Nin

Heated Discussion on the Porch

Front Yard
Despite your not possessing a light, the scene here is far from dark. Lights within the Last Homely House twinkle out through many windows and give a gentle glow to the scene like starlight intensified. The mat of grass near the house is not very thick, perhaps because of being trodden on so often, but some higher tufts grow around the nearby trees. Leaves of many sorts can be dimly made out, thoroughly trodden into the mat of grass. You can make out some trees standing nearby, and two paths can be seen leading away from the house, one southwest and one north. Down the steep bank to the south you can hear the chuckling of the Bruinen.

[Thileithel(#24329)]
It is after midnight, and the stars above in the clear night sky continue in their endless circling in the heavens. The air is cold, but not uncomfortable, for a hidden power and nature protects this valley from the elements that ravage the moors beyond. Though far away, clear Elven voices may be heard occasionally, speaking in their ancient tongue and occasionally a song begins. Some are simple nonsense, but others are intricate webs of verse from long ago. In this vale, the night is not feared, but welcomed and enjoyed.
A cloaked figure sits on the porch steps, enjoying the night air and listeNing to the sounds that come to him. Thileithel pushes back his hood and takes a breath and then exhales, watching the vapor billow and then disappear.

The back door of the dwarven wagon that sits in the front yard of the Last Homely House bangs open, revealing a blue cloaked figure. Braldor slowly gets down from the wagon, and closes the door behind him. He then takes out a small wooden pipe from one of his pockets, and a small satchel. OpeNing the satchel, he stuffs it's contents into the pipe, which he then lights. Soon, a tendril of grayish smoke comes out, and the acrid smell of pipeweed can be smelled. Braldor then puffs a bit on his pipe, as he leans on the wagon, his eyes lost in thought for a moment.
After a short while, he notices the figure of a sitting elf at the porch, and he slowly makes his way towards it. "Mae govannen", he says in greeting.

[Thileithel(#24329)]
Thileithel looks up from his revelry and nods in return. "Greetings, Braldor. Have you come out of that wagon that so many of your folk inhabit for a bit of air? I would ask you how you can build such magnificent halls and then confine yourselves in such small quarters." The Elf glances at the wagon and smiles mischievously.

[Vinyarod(#31483)]
Moving southward along the path from the stables, the Knight Warden Vinyarod approaches the Yard before Elrond's house. Catching sight of a first born of the Valley he raises his hand in greeting as he nears. "Mae Govannen mellon." he calls out in Sindarin. Too late the greeting goes out and another joins. "And to you Dwarf." he says as he too nears the group. The breeze catches the greyish smoke and draws it near to the Galadhrim Guard. Wrinkling his nose he steps onto the porch to avoid the scent of burNing weed.

"Confinement in such small quarters is due to necessity, Master Thileithel. If I was to choose, I'd be in my own quarters back in Erebor", the dwarf replies. TurNing to the other elf, who he has seen but doesn't even know his name, he nods. "Mae govannen to you, Elf". Taking a seat in the stairs of the porch, he leans against one of the wooden beams, and puffs on his pipe, looking at the million stars that can be seen in the sky. He blows a smokering, before saying, "Lovely sight. Indeed, I've seen many first sights here in this Valley".

[Vinyarod(#31483)]
Silent but curious, the Warden of Lothlorien remains standing upon the edge of the top step. Curling his arms over chest, he looks out to the various tents and camps set up by the free peoples gathered. At the Dwarf's words he turns and glances for a moment before returNing his gaze to the camps and the mountains beyond. It is clear from the set of his jaw that he could or may have said something in reply but still he remains silent.

[Serendriel(#20499)]
From the porch, only a few paces behind Vinyarod, the flaxen crowned Ndaedeldhrim makes an unhurried approach to the camp. A scroll bound with ornate red ribbons held loosely in one hand. A nonchalant pass of her gaze over those gathered, long having become accustomed to keeeping strange company in this camp, offering but a nod and a brief warm smile in greeting to those she knows.

