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Kilidoescartwheels
Valinor
Feb 6 2015, 5:20am
Post #1 of 18
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Fanfic - The Firemoon chs 5 & 6
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Okay, let's see if I can do these links. Here are Chapters 1 & 2:
http://newboards.theonering.net/...;;page=unread#unread
And here are Chapters 3 & 4:
http://newboards.theonering.net/forum/gforum/perl/gforum.cgi?post=833114;sb=post_time;so=DESC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread
And now, here are Chapters 5 and 6 - feedback is appreciated, and I don't mind if anyone corrects me on some of the details!
Falconer
“Lower your weapons,” Thorin ordered. Falconer hurried to Magn and quickly slid his pack off, dropping it to the ground. He opened the pack and pulled out a jar of ointment and several wraps. They cleaned Magn’s wound, then Falconer examined the slash. “You will need stitches. There’s a small bottle of painkiller in my pack.”
Kili reached in and found a bottle. “Is this it?”
“Yes, give it to her. Just a little, it’s strong.” Kili tilted her head back and poured. She gagged on the sticky blue liquid. “That’s good,” Falconer said as he prepared a needle. It took no time for Magn to feel the effects. She leaned against Thorin, who held her in place while Falconer stitched. “I saw your fire from a distance. To be honest, I was hoping to share in your venison, but then I heard your scuffle. You dwarves defend yourselves well.”
“That we do,” Thorin replied, “but I thank you for your assistance, and I am certain we have enough venison to share. Do you know who those men are?” Dwalin and Bifur were dragging the dead assailants off to one side.
“I doubt it, but I shall have a look shortly.” He tied off the thread before covering the wound. “It will likely be a few days before this heals,” he cautioned her. “Do not take the stitches out too soon.” Magn nodded drowsily. Falconer stood and walked over to the corpses.
“Kili, take care of her,” Thorin said as he began to stand, but Magn seized his arm tightly. “It’s alright,” Thorin said gently, “Kili will watch over you.” He handed her to his nephew before standing. He noticed Bofur and Runa were tending to Rota, so he followed Falconer, taking stock in their visitor. Falconer was average height for a man, taller than Thorin of course by several inches, though much thinner, even a bit gaunt in the face. He work a plain cloak over deerskin clothing, and tucked his trousers inside rugged boots. His brown hair was cut relatively short, and his face was covered with a short stubble not unlike Kili’s. His eyes were dark blue, almost a sapphire color. Weathered and unwashed, clearly he was used to living in the wild – could this be the Ranger spoken of in Bree?
Falconer looked the corpses over carefully, checking their clothing for telltale signs. “I do not know them,” he finally said, “but I do know of them. There are wild men living close to the mountains. They will fall upon travelers like a pack of wild dogs, stealing what is easy and killing when they wish. You were very lucky, my friend.”
“Perhaps not,” Thorin replied. “You say they live near the mountain, but do they often cross the river?”
“No, not often. The Greyflood is hard to cross. Still,” he added, “it is not unheard of, either. Do you intend to bury them?”
“No,” Thorin said with disgust. “I do not want to spend the energy doing so. We must leave this place early, and keep careful watch all night.”
“I have a friend that can help with that.” Falconer blew a sharp whistle between his teeth. A large, dark falcon swooped down, landing on his outstretched arm. “This is Kestrel. He will help keep watch, and so will I.”
“Then come, let us eat. I wish to ask you something.”
They sat near the fire, cutting off pieces of deermeat and passing them around. During this time, each Dwarf introduced himself or herself to Falconer. Magn was beginning to recover from the painkiller. She wasn’t very hungry, but she was terribly thirsty. After a few minutes of indulging, Falconer turned to their leader. “So, Thorin, what is it you wish to ask?”
“I was told that Rangers had seen a lone Dwarf in the wilds near Dunland. A Dwarf wearing silver rings, such as these.” He extended his hand, showing his rings. “Have you heard such a thing?”
“I have not, nor did any of the other Rangers ever say so to me. Of course, we spent little time in Dunland. Perhaps someone on the other side of the river saw this.”
