Middle Earth

[Starphyre77]

((*brushes the dust off the thread* Bump?))

[Thaelasan]

(( I'd say that we time skip to the village, since most of our roleplay getting there would just be the walking.

Even though that was broadcast HEAVILY in LotR, it wouldn't be as interesting here unless you want me to do it and describe everything we saw on the way.

I could do that as Dandy and make a song about it as we walked. :I ))

[na82008]

((still waiting for you guys to go to the village. Man, its lonely in this village. There are no main characters here. I sure wish the band of people would hurry up))

[Thaelasan]

(( DANDY WILL BE THERE SOON, ADORABLE ANIME GIRL. ))

[Starphyre77]

((Time skip sounds good to me. Also, Thaelasan, your comment about the walking brought to mind this description I’ve heard about the Lord of the Rings: “An eleven hour New Zealand tourism commercial rife with walking…roaming…hiking…more walking…and strolling.” Can't say that it's wrong either. ))

[Dragonhatchling]

((I was on a trip... still sorting out the trip... not going to be on much until after the 22nd as my sig says. So timeskip sounds good

 

sorry for the short notice. It was a short-notice-trip too for me...))

[na82008]

((echoooooooooo *Echoooo* *Echoooo* *Echooooo* *Echoooo* *Echoooo* Bump))

[Thaelasan]

(( What anime thing did you say your profile pic was from, na? Also, we must discuss animes. :3 I draw fancomics based on animes I like as well as original comics using anime stylization.

OTAKUS FOR THE WIN.

No I don't draw doujishins. Don't even. Although my work can get quite demented still considering that it's realistic and things happen.

Bad things. Good things.

Life things. ))

 

Dandy stared at the town in front of him with a long, appraising gaze. He stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"This is nice an' all." he said, frowning. "But... does it have a good supply o' drink?"

[Starphyre77]

After an uneventful half a day’s journey, they arrived at the village of Men in the late afternoon to early evening. Cuthraed knew that with the lateness of the hour, even if they could get their supplies that day, they would have to wait until morning to head out again. Thus, at Dandy’s question, he smiled as he said, “Well Master Dwarf, while there are few places that can compare to the Golden Hall in Edoras, the inn here is a fair enough place to wet one's thirst.” With that, he went to the inn and upon entering, he went to the innkeeper and said, “My good man. We shall require two rooms for the night if you would.” He was figuring that the women could share one room while the men shared the other, so with that in mind, he explained to the innkeeper how many would be sleeping in each room. “Now, with that settled,” he added, “my companions and I also require a pint of your finest ale.”

 

 

Meanwhile, when Dandy had asked about a drinking place, Shala had given a small shake of her head as she said, “I am to the blacksmith.” As she had started to ride away, she called back in a jesting tone, “Spare at least one pint for me if you would.” As she approached the blacksmith’s shop, she could hear the comfortingly familiar sounds of a hammers working on anvils. Guiding Clover around to forge at the back of the building, she dismounted as an elder Dwarf, and two Dwarves about her age, stopped their work and approached with expressions that were a mixture of surprised and curious. “Shamukh ra ghelekhur aimâ.”|Hail and well met.| Shala said as she took the still wrapped Deathless from where she had stowed it walked up to the elder. “I have a sword that requires attention.” She honestly wasn’t sure if any of the other Dwarves would recognize its significance, and would have been more than a little disappointed if they didn’t, so it was somewhat tentatively that she unwrapped the sword.

 

Upon seeing the sword, the old blacksmith gasped and his voice held a touch of awe as he said, “How came you by this?” He almost reverently took the blade and began to inspect the damage.

 

Shala was expecting nothing less than shock - perhaps even outrage – over the fact that she’d put herself in such danger, so she squared her shoulders and her tone revealed her pride as she said, “I took it from the Goblin who dared wield it against me…After I took his head.”

 

((Hope this works for everyone…Figure this gives folks at least three options: go with or meet Cuthraed at the inn; go with or meet Shala at the blacksmith’s; or go get supplies (and perhaps meet if someone takes that option?). ))

Edited February 27, 2014 by starphyre77

[Thaelasan]

Dandy frowned.

"Well, I cannae very well leave a lady dwarf - not even one as strong and capable as yerself - without some form of escort. After all, regardless o' how tough ye are, we're all in a dangerous bit of trouble right now. Therefore.."

