It's a stormy night in Hamglen, one of the many as it has been raining constantly in the Bree-lands a lot for the past three days or so. It was once quite warm and clear, suddenly dark, grey clouds appeared and the pouring rain started. Some crops were destroyed, others weren't. But the nights are surely brighter with the almost constant lightnings and louder due to the thunders. In the Thirsty Boar, apart from the usual patrons that are mostly from the company of the Black Steel there are also four Dwarves. They were obviously caught in the storm and sought shelter in the well-known inn of Hamglen. They have ordered food and drinks and have been chatting all the time, mostly quietly and discreetly, making sure no discreet ears heard them. They chose the table close to the counter, they had already emptied their plates and got to their third mug of ale. The storm outside was still raging, with the same force as four hours ago when it started, if not even stronger. The wind could be heard howling as it went through cracks and holes outside, in and out of houses or pens and the trees can be heard moving by it. Occasionally a thunder sounded, announcing a lightning that would come soon after it, making the raindrops visible on the windows of the inn, their sounds never stopped as they kept whipping it relentlessly in a continuous throb.
The Dwarves were talking quietly, obviously not too happy about the weather that was raging outside, but pleased to have found a place to spend the night or day depending on the storm and how long it would go on. The younger of them sports a mohawk on his black hair, the sides are clean shaven and at the sides of his head one can see a tattoo on each, a greataxe facing forward, as if aiming towards where his gaze is. He keeps his black and gold breast plate on which doesn't seem to bother him as he sits and drinks, nor when he was eating. His double bladed greataxe rests on the floor next to his chair. Next to him sits a relatively thin Dwarf, about the same age as him, not old at all. He wears chainmail and brown very muddy boots that one can blame on the rain. His elegant bow and quiver lean against the wall next to him. He is the only one who speaks in a kind of loud voice among them, and every now and then the aforementioned Dwarf hushes him and one can see that he gets irritated by his loudness after a while, but he is trying to control it. Across the thin Dwarf sits a stocky one, quiet the opposite, he speaks mostly in a hushed manner but a low and deep voice. His bulk and gear show that he is the main fighting force. He wears a blue plate armour and blue iron boots with a blue cloak on his back. Twin axes still rest on his back and his heavy and big warhammer lay head down on the foor next to him, right next to his hand, easy to grasp, he's not joking obviously. Contrary and next to him sits the oldest of them all, a Dwarf a litle over the average weight of a typical Dwarf and with greying black hair, he wears chainmail and his warhammer lays on the floor next to him. He speaks in a hushed tone too, he seems to be the most respected among them, his movements are quite elegant and careful and in his eyes one can see the wisdom of ages as he has seen many things in his life, obvious by his chainmail that has seen better days and the deep blue, wrinkled eyes. Among them the leading figure seems to be the youngest of them all, the one with the black and gold plate armour. They are all careful though and speak in a discreet way, making sure that no one will hear them. They clearly mention Eregion, the Blue Mountains, trading and caravans. Among other things those are the most repeated words and the first Dwarf speaks passionately about them and he seems that he will storm out at any moment to go to the places they mentioned in the middle of the night.
Carmillia walks into the Boar, her clothing soaked and dripping with every step she makes.
Edmand removes his bow and quiver and sets it next to him, leaning against the bench. He lets out a sigh, glancing to the pounding rain against one of the windows.
Piorra puts the broom next to the wall and goes to pour the man a drink. As she passes
Carmillia she says "It's a big one out there, huh?"
Carmillia says, 'Yeah.'
Carmillia pulls off the soaked hood and scarf from her head.
Caldwick walks into the tavern and takes off his cloak and leaves it on a chair, then he goes towards the familiar faces around the tavern and looks at the dwarves sitting around.
Cerriel stretches some, settling into her seat. She takes another sip of her ale, occasionally looking at the others close by.
Carmillia says, 'Greetings Caldwick.'
Piorra places a tankard of ale in front of the man. "Here you go, sir. We'll keep a tab open until you leave so you don't have to pay yet."
The young Dwarf suddenly punches the table and looks outside. "It's been raining for too bloody long! We have to go there fast!" he says and lets out a long drawn sigh, making the older Dwarf look outside. "We may do, but in this weather it won't do as any good, you know that." and looks at his empty mug and looks around to find the maid, lifting his right hand to be seen.
