(Archive) The Strange Adventures of Numandil, Naerdil, and Huan 7

Elendor - Thursday, April 13, 2000, 8:35 PM

Real time is: Thu Apr 13 17:53:19 2000

Elendor time is: Late Morning on Sterday of Winter - January 21, 3020

Numandil aka Indilzar

Naerdil aka Aearwen

[Numandil(#10108)] When dawn rises once again the two companions get ready for their daily trek. Numandil seeing that his horse is properly stored calls over to his nephew, \"Well Naerdil. We have done well. But it is time to head east. Today we shall try to find a way over the Great River.\"

With the dawn brings another day of travel. Travel that the younger Nimothan eagerly awaits. A smile brightens the face of Naerdil as he glances to his uncle and mounts his stallion.

Numandil nods and then clicking his steed he turns southward.

Western Vales of Anduin

You are at the western lip of a very broad, very shallow river valley. The grassy banks gently recede east down to the edge of a wide, swift flowing river: it is the Anduin. To the southwest, the faint track you stand upon continues its journey, and might very well reach the eastern slopes of the Misty Mountains which are easily visible as a dark wall on the horizon. To the east, the track connects to a great bridge, which fords the Anduin. Another path leads northwards towards a small settlement whilst to the west can be seen the opening of a small mine.

The sky is clear. The late morning winter air is cold and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Numandil

Obvious exits:

SouthEast leads to Gladden River, North Bank.

East leads to West Bank of Anduin, Bridge for Old Forest Road.

North leads to Wooded Glade.

West leads to Mines.

NorthEast leads to Outpost in Repair.

SouthWest leads to Gladden River, North Bank.

[Numandil(#10108)] \"This track leads straight to the river,\" says Numandil, \"Let us hasten therefore.\"

Numandil pauses suddenly and looks to the northeast, \"But soft. Look nephew. To the north, there seems to be a small settlement.\"

Numandil slows his steed, \"Perhaps we can get provisions thither?\"

Looking in the direction in which his uncle points, Naerdil responds, \"Perhaps we could replenish some of our dwindling supplies.\"

Numandil nods, \"Aye, we are indeed kin. Let us go forth!\"

Outpost in Repair

Holding the ground at a local hill is an outpost of quarried stone, roughly 50 square meters to the side and with sloping exterior walls. Walls more than half again a man\'s height run between four towers on the corners that are nearly six meters high. The construction is of the finest dwarvish stonemasonary the walls look to be two meters thick at the current height, and sit so solid into the ground as to belie a deep foundation. The paving in the central courtyard is heavy cobblestone from the nearby Anduin river. A couple of log sheds, constructed not by dwarves but by Beornings, rest in the courtyard. There is quite a bit of scaffolding and wooden bracing still in place.

The light of day shines upon the outpost, revealing men and women carrying wares and other goods from the trade traffic that runs through this Outpost. More Beornings typically lie about here, especially guides resting from their long trips to the High Pass.

Contents:

Numandil

H\'ruin

Smith\'s wagon

Dajil

Bzjokze

Ghlurshrekh

Religious Followers(#23031IVn)

Orc Camp

Obvious exits:

Northeast leads to Anduin Valley - West of the Carrock.

North leads to Vales of the Anduin.

Northwest leads to Vales of the Anduin.

Storage Shed leads to Storage Shed.

Headquarters leads to Headquarters.

Barracks leads to Barracks.

Southwest leads to Western Vales of Anduin.

West leads to Wooded Glade.

[Orc Camp(#4488)->Naerdil] You see a camp surrounded by orc sentries. They have seen you!

[Numandil(#10108)] Toward the settlement there comes two horsemen, travel-worn but armed for war. Beside them strides a great hound. As they near the settlement the hound lets loose a great howl:

ARRROOOOOOOOOO!!!!

The taller of the two Men pauses his horse and cries, \"What is amiss Huan?\"

[Numandil(#10108)] The hound growls and looks at the settlement he bristles, his fangs glistening in the mid-day sun.

