The Great Quest to Pillage Barad-dur RPG

[The-Elf-Herself]

OOC: look at the discussion thread for information regarding this RPG.

Setting: a tavern on the outskirts of Gondor named the Bright Eagle.

"There's your roast lamb sir," Ulyne says as she places the plate down in front of the merchant. "And here's that tankard of the house ale."

With a final smile, she leaves him to his meal. Gazing around at the modest establishment that she co-owns, the barmaid notes with satisfaction that all of the patrons are taken care of by the wait staff. It wasn't easy to keep up with the customers, what with all the business they'd been getting lately, but the excellent service the workers had been giving might just earn them a bonus. Provided I ever have time to settle the books and give it to them, she thinks wryly.

At that moment the bell above the entrance rings, signalling more customers. Instinctively Ulyne glances over to the door. A group of dwarves walk in, something of a rarity around these parts. As with all rare visitors, they will receive extra care to make sure they were comfortable. Ulyne walks briskly over to where the dwarves had chosen to sit, near the fire.

"Welcome to the Bright Eagle! What can I get for you?"

[LadyDernhelm]

Alyra glances sharply toward the retreating back of Ulyne the barmaid as she hurries to greet the new guests. She cannot see who they are or how many, and so she turns back to her sister, losing interest.

Mennie sits near her, staring balefully at the waif as Eryn consumes both her meal and Mennie's.

"What did you want?" Mennie snaps at Alyra as Alyra turns away from the doorway. "Why'd you bring me here?"

"I've found you a job," Alyra announces cheerfully.

Eryn looks up. "No, I did!"

"True," Alyra admits. "The waif found it."

Mennie scowls. "What?"

"There's a baker near Dol Amroth needing an assistant," Alyra says as she takes a bite of the soft bread before her. "You could work there."

Mennie scowls deeper. "But we're miles from Dol Amroth!"

Alyra winks. "So you go up there. We all go up there."

"Me too?" Eryn asks, tugging on Alyra's sleeve. "Do I go too?"

"The waif should stay," Mennie says coldly, "If we go at all. She is needing a proper education, Alyra -"

"Don't want any proper education!"

"Leave be, Mennie," Alyra says comfortably. "So, what about it?"

"What?" Mennie asks witheringly. Alyra gives her a long stare.

"The job," she says slowly.

Mennie sniffs. "I shall have to consider it."

"Hmph," Alyra said mildly.

"Fine!" Mennie snaps. "I'll take it."

"Lovely!" Alyra says heartily, and raises a hand for the barmaid. "Ulyne, a pint for my good sister!"

[LadyDernhelm]

"Where's the waif?" Mennie demands sharply as Alyra chuckles over her persuasive powers. Alyra stops and looks around for Eryn, who has disappeared from her place on the bench.

"Waif! Eryn! Come here now!" she calls, standing up to better survey the inn common room. The girl is nowhere in sight, and she gives an exasperated sigh and turns to search the child out.

Alyra feels a tug on the back of her skirts and turn to see Eryn, a cheeky grin in place on her begrimed face. "I'm right here," she said impudently. "Why didn't you look?"

Alyra scolds the waif sharply, herding her back toward the table where Mennie sits with a permanent scowl etched on her face.

"Where'd you run to, waif?" Mennie demands of Eryn as the two resume their seats. "Nasty child, why'd you ever take her in, Alyra?"

Alyra winks at Eryn and doesn't reply.

"Under the table," Eryn says in response to Mennie's irritable query. "I was looking at the dwarves."

"Dwarves? What Dwarves?" Mennie demands. "See, she's a liar as well as a thief and a runaway," the woman complains to her sister. "There haven't been any Dwarves in these parts for decades."

"There were lots of them," Eryn babbles happily as she consumes Alyra's meal. "Maybe one, maybe ten, maybe seven . . ."

"And she can't count either," Mennie continues, glaring at Alyra. "Send the brat somewhere useful!"

"Don't want to be useful," Eryn says insolently. "I want to see the Dwarves."

"There are not any Dwarves!" Mennie says in exasperation.

"Oh?" Alyra asks, raising an eyebrow and nodding in the direction of the Dwarves who have seated themselves at a far-off table.

Mennie sniffs and looks away.

[Seraph]

Grugni the Dwarf lord chuckled to himself at the interest the little girl had taken in them. They must seem strange to her.
He returned to the important matters at hand.
“We will need to purchase some supplies from town. Mordor is still a perilous land, we’d best to be well prepared. But to bring our peoples lost treasure home will be worth any risk”.
The other Dwarves nodded in agreement.

[The-Elf-Herself]

After waiting patiently for an answer, Ulyne decides to check on the fire nearby. It needs feeding and she starts to place a few more logs on, her deft, swift movements barely slowing as she hears what the dwarves are discussing. She returns to their table, bright smile firmly in place.

"I'll give you a few moments to think about what you'll have."

With a courteous nod Ulyne leaves to get that pint for Mennie, her mind busy with what she just heard.

[Aulë]

Chokang noticed that the other patrons in the tavern were paying a little too much attention to the dwarves and their conversation.
"We must keep our voices down," he whispered to Grugni and the other dwarves, "The last thing we need are more 'companions' following us on our quest. I suggest we leave this place and continue our conversation elsewhere."
Chokang glanced at Ulyne whilst taking a sip of his ale.
"There are some people here who I do not trust." he muttered

[YayGollum]

*the door slams open and in comes a black corsair of Umbar looking guy, a huge, half-scary, half-harmless looking hulk of a human, and a very simple looking Dwarf, they all take seats at the bar, the black dude glances around the bar, sizing everyone up, while the big guy and the Dwarf try to get the attention of the service*

[The-Elf-Herself]

Ulyne serves Mennie her ale, then walks quickly over to the new patrons.

"What can I get you?"

[YayGollum]

*the black guy turns back to the Ulyne person* "Ah, yes. What would you recommend? I've never been to this watering hole before. Nice customers you have here. You usually serve Dwarves?"

*the big guy and the Dwarf order beers, then start talking quietly to each other, looking expectantly over at the group of Dwarves*

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Another barmaid sets the beers on the counter. Ulyne starts indignantly at the term "watering-hole" used in comparision to her bar, then decides to let it go. She has far more interesting things to dwell on.*

"Well, the house ale is good this year and we also feature a wide variety of wines, some of them of elven brew. No, although we have seen a fair share of unusual folk around here. These dwarves are particularly odd, in that-"

Ulyne purposefully stops before she reveals anything more.

"Anyway, I'm sure you're not interested in the plans of dwarves. What'll you have?"

[LadyDernhelm]

Alyra eyes the company of Dwarves sharply.

"What are Dwarves doing in our parts?" she asks suspiciously. Mennie scowls.

"More than they should be," she replies sourly.

"Why do they all carry askes?" Eryn suddenly asks. "Are they going to kill us, 'Lyra?"

"Axes, waif," Mennie says with a disdainful sniff. "And no, they won't kill us." She glares at Eryn, who is occupied in staring unabashedly at the strange visitors.

Suddenly her gaze shifts to Ulyne, who is occupied with three new guests. "Who're they?" she demands.

"I don't now," says Alyra. "Strange folk, no doubt."

Mennie sniffs again. "These are dark days," she says in tones of foreboding. "Strange folk are beginning to wander to Gondor again. No good will come of it, I know."

"That one doesn't look bad," Eryn says, pointing to the large guest. "Just big."

"Hmm," says Alyra interestedly. "I wonder what they're up to. I'll have to ask Ulyne in a bit..." she eyes the Dwarves. "Them, too. They look up to shifty business."

[LadyDernhelm]

"Eryn, waif, it's time to" - Alyra says, but stops. "Where's the child run to now?"

"Can't you keep track of her?" Mennie asks crossly.

Alyra surveys the barroom intently, but finds no sign of Eryn. Suddenly, the waif crawls out from beneath the table to sit beside Alyra.

"The big man has a knife in his shoe," she says confidentially, her eyes round in wonder. "A big one."

"Ah, waif, forget the big man." Alyra pats Eryn confidentially. "Those dwarves are better. They're up to something."

Mennie heaves a loud sigh from the other side of the table and glares at her sister. "Such things you teach the waif!"

"How will she grow to be a respectable citizen if she don't know what's important?" Alyra defends. "Listen, waif, you have to learn who's worth paying mind to. Now, see how Ulyne lingered round those Dwarves. She knows the stuff, Eryn." Alyra nods knowledgeably and then turns back to Mennie, promptly changing the subject.

"Will you be going to Dol Amroth, then, sister?"

"No," Mennie says frostily. "I've decided against it. I manage on my own here."

"You make a fine second baker," Alyra concedes, "Even if there's no customers. Stay, then."

Eryn gives a cry. "We can't go on a trip?" she cries. "But you promised, 'Lyra. . ."

"Not today, waif," Alyra says cheerfully. "Ulyne! Another ale!"

[YayGollum]

Trahald ---> "I'll try the ale, barkeep. just wondering if your patrons are usually so interesting. But what makes you think I wouldn't be interested in the plans of Dwarves? Very productive people, I've come to notice! I think I'll go introduce myself. Have the ale taken to their table." *saunters over to the group of Dwarves where he bows and takes a seat next to them* "Greetings, fellow travellers! I am Trahald, a peddler of little worth compared to you all. What brings you to this small tavern, by the way? Business, of course. Is some new architectural marvel being prepared for the people of this city? I would much like to hear your story, as I have been a fan of the talent of Dwarves for years."