Caldwick leans to the wall and says "Carmillia, glad to see you again."
Edmand grabs the tankard from Piorra, glancing over his shoulder slightly at the table slam. He then nods in thanks to her before taking a good sip. "Just what I needed." He said jokingly towards Cerriel.
Caldwick turns his head to the window "Did you prepare a boat for when you go outside? because we are going to need it."
Carmillia says, 'Bad wheather huh?'
Piorra approaches the dwarf with a scared look. "Yes... would you like a refill?"
Cerriel raises her drink, slight slurring her words, "It's always a good thing."
"I thought you shouldn't drink at-" goes to say the stout Dwarf but stops as the older one orders. "May I have some tea please my good lady? Some hot tea is good in this bad weather." making the stout one laugh. "He's too old to drink, bring the rest of us a round please if you will."
Caldwick puts back his hat and kneels close to the fireplace to warm his hands.
Piorra counts with her fingers. "1 tea, 3 ales? Be with you in a minute!"
The second Dwarf has ordered a round of ale as he gestures at the empty tankards, smiling politely at the girl. The thin one stays quiet, playing with the bowstring. The stout man nods to the girl and turns to the younger again.
Piorra is filling the 3 ales as she shouts at Carmillia. "Carmy, dear. Do you mind giving me a hand?"
"We'll spend the night here, they should have rooms for all of us, the storm will stop in the morning and we'll set off. Eregion is far and we wasted too much time indeed." said the stocky one, the older Dwarf turns and shakes his head. "We don't know if they reached Eregion, we have no letter, no clue, no nothing. Just the knowledge that they are heading there."
Carmillia turns around "Sure thing!" And walks over to the bar.
Edmand takes another sip and looks at Cerriel. "Name is Edmand. You may call me Ed if you wish." He raises his tankard slightly in greeting before taking another sip.
Caldwick turns his head to Carmilia "Go ahead, I will go and talk with our great friend Cerriel." he then turns and puts a hand on Cerriel´s chair "Hello"
Cerriel mutters into her mug, "Cerriel."
Piorra says, 'Here. May you please take these 3 pints to the dwarf's table?'
Cerriel looks up at Caldwick, "Yes?"
Carmillia says, 'Sure.'
The young Dwarf turns to look at the one that called out and then turns to his companions and gestures them to slow down with meaning. "What? It's a trading post, we're not on any secret mission." says the one next to him, leaving the bow along when he hears about the pints and their table. He rubs his hands and waits, making the former Dwarf grunt and turn his head away in disbelief.
Carmillia picks up the pints two in one hand and one in the other.
Caldwick says, 'Well, just wanted to come and say hello, but I see you have some friend here... I think I am going to get some food.'
Edmand smiles and then moves his eyes to Caldwick. He offers a nod in greeting and a friendly smile.
Cerriel says, 'Just met him, actually. Come back with some food, won't you?'
Piorra goes to the kitchen to prepare a hot tea
Caldwick laughs and says "Sure thing, I will try to come back with some food then." then he leaves, staring at Edmand as he walks.
Carmillia walks over to the table "Greetings i got here three pints"
Cerriel looks over at Ed again, "What brings you here?"
Caldwick looks at the three dwarven men curiously, not hiding it very well; while he is waiting for someone to place an order of food
The stout Dwarf takes out his pipe, which seems to have already been filled with pipeweed and tries to light it but with no luck. He nods once to the girl and the older one looks up to her smiling. "We thank you my lady." and looks at the stocky one as he is still trying to light the pipeweed before slamming it on the table. "It's bloody wet! Bloody rain, bloody luck! Do you have a rag miss to clean my pipe from the water please?"
Edmand follows Caldwick with his gaze before looking back at Cerriel. "Hm? Oh, yes simply looking for a warm tavern on this rainy evening. I enjoyed my previous visit here and thought I shall come once more." He takes another sip of his ale. "What is your business here? The very same reason?"
The young Dwarf takes a tankard, as well as the thin one, they bring them almost simultaneously to their lips and drink heartily, then they wipe their lips with their sleeves and sit back on the chair.
Carmillia places down the three pints by each dwarf "Of course sir." and takes out a rag and hand it the the dwarf.
Cerriel grins, "I'm the local drunkard and friend of the owner."
