Year 2946: Don't leave the path

[Vladim]

[Post 46]

Author : Dramacydal

Date : Jul 16 '16 2:32am

 

"Be off! he shouts, This is none of your business! We have been cheated by Baldor and we want what is rightly ours. Leave before we come after you." Then some more volleys of arrows zip into the sinking ground around the guard speaker.

 

Dropping their swords, the five remaining thugs run deep into the night, away from their personal possessions and belongings. Baldor is physically shaken but has not received any harm from the attacking guards.  Calling out into the night, the merchant thanks you by shouting into the forest and outlying rocks near a body of water.

 

"Thank you, thank you. I do not know what I would have done if you hadn't saved my life!", then his boy Belgo runs into the encampment as soon as it is safe from danger and hugs his father. "Father, father I did like you said and went to get help. There are women, men and a dwarf with a hobbit that came to your rescue. Please father, meet them so that you can get to know them."

 

Then the two wait for any of the fellowship to enter camp and begin a friendly discussion with Baldor and Belgo. There are two deceased guards that died from the unfortunate attack. "Sometimes it is wise to show power to get the point across", spoke the young but wise ten-year-old. With a nod from his merchant father, the two of them sit and with a puff of their cheeks, are relieved to have survived the betrayal.

[Vladim]

[Post 47]

Author : Diofant

Date : Jul 16 '16 3:53am

 

As more arrows took to the air, Gramtyng had decided now was an opportune time to put his trade to use, and see just how well Blind Aldor had taught him. He carefully replaced his bow on its spot behind him, and instead rose up to his feet, walking out of the bushes he took refuge in. Now was a time to be bold and theatrical, not hide himself. He'd had a half-dozen of good entrance scenarios, he had particularly favoured the one where he held up a sword that was on fire - but he had no lamp oil right now, so that would have to wait. Ideally for never, really; as much as he loved theatrics and they were his bread and butter, leading the charge was not something he enjoyed. To compose a good song based on an event, you had to observe from the sidelines, after all.

 

There was a sound of hissing steel as the Rohirrim withdrew his sword from its sheathe - a universal sound announcing an unvoiced threat in any place in Middle-Earth. The promise of violence could not be ignored: that was what Gramtyng counted on. "You have made a grievous error in judgement, attacking the man who hired you, and in such an inept and clumsy way! Look -  you were seven, and are now five. Leave, and never return! In Rohan, your heads would decorate pikes outside Edoras as a warning to other fools - but here, maybe you can escape the guards, if you start running now. Persist, and you may escape the guards... but not me and my companions!"

 

OOC: this is basically the speech that goes along with my Awe roll; my apologies, my wifi was bein a bit spotty, so I was late. After the bandits ran off:

 

Gramtyng sheathed is sword with a flourish and a click of steel, making a mental note to collect his two arrows. Best sort of combat this; minimal casualies, no wounds, and voice being enough to drive of thieving scum. Though they ran, the rider's eyes were on the road the bandits took to escape. How odd. They were 'cheated'? What was this, some excuse they felt they needed to rob the man, or... It was interesting. Perhaps the merchant paid them too little...? But for what? They JUST left the city.

 

"You've got a smart son, Baldor! Ran straight into the Knight's Stave, where we were and lead us down the quickest path." He paused, brushing a few stray leaves off his cloak: "What were those imbeciles yelling about 'cheating' and the like?" Gramtyng considered he situation, gaze becoming grim when he spotted the two bodies and their belongings. "We can’t leave em for the vultures... No matter what they were. What do you reckon we should do with their things? Hand em off to the city guard?"

[Vladim]

[Post 48]

Author : Neopopulas

Date : Jul 16 '16 5:13am

 

"I better not find out we were mislead.." Trusting men.. never a good idea, sometimes she forgot that.. "Best find out who they are, if we can."

[Vladim]

[Post 49]

Author : Maester1216

Date : Jul 17 '16 10:06pm

 

"Is what they said true man? You cheated them?" Arphel strode forward firmly and commandingly like an officer, her steely blue eyes sizing up this humble merchant. "While that does not excuse their actions... I think it prudent to get the whole story." She narrowed her eyes at the man.