He slapped his chest dramatically and stared at her with utter concentration and determination.

"I DANDORUS MOUNTAINWAKER shall PROTECT ye from any who dare ta trespass where ye not want them to go, ... at least until th' point ye tire of me company and tell me to bugger off." he amended. "After all, I be a firm believer in lettin' women be independent. I have seen many a fierce female dwarf in my years. One even took out an orc's eyes by using only her fingers. It was... a sight."

He grimaced in rememberance. "Quite the sight indeed."

So, he followed her to the blacksmith at a brisk pace, whistling as he went. When they approached it, his eyes widened.

"Vilmar? Vilmar Stonebreath!?" he said in pleasure. "And Whinfar Bouldercrag?! Th' hell ye been doin'!?"

Though he kept half an eye on Shala, he immediately began a very loud and boisterous - as dwarven conversations normally are - commaderie with the dwarves.

[Dragonhatchling]

((Sorry for not posting. I've been very very busy with chaos... ))

 

Larien rode silently on Aklen toward the back of the group, once again keeping watch for any potential attackers while they made their way to the village. As Dandy and Cuthraed mentioned quenching their thirst, the elf wondered where exactly they could find more supplies. Even if they couldn't get that until morning she still at least would find some place of help.

 

"I shall try to find at least some supplies." The she-elf stated before everyone really split off. She left Aklen with a stable-boy, explaining that if she found the horse left roaming alone that he would be found responsible later and reprimanded properly. It wasn't exactly a threat, but it served the purpose.

 

First thing to find probably would be food. Enough food for everyone to last a good few more days or so. So Larien headed off to find where a small market was that the stable-boy had off-handedly mentioned at the last minute. It was harder to find than she thought, but there were at least a few to choose from that seemed to have a few specific-to-that-market goods avaiable. But the she-elf also noticed that she recieved the typically strange looks from much of the people that were here.

 

Elves rarely got out of their homecities. Or if they did, they chose not to head very far from fellow Elves. She was used to the questioning and wondering looks of Men, even Dwarves or the occasional Hobbit if one was about. The children of the Men though, as they were abundant many times, seemed more facinated than worried. Some occasionally came to bombard her with questions- like now as she finally located the specific market the stable-boy mentioned. It was closed down, but very plentiful.

Larien stopped there, determining that she would report back to the others where this market was and throw in the others for good measure. One of the children jumped a little, but so far the three had been rather silent. "Hello." Larien smiled, bending down to be at the same level. The child laughed while the other two seemed slightly unsure. Their gaze landed behind her, and a turn of her head showed two parents coming toward her quickly. The male held a slightly broken sword that had obviously seen some use.

The elf rose, putting her hands out as she turned to face them. "I mean no harm. I was merely looking for supplies for my traveling partners." She explained as the three children ran to their mother.

 

The father scowled, scrutinizing her for a second before lowering his weapon a tad. Larien bowed, apologizing once again before heading back the way she had come. "Byyye!" The smaller child called as she waved while her mother reprimanded her. Larien smiled a little but kept walking. She understood the hostility to protect their children from an Elf, but the child showed gutts to speak in front of her parents. It was warming to her for a few minutes as she made her way back.

[Thaelasan]

Dandy continued to revel with the other two dwarves, completely in his element.

"Did ye ever find the ancient statue of that somewhatsit inventor?" Dandy asked, turning to Vilmar.

"Nope." Vilmar sighed. "I heard tale of it over in the west but it was a false idol built by some sort uh... cult.."

"Ah. Tis a shame." Dandy patted the man on his shoulder comfortingly. "Welp, least you had th' adventure, right?"

"Oh of course, Dandy old friend! That's always th' greatest part!" Vilmar said, grinning. "What about you Whinfar? You find anythin' new?"

"Er... I did manage to get married." Whinfar blushed slightly.

The other two dwarves stared at him, eyes wide.

"At such a young age?"

"Boy must be gifted!"

"I ain't never seen nothin' like it."

"Ye must be lyin'!"

Whinfar shook his head.

"I wouldn't lie to you, sir Dandy. After all, we're fightin' brothers." Whinfar said proudly. "Her name is Alvina."

"Och! A pretty name at that! Doesn't sound Dwarven though.." Dandy frowned.

"....It's... not..." Whinfar sank low.

