, but your opinion of me I cannot form for you."
[Thari(#31038)]
There is a glint in Balur's eye a moment before the older dwarf actually laughs, leaning back and setting his hands on the arms of his chair. "Ah, and after we are done, I will ask my daughter, who will surely tell me an earful or two! Give me only one more answer and I will be done pestering you: How well could you support her?"
[Frarin] Frarin is still frowning when Balur begins to laugh. At first, the silversmith continues to frown, eyes narrowed as if expecting the older dwarf's growl to return. But it doesn't. Indeed, Balur's tone is almost light. Frarin's stony expression relaxes somewhat and he lifts his chin, waiting for the final question. Lips purse again, but not defensively as before.
"As well as she could support herself," Frarin replies, perhaps confusingly. "I am not poor, if that is what you mean to ask. I am an independent merchant, unconnected to the guild, and I have had no family other than my brother's to spend my money on."
[Thari(#31038)]
There is a slight relaxing at the corners of Balur's eyes the amusement is fading. "If can support her as well as she can support herself, then you will be starving and coming to me for handouts before the end of the first month." He stands, and though his words are unkind, his voice is endlessly polite. "Unless you are speaking of her inheritance, in which case I commend you for being rather more forthright than those who have come before you."
He rounds his desk again. "Come, Master Frarin, I'll see you out. I thank you for your patience with my questions."
[Frarin] If Frarin's stony expression had been on its way out a second before, then that does nothing to slow its return. The silversmith's expression darkens as Balur speaks again and grows downright incredulous at the mention of an inheritance. His brows knit together as if they will never part again. "I meant nothing of inheritance," he says sharply, not growling, but certainly not friendly. "I do not beg for handouts, nor have I ever needed to, nor shall I need to. You may keep your money, as far as I am concerned, Master Balur."
Frarin stands as Balur rounds the desk, but he does not move away from the chair. Indeed, he crosses his arms over his chest, still fixing the elder dwarf with that incredulous expression. Then, he forces that same politeness as Balur, despite his next words. "I suppose I should feel my honour has been impinged upon, but I can see you were clearly confused by my meaning, Master Balur. I meant only that Thari, if she puts her mind to it, need not depend on any man for support. I can support her as well as she could herself."
[Thari(#31038)]
For the first time, there is a spark of ire in Balur's face. The familiar features, so much like Thari's when she is older, grow hard as the older dwarf goes still. "I have not worked so hard my whole life for my daughter to need to earn her living," he says, a touch of outrage in his vioce. "A dwarf has dreams, my lad, and mine do not include my daughter ever /needing/ to work. Even after I am gone she will work as she chooses! A century and a half now have I worked for this end!"
[Frarin] "I did not say she /needed/ to earn her living," Frarin shoots back, that hint of growl returning to his voice. "She will, you know as well as I that she would never be content being an idle gentledwarf, but I did not say she needed to work." He looks as if he wants to say more, but his lips press together, stifling words he might perhaps regret. "If that is your only concern about me, then think no more of it!"
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur's face of iron is still for a time, his eyes on Frarin. Several breaths later and he speaks again, less angry, but not friendly now. "I need to speak to my daughter," he says, turning again toward the door and crossing the room. "Please give me a day or two to clarify this situation and do not seek to contact her until I do."
[Frarin] "Master Balur," Frarin says sharply, hands going to his hips. "I shall be /leaving/ in a day or two, likely for a few months. A very old friend of mine has been recently killed in a mining accident in the Iron Hills, and he has left me the executor of his will." A breath, then the silversmith is shaking his head. "I hope you will understand if I choose not to follow your request, as you will have more than enough time to clarify this situation in my absence, I am sure. Our actions have been honourable thus far, there is hardly the need to separate us entirely." Still he does not move towards the door, waiting for Balur's answer.
[Thari(#31038)]
"I will speak to my daughter and decide if I will allow you to see her, Master Frarin," says Balur in a deep, velvet voice. He opens the door which swings inward quietly and stands beside it, waiting for Frarin to exit. His face turns back to the silversmith.
"Thari is yet mine, not yours, and it is yet my duty and my pleasure to look after her for the remaining years that I have. It would behoove your suit to remember this."
