Balin strode through the ancient hall, nodding to the dwarves who came out to greet him. Sounds of life echoed in Khazad-dûm: miners and craftsmen busy at their tasks, mothers tending to home and family, young ones laughing and playing.
The massive hall stretched far out of sight, but the firelight of homes and forges and lanterns twinkled like thousands of stars in the darkness.
He had great hopes for his people. The treasure within this mountain--iron and gem and mithril--would provide for them and make this city great again. This city would make the dwarves great again.