[Thileithel(#24329)]
Thileithel offers a nod to Vinyarod as he passes, and answers in the common tongue for Braldor's benefit. "Greetings Vinyarod." He turns back to Braldor and smiles at his response. "It is a lovely sight. I only inquire about your wagon, since we do have guest rooms available in the house, should you wish to use them." He turns his head to glance at Vinyarod and notes the arrival of the elleth.

Braldor keeps looking at the stars, his eyes almost lost, as if a memory was kindled by this moment. His black eyes gleam, and he remains silent, as if not hearing anything. Soon however he turns his head towards Thileithel. "We would not like to impose on Master Elrond, specially with so many guests here. For it's not only us, but also the Dalemen, the BeorNings, and elves that come from other Kingdoms that have assembled here. I am, however, grateful for your offer", the dwarf replies. Noticing Lady Serendriel, he stands up and bows smoothly. "Hail, Lady Serendriel. how fare ye this fair night?"

[Serendriel(#20499)]
Serendriel pauses on her journey towards her tent, steps coming to cessation as she is greeted turNing her attention to the Naugrim with a equally courteous greeting as he offered her, "Greetings Master Dwarf, it is a fair night indeed, and it finds me similarly well." A kind smile is returned to the dwarf, "I hope the same for you and yours. The weather has been of a ..wet sort..as of late."

[Vinyarod(#31483)]
"Well met," he says, stepping aside and bowing his head politely, Vinyarod moves to allow the fair maiden to pass. "I do not believe the Lord Elrond would have invited you if he did not have the room to house you upon arrival." he comments as he continues to look out to the camps and the senery that is unique to the Valley. "And then, there is new rooms available as a party departed to the west three days past." With his only comments made, he turns to glance at Serendriel to politely listen to her speak.

[Thileithel(#24329)]
Thileithel rises from where he sits and turns to look upon Vinyarod and the elleth. Stepping up beside Vinyarod, he asks in a low voice, "So our kin departed for the havens?"

Braldor gazed at Vinyarod, as he holds his pipe in his mouth with his right hand. "That may be right, Master Vinyarod", the dwarf replies. "And I thik I have greeted already Master Thileithel's kind offer. But as I said, we do not wish to impose such a burden as guests of Master Elrond. We are comfortable inside the wagon, as there are not as many of us as you might think. Only three of us have come here to speak for our folk at the Council"
"Indeed, Lady Serendriel, the weather has been a bit wet, as ye say", he adds with a chuckle to the Lady's comment. "And yes, this night finds me well. You know, this Vale has a strange effect on me, so to say. It makes me think of Moria, and the songs we have of those Halls in happier times", he says with a wistful smile.

[Serendriel(#20499)]
Having not forgotten the other edhil present, Serendriel offers a tip of her head, with a cordial "Mae Govannen, mellyn." Her smile faultered only a moment at the mention of the movement west. A thin smile at the mention of Moria, "Yes, it has been a pleasant visit, despite the unpleasant business that brings us together." A soft sigh, tapping the scroll idly into the palm of the other hand, "Even so...I do long to look upon the Wood."

"Yes, it is an unpleasant business that brings us together... it seems that only under such circumstances are peoples are wise enough to unite against our common foe", the dwarf adds. He then puffs a huge smokering, which he silently watches dissolve in the night air. "But you long to look upon the Wood? Well, you're a Wood Elf, and that does not surprise me, but I think there are plenty of woods nearby for you to see", he adds.
TurNing to Vinyarod, he asks, "Is your folk then going to the havens, past the Blue Mountains in Lune? Some of my folk live near there, in our Mines in the Ered Luin. A beautiful country, I've heard".

