Lord Varkas, Ambassador of the Iron Hills, sets forth on a journey of diplomacy. He is clad in a tailored elven-style suit of trousers, tunic and hooded cape, a gift from King Thranduil at a time of friendship between their peoples, before the Breach. He wears this intentionally as his journey will bring him into the presence of at least two high-elven leaders.

Varkas’ itinerary will take him south this side of the Misty Mountains, looping through Rohan, then north to Rivendell and west through Bree and The Shire to the Blue Mountains. After passing the ruins of Erebor and Dale, Varkas arrives in Esgaroth on Long Lake, meeting briefly and unproductively with the local governor, then continues across the lake to the edge of the Great Forest. He takes the old road into Mirkwood, circumventing the elven Woodland Realm and ignoring King Thranduil, who had already made clear his intentions toward the dwarves of Rhovanion. Passing through Mirkwood without mishap, he arrives at the river, crossing the Old Ford, then heads south along the western bank until he arrives at the edges of Lothlorien, some weeks after he had set out. Arriving in the woods of Lothlorien, Varkas was greeted by the guards there and after explaining his business, he was escorted to the woodland city of Caras Galadhon.

Lady Galadriel was standing at the end of the entry arches of Lothlorien. As the dwarven ambassador approaches, she looks into his soul as she speaks. "Greeting Master Varkas of the Iron Hills. Welcome to Lothlorien." She would gracefully turn and begin walking. "What do you wish to discuss this day?"

"I come but to renew friendship with the elves of this fair land and with the Lady Galadriel." Varkas bowed as he said this.

Lady Galadriel continues to be aware of his emotions and surface thoughts as she walks and talks calmly and in a friendly manner to the Dwarf in Elven clothing. "So, then this has nothing to do with any threats the Lord of the Iron Hills is aware of as of late?"

Varkas shook his head. "If you speak of the Battle of Moria, that was ill-fated and perhaps even ill-advised. I am not here to discuss that. As for the sickness in the Greenwood, I am in the dark as to its causes.” Those were the two threats he was aware of. “I wish only to reaffirm the friendship of the Iron Hills and of Lord Dain and to know if there are any needs here among our friends, for any service or resources you stand in need of?"

Lady Galadriel speaks again. "There are needs we will all have in the coming years. Elf, Dwarf, Hobbit, and Man. I speak of a growing darkness that links the expansion of the Orcs with the illness in what is being called the Mirkwood, and other signs." She seems to half float up the stairs and towards her mirror of seeing, which was a fountain bath of spring water.

Varkas lowered his hood and replied as best he could. "Well yes, we are aware of the orcs and we kill any who are found within a hundred miles of the Iron Hills. As for other signs, I am not aware of those."

Lady Galadriel approaches the pedestal then turns to Varkas. "Some hand guides the orcs and others of the dark. You know of the Dwarven rings. Can you name one present Ringbearer?" It is a casual question for she already knew the answer.

Varkas replies honestly, "My understanding is that all but one of the dwarven rings of power were destroyed or lost. As for the Ring of Durin, I suppose it may be in the hands of Thrain or his son, Thorin, but I cannot confirm that guess."

Lady Galadriel "Shall we look for the Ring of Durin? Or perhaps the son?" She was testing the Dwarf's heart.

Varkas answered, "Where either the Ring or Thorin are, I know not. The last I heard, Thorin is in the Blue Mountains helping his people build a life."

Galadriel replied, "You speak of Thrain and his son, Thorin. But you do not know the whereabouts of the last ring, the ring of Durin. If such matters are not of interest to the Iron Hills Dwarves, that is fine. We can discuss other matters. Do you have a question for which you would like to look into the scrying bowl?"

Varkas paused. "If I am permitted, then yes, I will look."

Lady Galadriel waits for the Dwarf to get situated, then pours a little more water into the basin to set the waters to rippling. "What would you like to look into Master Dwarf? And remember I will know what you see for it will be in my mind also."

