After staying some time at the camp near Oatbarton, the members of the Black Steel Company begin to grow antsy. Little did they know that an unforeseen visitor was lingering just outside the glow of the firelight...
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Gaeded would pick up one of the bundles and motion to throw is over to Halldin.
Honory approaches the camp, a smile on her face. "Well met, friends," she says as she walks up.
Halldrin grins and begins eating the meat with great energy. "Mmmfh mmm mhmm hmm!" He says, his mouth full as he greets Hona.
Gaeded would look up, "Ēalā (Hello), I have some rations to give you." She would hold up a package of meat and attempt to throw it to her.
Honory chuckles at Halldrin as she settles onto the log in front of the fire. "Alright, very well" she replies to Gaeded as she accepts the tossed package.
Gaeded would say, chuckling at Halldin, "These are for when we are on the road again. So it's best if you don't eat them now."
Honory teases, "Does it matter? I suppose if you don't want to be hungry later." She stuffs the package from Gaeded into the cotton rucksack she carries.
Gaeded would nod, "Yes. We don't really know what's ahead, it's best we have some food that will keep in case we cannot get anything fresh."
Halldrin grins in response. He says, 'Did ye two hear about th' prisoner tha' Sigfread, Lieta and I captured, after ye two needed tae return to camp and inform th' others?' He saves some of his meat, with some regret.
Honory's expression is one of surprise. "No, I did not!" she says. "Where did you find him?"
Gaeded would nod, "Nā (No), I think I was too busy returning that pipe we found." She would chuckle.
Halldrin says, "Aye, further down th' trail. We followed th' trail o' the bloke with the hobbit pipe, and found a camp. Six bandits. We killed three. Two, we spared. And th' leader, we captured. We're gonna question him when he comes to. No sign o' the missing Hobbits, but we're sure he knows somethin'."
Honory says, "Hmm, interesting," She moves to cross her legs more comfortably. "I wonder what he knows. I suppose we'll find out soon, won't we?"
Gaeded would nod, remembering being around the last time they had to question someone, "Hopefully he'll give us the infomation without much.. persuasion.."
Halldrin nods. "Aye. Well, he's seen our ferocity firsthand. I reckon he'll be more than a little afraid of what'll happen if he don't talk."
Honory frowns. "I hope you won't be too rough with him," she chides. "Of course, I don't know the whole of what happened."
Halldrin says, "Aye lassie, no plans tae be. As I said, we spared two of em. They were stupid boys, who thought they'd make coin th' quick and easy way. So we gave em a talkin' to, and sent em off to Bree to get a real job, and stop workin' off th' sufferin' o' decent folk."
Honory laughs aloud at that. "Well! That's an interrogation tactic I haven't heard of. Of course, seeing the many men of Bree-town who have joined the brigands, it doesn't surprise me an inkling that you may find some of that sort."
Gaeded would nod, understandingly. "Hopefully they will do that. Some follow the right path, and some choose to refuse it even if its put right infront of them."
Halldrin says, "Still. They didn't know much I reckon. It's the leader who knows stuff. And we killed th' other three quite quickly. So he's seen what we can do. I ain't go any intent to be cruel... But fear can be a powerful tool. If he thinks we're worse folk than we are, our work's half done."
Honory flicks a piece of dirt from under her fingernail. "I like my reputation just as it is, thanks," she jibes, glances at Halldrin.
Gaeded says, "Yes. Though some people here can act pretty bad to brigands such as he."
Halldrin chuckles to himself. "Aye, well he don't know your reputation yet, so let's see wha' he thinks."
Honory replies to Gaeded, "Perhaps. Though being held prisoner is much different than anything else. We are more punishing than the Bree-town jail or anywhere like, I would think."
Halldrin nods. "Aye, aye... and we need tae be. We don't have th' facilities tae just let him rot in jail, or the stocks, until he talks."
Gaeded would nod, "Yes, we do what is need to be done. We are still good folk though."
