Stuck in Dale

[Wynne(#16973)]

It is late at night and the sky is as black as pitch, an cold icy winter rain falls from the sky from every angle that possible due to the changing wind, that howls with furry and slams it fists into the city trying to create as much havoc as possible. Torches and oil lamps line the street trying to create pools of light on this dark night. The touches sputter and spit fighting to stay lit as the rain falls harder. The scent of wood smoke and cold fill the air, and coming from one of the shuttered buildings, a female wrapped in a wool and fur lined cloak, carrying a basket starts to move down the street.

Out in the bitter weather a dwarf stands, stony and silent against the wind. He\'s gazing towards the Lonely Mountain, his heavy blue cloak hanging around him, hood pulled up to shield him from the icy rain with only his thick, unruly black beard poking out. It\'s only a mile and a half back to Erebor, but in this weather the dwarf is obviously considering whether the trip is worth it.

[Wynne(#16973)]

Seeing the dwarf the woman can not help but stop and study him for a bit. After a moment, she says in a warm cheery voice. \"Greeting, lovely evening is it not?\" Her voice holds no sarcasm. \"The river will be swollen.\"

Ranol turns to look at the woman that address him and there\'s a small smirk behind his beard. \"Aye. Wonderful night.\" He says in agreement. \"That it may be.. though I think I may take that risk. It is late to be finding an inn room.\" He says, his thick black brows coming together from the shadows of his hood.

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"Sir, if you can not find a room this late at night and you do not mind odd company you can stay at House Taurdain, we have some some rooms here and some of them are one or two of them is vacant.\" She says in the same cheerful voice. \"Also I am sure that embassy should have rooms as well. There is always a solution, and I would not dare try those trails tonight.\"

Ranol smiles lightly, and gives Wynne a low bow. \"You are a kind and generous stranger, madam.\" He says in his low, rumbling voice. \"I have not asked about for an inn, yet. I thought I might try the trip home. It is not so far.. though I fear you may be right about the trails.\" He considers for a moment, \"I am Ranol, son of Ranor. At your service.\"

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"I am Wynne of House Taurdain. It is a pleasure to meet you Ranol, son of Ranor.\" She says as she returns the bow of greeting. \"If you are fond of ice, then I would say go for it, but if it is raining here the snow will be heavy through the passes.\" Reaching up she wipes some of the cold rain off her face.

\"Aye.. aye..\" Ranol sounds resigned but he is nodding in agreement. \"I would not wish to impose upon you or your family. Can you recommend an inn? Though I should not keep you out here in this unhealthy weather.\"

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"I live here and weather does not bother me. But as for imposing on my family, I would not offer if it were an imposition.\" Wynne laughs warmly. \"Follow me and I will take you to one of my favorite haunts.\"

Ranol chuckles and nods again. \"Aye.. Much appreciated.\" He tugs the cowl of his hood forward to further protect him from the rain, then follows after her, stumping along as only a dwarf can. The race is not known for being sneaky, that is for certain.

[Wynne(#16973)]

Then move the cobbled streets until they come to Tavern called the Druken Maiden. When they enter the rush warm air greets them, and in the hearth lies a dying fire. The tavern itself is much to be desired, it is rough and crude, and when they enter, a few of the late nighters offer her a bow and cheerful greeting she laughs and finds a table where she slips off her cloak and uses a tip of it to clean the table, as she does this a tired serving wench comes over to do it for her. \"Welcome to late night spot.\"

Ranol grins, pulling off his cloak as well and shaking it out. His movements are a bit awkward for it seems his left arm is in a cast and sling. He drapes the sodden cloak over a chair and takes a seat. \"Aye, looks a good place to warm on a night like this.\" Ranol says with a grin as his blue eyes look over the place. If the crude state of the place bothers the dwarf, he doesn\'t show it. \"An ale, if you please.\" He orders, pulling out a few coins and resting them on the table. \"And something for my gracious city guide, at an hour so late.\" He won\'t order -for- the woman, but clearly intends to pay for it.

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"Cider if you will.\" Wynne says placing her order as she finally takes a seat. Thier server goes to get thier orders, leaving them be for a moment. \"So, tell me my friend what happen to your arm?\"

\"My arm?.. A troll. It wandered up one of our mountain paths and attacked myself and my kin as we were returning from an outing.\" Ranol pulls off his steel helm and sets it on the chair with his cloak, and scrubs his hand through his short black hair. \"It smashed clear through my shield, broke my arm. I\'m lucky I had the shield, though sad to have lost it. Belonged to my grandfather.. \"

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"Though I am sure that your grandfather would rather have you around than his shield, but I would bet money on the fact that he would be happy that shield was put to good use.\" Wynne grins as their drinks are set down in front of them. \"So how are you enjoying Dale? How long do you have left with are arm plastering?\"

Ranol grins and nods. \"Aye, that he would. The troll would have taken my arm clean off, which makes the cast far more tolerable. Three more weeks or so, says my healer. It\'s aggravating, but I\'ve learned not to argue with those that mend you up.\" He says. The serving girl is given a nod of thanks and the dwarf picks up his ale to give it an appraising sip.

