This was Kennet's first time at an assembly, and he found it fascinating. The place where the Merchant's Guild was meeting captured his attention at first, the hall of Bree-town Hall. With a large carved wooden dais with shelves full of books and scrolls, the place had a certain majesty and gave authority to whoever spoke from up there. But what enchanted him most was the dynamic of social interactions that occurred in an assembly. It was a space where decisions were not made on an individual level, but as a group, through debates and voting... Fascinating. Was this how decisions were made in guilds? Could he participate as an equal with the elves in Rivendell? Although Kennet appeared to be a serene and carefree young man, inside there were many things that made him uneasy and nervous.
The guild assembly was led by Master Frimsi, a dwarf with expensive and elegant clothes that did not hide a strong character, a merchant with a great appreciation for money and an economic vision of society that Kennet would call... "particular". Perhaps that is why he was a reputable merchant. Also present were the baker Frodefast, a stout and charitable man, and the hobbit Geoadoc, a consistent and likeable fellow. No doubt both good people. There was also an observer in attendance that evening who remained discreet although he claimed to be, among other trades, an antiques dealer. That was enough for Kennet to feel a certain affinity with him and not forget his face. And, of course, his friend Meldanyel was next to him in this meeting, the one who invited Kennet to this assembly.
Unfamiliar as he was with Bree's leadership and power structure, it was Kennet's first foray into a world he had never known before. There was talk of the friendship between Major Tendelarch and Adso Haybank, which was why it was claimed that the hobbit could afford to go ahead with his inn project despite his disastrous management. Or why the laws of Bree protected the remains of ancient kingdoms from despoilment or redevelopment, which pleased Kennet but annoyed the merchants who wanted to redevelop the Greenway road.
But the possibility of influencing the present was exhilarating to Kennet, who had always had his eyes on the past and on history. So the young man had prepared a simple but sensible proposal. The Bree-land Homestead, the increasingly populous Bree-land districts south of The Midgewater Marshes, lacked communal cropland. Those inhabitants without land of their own who wanted to plant their seeds had to go to Bree or Staddle. This meant, in addition to the time and effort of the inhabitants, a lack of autonomy for the Homesteads to harvest and trade produce of their own. So Kennet proposed to petition the Major for the creation of communal crops on the Homesteads themselves. In the debate following the proposal, it was decided that it would be ideal to reduce the underutilized large main square and locate the fields there, which would be close to the water of the river. And the request was approved by a large majority, which gave Kennet great satisfaction.
The rest of the assembly touched on other matters, such as establishing a bounty against a dwarf who was harming the local economy in some way (which was rejected), or the measures the guild could take to help the poor people of Bree (which was approved unanimously). Meldanyel participated in assembly for most of the time, but had to leave before the end. So, when it was all over and the attendees politely said their goodbyes, Kennet approached Master Frimsi. Knowing the dwarf's appreciation for money, the young man rightly thought that by buying him ale and pipe-weed he would agree to converse with him about Rivendell, the original reason that brought Kennet to the merchants' guild.
Both walked late into the night along the road that separated them from The Prancing Pony, followed by Kraven the raven. They chatted about the guild assembly, the economic situation in Bree and other business matters until they were both seated in the great hall of the famous inn. There, surrounded by regular customers or travelers drinking, smoking and singing in the shelter of winter, Kennet confessed to him the reason for the invitation: he wanted to know information about Rivendell from someone who had been there. And Master Frimsi admitted that he went there often, before taking the first long drink of the Barliman Best that Kennet had brought him.
The merchant described Rivendell as a lovely place, and the elves as pleasant folk who love music and brooding over ancient trauma. You cannot spend one night in Rivendell without at least one elf mourning about how something bad happened to them countless centuries ago -Frimsi said.
The young man's surprised face amused the dwarf. Kennet asked him if they were sad people, and Master Frimsi did not hesitate to answer: Ha! They are both sad and happy. And they will never let you forget this! They take it as a point of pride to be both sorrowful and joyful. They often assert the two are mixed.
-And are they friendly…? Or, as some stories says, are they distant and cold creatures? -Kennet asked increasingly intrigued by the elven nature. He had twice seen these enigmatic creatures in the Three-farrow, but had never exchanged a word with them. Their magnificent bearing and aloofness had impressed him greatly.