Honory adopts the tone of voice that one might recognize as 'casually argumentative.' "But what if he never talks, then? It's a possibility."
Halldrin says, "Aye, and we need tae remember tha'." He looks at Hona. "We plan as we go. Not one of us here can see all ends."
Gaeded would shake her head, "Then we leave it to the more experienced."
Naithgor is kneeling in the distance, overlooking the area, his bow in his right hand and two arrows gud into the dirt next to him, ready to grab if need be. His eyes scan the area and in the end they settle on the small company of travellers, he cannot hear what they're saying, yet their presence seems interesting.
Honory seems settled by the responses of her companions. She settles her elbows to rest her head and looks pensively into the fire.
Halldrin says, "Still, we need tae keep movin' with this. I'm gettin' tired o' this campsite. Each day, each hour we tarry, th' less chance there is o' finding th' Hobbits alive... Or figurin' out... why they were kidnapped in th' first place. It's all a mystery, and I don't like it one bit."
Gaeded says, 'Yes, but we must listen to Lieta, she is the one leading us.'
Halldrin says, "Aye... Indeed, tha' be true."
Honory's eyes flicker towards Gaeded at the mention of Lieta, but she remains silent.
Halldrin sighs, and begins to poke at the fire with a stick, frowning to himself.
Naithgor remains motionless, blending with the night and his surroundigs and observes. His eyes dart around the company, keen as always to make sure no threat will come to them as a surprise.
Gaeded would fiddle with the hilt of her dagger, pursing her lips and looking at the ground.
Halldrin doesn't notice Naithgor at all, staring into the fire dulling his vision. He doesn't suspect any danger to come to the camp.
Honory suggests lazily, "We might walk into town. Or perhaps to Brockinborings, if it were earlier."
Gaeded would nod, "Gēa (Yes), if it were earlier. I don't like sitting around here. Been sitting around too long."
Honory says, "Even the town begins to lose its charm, truly. Perhaps soon we can return to Bree-town, or at least to camp elsewhere."
Halldrin says, "Aye, we'd be in some trouble. Th' Hobbits are suspicious folk at th' best o' times. Dunno how they've gotten by, if I'm bein' honest. They're no' exactly wha' I expected."
Gaeded would nod, "Gēa (Yes), they seem to peaceful. Though it must be nice to have peace."
Honory looks in the direction of the town, as if a wayward Hobbit might hear her words. "They're rather dull. I know I have little room to speak, but even Trestlebridge is not so monotonous as this."
Halldrin snickers. "Depends on who ye ask, th' monotony. They live a simple life, and they're happy. Me? I've never been happy in one place. Tis why I feel the itch to move. I've lived in dwarf cities and towns all over... and never stayed fer long. Thorin's Hall and Erebor would be me longest... and Thorin's Hall my favourite."
Naithgor turns his gaze where the figure does, his grey eyes follow the Hobbit's movement and then they turn upon the group once more.
Honory's attention goes to Halldrin at the mention of where he'd lived. "You've stayed at Thorin's Hall, then?" she asks. "I've heard it is among the most impressive of the Dwarf cities, these days."
Gaeded would yawn, a little bored as dwarven architecture is something that does not take her interest.
Halldrin tilts his head, thinking. "Compared to th' dwarf halls of old, it's a tiny place. Even Erebor, though no' as beautiful as it would have been at its peak, is a collossal hall. Thorin's Hall was built by the refugees of Erebor... a group largely depopulated by Smaug and then th' Battle of Moria."
Honory frowns. "I'm sorry," she says. "I didn't know."
"There've been many tragedies for Durin's Folk in recent times, tha' led us there. But... aye. Thorin's Hall is impressive. It's a jewel of our people... and it is named fer one of th' greatest of our race. But compared to the halls of Erebor... and from what I've heard, the even greater halls of Khazad Dum...." Halldrin shakes his head. "It's as an ant compared to a horse. Our elder glory is diminished, lassie." He smiles. "Wearied by time, are Durin's Folk."
