Barazin makes an offer

Underhalls, Tower of Durin VI (Bundazanul Thingstead)(#19552RtAU)

An incredible feat of delving by the dwarves, this hall is nearly three hundred feet high, and as many across, though the height of it cannot be ascertained from the ground. Stairs go up to personal chambers and other functional rooms above, this being the gathering hall for the whole clan. To the northwest one can see a bit of real light trickling in from the shaft that leads up and onto the slopes of the Mountain.

Contents:

Hildis

Ranol

Obvious exits:

Southeast leads to Greathall of Thrain II.

Southwest leads to Lumber Yards.

Long Tunnel (West) leads to Clan Bundazanul Gate.

Large Copper Door and Wooden Door (North)

[Frarin] The Bundazanul Thingstead is bustling this afternoon with a variety of traders and gossipers and the magnificent high ceiling resounds with the ruckus of many dwarven voices. But even with so many, the crowd is made up of mainly those of the clan itself and very others. Zinbar only it is that has been banned from the Thingstead, but when one of the Barazin clan enters the enormous gathering area, he nevertheless draws attention.

Yet for all the curious looks thrown his way, Frarin pays them no heed, returning them only with his usual critical look of appraisal before continuing on his way. Attired in a rich maroon tunic and silver belt, he looks more the part of the diplomat now than the rugged trader of the world, which is perhaps best for the time. He leaves the crowds behind him though, making instead for the door leading off into the office of the Thane of Bundazanul.

[Ranol(#26812)] There is only one of Braldor\'s guards standing at the door to his chambers, which may be a large hint that the thane isn\'t in. There are always at least two. The Bundazanul thane rarely has a lot of formalness when people see him either, usually just the guards and his personal scribe. The guard on duty recognizes the Barazin from the caravan and smiles, bowing in greeting. \"Master Frarin. Good to see you safely returned.\"

[Hildis(#23062)]

The dwarf maiden\'s face is flushed. The bustle and noise brings a smile to her face and she turns to speak to her father only to not find him behind her. She sees his back disappear into a stand where a knot of dwarves haggle, their beards waggling in their eagerness to strike a bargain.

\"All the better,\" she murmurs to herself and picking up her skirt moves on to the next stand. She is dressed in a deep green gown of fine wool, the crest of Clan Barazin pinned onto the bodice. Her iron red beard, braided and adorned with green stones, flows down nearly to the gold buckle at her waist. A display of jewellry stops her progress and she lingers to examine the tray after a brief nod to the merchant.

[Frarin] The silversmith returns the guard\'s bow with a deep one of his own and gives a polite greeting. \"Good afternoon, lad. Yes, thank you. Is Thane Braldor in at the moment?\" he asks, looking skeptically at the door as if having guessed the answer already.

[Ranol(#26812)] \"No, he is out one some business. The Huskarl is here. I think Lord Braldor will be back soon. You may be able to wait.\" The guard shrugs at that and waves towards the door.

[Frarin] Frarin straightens and gives a stiff nod and the especially observant might detect some reluctancy to wait on Braldor, but the nod does at least imply his willingness to do so. \"Huskarl Ranol is here though? I would speak with him, at least. He is in the office?\"

[Ranol(#26812)] \"Aye, go on in.\" The guard says, shifting to lean back against the stone wall next to the door, a bored expression on his face. Traveling on the road was far more interesting than standing around all the time.

Braldor arrives from the Great Hall of Thrain.

Braldor has arrived.