The Dwarf takes it and cleans the pipe thoroughly, putting the wet pipeweed on the table, then gives the rag back. "Thank you very much girl." he says and fills the pipe with fresh pipeweed which lights easily.
Piorra takes the whistling pot out of the fire and pours it into a small cup. She prepares a tray with some milk a sugar cubes and places it in front of the old dwarf. "Your tea. Sorry for the delay."
Carmillia take the rag back "No problem sir." and leaves them be.
Edmand chuckles lightly, yet also feeling a bit uncomfortable at her acknowledgement of being the tavern drunkard. He raises his drink to his lips once more, obviously taken aback slightly.
Piorra says, 'Careful, it's very hot'
Carmillia walks back to the bar "Hello Caldwick can I get you something?"
The Dwarf smiles warmly, that makes him seem quite older and he outstretches his hands to take it carefully. Once he puts it on the table he looks up almost as if he's her grandfather. "Thank you very much."
Piorra smiles and bows while walking away from the table. "My pleasure."
Edmand says, 'A friend of the owner, you say? Fiontann, yes? Met him just a short time ago.'
Cerriel takes her boots off of the table and sits up, "I have known him for years. Fiontann's a good man."
Caldwick says, 'Huh.... just some beef stew? Or a pie? Maybe both, whatever you´d like Carm... if you can be bothered with that. and gives a nervous laugh.
Edmand nods once more. "Aye, he was very gracious when I last spoke with him."
Cerriel chuckles, "You say that now."
Piorra beckons the lady who has just come into the hall. "Hello, please come and make yourself at home"
Cedwyn moves into the hall, carrying a basket and backpack. She glances around, noticing various people.
A sudden gush of cold wind enters the inn and almost puts out half of the candles, half of the half do go out, darkening some places of the inn. The older Dwarf shudders and wraps his black cloak around him. "Bloody night this... I'd say there is a battle raging out there." and drinks his tea slowly. His comment make the stout one scoff but say nothing, only the thin one replies "A battle you say? Where? We should go, maybe our friends ne-" he's cut short by another slam on the table by the young Dwarf, making him lose his excitement and look down. "I'm sorry Dindrik..."
Edmand raises an eyebrow, confused. "Say that now? Is there something I don't understand?"
Carmillia says, 'I will see what we have in the back.'
Cerriel says, 'Wait until he's in the mood to fight something. They call him a bear for a reason.'
Cedwyn smiles to the lady at the bar who beckoned her in.
Carmillia says, 'I will be right back'
Caldwick shivers and says "Yes, please, I am also inviting for Cerriel and her friend, if it can happen." he then looked at all the candles "Do you want me turn those on and be of use?"
Cedwyn nods to Carmillia and smiles.
Cedwyn sets her basket on the bar, and lowers her damp backpack to the floor.
Some curses are heard from the entrance and more cold is going into the inn, in torrents, sometimes more, other times less. More curses are heard and then the sound of something falling.
Carmillia says, 'Sure feel free to turn them on.'
Carmillia looks at Cedwyn and gives her a smile and a wink
Edmand chuckles lightly, looking into his mug. "A mighty warrior he must be then." He looks over shoulder at the sound of a crash near the entrance and a cold breeze filling the room.
Cedwyn says, 'Quite the storm outside.'
Caldwick nods and proceeds to walk to the candlestands, almost crashing with a chair as he didn't calculate his body space, pushing a chair to almost hit Cedwyn´s feet "Sorry friend."
Edmand says, 'They ought to close the door...'
Cedwyn looks at Caldwick ''Oh, no damage done, all is fine.''
"Something has fallen there!" says the stocky Dwarf, "someone close the door!" quite irritated by the oblivion of those that work and turns to the others muttering something about bloody humans inaudibly. The wind rages and a Hobbit appears at the door way, staggering. He's using the pillars and walls to stay standing as he makes his way to the closest seat with help from the walls. He goes right along the wall and drops on the bench opposite the fireplace next to the stage. The door is being slammed every now and then by the wind and the entrance should now have a lot of water.
Carmillia walks into the kitchen and looks around what she can serve.
Piorra says, 'What's going on over there?'
Caldwick looks back to Cedwyn "I'm glad you aren't... hurt. I guess, sorry again." he then goes to light other candles.
Piorra says, 'Oh dear!'
Cerriel shrugs, taking a sip of her ale, "Perhaps."
