Elendor
On the Edge of High Pass
The dwarves prepare their camp at the entrance to High Pass
Sort Date: no date set
Location: Hig Pass
Description: The caravan is slowly climbing up the mountain trail, the air growing thinner and cold. It's the end of the day and the dwarves are just beginning to make their camp for the night, leaving the pass itself for the morrow.
Ranol is standing, talking to three of the Bundazanul Clan-Karls, doling out instructions on whose to take which watch and where for the night. He was recently promoted by Braldor to Huskarl, the captain of the guard for his clan and personal protection for the Thane.
Eirdis walks by, carrying a very heavy load of equipment in her arms. She can't see very well in front of her, so when she stumbles, everything in her arms goes flying onto the ground. Sighing, she mutters under her breath and begins to pick up her things, not really noticing anyone around her, so focused on her task is she.
Ranol turns at the clatter, and he offers an expression of sympathy to the dwarf for her plight. He looks back to the clan-karl's and sends them off, then steps over to help Eirdis. He collects some of the items and asks in his soft manner, "Where are you taking these?"
Eirdis blinks and smiles a bit, scuffing her foot embarrassedly as he helps. "Oh, just to the other end of camp, where Thari's tent is being set up. I figured she'd appreciate it if most of her things were arranged in the way she likes before she gets there. Also, I have to take some firewood from the ponies.. After that I really should try to get some studying in, and canvas the area for herbs and such.." She clears her throat a bit and grins. "Thank you for your help, cousin."
"Why are you seeing to Thari's camp? I'm sure she can handle that on her own." Ranol observes, grinning. He adjusts the load he's carrying and begins walking in the direction of the healer's sleeping area. "I don't think there are many herbs around here. It's all rock.. besides, it wouldn't be safe."
Eirdis shrugs a bit and sets everything down once they reach the tent. "I just thought it would be a nice thing to do..." She frowns, wrinkling her nose. "Do you think Thari might take offence to my doing so?" She chews her lower lip a bit, glancing at the area. "Well, you're right, it is rather rocky, but I'm sure there'll be flowers and grasses around someplace.. I'll look while we're riding tomorrow it's probably too late by now."
"Oh, I'm sure she'll appreciate it." Ranol carefully sets down the items he's carrying. He straightens again and looks around slowly. "Eirdis, you should stay close to the group. There are dangers through here. We're going up into the High Pass and that's not the place to go wandering for herbs.. " He runs a hand through his short black hair, frowning.
Eirdis straightens up to her full height and crosses her arms in front of her chest, frowning equally. "I never said I'd leave camp I said I'd look from the back of my pony every once in a while to see if I could identify anything..." She snorts a bit, nose wrinkling again. "I'm not an infant, cousin. I can take very good care of myself." Blinking owlishly, her expression softens a bit. "Though I'm glad you take your responsibilities seriously... Just not -too- seriously, I hope."
Behind the dwarven caravan, the Beornings follow. Once they entered anything close to orc territory, there seemed to be the figure of a bear at the edges of the Beorning group at all times, though it was mostly hidden in the woods. At the moment, though, there is no bear to be seen, and Mobeorn comes walking ahead, coming apace of the dwarves. "Where do you folks plan to camp for the night?
Ranol turns his blue gaze back to Eirdis, licking his lips slowly. "I didn't mean to imply that you are, Eirdis. I was only concerned for your safety.." He trails off, rubbing the back of his neck. "We're close to orc lands and I would rather be overly cautious than the opposite." Mobeorn's voice drifts towards them and the Huskarl turns his attention towards the man. "We're making camp here."
[Mobeorn(#22365)] The Beorning man sniffs the air, looking around. "Good as spot as any, but I wouldn't trust the orcs to stay away. My folk will likely join you. Safety in numbers."
Ranol nods, then grins, "If the orcs come, the dwarves will be ready." The Huskarl pats the sword hanging at his side, an almost eager expression on his face. After the long, dull, days in Rivendell, Ranol is quite ready for some excitement.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] Mobeorn laughs a little. "Likely you will be, yes. Have your bruises healed?"
Ranol lifts a thick black brow, as yet unenlightened to the man's unique abilities. "My bruises? What are you speaking of?" He asks as he begins moving towards one of the dwarven ponies that's tied off, a gray with a black mane and tail.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "Heard you had a little problem with some wayward bear in the Hir's lands. Wild animals on the loose like that. You'd think the elves would do a better job of keeping them contained." Mobeorn eyes the pony appraisingly.
