In reply to Gandalf The Grey (msg # 74):

"Good fortune to you too, mister Brego. Thanks for telling me about the king at Edoras Hall."
Beli nodded to Brego and went away from the Southern merchant.

He thought, interesting information, this has been very worthwhile. King Dain must surely hear about this. I need to get back to
Lonely Mountain, but I can't go alone. Me hopes that a few more travellers can be found to undertake the journey to the East."

With such musings, he rejoined the hobbit Trotter at another merchant's stall.
He whispered: mister Brego told me some very interesting things, so that now I long to go back to the Lonely Mountain. Will you consider joining me on such a journey?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:58, Mon 13 Nov 2017.

Lifstan quietly listened to The Brides recounting of the loss of her husband and her oath of vengeance. There were no real words that could ever truly comfort such a loss, only time and the death of the creature responsible would even begin to help. "If you should ever need my help in your quest feel free to call on me. My blade and shield will be at your service."

In reply to The Bride (msg # 77):

Avina placed a gentle hand upon the Bride's shoulder "I too am sorry for your loss. At least you have this brave hound to accompany you. Radaghast has spoken upon the Beast of Mirkwood himself... he said... well he said this beast is no wolf or warg but something far worse. Mayhaps Master Lifstan should go with you. I would go as well but I doubt the Brown would allow it. I am to bring news to all the Woodmen villages. Radaghast thinks it is time to have a folk-moot and have one soon."

Trotter smiled at the man.  "No, but, thank you for answering my question," he said.

As he finished speaking, Beli approached and whispered to him.  Trotter nodded to let him know he'd heard him.  "Perhaps, friend," he responded, "but, first, let's see what this hunt and dinner brings us tonight.  I appreciate your help and, I do sorely wish to see the mountain...however, we do not know what unexpected turns this night will bring us."

He paused a moment, "Take this as my word.  IF, nothing twists the plans, then, I will accompany you!"

In reply to Trotter (msg # 81):

Old Ingund, a charcoal burner, continued to stack his bundles as Beli walked up. Once there was a lull in their conversation he cleared his throat.

"Greetings Master Dwarf! I am Old Ingund, may I interest ya in sum charcoal? It burns easy n' will keep ya warm at night it will. Easy ta keep dry n' carry ta boot."

Then to Trotter "Ya'll find Heva o'er yonder. She be the old woman upon the fancy stool. Talking wi' that big stranger she is. She kin tell ya all 'bout the woods she can. Full o' spiders n' goblins they be. I'd nay tread there lightly." he said pointing to the old woman at the edge of the green talking to Beran the Beorning.

In reply to Gandalf The Grey (msg # 82):

Bali answered the charcoal burner:
"It's a pleasure and an honor to meet you, master Ingund. I'm going to stay in this town tonight, so I guess I don't need
charcoal right away. However, I would need some as soon as I'm leaving this peaceful place. Perhaps you can put aside a pound or
two of charcoal for me? Then I can buy and collect it as soon as I'm going to hit the road again. There's also another matter I'd like
to discuss. As you may know, we dwarves are miners and of course, once we've mined the iron containing stones, we need to meld
them down, so that the iron can flow free. We need a very hot oven for smelting ore and charcoal is very good for heating such
ovens. So perhaps we could establish some kind of agreement about the provision of charcoal?"

In reply to Beli (msg # 83):

Ingund smiled broadly "Aye! That we could Master dwarf. Why ya could get sum here n' up in Woodmen-town ta boot. I could arrange charcoal fer ya that I could. Might be able ta get ah small amount from Rhosgobel as well. I must say ya got me thinking. Thar be another dwarf up in Woodman-town... been talk'n bout open'n the old dwarf road* he has. Can nay think o' his name but ya should talk ta him ya should."

---

* Old Forest Road!
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:03, Fri 17 Nov 2017.

Beran nods and give Heva a smile "If Lake-Town is the otherside of the Mirkwood then that is where I plan to travel; although I know little of it or the dangers that lie within, beyond hearing that there many within its borders." he gives her a slight bow of his head "Any knowlegde you can give of the road ahead would be most welcome."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:44, Fri 17 Nov 2017.

In reply to Gandalf The Grey (msg # 84):

Beli answers: "Another dwarf here in Woodmen Town? Why haven't I met him? Where can I find him, master Ingund? It's not
what I expected to find here, another brother from my people! And talking about the old dwarf road! Now that would be something
to work on. Master Ingund, are you sure you can't remember his name? I wonder why reverend elder Arnulf didn't mention the
presence of another dwarf to me. I hope he hasn't done anything offensive to the elders. O, I need to investigate this immediately!"

The outpouring of support was unexpected. The Bride felt her lips draw tight, her throat catching as though the words didn't want to come loose. She looked to Lifstan, trying to smile at him despite the painful welling in her chest, and managed a short nod of gratitude when the words failed. It was one thing to offer an ear, but to swear a sword was...