[Frarin] Frarin doesn't move. If it is possible, his face has grown even darker. His jaw is visibly tight and his breathing is slow and deliberate, forced into some semblence of normalcy. At his side, his hands have balled into fists. "Thari is..." He sucks in a sharp breath, making a coughing sort of sound at the back of his throat. "Thari is an adult, Master Balur. Not an object that is owned. And this is not a business transaction, this suit as you call it, this is your daughter's happiness."
He sucks in another deep breath, looking very grim now, but amazingly still managing to hold his tongue from shouting. "Master Balur, I realise that I am not the ideal suitor for the daughter of a dwarf of your standing, but with all due respect, the ideal suitors have all been rejected by your daughter." A pause, another breath. "I have asked her to marry me."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur's eyes are steady, smooth, and give no hint of what emotion may lie beneath them. The door is pressed quietly shut by flat and strong hands, scarred and only now showing the hint of age.
"You have indeed some affection for my daugher, this is plain," Balur says in a strictly controlled voice, low and dangerous. "I will tell you that although some have honestly come to me declaring their love for her, and another foolishly won her heart, never yet has there been affection on both sides."
A quiet breath. "That being said, when a suitor has behaved as you do he has /never/ has good intentions." For a moment his voice almost hisses before it calms again. "I will do what I need to in order to protect my child, even if it is against her wishes. If you think that you are in love with her now, imagine then knowing her since the day of her birth-- or before, when she kicked at her mother's womb with such spirit."
"You do not respect well enough the position I am in. I would hope that, if she were to ever become yours, you would protect her at least as carefully as I do." Balur's hand goes back to the doorknob.
[Frarin] "Behaved as I have?" Frarin repeats incredulously, tipping his head forward in disbelief. "I have been as open as I know how to be, Master Balur, I am sorry if you do not think so. As for your position, I would protect her with my life. But that does not mean I do not think her capable of protecting herself just as well as I might."
But he quiets a little, the grim lines of his face relaxing very slightly. He takes a deep, steadying breath, then drops his gaze, shaking his head. "I know nothing I say can possibly change how you will handle this...situation, as you call it. But Thari wants your blessing, Balur. She is old enough and stubborn enough that, if she truly wants something, she will do what she must to gain it. But she /wants/ your blessing. And if you go on protecting her by acting against her wishes, then she will never have that happiness."
At last, Frarin moves towards the door, jaw set as if he has said his piece and will say no more.
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur listens politely to all of this, then gives a shallow bow toward the silversmith. "Good day to you, Master Frarin."
[Frarin] "Good day, Master Balur." Frarin gives a deeper bow than the elder dwarf, but it is stiff. And short, for then he is swiftly leaving the spacious office.
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:
Balur.
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)
[Balur.(#31038)]
Wide stairs lead from the Bundazanul Thingstead to the home of Balur, son of Bolor. These are tucked into a quieter corner of the clan's home, and descending now from them is a richly-clad dwarf with bright blue eyes, dark brown hair, and the beginnings of laugh lines on his face. Quickly he descends, turns, and is lost in the crowd of dwarves.
At the top of the stairs, around a bend, is a wide door of dark wood, carven skillfully. Two heavy brass knockers are set into it, each a thick square.
[Frarin] Bundazanul. Well, here is a place that Frarin does not often visit. The caravan has not been home long, but the silversmith has had time enough to clean himself up from the grit and grime of the road. He is not longer clad in his worn travelling clothes, but in a simple, deep blue tunic and black belt. And now he is coming through the crowd gathered variously around the Bundazanul Thingstead, receiving a few curious looks from those who know most faces in the clan. For this is no Bundazanul.
He moves with eyes glancing about, as if looking for a direction he has been previously told. Somehow his face looks drawn, as if unhappy or strained. He follows the wide stairs to the very top, then takes the corner and there is the door, exactly as he had been told. Frarin smoothes the wrinkles of his tunic, rubs his upper lip, then knocks on the rich door with two distinct raps.
[Thari(#31038)]
There is an awfully long pause. Perhaps no one is home? But then a latch is turned and the door swings inward in heavy silence.
Thari is the one on the other side. Her face blooms into a smile upon seeing Frarin, the corners of her eyes wrinkling. "Good day!" she says eagerly.