"Just what did you marry?" Vilmar said, concerned. "You never talked about this."

"I never had the courage. I married... a young female elf from the northlands."

Dandy stroked his beard. Vilmar was utterly silent.

"Why that's... that's.." Vilmar began angrily.

"Just fine, Whinfar." Dandy interrupted. "Nothin' wrong with marriage, regardless of who it is. I bet the racial prejudices were a bit of a problem though, aye?"

"Er.. very much so, Sir Dandy." Whinfar scratched the back of his head. "Truth is, neither my family nor hers will accept us anymore."

"Can ye even have children though?" Dandy shrugged, confused. "I've never heard o' this in all my born days."

"It's common, just hidden by the dwarven lords and elven kings. After all, due to their histories, the knowledge that they were intermingling would make them seem as though they've forgotten. But I didn't!"

"Then why?" Dandy asked, cocking his head.

"She... she was beautiful... and ... she saved my life. And she didn't hate me. She didn't insult me or throw stones when I came near her."

"Quite the story." Dandy coughed. "I want to make it in a song, with complete anonymity o' course."

"I don't mind if my name is in it or not. In fact, I'd be honored." Whinfar's eyes glistened. "Are you done writing it already?"

"I was done writin' in the moment I told you about it." Dandy said, slightly insulted. "What do ye take me for?!"

"Are you really ok with this, Dandorus?" Vilmar said, surprised. "You of all people know the hatred of the dwarves for elves, and vice versa. Why are you so calm about this atrocity?"

Dandy gave Vilmar a stare that would have broken down the doors of the Mines of Moria.

"Love is never an atrocity, Vilmar Stonebreath." Dandy said casually, but it definitely wasn't pleasant. "And only those who understand that may ever call me by my true name, ye kin?"

"Oh... of ... of course, Dandy." Vilmar shrank back a bit.

"You don't have to defend me, Sir Dandy. I've grown accustomed to it." Whinfar said sadly. "You can't blame them for their hatred."

"I can when it brings about such bias." Dandy said angrily. "In any case, I'd love to meet this lass of yours when I may, if I may bring Shala along with me."

"Of course. Oh, is Shala th' pretty little female dwarf over yonder?" Vilmar asked, pointing. "Ye married too, Dandy?"

Dandy blushed fiercely.

"Oi! I don't kin so, not yet! She ain't the tying down type, ye kin. She's a wanderin' dwarf by personality. She's the kind o' dwarf woman ye have to impress. Ye gotta prove yer might to her, or you'll never even so much as kiss her hand kindly. That's a woman with a mission. Though, yes, I admit I do have a touch o' affection in my young heart for her, I doubt that she thinks much of me so far. After all, all I've managed to do is sing a few times. We haven't had a chance to brawl with th' forces o' darkness." Dandy said, crossing his arms. "However, by th' end of it, I'll get her somehow. I don't know how, but I will."

"Well, good luck to you, Sir Dandy, in your affairs o' the heart." Vilmar patted him.

"Oh yes, sir Dandy!" Whinfar stood to his height. "In any case, Alvina awaits me at home for my lunch hour. I'll be back by two."

"Oi, Whinfar." Vilmar said, embarrassed.

"Yes, Vilmar?" Whinfar asked.

"...I'm... sorry mate." Vilmar admitted, sighing. "Are we still dwarf brothers?"

"Of course, Vilmar!" Whinfar hugged him. "Always."

"....Thank ye friend." Vilmar said.

 

---

 

Whinfar walked off, leaving Vilmar and Dandy to stare at each other. Dandy pulled his pipe from his pocket and lit it casually. With a draw on it, he sighed.

"Ye know, this ain't tobacco." Dandy said, smiling.

"Eh? What is it then?!" Vilmar said, surprised. He took a pinch of it, which Dandy offered, and placed it in his own pipe.

"Somethin' the halflings made. Apparently it's healthier. It's why they're always smokin' and still livin' for ages. My great-grandfather make a deal with a group o' halflings years ago, and we've been keeping it goin'."

"I see." Vilmar inhaled it, his eyes widening. "Why.. this is amazing! You're sure it's not tobacco?"

"Positive, Vilmar." Dandy grinned, blowing a smoke ring. "Oh,... watch this."