Naithgor finally grabs the arrows and puts them back in the quiver on his back. With a swift motion he turns the bow in his hand and puts it around his torso. Using his left fist he pushes himself up from his kneeling position and makes his way down the path and towards the company. He keeps a distance for some moments, knowing that in his outfit and the cover of the night he cannot be seen.
Halldrin says, "Still, since th' battle of the Five Armies, we have been on th' rise again. Our fortunes have begun to change. A King sits once more under the mountain. And Balin, son of Fundin, brother of the Regent of Thorin's Hall... he's even reclaimed part of Khazad Dum. One day th' city will be ours again... and rise to greatness."
Honory returns Halldrin's smile, though sadly. "Perhaps good things are in the future, then," she suggests. "I suppose it cannot be certain, but it seems that way,"
Halldrin nods. "Aye. I have an uneasy feeling about th' movements of orcs in the north... but it may be nothing. I think the dwarves are on th' road tae great success, in th' future." He chuckles. "But even if they are, I cannae stay in th' halls fer long. I don't know what it is about me... but I crave travel. New places, good company, an exciting road. Even danger can be exciting"
Honory laughs. "Perhaps you're right," she agrees. "I certainly hope I may be on the road again soon as well."
Naithgor starts walking down the path and towards the group. His hands hanging in his sides, his posture is far from threatening, only his mask would seem threatening to some. His steps quiet and careful and his blades seathed on either side of his belt.
Halldrin sees the movement. He stands.
Honory startles at the man approaching. She rises to her feet, her gaze distrustful.
Naithgor speaks in a deep voice and inclines his head once, with respect to the Dwarf. "Good evening ladies, Master Dwarf."
Gaeded would stand up, looking over the barrel at the man approaching.
Halldrin looks up at Naithgor with a distrustful look. "What business have you in our camp, northman?"
Naithgor looks at them and brings his hands on his belt, in the middle of it and far from the hilts of his swords. "What business have you in this much troubled village?"
Halldrin points at him. "I believe I asked ye a question first, lad."
Honory does not speak, merely looking at the interloper through narrowed eyes.
Naithgor says, "Since you know who I am, you should know why I am here too." He eyes the Dwarf, the fire makes his grey eyes gleam, some amusement can be seen on them as they wrinkle gently, obviously from a smile behind the mask.
Halldrin says, "I do not know who ye are, and I think ye'd best identify yerself before I get irritated tryin' tae figure it out." He looks annoyed, and wary. Clearly he's suspicious that this man is one of the bandits, here to free his captured comrade. But his calm demeanor makes him think he may also be a ranger. As such, Halldrin makes no move to attack, but isn't friendly either.
Honory speaks up. "I do not know you either," she states. "Perhaps strangers should stay to the path, unless they mean to disturb us,"
Naithgor says, "I need not identify myself to those that I have nothing to do with. Yet... I am here for a man that I know. I believe you have met him. I've been watching for some time now." He speaks in the same amused tone and slowly looks around and high with meaning.
Halldrin says, "Well, ye aint gonna find him here. We're a simple group o' travellers, on' th' road from Ered Luin to th' North Downs. I make me way fer Othrikar. Me companions make fer Trestlebridge. We travelled together, fer safety."
Naithgor says, "Is that so? Well then, I will be around, watching. But beware, this land is far from safe, even more in these times. I will do what I can."
Halldrin frowns.
Honory's face would not give away a secret. Instead, she keeps her gaze steady and leveled at the man as he speaks.
Naithgor smiles, now obviously since his eyes wrinkle even more and inclines his head more, bending his back to a gentle bow and retrieves back in the darkness.
Halldrin says, "What are ye? A ranger or somethin'? I thought your lot lurked in th' ruins, further north?" He seems slightly less suspicious.
Naithgor says, "My lot lurks wherever is needed and at the moment I am needed here. As you I believe." He remains as he is, his back turned to them, but ready to go.
Halldrin frowns. "Th' man ye are lookin' fer is named Sigfread, isn't he? We've met him. Dressed similar to ye. Also was sensitive about ruins, same as you." He nods.
