As he passed by a series of stalls and sets of blankets with the traders wares arranged before him, the Bardling overheard two talk among themselves.

One an older shepherd selling dried mutton as well as fresh joints of mutton grumbled and waved his hand to take in the Market Green.

"Bah! That business up north way... has caused all sorts o' bother! Strange folk wander'n 'bout with stranger ways. They'll bring trouble ah-long wi' their coin. Mark me words on that!" he grumbled as he looked on at Lifstan with some suspicion.

A middle aged muscular woman with long auburn hair and merriment in her green eyes laughed at the older man.

"Bah yourself Odo! Trouble or not you'll accept their coin none the less. We owe the folk up north our thanks the way I see it. The brave Beornings keep the Old Ford and road about safe for travelers. Dale being rebuilt has given rise to trade n' more coin for us besides." she said with a wink at Odo.

"Bah!" grumbled Odo once more.

Seeing Lifstan she smiled "Ah! You are no Beorning but a stranger all the same. Look at that fine ringmail and that broadsword. A fine axe would do you well good sir. A must if you venture in or about Mirkwood. My name is Amalina and well met. Nay mind Odo. He's not as tough as his mutton."

The women's wares were keen axe heads, iron pegs, and other metal goods.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:22, Tue 31 Oct 2017.

Smiling he nodded to the two, "Greeting Amalina, Odo well met. Aye I am headed to Dale soon enough with any luck." Picking up one of the axe heads he turned it in his hand examining the workmanship "These are some fine axe heads and I think you are right and will heed your advise. How much would such cost and do you have any that are already handled? Or is there someone close by who I could see about a good stout handle?"

When Lifstan mentioned Dale Odo's scowl deepened a bit but he inclined his head and Amalina gave a low whistle.

"Dale? You be far from home. I have yet to travel beyond the Vale myself. I hail from Mountain Hall myself but travel here several times a year. Is it true? Do you truly live in halls of stone then? Has the place returned from the ashes of the dragon-fire so quickly?" said with raised brows.

Odo bit off some dry mutton as he turned a spit, pretending not to listen.

Amalina then peered at the axe head Lifstan held "The smaller ones... for you three silvers. The larger ones ah bit more... hmmmm... let's say six. Barald the stout one over there... " she paused to point at a stall not far away where a rather rotund Woodman was carving a piece of wood.

"... he can put a handle to my axe head for about five copper. Good work he does! I'll vouch for him."

---

The smaller axe are hand axes (1d6 damage) and the larger like a battle axe (1d8 damage) both made of good steel and with good balance.

Trotter had been to towns like this before...men who hadn't seen Hobbits had a tendency to not know how to react.  He tired of the fawning and the questions.  "Everyone is always wanting to know if he were kin to the Hobbit that had helped the Dwarves reclaim the Lonely Mountain," he thought to himself.  His sigh was almost audible.

He did his best to remain unseen as he walked into the town.  He knew, no matter how good his skills might be, that, at some point, he would be noticed.   As unobtrusively as possible, he wandered into the market area and began looking, hoping to see someone selling weapons...he'd been itching to try something a bit new when it came to fighting the goblins and orcs in the wild.

Beli had been in Woodmen Town for a few days, because he was waiting for a special merchant in utensils to show up.
He had looked around a bit and found that the people here were goodnatured but a little scared of dwarves.
Well, he could understand that, because his kin were often a bit boisterous and sometimes they got drunk on too much ale.
But Beli had been sober for a year now and didn't want to get inebriated.

He saw the hobbit enter the town's market area and thought he'd try to make an acquaintance.

Walking up to the hobbit, he said: "Hello, I'm Beli at your service. Do you come from the Shire or the far West? I've been here a few days, can I be of assistance to you?"

Trotter squinted his eyes a little as the dwarf approached and addressed him.  He had not wanted to draw attention to himself and here was a loud dwarf doing it for him.  He sighed again, "All good plans get scuttled in the heat of combat," he thought and smiled.

"Good dwarf," he paused just a moment, "Beli, you said? I come from all over.  I only call the land I walk on home."  His brow furrowed a moment and his eyes grew slightly distant.  It was clear he was thinking before continuing.

"I was intending to quietly make my way through the market looking for a good sword to pair with my own.  I'd be honored to have you show me to a quality blade."

"What better way to make an entrance while avoiding unwanted attention, than to have a gruff dwarf by your side," he thought to himself and his smile grew.

Beli answered the hobbit, while thinking that it was a bit strange that he hadn't said his name,
"Yes, my name is Beli and it would be nice to know your identity too. I can accompany you to the weapons' merchant, but I don't know about swords. We dwarves fight with axes or picks preferably and I'm just a mining dwarf out of the mines. That being said, I haven't mined for more than a year now, as I wanted to see more of the world."

Trotter glanced sideways at the Dwarf and walked a few more steps in silence.  It was almost as if he weren't going to address what the Dwarf had said.