[Hildis(#23062)]

The jewelry does not keep her long and with a glance behind her for her father, Hildis comes to the end of the row and the doors leading towards the chambers of the Thane. Interest raises her eyebrows as she watches a richly dressed dwarf talk to the guard, she approaches a few steps more before calling, \"Frarin of Clan Barazin?\"

[Frarin] Frarin nods at the guard and moves to open the door, but a voice speaking his name behind him calls his attention instead and he turns, spotting his fellow clanswoman with the iron-red beard. \"Mm?\" he says at first, but his face registers mild recognition. \"Yes? Hildis daughter of Hilvar, is it not? You are no longer being detained?\"

[Hildis(#23062)] The flush of pleasure at being released is exchanged by the red of embarrassment creeping from her beard to her forehead. \"Aye,\" she assents in a low voice dropping him a small curtsey, \"by the grace of Lord Gimli I was released into the custody of my family. I...I had hoped to speak with you sir. Thari recommended it.\"

[Frarin] Frarin nods gruffly at the explanation of her release after he has swept her a polite bow. \"Aye, tis good of Lord Gimli to do so. I can\'t profess to know the specifics of this whole thing, but I hardly think it was necessary to arrest you. Still, you had plenty in Barazin pulling strings for you, never you fear, lass.\" He frowns at her, then glances behind him at the door, then nods. \"Of course. You are acquainted with Thari? Speak your mind, daughter of Hilvar.\"

[Braldor(#30149)] Thane Bundazanul comes into the Bundazanul Thingstead, followed by two clan-karls. For once, Braldor seems to be in a good mood after some deals have been made... clearly, to the advantage of Bundazanul. He comes towards the door of his office, waving at some clansmen, nodding to others, greeting all with a wide smile.

[Hildis(#23062)]

With a quick glance behind her for her father, Hildis moves closer to him. \"I have met Thari through Ranol and she strongly suggested I speak with you.\" She seems to need a moment to collect herself before continuing she takes a deep breathe and fixes Frarin with a serious look, \"I would that you acquaint yourself with the particulars of my case and defend me before all accusations of helping Ranor, sir.\"

[Frarin] Frarin seems a bit puzzled by Hildis\'s request, his brows coming together. \"You wish me to defend you? I am not--\" But he pauses, the merchant\'s words catching up with him. \"You are accused of aiding Ranor? Now this I had not heard. But are you certain you would wish a mere silver merchant to argue your case? I am only a diplomat for our clan, lass, and even then rarely employed in such a capacity. What are you accused of precisely?\" There is some disturbance among the crowd and Frarin glances up to spot Braldor, but for now does not acknowledge the Bundazanul Thane, even though he stands outside the Thane\'s chambers.

[Hildis(#23062)]

His near refusal brings alarm to her eyes and she gives a quick look to the movement behind them. \"Thari said you would be the best because you are a diplomat and well respected among the merchants. Briefly, I carried a letter, contents unknown for Ranor. He denies giving it to me. Agents of the Thane of Zinbar apparently were waiting for the letter. And that, very briefly is all I know. I will not hold you here further, sir. My father awaits me.\"

[Braldor(#30149)] Braldor makes his way to his office door, yet he finds two unusual visitors here: Frarin and Hildis, both of clan Barazin. Arcing his brows a bit, the Bundazanul Thane addresses them. \"Well, good day to ye both, cousins\", he says, nodding to each of them, as he makes for the door to open it.

[Frarin] \"That is all you know?\" Frarin says, clearly troubled by the news. \"And for this they had you arrested? I shall look into the matter, Hildis. If Zinbar is causing more trouble, I would see it stopped, especially for a fellow clansman. Farewell for now.\" He bows after her as she prepares to leave. Braldor also recieves a stiff nod from the silversmith as he moves to enter his office, but Frarin holds up a hand to indicate he is not merely passing through the Bundazanul Thingstead. \"Br--Lord Braldor,\" he says, \"I would speak with you, if you have time.\"

[Braldor(#30149)] \"I do have time right now, Frarin of Barazin\", the bundazanul replies, nodding to him, as he opens the door to his office. \"please step in... oh, howdy, Huskarl\", he says to Ranol who seems to be doing some work in the thane\'s office.

[Braldor(#30149)] \"Master Frarin wants a word, and I guess Hildis too?\", he asks, turning to the latter.

Braldor heads north to Thane Braldor\'s Chambers.

Braldor has left.

Ranol heads north to Thane Braldor\'s Chambers.

Ranol has left.

You head north to Thane Braldor\'s Chambers.