“You said yourself, the Greyflood is hard to cross.”
“Aye, there is no bridge anymore. You must take a boat. I did notice a gathering on the Dunland side of the river, with some boats and a flat barge.”
“Ah, yes,” Gloin said, “they are expecting us. I do not believe any of them are the wild men you speak of.”
“Don’t be so sure,” Falconer commented. “These lands have grown more dangerous in the past few years. Orcs and goblins are numerous, and not just in Moria. You must take care if you go near the Mountains, or else travel farther south to the Gap of Rohan. The Rohirrim patrol that area, but even they report an increase in attacks, both from Orcs and the wild men.”
Thorin considered what he was being told. “You say most of your people have left for the North?” The Ranger nodded. “Why then did you stay behind?”
Falconer shrugged. “It was requested. One or two of us always remain in the region, and I was in no hurry to leave.”
“I see.” Finally he made his decision. “I will cross the river with the caravan before I go. Fili, you need to stay with the caravan.”
“What?” Fili shook his head. “You cannot go alone, someone must come with you!”
“I agree,” Dwalin added, “it’s too dangerous.”
“The caravan needs you,” Thorin explained. “Those men may return tomorrow. You have a duty to protect the wounded. I will be fine on my own. Follow the Greenway south. Ask if any of the Dunlanders have seen this dwarf. I will follow the river north.”
“Thorin,” Gloin finally spoke, “I think it’s clear that this rumor of your father was meant to bring you out here, to be ambushed. To pursue this is folly.”
“It may be,” Thorin replied, “but if there is a chance I must try, and if in fact it was a plan of ambush, then I want to know who is responsible and why.”
“I, too, would like to know who claims to speak for the Rangers.” Thorin turned to Falconer, who added, “I can accompany you up to the Bruenin, but then I will need to return. You should do the same.”
“Your offer is greatly appreciated.” Thorin bowed slightly to his guest.
“Thorin,” Dwalin cut in, “a word?” They stepped out of earshot. Speaking low, Dwalin asked, “Could this so-called Ranger not also be part of the ambush? How do you know you can trust him?”
“I don’t,” Thorin whispered. “I will be on my guard at all times.”
“The lads and I will come after you as soon as we reach the southern range.”
“No, I will travel north to the Great East Road, and return through Bree. Dwalin, I promised my sister that her sons would not be in any danger. I know they will want to follow, but you musn’t let them.” Dwalin sighed deeply, then reluctantly agreed.
While they spoke, Magn’s eyes drifted over to her wagon. She noticed one goat grazing nearby. She stumbled to her feet, shouting “My goat! Where’s my goat?” It took Kili a moment to realize one was missing. He hurried past Magn, searching for the animal.
“There are tracks,” he pointed out, “perhaps it did not get far.”
Thorin examined a rope fixed to a stake. “This has been cut. I’m sorry, Magn, your animal was stolen. Turning to Dwalin he said, “Account for the others.”
“Shouldn’t we go after it?” Kili was ready to charge off, but Thorin shook his head.”
“I’m afraid Thorin is right,” Falconer concurred. “It is dark, and those men will be wary. They will kill to keep their prize.”
“All other animals are accounted for,” Dwalin reported.
Magn sat next to her remaining goat, trying not to cry. Thorin knelt beside her. “I am truly sorry,” he said gently, “but we cannot pursue them in the dark. Even with the moonlight there are many shadowy places for them to hide. And I must keep the guards close by, in case they return.”
“I understand,” she sniffed while wiping a tear. “It’s just – I needed both goats to pull my wagon.”
“Then you shall use my pony,” Thorin replied. “I cannot take him with me, much as I’d like.”
“Thank you.” She looked up as Fili approached, carrying both her weapon and her instrument.
“I believe these are yours,” he said as he handed them to her.
Thorin rose to his feet. “Pull everything in closer,” he ordered, “and we’ll need two men to watch.” Magn started to stand but lost her balance and stumbled. Thorin caught her by the arm. “Not you, you are wounded. You should get some rest.”