"Oh.. that. Aye, I am fine. Was a young bear, looking for some sport I imagine." Ranol turns his eyes back to the pony and begins removing the gear and saddle from the animal. The pony, Jopper, extends his nose towards Mobeorn and sniffs curiously, then twists his head around to the dwarf, snuffing. He's more interested in some dinner than the Beorning.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "Ahh...I see." Absentmindedly, the Beorning man runs a hand over the pony's flanks. "Fine beasts, these dwarven ponies. Well treated, from the looks of it."
Ranol glances up at Mobeorn, then pulls a feedbag from one of his packs and fills it with grain from another small sack. He reaches to stroke the pony's nose, "Aye, Jopper is a good lad. He's seen me safely over the miles." Ranol smiles fondly. "He's quite tolerant. Very mild-tempered." He hooks up the bag for the animal to eat, then pulls out a stiff brush. "How fares you, Mobeorn?" He asks, pausing to study the man curiously again.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "Me?" Mobeorn laughs a little, patting the pony's flank once more before he withdraws his hand to let the animal eat in peace. "I am leery of these heights. I've heard that the Hir's son left several days before we did, due to rumors of trouble here. I can only hope that Grimbeorn handled any trouble from his side of the mountain. But I'd like to find Elladan nonetheless."
"Did the elf come alone?" Ranol asks, frowning in concern. He begins methodically pulling the brush along the pony's fur. It's a task he's done so many times that the dwarf barely thinks upon it anymore.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "No," Mobeorn shakes his head, still watching Ranol work on the horse--almost the way one would watch someone else brush their child's hair, in fact. "I hear he went ahead of us."
Ranol has too much work still ahead of him this evening to stand idle and chat with the man. He continues pulling the coarse bristles along, following the same pattern he always does to be certain he doesn't miss a spot. "Was he on foot or horse? If he's ahead of us, we may not be able to catch up to him. Do you know how many were in his group?"
Mobeorn shakes his head. "Not a thing. I'll scout ahead for him, though. See if I can sniff him out or any orcs about." The man pauses, considering the dwarf. "Had much experience up against orcs?"
Ranol isn't going to try and guess if the Beorning is being foolish or not. He knows the pass far better than the dwarves likely do. "Some. I'll inform my Thane of Elladan's venture. He might know more about it, as well." Ranol is thoughtful for a moment, then asks, "Did you ever find out from your laird about his dislike of my kin?"
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "Never did get to the other side of these mountains to ask him, no," Mobeorn says, flashing a white-toothed grin at the dwarf. "Likely as not you'll get a chance to ask him yourself. That is, unless he is out chasing orcs."
"Ah, he is not here. I thought perhaps he was with your group." Ranol moves around to the opposite side of the pony and resumes his brushing. "I'm not certain I would wish to strain the relations by asking a question that might be touchy." The dwarf says with a grin in return. "Are there more orcs than usual ranging the pass?"
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "There are more orcs than ever everywhere," Mobeorn frowns. "But still they will not venture into the Laird's lands--and I help keep it
Ranol finishes up with brushing the pony, and moves to pull away the now-empty feed bag. He gives Jopper a few friendly pats, then hefts up the gear he needs to make his camp for the night over one shoulder. "A noble deed. Without the Beornings, High Pass would be too perilous to travel for many." He glances towards the entrance of the pass again, "If we do encounter any, my blade is sharpened and ready." The dwarf has that eagerness in his eyes again.. the desire for the opportunity to fight.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] Mobeorn turns slightly to watch the Beornings settle in to make camp for the night, but he apparently is not about to lift a finger to help them. "I am afraid you'll get your fight. The orcs are all too many lately."
"Then we shall make their numbers less." Ranol says with a grin. The dwarves may be small, but they are not afraid of a battle. "Do you think it too dangerous to send scouts out tonight on watch?" He asks then, considering the fact that Mobeorn is far more knowledgable of the area.
Mobeorn considers for a few moments. "We could travel together, I suppose. Iknow the area well enough."
Ranol gestures up towards a rocky ledge. "I was going to position someone up there, to keep watch on the pass. And another along the other side. Are you planning to go looking for orcs this evening?" The huskarl wonders if his Thane would object to him going off on a little scouting trip.
Mobeorn looks up, then nods. "Yes, when the sun sets I'll hunt them down. You want to join, then?" He grins at the thought.
"Aye.. I would. I will need to speak with my Thane first, though. He might have other duties he wishes attended." Ranol grins all the same, thinking that a bit of orc patrolling could be a fun deviation from the norm.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "Understandable," Mobeorn grunts. "Can't act against your Laird's wishes. I am going to see to my folk, though."
"I will ask him when I set my camp. When do you plan to head out?" Ranol asks, "I can meet you then."
Mobeorn pauses as he turns back to the Beornings. "When darkness falls."
