In The Beginning by Halrloprillalar (PG)

[rubynye.livejournal.com]

Fandom: LOTR
Pairing: Durin/Aule
Author on LJ: prillalar
Author Website: http://prillalar.com/fic/
Why this must be read:

We need more stories about Dwarves around here, I think, and this is a sweetly funny, oddly profound, very dwarven story. The summary is the question, "How does a Dwarf make another Dwarf?" and the answer, and the way the question is answered, are well worth reading this lovely little story for.

The next day, the Dwarves studied with Aulë all morning. They were doing jewelry that week and Aulë praised Longbeard's emerald brooch.

"Vala's pet," Stonefoot hissed when Aulë had gone to critique Blacklock's silver earrings.

Longbeard didn't reply. He just looked slightingly at Stonefoot's copper ankle bracelet. Longbeard knew he was the most skilful of the Dwarves. Aulë said so all the time.

In the afternoons, they had Individual Project time. Longbeard started carving his Dwarf out of a huge piece of granite. By suppertime, he had a rough shape and had started to work on the feet.

"You know," said Firebeard, when they were eating plum cake with cream, "I think I'll make another Dwarf too."

"Copycat," said Longbeard. "Just like you copied my helmet design last week." It was true; the other Dwarves copied him all the time. It was flattering but also very annoying.

"I'm not a copycat," said Firebeard in a petulant voice. "But now I have the urge too."

Some of the Dwarves just took more plum cake and coffee. But Broadbeam looked thoughtful.



In The Beginning