Branalph

Two nights after the discussion with Harnack, the House once again gathers to talk over the Dwarves of the Hithaeglir, but for a different reason. Manadhlaer has received a letter from Ulvoin, a member of the garrison at Vindurhal, requesting medical supplies. These are in abundance and easily spared, but what ohtari will protect the delivery with blade and shield, and what ettirnor will scout the way and possibly overturn answers to some of the questions that yet remain?

Glorfingwë's handpicked team accompanies him to the fortress where Krimruk. the Dwarf who held a deadly grudge, lords over his gang of petty criminals. The group waits tensely as Glorfingwë exerts his considerable powers of persuasion. Will the slightly altered pipeweed have the euphoric and addling effects the Lady promised it would? Thanks to that -- and a bit of improvised acting by Arradril, who praises Krimruk's red hair and pretends to be Glorfingwë's spoiled daughter -- things take an interesting turn.

After a long and arduous journey, representatives of Lósengriol prepare to attend an event thrown by the Hobbitry-in-Arms to celebrate what the Small Folk refer to as the Foreyule season. Left to right: Lirisseya, Melumatyar, Glinthir, Manadhlaer, Branalph, Glorfingwë. Back row: A rabbit of the Hobbitry.

In the cramped quarters of the Dwarven shelter at Hrimbarg, near where Vigfús met his sorry end, the Elves and Harnack plot how to approach an entire outpost -- and get justice for the slain Dwarf's family -- without having to commit mass slaughter that would only spark more violence (although Harnack frankly wouldn't mind making the likely suspect a head shorter).

In possibly the worst, seediest, but therefore most dark and private watering hole in Erebor, Snufi, a friend of the slain Vigfús, gives counsel and valuable information regarding how to approach the likeliest suspect in the Elves' quest to obtain justice on behalf of the fallen Dwarf's family. He does so in between being struck by the beauty of Lady Adonneniel, despite her beardlessness, and wishes the Elves a safe journey home.

Rare is the day when the doughty Dwarves of the Northern High Pass must seek help from Imladris. But Master Harnack has braved the journey and finds himself pleading his case to friends in the halls of Lósengriol. The theft -- indeed, the violation -- of an artifact priceless only to a single Dwarven family, but nothing else of value, not even the poor fellow's armor, is enraging and confusing.

The party continues past the breaking of the dawn, when several of the revellers move outdoors and Maegwine offers another joyful song -- to which no one can resist another dance!

At an intimate moment in the cozy little party thrown to celebrate the opening of Lósengriol's kinhall, Morenwenna, friend and neighbour, directs most of the guests to form a circle and Manadhlaer to step into the center. Morenwenna offers a toast to the happy occasion.