“I don’t think I can sleep now,” she replied.
“Try. We will leave before sunrise.” He smiled briefly before walking her to her wagon. “Get them in a circle around the campfire, and bring the animals inside.” Fili helped Thorin move her wagon, while Kili fetched the remaining goat. After the animal was tethered, Kili felt his brother’s playful punch on his shoulder.
“I think she is fond of you,” Fili whispered.
“Perhaps she is a bit,” Kili whispered back, “but I think she is more fond of our Uncle.” Despite the whispering, Thorin heard what they said. The corners of his mouth turned up slightly. He glanced at Magn, who was climbing into her wagon. She looked over at him, the glow from the moon lighting her features. He hadn’t noticed before just how lovely she looked. Reluctantly he turned away, needing to set up the watches for the night. Crossing at Tharbad
Magn drifted in and out of sleep, reacting to every strange noise or shift in the wind. At one point she wondered why she was trying to sleep – perhaps she should volunteer for a watch? But then her throbbing arm reminded her why. She noticed Bifur was gathering some wood for the fire. She shivered, pulling her blanket tighter. Dwalin was stirring the ashes of the dying fire, while Kili and Fili slept nearby. She saw that Bofur was sleeping outside Runa and Rota’s tent, his hammer nearby. She looked for Thorin, but didn’t see him. Surely he hadn’t left yet! She leaned over the side of her wagon to look around.
Thorin lay sleeping on the ground below her. His bedroll was spread on the ground below him, and a smaller pack was used as a pillow. His coat, once royal blue but now faded, served as a blanket. His pony was tethered near her wagon, and on the other side she could just make out Falconer. He appeared to be sleeping. Kestral was near his feet, picking at a piece of deermeat. Perhaps that was the strange noise she’d heard. Bifur returned, dropping the wood onto the fire. It flared around the new fuel, creating warmth and light. The silent dwarf then retrieved his spear and began pacing around the camp. Magn realized she was safe enough, closed her eyes and hoped sleep would come.
But it seemed only a few moments later that she was being awakened. If sleep had come she missed it. Thorin stood before her, looking more rested than she felt. “It is time,” he said gently. She sat up and looked around. It was still dark, but a faint glow appeared on the eastern horizon. Gloin was noisily waking the other merchants – he was most anxious to leave. Thorin helped her out of the wagon. She felt so unattractive at that moment, with her face unwashed and her hair needing to be rebraided. “We must be leaving,” he said. “There is a stream nearby. Make sure you get some water,” he added as he turned away.
“Good morning, my lady!” She turned to see Kili’s smiling face, looking well-rested and energetic. “Are you feeling well? How’s your arm?”
“I am fine, thank you.” It wasn’t entirely the truth, but close enough. “We should probably get the animals some water before we start, don’t you think?”
“Yes, and refill our waterskins as well.” Magn tugged at her goat, while Kili handled both his and Thorin’s pony. The hill was thankfully not too steep. Dwalin was already at the stream, with his and Fili’s pony. He was splashing water on his face, trying to revive himself. “He stayed up all night,” Kili whispered, “insisting that Fili and I should sleep.”
“Be quick,” Dwalin ordered, while water dripped from his beard. “Gloin wants to leave immediately. We’ll probably eat our breakfast on the move.” He grabbed the reins and began walking the ponies back to camp. As soon as he returned Bifur and Bofur came down, with two ponies each.
As they made their way back Kili admitted, “I am not looking forward to crossing that barren land again, although Gloin says Dunland is much nicer.”
“Not quite the adventure you were hoping for?”
He laughed. “Oh, I think last night was quite the adventure. I could use a bit more of that.” Then he remembered her missing goat. “Oh, I’m sorry. I mean, more fighting, less thieving.”
Magn gave him a half-smile. “It’s alright, Kili. I’m not offended. I’m just sad for my goat. I don’t want to think about what they’ve done to her.”
“Well, try not to,” Kili replied. “Instead, think of how much pottery you’ll sell in Dunland. Does it have your famous rose etchings?”