Her hair and beard has been brushed to glossiness, braided meticulously in an over-feminine style as if someone has tried to make something of the five inches that have grown since the shaving. She wears a rich red gown, fabric stiff and swaying, gold-hued embroidery thick around her waist and dwindling a bit as it drops toward her feet. The belling sleeves are white, ending in red cuffs with the same gold decoration.
[Frarin] "Good day," Frarin says, a bit less eagerly, though he is smiling at Thari. He looks both nervous and excited and stressed. At first he says nothing else, his eyes flicking over the healer's outfit - the first time he has seen Thari in a gown, or indeed anything so rich. His lips press together and he takes a breath, then forces another smile. He speaks quietly. "How are you? I need to speak with you, something has come up."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's smile dies, her grey eyes clouded with worry now. "Come in. What is it?" she asks. Her skirts brush the smooth polished floor quietly as she moves out of the doorway to motion him in, and her shoes echo in the entryway.
[Frarin] Frarin's hand clasps and unclasps into a fist, as if he would very much like to take Thari's hand, but certainly he will not do so here. He comes in, still forcing a smile, but his expression continues to suggest he has been quite stressed of late. "It is nothing drastic, do not fear, not for us, I mean. But I need to leave for Emyn Engrin as soon as possible, probably within a day or two."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's eyes widen a little as she shuts the door behind him. "How long will you be away?" she asks. She walks past him, and as she does, her fingers touch his arm, trailing down to his hand, where her fingertips linger briefly in his palm and are gone. She watches him as she walks toward a side-door, just as tall as the entrance.
[Frarin] "A few months, I'm not sure," Frarin says, lips pressing together as her hand trails down his arm. But he does not attempt to reciprocate the touch, not here. As she moves towards the side door, he takes a moment to look about them at the rich home and he sucks in a slow, quiet breath before following her. Perhaps the position of Balur son of Bolor is finally hitting home.
He continues talking as he slowly follows Thari. "A friend from my years at Emyn Engrin has been killed in a mining accident, apparently a month ago. But he has no family and has left me the executor of his will. My brother and I are planning to depart as soon as possible, they have only been waiting for my return."
[Thari(#31038)]
"Months?" Thari repeats, and there could not be more dismay poured into one word.
The entryway of the home filled with white marble and a few select pieces of dark wood It is large enough that it almost makes the parlor she leads him to small-- though it, too, is generous enough to house a family. A circle of couches and chairs are arranged around a low table in the center, and wood is laid in a fireplace but not lit. No one is in there.
She is silent as her steps are cushioned in the parlor's thick rug, but then she looks up at him. Her hands lift and make clear, firm signs. 'I will go with you.'
[Frarin] Frarin is still looking in awe about the entryway when he enters the parlour and, though he seems slightly more at ease in this smaller chamber, he still takes in a slow, impressed breath. He looks again to Thari and notes her hands, but he shakes his head almost immediately, as if having expected that. "No," he says firmly, out loud. He repeats it. "No. Not this time." But despite the empty room, he is glancing about them and changes the subject before Thari can argue. "Are you here alone? Perhaps I should go, I would not want your family to suspect ill of us."
[Thari(#31038)]
"No?" Thari repeats, her brows lifting and drawing together. "But Frarin..!" Her hand is reaching for him when his latter question comes. The hand drops. "No, everyone is at home, except for Nalur. Papa's in his office-- I'm not sure where Olur and Mama are." The house might as well be a tomb for how silent it seems.
[Frarin] "Oh?" Frarin says, brows lifting as he looks around. "Oh. I hadn't...heard anyone." He pauses, giving Thari a sad look as his lips press together. "Listen Thari, I have to go and you can't come. I mean, you shouldn't. You ought to stay here, you've been away for so long. But...I don't want to go without at least introducing myself to your family. What would they think of my leaving right after our arrival without so much as a hello." Another pause, this one slightly more awkward. "Have you...told them about us?"
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's eyes trail down from his face to his chest, sad and longing both. Her hand clenches, and then relaxes as she reaches out, stroking his beard with fingers splayed. "I told Mother a little and Nalur a lot more," she says wistfully. "I don't know that Olur and Father know about it or I would've heard. You /must/ take me!" her voice drops to a forceful whisper as she blinks quickly, watching her hand in his beard. "Won't you miss me? Please, Frarin, I don't... how..." she shakes her head, eyes squeezing shut.