Thane Braldor\'s Chambers(#18185RtU)

A smaller room than the Underhalls of the Bundazanul, but still impressive. This room seems to have once been a natural cavern that the Khazad have hollowed to a larger size. The floor looks to be a polished granite that has a rather startling reflection. The slightly rougher walls are covered with beautiful tapestries. They rise then curve inwards and reach the natural ceiling, 15 feet up. The light in the room barely reaches the ceiling, which glitters when light reaches up to it\'s heights. On the ceiling along each wall hangs a large stalagtite, 10 feet long. Occasionally a drop of water drips off of one of them and lands in a gold basin that\'s sitting on a decorated wood table. Along one of the walls also is a stone fireplace large enough to put a rather good sized kettle in. Most of the light in this room comes from it. A stone couch sits in front of the fireplace, with a wooden table in front of it. There are wooden chairs around the room, and all look rather old. A large desk stands next to a wall. Above the door hangs two banners. One of Erebor, and one of Clan Bundazanul.

OOC NOTE: Highlighted words can be +inspected.

Contents:

Ranol

Braldor

Opened Letter(#26060)

Obvious exits:

South leads to Underhalls, Tower of Durin VI (Bundazanul Thingstead).

Hildis arrives from Underhalls, Tower of Durin VI (Bundazanul Thingstead).

Hildis has arrived.

[Frarin] Frarin gives another stiff nod to Braldor, following the Thane into his office as a serious frown descends upon his face. The silversmith certainly looks as if he might be happier elsewhere. Ranol at least recieves a cordial nod and greeting from Frarin. \"Good afternoon, Ranol,\" he says before coming to stand with his hands clasped behind him near Braldor\'s desk. But whatever he has to say to the Thane, he refrains from doing so for the moment.

Ranol is standing at Braldor\'s desk, searching through some papers with a frustrated expression on his face. He looks up when the door opens and speaks, \"Lord Braldor, I can\'t fi-.. Oh, hello Frarin.\" The huskarl grins at the sight of the silver merchant, giving a short bow. Surprise quickly overtakes his face when Braldor mentions the other Barazin. \"Hildis?\"

[Hildis(#23062)]

Hildis searches the crowd behind them and bows quickly to the the Thane then follows him in. She stops open mouthed and clenches her hands tightly in an effort not to turn around immediately and exit the chambers. Manners overtake the impulse. When Hildis looks at Ranol her confusion at meeting him softens into a smile and a quick silent nod.

[Ranol(#26812)] The smile returns, and the huskarl is unable to hide the obvious pleasure on his face at seeing her free of jail. He crosses the room to meet them, abandoning his search for the moment, and actually reaches for Hildis\'s arm to try and draw her out of the room so that they might speak quietly outside the door. Frarin is given a quick whisper of \"Congratulations!\"

[Hildis(#23062)]

\"Ranol, what?\" she whispers unable to keep a matching smile of pleasure from her face. She glances around him at Frarin and the Thane.

\"My father is here, in the market,\" she adds letting him take her arm and lead her.

[Frarin] Frarin is quickly falling back into his usual stoic stoniness now that he is actually within Braldor\'s office, but there is nevertheless the barest hint of a smile as Ranol whispers to him before leaving the office. \"Thank you,\" he mutters back. His eyes follow the two as they leave and narrow as Ranol takes Hildis\'s arm to lead her. It seems Frarin is not entirely caught up on recent developments. But he takes only a moment to watch them go before looking back to Braldor and waiting for the Thane to speak first.

Ranol leaves the door open so that Braldor can call for him if needed, but his attention is entirely focused on the Barazin woman. He frees her arm once they are out and asks in an eager whisper. \"You\'re out! What happened? How did you get released from the jails?\"

[Hildis(#23062)] \"Why I thought you knew? I thought,\" she stands close to him so she can speak quietly, \"I thought the Lord Gimli came because you had talked to him, Ranol? The Lord Gimli has released me into custody of my family,\" her last words slow and her buoyancy subsides. \"I am not exonerated.\" She gives another quick glance into the room at the two clan elders.

