[Child of the 7th Age]

Lis reached forward and gingerly wrapped her fingers around the end knob of the axe, gently tugging the weapon towards her body. The tall Elf loosened her grip and the axe slipped readily forward into the dwarf's clenched fist. Everyone in the Inn stood frozen in place, not daring to breath or say anything for fear they would provoke this argumentative stranger into a rage. Lis took up the weapon and carefully cradled it near her, like a friend who has been too long away.

She had no wish to provoke a fight as long as she got back what was rightfully hers. What startled her the most was not that the two Elves were obviously carrying weapons. That much was to be expected. But how and where did any of these folk learn to speak a few words of the Khurzdal tongue? Such skill was rare indeed, and could only come about because some dwarf had enough trust in them to share a word or two. What was even more strange is that the tall Elf had not only spoken a few words of their lambe but had even used the correct iglishmek or gestures that Dwarves used in aglab when speaking among themselves. It was indeed very puzzling.

She remembered back on the tales of the First Age that her father had told to her.... Curufin had been the only one of the Noldor to win the friendship of the Khazad. And once it was said that a great friendship had existed between her own people and those of the House of Hador. She had even heard that Gloin's son had become close friends with the Elf Legolas, as unlikely as that sounded. But such instances were few and far between.

Still, if someone knew enough to address a Dwarf with a few words of their own speech, it would not do to show them the sharp edge of an axeblade. Still wary of trusting too much, but not wanting to be accused of rudeness and lack of hospitality, Lis put the axe down at her side and nodded her head in welcome. "Yes, I am the daughter of Balin Fundinul uzbad Khazaddumu. May the blessings of Mahal be on your head for the care you have taken with my weapon."

She stepped back a moment and looked around, detecting the strong, sweet odors of hot cooked food, "Now, does anyone here know if a Dwarf maid can get a tankard of ale and a trencher of meat and gravy in this fine establishment?"