[Frarin] Frarin tips his head forward as if surprised. "You haven't told your father?" he nears whispers. "Durin! Oh Durin, it is only a matter of time before Braldor does. Thank the Maker I've come before he's had a chance to visit." He straightens a little as Thari continues stroking his beard and he pulls his chin up a bit as if to gently discourage her from it. "Thari!" he whispers urgently. "We are in your /home/! And your father doesn't have a clue about us! What would they think if they came upon us now?"
He sucks in a breath, still strained and slightly nervously looking around them. He raises his voice from a whisper, but still continues speaking quietly. "Of course I will miss you, is that truly a question? Durin, I have wished for nothing else but our return for months and months and now I find I have to leave immediately. But it cannot be helped, Thari. You need to show your family you are still dedicated to them. And I need to spend some time with my brother." He does not say the reason, but surely Thari can guess it.
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari's fingers still tangle in his beard for a moment longer and then drop away to clasp with the other hand. She blinks and takes a slow breath, looking up at his face. "Would you like to see my father now?"
At the same moment, her hands open again to twitch. 'Will you see me alone again before you go?' Apparently the shock of this has managed to keep her from arguing too much.
[Frarin] "Of course I will," Frarin says, nodding and briefly squeezing her shoulder with a little smile. "You can come to my cousin's home, he will not bother us. But later. Yes, for now," a very slightly hesitant breath, "I would like to see your father. I doubt this will be short, for we have some explaining to do. But I would like to see him, yes."
[Thari(#31038)]
Thari glances outside of the door, where no one is yet in the entryway, and reaches up again to touch his face, just briefly. 'I love you so,' she taps there, before she turns away. "I'll take you to his office, then."
If Frarin follows her, Thari will lead him through the entryway to a wide staircase, well-lit, shoes tapping on the floor. Not far from there a door is tapped and opened by her. "Papa?" she says as the door widens without waiting for an answer. "I'd like you to meet a dear friend of mine." There is still a gentling in her voice from the shock.
The office, though well-lit, is dark-panelled. It is generous with space as all of the rooms in this home are. Behind the desk, leaning back in the chair, is, no doubt, Balur.
Perhaps the first thing that might be noticed about Balur is that he looks almost exactly like Thari did before she was shaved. Oh, his beard has fewer gold streaks, replaced instead by lines of white sprouting from the corners of his mouth, and he is taller than she, but the resemblance is remarkable as he leans back in his chair, looking at the door with those grey eyes. Another, younger dwarf is with him, leaning at his ease in his own chair and facing Balur. This one has yellow hair and deep blue eyes that turn to the door as well.
[Frarin] Frarin follows Thari as she leads him and by the time they reach the spacious office, he has managed to adequetely compose himself. The nervousness at their being caught alone together has subsided and he has adopted his usual frowning expression, but he still looks somehow stretched and drawn. Perhaps he has not slept much since their arrival back home.
He enters into the doorway of the office behind Thari and pauses as the much talked of Balur greets his eyes at long last. The elder dwarf is remarkable in his similarity to Thari and Frarin looks briefly taken aback, especially by those familiar grey eyes, so sharp in the daughter, so sharp in the father. But the silversmith bows formally, remaining in the doorway. "Frarin, son of Forli, at your service and your family's."
[Thari(#31038)]
Both of the men in the office do indeed have sharp eyes, and both of them briefly focus on Thari before they stand. "Balur, son of Bolur, at your service," rumbles Thari's father first-- the voice, at least, is markedly different, deeper. "Olur, son of Balur, at your service and your family's." They both sound strictly polite. Olur seats himself at once but Balur rounds the desk, approaching Thari as she enters the room.
"A good friend, eh?" he says. "It was a terrible trip, I have heard, and I am glad that you had friends around you." His arm is laid almost protectively over his daughter's shoulders as he urges her further in, his eyes sharp again on her face.
"He is an honorable dwarf, Frarin is, and he saved my life many times." Thari looks behind, to Frarin as she says this, and it is unmistakable that the gentling in her voice has changed from shock to the warmth of a woman in love.
[Frarin] Unmistakable, certainly to Frarin. Is it the same with Balur or Olur? The silversmith frowns as Thari brags about him, either too modest to say anything in return or he disagrees with her assessment of 'many times'. Likely a combination of both. Frarin, for his part, remains in the doorway as Balur comes to his daughter, and his expression stiffens very slightly. He looks more drawn than before.