[Vladim]

[Post 50]

Author : Neopopulas

Date : Jul 18 '16 11:15am

 

There is a sigh from Elerrina says much.. Her opinion of men was not exactly at its peak today.

[Vladim]

[Post 51]

Author : Old Overholt

Date : Jul 18 '16 12:31pm

 

This situation apparently under control, Nori remains in a state of heightened alert. He grumbles to the hobbit on his left, "I'll be back - going to grab my things before the thieving lot in these woods make off with them." Slowly walking backward at first, the dwarf eventually turns to make the short jaunt back to the tree where he left his gear and collect his things.

[Vladim]

[Post 52]

Author : Born on the Bayeux

Date : Jul 19 '16 3:57am

 

By the time Bella was prepared, the fight was over.  The living were no longer in danger and the dead were forever beyond it.  She relaxed, accidentally loosing her arrow.  Fortunately, her instinctive dislike for combat had made her keep the bow pointed downward and away from any people.  The arrow buried a few inches of itself in the ground a few feet away.

 

With slight embarrassment, Bella pulled at the arrow until the soil surrendered it.  Her tiny form made this nonchalant instant a long, conspicuous moment.  She blushed slightly and went to follow Nori.  Her brave fellow had been her protector and she had been touched by his caring.  And this close to Mirkwood, no one should be alone.  And there is no such thing as far enough away from Mirkwood for these tiny feet, Bella thought.

 

Her caution at not aiming at anyone casually should make the loosing of an arrow seem more forgivable.  Bella is equally fond of Nori and I have learned that PCs shouldn't separate and at least two together means there can be conversation (plot-advancing and character-revealing).  It is the whole reason Sam was with Frodo in Mordor.

[Vladim]

[Post 53]

Author : Dramacydal

Date : Jul 20 '16 12:01am

 

"Is what they said true man? You cheated them?" Arphel strode forward firmly and commandingly like an officer, her steely blue eyes sizing up this humble merchant. "While that does not excuse their actions... I think it prudent to get the whole story." She narrowed her eyes at the man. "Not one bit of it. Is that what they told you? You can't trust a beggar from the Dale anymore than a took being late for dinner.", exclaimed Baldor the merchant. "Besides, they lied to me as well. They told me they would take me through Mirkwood without problem. There was initially three but because of King Thranduil's elves knowing of our plight, Valmer went and searched for an extra four men to help with any problems. If you know what I mean. I think now that he just wanted extra muscle to intimidate me out of my wagon and coin. Didn't care one bit that when my wife died during Smaug's destruction of Lake-Town did I realize that I had to start over and sell everything I could to keep me and my boy from starving. We could use the help getting through Mirkwood. Would you help us in our plea?"

[Vladim]

[Post 54]

Author : Maester1216

Date : Jul 20 '16 12:12am

 

"Yes we will." Arphel gives a look to Duilin; its one of expectation, rather than desire. She briefly readjusts her armour before sifting through the dead bandits to retrieve her arrows... though she gives one last cursory glance of the merchant, seeking to discern any hidden motives behind his words.

[Vladim]

[Post 55]

Author : Diofant

Date : Jul 20 '16 12:31am

 

"Y'know, I get the feelin' you're forgetting something. We're adventurers, to be sure, but we've got to eat too - how much are you paying for this escort job, Baldor? No offence, I see well enough you've not had the best of luck, but then again, neither do we." Garmtyng had finished finding his two arrows, and now returned to find their self-appointed leader to have accepted the job for them. He'd been a bit unhappy about that, but it's not like he would have declined it, himself. Minstrel fees could only put so much food on the table, and there was Leasere too - he'd sooner starve than his horse be fed badly. "I need to go get Leasere before we head off, and we need provisions - and bury these two and their things. I'd rather not pillage bandits."

[Vladim]

[Post 56]

Author : Maester1216

Date : Jul 20 '16 12:35am

 

"You want food? Hunt. Water? Find a stream. I won't stop you but I'm not a mercenary; I won't accept payment for helping him." Arphel only barely flicks a glance to Gramtyng as she speaks; she had little patience for those who prioritized personal gain over simple altruism. "Duilin we should go on ahead, do some scouting. Elerrina your elf eyes would be of great help to us in that regard." She turns to face the two when she speaks, her voice clear and authoritative.