Pulling up his stallion at the howl of the Hound of Dol Amroth, Naerdil eyes the settlement with a frown upon his brow. Turning to his uncle he questions, \"Huan has been a lifesave thus far, I would hesitate to venture much further. What do you think?\"

[Numandil(#10108)] \"Nay,\" says Numandil at length, \"You are right. The Hound of Amroth has ever been our friend at need. Now their is something amiss. And what is that smell? Like the marches of Osgiliath.\"

[Catapult(#12926)] The foreman salutes in response to the order and the goblin crew heaves and strains. They load a fresh boulder into the basket of the catapult. The throwing arm is held down under the trigger and springloaded to release its payload on command.

Again the Wolf Hound howls a long howl of warning, the horse upon which Naerdil rides whinnies and snorts as if nervous. One gloved hand goes to steady the stallion as the man looks around the vicinity. The smell is atrocious, not like the fresh clean air of the Misties.\" Silvery grey orbs flicker over their surroundings for a moment and then his voice is low as he speaks to his uncle, \"The hair on the back of my neck is standing on end. Much like when we were in Fangorn. I dare say, this direction is not a good choice. Let us listen to Huan and turn back around.\"

[Ghlurshrekh(#29406)] A shaded form strides through the camp, heading for the great drum, alarmed by the declarations of the watch-orcs, and finally tipped off by the baying that keens from the still far-off hound. It is the under-ruler, and his black hair sweeps around him as he looks left and right, seizes the maul that sits by the great-drum, and sends it thudding against the stretched-rawhide membrane.

BOOOM!

DOOOOOOOM!

[Numandil(#10108)] \"For once I agree with you my brother\'s son,\" says Numandil. \"We come not so far to let ourselves explore every evil on the road. Come! Let us away!\"

With that he spurs his horse but then the sound of the great drum turns the face of the White-Ram of Gondor even more pale. He then cries, \"I have a bad feeling about this.\"

[Blrek(#29672)] Blrek, the snaga, sits around the cooking fires, eating a piece of some sort of meat. He and the other snaga\'s eat ravenoulsly, famished after a hard days work. At the sound of the massive drum, he and the other snaga\'s stop eating and turn around, their attention riveted to the one who banged the drum.

[Ghlurshrekh(#29406)] The Under-lord hammers the drum again with the great mallet, roaring, \"Man the engines!\" He growls, indicating the seige-enginces of the camp, and thunders, \"Tark-things! THe bear-folk must be sending scouts! Crush them! Kill them! Annihilate them!\"

The sounding of a drum spurs the younger man into action, his heels digging into the soft belly of his horse as he whirls his stallion in the direction from whence they came. Hoarse are his words as he yells to his uncle, \"Does that not sound like the evil drums heard in Osgiliath?\" The bow and shaft looped over his right shoulder are touched with one hand as if in reassurance as he thunders across the terrain.

[Numandil(#10108)] The sound of the cries of the Under-Lord send a chill through Numandil. He then says, \"Orcs! Many orcs or I am a fool! Come! We must ride now while the sun is yet high!\"

Then he turns his steed once more and begins his escape southward.

Right behind the hooves of the white stallion carrying Numandil doth his young nephew follow, the hot breath of the horses coming out in white snorts in the cool morning air. Slapping the reins against the flanks of the horse, hisSw raven hair flies in the breeze as Naerdil quickly heads to the South.

Western Vales of Anduin

The sky is clear. The late morning winter air is cold and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

SouthWest leads to Gladden River, North Bank.

[Numandil(#10108)] Like thunder the riders hasten east...

[Numandil(#10108)] \"There is evil afoot here!\" says Numandil in haste, \"Look, yon bridge! We may not be chased if we are lucky.\"

West Bank of Anduin, Bridge for Old Forest Road

The hard-packed east-west road continues here, meeting an elegantly adorned, arched stone bridge that could only be the work of the dwarves. The bridge crosses the wide and swift river and you can see the road leading to the east towards the murky line of the woods. To the west, the frozen road cuts a path to the growing peaks of the Misty Mountains.