[Ranol(#26812)] \"How would I know?\" Ranol asks, but he\'s smiling and his voice softens. \"I talked with Lord Gimli, but he never gave me any answer. We\'ll get this cleared up. Is that why you\'re here with Frarin? Thari said he would be able to help you.\"

[Braldor(#30149)] \"So, Frarin\", Braldor says, as he removes his blue cloak and sets it on a peg on the wall, \"how may I help you?\". The Thane sits behind his desk, leaning back on his chair and regarding Frarin with his dark eyes.

[Hildis(#23062)]

\"Then I was right! Thank you Ranol, thank you.\" Hildis brushes his arm shyly. \"And yes, Thari told me to talk to him and it was just good luck that I saw him here. I don\'t know that he wants to be involved though.\" She stops at the sound of voices coming through the door.

[Frarin] Frarin remains standing, but he nods at Braldor as the Thane addresses him. \"I have come with regard to the situation between your clan and Zinbar, to do with Thari.\" He pauses, frowning and seeming to consider his words. \"And while I have come in part because of my personal attachment to Thari, I have also come on behalf of my Steward Barazin.\"

[Braldor(#30149)] Braldor does not say anything, he merely regards Frarin, as if urging the other khazad to continue.

[Ranol(#26812)] \"He will help. I will ask him.\" Ranol says reassuringly, still smiling. He glances through the open doorway briefly, but can\'t seem to tear his eyes from her for long. \"If you only bumped into Frarin, why are you here?\"

[Frarin] Frarin pauses to allow Braldor to comment, but when the Thane remains silent, his lips press together a little and his jaw tightens. But he continues with a question instead of further explanation. \"Where does this situation stand at the moment, my lord? Am I correct in assuming there has been no progress in resolving the sundering between Zinbar and Bundazanul? Does Lord Ovor and his advisers still press for some punishment for Thari?\"

[Hildis(#23062)]

\"My father - his idea. I think he wanted me to be seen.\" Hildis shrugs with faint exasperation. \"His pride..I did not expect to see you or Frarin or the Thane,\" she says in a low voice looking quickly back behind them again. Ranol is just enough taller than she is to make her look up at him. A very faint bloom mounts to her cheeks as she shares his look.

[Braldor(#30149)] \"Zinbar pressess for punishment of many, Frarin\", Braldor replies, \"and not only of Bundazanul. Yer clanswoman Hildis was caught in some strange net, woven by Mahal knows whom, and they have made the narag arrest her. Sorry business\", he adds, shaking his head. \"And in the... matter of Thari, their stance is the same, yet perhaps ye will bring some more light to this, so that their slander and lies can be shown to be exactly that?\"

[Frarin] The mention of Hildis brings Frarin\'s gaze back towards the door to find Ranol and Hildis, but the look is only brief, then the silversmith is looking back to Braldor. He is silent for a moment after the Thane\'s question, but then gives a slight shake of his head. \"I cannot myself, no. I was not aware that there was any animosity between Thari and Siv before I left for the Iron Hills, at least not beyond a certain jealousy on Thari\'s part. I do know at least that Siv was being quite forward in her assumptions concerning Ranol and her relationship.\"

\"However,\" Frarin continues, \"my cousin Formin can confirm that he came across Thari and several others in The Dragon\'s Breath very late one night. Siv was speaking quietly with Thari. He does not know what was said, but my name was mentioned more than once, and Thari became very agitated by the end of the exchange. Formin has said he will attest to this if need be.\"

[Ranol(#26812)] \"Well.. I am glad that I saw you.\" Ranol says, still grinning. It seems that a lot of his insecurity has faded since their Yule conversation. Does he even realize that he walked out of the thane\'s office with barely a greeting or explanation? He goes on, \"There is other news. My uncle gave his blessing for the union of Frarin and Thari.\"

[Braldor(#30149)] \"And how, Master Frarin, is this going to help Thari, I ask?\", Braldor replies, twiddling his fingers a bit. \"So Thari and Siv met, and after yer ame was mentioned, Thari got agitated... That will not only NOT help Thari, it might actually cause more harm\", he adds, his black eyes not leaving Frarin.