"Thari exaggerates," he rumbles, clasping his hands behind his back formally. "She was very capable of defending herself as well. And was quite an asset on the entire trip." That is all he says for the moment, waiting perhaps for Balur to actually address him, as he has not done so yet.
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur releases Thari and moves to seat himself behind his desk again, leaning comfortably back. He gestures to an upholstered chair to one side of the office for Frarin as Thari seats herself on a chair before the desk, pulling it away a little and closer to Olur. Her brother is watching her but has yet said nothing but the greeting.
"She is, she is, our Thari," answers Balur with obvious pride in his voice. "Naturally an asset, very capable of defending herself, though I am glad that you apparently did so as well. Yet you are not a guard, I take it?" He laces his hands over his beard and belly, still not fat despite his wealth. He sounds kind, modestly interested in Frarin. It is Olur who is frowning.
Thari, however, has said nothing and has started to smile while watching the silversmith.
[Frarin] Frarin nods as Balur speaks of Thari and he takes the seat indicated by the elder merchant, leaning back and crossing his legs comfortably. "Nay, not a guard," he replies, shaking his head. He is looking at Balur, but there is a glance or two for Olur as well. "I am trained as a silversmith, but make my trade in its sale for the most part now."
He pauses, dropping his gaze as he collects his thoughts, clearly readying himself to launch into something. A glance is given Thari, and a hint of a smile, but then Frarin looks back towards Balur, growing more serious. "I actually wished to meet with you, Master Balur. To discuss some things."
[Thari(#31038)]
"To discuss Thari."
This comment comes not from Balur, but from Olur, the younger dwarf to the side. His dark blue eyes turn from Frarin to his sister and he is frowning. "What have you done?" he growls to her. "I know as well as you what Father has always said to you. Away on caravan! Braldor--"
Thari has only begun to interrupt when there is a slight whisper of cloth on leather. Balur has sat up and both of his children hush while glancing at him. Olur's eyes briefly lower and then he leans back again, a frown still in his yellow beard.
"Now," says Balur in his low, calm voice. "What did you wish to discuss with me, Master Frarin?"
[Frarin] The frown that descends upon Frarin's face as Olur turns on his sister is something akin to the look that the silversmith usually reserves for the likes of Braldor. Indeed, it is perhaps extremely fortunate that the younger dwarf has time only for Braldor's name before he falls into silence. Frarin sits forward in sequence with Balur, hands on his knees and head tipped to the side. He continues staring at Olur for a time, as if waiting for the brother to continue berating Thari, but he does not. It is Balur who speaks instead.
The elder dwarf's calm tone is perhaps what most makes peaceable the storm that has quickly begun brewing on Frarin's face. He sits back and nods to Balur, expression serious, but appreciative. "Thank you, Master Balur. But your son has already guessed it, or he has been informed elsewhere. I cannot hope to put it quite so delicately as Master Olur here, but yes, I have come to discuss Thari."
He frowns, glancing at Olur, then back to Balur. "I do not know what you have heard of our journey beyond the tragedy of our caravan, Master Balur. I hope that others have had at least the propriety to allow me to be the first to bring this discussion to you, but I do not know if that is the case." A breath, steady and practised. "Master Balur, over the past year Thari and I have formed an attachment. Quite a strong one."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur is watching Frarin this whole while, surely noting the expressions on the silversmith's face. There is little that can be read of the older dwarf's face, aside of polite listening, and when Frarin is done speaking, Balur's grey eyes turn to his daughter. "Is this true?"
"Yes, Papa," Thari answers, leaning forward in her earnestness. Her hope and her desire are written plainly on her face and in her voice. "It is."
"Thari, /must/ we go with you everywhere?" Olur mutters in an undertone. "I thought you were old enough to--"
"HOW old are you now Olur?" Thari snaps, her eyes suddenly silver fire. "Have you managed ninety-five yet?"
"Olur!" Balur's voice is firm and strong. "Kindly take your sister out and continue your argument somewhere beyond my hearing. If you hit him, Thari, make sure not to get him in his face this time, it's bad for business."
Olur stands at once, approaching Thari's chair. "But Papa!" she protests, dismayed.