*Tolir watches some little girl suspiciously after she comes over and looks him up and down for a second, but forgets about it when he hears Trahald doing what he does best* Boffin, tugging on his elbow ---> "Hey, Tolir! Think those Dwarves come from the Lonely Mountain? I hope not! Whenever someone recognizes me, I always get made fun of. Oh, is Trahald making friends with them? Can't you stop him? He'll introduce me!"

Tolir, trying to console him, tries to give him a reassuring pat on the back, but accidentally knocks his friend off the stool, after putting him back up ---> "Don't worry, Boffin. Trahald knows how embarrassed you get. I don't think he'd do that. Drink your beer. It's good."

[LadyDernhelm]

"I want some of that," Eryn says demandingly as she points to Mennie's ale.

"You're too little, brat," Mennie snaps.

"Let the lass try a bit," Alyra says cheerfully. She slides her own mug toward Eryn, who takes a long drink and then sputters furiously.

"It burns!"

"'Course it does, love," Alyra says. "It's ale."

Eryn wrinkles her face in disgust. "It's nasty," she says. Suddenly she pulls a knife from somewhere in her skirts and starts carving designs upon the table in front of her. Mennie immediately snatches the blade, screeching as if her life were in danger.

"Waif! Brat! Imp! Scoundrel! Where'd you get this? Ulyne'll have my head! Carving up her table, indeed!"

Eryn points toward the large Man seated at the bar. "It's his," she states matter-of-factly. "It was in his shoe. I think he forgot it."

"Thief! Pickpocket! Infamous raggamuffin!" Mennie grabs the waif by the arm and shakes her. "Take the nasty thing back to its owner, right away!"

Eryn hangs her head in disappointment. "But he forgot it," she defends. Mennie scowls deeply, and hands Eryn the knife.

Dolefully, Eryn walks up to Tolir and attempts to stick the knife back into his boot, saying mournfully as she does so, "It's a lovely knife, but Aunt Mennie says I have to give it back." She turns and makes a rude gesture toward Mennie.

[YayGollum]

*since this time I get to know that it's happening, Tolir looks down at the crazy pickpocketing person* "Hey there, little lady! What are you doing down there?" *absentmindedly pushes his dirk down into his boot the rest of the way* "Drop something?"

[LadyDernhelm]

"No," Eryn says balefully, completely unabashed. "Mennie made me put back your knife. But you forgot it, and I thought you didn't want it anymore so I took it -"

"Waif! Eryn!" Alyra calls from the table.

"Come back here, Brat!" Mennie snaps. "Leave the man to his drinks!"

Eryn ignores them. "And then I brought it back. Does it have a name?"

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Ulyne watches all this while pouring more ale for Alyra. Then she sees the table carvings.*

"Um, someone want to explain this?"

[LadyDernhelm]

Mennie sends an icy stare in Alyra's direction. "She can," she says stonily.

Alyra gulps and pales noticably. "Well . . ." she stops. "You see . . ." She draws a deep breath. "Eryn got hold of a man's dirk and . . . we didn't see it in time. I'm sorry, Ulyne . . ."

She stares guiltily into her mug.

[YayGollum]

*Tolir looks at the lady with all kinds of surprise and decides to keep his dirk out of reach by holding it up on the counter* "Uh, no. No, it doesn't have a name. It's a dirk, not a knife. I never understood why people like naming weapons. You shouldn't take what isn't yours. Well, at least that's what I was taught." *Tolir pays for his beer, tells Boffin to watch out, then walks outside to keep an eye on their wagon outside*

*Boffin grips his mace and dagger superly tightly and watches the lady with all kinds of wounded trust even though he doesn't know her*

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Ulyne sighs, gracing them with a reproachful look*

"So, she not only carved on one of my tables, but is starting to pick the pockets of my other patrons. That's not a smart thing to do, you all better be glad that certain things I've heard have put me in a very good mood."

*She grins, then continues in a much softer voice, including Boffin and the others as a sort of recompence for Eryn's mischief.*

"Stick around until most of the customers leave, which shouldn't be much longer. They're already starting to clear out. Anyway, I think you might be very interested in the plans of those dwarves over there that I just happened to catch."

*With a final grin Ulyne goes to clear off some tables*

[YayGollum]

*after hearing whatever this Ulyne person is talking about, Boffin decides that he wants nothing to do with it and hopes that the Dwarves leave soon and don't come up to him, he watches Trahald talking to them and figures that he probably won't have much of a choice later, so he orders another beer to talk to the Ulyne person* "Excuse me, miss, but what was that you were just talking about? I would be interested in some plans of the Dwarves over there? Why would you think that?"

[LadyDernhelm]

Alyra's smile droops. "I'm sorry, Ulyne," she says.

"I didn't pick his pockets," Eryn says, popping up near Alyra's elbow. "It was in his shoe."

Ulyne laughs and hurries away.

"He said it was a fork, and not a knife," Eryn continued, sliding onto the bench beside Alyra and avoiding Mennie's glare. "I think. He said it didn't have a name and I shouldn't take what's not mine."

"Quite right, he was!" Mennie snapped. Eryn paid her no heed.

"I think if I had a fork I would name it Fizzbobble," the waif announced. "And I wouldn't keep it in my shoe, either."

Mennie stands suddenly. "I will not take any more of this," she snaps. "I am going home."

"Fine," Alyra says, nodding with her ever-present cheerfulness. "I'll be home later. Waif, will you return with Mennie?"

"The child will stay with you," Mennie says frostily. "You are her self-appointed guardian, Alyra."

"I know," Alyra says and nods again. "G'bye, Mennie!"

Mennie stalks out the inn door.

[Seraph]

Grugni found Trahald’s questioning to be suspicious.
“We’re… metal smiths here looking for work. Do you know of any?” Grugni said, trying to divert Trahald from the truth.
He caught sight of Boffin nervously looking over at them.
“Is that Dwarf a friend of yours? He looks a little… odd”.

The door was opened, and a silver haired man in his mid twenties stepped inside. He carried something in a thick leather bag that clanged together when he walked, probably armour. His eyes swept the room for potential danger. There was a group of Dwarves, a dark skinned man talking to them, a woman and child, and various other patrons. No one that posed an immediate threat.
He tapped his hand on the bar.
“Barmaid, a beer” he said.

[The-Elf-Herself]

Ulyne placed the beverage in front of him, pausing to study the man. Clearly a mercenary, but not one of her usual patrons. Probably just passing through. She glanced around, her gaze resting on a shadowy corner of the room that appeared to be empty. She winked significantly at the empty space, then returned to her duties, looking relieved.

[YayGollum]

*Trahald notices the Dwarf's hesitation, but decides to go along with whatever he's coming up with* "No, I'm sorry, but I can't help you. My companions and I just got here ourselves. I can get back to you on that if you'll be in the area for a few days. We humans can always use talent of your kind." *gestures over to Boffin* "Oh, him? That's just one of my partners. Maybe you've heard of him? Boffin, son of Bofur? He tells me that he hails from the Lonely Mountain."

*Boffin decides that the barmaid won't answer his question and checks behind him to see who she was winking at, when he doesn't see anything, he turns to the guy that just sat down* trying to start a conversation since he's bored and doesn't want to worry about what his boss is doing ---> "Oh, hello, sir! Nice day, isn't it? Good beer here!"

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Ulyne returns to fill Boffin's mug*

"Oh, just something I overheard. Sorry, won't say anything more with so many people in the tavern. If you're interested, stick around until later, or else come back later. That's when I usually dispense what I've picked up during the day."

[YayGollum]

*watches her refill his mug (not a stein? oh well.)* "Oh, thank you! Yes, I'm sure we'll be staying here for a while." :rolleyes:

OOC: In more ways than one! Yikes!

[Seraph]

Worried about the interest Trahald was showing in their activities, Grugni decided it was best for them to leave.
“Well if you’ll excuse us, we’d better be leaving”.
He bowed courteously and signalled for his companions to leave. They all filed out of the pub. They could almost feel all the eyes watching them leave.

Stratmarrius stared at Boffin through beady eyes, but said nothing. He just supped his pint. He paid little attention to the group of Dwarves that left either.

[The-Elf-Herself]

Several hours passed. The tavern was mostly empty of customers, save a few that were passed out in a drunken stupor and the patrons that have lingered to hear what Ulyne had to tell. The barmaid finishes clearing off the last of the tables, then carries a final stack of dirty dishes to the kitchen. Upon returning, she wonders if the counter could use a scrub.

A sigh is heard from a corner of the room. As a few of the remaining patrons glance over they see an elf standing there as if she always had been.

"Alright, I'm here," the elf said. "You can cease the idle work."

Ulyne nods without even looking over at her. The barmaid turns to face the rest of the people still waiting.

"Apparently those dwarf customers are up to more than metal-work. They are planning a journey to Mordor, ot the fortress of Barad-dur. They want to reclaim treasures stolen from them by Sauron. What I was thinking was that there has go to be more than just dwarven treasure there. Why should the dwarves lay claim to all of it? I believe they set out tomorrow. Just for your information."

She turns back to cleaning the counter.

[LadyDernhelm]

Alyra starts at the word 'treasure'. She pokes Eryn, who has fallen asleep with her head on the table. The waif raises her head, eyes bleary from sleeping.

"Listen, waif," Alyra says jovially, "You're to stay with Mennie for a time. I'm going on a trip. This will make our fortunes, it will!"