[Vinyarod(#31483)]
The Warden nods and turns his gaze to Thisaddly. "Along with them, my beloved's parents." he says softly as if the thoughts and fillings of the groups partings was more a matter for his wife. At the Dwarf's words, Vinyarod eyes flicker with a measure of barely controled tolerance for the stubborn disregard for hospitality. He does in fact grow tight lipped at the mention of Moria as it had been many years since last dwarvish songs was heard from the mountains to the north of Lothlorien. Instead he turns a disinterested gaze to the mountains, mountains that seemed filled with darkness. "I do not believe they will pass near the Blue Mountains." he says in a distant voice.

[Serendriel(#20499)]
Serendriel smiles despite the clouds that seemed to veil the spark of mirth behind her eyes, cheeky dwarf. "There is more to it than trees, Braldor son of Braldon. You may look upon mountains but not see your home, no?"

[Thileithel(#24329)]
Thileithel listens to the conversation but says nothing, having only just returned to the home he long missed on the road bringing the elleth, the ellon and the naug to Imladris.

"Indeed, Lady Serendriel. No mountain is like Erebor... or the three peaks of Moria", the dwarf replies. TurNing to Vinyarod, he asks, "Not passing near the Blue Mountains? I thought the road to the elven lands near the Sea passed near them. But I've never ventured so far west, so I don't really know"

[Serendriel(#20499)]
Serendriel grey eyes turn a sidelong glance to Thileithel, "It would be folly of me not to add that the hospitality of the Imladhris has been everpresent and well appreciated." Her smile remains, though somewhat faint now as if more troubling thoughts now occur to the elleth.

[Thileithel(#24329)]
Thileithel nods in thanks. "Don't thank me though, there are so many who do their best to serve our guests. The House Guild are the ones to thank."

[Vinyarod(#31483)]
"Nor have I..." Vinyarod comments to the Dwarf about the distant traveled west. "Though I offered to go with them to see to their safety though the lands inhabited by trolls, but alas both Noldo and Dunadan took charge to see them through." TurNing to look at the Dwarf he shrugs his shoulders. "Not that any Dwarf would extend hospitalities to a party of passing elves so it matters not."

[Thileithel(#24329)]
Vinyarod's comment brings Thileithel's head snaps up and around, though to everyone else, it is not quite a snap as it is a slow movement. The eyes though reveal something a bit less reserved as the Sinda tries to divine the comment of the Wood-elf.

Braldor's eyes, who had been again looking at the stars, suddenly turn toward Vinyarod, after hearing his words. "Noldo? Dunadan? Talk plain, Elf! I know not what these are", he says. "And it's plain that ye have never been outside your realm before now, or if ye have, ye have not travelled to our lands. I assure ye you would be welcomed in our lands, and offered hospitality. Something that some other folk do not do, if one pays attention to some words spoken before. The only one that are not welcomed are the ones that serve the Dark Power of the East", he says.

[Vinyarod(#31483)]
Looking away from the Dwarf as if the sight of the overly hairy being was more than the fair Sinda could take in such close quarters. "I am one of very few amongst my people who travel to distant lands. To the White Mountains of Gondor, to the Grasslands just south of your mountain home, I have traveled them for a time well before you were born." His voice grows harsh and cold eyes turn to the Dwarf. "You assume to much for your own people for indeed, I was welcomed when I passed near your lands." he says flatly with a hard look of disgust. "Indeed I shall remember it well. A fist to the gut of an innocent did a grave amount of damage considering a lack of armor, weapons, or understanding." Looking away and again to the mountains, Vinyarod seems to relax. "Forgive me if I do not accept your assurances as I have through experience learned better."

[Serendriel(#20499)]
The Ndeadeldhrim takes a small step back as Vinyarod and Braldor begin to spar with words, a little frown pursing her lips as she glances to Thileithel for his reaction on this.

"It seems that our folk are doomed to have this run-ins, Master Vinyarod. But tell me something... will I, or any of my folk, be welcomed in your lands... wherever they may be?", the dwarf asks. "And I can only speak for me, and for my kindred who now live in Erebor. Master Thileithel was welcomed there, and not attacked, for he bore no evil with him as he entered our lands. Maybe it is that you assume too little of us, Master Vinyarod", he adds, giving the elf a level look.

