Lósengriol

In an alternate universe, where only the crabs could be angry, Manadhlaer discovers how very nice strong drinks made with shaved ice can be.

Krimruk never suspected that the very fine Roper's Twist he was offered by the "merchants" was adulterated with a few other things. The strength to babble nonsense quickly leaves him, and he willingly walks out with his captors, only to pass out in the snow. As Arradril binds the captive, Branalph slips back into the fortress to retrieve the adulterated pipeweed, lest their deception be discovered, and finds the heirloom axe. 

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.