Eryn murmurs something and falls back to sleep. A moment later Alyra wakes her again, stands, bids good-bye to Ulyne, and exits the inn.

[HobbitGirl]

A stout, teenaged girl with dark hair and dark skin entered the inn just as Ulyne was finishing speaking to her patrons. Resbrita was sure she had heard the word "treasure," but didn't know what it was all about. Seeing that the inn was practially empty, she decided just to ask the barmaid about what she had said and then leave.

"Excuse me, miss," Resbrita said quietly, stepping up to Ulyne, "I'm sorry to intrude, but I am certain I heard you talking about treasure of some sort. What is this all about?"

[The-Elf-Herself]

Ulyne looks up from her cleaning and repeats what she told the others.

[YayGollum]

*Trahald has gotten over the rudeness of the Dwarves by this time and heads back to the bar to sit by Boffin and talk to the barmaid* "Is that so? And why would you tell us this? If I came across that kind of information, I'd have left right away. Are you asking us to help you in case there are still dangers there? Because there most probably are."

*Boffin notices the Stratmarrius person staring at him and shifts around in his seat uncomfortably, wondering why the guy keeps looking at him but won't talk back to him*

[The-Elf-Herself]

Ulyne looks up innocently.

"Well, that may be part of it yes, but mostly I told you because I'm just a nice person."

She rolls her eyes at the last bit. By this time the elf has come out of her hiding place in the corner and sat down at the bar.

"And I'm guessing that you want me to come along as well?" the elf maiden asks dryly.

"Well, you don't have too," Ulyne answers. "However, I'd think after years of telling you what I hear around this place, it'd be the least you could do."

The elf considers for a second.

"Very well," she agrees. "My business could use a fresh influx of money. More and more the barter system is not acceptable to the other employees. Ah well, it will come back in another few decades."

[YayGollum]

*Trahald turns to the elf that's suddenly behind him* "I doubt it. And what is your business, my dear she-elf?" *turns to the Dwarf that's getting freaked out by Stratmarrius* "Boffin, get to the wagon. Tell Tolir we're getting ready to leave." to anyone ---> "We are leaving tonight, then? To beat the Dwarves to it?"

[The-Elf-Herself]

Ear narrows her eyes at Trahald.

"I'm in the information trade," she says bluntly. "So, going to leave early, are you? Tell me, how well do you know the terrain of Mordor?"

Ulyne looks around, confused. This is going a little fast for her, she didn't expect a simple piece of information to cause such changes.

[YayGollum]

"Even if didn't know my way around Mordor, why would you suggest waiting any longer? But to answer your question, yes, I do know a few things about the land of Mordor. I've traded with orcs that used to live there before the war. Of course, they never let me get far, but I know of a few orc holds that could hold Dwarf treasure. I don't see how these Dwarves could know any more about the place than me, though." *Boffin trundles outside to talk to Tolir, going slow because of the beer he's holding*

[The-Elf-Herself]

Ear smirks.

"Doesn't seem very fair for the dwarves though, does it? I happen to know Mordor rather well myself. No, starting off at night is a good idea. Who knows? I may just come along. Ulyne, do you think you could be ready to leave tonight?"

Ulyne looks around the tavern, wearily sitting down on a bar stool.

"Honestly? I'd be all the better with a good night sleep."

The elf shrugs.

"Then you can leave with the dwarves tomorrow."

The barmaid looks as if she's going to protest, then stops.

"Alright."

Ear pulls her off to the side, speaking so quietly none of the customers can overhear, though they try.

"Listen, it will work out better. This way, no matter which group gets to the spoils first we will be guaranteed a share. Besides, you know how dwarves would react to an elf in their presence and I cannot remain unseen forever."

Ulyne nods, understanding and goes back to work on those dishes. Ear joins the others at the bar counter.

[YayGollum]

*Boffin walks back in and sets his mug down on the counter, expecting another refill from the superly tired Ulyne person* to Trahald ---> "We're all set, boss. Where are we going so late at night?"

*Trahald shushes him, saying that he'll tell him later, then turns to the elf lady and bows* "I look forward to seeing you on the hunt. There's no way of knowing where this treasure was taken, so I'm sure we'll run into each other again." *waves to the everyone still there* "We'll see you all in Mordor!" :D *Trahald leads Boffin out, who's looking sadly at his mug on the way out*

[LadyDernhelm]

That evening, in the small dwelling that Alyra shares with Mennie and Eryn, Alyra begins to pack her belongings.

"What are you doing?" Mennie asks crossly. "Go to bed."

"I'm leaving in the morning," Alyra says with a grin. "You'll be watching Eryn for a bit. Shouldn't be long - and the spoils'll be rich."

"What do you mean?" Mennie says frostily. "What spoils?"

Alyra lowers her voice conspiratorily and glances out the windows as if fearing an eavesdropper. "Treasure, sister," she says. "Dwarf-treasure."

"Where is this treasure?" Mennie asks, not bothering to lower her voice. Alyra claps a hand over her sister's mouth, glancing nervously toward the door.

"Shush, Mennie. This is in Mordor, it is, in Barad-dûr, and I aim to get us some."

Mennie draws in her breath sharply. "Mordor! Alyra, you're raving mad!"

"Am not," Alyra says defensively. "I'll be along with Ulyne and those dwarves in the tavern tonight. They say the rewards are rich."

Mennie sniffs. "Well then, I will have nothing to do with it. Go along if you wish. I will not stop you. But I will not allow you to take the waif along! That child has enough wild notions as is, without chasing after phantom treasure in an old Dark tower."

Alyra winks. "'Course not, sister. Eryn will stay with you, and you can raise her any way you like. Much too dangerous for a waif like she to be tramping about the countryside."

"I'm going to bed," Mennie says coldly.

"I'll be leaving bright'n'early," Alyra says cheerily.

"I will not rise to see you off," Mennie warns. "Goodbye."

"G'bye, Mennie, you old fuss," Alyra says. "Tell the lass I said goodbye." Her face darkened. "I'll be back 'fore too long."

Mennie, with a parting sniff, leaves her sister and goes to bed.

Alyra finishes packing her belongings and then she, too, takes herself off to bed, preparing to rise early and set off to Mordor.

OOC: Where can Alyra meet Ulyne and the dwarves?

[The-Elf-Herself]

OOC: good question. Look at the discussion thread for an answer as soon as I have one or at least a response or something.

After a final wave to Ulyne, Ear leaves the tavern. She shadows Trahald and his bunch, leading her equally quiet horse behind her. She knew the way to Barad-dur of course, but would track the group's progress from a safe distance, perhaps staging an "accidental" meeting somewhere in the future. This was going to be very interesting...

Meanwhile, Ulyne finishes cleaning up and after ushering the last few stragglers out, including that strange mercenary, blows out the lights and heads to her upstairs room for some shut-eye.

[Seraph]

Stratmarrius sat on his bed, in the dark, contemplating what he’d heard. There were surely great riches to be found in Mordor, but also great dangers. He decided it would be best to try and join up with one of the groups. He could always desert them once they neared Barad-dûr, although there’d probably be more than enough treasure for everyone. With that decided he lay down to sleep, placing a dagger under his pillow as always.

[HobbitGirl]

After hearing what the dwarves were planning to do, Resbrita quickly got a room at the inn. She set her things down in the room, reentered the common room, and tried to hear all that was being said. After everyone had left she returned to her room and began to formulate a plan. Resbrita decided to try and follow Ulyne when she left in the morning, for she figured the dwarves wouldn't be to happy if she tagged along with them. She didn't like the looks of the Corsair; he looked like he was up to no good, and Resbrita resolved to avoid him. Now all I need is an excuse to go with Ulyne, she thought. Resbrita rolled over and soon fell asleep.

[The-Elf-Herself]

The next day Ulyne comes downstairs just before dawn, dressed in suitable traveling clothes. Yawning, she packs a leather bag with plenty of hard biscuit, dried fruit, dried meat, a change of clothes, a few water-skins, and a flask of very fine wine. Fastening the pack shut, Ulyne slips her never-used bootknife into it's tiny sheathe, and writes a note for her older brother telling him where she's going. Sticking the edge of the note under an empty beer stein, she grabs a cloak, puts it on and slings the pack over her shoulder. Finally satisfied that she's taken care of everything, Ulyne leaves the tavern, locking the door behind her. She pauses for a second, glancing around to see if any of the patrons she told about this journey would perchance show up here.

[LadyDernhelm]

Before dawn has quite tinged the sky, Alyra is awake. Without waking Mennie or the waif, she slips from the house and walks quietly up to Ulyne's tavern, where she meets the impatient barmaid at the door.

"I'm the only one here?" Alyra says incredulously, seeing Ulyne alone. "Am I just early?"

[YayGollum]

*by this time, Trahald's wagon is rolling along some country road, heading for Osgiliath and any little towns that might have sprung up on the way, he's thinking about where this Barad-dur fortress is and if any of the little orc outposts will hold anything of interest,

Boffin's hoping that Trahald won't mind staying at Osgiliath for a while so he can admire the elvish art that's there,

Tolir's driving,

not much else to tell since I don't feel like talking to myself :rolleyes: *

[Aulë]

Chokang and the band of dwarves walked into Osgiliath as the sun began to appear over the horizan.
"I'm glad we left so early," said Chokang, "That Inn was giving me the creeps, and I'm sure that there were a few people planning to follow us. Hopefully we gave them the slip."
They then headed north towards Henneth Annùn.

[Gamil Zirak]

Frór Iceear nods to Chokang in agreement. "It's are treasure and no one has any claim to it but us," he replies.

