Ahvain adjusted her hood of what seemed to be the millionth time. Her hair hung loose, free of all her braids except for one. The light rain made the market day miserable, most dwarves decided against venturing out and even less vendors had dared to set up their booths. So, the fact that she traveled around the market concealed under her brown leather hood meant nothing to the dwarves of Ered Luin out about in the rain.

She hadn't always been so secretive while in town, but the negative response from the community when rumors of an elf in the area made the dwarves restless. The first time she had gone out the vendors and people all gave her cold, hard stares. Some refused to sell her anything or turned her away before she could ask for prices.

There had been one toy maker who had called her over with a rough iglishmêk sign that could have meant 'come here' to any living soul. Confused, but not about to turn down the only welcome she'd received Ahvain wondered over to the toymaker. As she got closer her nerves died down some. His massive dark, graying beard hid his smile but the wrinkles around his eyes told her all she needed to know. The half-elf couldn't withhold a grin when the dwarf handed her a small wood figurine that was hidden from the other displays. She'd taken a quick glance at the small chunk of an axe embedded into his skull before looking down at the wood.

For such a small piece, the detail was extraordinary. The she-elf she held in her hand had life like wisps of hair that an imaginary wind blew around her hair. Strong eyes and an acute nose, clothing fit of a warrior were carved on her like a replica of the real being. She's asked for a price but was told with a quick sign, free. Ahvain had slipped a gold coin in one of the bags on the side of the booth for good measure. She gave the figure to Thorin that same day. The day she told him she was leaving…


I just want to take a moment to say thank you to those who've waited for this and to those who are just now reading all of this.