Piorra rushes to try and close the door of the inn.
Cedwyn turns and sees the hobbit.
Carmillia runs back into the main hall after she hears Piorra.
Edmand eyes the hobbit, widening his eyes and standing up from his bench. He makes his way over with Piorra.
Edmand says, 'Friend...are you alright? What ails you?'
Carmillia walks over to Edmand and the Hobbit.
The Hobbit looks around, eyes half shut and he seems to be able to barely here the man. "I am fine as ever! Bring me ale! I am celebrating!" he says loudly, gesturing not that vividly and drops to the side, on the arm of the bench.
Piorra says, 'Fiontann won't be happy about this...'
Cedwyn, feeling curious, wanders over to see what is happening at the fireplace
Caldwick looks from the side to the hobbit and shrugs.
The Hobbit, oblivious of what has happened, clearly dead-drunk, and pushes himself up, he fails but that does not stop him. "Where's me ale?"
Carmillia says, 'I think you had enough'.
Edmand looks the hobbit up and down and frowns slightly. "Perhaps you have had enough already."
Piorra makes her way back to the kitchen, the front of her dress completely soaked - and slightly see-through. She sighs wearily and comes back with a mop and bucket.
"No! It's not enough, it's a celebration. Ale!" he says quite loudly, drawing the attention of the Dwarves down there and they turn to look at him, the older one shakes his head and sips his tea.
Edmand looks around at the others gathering, shrugging slightly. "I know not what to do. Perhaps we simply leave him be?"
Carmillia looks at Edmand and then back to the Hobbit "We can toss him out."
Cedwyn looks at the hobbit ''Perhaps we should offer him something to eat?''
"I want ale, or something stronger if you have." says the Hobbit now politely, sitting up at the bench and leans forward, his face sinking in his palms.
Edmand says, 'I feel I cannot force one out of a tavern I do not own. Ah, food might be a good option.'
Caldwick whispers to Carmilia "Do we really want to let him drink more? Do you want to clean his mess?"
Cedwyn says, 'I have some muffins in my basket.'
Cedwyn says, 'I brought them by for Mr Fiontann.'
The thin Dwarf turns towards the redhead. "Muffins? Where? I'll pay!"
Carmillia says, 'Of course not, we can give him some water or juice, but no more alchol'
Cedwyn chuckles ''I have enough for all.''
Edmand glances over at the dwarves, grinning slightly. His gaze was brought back to
Carmillia. "Aye, water. Fetch him some water."
Caldwick nods "Sure, if you are going for something to the kitchen I can help you carry stuff, and if you have my order I can perhaps pick it up."
The Hobbit starts sobbing quietly, but it's obvious due to the movements of his body. Inbetween the sobs he's saying something but it can't be heard. The Dwarves all look at the redhead eagerly.
Cedwyn smiles at the dwarves and goes to retrieve her basket.
Carmillia was about to go to the kitchen but hear the hobbit sobbing "Are you alright lil folk?"
Cedwyn lifts the cover off her deep basket and carries it over to the group
Edmand moves forward slightly and bends down to one knee. He eyes the hobbit a moment before looking back at Caldwick and Carmillia, confused. "Seems to be out of his mind." He mumbled to them before turning to face the hobbit once more.
Cedwyn offers the dwarves some muffins
Caldwick shakes his head "Should we get him to sleep or at least put him somewhere he won't cause trouble?"
Edmand says, 'I say water is the most important. Someone should get some. I could but I would need someone to show me where.'
Carmillia says, 'I will get it'
Carmillia grabs a trankard and goes into the kitchen.
The Hobbit looks up "Just bring me something to drink please. I have a headache." and looks down, while the Dwarves are all excited about the goods in that basket.
Edmand offers a friendly smile to the half-ling, remaining on one knee. "What is your name, friend?"
Caldwick sits down and looks at the hobbit closely "That is not going to solve anything."
The Hobbit turns his red eyes to the man that sat next to him, "My name is Brogo sir. What is your name?"
Caldwick´s face turned to confusion after the hobbit spoke "Brogo? huh? well... My name is Caldwick, and I am going to make sure you don't do anything dumb around here... please?"
Cedwyn smiles at dwarves ''There are blueberry ones and cherry ones, sirs. Are you visitng the Breelands and taking refuge in the inn, from the storm?''