He didn't have to, but she appreciated the gesture more than words could say.

At her side, Cú Cathal whined, seeming to sense her discomfort. The enormous hound slipped in beside her, ears flat, attempting to push his head under her arm. Instinctively, she rested her hand on the dog's shaggy head, and the animal quietened.

The Bride found herself gripping the new talisman around her throat at Alvina's warning. The weight of it felt familiar. A comfort, almost, against the troubling words.

Not a wolf. Not a warg.

Something worse.

A part of her had known that already. She'd known from the moment she'd seen her hound return, and tended to the wounds at his side.

She gave another nod at the mention of the folk-moot. A little more resolute this time. The people had to know, and she trusted in Radaghast's judgement. "Best not to delay," she confirmed, her voice once more finding its courage. To Lifstan, she turned, offering him a smile that was equal parts pain and pity. "Your offer means more to me than I can put to words, my friend. Alas, I cannot tell you that my journey will be a happy one. You would travel with a woman already dead, and I can not ask such a thing of you in good faith," she said, gripping the talisaman a little tighter, the smile a little more honest. "But I would be grateful for your company, for as long as you are willing to provide it."

Lifstan could tell that The Bride was a strong woman, his offer had been genuine and he would carry through. Noting her discomfort he tried to think of something comforting to say but failed. "The creature you seek needs to be destroyed. I will accompany you and if we should garner fortunes favor and put an end to this foul creature the world will be a better place."

In reply to Beran (msg # 85):

Old Heva cackled a bit but returned his bow with one of her own. The children that surrounded them became quiet as they starred at the big Beorning.

"Well ya got sum brains ta go with that brawn then Master Beran. I will tell ya what I know and gladly. There are dangers... plenty of them in fact. Some might say as many as there are leaves in the trees. Goblins... those that call Mirkwood home and those that escaped slaughter when they were defeated at the Battle nigh five winters past. I think most hail from the Mount o' Mirkwood meself but there be everywhere mind. Then there be spiders! Sum as big as our shaggy hounds ya see. They're ah hungry lot yes sirree! Cunning n' deadly... even more so than the goblins. Then there be the wood itself. Dark, dank, and deadly it be! Even with ll me time spent in that great dark place, I never go too deep or far. Nay! There be only two ways that give ya ah chance ta reach the other side."

She held up one gnarled finger "One! That be the Old Road. Just north of Woodmen-hall. Gows from the Old Ford all the way ta Lake Town sum say. yet, not many travel it ya see. Goblins be thick as fleas upon ah warg! Sum say it passes nigh the Mount of Mirkwood. Nearly overgrown... "

She paused then held up another finger to join it's twin!

"Two! The Elf Path! Further north and nearer yer lands I'm thinking. Cause it be closer ta the elves it be safer cause they still patrol it sum say but dangerous none-the-less. Spiders and goblins he think there as well. Sum-times even ah orc from Gunabad will wander through. It's farther away n' will add ta yer journey but it be safer methinks."

Trotter had been standing quietly, listening to the exchange.   The enthusiasm in the Dwarfs words were obvious.  "Hmm," he thought to himself, "perhaps if I can get Beli and this other dwarf alone, I can ask them about these runes on the sword."

He smiled, "Friend Beli, let us go find this fine Dwarf.  We can make a small quest of it!"

In reply to Beli (msg # 86):

Old Ingund chuckled a bit "Nay ta worry master Dwarf! yer kin has nay done nu'thin ta cause trouble that I know of. Nay! He be the guest of the Elders he be. Up yonder!"

The old charcoal burner pointed toward the inner ring high upon the hill. Just where Arnulf had invited the dwarf and hobbit for dinner this eve.

"Yep! Came ta help us folk said he. The dwarf I mean. Sent by his own king says he. Been talk'n ta the elders 'bout clearing the Old Forrest Road. Better ta trade wi' the east... men o' the lake... that n' the dwarfs o' course."

Then to Trotter "Jus like I said small one. The dwarf be up yonder."

In reply to The Bride (msg # 87):

Avina's eyes drifted from the Bride to Lifstan "Aye! I will speak with the elders this eve... the elders of Woodmen-town. Then I must travel to Woodmen-hall and do the same. Radagast will come of course. A date must be set first."

She then bit her lip "Perhaps we should speak upon his beast as well. The elders will all be there and they should know of it. Might be they could help hunt this thing."

In reply to Gandalf The Grey (msg # 91):

Bali said in answer to Ingund: "Thank you for telling me, master Ingund. I'll go up and look for my brother dwarf immediately. I
think we'll meet again one of these days, but for now, goodbye!"

To Trotter he said: "It won't be a real quest, but I'd like you to come along."

Beli then enters the town and walks up to the Hall of the elders, with Trotter if he's willing to come along.

