Year 2947: Theft of the Moon

[Vladim]

Idunn did not fail to notice Nori’s reaction when her cousin rewarded him. Truth be told, she knew that something was stirring inside her companion ever since they came across the ruins of that dwarven outpost between Mountain-Hall and Stonyford. The grisly discovery of the remains of his kin-who knew from how long ago-and the subsequent funeral pyre had disturbed the huntress, and it was only to be expected that they would have shaken Nori too, Idunn thought.

She placed her hand on Nori’s uninjured shouldered and offered what few words of comfort she could think of. From the vantage point of the Carrock, it was easy to point to the awe-inspiring landscape that unfolded beneath.

’These were once the lands of your folk, long ago,’ she said, ’before orcs and worse despoiled them. This much we have seen.’ she continued, referring to the ruins and the many other telltale signs that Nori’s ancestors had left behind. ’I do not know what happened, but I intend to find out as much I can. I have promised lady Mab to return. Perhaps she has the answers to some of these riddles.’

And with those words she made her intentions clear to the rest of her companions, inviting them to repeat the journey north as soon as they had recovered, should they wish to join her.


The last days of automn were spent enjoying the hospitality of the Beornings. Idunn relished the opportunity to speak to her cousin, for there was much they had not found the time to discuss about during the festival. Idunn could finally speak of her own tale and quest and seek the Thane’s counsel. As was natural, he valued his experience and support greatly.

Merovech, for his part, listened intently and with great concern, and not once did he doubt his cousin’s resolve. He cautioned her cousin against acting too quickly, but also offered more practical help: an old spear from his own days as an adventurer, along with a keening-stone to keep it sharp at all times. It was a weapon both heavy and strong, well-suited for hunting the horrors that lurked in Mirkwood, he proclaimed. And although Idunn struggled to wield such a great weapon, she applied herself with great determination and discipline to its mastery, practicing every morning under Merovech’s guidance or on her own. After all, such a great gift was not to be turned down lightly. Merovech spoke of much more in addition to prowess: of tactics and stratagems, and how to lead men in war, and Idunn was eager to listen, and try to understand his teachings.

As she had promised, she took the journey north and found old Mab again, and undertook an apprenticeship of sorts for the winter and spring. Mab spoke of many stories and riddles, and although Idunn did not understand everything, her wits grew keener with each tale. But above all, she spoke of the great forest to the east, and of the great shadow that had fallen on it, in ages past. She spoke of the necromancer, and told tales of the Werewolf, who seemed to be as ancient as Mab, if not older. The two creatures were connected, she professed, but there was much that even she did not know, or would not tell… Still, Idunn learned much, knowledge she hoped would help her in hunting down her quarry.

[Vladim]

Beorn's judgement is odd to Gramtyng - back in Edoras, things were more... immediate. But he was a newcomer, so did not know how folk were used to behave or what their customs were exactly. Beorn mentioned a feud between his people and Viglund's - the closest he knew to that were the Dunledings, but with them, it was a very short talk any patrol would have, as far as he remembered. Perhaps it was for the best that the Bear Lord put aside his anger and sent the thief back to Viglund. If the other Chief's byname was anything to go by, Cenric wasnt long for the world anyway. Beorn's origional intent to send the murderer into Mirkwood unarmed seemed like a better plan to the hotblooded bard, though. He gratefully accepted a small flute from the bag of gifts that was brought from Stonyford, nodding his thanks to Merovech when he explained his son carved it because he, unlike the judges, thought his song was funny. The Beorning warned the minstrel he didnt share his son's mirth, and thought that having a flute might make him be a bit more self-contained than a lute would, at which point Gramtyng's smile waned a bit until the Thane laughed at his own joke.