Edmand nods, glancing at Caldwick. "And I am Edmand, but do call me Ed. If you like, of course. A pleasure to meet you, master Brogo."
Carmillia returns with a tankard with water and gives it to the Hobbit.
"We are on an import-" goes to say the thin one but an elbow from the youngest one stops him, making him groan. "Yes we are my lady and thank you." he replies grabbing two in his hand, the rest don't wait long and dip their hands as well. Meanwhile the Hobbit nods and then looks quizzically at the man. "Stupid? Why? How?"
Cerriel falls asleep on the table.
Caldwick rolls his eyes "Doesn' matter, I will be the first one to tell you if it happens.
Edmand shakes his head slightly. Despite the hobbit clearly being intoxicated, Ed still decides to prod about his current state. "Do tell me master Brogo, why do you sob? Is everything alright?"
Brogo nods and then looks at the Dwarves, almost in disbelief. "Dwarves." he says and then turns to Caldwick and Edmand. "A Dwarf was supposed to help me. But I lost it all, my farm, my love... Everything." and weeps again.
Carmillia says, 'How?'
Caldwick covers his mouth "I can' believe it... I am sorry about it. he then turns his head to the dwarven behind him.
Edmand lowers his head in sympathy. "Terribly sorry to hear that Brogo." He then too looks at the dwarves sitting across the tavern. "Wouldn't happen to be one of those dwarves would it?" He mumbles jokingly.
The Hobbit seems quite sober now, it seems that the reminder of his problem sobered him up. He brings his fists up to clean his eyes and sighs. "Can I speak over a tankard of ale? It's a long and painful story and sighs and shakes his head.
Cedwyn looks at the dwarves tucking into the muffins ''You seem very hungry...''
Caldwick looks at Carmilia and whispers to her ear "Bing him water and pretend its ale or something like that.
"Not really... Replies the older Dwarf, we just had a meal, a big one. But muffins... They are quite good." and that reply made the stocky one speak as well. "Quite good? They are heavenly lass! Now matter how much I eat there is always room for such delicacies!" and dips his hand again to take as many as he can, getting the look from the thin one that is amused.
Carmillia whispers back "I already brought a tankard of water."
Cedwyn chuckles ''Well, I am glad you like them. But I should offer some to the others, before they are all gone.''
Carmillia hands over the tankard to the Hobbit.
Piorra walks past the hall carrying a bucket full of water, huffing from tiredness. She retrieves an empty bucket from the kitchen and goes back to work on the entrance, a look of resignation in her face.
Cedwyn backs away from the table with the basket, smiling politely.
Edmand looks at the tankard of water, then back at the hobbit. "There you are. I would suggest drinking that, Brogo."
The stocky Dwarf looks at her painfully "Just one more... They do seem busy... And the muffins will get cold all the way there." and flashes a smile. "Ha! I haven't seen you smile like that old Dwarf!" says the thin one, making the younger Dwarf laugh.
Cedwyn offers another muffin to the stocky dwarf ''I think the sad Hobbit might like one also. Perhaps it will cheer him up?''
Brogo takes the tankard, takes a sip and then resigns and sighs. Alright... I think I'll die if I drink more anyway... Then again, I'll die from my sorrows anyway. But what is best? To die from drink or sorrows? Or poor and hungry? Or from the cold?"
The older Dwarf nods, extending a hand to stop the stocky one for any attempts. "I do agree miss. We should not eat them all, we aren't greedy..."
Carmillia whispers to the two "Keep him here I am going to help out Piorra."
Cedwyn bows her head to the older dwarf ''Thank you.''
Carmillia says, 'Need help love?'
Edmand sighs, scratching his beard. "I know not, little one. But it is best to not have such a sad attitude. The situation cannot be as bad as you believe. Do tell us what has happened."
Caldwick crosses his arms "So... Brogo, right? If I invite you some... Pie i guess... Would you cheer up? And maybe we can talk about that?"
Piorra points to the entrance where a large puddle remains. "Yeah....no matter how much I mop, the water stays the same shape. It's limitless...infinite..."
Cedwyn moves over to the hobbit ''Excuse me, Master Hobbit, would you care for a muffin?''
Cedwyn offers the basket to Brogo.
Piorra says, 'Perhaps the whole of Bree is now underwater? I don't want to open the door to find out.'
