Oooh you made me think quite hard, Nonnie! They’re very different sorts of Dwarves, Haban and Dweris.

Haban is gregarious and chatty, Dweris is not. REALLY not. Haban enjoys the company of others, both as an observer and participator, and Dweris is a bit of a lone wolf. Haban is very streetwise and perceptive, excellent at haggling and at analysing others’ motive and character. Dweris doesn’t bother with that nonsense. At first, when they were thrown together, Haban tried to engage Dweris in conversation, and it all fell a bit flat. Dweris wondered what the hell to say a lot, and ended up humming noncommittally – or grunting for lack of words.

They do respect each other a lot, though. Haban is openly and frankly appreciative of Dweris’ vaunted fighting abilities. Dweris is amazingly kickass, after all. And Dweris is quietly very impressed by how Haban can see right to the core of a problem or argument – and has actually said aloud how astonishing an Axe-dancer Haban is. Four axes at once! That is incredible.

There’s also the shared experience they have for the manner of their passing. Both were Burned Dwarves of Azanulbizar. There’s a lot of fellow-understanding there, even if it is unsaid. Both of them left their children behind in the living world, half-grown. That engenders a lot of sympathy for each other.

Plus they both get irritated with their husbands’ brotherly bickering. Dweris’ method is to give Fundin the longest, most unimpressed look you can possibly imagine (the one Dwalin has inherited – remember the toilet in Laketown? That’s the look). Haban is more likely to say something along the lines of ‘SHUT UP, YOU PAIR OF CHILDREN, Mahal save me, no wonder Oin and Gloin squabble so, they got it from you two!’

If they share a beer or two in these later days, it’s probably in silence. Haban will say something aloud, not expecting an answer. Dweris will grunt in agreement. They will both take a sip and nod in unison. Haban will top up their glasses, and Dweris will fill her pipe.