Thoughts come to me as I tarry in Imladris for a short time. It seems that, as of late, they often turn to two subjects at hand: Dwarves and burdens.
To the first, my thoughts have e'er been kindly enough, though just skimming the surface. Since finding a friend or two in the Company that had passed through this vale all those months ago on their way to Erebor and many encounters and conversations with various others concerning the troubled relations between our kin and theirs, my thoughts have dived deeper than I previously intended. But not unhappily so.
I have said time and time again, many are the misunderstandings between we Elves and Dwarves. In these late days, I had hoped that such misunderstandings were fewer in occurance and that a desire for peace after many centuries and even ages of strife. But, in some on both sides, the acient grudges seem to hold fast much to the unhappiness of many including myself.
I do not believe that any person enjoys carrying on such grievances, but that tradition, the need for a scapegoat, or even unchecked tempers cause them to do so anyway. And that is only scratching the surface of reasons. I cannot believe that any one of, what they call them in these late days, 'The Free Folk' truly in the foundations of their heart, enjoys being so terribly, and even violently, at odds with another person.
Either side is quick to blame the other and point out faults and failings. Perhaps my eyes are old and the length of my years has made me see patterns where there are none. But seeing such strife continuously occuring in this way cannot be but a boon to those who would see and have delighted in seeing it carry on. Deception can be quite subtle. It starts out as a very small spark, hardly noticeable, until the moment you remember to look for it, there is already a fire spreading because someone somewhere has fanned the flames.
Again, perhaps this is merely me seeing a pattern where there is not one. But I cannot help but to liken it to the many arguments and grievances caused by subtle deceptions on the Enemy's part.
It is my wish, as it is many a warrior's wish, to see peace win the day. But I will admit to a more selfish reason for this wish. Many are the burdens that my kin shoulder as we linger in these lands for some purpose or another. As ever, I would that those burdens be lessened if at all possible. And those that cannot be lifted, may those who bear them be made able to bear up under them to whatever end. The seemingly endless discord between Elves and Dwarves is a burden upon many who I have spoken to in the past months. Yet it is not so easily laid down.
I have been told that my desire to aid others is both a virtue and a fault. For all my thoughts of lifting burdens, I have been told that I so easily take up ones that are not mine to carry and that I too willingly add to my own. But to not do so is against all that I stand for and all that I wish to do. After all this time, I think I now understand my friend's frustration with me in Lindon.
In this situation, I know very well this is little I can do to mend the long carried hurts, though I would still try to as best as I am able. I am well acquainted with carrying burdens and would gladly lend my strength in carrying this one. I cannot do everything, but I can do as I always have and champion such things as peace and compassion. How could I not when such things have been learned so painfully over long years? I would spare others, both Elves and Dwarves, from learning them the same way.
...
Ah, but now perhaps it is time to come up for air again. Vinyarónë would laugh himself silly if he could see how much I wax thoughtful in this age.
