[Novnarwen]

"Tell you about myself, eh?" Dwalin asked humorously. Nerin nodded, and to Dwalin's own surprise he found himself thinking about what to say. He realised that there was nothing much to tell. There was nothing remarkably funny, exciting or interesting about his past. He hadn't gotten that far in his life yet. He had in fact, never had the opportunity to do something special. However, as he thought about the recent events; the snake bite, the loss of their food, Kain dying and the fight, he figured he needed a friend.

"Well, I was born in Erebor as you probably know. I was raised there and spent my childhood there. Together with Bali, you know.." Dwalin nodded towards his brother who was still talking to Hænir. "Yeah, we were really close when we were children. Always dreaming of getting away, you know, on quests like this one." Dwalin gave a laugh before continuing dreamily. "But as you also probably know, Bali was much more of an adventurer in practice. He was always a few steps ahead." Nerin nodded, but smiled.

"So, this is your first adventure?" Nerin asked excitedly.

"Well, yeah," Dwalin approvingly. "That's basically why Bali is with me. Due to the fact that we are very good friends and probably would have brought him with me anyway, he is good to have as he has done similar things before. I do admire him in a way, for all he's done," Dwalin concluded silently. "It's ironic isn't it?" the dwarf said at once. "We've come all this way, and for nothing. We've almost got ourselves killed several times, and we're not even home yet. Yes, it's ironic how we as children, and adults, keep dreaming that we're far away from home. But once we truly are away from home and in grave danger, all we wish for is to be ... home.."

He fell silent, as if saddened by his own thoughts. He shrugged, thinking over and over again about the day when he had been in the Hall waiting for the other Dwarves to arrive. Everyone had been so enthusiastic then. No one hesitated. It was as if nothing else mattered. It was all about Rhûn and the treasures in that distant country. Now they were there, and the only treasures here, were their own lives.

"So, what about you?" Dwalin forced on a smile, waiting to hear Nerin's reply.