"My apologies, Beli the Miner," he suddenly spoke, "I have been travelling alone for quite some time and my manners are lacking.  I am called Trotter."

It was a few steps more before he continued speaking.  "No worries.  I trust any Dwarf when it comes to weapon-craft.  You may not have experience with stabbing people with a sword, but, you do know the quality of the metal that went in to making it."

He smiled at the dwarf, hoping to convey his honest thoughts.

Beran wanders around a little, Woodman-town was the best place for him to find information on how to reach Lake Town as he knew not how to reach it.

He hoped to find others that were looking to make their way to answer the proclamation of King Bard and offer his services to them as they traveled, after all travel was becoming dangerous and safety in numbers would be for the better plus Beran was quite capable in a fight.

Overhearing the conversation going on nearby and the mention of Dale he proceeds to make his way over towards the stall Lifstan is at, "Pardon my interruption, but you say you are from Dale? I'm looking to head that way myself and seeing as I know not the way I was hoping to find companions that would." he gives a bow of his head "Ah but I forget to introduce myself, Beran of the mountains, of the house of Beorn."

In reply to Beli (msg # 7):

As Beli and Trotter stroll the Market Green he saw a merchant that had not been there the day before. Nor did the man seem to dress like the Woodmen of Woodmen-town. He dressed like a man who came from the south... Rohan or Gondor mayhaps. His hair was  dark brown and his face had a squint-eyed appearance. The southron was large, big-boned, and muscular. Upon the blanket before him was an assortment of knives, daggers, and short blades. The dwarf's keen eyes also spied that for which he looked...
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 23:39, Tue 31 Oct 2017.

Turning to look at the Beorn, "Well met Beran. I am Lifstan, son of Leiknir. Yes I know the way and intend to leave in a day or so to answer Bard's call. Your company would be most welcome."

Handing Amalina nine silver Lifstan picked up one of the larger ax blades and one of the smaller "My thanks Amalina."

Speaking to Beran, Amalina and Odo, "Do you know of any others that may be heading that way. It never hurts to travel as a group."

In reply to Beran (msg # 11):

Amalina stood nearly awestruck at the sight of Beran "Of Beorn's folk are you? If so, may I thank you for your doughty defense of travelers about the Old Ford and beyond. I am Amalina. This is my home... Woodman-town. If you are willing to help this man Master Lifstan then I would be in your debt."

Amalina then held out her hand containing four silver coins "This may aid you both upon the road. Mayhaps better than it would me."

She shook her head to the Bardling's query "No, but if I hear of any I will tell them to seek you out. No doubt you be in the quest halls?"

Odo merely shook his head and chewed his jerky.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:15, Wed 01 Nov 2017.

In reply to Trotter (msg # 10):

The keen-eyed wanderer was the first to spot them as they approached. From the direction of the second gateway upon the rise above them, a knot of warriors emerged. At their head was a warrior of grand stature and bearing. He wore a sword at his belt and a golden torc around his neck. These woodmen seemed to be coming down to the Market Green and toward the Beli and Totter with a puropse...
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:54, Wed 01 Nov 2017.

WIping the dust from her riding skirt, The Bride politely followed her charge, Avina the Healer into Woodmen-town. It had been a few days travel, but The Bride hadn't really minded as she'd gotten to know Avina a bit. Following Avina to the green, The Bride looked around a bit, wondering why the Healer was taking them there. Sure there were stalls of stuff for sale and Avina might like to buy something but more important to The Bride was what news Avina had. All The Bride knew was that Avina had news from Radagast.

In reply to The Bride (msg # 16):

Well-trained working dogs can be seen all around Woodmen-town, the Woodmen being masters of those hounds. The Bride'sown hound gave them a playful bark as they entered the palisade and headed toward the Market Green. The Bride and her hound had been sent to guide and escort a pupil of Radagast. Arnulf, one of the elders, had asked her help. He said the Brown Wizard had news and Avina would bring it.

Avina was a petite teen who had gentle blue eyes and locks of wispy blonde hair tied into a braid about her sprite-like head. She had tiny, soft looking features, giving her a mousey appearance and her slender frame looked as though a strong gale could easily carry her off into the wind. She was dressed in long brown robes that blend into the forest if she were moving quick enough and wore a blue floppy, wide brimmed hat. Of Radagast's message she had been tight lipped. Yet she had been a pleasant road companion and The Bride's Hound, which was a good judge of character, seemed to like her as well.

"We are here at last! I... I barely remember my time within these palisades. I was so young. I... I don't remember much but I know that many come here to trade and barter. Even the good folk of Rhosgobel." she said with a smile. "Thank you and your hound for keeping me company... for keeping me safe."

"Beli," Trotter spoke softly, "we seem to have attracted some attention.  A woodsman of some import appears to have an interest in us."  He tried to act naturally as he spoke to the Dwarf.

"Too much attention for my taste," he continued, "do we await them here or do we busy ourselves with a merchant." As he finished speaking, he casually rested his hand on the pommel of his sword.

