Found:
A minor setback
We stayed in the glade of the Stone Trolls for a few more days before moving on.
We. This is going to take some getting used to. Even during my time in Bree when I could boast friends and a regular lover, I never thought in terms of "we." Now, here in the wilderness, in "uncivilized" areas where I have spent the better part of two decades walking alone, I suddenly have a companion of sorts to consider. I'm no closer to discerning what it is that he wants from me beyond a nightly tussle in the bedroll, but I remain vigilant in my suspicions.
We walked forth, up and down through the distinctly unique Trollshaws and along the Bruin river. Along the way, we happened upon a ruin, Dellosad from the few weathered inscriptions. Yarassi was initially nervous about entering - he doesn't like such places, which may make our continued journey somewhat contentious given my penchant for them. Regardless, he entered behind me once I'd done a little preliminary scouting. 'Tis is a very pretty place, with an outer courtyard opened to the sky and could have been perfect for a sheltered camp. However, further observance revealed that this place is used by someone. It is clearly a ruin, and yet the large oak doors are in too good repair to suggest complete abandonment. The freshly lit braziers could have simply signified another gaunt lord, but wights and the like have never bothered themselves with structural maintenance in my experience, suggesting that the inhabitants were more likely to be smugglers or brigands. Indeed, Yarassi, listening at the door, heard muffled voices within.
A bust, then. There would be naught of historical interest left lying within if men, with ill-intent or otherwise, frequented this place. Granted, there may well have been items of practical import, such as food, drinks or tools, but that would have required relieving the owners of them. I've never had cause to kill a man and I've no interest in spilling blood, theirs or my own, unnecessarily. Best to avoid a fight and move on, a little disappointed, but having lost nothing in the process.
We moved along to Eregion, eventually coming to a rest in Gwingris - another inhabited ruin, though this one boasted people of a somewhat more pointy-eared persuasion. Yarassi seemed to know them, or at least know how to speak to them. Odd for an Eorling.
Our next destination will be Moria. Yarassi seemed quite displeased by the notion, worried perhaps. A little scared? Regardless, he mentioned that a handful of dwarves had begun a reclamation attempt. If he's right, it will complicate matters.
We'll see soon enough.