[Wynne(#16973)]

Laughing Wynne nods. \"You are a wise warrior, most argue from what my sister says. They seem to think that they know more than the healer. Which in my opinion is just plain unwise and will have them buried in the earth before they know it. It is a sad thing, but I suppose if you are use to be active that it would cause some issues for you

Ranol laughs again, \"Yes.. Well, my healer is my cousin and more than once I\'ve learned the folly of arguing. A healer can make you very miserable when you\'re stuck in a bed, recovering. It\'s better to play along or you find yourself worse off in the long run.\" He takes another drink, then asks, \"So your sister is a healer? What do you do, Lady Wynne?\"

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"Yes, she is and she really good. As for myself, I am a horse healer, nothing grand.\" Wynne\'s eyes light up with her smile. \"I do enjoy it though and it keeps my mind occupied and myself out of trouble, and what do you do Ranol, son of Ranor?\"

\"Taking care of animals is important, do not discredit your abilities. It is a commendable impression.\" Ranol sets his mug down on the table, \"I am Huskarl of my clan.. Which means that I am the captain of our thane\'s personal guard. I see to the training of the clan-karls and the personal safety of my thane.\"

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"Is a thane the head of the clan or family?\" Wynne ask with curiosity. \"If so that would mean that the Clan-Karl is a common soldier or guard?\" Her eyes dance with pleasure as she learns new tidbits of information from Ranol.

\"Oh.. ahh.. The thane is the head of a clan. I am of clan Bundazanul. Our thane is Lord Braldor. Clan-karls are personal guards of a thane, seperate from the soldiers of the mountain.\" Ranol explains, smiling some.

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"That would make sense. So would the personal guards of the Thane go to war with the soldiers of the mountain if need be?\" Wynne asks as she takes a sip of her cider. \"Also what do your woman look like, I have heard rurmours and if I am overstepping my bounds, please forgive.\"

\"The clan-karls would fight at the thane\'s side. Our job is to keep him safe, above all else. Only the protection of our king would supercede that, or orders from the thane to do otherwise.\" Ranol answers that easily enough, but her question of dwarven women is met with a stall as he lifts the ale to his lips again. \"What rumors do you hear?\" He asks carefully.

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"Well one of the rumors is that they do not exist, which is just plain silly if you ask me. And the other rumor states that have beards, which could be feasible in my mind.\" She smiles and takes another drink of cider.

Ranol nods slowly, though whether it is to point out truth to her words or simply in agreement on feasibility is uncertain. \"We are very protective of our own.\" The huskarl answers simply and finishes off his ale. \"Do you live with your sister?\" He asks in polite curiosity.

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"Nay I am contracted with house Karth. I only see her when we are in Esgaroth.\" Noding she drops the subject of the Dwarven woman. \"And I spend most of my time in the stables. Very once in a while I clean myself up and join in Household functions for Taurdain, though this does not happen often.\"

\"Aye, my own brother has been off in the Iron Hills for a few years. I have not seen him in some time. House Karth, they are a Dale house? Do they specialize in horses?\" Ranol shifts to sit back more comfortably, though the chairs in this tavern are anything but.

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"Yes House Karath is a Dale-House, but is known for its Combative skills. That is why I am with them. My house is more peaceful, unless of course we protecting hearth and kin.\" Wynne smiles and digs into her belt pouch were she takes out a few coins. \"Would you care for another round?\"

Ranol considers for a moment, but really, what else is he going to do for the night? \"Aye.. Another round.\" He\'s quiet for a moment, then asks in another topic, \"Tell me, I am not so familiar with Dale as a city. I wish to get a gift for a friend.. are there any specialties?\"

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"It depends on what you are looking for, my friend.\" She places the coin on the table ordering them another round. \"We have many craftsmen, with our land. Tell me about your friend.\"

\"I just wish for something small, to show appreciation for a friendship.\" Ranol speaks carefully, his fingers toying with the tip of his black beard. \"Perhaps something of nature. My friend has a deep interest of travel, but has yet to leave the mountain on any trips.\"

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"Perhaps a wood carving of creature that is native to our lands, or a pendant, or something that is woven depicting a scene of our great lakes.\" Wynne grins as the coin is picked up and their drinks are brought to them. Taking the cider, she takes sip and studies the dwarf with her soft grey eyes.