Ranol nods in agreement. "Aye.. darkness. I hope to see you then, Mobeorn." The dwarf inclines his head politely, then turns to head deeper into the dwarven camp.
Ranol is standing, talking to three of the Bundazanul Clan-Karls, doling out instructions on whose to take which watch and where for the night. He was recently promoted by Braldor to Huskarl, the captain of the guard for his clan and personal protection for the Thane.
Eirdis walks by, carrying a very heavy load of equipment in her arms. She can't see very well in front of her, so when she stumbles, everything in her arms goes flying onto the ground. Sighing, she mutters under her breath and begins to pick up her things, not really noticing anyone around her, so focused on her task is she.
Ranol turns at the clatter, and he offers an expression of sympathy to the dwarf for her plight. He looks back to the clan-karl's and sends them off, then steps over to help Eirdis. He collects some of the items and asks in his soft manner, "Where are you taking these?"
Eirdis blinks and smiles a bit, scuffing her foot embarrassedly as he helps. "Oh, just to the other end of camp, where Thari's tent is being set up. I figured she'd appreciate it if most of her things were arranged in the way she likes before she gets there. Also, I have to take some firewood from the ponies.. After that I really should try to get some studying in, and canvas the area for herbs and such.." She clears her throat a bit and grins. "Thank you for your help, cousin."
"Why are you seeing to Thari's camp? I'm sure she can handle that on her own." Ranol observes, grinning. He adjusts the load he's carrying and begins walking in the direction of the healer's sleeping area. "I don't think there are many herbs around here. It's all rock.. besides, it wouldn't be safe."
Eirdis shrugs a bit and sets everything down once they reach the tent. "I just thought it would be a nice thing to do..." She frowns, wrinkling her nose. "Do you think Thari might take offence to my doing so?" She chews her lower lip a bit, glancing at the area. "Well, you're right, it is rather rocky, but I'm sure there'll be flowers and grasses around someplace.. I'll look while we're riding tomorrow it's probably too late by now."
"Oh, I'm sure she'll appreciate it." Ranol carefully sets down the items he's carrying. He straightens again and looks around slowly. "Eirdis, you should stay close to the group. There are dangers through here. We're going up into the High Pass and that's not the place to go wandering for herbs.. " He runs a hand through his short black hair, frowning.
Eirdis straightens up to her full height and crosses her arms in front of her chest, frowning equally. "I never said I'd leave camp I said I'd look from the back of my pony every once in a while to see if I could identify anything..." She snorts a bit, nose wrinkling again. "I'm not an infant, cousin. I can take very good care of myself." Blinking owlishly, her expression softens a bit. "Though I'm glad you take your responsibilities seriously... Just not -too- seriously, I hope."
Behind the dwarven caravan, the Beornings follow. Once they entered anything close to orc territory, there seemed to be the figure of a bear at the edges of the Beorning group at all times, though it was mostly hidden in the woods. At the moment, though, there is no bear to be seen, and Mobeorn comes walking ahead, coming apace of the dwarves. "Where do you folks plan to camp for the night?
Ranol turns his blue gaze back to Eirdis, licking his lips slowly. "I didn't mean to imply that you are, Eirdis. I was only concerned for your safety.." He trails off, rubbing the back of his neck. "We're close to orc lands and I would rather be overly cautious than the opposite." Mobeorn's voice drifts towards them and the Huskarl turns his attention towards the man. "We're making camp here."
[Mobeorn(#22365)] The Beorning man sniffs the air, looking around. "Good as spot as any, but I wouldn't trust the orcs to stay away. My folk will likely join you. Safety in numbers."
Ranol nods, then grins, "If the orcs come, the dwarves will be ready." The Huskarl pats the sword hanging at his side, an almost eager expression on his face. After the long, dull, days in Rivendell, Ranol is quite ready for some excitement.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] Mobeorn laughs a little. "Likely you will be, yes. Have your bruises healed?"
Ranol lifts a thick black brow, as yet unenlightened to the man's unique abilities. "My bruises? What are you speaking of?" He asks as he begins moving towards one of the dwarven ponies that's tied off, a gray with a black mane and tail.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "Heard you had a little problem with some wayward bear in the Hir's lands. Wild animals on the loose like that. You'd think the elves would do a better job of keeping them contained." Mobeorn eyes the pony appraisingly.
"Oh.. that. Aye, I am fine. Was a young bear, looking for some sport I imagine." Ranol turns his eyes back to the pony and begins removing the gear and saddle from the animal. The pony, Jopper, extends his nose towards Mobeorn and sniffs curiously, then twists his head around to the dwarf, snuffing. He's more interested in some dinner than the Beorning.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "Ahh...I see." Absentmindedly, the Beorning man runs a hand over the pony's flanks. "Fine beasts, these dwarven ponies. Well treated, from the looks of it."