“Oh, so you were listening.”
“Of course I was!” He hitched the pony to her wagon, then quickly gathered and packed his own belongings. He managed to eat a biscuit and a bit of cheese before the caravan began to move downhill toward the Greyflood.
Travel was slower than it had been, as they had to be cautious on the downhill slope, and because Thorin was now on foot. Kili watched as his uncle talked with the Ranger, occasionally glancing up to look for the falcon. As the first rays of sunlight broke over the eastern horizon he could see the bird, soaring gracefully overhead, completely free of earthly bounds. “It must be glorious to fly like that,” Kili mused.
“Oh yes?” Dwalin scoffed. “Be careful, young dwarf, lest you find yourself crashing into the ground! We dwarves were made to live on the earth, nay, IN the earth itself.”
Kili sighed, feeling a bit restrained by the old warrior. Certainly most dwarves did prefer to live underground, but he did not. Why, half of the appeal of hunting was simply being out in the open, with wind and sky and freedom! He heard his older brother snickering, and cast an annoyed gaze at him. He knew Fili felt the same way, though perhaps not as strongly. This trip, which except for last night had been uneventful, was still the most freedom he’d ever experienced. And he knew in his heart that this was the way he wanted to live.
“Look there,” Gloin called out the young dwarves, “our transport is there waiting for us.” Kili could see a camp on the other side of the Greyflood, and could just make out a large, flat raft at the river’s edge. “There was once a bridge at this point, but it was destroyed in a flood. In fact, you never know about this river, some years it is narrower than others, but this year it looks much wider. This make take some time.”
Kili looked nervously at the river. “Why didn’t the people rebuild the bridge?”
“Because there are no people to build it,” Gloin replied, “not in this area, at least.”
This time Fili asked, “If there are no people, then why are we here?”
“Because we travel on to Dunland,” Dwalin answered, “which is farther south and closer to the mountains.”
“And are those men from Dunland?”
“No, Fili,” Gloin explained, “they are riverfolk from Rohan. They mostly travel the river Isen to the Gulf, but they’ll move up the coast and take the Greyflood to Tharbad twice yearly, to ferry our merchants across. They’ll expect to get paid, of course,” he lamented, “based on passengers and cargo. It’s all part of trade, young Fili. Your uncle is wise to bring you, for there is much still to learn.”
Kili heard his brother moan ever so slightly. He felt perhaps a bit sorry for Fili, but not too much, as Thorin also expected him to learn about trade. He sighed and looked again for the falcon. It was so high above, but his sharp eyes found the bird again. He then looked at the river and shuddered. The water looked deep and fierce; anything but safe.
“Have faith in the bargemen,” Dwalin said quietly. “They will get us across.”
“I am not afraid,” Kili said less than convincingly.
“Of course not,” Dwalin chuckled.
Trying to get his mind off the river, Kili asked, “So, this is your trade – an armed escort?”
“Yes.”
“You must travel a great deal, then.”
“I do.”
“That would make marriage difficult, wouldn’t it?”
Dwalin glanced at his young charge. “I wouldn’t know, I am not married.”
“Is that by choice?”
Dwalin scowled a bit. “Why do you ask? Are you thinking of marriage? You’re a bit young for that, aren’t you?”
“I’m nearly 75,” Kili said defensively.
Dwalin snorted. “75 years – you’ve got many years to live still. Hm.” Dwalin considered the question. “I suppose I just never really considered marriage. Dwarf men know they may never marry – there are not enough dwarf maids to go around. I accepted that fact long ago.”
“But it’s different in the Blue Mountains,” Kili pointed out. “There are more than enough dwarf-maids here.”
“Aye, that there is, and widows, too. Like your mother.” Kili was surprised by Dwalin’s statement. It never occurred to the young dwarf that his mother could, or even should, remarry. He did not think he’d care for it much if she did. “But,” Dwalin continued, “I am, as you said, a warrior by trade. Perhaps it’s best that I don’t look for a wife.”
“Thorin is a warrior,” Kili reasoned, “and he’s never married either.”