Carmillia stands next to Piorra and reatch up to kiss the side of her cheek "Let's just place down some towels and clean up when the storm is over."
Piorra looks helplessly at Carmillia. "But...but... the damp? The mould? The hazard for our customers?"
Brogo thinks for a moment, "There is a" then takes a muffin, takes a bite and goes on as he chews. "girl in Hobbiton and I want to marry her, but I am a poor farmer, her father is the assistant of Hobbiton's Mayor, he does not want his daughter to marry a simple farmer." and swallows, and takes another bite and drinks some water, once he puts the tankard down his left hand goes to grab another muffin. "So I had to find a way to become something! And I almost did. A Dwarf, Tordrek, told me about an emerald that is only in the Misty Mountains and he told me he'd bring it for me." As he recounts his tale the Dwarves drink in peace, but the mention of the name makes the younger one turn his head and stare intently.
Carmillia says, 'You really think somebody is coming all they way here despite this storm?.....Well asside from being a drunk Hobbit.'
Piorra nods. "Yes, and those dwarves were talking about venturing out soon. How will it look if they come here and see a bunch of dirty rags blocking the entrance?"
Carmillia says, 'Fine...Let me grab a mob and help you out.'
Piorra hugs Carmillia tightly. "You're a lifesaver!"
Carmillia hugs Piorra back "I know I know..."
Cedwyn listens to the hobbit, then offers the basket to Edmand and Caldwick with a polite smile.
Edmand raises his hand, shaking his head and refusing the muffin politely.
Caldwick's eyes widen "Oh, you are offering us? Thank you... Tes please" he then grabs two, but he stops and leaves one of them, then he nods "Thanks."
Cedwyn smiles at Caldwick ''You're welcome.''
Brogo seeing that no one says anything goes on. "So I said alright. That will make that one change his mind. So, Tordrek, the Dwarf said he'd bring it from a friend there and left to go East. I waited excitedly, bragging about it, to my love, Prissila, to her father, to the whole Overhill." and sighs, then drinks water and starts eating the second muffin. "And then the letter arrived." Hearing about the letter the young Dwarf literally jumps up from his seat and runs to the gathering. "Letter? From Tordrek? What letter?" Slowly the others follow behind him.
Piorra works in unison with Carmillia, and after a while the pair have managed to reduce the puddle to a footprint. Piorra breathes in heavily "Finally! Lords, I need a drink now."
Carmillia says, 'I need a drink too.'
Caldwick notices the voices speaking behind him and turns "Huh?"
Edmand jumps in his skin slightly, not expecting the other dwarves to come running. He gets to his feet and moves to the side to allow the others room around the bench. "Yes...there's plenty of room..." He says a bit sarcastically.
Piorra says, 'It's on me! Thank you so much for your help.'
Piorra beckons for Carmillia to follow her back to the bar.
Carmillia says, 'Everything for you.'
Cedwyn looks at the dwarves as they approach and moves to let them past.
The Hobbit gets startled and cowers in the corner of the bench, while the young Dwarf approaches him, pushing the chair around, seemingly menacingly but not at all. His words betray his worry. "You got a letter from Tordred? What did it say? Where is it? It's urgent!" he says, the other Dwarves nod and make agreeing sounds behind him. Brogo swallows hard and the muffin drops from his hand, his gaze travelling between the men and the Dwarves.
Caldwick notices that Cedwyn and Edmand moved to leave some free space and then rose from his chair with some effort and leans against the wall.
Piorra says, 'So... looks like an important group of dwarves?'
Carmillia leans on the counter "Yeah I have been listening to them"
Piorra hands Carmillia a pint of ale and pours one for herself.
Edmand crosses his arms about his chest and casts his gaze between the hobbit and the dwarves constantly. A confused look would rest on his face.
Carmillia takes the pint.
Caldwick scratches his head and examines the faces of dwarven men with detail, not less confused than the others.
Carmillia says, 'Weird evening, a group of dwarves and a drunk Hobbit.'
Piorra takes a sip. "Are they harrassing that poor hobbit?"
Carmillia says, 'I don't know.'
