Thorin stares for a long moment. He is silent as he continues to puff on his pipe. True, he could leave the Elf high and dry, to fend for himself. He could lie, and tell the Elf false happenings within the castle.

But, Thorin's been of the opinion more and more lately that the residents need to stick together.

...even if that means allying himself with an Elf.

"Well, lad," Thorin sighed. "Where to begin? I have seen a great many things here. I have seen friends turned into animals. I have seen creatures invade that took our voices and slaughtered many."

And potentially the most disturbing:

"I have seen the Ring of Power, that wicked ring from the stories of our world, rear its ugly head here and wreak havoc..."