The sky is clear. The late morning winter air is cold and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Obvious exits:

SouthWest, South, Into River South, Into River North, West, Bridge, and North

bridge You head towards the bridge.

Bridge over the Anduin

You stand upon a marvellous bridge, clearly of Dwarven construction. Spanning high enough above the Anduin to permit boats to pass underneath, it is made entirely out of stone and mortar and is wide enough for two lanes of wagon traffic to cross the bridge at once. You wonder when there was ever a time when such traffic might have existed. Perhaps in the days when the gates of Moria far to the west and south were opened wide.

The stones soak up all available warmth from the sunlight, while underneath the bridge fish swim gracefully through the waterplants chasing bugs and smaller fish.

The sky is clear. The late morning winter air is cold and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Numandil

Obvious exits:

Down North leads to Anduin, North Side of Bridge.

Down South leads to Anduin, South Side of Bridge.

West leads to West Bank of Anduin, Bridge for Old Forest Road.

East leads to East Bank of Anduin, Bridge for Old Forest Road.

The thundering of hooves sounds on the bridge as the two riders make haste to escape. The younger Nimothan clicking his heels into the flanks of his stallion, urging him with great urgency.

The road continues its east-west traverse through the frozen fields of the Anduin Vale. Just to the west lays the wide and low river, and across it lays a large, arched stone bridge. Far to the west you can make out the towering Misty Mountains, and to the east lays the green-brown line that defines Mirkwood the Great.

The sky is clear. The late morning winter air is cold and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Numandil

Obvious exits:

Into River North, North, South, Into River South, Bridge, and East

[East Bank of Anduin, Bridge for Old Forest Road(#26115)] A large PLOP echoes off from under the bridge.

[Numandil(#10108)] Forth they ride, like the hunters of Sauron are upon them westwards through the plains.

East Bank of Anduin, Central Plains

The rushing river passes by to the west, its rapid flow drowning out all other sounds here. The plains are a featureless savannah, the grass green and lush closer to the river. Small animals dart here and there, ducking into holes or jumping into Anduin.

The sky is clear. The late morning winter air is cold and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Numandil

Obvious exits:

North, South, Across, and Into River

Drawing one hand to his chest as he catches his breath, Naerdil eases the grip of his left hand on the reins of his stallion. \"Whoa.....whoa boy...steady.\", gasping for air he throws back his head and draws in a long cleansing breath of fresh air. Finally, his head turns to his uncle and a deep booming laugh echoes across the land, \"That was too close for comfort uncle. Was that not an ugly creature?\", fright doth make the situation a bit more humourous to the young man.

[Numandil(#10108)] Their pace slackens as the fear of the orcs dwindles. At length you can see the great Mirkwood to the east and its green wall. Numandil sighs, \"Yes, it was certainly orcs. They must have come from the mountains. I hope they had other business.\"

Anduin East Bank

The roaring river passes by to the west, though it widens here across unerodable rock, and compared to the mighty maelstrom it becomes as it travels further south in the distance, it is shallow enough that the waters can be forded. In the middle of the river there is a huge, flat topped rock approximately sixty feet high which breaks the current. The startings of a village begins along the road that leads from the ford to the east. The road is scored with the marks of feet and hooves. To the north and south the village rises into a thriving community.

Daylight shines down on the west-east road, warming the road and land with the light it sheds. People can be heard milling about in the village to the north and south.

The sky is clear. The midday winter air is cold and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Numandil

Woodpile and Communal Fire

Obvious exits:

East leads to Village Crossroads.

South leads to East Bank of Anduin, South of The Carrock.

North leads to East Bank of Anduin, North of The Carrock.

Southeast leads to Southern Village.

Northeast leads to Northern Village.

West leads to Ford at the Carrock -- Anduin River.