“Well, perhaps he should have,” Dwalin muttered. “He is heir to the throne of Erebor, and it’s different for Royalty.”
“Perhaps he has never met the One for him.”
“No,” Dwalin replied, “I don’t suppose he has.”
By this time they had reached the edge of the river. The grass stopped just inches from the water, and there was a thin strip of sandy ground between. The Rivermen had crossed over as soon as they saw the caravan. The large raft was accompanied by four long, flat canoes, each bearing a horse’s head carving on the bow. The canoes could hold both people and goods. The wagons and large animals would be ferried across on the raft. It would likely take all morning. Gloin’s wagon came on first, as it was the largest and heaviest. He jumped down and walked over to one of the Rivermen to discuss payment. It was decided that Magn’s wagon would be ferried with Gloin’s, since hers was the lightest. She crossed the river with Thorin and Falconer. “I suppose you’ll be leaving,” she said quietly.
“Not right away,” he answered. “We are still some ways from Dunland. I expect to remain with the caravan tonight, at least.” She stiffened a bit, which he thought was from apprehension. “Do not fear, you will be safe with Dwalin in charge. But you – must take care. Let Kili do your work for you. Let your arm heal.”
“Oh, I am fine.” In truth, her arm did throb a bit when she lifted heavy things, but she didn’t want to appear weak.
“Of course you are.” Thorin smiled. “But let him help you just the same. He needs to earn his pay.”
Kili was struggling to keep his pony calm. Perhaps the pony sensed his own apprehension. He noticed the raft had rails on three sides, which helped calm him a bit. Two Rivermen stood in water rushing past their knees, holding the raft in place, until it was ready to launch. It occurred to him that the open side was now facing the river. “How are they going to get the wagons off?”
“They’ll have to spin the raft around,” Dwalin replied. That thought make Kili more nervous than the crossing itself. He nudged his pony onto the raft and held its head firmly with one arm, while clinging to the rail with his other hand. He glanced at his brother, who looked equally nervous. But they were Dwarves, and the heirs of the line of Durin. They would not be cowardly here. It took several trips across the river to get all merchants, wagons and animals safely across. Gloin advised everyone to eat a bit of food as soon as they landed. He wanted the caravan to make the outskirts of Dunland before nightfall. Once he settled up with the Rivermen, the merchants of Erid Luin were on their way.
Why yes, I DO look like Anna Friel!
(This post was edited by Kilidoescartwheels on Feb 6 2015, 5:22am)
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Otaku-sempai
Immortal
Feb 6 2015, 3:38pm
Post #2 of 18
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Using a barge to cross the Greyflood is an interesting idea. Since the bridge at Tharbad was ruined I have assumed that the river was shallow enough at Tharbad to ford with some difficulty, at least when it was low. I suppose that someone could have set up a ferry service, although anyone doing so would have to be very self-sufficient and possibly well-defended.
"The Great Scaly One protects us from alien invaders and ourselves with his fiery atomic love. It can be a tough love - the “folly of man” and all that - but Godzilla is a fair god.
"Godzilla is totally accepting of all people and faiths. For it is written that liberal or conservative, Christian or Muslim or Jew, straight or gay, all people sound pretty much the identical as they are crushed beneath his mighty feet." - Tony Isabella, The First Church of Godzilla (Reform)
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Kilidoescartwheels
Valinor
Feb 6 2015, 4:56pm
Post #3 of 18
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I am definitely going to fix the first 2 chapters, because originally they weren't going to cross the river, but then I thought, they were going to Dunland on the Greenway, they HAVE to cross somehow. When I looked at a map I saw the river Isen was not too far from the Gap of Rohan, so I thought maybe some citizens live near the river and travel out to the coast. I'm not sure it's such a great idea, because if I'm correct Rohan is more of a horse capital. Maybe it should have been Gondor citizens. Kind of waiting for someone to advise me on this. Some people suggested that Tharbad was still a dangerous place to cross, and I thought maybe that meant swift currents. Living near a river myself, I know that sometimes the banks are narrower than others, depending on rainfall and such. Dunland is still a ways south of where they are, I'm thinking at least another day or two for travel. The next chapter will feature the Firemoon for sure.