"Hrm." Guthred nodded, looking in the direction he'd have to travel back to his home. "We are a hard people. The land that rears us must be just as hard... But thank you for your... consideration. Not many are willing to see circumstances from another perspective. As for other ways, rest assured, I will always be looking for them - neither am I alone." He paused when the young woman pulled out the scale, looking at the item with first alarm, then interest. He took the scale into his hands at Idunn's insistence, and weighed it in his hands. "Hard to believe such a thing is..." He muttered, then raising his gaze to meet the huntress'. "I will not dishonor you by denying such a gift, Idunn of Mountain Hall, but know that come that may, you will always be welcome among my people and recognized as a friend - theirs, and mine." He placed the scale within his belt pouch, and pulled out another object from his pack. "As our custom dictates, when given a gift, we also give another in return - and the only thing that I consider of equal value is... this."

On Guthred's palm lay a dagger - it had a very rough sheathe made of wood and steel - clearly not the work of any great blacksmith; it was built to last, but not anything more, bearing the insignia of a bull with lowered horns. The dagger itself had been an entirely different matter - precise, delicate work, with a single precious stone - a ruby - glinting in the sunlight. "This dagger was to be my son's when he came of age." Guthred's eyes shone for a brief moment, and he pressed the weapon into Idunn's hands. "...It is useless to me now. Take it - any Viglunding will recognize it as mine and will know you for being a friend. We are a suspicious people..." He coughed, clearing his throat, and shut his eyes for a moment. "Do not be concerned about Cenric. Viglund's justice is just as you said - eye for eye, tooth for tooth." Bidding the Company farewell, Guthred set on his way with Aestid and the others, their prisoner in tow.

-----------At Mab's Hut-----------

It seemed somehow funny to Gramtyng that almost the entire Company decided to take Mab on her offer - the poor old woman certainly seemed not to expect them again this early, seeming a bit confused about this turn of events. After the initial meeting and settling in for a bit, Gramtyng had more questions for the woman than Vesna did - according to Mab. The bard was most interested in old lore of the region, as he knew that his ancestors had come from somewhere in Wilderland, but he had no way of knowing where. He also tried to confirm or deny the fairy tales he'd heard about some extremely intelligent horse that roamed Wilderland, as well as asking about various pieces of lore on the Werewolf(when Vesna was out of earshot) and on the people of Wilderland so he could better understand them. Someday soon, he would have to start writing that song, after all... Apart from that, life in Mab's hut proved fairly normal. The old woman had entirely ordinary requests like chopping firewood, gathering useful herbs, making her tea, and waking her up at the crack of dawn. The forest began to feel a bit different to Gramtyng - though it was still very strange to him, it felt more.... cozy, almost, during their visit. Eventually, they left each their own way - the bard to make good on his promise and make Belgo his esquire, after a significant amount of convincing from him - Baldor still wasnt thrilled with the idea, but eventually he agreed. From his own view, Gramtyng noted that father and son had grown closer again, time mending the ordeal they'd been through. Once Belgo joined him - on his own horse, no less! - the pair left for where they've agreed to meet the others: Mountain Hall.

 

Idunn's gift

In return for your tolerance, willingness to see things from a different perspective after new facts are seen, and your rich gift, given to someone our of mercy; Guthred the Wicked gives you a dagger with a ruby set in it,
inside a very roughly made sheathe not native to the dagger. The dagger gives you +2 Standing and you are counted as a friend to the Viglundings - which means your Standing applies to their culture as well. The dagger itself may be invoked as if a trait when it comes to Viglundings and the north to a very narrow scope, similarly to how you could use Elf-Friend if you have it.

[Vladim]

When the party is proposed some rewards, Fundor was going to look inside the bag of gifts when he's hailed by Old Theo "Fundor, you may choose anything in that bag, but if you prefer, there's something else I'd like to give you. Since our last talks, I believe it will fit your desire as it's a + 1 AP in Vocation category. You may find in them some inspiration for new songs and, maybe, some clues about your kin people in the nearly mountains a long time ago." Fundor feels honored by the lore-man's present and thanks him deeply.