Varkas steps up onto a pair of stone steps to look down into the water. "I would see anything regarding my love for Zhaideth. Beyond that let Irmo Lord of Visions show me what He will. As Varkas looks into the watery mirror, suddenly he sees himself and Lady Zhaideth joining hands before an altar and priest, speaking words he cannot hear, and exchanging rings. Then the vision changes, and he sees them older with little children on their laps. Now the vision changes to one of a great host of dwarves, elves and humans in a horrific battle against orcs and trolls before the broken gates of Erebor. Then one more change reveals a vision of Lord Dain having the crown of Durin placed upon his head. The visions cease and he sees only the reflection of Galadriel's beautiful face. He looks up, his expression thoughtful.

Lady Galadriel speaks. "Many things I can command the Mirror to reveal,' she offers, "and to some it may show what they desire to see. But the Mirror will also show things unbidden, and those are often stranger and more profitable than things which we wish to behold. What you have seen, since I have left the Mirror free to work, I could not tell. For it shows things that were, and things that are, and things that yet may be."

Varkas nodded. "I saw my heart's desire, my wedding to Lady Zhaideth and our young children. As for the rest, I prefer to keep that in my heart and tell no one until such time as they come to pass… IF they come to pass. I know that the future is ever changing, depending on the choices we make. I have had dreams of events that later came to pass, and of others that did not. The Lord Irmo Lorien knows what visions He grants and why He grants them. I am the grateful receiver of these visions and would never deign to question His wisdom, or that of Manwe the King of Winds or of Varda the Star Queen. They know the purposes of The One better than I, or any of us. May it be as The Allfather purposes it to be."

Lady Galadriel gives him a knowing smile. "Wise words Master Varkas. Know that we feel that our friendship with the Dwarves is as strong as ever. What trade goods are of value to the Iron Hills and what shall be offered to us?"

Varkas explains, "We have always need of the medicine of elves, be it salves, ointments or herbs such as willow bark and kingsfoil. As for what we may offer, we have much iron and steel, also bronze and diverse kinds of stone. The Iron hills is not blessed with much of precious metals and gems, but we have much iron and copper, and many of the best smiths in Middle Earth. We can furnish weapons and armor, forged in the elven style, in which many of our smiths have been trained. And, we can send masons if needed to help build or rebuild. though it seems your city is in perfect repair, and you primarily use wood in its construction."

Lady Galadriel replies, "We are blessed with abundance of the herbs and medicines. I will speak with Celeborn, when he returns. We shall think of what places would best be served by the Dwarves of the Iron Hills. There is not much we lack here, but we know of other areas that have nothing of value, yet need masons, bronze, weapons for defense, or steel."

Lord Varkas nods. "If you ask, we shall bring help and goods to anyone you send us to. Perhaps Lord Elrond of Imladris has need of these as well. I am on a journey of diplomacy to many realms and will be seeing him soon." Varkas chuckled, "It was our people who built the mechanical lifts in Imladris." he smiled, guessing she knew that already.

Lady Galadriel responded, "Take my greetings to Lord Elrond and his family. Do you wish an armed escort to accompany you to your next destination?" She would walk with him to the arches leading out of Caras Galadhon.

Varkas smiled but shook his head. "No, I do not require such an escort. My own companion at arms is camped outside the Golden Wood. If I may stay the night here, I shall depart south toward Rohan and Gondor in the morning. Thence I shall travel north again west of the Mountains to Rivendell and will surely share your greetings with Lord Elrond."

Lady Galadriel nods in understanding. She summons an Elf to help Varkas find a suitable place to rest for the evening. "I shall send some food and drink to you and your escort." She would wait for him to leave before heading back to her chambers.

Lord Varkas bows again to the ancient yet ever-young elven lady. "A star shines on the hour of our meeting." he says in the elven way. "May it thine ever bright over Thee, Fair White Lady of the Golden Hair."