Ranol glances up at Mobeorn, then pulls a feedbag from one of his packs and fills it with grain from another small sack. He reaches to stroke the pony's nose, "Aye, Jopper is a good lad. He's seen me safely over the miles." Ranol smiles fondly. "He's quite tolerant. Very mild-tempered." He hooks up the bag for the animal to eat, then pulls out a stiff brush. "How fares you, Mobeorn?" He asks, pausing to study the man curiously again.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "Me?" Mobeorn laughs a little, patting the pony's flank once more before he withdraws his hand to let the animal eat in peace. "I am leery of these heights. I've heard that the Hir's son left several days before we did, due to rumors of trouble here. I can only hope that Grimbeorn handled any trouble from his side of the mountain. But I'd like to find Elladan nonetheless."
"Did the elf come alone?" Ranol asks, frowning in concern. He begins methodically pulling the brush along the pony's fur. It's a task he's done so many times that the dwarf barely thinks upon it anymore.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "No," Mobeorn shakes his head, still watching Ranol work on the horse--almost the way one would watch someone else brush their child's hair, in fact. "I hear he went ahead of us."
Ranol has too much work still ahead of him this evening to stand idle and chat with the man. He continues pulling the coarse bristles along, following the same pattern he always does to be certain he doesn't miss a spot. "Was he on foot or horse? If he's ahead of us, we may not be able to catch up to him. Do you know how many were in his group?"
Mobeorn shakes his head. "Not a thing. I'll scout ahead for him, though. See if I can sniff him out or any orcs about." The man pauses, considering the dwarf. "Had much experience up against orcs?"
Ranol isn't going to try and guess if the Beorning is being foolish or not. He knows the pass far better than the dwarves likely do. "Some. I'll inform my Thane of Elladan's venture. He might know more about it, as well." Ranol is thoughtful for a moment, then asks, "Did you ever find out from your laird about his dislike of my kin?"
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "Never did get to the other side of these mountains to ask him, no," Mobeorn says, flashing a white-toothed grin at the dwarf. "Likely as not you'll get a chance to ask him yourself. That is, unless he is out chasing orcs."
"Ah, he is not here. I thought perhaps he was with your group." Ranol moves around to the opposite side of the pony and resumes his brushing. "I'm not certain I would wish to strain the relations by asking a question that might be touchy." The dwarf says with a grin in return. "Are there more orcs than usual ranging the pass?"
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "There are more orcs than ever everywhere," Mobeorn frowns. "But still they will not venture into the Laird's lands--and I help keep it
Ranol finishes up with brushing the pony, and moves to pull away the now-empty feed bag. He gives Jopper a few friendly pats, then hefts up the gear he needs to make his camp for the night over one shoulder. "A noble deed. Without the Beornings, High Pass would be too perilous to travel for many." He glances towards the entrance of the pass again, "If we do encounter any, my blade is sharpened and ready." The dwarf has that eagerness in his eyes again.. the desire for the opportunity to fight.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] Mobeorn turns slightly to watch the Beornings settle in to make camp for the night, but he apparently is not about to lift a finger to help them. "I am afraid you'll get your fight. The orcs are all too many lately."
"Then we shall make their numbers less." Ranol says with a grin. The dwarves may be small, but they are not afraid of a battle. "Do you think it too dangerous to send scouts out tonight on watch?" He asks then, considering the fact that Mobeorn is far more knowledgable of the area.
Mobeorn considers for a few moments. "We could travel together, I suppose. Iknow the area well enough."
Ranol gestures up towards a rocky ledge. "I was going to position someone up there, to keep watch on the pass. And another along the other side. Are you planning to go looking for orcs this evening?" The huskarl wonders if his Thane would object to him going off on a little scouting trip.
Mobeorn looks up, then nods. "Yes, when the sun sets I'll hunt them down. You want to join, then?" He grins at the thought.
"Aye.. I would. I will need to speak with my Thane first, though. He might have other duties he wishes attended." Ranol grins all the same, thinking that a bit of orc patrolling could be a fun deviation from the norm.
[Mobeorn(#22365)] "Understandable," Mobeorn grunts. "Can't act against your Laird's wishes. I am going to see to my folk, though."
"I will ask him when I set my camp. When do you plan to head out?" Ranol asks, "I can meet you then."
Mobeorn pauses as he turns back to the Beornings. "When darkness falls."
Ranol nods in agreement. "Aye.. darkness. I hope to see you then, Mobeorn." The dwarf inclines his head politely, then turns to head deeper into the dwarven camp.
Players: Ranol, Eirdis, Mobeorn
