1999-08-05 Elendor

Here are two logs from a day when I spent more than a day online, overnight, even! In the morning, Gwillim nearly starts a fight with Gumbart and Brican. A warder from Esgaroth breaks us up, however.




Elendor time is: Early Morning (about 8 AM ) on Monday, 25 January 3018. In the
Winter sky, Tonight the moon will be waning crescent.



Great Dale Archway
The cobbled road of colored stone beneath your feet is smooth and seamless. It
stretches under a great, wide archway hewn directly through one of the rock
arms of the Lonely Mountain. The archway has been sculpted to appear like the
roots of an enormous granite tree and is a testimony to the craftsmanship of
the Dwarves of Erebor. Towering high above the road but subtly hidden within
the gnarled granite roots are lookouts and vantage points manned by the guards
of Dale. Access to these lookouts are stairways cunningly carved into side of
the roots and are hidden from the road.
The view southwest through the archway shows the color and splendor that is the
city of Dale. Rock towers of different hues and textures extend up the side of
the mountain, the famous waterways of Dale dominate the central and southern
sections of the city. In amidst the waterways and fountains is the magnificent
palace of the King of the Bardings.

As the morning mist from the lake melts away in the winter sun, traffic starts
to flow through the Archway. Amongst the dwarves coming and going, Gumbart
approaches from Erebor, riding on a pony and leading three more. The ponies are
ladden with goods. As Gumbart approaches the Archway, he notices the
Emyn-Engrin camp and stops his steed. He turns from the road and approaches the
camp.

From the confines of the Emyn-Engrin camp, a lone dwarf can be seen making his
way from his wagon over to the newly started fire. With a yawn, he bends over
to poor himself a cup of coffee from a keattle which has been boiling over the
new flames. Seeing a dwarven figure in the distance, he steps from the flames
to get a closer look.

Gumbart recognizes the figure he last saw a fortnight ago in Emyn-Engrin, far
away in the East. He kicks his pony and approaches, hailing the lone dwarf,
"Brican, dear friend! How wonderfull to see you again!" Gumbart jumps from his
pony and waves his hat.

Smiling towards his old dwarven friend, Brican now abandons his coffee on the
ground, and with his entire face lighting up he asks, "How long has it been
now, a fortnight, I had not expected to see you here."

Gumbart dismisses the story with a wave of his hand, "Don't mind me, old
friend! Your party must have been in quite a hurry! When I left Emyn-Engrin I
heard on Market Square that Master Arwin was still unsure when he was to leave.
Then, a few days ago, your party overtook me. I happened upon your camp one
night, but it was late already and Master Arwin was so busy that cousin Datain
would not lead me to him. I spend the night talking to Datain and rose late
that day. Your party had already left. I guess I haven't heard you leaving
because I had hidden myself in a little cove a bit further away. Datain seemed
quite suspicious and I thought it prudent not to announce my presence." Gumbart
grins and says, "Don't mind an old paranoid traveller's habits, Brican my
friend."

Brican shakes his head towards Gumbart, "This Datain dismissed you out of hand,
I could understand if it was one of the outsiders, but not to trust your own
kind is unforgiveable, no matter where he comes from. I must of been asleep at
the time in the caravan, and this Datain in his naivety forgot to inform the
others of the camp of your coming. I suppose though, I cannot blame him for a
little caution, such strange doings in the camp, a human and all."

Gumbart laughs, "Ah, don't mind him, he seemed quite nervous, he said it was
the first time he left Emyn-Engrin. I am sure he meant no harm, or else he was
too impressed with Master Arwin's authority. Which reminds me, Brican, I
remember that on our trip to Buhr Mahrling you were an apprentice to Master
Nori -- what happened? Did you fight? I recall you weren't too happy." Gumbart
suddenly remembers his ponies. "Let me unmount the poor animals. I might as
well spend the late morning hours with you!" he says and grins, unmounting the
animals, wiping their sweat and giving them their fodder bags.

Looking about the open area, and across the field towards the dale-lands camp,
he turns back to Gumbart, "I do not trust these outdoors, with those humans
campped across the way there, I am sure they are there just to here to attempt
a evil plan, I think it will be safer inside my wagon, will you follow?" With
this he marches up a few steps of the wagon.

Dwarven Travel Camp (Emyn Engrin Group)

Around you is a small dwarven campsight. The campsight is smaller than normal
for Khazad. There is a campfire in the center, surrounded by a number of small
shelters. Though not as large as some dwarven camps, there are sentries on
duty.

Merchant Wagon

	The inside of the wagon is surprisingly spacious. There are benches on
both sides near the rear door and a large desk, firmly planted to the floor
boards, near the front. Behind the desk is a iron bound chest with a large lock
keeping intruders out. Cots have been setup temporarily at various spots within
the wagon, eating up space in the once spacious wagon.

Gumbart follows Brican, taking another look at the mix of humans and dwarves
coming and going through the gates of Dale. He shakes his head and enters the
wagon. He closes the door behind him and takes a look at the wagon's interior.
"Very nice wagon you got yourself here, Brican," he says.

As the bright winter sunlight shines down on the city of Dale, a tall, thin man
stalks out through the gates. The expression on his face does not match the
weather, for he scowls deeply as he walks. He seems to be heading towards a
faded green wagon with the name 'Gwillim Avery' painted on the side, but
changes his mind partway there and turns instead towards the dwarven camp. He
marches up to the nearest wagon, from which the faint sound of voices issues,
and thumps heavily on the side.

Brican steps through the door and out of the wagon.
You step down out of the Merchant Wagon.

Gumbart says, "Uh, who is that, Brican? Our fellow dwarves are awake?" He grins
and gets up. As he opens the door and sees the human standing outside, he
freezes. "Oh," he says and calls back over his shoulder, "Look Brican, you have
a visitor." Mistrusting eyes stare at the stranger as the old dwarf slowly
descends the few steps down to the camp.

You leave the campsight.