[Numandil(#10108)] \"But look, there to the east,\" says Numandil. \"A village! And no horrid smell. I ponder where we are exactly, we have come many miles and our steeds must be sorely tired.\"

Amusement still turns up the corners of Naerdil\'s lips as he chuckles, \"No supplies were to be had at that settlement. I dare say, -we- would have been the provision in their next meal.\" Chuckling to himself as he gives his horse free rein, Naerdil says, \"Perhaps we can find a place to rest with no orcs.\", as he cuts his eyes to Numandil

[Numandil(#10108)] \"Indeed I hope so Naerdil,\" says Numandil, \"And our chief concern is to find our way through that perilous wood.\"

The two ride into the village and at their side, the great Hound paces solemnly. No cry or howl does he give and at this, the travellers are comforted.

Village Crossroads

You stand at the crossroads of the Beorning township that is situated in this part of Middle-Earth. To the east lies the forest of Mirkwood and all the wonders that lurk within. To the west lies the mighty Anduin River and beyond the soaring peaks of the Misty Mountains jut skyward.

Sunlight streams down upon the crossroads, although the immense Oak Tree that is situated in the centre casts lengthy shadows across the area. During the daylight hours much activity can be seen as people bustle about their duties. The Great Bear Inn is situated on one corner of the crossroads and as always, it is open for business. Opposite the Inn are the stables where one may keep their steeds and know that they are in safe hands. As you gaze to both the north and the south, you can see that much more of the town lies beyond where you stand at this moment.

The sky is clear. The midday winter air is cold and dry around you. The moon is not visible.

Contents:

Numandil

Acorn

Grimbeorn

box

Magnificient Oak Tree

Large Bear Statue

Obvious exits:

Northeast leads to Stables.

Southeast leads to Great Bear Inn - Entrance Hall.

South leads to Southern Village.

North leads to Northern Village.

East leads to Anduin Road, East of Village.

West leads to Anduin East Bank.

A large life-size statue of a bear stands before you. The bear itself is eight feet or more, standing on a large rounded platform about four feet in height and it is dug into the ground deeply, impossible to tip over. The overall height of the statue is around twelve feet. The Bear is in attack position with his paws outstretched to grab a prey and you pray that isn\'t you. The jaws open wide in a freightening gape, as carefully carved hair seems to stand up on the back of the bear\'s neck. The statue seems to be made of all wood except for the eyes. They seem to have a stone or something in them that almost seem alive watching all who pass whether they be friend or foe. The platform on which it stands has been cut straight in the front where a plate with an inscription or something is written. You may want to read what it says. You may want to look at it again in detail.

[Large Bear Statue(#19056)->Naerdil]

Here stands a monument to those that lost their lives and their homes in the burning of Anduin village by the cursed goblins. This is also a monument to those that worked and strived to rebuild the village to a better height. Here lies the names of those who died in the fight against the goblins:

There is a list of names that follows.

Benon, Father of Nayhara

Danik and Merik, Brothers of Nayhara

And a few other names follow...

[Large Bear Statue(#19056)->Naerdil] _

/

___(##))___

(############

(##########(O)#|_______

(##################)))|O)

(################/VVVVVV/

(################MMMMMM)

(#####################/ __________

(##############| _/########

(#############/ _/######)--|@)))

(#############| _/#######) |///

((################________/########)

((###################################)

(####################################)

(###################################)_____________

(#################################/##############

(##############################/################|@)))

(###########################/##############/ |///

(#########################/

(##########################)

(###########################)

(############################)

(#############################)

(#############################)

(#############################)

(#############################)

(############################)

(###########################)

(##########################)

(##########################)

(##########################)

(############) (###########)

(##########) (###########)

(#########) (##########)

(#######) (#########)

(######) (########)

(######) (######)

(######) (######)

(######)____ (######)____

(########### (##########

##########/^)))#########/^)))

Carefully watching the wolf hound, Naerdil breathes a deep sigh of relief as no howl of distress is sounded as the two men make their way into the village.