Later on, as discussed with his companions, Fundor prepares for travelling back to Mab's. Before leaving, he promises to Nori that he will take care of his holding at Mountain's Hall when he's back. He wish his kin to have a good journey to the Lonely Mountain with no bad encounter. During the travel to Mab's, Fundor has more talks with his companions. He explains them his motivation to be in the Anduin Vale and to meet Mab again : his interest in old past of his kin, and particularly in old dwarves places and relics. And he hopes that Mab might known stories of dwarves holdings in the nearly mountains.
At Mab's house, Fundor offers his services to help her preparing the winter (cut wood for the fireplace, dry meat, ...) during the days and have long talks at evening, along with Idunn's own questions and talks.

[Vladim]

After descending from the Carrock, Burnaby spent a little time with the Dwarves, Nori and Fundor. Burnaby enjoyed the company of the Dwarves. While Dwarves were often gruff by nature and possessed of strong opinions, they did tend to respect honesty and sincerity, even if it came from non-Dwarves. As Nori prepared to depart for the East, Burnaby requested that he ask about Bruni and Onar, two Dwarves, brothers, with whom Burnaby had grown close while traveling together (Burnaby had told Nori of his travel from the Shire and the wolf attack).

After Nori's departure, Burnaby busied himself learning more about Beorn and his people and making himself useful around Beorn's house by gathering herbs and wild vegetables, as well as telling stories that he had learned from his Grandfather and from others. Beorn and his family were appreciative of Burnaby's knowledge of herbs, and incorporated some of his suggestions in their cooking, with favorable results. Burnaby's courtesy, as well as his ability to tell a good story, were welcome in Beorn's house. Burnaby would stay at Beorn's house and its immediate surroundings until shortly after Yuletide, at which point Burnaby had decided he would head South. He was curious to learn more about the area around the Old Ford.

Shortly before departing for the Old Ford, Beorn instructed one of his servants to offer to Burnaby a gift--the choice between one of the ponies or hounds that stayed around Beorn's house--as a companion for the coming year during Burnaby's travels. Burnaby, considering how much his pack typically weighed, chose a pony. Burnaby departed with the blessing of Beorn and his family.

Winter and the following Spring saw Burnaby helping with the guarding of the Old Ford. Winter was uneventful, as travel was sparse. But during the Spring the Old Ford was attacked by a band of ruffians who had thoughts of taking over the Ford and robbing travelers. Burnaby and others who were present defended the Old Ford, successfully protecting it from the would-be bandits, but Burnaby was injured by a lucky bandit archer during the battle...

...As late spring came and the summer approached, Burnaby was healing from his arrow wound. One day, as Burnaby was manning a post at the Ford, he saw a Dwarf approaching from the North, along the bank of the river. It was Nori! Leaving his station, Burnaby ran to the Dwarf shouting greetings. What stories would they be able to share of the past several months?!?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

{Burnaby has Befriended a Pony from Beorn's house, which will allow him to roll Travel and Awareness twice on the Feat die and keep the best result; additionally, Burnaby helped defend the Old Ford and was injured while repelling an attack by bandits. Some bandits got away and may show up later, if the LM wishes to add that to the storyline at some point.}
 

Dice Roll: 1D12
d12 Results: 11

Dice roll is 11, meaning an Eye of Sauron. While Burnaby is helping guard the Old Ford, it is attacked in some manner and while Burnaby helps repel the attack, he is injured and begins the next Adventuring Phase with a loss of 6 Endurance points.

[Vladim]

Thus Ingi joined those of the company that were returning north to seek the council of Old Mab. Ingi had learnt much during his Laketown apprenticeship of the use of plants; how the sap could seal the outside of a skiff making it durable for many more years or how bark soaked in water could be used to stain timber with different colours in a way that was pleasing to the doyens of the city. However this knowledge paled compared to that imparted by Old Mab. Hers was an understanding of living trees and plants; the way in which they could be used for pleasure in the preparation of food, and also for the relief of pain (Herb Lore Reward).

