Book 3: Act 1 - Of Leaves and Stewed Hobbit

It is the year 2946 of the Third Age, and the lands east of the Misty Mountains are astir. From the cloud-shrouded peaks above the High Pass to the spider-infested gloom of the forest of Mirkwood, paths long-deserted are trodden once again. Busy merchants carry their wares to new markets, messengers bring tidings from foreign realms, and kings send forth armed men to extend their influence and the rule of law. Some say that a new age of freedom has begun, a time for adventure and great deeds to reclaim glories lost in long centuries of oppression and decline.

But adventures are not really things that people go out and look for. They are dangerous and rarely end well. While it is true that a handful of valiant individuals set out to make their mark on the world, for others it seems that adventure chooses them, as though it is the path they are fated to tread. They are restless warriors, curious scholars and wanderers, always eager to seek what was lost or explore what was forgotten. Ordinary people call them adventurers, and when they return successful, they call them heroes. But if they fail, no one will even remember their names...

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Re: August 20th, Beorning Bee Pastures

Post by Trogdor » Sat Sep 06, 2014 12:56 am

"Oh, I can see that, sir," Pipkin replies. "You look quite hardy, and quite skillful. Why I imagine you gather more honey in a season than you know what to do with." He smiles innocently. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to part with any of it?" The hobbit looks at the two Beornings with wide eyes. "For a fair price, of course. We're not looking for handouts."

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Re: August 20th, Beorning Bee Pastures

Post by Vardaen » Mon Sep 08, 2014 6:35 pm

The man looks down at Pipkin, an hand on his satchel. "Well I suppose you are right about that. Normally we trade the honey for various things, but if you are offering up some coin..."

His brother looks at him and nods, "...then I'd be willing to sell you a bit." The man expects he can use his coin at the Easterly Inn himself for a few tankards of ale or the like. "Let's work out a deal."

For the next few minutes Pipkin and Adalard barter out a deal and in the end its fair and neither side feels cheated. Pipkin has several honey combs now in a wax paper wrapping and the Beornings have a few more coins in their pockets.

Adalard offers his fond farewells, but says, "Its time we get back to it. You folks should head up that way, and straight on north when you see the broken rock. Good luck to you."

Frideger grunts to Borir, "Don't drink all the ale at the Inn, save some for us working folks."

With that you are soon on your way back on track and heading north.
Give you guys a min to post then its off to the Inn
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring

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Re: August 20th, Beorning Bee Pastures

Post by Trogdor » Mon Sep 08, 2014 8:56 pm

"Thank you very much," Pipkin says, content that a fair deal was made. "Maybe we'll see you there once you're done working." He waves to the Beornings and then moves at a jaunty pace in the direction they pointed to.

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Re: August 20th, Beorning Bee Pastures

Post by TetNak » Mon Sep 08, 2014 11:18 pm

Once the Beornings have departed, Aerth comments, "That went better than expected." He looks over to the hobbit, "You have grand plans for that honey?" He does give a slight smile before moving forward again to scout out the way with help from the directions the Beornings gave them.
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Re: August 20th, Beorning Bee Pastures

Post by Muskrat » Mon Sep 08, 2014 11:18 pm

Varuthil says nothing in reply to the Beornings' comment about the Elfking. She supposes they are true and suspects if she says anything more, she'll simply stick her foot in her mouth. She leaves the talking to Pipkin and watches with some amusement as he negotiates for honey.

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August 23th, Morning Fog at the Easterly Inn

Post by Vardaen » Mon Sep 08, 2014 11:47 pm

Adalard and Frideger take their leave, moving back into their pasture to keep working as you head in the direction they offered which puts you back on track -- of course Borir knew that the whole time!

The day after encountering the Beornings Pipkin puts the honey to good use in his cooking and everyone is thankful for the small detour Borir took you on, for its a delight to have something sweet like the honey on this trip, even if its been better food this time than any other previous trip you've taken together.

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A few more days of travel and late on a foggy morning you spy the Easterly Inn up ahead. You can hear the shouts and laughter of children playing in the back yard as you near, and the barking of a dog begins at your approach.

As the late morning fog lifts you come to the Inn and find Dody Brandybuck sitting on the front stoop, feet out infront of him, a pipe in his mouth, a quizzical look on his face as he blows a fine smoke ring into the air and calls out, "Good morning!"
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"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring

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Re: August 23th, Morning Fog at the Easterly Inn

Post by Trogdor » Mon Sep 08, 2014 11:54 pm

"And a fine good morning to you as well," Pipkin says, hustling over to the friendly hobbit. "Pipkin Brandybuck, at your service." He executes a short bow. "And these are my companions Borir, Aerth, Wren, and Varuthil. We were wondering if we were too late for second breakfast. We've had a long morning's walk, and only one meal to keep us going. Oh, the sacrifices travel requires."

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Re: August 23th, Morning Fog at the Easterly Inn

Post by TetNak » Tue Sep 09, 2014 2:14 am

"Well met," Aerth says to the hobbit. He has grown fond of their nature, mostly through knowing Pipkin. He lets the introductions play out, but keeps his eyes open looking for Radagast's friend.
"Kings have no friends, only subjects and enemies."

- King Stannis Baratheon, First of His Name

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Re: August 23th, Morning Fog at the Easterly Inn

Post by Vardaen » Tue Sep 09, 2014 6:05 pm

Dody stands up and bows right back, " I remember you cousin! Dody Brandybuck at yours and your family!" He waves at the group, chiming in to Aerth, "Well met again to you Aerth. Come on inside, I think you are right on time for some Second Breakfast!" He pushes the door open and stands there holding it help each of you to head inside.
"He that breaks a thing to find out what it is has left the path of wisdom." - Gandalf
J.R.R. Tolkien, Council of Elrond, The Fellowship of the Ring

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Re: August 23th, Morning Fog at the Easterly Inn

Post by Eilandor » Tue Sep 09, 2014 6:31 pm

Wren nods at Dody as he follows the others into the inn. The Elf finds a seat at the table after stowing his bow, cloak and pack on a hook near the entrance. He had heard tale regarding the voracious appetites of Hobbits, yet hadn't given it much thought. After seeing Pipkin negotiate for the honey and immediately inquire about second breakfast, he was fast becoming a believer.
Number Two: "You are number six."
Number Six: "I am not a number, I am a free man!"
Number Two: "Muh ha ha ha ha!"

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