Book 6: Act 1 - The Folk-Moot at Rhosgobel

[Muskrat]

Varuthil nods at Radagast's words. "I suppose, if it comes down to it, I think it better to do the noble thing than the wise thing. But, as you say, the decision is the Woodmen's, not yours or mine."

[shipwreck]

Rathar smiles, delighted, and sits down carefully. "I come from Woodland Hall," he declares, "Though I spent more time in wood than hall. As chance would have it I met this group of travelers and have been among them some time." He slows and nods, muttering something about this being the second invitation he's gotten today. "And here is where I belong...for now. I have seen the Black Tarn once and it is a special place. I imagine your hall will be grand, if it is not so already, but I belong with these folk...for now. But one day I shall come and see Black Tarn Hall and hold myself glad to be in the company of its keeper." He blushes a little and changes the subject. "What are your plans for the place?"

[Vardaen]

Mountain Hall

Finn makes small talk with Harfast for a bit, but after half an hour he breaks free and rejoins those in camp.

---

Black Tarn

Amaleoda smiles, "My mother was from Woodland Hall, my father Woodman-town, I guess that's not surprising we aren't too far ranging of a people. The Black Tarn is special, there is no doubt. I plan to build a grand longhouse there, on the shores, where we can fish and prosper, and enjoy the wonder of the place. I hope to draw a few dozen families more than what we have already. We could spread out and be at ease there."

---

Camp

Radagast stands up and pats Varuthil on the shoulder, "I think that's a wise idea, a wise idea indeed. Now then, if you'll excuse me I need to tend to something." The brown wizard, distracted, wanders off back to his cottage. Shortly after Finn returns.

OOC

So once Rathar finishes up, or Beleran we can advance the scene to the voting.

[silverfoxdmt73]

To anyone that is close by, Beleran says "The more folk we have working together, the better. But this man who comes to a moot, armed for war and full of ill will. I say we should be on our guard."

After that he seeks his own company on the edge of the settlement.

[Shurijo]

Borir nods with Beleran saying, "Ya'll can't trust tall folk. The air up there, must make'em crazy. Now, you'll never hear story of crazy dwarves wanting war or fighting among ourselves." The dwarf smirks looking to Bofri and then says, "We keep all of those stories to ourselves."

[shipwreck]

Rathar smiles and gives Amaleoda a lasting gaze. "I will look forward to seeing your hall." He nods and stands, saying, "It must be near time to vote..."

[Vardaen]

There is some chuckling at Borir's joke among those that remain. It isn't long before everyone returns to camp. Some of the fellowship was trying to sway the votes, others just talking to those in the moot. Pippkin vanished, but returns, the crumbs on his vest, and blueberry stains on his teeth suggest he was off eating again.

The time to vote is drawing close, and the various factions are starting to return to the moot fire. First comes Mogdred and his men, their horses stabled, but their arms still worn. Then Harfast from the Mountain Hall with Fridwal the Runner, then Ceawin and his company. Bofri and the Beorning continent arrive together, with Amaleoda next. Locals of Rhosgobel filter in along with Radagast who is looking worried and distracted. You are there of course, and the last and final group to arrive are those of Woodland Hall and Ingomer Axebreaker.

The Moot begins again. Radagast steps into the center of the collection of people, "Must has been debated, and much yet is to be decided. Let us remember that we are all here as friends and allies, and together we are stronger than apart. That together we can push back the darkness of Mirkwood and might a brighter future. The Battle of Five Armies at Erebor has taught us that." He looks around at each of the various factions, including yours, and then steps out of the center.

Ingomer steps forward, he looks tired, and aged even in the few hours since you last saw him. "We shall vote. As is tradition the topic shall be set forth, each delegation belonging to the council of Woodmen shall have a vote. It is final, and shall all abide by the vote of the council. Are there any questions."

[Muskrat]

Varuthil watches the proceedings attentively, but says nothing for now.

[Blubbo_Baggins]

Finn looks at the leaders of the Wooodmen, and hopes that his entreaties had an effect.

[Shurijo]

Borir remains quiet as well. The dwarf spends most of his time considering the implications and gains from opening the old road and possibly working with his kinfolk on the task.