The Dwarves Treasure

Duron watched the reedy little Elf pace back and forth in their home and pressed his fingers to his temples. Residuals of the pain he felt at Míreth’s announcement still pricked his heart.

“But Papa, I’ve been practicing ax throwing with Gimli for thirty years! I can take care of myself.”

Duron took another deep breath. Who knew Elves could be so petulant? Is this a common Elf trait? He thought of Trili and decided that perhaps females of all races shared a stubborn streak.

“Going to Moria is a fool’s errand. I really don’t understand Balin’s obsession with the place. Darkness is at work here, and I won’t have you caught up in the madness.”

“But Papa, all the other Dwarves are going!”

“If all the other Dwarves jumped off the bridge of Kahazad-dum, would you?”

“Papa!”

“The answer is no, Míreth.” Duron watched his daughter stomp out the door and collapsed into a nearby chair. He thought of the years he had spent with Míreth. Have I been too strict with her? No other dwarf would have done any different with their child. Of that, he felt sure, but perhaps Elves required a different approach. Why does she wish to leave me?

#

“Gimli.”

Gimli swung the hammer and hit himself square on the thumb.

“Arrgg! Míreth, why do you always have to sneak up on me?” he growled, rubbing his throbbing thumb.

“I’m sorry, Gimli. I thought you heard me. I could hear you pounding away from the Great Hall.” Gimli saw the slightest glint of mirth in her eyes.

“Well, not all of us have the ears of an E…female.”

A shadow passed over her eyes. “What troubles you, my friend?” Gimli motioned her to a chair and took the one next to her.

“Papa says I can’t go to Moria. He doesn’t understand. I will just have to go without his permission.” Dread settled in Gimli’s heart. He knew how Duron would take it if Míreth left. I would be just as distraught!
“I’m not going to Moria,” Gimli said and glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Her head shot up immediately.

“You’re not?”

“It will be very quiet here when you go.” He watched her worry her lower lip and hoped that their friendship would be enough of a draw to keep her here.

“It is going to be dangerous,” she said.

“Aye, very dangerous.”

“And Papa would miss me.”

“That he would,” and so would I.

“There’s no telling when I would be able to come back.”

“That’s true. You may never come back.” Gimli repressed a shudder.

“And who would go with you to the secret cave?”

“No one,” Gimli said and sighed heavily.

“I don’t think I’ll go after all. I’m needed here.”

Gimli relaxed. Thank Mahal!

“Oh, did I tell you I think I found a vein of mithril in the cave!” she said, grinning.

“Did you now?”

“Aye. Come on. I’ll show you!”

He followed Míreth down to their secret cave, deep in thought. I never thought to find such a kindred spirit in an Elf. Pity that they do not all possess Míreth’s sensibilities.

#

“Papa?”

“Yes, Míreth?”

“Do you think Gimli likes tall dwarves?” Duron turned and watched Míreth twirling a lock of dark hair around her finger.

“I don’t think Gimli chooses his friends based on their height.” He noticed for the first time that Míreth sat with her shoulders slumped.

“No…I mean, do you think he likes…tall…females?” Duron noted the redness creep into her cheeks. Oh Mahal spare us! Another observation crept its way into his aching head. So that is why the young females have shunned Míreth. I thought them merely cautious of her.

“Well…I think…that is, I haven’t…well I’m not…I haven’t really spoken to Gimli about such things.” Her face darkened and Duron thought he caught a glimpse of a tear. What should I do now? I can’t deal with tears!

“Why am I so different?” she looked at him with wide eyes. “Why am I the only Dwarf with no beard? Why do I tower above everyone else? Why are my ears pointed?” She pulled on an offending ear.

Duron took a deep breath and braced himself for the task he had dreaded all these years. “Míreth, perhaps now is the time for me to tell you…”

“Míreth! There’s something I have to show you. Come quick!” Gimli hurried into the room, waving his hands around and pulled Míreth to her feet.

“Okay! I’ll see you at dinner, Papa!”

“Don’t be late. King Dain expects us to be prompt.” Duron said to her retreating back.

“I won’t.” She shouted and rounded the corner, Gimli pulling her along.

Duron couldn’t help but feel a bit of relief that he had been given a reprieve, but how long would it be until she asked again? Will she want to go to them? Why do the forces work so hard to take my daughter from me?

#


A/N: I apologize for the brevity of this chapter and the length of time it has taken me to update. I have revised all the previous chapters. I hope you will enjoy the improvements and let me know what you think.