#brainsdwarf

[quiterespectablyyours]

Well, it’s time. The actual important legal stuff has to get squared away first before all the pomp and ceremony. Balin is bringing over the wedding contract, the zurbarub, detailing our duties to one another.

I mean, it is simply putting into writing the things we already do for one another, but leave it to Dwarves to turn love into a bureaucracy! 

[quiterespectablyyours]

I was informed by Balin prior to the arrival of my assistants that several notes have been discovered in the possession of Ragna, who is currently the main suspect of the ongoing investigation into my poisoning. I wasn’t given more details, but part of me still believes that it was more than just Ragna working against me. She must have other allies in this Mountain.

[quiterespectablyyours]

I do not do so much cataloguing as reading some of the books that I have catalogued. Captain Tauriel has tried to continue our Sindarin lessons, and Balin likewise for Khuzdul, but they are also very busy with running other parts of the Mountain, and so my lessons are frequently at the bottom of their to-do lists.

I do not mind so terribly. Solitude is something I have known all of my life. It is not so unwelcome now.

[quiterespectablyyours]

Balin mentioned that the King wished to speak to me at the library. I wonder what it is he wishes to discuss.

[quiterespectablyyours]

After my lessons with the Captain I have lessons with Balin in Khuzdul and other things as he sees fit, though he knows now that I have refused my duties as Consort. I often catch him looking at me with this strange sadness in his eyes, as if he is disappointed in me.

Of course he cannot understand that this is for the best.

[quiterespectablyyours]

Balin has finished my Khuzdul lesson, and Heptin has finished readying me for bed, which involves several more balms and ointments to my face and another long bath. Though for the sake of Balin’s presence I combed out my hair myself.

The room is now silent save for the crackling of the fire, and the bed is too wide and too cold.

[quiterespectablyyours]

Balin arrived with two guards and introduced me to them, saying that in light of recent events the King had deigned to give me protection after all. I told him that the guards need only accompany me until next month, when I would be leaving Erebor. Balin nodded and thanked me for informing him of my departure.

[quiterespectablyyours]

I have a Sindarin lesson today with the Captain, and Khuzdul after supper, as Balin claims to be busy preparing for things. Apparently the King is assembling a council to deal with the restoration. I have not been invited, and frankly I am glad for it.

To his credit, the King has not tried to talk with me since the discussion about the terrace.