[Thileithel(#24329)]
Thileithel listens with interest to the words of Vinyarod, understanding coming at last. He notices the glance from the elleth and silently calls to her to remain still and wait. "Indeed, mellon-Vinyarod, times change. You mention that your reception took place before Braldor was even born. Is it just to blame him for something he wasn't alive to participate in?" Reasonable words come forth to calm the situation.

[Ceorn(#22510)] Voices down the porch... "Those elves never sleep." Ceorn thinks aloud and so aloud he even utters those words, letting a merry chuckle follows this statement. But then, his mouth is shut for among the crystal of the elvish tongue, the deeper tones of a dwarf blend, and soon his own voice, "Good night !" Ceorn calls as he steps under the shade of the porch. Glances are directed to each, without exceptions, words also, "Master Braldor, master elves..." last is said with far less enthusiasm yet; Vinyarod ?

[Serendriel(#20499)]
Serendriel takes cue from Thiliethel and remains silent and watchful, however her brow has been marred by the frown that now thins her lips. She takes another careful step back from the brewing confrontation.

"Ah, Master Ceorn",t he dwarf says to the newcomer. "How fare ye tonight? I thought you would be wandering inside the House, or in the fair meadows that surround it", he adds. "Or maybe near the mountains, that separate us from our homes. But come join, if ye will", he says. He then puffs on his pipe, as he crosses his legs.

[Thileithel(#24329)]
Thileithel steps over beside Serendriel and leans to whisper in her ear, but then Ceorn arrives, and he offers the man a nod.

[Vinyarod(#31483)]
"Really....And what profit have you gained? I've been told that's what drives your peoples motivations." the Warden says as he glances between elf and dwarf doubtfully. He does in fact artfully dodge a response about a dwarfs welcome in his home for it was indeed something that would be a long time in coming. Rolling his eyes he again turns to the mountains. "Within the last ten years Thileithel, so the times you say have changed have apparently remained the same or at least so much so beyond your knowledge. Possibly it is something you possess or can manage that is of some value." He shrugs his shoulders lightly.
"It's certainly hard to tell. Then, before any further discussion can take place, another arrives. "Well met... Ceorn." he adds with an equal measure of enthusiasm as received. "Do join..." he adds though his expression says otherwise.

"Ahhhh, Master Vinyarod, I thought you elves knew more about us... it seems I was wrong", the dwarf replies to the elf's question. "For not only profit motivates us. Tis true that when we deal, we seek to get the most profit out of it. But I'm sure elves and Men do as well", he says, taking his pipe out of his mouth and holding it with his right hand. "But many things we have done for other reasons than profit. But then again, maybe you were in the Southlands or some other place, and haven't had the leisure to read or to get news about this", the dwarf adds. "And stayed the same in the last ten years? Does this shock you, Master Elf? For in the last ten years, I bet, you have not changed a bit. Some things that are in this world change slowly, and I thought you wise enough to know it". Braldor then re-lights his pipe, which had gone out, and puffs on it.

[Ceorn(#22510)] "It's a bit late now Braldor, I aspire to find rest and warmth. But tomorrow, I'll explore a bit more of this place again." Ceorn first replies to the dwarf and adjusts his cloak about his neck; sheltering it as best as he can from the nightcold. "I am Ceorn" he adds to those who nodded to him.
"Your sincerity is incredible elf. I don't wish to speak to you, so no thanks you." Ceorn's face closes at Vinyarod proposal yet he listens to the dwarf intently.

[Serendriel(#20499)]
Serendriel attention turned likewise from Thiliethel as Ceorn enters, offering a smile of greeting, but her trepidation on increased with the BeorNings arrival, shown in but the slight furrowing of her brow.

