#ringdwarf

[quiterespectablyyours]

I have overheard the guards. Heptin has been imprisoned and is being interrogated. There is talk of Ragna’s release, as apparently she has been falsely implicated in the poisoning.

To know that he has been nothing but false from the start is somehow both comforting and disheartening all at once.

[quiterespectablyyours]

Heptin has turned against me. Or perhaps he was never with me to begin with.

He had accompanied me to my room after supper under the pretext of preparing me for bed. I had not expected him to draw a knife and cut off my hair and braids. While I was in shock, he turned the knife on me and told me I was not worthy to tie myself to the line of Durin.

The mithril vest stopped him from properly stabbing me, and his shock gave me time to hide and flee from him.

It seems as if there is truly no one in this Mountain who wishes for me to stay. I am alone, but soon I will be free of this blasted place. All I have to do is hide for the next few days.

[quiterespectablyyours]

Heptin made a point of sampling my food tonight, as if he was trying to find poison. It was sweet of him to do so, I think, even though all those who stand against me have now been imprisoned.

[quiterespectablyyours]

Heptin has showed up to help with my braids this morning. I am relieved — the past two days have been agony in trying to tame my hair by myself. When I return to the Shire, I intend to get it trimmed back to a respectable and manageable length.

[quiterespectablyyours]

Heptin finally showed up for supper tonight. He has not left my side since, telling me funny stories and jokes all night. I am glad for his company, as the mood in the room otherwise feels too somber.  

[quiterespectablyyours]

Heptin was absent once again. I find it more difficult to do my braids without him. The other assistants are polite, of course, but they do not know me as well as Heptin does.

[quiterespectablyyours]

Heptin, though he has spent most of his days by my side, was not here today. I asked after him, and was informed that he was offering information to Nori and Dwalin about the poisoning, in preparation for the trial.

I find that I miss his company now that its absence has become profoundly noticeable.

[quiterespectablyyours]

My daily routine has been truncated because of the ongoing investigation, as any balms and creams that I wish to use have to be thoroughly examined and approved by Nori and Dwalin before I can even think of touching them. My assistants therefore mostly assist with combing out my hair, though Heptin is still the one who helps with my braids. It is good to see that he has not allowed my recent illness to affect his treatment of me, as many others in the Mountain seem to act as if I am a ghost or a glass doll about to break any moment.