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Ulyne shrugs*

"I'm not sure, but I'll wait here five more minutes and then I'm heading out. We've got to catch up with one of the other groups, I can sort of find my through Osgiliath but beyond that I'd be lost."

*Goes to the stables next door and gets a horse for her and one for Alyra. The stable-owner owes her a favor.*

_________________

*Meanwhile, Ear has been following the wagon on horseback.*

[HobbitGirl]

Resbrita wakes up later than she intended to and rushes to pack her few belongings and supplies. Throwing her cloak around her shoulders and making sure her dart-launcher is safely tucked inside her cloak pocket, Resbrita exits the inn where she sees Ulyne and Alyra, waiting. "I'm terribly sorry I'm late," she says. "I'm afraid I slept late. I hope I haven't been any trouble." She pauses for a second. "So when do we leave for...you-know-where?"

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Seeing her show up, Ulyne gets a third horse from the stables*

"Right about now would be good. I'm hoping you both can ride horses."

*She gets up on a tame gelding, adjusting her pack, waiting for the others.*

[Gamil Zirak]

Frór Iceear keeps staring in the distance behind him and the rest of the dwarves thinking he sees something moving a few miles back.

[YayGollum]

if any sharper eyed Dwarves happened to look back, they'd see a wagon catching up with them, most could probably hear the ranting going back and forth between the people inside --->

"I knew we shouldn't have wasted so much time in Osgiliath! Argh! You and your cultural eccentricities!"

"sorry. You have to admit that the elf art was nice, though."

"I could care less about art! What good has it ever done me? The food we had there wasn't good, either. As soon as we're done in Mordor, we're going back to teach that common cook a thing or two!"

"Okay, boss. Calm down. You didn't have to let Boffin go on that tour."

"Right. You think I'd want to listen to him whine all day? Ha! I'd rather let someone else babysit him for the afternoon."

"I said I was sorry."

"Yes, you always say you're sorry. And you always do something worse the next time. Your bouncing around caused us to break that wheel and lose even more time."

"Hey, I said I was sorry for that, too!"

"Be quiet. I think I see something up ahead."

*the wagon rolls up to the group of Dwarves and Trahald slows it down to greet them* "Well, look who it is! Haven't we met before? Back in Gondor, right? Yes, I remember you. What are you all doing so far from civilization, if I may ask? And without any ponies?"

[LadyDernhelm]

Alyra was faced with a problem: she had never before ridden a horse.

She sat now astride the stable mount Ulyne had got for her, already thinking twice about her quick decision to accompany the plucky barmaid on her treasure-seeking quest. The horse jolted uncomfortably, as if determined to make her as miserable as possible. She glared at Ulyne's back - Ulyne had obviously had practice at this sort of thing.

Not only was the horse uncomfortable, but her rusty knife in its equally rusty sheath bounced dully against her hip with every jolting step. I'll have a bruise there, surely as the sun is hot, she thought sourly.

"Ulyne," she said after a moment, her voice coming in ragged gasps as she bounced up and down in the saddle. "When - will - we - stop?" She was aware that they were hardly out of sight of Ulyne's tavern, but she felt a desperate need to catch her breath.

The barmaid seemed not to hear her. Alyra made a face and lapsed back into silence, concentrating on remaining in the saddle. Her knuckles were white as they clutched the reins - wrongly, she was sure - and her knees were getting sore from their tight hold upon the horse's sides. She was sweating profusely, but didn't dare raise a hand to wipe her brow lest the horse take into its head to rear, or buck, or something else wild that all horses were wont to do.

She thought of Mennie, probably still asleep, and for once felt a passionate stirring of envy for her formidable sister.

OOC: Drat! I just realized I wrote all of that in past tense! But I'm not going to go back and change it. . .sorry, you'll have to deal with this one bad post.

[HobbitGirl]

Resbrita followed timidly behind Ulyne and Alyra, feeling like somwhat of a tag-along. She was out to find treasure just like the others, yet she still felt like she did not belong. Resbrita had always been a bit of an Outcast, wandering here and there, going to whatever place felt right at the time and helping whoever needed help at that place. Mostly Resbrita looked for something to occupy her time, for she felt that just wandering was doing no one any good, least of all her. She felt like she was needed, for what she didn't know, but she helped anyone she found who needed help anyway. Thinking of being in the group to help others made her feel like less of a tag-along, and the Kachita girl smiled and quickened her horse's pace.

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Ulyne notices Alyra's discomfort, but as she can't do a thing about it she doesn't worry about it. They were almost through Osgiliath, which meant she had better find someone else fast, or else they would go through Mordor with no sense of direction. Ulyne turns back to the others.*

"We need to pick up speed if we're going to find another group."

*Kicking her horse lightly, she starts going at a fast gallop.*
_________

Ear watches the meeting of the dwarves and human traders with interest. Then she hears a faint sound of pounding hooves. Quickly she turns her horse around and heads back down the path to the edge of Osgiliath. This whole affair was going differently than she'd thought. Soon she reaches the other group, who pull up their horses at the site of her.

[Gamil Zirak]

"I vaguely remember seeing you there," Frór Iceear replies. "Our business is our business and of no concern to you. Besides, our ponies were stolen in Osgiliath."

[YayGollum]

Trahald ---> "Yes, of course your business is your own! Excuse me for taking an interest. You must admit, though, that it is strange to see a group of Dwarves heading in a direction that holds much fear for most people. Without ponies. If it isn't too much of an intrusion, I would offer to take you to your destination. We have plenty of room in the wagon. Or I could take you back to Osgiliath and help you all to procure new transportation for yourselves. Oh, excuse me. If you haven't done that for yourselves already, you must be in a hurry! Well, hop in! We would be more than welcome!"

*Boffin pokes his out to see who it is, but slips on something on the floor of the wagon and stays hidden, superly surprised to see the Dwarves again*

[Gamil Zirak]

"We don't normally take up with strangers, but we are in need of transportation," Frór Iceear replies unwillingly. "Why are you headed in the direction you are headed," he asks Trahald.

[YayGollum]

*Trahald leans back to tell Boffin and Tolir to get out of the wagon, Boffin jumps out of the back so the Dwarves don't see him and unties his pony so he can ride beside the wagon, Tolir takes the reins out front, and Trahald jumps off to help the Dwarves in* "Oh, I'm just happy to be of service to such talented travellers. Why are we out here? Well, that's a good question. Why, while we were in Gondor, we heard that there are still many outposts near Mordor to watch for what remains of the enemy. I had planned on meeting these brave souls and seeing how the trading industry is with them." :D

[Seraph]

Grugni reluctantly followed the other Dwarves into the back of the wagon. He didn’t believe Trahalds story, just as he hadn’t believed theirs. But once they were in Mordor they could ditch them and continue on their own.
“Thank you kind sir” Grugni said through gritted teeth.

[Aulë]

Six of the Dwarves, including Chokang did not get into the wagon.
"We do not wish to travel with such rough folk," Chokang grumbled, "Gralin, Derin, Thoin, Thrifur, Kofur and I shall continue on on foot."
The group then walked eastwards, away from the wagon.

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Ulyne looks at her impatiently.*

"Well, what are you here for?" she asks finally.

Ear doesn't reply, only continues listening intently for a moment.

"The group is not that far ahead of you. Some of the dwarves have joined the peddlars and the others chose to continue alone. If you are very quick you might catch up with one of them. You could also remain separate and perhaps I would guide you. Whatever you wish."

Ulyne considers this, and turns to the others.

"What do you all want to do?"

[LadyDernhelm]

I should speak up now, Alyra thinks. If the Elf were to guide us, then I would get out of this dratted saddle.

Instead, she grasps the saddle-horn until her knuckles are white, and gasps through gritted teeth -

"The choice is yours, Ulyne."

[HobbitGirl]

Resbrita smiled at the thought of traveling with Dwarves. She liked Dwarves; they were very bold, valiant and hospitible, at least the ones Resbrita had met. She did not understand how obsessive they were over thier hordes, however. Resbrita helped to search for the treasure for the pure sake of helping far more than the possibility of getting treasure. Resbrita spoke up, but only just loud enough to be heard. "Why should we not travel with the Dwarves?" she said. "They know the way better than we do."

[Gamil Zirak]

Frór Iceear reluctantly rides in the wagon. He's thinking that it will better to have a band of dwarves with these vagabounds to keep an eye on them and them out of the dwarven treasure.

[YayGollum]

Trahald, to the Dwarves that are in the wagon ---> "Don't mention it, my good Dwarves! We are more than happy to help! I'll just see if I can persuade your companions to join us. We are all headed in the same direction anyway." to the Dwarves that are being evil and plot-slowing ---> "I must admit that we do seem much more unrefined than Dwarves such as yourselves, but we really are nothing for you to fear. As I said, we are headed in the same direction. Why not let us help you?" *holds a hand out to help them into the wagon*

*Boffin keeps looking behind them and thinking that he's seeing things when he's actually seeing things more specific than just ---> 'things' (the other group)*

[Aulë]

Chokang looked up to Trahald and gave him an evil stare.
"Thanks you for the offer," he said through gritted teeth, "but we would prefer to travel alone. The path we wish to travel is unaccesable by wagon anyway."
With that, Chokang turned his back on the wagon, and walked into the growing darkness. The other five dwarves silently followed.

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Ulyne looks back anf forth between Resbrita and Alyra, trying to decide.*

"If we did travel with them, which group?"