Looking around the village he says to his uncle, \"Now this is more to our satisfaction. Provisions to be replenished and perhaps even a bed that is not the cold hard ground for a night.\"

[Grimbeorn(#13677)] The large head upon the massive frame of Grimbeorn turns, he looks over his shoulder to spy the two upon horseback as they casually trot into his domain like so much unsought visitations. He glances back to Shannon, \"Seems we are sought by men and Goblin alike of late..\" He growls in his deep speech and looks back to them once more, this time turning his whole body about and standing square in the middle of the road. His head reaches that nigh of the men upon their mounts.

[Numandil(#10108)] \"It has been a long time since we enjoyed that my brother\'s son,\" says Numandil, \"Yet first I would meet with the people and see if they are friendly...\" His words trail off and thus for the first time Numandil son of Nodroth meets Grimbeorn the Tall. Almost shocked is he at the man\'s size and he slips off of his steed and he cries, \"Hail!\" He then bows in the style of the Southern Men crossing his arms over his breast.

[Grimbeorn(#13677)] \"Hail there yerself..\" The big statured man retorts, as he casts a careful eye upon the one before him, appraising him it seems. Crossing his bare muscular arms across his chest he frowns, the two bushy brows meeting to make one. \"Who be ye? Better not be pawns of those that dare sit up there upon my mountain? \" He says gruffly.

Wide doth the eyes of Naerdil grow as he beholds the creature,nay man standing square in the middle of the road. Sea grey orbs look eye to eye with the man as he sits astride his horse. Swallowing with great difficulty, he cuts his eyes to his uncle for a second and then quickly returning to the tall giant of a man before him and finally he follows his uncles lead and bows in greeting, \"Greetings.\"

[Numandil(#10108)]

Rising, the Dunedain of the South says in his well clipped and accented voice, \"I do not know to what you reference lest you refer to the orcs that lay west of this River (and from whom we but barely escaped). Yet even so I shall answer your first question even if not in due order.\" The man then bows again and says, \"I am Numandil, son of Nodroth of the House Nimothan of Gondor. This...\" He motions to the younger man, \"Is my brother\'s son, Naerdil, who has come with me on our quest bestowed by the Lord-Steward.\"

[Dalbeorn(#26812)] From the west walks another man, not quite the height of Grimbeorn yet obviously of the same line. Grumbling loudly he comes from the northern village his clothes bearing red marks of blood. Dalbeorn\'s eyes catch the two foreign figures yet it is to the horses that he first moves. Glancing at the animals he sighs then raises his eyes to Grimbeorn. \"They\'re not men of Farbeorn are they? They don\'t smell as bad nor are they dark skinned.\" Again he looks at the horses and he chuckles softly, \"They also know something about caring for the horses.\"

[Numandil(#10108)]

Then their hound looks balefully at Numandil and then the Lord Nimothan says, \"And my pardon. This is the Hound, Huan, of Dol Amroth. He knows the speech of Men and has been our companion since we left Minas Tirith.\"

[Marusia(#22365)] Marusia walks rapidly through the crossroads, threading in between the people there with determined steps as she heads, apparently, in the direction of the Inn. As she reaches the gathering crowd, however, she stops, staring first at the man with the blood-covered clothes and then at the strangers.

[Acorn(#20166)] Still having yet said anything and assuming she\'s unnoticed, the female forester leans lightly on her long bow and watches. She lifts her eyebrows further at the description of the hounds ability to understand speach. She glances to Grimbeorn to see his reaction.

Cautiously Naerdil reaches to calm his horse as another giant of a man walks forth, his clothing reeking of blood and upsetting the stallion upon which he sits. Nodding his head to the second man, Naerdil remains silent, allowing his much more experience Uncle to do the talking. A hint of a smile brightens his eyes as the second man speaks of the dark skinned and without thought he speaks, \"They do smell awful, do they not? We happened upon an outpost or settlement of some kind and the most horrid creature came running forth, banging a loud drum.\" A deep laugh escapes him as he recalls the incident, quickly he clears his throat as he realizes nervousness has made his speak without thought.

[Grimbeorn(#13677)] The demeanor of Grimbeorn eases some as he listens to the story being told, and he finds some interest in it, though of far lands and legendry places he cares little, much liken to his father. \"Orc?...those are Goblins upon that mount you have passed by, and they are less of a menace to some, but to us a great purpose has been put upon my kin..\" He gestures to Dalbeorn seeing him appraoch and hearing his words.