"I will hear everything you have to say once I am done speaking with Master Frarin, my love," Balur answers her in a soothing but authoritative voice. Olur takes Thari by the arm, leading her out, while the lass gives Frarin a worried look over her shoulder.
[Frarin] Frarin's jaw tightens slightly and his lips purse as Olur and Thari begin to argue, even more so when Olur is told to lead Thari outside and takes Thari by the arm. But he sits quite still, fingers weaving together in his lap, a frown pulling down the corners of his mouth, as Balur gives his orders and the two depart. Thari is given a very brief, reassuring half-smile by the silversmith, but then he turns his full attention to the elder dwarf. He waits for Olur and Thari to fully leave the room and for Balur to address him again.
[Thari(#31038)]
Once the door is shut nothing can be heard beyond it, so solid is the construction. Balur leans against his desk, fingers laced together, and a rather awkward pause lengthens. Yes, he is still not speaking. There is something less friendly in those familiar grey eyes.
"You have courted and won my daughter's affections without asking my blessing first." When he does speak, it is blunt. Calm, but blunt and clearly disapproving. "If I do find I need to turn you away, her heart will be broken, and such a thing would not have needed to happen had you had the courtesy to speak with me first."
[Frarin] Frarin's gaze is towards his lap until he hears the click of the door behind him, then he is looking up, meeting Balur's stare. His own dark brown eyes are not disdainful, but certainly there is as much challenge in them as there is lack of friendliness in Balur's.
The silversmith's lips purse again and he is silent for quite some time, as if formulating several responses and scrapping them before speaking. When he does speak at last, his rumbling voice is as calm as the elder merchant's, and nearly as blunt. "With all due respect, sir, you were two thousand leagues away at the time. And her heart would have been broken long ago if we had waited for your blessing."
[Thari(#31038)]
"And what did her Thane say?" Balur returns without pause. "What did her kinsmen of the Bundazanul say?"
[Frarin] Frarin pauses again at that, very much aware of how he must answer. His lips purse again and he leans back, still doggedly keeping his gaze level with the other’s. "Her kinsmen of the Bundazanul I cannot say precisely, as I am not acquainted with many of them, save perhaps for Ranol son of Ranor. He at least seemed to wish us well."
Another pause and Frarin clears his throat, frowning beneath narrowed eyes. "Thane Braldor did not approve," he says bluntly. "And told us as much on multiple occasions. He seemed to believe Thari incapable of preserving her own honour. And he did not approve of me as the target of her affections." Frarin's dislike of the Thane is not concealed in his tone, but he does at least contrive to sound formal in his description of Braldor's feelings and actions, rather than disdainful.
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur sighs at this and leans back, his eyes cast toward the ceiling. "Speaking Ranor's name here rather harms your case," he says, sounding irritated. He runs both hands over his hair and then stands abruptly, pacing around the table.
"Look at you," Balur says, his eyes and one gesturing hand to the silversmith. "Unless I miss my mark, a good bit older than my daughter. I've seen this before. Tell me, if you will, what draws you to her?"
[Frarin] "It was Ranor's son whom I mentioned, not Ranor himself," Frarin corrects, frowning hard at Balur as the older dwarf stands and begins to pace. "A son so different from his father than your esteemed Thane has seen fit to promote him to Huskarl of Bundazanul." What do you think of that? Frarin does not say this directly, but it is plain in his tone.
Frarin frowns deeper still when Balur gestures at him. The old merchant's thrown out 'look at you' seems to grate on him, for his lips press tightly together and he draws a slow, deep breath. He looks to be forcing himself to control. "I am fifty-two years older than Thari, yes. And I know that you have seen this before, Thari has told me as much. But she was not even eighty at the time, not even an adult. Do you believe your daughter so easily taken in now?"
He pauses, still forcing himself to sit comfortably leaned back in his chair as Balur paces. His eyes follow the older dwarf's every step. "What makes your love for her so great? She is your daughter and that alone demands love, but why does she command such a place in your heart as she clearly does? Think of those reasons and you will have my own. Her spirit, her strength, her stubborness. And her gentleness, when she shows it."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur watches Frarin out of the corner of his eye as he paces. He reaches the door of the office and turns, walking back toward his desk. He answers Frarin not at all, but asks another question, nearly growling. "If I were to ask about you, what would be said?"