\"Perhaps.. \" Ranol doesn\'t seem convinced. He sips from the fresh drink, thinking. \"I also need to find myself a pony. The prices in the mountain are high. My last was slain by some orcs, unfortunately. Do you treat with ponies as well as horses?\"

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"Yes I do treat horse and pony alike.\" Her eyes twinkle with as she sets her drink down. \"You will be needing a good sturdy pony with some combat training, or do you whish to train your pony yourself?\"

Ranol blinks. \"Well, my last had no combat abilities to speak of. He was a good lad, though. Didn\'t spook too badly in most situations. I know nothing of training animals.\"

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"You need pony trained in some combat it will be fairer for the pony. Though to be honest, you can train a horse or pony to get used to anything. But for both of you would be better off.\" Taking another sip of the cider she asks. \"How much are you looking to spend if you do not mind me asking?\"

\"I don\'t intend to fight astride the pony..\" Ranol answers, chuckling. \"As for price.. I am not sure. I do not have an excess of funds available to me, but I want a reliable beast.\"

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"We will see what we can do, I know a horse trainers.\" Wynne laughs and shakes her head, as she places the mug of cider on the table.

\"A sturdy beast. I am in no rush though. I have no trips planned immediately, I merely wish to be prepared should the need arise. If I know who to talk with, it will save me a lot of scrambling later.\" The dwarf smiles easily, not as gruff as some of the mountain folk. \"And of course, knowing someone to take care of the animal is always good as well.\"

[Hildis(#23062)]

The torches flare and mutter as the door opens admitting the wintry sound of ice rattling on the doorstep, a skirl of cold air and a lone dwarf. Head down and shadowed by a hood, the only thing to be seen is a beard amply adorned with ice glistening next to the greenstones braided into it. The dwarf stamps booted feet and pushes back the hood. Fluffing the iron red beard to remove some of the ice, the dwarf eyes the gloomy bar through narrowed eyes.

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"A sturdy, sensible beast with some combat training if I have anything to say about.\" Wynne interjects. \"And if you know anyone who needs a horse healer let me know, I would be happy to make the journey to check on their poor beast.\" She pauses for a moment and takes a drink. \"I am not without the means to do so.\" She turns her head as the door opens and another dwarf comes into the lovely establishment, brining with him a cold draft.

\"Perhaps in the morning you could introduce me to some breeders? I\'ve not much of a business mind and guidance would be appreciated.\" Ranol speaks in a soft, honest tone. He glances over towards the door as well when it opens, and his blue eyes widen in surprise. The huskarl stands, speaking to the other dwarf, \"Cousin.. What brings you to Dale? Join us, please..\" His tone is a mix of surprise and .. wariness? His fingers toy with the end of his beard again.

You pemit \"Ranol adds in silent question as his fingers flick, \"Are you here alone?\"\" to Hildis.

The familiar rumble of a voice attracts the dwarf\'s attention and green eyes widen in surprise and consternation as the leather helmet is removed. \"Well I...well, I...cousin,\" comes a reply of sorts. A peg to hang a wet cloak is located and the dwarf crosses the room leaving clots of ice and a trail of footprints to join the other dwarf at the bar.

[Hildis(#23062)->Ranol] Manouvering a bit, fingers to the side a silent reply is sent, \"Traders of Dale, only me.\"

[Wynne(#16973)]

From her perch on her chair Wynne watches, her reply to her drinking companion lost as the dialog flows between the two.

[Hildis(#23062)] With a jerk of a chin at the tankard sitting in front of Ranol, Hildis asks, \"More of that to be found?\" Then the dwarf gives a belated bow to his compagnon, \"No manners in me on a night cold as this one. Hildis of Erebor at your service.\"

[Hildis(#23062)->Ranol] You drinking with her? she sign?

Ranol frowns faintly, then turns to Wynne, \"This is...\" He begins to introduce in a pleasant tone, then trails off as the other dwarf speaks ahead of him. He says for Hildis\'s benefit, \"This is Wynne of House.. Taurdain.\" He had to think for a moment to recall the house name. \"She treats horses and other animals. I fear I may be traveling back to the mountain tonight after all, but I thank you for your kindness and company, Wynne.\"

You pemit \"Ranol signs in a slow, absent fashion. \"Not anymore.\"\" to Hildis.

[Wynne(#16973)]

\"It is a pleasure to meet you, and I will find you a pony my friend.\" Just as she says this the door opens and lad dressed in wools and riding boots belts out breathlessly. \"Millet has colic.\" Quickly without missing a beat, she gathers her cloak and her basket moves towards the lad and the door. \"It has been a pleasure an I hope that we meet again and thank you for the company.\"

[Hildis(#23062)]

Hildis takes the recently place next to Ranol and tries to place an arm up on the bar and thinks better of it, the music of mail and the creak of leather accompany the movements. \"I had no idea Ranol,\" Hildis gives him a shake of the head, eyebrows lifted marvelling, \"None. But it is good to see you. Now, is that drink worth the effort?\"

\"No.. It\'s not. Why are you here? Alone?\" Ranol lowers his voice, \"What are you thinking?? You were there when the troll attacked us!\" He whispers emphatically, but his voice is heavy with concern.