[Brosh(#18223)]
Appearing from the direction of the Forest Shore is a lone man, walking with a light stride, his dark red hair slightly waving in a gentle breeze. As he approaches a small group of elves, dwarves and men, he gives a quick wave and continues to head in their direction. His off-white tunic is a little cleaner than usuall, and his shoes are not quite as muddy as they constantly seem to be.

Minuial comes into view in the distance from across the lawn. She has a block of wood slung under one hand; in the other hand she bears a wooden skewer -- slightly charred -- on which are impaled tastefully-sliced bits of roast meat. Every now and again she nibbles at one.

[Thileithel(#24329)]
Thileithel leans over to whisper to Serendriel, "Perhaps the presence of others will moderate this conversation?" Just as he speaks, the scent of roasted meat comes to his nose and he sniffs. After a moment, he turns to glance at Ceorn, a frown forming through the calm facade.

[Vinyarod(#31483)]
"Say as you will Dwarf, and you Tithenithil friend of the Dwarves, I will remain skeptical until I witness a uniform change. Meet one upon the road and they tell you one thing and you meet another a hundred paces more they tell you another." Vinyarod says without turNing his gaze from the dark mountains. "With each of you insisting upon theirs being the current truth what are most of us to thing. Unless...." he says with a slight pause to allow him to look at the dwarf. "unless you've all be finally schooled to say the same thing now." He raises his brow for a moment and turns his head back to gaze upon the mountains. "As it is, I stand upon what I've said, I can not see any Dwarf offering hospitality to a group of elves."

[Minuial(#25775)]
The elleth with the block of wood and the kabob sidles closer, taking another bite of meat. Such a rich odor it has, too, suggesting juicy tenderness.

[Ceorn(#22510)] "Brosh" Ceorn calls his kinsman in a sole breath and words making a new smile flourishes on his lips. "How is it ?" he inquires, incliNing head toward the forest, "Dark ?" he muses and can't hinder a sigh as the scent of roasted meat, delicious or disgusting strikes his senses.

"Finally schooled?", says Braldor. "I thought that was pretty offensive, Vinyarod", he adds. "Do you think us to be children, or maybe ignorant fools? And here before you is living proof of your own folly. Master Thileithel and his companion Linnuial were welcomed in Erebor, when they went there to ask king Dain to attend to this Council. So, maybe you have been finally schooled to acknowledge your errors, Elf?", the dwarf says, his balck eyes glisteNing dangerously.

[Brosh(#18223)]
Brosh lifts his hand again, this time directing his wave towards Ceorn. "Aye, dark it is. It's good to be back here. Now I need a drink. Where might I get one?" Brosh now turns to the elves and dwarves in the area, and gives them a short bow, then turNing to the source of the meat smell, he raises an eyebrow.

Minuial sidles closer, nibbling at her meat kabob most brazenly. She smiles vaguely, waving the kabob in greeting.

[Thileithel(#24329)]
Thileithel looks at Vinyarod, his eyes alight, though his demeanor remains calm. "Friend of dwarves, I have been called worse, though I honor that title. Though I speak here not as such a friend but as a vassal of the Lord of this Valley. The grudges of the east I have not studied, the affairs of Men and dwarves are not my affairs. It would seem the Elves have given up something of their nobility if they should feel the need to descend to fight such petty battles."

Minuial moves closer, her simple white skirt trailing behind her. She takes another dainty bite of meat, then calls out, "Greetings! Oh! Do we have visitors?"

[Vinyarod(#31483)]
"At times, yes I do in fact think of your kind as children in maturity and behavior Braldor." Vinyarod says in a relaxed voice. The corner of his mouth rises slightly as if in private amuzement. "Aye, schooling was possibly a bit strong for some of your kind, and for the moment I choose to reserve comment about the issue of your kind being fools, for the sake of peace." TurNing from the scenery to look upon Thileithel, the Warden lifts a brow. "Who feels the need to descend into a petty battle?" he asks with genuine concern. "Surely a few words does not equate to the maddness that overcomes the mortal."