 

Her eyes glance over Baldor, his every motion and gesture and explosion of intent and meaning. She studies him slowly, trying to tease out a hidden meaning to his airs and stance.

[Vladim]

[Post 57]

Author : Diofant

Date : Jul 20 '16 1:11am

 

"That..." Gramtyng chuckled, securing his pack's straps. "Is entirely your choice. We helped this man out, as it would be heartless to do otherwise. But trekking across the Mirk for free? That's more than being generous, that's more than a bit eccentric." He waved off her suggestion dismissively, turning back to the merchant: "My aim in life isnt to be an eternal wanderer, so I do need to save up. Besides; it is only fair, is it not? He was going to pay those men; now that they fled, and he wants us to escort him, he would be paying us. And another thing, Arphel. Before you go making plans or barking orders - seriously, try consulting the rest of us. We're all in this together, after all, and disagreements due to assumptions would be highly dangerous out there."

[Vladim]

[Post 58]

Author : Dramacydal

Date : Jul 21 '16 1:04am

 

"Yes, I agree to pay. Get me to the Forest Gate where I can sell my wares and I shall deed a prosperous treasure to each of you for helping. It is only fair I believe. For you will have'd earned my trust far more than you think. I can tell all of you to be of good character and stock. A Rohan, Hobbit of the Shire, Dwarf of Grey Mountains, and several Dunedain Rangers. Yes, you shall gain coin for a prosperous lifestyle for a month indeed.", exclaimed Baldor.

 

Then when most or all in agreement and small talk out of the way, Belgo leads the horses by riding upon them with a wagon tethered to their reigns. The travel is fair, but endurance and the heavy weight of gear and items seem to weigh heavily upon your back. For those without a horse to travel on, Baldor has several ponies to ride upon making it a little easier to travel.

 

As you approach Mirkwood, the gnarly forest begins to come into view and close distance from your approaching caravan. Upon reaching the edge of Mirkwood, you can't but help feel that something is watching you. An evil presence to be sure, a feeling of impending doom reaches from the pit of your stomach as fear begins to set in. Mirkwood has a long history of being located in the North Wilderland of Middle-Earth.

 

There are a few elves ready and waiting for Baldor. They eye you suspiciously but see that you travel with a Dwarf and as well a High Elf of Rivendell. They help Baldor and Belgo unload their wares upon rafts that will carry them west to Forest Gate and towards the Halls of the Elvenking. Even the ponies and horses bare the weight of the rafts as they slowly traverse the Forest River.

 

After several days of slow travel, the land on either side of the rafts rises and turns stony and wooded, and the company pass into the shadow of the trees. It is as though the rafts are sailing up a dark tunnel, as the branches interlace overhead into a dark canopy. The company glimpse tall hills in gaps between the trees, until the river widens and the trees grow thinner once again. Here, a bay opens, and huts cling close to a shingly shore. The Elves steer down a stream which flows out of a rocky canyon. The canyon walls grow higher and higher, until the rafts pass a portcullis and suddenly they find themselves in the caves of the Elvenking.

[Vladim]

[Post 59]

Author : Maester1216

Date : Jul 21 '16 1:20am

 

Arphel remains ever attentive over the several days of travel, her eyes watching the riverbed and forest line for any signs of trouble; even with the presence of Elves she knew of Mirkwood's dark history... and did not doubt that some orcs still maintained a presence within the massive forest. Her taught muscles appear poised for an attack from all directions.

 

The caves of the Elvenking provide her some respite, but Arphel's soldier nature would prevent her from fully letting her guard down.

[Vladim]

[Post 60]

Author : Neopopulas

Date : Jul 21 '16 2:54am

 

It was times like this that Elerrina would often think to herself over whether this was exactly something that she should be doing. She could still be at home, in workshop or library. But it never lasts long, despite the long lives of elves, time can still seem finite at times. She knew that this age would not last forever and were she to stay at home, she would certainly miss something important.

 

"Tis a shame about Mirkwood.. Still it has seen better days i think."