Honory looks at Halldrin when he speaks, the surprise evident.
Naithgor turns around showing some surprise, then laughs heartily. "Sigfread? Similar to me? Since when?"
Halldrin raises an eyebrow. "You tell me."
Naithgor says, "Do not speak to me of him, for I know him. If he had any wits he'd do what he must instead of... Wasting his blade in the town."
Halldrin sighs. "I don't think this bloke's a bandit, lassies."
Honory says, "I don't think he's a friend." with a moderate amount of vitriol behind it.
Halldrin looks at him again. He shrugs. "All's a matter o' perspective." He looks like he was going to say more, but looks at Hona instead.
Naithgor says, "We had things to do and we are dying every day. Yet that fool is- I don't know what is he doing. Yet..." He shakes his head. "I am seeking another one, one that didn't travel with you."
Halldrin says, "Give us a name, and we may be able tae help."
Naithgor says, "I told you that I've been watching you, so it's apparent that I know who didn't travel with you, the one called Fiontann."
Halldrin blinks. "And why do ye seek this.... Fountain?"
Naithgor says, "I have business with him, unfinished business."
Halldrin laughs. "Well ain't ye th' type to inspire us all with confidence with yer wonderful attitude and clear answers. I ain't never heard of no bloke named Fountain. Seems like a sissy name tae me." He crosses his arms.
Once more Naithgor's eyes wrinkle slightly and he shakes his head before looking around and high. Then he speaks once more and turns to leave. "I told you, I've been watching..."
Halldrin says, "Aye. The find him yerself, ye wanker." He shakes his head. "Watchin'... bah. Wha' a load of trollop. If he were watchin', he'd know we didn't know any Fireontown.
Gaeded would step out from behind the barrel, deciding to speak up only now, "You said you've been watching us. You know he isn't here, so why are you talking to us?"
Naithgor says, "Maybe I am trying to find out something." He shrugs his shoulders and says nothing.
Halldrin looks at Gaeded. "I wouldn't even bother, lass. He's a crazy ranger, who's spent too long thinkin' o' long fallen kingdoms and fanciful dreams tae ever make any sense."
Naithgor says, "If that comforts you Master Dwarf, if that comforts you."
Halldrin says, "Folk tha' live in th' past are always a wee confusin', cause they're confused themselves."
Naithgor crosses his arms and listens to the Dwarf, taking two or three more steps closer to be able to hear better.
Honory says in a loud voice, "Perhaps those who watch us ought to know that we do not take kindly to... interference by strangers." She moves her hand towards something at her belt.
Halldrin looks at Hona. "Lassie, we don't want a confrontation. Let him go. Let him leave."
Honory remains tense. "Then he ought to leave."
Halldrin says, "Aye. I agree."
Naithgor says, "Do not worry Master Dwarf, I won't confront you, unless you openly draw your arms against me."
Gaeded would shake her head, turning to look at Hona, "He isn't causing us any trouble. You're just making it worse."
Honory frowns at Gaeded. "Well, by his own admission he's been watching us, perhaps for days."
Halldrin says, "And I ain't goin' tae fight either. But I suggest that ye mind your business, and let us mind ours. We don't take kindly tae being spied upon by the likes o' ye.'
Naithgor says, "If you heard what I was saying you wouldn't say these things. Too bad..." and retreats into the dark again.
Honory looks to Halldrin and then to Gaeded, her posture relaxed but not entirely.
Halldrin sighs. "I don't think he was necessarily a bad fella, but "Unfinished business" with our leader... unspecified unfinished business. Tha' doesn't bode well. And no' tha' he's alone in it, but he ain't go no respect fer Sigfread. I don't think him a bandit, but he ain't a friend either."
Gaeded would sigh, pinching the bridge of her nose, "I don't know what to think about this."
Honory nods. "I don't pretend to know what sort of enemies Fiontann has," she says. "But I do not think we should stay where he might continue to see us."