[Dain(#4552)] A louch *clanck* sounds across the meadow as an elder dwarf climbs down one of their wagons. He takes a minute to gaze at tonight's sky enjoying the cold breeze before making for Master Braldor.
Almost invisible two dwarven guards hurry around the wagon and follow him respectfully.

"Well Vinyarod of the Elves, I call you a fool then. You come here to call us fools, and expect nothing from it? I see now that the wisdom of the Elves was something overrated... at least for some. For i see that you do not wish to become responsible of your words, and face the consequence of uttering such lies and ill words towards my kind. Or it may be that you are just too arrogant, thinking yourself and your kind above all the others? If such is the case, then I wonder if our attendance to this Council is needed, for I am sure then that you elves are capable of solving all the problems that assail you, and get rid of the Shadow of the East. You do not need us, mortals, to help you in any way. If such is your thought, you're more a fool than I thought", says Braldor, standing up.

[Duinlas(#27187)]
Duinlas strolls along from the birchwood, whistling loudly as he goes, spotting the large gathering he approaches, sensing a bit of tension he does his best to break it by turNing to Minuial and smiling, "Ah! Perhaps you would fetch us all some more meat, and perhaps some ale and wine to sooth nerves..." he comes nearer to Braldor and bows, "Friend Braldor... is there perhaps just something we can settle with drink and song? For there is no need for harsh words in this valley, we are all here against a common enemy, are we not?"

[<#4552>] Suprised by the harsh words of Braldor, Dain walks at his side quickly. He nods politely to the gathered people before turNing to Braldor. "What is the meaNing of this Master Braldor", he inquires in a fast whisper, "Explain your words..."

[Ceorn(#22510)] "Well spoken" Ceorn, silent till then, perhaps busy corking up his nose from the smell of meat speaks suddenly following Braldor statements. "But do not put all the bees in the same hive master Braldor, it's true about this elf and those of his kind, not all.. Happily"

[Minuial(#25775)]
The tall white-clad elleth drifts closer, frowNing at Duinlas. "There is meat within," she murmurs. "But I am more than willing to share what I have." She comes to a halt perhaps ten yards from the quarrelling dwarf and elf.

"I'm glad to see all our guests are settling in so well," Minuial says brightly, eyes glinting, intent. "It's such a lovely time of year for visits, isn't it?"

[Brosh(#18223)]
Brosh masks his anger for a brief moment and turns to Duinlas "I'll have a bowl of mead, master elf. Ale, if you've got no mead. And in a mug if a bowl can't be found." Now he turns to Ceorn. "How goes yer day so far, friend?"

Minuial peers at Brosh, holding up her kabob (gracefully, of course, but that's to be expected). "You don't want meat?" she asks, just a touch too innocently.

"Ah Master Duinlas, so I thought too. But it seems Vinyarod here has other ideas. Why would he and his mighty kind seek the aid of foolish children, as is his wont to call us and Men?", replies the dwarf to Duinlas's offer

TurNing to King Dain, whom he had not heard approaching, he bows. "My king", he says outloud. He then lowers his voice to a whisper, that only Dain can hear, "My words have a reason for being so harsh, my liege. This elf, Vinyarod, has spoken ill of our race, and I would not allow it to stand. He talks with haughty words, and obvious disdain for us. He talks about some ill that happened to him long ago, and it seems he still holds it against our kin. Foolish, unschooled children has he called us", he says, moving his hands to add emphasis to his words.

Finally turNing to Ceorn, he replies, "I am not putting all bees in the same hive, as you say, Master Ceorn. I am sure Master Elrond, and Master Thileithel here, are not of the same mind as Vinyarod. Luckily indeed, for such a thing will push our folk apart instead of uniting us, which is what we came here for".

