Fellowship of the Dice

Varuthil looks at her companions, then back at Radagast. "I don't think we had any definite plans, Sir. I have been learning some of the Woodmen's herb lore so that I may be a better healer. I was planning to go back to King Thranduil's realm eventually, but it is certainly not urgent."

"Agreed, if you need us, Radagast, I shall answer your call." Aerth tilts his head slightly, wondering what task the old wizard would have them perform. "This place has grown special to my heart, but I feel the pull of the road again."

Borir grunts a confirmation of the others and then pours Radagast another mug of ale while Pipkin decides its time to light up his pipe and sit back. "I only want to venture up to the Easterly Inn and visit with Dody and refill me pipeweed." He smiles wide.

The Brown Wizard takes the mug from Borir with a kind nod, "Well that is very good to hear, you know these lands are dangerous, and the Woodmen work hard to fight against the shadow that is in Mirkwood. The Orcs of the mountains were defeated in the Battle of Five Armies, but you can see they are not gone from this land. All good people must unite to keep the darkness at bay." He downs his mug, "My home is in Rhosgobel, to the south, and my tasks keep me there often. It is rare I can travel too far abroad, and I have need of eyes and ears in the woods of Mirkwood and beyond. I have many helpers, birds and beasts, but some times I need news from the mouths of Men. Do you think you can assist me in this? Bring me what news you have, of dangers but of good deeds as well; like the sharing of herb lore that Varuthil is doing, if you share with me I can share with you and all the Wilderland can benefit."

Aerth nods along with what Radagast is saying. He let's the old man finish, consider for a few moments before speaking out himself. "Is there any specific place you would like us to go, Radagast?"

Varuthil has no hesitation. "It would be an honor to aid you, sir." When Aerth asks his question, she nods at his words.

Borir knocks on the table, "I'm no messenger boy, those days are long behind me." He swings down some ale, "However, I agree, we can pass along any news or information we have to you. I assume you might do the same for us then?"

The Brown Wizard smiles at the dwarf, "Of course Master Dwarf." He looks to Aerth, "No my friend I do not have any place in mind right now. All of Wilderland is at peace, a watchful, dangerous peace. These Orcs from out of Mirkwood worry me greatly. They were from Gundabad by the look of them originally, perhaps stuck in the Mirkwood after the Battle of Five Armies, but perhaps not. If the Woodmen, and the Beornings are to prosper we can't have Orcs coming down from the mountains again. I had thought them mostly defeated, but we can see that isn't so." Then he taps his nose a few times as if remembering something.

"Actually, you can save me a trip if you have the inkling. I was going to head up to a new little inn up north, called the Easterly Inn, run by a family of Hobbits of all things! A friend of mine will no doubt pass through the place on his way about on his errands. I have a letter I was going to leave there, but you could deliver it for me, makes sure the ostler knows to hand it over to him should he been seen. Think you could manage that for me?"

Pipkin's eyes light up, he was hoping to venture there again, refill his pipeweed and spend time among Hobbits once more, so without thinking he blurts out, "Of course!"

The half-elf nods, "We have been there before," he says, "So we know the way." Aerth looks at Pipkin and smiles slightly, hoping Borir does not get too grumpy at being a 'messanger'. "I could be ready to leave today, if the others can do the same." He let's the other group members speak for themselves.

Varuthil nods. "I can leave today as well. It would be interesting to see how the inn fairs--the owners are brave folk for starting it up in this region." Foolhardy perhaps, she thinks to herself, but still brave.

Borir grunts, "I need a few days time. That's a long trip and I have irons in the fire, litterally, over at the forge."

Radagast nods, "That's fine, take your time, it is a long trip, you'll need supplies and food stuffs, and perhaps I'll write a bit more since I'm not going myself now." He stands up from the table. "I need to speak to Ignomer about a few things. I'll find you all in a few days when you are ready."

Pipkin leans back and produces his pipe and starts to smoke, "Come have a pipe with me Mr. Radagast if you like, I'll be here for a while still."

"I may do that Master Brandybuck, I may." The Brown Wizard then takes his leave, collects his hat and staff and heads out of the hall.

"I will make ready, then," Aerth says to the others. He nods to everyone in one gesture and makes his way through Woodland Hall where he has been saying. For the rest of the day, he will prepare for his departure. Aerth moves about the town, finishing his last bit of business before heading for the Easterly Inn.