Brogo swallows hard, intimidated, but seeing the confusion in the men's faces and that the Dwarves are not aggressive he speaks. "He is a friend, alright? He promised be a ring to marry my love. And now he may be dead-" that last word struck the young Dwarf hard and make him sit on the chair. "Dead? Why? How do you know?" and takes the water from the Hobbit and drinks. The Hobbit looks at him, almost feeling that they swapped places. "He sent a letter, saying that they are watched and they may get attacked at any time... And he doesn't expect to come back... So I will lose the ring... And him and my love. And I lost my muffin and my water..." he says looking down and starts sobbing again.
Piorra tilts her head and a loud crack can be heard. She stretches her shoulders before saying "Well, might as well join in on the gossip."
Carmillia says, 'Wait.'
Carmillia says, 'You are really stiff.'
Piorra says, 'Yes. All that mopping...'
Carmillia says, 'Can I help you out with that?'
Carmillia says, 'I mean the stiffness'
The older Dwarf puts a hand on the younger's shoulder and leans closer. "Where is the letter now mister Hobbit? Can we see it? Examine it? This lad is Dindrik, Tordrek was like his father. We need to know." Brogo nods in understanding and looks at the men again.
Piorra lifts her pint. "Well this usually does the trick. Get drunk and forget the pain, right?"
Edmand frowns slightly as the dwarf takes the water from the hobbit. As Brogo begins to sob more he feels, sympathy and guilt fill his person. He shoots a glance at the other folk around.
Cedwyn quickly offers the hobbit another muffin ''Don't weep, sir, here take another.''
Carmillia says, 'That doesn't work.'
Caldwick takes his palm to his forehead and stares into the farthest point of the room.
Piorra says, 'No?'
Brogo takes the muffin and smiles kindly, then speaks again, as he does so, teh stocky Dwarf tries to take a muffin from the basket, obvously uninvited. "Well, the letter is in the Shire, I hid it, I panicked with everything that he said. Goblins... Attacking... I don't want them in the Shire... My love is there..."
Carmillia says, 'You need to..eehh'
Carmillia says, 'Knit it out.'
Edmand smiles at the hobbit. "Rest assured master Brogo. Goblins in the Shire is likely to never take place. The idea is absurd." He chuckles lightly, hoping to cheer Brogo up a bit.
Brogo sighs. The young Dwarf grunts hearing all that. "We need the letter then! Fast! It's important!" the old Dwarf puts his hand on his shoulder again. "My good fellows, this is something important, for the Dwarves right now, for the whole area tomorrow. We need to have the letter. As soon as possible."
Piorra puts a finger on her chin. "I see... but we are still on duty, and there are plenty of customers today."
Carmillia says, 'After duty then.'
Edmand looks to the dwarf. "Then a journey to the Shire awaits you, aye?"
Piorra says, 'Perhaps.'
Carmillia says, 'Lets check on our guests then?'
Piorra says, 'Sure thing.'
The Dwarf smiles bitterly. "Further than that I am afraid..." and then the younger Dwarf raises his right hand up. "We said enough, this is a matter of ours and it has to do with the safety of our lands." and then old Dwarf nods.
Edmand looks around the others a moment. "Safety of your lands? What do you mean?"
"Yes! The thin Dwarves shouts! Goblins are attacking! We need to st- OW!" a punch straight in the gut from the stocky Dwarf shuts the thin one up. The Dwarf folds and falls on the floor grunting. The old Dwarf sighs and looks at everyone thoughtfully.
Caldwick finally gets back from being lost in his thoughts as the thin dwarf gets punched, he then stares at the stocky dwarf trying to pick up pieces of what is happening.
Cedwyn flinches as the stocky dwarf hits the thin one.
Edmand says, 'You are not very good at keeping secrets, my friends.'
Edmand says, grinning to himself.
The young Dwarf looks at them. "It's not a secret, it's our business!" and that makes the older one shake his head. "Well, I don't know how trustworthy you are... I need proof."
Piorra would clear her throat, waiting for the right moment to interject. "Uhm. Is everyone having a pleasant evening?" She seems to realise her timing was chosen poorly.
All of the Dwarves turn to look at her, then they look back at Edmand, all of them simultaneously, the Hobbit only raises a hand and says quietly. "Some ale please?"
Edmand looks to Piorra a moment simply speaking out "Ahem...aye..." before looking back to the dwarves. "Well, I know not of the likes of these others. They seem good company at least. What must I present in order to prove myself?"
Piorra says, 'One ale, coming right up!'
Caldwick tries to break tension and says "Yes, wouldn't we all like to have an ale right now? I can help you" he then leaves the scene.
