[Larnir]

И еще для проверки - как там у меня художественный английский, совсем отсох или пока болтается, вот на английском

The characters of J.R.R. Tolkien haven't read the books of J.R.R. Tolkien… no way they could have known all the details.
Based on ideas and concepts of both book and PJ film. As well as Lord of the Rings, the Silmarillion, LOTRO and alternate sources

***
Rain pattered on the roofs of Michel Delving. Hidden from the noise of falling drops by grass and turf, most of the Little Folk at the hour either reposed following a substantial latest meal, or planned raids on their own pantries and larders. Just a few windows of the inn house were lit - a couple bright, another dark and flickering.

- Why the Shire and why Gandalf?
- Because the Hobbits live in the Shire.
- That I know, Balin. What concerns me is that Dwarves used to live in Erebor.
- So will they, my liege.
- Halflings are no warlike folk for all I know. Nor have there been any halfling thieves of note.
- I'd not be surprised if there are. They are small and nimble, good at passing unnoticed. It seems to me there may be someone providing… special services to Gandalf. Not someone, rather, a family - generation after generation.
- Which is exactly my second question, Balin. Who, what is Gandalf?
Thorin took a puff of fragrant smoke from his pipe, a swig of beer and then reached for a knife - cutting open the crunchy crust of a bun, he stuffed it with shaved ham and pickled wernroot slices. While Thorin was busy with the snacks, his relative and counselor sat deep in thought, so deep that he snatched the offered bun without thinking, bit into it and nearly choked. What, to have a king prepare food for a counselor - and not on a campaign, where camp duties are shared by drawing lots! Sitting in the best room of "Bird and Baby", right over the sign - a wooden eagle carrying someone in its talons, drinking beer and eating Carlo Blagrove's pickles is no campaigning.
- I do not know.
- Nor do I. Balin, he visited Erebor when I was but a child and…
- No, my liege. He visited Erebor when I was but a child. And when Lord Thror was, too. Gandalf has been like that - who knows how long?
- The Northmen think him an Elf. But the Northmen - Thorin laughed grimly, - think we Dwarves are born from stone. Know they not Elves have no beards, no wrinkles, no huge noses like his?
- It is said at least one Elf had a beard, - Balin stroked the full curve of his own, - Cirdan, Lord of Mithlond. And is seems to me Gandalf came from there.
- So Gandalf is Cirdan?
- It's in the chronicles that a ship came to Grey Havens. From over there. Around year one thousand five hundred. No mention of Gandalf earlier could be found. Saruman, too, the one who holds the castle of Isengard under the Steward of Gondor, appeared around that time - and who knows who else? They say Saruman is also like a Man, an aged man that ages no further. We'll ask if there's a chance.
- So, someone arrived from beyond the Sunset - and either that is Gandalf, or after that Cirdan went wandering. Whoever or whatever be he, do we trust in him, Balin?
- You remember, my liege, Gandalf bringing or sending tidings during the Great War. How he knew where the Orcs gather and in what number? What they intend to raid? Where and when storms or floods are to happen? Know he did. And, Gandalf does not claim a share.
- I will consider that, he will not be left unrewarded when we kill the dragon. Speaking of dragons…
- Still in your dreams?
- Nightmares, Balin.
Thorin set his raised mug onto the table and sighed. In the flickering light of fireplace coals - Dwarves have no cause to pay for lamps and candles - Thorin's armour coat shone like living scales, like maille of ancient Gabilgathol faceted coins.
- But it's getting better. I dreamt of dead dragons lately. They say dragon insides are not like those of other living creatures. Did Thurin not kill Glorund, forefather of all worm kin, with a sword of usual size, though wrought by Telchar himself, and did not Azaghal wound the same worm gravely with but a dagger? So the thickness of dragon skin, fat and meat is not to size of the beast…
- If it was possible to just kill the dragon, say, by an arrow in the belly - we'd be seeking an archer, not a burglar. No, not an Elf - one maybe of those Men that dwell by Rivendell. Or even right in Esgaroth… no. I remember, my liege, how many are there passages, turns, gates in the Mountain. Do you recall how the White Stair forks between the second and third - what if an enraged dragon stuck its head there? How broad is the span of its horns?
- I remember everything. May the beast not hope for a battle - we're coming to slaughter it. Jam its head in a door, Balin, and bleed it to death. Just kill it dead. I live to touch the Arkenstone with those hands, Balin, and touch I will.
- Are you not a bit too attracted to that jewel, my liege? It's not mine to judge, not I found and lost it - but may I suggest this is… a stone not meant for Dwarves?
- Mahal the Creator made all the stones of mountains for the Dwarves to delve and shape!
- I am afraid that stone was not of Mahal's making.
- I have heard that story. An Elven story.
- There was blood between Elves and Dwarves for a Stone.
- There was blood and curse between Elves for the Stones, long may the Second Kindred amuse themselves. I have read the story of Nogrod - all those curses…
- We, my…
- Interrupt me not, Balin! Yea, I lust for the Heart of the Mountain above any other treasure - but no accursed Elf am I. I have a right to covet my desire, but foremost I am son of Thror and grandson of Thrain. I have a duty. I am reclaiming Erebor for my people. No matter the price.
- As I wanted to ask my liege. Was it wise to take along both your nephews?
- I haven't told you - or maybe you already guessed, Balin the wise?
- They seem strange. Fili's more grim, Kili's merrier than usual… or have you? By the pick and hammer, they are too young! Never heard of such children receiving the Heirlooms!
- I was given the Heirlooms by Grandfather. Of course, he ordered Father first, of course he refused and called me a child. They quarreled, then the King came himself, took me by the beard and led off to the Inner Chamber. Not in vain, as you see. Yes, Balin, I have passed the Words and Signs to the sons of my sister.
- My liege, you should have left one at least with the folk in the Blue Mountains, especially so! It is not too late! Order one to return. Ask Dis to make one stay. Cast the Lots, at last!
- Balin my dear friend and teacher. All those have I done, right in that order. The Lots fell for every one to go. And still there is not nearly enough of us. Only thirteen answered the call, a true Dwarf each - but two of us are hardly warriors. Others will have to cover Bombur and Ori in battle - and another's almost deaf, yet one more almost mute. We could repulse a band or robbers, Men or Orcs, not more. Our only hope is the Mountain.
- For the Mountain! - Balin rose and raised his mug.
- For the Mountain!

Если кто что имеет сказать, буду благодарен.