I received a letter from Ori today ...
Pictured with Nori and Dori.
I had to find my English to Dwarvish dictionary in order to translate what he had to say. It was written before the Quest began as you will find out. Some nice visions of Thorin imo ... oh to have been a fly on the wall. I hope he elaborates on the dwarf maidens pursuit of his King one day :-)
25th March, 2941 (3rd Age)
Halls of Ered Luin
Dear Mulubinba,
Gandalf the Grey visited Thorin here a week ago. They had secret discussions but (it seems) Thorin is serious about starting out on his quest to reclaim Erebor. I really, really want to be chosen to go with him but I’m not certain he, Thorin, will allow it.
You know about Thorin, don’t you? He’s our leader – a King in exile, really. I’m distantly related to him as like him, I’m a descendant of the House of Durin (that’s my foot in the door, anyway). I’ve admired him forever – he’s a good leader .. although not a good person to get on the wrong side of! He’s everything a leader should be, strong, hard working, fair – but he’s also proud and a bit distant. He’s got scores of dwarf maidens after him, but he’s never settled down with one of them.
On Balin’s advice I sought out a meeting with Thorin. It wasn’t a great time as he was practising swordsmanship with his nephews Kili and Fili. They are known to badger anyone who isn’t as agile and fit as them, so I didn’t want to talk to Thorin with them around. Thorin however listened to me although I never really know what he is thinking. He stands with his arms folded in that “kingly” demeanour of his and his look tends to make you feel he can read all your inner thoughts. He told me that he would consider me (however), but … I had to make a few changes in my life…… that means getting strong and fit, improving my eating habits and honing my skills with a weapon of my choice. I have to go back to see him for a ‘test’ in a couple of weeks. Mulubinba, I’m a writer and I like drawing and I have no clue where to start so I’ve asked Nori to help me. I originally thought of Dwalin, but he is (can be) a bit impatient.
I’ve been working with Nori for a few days now…it seems (like) a year. I can feel every bone and muscle in my body, I swear. He’s making me run, ride and climb until I’m exhausted. There are no chips for dinner either and I have barely any time for my writing. I’m really trying hard to master the sword, but we’ve found I’m quite good with a sling shot. …. Except I was close to hitting Thorin this afternoon when he appeared from nowhere just as I was aiming at a target close to him. It was a fairly tense moment!
The unfair thing is that I’ve heard Bombur is a certainty for the Company. I don’t understand as he eats far less healthily than I do. I suppose he is strong however, and he can run quite fast when he needs to.
I’m determined I’m going to prove to Thorin that I can be a useful member of the company. Wish me luck – I will let you know how I go.
Ori
It's not a pure translation - I've had to add some missing words. We know Ori goes on the Quest - It will be interesting to get his perspective - hope he writes again!