The Dwarf raises a brow. "What company?" and looks around.
Edmand grins slightly, shaking his head. "Never mind."
The Dwarf is puzzled "What company? Dooes it have a name?" he repeats. "All I see is an inn, with a good name mind you!"
Piorra hands the hobbit a pint of ale. "Here you go" She reaches past the dwarves "Scuse me."
The Dwarves move aside as much as they can, but not too much, so she'd squeeze herself through, the Hobbit starts drinking, sighing heavily.
Edmand raises an eyebrow. "It would be better if the owner was present. The company of the Black Steel if you mean. If you seek help, I'm aware that they provide it to others."
Piorra raises her pint glass. "We help in some way or another!"
Cedwyn smiles at the hobbit, glad that his weeping has stopped.
The Dwarf listens and strokes his long beard. "I have heard of them. I suppose we can trust you." the Dwarves freeze but say nothing as he is very respected among them. He looks at the men and notes of their weapons. "You fight then." he states.
Piorra would cough, also tilting her head at Carmillia. "We all do."
Edmand nods slightly, looking down at his own weapons. "Aye. I've only just recently come into this with them, but I already notice that they are a good company."
Carmillia says, 'Yeah. We can help.'
The Dwarf nods. "Well then, I supposed you have trustworthy to a degree..." and then says briefly some things. "Long story short, the goblins in the Misty Mountains made a new tunnel, that means they can attack from multiple places. The problem is that we don't know where the tunnel is..." and then looks at the younger Dwarf who is looking at him, having giving up protesting. "We don't know where the tunnel is and we sent a group to seal it. For a couple of weeks now we got no news and decided to investigate. If we don't seal the tunnel the South may get attacked at any moment... They strike fast and hard. We need to find that letter."
Piorra inches closer to Carmilia and whispers. "This sounds incredibly dangerous?"
The Hobbit looks up with eyes open wide. "Goblins... The Shire..." he says and passes out from drunkennes.
Cedwyn looks intrigued at the tale of goblins and tunnels
Edmand nods, grimacing slightly. "This was unexpected. I can only speak for myself when I say that I will offer my help, if needed." He looks to the half-ling, sighing. "Probably for the best." He mutters to himself.
Carmillia whispers back "It does. It would be wise to inform Fiontann or Cerriel about this."
Edmand says, 'You will want to meet with the leader of our company.'
The young Dwarf gets up, turns around, opens his arms, steps towards the others, almost embracing them but in reality he pushes them away. They start muttering among themselves and then he turns around proudly. "Where is your leader then?"
Piorra sighs upon seeing the hobbit black out. "Oh dear. I'll take the little one to a bed. Can't have him soiling the hall floor."
Piorra picks up the hobbit, holding him as if he were a princess, and carries him upstairs.
The young Dwarf makes introductions. "I am Dindrik Greyback, this is Therden" he says pointing at the stocky Dwarf. "This is Blosi" he says pointing at the thin Dwarf. "And this is Hori." he points at the old one. "Where is your leader?"
Edmand glances around the tavern a moment. "I know not where Fiontann is. Off doing business somewhere, I suppose." He feels uncomfortable, not sure how else to handle the situation.
Cedwyn looks from Edmand to the dwarves ''I do not know where Mr Fiontann is either.''
Cedwyn politely nods to each dwarf as they are introduced.
Edmand offers a friendly smile and bow of his head in greeting to the dwarves. "A pleasure masters Dindrik, Therden, Blosi, and Hori. Our leader, Fiontann, will likely return in the morning, if you are willing to wait."
Dindrik nods and looks outside once more as a lightning strikes. "I guess we have no choice. We'll stay here and I will talk to him tomorrow."
Edmand smiles and nods. "Very well. That storm looks to not be letting up anyway."
"We'll settle next to the fireplaces then. We'll tend to the ponies first and make ourselves comfortable. I thank you very much." says Dindrik.
Cedwyn smiles to the dwarves ''My name is Cedwyn, I am a local baker and friend to the owner of this establishment.''
Therden smiles and bows very politely for her. "A pleasure to meet you my lady."
Edmand takes note of Cedwyn's name before speaking out. "And I am Edmand Greyleaf, Ed for short."
The Dwarves all nod and exchange pleasantries, then they start heading out to gather and prepare their things.
