Khazad-dûm was the greatest of the Dwarf Kingdoms of old. A vast labyrinth of halls and passages cut deep into the Misty Mountains, it contained the city of Dwarrowdelf, home of the Longbeards: Durin's folk. For thousands of years Khazad-dûm remained the seat of Dwarven power in Middle-earth, and for as long as Dwarves occupied its chambers work continued ceaselessly. Following rich veins of Mithril silver, that most valued of metals, the Dwarves tunnelled ever deeper.In times of wealth and peace the western entrance to Khazad-dûm stood open. Commerce thrived between Durin's people and the neighbouring Elves. The doors themselves were a symbol of friendship between the two, wrought as they were by both Dwarven and Elven hands. Mithril mined within was spun with magic into ithildin letters and iconography that shone only in the light of the moon or stars. Upon their sheer surfaces were inlaid the initials of their makers, the king, and the riddling inscription 'Speak friend and enter'.W