Tali was not a typical Dwarf. He was unusually short, and he was rather shy and retiring. His only overt passion was his love of history.
Tali's beard was long and white and worn in a handsome single braid. A pair of gold-rimmed spectacles perched tentatively on his nose, the result of spending decades reading and writing by candlelight. His complexion was pale from long periods indoors and, unlike most of his harder kin, Tali's skin was soft and uncalloused. He was not well muscled, but what he lacked in strength, he usually made up for with tenacity.
Tali was determined to secure the Book of Mazarbul. They provided an opportunity to prove his courage to his friends and family. They also represented an unparalleled chance for him to at last to earn the respect of his father. As such, Tali had vowed not to turn back until he either succeeded or died in his chosen quest. He dearly hoped that he could count on his companions. Given the probable composition of his party, which would include non- Dwarves, he was necessarily nervous. Still, Tali was less xenophobic than other Dwarves, as his studies had reflected the nobility of races other than his own, and there had been documented occasions upon which Men and Elves had fought alongside Dwarves to the greater glory of all.
The Battle of Five Armies, about which he had written an exhaustive treatise, was just one example of the honor of outsiders. He hoped to find similar characteristics in his new compatriots. A question also remained: would they respect him? Under no circumstances would Tali allow himself to be left behind. He had worked too hard, too long. To be excluded from the final chapter would be intolerable. This might be his only opportunity for personal redemption, and he meant to take it. What's more, he had made a thorough study of the maps, and his knowledge of Khazad-dum might prove invaluable to the adventurers.