Erebor // Any

[Erebor]

We are at war. There will be scars.

He is surprised to discover that he would handle this situation entirely differently from his uncle. It's not that he would necessarily use different words (although he might), but he'd adjust it, tweak it so that the meaning comes off somewhat differently.

Texas approaches the duo and he recognizes the older man immediately. But his uncle is speaking and so he simply catches the stallion's eye and gives him a small, respectful nod. He's not given to grand gestures, especially not while his uncle is talking. And once Kavi finishes, Texas speaks, and Erebor can't fault him for his question. It's a very valid one, especially considering that Kavi has chosen the route of flattery. Much as the Falls could have a game changing role (isn't healing always something of a game changer?) to build it up like that only sets up for a letdown when they discuss the Chamber in comparison.

Erebor is every bit a stalwart supporter of his kingdom, but he is also a realist. He understands that they are currently weak. He understands that they currently lack numbers. In fact, he understands it so deeply that he feels it is almost a personal failing, almost his fault that it has gotten to be this way. Never mind that it has been this way since before he was even born.

They pause before the Falls and the boy notices that the water seems to be flowing less forcefully than it might – he can see the banks where water had once licked and lapped, now parched and dry. It's no wonder, he thinks, that they now intend to ration it. Even if it were not a powerful political bargaining chip, they'd need to be choosy just to keep its power alive.

"Even the kindest kingdom can only give so much." His voice is firm, earnest. Clearly he means to imply that the Falls has been kind, to them and to others in the past. And in his heart he doesn't doubt it for a moment. He doesn't doubt that they've saved lives – possibly the lives of his own ancestors. And perhaps in the future, they could save the lives of close friends, or current family members. "Texas had mentioned the change, when he visited the Chamber last year."

And then he looks to Kavi, hoping that his uncle has a very compelling case hidden somewhere in his buckskin coat, or, he thinks, they're going to have come a long way with little to show for it.

Erebor

Native Prince of the Chamber

warship x straia