If 2 Dorfs and 1 Elf equal 3, then what\'s X?!

Celebannon: Stone Jetty

These are the docks of Celebannon, jutting out in to the lazily flowing deep waters of the Taurduin. In sharp contrast to the river are the dockworkers who bustle about at all times of day and night, and all times of the year, crating barrels and other goods about as the float down the river.

Just off the docks sits a large wooden warehouse, two stories tall, and easily the largest structure this side of town. It looks more than spacious enough to handle the storage needs of the trading parties who frequent Celebannon.

Contents:

Ingildur

Caravan

Obvious exits:

East leads to Mal Taurduin near Celebannon.

West leads to Celebannon: North bank of the Taurduin.

Sitting outside the caravan on a stool, is Eirdis, Dwarf of the Lonely Mountain. The Khazad has a small whetstone in hand, and is sharpening a battle axe whilst humming softly in a deep, slightly gruff voice. Intelligent emerald green eyes eye the axe\'s edges, looking for any imperfections. He does not notice much aside from the task at hand, so intent is he on his work.

A party of elves, armed with spear and bow passes the caravan and trots off towards the east. Behind them the Feredir Ingildur, similarily armed, walks, stopping before the caravan and examining the waiting dwarf with a glare, \"You have no need for that axe, dwarf, you are in no danger here.\"

The passing by of the elves draws more than a few curious looks from those in the caravan and one of them comes from another dwarf, this one standing with hands on hips, one resting lightly on the head of a war hammer that hangs from his belt. Frarin frowns as most of the elves trot off into the forest, but frowns deeper still when one stops to speak with Eirdis. Eyes narrowing somewhat, he starts towards Eirdis and the elf Ingildur.

Eirdis blinks and peers up into the elf\'s eyes, his own narrowing slightly. \"I never implied that I was in any need of my axe, -Master- Elf.\" He emphasizes the honorific, hoping it would imply he has slightly better manners than to just call someone by their race. \"It has never harmed anyone if one is prepared for journeys ahead of time. In fact, it is known to be beneficial.\" He places the whetstone on the ground beside his small, sturdy stool and rises to his full height, placing the handle of his axe in its loop on his belt while crossing his arms across his chest. \"Anything else I can do for you?\"

\"Do not mock me Master Dwarf,\" Ingildur parrots the emphasis, \"Those who come uninvited into another\'s realm would do best to remain polite, lest a cell be found for you, no-doubt less comfortable than your mountain cave.\"

\"Aye!\" comes a sudden gruff reply to Ingildur\'s warning to Eirdis, though this abrupt reponse comes from Frarin, who seems to have heard the elf. \"And indeed, I was mightily impressed that your own folk followed so strictly such a creed on their last journey out of their own realm, Master Elf. Twas very obliging, I should say.\" The sarcasm is not masked. Frarin nears the two and nods a greeting to Eirdis, then looks back to Ingildur with a sort of smirk, as if daring a reply.

Eirdis gives Frarin a brief nod, then turns to the elf. \"Master Elf, I was not mocking you, only trying to explain that we Khazad cannot rely on others to watch our backs, therefore, we must come into any situation prepared. How is that a crime, I ask you?\" The volume of his voice rises by half in his last sentence. \"And, I might add, that I would rather swim in the cold, deep ocean than come unarmed, with invitation, into your fetid woodlands!\" His face takes on a slightly more pink complexion, the Khazad\'s ire rising. His emerald green eyes flash fiercely, secretly hoping this elf gives him the chance to retaliate.

The Feredir comments to Frarin wryly, \"You may remember that we were not guests under your mountain, but rather of King Bard.\" He then turns to Eirdis, \"Master dwarf, you offer us only insults once again. You are perfectly safe in our lands, provided you follow our rules.\" An amused light comes into his eyes at the agitation show by the dwarf.

The sun sets between the trees of the forest.

\"Aye, correct again,\" Frarin returns, glancing at Eirdis. \"But I hardly think King Brand was inclined to consider his elven guests polite in their actions, nonetheless.\" The silversmith looks to Eirdis, then holds up a hand in an attempt to stay the other dwarf from rising to anger. \"There is no hope in throwing words at an elf, Eirdis lad, if he will not hear them.\"

Eirdis gives Frarin a quiet glance and seems to think about disregarding the silversmith\'s advice. However, Frarin both outranks him and is quite a bit wiser in the ways of the world than he, himself, is. \"Oh, but would there not be, if I were simply trying to explain the presence of mine axe to Master Elf, and even by doing so, he insults me, my Clan, and us Khazad!\" Glaring at the elf, he grinds his teeth, vying for control of his temper.

\"Insult you? Master Dwarf, I cannot claim responsibility for you taking insult at every word I say.\" The Feredir still looks most amused, \"You, sir, have been insulting me.\"

\"Eirdis,\" Frarin says, glancing at Ingildur, then back with Eirdis with a shake of his head. \"Calm yourself. An elf is hardly worth such trouble, mm?\" He looks back to Ingildur, crossing his arms over his chest. \"If my friend has been insulting you, Master Elf, then he is only returning the favour in due course, in the face of previous insults. For that harsh words have been said on both sides of our peoples, you can hardly deny.\"

[End of my being in the RP! Cheers! ~ Eirdis]