It was hard to argue. "Thank you, Lifstan," the Bridge said solemnly. It didn't feel like enough but the hoped the words carried their own weight. She knew he was right, although she could not bring herself to say it. She would need his help. If the stories about the creature were true,  attempting to slay the beast alone may well amount to little more than a quick way of meeting her own death.

To Avina, she nodded. "If this beast is as fell as you say, the good people must know of it. I have already lost my groom. If a warning should deter even one from straying too far leaving behind a family to wallow in grief, the endeavour will not have been in vain."

In reply to The Bride (msg # 94):

Barald, ever trying to be positive, maintained a broad smile upon his lips. He nodded toward the wolf head talisman.

"That'll keep ya safe enough Bride. Wear when e'er you're in the woods. That n' keep trusted swords and spears at your back. That's the best ya can do. That n' that fine hound o' yours. None more loyal I'll wager."

Then to Lifstan he chuckled "Come by in the morn n' I'll have your handles done up nice n' pretty I will. You're a good man. Anyone who'll help one o' me folk be fine by me."

Then to both of them Barald pointed toward the dusky river "Have a care! They seem to be gathering at the river. Making ready for the hunt seems ta be. Good fortune ta ya both."

In reply to The Bride (msg # 94):

Avina nodded and then looked concerned as Barald mentioned the gathering warriors of Woodmen-town.

"I will seek out Radegund and ask here redes. She is a healer like me so will not go on the hunt. You will be with Arnulf Bride. I am told he is a mighty warrior as well as an elder. You can speak with him on the hunt. Perhaps ask to tell your story this eve as we gather for the feast. The only other elder is Evermund. He will most likely lead one of the hunting parties as well. Good fortune to you! Keep the talisman close as Barald has said. Radagast believes in such charms and so do I."

She smiled softly and placed a gentle hand upon The Bride's shoulder.

She then turned and nodded to Lifstan "Good fortune to you man of Dale. There are many dangers beneath the eves of Mirkwood and not all are wolves and such. Be safe."

Lifstan smiles and nods, "I shall Lady Avina. Perhaps we can talk again later this evening after we return." Checking his gear Lifstan turned to head toward the dock. "If you are ready Bride, shall we head to the dock and join the others?"

Cú Cathal lowered his great shaggy head at Barald and yowled loudly, finishing with a sharp yip, as though he'd understood the man. Instinctively, the Bride put her hand on the hound's oversized head, scratching behind one great ear, and the animal quieted, peering at the man with some interest.

The Bride offered Lifstan a brisk nod. Her other hand had gone back to clutch at the talisman,  the pad of her thumb running over the carved details in the wolf's wooden fact. There was a resoluteness in her expression. A stern sort of determination at what was to come.

"Of course. Avina, I thank you for your company and your counsel. You have been a good companion to me these many days."

To Barald, as well, she tried to offer a smile, but it was plain she could not muster the required mirth to hold it. "I shall endeavour to come by with Lifstan in the morning. Thank you, for your fine work," she said, then turned her lead to Lifstan to allow him to lead the way.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Wed 22 Nov 2017.

Beran takes a moment to ponder on the information beforw speaking"As much as I enjoy dealing with goblins, I would be a fool to venture on the Old Road and drag any would travel with me into danger aswell."

He looks back towards Heva again and give her another short bow "My thanks again Mistress Heva, I hope that when I pass this way again I shall perhapd have some tales of my own to tell."

In reply to Lifstan (msg # 97):

Avina averted her eyes shyly at the Barding's words "Just Avina if you please Master Lifstan of Dale. I am no noble as we of the folk have no such titles. I am but a simple student who had the good fortune of being taken under Radagast's wing so to speak. Yet, I would very much like... well to speak with you this eve... well if you would not mind it?"

Turning to the Bride Avina smiles "It is I who owe you much thanks. You have seen me safely here and I too am happy for your companionship. As for my counsel... you may have it any time you wish."

Finally the healer patted Cú Cathal's shaggy head and the great hound rubbed it against the slight figure, Radagast's pupil. The dog whined a bit before taking up his place at The Bride's side once more.

"Take care of your master Cú Cathal." Avina said softly

Finally with a wave "Good fortune to you all!"

In reply to The Bride (msg # 98):

Barald chuckled "Aye! You be most welcome! Most welcome indeed. If you have success in the hunt, mayhaps you will bring me a good steak o' deer or boar upon the morrow as well. Yet, most of all, just bring yerself!"

In reply to Beran (msg # 99):

Heva cackled as the Beorning spoke "You be quite wise Master Beran the Beorning. There is much our good folk can learn from one o'nother methinks. Aye! I would advise taking the Elf Path over the dwarf road o' old. Yet, to each his own. As fer you and your tales... I would be most pleased to greet ya both again. Until then fare thee well."

Grinning a gap tooth smile she inclined her head.