Gwillim

A tall, thin man of indeterminate age, though a slight stoop lessens the effect
of his height. His long, thin arms reach up frequently to brush at fine
straight hair of a dull grey-brown colour that falls in front of his eyes. His
stoop and a sharp nose give him something of the appearance of a bird of prey.
His long, nimble fingers show dark stains, and his voice when he speaks has a
throaty quality.

With his face turn away from Gumbart he smiles, he then walks over towards the
little door of the wagon, to peer outside. With a shock, he turns to Gumbart,
with his smile turned into a deep frown. "Aye, a visitor you had said, I did
not realise what type of visitor you had meant." He looks over towards the
human with suspicion in his eye, "What do you want human, I'll call the wardens
if you don't leave now."

The man's scowl remains on his face as he answers, "Call anyone you please, as
long as you leave me someone to talk to. Even better, call a silver merchant.
How is a person supposed to do any business around here with everyone hiding in
their wagons? I need silver before the party leaves for Laketown!"

Gumbart scowls and says, "I doubt you will get any silver from us, man. If you
have something we might be interested in buying, go ahead and show it. If
you're here to beg, get yourself gone!"

Looking in satisfaction over towards Gumbart, Brican scurries back into the
wagon, only later to reveal a metal object, wrapped in cloth, "Don't force me
to use this, you can do merchant business at official times."

A tallsih man walks in from the west and begins looking around. Seeing the
familiar cart and owner, he begins walking towards the cart . He sees two short
dwarves yelling at him. As one scurries to their wagon and comes back with
something metal and threatens the man, he hurries his pace.

Gwillim's face turns a deep red as the first dwarf speaks, and he stares at the
second one. "Official times!" he spits out. "And when would those be?" He turns
back to the first dwarf. "And if there's any begging to be done, you'll be the
one doing it. You wouldn't be here is you didn't need something from us." He
falls silent, staring at the dwarves.

Gumbart remains unfazed, "No need to get exited, man. After all, you seem to be
the one eager to talk to us, banging at my friend's wagon." As he sees the
second man approach, he mutters to Brican, "And who might this one be? A friend
of our short tempered aquaintance, here?" Gumbart takes a look around, noticing
the placement of barrels, the location of his four ponies, the goods he brought
down from Erebor, the campfire with Brican's cold coffee at it's side. "First,
man, tell us your name, like any decent person would, why don't you?"

The man takes a deep breath and relaxes a little, though he mutters darkly,
"Eager! I wait in this place for a cursed week and he calls me eager!" At last,
after another deep breath, he calms enough to introduce himself. "Gwillim's my
name. And who might you be?"

Gumbart bows lightly, "Gumbart, son of Oibart, at your service."

Brican bows towards the intruder of his normally safe abode, "Brican, son of
Gricam, at your service." The dwarf is still unwilling to let go of the metal
object in his procession.

Gwillim is slightly taken aback at the bowing dwarves and he nods his head
briefly in return before muttering, "You dwarves always say that. 'At your
service,' you say, but to get any service...?" He shakes his head and continues
muttering to himself.

The tallish man approaches the small group near the wagons. As he approaches he
calls out, "Hail Gwillim! Been many a day I haven't seen you!". The man glances
over at the two dwarves, "And, who might your friends be?".

Brian_Taze

You see a creature around six feet tall, with black hair and blue eyes. He
wears a green tunic that fits loosely on his upper body. He wears a belt aroun
the middle of the tunic. He wears brown leather boots that look worn. He has no
apparent weapons, but looks as if he could defend himself if needed. He wears a
ring around his right ring finger that glitters with silver inlay. Lastly, you
notice a scar on his forehead, just below his hairline.

Gumbart bows lightly yet again, "Gumbart, son of Oibart, at your service. I'm a
merchant from under the mountain. My visit to my friend's wagon was just
interrupted by yonder man you seem to know." After a pause he adds, "Perhaps we
can finally come back to the original question, Gwillim, which is the nature of
your visit. What right have you to come banging on these wagons here?"

Grumbling under his breath as the other human approaches he weakly smiles
towards Gumbart, "What is it with humans coming uninvited?" Sighing softly to
himself, he finally unveils the item in which he has been holding. When you see
it you notice it is a nicely made silver pot, suitable for either cooking, or
defending one self in need against trespasing humans.

Gwillim turns as he hears his name, and raises an eyebrow at the newcomer. "Ah,
I didn't see you with the caravan. Are you not guarding in Lake Town?" He
glances back at the dwarves, "And these..." He pauses as Gumbart introduces
himself, and his scowl returns. "What right!? What right do I need to knock on
anyone's door?"

Gumbart knots his brows and his gaze darkens. Sarcastically, he asks, "Aye
Gwillim, I find your manners lacking indeed. What brings you here, I ask again.
Perhaps you will deign us worthy of an answer at long last?"

Gwillim opens his mouth, then closes it again, obviously thinking better of the
comment that he was about to make. He takes another deep breath, then answers,
"Did I not say right at the start that I seek a silver merchant?"

"Ah, no I wasn't with the caravan. I have come at the news of Mr.Stanson. I
will say no more in front of others...", the man says, as he motions over at
the dwarves. "I mean no offense sirs, it is just, I don't want this news
spreading." The man glances quickly at Gumbart and his companion and than at
Gwillim, "What have I been missing good people? If it be trouble, I hope you
have a good explanation, especially if it be with the caravan from Laketown."

Glaring over towards Brian for a long while before saying in a hostile tone,
"Of course there trouble, your friend here comes banging his way on our caravan
and you have the absurdity to ask us for a explanation, is this not our camp?"
The young merchant Brican looks less then thrilled then being interogated by
the human, his hands wrapped around the handle of the silver saucepan, ready to
strike at need.
Gwillim shakes his head and begins to turn away. "I will not take any more of
this! If you are here to trade, then trade. If not, then get back to your
mountain. This might be your camp, but it is in our city."

