The clamor of the Prancing Pony was welcomed to the ears of the the metalsmith. Hoggstari was as far from an ascetic life as dwarvenly possible. As good as a freshly drawn ale might be alone, the noise and activity of life only enriched the woody hops and drier malts of the stuff, at least to Hoggs. After the two friends wandered into the Inn that evening, Dwimmer made arrangements with the Innkeeper for a room for he and Hoggstari. Deciding take a good long nap instead of joining his friend for ales, Dwimmer buried his face into a down filled pillow as Hoggstari made his way to the taproom.
Having two goals in mind, Hoggstari had met the first goal within moments of entering the common room. Goal in hand, a tankard of the Pony's best ale, he made his way to a table that had a good view of everyone in the room. The second goal, finding a guide, had commenced. With a couple more tankards in his breadbasket, Hoggs began to speak to whom he thought would either be a guide or likely know one.
Several of the patrons completely ignored Hoggstari, which simply amused the rotund dwarf. A few of the more friendly merrymakers offered to refill Hoggs tankard, which he readily accepted, but either were not nor knew of any guides but suggested a place in hidden in a rift of the Kingsfell Mountains. This place was rumored to be a gathering place of scouts near the ruins of Dolindir. At worst case, Hoggs and Dwimmer would make their way there, with luck, find the place and their guide.
Near one large fireplace, a Hobbit woman was telling a tale, which caught Hoggstari's ear. Wandering over to listen, he noticed an unusual woman sitting and listening to the tale, as well. She had the dust of the road on her clothing and her hair looked like it had been tossed by the wind. Shrugging his shoulders, Hoggs decided to ask her if she knew of anyone that would help he and Dwimmer get to the cave they sought. As he moved across the creaking wood floor toward the woman, Dwimmer appeared around the corner, looking sleepy-eyed but rested from his nap.
"Hail and good evening, my Lady!" Hoggstari began. Motioning to his friend who was now sitting nearby, Hoggs continued, "Allow me to introduce myself. Hoggstari Stonehewn. My apologies for interrupting your evening, but by any chance might you know of a scout that is familiar with the lands north of this place?" The young woman looked up at Hoggs, smiled then caused his beard to nearly hit the floor when his jaw dropped at her reply! Using Tradespeak, the woman signed her name and greeting!
Braying in laughter at the surprise, the woman, who signed her name as Rahjawyn, began a lively, animated discussion in the trade signs with Hoggstari. Dwimmer immediately made his way to the two and joined in the exchange. With some coaxing and explanation of their mission, the Dwarves convinced the woman to join them on their adventure, even though she had never been north of Bree herself. It was agreed the three would leave at first light, which now was only a few hours away!
to be continued...