Ear shrugs.

"That would be your decision, not mine."

"Then let's see if we can catch up," Ulyne states. "Maybe those peddlars will let you ride in their wagon, Alyra. I know you don't like that saddle."

*The group starts moving towards the others at a brisk pace. Upon reaching them, Ulyne notices that Ear has disappeared.*

[LadyDernhelm]

Alyra reddens, but mutters thanks.

The wagon does sound good.

[Seraph]

“Stubborn as ever. Perhaps we should follow Chokang and friends as well. It’ll do us no good being separated” Grugni said, idly fiddling with his eyepatch.
He awaited the other Dwarves thoughts.

_________

The man from the bar, Stratmarrius rode up to Ulyne and the group. He was now wearing blue spiked armour. His horse was also armoured in places.
“You travel to Mordor to pilfer treasure? A lofty goal indeed” he said in a commanding aristocratic tone.
“I would like to travel with you, if it is to your liking. I am an experienced warrior, and I would be an asset to you. I await your decision”.

[The_Swordmaster]

Grandlyon replys to Grugni. " I think it will be best if we stay here in the wagon. Because if they try and go to Barad-dur before us they might take our treasure. So we must stay here and prevent them from going to Mordor. They deal with those in Mordor we can't trust them for a second. Chokang will lead the others just fine. So we should stay here. And do what we can"

[YayGollum]

*Trahald sees the other group approaching and motions for Boffin to talk to them while he keeps working on the Dwarves* Boffin, to the Ulyne person's group ---> "Hello! Oh, I know you! More people from Gondor! Here to help us carry some treasure back? Well, that's nice. Maybe my boss will give you some. Anybody want some food?" *gestures to the back of the wagon*

*Trahald looks at Boffin as if he's saying, "Argh! Don't mention the treasure out loud!" then turns to the Dwarves, hoping that they didn't hear Boffin's loud mouth* "Ah, the path you're taking is not accessible to wagons you say? Oh, well, I have been to Mordor before. I know many orc paths that my wagon can safely cross. In fact, if you'll come with us, I'm sure that we could take you to your destination in a much faster and safer way. I know that you do not feel safe divulging the reason for your journey to a human like me, but I would feel much safer myself if I knew that you were not being tortured by the orcs that still live in Mordor." :D

[LadyDernhelm]

Alyra swallows hard as she hears Trahald mention "orcs still in Mordor". Shaking from weariness, she reins in her mount and waits for Ulyne's decision.

~*~*~

Eryn has been up since first dawn, pestering Mennie as to Alyra's whereabouts. Mennie has rebutted her every question, and by now they are both in a foul temper. Mennie has opted to stay home from the bakery today on charges of a headache - and to keep an eye on Eryn.

The waif is listless, floating aimlessly from one place to another.

"I want to go with 'Lyra," she complains to Mennie around noon. Mennie scowls, mutters, shakes her head, and does not answer.

"You're no fun," Eryn continues. "Where's 'Lyra?"

"Off to get killed," Mennie says in a doom-laden voice.

"Why?" Eryn presses. "Does she want to?"

Mennie gives a disgusted snort and turns back to the bread she is kneading. "Go play, waif."

"Come play with me."

Mennie whirls around to glare at Eryn, sending the waif scurrying outside the door.

Once outside, Eryn becomes listless again. She contents herself with pacing to and fro in front of the door and thinking doleful thoughts to herself.

Suddenly, she receives a truly inspired idea.

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Ulyne looks uneasy at the mention of orcs as well. She turns to Boffin.*

"Yes, we're traveling towards the same place. I was wondering if you'd allow us to travel with you, might be safer. I'm guessing that none of us are good with weaponry, except for Ear and one elf can hardly protect three people from the larger hoards of orcs."

"You are certainly correct about that," Ear comments.

Ulyne and Alyra, being rather on edge from the orc talk, jump in their seats. Ulyne looks behind her where the elf suddenly appeared.

"Don't do that," the barmaid admonishes. "You want to scare me senseless?"

Ear grins and shrugs.

[YayGollum]

"Well, I'm not in charge here, but I'm sure that Trahald will let you come with us. So noone wants food? I do!" *before getting Tolir to hand him some food, he looks at the ladies without weapons* "No weapons? We have a lot in the wagon. My boss might even give you a discount since we'll be staying together for a while. I'm sure that Tolir could train you, too. Lots of fun!"

[HobbitGirl]

Resbrita smiled shyly and lowered her head, a little embarassed. "I am not weaponless." She took her dart-launcher out of her cloak pocket. "I also carry darts...with tranquilizers and toxins in them." She perked up at the mention of weapons. "Do you happen to have any of these?" Resbrita pulled a short, squat, green dart with a wooden sheath over it's long, needle-sharp tip out of her other pocket. She held it up to show to Boffin. "I'm running rather low on these."

[YayGollum]

*Boffin rides up on Pooftop to see what she's holding, but since he knows next to nothing about the thing, he timidly reaches past one of the Dwarves in the wagon to grab their inventory book, which he passes to the lady* "Here you go, miss. I'm not sure if we have what you want, but that should tell you if we have it or something like it." *looks back at Trahald, wishing that he'd hurry up with the Dwarves so he could talk to this customer*

[Gamil Zirak]

Frór Iceear feels the handle of the axe at his back hidden underneath his cloke. He thinks to himself, "as I'm not weaponless, I'd like to take on a hoard of orcs right now." He says aloud, "we best be on our way and travel as far as we can before we camp for the night."

[Aulë]

Chokang and his company slipped away into the darkness, heading in the opposite direction to the wagon.
"We must travel by the cover of nightfall," Chokang whispered, "The last thing we need are those ruffians taking a share in our treasure."
"Indeed," agreed Gralin, "I do not trust their motives one bit."
In the distance, they could hear the wagon trundling into the night.
Thoin chuckled, then turned to the others,
"It appears that Frór, Grugni and the others are leading those fools up the wrong tree, I doubt we shall be bothered by that lot again."
"Good," Chokang said, "Now, let us move quickly, I want us to be as close as possible to the Mountains of Shadow before dawn."

[YayGollum]

OOC: Yikes! Since when are Dwarves so evil? Not even a goodbye to the guy that was talking to you? oh well. I don't know why you people like to think that my characters are so easily duped. Since they know where you're going and they have plenty of nice and smooth orc roads to roll on, I'm sure that they can beat a group of Dwarves running around on foot in the rough country known as Morrrdorrr. :rolleyes:

IC: *Tolir drives the wagon down the orc road he remembers driving on the last time he was in Morrrdorrr while Trahald talks to the Dwarves in the back of the wagon to keep them busy, Boffin continues to try to sell things to the lady outside*

[The-Elf-Herself]

Ulyne and the others keep pace with the wagon. Meanwhile, Ear steals away to follow the dwarves. The elf smiles, as both groups are forgoing the most direct path. Ah well, that's their choice, it's not as if anyone asked her for directions. They seem to be doing well enough on their own, farbeit for her to interfere.

[Seraph]

Stratmarrius became angry at being ignored.
“Well will you let me accompany you or not?” he snapped, letting some of his true temperament show through.
“It’s your safety I’m concerned with” he added, cooling his words.

[LadyDernhelm]

Eryn creeps silently down to the Gondorian bakery where Mennie usually works. Upon entering, she is yelled at by the First Baker, a large red-faced man with a rampant black mustache.

"Beggar! Tramp! Waif!" he shouts, waving a spoon at Eryn. "Insolent pup! Where is your mother?"

"Don't got one," Eryn retorts cheekily. "She's gone somewhere a long time ago."

The First Baker stares at her, enraged.

"Where is your aunt, then!" he explodes. "You know who I mean!"

"Don't got one," Eryn repeats with an impudent grin. "Never did."

"WHERE IS MENNIE?" the Baker roars, waving his wooden spoon like a club. "Why is she not here?"

"Sick," Eryn says. "But she said I was to come and borrow a knife." Her eyes glow as she continues -"One of the big, big ones. Maybe a butter knife. Maybe a bread knife. Or maybe the really big stabbing knife. Maybe -"

"I do not give knives to children!" The Baker shouts angrily.

"Well," says Eryn a little disappointedly, "If you don't have a knife, you could always give me a fork. I think Mennie would like that, too."

"A - fork?" the Baker asks, taken aback. "What for?"

"Well," says Eryn as she pinches a fingerful of raw breaddough from the tray beside the red-faced Baker, "Isn't a fork a type of knife?"

"No!" the Baker roars. "Get gone, brat!" He brandishes his spoon, as if he is going to strike the child.

"Fine," says Eryn cheerfully. With another cheeky grin, she pinches another fingerful of breaddough, grabs the Baker's spoon from his hand, and runs out of the bakery.

"Get back here with my spoon," the Baker yells. "Thief! Pickpocket! Beggar! Come back, brat!"

But Eryn is, by this time, far gone along the east-bound road.

[Gamil Zirak]

As the wagon comes to a halt in a grove of trees. Frór Iceear climbs out of the back to stretch his legs. "We should have a bite to eat before we rest for the night," he replies as his stomach growls.

[LadyDernhelm]

"Eryn?" Mennie calls, stomping out of the door to find her charge. "Waif! Imp! Where have you run off to?"

There is no response, and Mennie mutters something irritated under her breath and storms back into the house.

"If that child is not back by sunset, she'll regret it!"

~*~

Eryn herself wanders along the eastbound road, only now realizing that she has no idea where Alyra might have gone. The sun is harsh and hot, and she has had no food since the previous evening and begins to feel uncomfortable.

