[VanimaEdhel]

Estelarion saw a she-Dwarf backing towards the door. He took a quick intake of breath.

"Estelarion," Menelduliniel said calmly, seeing his reaction, "Why do you not go over and intercept that pretty young Dwarf at the door?"

Estelarion shot her a dark glance.

"But...she...is...a...Dwarf," he growled.

"And you are an Elf, so?" she responded cooly, "And it is not like we can choose our companions anymore. She is a creature of Eru as well...well, most of Aule, but Eru still allowed them to prosper as they have."

"But...she...is...a...Dwarf," he said again.

"You said that before," Menelduliniel said in a sugary-sweet voice, "Now come on!"

She suddenly stood up and dragged him (literally) across the room. There, they intercepted the Dwarf.

The Dwarf gave them a startled glance, with a worried glimmer. She was obviously worried that there would be a conflict.

"Vemu ai-menu," greeted Menelduliniel in Khuzdul, the Dwarven language. The Dwarf looked at her with wide eyes.

"Vemu! she replied, "You speak Khuzdul?"

The Dwarf looked at the female Elf suspiciously. Menelduliniel did not know whether she had done well in this greeting. Dwarves were very protective of their language.

"I only know how to greet," Menelduliniel said, truthfully, "And to say farewell. I have heard them said upon meetings and partings in my travels. I do not know anything of much use."

She flinched at the hard look the Dwarf gave her.

"I am Estelarion," Estelarion said, breaking the ice, "And this is Menelduliniel. What is your name?"

Menelduliniel shot Estelarion a thankful glance as they awaited the new Dwarf's reply...