[Aylwen Dreamsong]

Malí was slightly surprised to have been invited on such a mission. Part of her shock was fueled by her distaste for the idea of leaving all her papers and comfortable worktable. Another part of her argued that although the comfort and predictability of her office was indeed safe and good, it provided no new opportunities. This mission, while Malí remained her practical, skeptical and slightly pessimistic self, would provide new opportunities and chances akin to that of the ones her father had when moving from the Iron Hills to the Lonely Mountain. Why shouldn't Malí follow in her father's footsteps, and be the first accountant and statistician loyally bonded to the reinstated Moria?

Malí did not participate in the joyous celebrations, thinking it impractical to be so excited about a journey that has not yet even started. It seemed to Malí like applying an equation when it has not been solved. In any case, Malí remained ambivalent as songs were sung and danced were danced, and Malí stayed so as not to reveal her distaste for the festivities. She wanted to go back to her workroom and pack the things she would need, and she began to calculate in her mind how much time she would have to rest before the morning.

Malí noted that it seemed she was the only female in the group. Of course, it was incredibly difficult even for her to know whether anyone else was female, but from first impressions and glances it seemed that there were no other females. Malí didn't feel as proud as she had once felt, for she suddenly thought about how much work it would be to keep such an idealistic Dwarf such as Balin calm and patient for the practical side to every obstacle. The hardest work wouldn't be settling in to a new home and work environment - it would be getting there with the sometimes boisterous and impatient males about her.

The festivities lasted longer than Malí had expected, and before too long Malí excused herself and returned to her workroom to gather up her things. Blank papers were neatly packed, as were two or three dozen writing utensils, along with basic papers and forms that might be copied and used in the new Moria. Malí had everything packed and went to bed, going to sleep early as any practical dwarf would do if they had to wake up at dawn the next morning.