[Thileithel(#24329)]
Thileithel glances at Dain and looks somewhat relieved. He whispers to Serendriel a good bye and slips away into the house, leaving the Dwarf and Vinyarod to their 'discussion'.

Dain listens to Braldor nodding and staring at Vinyarod as Braldor continues his report pointing at the elf. FrowNing he observes him closely trying to match his first impression with the description Master Braldor just gave him. Yet for now he remains silent.

[Brosh(#18223)]
Now moving to the elf with the meat, Brosh takes the kabbob in his hand and spins it around. "It seems..." Suddenly he lets the meat fall to the ground. "...that an Elf would be wiser..."

[<#27187>] Duinlas frowns at Vinyarod and holds up his hand, "" He sighs heavily, "" Then he turns to Braldor, spotting Dain and bowing low, 'Glirion Duinlas, at your service. I extend you, again, the offer of our finest vintage wines if it should please you...'

[Minuial(#25775)]
Minuial turns a touch paler, drawing herself up to her full height and dropping her block of wood most annoyedly. "You may not be aware of this fact;" she says irritably in slightly archaic Westron, "but dropping that utensil is quite insulting. Have you no manners?"

[Brosh(#18223)]
Brosh gives a farewell wave to Ceorn, and moves toward the Imladris traiNing grounds, being sure to step on the meat. "More manners than some elves I've seen today."

[Ceorn(#22510)] "Good night Brosh" Ceorn replies to his kinsman, somewhate amused of the manner he turned down the elf insult. "It would have slipped of his hand, you can still pick it" Ceorn shrugs at Minuial and directs his attention back at the embryonic dispute between Braldor he supported and the elves.

[Vinyarod(#31483)]
"It is your choice and right to carry the opinions that you do, as is it my own." Vinyarod says with disinterest. "Just as it is your right to consider yourself called fools, though I did in fact reserve comment on the matter." Looking to the Braldor he raises a brow curiously. "And I suppose it is too your choice to imply things that are not so or even said. It is in fact amuzing to see one or two well placed words stir you to that point." Shrugging his shoulders the mountains once more draw his gaze for a moment before looking between the now two dwarves. "One does not have to like someone to work with them for the common good, or at least that is something my own people believe strongly."

When an ellon speak, the Warden turns his focus completely upon him to reply in kind. "Do I antagonize them? Yes, it would seem so for few words bring them to the point of insult." He smiles and steps towards Duinlas so his words remain between them. "Is it comforts that we come to speak of or a common threat? While I have implied much, and freely and truthfully admit my dislike of them their own ways turn to anger when in fact it should turn to diplomacy and common effort in the face of a simple mispoken word. Are we to stand together in the battle of the darkness when in fact we can not easily get past our own differences? That does concern me friend, as should it concern others." Glancing back to the others he shakes his head. "If words bring us nearly to the point of conflict and violence, how are we to stand united when it counts."

[<#25775>]
Minuial's lip curls with definite contempt. 'Slipped from his hand. No doubt,' she murmurs, eyes frosty. And then she recovers her smile, speaking cheerfully in Sindarin. ""

"Well, fairly spoken, although it seems that your comments seem to still consider us brainless fools. For something needs not be said in the open to be understood, Elf. And what you said left very clear what you think, and what you leave unsaid. You speak ill words, even when I try to mollify you, and just keep insulting my kindread. And you expect me to put up with that? Indeed, the elven mind is a mystery to me, if they allow this kind of slander about their people without doing anything. And well placed words, you call that your insults to my kindred? Listen, Elf, I have worked with those of your kind that live in the Mirkwood, with BeorNings and with the Men of Dale. That should be proof enough for you that we can work together in harmony. For it seems that the elves of the Wood are not as haughty as you are. So speak ill words when you have a good basis for them. Do not come with slander, and then consider yourself above blame for your words!", the dwarf retorts.