[Hildis(#23062)] She is oblivious as he may be and returns his smile with warmth. \"Oh! now that is good news in the midst of all this turmoil. I am glad for them.\"

Hildis tiptoes to peer over Ranol\'s shoulder at Frarin, curiosity and gladness brightening her eyes.

\"But shouldn\'t you be in there, Ranol?\"

[Frarin] \"Ovor has blown this issue up because he says Thari\'s accusations were graver than her actions,\" Frarin replies, crossing his arms over his chest. \"If that is the case, then you need to present evidence that Thari\'s accusations were well founded. Siv clearly does have a history for riling tempers. Whether Siv was doing this intentionally or not, the fact still stands that Thari had no reason to believe Siv was only speaking in such a manner to her. She might well have been speaking to others in a like manner as well. How might that cause more harm?\"

Ranol glances sidelong towards the door, listening for a moment to some of the words drifting out. \"Mmm.. No. Frarin and Braldor will likely yell at each other for a while. My thane will call for me if he has need.\" The huskarl doesn\'t move to allow her better sight within. \"Are you in a hurry to depart?\"

[Braldor(#30149)] \"Still, yer cousin did not hear what thari and Siv were talking about, did he?\", Braldor asks. \"And believe me, Siv\'s past has been discusse with Thane Zinbar, yet his head is harder than the diamond of Dain\'s crown, when it comes to discussing his clansmen\", he adds, shaking his head. \"He almost said that Siv\'s prior actions were of no consequence to him\".

[Hildis(#23062)]

The faint bloom deepens and she look down but does not move away from him, she has long forgotten to do the \'run away from Ranol dance\' it seems. \"Nay, as long as my father is bargaining and they are arguing, I will stay,\" she answers after a pause and glances up at him with a smiling shrug.

[Frarin] This brings a heavy, unhappy sigh from Frarin and he tugs at his beard in thought. \"Zinbar suffers from the affliction shared by all small clans. Siv herself has said this whole situation is ridiculous. Nevertheless, if this goes to court, you have another sliver of evidence to support Thari\'s case.\" He pauses, carefully choosing his next words.

\"However, aside from that, I would hope you could avoid this going to court at all. And to that end, I have been speaking with certain members of my clan.\" He holds up his index finger as if to make a point. \"I will not attempt to say that I was not personally motivated, but there is more than that, for two feuding clans will inevitably affect the others. I have spoken with the elders of Barazin and we are prepared to show public support for Bundazanul in this conflict. Ovor is being foolish in this, but Zinbar does not have the power to stand against Erebor\'s two largest clans. Will you accept this support?\"

Ranol seems to be divided of attention now. He\'s listening faintly to the conversation within, and his eyes lose focus for a moment. Perhaps he realizes he\'s eavesdropping because he shakes his head and studies her again. \"So, I suppose I will have to track down your father, now. Unless you\'ve changed your mind about a proper dinner.\"

[Hildis(#23062)]

\"And why would I do that, Master Ranol?\" the Barazin maiden asks with mock challenge glinting in her green eyes.

[Ranol(#26812)] \"You would rather have another picnic down in the jail cells? I don\'t have expensive tastes, but even I aim higher than that if I\'m going to have a meal out.\" The huskarl says, eying her with a critical gaze now.

[Hildis(#23062)]

\"Nay, you...\" Hildis whispers in quick return with a barely suppressed grin, \"silly. I meant why would I not want you to ask my father? No more jail cells if you please! And it need not be expensive only...\" she gestures with impatience looking for the right word, \"only peaceful.\"

[Ranol(#26812)] \"Peaceful sounds good. I shall ask your father, then. I only hope he will agree, since last time he never even told you. He probably forgot.\" Ranol seems so much more at ease now, a large part of his stress lifted away for the moment.