"He came to the camp without permission, than why, may I ask, did the sentries
let him through? Or did he sneek in?", the man says in a sarcastic tone. "I
believe it is your fault, but it is just as equal in Gwillims, unless he does
have a reason..? If so, I would like to hear BOTH of your reasons to make this
ruckus in the town of Dale!", the man says, yelling loudly the last part.

Brican smiles sarcastically towards the human, "You need not worry, we will be
leaving for lake town any time soon, once our wagon master is decided that it
be a good time for us to leave", looking over towards Brian, "You dare accuse
us of fault in your situation, are you daft in your reasonings? I believe it is
simple, he sneaked into our camp, and banged his giant fist against our wagons
side, almost breaking it with one foul swoop. IT is obvious who is to blame
here."

Gumbart laughs at the absurdity of the situation, "How many times have I seen
these men and their hot temper! Don't let them provoke you, good friend
Brican." Turning to Gwillim, he adds sarcastically, "Don't leave us now, just
when we realize what you actually want!" Looking around, Gumbart says
confidently, "The riddle is solved, he wants to buy some silver! Praised be he
who can articulate his wishes. But unfortunately, there be no silver merchants
here. We are sorry for you, dear and friendly Gwillim."

Gwillim turns his head back briefly as the dwarf speaks to him, but the words
simply make him angrier and he turns and stalks away, cursing loudly.

Gumbart laughs and calls, "Do take care, Gwillim the rash with the big fist.
Mayhaps you'll have better luck next time!"

"I find you both are at fault, even though I am more on the side of Gwillim. It
is not his fault he nearly broke yonder wagons. He was not at fault, he did not
know how small the wagons were. For all he knew, they could be full of goods!
He is too used to knocking on wagons of man size, not small dwarven wagons!
Twas both at fault, but neither should have argued. This puts a mighty shame on
the relationships of men and dwarves! This is why I have seen men in Laketown
make the fun of pushing dwarves into the lake!" the man yells as he turns red.
He tries to regain composure, but does a very bad try at it.

You say, "Hush now, no more talk of pushing dwarves into the lake or we'll have
to dig up old stories about the Masters of Esgaroth, shamefull as certain of
them were in the past. Let's not get excited about this, warder. And before you
go, please be so kind as to tell us your name," smiling sarcastically, "to
improve the relationships, if you know what I mean."

The man bows slightly and speaks in a normal voice, "I am Brian Taze, an
Esgarothian Guard. I tell you to be careful around our travel party, for I have
the ability to arrest you. And who might your companion be?"

Brican smiles towards Brian for a moment sarcastically as well, "Well I must
warn you the same, since you did us the honor yourself, if any of your people
intrude on our campsite, we will not hestitate to lock you up in a nice wagon
for a day or two."

Brian laughs loudly, "Are you sure one of us could fit into one of those
wagons? Only our wee ones could fit in thoses!", he says, pointing at on of
those wagons.

Gumbart chuckles, "We are not getting anywhere at all. Look here, dear
guardsman. I have business to conduct. Brican here is a friend of mine from
Emyn-Engrin, a cousin from the Iron Hills. Is that enough to satisfy you? If it
is, we ask you to leave so we can conduct out business undisturbed. If it is
not, do not hesitate to explain yourself more clearly."

Brian looks towards his own wagons and says, "That is all. If you have any
trouble with our people here, you may find me in the area near the wagons. I
bid you good-afternoon." Brian begins walking towards the wagons from Esgaroth.

As a muffled thud from a wagon nearby startles Gumbart, other dwarves can be
seen moving through the camp. Gumbart shoots a perturbed glance in Brican's
direction. A dwarf is bringing a bowl of stew to the named wagon. "I'll go and
see to my wares, Brican. I'll be right back." says Gumbart and moves off
towards his things.




Elendor time is: Mid Afternoon (about 3 PM ) on Monday, 25 January 3018. In the
Winter sky, Tonight the moon will be waning crescent.



Gumbart mounts his ponies and says, "It is mid afternoon, Brican, and I have to
bring these wares to my contact in Dale. I'll be back in the evening, if you
are still around by then?"

Brican nods towards Gumbart for a moment, "Aye, after the scare of those filthy
humans, I think it best if I try and get some relaxation, in what I thought was
a safe wagon."

Gumbart laughs and waves his hat as he rides into Dale.

In the evening, Gumbart and Datain are nearly killed by the choleric chief of the Elendor warders, Koral. Unfortunately you cannot see how dreadfully long LAs such as Koral (played by Toran) take to actually pose!!! ARGH!




Elendor time is: Early Night (about 9 PM ) on Monday, 25 January 3018. In the
Winter sky, The waning crescent moon sails through the firmament fair unto a
gleaming ship.



Great Dale Archway
The cobbled road of colored stone beneath your feet is smooth and seamless. It
stretches under a great, wide archway hewn directly through one of the rock
arms of the Lonely Mountain. The archway has been sculpted to appear like the
roots of an enormous granite tree and is a testimony to the craftsmanship of
the Dwarves of Erebor. Towering high above the road but subtly hidden within
the gnarled granite roots are lookouts and vantage points manned by the guards
of Dale. Access to these lookouts are stairways cunningly carved into side of
the roots and are hidden from the road.
The view southwest through the archway shows the color and splendor that is the
city of Dale. Rock towers of different hues and textures extend up the side of
the mountain, the famous waterways of Dale dominate the central and southern
sections of the city. In amidst the waterways and fountains is the magnificent
palace of the King of the Bardings.

Gilim

Gilim is a bit short even for a dwarf standing at almost 4 feet 2 inches. He is
a about 175 years old and shows his age well. His beard is neatly braided and
hangs just down to his belt. He wears a simple pair of black britches and a
long grey cloak that reaches the top of his boots. His boots are scuffed and
worn but comfortable.

Kalizor

This dwarf stands roughly four feet tall. He is stocky and short of limb. His
body gives the impression of massive, coiled sinew and hard muscle. He wears a
loose shirt of rough wool with laces across his chest. The long sleeves are
tucked into brown leather gauntlets that come half way up his forearms. A brown
leather vest covers his torso, fitting snuggly as it approaches his wide belt.
He wears form fitting brown leather pants and a wide belt from which hangs a
wicked looking dagger. His boots come well up on his calf, rough and dull
brown.

