exsilium | [001] [video]

[The first time the feed turns on, it focuses on a blank wall, and then blurs as it is turned around. Thorin emerges, leaning into the camera until the tip of his nose almost touches it. He stares for a few moments--a subtle wetting of his throat--and then he growls to himself:] Ridiculous. Nonsensical-- [He starts to say something else before it is cut off completely.]

[Almost an hour later he tries again, in a different room, with a grumpy, yet subjected scowl. This wasn't something he had been expecting to have to do again--was none too thrilled about the prospect of it--but it needed to be done.]

I have counted twenty-six days since I arrived in this place. Far more sunsets I have seen than the presence of my own kind. I had not wanted to believe it, but there are no dwarves here. Or they hide themselves well, even from me. [He hasn't seen a single mountain either, for that matter.] As far as I've gathered, we are but legend in this realm.

Then it is not a far stretch to assume you are in need of a smith or a stone worker--as your city lacks a pair of hands true in their mastership. I extend to you my services, and the guarantee you will not find one more skilled with a hammer or forge than a dwarf.

I go by Thorin Oakenshield. You may address me on this talking book.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Well, you can't be just a legend if you're living and breathing right now! So that's kind of cool. I mean, I've never met a dwarf before. Sorry none of your friends are here, though.

Legends must start out as living and breathing in order to become legends. I suppose that's what I fear. [That the dwarves were wiped out, not just hiding.]

What is your name?

[A pause, as she tries to work that one out.]

Maybe try putting an extra padlock on your door, in that case?

Oh, I'm Ahiru! It's nice to meet you.

[A small upturn of his lips; then he holds up his sword.] I find this to be far more suitable for protection.

Well met, my lady. Now that we've introduced ourselves, you properly know your first dwarf.

B-Be careful with it, though!

That's pretty cool! What's the difference between dwarves and humans? A-Ah, only that's too personal...

There are younger, less capable warriors in this city more worthy of your concern than I.

Though hard to convey through these moving pictures, we stand much shorter than the race of Men. And we are built to endure far greater burdens than Men--even the burden of mortality. [True, dwarves weren't immortal, but their average lifespan was twice as long as a human's.]

I can be concerned about more than one person!

I'm shorter than most of us too, so I guess we've got that in common! So you're tougher than normal, and immortal? [She misunderstands.]

Not one that has held a sword as long as I have.

Almost. Immortality is lost on the dwarves, but we live rather long, and we do not age the same as Men. [A beat as he realizes that might be confusing to an outsider and tries to think of an example.] When a Man reaches his sixtieth year, he is already an adult. But for dwarves, sixty is little more than a child.

I'm sure you know what you're doing, if that's what you're worried about.

Wow! I can't imagine being sixty and still feeling like a kid. How old are you?

I would be far more concerned about your place in this war.

My eldest nephew is in his eighty-second year. He is still quite young. [There's undeniable fondness in his voice, even if his expression doesn't allow much.] I'm one-hundred ninety-five.

Well, I'm not going to fight or anything, so there's nothing to worry about.

See, that seems pretty old to me! I mean, not in a bad way or anything. It's pretty cool, being able to live that long. Sorry you've gotta be away from your family for a little while, though.

How are you certain of this?

[And there the right corner of his mouth picks up in amusement, just to become prematurely stale at the mention of his family.] In time I should see them again.

Well, I mean, I've heard they can make us go on the missions, but that doesn't mean they can make us act one way or another once we're there. I'm not a fighter at all and I hate having to see violent stuff, so... I'm sure I'd just get in everybody's way even if I tried.

I'll hope for that too, then.

[He goes quiet for a few seconds. Thorin has had a conversation with someone about war often requiring the young and inexperienced to fight in order to strengthen their numbers. Though she brings up a couple things that make that custom a problem: that made him believe Bilbo would be a problem before he proved his courage.]

Have you experienced battle, before? [In retrospect, that question was probably redundant. But it wasn't like unexpected people have found themselves in fighting situations before.]

I've seen people fight, but I've never done it myself.

Have you any idea why they might have called upon you?

No. I'm really not going to do anything for them. But... Nothing else about them bringing people here makes much sense, either.

It eludes even me.

There is no loyalty or sense of duty to their cause. Most of the people that are here just want to be returned to their homes.

I guess that's a pretty good motivator for us, but it's still wrong for them to have brought us here.

Indeed.

If there is any comfort to be had in this situation, I've been told there is not a minute lost in the worlds we leave behind.

Oh, yes! I do know that. You don't have to try and comfort me or anything, though, really! I didn't mean to worry you at all.

You have not.

Though I am surprised. You seem to be taking your captivity in stride.

Mm, I guess I've had a while to get used to it. I hope it's not that way for you, though.

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