Snippet #2263000

So much was happening so fast, or at least it seemed so to Slanu. Another dwarf had appeared; he delighted in the sight. 'They will have many a merry night conversing and ruckus-making,' he thought to himself, the smallest of smiles creeping onto his face. He quickly washed this expression away, leaving only his stoic features. He turned his attention to Verza and the elf; it seemed that the two would be becoming close during this journey, or at least, he guessed.

And then, someone else volunteered to take a ring. "The rings... I will carry one if it is asked of me." He heard the voice come from the large man who had not spoken much. Slanu thought that he would be as good as a fit for a ring as any other, but he did not state his opinion; he felt that should be left to the rest of the group instead. However, there was still one ring left, and someone needed to take it. Slanu dug deep inside himself; did he feel that he had the self-control to carry one of these powerful rings? Could he resist its temptations for long? Although he liked to believe that he could, there was no way to be sure. But, looking around at the faces, he realized that all of these men, elves, dwarves, and others still had much life, youth, and happiness abound. These rings would have the power to replace that happiness with self-loathing, greed, and hate. He would never wish that upon another being; and he did still deserve punishment for a deed that he had committed long past. 'Could this be the redemption that Gandalf spoke of? Sacrificing my soul's health to spare these others of the burden?' Yes; this was what Gandalf had meant when he said that Slanu would have the chance to redeem his wrongs.

"I will take a ring," Slanu's voice rumbled softly as he stepped forward. "If you will allow me. All I ask is that, if I should become corrupt and do anyone harm or become more of a burden than a help to the group, someone take my life immediately." He would rather be dead than a harm to these good folk. "I do not know if I have the strength, but I do know that I have the will to carry one."