[Frarin] The near growl in Balur's voice earns a sharp intake of breath from Frarin and the silversmith twists in his seat to face the older dwarf as he comes back to his desk. Frarin, for his part, is seeing his familiar stony expression very quickly descend, clearly displeased with Balur's interrogative tone. "It depends who you ask," he replies. There is forced steadiness in his tone, but the creeping beginnings of a growl as well.
"I am not known overmuch as a sociable dwarf, nor do I care much to interfere in the affairs of others. I do not shy away from sharing my mind when I think I should, but I understand when it is necessary to hold my tongue."
A breath, Frarin still forcing himself to appear comfortably seated as Balur walks around him. "Ask Braldor, or some of the Bundazanul in our caravan, and you will likely hear different. I am haughty and cannot hold my tongue. I have no respect for our customs or our clans." Another pause and Frarin fixes Balur with a long stare, still frowning deeply. "But I would have you know me from your own experience, not tainted by the biases of others."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur seats himself again, resting his elbows on the desktop and his chin on his interlaced fingers. He meets Frarin's long stare almost thoughtfully. "And what would you have me know of you?" he asks, voice calm and measured again.
[Frarin] Frarin blinks slowly, watching Balur as he comes again to the desk and seats himself. The silversmith is quiet a time, hands clasped together, but abruptly, he shrugs. "Would you have me tell you what to think of me? You are a businessman, Master Balur. What is to keep me from giving only those traits of mine that I think most likely to impress you?"
"I have come to see you of my own accord. I have been honest concerning myself and Thari. And I will answer whatever else you believe needs answering, but your opinion of me I cannot form for you."
[Thari(#31038)]
There is a glint in Balur's eye a moment before the older dwarf actually laughs, leaning back and setting his hands on the arms of his chair. "Ah, and after we are done, I will ask my daughter, who will surely tell me an earful or two! Give me only one more answer and I will be done pestering you: How well could you support her?"
[Frarin] Frarin is still frowning when Balur begins to laugh. At first, the silversmith continues to frown, eyes narrowed as if expecting the older dwarf's growl to return. But it doesn't. Indeed, Balur's tone is almost light. Frarin's stony expression relaxes somewhat and he lifts his chin, waiting for the final question. Lips purse again, but not defensively as before.
"As well as she could support herself," Frarin replies, perhaps confusingly. "I am not poor, if that is what you mean to ask. I am an independent merchant, unconnected to the guild, and I have had no family other than my brother's to spend my money on."
[Thari(#31038)]
There is a slight relaxing at the corners of Balur's eyes the amusement is fading. "If can support her as well as she can support herself, then you will be starving and coming to me for handouts before the end of the first month." He stands, and though his words are unkind, his voice is endlessly polite. "Unless you are speaking of her inheritance, in which case I commend you for being rather more forthright than those who have come before you."
He rounds his desk again. "Come, Master Frarin, I'll see you out. I thank you for your patience with my questions."
[Frarin] If Frarin's stony expression had been on its way out a second before, then that does nothing to slow its return. The silversmith's expression darkens as Balur speaks again and grows downright incredulous at the mention of an inheritance. His brows knit together as if they will never part again. "I meant nothing of inheritance," he says sharply, not growling, but certainly not friendly. "I do not beg for handouts, nor have I ever needed to, nor shall I need to. You may keep your money, as far as I am concerned, Master Balur."
Frarin stands as Balur rounds the desk, but he does not move away from the chair. Indeed, he crosses his arms over his chest, still fixing the elder dwarf with that incredulous expression. Then, he forces that same politeness as Balur, despite his next words. "I suppose I should feel my honour has been impinged upon, but I can see you were clearly confused by my meaning, Master Balur. I meant only that Thari, if she puts her mind to it, need not depend on any man for support. I can support her as well as she could herself."
[Thari(#31038)]
For the first time, there is a spark of ire in Balur's face. The familiar features, so much like Thari's when she is older, grow hard as the older dwarf goes still. "I have not worked so hard my whole life for my daughter to need to earn her living," he says, a touch of outrage in his vioce. "A dwarf has dreams, my lad, and mine do not include my daughter ever /needing/ to work. Even after I am gone she will work as she chooses! A century and a half now have I worked for this end!"
