The Lords of the Blue Mountains (Part 2)

Post date: Nov 11, 2015 1:39:7 PM

--By Abadumin Silvertongue-- Lord Duinn

Last issue of the Tablets of Khazadgund we started our tour of the most influential figures in the Blue Mountains, with an interview with Lord Alhvar, in this issue we'll be talking to another prominent figure being Lord Duinn, Uzbad of Durin's Folk in the west.

Abadumin: Lord Duinn, welcome to the Tablets of Khazadgund.

Can I just say what an honour it is to welcome the Lord of the kinship of Durin’s Folk in the West.

*bows low*

Duinn: *Duinn bows* At your service and your families good master, the honour is truly mine!

Abadumin: Before we get stuck in with the questions Lord Duinn, my congratulations... as the kinship of Durin’s Folk is approaching its five year mark; I’m sure it has been a tremendous journey.

Duinn: *thinks a while before answering* Yes, a celebration is in order for that! Though, in all seriousness, it has been a tremendous journey with its own bumps and bruises; learning experiences and friendships.

We have seen many things and accomplished quite a few too and I think we all look forward to the future.

Abadumin: You’ve served the kinship now for five years as its leader, I’m sure you’ve seen many friends come and go, are their many of your first officers and kin members still living in Thorin’s Hall?

Duinn: *Nods while stroking his beard* Yes, yes. As I said, many friendships and seen many things, and many comings and goings. However, many, thankfully still remain with us, or close by and still good friends and in touch!

To name a few, my nephew Kandral, though he had business once elsewhere he remains and is an integral part of Durin's Folk. Byl an old friend and one of the first, now serves as my Izbad, that is second in command. Thorlaen serves as my Lord of Military matters, also one of the first.

Abadumin: When looking at your close entourage your large family seems to be a key element of your life Lord Duinn; from nephews to nieces, to your wife, uncles, aunts, and elderly father... they all have a prominent role in your life. Your family tree seems to be bulging at the seams. Why is it they form such a significant aspect of your life Lord?

Duinn: "Looks surprised, raising an eyebrow to the question" Family is blood and for me family is everything! They have integral parts in my life and elsewhere and help in any way possible, and I suppose what truly counts as untold riches are the bonds we form with our beloved.

From father, mother, siblings, nephew's and niece's, these are bonds we form for life!

Abadumin: If you look at the daily working of Durin’s Folk, such a massive gathering of dwarves, surely it seems too much for one dwarf to manage. How, by Durin’s Beard, do you keep the daily operations running smoothly?

Duinn: *laughs* Truly, it is far from one dwarf running Durin's Folk, and I suppose that would be impossible! Durin's Folk is divided into two wings, one civil; operating our vaults, trade and lore, controlled by our Lord of the hearth Kandral with support from Lords assigned to specific duties. One military side, run by Thorlaen with again support from other Lords assigned to specific task.

I myself have support from Byl in such matters or whenever I am absent he controls matters, and everything diplomatic is headed by my wife, Kveltrild.

But this together and you get Durin's Folk, though not a guarantee for it to run smoothly at all times. *grins*

Abadumin: A reliable source has told me that you have a private ale cellar... and that at one point you and one of your officers had locked away yourselves there for a whole week. Pray, tell the Readers of the Tablets of Khazadgund the true story master Duinn.

Duinn: *seems unsure, ahem!* We have our vaults, though I know of no such event. Next question please!

Abadumin: If we ask around in Thorin’s Hall the kinship of Durin’s Folk seems renowned for their plethora of events, from Khuzdul lessons, to military drills, to various celebrations or even tavern games. Surely you can’t attend all of these? Aren’t your kinmembers tired of having to drag them from event from event every night? Is it perhaps too much of a good thing Lord Duinn?

Duinn: True, we have many events *nods and smiles* I cannot attend all of them, nor would that be possible to crisscross various parts at the same time. I try to attend what time allows me too.

And no one is dragged anywhere, they attend at their own free will, and they are hosted for their benefit. Too much good? I think not, but repetition seems tiresome but we try to keep things challenging.

Abadumin: Last month we had Lord Alhvar here with us, when we discussed the past rift between Durin’s Folk and The Blue Mountains Regiment. How have you seen the relation between your two kinships evolve Lord Duinn? Are bygones truly bygones?

Duinn: *looks serious and nods* The rift, though it is a thing of the past, is undeniable, for the Regiment was born out of it! It all comes down to how we perceive future events should be based on that, or something else entirely.

Though I stand by my decisions, which made back then, I have since made amends with as many a possible both within Durin's Folk and The Regiment. Relations at present are very good and have evolved through the amends proceeded to make! We have offered friendship, alliance and goodwill through a vast number of events and gestures; this is how it has evolved to let bygones be bygones, and a thing of the past.

Abadumin: Talking about The Blue Mountains Regiment, they are the big winners of this year’s Harnkegger Games. Seven days, fifteen events, a massive prize hoard... the biggest Harnkegger ever. Organized by your kinship and the Shire Angling Club; I can imagine it must be a nightmare to organize?

*smiles widely, and nods* Do you mind if I smoke? *Gestures to his pipe and pouch of leaf*

Abadumin: Oh, but of course Lord Duinn, I clean forgot to offer you some of our premium pipweed *quickly offers the pouch to the Lord*

Duinn: Yes, yes! Harnkegger, another example of our friendship... and yes they gave it their all! And won! Congratulations to them indeed!

The organization can indeed be a nightmare, but all credit goes to our organizers, without the help of all the individuals from Durin's Folk and the Angling Club the Harnkegger's would simply not be possible! But a special thank you and pat on the back goes to the brains and will behind it all! My nephew Kandral! Without him there would be nothing, he made the nightmare a dream made real! *Nods* No question!

Abadumin: I’ve heard rumours that this was the last Harnkegger Games due to difficulties with some of the competitors? Tell us it isn’t so Lord!

Duinn: The last? *shakes his head* I sure hope not, and I have a feeling it most likely will return, and we are in correspondence with this year’s sponsor the tasty pie-maker T.Urbine to again be sponsor next year! So, keep an eye out for announcements on Tablets of Khazadgund notice board! New may come!

Abadumin: That is wonderful news indeed Lord Duinn! Can we get a sneak peak at the events for next year?

Duinn: *smiles while shaking his head and laughs slightly* We will by all measure try to match this year's Games! Another record to break? Who knows...

Abadumin: We can’t wait! Now, on an entirely different topic... I’ve heard you’ve sent a throng of Dwarrow lads and lasses off to their death in Moria. Poor dwarves... What’s this all about?

Duinn: Durin's Folk Trading Company! Largest Company west of the Misty Mountains and North of the White Mountains! We operate in Zigilgund in the far north and in Othrikar! Now, the prize! Our Ancient home and the most precious of metals! Mithril!

The Moria Expedition is spearheaded by Trade-Master Hilfar, a capable and resourceful dwarf!

If we find some, the purpose of the mission is to find it and establish a trading post there, and furthermore, to retrieve artifacts and relics, which a subgroup of the Expedition tends, the Seekers of Lore, as they are called.

Also, they are well prepared and hardened, I wouldn't send them to their deaths, though there are risks in their ventures and they all willingly and knowingly signed on the dotted line.

Abadumin: Oh, well in that case, may they find Mithril on their path soon!

Lastly, any final words for our readers Lord?

Duinn: *nods* May the gods guide and Mithril find you! If you are ever in Thorin's Halls the door of Durin's Folk is always open!