Don't Leave the Path, 2947

[Vardaen]

"I do not know the way to the Elven King's Hall. Will he welcome us all as guests?" He's not so sure about the elves of Mirkwood, he has heard they are cruel and wicked at times to outsiders. Decades of isolation do not make for good diplomats, but Euric's knowledge is limited and provincial. "The Forest Road is the safest path west, that much is true at least."

[TalesftCards]

"No problem, my friend!" Baldor says loudly, clapping Euric's back heartily. He winces a bit as his hand smacks against the muscles of the large Beorning, but the smile doesn't leave his face. "The Elves can be a bit prickly at times, it is true, but Lindar will make sure we are well received, I assure you."

[Vardaen]

"Prickly yes." He glares at the slap on his back, he's not friends enough with Baldor to be so familiar, but he lets it go for now, the man and his son have been through alot lately. "Let us hope this Lindar is less so." He makes ready in camp and once all are prepared he sets out.

[gandalfDK]

"Let us linger no longer. We have spent much time here now, making ourselves not lesser of a target for trouble. The Elves will provide a safe haven, I am sure." Grimbold stated. Even though he did not trust the Elves himself, he was all to eager to move on.

[TalesftCards]

As the companions enter the oppressive darkness of Mirkwood once more, all could be forgiven for cursing the whims of fortune that had seen fit to send them right back into its grasp so soon. Even Baldor is uncharacteristically subdued. However, the path to the Elven-king's halls retains a semblance of light that the rest of the forest does not, and soon a more cheerful spirit fills Baldor once more.

Belgo looks a bit frightened at first, but seems to distract himself by staying close to the ponies holding the cargo, taking it upon himself to be their protector. He also seems to watch the companions closely, especially the two Beornings, and Euric catches the boy emulating his walk a few times.

After an hour or so of travel, a river emerges through the trees. Just as Baldor moves towards it, several figures emerge silently from the trees, their frames covered in green cloaks.

"Easy, friends," Baldor calls to them amiably. "I am Baldor. I have business with Lindar."

"We know who you are," replies one of figures, a tall Elf with long black hair and a scar down one side of his fair face. "If we didn't, an arrow might have served as a better greeting. Who are these ones?"

"My escorts. They have pledged to see me safely to the end of my journey."

The scarred Elf scrutinizes each of the companions carefully before finally nodding his head.

"Come this way," he says at last.

The Elves begin to help Belgo unload the ponies, the cargo transferred to a set of rafts at the water's edge. They then lead the ponies themselves towards the rafts as well. The ponies stomp and voice their displeasure at the approaching water, but the scarred Elf whispers in each of their ears. Miraculously, the ponies immediately calm down and march of their own volition onto the rafts. Finally, the journey up the river begins. The Elves remain quiet as they constantly survey the passing landscape for danger, even as Baldor tries to engage them in conversation, so he begins to turn to the companions instead.

GM

You are now stuck on rafts with these mysterious Elves, Baldor, and his son. This is an opportunity to have conversation with any of these people or amongst yourselves, or you can just let the journey continue.

[Vardaen]

Euric is fond of water, swimming the cold mountain streams are fond childhood memories for him. This river is nothing compared to Anduin the Great, and so he is comfortable and calm a boat the ship. His sits, long legs folded over one another. "So Belgo, how old are you? I have a nephew about your age I think." He keeps one eye on the elves, for while he trusts the water, he doesn't' fully trust these elves.

[gandalfDK]

Grimbold stares and ponders his mind. He feels at ease, but does not like smalltalk. He keeps to himself and merely answers questions he feels deserve answer. A silent companion, keeping his eye on the Elves. He does not know what keeps their minds busy and does not fully trust them.

[TalesftCards]

"10 years," Belgo responds, his face brightening at Euric's question. "But my father says I have a head beyond my years."

Baldor nods with a smile. "It's true. I can always rely on him."

The river begins to broaden out into a bay, and the Elven guides begin to steer the rafts towards a stream that branches out from it. The light of the day has taken its leave, and the stars begin to twinkle in the black sky above.

[Vardaen]

Euric nods to Belgo, "My nephew is 8 year old, but stands a bit taller than you." That may not be that surprising considering the size of the Beorning Euric. "Duty to family is good, I used to aid my father on his watch in the Misty Mountains. I was eager to go more, but he was wise, and remember that I was just a boy, even if I was beyond my years in skill." He pats Belgo on the shoulder and then turns as the raft changes course.

[TalesftCards]

The rafts gradually slow as the Elves maneuver them towards a cavernous opening in the rock face ahead. As the rafts approach, the company can see there is a raised portcullis above that can be closed when the way needs to be shut. It is difficult to see much in the darkness at first, but as eyes adjust, lights can be seen ensconced in the walls around, illuminating a large area containing a wooden landing leading to a set of stairs. The Elves tie the rafts to the landing, then help lead Baldor's supply-laden ponies safely off the rafts and to a place where there they can be kept for the night. On the landing is a somewhat short Elf with a sharp nose and sharper eyes. He greets Baldor with something approaching a smile.

"Greetings, Baldor. It appears that you have made it after all, though a bit later than expected," the Elf says.

"Well, I ran into a bit of trouble, but nothing too bothersome thanks to my guardians here," Baldor replies.

The Elf runs a careful eye over the companions, his expression inscrutable and somehow both friendly and unfriendly at the same time.

"I am Lindar, master of the King's cellars. And who might you be?"

GM

This is your chance to introduce yourself to Lindar. Such social interactions are a bit more emphasized than in other RPG systems. Tell me how you'd like to introduce yourself, if at all. And also explain your manner/type of approach. Are you trying to use the correct forms of Courtesy? Or being more playful with Riddle? Or trying to assert yourself with Awe?