The Bride smiled at Avina the Healer as the latter expressed her gratitude. It was good to see that Radagast had taught her common courtesy, along with his secrets. "T'was our pleasure, truly. The journey has been pleasant and we've enjoyed your company." The Bride walked with Avina as she seemed to stroll the Market Green. Spotting a familiar face, The Bride stopped to greet her. "Greetings Amalina! Well met, it does my heart good to see you looking so well. How is Mountain Hall? It has been too long since I've been back there."

In reply to The Bride (msg # 19):

Amalina's head swung around at the sound of a familiar voice.

"Ah! The Bride! I heard you were about and here you are. My heart is also gladdened by seeing you and that hound of yours. Mountain Hall is prospering well enough. New ore found and our shepherds' flocks grow so that from a distance it seems the mountain is covered all over by snow. You must come back and soon."

Then as if remembering her manners she nodded toward to the two men and strangers viewing her wares.

"Please forgive me! May I introduce two visitors to Woodmen-town. This is Master Lifstan of Dale and this is Master Beran, a kinsman of the Beornings. It seems they have heard the calling of Lifstan's King and wish to return to Dale."

Avina, still lost in her own thoughts, stood silently by...

Beran was not used to such things, and Amalina's offer of the silver was generous but even if a part of himself wanted to accept he just couldn't give himself a reason to do "As much as I appreciate the gesture, I cannot accept it." he looks as if about to continue but with the introduction The Bride he turns his attention to her "Greetings to you, an honour to make you acquaintance." he says with a bow of his head.

In reply to Trotter (msg # 18):

Beli, warned by Trotter, saw the sturdy warriors too. He answered:
"It's often best to meet problems head on, especially if you don't have anything to be afraid of. The people of this town are goodnatured and won't put us in jail just for standing here. So let's just wait and see."

Beli waits for the warriors and tries to remember how to greet the leader appropriately, assuming for now that the leader must also
be the leader of this town.

In reply to Beli (msg # 22):

As the knot of warriors moved closer to the pair both Beli and Trotter noted that they seemed relaxed and at ease. The warrior in the lead smiled as he came even with the dwarf and hobbit.

"It is as I had heard. One of the stout folk has come to Woodmen-town. Welcome to Woodmen-town. I am named  Arnulf. I am one of the elders here" the last was said with a bow.

His eyes finally settled upon Trotter and he studied him for a few heartbeats.

"At first I thought you were a child but now I see my error. I have not ever met one of your kind but even here in Woodmen-town the tale of Master Baggins has reached us. You too are welcome as well."

Lifstan was in the process of trying to think of a polite way to decline the offered silver when thankfully Beran had graciously declined. Nodding "Beran is quite right Amalina. Keep your silver, if need be use it to help others in Woodmen-Town."

Smiling and with a slight bow as The Bride was introduced, "Good day to you miss. It is a pleasure to met you."

In reply to Gandalf The Grey (msg # 23):

Bali couldn't remember how he should address the leaders of Woodmen Town, so he improvised as best as he could.
"Dear reverend elder Arnulf", he began, "It's a great honour for me to meet you".
Somewhat belatedly, Beli realized that he should show physical signs of respect, so he bowed down,
trying to keep his nose up, while his chin was descending to the level of his thighs.
This is a bit awkward, he thought, but it's probably what these people expect. Keep looking them in the eyes while bowing down, how can anyone do that?

Getting upright again, Beli continued, "Ahum, yes, I want to say that I respect you wood people very much and I'm very glad
to be here. I'm Beli at your service, I come from the Lonely Mountain. Is there anything I should do to make myself acceptable to
your esteemed council of elders?"

The Bride smiled at the two gentlemen and waited as they finished their protests of Amalina giving them silver. While The Bride didn't understand why a merchant would be paying the customers, she kept her tongue still. "Well met gentlemen, may I present Avina the Healer, apprentice to Radagast. So what brings you two to Woodmen-town?" Keeping a small smile on her face, The Bride waited politely for an answer to her query.

In reply to Beli (msg # 25):

Trotter kept his face stern as the man spoke his introduction.

'Always with the Baggins,' he thought to himself, 'Baggins, Baggins, Baggins, but...if not for the stories and for his meeting with Gandalf,' his mind continued, 'then, perhaps he'd still be tending a garden in the Shire.'

He waited for Beli to finish speaking, and his awkward bow before he, too, addressed the elder.

"Elder Arnulf," he began, still a slightly stern look on his face, "My new friend, Beli, and I were just taking a stroll looking through the wares of the tradesmen.  Since you were...unaware of who I was, I must assume you are here for my friend.  Please, don't keep him too long as he was helping me find a good blade to twin with my own."

While he did not bow to the elder, his tone was very respectful and, as he finished speaking, he smiled, slightly. (Or, perhaps the stern look he had just lessened a bit so it appeared he smiled...who knows)