He took a deep breath, mulling the smoke over in his mouth for a moment. Then, his eyes opened slowly, revealing the same eyes from before. His red eye changed, showing scenes of ancient glory and valor, of great heroes. With a sigh, he released the smoke.

If anyone bothered to watch, the smoke which left his mouth grew to form a great dragon, roaring, vicious. It hovered above him. Anyone watching it would hear words chanting in their heads as a story was written in the smoke.

The great dragon, Mihst, brother of Smaug, was a fierce beast who towered over cities and brought ruin to those who he deemed weaker than himself - which was almost everything living and breathing. Yet, unlike Smaug, he built his nest high, in plain view, on top of the tower of a long-lost human city, commanding their obedience. They were to bring him a tribute each day, a sum enough to make a king feel worthless. So, within three days, there was simply no more gold for them to give him, and the citizens feared for the worse. Of course, during those three days, they had sent for heroes, but none could best Mihst in a battle of strength. Not even the greatest archers could do that.

However, a young boy, only just of the age to have the hand of a woman in marriage, one day climbed to the top of the tower, asking to speak with Mihst.

"Oh great dragon Mihst.' he said to the drake, who stared at him disapprovingly. 'For what do you horde this gold?"

"For the same reasons as men." Mihst licked his jaws. "To have it. To stare upon it and know that it is mine."

"Shall you spend it for others?"

"For no other shall my gold be spent."

"Shall you spend it for necessities?"

"I need nothing upon which to spend it."

"Shall you give a bit of it to the poor so that they may live another day?"

"Only those who have power are not poor. I give nothing to those without power."

"Then you shall do nothing but hold it here so that it grows dusty and useless?"

"Indeed!" Mihst turned, grinning. "Unless you have a better idea?"

"Give the gold a use." the boy said, unafraid. "Then the people of this city would be less abashed to give it to you."

"If they attack me, they shall suffer." Mihst said, growling. "Would they not?"

"Yes. Most certainly." the boy admitted. "Then why not use the gold to make something to show them your great might?"

"And what would that be, tell?" Mihst asked, laying his head down curiously.

"Great teeth of gold, fitted in your jaws. A great helm of gold, to place upon your majestic head. Great talons of gold to rend your enemies in shining glory." the boy said. 'Would that not please you?"

"Very well. Do whatever it takes, boy. I wish to see the fruits of your labors." Mihst said, flapping his wings. "I will return within five days. I expect these great arms to be finished by then."

 

When the dragon returned to find the armor complete, he commanded that the men place them upon him. Then, he was shocked when they began to kill him, and he could do nothing. He realized just how heavy gold was, in that moment, when gold leaves were laid over lead.

As he began to die, unable to breath his fire - for his jaws were too heavy to move - and unable to stop them from killing him, he stared at the boy with a mixture of admiration and sadness.

The boy held up his hands for the men to stop. They stared at him, surprised.

"I shall take this dragon." the boy placed a hand upon the great drake's head. "I shall live with him, teach to him the kindness of giving instead of coveting. He is a wise beast. To kill him like this is to serve nothing."

Mihst smiled weakly.

"You forget. What would stop me from burning you alive?" Mihst coughed, feeling his strength returning slowly. "Why would you put your life at risk?"

"You would not burn me because I have proven myself to you." the boy scratched the dragon's snout. "Surely you don't wish to die here?"

"I admit that that's not really my desire, no." Mihst cackled. "Very well, strange boy. I submit."

 

---

 

It is said you can see the boy riding upon Mihst even now, high above the clouds, if you know how to look.

 

(( will edit later with more unless someone posts. ))

[na82008]

((well, time to throw him in. Gotta start somewhere, i guess))

 

Waiting was something Peter was use too. He had to wait in a lot of his jobs, sometimes he had to wait for someone who was late. Sometimes he had to wait for a thief to show themselves. Sometimes he even had to wait for the opportunity to steal. I don't need to think about that anymore. ITs behind me now Peter thought. Yes, he was use to waiting. But I'm not use to waiting this long. Where are they? I thought they were suppose to be here already. Well, hopefully he didn't need to wait much longer. He knew they would probably need more food and weapons and whatnot, so he was bound to find someone if he was near a market. His green eyes scanned around him, then he noticed something, something that could finally end his wait. There was an elf! Elfs are rare, more so around these parts. That has to mean something, right? He tried to make his way over to the elf, but parting a crowd was not easy, especially if you are a 3 foot tall hobbit.