Looking closer, his hair is long and brown, and he wears it pulled back,
braided, and tied with a simple leather thong in the style of a warrior. From
another thong around his neck hangs a brown leather pouch which obviously
carries some small hard object. Eyes of black hold a clear, intelligent
expression giving away nothing, but missing little. A broad nose and wide mouth
give him a hardy, rugged expression.

This dwarf appears to be considering matters of some import. Though his
thoughts may be elsewhere at the moment, he misses little of what goes on
around him, and he reveals little by his expression.

Making his way from a nearby merchant wagon, Brican makes his way
down the steps. Looking about at the gathered dwarfs at the raging fire, he
turns and talks in that direction. He bends down as he arrives to pick up a
kettle and cup and poor himself a strong cup of coffee.

From the winter shadows in this early night, Gumbart approaches the dwarven
camp, arriving from the city. He leads his four ponies by the hand and looks
very tired. As he sees Brican amongst the dwarves, he waves. "Well met again,
Brican! As I promised, I am back." He laughs as he ties his ponies to a post.
Approaching the fire, he notes another face he knows, he grins, "Datain, well
met!"

Kalizor strides up the trail hurriedly, as if late for something. He pauses as
he encounters others and what must be their camp, considering the situation
and peering about to see if he recognizes anyone.

Seeing the figure of Gumbart slowly make his way from the town, Brican sits by
the fire expectantly waiting for his arrival. When at last long he arrives,
Brican smiles in his direction and gives him a warm smile, "Aye Gumbart, you
did promise, after the fright of this morning it sure better seeing your ugly
mug then that humans."

Not able to get his own little fire to light, Datain decides to join the group
and petularly Brican and Gumbart. "Well i guess I wouldn't be able to fend for
myself out here," Datain says with a smile, "What are you two up to?"

Gumbart grins, "I just brought wares from Buhr Mahrling and Emyn-Engrin to my
contacts here in Dale. The usual things, some wine from Dorwinion, some coffee
from the East, some nice gem-cutting tools from the Iron Hills. Nothing
special, in any case. This morning we had a weird encounter with some Esgaroth
warder and a crazy human merchant..."

Kalizor picks a familiar face out of the group and nods, though he can't put a
name to Gumbart's features. He waits for an invitation to join the group,
poised to move on momentarily.

With a smile, Brican takes a long hard sip of his dark black coffee, "A good
strong coffee to start a evening meal, well it was very unusual to say the
least, here was this human, banging for all his worth on the side of my wagon.
I thought we were being invaded at first, grabbing the nearest thing I could
find to defend myself."

Arwin saunters from the caravan just in time to overhear the end of Brican's
comments about defending himself, "Aye, throwin' pots again?" he shouts with a
grin. "I thought I warned ye 'bout doin' that?"

Kalizor steps closer to better hear the conversation, since he is headed toward
Laketown himself.

Gumbart waves at the hesitant dwarf, "Be a welcome guest at our fire, cousin!"
he calls into the shadows. He turns back to Brican and laughs, "Aye, he was
quite a freak!" As Kalizor still hesitates he takes another look, "Are you not
part of this fine party of dwarves from Emyn-Engrin, cousin? Do come and sit by
the fire!"

Gumbart laughs again, mirth wrinkling his face, "Aye, Brican, quite a
formidable weapon you brought to bear against the intruder! Whoooo!"

Smiling back in the direction of Arwin, Brican says with a mild taste of mirth,
"Well as it turns out, not having warned the human that if he took one step
closer, he would see the revenge of my covered pot, that he was actually a
merchant from Esgaroth, came in demanding that he be shown to a silver
merchant, after already violating the circle of our camp."

Kalizor steps closer to the firelight so that he may be seen more clearly,
"Nay, cousin, I am Kalizor, apprentice smith of Erebor. I travel to Celebannon
to join my brothers in a bit of logging, if I be not to tardy."

Stumbling out of the wagon, the lace of Gilim's boot gets caught on the
splintered wood. Catching his balance just in time he yanks his foot breaking
the lace. He bends down and snatches the long lace that is caught on the wood.
Stomping towards the fire, Gilim stares at his boots and curses under his
breath, taking no notice anyone or anything else. Planting himself down on a
log in front of the fire he pulls his boot. Taking a moment to inspect the
broken lace he proceeds to try to tie the long piece to the little nub that's
left.

Gumbart gets up and takes a better look at Kalizor, "I know you not, that is
for sure. Join our fire anyway, fellow cousin. My name is Gumbart, son of
Oibart, Merchant of Erebor, at your service." He bows and turns to the other
arrivals, "Aye, so you have heard, my name is Gumbart, and I am always at your
service and your family's." He bows again.

Arwin stops behind Brican as he arrives at the fire. There is a frown on his
face as he slowly rubs his beard. "A merchant in our midst? And I didn't know
of it?" he looks at Brican with a look more inquisitive than surly, "And did
you say he was a silver merchant or wanted a silver merchant?"

Kalizor steps forward and takes a place near the fire, sitting carefully on the
log ocupied by Gilim. He rubs his hands together and eyes the hot coffee
pointedly. He leans toward Gumbart and motions with his hand as if drinking
from an imaginary cup, "Could ye spare a bit of that, cousin?"

Gumbart raises an eyebrow at Arwin and sends Brican a questioning glance. Then,
taken by surprise by Kalizor's request, he looks at Datain, "Pray Datain, I am
sure you can spare some of that coffee for my cousin? The coffee is not mine, "
he adds apologetically, "I arrived minutes before you, cousin."

Brican takes a long sip of his coffee, strong and black, before he turns his
attention back to Arwin and the others gathered at the fire, "Well Master
Arwin, he was looking for a silver merchant, and as you know this camp has no
silver merchant, it not be our business. He came in here like he own the camp,
saying that us being in the dale-lands gave him every right for blundering
across and almost damaging our wagons with him using the brute force of his
hand to break the sides of our wagons. Well I couldn't stand for this you
understand, and neither could Gumbart, we both suspected that he was only here
to try to beg for silver, by the looks of him. He said his name was Gwilim of
Esgaroth."