Halldrin says, "No. I think we may need tae wake Lieta, and move th' camp. If we stay in any one place, he may continue followin' us. And with his "Unfinished business" with Fiontann... tha' doesnae bode well."
Honory nods in agreement with Halldrin, looking at Gaeded.
Gaeded would shake her head again, "I don't know. We should consult Lieta about this and see what she thinks."
Halldrin says, 'Can one o' ye wake Lieta? I wouldnae feel right, goin' intae a woman's tent.'
Honory looks to Gaeded, perhaps thinking that she is closer to Lieta than Hona herself is.
Naithgor is still in the dark, observing, waiting.
Lieta is sleeping in her tent.
Gaeded would look at Hona, then shrugging. She would walk over to Lieta's tent, calling not so loudly, "Lieta. Uh. Wake up.."
Naithgor kneels on his left leg once more, watching. Not only the group but around them too.
Lieta mutters something about in her sleep, not wanting to wake up.
Gaeded would call a little louder this time, "Uh.. Lieta! Wake up!"
Lieta mutters, "I don't want to..."
Halldrin chuckles at Lieta.
Lieta sits up in her tent, realizing that someone was really trying to wake her up, "Wha's goin' on?"
Halldrin says, "Sigfread's lost love came tae visit." He grins broadly. "We wanted tae tell ye about it."
Honory laughs at Halldrin's words but manages to hide them behind a cough.
Gaeded would look over at Halldrin and the answer Lieta, "A ranger came up to the camp. Asking about Fiontann."
Lieta leaves her tent, buckling a belt to her sword, "A ranger? He said, for sure, that he was one?"
Gaeded would shrug, "It seemed a bit cryptic to me. I think you better ask Halldrin, he was the one talking to the man." She would step aside and look toward the camp.
Lieta nods, fighting a yawn, as she heads to the fire.
Naithgor managed to see the girl and pushes himself up once more. He adjusts his mask and once more he starts moving towards the camp, slow and quiet steps as if knowing where to step to be quiet, his grey eyes scan the surroundings and the group constantly. His hands hanging from his sides. His bow on his back with his quiver. "Hello again."
Honory opens her mouth to speak to Lieta before hearing the man behind her speak again. She turns to face him, telling the group, "That is him."
Lieta looks over at the sudden appearance of a hooded man. She then moves towards him, slowly, "Hello... Who are you?"
Naithgor pays no heed to the one that spoke, his gaze is fixed on Lieta, he says something and then makes his way up the path and away from the group. "I thought that your father spoke about me. He didn't? Well, if you wish to talk, come."
Halldrin says, "He keeps watchin' us. This is gettin' too suspicious. I say we take him prisoner! We'll make him stop talkin' in riddles, and give us some answers!"
Naithgor shakes his head, amused.
Orsonn arrives by the fire, reaching Halldrin "Hi Hall", he would then turn to the lady by the fire "We...". he would then stop speaking and turn at the newly arrived ranger. And back and forth to Halldrin.
Halldrin says, 'Lieta, on your command..... We'll take him down.'
Lieta glances at the others. She sighs, "Make some breakfast. If I don't come back within an hour, come find me."
Halldrin blinks. "Lieta. No. He was speaking all cryptic like. He talks in riddles, hates Sigfread, and speaks of unfinished business with your father. Ye cannot go with him. We need tae speak to him on our terms!"
Gaeded would now walk over to the fire, "Listen to Lieta, Hall. She knows what she is doing."
Halldrin shakes his head. "I'll at least speak me mind. Lieta, if he wants to get to Fiontann... What better way than tae use ye as leverage? Ye cannot do this!"
Honory pipes up. "I agree, it seems unwise to go anywhere alone."
Lieta gives the dwarf a forced smile, "I'll be fine. All of you make breakfast and keep your weapons close. If I don't show in an hour, come looking for me or leave and warn Fiontann."
Halldrin curses in dwarvish. "Bah! At least take one other person with ye. Just in case... fer th' love of all that's good lassie, be safe about this."