As far as well-defended goes, I assume that's why Falconer was asked to stick around. Maybe there should be one or two more Rangers in the Rohan camp, what do you think?
Why yes, I DO look like Anna Friel!
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Otaku-sempai
Immortal
Feb 6 2015, 5:07pm
Post #4 of 18
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If the caravan remains on the Greenway then it doesn't even get close to the mountains until after passing through the ruins of Tharbad. The mountain that Kili mentions to their left was probably Methedras; they might not have even traveled as far as Dol Baran. Of course, it is up to you to decide where most of the trading took place.
Maybe crossing the Greyflood is achieved by a ferry consisting of a flat-bottomed boat using a line stretched across the river.
"The Great Scaly One protects us from alien invaders and ourselves with his fiery atomic love. It can be a tough love - the “folly of man” and all that - but Godzilla is a fair god.
"Godzilla is totally accepting of all people and faiths. For it is written that liberal or conservative, Christian or Muslim or Jew, straight or gay, all people sound pretty much the identical as they are crushed beneath his mighty feet." - Tony Isabella, The First Church of Godzilla (Reform)
(This post was edited by Otaku-sempai on Feb 6 2015, 5:09pm)
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Kirly
Lorien
Feb 6 2015, 8:43pm
Post #5 of 18
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The railings on either end of the raft of barge could be like removable sections of fence. Although I liked imaging Kili turning green thinking about the craft spinning around.
Can't wait for the rest of the story!
My avatar photo is Lake Tekapo in New Zealand's South Island. Taken by me in 2004 on a Red Carpet Tours LOTR Movie Location Tour. 'Twas the Vacation of a Lifetime!
pictures taken while on the tour are here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/Kirly7/LOTRNewZealandTour#
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Elarie
Grey Havens
Feb 15 2015, 11:51pm
Post #6 of 18
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Sorry it took me so long to get to it, but I'm really enjoying this and am looking forward to the rest of the story, and I'm so glad you included Bifur the toymaker - I love that!. Also, I like the fact that you've got more than one story line going and I'm anxious to see how they all turn out. Please keep the chapters coming! 
__________________
Gold is the strife of kinsmen,
and fire of the flood-tide,
and the path of the serpent.
(Old Icelandic Fe rune poem)
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Kilidoescartwheels
Valinor
Feb 16 2015, 4:59pm
Post #7 of 18
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I've been working on the last bit, and as luck would have it my office is closed today because of slick roads - so maybe I'll finally get this done and posted!
Why yes, I DO look like Anna Friel!
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Otaku-sempai
Immortal
Feb 16 2015, 5:56pm
Post #8 of 18
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I've been working on the last bit, and as luck would have it my office is closed today because of slick roads - so maybe I'll finally get this done and posted!
After you've finished, I would be interested to know if you plan to give the whole thing an extra polish (if not a rewrite).
"At the end of the journey, all men think that their youth was Arcadia..." - Phantom F. Harlock
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Kilidoescartwheels
Valinor
Feb 20 2015, 10:54pm
Post #9 of 18
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So I've completed the chapter where they reach Dunland, but to be honest I'm kind of stuck. I just can't find much about Dunland, where exactly it is, where any towns, villages or caves might be, etc. The only thing I've been able to find was a map which I'm pretty sure is tied to a videogame. I just made up a bunch of stuff, but it does make me a little nervous. The last chapter (which I haven't started yet) will be Thorin saying goodbye to the Caravan and going off to search for Thrain, but probably not the return to Erid Luin, since the majority of the story has already taken place. Anyway, any suggestions you can offer would be greatly appreciated, thanks!
Why yes, I DO look like Anna Friel!