\"And nay cousin..\" Grimbeorn offers to Dalbeorn belatedly, \"These are not such folk, for they are tall and fair, as such unseen except those that skulk and cross our borders in the darkest nights from the land yonder to the west.\" He pauses to give thought to this new matter and does look to the hound, but he offers no speech of men, but rather talks a gruff, doglike noise and then to the horses offers a neighing that they seem to understand..\"Aye, fine animals indeed.\"

[Numandil(#10108)] Looking amazed Numandil says, \"Aye, they have been with us faithfully as we travelled north up the Great River and through strange peoples and perils that are beyond the ken of our kindred. Yes, Goblins we know well enough, but in our land we call them orcs, or for the great ones, the Black Uruks of Mordor.\" This last word he says in a whisper as if a chill of dread of memories past in long battles in forlorn marches, \"Scarcely did we come hither, and truly we did not know that Men still dwelt in these lands though to our folk there is rumour of little that occurs beyond our borders, for there we are constantly at war with the Enemy.\"

[Numandil(#10108)]

But Huan suddenly wags his tail and holds up his muzzled head high looking at Grimbeorn with a solemn expression.

Dalbeorn smiles at Grimbeorn\'s words and nods his head in approval. Turning at the younger of the two strangers he laughs, \"Ye need not calm your horse, he\'s in good care and company.\" Glancing down at his clothes he sighs, \"Another fight in the Mad Dog brought one of the guides in with a broken nose. More crooked than ever now and he thinks I\'ll tend to him whenever he gets hurt.\" Reaching up, Dalbeorn rubs his grey beard and looks down at the hound. \"A shame that he does not wander for himself.\" Mutters the skin changer. Looking now toward Numandil he chuckles, \"If you\'re constantly at war, what brings you here and away from your own village? How can you protect it if you\'re off wandering into areas unknown to you?\"

Acorn slings her bow over her shoulder and decides to make the most of the liberties allowed her since she remains unnoticed. She circles the strange pair and their hound, listening. Her steps are soft and nearly soundless.

[Marusia(#22365)] Marusia rolls her eyes as Dalbeorn mentions the barfight, but she still says nothing, apparently preferring to eavesdrop and not participate in the conversation. As Acorn begins to slink around the visitors, however, she can\'t suppress her laughter.

[Numandil(#10108)]

Turning to this new one Numandil the Nimothan replies, \"I have been sent on a mission from my Lord to seek out what people lieth in these regions and to record their customs and ways, and if I might, see what strength they may have that can be used against our common Foe. Yet even so, our mission\'s end lieth many long leagues east of here, in Erebor, the Lonely Mountain where it is said that Dwarves dwell. Or so some say of that kindred who have come to our land.\"

Surprise flits across the countenance of Naerdil as the giant of a man talks a gruff, doglike noise to Huan and then offers a neighing to the horses. Incredibly, he feels the flanks of the horse ease into a relaxed standing position, long has the animal been pushed to carry the two men away from the danger seen at the outpost.

Warming to the smile of the younger of the two giants, Naerdil nods his head in greeting and smiles, \"At the sound of your cousin\'s voice I could feel my mount relax. I have oft heard of those that could -talk- to the animals.\" Laughing at the man\'s questions, much like his own curiousity he slides from his mount and reaches out one hand, then withdrawing it to remove his glove, he holds it out again. \"The two of us were send on a mission by the Steward of Gondor. Pleased to meet you, by the way.\", a grin curves his thick lips as he immediately likes the spirit of this man.

Marusia

Best described as a moderately attractive woman, Marusia\'s rather stern features are a suitable match for her usual no-nonsense personality. Neither the stern, square cut of her jawline, nor her thin lips, nor her piercing deep blue eyes reveal much more than grim determination--except perhaps when she has indulged a bit too much in the local ale. Of late, this has been happening rather often.