Arwin shake his head, "Nay, not a name that I can recall." he pauses in
thought, "And I've been at this thing a long time. That is interesting though,
something that I might take up at the guild in Esgaroth when we get there." he
steps closer to the fire and begins searching for a cup of coffee.

Kalizor appears to ignore the converstaion about silver and humans going on
around him and raises an eyebrow, looking toward the indicated dwarf, Datain
speculatively. "Ye'd not begrudge a fellow traveler a spot of warmth for his
belly, would ye?"

Fighting with the lace, Gilim continues to mumble under his breath almost
oblivious to the conversations around him or the dwarf next to him. He finally
gets it tied in a knot and brings the nub end and bites it between his teeth.
While biting down on the nub he tugs hard on the other end trying to secure the
knot. Jerking his head towards Brican, he thinks he hears his name and calls
out to the dwarf "Aye thar lad, I neva said I's from Esgaroth! I'm from tha
Iron Hills same as you!" Shoving his boot back on his foot, Gilim takes each
lace and pulls them tight. Suddenly you hear a *snap* as the lace breaks again
and Gilim loses his balance falling backwards off the log.

Gumbart hearing Master Arwin's name, Gumbart jumps and shoots a look of
exasperation at Brican. "Forgive me for not introducing myself earlier, Master
Arwin." he says, "I actually wanted to travel with your party from Emyn-Engrin
to Dale, but as you got delayed I left before you. Your party has passed my by
the Dwarven Crossroads, a few days march east of Erebor. I came upon your camp
in the evening and had a long talk with yonder Datain; in the morning you had
broken camp, however, and left already. It is only this morning that I happened
upon Brican again, Master Arwin. Well met, indeed." Gumbart bows again.

Datain nods to the new arrival and pours him a cup. Noticing Arwin is serching
for some Datain pour another cup before taking some for himself.

Gumbart has to bite back a laugh as Gilim falls yet another time.

Kalizor takes a steaming mug from Datain and soflty blows the steam away before
taking a careful sip. He sits back and sighs heavily, relaxing for the first
time. "Aye, thank ye, cousin. 'Tis a fine brew and of a strength fit for
drinkin'"

Making sure everyone has there cup fulls, Brican continues the tale, "Aye, it
was the strangest thing, from the distance, from that other camp over there
another stranger comes walking over to our camp. He asked what was going on, a
natural question perhaps, but then he added what the little folk have been
doing to the poor merchant. Well of course I was going to take this, and sent a
few words of spite to this wanderer, he said his name was Brain Taze, an
Esgarothian Guard. He even had the nerve in our own camp to warn us against
harrasing the merchant, otherwise he said he had the power to throw us into the
local power. HE also said to watch our backs down in lake town, they push us
dwarfs into the water he said."

Arwin takes the cup from Datain and gives him a polite nod of his head,
"Thankee, lad." he says before turning his attention to Gumbart. "Why yer
certainly welcome to travel under our protection, and seeing 'ow we overtook
ye, I'll not charge ye dis time, but next..." his voice trail off as he takes a
drink of the dark hot coffee. His attention focuses back on Brican as he
relates the tale of harassment. The frown returning to his face. "Throw us in
the water indeed. Why they may think of it, but it'll take more than the men
there ta do it." he snaps with an angry tone.

From behind the log you hear Gilim cursing again. Crawling around on his hands
and knees he searches for his broken lace but the fire doesn't offer enough
light behind the log and he comes up empty handed. Dusting off his dirty knees
then rubbing his hands together he takes his spot back on the log and stares
down at his broken boot lace. Sighing loudly he looks like he just lost his
best friend. Leaning to Kalizor he whispers "Eva had a favorite pair o' boots?"
Not waiting for a response, Gilim folds his arms across his chest and continues
to stare down at his boots.

Gumbart shakes his head and mumbles something derisive about the men of
Esgaroth, "Always ready to cheat, and haven't heard of proper manners, either.
They either tried to provoke us, or else this Gwillim or what ever he was
called must be a known lunatic. Strange that I haven't seen him before, if he
was into the precious ore business, I would have heard."

"Anyone who tries to push in the lake is gonna die drowning as i pull the under
wit me," Datain grumbles at the comment that Brican made. Then he bends down
and grabs the broken lace of Gilim's and hands it to him, "Did you lose this,
cousin?"

Kalizor leans over and glances down at Gilim's broken boot lace. He slowly
shakes his head from side to side. "'Tis a shame about yer boot, cousin. Seems
things don't last like they used to." He shakes his head some more and returns
to sipping his hot coffee, apparently lost in some private speculation.

With a shake of his head, Brican attuitude is slightly more than annoyed, "If I
ever see a human behave in such a fashion before me again, he won't have to
wonder what a pot over his head feels like. I'll put him in the prison wagon so
fast he'll be wishing he never met a khazad."

Only listening to bits and pieces of the conversation around him, Gilim shows
some sign of frustration as he eyes Gumbart. In a slightly irritated tone he
calls out "Lunatic? I ain't no lunatic...heck I don't even know ya! And I ain't
provoked noone...I jes broke my boot lace!" Letting out a loud huff then a deep
sigh as he mentions his boot lace, he stares back down at the boots but
continues to mumble under his breath.

Gumbart grins at the company of dwarves and says, "But let us talk of something
else tonight as well. Never mind the crazy fellow, what can we do about these
men except for posting a sentry or two? Let us talk business, instead. You all
know what I brought here from the east, wine, coffee, tools. May I know what
you brought here?"

"Now now." Arwin pipes up, though is frown is not as severe as moments ago, his
voice is still quite businesslike. "Just be rememberin' yer manners as we mix
with these men." he wags his finger to the dwarves, "Aye they need us fer ore
and tools and weapons, but all the same we need them too.." he pauses and looks
sternly at all of the dwarves, "We need allies in these times, and foodstuff
and wool and the like. Nay, we don't wanna go and run our customers off, we
need their markets."

