Settling down ... somewhat. At least a foothold.

It doesn't look like we'll be heading back to Erebor anytime soon. As such, I figured ... meh. Might as well settle down. Sort of. Just a foothold? A small one. Like my big toe. Or a few toes, even.

Well, I wouldn't be so sure about that, brother. The Erebor bit I mean... Just saying. But you deserve your little piece of home away from home. You truly do.

And so I did it. Purchased a house. Somewhat making an adult out of myself, I suppose. At least, that is what Rohir would say, his words accompanied by that gorgeous smirk of his. I can't wait to show him. Whenever he is next in the Ered Luin region, of course. That could take a while. It looks like the twins' father has been keeping his warrior sons busy. But that's alright, seeing as I have a lot of decorating to do. Amongst other things (to put it mildly). My resources are currently limited but I am hoping that throughout my travels, I will find unique objects and interesting furniture to make it more homey and representative of me.

I hate to tell you, Khee, but you will never ever be an adult. At least not if you go by Uncle's definition of what an adult should be. Though...if you look at him mooning over our beloved Hobbit, I'm not sure he's an adult either. As for Rohir, I'm sure something could be arranged. Just, you know, kidnap him or something...

I made sure to buy a house with two bedrooms, setting one up for Fhee so he can have his own space whenever he is not staying over with Mr. Dwalin. Or away on some adventure or errand of some kind. He was gone just recently. It felt like forever. And since his return, it is I who seems to always be all caught up in things, keeping me absent from his presence. I miss him.

That is very kind of you...especially since I have to share a house with elves, humans and even a tiny Hobbit. Not Uncle Bilbo, though Wynniekins thinks herself to be a burglar as well. She will never be as good as Bilbo though, for he has done the impossible and burgled Thorin's heart. And I will not think about Thorin and Bilbo any more now lest I give myself mental scars. Again. And I do apologise for being gone for so long, my brother, it simply couldn't be helped. I am sure we will see each other again soon enough though.

I always miss him.

And I always miss you, my Khee.

I am sorry, Fhee. I do not mean to be such a stranger. Things are just so busy and ... intense, lately. My mind is so full at the moment; I need to sort things out and manage to prioritize. Put my energy where it needs to be. Which calls for choices ... and I have never been very good at making choices.

Rest assured, brother, I do not hold it against you. Never have. I am only glad to see you once in a while and I know you will still find the time to do that.

I do love you, brother dear.

And I love you, you little nuisance.

Well, hmm. Enough sentimentality, methinks. Let us view a few images of my new house, shall we? It is in a beautiful part of the neighborhood where an opening in the rock formation allows us to see some of the sky. It is quite lovely, especially at night. I thought it would be nice to have a mix of underground and open space. After our journey across Middle-Earth with our dear Hobbit to reclaim our mountain, I never could find complete satisfaction in living as our race was meant to - surrounded by rock.

Now Uncle Bilbo would be very proud of you right now. And Uncle Thorin would once again wonder if being with an Elf has made you weaker. But don't listen to Thorin. You have chosen a lovely home indeed.

And so, here it is, as viewed form the outside, all cozy within its protective walls:

Also, Fhee's room (until he redecorates it to his liking); I added a few scholar items, seeing as he is more 'bookish' than I'll ever be:

I hope he likes it. And I look forward to spending time with him just relaxing in our own little 'slice of home'.

I love it, brother. And I can't wait to visit it with you.