Her dress is a plain but well-worn shift that falls to her mid-calf, revealing browned, well-muscled legs. Likewise, its short sleeves show off tanned, strong arms. Although the dress is modestly cut, it is clear that beneath it lies a strong and ample figure. Her hair, a dirty-blonde shade, is worked into a thick braid that hangs down to the middle of her back.

Acorn

She appears a woman firmly rooted in the mundane by her looks. Her hair is brown, as are her eyes. She is of average height, if possibly a bit taller. Her build seems hard to describe other then normal. But the depth of her eyes cloud the senses and destroys all previous assumption. Their amber toned depths hold intelligence, it\'s potency cut by a gently chiding wit. The elegance of the features that cradle these pools of vibrant life holds a comeliness of their own. All this surrounded by waves of brown silk that would seem bound and chained by any braid or any clasp. Her body is a framework of energy for the life those eyes exude. Its lithe and delicate construction betrays a power that can only be achieved with the belief of the mind. Her step is light and sure, her movements full of a grace that one can only be born with. Her soul lies open before those who view her and is unfathomable.

Her dress is simple, a light green tunic that hangs to her hips and a pants, both cut to fit her form. In her hair is the only affectation she wears, a single wren feather, the end wrapped about a seemingly randomly chosen clump of hair.

Dalbeorn

You gaze upon a man of immense size. Broad shoulders, thick arms, and well-muscled legs outline his massive body. Tall and thin is the man, though his appearance is more gentle and soft than stern and hard. Looking at the man\'s face, it seems to defy the youthful demeanor cast by the rest of his body. Grey hair with streaks of brown crown his head, and a full beard of grey covers his face. Eyes of green stare out from beneath bushy grey eyebrows. Despite the colour of his hair, the man seems to be in the midst of his years, neither young nor old. Clad in a simple wool tunic of light green, and breeches of wool with a badge of a green pine tree set against brown upon the tunic the man\'s arms, legs, feet and shoulders are left bare.

Grimbeorn

Nine feet tall and wild brown hair the color of ancient bark. Legs and arms that ripple like the very Anduin, and a chest nigh on the size of the Carrock itself. His face is covered in the thick hair, out of which dark eyes regard the world. The hands of this man look like they could crush stone, and his shoulders are as wide as the sky.

His feet are bare as are his arms, but no amount of cold seems to make him shiver, nor does any brilliant sun make him sweat. All the fire of the stars seems to glitter in his eyes, and when he laughs it shakes the very earth on which he stands.

[Grimbeorn(#13677)] \"Well I guess then we have nothing to fear from these men..I am Grimbeorn, oldest amoung my kin and Chief of these lands you pass..\" The big man says of himself, \"And this is my Cousin Dalbeorn, our devout healer and Chief of the Village .. \" He gestures an open palm to the Beorning, \"And these two..\" He says, a smirk on his face as he peers to the silent pair, \"Are Shannon and Marusia..good women folk also of our Beorning stock.\"

Dalbeorn looks down at the hand offered to him by Naerdil. Raising an eyebrow slightly he takes the man\'s hand and gives it a slight shake. \"I am Dalbeorn, chief of this village. I can\'t say that I am pleased to meet strangers though, or ones that come clad in skins of once proud and swift animals. I only hope the deer or doe was honored..\" He trails off and looks at the way both men dress then shakes his head, \"Your ways our not ours and I can\'t blame you.\" Reaching out a hand he rests it upon the shoulder of the horse and then grins, \"I have heard rumors of men who claim they can talk to animals as well, but I doubt they can understand them.\" Crossing his arms again he laughs, \"Sent to learn our ways then learn the ways of the short folk, if you near their mountain I only hope you find them more welcoming than the one that took haven in our infirmary.\" At Grimbeorn\'s words he nods and smiles quickly at the hunter stalking around the group.