With a deep sigh detailing many cares and countless worries, Eryn clutches her spoon more tightly and continues forlornly along the path. Hopefully, she thinks, I'll find 'Lyra soon.

~*~

Alyra, riding comfortably in the wagon all day, has regained her usual jovial manner. As she climbs down to make camp, Alyra leans over to Boffin.

"You mentioned weapons," she said confidingly. "I could use one of those. What sort of things do you, ah, have?"

~*~

By sunset, Eryn is tired, dusty, and cross. She is swatting at passing frogs and the occasional lizard with her spoon, taking out a bit of her vindictiveness upon the innocent creatures.

"'Lyra has to be around here somewhere," she mutters to the first of her unhappy victims. "I'll walk all night if I have to," to the second. To the third - a sleek blue-tailed newt that misses her thwacking spoon easily - she only grunts in annoyance.

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Ulyne gets off her horse and helps to set up camp. Meanwhile, Ear continues wandering around. She rides back through the path that the wagon took, checking to see if anyone has been folowing them.*

[YayGollum]

*Boffin starts grabbing whatever he might need from the wagon and turns to that lady that's talking to him* "Hm? Didn't we already talk about weapons? I thought you wanted some darts for blowing at people. We have them. You should talk to Tolir there if you want something else. He makes most of our weapons and armour."

*Tolir tosses his bedroll somewhere, burns his thumb while lighting the fire, and lets his horse Fred loose to eat whatever grass he can find*

Trahald, to whichever Dwarf decides that he's talking to them ---> "I fear for your friends. While your race is hardy and can withstand an attack from anything that I know of in Mordor, the orcs are still numerous. I would help them if I you would let me. You know where they are headed. Would you deny them the safety that lies in numbers? Especially when some of them know the secrets of this country?"

[LadyDernhelm]

Alyra shakes her head in incredulous amazement.

"No, that was the other person," she chides. "All I want is something small. Something...lethal."

OOC: Should Eryn find the people or just have her own set of misadventures throughout?

[Seraph]

“Chokang and the others can take care of themselves. Besides they wouldn’t take you up on you’re offer” Grugni said to Trahald.
The old Dwarf sighed inwardly. The journey had only just begun, and already they had split up. He only hoped that they could meet up later, and fulfil their quest together.


OOC: Maybe Eryn could hitch a ride in the back of a wagon or something, and catch up to the others?

[YayGollum]

*Boffin scratches his head with all kinds of confusion* "Oh. sorry. Why don't you buy a dart blowing thing anyway? That's small. And I know where those are now. I guess a dagger would be small, too. A short sword is small. Ask Tolir."

Trahald, trying desperately to hold onto patience ---> "So you would deny your friends safety. You obviously know nothing about the dangers of Mordor. sorry I asked. Oh, you must be planning on letting them die out there so you can have more of the treasure. That is exactly what I would do." :eek:

[LadyDernhelm]

Alyra shrugs. "Whatever. Either of those sounds fine to me."

She turns and pokes around in the cart, pulling up a large, unwieldy dagger.

"What's this?" she asks as she eyes it critically. Running her finger along the edge as she has seen warriors do, she pricks herself. A thin line of blood appears on her index finger and she sticks it into her mouth hastily.

"Ow! You should have warned me that that thing was sharp!"

~*~

When the sun has reached its zenith and Eryn still has not returned home, Mennie begins to grow worried. Knowing the child, she storms over to the bakery which is her normal place of employment and stomps through the door, catching the red-faced baker in the process of singing softly to his rising dough.

"Mennie!" he shouts as she clears her throat loudly. He flushes, redder even than before, and raises his red finger threateningly.

"Why were you not in today, eh?"

"I had a headache," Mennie says bitingly. "Is Eryn here?"

She peers under the table as if the waif might have hidden herself there.

The baker shakes his head, still looking profoundly embarrased. "She was in here this morning. She stole my spoon," he adds, glowering.

"Where'd she go?" Mennie asks.

"Home," the baker replies. "She came in here claiming you wanted a big knife, and when I wouldn't give her one she wanted a fork, and then she stole my spoon." He thwacks the counter irritably, muttering something under his breath.

"Hmph," Mennie says and stomps out of the door without a goodbye.

~*~

After more hours than she can count of trudging along the eastward road, Eryn sits dejectedly on a rock.

"Maybe Alyra will come back soon," she thinks with a sigh.

"I hope so."

[Seraph]

Grugni erupted with anger, at Trahald’s words.
“No we’re not planing on letting them die! But they’ve made their minds up, and they won’t be dissuaded”.
Grugni talked to his companions in a hushed voice.
“If we’re going to leave these people at some point maybe we should just go now, Chokang seemed pretty aggravated”.

[YayGollum]

*Boffin looks superly surprised when she acts rude* "Well, that's a large and unwieldy dagger, I think. :rolleyes: You don't like Tolir, do you? oh well." *holds his hand out for the money* "Are you going to buy that dagger?"

Trahald ---> "Excuse me for being concerned. I was only trying to help."

to Tolir ---> "Argh! These Dwarves! Have they always been so stubborn? They abandon their friends and say that they don't want the treasure for themselves! How stupid do they think humans are? We'll just have to leave in the morning, find some orc, and get it to lead us to Barad-dur. They're more reasonable than this!"

[Gamil Zirak]

Frór Iceear clears his throat and the says to Trahald, "we are not abandoning them and if it is as you say, we will be in Barad-dur waiting on them. Besides, Chokang does not trust anyone but himself. He would sneak away in the night if we were all camped together."

[HobbitGirl]

Resbrita had not said anything for hours, lost in her own thoughts. Only when they had settled down to camp did she remember Boffin. "I....oh, I'm sorry I didn't finish...what I was talking about earlier," Resbrita said, embarassed. She picks a few dozen of the fat, green darts out of the bunches of weapons and other things in the cart. She then fishes into the pouch on her belt and digs out two fat, silver coins. "Will this be enough?" she asks, holding the coins out.

[LadyDernhelm]

Alyra hefts the dagger, being careful to stay away from the blade, trying to look the expert.

"Sure," she says casually. She hands Boffin a few coins and then asks as she holds the hilt delicately between two fingers, "Where can I put it?"

~*~

By sunset, Mennie has despaired of finding Eryn again.

"I should've talked nicer to the waif," she says tearfully to a flower arrangement sitting on the table. "She was mischevious, but could do no harm," to a stern-looking portrait on the wall. And, to the hatrack near the door, "'Twas all my fault that the child left."

She had searched the nearer homes thoroughly, convinced that someone was hiding Eryn.

"For ransom," she had proclaimed darkly to her cousin Yldra. The two of them had sat together, drinking tea, and shaking their heads dolefully over the missing child.

"Maybe the brat will turn up in the morning," Mennie says with a yawn to the bed-post as she retires early that evening. "We'll see."

~*~

Before the sun had come near to setting, Eryn is up and off along the road again. She trudges determinedly, stifling her yawns as if her life depends on it. When she hears the sound of an approaching wagon, she continues to walk straight-faced ahead, too tired to care whether or not she is trampled by the oncoming vehicle.

"Woah, lass!" a voice calls from the cart, and a small piece of gravel strikes her shoulder as the horses screech to a halt.

"Go around me," Eryn says morosely, continuing to walk stubbornly along the middle of the road.

The wagon-driver lets out a string of unrepeatable words before jumping down from his cart, running around Eryn, grabbing her by the shoulders, and shaking her soundly.

"What d'you think you're doing, child?" the man asks furiously as Eryn stares balefully back. "Walking down the middle of any road is no place for a lass."

"I'm going to find 'Lyra," Eryn says unemotionally. "She went this way. I'm following."

The man stares at her for a moment, uncomprehending. "Who's Lira? And - and what is a young one like you wandering about the road to Mordor?

"Of course it's not Mordor anymore," he adds. "But it's still nasty parts, never know the kind of things you'll meet up with up there."

"That's where 'Lyra went," Eryn says, and nods. "To Murder. With the man who had a fork in his boot."

"A - what?" The man asks, flabbergasted.

"She went to Murder," Eryn repeats impatiently. "She went with Ulyne, and the red man and his friends, and some Dwarves. The red man had a fork in his boot."

The cart-driver stares at her, still completely nonplussed.

"She went to find treasure," Eryn elaborates. "Dwaf treasure. In Buried-Dirt."

"Buried- you mean, Barad-dûr?"

"Yes," says Eryn, "Buried-Dirt".

"I see," the man replies skeptically. "So she went to Buried-Dirt, in Murder, to find the man with a fork in his boot?"

"No!" Eryn says, losing her last bit of patience. "She went with the red man to find treasure in Buried-Dirt in Murder."

"And the red man had a fork in his boot."

"That's what I said!" To prove her point, Eryn stomps her foot, sending up a small cloud of dust in the twilight.

A gleam comes into the cart-driver's eyes. "Treasure, you say?" he murmurs. Then he looks at Eryn, a large smile plastered to his face. "What say I take you to this Lira of yours, my lass?"

"I'm not your lass," Eryn says insolently. "But if you take me to 'Lyra, I might be."

Charmed in spite of himself, the wagoner allows himself a real smile and reaches out his hand.

"Deal," he says. Eryn grabs the large hand in her small one and shakes it vigorously, shifting her wooden spoon to the other fist to do so.

"Deal."

[YayGollum]

OOC: Yikes! Should I have said that Trahald was whispering that to Tolir? oh well.

