And so, with three new companions added to their number, Balin bids the company goodbye until tomorrow.
The next day dawns bright and fair, with clear skies. Balin greets the company at the tall Gatehouse on the western side of Esgaroth. The Gatehouse serves as the sole point that foot traffic have of entry into and exit from Lake-town. Archers are stationed atop the Gatehouse, and a palisade extends to the left and right, offering more places for archers to rain down volleys on anyone wishing to attack the town.
"Good to see you all this morning," Balin says, grinning. With him are two younger Dwarves and three loaded mules. "Let me introduce you to my companions, Barrak and Torrun." Barrel-chested and well-muscled, Barrak has fiery red hair, a thick beard, and a stern, serious expression. Torrun has the same red hair, but he is younger, his face smoother, with large freckles splotched across his nose and cheeks. His beard is much shorter than Torrunthe other Dwarves, and he is not as well-built as either Balin or Barrak. All three Dwarves wear leather armor and have well-made axes at their belts.
"Well met," Barrak says gruffly, though he looks approvingly at the company's armor and weapons, particularly Mock Ironside's. Torrun nods his head in greeting and flashes a quick smile, but says nothing.
"Let's be off, then! We've already lost weeks due to our unfortunate adventure with the Mewlips," Balin says. "Lead on, Master Kodran!"
With this, the company sets out from Esgaroth, Navarre Kodran taking the lead on his horse, with Weardon, Eorik, and Gilmith ranging ahead to scout out the way, the Rider of Rohan on his beautiful Rohan steed, Snowbourne. The caravan of Men, Dwarves, Hobbit, Elf, horses, mules, and hound makes its way into the Long Marshes as the group follows the track of the Running River.
That afternoon when the company stops to make camp, Gwydian takes some time to fish, and Haldir goes out with his Mirkwood hound, Buren, to hunt. Gwydian returns with a brace of fish, and Haldir has been able to bring down a buck, which he skins and prepares for dinner. Meanwhile, the rest of the company set up camp for the night, take care of their animals.
Barrak
Torrun
OOC: Due to some good hunting and fishing rolls, you'll have enough food for this evening and the next day, saving 2 meals per traveler. I'm pausing here to give each person a chance to post if they want to. Otherwise, we'll continue on with the journey.