[Frarin] "I did not say she /needed/ to earn her living," Frarin shoots back, that hint of growl returning to his voice. "She will, you know as well as I that she would never be content being an idle gentledwarf, but I did not say she needed to work." He looks as if he wants to say more, but his lips press together, stifling words he might perhaps regret. "If that is your only concern about me, then think no more of it!"
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur's face of iron is still for a time, his eyes on Frarin. Several breaths later and he speaks again, less angry, but not friendly now. "I need to speak to my daughter," he says, turning again toward the door and crossing the room. "Please give me a day or two to clarify this situation and do not seek to contact her until I do."
[Frarin] "Master Balur," Frarin says sharply, hands going to his hips. "I shall be /leaving/ in a day or two, likely for a few months. A very old friend of mine has been recently killed in a mining accident in the Iron Hills, and he has left me the executor of his will." A breath, then the silversmith is shaking his head. "I hope you will understand if I choose not to follow your request, as you will have more than enough time to clarify this situation in my absence, I am sure. Our actions have been honourable thus far, there is hardly the need to separate us entirely." Still he does not move towards the door, waiting for Balur's answer.
[Thari(#31038)]
"I will speak to my daughter and decide if I will allow you to see her, Master Frarin," says Balur in a deep, velvet voice. He opens the door which swings inward quietly and stands beside it, waiting for Frarin to exit. His face turns back to the silversmith.
"Thari is yet mine, not yours, and it is yet my duty and my pleasure to look after her for the remaining years that I have. It would behoove your suit to remember this."
[Frarin] Frarin doesn't move. If it is possible, his face has grown even darker. His jaw is visibly tight and his breathing is slow and deliberate, forced into some semblence of normalcy. At his side, his hands have balled into fists. "Thari is..." He sucks in a sharp breath, making a coughing sort of sound at the back of his throat. "Thari is an adult, Master Balur. Not an object that is owned. And this is not a business transaction, this suit as you call it, this is your daughter's happiness."
He sucks in another deep breath, looking very grim now, but amazingly still managing to hold his tongue from shouting. "Master Balur, I realise that I am not the ideal suitor for the daughter of a dwarf of your standing, but with all due respect, the ideal suitors have all been rejected by your daughter." A pause, another breath. "I have asked her to marry me."
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur's eyes are steady, smooth, and give no hint of what emotion may lie beneath them. The door is pressed quietly shut by flat and strong hands, scarred and only now showing the hint of age.
"You have indeed some affection for my daugher, this is plain," Balur says in a strictly controlled voice, low and dangerous. "I will tell you that although some have honestly come to me declaring their love for her, and another foolishly won her heart, never yet has there been affection on both sides."
A quiet breath. "That being said, when a suitor has behaved as you do he has /never/ has good intentions." For a moment his voice almost hisses before it calms again. "I will do what I need to in order to protect my child, even if it is against her wishes. If you think that you are in love with her now, imagine then knowing her since the day of her birth-- or before, when she kicked at her mother's womb with such spirit."
"You do not respect well enough the position I am in. I would hope that, if she were to ever become yours, you would protect her at least as carefully as I do." Balur's hand goes back to the doorknob.
[Frarin] "Behaved as I have?" Frarin repeats incredulously, tipping his head forward in disbelief. "I have been as open as I know how to be, Master Balur, I am sorry if you do not think so. As for your position, I would protect her with my life. But that does not mean I do not think her capable of protecting herself just as well as I might."
But he quiets a little, the grim lines of his face relaxing very slightly. He takes a deep, steadying breath, then drops his gaze, shaking his head. "I know nothing I say can possibly change how you will handle this...situation, as you call it. But Thari wants your blessing, Balur. She is old enough and stubborn enough that, if she truly wants something, she will do what she must to gain it. But she /wants/ your blessing. And if you go on protecting her by acting against her wishes, then she will never have that happiness."
At last, Frarin moves towards the door, jaw set as if he has said his piece and will say no more.
[Thari(#31038)]
Balur listens politely to all of this, then gives a shallow bow toward the silversmith. "Good day to you, Master Frarin."
[Frarin] "Good day, Master Balur." Frarin gives a deeper bow than the elder dwarf, but it is stiff. And short, for then he is swiftly leaving the spacious office.
Players: Frarin, Balur, Thari, Olur
Located in: Erebor