 

He almost was up to the elf, when he heard the elf say "I mean no harm. I was merely looking for supplies for my traveling partners."

 

Traveling partners? She must be part of them Peter thought. Then the elf began to walk away. "No, wait!" he called. Doubtless, she didn't hear him. Well, he would need to try to follow the elf. She was bound to go back to the group sometime.

 

((my profile pic is from Tokyo Ravens. Its still ongoing, but it'll be over soon.))

[Thaelasan]

(( From what I've read about it, sounds about decent. However, thanks to Wikipedia, spoilers is that the main guy leaves that chick?

Hahaha no I want romance.

I may seem literate but I'm also an artist. I respect animation but I also require a good story. Therefore, any anime with an unoriginal, boring main character with simple hair who ends up getting a bunch of women? No. Thanks man.

Naegi? Yes. Kirito? Hell yeah. Those are real heroes. When you watch a show, you want to watch something about normal people, yeah, but people who also relate to real life. :3 ))

[Dragonhatchling]

Larien paused in her walking, hearing someone call "No wait" from behind her. She didn't look back however, believing it to perhaps not be for her. But her senses said something else. It very well could be for her. The elf walked a few steps further just to get out of the middle of the road she was walking on before looking around. Nothing out of the ordinary struck her for a few moments until a few passing people wandered by. A shorter person stuck out to her. A Hobbit?

 

Larien had met a few Hobbits along her journey so she knew the tell-tale signs of most Hobbits. This one was a Hobbit, and he seemed to be interested in her. She wondered why, but not for very long. There was supposed to be Hobbits along on this journey too. Her long afore mentioned comment to the universe had been wondering what was missing. Her hunch to an answer was right in front of her. A Hobbit. That was missing. One was here now. So perhaps this Hobbit was meant to come along with them.

 

The she-elf refrained from seeming as if she was starring at this Hobbit however, not wishing to cause a scene or even scare him off. She expected him to come over where she was waiting but didn't completely expect it. So far, all this was based on a hunch from an even bigger hunch that a Hobbit was missing from their group. Out of courtesy for whomever might have called "No wait" her direction, the elf had decided to wait. If it did in fact turn out to be this Hobbit she would have no qualms with it. One more interesting experience to add to the day of long travel.

[Starphyre77]

((Not meaning to dash Dandy’s hopes, but he is older than Shala’s father… Just so you’re aware, it could be difficult for her to see him as anything more than a fatherly type friend. ))

 

The old blacksmith absently glanced at the other Dwarf as he went to talk to his two assistants, but then quickly looked back to Shala when she explained how she got the sword. His expression was predictably shocked as he looked back down to the blade, but then he quickly looked at her again with an odd expression. “I…” he started, but seemed at a loss for words for a moment before asking, “Who are you, if I may ask?”

 

As Dandy went to visit with his friends, Shala once again smiled when she realized who it was that he reminded her of; her mother’s uncle. Sadly, he had passed away when she was still a stripling, but she had very fond memories of him. He had had a similarly outgoing personality and had always told the most exciting stories. With a shake of her head, she brought her thoughts back to the present and as the blacksmith started to speak, she was confused by the look he was giving her. “I am Shala daughter of Baergor,” she said in a slightly guarded tone.

 

“And would that be Baergor son of Daergon?”

 

“Yes,” she said with surprise, “do you know my father?”

 

“Aye lass,” he said sadly, “I know him…or I knew him rather. Tell me, what became of him?”

 

“He returned to Erebor five years ago and in the last letter I received, he was doing well.”

 

“Wait, Erebor? He still lives?” There was hope in his tone, but then it turned suspicious as he added, “Does your father know where you are, and what you are doing?” At the look she gave him, he gave a slight chuckle as he asked, “Any chance I can convince you to let me escort you to the safety of Erebor?”

 

Shala raised an eyebrow and sighed in exasperation at the question, and her tone was defiant as she said, “None whatsoever. Look, back to the sword…I will eventually make my way Erebor and will then deliver it to the king, but until then it is my responsibility. We hope to depart in the morning. Will that give you enough time?”

 

“For this sword…For you… It will be.”

 

Confused by his response, she said, “Do…do I know you?”

