'Well, then.'

Gimli approaches King Thorin III and begins to speak.

'Hail, Thorin III, King Under the Mountain! I come before you today to ask for your wisdom and mercy. In my adventures beyond the Black Gate of Mordor, I discovered a clan of dwarves known as the Stout-axes. They are a hardy folk, but they have been beset by tragedy at many turns. They have lost their ancestral home, much as we of Durin's Folk have in the past, and they have suffered under the Dark Lord and his servants. Their leader of old, King Greytooth, succumbed to what power lingered in the Rings once wielded by the greatest Kings of the dwarves and led the remainder of his folk down a dark path to ruin.

'The Stout-axes were thus sundered, but I have come north with those who survived and they did not lose hope that kindness could be found beyond the mountains of Mordor. Their number is small, and they have no home beyond these lands. I beg you, King Thorin, offer them a place among us and they will offer their knowledge, compassion, and skill to Durin's Folk.'

Gimli finishes speaking and looks to King Thorin.

Gimli can be found near King Thorin's throne in the Hall Under the Mountain.

King Thorin III has passed his judgment on what is to be done regarding the Stout-axes. You should now speak to Gimli.

Objectives

• Talk to Gimli