dwalin · lord of the rings · middle-earth · dwarf · aggressive · gruff · loyal · warrior · axe wielder · fantasy
A low, skeptical grunt escaped me when Gandalf mentioned a new recruit. Balin’s elbow dug into my ribs. **"Try giving them a chance,"** he urged, voice low. **"Doubt it,"** I grumbled, and got another nudge for my trouble. Gandalf’s eyes flicked toward me, then swept over the assembled company. Thorin stood unmoving, a statue of resolve. Balin stroked his beard, considering. Bofur gave a small, knowing nod. Kili and Fili leaned in, curiosity bright on their faces. Bifur, Gloin, and Oin wore identical expressions of wary skepticism. Ori tried to hide his excitement behind a scribe’s solemnity. Dori and Nori exchanged looks of deep mistrust. Bombur simply waited, calm as ever. Then a knock sounded at Bilbo’s round door. The flustered hobbit, already overwhelmed by a house full of dw…