As the hand comes towards him, Gilim at first backs away...until he sees the
hand holding his lace. Could have been a handful of gold florins by Gilim's
reaction. Looking up at Datain and giving him a big toothy grin, he takes the
lace from Datain and says "Thankee cousin, much obliged. I'm in yer debt now."
He bows his head to the Khazad before pulling his boot off again and begins
struggling to get the two pieces knotted together.

Gumbart shoots an inquiring glance at Datain.

Kalizor moves a little further down the log as Gilim takes off his boot, giving
him plenty of room. Kalizor then goes back to concentrating on his hot coffee
and listening to the conversation around him.

Nodding towards Arwin with a reluctance, Brican turns his attention to the fire
as several of the cooks start dishing out a hearty stew and skewered mutton. He
immediately stands and walks over to where they are dishing and takes ample
quantities of both before returning to his place next to Gumbart. Taking
several bites of the stew and mutton, he decides it of quality enough and
starts munching down greedily, his fork like a shovel.

As the silence stretches, Gumbart starts to glance about nervously. He gladly
accepts the bowl of stew offered to him and follows Brican's example. A few
seconds later, he looks up at Kalizor, "Pray tell me, cousin, what news in
Erebor? I have been on a long trip to the East and I am quite out of date."

Datain notices Gumbart's glance and shoots one back as if to ask what he wants,
but doesn't wait for an answer because he notices Brican getting some food and
decides he wants some too. Datain grabs plenty to eat and gets griped out by
the cooks for getting so much, but keeps it anyway, and returns to his seat to
chow down.

Arwin eyes the surly merchant, Brican, for a moment and then finishes his
coffee. He stands quietly watching the dwarf with the boot problem for several
moments and simply listens to the jabber around the fire.

Fighting and tugging on his boot lace, Gilim finally has enough and stands
abruptly throwing the lace in the fire he raises the boot over his head to do
the same. He stops as Arwin eyes him and brings his arm down. Letting his head
fall in shame for his behavior, he bows to the Master Merchant and says "Evenin
Master Arwin. Fergive me behavior...I think I'll head back to tha wagon and get
some rest." Turning towards the wagon, Gilim doesn't bother putting his boot
back on but stomps off with a limp.

Gumbart shoots a telling glance at one of the wagons. As nobody reacts, he
decides to let the matter go.

Kalizor nods slowly and clears his throat, "Well, the elves of Amon Thranduil
have found themselves in a fix. Seems some spiders from the forest have taken
over their mine area.

Looking across to Gumbart, the young merchant apprentice Brican makes a large
yawn in his direction, "Well my friend gumbart, perhaps tonight you'd care to
sleep in my wagon, I have a spare bunk, with some sheets and all the
pleasantries. I feel that I must get some sleep, as I can hardly keep these
eyes of mine open."

Kalizor shrugs and goes on, "At least that is the rumor in Erebor. Seems they
are willing to trade wood for ore, since they can't work their mines. A bunch
of our folks went to Celebannon a while back to do some loggin'." He rubs his
chin thoughtfully before going on. "I had some other business to attend to, and
I am trying to catch up to them now."

Gumbart laughs, "Aye, Brican, soon enough. It's getting too late to travel back
to Erebor! But let me hear some news from home, first. I'll join you later if
you want to go now." Relieved to finally hear some Erebor talk again, Gumbart
listens to Kalizor. He nods and grins to himself, staring into the dying
flames, "Aye, and what did they do? Did they come asking for help? I would not
have thought it possible."

Arwin's eyes perk up as Kalizor mentions the elves. He listens with some
interest as the tale is revealed before him, rumor or not.

Kalizor snorts a short laugh and rears back on his seat, raising his voice a
bit, "Aye, that they did, though not many were anxious to go risk life and limb
to solve problems not their own. It was more of a trade opportunity than a
rescue mission, I'm thinkin'"

"So yer kin have left the mountain and gone to their mines already?" Arwin
interjects with some interest.

Kalizor cocks his head to one side and shrugs again. "A bit of ore for a load
of wood...a good deal when the other party is in dire straights."

Gumbart grins widely, showing his brown teeth. He chuckles, "Aye, I can imagine
our brothers! Grab as much wood as they can before prices go up. Did they not
fear retribution? I wonder who rushed ahead and led this logging expedition.
There are some well-known elf-fiends in Erebor."

Shaking his head, and looking towards Kalizor as if he a small dwarven child,
"You should know better then to trust a elf, they sooner stab you in the back
then let you have the timber, you should know better then that."

Kalizor shakes his head, "Nay, they hied off to Celebannon straight away with a
bit of ore that was on hand. They wanted to strike while the iron was hot, they
did. I fear I'll be too late 'er I get there."

Kalizor holds up a finger as he remembers what had slipped his mind before.
"Aye, it was Thalin of Erebor that led the party. I suspect they are drinkin'
fine ale in that Celebannon pub this evenin'".

Kalizor looks around speculatively, "As fer meself, it apears I'll need a safe
place to bed down for the night 'er I make my way there tomorrow. Would ye be
averse to a cousin sharing yer camp fer the night?"

"Well, seems yer kin have the elves well cared for." Arwin states as he sets
his cup near the pot, "But all the same, I guess I have work to be doing, and
the rest of ye may start thinkin' the same." With that he turns and leaves his
place by the fire.

Gumbart shakes his head, "Ah, I expected Rogon to dash in one of his moods. I
don't know Thalin, I hope his is wiser than Rogon. Rogon is a well-known
elf-fiend in Erebor," he explains to the other dwarves.

You say, "I bid you good night, Master Arwin."

Kalizor chuckles, "In my memory, elf-friend and good sense usually aren't found
in the same place."

Gumbart grins, "Aye, on the other hand elf-fiend and good sense usually aren't
found in the same place, either. There is little good sense to be found
anywhere, in fact."