[Hildis(#23062)]

\"He did not forget Ranol. He did not want to tell me. My mother explained it all to me and that is why she sent me to your house that day.\" She frowns with a deep sigh. \"And that is how I met your father...

[Ranol(#26812)] \"Maybe I can convince him.\" Ranol says, still hopeful and optimistic. \"Perhaps he was having a bad day. I\'m sure he\'s in a better mood now that you\'re free.\" The huskarl grins again, still happy about that fact.

[Braldor(#30149)] \"That is a kind offer, Master Frarin\", Braldor replies, a hint of a smile on his lips. \"Indeed, public support of barazin will make Zinbar think twice about getting to court, and then losing. It\'ll be to their advantage to settle it outside, and not risk losing face to the King himself\", he adds, nodding. \"I like it\".

[Hildis(#23062)]

Hildis does not share his optimism and frowns looking behind her for her father. A smile creeps back as if some of his enthusiasm is having an effect on her. \"He may just change his mind now. Your help has been so valuable. Thank you again for that Ranol. Ask him and strike while he is in a good mood.\"

[Frarin] Frarin nods, losing some of the stiffness of his manner and reclasping his hands behind him again. \"Very well then. I will arrange to meet with Thane Ovor immediately then. Zinbar may not wish to listen to evidence, but they will listen when economic loss is a consideration.\" He falls silent at that, a frown working its way into his face in the absence of words. Then, after a moment, he says, \"That was all I had to say, my lord.\"

[Braldor(#30149)] \"Thank ye, Master Frarin. The Barazin once more prove their wisdom, as this disagreement won\'t prove healthy for Erebor\", Braldor replies, getting up from his seat.

[Ranol(#26812)] \"I do not know if my words with Lord Gimli helped any, Hildis. Do not heap the credit upon me. We barely spoke. It was very brief and as I said, at the time he didn\'t seem much affected.\" Ranol glances back towards the thane\'s chambers as things seem to have grown quieter. \"Perhaps I will see if Braldor has no need of me this moment..\"

[Frarin] Frarin nods with something akin to gratitude and moves as if to make a farewell bow, but he pauses, glancing towards the door where Ranol and Hildis speak. The silversmith lowers his voice slightly. \"Before I go, however, my lord, I understand that Hildis daughter of Hilvar--\" he nods towards the merchant \"--was arrested for carrying a letter given her by one of your clan. Ranor son of Dwanor, with whom I am acquainted. I know next to nothing of the situation, but if you have any further information on the matter, I would be grateful. She has little idea concerning the reason for her arrest. I do not believe she even knew the contents of the letter. And unless I am unaware of it, Ranor has not yet been questioned on the matter?\"

[Hildis(#23062)]

She smiles and shakes her head in denial, \"No one else spoke to him so take credit where it is due.\"

Hildis overhears her name and freezes with an ear cocked to the Thane\'s chambers and frowns at what she hears. In a low voice meant for Ranor she says, \"I had hoped the Thane would help, now I will need the help of my clansman for certain if my case is only before the Baruk Narag.\"

Ranol overhears the words as well and his easy smile disappears as the stress of his family problems returns. He moves away from Hildis and steps back into the office, \"There is nothing you can do personally, Lord Braldor?\" Ranol asks, a frown on his face.

[Frarin] \"I shall,\" Frarin nods. \"Nevertheless, it may concern one of your clansmen, my lord it might be wise to begin your own line of questioning as well. I shall speak with Ovor about it as well, if he will permit it.\" The silversmith gives a final sort of nod and bows to the seated Thane. He looks about to depart, but then Ranol is stepping back into the office and Frarin pauses, lingering to hear Braldor\'s reply.

[Braldor(#30149)] \"As I said, I am to speak to Gloin\'s son about this, and see all that he has to say on the matter\", Braldor replies to Ranol, yet he speaks also for the benefit of Hildis and Frarin. \"Once I know all that Lord Gimli has to say about this, I may see what I can do, for indeed, it concerns a member of Bundazanul\", he adds, his voice turning sour. \"Yet, I promise to make everything in my power to put things to rights\".