During the time spent his skills in woodcraft were put to good use around Mab`s hut and, surprisingly, a friendship struck up between him and her helper Vesna. In observing this interaction Ingi often felt the gaze of Old Mab upon them and though he hear a small chuckle and the comment “All have their worth and each contributes to the worth of the others” although it may have just been the wind upon the trees. With spare dead wood he built a small raft for the girl and attempted to show her basic watercraft. As Mab had stated her intention to send the child to Esgaroth/Laketown once grown, he hoped such skill may eventually be of use. At time his inquisitiveness for knowledge (verging on the impatience) would get the better of him, and would be gently let down by the old woman – “In time, in time Ingi son of Isolde”. He also learnt much of the stories of his companions; some sad, some triumphant. In time Inge began to feel them as equals, if not perhaps friends, rather than heroes to be lionised. In parting Inge left Vesna with a letter of introduction to relatives and a promise to both Vesna and Old Mab to provide any assistance that he could.

Traveling back with the company Inge stopped with Beorn and the Beornings for some time, learning that he had just missed those of who he had heard so much by a matter of weeks. While Ingi found that the rhythm of traveling was starting to take hold of him (Skill - travel) he also welcomed the company and rest offered by their hosts. It also gave Ingi the chance to resume his practice in bowskill (skill mastery- Greatbow) as, having noticed that Old Mab disapproved of its use in her small dominion, it had been laying fallow in a corner of her hut. The Beornings also had much strange skills that intrigued Ingi but none more so than the ability to communicate with beasts. Ingi had always had a fascination with birds - the same wind that filled their wings for flight filled his sails in the boat and he had always felt that boating must be somewhat akin to an admittedly limited for of flying. Thus Ingi learnt a little of the communication with birds from the Beornings with reassurance that time and skill would prove to further advance his skills (Fellowship Befriend the beasts Birdsong). Their closeness to nature and awareness of their surroundings was also something that Ingi studied closely (Skill awareness), while trying to stay within the boundaries of being a civil guest.

[Vladim]

After the 'ceremony' and the fellowship was given time to gather themselves, Nori spoke mainly with his cousin, Fundor. The dwarf gripped the hammer he had received tightly, his eyes often distracted by the simple beauty of the item and the surprise of finding it in such a place. Fundor can tell Nori's mind has wandered from recent events - speaking more of his home and crafting than continuing to pursue further adventures. So it comes as no shock when Nori asks Fundor to keep an eye on his holdings while he returns to Erebor to find out more about the hammer and revisit his craft. There is a bittersweet smile from Nori when Fundor agrees, but also hope with Nori's promise to return.

The dwarf says his temporary goodbyes to Idunn and Gramtyng, reassuring them as well that he will return at the agreed upon time. They too can tell there's a bit of eagerness building in Nori to return home. It's an anxious energy they haven't seen out of him in quite some time - as if he can't leave soon enough. With their blessings and his good wishes extended to them, Nori makes preparations to travel eastward to Erebor.

---------- Undertaking ----------

Having secured himself a spot in a caravan traveling to Dale and Erebor, Nori's trip to his homeland was uneventful, yet tiring from not only his wound, but his mind's craving to revisit the halls of the Lonely Mountain once again. Upon arriving in Erebor, Nori quickly sought out one of the most respected craftsmen and told the tales of his adventures over the past two years. Furthermore, he showed him the hammer of Moria and shared his intent to further his knowledge of smithing so that he could craft the tales of his company into a piece that would live on through the ages. A deal was struck between Nori and the master crafter. Almost immediately, Nori thrust himself into his work as a trained apprentice. At first, the work was grueling - his wound slowing his down. But the energy and enthusiasm of being back in his 'birth home' propelled him forward. Eventually, the wound healed and Nori's progress furthered. In his "off time", Nori roamed and explored the vast expanse of tunnels in Erebor, mapping out new/uncharted or changed pathways and noting the presence of orc activity. By the time the agreed upon return date had arrived, Nori's skill in smithing had flourished with new knowledge and techniques that would serve him well. As a parting gift and a sign of his commitment to smithing, Nori's mentor presented him with a special helmet - a helmet which would hopefully inspire more stories of greatness to add to his future masterpiece.

With his caravan ready to proceed westward, Nori set out, eager to rejoin his friends now that his thirst for Erebor had been quenched.