Fellowship of the Dice

Varuthil says, "As I understand it, our mission is to scout out the road, see how safe it is, and what needs to be done to repair it. It would seem to me than that it would behoove us to walk its entire length if we wish to learn everything we can."

Finn agrees, "Yes, we aren't trying to cross Mirkwood. At least that is secondary to going across the road as far as we can, learning of its condition and whether it can be restored." He looks at Bofri, "Let us start from the Gate . . . so say I at least."

Borir looks to Pipkin and says, "We'ah thank yee for your company, Master Brandybucks. I wouldn't want to see ye travel alone in these parts."

Rathar fiddles with his makeshift pipe, mirroring Pipkin as best he can. "I prefer the woods and the river...but if our task is to be done properly, then I agree with the rest. Let us start from the gate."

His pipe goes out.

Bofri smiles, "Right, then we travel north along the eves of the forest to the road, and start from the beginning."

Pipkin smiles, "Good then I'll go with you to the road then west from there to Gelvria's. Don't worry I can handle myself along the road and once I'm in Beorning lands I'll be as safe as you can be, right Beleran?" Pipken then leans over and helps Rathar, "This way, like this... you have draw in on the smoke, not blow out on it." He spends a bit of time aiding the Woodman on the art, showing off with a few smoke rings.

With that settled you pack up from breakfast and set out.

"So Bofri, what do you know of the road?" asks Finn as they walk north toward the Forest Gate. "And what suddenly got you so interested personally in seeing this road restored?"

Borir is pleased that Pipkin is has confidence in his abilities to survive in these parts. The dwarf pats the hobbit on the back and then proceeds to continue walking along their path.

Varuthil falls in beside Pipkin and says, "I will be sorry to see you go, Master Brandybuck. Will you be remaining at the Easterly Inn? If so, I will make a point to try to stop by and visit you, as the situation may occasion."

Pipkin looks a bit quizzically at Varuthil, "Why yes, I have invested all my money into that place. I'll be there when you come back home."

The Fellowship heads out and Bofri replies to Finn, "Well I know its dwarf made, that means its solid and has stood the test of time no doubt. It used to be a main road from west to east and east to west from Moria to Erebor and the Iron Hills." He produces a small wooden walking stick and puts one foot before the other. "Think of the trade that would flow if it was open once more! Waystations every day along the road, you could avoid that mess of a winding narrow path that is the Elf Path. No offense Varuthil but that is no more than a game trail, not fit for carts or wagons with beasts of burden! Used to have forts every few days along the road, with armed dwarves keeping watch. Oh those days must have be glorious!" He falls to talking of the 'good old days' a bit, days he never saw, but can imaging of dwarven kingdoms and flowing wealth.

"We look forward to your cooking," says Finn, in goodbye to Pipkin.

He nods at Bofri. While he thinks the vision great, he is not so certain himself. Mirkwood was a large, dangerous place, and making trade across it safe would be a huge undertaking, far more than the company and one optimistic Dwarf could ever do alone.