[Hildis(#23062)] Hildis stands in the doorway, casting a glnace from time to time at the dwarves that hold so much of her destiny in their hands. She hears the Thane\'s words, stands straighter listening as they seem to bring the interview to a close.

You paged Ovor with \'Right well, can you not be lazy on Friday and be on at 10? :P So I know to be around.\'.

[Ranol(#26812)] \"Aye, my lord. I trust your judgement in the matter.\" Ranol says, his face showing some of his disappointment that more cannot be done. \"I am sorry that my family has brought dishonor to our clan.\" He adds, then asks in a lighter tone, \"If you have no immediate need of me, Lord Braldor, I would like to see to a personal matter..?\"

[Frarin] Frarin nods to Braldor. \"That is all that can be asked. Barazin will pursue our own enquiries as well, but any information you may discover about the matter, we would greatly appreciate knowing of.\"

[Braldor(#30149)] \"It shall be so, Master Frarin\", Braldor replies, nodding. \"And\", he adds, turning to Ranol, \"I shall have no need of ye, Huskarl. I shall work here for a long while, so go and attend any matters ye wish\", he adds, with a benevolent smile to Ranol.

[Ranol(#26812)] \"Thank you, my lord.\" The huskarl bows low, then moves to depart without further ceremony. It\'s not as if he doesn\'t see the thane every day. Frarin is given another grin, likely pertaining to the earlier congratulations before moves to join Hildis again.

[Frarin] Frarin nods to Ranol and Hildis, then once more to Braldor, but he lingers still a moment longer, the stoic moodiness briefly replaced by an almost uncomfortable expression, espousing a certain reluctance on the silversmith\'s part. \"My lord, there is one thing more. You and I have had our differences in recent times, but I must nevertheless give you my gratitude for your defense of Thari in my absence. You are her Thane and that is your duty, but I would still like to thank you for it.\"

[Hildis(#23062)]

Just as a smile returns to Hildis\'s face a voice calls out behind her, \"Hildis? Hildis!\" She turns with a backward glance to Ranol and leaves the doorway with quick steps.

Far enough away for the door to close behind her she answers, \"Yes, father? Here.\"

Hilvar walks up to her frowning deeply at the door behind her, \"Where you in the Thane\'s chambers?\"

\"Why! No father though I saw Frarin of our clan go in there,\" her eyes widen slightly at her own audacity but she manages a straight face on it all.

[Braldor(#30149)] \"No thanks are needed, Master Frarin\", Braldor replies, \"for I did as it was my duty to do. Perhaps ye won\'t believe so\", he adds, with a straight face, yet some humor in his voice, \"but others than ye care for Thari too... perhaps not as much as ye do, but we DO care about that lass\", he adds.

Ranol is already moving to join Hildis outside again when her father approaches. He bows low in greeting, \"Good day, Master Hilvar. How are you?\" He asks, the epitome of politeness.

[Hildis(#23062)]

Hilvar\'s frown makes deep creases under his moustache and he lowers his brows scowling as he looks with narrowed eyes from Hildis\'s carefully innocent face and Ranol\'s polish. He shakes his head like a taunted bull, bows and blusters mildly,\"Well, well, young man, should have known ye\'d be here. I hope my lass has not been bothering you. How are you faring?\"

[Frarin] \"I did not mean to imply that there were no others, my lord,\" Frarin replies, as straight-faced as Braldor. \"Only that...I am grateful nonetheless.\" And that seems to settle the matter for the silversmith, for he gives another bow to Braldor, rumbles a quick \"Farewell, my lord\", and makes for the door. He pauses there briefly to farewell Ranol and Hildis, and now Hilvar as well.

\"Ranol, Hildis,\" Frarin says, nodding stiffly at the two. \"And Master Hilvar as well, good day sir. Forgive me though, I cannot linger long.\" The older dwarf is likewise given a deep nod before Frarin leaves. With his usual loner tendencies, it is not perhaps a great surprise that he has left the explanation of his involvement in Hildis\' investigation to be explained by Hildis herself.