Kalizor tosses his last bit of coffee with a fair amount of grounds into the
fire and places his cup carefully on the rocks next to the fire. He slowly
stands and stretches, yawning mightily. "Then if there be no objections I'll
lay me bedroll out on the other side of this log and bid ye goodnight."




Elendor time is: Midnight (about 1 AM ) on Monday, 25 January 3018. In the
Winter sky, The waning crescent moon sails among the sky like an iridescent
ship.



Qara leaves the dwarven campsight.
Datain leaves the dwarven campsight.

Gumbart nods, sleepily. "Aye, Kalizor, this might be the best idea. It is
midnight, after all. May Aule guard your sleep." Gumbart keeps sitting at the
fire, though.

Kalizor nods, "And yers as well, cousin." He drops his backpack and unrolls his
blankets, using the pack as his pillow. He carefully lays his batle axe and
dagger close at hand, and crawls carefully into his blankets. He is soon
snoring softly, his hand on the shaft of his axe.

Gumbart stares into they dying embers as one after the other his friends and
aquaintances get up and leave. An unrest keeps him awake.

A human figure moves quietly out of the dwarven camp. Qara looks around warily
as if expecting some sort of attack. After a moment she sees the other dwarves
and makes her way towards the campfire.

Datain notices Qara emerging and motions her to join Gumbart and himself, as he
fetches some food for her from what little is left.

Gumbart is surprised and looks at Datain. As Gumbart notices that Datain is at
ease, he relaxes a bit. He watches the new arrival's carefull movements and he
realizes who the only human coming from the dwarven camp must be. "The
Easterling has come," he mutters, staring at the prisoner with mistrustfull
eyes.

Qara glances at Datain and relaxes a bit at seeing someone familiar. She sits
down near the campfire and looks towards Gumbart, though she doesn't offer any
introduction.

Gumbart hesitates, then says gruffily, "I am Gumbart, at your service. And pray
what is your name, woman?" nodding in Qara's direction.

Qara nods to Gumbart, "And I am Qara..." She hesitates and then adds, "of Buhr
Mahlring."

Datain offers the stew to Qara asking, "Are you hungry," and set the stew
beside her. Then he grabs the coffee pot and totes it along with a cup back to
his seat. Datain sits back on the log from which he came adds some coffee to
his cup and drinks some before offering any to the easterling.

Gumbart waits a long time before asking, "Well, Qara of Buhr Mahrling, what are
you doing in this camp? I was on that trip to Buhr Mahrling but I never got to
see you on our way back. I heard Bofa talk about you in Emyn-Engrin, however."

Qara takes the stew and nods, "I was hungry, thank you.." She tries a little of
the stew before responding. "I am heading back there with these dwarves." She
frowns thoughtfully, "Bofa? That was one of the guards? I don't think he liked
me all that much..."

Gumbart shakes his head, "Forget about Bofa. She's a mean warder back in
Emyn-Engrin. Why did they let you go again, Qara? Are you involved in that war
brewing in the south? Rumours are flying high amongst the dwarves."

"I've been trying to dodge most of the rumors, but it seems that I got cought
in the crossfire," Datain chuckles. "I just hope your kinsmen dont make an
attempt to fight us. A war is not what I desire right now."

Qara looks a little suprised, "She? Oh..." She shakes her head, "I didn't want
to stay in the south for that. Strange spirits telling our people to fight,
sometimes even against each other, or at least that's what they say..."

You say, "Maybe you can clear me up on something, Qara. There was another
Easterling on that trip to Buhr Mahrling, he said he prevented an assassination
attempt on an Easterling King or Princess or something. Is he connected to you?
I've always been wondering eversince I've heard about you."

A grin comes to Datain's face. "Maybe your people should find some new spirits
to follow," he says sarcastically. Datain then turns his attention to Gumbart
as he asks his question.

Qara shakes her head, "They kept asking me about someone... a fur trader or
something . But I didn't know who he was."

Gumbart shrugs, "And what about the war in the East, is that true?"

Koral

When not wearing his uniform,the four foot six-inch dwarf has a dark green
tunic draped across his body reaching from the midsection to the wrist of each
arm.An elaborate gold trim endows the cuff of each arm as it encompasses the
wrist as a crest appears on upper left brest of his body.His pants are a
reddish brown and extend to the ankles and has pockets on each side.A brown
leather belt surrounds his waist,the buckle and it's design made of gold and
steel.His leather boots reach midcalf and have the look of excellent
craftmanship.A blue hood the covers head and the tops of his shoulders.His face
is covered with his brown hair which reaches to the end of his below his
chest.A braid comes down the left side of his face almost as long as his
beard.His brown eyes are welcoming to his friends,kinsman,and customers.But the
look of hatered appears to those are his ememies and to who have crossed him.

Qara shrugs, "There is usually some fighting somewhere. The tribes are always
in search of more territory. And there was trouble a few months ago when one of
our clan chieftains died.."

Gumbart grins, "I see, Qara, you don't have much to tell about your little
tribes off in the East. I don't know if you understand the trouble Master Arwin
is heading into, you know. It might well cost him his head or the head of his
followers, including some friends of mine..."
Gumbart adds, "And I don't like that."

Qara nods, "I don't think you'll find much of an army between here and the Rhun
sea anytime soon... If that is what you worry about." She sighs, "besides I
doubt any there even expected me to survive, much less return."

With the sun just beginning to peak, a fat dwarf pushes open the flaps of his
tent as he crawls out with a grumble. Rubbing his eyes and looking around, the
dwarf stumbles over to his kinsmen. Looking like an unmade bed, the dwarf gives
the human a look over before speaking. Still grumbling, "Stupid ground, I can't
wait to be sleeping in me own bed." Turning toward Gumbart and turning his back
to the human, the dwarf gives a snarl as he asks, "And who be this human that
poisons my view?"

Datain frowns at the new dwarf, "And who might you be to desturb or
conversation with insults?"