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Otaku-sempai
Immortal
Feb 21 2015, 1:27pm
Post #10 of 18
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First, Dunland is part of Eriador west of the Misty Mountains and south of the River Glanduin. The Glanduin flows into the Gwathlow (Greyflood) just east of Tharbad. The Old South Road passes through Dunland before reaching the Gap of Rohan. Between Dunland and the Ocean is the region of Enedwaith which was abandoned after the great floods of TA 2912 (the same floods that devastated Tharbad).
Dunlending settlements in Dunland would be small and fairly primative. These Dunlendings hated the Rohirrim for driving them out of the northern valleys of the Ered Nimrais (White Mountains; the mountain chain that separates Gondor from both Eriador and Rohan) and the plains of western Rohan. They would be hostile towards any group of travelers that included Rohirrim in it. The Dunlendings probably would not have had a lot of trade items other than furs and pelts (fox, rabbit, deer, wolf, bear, wild cats, etc.).
There are several reference books on Middle-earth that I would recommend:
- The Atlas of Middle-earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad
- The Complete Guide to Middle-earth by Robert Foster
- The Complete Tokien Companion by J.E.A. Tyler
And don't forget that there are maps in The Hobbit, the LotR books, Unfinished Tales and a map of Beleriand in the First Age in The Silmarillion. Also use on-line resources like:
- Lord of the Rings Wiki
- Tolkien Gateway
"At the end of the journey, all men think that their youth was Arcadia..." - Phantom F. Harlock
(This post was edited by Otaku-sempai on Feb 21 2015, 1:40pm)
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Otaku-sempai
Immortal
Feb 21 2015, 1:59pm
Post #11 of 18
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Click on image to enlarge:
"At the end of the journey, all men think that their youth was Arcadia..." - Phantom F. Harlock
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Kilidoescartwheels
Valinor
Feb 21 2015, 11:27pm
Post #12 of 18
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So, I'm assuming in my story that the Dunland Dwarves would live in or near the southern Misty Mountains. In fact, in the story I describe them as foothills of the mountains, and that some of the Dwarf homes are like Viking Longhouses, some dug into the foothills and some freestanding. I'm also saying that Gloin is going for his kin, with no real intention of dealing with the men of Dunland. The Dunland Dwarves do blacksmithing and leatherwork for the citizens of Rohan, so I would think that the Dunlandings would be pretty hostile to the Dunland Dwarves, and that an alliance between the Dwarves and the Rohirrim would be essential - what do you think?
Why yes, I DO look like Anna Friel!
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Otaku-sempai
Immortal
Feb 21 2015, 11:38pm
Post #13 of 18
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There probably were not any Dwarves still living in Dunland by the time of The Hobbit. Thror took some of his folk south after the coming of Smaug.They remained there for a number of years; then Thror (in the film-continuity) started the War of the Dwarves and Orcs leading to the Battle of Moria in TA 2799. The women, children and others who didn't go to Moria remained in Dunland until Thorin's return. By 2802 (according to Tolkien, they had crossed Eriador to settle in the Blue Mountains along with other Erebor survivors who had originally fled to the Iron Hills.
The dwarven merchants from the Blue Mountains were probably only planning on trading with the Dunlendings and any other Men in the region. There probably would not have been anyone else. Any Dwarves who might have remained to smith for the Rohirrim would be living in Rohan and not in Dunland anyway. I don't see any of them staying behind, though, unless they were exiled criminals or something of the sort.
"At the end of the journey, all men think that their youth was Arcadia..." - Phantom F. Harlock
(This post was edited by Otaku-sempai on Feb 21 2015, 11:48pm)
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Kilidoescartwheels
Valinor
Feb 22 2015, 5:12am
Post #14 of 18
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In the movie there was a mention of the dwarves "visiting distant relations" in Dunland - granted, that was Bofur talking to the Goblin King, but I would assume there would still be some dwarves there, otherwise I can't imagine why they'd travel all that way to trade with people who really didn't have anything - unless the Dunlandings were the ones that had the furs to begin with. And if that's the case, then my story is just completely messed up, since I said they met the fur traders in Bree. Hmmm, not sure what to do now. But you know, I haven't been able to find anything about the dwarves in Dunland, when I look for info I have read about the Dunlandings, and I just can't see the dwarves of Erebor traveling all that way to trade with Dunlandings. Maybe trade with Rohan, but "silverwork for furs?" I mean, maybe. Since the Rohirrim are horsemen that's why I said the Dunland dwarves were blacksmithing - and also that there weren't very many still there. Maybe that whole scene from the movie was based on a faulty premise, but then I thought PJ and Phillipa were real Tolkein experts, which I am not. Oh, well - I'm already committed to this storyline. Guess I'll just finish it, and maybe later do a re-write that's more in line with Tolkein.