 

“No lass, you do not,” he said once again sadly as he started to turn away. “I’ll have Deathless here ready for you by morning.” Looking over to Vilmar, he called, “We have a long night ahead of us lad…” Then looking at Dandy, he gave a slightly sideways tilt of his head as a way of asking for a private word with him.

 

Though she even more confused by the blacksmith’s words, Shala could tell as he turned away that he wouldn’t answer any questions she may have asked. Thus, with her brow furrowed she went back to Clover and absently fidgeted with some straps on her gear as she waited for Dandy.

 

[Thaelasan]

As Dandy's story ended, he noticed a movement out of the corner of his eye. As Valmar got up to go back to his master, Dandy saw that the blacksmith was trying to get his attention as well.

"Aye?" Dandy stood up, moving over towards the man. "What is it ye require, my good man? A story? A song? A legend? A tale?"

He grinned, taking a puff of his pipe.

"I can do any of them, ye kin."

[na82008]

Peter kept trying to make his way to the elf. He finally managed to catch up when she stopped. "Are you with the group? The ones looking for the ring?" he asked the elf. Then he recognized her from the meeting. "Your Larien, right?" he asked. Finally, i thought they might have decided to go a different way Peter thought with relief. "I don't know if you remember me, but my name is Peter, Peter Karlkin" he told Larien. "Where is everyone else?" he asked.

[Dragonhatchling]

Larien let the hobbit speak, surprised that he knew her. She looked closer at him, recognizing the Hobbit from one of the meetings. "Yes, I am Larien." She answered, deciding to save more formal introductions for later. "The rest of the group has either gone to find supplies as well, like I, or have found their way into an inn and either are sleeping or merry-rousing." The she-elf added in answer to Peter's question.

 

"If you'll follow, I'll lead you back to them." Larien started off again, walking just a tad slower so she wouldn't loose Peter. The sight might've seemed odd for outsiders to watch, but then again it would have seemed odd from the start. Elves rarely came about places like this anymore.

"Hope you don't mind me asking, but how long have you been in this town? I hope you haven't been waiting long for us." The elf figured the Hobbit might have been waiting for a while since he didn't meet up with the small group at the beginning. They were almost back to the inn while time passed.

[Starphyre77]

As Dandy spoke, the old blacksmith gave him an appraising look, but then he looked back to Shala as he said, “What I require…is a promise.” He looked once again to Dandy with the appraising look. “I do not know who you are, nor how you know the lass, but battle wounds have ended my adventuring days, my sons are not here to take up the task, and my…her father is not here to talk sense into her. Thus, it falls to me to ask you to swear to keep her safe…” He looked back over to Shala. “Well… try to keep her safe. By Mahal she seems so akin to…” Clearing his throat he looked back to Dandy. “Can I count on you to make this oath and take it upon your honor?”

[Thaelasan]

Dandorus Mountainwaker, the great song of the mountain, the tireless bard of the sleeping inn, the gracious host of the terrifying guests, the player of songs forbidden to fingers...

Was currently speechless. However, it took him but a moment to regain his normal composure, in which he stood to his full height, frowning.

"Aye." he said softly. "By my honor as Dandorus Mountainwaker, the tale o' the stones, I'll guide this lass and stand by her side. Though I know she is of great might and power, all dwarves need a shoulder to lean on. If she allows it, I will stand by her side graciously."

He finished with a bow to both of them.

He then turned to Shala, smiling.

"As I said, if ye allow it." he promised.

[na82008]

((i realized i did not give a description of Peter's clothing. I will attempt to do so in this post, though it isn't abnormal hobbit clothing))

 

Peter followed Larien in his light brown cloak. Underneath this he wore a yellow shirt with light green trousers. He also wore a red sword belt with a short sword strapped in, but to him, it may as well have been a long sword. On the back of his sword belt, he had a pouch where he kept the important stuff. Things like money, a sling shot, some spare bread, and a pipe with pipe-weed of course. He kept the rest of his items in a leather rucksack slung over his back.

 

"Well, I... I've been here for a bit. A bout a week. I thought you'd of been here sooner" Peter said. He continued, "I would have gone over to the main meeting place, but i had some stuff to take care of. You guy's didn't miss me, did ya?" Peter walked a little bit faster so as not to be to far behind the elf. "Say, its almost time for dinner. I skipped afternoon tea. Do they have food at this place?" the hobbit asked.