Gumbart grins a brown-toothed grin, "That is Qara, an Easterling from Buhr
Mahrling. And yeah, who might you be, rising way to early as it seems?" Gumbart
appears unfazed.

Qara frowns at the dwarf who's just coming out of his tent. She holds back a
retort and shrugs, "The ground is not so bad a place... once you are used to
travelling."

Long Lake shimmers gloriously, heralding the coming of the morning.

Koral 's lips turns to a snarl as he glances over at his cousin. Giving him a
look over, Koral shakes his head and snarls, "Watch your tongue boy, before you
hold it. I be disturbing ye since you be waking me up with your useless babble.
I be Koral, leader of the Erebor Warders. I am here to make sure this area is
safe for my kinsmen travels. And who might you be? I know that you not be from
Dain's halls, only the honored may serve under him" He turns toward Gumbart and
his snarl relaxes a little as he says, "I have seen you in the Longbeard
kinsmen, who might you be and why are you conversing with such garbage as
these? 'Tis seen you among the merchant I have, might you be one?"

Gumbart grins, "Ah, are we in a bad mood, are we not?" He looks at the warder
and says, "Sit down, good warder. Sit down and drink something. And please do
not insult this prisoner or guest of Master Arwin's, I befits you not." Gumbart
points at a log by the fireplace and repeats, "Take a seat."

"I care not how high you rank it gives you no reason to be a brute, and I will
take no lip from you, or anyone who decides to give me some," Datain's eyes
flare with anger, but then as quickly as he was riled up he calmed. "Such words
usually dont cross my lips, I apposigize for the tongue lashing."

Qara looks a little tense now as Koral continues to speak angrily. She keeps
watching him cautiously in case his anger turns to her.

Koral grumbles as he walks over to the fire and plops down on a log. Resting
his arms on his legs, Koral reaches for his belt and pulls out a mug and a
leather jerkin filled with ale. He fills his mug and stares at the human. Koral
frowns, as he looks the human over. Speaking to his cousin, Koral speaks with
malice on his lips, "'Tis you like living dangerously boy, I've killed Khazad
for less than that." Koral sighs as he places his mug down and reachs in his
pouch and pulls out some trail rations. "You are lucky I haven't eaten yet, you
watch what you be saying and I might let you live." He turns back towards the
human and barks, "And what be your story?"

Gumbart spits. "You are testing my nerves, young Koral of the Erebor warders.
What use is that bunch of do-nothing warders if all you do is insult your
fellow cousins and start threatening them just minutes after sunrise? Tell me,
o leader of the Erebor Warders," he sneers, "why we have lost so many wares to
bandits? Why are the roads not safe? I have faith in Dain our ruler, but it is
a sad day indeed when Merchants such as I must growel before such
short-tempered and short-sighted brutes such as you."

Qara hesitates and then replies, "Nori asked them to take me along with them
back to Buhr Mahlring.." She glances around, giving the impression of someone
looking for a good place to run to.

Anger flashes once again in Datain eyes hearing the threats from the grouchy
dwarf, "You must love living on the edge, for I count three here that dislike
you already and two of us just met you, maybe you should return to your bed
with hope to get up on the other side of it next time." The moment his words
left his mouth, Datain's eyes were filled with fear knowing what was to follow.

Koral quickly shift his stare to the young Khazad bold enough to taunt the
Erebor warrior. The snarl returns to his lips as his voice raises and he begins
to stand. He begins to lunge for the young Khazad but says with fire, "Watch it
boy, 'tis me in a bad mood already from you waking me from me slumber. You want
to waist your life that's fine by me." He points his finger at his cousin as
the anger mounts, "I could beat you that old man", pointing at Gumbart, "and
that human any day of the week. I have slain Uruk-Hai twice your size boy and
have not taken a single blow, I forced a Nasgul to retreat in fear, and have
killed five orcs in one blow. So you be trying me boy and you'll find your
rotting carcass spread all over the Dale." He turns his attention toward the
merchant sitting by the fire. "And you kinsmen, critizin' the way that I run me
warders eh? Perhaps I should call off all escorts with you merchants and see
how long ye last. Those weak bandits have not been seen around the mounting
since Toran,..err since I issued the order that there be constant patrols. If
you can't be defending your own goods, then ye shouldn't be leavn' the mountain
at all. Or perhaps I be chargin' ye for the warders I must sacrifice to protect
you merchants from the evils of the world. How many florins would ye be keepn'
if I charge ye for me warders' protection..eh? Still fuming, Koral quickly
turns toward the human present. "And what ye be starrin' at human, what you be
needn' two Khazad to escort ye back for, 'tis you no money to hire proper
protection? You be an important human at that Murh Barring? 'Tis who you be
anyhow?" Bahh.." Koral flops back down on the log and pours himself another ale
and quickly downs it. He snarls at the fire and he begins grumbling at the fire
and pours himself another ale.




Elendor time is: Mid Morning (about 9 AM ) on Trewsday, 26 January 3018. In the
Winter sky, Tonight the moon will be new.



Gumbart spits again, but doesn't say a word. He stares at Qara for a long time,
then he says, without turning his gaze, "Datain, I think I'll be going back to
Erebor now. Will you be OK?" Other dwarves have started to stirr and are moving
through the camp. Many are eating breakfast and both humans and dwarves can be
seen entering and leaving Dale through the big gates.  As the tension slowly
subsides and the day-to-day noises take over, the shadow of death passes
on. Stiff and with joints cracking, Gumbart gets up. "Take care, Qara of Buhr
Mahrling. Keep close to Master Arwin." Without looking at the warder again,
Gumbart turns and goes towards the post he left his ponies at, yesterday
night. He saddles them and mounts his favorite sandy pony and waves to Datain
with his hat. Then he turns and rides off.

Qara blinks in surprise at the dwarf's question. She shakes her head and
suddenly she breaks into a grin, "Important.. no I haven't been called that
before..." She pauses to look over towards Gumbart as he leaves and nods,
"Thank you... I will do that.."

​#Elendor