Anyway, thanks again for your help, and sorry if I sounded like I was complaining. I actually was, but not at you, just feeling like I should have done more homework before I started. Live & learn.
Why yes, I DO look like Anna Friel!
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Otaku-sempai
Immortal
Feb 22 2015, 2:42pm
Post #15 of 18
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Bofur's Lie to the Great Goblin
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Yeah, Bofur's lie was pretty transparent anyway, since if the company was traveling to Dunland from the Iron Hills, it would not need to be passing through the Misty Mountains. He should have told the Great Goblin that they were trying to reach the Iron Hills (which was Thorin's story in the book). Of course, even if there are no Dwarves in Dunland, the goblins might not know that. And a few could have remained for their own personal reasons instead of moving on with Thorin and the others.
I'm not sure what your confusion is concerning Kili's Fire Moon story. The merchants from the Blue Mountains were carrying silverworks that they wanted to trade in Dunland for furs (and probably other goods). The Dwarves don't generally farm, raise livestock or hunt for themselves, but obtain such things from the neighboring peoples. And the Dunlendings probably repersented a Bronze-age culture. Think of it like this: The Dwarf-merchants likely had a few other things with them as well such as iron and steel implements. And, in addition to furs and pelts, the Dunlendings could offer other trade goods like decorative feathers, woven goods, dyes and pigments, wild horses and asses. They might have even had some rare woods.
"At the end of the journey, all men think that their youth was Arcadia..." - Phantom F. Harlock
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Bombadil
Half-elven
Feb 22 2015, 9:40pm
Post #16 of 18
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We are VERY Fortunate to have O-s here...
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He is like an Encyclopedia!
A VERY Cool one, in deed.
Sometime bom thinks of Him,
like an OLD
Scholar
scouring the many Texts in the Vast Libraries
of Gondor, or
Rivendell....
Categorizing them, with his Very own
Dewey Decimal system?
BUT? often wonders how his WIFE puts up with it?
NOTHING Bom means
NOTHING, our Great Wizard
O-s doesn't know?
bom bows to O-s Everytime.
www.charlie-art.biz
"What Your Mind can conceive... charlie can achieve"
(This post was edited by Bombadil on Feb 22 2015, 9:41pm)
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Otaku-sempai
Immortal
Feb 22 2015, 9:49pm
Post #17 of 18
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Yeah, Bofur's lie was pretty transparent anyway, since if the company was traveling to Dunland from the Iron Hills, it would not need to be passing through the Misty Mountains.
That should have read, "..if the company was traveling to Dunland from the Blue Mountains, it would not need to be passing through the Misty Mountains." The route that Thorin and Company would have taken in that case would have been the same one used by the merchants in Kili's story.
"At the end of the journey, all men think that their youth was Arcadia..." - Phantom F. Harlock
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Otaku-sempai
Immortal
Feb 22 2015, 9:59pm
Post #18 of 18
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I get an education here as well.
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Chauvelin2000's topic here has been very informative. It seems that Durin's Folk entered Beleriand during the First Age and built the Dwarf-city of Belegost near Mount Dolmed in the Blue Mountains. I guess that means that both the Firebeards and Broadbeams were responsible for founding its sister city of Nogrod and were involved in the theft of the Nauglamir, the murder of Thingol Greycloak and the sack of Doriath. Sorry, Bifur, Bofur and Bombur; bad news for you!
"At the end of the journey, all men think that their youth was Arcadia..." - Phantom F. Harlock
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