Fellowship of the Dice

To Halleth, he sighs, "I do not believe he will even see me directly. We may be required to communicate through notes and secret codes. We shall see how it progresses, but I believe him to be a man of great secrecy. Hopefully, once the light reaches Tharbad, we can all come out and join each other in solidarity and purpose. But, as you've said, we need to eliminate the darkness that has fallen over this ancient city before anything is accomplished."

The dwarves are freed, even Nalir. It perhaps may prove good or ill that they have been released. Almost at once Nalir collects his things and leaves, he still desires to find out what happened to Fundin's colony and won't allow this set back to sway him. Dorin and Balwain however are not as keen to leave any more. They have been treated well, well enough, and have enjoyed the work of building once more. They even lend what help they can to Aerondil in his work with weapons and the three manage to complete much work on the structure of the prison turning it into more of a simple housing than a prison.

As the weeks turn to months and the seasons turn the population of Tharbad does the same. Travelers on occasion pass through, paying the tolls at the various gates, and ferry boats. Mostly travelers, when there are some, are Dunlendings, or Eriadorian folk moving among small villages in the north seeking Rohan to the south or reverse looking for Bree in the north. This land is not completely abandoned as some would have you think, it is alive with people, but in small pockets and only barely holding on day to day -- unlike in the heyday of Arnor.

As the winter gives way to spring, and the spring rains thaw the snow, the River Gwathlo floods, and live along the banks becomes hard for many. The old floodwalls are gone, and many of the locals, used to it, retreat up to higher ground, and will eventually push back down as the water levels lower as spring passes.

With the blooming of flowers comes a renewed desire to press out from your small circle of influence and see what else Tharbad has to offer....