[Hildis(#23062)]

With a quick glance around before answering, Hildis puts her head close to his and whispers furiously, \"My father was too drunk to meet these traders. -Someone- had to do it. -And- I got permission to do it...\" Something stops the dwarf from completing that last sentence. Raising her voice, a pleasant baritone, says, \"Ah, barkeep another of these..no two more of these.\"

Ranol winces. He\'s already had two mugs and the ale isn\'t very good. Still, he says nothing to stop her. \"Hildis.. coming her -alone- was a mistake. It\'s dangerous even on that short road to get here. You should have had your brother come, or .. someone. I\'m going to walk back with you.\" It\'s a statement of fact, it seems.

[Hildis(#23062)] Hildis gives him a sidelong look, lips pursed and shaking her head. The drinks arrive and she nods to the barkeep before saying, \"I know that. My brother is not talking to father at the moment. The guard\'s pony threw a shoe so I came down before they could sell our load to someone else.\" Frowning she takes a drink and the frown deepens, she takes another and shakes her head. \"Not home, eh?\" she comments still not looking at him.

\"So money is worth more than your safety?\" Ranol asks, aggitated still. He sips his own drink and sits quietly, his brows tightened in thinly veiled frustration. \"Not home? What do you mean?\"

[Hildis(#23062)]

Barely suppressing a sigh of exasperation, Hildis replies holding up her tankard, \"This isn\'t nearly as good as home.\" She takes another sip and puts the tankard down to turn and look at him, \"I thought of my safety and yes, I also thought of the profit we would make. I don\'t want those dyes coming in to someone else.\" Her words plainly spoken are nearly edged with irritation but her eyes and face ask him to understand.

His expression softens, and Ranol sets his mug down. \"Okay.. But.. I\'m going to walk you back. We\'ll have to go back tonight, I think. Despite the weather.\" He frowns. \"Spending time alone together.. I don\'t care what people say, but your reputation is important.\"

[Hildis(#23062)]

She cannot control herself and begins to smile, then sputter into her drink. She puts the tankard up on the bar and her laugh rings out. Heads turn in the bar and the barkeep hovers a little closer. \"Oh, Mahal. What will dwarves think when we turn up together?\"

\"We\'ll just tell them a troll ate the rest of our group.\" Ranol says, smirking. He doesn\'t seem so worried about it. He\'s secure in his honor, and even when Siv was spreading all her exaggerated notions the huskarl had done next to nothing to combat them.

[Hildis(#23062)]

\"Well, I hadn\'t planned on going home tonight. They have taken the pack horses to the stables to dry them and feed them and put them up for the night. I\'m not looking forward to that climb in this rain. Tomorrow. Then there is no worry about a night walk with the trolls. We can just leave at different times,\" she suggests with a quick look at him before taking her drink back up again.

\"No.. Not alone. I\'d rather deal with rumors. There are trolls and orcs that don\'t fear the sunlight these days. I spoke with Lord Bifur about it just a few days ago. I would rather accompany you.\" Ranol seems quite stubborn about this, and it seems that the normally easy-going dwarf can have a backbone about things when he chooses to.

[Hildis(#23062)] His words bring a smile to her face, her shoulders relax as though the warmth of the room has finally reached her through her ring mail and she nods her acceptance. \"What has you down her now, Ranol? Did I hear her say something about horses?\"

\"I was here seeing to some business, and.. the horse discussion. Well, I need a new pony. My last was slain and should Thane Braldor need to go on a trip, I don\'t want to be rushing around looking for a mount then. So, I was asking about stock and prices. I figure I\'ll find a better animal and price now, then when I\'m rushed.\"

[Hildis(#23062)]

\"We might...I mean, perhaps they would be more interested if two offers were made. I don\'t have my own pony yet. I\'d like one and have set aside enough to consider one now. And thank you, Ranol.\" Smoothing some of the lingering drops of water from her beard she gives him a quick warm smile and then takes another drink.

Ranol gives her a sidelong look, as if she were trying to sneak things. \"I think we should head back first thing in the morning. I don\'t care what people say, but.. I don\'t want to push it either. We can always return another day to shop for ponies. Thari might like to come.\"

[Hildis(#23062)] Hildis\'s face sets into a scowl and she does not look at him for an instant. \"Easy for you to say. I do not know when I will have permission again until all of this ends. But you are right. I said I would be there tomorrow in the morning. So I must go though you -need- not.\"