Edited March 5, 2014 by na82008

[Dragonhatchling]

Larien chuckled a little, the musical laughter perhaps frightening the Hobbit. "I'm sure the Inn we've chosen to stay at would offer us some food. I'll gladly pay." She answered to Peter's immediate question. "As for our late departure... those of us who did go to the main meeting place had elected to wait a while for any stragglers before starting off. Our journey here hasn't been all easy either. More than a few fights broke out." She chuckled again, shaking her head a little. "It has been very interesting if I may say so..."

 

But by now, they had passed the Black Smith that Shala and what looked to be Dandy were at. Dandy conversing with someone who seemed to be the actual Smith. The she-elf assumed Shala was trying to get her sword repaired.

Possibly catching the Dawrf's eye, the elf acknowledged Shala to let her know they intended to go inside the Inn before walking off that direction.

 

"The female Dwarf and the male Dwarf talking to the Smith are also part of the group. I'll save their introductions for themselves, as I would imagine they would prefer to do the introducing- if you don't mind of course." Larien commented, showing the Hobbit to the Inn. She held open the door for the new member of their group, allowing him to go in first before going inside herself.

She spotted Cuthraed in the midst of everyone else. "We're to see the man over there." She pointed out, leading Peter over to Cuthraed as she noticed a few of the others inside the Inn gave some strange looks. Hoping to not cause trouble, the elf ignored this and gave the Man a smile.

[Thaelasan]

Dandy watched the pair pass him and Shala with a passing glance. He wanted to ask if Shala knew the Halfling with Larien later on, as he was currently speaking to the blacksmith, so suddenly asking Shala such a thing might have been rude.

In any case, he watched the dwarven blacksmith for his answer. After all, dwarves were well-known for mulling over information for almost unbearable periods of time - but they were also well-known for making good decisions, in most cases.

After all, not all dwarves were perfect. The dwarven king who held the throne during Smaug's invasion was slightly overzealous in his devotion to his precious gem. That was only one example of many.

Still, as he waited for the blacksmith - and Shala's - responses, he lit his pipe and began to puff upon it thoughtfully.

Just what had he gotten himself into?

[Starphyre77]

Though Shala was too far away to hear what they were talking about, when Dandy first bowed to the blacksmith and then to her, she became curious and thus approached. She only caught the tail end of what Dandy was saying. “If I allow…what?” she asked in a somewhat guarded tone.

 

“Oh nothing to worry about dear lass,” the blacksmith said quickly, “Just some men-folk talk.”

 

Her eyes narrowed a little in suspicion. “Who are y-“ she started but was cut off.

 

“As I said, simply an old friend of your father’s, now you and this good man,” he clapped Dandy on the shoulder, “run along and let an old Dwarf get to work.”

 

“Bu-“

 

“Go on now,” he said in a stern but kind tone. “You have given me much to do, and not much time to do it. I shall see you in the morn.” With that, he turned to bring Deathless to the forge.

 

Shala could tell that she’d get nothing more from the blacksmith, but she wasn’t quite ready to give up. “We will be at the inn,” she called over the roar of the forge. “We would be honored if you joined us for a drink when you can spare moment.” Though he didn’t turn around, she saw the old Dwarf nod in acknowledgment and she knew that was the best she was going to get, so she looked to Dandy and said, “Shall we join the others?” With her brow deeply furrowed in thought, she went back to Clover and started to lead the pony to the inn. Taking one last glance back to see that the blacksmith still had his back to them, her tone was politely curious as she looked to Dandy and said, “May I ask what you were discussing?” …If she had looked back one more time, she might have caught the blacksmith watching her with a somewhat pained expression.

 

 

Cuthraed had claimed the longest table in the inn for their company, and was making merry with those who had joined him while they waited for the others. He was sitting facing toward the door and had his helm on the table beside him when he noticed Larien enter. “Hey,” he called as he raised his half empty mug – surprisingly his first – to beckon the Elf over. It took him a moment to realize that Larien wasn’t alone, and he wondered for a moment why she had brought a child with her. However, as he got a closer look, he could tell that this small person was neither a child nor a Dwarf. With a look that was a mixture of wonder and confusion, he asked, “And wha-“ he cleared his throat, “Who might this be?”

Edited March 5, 2014 by starphyre77