Numandil nods and looking to each in turn he says in his accented voice, \"Well met!\" He then looks up to Grimbeorn and says, \"Lord Chieftain, by your leave, may we stay here while we rest? We need to gather our strength and what knowledge we may of the forest ere we pass into it.\"

Acorn rolls her eyes a bit at Grimboenr\'s introduction and stops sulking about. She instead stands in place and leans on her bow, fixing a curious gaze on the strangers.

[Marusia(#22365)] \"Excuse me--stock?\" Marusia interrupts, not caring for protocol or politeness. She glares at Grimbeorn, hands on her hips.

A quick glance down at the fawn breeches upon his frame and then Naerdil does has the grace to flush as his eyes hold those of Dalbeorn. Softly does his voice speak, \"I am one of great curiosity and wish to learn everything from those that we meet upon this quest. Perhaps you would be so kind as to -instruct- me in the ways of your people so that I may log it for future reference and knowledge?\" Patting the pouch on the side of his horse he smiles, \"In here rests a journal that is filled with our travels and I wish to include you and your people in there as well.\" Turning to glance at the statue of the massive bear with the claws he says, \"And that magnificent piece of work, I simply must get a sketch of that. Never have I seen such detail.\" Suddenly his mouth closes as if realizing he is once again rambling, he smiles and nods his head at the two woman and Grimbeorn, a smile warming his sea grey eyes.

Acorn\'s lips curl up into a wide grin as Marusia speaks, voicing what they\'re both thinking. \"Nay his fault.\" She says in a soft voice. \"Air\'s thin up there.\" She winks to Grimbeorn.

Grimbeorn just snorts as he then turns his renewed frown to those visitors before him, waiting for Dalbeorn to offer some reply to the stranger.

Numandil looks over at Dalbeorn and watches him patiently.

[Marusia(#22365)] Marusia snickers at Acorn\'s comment, then kicks her foot impatiently in the dirt as she is further ignored. But she seems to perk up again as the strangers mention wanting to get to know village culture, and she laughs, the sound coming out as more of a snort than anything else. \"Culture?!\" she says, still laughing. \"Come over to the Inn. We\'ll show you some culture.\" She doesnt\' seem to care that she is interrupting and perhaps even being rude.

Dalbeorn frowns slightly and sighs, \"Our ways can\'t be leanred in a matter of days. Though I\'ll show you around and tell you what I can of the villagers.\" Glancing up at the statue he smiles, \"The Great Bear, from him do we get our strength.\" A soft chuckle emits from him and he points at the pouch, \"Ye can jot that down if ye care to get started.\"

Numandil nods slowly and says, \"I cannot speak for my nephew, but I myself must rest, for we have been on the ride for many long hours. Would it be possible for myself to enjoy your hospitality and gracious offer after I sleep? My nephew may wish to join, for he is younger than I am.\"

[Grimbeorn(#13677)] Raising an eyebrow at the older man Grimbeorn offers, \"Oh O! Aye, we do indeed have a place for such as you. The Great Bear Inn it is called, a finer place in Rhovanion you\'d be hard pressed to find, by our standards as least.\" He turns to face a trail leading to a large longhouse not far off at all and there he points one large finger, \"Yonder you will find it, hearth and ale warm for all, but be warned the folk abouts are hardy and oft gruff after a long days work. Word them well least you can fight well my friend.\" He beams as he says the last

[Marusia(#22365)] Her offer to give the strangers a tour of the local beer apparently ignored, Marusia heads off without so much as one word, kicking up dirt as she heads toward the inn.

Numandil nods and bows, \"I only fight when I must and not against my hosts. Until again!\" With that he turns and heads off to the inn.

Always eager to learn, Naerdil withdraws the leather bound journal and then a crestfallen expression covers his face as he turns the tome over in his hand. Glancing up at Dalbeorn in silence, his eyes beg forgiveness for what would appear to be yet another transgression. A piece of charcoal is taken out and carefully he opens the journal and begins to draw a rough sketch of the bear, \"You called him the Great Bear. And from him you get your strength? Thats interesting.\" Turning his head to one side and then the other he quickly gets a drawing of the bear into his journal, the scratching of the charcoal sounds as he shades the drawing.