IC: Trahald ---> "Forgive me. I will have to tell this Chokang how much I admire him for that. I hope that you understand why I am still concerned, though. Ah, well. If you say that we should meet him at Barad-dur, then that is what I shall try to make happen." *Trahald turns away to start cooking whatever superly yummiful food you decide that he should make and rolls his eyes all over the place, hoping that he can still talk to some orc without anyone trying to kill it*

*Boffin puts the coins he just got into some pockets even though he has no idea how much the weapons cost* "Well, thank you both! I hope that's enough for those." to the Alyra person ---> "Maybe a sheath on a belt? I have a dagger, too, and that's what I do with it. Here, lady." *hands her the sheath that should have come with the thing*

[Seraph]

Stratmarrus, who had joined the group earlier, sat apart from the others, lost in thought.
He wondered if he were the only one who fully appreciated the danger they would face. Most of them would be lucky to leave Mordor alive. Some of them looked like they’d never even used a weapon before. At least the large group would afford them protection.
Stratmarrius turned his nose up at the aroma of Trahald’s cooking.
“What on earth is that concoction?” he muttered to himself. “I think I’ll stick to this,” he said taking out a loaf of bread.

[YayGollum]

OOC: Didn't I say that he started cooking whatever superly yummiful food you decide that he should make? Saying that it smells bad doesn't sound like you think it's superly yummiful. oh well. :rolleyes:

IC: Trahald, to the food critic ---> "It's nothing but a little stew, my good man. I'm sorry that you won't be sharing it with us. That bread would have tasted fine with it. Ah, well. Do what you feel is right. More for us."

*Boffin and Tolir pull out their bowls and spoons and chow down like there's no tomorrow*

[The-Elf-Herself]

*Ulyne looks over at them from where she's been eating some dried fruit*

"Hey, save some for the rest of us!" she says good-naturedly.

[YayGollum]

*Boffin's eyes widen and he sets his bowl down where he can stare sadly at it and feel bad about insulting a lady*

*Tolir fills a bowl for the lady and hands it over, rolling his eyes at the Dwarf*

[HobbitGirl]

Resbrita smiled when the aroma of stew prickled her nostrils. She helped herself to some of the stuff, then scooped a bite into her spoon. She studied the stew for a moment, trying to see what was in it, but realized she didn't really care, as it smelled delicious. She spooned the whole bowl of stew into her before she realized it. She set the empty bowl on the ground with satisfaction, then wondered who was going to get stuck with dish duty, and how soon they would leave in the morning.

[LadyDernhelm]

Alyra hurriedly scoops a healthy ladleful of stew into her own dish and eats heartily, realizing how hungry she's been all day.

"So," she mumbles as she eats, "When do we get to Mordor?"

[Seraph]

OOC: Have you ever heard him say anything nice?

Stratmarrius continued eating his bread, and left the others to their stew.
“So has anyone been to Mordor before?” he asked, after taking a swig from his hip flask, only half interested to hear if they had.

[YayGollum]

OOC: Yes, when do we get to Mordor? To the scary Seraph person ---> I don't think so. oh well. You could have said nothing at all. :rolleyes:

IC: Boffin, superly not noticing the guy's lack of interest ---> "Oh, I've been there. Me and Tolir and my boss. A few times. It's not very pretty, but there are lots of orcs to do business with. I was getting used to their food for a while."

[Seraph]

“Doing business with Orcs?” Stratmarrius said surprised. “How perverse”.
“We should be in Mordor soon shouldn’t we? Perhaps we should get some of you’re Orc friends to escort us Barad-dur” he added wryly.

[The-Elf-Herself]

"That would definitely be interesting," Ear says as she walks up.

Ulyne shudders from where she's finishing off her stew.

"Not sure I like the idea myself," the barmaid replies. "Why can't you be like normal elves and absolutely hate the very sight of orcs?"

Ear grimaces.

"I never said I didn't, but why should that disrupt my business? The thought has merit, though I wonder at the orc who would actually do it."

[The_Swordmaster]

Grandlyon spoke with an angry tone to Boffin.

" What type of business do you with those foul folk? I would like to hear what you supply them with."

[YayGollum]

Boffin, superly surprisedly, but not really offended ---> "Well, I'm not really friends with any of them. We just trade. I usually just move things around in the wagon." *looks up at the night sky and thinks about heading to bed* "It's late and I don't know where we are, sir. I don't know how much longer it'll take to find this treasure. We'll have to pass through some mountains, though." to the other Dwarf ---> "Not much. Weapons. Armour. Potions. Poisons. Nothing special. The same things we trade with everyone else. Is that bad?"

[The_Swordmaster]

"So you are supplying the enemy with the tools of destuction. I don't even think of the innocent slaughtered by your weopons. Yes that is bad in my eyes."

Grandlyon said very angrily. Then walked away for awhile to cool down.

[YayGollum]

What Boffin would have said to the guy, but since he's gone, I guess he's just saying it to himself or whoever's paying attention ---> "Didn't I say that we trade the same things with everyone else? oh well. I'm not the one in charge, I just move things around. How many innocent orcs were killed with the things we sold to other people?" :eek:

[Seraph]

“There’s no such thing as an innocent Orc. They all deserve to burn”Stratmarrius said harshly.
He lay down on the ground to sleep; trying unsuccessfully to get comfortable while wearing his spiked suit of armour. He even kept his helmet on, the only part visible beneath the armour were his eyes.

[YayGollum]

*Boffin sees that the guy's planning on going to sleep, so he shuts up and thinks about any orcs that he met that might have been innocent, but decides that he's never seen any baby orcs and settles into his bedroll while Tolir sits up at the front of the wagon to keep watch*

[The-Elf-Herself]

Ulyne curls up in her cloak and settles in, soon falling fast asleep. Ear remains standing and takes a look-out position.

[LadyDernhelm]

Alyra, by this time, is fast asleep, slumped against a tree-trunk at the edge of the encampment. Her emptied bowl is beside her, as is her newly purchased dagger in its sheath; one hand is curled around the hilt and on her face is a smile of satisfaction.

~*~

Eryn, too, is asleep, on the front seat of the wagon in which she has ridden since before sundown. The cart-driver -- Agrahor, by name -- is slumped forward on the seat, on the verge of sleep -- but keeping himself awake to lead the horses.

He glances fondly over at Eryn, whose arms are flayed above her head in a pose of utmost relaxation.

"Crazy lass," he murmurs to the horse. "Off to Murder by herself. There, I'm adopting her own words, I am. Off to Mordor to find her Lira, and no one the wiser at home, I'd say.

"Go up, now, girl," he chirps to the steed pulling his wagon. "Treasure, she said there was in Murd -- Mordor. Lots of Dwarven-treasure, and that's the best kind, I'd say. Yes, off to Mordor with the lassie I am now, and I aim to find me some treasure, I do."

As the horse did not respond Agrahor lapsed back into silence, forcing himself to stay awake on the long road toward Murder.

[Gamil Zirak]

As Frór Iceear finishes his stew, he gets up to inspect a near by bush. Coming back releived, he lays on the ground using a rock as a pillow and dozes off. He has a dream of travelling into Mordor and seeing the dead bodies of his fellow dwarves in the other group. He runs to them, but it's to late. Their bodies are filled with arrows. He startles himself awake and gets up to stand by the fire.

[Aulë]

Chokang, Gralin, Derin, Thoin, Thrifur and Kofur trudged through the rough terrain of the feet of the Mountains of Shadow, and looked keenly towards the north where they knew their treasures lay.

"Only a few more days," grinned Kofur, "We shall be back in the Iron Hills before those wagon trash even reach Mordor,"

"Yes, Frór and the others shall have them travelling around in circles with their false directions," laughed Thrifur, "And even if they don't listen to Frór, they won't know what way to go!"

All six Dwarves burst into laughter, rolling on the ground, and slapping their thighs until they were crying tears of laughter.
In the distance, a twig snapped. Chokang jolted up suddenly, and held up his right hand to the others.

"Silence!" he hissed, "I think I heard something!"

The dwarves pulled out their weapons, and shields and looked towards the crest of the Mountains. They were in a valley with steep slopes which contained many boulders that could hide an orc.

"Are you sure you heard something?" whispered Gralin.

Chokang gave Gralin a cold glance "Yes of course I....."

The silence was suddenly broken as the air was filled with the sound of arrows flying all around the Dwarves.

"Run!" cried Chokang, "There are Orcs about!"

Thrifur was struck down as an arrow went through his chest.

"Leave me!" he groaned, "I'm done for! Save yourselves!"

The five remaining Dwarves ran for a rocky outcrop, whilst trying to dodge the deadly projectiles. Thoin and Kofur fell as several arrows filled their torsos, and Derin was pierced through the shoulder. Chokang and Gralin dragged him several meters until they were behind the outcrop.

"Tend to his wound," hissed Chokang, "I'll teach though blighters a lesson!"

With a cry of anger, Chokang rushed up the steep slope and snuck behind a large bush.
Towards the north, he could see seven orcish archers hiding behind boulders and trees, ever watching the outcrop where Gralin and Derin lay.
Chokang then quietly crept towards the nearest one, about twenty meters away. And before it even sensed the Dwarf's presence, Chokang hewed it's head off with his war axe.
Two other orcs were only ten meters away to his left and right respectively. Chokang pulled out a throwing axe, and with precise accuracy, threw it into the scull of the orc, hurling him down the gravely slope of the valley.
The other orc looked up in surprise, and was greeted by another throwing axe.
Four visable orcs remained, all on the other side of the valley.

