The adventure is finally over! The treasure is ours, but it did not come without consequence and loss. I am now writing safely in the comfort of the cave, trying to move my fourteenth share away. Shortly after we escaped from the barrels, we arrived at Lake-Town. Thorin explained to them that he was King Under-the-Mountain, and they had a celebration for us. For several days we stayed there, but the Master of the town didn't seem too happy to see us. They sent us on our way with food and ponies, (Once again, I was happy. My pony was gray) and we started up to the Lonely Mountain. It is bigger than I had ever imagined! It took us several days to actually get up to it, but our ponies couldn't get up the side of a cliff. We left Bofur and Bombur to keep watch over them. Thorin took out the map, and we found what seemed to be the secret entrance to Smaug's cave. We began to lose hope, for we could not open the door. I came up with a wonderful, foolproof plan. I proposed Bilbo, with his magic ring, could go spy on the dragon through the Front Entrance. He didn't seem too fond of this idea. Then we remembered the runes Elrond read for us. Luckily, the moon was in the position it was supposed to be that night. Thorin turned the key and the door opened. We decided to send our dear friend Mr. Baggins to investigate. Balin volunteered to go with him. They were gone for a long time, and I was beginning to think my dear brother was dead. He came back after about thirty minutes, hobbit-less. Bilbo had ventured even further into the cave. During his absence, we told stories to each other, and what we were going to do with our share of the gold. I told everyone I wanted to go back and mine again, maybe buy and pony or two. They laughed. Bilbo came back, holding a golden cup. We congratulated him. Then a giant roar cried out. It turns out the cup had been one of the dragon's favorites. We were all prepared to go into the cave when Bifur remembered Bofur and Bombur were still in the valley. Since Bifur and I had become good friends over the course of the adventure, I volunteered to help get them back up. I was also worried about my pony. We only managed to save Bofur and Bombur. (It took too many of us to get Bombur up that we didn't have time to save our ponies) I got to the safety of the cave just in time. Smaug smashed the entrance to the secret door, trapping us inside. Then I assume he flew back to his cave. We sent the hobbit back out again to check. He appeared to be having a conversation with Smaug, and came back singed. We stayed there for a while, and when we were sure Smaug had left, we went down the tunnel to get our treasure. It was beautiful! A giant, glowing pile of gold and jewels. We took a few things, then we escaped out of the cave in fear of Smaug. We stayed hidden for many days, until we heard the news that Smaug had attacked Lake-Town, and was killed. We also heard that the Lake-Men and the Elves were coming to claim a piece of the treasure. Thorin would definitely let that happen. We all went into the cave, and built a wall across the entrance. For the next few days, as we waited for the others to come, we just sat around on the treasure, and strengthened the wall. I didn't really listen to the countless messengers that came, because I knew Thorin would never listen to them. Then we received news that they had the Arkenstone! Thorin had us searching for it forever and a day. Bilbo had given it to the men and elves. I honestly thought that Thorin was going to murder him, and I was going to intervene. But I decided against it. Balin and I were rather sad to see the little guy go. I mostly stayed inside the deeper part of the cave then, for I had no particular interest in what the elves wanted. I always valued gold more than jewels, anyway. Then, a few days ago, something happened. The sky grew black. The goblins were coming. The elves and humans, along with Dain and his army, were formulating a strategy to cut them off. I stayed inside, not wanting to get over my head in something that didn't concern me. Thorin decided to rush out into the middle of the battle and Fili and Kili joined him. A bunch of other dwarves ran out, and I was almost knocked over by Gloin. I decided, "What the heck. You only live once, right?" Then I followed after them. I tried to make my way along the backlines, being careful not to engage in any fighting. When I saw Balin fighting a goblin, I ran over, but by the time I got there he had already killed it. Bifur was struggling against two, so I ran to help him. Together we killed about five, suffering only scratches. Now, I was feeling a little over-confident in myself, and rushed out blindly into the field. I have no idea how I managed to survive the whole thing, but I killed an estimated fifteen goblins and three Wargs. When I made my way back to safety, I scrambled up on a rock, so I could see everything. I was close enough to the center that I could see which of my friends hadn't survived. I could make out a few that were living, and I could also see Fili and Kili protecting Thorin from a bunch of Wargs and goblins that were trying to attack them. Somebody on a ledge started crying about eagles, and when I looked to the sky, there were many coming. Maybe we weren't going to lose! The eagles pecked at the enemies, but even that wasn't enough. I was beginning to lose hope, and I was surrounded by goblins on two sides. I heard another cry. The goblins were distracted, and I killed most of them. Then I too was distracted. There was a giant animal ripping goblins and Wargs to shreds. It took me a moment to realize who it was. Beorn had come to save the day! But, unfortunately, a sneaky goblin came up behind me and nearly cut my arm off. Luckily, I received only a small gash. I scurried away to safety. We would win after all.
Well, it turned out that we did win, but it didn't come without losses. Fili and Kili had been killed during battle, and Thorin was severely wounded. Bilbo had been presumed dead because no one could find him. We each took our share of the gold, and there was much celebrating. Bilbo came back, and Thorin died. The ending of this adventure is bittersweet. But I can guarantee it will not be the last I hope to go on. So goodbye, my dear friend, and may luck be ever with you!
Dwalin
(P.S. I have already used some of my treasure. I bought a new pony. I will not let this one get eaten by anything.)
(P.P.S. It turns out my other pony didn't get eaten by Smaug. I am a very happy dwarf!)