-Again, both is the answer -replied the merchant. Kennet seemed confused with that answer, but Frimsi added: But I think if you are persistent enough even the most cold and distant elf will warm up to you. And I have a tried and true method of getting elves to warm up to you -said Frimsi before raising his jug once more to drink. Two easy steps! To be done in whatever order you so please. One, make self-deprecating jokes about your own mortality. And two, compliment their wisdom and or beauty -said the dwarf before laughing along with Kennet at his own words.
The young man puffed on his pipe and blew the smoke away from his table as he took in the situation. If the elves could nevertheless be as hospitable as the dwarf claimed, he could stay in Rivendell without getting into trouble. But at once it occurred to him that the elven enclave was not, in principle, the biggest problem. He had to get there first.
-And about the route to Rivendell? Is it safe? -he asked in a more cautious tone.
-Ha! Well, no. There are many dangers on the roads -Master Frimsi stated without hesitation, eliciting a worried look on Kennet's face. The long, dreary road through the Lonely Lands is beset by all manner of threats.
-And is there another way? -added the young man, hoping for a more hopeful answer.
-Another way? Well, not that I know of if you still intend to reach Rivendell in a reasonable time -assured the merchant, who had surely already weighed all the possibilities and times to reach that destination.
Kennet's face twisted, but he did not stop looking for ways to make the trip safer: I know the Inn of the Forsaken, just on the other side of the Marshes. But is there a safe place to rest along the route? -he tried to find out.
-There's also Ost Guruth -the dwarf said just before taking a puff on his beautifully carved pipe. A scavenger 'ruin-hold'. They'll treat you pretty well... Especially if you tell them you're thinking of buying something! -he winked and laughed again. But seconds later he went on to describe: And there are also elven camps scattered throughout the Trollshaws. But good luck finding them! Ha!
Kennet was retaining all the information in his head, and trying to fit it into the mental picture he had of the maps he had seen over and over again in the Scholar's Stair Archives. But his thoughts were interrupted by the dwarf's words: The most dangerous part of the journey will be in the Lonely Lands, once you leave the Inn of the Forsaken. It is a harsh and inhospitable land. Painfully boring too.
-I will keep that in mind, Master Frimsi -Kennet said. I'll be traveling with Meldanyel, just the two of us... so we'll try to be stealthy -he said without giving this information much thought. But the merchant was alarmed by them, which caused him to cough hoarsely before he could speak again.
-Going with just the two of you? -he asked directly. At Kennet's hesitant nod, Master Frimsi commented: I mean, you are welcome to try. But I wouldn't object to you two joining my caravan.
The suggestion surprised and pleased the young farmer in equal parts, who replied: At first I was going alone, but Mel got angry and wanted to join me. But... tell me about your caravan. When do you travel there?
-Likely just after the Yule season is over. It was only a few weeks away, and Kennet wasn't sure if he would have to leave before then.
-I'm waiting for news from Edwin about my travel. I don't know if I can wait after Yule, but it is a safer way to travel in a caravan -he said thoughtfully, considering the new possibility that had opened up.
Master Frimsi agreed with Kennet and said: Whatever works for you! But I would caution against going with just you and Meldanyel... especially since this route will be new to you both.
Kennet nodded and added: I agree. I'll speak with Mel. And if we can wait, it would be a pleasure for me to travel together -he assured with a broad smile. Thanks for your kindness, Master Frimsi!
The dwarf made a thoughtful gesture concluding: Yes, I suppose this does count as kindness. But I prefer to think of it as making business connections! -he asserted, bringing out his business character, which made Kennet laugh.
The young man raised his tankard to toast the merchant, who reciprocated and skillfully finished the tankard. And right after that he said: But whatever you will call it, I must take my leave for now.
-All right, Master Frimsi! Thanks for your time! -thanked the young man.
-Let me know what you end up deciding! -the dwarf asked as he got up from the bench and checked that his clothes were clean and looking good. As soon as he confirmed this, he turned to Kennet and bowed.
The human rose quickly and was quick to mimic the gesture, stating that he would keep him updated on their journey. They bade each other a comradely farewell, and the reputable merchant left The Prancing Pony.
Kennet was once again alone in the inn. But his thoughts kept wandering to a faraway place, and his spirits were growing more and more excited about the journey.