"How am I going to get myself out of this mess?" thought Chokang.

To his surprise, all four orcs fell to the ground, each with throwing axes in their skulls. All was revealed when Gralin and Derin popped out from behind trees on the other slope.
The three Dwarves quickly regrouped at the stream that flowed through the valley.

"We didn't want you to have all the fun," grinned Gralin,

"You're suppost to be injured," Chokang gasped to Derin.

"Bah, it was only a minor flesh wound, no poison," said Derin, "We'd better keep moving, they may still be orcs around!"

Chokang looked towards the bodies of his fallen comrades,

"May the will of Durin protect them from those orcs," he mused.

The remaining Dwarves then set off at a quick pace towards the destination of their desires- The lost Dwarvish treasure.

[YayGollum]

*Tolir sees the Dwarf hanging out by the fire and walks over, but looks around every now and then just so he can feel like he's still on watch* "Excuse me. Sir? Are you alright, sir? It's late. You can sleep in the wagon tomorrow if you need to, though. I've been meaning to ask you something. Why are you with us instead of with your companions? Did you have a falling out? I know how dangerous Mordor can be and I was going to suggest that we find your friends tomorrow to help them. My boss is after your treasure, but I was practically raised by Dwarves. I wouldn't want your companions to die just because they're on their own."

[Gamil Zirak]

Frór Iceear looks around to see if anyone is listening. In a low voice he says, "Chokang and I don't always see I to eye. Our families have known each other for years, but we have had a falling out as of late. They have taken a short cut, a very dangerous one, but still a short one. I had not wanted to go that way, but Chokang insisted. My father was killed along that path along with a hoard of mighty dwarves. Chokang would not heed my council and I only hope he will not meet the same fate." After a long pause and a loud sigh, Frór spoke again. "I will take us the way they are going only to save their lives."

[YayGollum]

*Tolir takes a seat, superly forgetting about being on watch, he pokes at the last of the stew with his spoon superly absentmindedly* "Oh, I see. Yes, you people can be very stubborn when you want to be. No offense, of course. I think it's a good thing. Well, I wonder when Dwarves have gone so far into Mordor before. How do you know of this shortcut? I only know of the orc trails our wagon can go on."

[Gamil Zirak]

"After the Last Alliance, some of the dwarves from Khazad-dum had heard rumour of the hoards of gold in Mount Doom. They began to send small batalions searching for it. My father, along with all but Chokang's father, perished in the last group," Frór Iceear replies. In a somber voice, "it is getting late now, I'll take watch for you if you'd like some rest."

[YayGollum]

*Tolir waves his hand at the guy as the sun is beginning to rise (trying to move this thing along!)* "Oh, that's alright, friend. I've been instructed to watch you anyway. We only know that this treasure is in Barad-dur, but none of us have ever been there."

*Boffin stirs in his bedroll not too far away and after two seconds, he's up and running around, acting like an annoying morning person, he climbs up into the wagon to wake Trahald up to make breakfast for him, then comes over to sit with Tolir* "Hey, you two! Good morning! Whatcha talking about?"

[Seraph]

Stratmarrius awoke and prepared himself a quick breakfast.
Grugni got up as well. It seemed like he hadn’t had much sleep. His old face was grave with concern.
“Let’s try and catch up with Chokang and the others. We should be able to make good progress in the wagon”.

[YayGollum]

*since I don't see the person in charge around, I'll go with this person and say that the group eats breakfast and gets ready to go, Boffin on Pooftop, sticking by the side of the wagon, Trahald in the wagon, watching the Dwarves, and Tolir driving the wagon* Tolir, to whichever Dwarf decides that he talked to them first ---> "Come on out front, sir. You can tell me which way to go, I hope."

[Gamil Zirak]

Frór Iceear climbs to the front of the wagon. "See the small rise among those trees," he says as he points in the distance. "Head for that spot and that begins the trail they took. We should be caught up with them by nightfall."

[Seraph]

The group travelled into Mordor. The further they went the more they realised just how perilous their quest was. Their spirits began to ebb.
Grugni sat in the back of the wagon, downhearted.
“So are we to bring these people with us all the way to Barad-dur? To pilfer our sacred treasures? Chokang, Gralin, and the others didn’t want that, and now who knows what’s happened to them?” he said morosely.

[Gamil Zirak]

In a low whisper so that only Grugni could here, Frór Iceear replies, "Chokang and the others may not make it to Barad-dur alive on the path they are taking. They are too small in number to fend off a large orc attack. We'll catch up with them and then lose this lot not too long after that."

[Seraph]

Grugni nodded in assent.
“Alright then”.

[LadyDernhelm]

As the group begins to move, there is a noise behind them. Alyra turns, clutching her dagger (and trying to pretend she knows what she's doing) and peers into the trees. A second wagon pulls into the clearing, a large man seated upon the seat. Beside him, slumped sleeping in the seat, is a small yellow-haired child clutching a wooden spoon.

Alyra utters a shriek and runs toward the wagon, heedless of the rearing horses. "Eryn!"

Eryn wakes with a start, then jumps off of the seat and into Alyra's arms with a broad grin. "See, I knew I'd find you," she says, and waves her spoon triumphantly. "I want to come with you to Murder."

Alyra tries to scowl, but grins instead. "That was very bad of you, waif," she remonstrates through her smiles. "Next time, stay with Mennie. Oh, Mennie - she'll be worried out of her mind!"

Eryn shrugs indifferently. "She was being mean," she says.

Shaking her head, Alyra glances uneasily at the cart-driver. "Won't you introduce me to your friend?"

[Seraph]

“Well that’s just perfect” Stratmarrius said, putting his hand to his forehead.
“What’s this the backup?”

[The-Elf-Herself]

Ulyne glares at him and waits for the wagon driver's response. Ear however looks like she would have said something similar had Stratmarrius not beat her to it.

[LadyDernhelm]

"This," Eryn pronounces as she motions toward the cart-driver, "Is a Roar."

"A what?" Alyra asks, confused.

"Agrahor," the man grunts, looking away and hiding a smile. "Are you Lira?"

"Alyra," Alyra corrects.

Agrahor nods. "I couldn't let the lass wander all the way to Mordor by herself," he says after a moment.

"No," Alyra says, gazing sharply at the cart-driver.

"And he wants the treasure," Eryn says, appearing below Alyra's elbow. "The treasure from Buried-Dirt."

"I see," says Alyra, and turns helplessly to Ulyne. "Well...?"

[The-Elf-Herself]

Ulyne shrugs.

"Well, I don't see why you can't join our little quest. There should be plenty of treasure for everyone. No need to get too possessive, after all, this is a friendly journey, right?"

Everyone sort of nods or makes some sign of at least hearing what Ulyne says, although some of them don't agree.

"Then that's settled."

Ear notices the disagreement some of the travelers seem to have with Ulyne's decision. She decides to have talk with the barmaid later about certain things she's observed that could prove harmful to their quest.

[YayGollum]

OOC: I have no idea how long it's supposed to take for people on horses on a path to run into a few Dwarves on foot and without a path who have been slowed down anyways. I'm guessing that one of the Dwarves from either group would get to decide that.

IC: *after meeting and greeting the new people, the group moves on, Trahald's wagon driven by Tolir, guided by the Dwarves, the new guy's wagon behind that, and I'm guessing ---> everyone with their own little horse or pony whereever they feel like being, Boffin's keeping his pony close to Trahald's wagon*

[Seraph]

OOC: Hope no one minds me moving things on a little

The wagons and horses continued on, and made their way into a valley.
“We seem to be making good progress” Durlin, a young Dwarf said.
Earmaiwen sat forward abruptly.
“Orc corpses!” she announced.
Several dead Orcs could be seen.
“Could this be the Dwarves handy work?” Stratmarrius pondered.
The wagons and horses came to a stop in the middle of the valley. The group warily searched the area.
“Oh my god, just take a look at this!” Grugni exclaimed.
“What is it?”
“Blood” Grugni said grimly” “I hope this is not Chokang’s blood”.

[The_Swordmaster]

Grandlyon examined the orc corspes. Then he noticed the head wounds the foul folk suffered.

" Well Chokang and the others did run into a small company of orcs. The orcs' head wounds are that done by throwing axes or some other type of axe. Well let's look around some more too see if any dwarves fell at this battle"

Granlyon said to the whole company.

[The-Elf-Herself]

Ulyne nods and begins searching among the dead orcs. Ear gives a more cursory look around, focusing more on listening should another party come along.

[Seraph]

Stratmarrius kicked a dead Orc onto its back. Its forehead had been impacted by a forceful strike.
“Yes I’d definitely say the Dwarves were here. No sign of any Dwarf casualties yet though. Perhaps the surviving Orcs took their bodies?”.

[HobbitGirl]

Resbrita thought she would retch. She had never seen orcs before, let alone dead, mangled ones. However, she kept her composure and quickly pulled her dart-launcher out of her pocket and loaded it. She focused her senses like she did when she was hunting, heeding every noise and loosening her posture so that she might dissolve into a shadow at a moment's notice. When she was sure that there was no immediate danger, she relaxed, but only slightly. Resbrita still kept on the alert as she remounted the horse that Ulyne had gotten for her.

[Aulë]

Ummm.....TEF probably should have announced this, but this RPG has now been moven to the new RPG website under 'Fourth Age RPGs'
Could you re-post your post over there, thanks HG?