Lieta shakes her head, "Nay, if this man is truly a Ranger, then one more won't matter. Just trust me on this."
Halldrin looks worried, and more than a little stressed. He's come to care for his companions. He shakes his head. "You're the leader... I must do as ye wish."
Honory 's brow is furrowed but she makes no further protest.
Lieta grins, "I'll be fine. I'm sure."
Halldrin shakes his head and takes out his pipe, beginning to smoke. He still looks stressed.
Honory steps away from the fire, watching Lieta go with the stranger. She turns back to the group. "I suppose that's that, then."
Gaeded would nod at Lieta's words, turning to the others, "Right, what do you want for breakfast?"
Halldrin sighs. "Any of ye good at movin' unseen? I'm a good fighter, no' a good sneaker. I think we should follow her, though..."
Orsonn looks thoughtful. "I am." "I could follow from afar and although she's right that if the man is truly a ranger one more won't change much, at least we'd know where they are if need be."
Honory snorts. "I wish. But perhaps it was a diversion? We could leave the camp while the so-called 'ranger' has his attention elsewhere."
Gaeded says, 'No, we do as she says. If that man is a ranger, he could spot us from a mile off.'
Halldrin looks at Hona. "Ye think we should investigate th' area, or warn Fiontann early? If we can even find him..."
Gaeded says, "We should do as Lieta says, wait here and if she doesn't come back, then go look for her."
Honory tells Halldrin, "I don't think we can find Fiontann, and..." She trails off, looking at Orsonn. "Who the hell are you, anyway? I haven't seen your face about this camp before, I don't think."
Halldrin snickers. "He's been travelling with us fer some time, don't ye worry."
Halldrin sighs. "I suppose ye're right though, Gaeded. Though I don't like it one bit. Fer perhaps th' first time in me life, I wish Sigfread was here... He knows th' rangers better thanus. He could tell us whether or no' tae trust em..."
Orsonn looks back at the stranger. "Orsonn is the name, and you are?". He then turns back to Gaeded. "Alright then. Better get a good breakfast then. And make some for Lieta too."
Honory replies, "Hona - Hona Ashby, actually, formerly of Trestlebridge but apparently now, of this camp. At least that's how it seems lately. I hope at least that Lieta might have some direction when she returns to us."
Gaeded would release a breath that someone has finally listened to her. She would look at Orsonn, "Yes. Perhaps I could buy some eggs from the town and we could have a nice fried breakfast."
Orsonn says, "Gaeded, you've brought us much food you made with Ath earlier, I've stored it in the tent behind you. Was there anything we could use for breakfast in this?"
Gaeded says, "They're rations, it's best we not waste them."
Halldrin continues to puff on his pipe, looking irritable. "We could buy some supplies from th' Hobbits... If we can get some eggs, some milk... We may be able tae make pancakes. Dawn is upon us... cannae help tae try."
Orsonn would look at Hona. "Pleased to meet you milady." He would then turn to Gaeded and Halldrin. "Alright not the rations then. But Hall, following what you said earlier, it may be wiser not to leave the camp don't you think?"
Gaeded would nod, "Yes. But perhaps only one of us leave, then the others are here in case anything happens."
Halldrin says, "Well, I fer one am tired of sittin' on me ass, on tha' damned log fer days on end. Aye, one or two. Th' camp must be guarded..."
Gaeded says, "Perhaps me and Halldrin go to the town, Orsonn and Hona stay here."
Honory tells Gaeded, "Fine by me."
Orsonn nods. "Alright."
Gaeded would walk over to her weapons, putting them on just in case.
Honory reassures Halldrin, "Don't worry. I'm sure Lieta will be fine,"
Halldrin takes off his cloak, but leaves his axes at his side. He leaves his crossbow behind, however. He grabs a hat out of his bag and puts it on. Time to look diplomatic to Hobbits!
Gaeded would chuckle at Halldrin's hat and set off down the road to the town.
Honory sits down by the fire to wait for them to return.