Dain turns to Duinlas and nods politely, "Well met..."
Yet interrupted by Master Braldor's words he gazes at Vinyarod with obvious anger raising his voice, "I don't know why you meet my people with such anger and distrust. We were invited by Lord Elrond to discuss different matters and endured a long and difficult journey to come here. So I would expect at least a bit of respect towards our people....."
Standing proud and tall the elder dwarf keeps his eyes fixed on Vinyarod while waiting for a reply.

Duinlas holds up both his hands and pleads, his blue eyes flashing, having let each have their full say, "Then now may the guests of the valley all grant this request of one of your hosts... that you let it end there, and speak no more ill words between each other. For the last word is an evil desire, and you should put it far from your heart. Instead, perhaps we can talk about your journeys here, for in safety we may recall more dangerous times, and entertain eachother with tales of bravery," His eyes shifting from the men, to the dwarves, and finally Vinyarod and the elves.

[Helegrhofel(#22136)] By the door appears a tall figure, dark hair waving at the gentle breeze as he steps outside. With glass of wine in his hand, the firstborn walks outside, joiNing those in the porch. Keen eyes scan the faces of those gathered and then Helegrhofel, the Quende, greets them with a smile and a bow, "Well met, my friends". His eyes roam a little more, his head nodding to several known persons, mostly those of his kin; he takes a sip of his wine then. "This isn't King Dain, is he?", he grins as he recognizes the Khazad. "The council must be important, indeed", he adds to that, as he remembers his last talk with Braldor, joking a little, only to pacify the seemingly tense atmosphere.

[Ceorn(#22510)] "Well met, well met. You really never sleep." Ceorn looks up at the new elf arriving, Helegrhofel. "Any time I am up, I see some elves about, in the darkest day or clearest night.."
"Let him master Braldor, you and Grimbeorn tempered me a few days ago, my turn now, this elf" Ceorn nods to Vinyarod "isn't worth our time, some are more interesting and respectful."

[Vinyarod(#31483)]
With a surprising quickness Vinyarod turns to Braldor. It almost seems as if he'd been waiting for that which the Dwarf had said. "What difference does my opinion make?" he asks in westron, turNing quickly from his native language. "Will it mean the difference between your cooperation or not? I am one among the first born who does not like you and I am not alone, just as there are those among your own kind who do not like us. But I ask, does it matter? Will we take issue with such things or will we set this aside to do what we each need to do?" He pauses a moment to consider the short one's words about working with those in the Mirkwood. "As for my words, I will do as is required to assure a true unity of purpose not some moment of weakness in the council chambers."

"What we need to do will be best done if such slander does not happen, Vinyarod. And you speak of true unity of purpose? Indeed, your words do so much to reach that goal", Braldor says with a sneer. The intended sarcasm of his words cannot be mistaken.

He then turns to Ceorn and Duinlas. "I shall do as you bid. And I, for one, apologize to those who so graciously host us if my words have caused any distress. But there are some things that cannot be borne. I shall let the matter drop, as you both counsel", he says to the BeorNing and the Elf.

Dain stares furiously at the elf with shock and disbelief as he adresses Braldor without even caring to notice the dwarven king. Fury and anger show on his face, as he feels an immense hatred rising against an elf who speaks of an hostility between his kinsmen and the firstborn he thought long gone. Gritting his teeth he almost hisses at Vinyarod, "How dare you, how dare you...." Not able to express his emotions in words without screaming or yelling at Vinyarod he simply stares at him and leaves it for Master Braldor to point this elf in the right direction.

[Vinyarod(#31483)]
Shaking his head, the Warden deems the point lost in the midst the words spoken last. With a sweep of his hand to dismiss the lack of understanding, he turns and is gone, seemingly at the same point as Dain.

[<#4552>] Gazing behind the leaving elven warden Dain turns to Braldor whispering some orders, "Have this elf watched carefully Master Braldor, he means trouble. We might have to talk to Lord Elrond about him before we leave this valley." Still grumbling he then makes for his wagon and climbs inside.